Unfortunate Killing of Mr. Jacob Cram

The Marietta Republican, August 6, 1863

We deeply regret to announce the unfortunate killing of Mr. Jacob Cram, a well known and worthy citizen of this place, by a Sergeant of the 8th Michigan Cavalry, near the late battle field at Buffington's Island, on Monday, the 20th ult.

Mr. Cram went from here as Captain of an Independent Cavalry Squad, his company being a part of the first expedition sent from here in pursuit of Morgan. The battle of Sunday morning at Buffington, coming on, he became very much excited and at length exhibited plainly signs of partial derangement, to which he has at times been subject. In the condition he then was, it was found impossible to persuade him to retreat with the rest of the forces; and he was consequently taken prisoner by the rebels. His unfortunate condition being evident, the rebels are supposed to have released him, first taking his arms and horse. He remained in the vicinity until the next day (Monday), when the Union forces, probably suspecting him to be a spy, who was feigning craziness, also took him prisoner.

The efforts made by the Union soldiers to confine Mr. Cram were naturally resisted by him. He was accordingly mounted on a horse, behind the Sergeant who afterwards shot him. Watching his opportunity, Mr. Cram hit this man on the head with a club, knocking him senseless. Upon recovering, the Sergeant instantly drew his revolver and shot Mr. Cram through the breast, the ball passing, as is supposed, between the lobes of the lungs. The startled horse ran away, but after going a short distance Mr. Cram fell to the ground and died. After being stripped of his money, watch, and a portion of his clothes, his remained were wrapped in a blanket and buried.

For some days his family and friends here were in a state of uncertainty as to his fate. Search was at length made, and on Saturday last his grave was found, the body disinterred and brought home. On Sunday afternoon last he was buried from the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. A. T. Nye, in this place. Mr. Cram leaves a widow and three children, with many relations and friends, to mourn his loss.

We have no hesitation in saying that the killing of Mr. Cram was an outrageous murder, which should be officially investigated.