May 28, 1861
AFFAIRS AT HARPER'S FERRY.---The Alexandria Gazette of Thursday has the following:
HARPER'S FERRY, May 21.---Another Mississippi regiment arrived here yesterday. They are a gallant, noble looking body of men, and were with great difficulty restrained by the officers in command here from marching on to the Relay House at once.
There is a much larger force in and about the Ferry than is generally supposed---certainly not less than twelve thousand men ready to meet the invaders.
Our men are well, with no disease but the fever for the fight
There is a considerable force below us at the Point of Rocks, prepared to resist the passage of troops over the bridge or up the railroad.
Among the Virginia forces there, we hear of Capt. Ashby's Mounted Ranger's, Capt. Rogers' Loudoun Artillery, a part of Captain Imboden's command from this post, Captain Carter's Company of Cavalry, and Captain Winfield's Company of Rifles.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: May 1861