Head Quarters
Fairmont Va. June 22d 1861
To Genl Morris
Commanding at Grafton
Sir: A detachment from Co. “C” 20th Reg O.V.M. posted at this point this morning went to the assistance of a detachment from Co “I” same Regiment, posted at Mannington who while out scouting, came upon a body of traitors who had taken possession of, and were quartered in the residence of one P.B. Writer.
The house was of brick, and one of the best, and most substantial structures in the country. It was surrounded by fire walls, or battlements on top looped holed for muskets and manned by about 80 men. Our soldiers were fired upon by those occupying the house. At the first fire, two men of Company “I” were wounded, one dangerously, and one slightly.
In the afternoon our troops were again fired upon by the same party from the hills, to which they had escaped, wounding a citizen of this place and one man, private in Co. “F” 20th Reg slightly.
One of the enemy was taken prisoner, and endeavored to escape, when he was fired upon by the rear guard and killed. Notwithstanding the efforts of the officers, the soldiers fired the house and outbuildings and barns of the place where their troops had taken refuge, and all was consumed. I regret this very much, and to avoid similar acts, I have interdicted all scouting parties from any purpose whatever unless authorized by the commandant of the Reg. How many were killed, or wounded in the buildings before it was evacuated by the enemy is not known, but we have every reason to believe that their loss was serious. The detachment captured horses, wagons, etc.
All of which is respectfully submitted
Thos Morton, Col.
Commanding 20th Reg O.V.M.
Frank Evans
Adjutant
Sources
Library of Congress. George B. McClellan Papers. Correspondence I, 1783–1888; June 22–25, 1861. Imgs 40–41. Transcribed by Jon-Erik Gilot.
Spirit of '61 