Henry Wilson Storey's History of Cambria County, V.II, p.126

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History of Cambria County, V.2

126 HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

    It is to be regretted that Captain Work, in command of our cavalry, did not permit the enemy to pass him when in pursuit of Lieut. Myers, so as to place the enemy between him and the infantry, which was rapidly coming up, and within less than 2 miles of him at the time. Had Captain Work restrained his men for a short time, the whole rebel force would have been captured, as escape would have been impossible. It is due Captain Work, however, to say that he alleges his men charged on the enemy without his orders, he being unable to restrain them. And in this connection I feel it due myself to say that the foraging party under Lieut. Speer left camp without my knowledge, and, in direct violation of a standing order, divided his force, and hence he, with part of his men, fell an easy prey to the enemy.
    I have information, which I deem reliable, that the rebels, about 800 strong, 500 cavalry and 300 infantry, are now encamped about 15 miles above Moorefield, on the south fork of the South Branch. The force that came into contact with us was composed of two companies of the Seventh, two companies of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, three companies of Imboden's force, and McNeill's command.

    Gen. R. E. Lee's instructions to Gen. Imboden were as follows:

    General: In view of operations in the Shenandoah Valley, I desire you to attract the enemy's attention in Hampshire County, and proceed down to Romney, or such other point as you may consider best calculated for the purpose. * * * In attracting their attention and detaining whatever force they may have at New Creek, Cumberland, Cacapon, etc., you will, of course, do them all the injury of your power * * * to destroy some of the bridges, so as to prevent communication and the transfers of re-enforcements to Martinsburg. I desire you to move into Hampshire as soon as possible. Let me know the time of your departure and the time of your expected arrival.

June 7, 1863
Head Quarters U. S. Forces,
New Creek, Va., June 16, 1863
Special Orders, No. 3:
    Col. Campbell will forthwith assume command of Piano Fort and Fort Coffey. Place them in condition for a protracted and determined defense. Store them with (7) seven days rations for your force. See Lt. Thos. Brenan A. A. Q. M. in regard to this matter. Supply the Forts abundantly with water for same time (seven days). See Major Johnson Commanding Post who will give you all necessary assistance and information as to water. For the present defense of these Forts there has been ordered to you (1) one section of Mulligan's Battery under Lt. McAffee; (2) two sections of Moore's Battery. – the 54th

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126	HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
It is to be regretted that Captain Work, in command of our cavalry, did not permit the enemy to pass him when in pursuit of Lieut. Myers, so as to place the enemy between him and the infantry, which was rapidly coming up, and within less than 2 miles of him at the time. Had Captain Work restrained his men for a short time, the whole rebel force would have been captured, as escape would have been impossible. It is due Captain Work, however, to say that he alleges his men charged on the enemy without his orders, he being unable to restrain them. And in this connection I feel it due myself to say that the foraging party under Lieut. Speer left camp without my knowledge, and, in direct violation of a standing order, divided his force, and hence he, with part of his men, fell an easy prey to the enemy. I have information, which I deem reliable, that the rebels, about 800 strong, 500 cavalry and 300 infantry, are now encamped about 15 miles above Moorefield, on the south fork of the South Branch. The force that came into contact with us was composed of two companies of the Seventh, two companies of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, three companies of Imboden's force, and McNeill's command. Gen. R. E. Lee's instructions to Gen. Imboden were as follows: General: In view of operations in the Shenandoah Valley, I desire you to attract the enemy's attention in Hampshire County, and proceed down to Romney, or such other point as you may consider best calculated for the purpose. * * * In attracting their attention and detaining whatever force they may have at New Creek, Cumberland, Cacapon, etc., you will, of course, do them all the injury of your power * * * to destroy some of the bridges, so as to prevent communication and the transfers of re-enforcements to Martinsburg. I desire you to move into Hampshire as soon as possible. Let me know the time of your departure and the time of your expected arrival. June 7, 1863 Head Quarters U. S. Forces, New Creek, Va., June 16, 1863 Special Orders, No. 3: Col. Campbell will forthwith assume command of Piano Fort and Fort Coffey. Place them in condition for a protracted and determined defense. Store them with (7) seven days rations for your force. See Lt. Thos. Brenan A. A. Q. M. in regard to this matter. Supply the Forts abundantly with water for same time (seven days). See Major Johnson Commanding Post who will give you all necessary assistance and information as to water. For the present defense of these Forts there has been ordered to you (1) one section of Mulligan's Battery under Lt. McAffee; (2) two sections of Moore's Battery. – the 54th