Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
Undated
December 1864

Camp 12th West Va. V. I.
Stephenson's Depot, Dec. 9, 1864

Editors Intelligencer:

Thinking some news from us might not be entirely destitute of interest to the loyal readers of your valuable paper, I thought to give them a few items. Knowing the interest they take in our behalf, as well as the sympathy they have for all those who are enlisted in the same glorious cause, I deem it a privilege to do anything in my power to gratify them. No doubt many of them, especially those who have friends in the army, are often anxious to know how they are getting along, and whether there is anything they could do to make them more comfortable. They probably often suffer more when we have met with disaster than ourselves for mental agony and suspense are more trying than physical suffering. Often when we are enjoying a good night's rest, free from care and the fear of being surprised before the dawn of the coming morning, our friends at home are all anxiety on our account; fond mothers, loving sisters and wives spend sleepless nights, while we are being blessed with happy visions of home and all its endearments. Such, I have no doubt, is often, very often the case.

The military railroad from Harper's Ferry is completed to this place, and supply trains, as well as a regular mail train, are running daily. It has the air of a business place now. Large supplies of forage are now being brought by this route. Until this road was put in operation most of the forage was collected from the country. It grieved rebel citizens sorely to see their corn and hay taken to supply the demand of the "Lincoln hirelings" and "Yankee thieves," as they choose to term us. Some were bold enough to say they would not care to see their grain taken for the sustenance of their (the rebel) soldiers, but it was across the grain to see it used for the benefit of those who were endeavoring to conquer them. But Gen. Sheridan's persuasions induced them to yield, if not very cordially. Moseby's surprises are of seldom occurrence now. Probably he finds this valley a hard place to "put up" in. His landlords are not prepared to accommodate him as well as formerly. We are getting "on hugely," and hope to continue doing so. More anon.

SOLDIER.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: December 1864