Coalsmouth
Kanawha County West Va
Gov AI Boaremen [sic]
Dear Sir I wis [sic] to inform you that the last Scout has been to some extent successful We delivered to the provis [sic] Marshall a deserter from the 44 Ohio who volunteared [sic] in the Rebel army and was taken prisioner [sic] in Tenesse [sic] had his parole with him he will go to the Army of the Cumberland for trial.
We have yet in our care a man that has done some of the most flagrant Crimes known, which we will deliver to the Court as soon as we can secure the proofs. Since the 20 of march we have sent out 5 prisioners [sic] of war and one citizen who has tried by Courtmarshall charge violating 56 Act ware [sic] and still we hold Bragg who has 9 bullets now in him 2. having been cut out. Two cases
We have Broken one of the worst neighbourhoods [sic] in Boon [sic] County.
We captured 1 Enfield and 1 smooth Musket from those villains and 1 sorrel Mare the property of Robert Breadlove in the possession of his uncle Linza Breadlove who clames [sic] to have bought the mare of Robert before he was taken prisioner.
But we prove by a man that he introduced as a witness, and he also admits that he furnished to Robert an outfit at first clothing [?] and let him have a saddle and $20.00 in mony [sic] aabout the 1st of Feb and took the mare because she was not fit for service
One of the Horses Taken with a Rebel Soldier has since died and the 3 now on hand is so poor that they have kneed [sic] of attention to save them.
I would Respectfully ask if you think it in accordance with youre knowlidge [sic] of justice and propriety to give one of these poor horses to one of my men who has had a horse taken by the Rebels. if you direct I will so dispose of them.
My provision Return should be for May for only 33 men to make all Right (or left blank for me to fill) We have to feed prisioners but I will keep all as near [?] as I can..
Hoping to hear from your excelency [sic]
soon I have the honor to be
youre most Obedient Servt.
R Brooks Capt. Scouts
April 22 1864
Transcription by Jack Stephenson, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University