1862 May 10 Camp near New River Narrows

[from the diary of Charles Hay of the 23rd Ohio]




                                       Camp Near New River Narrows,
                                                         May 10th, 1862.
     The apprehensions felt for the peace and
quietude of our little community, were
fully realized this morning about daybreak,
when we ^ ‘were’ hurriedly ordered into line,
without breakfast, & hardly awake, and
two companies, H. & B, were marched
near half a mile beyond town to retard the
progress of the enemy, who had made his
appearance in considerable force in front,
and were actively endeavoring to flank our
position, and capture us.  While we were
engaged in front of the enemy, and
thus covering the rear of our forces, the
remainder of the troops, with the wagon
train were falling back in good order.  The
two Infantry companies in the rear were
assisted by Gilmore’s Cavalry, & one
company of the 2nd Va. Cavalry.  The latter
behaved well at first, but after a time
broke & fled in disorder; to their disgrace,
be it recorded.

                                                                           
     From the position we first occupied, we
could get a fine view of the foe, whom, I
should estimate at at least 2000, supported
by 5 pieces of artillery.  This was a decided
advantage for them, as we had no
artillery.  A full Regiment was drawn
up in line in front of us in solid col=
=umn, while to the right & left, their
flankers were moving to gradually enclose
us within their lines.  Our distance apart,
was less that half a mile.  We stood and
looked at each other coolly some minutes,
but this quietness could not long continue.
Fire was opened by our boys, and the
enemy soon had his artillery in position to
shell us, but with this they effected
nothing.  We were compelled to gradually
fall back, but not without contesting
the ground hotly.  Our loss was less than
would have been expected; one killed
and six or seven wounded.  We have
retreated some 10 miles.  At this place, we were
reinforced by the 30th Reg’t & McMullins battery.

[Action at Giles Court House, western Virginia.]


[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925