July 17, 1861
We are informed that on Saturday last Lieut. McChesney, of the Rockbridge Cavalry, Capt McNutt, with nine others of that company, left Camp Garnett about twenty miles, where the Union men were holding an election for their new Government; but a short distance from where they were holding the election they were surprised by about 150 men firing at them from the bushes. Lieut. McChesney, and a man named Praxton were killed, and a Mr. Long very badly wounded. The remainder of the squad made their escape unhurt, although four or five of their horses were killed. The squad fired into the bushes and wherever they saw them, but with what effect we have been unable to ascertain.---Lewisburg (Va.) Chr.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: June 1861