The Massacre of Guyandotte

The Massacre at Guyandotte

Cincinnati, Tuesday, Nov 12, 1861

The defeat of the Union forces at Guyandotte was accomplished by treachery on the part of the inhabitants.  It seems that a force of rebel cavalry, variously estimated at 500-1000, had concentrated in the country back of the town. These proposed, with the assistance of the rebel inhabitants of Guyandotte, to annihilate the National forces in the town.  This force consisted to 250 of a Virginia regiment, and a few of Col. Zeigler's Virginia Cavalry.

It was arranged between the rebel cavalry and the rebel citizens to massacre our troops in cold blood. Accordingly, the rebel citizens were very kind to our troops last Sunday evening, and invited them to their houses on various pretexts, and all who were off duty accepted the invitation.  While they were being entertained, at about 8 1/2 o'clock at night, the rebel cavalry dashed into the town.  Signals were displayed from every house where the Nationals were, and into these the rebels rushed, murdering the unwarned soldiers in cold blood.

The rebel citizens, men, women and children, rushed to arms and aided the cavalry in the slaughter.

The Federals in camp prepared as soon as possible for defense, but were overpowered and had to break.

Very few men were killed in the engagement with the cavalry, nearly all being murdered in the houses.

When Col. Zeigler arrived, and on learning the particulars of the affair, he ordered the destruction of the town. The buildings were immediately burnt and the whole town is now reduced to ashes.