Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
October 23, 1861

Camp Bartow, Greenbrier River, Pocahontas Co., Oct. 24.

Yesterday evening a pretty large force of the enemy came from their stronghold on Cheat mountain, and attacked our pickets on the outposts, (20 men.) and after wasting a large amount of ammunition fired a small building, occupied as a shelter by the pickets, without doing any other injury to us. They were afraid to advance farther, and after committing this mean and contemptible act, they retreated in double-quick back to their den. The report of musketry, and the light from the burning house, caused our commander to place us under arms all night. --Since the battle of the 3d inst., they have constantly annoyed our pickets day after day, without, however, doing much damage, fearing a repetition of that glorious victory, and the only battle, according to their statement, yet fought in Western Virginia.

Among the notables of this post, is a venerable officer and gentleman, in the person of Capt. P. B. Anderson, of the Lee Battery, which is from Lynch burg, Va. The Captain, I understand, has seen service in the war of 1812, and in the Mexican war, in the latter of which he was wounded. Although an aged officer, he is as sprightly and active as a youth of eighteen. He is now our Provost Marshal, and most ably does he fill the post, assisted as he is by Lieut. Wm. W. Hardwicke, of Richmond, who by his kindness of manner and true courage, has gained for himself many warm and fast friends.

The Captain's first Lieutenant, John R. Massey, a native of Richmond, distinguished himself at the late battle. He was lying in bed sick, where he had been confined for some tarry to his Captain's orders, he rode to his gun, and having a chair brought to him, he remained at his piece during the whole of the cannonading, and sighted a gun that brought to the ground a field officer of the enemy.--Being so weak, he called to his aid Captain Deshler, of the staff, who gallantly and nobly assisted him in the working of his gun. Lieut. Chas J. Raine, of Lynchburg, Va., of the same command, also deserves praise, for his soldierly and gentlemanly conduct; nor does a braver or truer heart beat in the breast of any man. Unfortunately, Lieut. R. was on special duty during the fight, but, on previous occasions, he has shown himself the man for the place which he so ably fills.

The weather is exceedingly cold, and last night there was quite a sprinkle of show.--The troops suffer a great deal, not having yet been furnished with the necessary winter clothing. Some of them have not even a blanket to lay over them when they lie down on the "cold, cold ground." Who is to blame for it? Please inform the authorities that there is such a body as the "Monterey line of the Northwestern Army of Virginia"--a fact which to us seems to be overlooked. Ned.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: October 1861