Eyewitness Account: A.G. Thomas to his brother

Dear Brother: Thinking thee would like to hear from the front otherwise than through the newspapers, I write thee a brief dispatch... I went to bed about 11 o'clock with quite a headache. At exactly 12 that night Uncle Gid Helloed upstairs to me saying there was some one on the porch that wanted to go into the store...I got up and put a few clothes on and went down stairs to see who it was. I did not expect to open the door that time of night so I took my little pistol down instead of a key. Upon opening the door a large man stared me in the face and wanted to know if I was the clerk of the store, and upon answering him he demanded the key...or for me to go down and open it. I then enquired who he was...and he said he...wanted a good many things and that it was none of my business who he was...if I did not open the door he would break it down. I then told him to await there until I saw the proprietor of the store. After slipping up stairs and hiding the store money and watch (mine)...I awoke Arthur (Stabler) & then went up for Uncle Al; he got up & came down with his new shot gun & revolver, I then stirred up Joe Davis (a reb). We Arthur, Joe, Uncle Al & I formed behind the store and marched around on them not knowing their number and asked what they wanted-but before we knew it 11 Rebs had surrounded us and to surrender was the only alternative to being shot. They captured Uncle A's arms but I threw mine behind a goods box and he only found a few chestnuts in my pockets which I gave the sneak.

Arthur had hid the key so I could not produce it but I could not satisfy them that I hadn't it...Captain 'Bowie' seized ahold of my arm and ordered a man to take hold of the other side and sent a third to his horse and got a rope...I hold him hanging would not get it out of me...with the aid of Uncle Gids axe the end window on the N Side was opened then the door from the inside. Ihey got a little of everything and a goodeal of some things. The Capt Had a list which called for Illusion, Kid Gloves, White Belt, Sash, Slippers& so we think a wedding was pending. Just before they left Arthur Stabler got out of the Library window, ran over to H. Johnsons, got a gun & pistol & went up to Wm.H. Farquhars gate and as they passed he fired twice one fellow yelled out and they hastened their speed.