October 2, 1862
Guerrillas. - Major Pumphrey, Paymaster, returned to the city last evening after a long trip through Western Virginia. He reports that the rebels are pretty thick in frontier counties, where they are doing all the evil they can. They go about in squads stealing horses and provisions. The people in the mountain counties are almost impoverished. They have literally nothing to eat. The guerillas seem to be creeping up towards the North Western Railroad. Only a day or two ago of Capt. Peirpont's men who were out on picket duty were captured by guerillas. The day Major Pumphrey left Phillippi for this city, he was chased by a band of rebels. Having a considerable sum of money in his possession the Major did not feel like enjoying an interview with our "Southern brethren," and consequently made extra speed.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated October 1862