Camp Bartow, Pocahontas Co, Oct. 30th, 1861.
Last night, about midnight, our encampment was aroused by heavy firing on the outer post, and immediately all the troops were under arms, ready for the enemy should they deem proper to attack us. Shortly after messengers came in with the information that a strong body of Federal cavalry had attacked our pickets and drove them back a short distance, when, receiving reinforcements, they made a stand and fired several vollies into the enemy, causing them to retreat in double-quick time.
Their loss is two killed and two wounded, who were taken prisoners.
One of our men received a slight flesh wound, which is the only casualty on our side.
The Federals were Ohio troops, well armed, and evidently had recently been paid off, as they had several Federal bonds in their possession, which fell to the lot of our boys.
We captured several fine Enfield rifles in the melee.
Our pickets were composed of portions of the 12th and 1st Georgia and the Arkansas Regiments, who fought bravely against great odds.
The night was very dark and cloudy, but for which the loss of the enemy would have been greater.
A very serious accident occurred this morning, resulting in the mortal wounding of Private James Nuckols, of Company E, (Goochland Grays,) 23d regiment. During an inspection of arms, a musket in the hands of a member of another company, accidentally exploded, and a ball struck him in the left arm, and a buck-shot in the right breast, penetrating the lungs. Another shot also struck another man on the head, fortunately, however, merely cutting the skin. There is but little hopes of Private N.'s recovery, Our able and worthy Surgeons, Drs. Dilly and Dennis, were promptly present, and did all in their power to alleviate the sufferings of the unfortunate man.
The weather here is very cold of mornings and evenings, and a portion of the troops are eagerly waiting orders to go into winter quarters.
The roads are in a wretched condition, and transportation is exceedingly difficult. There its great complaint of the mail facilities, which, of late, comes and goes just when it chooses. Ned.
