General Garfield and the 42nd Ohio at Pound Gap

A few weeks ago I posted a Confederate's view of the battle of Middle Creek. The southerner appeared to try to convince readers that they had won a victory there, but as we know, that was not really the case. The Union did not win a hugely decisive victory either, but they did manage to force the Confederates from their position. Later, in March, Garfield continued his advance in eastern Kentucky to push the remnants of Humphrey Marshall's forces out of the state, then sitting at Pound Gap. This important piece of geography was critical for communication and movement between that part of Kentucky and southwest Virginia. General James Garfield was once again successful, more by maneuver than assault, and was able to have Kentucky nearly totally secure for the Union. The following letter from a soldier in the 42nd Ohio can be found in the April 10, 1862 edition of the Urbana Citizen and Gazette.

---

Men of the 42nd Ohio Infantry, courtesy of Hiram College Archives

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

Letter from the 42d Regiment.

CAMP BROWNLOW,

PIKETON KY.,

March 22d, 1862.

EDITOR CITIZEN:—I have to record to day the dissolution and entire dispersion of the last of Gen. Humphrey Marshall's army. For some time it had been known that a considerable force of rebels were at Pound Gap, in the Cumberland Mountains, fortifying and strengthening this naturally strong position for the purpose of preventing, or obstructing our expected march on Abbingdon, Va. This force was under command of Major Thomas, and was composed principally of Virginians—being the last remnant of Marshall's forces, which, since the battle of Middle Creek, had dwindled down from disease and desertion to somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 effective men.

Linked with this force was a band of desperadoes, commanded by the notorious Menifee, one of the most dastardly, villainous wretches that can be found among the "unchivalrous" opposers of the government. This man (who by the way is well known in this vicinity by the name of "Cork Leg," having a wooden leg) has a price set upon his head by Gen. Garfield, of 100 dollars.

He is the leader of some two or three hundred rebel banditti, collected together for the avowed purpose of stealing, pillaging, and even murdering the most prominent Unionists of the neighborhood, and if taken prisoner, will likely be dealt with according to the crimes of which he is guilty. Several murders have been committed through his instigation upon the persons of innocent and defenceless citizens. The whole neighborhood have become exasperated to such an extent that little mercy will be shown him if captured. His depredations had become so frequent during the time the rebels occupied Pound Gap, from whom he received succor, and he had become so much emboldened by their protection, that it became necessary to dislodge them.

Accordingly a detachment of 600 picked men from the 40th, 42d Ohio, and 22d Ky., together with Major McLaughlin's squadron of cavalry, were commanded by Gen. Garfield in person. On the evening of the second day after this force had departed, they arrived in the vicinity of the Gap, wet and weary—having marched over forty miles in less than thirty-six hours. The road, (if I may be permitted to call it a road) to a commander of ordinary energy, would have appeared impassable, but mud, mountains and creeks, to the determined mind of Gen. Garfield, are small obstructions. In fact, although some considerable credit may have been given us at home for whipping Humphrey, yet the extraordinary marches accomplished, and the severe hardships undergone, without a murmur by the troops in this worst of all bad fields for a campaign, is by far the greatest proof of the courage and patriotism of this brigade.

This may seem like boasting, but while writing I had entirely forgotten that an encomium pronounced upon the brigade, would include myself. Your readers will pardon me for this display of egotism, for to tell the truth, I do feel a little proud sometimes of being one among those who have done as much in so short a time as have this brigade. But to return to the "Pound Gap affair". Gen. Garfield had ordered that in addition to the three days provision carried by the troops, three days provision should be carried by our pack mules. Thus provided for, they had marched, fording and refording the now swollen and numerous creeks, rushing in all directions among the mountains, every ravine having become a river of considerable dimensions by the rapid descent of the falling rain from the adjoining hillsides, to within a few miles of the enemy.

Here they halted for the night. In the morning it was decided that the cavalry should continue on the direct road to the Gap and engage the enemy in front, while the infantry turned aside and began to ascend the Cumberland Mountains on their right, for the purpose of executing a flank movement. The cavalry had fired a few shots at the rebels, now within full view, having taken position in the Gap, but were prevented from advancing to within effective range by the fallen trees with which they had obstructed the road. Nothing was yet done except the exchange of a few shots, with very little effect on either side.

However, the object of the cavalry manoeuvre was attained, and the attention of the enemy was entirely engaged by the presence of the cavalry, who they supposed were only a scouting party.—Our infantry were thus enabled to approach unperceived along the summit of the mountain, bearing down on their right flank.

I will, however, enter into details of the affair any farther than to say, that upon seeing the approach of this force menacing their flank, thus eluding the deadly fire they expected to pour upon and force from behind their breastworks, they fled in the utmost confusion, out-stripping the swiftest Antelope in the panic of their flight along the summit of the Cumberland Range. To overtake them was as utterly impossible as to overtake the bounding Gazelle in his rapid flight over the hills. His series of “bully runs” initiated at Middle Creek was here completed in admirable style. Thus was dispersed the remainder of the army of boasting Humphrey Marshall. Our troops being much fatigued from climbing the mountains, which were high, rocky and extremely difficult, turned aside from the pursuit and entered the rebel camp. There all had been left. Officers swords, huge bowie knives, Kentucky squirrel rifles, and camp equipage of every description.—Comfortable clothing, blankets, &c., were found in their quarters, which were cabins of considerable size, cost and labor, being by far, better quarters than we have had for the past winter.

Their blankets are home made, showing quite conclusively that (if they had not been stolen or taken by force from the neighboring Union people) that the rebels were at least much indebted to friends for their liberal supply. Several relics of "departed chivalry" were brought to our camp, among which I notice a copy of the "Richmond Examiner" of Dec. 6th. I cannot suppress a smile at the bombastic tone of the long editorial. It sounds very similar to all other Southern editorials at that time; conclusions formed without the slightest foundation of facts to sustain them, and with that peculiar air of braggadocia which seems to be born and bred in the impulsive and "chivalric" heart of Southern editors. I will quote a portion of the "sage-like" remarks of the editor, mainly because they appear so ludicrous when compared with the facts at present.

"The Yankees, however, appear utterly unconscious of the utter contempt in which they are now held by the whole world. They have not been brought to their senses by adversity. Their disgraceful defeats have made them more conceited than they were a year ago. Since their boasted twenty-two millions have been beaten in nearly every pitched battle, by the indomitable 'ten millions,' their ability to whip 'all creation' has been 'confirmed.' Again:

"Whipped, chased and hunted from every field, from Bethel to Columbus, they are no longer content with horrible threats against the Southern Confederacy." But this is the crowning piece of rebel nonsense:

"Nor is Yankee warfare a very dangerous thing to Yankee soldiers. Aided by West Point, he takes a spade and rears a high breastwork between himself and danger—he devours his rations as secure as a mouse in a hole!!"

Farther comment is unnecessary, but I was particularly pleased when thinking of the security breastworks have afforded us. My mind instantly reverted to the security we enjoyed at Manassas, Columbus, Forts Henry and Donelson, Bowling Green, battle of Mill Springs, &c., as well as the little experience which I have had.

But what means those cheers resounding throughout the camp! Surely something extraordinary has occurred. We have been ordered to Louisville and our Quarter-Master is telling the soldiers to prepare to start by eight o'clock to morrow. “Bully for us.” So says every one in the regiment. We go down the Big Sandy River in steamboats, which will arrive to-night.

Our mission in Eastern Kentucky is accomplished, and another awaits us probably at Memphis, or still farther below. May we never be obliged to pass another winter in this region. This change will place us in Halleck's division, and he has certainly proved himself well worthy our entire confidence.

To relieve the anxiety of our friends at home, and furnish information to the relatives and friends of our sick in hospital and elsewhere, I append a complete list of the sick of our company: Wm. Palmore, D. J. Comer, J. H. Corwin, R. M. Coffinbarger, Corporal S. T. Counts, E. P. Langfellow, Sergeant G. H. Lippincott, Samuel March, A. J. Powell, Isaac Shanely, J Apple, A. Vansickle, J. Boswell, W. B. Wooley, D. Wikle, J. B. Deweese, Chauncey McIntosh, Charles Smith, Corporal J. W. Smith, Lorenzo Krouse. With the exception of four or five, who have since received furloughs, all are in the Hospital at Ashland. At last accounts all reported convalescent—camp fever the prevailing disease.

N. W. C.

N. B.—All mail matter, until further notice, will be most promptly received by this regiment, if sent to Bardstown, Ky., via Louisville, as that is our present destination.

N. W. C.

---

Derrick Lindow is an author, historian, teacher, and creator of the WTCW site. His first book, published by Savas Beatie, was released in Spring 2024. Go HERE to read more posts by Derrick and HERE to visit his personal page. Follow Derrick on different social media platforms (Instagram and Twitter) to get more Western Theater and Kentucky Civil War Content.