The 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, including the two companies recruited in Knox County, finally headed for the front at the end of June 1861. In the area that would become West Virginia (it had voted its separation from Virginia on June 23 and was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863), the 4th was reportedly sent on an expedition to Buckhannon. The Mount Vernon Democratic Banner, in the edition of July 9, published a report that had appeared in the Cleveland Herald from two Cleveland men who had gone to Philippi with supplies sent to the troops by the women of Cleveland.
The account is fiction.
The report said, in part: “The 3rd and 4th Ohio regiments had attacked the rebels at that place (Buckhannon) and completely routed them, Twenty-nine rebels were killed, a large number wounded, and several prisoners taken. On our side none were killed and but few wounded. No further particulars of the fight had been received, the messenger having left in hot haste.
“It was reported at Grafton, that the 7th, in its march, had taken $27,000 in gold from the Bank of Weston, Weston, a place south of Clarksburg a few miles. This money was originally deposited for the purpose of building some educational institution, but had been diverted from that to be appropriated for the support of the rebel army. Five prisoners were also taken, one of whom was the rebel paymaster, through whom this $27,000 was to be expended. The money and prisoners were sent to Grafton. The Express agent on the train which brought Messrs. Creighton, Price and Sterling, said he had the gold in charge destined for Bellair.”
