Following the battle of Philippi, (W.) Va. on June 3, 1861, Colonel Porterfield retreated to Huttonsville. After Gen. Garnett assumed command, he assigned Porterfield to the command of the town of Beverly, which served as a supply base.

In July, during the battle of Rich Mountain, it is thought that Porterfield carried word of the attack to Gen. Garnett at Laurel Hill, but no documentation sustains that theory.

Can anyone provide any insight into this critical period in the history of Beverly and Randolph County?

Thanks!