of the creek, some three miles below Prestonburg, he there encamped
for the night, a sleety rain adding to the discomfort of the men.
Intending to force the enemy to battle, he ordered up his reserves
under Colonel Sheldon from Paintville, with every available man.
As soon as the morning light enabled the command to move, Garfield
advanced, and soon engaged the rebel cavalry, which was driven in
after a slight skirmish, falling back on the main body some two
miles in the rear, strongly posted on high ground, between Abbott's
Creek and Middle Creek, at the mouth of the latter stream. It was
impossible to tell what disposition Marshall had made for his defence,
owing to the formation of the ground at this point concealing his
troops until our forces drew his fire. Throwing several detachments
forward, the entire command was soon actively engaged. The
engagement lasted for some four hours, commending at about twelve
o'clock. At 4 P.M., the reserves under Sheldon reached the field
of battle, and the enemy was driven from his position. Night coming
on prevented pursuit.

Marshall's command fled down the valley, set fire to their stores,
and pressed forward in rapid retreat to Abington, Va. Garfield
with his command returned to Paintville, where it could receive
supplies. In February he received orders from Buell, directing
him to advance to Piketon, and drive the rebels from that place,
which he did, and later from Pound Gap. This freed Eastern Kentucky
of rebel troops, and relieved the Union men of that section of the
depredations that had been committed on them by the roving bands
of the enemy. The services of Garfield's command were recognized
by Buell, and the thanks of the Commanding General extended to
Garfield and his troops. Shortly after this Garfield received his
commission as Brigadier-General of Volunteers, to date from the