October 2, 1862
Clarksburg, Va., September 30, 1862.
Editors of Intelligencer:
The usual quietness of this place was somewhat disturbed on Sunday last by a report that a considerable number of rebel cavalry had made their appearance in or near Glenville, Gilmer county, and that they were stealing Union men's horses and cattle, for the purpose of sending them to their friends down on the Kanawha river. They were said to be about one hundred strong and well armed. Major John H. Showalter, 6th Va. Infantry, commanding Post, dispatched two companies (A and G) of his regiment and a part of the gallant Ringgold cavalry, under command of Lieut. Hart, to Weston Sunday afternoon, at which place they arrived the same night. Lieut. Hart with his men and Lieut. Lawson with a squad of Capt Rowan's cavalry left Weston early Monday morning and soon found trace of the enemy. They came up with him or rather in sight of him on Bone creek, near the county line between Gilmer and Doddridge counties, and found them to be about sixty strong. They (the rebels) were just preparing to eat supper and consequently all dismounted. Lieut. Lawson ordered a "charge," when he was thrown from his horse, which made him unfit for duty and besides delayed the whole proceeding. Lieut. Hart then ordered a charge, killing five of the rebels, taking two prisoners and capturing eight horses. Lieutenant Lawson's horse, after throwing his rider, ran towards and was captured by the rebels. Had it not been for this unlucky accident the whole party would have been taken prisoners. Our boys were so fast upon them that none but the pickets had time to fire a gun. Lieut. Hart says that he never witnessed such "skedaddling" as was done at this "battle." The prisoners arrived here to-day, guarded by their captors.
A sufficient force was this day sent to Doddridge county to look after the rebel horse thieves who have made their appearance there. I heard from a reliable source that a number of horses have been stolen from Union men near Phillippi [sic] last week. It appears to be a part of the programme of the bushwhackers in this section of country to steal all the horses they can possibly get hold of for the purpose of sending them off to Secessia.
The weather has been delightful within the last week: the nights are beautiful.:Nature appears to be at rest, while glistening bayonets admonish you of the existence of a war, the like of which has not been seen before. May it terminate speedily but honorably is the with of Yours, W.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: September 1862