April 26, 1862
A Distinguished Rebel Prisoner.:Gen. Alfred Beckley, of Raleigh county, who has been confined here for several days in the Atheneum, was sent to Camp Chase yesterday by Major Darr, to be disposed of as the authorities may hereafter determine. It seems that Gen. Beckley was at one time quite an active militia General in Raleigh and Fayette counties, and was a man of distinction and influence. He mustered the militia under the secession flag, and is said to have done considerable harm. Recently, however, he announced his determination to become a loyal citizen, and accordingly reported himself to the Federal authorities. For some reason or other our officers were afraid to trust him, and have thought it advisable to keep him in custody. Gen. Beckley, it is said, is a graduate of West Point, and served thirteen years in the United States army.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: April 1862