Note. The information on this page comes from the official records of the Civil War Which are housed at the Ohio State University.
If you have any questions you can write to me at: dsegelquist1@cox.net All look ups and search’s are (Free.)
Albert Peacock - Says he was born near Baltimore; was taken when a child to Fairfax County. Lives about three miles from Great Falls. Is a farmer; two years previous to the last worked on Danville railroad in Charlotte County, Va. Last year lived at home. On the 26th September was taken prisoner by Northern army; taken to Washington; was discharged fourth day, then took the measle. Remained a month in Washington. Said he was not sick all the time, but goind about the streets. We across the river to Virginia. Stopped at Mr. Croker's, within the Northern lines, until he got well. Starter for home and was stopped by Northern pickets. Had a pass to go to the pickets, not through them. A skirmish took place. During the skirmish he passed the pickets with Mr. Croker's son, who had a pass to go through. Was arrested by our scourts before he got home. Declines taking the oath of allegiance because his property would be endangered. Says he is willing to serve with the militia. I think this man ought not to be discharged.
Added Information.
Albert Peacock was born in in Baltimore Maryland, in 1837, to Thomas J. Peacock and Mrs. Angelina Peacock. Albert married Amanda S. Crocker on March 22, 1864, they had three children Rose, Millie W. and another son Albert who died the same year he was born 1878. Albert Peacock would die on March 14, 1907.
John C. Brain,states that he was born at Ball's Pond, Islington, London, in the year 1840, on the 30th of May; that his birth is registered at Saint Mary's Church, Islington, in whichchurch his father and mother were married and he himself was christened; that in the month of May, 1849 or 1850, his father and mother brought him to America in the ship Ivanhoe, a Black Star line packet; that to the best of his knowledge his ftaher never claimed or exercised any rights of citizenship in the Unit he himself has certainlydone nothing to throw off his allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain.
Brain empahtically denies hving enlisted in the military service of the enemy of the United State; having supplied the enemy with revolvers; having committed any act of hostility to the United States, or having been guilty of any offense against the laws. He declares his perfect willingness to stand his trial on any charge of the kind.
He affirms that his imprisonment which has already lated five months is telling fearfully on his health, and he says that in order to obtain his release he is willing to swear (saving his allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain and his rights as a British subject) that he will not enter any of the seceding States or do anything hostile to the Government of the United States during the present difficulties.
Marto La Cruz was born at the Algodones, on the Colorado River. My father was a white man; what nation I do not know. Was taken prisoner by the Cocopahs and sold to an Englishman by the name of William Hardy, who took me to Lower California (La Paz), where I lived eighteen years. I am now twenty-five years old. Mr. Hardy died two years ago, after which I returned to my people (the Yumas), where I have resided ever since. The Governor of Lower California (Moreno) sent for me three months ago. He gave me papers authorizing me to have bad white men, Texans principally, from crossing the Colorado River, and to advise him of any parties crossing into Lower California; that they stole his animals. He gave me papers to the head chiefs of the Cocopahs and Yumas, and told me that good men would go to tthe ferry at Fort Yuma to cross, but bad men would want to cross below there. I met a man who told me that he had friends taken to Fort Yuma; that he was from Texas, and that he wanted to fight to get even. The Governor of California told me to bring him to the ferry at Fort Yuma; that if he was a good man he could cross there, and if he was not that he should not cross anywhere. I gave the man my papers, to keep them dry, but he said he lost them and could not get them back. His horse gave out, and he heard of a party of Mr. Yager cutting hay near Pilot Knob. He left his horse with the Indians and he went to the hay party, and I came to the fort to report it.
James. R. Connell - Born and lives in Loundoun County, Va. Has two brothers and one brother-in-law in our army in the Loundoun Artillery. Went with Kendrick in his market wagon to see his brothers. When Kendrick's whisky was condemned by General Stuart he claimed what Kendrick gave him. Was arrested and sent on here. Is a Southern man. Desired to volunteer, but was rejected because he was disabled. I think this man ought to be discharged on taking the oath of allegiance.
Thomas James Martin - Born in King George or Westmoreland County, Va. Has lived at his mother's in Washington. Says he is a kind of sailor; sailed in Chesapeake Bay, and made a voyage from Baltimore to Rio Janeiro. Says this summer he has been our of employment. Came down to his brothers in King George. Started to go to Washington two or three times and was turned back by our pickets. Fourth time he was arrested. I think this man's intelect is unsettled. He is badly can, and seems to be suffering for watn of clothing. He is not a suitable person to be permitted to go at large about our lines. I recommend he be held as a prisoner until it it ascertained whether he is deranged, and then some humane disposition made of him.
Rebecca Parish, born in Lee County, Ga. ; about twenty-eight years of age; has always lived in Sumter County, Ga., till this last year; has been three years and a half married; her parents live in Barbour County, Ala. ; removed with her husband, a soldier in the Confederate service, and two children to Island Numbers 10 about the 1st of March last. Her husband and two children had died by the middle of April, since which time she has lived under the protection of her brother, and on the 15th of April she was taken prisoner with her brother, a soldier in the Confederate service, at Island Numbers 10. Having no friends there and no money to take her home, she preferred remaining with her brother, although the medical men in charge at Madison, Wis., would have given her her liberty and sent her back as far as Cairo.
Harriet Redd, born in Wayne County, Miss. ; about twenty-four years of age; has lived the greater part of her life in Pike County, Ala. ; her parents live in Wayne County, Miss. ; two years and a half since she removed with her husband to Pike County, Ala., where she remained till her husband joined the Confederate Army, last January, and was taken prisoner with him at Island Numbers 10, while an invalid and has so continued and lives with her husband in this camp.
Araminta Palmer, born in Pike County, Ky., is about twenty-two years of age; has mostly lived in Great Bend, [Meigs] County, Ohio; was married about two years since; went to Columbus, Ky., with her husband about a year and a half since, where her husband, an invalid, was sworn to support the Confederacy. Her husband has been dead ten months; was a cook in the Confederate hospital at Island Numbers 10 when taken prisoner on the 8th of last April. Has no relations within 800 miles of her and has been sickly in camp. Her parents are good Union people.
Amelia Davis, born in East Brandon, Vt. ; is about thirty-three years of age; left Vermont at the age of 18; has lived in many parts of the Union; has been married twice. Her present husband is a seafaring man, whom she married in Baltimore two years since. Both husband and wife were respectively employed as cook and stewardess on board the steamer Red Rover when taken by General Buell at Island Numbers 10 and both sent prisoners to Camp Douglas together with a little boy eight years of age. Does not know that she has any relatives alive.
Bridget Higgins, born in Galway, Ireland; came to America in 1857; was married in Baltimore. Her husband was obliged to join the Confederate Army about the 1st of October last and became a member of the Nelson Artillery. She has followed the fortunes of her husband since and they were taken prisoners at Island Numbers 10. Does not know that she has any relatives in this country. Is in delicate health.
John Rowzie - Arrested February 10, 1862, for getting drunk and fighting at Herndon; aged fifty-seven; born in Loudoun, Va. ; lives near Great Falls, one mile from the river. Commenced life an overseer; now owns a plantation and negroes. His three negro men are hired to officers in the Confederate Army. Says all his dealings have been with the Confederate Army. He has refused to deal with the U. S. Army. He is represented to me by several highly respectfuable witnesses as a true Southern man. I hand in with this a letter of Lieutenant Emack, who was aided to cross the Potomac by Rowzie, and General Stuart's order sending him here. I think Rowzie is a true Southern man and has been sufficiently punished for his offense. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance. I think although he is too old to be a soldier he would be a valuable man as a manager of hands.
William P. Spear - Age fifty-two. Born in Essex County, N. J. ; moved to Virginia in 1840; carpenter. Owns a farm but no negroes; hires hegroes. Was a Breckinridge Democrat and a secessionist. Arrested by order of General Stuart. Says he had no communication with the enemy. Has fed the pickets without charge and nursed the sick Confederates at his house. He is proved to be a man of good character. General Winder informs me he can employ this man as a carpenter. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance and agreeing not to go to our lines ecampments.
David Watkins - Born in Accomack Country; lived there till he was twenty-one, then moved to Staten Island where he lived for seven years; then he came to Gloucester County and about four years ago went to Philadelphia. Has been engaged in the oyster and lumber business. Quibbles about the oath of allegiance. Says he wishes to live in the Union in peace. I recommend he be held as a prisoner.
Isaac Bays -Says he was born in Fayette; moved to Boone, and moved back to Fayette last spring. Does not know for what he was arrested; was told all the men from that end of the county were to be moved. Says he had nothing to do with the Northern men or the Union men. Says he always held to the Southern side. Says he agreed to take care of the family and property of his brother-in-law if he would volunteer, which he did. Has now the family and property of his brother-in-law under his charge. Wanted to vote for secession, but his vote was counted out because since his return from Boone he had not lived long enough in Fayette to enable him to vote. I have no evidence about this man excpet his own. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance.
William A. Kelly -Says he was born in Giles County, Va. Lives on Lyle Creek, in Fayette County, near Cotton Hill. Says when he was arrested he had been to Anderson Wilson'sto look for a young steer. Was told he was arrested because the army wanted neither friend nor foe to pass. Says he is a secessionist but did not vote. Let the secession party have some oats and grain. Has several times seen the Yankee army at Fall's Mills (Fall's Mill are opposite the mouth of Gauley, on New River). Says he went to Fall's Mills because all the other mills were dry. Had no communication with the Yankees. Colonel Coleman proved the prisoner was a man of bad character, both for veracity and integrity. He further proved the streams were unusually high in that vicinity this summer, so high that the mills were washed away. Prisoner then said he went to Fall's Mills because the mills were washed away. The examination of the prisoner created the impression on my mind that he was a spy for the enemy, and that such a man remaining in the vicinity of the enemy would be dangerous. I think he ought not to be discharged.
Hamilton Smith - Born in Ohio. Says he came to Guyandotte to bake for a man who had the contract to bake for the regiment Whaley was raising for the United States. Was taken prisoner by Jenkin's men before he commenced baking or concluded a contract to do so. Says he owes his allegiance to Ohio and the United States. I suggest he held prisoner as an allien enemy.
John Deekens -Says he was born in Grayson County, Va. Has lived in Raleigh since he was ten years; old; now forty-nine. Does not know for what he is arrested. Think s it was from malice of his enemies. Never saw a Yankee. When he heard they were going to Raleigh he took to the woods. Helped to support the families of the Southern volunteers. Worked for them and divided his grain with them. Was not called on to do more. Voted against secession, but says it was an ignorant vote and that he repended and struck to the State of Virginia when she went out of the Union. I recommend this man to be discharged on taking the oath of allegiance.
Isaac Motes -Born in Rockingham County, Va. Says he does not know for what he is arrested. Was arrested when going to get salt. Staid all night on Cahan at Jack Pear's. Was arrested next morning. Saw the Yankees on the road from Raleigh. Voted against secession, but says he holds to the disunion party. admits he has two sons in the Northern army. Two others went to Ohio this summer. I cannot recommend the discharge of this man. I think he is a dangerous man and ought not to be released while the country is in possession of the enemy.
Isaac Motes, Jr. -Fifteen years old, son of the above. Talks very indistrinctly; so badly that I could not understand him without the aid of his father. He was arrested at the same time with his father. He is dressed in a U. S. uniform which he says his brother gave him. I cannot recommend his discharge. His father and himself may be hostages for the good conduct of his brothers who are now in arms against us.
William McKinney -Says he was born in South Carolina and came to Richmond with the soldiers. He was reported to me as deranged, and on examination I find him to be so. I am satisfied he is unable to take care of himself. He is nearly naked and in every respect an object of charity. I recommend he be sent to some of the asylums for the insane in Virginia as soon as it can be done and in the meantime he be properly clothed and taken care of.
Samuel Bays -Born in Fayette County, Va. Lived some time in Boone County, and returned to Fayette last spring. Offered to vote for secession in May last, but his vote was rejected because he had not been in the country twelve months. Has always been a Southern rights man. Was probably arrested because there was a general removel of the citizensin the rear of General Floyd's army. Bays' brother-in-law was in the army. He is a man of good character, and of a family sound in the Confederate cause. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance. Witnesses, Colonel Coleman, W. Atchison.
Isaac Williams -Aged fifty-one. Born in Giles County, moved to Fayette. Says he was arrested by Caskie Rangers when he was going to mill. Does not know for what cause. Says he supposes he was charged with being a Union man. Denies he was a Union man. Admits he voted against secession but says he did not know then the Union was broken. Says as soon as he understood the Union was broken he stood by the State of Virginia and the South. Man of good character. Opposed Peirpoint's government. Witness, Coleman. I recommend Williams' discharge on taking the oath of allegiance.
Stewart Armstrong -Born in Greenbrier. Moved to Fayette when he was a boy. Twenty-five years old now. Voted against secession, but turned when he heard the Union was broken; supported the South. Is opposed to the Federalist Never saw the Yankee army or had any communication with them. Willing to take the oath of allegiance. Fair character. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance.
Stephen Eades -Born in Albermarle County, Va. ; has lived in Fayette County seven or eight years; voted against secession, but declared his willingness to abide by and support the result in the State; joined the Southern militia called out by authority of Governor Letcher, but after being one day in camp he was sent home to await further orders; proved to be a peaceable, quiet citizen; says he never had naything to do with the Northern Army or Government. Witnesses examined, Mr. Coleman, delegate in Virginia Legislature from Fayette and Nicholas; Mr. Alderson, of State Senate. I recommend he be discharged on taking the oath of allegiance.
Samuel Short-Born in Halifax County, Va. ; raised in Franklin; has lived in Fayette ten years; is a secessionist; was arrested by independent scouts (a species of force not belonging to any military organization) who took from him two horses that have never been returned to him or delivered to the military authorities; was bitterly hostile to the abooition feeling in Fayette; is a quiet, peaceable, industrious man; has had no connection with the Northern Army; has furnished supplies to our army; supposed to be arrested in consequence of rumors started by the men who took his horses. I recommend his discharge. Witnesses examined, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Alderson.
Robert Miller -Born in Randolph County, Va. ; says he is one of Captain Tyree's company in the Wise Legion; on Wise's retreat from Kanawha went home for two reasons-first, his wife was sick, second, he was himself crippled. Before he entirely recovered he started to join Captain Tyree's company. Applied at Floyd's camp on his way for a pass to Join Tyree, and was arrested and sent here. Captain Tyree tried to get him released that he might join his company and failed. Mr. Coleman proves he is a man of good character. I recommend he be sent here to Tyree's company.
Addison Neff -Born in Greenbrier; age twenty-one; lives in Fayette; no cause for arrest assigned; says his brother was stabbed and expected to die. As soon as the enemy left Dogwood Camp he started to Greenbrier to see his brother. Applied for a pass at Meadwo Bluff; was arrested. He voted against secession but will abide by the action of the State. Mr. Snider proves Neff's brother was of a family faithful to the Southern cause and he believes Neff himself was faithful. Proves his brother was stabbed, and for a long time it was believed he would die, and that while the armies were not in the country the families passed to visit each other frequently. I recommend that he be discharged on taking the oath of allegiance.
Edward Barnes - Says he was born and raised in Upper Canada. Left Canada a year ago last summer. Worked two weeks in New York. Came through Pennyslvania by way of Pittsburg to Virginia. Gives no account of the route he traveled. Professes great ignorance of his route. Edvades every question asked. Says he worked ten months for Mr. McLauglin, in Pocohontas, on Tygart's Valley River. Says he was arrested in Pocohontas, and afterward said he was arrested near Meadow Bluff. I believe this man is a spy, but I have no information of the time or place of his arrest of the charges against him. My conclusion is formed from his examination. I must express a regret that officers in command send citizens prisoners here without any evidence or reports that may aid in ascertaining their true character. I would advise this man be held as a prisoner.
Armstead Magaha - Born in Loundoun County, Va. Lives a mile and a half from Lovettsville, between that and the river. Says he carries on a blacksmith shop at Berlin, in Maryland. Has done so for five years. Rents the shop from year to year. His lease expired last Christmas. Before the bridge was burned at Berlin he crossed every day. Says after the bridge was burned he boarded in Berlin and crossed frequently until the enemy's pickets were placed on the river. Says since the 1st of July he never crossed until the night he was taken. Says he got a skiff and evaded pickets. Afterward he said on the night he was taken was permitted by the captain in command of the pickets to cross in company with Rouse, Smith and Slater. They got a skiff and crossed. They promised the captain to return that night. Says they had nothing to do with the gondola boat. Were going to their skiff when arrested. Says he had bout $2,000 due him for work on the Maryland side of the river and his object in remaining there was to secure it. I submit the report of General Hill and the affidavits of S. Price and S. Crumbaker. I recommend this man to be held as a prisoner.
W. J. Working - Born in Adams County, Pa. Lived there till he was twenty-one; then his father moved to Frederick County, Md. Says he lived in Hamilton, west of Leesburg. Wento to Maryland some time in July. Was stick two weeks and when he desired to return could not get permission to pass the pickets. At last a corporal put him secretly over the river. Says he had forgotten the corporal's name. I file the affidavit of Elijah White and refer to General Hill's report. I think this man ought not to be discharged.
J. Visser of Visser- Born in France. Came to United States twenty-five years ago. Is a naturalized citizen of the United States; has lived in Washington fifteen years. Keeps a fancy store Numbers 301 Pennsylvania avenue, near old market. Says he owns an interest in a farm near Dranesville. Between 3rd and 10th April last went to his farm. Overseer left him and he was compelled to remain. Has not heard from his wife nor any one in Washington since. Knows nothing of the Northern army. Has had no communication with it. Was arrested at his farm. Says he is friendly to the South, but will not take the oath of allegiance. I think he should be held as an alien enemy.
George Pach-Prisoner says he was born in Giles County, Va. Removed to Lawrence County, Ky., and then to Wayne County, Va. Is the uncle of Samuel Pach. Lives near Sandy, across from Louisa, Ky., and about twenty-eight miles distant on Twelve Pole River from that town. Says he voted for members of the convention held at Richmond and never voted since. Is a Southern man. Never had anything to do with the Union men of Kentucky or of hi neighborhood. Says some of his neighbors went to Ceredo and got arms from Zeigler. He remostrated against it at the beginning of bloody times at home. Took the part of the South. I have no information in reference to this man except from his own examination and his manner creates some doubt in my mind of his sincerity. But heis a very old man (near seventy) and his health much broken by his confinement. He is willing to take the oath of allegiance. I recommend he be discharged on taking the oath of allegiance.
George W. Fox -Born in Nelson County, Va. Lived in Fayette for twenty-five years. Says he does not know for what he was arrested. Taken to Floyd's camp at Gauley just before the battle of Carnifix Ferry. Was under guard across the river during the battle. Voted for secession and says he is a secession man. Never had anything to do with Yankees or Union men. Mr. Alderson proves he is a man of good character. All the votes at Fox precinct were for secession, but does not know whether Fox votes. Mr. McLaughlin proves Fox a man of good character and was understoood to be a secessionist. Says May, a noted scout in that country, told him Fox had agreed to give him thirty bushels of corn if he would kill fifteen Yankees. I recommend his discharge.
James Kincaid -Born in Fayette; moved to Nicholas last March. Arrested by some of the Wise Legion who called him a Union man. Says he is a volunteer in Captain Newman's company. Floyd's bigade, Colonel McCausland's regiment. Says he was taken sick and permitted to go home. On his recovery he went with the militia to Cotton Hill and remained there eighteen days. He then started to join Floyd's brigade; was arrested on his way. He is now hoarse from his sickness but expresses a desire to join his company. Mr. Robinson, the prosecuting attorney at Nicholas, proves him to be a man of good character, and he knowshe volunteered in Newman's company. The man appears to be honest and candid. I suggest he be released from prison and be sent to his company.
George Ryan - Born in Abingdon, Va. ; raised in Carter County, Tenn. Was working in Wytheville when arrested. Says he was against secession, but afterward wished to be neutral. When the rebellion* occurred in East Tennessee he opposed it and desired to prevent it. Expected to be neutral. Says if Northern troops came to kill his neighbors he would be with the South. Admits Tennessee had the right to secede. When pressed to decide his position says if compelled to decide now must go with the North. I recommend he be held as a prisoner.
Joseph Snapp- Born in Woodstock. When fourteen years old taken to Augusta County; then to Greenbrier; thence to Monroe; thence he moved to Mercer County, where he was arrested and sent here. He says he was arrested by the Yankee and compelled to take the oath of allegiance. On his return he was trying to get his family out of Mercer to take them to his father's in East Tennessee when he was arrested. Says he is entirely Southern in his feelings and does not regard the forced oath of allegiance to the United States binding. Says he intended to volunteer as soon as his family were placed in safety. Is willing now to volunteer. I have learned from persons I have examined, particularly from Northern soldiers I have examined that the U. S. troops in Western Virginia compel citizens unfriendly to them to take the oath of allegiance, and very often the persons thus compelled to take the oath become the most deadly and dangerous enemies of the Northern army. I recommend he be permitted to volunteer.
Peter Couse - Born and raised in New Jersey; in May, 1840, came to Virginia and settled in Spottsylvania. Was negotiating with Doctor Grinnan to exchange his land in Virginia for property in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri and was arrested before the negotiation closed. Is a farmer and gets lumber for market in Fredericksburg. Says he had a Government contract to get ship timber. His contract was under one Peleg Clark. Does not know what Government Clark's contract was with. Clark is a Northern man. Has taken no part on the secession question. Wishes to be neutral. Has done militia duty but will not go into the army. Will not take the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy but wishes to take an oath not to interfere. I recommend this man be held as a prisoner.
Thomas N. Fisher - Aged seventeen. Born in Loudoun; moved to Fairfax. Says when arrested he was coming in to volunteer in Bob Radford's cavalry. Passed our lines (not knowing it) in the night; was arrested. It appeared no evidence before me this boy is warm in the Southern cause. On two occasions he borrowed a gun from a neighbor and scouted on the Potomac to get a shot at the Yankee who were expected to cross. He wishes to go either into a cavalry company or the Eight Virginia, as his relations are in that regiment. He is a brave and true Southern boy and I hope his wishes will be gratified.
William Stallins- Agged nineteen. Born in Loudoun; moved to Fairfax and volunteered in the Seventeenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers. At Lewinsville he got scared and went to his home and was turned out of his regiment, dishonored and branded with cowardice. This boy is proved to be faithful to the South and seems pentient for his conduct. He admits he behaved badly and was scared, but he is very anxious to volunteer and redeem his character for courage and good conduct. He was going with Fisher to volunteer when arrested. I recommend and opportunity be given him to redeem himself and that he be permitted to volunteer again.
Daniel Hunt - Born in Lowell, Mass. ; lived in Boston; moved to Richmond twenty years ago; has lived here since and never been farther north than Baltimore. Prisoner married the daughter of Mr. Rixey, of Fauquier. He owned two houses in Richmond and some negroe on which he owned money, and when he closed business five or six years ago Mr. Rixey paid the balance due on them and they were secured to Mrs. Huntt, and all Mrs. Huntt's interest in her father's estate is in slaves. In his old age Mr. Rixey married a Yankee woman. Eighteen months ago Mr. Rixey was taken sick and after lingering nearly a year died. When he was taken sick he sent for Hunt and his daughter. They went up to see him and remained with him till his death. When they went up they closed housekeeping and their furniture stored away. Since his death they have been trying to get a house in Richmond. When our army fell back from Centerville Mrs. Rixey, the stepmother, prepared a flag which indicated her wish to make peace with the Yankee and showed it to Huntt. Huntt did not object until he went to Warrenton and saw young Mr. Rixey, who sent him a message disapproving it and refusing to consent to it. This message was delivered by Huntt, who also expressed then his disapprobation of the proceeding. Hunt is willing to take the oath of allegiance but his health does not permit him to enter the army. He is now over forty-five. I have inquired carefully into Hunt's character and course in Richmond and find he was always a good citizen; for a long time a Whig but for the last seven or eight years acting with the Democratic party and with the secession wing of this party. I am satisfied he is a good citizen and entirely Southern in his feeling. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance.
Clinton Buskirk -Born in Pennsylvania, at Johnstown; has lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio and Logan County, Va., until the spring of 1859, when he removed to Piketon, Ky. Was arrested by Colonel Williams. Says two of his brothers are in Floyd's brigade. On his examination was confused, and I had great difficulty in extracting anything from him. Refused to take the oath of allegiance. General Johnson, of Kentucky, knows nothing of him. Mr. Wilton knows nothing of him except that he had heard he has two brothers in Floyd's brigade. Mr. McDonald, delegate from Logan, proves while in Logan he bore a good character and has one brother in Floyd's brigade. I cannot recommend his discharge, but think he ought to be held as a prisoner to be exchanged for some of our men taken in Kentucky.
William Ferguson -Born in Montgomery County, Ky. ; arrested by Colonel Williams' command while attempting to serve process issued by Apperson, commissioner of the United States, for two witnesses in Magoffin County, Ky., summoned to testify in the cases of two men arrested as friends of the South. Says he sustains the present Government of the United States although he detests Lincoln; sustains the old government of Kentucky. Will not take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States, but will take an oath to be neutral, and that he will not take part in the war or give any information to the enemy. General Johnston proves him to be a man of good character, who will stand by his oath. I cannot recommend his discharge, but think he should be held to be exchanged for our friends arrested in Kentucky.
Thomas McDonough - Born in Philadelphia; lived in Boston seven years; returned to Philadelphia. In October, 1860, he came South. Worked in Wilmington, N. C., eight months. Left Wilmington in July last. Says he traveled on foot. Went to Raleigh; thence he came to Petersburg and Richomnd; thence attempted to go to Baltimore. Was arrested and imprisoned at Frederick and was released. He then attempted to get to Baltimore and was taken at Dumfries and sent here. Says he was in search of work. Will not take the oath of allegiance. I think he should be held as a prisoner.
Daniel Scully- Born in Ireland; came to Canada 1842. Returned to Ireland and came to New York about 1848. Lived in New York and Canada about ten years. For years ago was in Virginia and worked for the Loundoun and Hampshire road. Worked at Louisia Court-House. Went to Moore County, N. C., and worked for Sowers. Came to Richmond and worked near here. Last spring went back to North Carolina; then started to go back to New York and Canada. Is a wagon maker. Says he is still a British subject and not a citizen of the United States or Confederate States. Seems reluctant to go to work unless he can be better clothed than he now is. Desires to get to Canada. This man seems to be a harmless wanderer. Perhaps he had better remain in prison until something more can be learned about him.
Abe Hamiton- Born in Washington. For seventeen years has been a fisherman and boathman on the Potomac. Last summer was fishing in Saul Gibson's boat about Freestone Point, Chopawamisc and Evansport. The fish were taken to the Washington market. Ran one trip from Blackiston's Island to Washington in John Gibson's boat. After the fishing season was over worked in Mason' Neck. Was taken there gathering fodder. Says he is friendly to the South and opposed to the North. Could have joined the Northern army, but would not fight against the South. Wishes to have nothing to do with the war, but if he goes in the army will go into the Southern army. Says he is unwell, suffering from cold and cough, but if permitted to go to his father's near Stafford Court-House will volunteers when he gets well. Willing to take oath of allegiance. This young man seems to be candid and has excited my sympathies. I can get no information it appears he has spent the summer in fishing for the enemy and in the vicinity of points important to us to keep the enemy from. I will if I can inquire further into his case. At present I must advise he be retained as a prisoner.
Joseph Plaskett -Born in England. Lived in Fairfax nearly eight years. Has remained closely at home since the war began. Has only once in ten weeks been to mill. Says he is friendly to the Southern cause. Gave one valuable horse to a Fairfax company of cavalry; another impressed for the Southern army. Has had no communication of any kind with the enemy. Mr. Hunt and Mr. Thomas proved him to be a man of good character. I recommend his dischaerge on taking the oath of allegiance.
Elias Beach -Says he was born in Fairfax. Lives two miles and a half from Occoquan within our lines. Passed our lines once to go to mill at Accotink. Has had no communication with the enemy. Has not been to Alexandria since the middle of June, when he went to bring from Alexandria the cousin of his wife, Alfred Beach. Alfred Beach was a soldier in the Confederate service. Messers. Hunt and Thomas proved him to be a man of good character. I recommend his discharge.
Fielding Magruder -Prisoner says he was born in Charels County, Md. Removed to the city of Washington in the year 1830. Was engaged there in keeping a wood and lumber yard. Twelve years ago he purchased land in Virginia on Occoquan Bay. Three years ago he started a steam saw-mill on this land and fixed his own residence there, going up to Washington every three or four weeks on Saturday night and returning on Monday. His wife and his son reside in Washington. His son keeps a wood yard there. Prisoner considers himself now a citizen of Virginia. His place was within the Federal lines when he was taken. Says he went to Washington a day or two after Alexandria was taken. The Federal provost-marshal gave him a general pass to go up and return at pleasure. Went up to Washington once or twice after Alexandria was taken and before his last trip. Prisoner says he was taken sick at his residence at Occoquan and called in Doctor Whitehead. The doctor remained with him several days and advised him to go to Washington where he could have the attention of his wife and be better nursed. He went to Washington, where he was sick three weeks, and after his recovery remained some weeks. He says he found the state of things in Washington so much worse and distasteful to him than it had formerly been that he did not apply for a passport, but determined to make his escape. He applied to several longboatmen to bring him down, but they told him they had been required to give bond and security in &500 not to touch on the Virginia shore and would not take him. He met William Weston (mentioned above), who had been sick in Washington, who agreed to escape with him. He purchased a skiff and in the night went down the river on the Maryland side until after they passed Alexandria, when they went over to the Virginia side. On the Monday after his return he went to the picket at Mrs. Wiley's and reported himself and was permitted to return home. Subsequently he was arrested with others, taken to Dumfrees where he lay several weeks in jail and thence was sent here. Is a slave-owner. I knew Mr. Magruder in Washington before he started his steam mill in Virginia. His general character for veracity was good. He was considered an honest man. I was satisfied from his general character and from conversation with him he was a Southern man in his political feelings and opinions. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance. (NOTE: On the statement he makes of Weston's sickness and desire to escape from Washington I recommend the discharge of Weston.)
Clinton Buskirk-Born in Pennsylvania, at Johnstown; has lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio and Logan County, Va., until the spring of 1859, when he removed to Piketon, Ky. Was arrested by Colonel Williams. Says two of his brothers are in Floyd's brigade. On his examination was confused, and I had great difficulty in extracting anything from him. Refused to take the oath of allegiance. General Johnson, of Kentucky, knows nothing of him. Mr. Wilton knows nothing of him except that he had heard he has two brothers in Floyd's brigade. Mr. McDonald, delegate from Logan, proves while in Logan he bore a good character and has one brother in Floyd's brigade. I cannot recommend his discharge, but think he ought to be held as a prisoner to be exchanged for some of our men taken in Kentucky.
William Ferguson-Born in Montgomery County, Ky. ; arrested by Colonel Williams' command while attempting to serve process issued by Apperson, commissioner of the United States, for two witnesses in Magoffin County, Ky., summoned to testify in the cases of two men arrested as friends of the South. Says he sustains the present Government of the United States although he detests Lincoln; sustains the old government of Kentucky. Will not take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States, but will take an oath to be neutral, and that he will not take part in the war or give any information to the enemy. General Johnston proves him to be a man of good character, who will stand by his oath. I cannot recommend his discharge, but think he should be held to be exchanged for our friends arrested in Kentucky.
William P. Food - Born in King George; raised in Jefferson County, Va. ; lived in Winchester. Agent for several Virginia insurance companies. When General Jackson retrated from Winchester prisoner promised Colonel Ashby to procure a horse I Culpper. He had some claims due his societies to colect in Culpper. He made his escape from Winchester. He had a letter for one of Colonel Radford's men and rode through his lines to deliver it. Prisoner says he did not know he was acting improperly. He was arrested by Colonel Radford and sent on here. Lieutenant Turner testifies he has known prisoner for several years and he is a man of good character. I submit the letter received from Mr. Boteler in relation to this man. I have no doubt he is faithful to the South and recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance.
James. E. McCabe- Born in Leesburg, Va. ; was engaged as overseer of negro hands employed on works for the army. These negroes were always placed under a guard. When our troops moved to the Plains Lieutenant Atkinson selected the quarters and placed the negroes in it under guard. Afterward Colonel Chancellor arrived with some militia and ordered prisoner to give up the quarters to the militia. Prisoner remostrated on the ground the negroes were placed there by direction of the provost-marshal and if they were turned loose some of them might run off, and asked him to refer the matter to General Hill. Chancellor refused to refer it to General Hill, saying he would take the quarters by force. Prisoner wentto find General Hill and did not find him, but found his aide, Mr. Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers told him not to give up the quarters without General Hill's orders, and gave him two more negroes to put under guard. Prisoner returned with them. Chancellor had forced the quarters and the negroes were under guard in the yard. Prisoner opened the gate to put the two additional negroes under care of the guard. Chancellor resisted him and struck him with the hilt of his sword and continued to press on him. It was dark and from the noise of the sword prisoner thought Chancellor wad drawing it to strike with the edge. Several to the bystanders called on him to fire. He believed it was necessary to preserve his life and did fire. Chancellor was wounded. Prisoner was arrested and General Hill considering it was case proper for investigation by the civil tribunals declined investiganting it. I submit the written statement of Mr. Thomas L. Edwards, who I know is a gentleman of as much character as any in Loudoun. I have learned from many sources that McCabe is an honest, good man. His bearing and demeanor under examination were that of a gentleman. H is faithful to the South. McCabe is not under the Articles of War and the writ of habeas corpus had not been suspended then. General Hill therefore properly considered his case one for examination by the civil authorities; but an examination by the proper authorities cannot now be hed. The discharge from custody will not exempt him from prosecution if hereafter one should be instituted. I do no think his case one which requires confinement idenfinitely. If discharged he may be useful to our cause. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance.
Note. I would like to thank Cornelia Warner, for Providing this story. Those of you who would like to add to the story, or went to know more she can be reached at the following address: fenenga@connpoint.net
Frank Warrack.
Frank Warrack (sic) was a sober law-abiding citizen before the Civil War. by nature he was a physically powerful man who bulldozed his opinions against session upon his neighbors. He was harsh, uncouth profane and abusive even to little children. He became a bellicose Unionist. In 1861, Frank went to Kansas to escape his neighbors who were mostly rebels. He returned to visit his folks and was captured by Confederates. Along with his father in law, James Moore, Warrack was court-martial as a Union Scout or Spy and sentenced to death, according to his statement. Moore was released. Warrack escaped at night in a storm. He swore to kill every "Cecesla" he could find. He traveled to Ft. Scott afoot, and became a captain in some service of Union Scouts. His brother in law, "Jeff"
Note. This is what Cornelia Warner had to say about the above story.
I know more about him, but there are periods in his life that are mysteries to me, and in a way, due to his not having a pension record, the civil war period is one of them-but at least I have the stories. both of them are incomplete, but what story isn't...but I mean they are incomplete in that they come out of a much larger story that were of a much larger scope than the sections regarding Frank. Frank didn't disappear herding cattle, he lost his wife, met a young woman with a story as wild and strange as his, with her fiance' shot to death in a war between the train company and the people who homesteaded on land they bought from the train company in central California. this story is told in "The Battle of Muscle Sloe". they fell in love and Frank's children opposed the marriage, so Frank and Alice moved to Wharton Co., Texas where he soon died of sun stroke. that side of the family is full of rather wild and dramatic stories. there's probably more that I don't know of. Cornelia Warner.
No comments:
Post a Comment