Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 8.
Frank Moore, Ed.

we have the particulars of the gallant exploit recently performed by Lieutenant Verdigan and ten men belonging to the Sixteenth Virginia cavalry, commanded by Colonel J. Ferguson, of Wayne County, in the capture of a Yankee steamer.

For two months past, the Colonel and most of his men have been wintering within the enemy's lines in the county above named. They have had several successful skirmishes with the enemy, and had, on a former occasion, sent out sixteen prisoners, who all arrived safely in Richmond. They also killed Denny Coleman, late surveyor of Buchanan County, in a fight at Round Bottom, near Ohio River, one of the vilest Union men and base-hearted traitors that have ever been arrayed against us.

The exploit above alluded to happened near Winfield, about twelve days since. Major Nonning was on a scout with a portion of the command, and entered Winfield about midnight, when he ascertained that the steamer Levi, bound for Charleston, lay on the opposite side of the river. Lieutenant Verdigan, with a solitary companion, was despatched across the river to reconnoitre, which was successfully accomplished, and the telegraphic communication with Charleston severed in front of a house, and in full view of a woman residing therein. In about two hours Lieutenant Verdigan was reenforced by nine men, who had crossed the river under many difficulties, on account of the scarcity of water craft. It was soon discovered that the enemy were on the alert, and were about to cut loose from the shore. Not a moment was to be lost. The Lieutenant gave the order, “Forward!” and immediately the gallant eleven double-quicked it to the boat, dashed aboard, up into the ladies' cabin, and found a sentinel at the door. Our men were soon in possession of the arms of General Scammon, two lieutenants, (his aids,) two other commissioned [496] officers, twenty-five privates, besides the boat, crew, and freight. As fast as the arms were received, they were thrown overboard, for fear an attempt would be made to recapture them, as soon as their small number was ascertained. The boat was immediately taken to the opposite side of the river, where Major Nonning and the balance of the command came aboard, when all parties steamed down the river about five miles. The prisoners were paroled that could not be safely brought off. General Scammon and his two aids were sent on to Richmond.