Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
September 4, 1862

Ravenswood, Va., was entered and occupied by a force of rebel guerrillas, who destroyed a large quantity of wheat and other private property.

We live "in the midst of alarms." - Ever since the reverse of Federal arms in the front of Washington, the border has been in danger. This was not unexpected.

Armed hordes of rebels, rendered audacious by success, now hover at each exposed point from the Potomac to the Missouri river. They are resolved to push their advantages while they can. - Raids are the order of the day. Talk of the "northern hive!" We have heard that phrase mouthed over a thousand times but now we are of the opinion that there is a "Southern hive." and, at present, it seems to be sending out swarms of modern Goths, Vandals, Suevi, Franks, Huns, Secesh, and Guerillas. They are moving everywhere - in Virginia, in Kentucky, in Maryland, in Missouri, and in Kansas. Beat them back this week, and they are on hand again, next week. Morgan made an irruption[sic] into Kentucky, go as far as Cynthiana, then wheeled and left as suddenly as they has appeared. The folks not fairly left off gaping at him before Kirby Smith came in sight and astonished them still more. Strange, very strange - is it not? - that, some how, the Federal forces are never ready for these bravos, but need let them come and go just as they please.

On Thursday, the 4th inst., the "notorious Jenkins" at the head of about 800 rebel Cavalry, came into the town of Ravenswood at 10 o'clock, A.M., and crossing the Ohio River at that point, came down to Racine, where they recrossed the river and camped that night about six miles above Mason City. On Friday the 5th inst., they marched across the country to Thirteen Mile Creek on the Kanawha River, passing within about six miles of Point Pleasant, which place he doubtless intended to take, but learning that about 400 of the 13th Reg. Va. Vols. Under command of Lieut. Col. Jas. R. Hal.., and about 500 of the 106th Reg. Va. Mil., under command of Col. J.P.R.B., were ready to receive them, concluded to give that place a wide berth, which they did by passing around it as above stated. We are informed that the citizens of that portion of the county through which the d:d villains passed, were robbed of about one hundred and twenty-five of their most valuable horses, besides destroying large quantities of their grain and hay. From 13 Mile Creek, the half starved hounds passed up to the town of Buffalo, where they crossed the Kanawha River, a portion of them dividing into squads, and the balance going in the direction of Hurricane Bridge - or h-ll - we hope the latter place.

On Thursday, the 11th inst., the Federal forces under command of Col. J.A. J. Lightburn, were attacked at Fayetteville by an overwhelming rebel force and repulsed with considerable loss. Our forces were compelled to retreat from Gauley to Camp Piatt, and being overpowered at that point by superior numbers, again retreated below Elk River, where, from the best information we can get, a desperate and bloody battle was fought on Saturday. We have a great many painful and conflicting rumors in regard to the situation of our gallant boys at the head of the Valley.

We have heard enough to convince us, however, that the brave fellows are fighting like heroes, but against such fearful odds that no hope is entertained of their success.

In the name of humanity, -- and of our common country, we implore those who have the control of affairs, to send some assistance to these braves hearted men, before it is too late.

It is now reported that the town of Charleston has been destroyed by fire.

WE saw on Saturday evening, several she-cessionists standing at a certain gate, indulging in quite a riggle over the prospect of the advance of the rebels - We would remind these women that they are not yet entirely out of the woods, and that the day is not far-distant when an order similar to that of Gen. Butler's will be enforced at this place. They should be compelled to take the oath and give bond to behave themselves now.

It has been suggested to us that it would be much to the credit of the Union ladies of Point Pleasant, if they would pay some attention to the wants and comfort of the sick soldiers at the Hospital.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: September 1862