The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1913-02-22

n -. . I " Al4e - = -
apprise Maj, lArmsey twho Il. a Cit.
zen Of our towr9 Of its contents. ATT
er having heard II read, that gentle.
man with tears in his eyes, and with
strong emotion manifest in face and
voice. referred to that dark period iii
bis history mentioned to iinsthe letter
lust quoted. He recalled the old mem.
cries, and surprised me by the strong
expressions Of esteem and regard upon
his part towards Gen. Gofl, apprisilg
me Of the signal service done him,
while yet in prison, by the gallant
Estqpdard-beafer Of the Republican par
~ in the present campaign.
"of his own yolition, Maj. Armsey
subsequently addressed me the. follow.
Ing letter:
"Grafton, WA. Aug. 81, 1876.
i"John W. Mason, Esq, Grafton, W.
Va:
4'Dear slr-Ycu were kind enough,
today, TO read me a copy Of letter
addressed to Hon. w. r. Wiley. BY
Maj. N. Gof. Jr., from Libby prison,
dated May 10th, 1864, in relation to his
confinement as hostage for me. AS,
the position occupied by me in rela-
ton to Mai COTS confinement has
been SO frequently ana grossly misrep,
resented, ! desire to make statement
OF the matter. which you are al liberty
10 use as;you wish;
az was a Major in the 33d battalion
OF Virginia cavalry. in the Confederate
Army. About the middle of February,
1868, | was ordered by the Confeder
ate authorities TO perform certain spe-
cial duties which called me within the
territory Of Virginia then occupied by
Federal troops. AS soldier, felt It
my duty to obey. was captured in
side the Federal lines, tried Dyfa NM
tary court. and, Notwithstanding my
mission was. shown to, have been I'M.
dertaken by the peremptory orders OF
my superior officers, was nevertheless
sentenced to fifteen years contine-
ment and labor The Confederate Gov.
eminent being pledged to my protec-
ton. directed that Mai. ,Goff be sub
jected to the same punishment until
my release. About the 9th day OF
August, 1864, we were exchanged, the
one for the other. but placed on pa
role. Afterwards. by special order,
] was regularly exchanged aud placed
in command OF the counties of Hardy,
Highland and Pocahontas. Suisse
quently. OH the 18th day Of April, 1865,
| was again arrested and taken TO
Clarksbnrg. ! was well acquainted III
Harrison county. and as soon us II be-
came known that was imprisoned at
Clarksburg, and that b was the same
man for whom Maj. Golf had been so
long imprisoned, there. was great exI
element and Indignation towards me.
was insulted and badly treated by
men whom ] had never wronged. In
the midst of my embarrassment, NAL.
Cot visited me, and without hesitation
offered me his hand in kindest friend.
ship, insured my safety. and expressed
bis deep regret that he was unable 20
have ME entirely released. Major Golf
al that time was mere boy-probably
not over twenty years OF age. Conduct
so noble and gallant was scarcely to
be expected Of one so young. Sur
rounded us he then was, by admIrlng
and sympathizing friends, one unk:nd
word from him against me in that crit
lcal hour would have cost me my life.
His kind and generous conduct upon
that occasion ! shall never forget, nor
lose nh opportunity to reciprocatc.
an consideration Of these facts
take great pleasure in recommend
Ing Mai: Gofr to all true men, without
regard 10 party, affiliations. ! trust
my friends will be his friends. He
has proven himself strong. generous.
brave and true, and hazard nothing
in saying the destiny OF West Virginia
will be safe in his hands.
VERY respectfully,
"'THOS. b. ARMSEY.'"