ENGAGEMENT AT CARRICKS FORD.
At this time General Garnett was lying near Beverly, in Randolph
county, with a force of 6,000 men, and when he heard of Pegram's defeat,
began a retreat through the mountains to the east. He was hotly
pursued until he reached Carricks Ford, on Cheat river, where he
made a stand, but his forces were defeated, and he was left on the field
among the slain. He was a brave and meritorious officer, having won
distinction in the Mexican war.
The whole Confederate army in Western Virginia was at this time
(July 1) estimated at 10,000 strong. Of this force a considerable portion
was in the Great Kanawha Valley, under command of ex-Governor
Henry A. Wise. He made an advance down the river, but was confronted
by a Federal force commanded by General Cox, of Ohio. Wise
fell back toward the mountains, was overtaken at Gauley Bridge, but
continued his retreat without risking a battle.
