STAUNTON, VA., June 6, 1861.
Messrs. Spalding and Cook have just reached here, leaving Philippi on Monday morning. The Federal troops surprised Colonel Porterfield’s command, opening fire upon the town with artillery, and drove us out, with a reported loss of about six killed and a considerable quantity of arms, baggage, and provisions. Much heavier loss to the enemy in men. McClellan led the Federal forces. Our forces retreated to Beverly.
The expedition under Colonel Heck leaves here on Friday for the Northwest. We urge you will send by express train two thousand men, with arms and ammunition, to drive the vandals out, or else give up our border. These gentlemen were in the engagement; say Colonel Porterfield had but little ammunition of any kind. Send an officer of experience to command our forces, or a battery and five thousand arms, if possible.
M. G. HARMAN, Major.
J. M. HECK, Colonel.
R. E. COWAN, Major.
Governor LETCHER or General R. E. LEE.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 