Doc. 131. General Nelson's proclamation, on occupying Prestonburg, Kentucky.
Having this day occupied the town of Prestonburg with the forces under my command, I declare to all whom it may concern: That the jurisdiction of the State of Kentucky is restored in this section of the State, and that the regular fall terms of the courts will be held in those counties in which the time for holding the same has not passed.
All the civil officers are ordered to attend at the times and places of holding said courts, and attend to the duties of their respective offices.
Given under my hand, this 5th day of November, 1861
The Maysville (Ky.) Eagle, of November 9th, contains the following account of the occupation:
Paintville, November 6th, 1861.Bro. Coons: Since writing you on Saturday, the object of our mission to this region has been attained. Our gallant Col., Leonidas Metcalfe, with twenty-nine other gallant and daring spirits, went up from this place to Prestonburg on yesterday, and took possession of it. It had been impossible to obtain any correct information from there concerning the force of our enemy, as regards numbers, equipments, or plan of defence. To satisfy himself on all these points, and obtain information so necessary to our future movements, Colonel Metcalfe determined on his own responsibility to go as far in that direction as he could make his way with thirty men. He was attended by Colonel Vincent, of the Sandy Valley Volunteers, whose men are here with us, the two commanders thus showing their men their purpose to head. them in the path of duty, and not to send them. They left here about one o'clock P. M. of yesterday, feeling their way as they went, and examining their ground foot by foot as they advanced, and reached Prestonburg just before dark. The enemy had fled — leaving their flag floating over the Court House and their huts just as they had been before their flight. Metcalfe and his men advanced into the town, tore down the secession flag, ordered their suppers, obtained all the information possible, and returned to this place about twelve o'clock last night in triumph. Captain Wm. Oden, of Col. Metcalfe's regiment, was the man who tore down the flag, and he has it now in his possession. The enemy have retired up Big Sandy, how far or to what point we know not. Their number is between two and three thousand.In haste, your brother,
