The Patriots and Guerillas - Chapter II



CHAPTER II.
NOTORIOUS CHARACTERS---THE FERGUSONS---ATROCIOUS MURDERS, ETC.

Among the great evils of the rebellion and the civil war produced by it, 
is the guerilla or partisan warfare. Guerilla chiefs are generally vicious 
men, who prefer plundering, and inflicting pain and injury upon citizens, 
to war according to civilized usages. They submit to no restraint, but 
claim freedom to commit high-handed crimes without fear of punishment. Men 
who did not expect to become outlaws and murderers when they joined these 
bands, have sunk to that level. They were corrupted by their associates. 
Ascertaining that they were not governed by any rules of civilized 
warfare, and would not be punished if they did rob and murder citizens, 
they gave way to temptation, and became unscurpulous outlaws.

The citizens along the Kentucky and Tennessee line have suffered greatly 
at the hands of guerillas, more perhaps than any people in this country. I 
propose to give a brief sketch of several guerilla chiefs and partisan 
warriors, including an account of some of the most notorious murders 
committed by them.


CHAMP FERGUSON.

Of all the guerilla chiefs and cold-blooded murderers, Champ Ferguson 
ranks as the most desperate and fiendish. He is a thief, robber, 
counterfeiter, and murderer. His record does not stop with two or three 
offences, but is one continual scene of blood and plunder. He was born and 
raised in Clinton co., Ky.; is between thiry-five and forty years old, 
about six feet high, and weighs one hundred and eighty pounds, without any 
surplus flesh. He has a large foot, and gives his legs a loose sling in 
walking, with his toes turned out---is a little stooped, with his head 
down. He has long arms and large hands, broad round shoulders, skin rather 
dark, black hair a little curled, a broad face, large mouth, and a 
tremendous voice, which can be heard at a long distance when in a rage. He 
had a little stillhouse where he manufactured corn whiskey and apple 
bandy, and always kept a quantity on his premises, thereby collecting 
vicious characters about him. He usually kept race-horses, and attended a 
race-course in the county called "Seven Chestnuts." Large numbers would 
collect at the course to witness the races, bet upon their favorite 
horses, play cards, and drink intoxicating liquors, with which the course 
was always supplied. Often severe fights would take place at these races, 
but seldom was any serious damage done; the parties participation were 
generally satisfied with black eyes and bloody noses. Sometimes, however, 
these fights would be earnest, the parties using knives and other deadly 
weapons. Champ Ferguson participated in the races, and frequently in the 
fights. He was very fond of the card-table. A king or ruler among his 
class, they must do as he said. He was a bully, a ruffian, and dare-devil 
kind of fellow, a terror to peaceable citizens, and shunned by them. It 
was generally believed that he was a counterfeiter, but as he employed 
other persons to pass his spurious money, he was never detected; or if he 
was, a peaceable, quiet man would not risk personal danger to testify 
against him before a grand jury. 

Some years ago two brothers, named Evans, bought a drove of fat hogs from 
citizens in Clinton county. Among others they made a purchase from Champ 
Ferguson. They forged, as was said afterward, the names of solvent 
persons, thereby obtaining credit for a short time. They drove the hogs 
south, sold them, and returned "broke," as they said. It was generally 
believed that they sold the hogs for a profit, and returned with a large 
amount of money. The solvent parties refused to pay these debts, and 
proved that they had not authorized the use of their names. 

The Evans settled in Fentress county, Tenn. They got in several of the 
claims against them for a trifle. In a few years they had accumulated 
considerable property, including a good farm; but they had the title-
papers so arranged that their property could not be subjected to the 
payment of their debts without a long and tedious law suit. The creditors 
preferred losing their debts to prosecuting a suit in another State. But 
such a man as Ferguson was not going to be outdone. He would not sell his 
claim for a trifle, nor would he institute a suit while there was any 
other course. He ascertained that by the laws of Kentucky an attachment 
could be obtained against the property of non-residents of the State. He 
had his point: the Evans were non-residents, but they had no property in 
the State. That, however, made no difference with Ferguson. He visited 
Evans' stable after dark, and soon had a fine horse in Kentucky. He then 
proceeded to the clerk's office, instituted suit, and obtained an 
attachment against any propety of the Evans' that might be found in 
Clinton county. He soon found the sheriff, and placed the attachment in 
his hands. The officer proceeded with Ferguson, and the horse was pointed 
out as the property of the two men. The sheriff of course seized the 
horse, which was sold as part payment of the debt. Ferguson often visited 
Tennessee, and in this way secured his debt, as also others which he had 
purchased. The Evans boys, being afraid of personal violence, or an order 
of arrest for them, would let these cases go by default, or would send 
money to redeem their property.----In these matters Ferguson exhibited 
great cunning, and a cool, calculating disposition, which enabled him to 
resort to any means to carry his point. 

Things went on in this way for some time. The Evans got tired of 
Ferguson's nocturnal visits to their stable, without calling upon them in 
person. They consulted a lawer, who advised them, the first time they 
found Ferguson in the State, to obtain a warrant for his arrest, charging 
him with larceny; and if they caught him they could put him through. Some 
time after this Champ Ferguson made his appearance at a camp meeting in 
Fentress county. The Evans were also there. They went to a justice of the 
peace, and obtained a warrant for Champ Ferguson's arrest, accusing him of 
the crime of larceny, committed by "taking and carrying away a horse, the 
property of______; with the felonious intent of converting it to his own 
use." The warrant was placed in the hands of sheriff Reed, who summoned a 
"posse" to assist him in taking Ferguson.. The latter, through a friend, 
heard of these movements. He did not intend to be taken without a 
struggle. Mounting his horse, he started toward the Kentucky line, pursued 
by Reed, Evans, and others. They gained upon him, Reed in advance. 

Ferguson got them "strung out" when he dismounted and prepared for battle. 
Reed also dismounted, and meeting him, told him to surrender. Ferguson 
seized Reed and stabbed him with a large knife, Reed begging him for God's 
sake not to kill him. Ferguson heeded him not, but pierced his body in 
twenty odd places. By this time one of the Evans arrived. Ferguson seized 
him and stabbed him several times. Other persons coming up, the murderer 
had to flee. He took refuge in a house near by. Running up stairs, he took 
a position at the only entrance, and swore that he would kill the first 
man that made his appearance. As only one could go up at a time, and 
Ferguson could conceal himself by the door till the person was in his 
reach, it was thought advisable not to attack him. An agreement was 
therefore made, that if he would deliver himself into the hands of an 
officer, and submit to a trial, no violence should be inflicted. He was 
then examined before a magistrate, and held for murder of Reed. (Evans was 
not killed; he recovered, although everyone expected his death.) Ferguson 
was sent to jail. He was indicted at the next term of criminal court, but, 
being permitted to give bail, was released from custody. At each 
succeeding term of the court, upon, some pretext or other, he would obtain 
a continuance of the prosecution against him. Things went on in this way 
till Tennessee seceded, which was some two or three years after he was 
indicted. It was then agreed that if Ferguson would join the rebel cause, 
the prosecution against him for murder of Reed should be dismissed. The 
villain complied, and the case was dropped. 

In all these affairs Ferguson displayed his real character----a bloody and 
unprincipled man. The history of this transaction is entirely true; and I 
have been thus particular, that I might give the reader some idea of real 
life---of society and the working of law---in that section of the country.
For some time Ferguson said but little publicly, as Clinton was a strong 
Union county, and he then had but little support or encouragement. In the 
mean time he was working secretly and doing much mischief. Upon two or 
three occasions he got very bold, owing perhaps to the influence of 
intoxication. He frequently visited a rebel camp in Fentress county, and 
conveyed them all the information he could obtain. In the early part of 
August, 1861, two companies of Union soldiers left Clinton county, when 
Ferguson became much bolder. About the last of August four Union citizens 
planned his capture, and succeeded. They started with him to Camp Dick 
Robinson, about one hundred miles from Albany. Ferguson did not complain; 
he was very submissive, and apparently little concerned about his fate. 
His point was gained. His privileges were increased, and the first 
opportunity he made his escape. Once more free, he has no concealments to 
make. The tiger is aroused. He seeks blood, and must have it. Revenge is 
inscribed upon his banner; death and ruin to Union men is his motto. He 
gloats over his victims; the last drop of human kindness and sympathy is 
gone, and he is no longer a man. He is a demon-- a fiend. He declares that 
he will never again be taken prisoner. It shall be death. He asks no 
quarters, grants none. These are his declarations.

It is not long before he obtains blood. Frogge, one of his captors, was 
taken sick and confined to his bed. While in this condition, with his 
little babe on the bed by his side, and his wife sitting by, Ferguson and 
one of his companions entered the room. He told Frogge that he had come to 
kill him. Frogge begged that his life might be spared. his wife, upon 
bended knees, and with tears in her eyes, entreated Ferguson to spare her 
husband. No entreaties could touch his heart; he heeded neither the tears 
of the wife, not the innocent looks of the child. He raised his pistol, 
and inflicted a severe wound. Frogge looked up to Ferguson imploringly, 
and once more begged him to spare his life. The murderer again fired, when 
Frogge, clasping his babe to his breast, murmured, "O God!" and died. The 
wife fled, not thinking her own life safe in presence of such a monster,
and believing both her husband and child to have been killed. Ferguson 
then took the blanket from the bed and carried it off! After this Ferguson 
became the leader of the reckless and notorious characters of that section 
of the country. 

In the latter part of September, 1861, Kentucky was invaded at several 
points by rebel troops. A body of them entered Clinton county. Ferguson 
and his followers wnt through the county, stealing horses, mules, cattle, 
and all kinds of property. Later in the season they seized all the fat 
hogs, drove them south, and sold them for large sums of money.

The next crime of which Champ Ferguson was guilty, was the murder of 
Reuben B. Wood, a respectable citizen of Clinton county. In August, 1861, 
Mr. Wood went with a company of Union soldiers to Camp Dick Robinson, and 
remained with them about a month, when he returned to his home. Some time 
after his return, Ferguson and Raine H. Philpott rode in front of his 
house, and called him. He walked out and spoke in a friendly manner. 

Ferguson said: "God damn you, Reuben Wood, I intend to kill you!" Wood 
replied, "No Champ, you would not kill me. We have lived near each other 
as neighbors all your life, and I have never done you any harm." "Yes, by 
God, I will. You carried the d---d Lincoln flag at Camp Dick Robinson." 
"Why, Champ, I nearly raised you. I nursed you on my knee." "You are a 
d----d Lincolnite," was the response; and with these words he fired upon 
Wood, inflicting a severe wound in his thigh. Wood turned and fled into 
the house, Ferguson dismounting and following him. Wood seized a hatchet 
and struck Ferguson a powerful blow upon the head. He was in the act of 
striking another which would have proved fatal, when Philpott entered the 
room with his pistol in his hand, and told Wood that if he struck he would 
shoot him. Wood knew it would be useless to contend with both of them, and 
not thinking his wound mortal, dropped the hatchet. Ferguson and Philpott 
mounted their horses and rode away, perhaps to murder another innocent 
man. Wood lingered a short time, and died. His exertions in the scuffle 
with Ferguson, added to the wound, was more than his age could bear. A 
large and respected family was left to mourn his loss. He was a peaceable 
and quiet citizen, and stood very high in society. His age was from fifty-
five to sixty. 

Ferguson threatened nearly every Union citizen in the county. A large 
number of them fled to escape his persecutions. There was scarcely a day 
that he did not fire upon some innocent person. If he had been alone, or 
with but few followers, his career would have soon ended; but he generally 
went with a considerable force. Rebel troops occupied that section in 
large force, and the citizens thought it best not to use violence. 

About this time Ferguson and a squad of his men went to the residence of 
George W. Hopkins, near Albany, in order to get possession of his little 
negro girl. She was a likely girl, and Ferguson was very anxious to get 
her into his possession. He could sell her for a large sum of money, and 
it would be a good speculation, without much risk. Mr. Hopkins was not at 
home, being in the southern army. Mrs. Hopkins heard that they were 
coming, and had conveyed the girl to parts unknown to them. (The 
underground railroad had been brought into use.) When Ferguson arrived, 
the girl could not be found. He said she was in the bed, and set fire to 
it. Mrs. Hopkins put it out. Ferguson set fire to it again, and told her 
that if she put it out he would kill her. She again extinguished it. He 
then for the third time fired the bed, and told Mrs. Hopkins that he would 
certainly kill her if she extinguished it again. For all that, she put it 
out the third time. She then told Ferguson that she heard he was coming, 
and had sent the girl away, and she would die rather than tell where she 
was. It was useless to threaten her. Ferguson and his crew saw that she 
was in earnest, and left without doing any further mischief.

On one occasion Ferguson caught a white man near Albany, by the name of 
Spangler. He made him strip, and then lashed him with a horsewhip till the 
poor man was almost dead. While he was whipping him, Capt. John A. 
Morrison, a gallant officer, and a man that Ferguson knew would fight, 
appeared in sight at the head of his company, of the 1st Regiment Kentucky 
cavalry. Ferguson and his gang this time considered discretion the better 
part of valor, as they were outnumbered, and they fled in the direction of 
Tennessee. A young man of the party, named Allen, attempted to rein his 
horse from a tree in his front; but the horse plunged in a different 
direction, and dashed his rider against the tree, killing him instantly.

Ferguson's next operations were in Tennessee. I do not know any of the 
particulars of his career in that State, but have learned that he was as 
desperate and wicked as when in Kentucky-----robbing and murdering Union 
citizens wherever he went. About this time Governor Andrew Johnson, of 
Tennessee, issued a proclamation, reciting that Ferguson had committed 
many murders and other crimes in Tennesee, and offering a reward of five 
hundred dollars for his capture and delivery to the authorities for trial 
and punishment.

Ferguson did not remain entirely in Tennessee. He made he headquarters in 
that State,----a depot for stolen property. Very frequently he would 
return to Clinton and other counties upon the border, and collect a large 
amount of property, returning with it to Tennessee. He continued these 
raids during the winter and spring of 1862, one of which, occurring about 
the 10th of April, I will allude to. He had with him his squad of 
desperate characters, and was accompanied by two other companies of 
independent partisans. He was exceedingly bloodthirsty on this occasion, 
and desired to kill every Union citizen he met. He and his band proceeded 
to a farm, where the neighbors had collected to roll the logs on a piece 
of ground intended to be planted in corn. He attacked this peaceable and 
defenceless party, and shot several of them on the spot; took others 
prisoners, who surrendered, and asked for protection. But Ferguson never 
takes prisoners. He ordered his satellites to hold them by the arms, and 
while the prisoners were in this condition, he deliberately ripped them 
open with a huge knife, their bowels dropping upon the ground. Could such 
a fiendish act be committed? It seems almost incredible, but it is 
nevertheless true. 

He then proceeded to another part of the county, to add other victims to 
his list. He met a boy by the name of Zachary, and told him to halt. The 
boy stopped. Ferguson asked him his name, which was given. That was 
enough. Young Zachary had a father and several brothers in the Union army, 
and Ferguson must take vengeance upon this defenceless boy. He 
deliberately took the gun from his shoulder and shot the boy dead. Little 
did the monster care. He delighted in the work. He added perhaps a dozen 
names to his list of victims on this expedition. Young Zachary's father, 
with a broken heart, started in pursuit of his child's murderers. He was 
not able to find Ferguson, but not long afterward he met one of the men 
who participated in the act. Waiting for no parley, he instantly shot him 
through the heart.

Such is border life. Those who have not seen or felt it, have no 
conception of the devastation and ruin brought upon the country----the 
naked and starved condition of the inhabitants---the large number of them 
that have been maltreated, and imprisoned, and murdered. Desolation and 
mourning have been brought to the door of every family. The writer, among 
many others, is an exile from home, without a pillow upon which to rest 
his weary head, with a wife and two children clinging to him for 
protection and support.

This was one of Ferguson's bloodiest raids. After murdering many of the 
citizens, he collected a large amount of property and returned to 
Tennessee. Some time after this he made another raid into the same county. 
He did not, however, succeed as well in murdering citizens. Hearing of his 
approach, they fled to the hills for safety. Yet one or two fell victims 
to his cruelty. Early in the morning Ferguson stealthily crept near the 
house of Elisha Koger, and, concealing himself, awaited for his victim to 
make his appearance. At dawn Koger rose from his bed and stepped to the 
door unsuspectingly. Ferguson instantly shot him. Koger cried, "Oh God! I 
am shot," and fell back in the house a corpse. He left a wife and several 
children almost in a helpless condition, as he had but little property. 

Soon after this, Isaac Story, a peaceable citizen, was shot upon the 
public highway by Ferguson's band. Other crimes have been committed in 
Kentucky, the details of which have not come to my notice; nor is it my 
intention to speak of every case, but give a general outlline of his 
murderous career.

I will now relate an incident of Ferguson which, instead of being like 
some others, painful and heartrending, is rather amusing. ---------,of 
Burksville, a Southern sympathizer, had, in order to keep up good feeling 
with some Union soldiers, offered a reward of one hundred dollars for 
Champ Ferguson's head. The latter heard of it, and afterward visited 
Burksville in company with the notorious Colonel John Morgan. He soon 
found ----------, who was very glad to meet him. He told him that he 
understood he had offered a reward of one hundred dollars for his head, 
and that he had brought it himself, and wanted the money. ---------- said 
it was a mistake; he had never had such talk about him. Ferguson said that 
he was certain that he had the talk, and that he intended to have the 
money. -------- brought out his confederate notes. Ferguson declined to 
receive them----he wanted good money. -------- then offered Tennessee 
money. This was also refused. He then tendered Kentucky paper and Treasury 
notes. Ferguson refused all; he said that he wanted good money, and that 
he intended to have gold; and finally forced------------ to pay him one 
hundred dollars in gold!

But Ferguson did not escape all this time without trouble and danger. He 
was very often fired upon by citizens; had several horses shot from under 
him; and received several slight wounds. In the latter part of January, 
1862, Lieutenant Perkins and a squad of the 1st Regiment Kentucky cavalry 
crossed Cumberland river, and attempted to surprise Ferguson and his band, 
who was then in Clinton county. Lieutenant Perkins waited until night, and 
then made a rapid march till he came near Ferguson's position. They 
dismounted and walked a short distance, when they came upon Ferguson and 
his party. Lieutenant Perkins attacked them with great fierceness. Some of 
the party escaped unhurt, but several were killed. Ferguson escaped with a 
slight wound in the hand. He ran by Lieutenant Perkins, yelling like a 
demon, "God damn you, shoot!" and was fired upon several times at short 
range. He had several holes made in his clothes, but was saved by a coat 
of mail which he always wore. This has been doubted by many, but I have 
conversed with a gentleman who said he had seen it, and that it covered 
his entire body. Ferguson had a very narrow escape on another occasion. As 
a portion of the 1st Regiment Kentucky cavalry was marching from Albany to 
Nashville, a squad of them came upon Ferguson near Cookesville. He was 
dressed in United States uniform, and was about to pass unnoticed, when he 
was recognized by two of them. He thereupon fled in the direction of 
Cookesville, closely pursued. Another squad of the cavalry was in the 
place, but Ferguson's cunning and strategy again saved him. He rushed into 
the town and called to them, saying, "For God's sake, don't let them 
rebels kill me." The ruse was successful. They believed that he was a 
Union soldier, and let him pass. His pursuers were soon up, and dashed on 
after him. Being mounted on a good horse, he was soon beyond the reach of 
all except two, Sergeant Floyd and Dr. J. C. Riffe, assistant surgeon of 
the regiment, who rode a fine horse, and concluded to take a tilt at 
Ferguson, as he had heard much about him. They came close behind him, and 
fired. He took the bridle between his teeth and continued the flight, at 
the same time firing over his shoulder with a pistol in each hand. He 
never looked back, but kept his head down. Floyd's horse was shot, and he 
was compelled to stop. Dr. Riffe continued the pursuit. He received a 
slight wound in his shoulder, but still pressed forward until he reached 
Ferguson's side. He then fired deliberately, putting his pistol against 
Ferguson's body. The latter abandoned his horse, and made his escape in 
the heavy timber by the road-side. He was once more saved by his coat of 
mail, without doubt. He kept his head down to secure it from the balls, as 
it was not protected. Isaac L. Smith, one of his band, and a very bad 
fellow, was with him on this occasion and was caught. As soon as the balls 
began to whistle about his head he stopped and surrendered. He was taken 
to Nashville, and from there sent North.

In June, 1862, Ferguson joined the notorious John Morgan, and was with him 
in his expedition through Kentucky in July. He was with Morgan when he 
captured a train of cars on the Louisville and Nashville railroad. Major 
W. A. Coffey was on board, and was taken a prisoner; but before being 
taken, he fired three times with a Colt's pistol. One ball cut a lock of 
Ferguson's hair entirely off, which he presented to the Major. 

In August, Ferguson was again in Clinton county, committing depredations. 
He visited the house of Mr. T. W. Tabor for plunder. He found the watch of 
Tabor's son, who had lately died. The mother objected, saying she wanted 
to keep the watch of her deceased son; and for this she was knocked down 
and otherwise maltreated.

I was informed recently that Captain Morrison and a company of Home Guards 
had killed Ferguson and sixteen of his band. If true, the country is rid 
of one of the worst characters that ever lived.


JAMES FERGUSON.

Champ Ferguson had a younger brother, commonly called "Jim," who lived in 
the same neighborhood. He also attended the race-course, and had his 
fights and personal difficulties. He also married into the same family. 
His wife was a ladylike woman. He was not as successful as Champ in making 
money, having very little property, while Champ was considered solvent, 
and able to pay all his liabilities. There was another difference between 
them. Champ, more cunning and sly, would endeavor to conceal some of his 
bad habits. Jim was more bold and open, and had a worse name than Champ, 
while in fact the latter was the worst character. Champ was a cold-blooded 
devil, and had no human sympathy. His stony heart could not be touched by 
the distress of a human being. If he did anything for the relief of those 
in distress, it was from a calculating design to benefit himself; for the 
purpose of gaining a point which he could turn to his own advantage. Jim 
was benevolent, and treated his friends with great kindness. He had 
sympathy for those in distress, and would make any sacrifices to relieve 
them. This was rather an impulse with him, for it did not extend beyond 
what he actually saw. It was not a deep-rooted principle that influenced 
his entire actions. The lower passions were dominant, and, when distress 
was not actually before him, would control his nature.

Champ and Jim generally opposed each other. They were of opposite faith, 
Champ being a democrat and Jim a whig. Neither did they always agree about 
personal matters: they would sometimes fight. Jim was a better man 
physically, and always conquered Champ. Upon the Union question they also 
differed. Jim strenuously opposed secession, and advocated the maintenance 
of the Union. He had some influence, and did some good, keeping several 
from being carried away by the excitement into secession. He was about six 
feet two inches high, and very large-----a giant in strength. He was once 
accused of passing counterfeit money, and indicted, but never had a trial. 

He was a great litigant in the courts, always suing somebody, if he was 
not sued or prosecuted himself. When sober he was quite peaceable; but 
occasionally he would get drunk, and then all his bad passions were 
stirred up. It was upon these occasions that he got into difficulties 
which brought him before the courts. He enlisted in one of the first 
companies raised in Kentucky, and became a very obedient soldier in every 
respect. Having always been free and unrestrained, roaming where he 
pleased, confinement and discipline went hard with him. He became 
restless-----could not see much advantage in drilling----wanted active 
service. Although he grew restless and weary, his officers never had any 
trouble with him. He could not understand that the colonel of another 
regiment had any control over him, and on one occasion flatly refused to 
obey his orders, and was arrested and confined for some time, but finally 
released without a court-martial. He had obtained considerable reputation 
among the Union citizens, and was very popular with many of them, owing to 
his fighting qualities. Once, while his regiment was stationed at Camp 
Dick Robinson, he obtained leave to make a visit to the country. During 
his absence he met a young man named Beasly, and asked him if he was for 
the Union or against it. Beasly avowed his disunion sentiments. Ferguson 
informed him that he must go to camp with him. Beasly said he would not 
go, and attempted to draw a weapon. Ferguson was too quick for him, and 
instantly shot him with a Sharpe's rifle. He returned to camp, and 
surrendered to the military authorities, stating that he had killed 
Beasly, and gave the circumstances attending the unfortunate affair. 

Beasly stood fair as a citizen. The secessionists in that section raised a 
cry against Ferguson, demanding his life, and some Union men joined in the 
cry. The military authorities kept him confined for two or three weeks. 
They had informed the civil authorities that he was confined, and would be 
delivered into their hands whenever they were ready to investigate the 
affair. As, however, they would not agree it give Ferguson an immediate 
hearing, but wanted to confine him in jail, and as there was very good 
reason to believe that if he was placed in jail a mob of secessionists 
would take him out and hang him, he was not surrendered to them, but 
released from his confinement. The civil authorities were at the same time 
informed that they could have Ferguson whenever they made the proper 
demand, accompanied by legal authority. The matter here dropped, and the 
case was never investigated. Beasly was the only citizen killed by 
Ferguson, so far as my knowledge extends. 

Ferguson became restless, and begged to be sent out as a scout, which was 
finally agreed to by his Colonel, on his promise not to interfere with 
citizens or private property. About the 1st of December, 1861, the 1st 
regiment of Kentucky cavalry (the regiment to which Ferguson belonged) was 
stationed at Columbia, Ky. At that time all the country south of 
Cumberland river was in possession of the rebels. Ferguson and five other 
soldiers were permitted to cross the river, and obtain such information of 
rebel movements as they could without too great danger. They crossed at 
Creelsboro, a little town on the north bank, about twenty miles from 
Columbia, and proceeded after dark about fifteen miles further, and 
obtained all the necessary information from the Union citizens. They 
learned that a squad of rebel cavalry was encamped near by, and concluded 
to have a little amusement before returning. They soon found the rebel 
camp, and made a vigorous attack upon it; the men fled, leaving horses and 
equipage, guns, pistols, sabres, etc. Ferguson took possession of the 
abandoned property, recrossed the river, and returned to camp in safety 
with the captured property, which was of considerable value. A short time 
after this a company of rebel cavalry were marching to the Cumberland 
river at Rowena, with the intention of crossing to the north side. 

Ferguson heard of their movements, and proceeded alone to the river, and 
secured the only ferry-boat at that point, which he took to the north 
bank. The river could not at that time be forded. After Ferguson had 
secured the boat, the rebel cavalry arrived and marched down to the river, 
but found that the boat had been taken to the opposite bank. Ferguson 
fired across the river at them with effect. As they could see no enemy, 
they commenced a retreat; but before they got beyond the reach of his 
rifle, he had killed one soldier and wounded one or two others, and also 
killed a horse. He remained at this point and kept them from crossing. 

On another occasion Ferguson, one other soldier, and three citizens, 
crossed the Cumberland, and after dark proceeded to the camp of a rebel 
regiment. Ferguson's plan was this: he and one of the citizens were to 
fire upon the camp, while the other soldier and two citizens were to get 
as many horses as they could take away. They left their own horses a 
considerable distance from the rebel camp, and proceeded through the woods 
on foot, avoiding the pickets, until they reached the camp. Ferguson and 
his companion fired into the camp, creating great confusion; reloaded and 
fired several times. (They had breech-loading rifles, and could fire very 
rapidly.) The drums were beat, the soldiers aroused from their slumber, 
and as soon as possible a line of battle was formed. No further attack, 
however, was made, and the rebels wondered what the matter was; but next 
morning they ascertained that five of their best horses were gone. 
Ferguson and his companions had secured them and recrossed the river in 
safety. They were much elated with their success, as the captured horses 
were very fine.

Ferguson did not stop at this; he continually annoyed the enemy, capturing 
horses, arms, etc.; he was also instrumental in obtaining important 
information. It is not necessary that I should give a detail of the 
services rendered by him; enough has already been said to indicate the 
character of the man. It will only be necessary to add that he was anxious 
to be upon all hazardoous expeditions, and that officers of other 
regiments, when starting upon important and dangerous missions, would go 
to Colonel Wolford and ask that Ferguson might be permitted to accompany 
them. His career, however, was to be short. One evening after dark he 
stopped at a house near Lancaster, Ky. Soon after entering , he was called 
by name by a person in front of the house, who told him that his horse was 
loose. He stepped to the door to answer the call, when he was shot by 
persons concealed in the yard. One load of buckshot took effect in the 
bowels, another in the thigh. He returned into the house, procured his 
rifle, and fired at the assassins from a window, but without effect. His 
wounds were mortal; no medical aid could do him good. He conversed freely, 
saying that he expected to die, and that his only regret was that he did 
not have an opportunity to defend himself. He said that he should die 
without a murmur, if he could have met his enemies face to face, and been 
killed in open fight, where his chance would have been equal. Ashort time 
before his death he said, "I have one consolation: I have discharged my 
duty to my country; I have done my duty as a soldier. As many as eight of 
my country's enemies have fallen at the crack of my rifle, but I never 
shot a man with his back to me. Take my rifle to Captain Morrison, and 
tell him that I die at the hands of cowardly assassins, but that I am not 
afraid to die." His murderers, who no doubt were hired to commit the act, 
fled to Tennessee. Beasly's friends had sworn that he should not live; and 
among others, prominent citizens of Lincoln county were implicated in the 
crime. 

James Ferguson, llike many other persons, had faults. While he was brave, 
and kind to friends, he had no respect for an enemy. He married the 
daughter of Brooks Owen, a respectable citizen of Clinton county. His wife 
was true and faithful to him. She never abandoned him in distress, but was 
always ready to defend his name from attack. She was also true to the 
Union, and often conveyed important information to the federal camps. 
Frequently she crossed the Cumberland river, and travelled a distance of 
thirty or forty miles, for the purpose of giving information of rebel 
movements. Champ Ferguson and other rebels would often visit her house and 
abuse her husband, sometimes reporting that he was dead----that he had 
been killed in some skirmish or battle. She remained chiefly at home, 
seldom going out except to obtain and convey information of rebel 
operations. She is tall and good-looking; dresses plain, as her husband 
was poor; is frank and candid. She is left with two childen to struggle on 
in her way through the world. 

I here close my sketch of the Ferguson brothers. They became quite 
notorious, and will be long remembered by the citizens on the Kentucky and 
Tennessee line. They had a brother named Benjamin, noted for nothing in 
particular except being the brother of Champ and Jim, and reputed a 
drinking and gambling character. He claimed to be loyal, but remained at 
home. In 1861 he was shot in the shoulder by Raine H. Philpott, a noted 
rebel.


EDWARD FERGUSON.

Champ Ferguson had a cousin named Edward, who lived in Clinton county at 
the commencement of the rebellion. He was loyal, and enlisted in the 5th 
Kentucky cavalry, commanded by Col. D. R. Haggard. He was strictly 
temperate, but rather excitable. He served in the United States army 
against the Indians. Of his early history I know nothing, as he lived many 
years in the State of Tennessee. He made a good soldier, and was 
considered the bravest among the brave. My regiment being in a different 
command, I have no personal knowledge of the services he rendered the 
Government; but I learned from officers in his regiment that he was one of 
the best soldiers in their command, and was always ready and enthusiastic 
when anything was to be done. On one occasion, he took a squad of soldiers 
and proceeded to a little town called Edmington, near a rebel camp, and 
tore down the confederate flag, hoisting the Stars and Stripes in its 
place. Unionists before this had been afraid to venture to this town. 
While General Zollicoffer held possession of the country south of 
Cumberland river, Edward Ferguson, together with four other soldiers, left 
camp at Columbia, Ky., and crossing the Cumberland, proceeded about eight 
miles south, and after dark attacked a squad of rebels. They met with no 
cowards, being fiercely assailed in return. Capt. Shelby Coffey, at the 
head of his men, rushed upon Ferguson and his squad. The two leaders met, 
and neither flinched. They rushed at each other, firing their revolvers 
determinedly. Both fell, Ferguson fatally wounded, but not until he had 
received several shots. Coffey survived but a few weeks. After Ferguson's 
death, his companions fled, one of them having received a severe but not 
fatal wound. One rebel, named Gabbert, was killed in this rencontre, and 
others were wounded. 

Ferguson was remarkable for his great strength, being able to raise 
immense weights with his teeth. I have seen him thus raise with ease a keg 
of nails weighing one hundred pounds. He lived and died a poor man, 
leaving a large family.


CAPT. SHELBY COFFEY.

Captain Shelby Coffey, already referred to, a young man of good family, 
was born in Wayne county, Ky. The Coffeys of this county were a wealthy 
and influential people. The Captain represented Wayne county in the 
Kentucky Legislature of 1860-61. He stood very high among the members of 
that body. After his return from the session he and other citizens of 
Wayne county went to Virginia. He was in the battle of Manasssas in July, 
1861, and is reported to have distinguished himself. Subsequently he 
returned to Tennessee and Kentucky, where he remained until his death. 
Brave, and beloved by his acquaintances, he bid fair to become 
distinguished; but, like many other youths of Kentucky, was misled by 
political tricksters. He had a good name before the rebellion, and was a 
candidate for fame; but the curse of rebellion blighted his character. 
Shelby Coffey was corrupted by James S. Chrisman, of Wayne county, who 
represented the 4th Congressional District of Kentucky in the Congress of 
U. S. in 1854-5. He is now in the Confederate Congress through a 
fraudulent election. He also corrupted several other young men, and got 
them in the army----a place that he could not be induced to occupy 
himself. He was prevailed upon to go within fifteen miles of the battle of 
Mill Springs; but as soon as he ascertained that the rebel army was 
defeated, made fast time south.

James M. Saufley, a young man of good education, who had just graduated at 
the Law University at Louisville, Ky., and who reposed entire confidence 
in Chrisman, his uncle, was persuaded by him to abandon his home and 
follow him to Tennessee. Young Saufley was not willing to go, nor did he 
intend to join the rebel army; but Chrisman conveyed him to a rebel camp 
in Fentress county. Capt. Morrison, with his company of Union soldiers, 
attacked the camp and put the rebels to flight. Poor Saufley was left dead 
upon the battle ground. His death was regretted by all his acquaintances. 
He was considered innocent, but a victim to Chrisman's treason. Although 
several young men of Wayne county whom Chrisman seduced were in this camp, 
Chrisman himself was not there. He always sought a safer place than a 
camp. 

Who can estimate the magnitude of the crime committed by Simon B. Buckner, 
John C. Breckinridge, and James S. Chrisman, in misleading and corrupting 
the youth of Kentucky!


RAINE H. PHILPOTT.

This young man, who has already been spoken of in connection with Champ 
Ferguson, is of good parentage, and received an excellent education. His 
father died while he was a child, leaving him, his only son, considerable 
property. Inclined to be wild and reckless, he became fond of the 
intoxicating bowl and was often found at the card-table. It did not take 
long, after he arrived at the age of twenty-one, to squander his estate; 
being haughty and insulting, he was often involved in difficulties. He had 
a quarrel with a young man named Allen, and attempted to kill him; but 
Allen, not being so much intoxicated, and quicker in movement, stabbed 
Philpott severely. A month or so after, Philpott recovered, but was none 
the wiser for the lesson received. His political tutors either joined the 
rebellion or became sympathizers of the rebel cause. It is not strange 
therefore that he followed their example, nor, considering his wild and 
intemperate habits, is it strange that he became a guerilla, a marauder, 
and associate with such a man as Champ Ferguson. He was a party to a 
portion of that villian's crimes. Ferguson and Philpott took horses, 
mules, and hogs from from the citizens, and drove them south for sale. 
Philpott thereby got a large sum of money in his possession. He was in 
Tennessee with Champ Ferguson when last heard from, and it was rumored 
that Ferguson and another person had killed him for his money. Feguson was 
capable of such an act, and probably committed the crime; but it was 
believed that Philpott went to Texas. He was a victim to his passions and 
the guile of political demagogues.


CAPTAIN HAMILTON.

Among the notorious rebels and guerilla chiefs is Captain Hamilton, of 
Jackson county, Tenn. Before the rebellion he was known as a man of 
property and respectability, although somewhat dissipated, and fond of the 
race course. At the commencement of hostilities he raised an independent 
company for the rebel service, operating principally in Jackson and 
Overton counties, Tenn., and Monroe and Cumberland counties, Ky. On one 
occasion, while in Cumberland county, he visited the farm of -------, for 
the purpose of capturing or murdering him and his sons. They were all 
absent except one of the boys, who started to run, when he was fired upon 
by the party and left for dead; he however recovered. The only fault of 
this family was loyalty to the Union. 

After General Zollicoffer had been defeated and his army driven from the 
upper Cumberland, and Nashville taken by the Union forces, Hamilton 
watched the river, and kept up a blockade so that steamboats could not 
navigate it above Nashville. One boat, however, ventured out and ascended 
the river. Hamilton permitted it to go up, but captured it on its return. 
It was laden with tobacco and other valuable property, which he seized. He 
was very active. He took a great number of horses and other property from 
Union citizens, and captured from the Home Guards in Kentucky a large 
quantity of arms furnished them by the Government. One incident will be 
sufficient to portray his true character, without relating other crimes 
which he committed. A young man of Monroe county, Ky., incurred his 
displeasure, probably because he was a Unionist, as he was considered very 
quiet and peaceable. Captain Hamilton crossed Cumberland river below 
Celina, Tenn., and proceeded to Monroe county, Ky., on a raid against the 
citizens of that county. With a squad of his men he went to the house of 
this young man and surrounded it. He came out, and being fired upon, ran 
to escape the danger that threatened him. They fired again, and wounded 
him, when he was captured. His distressed mother begged them to spare the 
life of her son, and the young man also entreated them to save his life. 
But entreaties were of no avail, Hamilton had become a cruel monster; he 
had lost his manhood. He gave the order; his gang fired again, and the 
young man sank a lifeless form at his mother's feet. Unhappy mother! Her 
only child, her only dependence, snatched from her in a moment! Yet she 
was not the only mother that suffered at the hands of this fiend. Hamilton 
is still at large, and, if possible, growing harder and more cruel every 
day.

I have said enough of these guerilla chiefs. They have devastated the 
country, and carried death to almost every household. Yet they flourish; 
they have increased their forces, obtained new allies, and extended their 
work. And who knows where it will end? If not checked soon, this border 
will be a desolated plain. Will the Government suffer this? Will it send 
protection to these loyal people? Nearly all the able-bodied men of this 
section are in the army. Can they not be sent back to protect their 
families from the atrocities of worse than savages?