Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-04-02
CAPTURE OF NINE MURDERERS OF
GIBSON.
LETTER FROM THE 5rH VIRGINS.
TWO DAYS SCOUT on GUYAN RIVER.
From the IrOntOn Register, a6th ult.

! LDITOh hkOisTkR. ALLOW me tDe
use Of your columns to give to your
readers an account of two days scout
on the waters of Guyandotte and Mud
rivers. Lieutenant Witcher's Cavalry
(not Claw Hammer) left this camp at
one O'Clock P. NJ, on the 18th inst,
and marched that day to Poor's Hill, q
distance of 25 miles through drench-
ing rain. We encamped that night
without supper in barn and in our
wet clothes. Next morning we re-
sumed our march and brought up in
the Reoton settlement, distance of 40
miles from camp. Here is the place
that few days ago company Of the
18th Virginia was fred upon from the
bushes, in retaliation for which house
or two soon disappeared. Here we
found that a horseman had lately
passed; we followed the trail up by
path, and a short turn in the way
brought us (six in number, not includ-
ing Lieutenant Witcher) upon a log
house, at which were hitched four cav
airy horses. A charge was ordered,
four men came hastily out, armed and
equipped; after slight resistance and
the exchange of half dozen shots,
they we're captured. They seemed well
rationed, as among the baversacks were
found two cooked chickens, two or three
suspicious looking black bottles, &C.,
&C., all of which were duly confseOted.
when de Limcuna sogers come up. This
proved to be very important capture,
as among the squad was the Leader OF
the gang, Lieut.. Keaton, desperate
that has been annoying the citizens of
this part of Virginia for twelve months
past, and has eluded the vigilance here
tofore Of the undergraduates. This
same Keaton was engaged in the MUIR
der of Mr.. Gibson, a citizen of Virginia,
who lived on the waters Of Hurricane.
After the prisoners were properly Sc
cured. we shaped our course toward
the Poor House settlement. As we
approached the house of Doc Bledsoe,
our advance concluded that they heard
some running up stairs, and according
ly proceeded to search the house. The
woman (who was frying meat) found
the stairs convenient place to set the
skillet upon all of sudden, and de-
clared "there is nobody up stairs" still
the boys would go up. and soon came
down with the yeritable Doctor. This
same Bledsoe is the one that Keaton
swore, "he could hold West Virginia
with" Not minding the drenching
rain and swollen creeks, we pushed on,
surrounded the house of johnson, in
side of which were three more of Kea-
toms command. Their guns were ly-
ing on the bed, for which they imme-
diately spraDg. but twas too late. A
half dozen revolvers in the hands of as
many true patriots. presented at their
breasts, admonished them that resist
ance was useless. They had ordered a
dinner and were just going to sit down
to it. 1t was decided at once that this
dinner was ContrQJGnd as well as provi-
Dental, and it was confscdted. We ate
our dinners, secured our prisoners and
horses, and pushed on about three
miles, when our advance come on three
more, one OF whom was Marion Adkins,
one of the murderers OF Lawrence Nix
on, son Of William Nixon, sheriff of
Wayne county. Virginia. A few shots
were exchanged, when Adkins was Sc
verely wounded. OF the other two
also taken, one was a noted guerrilla by
the name Of Bias, who was captured
about two months ago. and who broke
guard from this camp TO our great NOR
ti6cation. Adkins dashed into Bar
louisville, Virginia, revolver in hand,
shouting for JEFF. Davis, and rode up
TO the store of Thompson and ordered
out pair of boots, dress pattern, &c,
and after they were handed him, he
asked Thompson if he could change
$50 bill Of Southern scrip; being an
swered in the negative, he turned his
horse, riding of. replying: Just charge
to JEFF. Davis This same gang of
horse thieves, is the one that robbed
Cox's store boat about month ago of
goods amounting to about eight hun
dred dollars On the person OF Kea-
ton were notes and accounts amounting
to about $4,000, showing the sale Of
about 100 horses (all of which he had
stolen. His accounts also show that
he was dealing largely in the mercan.
tile business. On the different leaves
of his pass book was found, charged
here and there, pair of drawers, &c,
with various articles such as pocket
knives, combs, DC. Besides the above,
; Lieut.. Keaton had c. S. A. mail with
letters to various parties at different
points inside of our lines, addressed to
persons in Parkersburg, Point Plea
SAINT, &c. 1t is of great Importance
and no doubt will be made use of by
the authorities. We returned to camp
after an absence of two days travelling
through drcnch;ng rains and swollen
streams, bringing back nine of the
most desperate characters in the North
west Virginia. besides their guns, re-
volvers, and 9 splendid horses, well
equipped; one horse is valued at $3.50.
These iends have been sent to Whee-
ling, where they will be put on trial
for murder. Thus through the indo-
{ mitable energy of Lieut.. Witcher and
his brave men, this band of devils have
/ all been captured, and without loss to
our side. This excellent company,
composed as it is of true and brave
loyal men fighting for their own homes,