Confederatevets.com

Armstead Magaha.-Born in Loudonn County, Va. Lives a mile and a half from Lovettsville, between that and the river. Says he carries on a blacksmith shop at Berlin, in Maryland. Has done so for five years. Rents the shop from year to year. His lease expired last Christmas. Before the bridge was burned at Berlin he crossed every day. Says after the bridge was burned he boarded in Berlin and crossed frequently until the enemy's pickets were placed on the river. Says since the 1st of July he never crossed until the night he was taken. Says he got a skiff and evaded pickets. Afterward he said on the night he was taken was permitted by the captain in command of the pickets to cross in company with Rouse, Smith and Slater. They got a skiff and crossed. They promised the captain to return that night. Says they had nothing to do with the gondola boat. Were going to their skiff when arrested. Says he had about $2,000 due him for work on the Maryland side of the river and his object in remaining there was to secure it. I submit the report of General Hill and the affidavits of S. Price and S. Crumbaker. I recommend this man to be held as a prisoner.