Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
Undated
October 1863

North Mountain, W. Va., Oct. 16.

Editors Intelligencer:

Thinking probably that the friends of Company "G", of the 12th W. Va. Infantry especially, and the enemies of the rebels generally, would like to hear of the complete success of a scouting party from this detachment, I propose to give a statement. A part of the force of Harry Gilmore - the notorious Baltimore guerrilla - having scouted the Valley pretty effectually in their own estimation, finally settled down in the Back Creek Valley, four or five miles distant from this place, and commenced horse stealing, when one or two of the loses gave information at headquarters, Martinsburg, of their whereabouts.

Col. L. B. Pierce sent an order for a scout to go from here, and in conjunction with a detachment of cavalry from that place, they were to scout and capture them if possible. The cavalry went around their camp to the rear, while the Infantry were to attack them and drive them toward the cavalry.

Our party consisted of forty men, twenty of Company G, and twenty of Company E, 116th Ohio Infantry, under the command of Capt. Jas. W. Moffat, of the former company. The party of rebs. numbered forty-two under the command of Capt. Blackford of Gilmore's battalion.

The rebs. were lying in a ravine, apparently unconscious of danger. Our boys approached within fifty yard of them undiscovered, and opened fire, the first notice they had our approach. They fled, leaving almost everything behind, toward the cavalry, unaware of their presence.

We captured seventeen head of horses, and their equipments, two prisoners, one a surgeon, and some arms of various kinds, blankets, &c., returning a little after dark. The boys appeared proud of their achievement. They all behaved well, gallantly charging side by side; no distinction was noticed in their courage; the "Buckeye boys" stood up and "went right in" as though they were all of one company. - This was rather cheering after the unfounded and exciting rumors of the last few days. Both officers and men did their whole duty, as the result fully demonstrates.

The news from Ohio and Pennsylvania is glorious indeed. The friends of the rebels at home and abroad, have received a severe blow from which they will not soon recover.

Yours, &c.,
E. F. P.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: October 1863