Frank Moore, ed. Vol. 4. New York: G. P. Putnam, 1863, p. 507
Doc. 145.
Fight At Grass Lick, Va.
Gen. Fremont's Despatch.
Wheeling, Va,, April 24, 1862.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War:
A telegram from Gen. Schenck states that a squad of twenty-five infantry, sent from Romney by Lieut. Col. Downey to look after guerrillas, was attacked yesterday morning on Grass Lick, between Wash River and Carstion, by the rebels, forty in number. Our force lost three killed, but drove the rebels, who took refuge in the house of one Palland. Col. Downey went with a reinforcement of cavalry, but the rebels fled at his approach, carrying off several dead and wounded, among the latter Col. Parsons, their leader, and Polland, the owner of the house. Col. Downey reports the interior of the house covered with blood. He burned the house and pursued the flying enemy, taking five prisoners.
Gen. Schenck sent a reinforcement of one hundred and sixty cavalry and one piece of Debeck's artillery to come on the enemy in the rear. These must have reached the place about four o'clock yesterday afternoon. Our messengers passing to and fro between Grass Lick and Romney were fired on four, six, and seven miles from Romney by guerrillas.
J. C. Fremont, Major-General Commanding.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: April 1862