Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
December 11, 1862

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY PICKET,
Hammonds House, Va., December 11, 1862.

SIR: I have to report that, in obedience to your orders, I proceeded this morning, with 15 men of Company M and 12 of Company B, to Martinsburg, which I found unoccupied, but learned there that the enemy's cavalry were picketing the road to Winchester, and that they might be easily surprised. I therefore advanced with my command on that road, and at about 4 miles distance from Martinsburg met the advanced picket, who fell back on their reserve, consisting of three companies of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, which formed across the road and fired on my advance. I at once charged them, broke their array, wounded several, and captured 13 prisoners, with horses, arms, and equipments. The remainder fled to Darkesville, firing as they retreated, and promptly pursued by my command. On the Winchester side of the town they rallied and again formed, when I again charged and dispersed them, recapturing one of my men, who had been taken in the first melee. I pursued them to the base of Bunker Hill, when, seeing that they were supported by the rest of that regiment, drawn up on the crest of the hill, I halted, and returned unpursued, by Martinsburg, here.

My only casualty is the slight wounding of one horse. Two of the prisoners are wounded with the saber, one very seriously. The men, without a single exception, fought splendidly, and to Second Lieutenant Lewis, who accompanied me, I am much indebted for valuable aid.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

R. G. PRENDERGAST,
First Lieutenant Company M, First New York Cavalry.

Capt. R. H. O. HERTZOG,
Commanding Cavalry Picket.

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