While on a mission through Logan, McDowell, and Wyoming counties, on August 6, 1862, Major Witcher's 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry clashed near the Cannady farm on Beech Creek with part of the 4th West Virginia under Major Hall. Witcher and his subordinate, Captain Straton, were both wounded, and Hall was killed. Although victorious, Witcher withdrew to avoid battle with Union reinforcements.