https://civilwarwv.lib.wvu.edu/catalog/ptp_0174https://civilwarwv.lib.wvu.edu/thumb/ptp_0174.jpgRosecrans, William Starke1861/08/17 not givenClarksburg, (West) VirginiaPierpont, Francis HarrisonGov Peirpoint [Francis H. Pierpont] 1861. By Telegraph from Clarksburg 17 1861. [Aug.] SB Reed has arrested us a secessionist who on being asked to take the oath of allegiance & fidelity to the govt of Va declined doing it the grounds I have taken in this matter are designed to protect mental reservations & deceptions hitherto practiced on me. [page 2] If we are to have peace & law in Western Va men must acknowlidge its government those who are intelligent enough to understand this & will not do it are more or less dangerous & subject to such custody & surveillance as the public interest require. If he is satisfied to take that oath now I have no objections to his being released. WS Rosecrans Brig Genl USA 111D338pdRosecrans, William Starke to Pierpont, Francis Harrison