Series 1, Vol. 12, Part 2, pp 106-107
Report of Lieut. Col. Jonathan D. Himes, Twelfth Ohio Infantry.
CAMP FLAT Top, July 28, 1862.
SIR: In obedience to orders I left camp at 4 a. m. July 24, with a detachment of 100 men, under command of Captain Liggett and Lieutenant Tibbals, of the Twelfth Regiment Ohio Volunteer lnfantry, and marched into Wyoming County, where report said that rebel scouts were committing depredations on the Union citizens. We proceeded by the Flat Top Ridge to the Gulf Ridge, along and over it, crossing Gulf Fork of Guyandotte River to Tommy's Ridge, several miles along it and down its steep side to Devil's Fork; thence across Barke's, Peak's, and Milam's Ridges, and en camped on Barke's Fork, having marched 26 miles. Took Squire Clendennen, a noted rebel, prisoner, and fired on his son, who escaped to the mountains.
July 25 we crossed Cager's Ridge to Tom Godfrey's, on Pinnacle Fork of Guyandotte. Here a Union company was organized, with Godfrey for captain, and about 30 members, which I doubt not will be entirely able to sustain themselves against any force likely to penetrate such a wild mountain country. They appear to be very determined.
Left Godfrey's at 4 p. m. and marched by way of Indian Ridge and Bear Ridge to Mr. White's, a bushwhacker, who fled on our approach. Encamped at his house for the night; 17 miles marched.
Left White's at 3 a. m. and marched along Bear Ridge to Flat Top, and by that chain to camp, a distance of 31 miles. Whole distance marched, 74 miles in three days.
The roads throughout the whole of this region are mere trails and paths, nearly impassable for horses. The people live in miserable huts, and are mostly bushwhackers, and belong to the well-known company of R. B. Foley, called "Flat Top Copperheads;" none of them are now at home, having fled in all directions as our force approached. We learned that a small force of the enemy, said to be under General Floyd, was in the vicinity of Abb's Valley, in Tazewell County, south of Flat Top.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. D. HINES,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Outposts, & c.
To Brigadier-General Cox.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: July 1862