Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 7.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Colonel: I have the honor to report the wounding and capture of the notorious bushwhacker, John F. Rucker, under the following circumstances: He was travelling up the river on the steamer Calypso, and on Monday evening joined a party of fishermen, who had fastened their skiff to the boat's yawl, while at St. Aubert's Station, and were towed up the river some four or five miles. As the skiff was let loose he was seen to enter it with the other parties, and was recognized by some one of the passengers on board. The captain of the boat and passengers reported the circumstances to me as they passed up; whereupon I despatched Captain Williams, company A, Ninth Provisional regiment, at twelve o'clock at night, on an extra train, with detachments from his company and company E, instructing him to make diligent search for and capture or kill the scoundrel, if possible.

On arriving at St. Aubert's, Captain Williams learned that the party of fishermen belonged on the opposite (north) side, and had landed there on their return from the fishing excursion. Captain Williams immediately procured a boat and crossed his men to the town of st. Aubert, where he learned that a man answering the description had been seen about dark, some three or four miles in the country, at or near the house of one Bagby.

He then marched as rapidly as the darkness and woods would permit to Bagby's house, arriving there just at daylight. His men surrounded the house, and approaching the front, saw Rucker issuing from the front-door. Having just arisen, and totally unsuspicious of danger, he was proceeding leisurely to perform his morning ablutions. Seeing the party of soldiers, he “bolted,” attempting to escape by the rear of the house. Here, however, he met with some difficulty, and, refusing to halt, was fired at several times, two of the shots taking effect, one shattering his left wrist, the other entering and passing through his hip and abdomen. The latter, it is thought, is mortal. I have sent down for him, and if he can be moved will have him brought here.

Very respectfully,