July 30, 1863
The Hancock Militia. - Col. W. L. Crawford, of the Hancock militia, yesterday received the following letter:
Head-Quarters Hancock Co. Blues,
July 27th, 1863.
Col. W. L. Crawford,
Dear Sir: - I have the honor to submit the following: My company or a detachment of my company, consisting of about 33 men, reported to Maj. Gen. Brooks' Headquarters at Wellsville at 7 o'clock on yesterday morning, and was put on duty immediately as the General's scouts. We proceeded immediately in the direction of Salineville. After coming within 7 miles of the above place and finding that the rebels and Government column had already passed, we proceeded in the direction of New Lisbon. After a pressing advance of fifteen miles in one hour and a half, some twenty-five miles from Gen. Brook's Headquarters, we reported and was transferred to the command of Gen. Shackleford. He ordered my command, having fresh horses, to report to Major Rue, the advance guard, which I proceeded to do. I had the honor to press Morgan's rear, Major Rue having succeeded in flanking him. My men acted gallantly, firing one round on Morgan's rear guard and succeeded in splitting his rear guard. Also, about this time, one of the General's aids ordered me not to fire unless at those trying to escape, as Morgan had raised a flag of truce to Major Rue. We captured two horses. I have the honor to be
Your most obedient servant,
J. H. Hilbert,
Commanding Hancock Vol. Infantry.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: July 1863