FROM CAMP ELKWATER.
How the Second Virginia Regiment is Getting On.
December 4, 1861
CAMP ELKWATER, VA.,
Nov. 26th, 1861.
Eds. Intel: Having nothing else to do, I drop you a few lines from the 2d Virginia. This regiment is still stationed at the fortifications, whilst the 3d and 6th Ohio have left here for the seat of war in Kentucky, together with the 15th and 17th Indiana. I learn that the 13th Indiana left Hutton[s]ville this evening, supposed for same destination. Gen. Millroy [sic] is still at Cheat Mountain Pass, with three of [sic] four regiments. We are anxiously looking for marching orders to join Gen. Kelley's command. Thought we may not better our condition, still a march or change from here would give great satisfaction to all concerned to get rid of the ennui which opresses all in camp.
I have just learned that the rebels at Greenbrier have evacuated that place. Where they have gone we cannot find out, though Gen. M. has a cavalry company following them up. I think that the reasonable inference is, that the rebels at that place are now marching to Winchester, where, from what we can learn, they intend giving Gen. Kelley battle; hence we are anxious to join his command.
Major Pumphrey has just finished paying off the 2d Virginia, and will commence paying the 7th Indiana to-morrow.
Major Bell, some time since, whilst out foraging with two or three companies from the pass, and being slightly intoxicated, mounted his bugler behind him and sounded a charge. Away they went, pell mell, right up to the rebel works, throwing them in a terrible state of excitement. They supposed it the advanced guard of our army. He lost two men and some five or six wounded, for which attempt he is now under arrest.
Some of the Regiments have built or are building winter quarters, but owing to the inclemency of the weather and the expected marching orders, the work is now almost suspended.
It is now snowing hard with some five or six inches of snow already on the ground, and most of the men still occupying their tents.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: October 1861