While passing through Bradstown on the afternoon of December 29th Capt Robert McCormick and Dr. Sherk, of the 7th Pa. Cav., asked permission to leave the column for the purpose of visiting the family of Dr. Grigsby , who had nursed and cared for serveral officers of the regiment in 1862, amongst others Col. C.C. McCormick at that time a Captian, a brother of Capt. Robert McCormick. I proposed bivouacking on the banks of a stream about two miles south of the town, and readily gave the desired permission.

As they left me, I said in a laughing manner, "Keep a sharp lookout for guerrillas." With some light remark the two bright young fellows left the column and cantered down one of the streets, followed by a single Orderly. An hour later the Orderly galloped into camp and reported that both officers had been killed by guerrillas.

Investigation developed the following facts: After leaving me the two officers rode dirrectly to the house of Dr. Grigsby, when a body of guerillas surrounded and Captains Summerfield and Magruder, followed by a half dozen of their men, broke into the room and opened fire on the two unprepared men. Dr. Sherk called their attention to his green sash and to the fact he was a non-combatant, but seven balls were sent through his body and he was left dead at the feet of the ladies.

McCormick drew his pistol and fired three shoots, driving the scoundrels out of the room; he followed and tried to get to his horse. A ball was driven into one of the chambers of his revolver amd rendered it totally unserviceable. He fell dead at the side of his horse, his body absolutely riddled with bullets.

John Light Sherk