Hillsborough Recorder

Sept. 18, 1861

Page 2

BATTLE OF THE CROSS LANES

By a gentleman who left Gen. Floyd’s Brigade on Wednesday last, and the camp of Gen. Wise on the next day, we are able to supply accurate and fuller details of the victory at Cross Lanes on the 26^th ult.

While Gen. Floyd was crossing Gauley River, at Carnifax’s Ferry, a few days before the battle, he was observed by some of the spies of the enemy, who reported to Col. Tyler, then encamped at the mouth of the Gauley. Induced by these representations to believe that he could cut off Gen. Floyd’s command, Tyler made a forced march against him with 1200 men. On Sunday night he encamped within three miles of Floyd, having by that time learned that he had under-estimated General Floyd’s force. The same night a “Union man” left the camp of Tyler, and joining Floyd reported to him the enemy’s strength and position. An attack being resolved upon on our side, the advance was made in three columns, by as many different roads—the centre under the commanding General, the right under Col. Heath, and the left under Colonel McCausland. Col. Tompkins also held a position in the fight, but what it was our informant did not recollect. They fell upon the enemy’s camp—simultaneously early the next morning, taking the enemy completely by surprise.

Tyler’s army was encamped on an eminence of the side of a creek that makes into the Gauley. The ground was cleared in front and on both sides, and a dense wood was in the rear. The soldiers were at breakfast, which they were making of roasted green corn.

At the end of twenty minutes, from the commencement of the fire, the flight of the enemy commenced. It was led by Col. Tyler, next went his Chaplain, then his Surgeon, then his Lieutenant Colonel. The men stood about ten minutes longer, when they protected the retreat of their gallant officers, and imitated their beautiful speed. Under cover of the friendly shade, most of them escaped the pursuers. They ran as the water ran—down the river—nor stopped till sadder and wiser, they sat them down where, in an evil moment, they had conceived their brilliant adventure.

The number of slain which they left on the ground was at least thirty, that number having been found and buried by our men. One hundred and three prisoners, including the wounded, had been taken, and our troops were hourly bringing in more of the stragglers.

On our side the loss was two killed and two severely wounded. The former were both from Nicholas county. With so small a loss was this brilliant advantage gained.

Gen. Floyd’s troops pursued the enemy, in hope of taking his baggage wagons; but fearing to fall into and ambuscade, they desisted, after capturing three wagons.

They then returned to their camp near Carnifax’s Ferry.

We learn. Also, that General Wise had been skirmishing with the enemy, near Hawk’s Nest, almost daily; and it was asserted that the enemy had evacuated that position, and fallen back on the Gauley. About this, however there was doubt.

--Richmond Inquirer--

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]