instructions as speedily as possible in cutting the telegraph and assaulting the boar, which surrendered without firing a gun, although having moved several yards from the shore.
I found a valuable cargo on board, consisting chiefly of medical stores and tarpaulin, a lot of arms, &c., and Brigadier-General E. P. Scammon, Captain Wm. G. Pinkard and Lieutenant Frank Millward, of his staff, and Lieutenant William C. Lyon, Twenty-third Ohio volunteers, and twenty-five men—commissioned officers and privates. I secured about twenty horses and some of the most valuable medicine, demolished the telegraph officer—instruments, wire, &c.—and moved to the mouth of Big Hurricane, where I burned the boat and cargo of over $100,000 worth of medicines, destroyed the piece of artillery and a quantity of ammunition. Paroled all the non-commissioned officers and privates, except one, and determined to make my way through with the most valuable prisoners with as much speed as possible. The enemy pressed me heavily at all points in their efforts to recover the prisoners, and compelled me to come to this point.
I herewith send you General Scammon, Captain Pinckard, Lieutenants Millard and Lyon, and Sergeant Thomas McCormick, who refused to take a parole.
I take great pleasure in bringing to your notice the coolness, discretion and courage displayed by Lieutenant Vertigan, as well as good behavior and daring courage and fortitude of my entire force.
I shall report to Colonel Ferguson, in Wayne county, as speedily as possible, and send the prisoners through from this point with a mounted guard.
I remain, General, with much respect,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed)James H. Nounnan,
Major Commanding detachment Sixteenth Virginia Cavalry.
Major-General Sam. Jones,
Commanding Department West Virginia.
P. S.—I send General Scammon and Lieutenants Millward and Lyon in charge of Lieutenant Vertigan. The rest will be forwarded as soon as I hear from Colonel Ferguson.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
James H. Nounnan, Major, &c.
Official.
Charles Stringfellow, A. A. General.
