Camp near Beverly, Virginia
July 21st 1861
Corporal Dick Watters

Sir,

It is my distinct pleasure to report on the recent action on the Staunton - Parkersburg Turnpike at Rich Mountain, Virginia.

Pursuant to orders I detached from Company B and proceeded to the area near Mabie Virginia, arriving there the afternoon of 14 July. Approximately 1-1/2 miles east of Mabie I easily found General McClellan's small army drawn up in front of Confederate Camp Garnnet, which controlled the turnpike. In compliance with orders, I quickly found the 10th Indiana Regiment under the command of Col. Duffer. Upon reporting I was assigned to Co. E, under the command of Capt. James Butler (SCAR), and was honored to receive instructions to act as 3rd Sergeant. Capt. Butler quickly briefed me with on the tactical situation , directed me to be ready to march at a moments notice, and to get what sleep I could. Finding the Company bivouac, I introduced myself to the other NCOs, found an acceptable location, ate a portion of what my haversack contained and feel asleep with the rest of the company around 11 p.m.

The weather turned threatening the evening of the 14th and our fears were realized about 2 a.m. on the 15th. The first of the many rainsqualls we were to endure until late afternoon had arrived. Promptly at 4 a.m. the bugle sounded. The rank and file roused themselves and began to pack their knapsacks in preparation for a march. Officer's call quickly followed, then NCO's call, and finally roll call. We were informed that we should be ready to march at 5 a.m. After finishing my preparations I found the first sergeant to receive any special instruction s that he might have. He then informed me that straggling had been heavy. He had 55 names on the roster but had but 27 present for duty. The number included our two officers. Five a.m. came and went. The rainsquall had intensified and delayed day break. Finally, at 5:30 we were called into line and marched a short distance. Upon halting we were ordered to drop knapsacks. Little did we know how long it would be before being re-united with them. We all assumed that we were to move to a frontal assault of Camp Garnnet, but were confused when at 6 a.m. we were marched away from the front. Going a short distance we turned up an arm of Rich Mountain. The climb was gradual and steady but not grueling. Frequent stops were made to rest the troops and thankfully water was plentiful. At precisely noon we reached the spine of the mountain, having marched approximately 5 miles, and rested while the scouts reconnoitered toward the gap and turnpike for the enemy. The scouts returned with the good news that we were undetected. The column then moved closer to the gap and halted. At precisely 2 p.m. the brigade was formed and moved to the attack. Enroute to the turnpike the column unexpectedly came upon an enemy patrol. A short fight ensued with our skirmishers forcing them back. Unfortunately we lost one private and a Captain as a result of this skirmish. Reforming column we moved on and arrived at the Hart farm on the turnpike. We moved into Brigade front and advanced upon the enemy. Out numbered, weakly entrenched, but supported by one six pounder they held us at bay for approximately 30 minutes before retreating into the woods. We gave chase a short distance but were soon recalled. Our victory was complete. We captured the gun and their entire camp and supplies. Our brigade then reorganized and positions were selected for camp and guards set. The enemy made several attempts to retake the gap but were repulsed at every attempt. The attacks ended shortly after dark. In the engagement the brigade lost 11 killed and a score wounded. The brigade then settled down for the night.

Promptly at 6 a.m. on the 16th reveille was sounded and at 7:30 we moved out and down the mountain and through Camp Garnnet. With the brigade we pursued the enemy and eventually received their surrender.

At this point I have detached from the 10th and am returning to Co. B.

I must add at this point that I was a witness to the behavior of a number of my company the evening of the 15th. Upon learning that our knapsacks were at that point unrecoverable, approximately 1/2 of the company became mutinous. Captain Butler skillfully handled the situation and to avoid bloodshed allowed those that wanted to leave the company. The next morning we only mustered 17. Sadly, 10 members of the company, including our Second Lieutenant, deserted overnight. Also among their number was the 2nd sergeant, whose duties I assumed in the morning.

Headquarters, Company B
Chesapeake Volunteer Guards
Norfolk, VA. July 25th 1862
Captain Mike Hendricks