July 16, 1861 – Battle at Carrack’s Ford

Gen. Garnett, in Command of the Confederates, Killed

CINCINNATI, July 14.—General Garnett, Commander of the Confederate forces, was killed be an Indiana soldier in a regular battle fought yesterday, eight miles from St. George. This is reliable. Particulars of the battle soon.

Confirmation of the Death of Gen. Garnett—His Body Brought to Grafton—Reverses of the Confederate Army

CINCINNATI, July 15 —A train arrived at Grafton at ten o’clock this morning, bringing the body of General Garnett, late Commander of the Confederate forces at Laurel Hill, where it was received with military honors, and many encomiums are expressed on the bravery he exhibited in battle.

General Garnett was killed whilst endeavoring to rally his retreating and panic stricken forces at Carrack’s Ford, near St. George.

The Confederate array under General Garnett which, in its several divisions numbered from eight to ten thousand men, was completely routed by General Morris’ column, and all their camp equipage captured, with fifty prisoners, and many killed.

The loss on the Union side is four of the Ohio fourteenth regiment killed, and a few wounded. The Confederates are scattered in the mountains in every direction.

Further Particulars of the Battle at Carrack’s Ford

GRAFTON, July 15 retreated from Laurel Hill on Thursday. Gen. Morris’ command commenced the pursuit next day, and after a terrible march over Laurel Hill mountain through rain and wind, the Federal troops came up with the fugitives at Carrack’s Ford, eight miles south of St. George, in Tucker county.

The Confederates formed their line of battle, and poured a raking tire into the Ohio 14th regiment. The fire was returned with spirit, and Col. Dumont’s Indiana 7th regiment charged the battery of the Confederates, when they broke and run.—Gen. Robert T. Garnett attempted to rally his flying men, but in doing so he was struck dead by a ball passing through his spine and coming out on the right breast. Col. Dumont’s regiment continued the chase for two miles, and then bivouacked. The rest of the Federal troops bivouacked on the battleground.

The Federalists captured forty loaded wagons, one rifled cannon, two stand of colors; killed twenty and wounded many; also captured more prisoners than could well be taken care of. The flight of the enemy was, in short, turned into a most disastrous rout.

The Federal loss is two killed and two mortally wounded.

The Confederates lost all their tents, camp equipage, army chests, clothing, etc., one hundred muskets, knapsacks, large quantities of ammunition, etc., etc. They retreated up the Horseshoe.

General Morris was to return to-day byway of St. George to Laurel Mill.

Gen. Garnett’s body will be embalmed and forwarded to his friends. He was formerly a Major in the Federal army. and was breveted for gallant conduct at Buena Vista under Gen. Taylor. He was not a member of Congress, as incorrectly stated.

The Daily Exchange, Baltimore, MD

Battle of Corrick’s Ford

The Battle of Corrick’s Ford took place on July 13, 1861, on the Cheat River in western Virginia (now the state of West Virginia) as part of the Operations in Western Virginia Campaign during the American Civil War. By later standards the battle was a minor skirmish. Often considered a final part of the Battle of Rich Mountain, it was the end of a series of battles between the forces of Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan and Confederate Brig. Gen. Robert S. Garnett.

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