BATTLE OF CARNIFEX FERRY.
The Great Kanawha Valley was the principal salt-producing region of
the South, and hence of vast importance to the Confederate government.
After Wise was compelled to leave the valley, another force was sent to
Western Virginia, under ex-Secretary Floyd, who took position at
Carnifex Ferry, on Gauley river. General Rosecranz, with several regiments,
among which was the 12th Ohio, was sent against him. Detachments
of the two armies met at Summerville, near the county-seat of
Nicholas county, and a severe engagement ensued. The Federals retreated
with a loss of 200 killed and prisoners. On the 10th of August,
Rosecranz attacked Floyd's forces and a general engagement followed,
lasting four hours, when night put an end to the action. Floyd took
advantage of the darkness and fell back into the mountains. The Federal
loss was 225, among which was Colonel Lowe, of the 12th Ohio, who fell
at the head of his regiment.
