[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch]
The Yankees in Greenbrier.
December 27, 1861
White Sulphur Springs, Dec. 22, 1861.
There has been much excitement here growing out of a foraging expedition of the Yankees to Meadow Bluff and the region thereabouts. They invaded the farms of Messrs. Macfarland, (Wm. H.,) Cralle, and Cabell, and carried off horses, sheep and cattle, and two of those beings they tauntingly call "contraband," very much against the will, it is said, of the poor blacks.
Whether the invaders will push further into this productive country remains to be seen. Many have prepared for the worst.--The funds of the bank at Lewisburg have been removed to a place of safety.
The withdrawal of protection from this part of the State is in effect an invitation to the invaders to come in, and rob and steal, and burn, as they have done. It is to be devoutly hoped that the Government will send some troops here soon. These visits from the Yankees are having the worst effect possible. The people think they are neglected. Volunteers from this county have been sent to the South, while this valley is left open. It will be said, no doubt, by those who are prone to blame everybody but themselves, that the newspapers have informed the Yankees of this. Nonsense! The Yankees are a great deal better posted than our own papers. They know exactly the state of affairs here, and no fear of resistance now keeps them back. It must be the want of forces or transportation. Whether they advance in force or not, unless there is somebody to check them here they will depredate upon this country (now true to the South) this winter in a manner that will do a great deal of injury, and place us to very great disadvantage in the opening of the spring campaign. The serious attention of our rulers is imperatively demanded by this important portion of Virginia. It has been annexed to the Pierpont government, and Lincoln has promised to defend it. The dear old Virginia, as we know her, cannot be Virginia without it. But "a word to the wise is sufficient."
P. S.--An estimable lady died suddenly in Lewisburg from nervous agitation, on hearing that the Yankees were at Meadow Bluff.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: December 1861