Union Regiments
1861-1865
Ar382
5th West Virginia Infantry
Transcribed by Randy Marcum
Field and Staff - John Ziegler - Letters (18 items)
Box 13
Folder 1
Headquarters 5th VA Reg.
Camp Pierpoint, Ceredo.
October 31, 1861
Adjutant General Samuels
Dear Sir,
I wish to be advised as to my right to take property belonging to those who have been in arms against the government. The case in question is this: On Saturday 19th instant about thirty of our men under command (of) Lieutenant Willis surrounded the house of John Jarrell where they found a band of rebels and killed nine of them and took their horses. Jarrell, the owner of the farm on which the rebels were encamped was not at home. Our men took from him considerable property, which is now in camp. Jarrell acknowledges that the rebels were encamped at his house but as he says contrary to his desire. We have, however, only his word for the truth of the latter cause. It is clear, however, that his property was not used for insurrectionary purposes, since the time of its capture he has voluntarily come into camp and taken the oath of allegiance.
The question is, what shill I do in this and similar cases: Shall I take the property for the use of the government as those who are in arms against the same? Shall I take the property of those who have been in arms but have returned to their homes and make professions of loyalty? What property shall I take? These questions you will be kind enough to answer: Also, what shall the Quartermaster do with the horses which our men got from the Rebels whom they killed?
Your most obedient servant,
J. L. Zeigler
Colonel Commanding
P. S. Martin Frasher who is a prisoner at Wheeling can give bond in the sum of $2000 for his loyal behavior. I have no evidence that he has been in arms or aided or abetted treason. I am inclined to think it would be well enough to release him and send him to this camp.
J. L. Zeigler