November 21, 1861
On Monday night the Telegraph No. 3, took on board a few men of the 41st, and paid a visit to the farm of one Albert Gallatin Jenkins, some twenty miles below this place. This man Jenkins has rendered himself notorious for his guerilla feats of warfare, and as infamous as he is notorious. He it was, who in connection with the villainous Clarkson, attacked Guyandotte, and refused quarters to all asking it. It is fit that he should thus be made to feel the same punishment he has been so ready to inflict on others. The boat returned on Tuesday about noon, with several hundred bushels of corn, 150 head of hogs, &c., &c. It is high time some such lessons should be administered to these scoundrels, who, not only commit every crime known to the decalogue, but violate every rule of civilized warfare.
November 28, 1861
The 41st Regiment with the aid of the fine steamer Telegraph No. 3, has been doing quite an extensive foraging business since their arrival. Their efforts have been confined chiefly to the plantation of one Jenkins, the illustrious guerrilla chieftain of the Virginia hills. Whilst A. G. with his gang have been faring sumptuously upon raw turnips and cabbage, without pay or rations, plundering, ravaging, killing, without law, without mercy, and scattering terror and desolation over the country, his own vast landed estate has hitherto escaped, save the loss of a few cattle and horses taken by Col. Norton of the 21st. The farm has ostensibly been under charge of his father-in-law from Missouri, who is said to be a good Union man.
The 41st on their way up took several horses, and since then brought up several thousand bushels of corn. A large quantity yet remains there, which will doubtless be appropriated by the Federal troops.
The case of Mr. Jenkins, shows the terrible influence of this treason and rebellion on those who yield to it. Wealthy, respectably connected, popular and influential, he had everything to gain by the existence of the Union. Ambitious of higher honors, he has sacrificed wealth, friends, influence, reputation, everything, and become an outcast and vagabond, only feared for his ability to commit crime, as he is detested for his evil proclivities. He is not alone, however, for thousands like him are now upholding this tremendous evil, and running a course whose end is destruction, swift, sure and terrible.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: November 1861