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

Belington, Va., Feb. 11.

Editors Intelligencer:

Perhaps a line from this place may interest some of the readers of your valuable paper; not that it is noted for its wealth, salubrious climate, or anything of that character; but here was fought the battle of Laurel Hill, and here is the resting place of some of the unreturning, brave, and it may be, some are anxious to know the feeling and sentiments of the people on the new State question. All are anxious for it and jubilant over the prospect. Perhaps, no people within the limits of West Virginia have a greater right to rejoice than the people of this vicinity and county, for through here is the route which the horse thieves travel to Dixie. Here it seems they have lavished unfeelingly their hate without a parallel, in proportion to any other county. the loyal citizens have suffered much by frequent depredations committed by the horse thieving murderers. The country is completely stripped of all valuable property. No wonder then, the people as citizens are anxious to be separated and have no connection with the thieves, and the so-called Confederacy. Capt. Wilson, who is in command at this post, with his untiring energy and devotedness to the cause, and by the disposition of his little command, is a barrier and prevents depredations which otherwise would be frequent.

Yours &c.
M. T. B.

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