Series 1, Volume 12, Part 1, p. 535
Williamsport, May 31, 1862:10.25 a.m.
My advance troops, Fifth New York Cavalry, Colonel De Forest commanding, entered Martinsburg this morning, and passed several miles beyond, where they encountered the enemy's cavalry. They captured several prisoners, a wagon, muskets, ammunition, and an American flag. There does not appear to be a large force in that neighborhood. My command, I regret to say, is not in condition to move with promptitude to any great distance, but everything that can be done with be to press and harass the enemy. Colonel De Forest reports that Colonel Kenly is at Winchester, wounded. My troops are yet much scattered, and want army blankets and cooking utensils, that are required for any movement. We shall move into Martinsburg a larger force to-day.
N. P. Banks,
Major-General, Commanding.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: May 1862