ON THIS DAY: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2007

Anxious to see some action, Capt. Tom Taylor of the 47th Ohio has gratefully taken up leadership of “nocturnal scouts” in the wild countryside of the Kanawha region of western Virginia. These dangerous missions are aimed at discouraging Rebel guerillas, known as “bushwhackers.” Taylor’s men take prisoners and confiscate horses and livestock. A proud Taylor writes wife “Netta” in Ohio that, “I am quite famous on the scout with this portion of the regiment.” A worried Netta is, no doubt, less than pleased.