Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
September 13, 1862

A force of rebel troops, under the command of Gen. Loring, took possession of the Kanawha salt-works, near Charleston, Va.:Richmond Dispatch, Sept. 20.

A dispatch received at the War Department yesterday afternoon, from Gen. Loring in person, states that at 3 o'clock on Saturday last his forces, after having routed the enemy, entered the town or Charleston, Kanawha county. The enemy evaluated the town during the morning, burning all then stores and a large portion of the town.

They retreated hastily in the direction of the Ohio river, but hopes were entertained that their retreat would be intercepted, as Gen. Jenkins was either between them and the Ohio, or, with a considerable force, threatening their flank.

The capture of Charleston places the salt works of Kanawha in our possession.

The following is an exact copy of the dispatch. above alluded to:

Charleston, Kanawha Co., Va., September 13th, 1862.

Hon. G. W. Randolph:

After incessant skirmishing from Gauley down, we took this place at 3 o'clock P. M. The enemy six regiments strong, made stout resistance, burning their stores and most of this town in their retreat. Our loss slight : the enemy's heavy. He is in full retreat : Jenkins in his rear.

W. W. Loring, Major-Gen'l Comd'g.

The following telegram was received at the War Department yesterday:

Dublin, Sept. 16th, 1862.

Hon. Geo. W. Randolph

Gen. Loring's command entered the Kanawha Salines last Saturdaymorning and took possession of the salt works, closely pursuing the enemy, en route for Charleston. Salt works not much endured, a very large quantity of salt on hand; selling at thirty five (35) cents per bushel. An order has been sent to me urging the farmers to send forward their wagons, loaded with forage, &c., and return with salt.

(Signed.)

Thos. L. Brown,
Major Comd'g Post.

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