Colonel Reynold's report of the battle at Gauley river.
Headquarters 50th Va. Regiment, Floyd's Brigade, C. S. A., Camp on Sewell Sept. 15th, 1861.
Captain W. E. Peters,
Assistant Adj't Gen'l Floyd's Brigade;
Sir
--On the morning of the 10th inst., in obedience to the orders of Brig. Gen'l Floyd, I moved my regiment from our temporary camp, which was about one mile in advance of the main camp at Gauley, and took post on the centre of the line of log breast works, and on the left of the earth works and battery of 4 guns.
Captain W. E. Peters,
Assistant Adj't Gen'l Floyd's Brigade;
Sir
The regiment formed into line behind the breastworks at 2½ o'clock P. M. Within a few minutes after, I was informed of the rapid approach of the enemy. At 3 o'clock P. M., a heavy column moved to attack us, which attack was gallantly repulsed by the right wing. After a sharp exchange of fire, lasting about 25 minutes, the enemy then taking shelter behind some houses and hay stacks, beyond the range of our fire, from which position they continued to fire upon us with their Enfield rifles.
At 3½ o'clock P. M., the enemy having placed their artillery in position, opened upon my line a terrific fire of shell, graps, shrapnel, round shot, and with rifled cannon, which was continued but with little interruption until 7 o'clock 10 min. P. M. At about o'clock P. M., a heavy column (supposed to be an entire brigade) advanced to assault our centre; our fire was reserved until the enemy approached to within one hundred yards, when a well directed fire from our whole line checked their advance. After a contest of 45 minutes, the enemy (notwithstanding the efforts of some of their officers to rally them,) broke and ran about 6 o'clock P. M. A third attempt was made to force our centre, which met with the same result as the preceding — our regiment awaiting their approach coolly, and routing them completely.
In the early part of the battle the fire of the enemy's artillery was high. They attempted to enfilade my line, which they failed to do in consequence of one of their guns having been disabled by the fire from the battery in the earthworks. At 7 o'clock 10 min. P. M., the firing ceased, and the enemy retired from the field.
During the entire engagement, the officers and men of the regiment exhibited the greatest coolness and determination; and though but few had ever heard the sound of cannon, they evinced a spirit which would have done credit to veterans.
I must beg leave to bring to the favorable notice of the General Commanding-in-Chief, the gallantry and coolness of Major C. E. Thorburn, of this regiment, (whose name was favorably mentioned in my report of the battle of ‘"Cross Lanes;"’) from the commencement to the end of the action, he was engaged in various parts of the line encouraging the men and instructing them as to the best mode of making their fire effective. I recommend also to his notice the good conduct of John L. Cowardin, Adjutant of the regiment, who was energetic in conveying orders. I also recommend to his favorable attention Captain L. H. N. Salyer, of company H, who, under the supervision of Maj. Thorburn, rendered, with a portion of the company, most effective service against the sharp shooters of the enemy. Corporal Lyons, of company I, exhibited bravery and great skill in picking off several of the enemy who were posted behind trees after the main body had fallen back.
All the officers of the regiment behaved with gallantry and coolness throughout the action.
Our loss was 3 privates wounded, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Sergeant, and 11 privates missing.
[Signed.] A. W. Reynolds,
Col. 50th Va. Reg't, Floyd's Brigade, C. S. A.
