The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1926-03-25
LETTER OF PRESIDENT R. B.
HAYES HAS BEEN FOUND
BY A Resident of Cumberland in
Which the Capture of Generals
Crook and Kelly Are Depicted
Cumberland Sunday Times)

One of the boldest exploits of the
Civil War was the capture in Cum
berland hotels on February 81, 1865,
by party of Confederates of Major
Generals George Crook and B. F. Kel-
ly of the Union Army, and the latter's
adjutant general, Major Melvin, with
out gunfre and while approximately
5000 Federal troops were encamped
in and around this city.
The capture was made by troop
of IS cavalryment of the Confederate
forces under Lieut.. Jesse C. McNeill.
The generals were bound, placed on
horseback and taken to Richmond I'M
der heavy guard, but were later re-
leased in exchange for other prison.
ers of war.
In connection with the capture of
the Federal officers, an interesting his
torical document in the form of let
ter which was exchanged between two
men who later became Presidents of
the United States-R. B. Hayes and
U. S. Grant-has been uncovered here
by resident. The letter, in the hand
writing of Hayes, and addressed to
General Grant, who was with Federal
troops at City Point, Va, gives vivid
account of the capture of Crook and
Kelly. Hayes was with the Federal
troops of the Department of West
Virginia, his rank being Brevet Major
General, at the time of the capture
and who took charge of the troops
after his associates were taken pris-
oners.
Soon after the capture of Crook and
Kelly, Major General Hayes sent a
Geographic report of the affair, fol-
lowing it up with this letter:
Headquarters Department w. Va.
Cumberland, Md, Feb. 21, 1865.
Dear General
l sent you dispatch this morning
giving the fact of the capture of Gems.
Crook and Kelly and of Capt. Melvin,
A. A. G. of Gen. X.
About half past three this morning
$party of probably fifty Rebels cross
ed the Potomac above town and cap
tured the picket post on the road in
that direction. They wore blue over
coats and the sentinel who hailed
them supposed they were Union cay
airy. One approached him as if to
give. the countersign and STOPPING for
ward as if to whisper it in his ear,
pressed a pistol at his head and COM
PEELED him to surrender. This is the
sentinePs story. The Rebels rushed
directly to the hotel where Gen. K.
CHARTERED. A part passed on to Gen.
Crooks headquarters and succeeded in
capturing the sentinels on their beats
In much the same way as at the picket
post. They went direct to the rooms
of the generals and secured them. In
the meantime few horses-three fine
ones of Gen. K.-and four or five
others were taken, and the telegraph
office broken open and the instruments
destroyed. The party hurried off, not
being in town more than a few min
utes and crossed the Potomac below
town in the direction of Romney. One
telegraph office was left undisturbed
and in very short time word was
given to Martinsburg and to Gen.
Sheridan at Winchester. Gen. Light
burn went on locomotive to New
Creek, and directed instant pursuit in
that quarter. Gen. Kelly was in COM
mand OF the post and no doubt the
same arrangements as to picketing
which were adopted months ago were
still continued. l have been in the
habit of staying in camp, and most
probably uncared for-for at any rate
no inquiry was made for me or Gen.
Duval. Gen. D. was absent. Gen.
Sheridan ordered his cavalry to pur-
sue at once from that direction. A re-
capture is possible, but considering
the nature of the country, | do not
think it probably Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.