Western Virginia historians as well as many others agree that the soldiers of the South failed miserably to seize the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Phillippi [sic] and the Grafton area. Many people beleive [sic] yet today if they had been successful in this attempt the outcome of the Civil War would have no doubt been far different.
General Garnett was ordered by Gen. McClelland to leave Phillippi and proceed to Red House Maryland and there to join a larger force and on to Winchester and eventually Washington City.
General Garnett and his troops encamped the first night a few miles south of Parsons. Soon after breaking camp at the old Kaylor farm Union forces under the command of Gen. Morriss at Corricks Ford on Shaffers Fork of the Cheat River. There a very bitter battle was fought and it was here that the first officer was slain in the Civil War it being Gen. Garnett of the Confederacy - both commandeering officers being former classmates of West Point.
The Confederate Army after this deafet [sic] continued traveling towards their objective that being Red House at the line of Maryland and West Virginia. Their guides led them through St. George and thence up the rugged terrain along Horse Shoe Run and their course of travel took them very near the Enos Sell mountain farm. Many of their number fell by the side of the old Horseshoe in sickness and utter exhaustion.
The retreating forces finally reached the Red House section though much less in number than when they started several days previous - but joined their comrades who had reached there after a journey from the Valley of Virginia.
While pursuing the account in a history book at the Akron, Ohio, Public Library I happened to read the experience of one of the Confederate soldiers who was on this march to the Red House community and in [it] was written in the first person account and went something like this
"I hid in a brush pile to conceal myself and be protected from the elements
was suffering from the effects of high fever as well as hunger. In this condition I remained several days until my presence was discovered by and old mountain farmer whose name was Enos Sell and he being a Dutchman it was most difficult to talk to - anyway this fine Christian gentleman took me to his home where he and his good wife nursed me back to health - Their medicine was made of roots and herbs and were it not for these kind people my time would have been short."
I have since looked for this book as I neglected to get the name of the author or publishing house. However I feel that all members of the Enos Sell clan should be informed of this incident to realize the heritage of kindness and compassion that he gave to friend and foe alike.
From Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, vol. I, The Century Co., N.Y., 1884-1887 reprint by The DeVinne Press. pages 133-134
July 12: Garnett, learning that Rich Mt. was carried by Rosecrans, evacuated his camp in front of Morris at Laurel Mt. Marched toward Beverly and when within 5 miles learned, falsely, that National forces occupied it. Retraced steps and turned northeast at Leadville on country road over Cheat Mt into Cheat Valley and along Cheat River toward St. George and West Union hoping to turn the Mt at its north end and regain communications. Could have gone south through Beverly at leisure for McClellan did not enter it till noon on the l2th.
Morris learned of Garnett's retreat and gave chase. He overtook the Confederate rear column about noon the 13th and skirmished 2 hours. Garnett himself handled rear guard with skill and at Corrick's Ford there was a sharp encounter. A mile or two farther at another ford where skirmishing was light he was killed while withdrawing his skirmishers from a driftwood barricade.
Confederate forces passed through Red House soon after daylight the 14th, just before Col. James Irvine occupied it and gave chase too late. The Confederates had turned the mountain and headed southeast.
Thank you Wilbur Sell Johnston, for sharing this article with us.
Enos Sell, 1820-1901, is a son of Henry and Rachel Harmon Sell; and grandson of Peter and Louisa Sell (Part 23 in our Celle History); and great grandson of the Henry Sell who died 1797 in Frederick County, Maryland. Enos > Henry > Peter > Henry >? Hendrick Sellen
