October 26, 1861
Letter from Camp Weston.
CAMP WESTON, VA., Oct. 23, 1861.
Editors Intelligencer: - On last Monday evening, news came to Capt. Rowand, of the First Virginia Cavalry, that a party of secesh were committing, and threatening to commit, various depredations upon the Union residents of the head waters of Kinchlow creek, about fifteen or twenty miles from here, on the Parkersburg road.
Accordingly, a squad of thirteen was detached from the "Norton Guards," under command of Sergeant Smith, and sent, along with two guides, on a scouting expedition in that neighborhood. Arriving at the house of a friend, some two or three miles from their destination, they alighted and partook of some refreshments. About 10 o'clock P. M., they mounted their horses and started on a visit to the benighted followers of Jefferson D. & Co. Arriving at one of their abodes about 1 o'clock, the sentinels were posted and admittance demanded immediately, which was with some reluctance given. The old gentleman of secesh was somewhat unceremoniously informed that his presence with the party was indispensably requisite to their happiness; accordingly his better judgment dictated to him that it was best to comply with the request. They again started, and before daylight had five living specimens of secesh under guard at one of their habitations, where they partook of a splendid breakfast which the good housewife was kind enough to provide.
After some preliminary preparations, the expedition started for camp, but hearing of two more of the same persuasion they started in search, and before ten o'clock had them in tow. They again started homeward bound, and reached here about 5 P. M., with eight secesh twaddling along before them. Only one showed signs of resistance. He boasted that his last drop of blood would be shed before he would be taken by an abolition band, but the sight of two or three carbines cooled his ardor. Their trial comes off to-day.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: October 1861