The Patriots and Guerillas - Chapter III



CHAPTER III.
KENTUCKY AND THE REBELLION.

What wonderful changes have been produced by the rebellion! We are in the 
midst of a conflict which has revolutionized the feelings, sentiments, and 
opinions of all the people. Who supposed that the rebellion would assume 
such gigantic proportions? Who suspected that the rebels would exhibit 
such strength, resource, and energy? Who imagined that it would take more 
than a million of men to conquer them? Other things just as wonderful have 
occurred. The rebellion was no sudden thing. Politicians had been 
preparing the minds of the people for it for more than thirty years. If it 
had been a sudden outbreak, a bubble, it could have been easily 
controlled; it would have been crushed ere this. But it was founded upon a 
deep-seated feeling of hatred When it came, it brought with it power and 
strength---a power which forced upon the American people tremendous 
issues. These issues had to be met and acted upon. Does any one suppose 
that at the close of the war, when peace is restored to the country, 
affairs will assume their former condition? Does any one suppose that 
slavery will have the same political power that it formerly had, or that 
the old dispute about slavery in the Territories of the United States. 
Does any one suppose that we will have any more fugitive-slave laws? Is 
not everybody satisfied that slavery as an institution has received a 
death blow---that it is in its last agonies? The slaves may not be 
liberated during the struggle, but a blow has already been struck that 
will finally destroy slavery upon the American continent. 

I have been led to these reflections by a retrospective view of the 
condition of my native State, Kentucky. They may not be proper in this 
place, but I will let them stand as I have written them. Powerful changes 
have already accurred in Kentucky; a mighty revolution has taken place in 
that State. As these changes are for the better, I have no reflections to 
cast upon any one who has assisted in producing this change. As a 
Kentuckian, I am familiar with the occurrences in my native State for 
several years past. I will take a brief notice of affairs there, in order 
to set forth the gradual changes taking place, and to explain the reasons 
why Kentucky was slow in taking up arms in defence of the Government; and 
also to present the difficulties under which a few patriotic and brave 
spirits have labored. 

In 1859, the people of Kentucky were called upon to cast their suffrages 
for an occupant of the Gubernatorial chair for the succeeding four years. 
Beriah Magoffin, Democrat, and Joshua F. Bell (old line Whig), opposition, 
were the candidates. The Democrats had obtained the ascendency in 1856, 
and a powerful effort was to be made to redeem the State from their power. 
The opposition brought out their most popular man. For many years the 
question of Slavery had been agitated to such an extent that the elections 
were controlled almost entirely by it. There had been a continual clamor 
for Southern rights, in which the Democrats had generally taken the lead. 
Bell was a shrewd politician. He endeavored to get the advantage in this 
canvass. He took the position that, in accordance with the decision of the 
Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case, Congress had the power, and it was a 
duty, to pass a law to protect slave property in the Territories. Magoflin 
took the position that the Constitution and the common law afforded 
sufficient protection, and that no legislation was necessary. It will be 
seen that each party at that time favored the extension of slavery, and 
that politicians appealed to sectional feelings and prejudices to carry 
their elections. 

Magoflin was elected by a small majority. The canvass was very unfortunate 
for the Union cause. It was calculated to poison the minds of the people, 
and prejudice them against the people of the Northern States. It gave 
encouragement to the secessionists, who were then planning the destruction 
of the Union. Bell was so heated with party excitement, that he did not 
see the fatal results which an agitation of the question in that form 
would produce. He did not know that he was adding fuel to the volcano that 
was then almost ready to burst and send destruction throughout the land. 
When his head became cool, and he was no longer a candidate, his voice was 
heard sounding throughout the State, denouncing everything that had a 
tendency to weaken the cords that bound us together as one people. The 
very next year he stigmatized, in eloquent tones, the Breckinridge party, 
as a disunion party----a party which advocated the same doctrines he 
upheld the year before. 

In 1860, the people were called upon to elect a President for four years 
from the 4th of March, 1861. Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, John 
Bell, and John C. Breckinridge were the candidates. Abraham Lincoln was 
elected. John Bell obtained the electoral vote of Kentucky; John C. 
Breckinridge, once the pride of Kentucky, was defeated in his native 
State. He was the candidate of the secessionists. The people of Kentucky 
were not prepared to indorse any movement that had for its object the 
dissolution of the Union; yet Breckinridge received but few. Douglas 
received a respectable, but not large vote. The bold canvass made by him 
and his friends aided greatly in defeating Breckinridge. The denunciation 
of sectional parties, and the warm advocacy of national unity, by Douglas, 
had a powerful effect. It, to a great degree, broke the chain that 
politicians had been forging for the people; it caused many to pause and 
think; it brought many back to their former love of the Union. 

In April, 1861, all the cotton States had seceded: Virginia was gone. The 
loyal States were called upon to furnish troops to put down the rebellion. 
Kentucky hesitated; she at first declared that she would be neutral. Why 
was this? 

1st. The institutions of Kentucky were similar to those of the seceded 
States; they were sister States; Kentucky had always been upon the most 
friendly terms with them; she therefore had a natural sympathy for them.
2d. The politicians for many years had told the people that the South had 
been imposed upon, and had not obtained their rights; and by these means 
had created a feeling which was hard to subdue. With such men as John C. 
Breckinridge, Humphrey Marshal, William Preston, Simon B. Buckner, James 
B. Clay, William E. Simms, Henry C. Burnett, and others, advocating the 
Southern cause, and Governor Magoflin inclining in that direction, it was 
no easy task to take a bold stand against the South, and surmount these 
difficulties. 
3d. She also hoped, by taking this position, to exercise a greater 
influence for the Union; she hoped to influence the seceding States to 
return to their allegiance. 

But when it was known that no compromise could be effected, and when 
Kentucky's soil was invaded, neutrality was no longer known; there could 
be no neutrality. Kentucky had to be either for or against the Union. She 
would not abandon the Government that had never wronged her; she would not 
abandon the star-gemmed banner that had afforded ample protection to her 
people, and become a party to Southern treason. The question was soon 
decided. Her sons rallied around the flag of their country. 

Such is an outline of the struggle in Kentucky. Union men had many 
difficulties to surmount. The people of this State have met other 
important questions and decided upon them. She is now for the Union 
without and conditions. She prefers the Union without slavery, to disunion 
with slavery. She has sacrificed sectional feelings: a confiscation bill 
has been passed by Congress; the President has issued an emancipation 
proclamation; yet Kentucky does not falter. Her soldiers are in the 
foremost ranks, doing battle for the country's cause, for freedom and 
liberty.

I have already said too much upon a matter that is so well understood. 
Although the doctrine of neutrality was at one time quite popular in 
Kentucky, yet there were Kentuckians that knew no neutrality. They were 
for the Union unconditionally. They advocated the use of immediate and 
decisive means to crush the rebellion. They said that any attempt to 
compromise with it was useless. Such was the position of Judge Thomas E. 
Bramlette and Frank Wolford. They knew no neutrality between their 
Government and rebels. They made speeches. Judge Bramlette spoke in every 
county in his judicial district, and some of the speeches were published. 
These two patriots were ready and anxious to raise troops for the defence 
of the Government; but they would not leave the State to organize Kentucky 
soldiers, as did some others. They did not receive permission to organize 
Kentucky troops upon Kentucky's soil till July, 1861, when it was decided 
to establish a camp for the collection and instruction of Kentucky 
volunteers. Bramlette, Wolford, Speed, S. Fry, and T. T. Garrard received 
commissions as colonels. Colonel Wolford was authorized to raise a 
regiment of cavalry, and the others infantry. These noble spirits had 
serious difficulties to encounter. Governor Magoflin was opposed to the 
establishment of the camp. The camp was threatened by the State Guard, 
under command of General S. B. Buckner. Men claiming loyalty opposed the 
movement. It has been said that Garrett Davis, now United States Senator, 
strenuously opposed it; that he visited the camp, for the purpose of 
urging these colonels to abandon the enterprise; that he went to see 
President Lincoln in regard to it. Various citizens visited the camp and 
talked to the officers, and endeavored to persuade them to abandon the 
movement. I was told by an officer that a meeting was held at the camp, at 
which several distinguished Kentuckians were present, and that only one 
citizen (E. L. Winkle) supported the officers. The camp was, however, 
established, and these four colonels were soon at the head of a fine body 
of Kentucky soldiers. Two regiments of Tennessee troops were also 
organized at this camp.


CAMP DICK ROBINSON.

The camp established by the noble and patriotic spirits was called Camp 
Dick Robinson. It took its name from Dick (Richard) Robinson, the owner of 
the farm upon which it was established. The camp was located in Garrard 
county, on the turnpike road leading from Lancaster and Danville to 
Lexington. The roads from these town formed a junction at Robinson's. The 
camp is in a very wealthy blue-grass region. Dick's river is about two 
miles west, and Kentucky river about ten miles north, of the camp. These 
two rivers, and the broken land and hills through which they run, with the 
hills east of the camp, make it a very strong military position. The 
country south of it is level and quite fertile. The camp was situated on a 
very rich and level farm.


GENERAL WILLIAM NELSON.

General William Nelson, who commanded at this camp, had been a naval 
officer for a number of years. He was a very large man. He had a strong 
constitution, large red face, broad forehead, black hair which curled 
slightly. He had a fine voice, which was strong, and could be heard at a 
great distance. He was excitable, and easily got into a passion; was very 
strict in discipline, and could not tolerate opposition; strict and 
tyrannical as a soldier, but quite social, and enjoyed himself in good 
society. He was a good scholar and a fine writer.


COLONEL THOMAS E. BRAMLETTE.

Colonel Bramlette, as has already been said, took a very decided and firm 
position against the rebellion. The regiment organized by him was 
denominated by the 3d Regiment of Kentucky infantry. He was born and 
raised in Clinton county, Ky., where he practised law for a number of 
years. He was a member of the Kentucky Legislature from this county for 
one session; he also acted as Commonwealth's Attorney while a citizen of 
the county. In 1852 he moved to Columbia, Ky., where he became noted as 
one of the best lawyers in the State. In 1856 he was elected Destrict or 
Circuit Judge, in which capacity he served till July, 1861. I have already 
said that at the commencement of the rebellion he took a decided position, 
and canvassed part of the State. He was the originator of the plan to arm 
the Home Guards of the State. These arms were styled Lincoln guns. Colonel 
Bramlette said it made no difference what they were called, they were the 
best and only argument for traitors. The possession of them was the means 
of keeping the secessionists of the State quiet, and the only thing that 
prevented civil war. Colonel Bramlette labored more faithfully and did 
more good for the Union cause than any man in the State. His regiment was 
organized from the mountain counties. After leaving Camp Dick Robinson, he 
did good service in Kentucky under General Thomas, and afterward in 
Tennessee and at Corinth under General Buell. He is tall and slender, has 
a Roman nose and eagle eye, a large head and prominent forehead. He is a 
man of fine intellect, and, like many other great men, is self-made. He 
has an unconquerable will, and is the bravest among the brave. It is to be 
regretted that he did not have a position equal to his capacity. The 
Kentucky Legislature unanimously recommended him as a suitable person to 
be commissioned as a brigadier-general, and it is unfortunate that he did 
not receive the appointment.


COLONEL T. T. GARRARD.

Colonel Garrard organized the 6th Kentucky regiment of infantry. He was an 
officer in the Mexican war, in which capacity he rendered good service. At 
the time of his commission as colonel he was State senator. His regiment 
has seen much service. They were at Wildcat, and also with General Morgan 
at the Cumberland Gap. They have had many skirmishes with the enemy. 
Colonel Garrard is considered a fine officer.


COLONEL SPEED S. FRY.

This officer organized the 4th regiment of Kentucky infantry. He is about 
forty years old, and rather heavy built; is good natured and pleasant, 
cool and brave in battle, and an excellent officer. He was a captain in 
the Mexican war, and distinguished himself at the battle of Buena Vista. 
He earned distinction also at the battle of Mill Springs, January 19th, 
1862. General Zollicoffer was slain by him in this battle, and for his 
gallantry he received a commission as brigadier-general. As such he has 
done excellent service under General Buell.


COLONEL BIRD.

This gentleman is a citizen of Tennessee. He was a farmer of considerable 
wealth, but, being loyal, was compelled to abandon his home and property. 
He bade farewell to his wife and children, and made his escape over the 
mountains to Kentucky. He was commissioned as colonel of the 1st East 
Tennessee regiment.


COLONEL CARTER.

Who commands the 2d East Tennessee regiment, is only known to me as a 
refugee from Tennessee, and a man of high standing at home. His regiment 
and that of Colonel Bird were organized at Camp Dick Robinson. I have 
already mentioned the services rendered by them.


COLONEL FRANK WOLFORD.

Colonel Wolford is forty-five years old. He is heavy built, but not tall; 
has black hair, a gray, restless eye, and a Roman nose; dresses plainly, 
and is quite homely. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and never 
drinks intoxicating liquors. He resides in Liberty, Ky., and is a lawyer 
of high standing. He is very effective before a jury. In society he is 
fond of a joke, and keeps everybody in his presence in good humor. He has 
been a member of the Kentucky Legislature, but is no politician, and is 
strongly opposed to the use of money or liquors in elections. He is a 
widower, his wife having died several years ago, leaving him three 
children, two boys and a girl. During the war with Mexico he raised a 
company, but as their services were not received, he enlisted as a private 
in another company----the 2d Kentucky regiment, commanded by Colonels 
McKee and young Henry Clay. He was in the battle of Buena Vista, and near 
Colonel Clay when he received his first wound. He called together a squad 
of soldiers, told them that they must save their Colonel, and directed two 
of them to take Colonel Clay in their arms, which they did, when the 
others formed a circle around them, and with their bayonets kept the 
Mexicans off. In this order they proceeded about half a mile, when they 
were compelled to abandon their gallant Colonel, some of the men being 
killed, and circle broken. Wolford and one other soldier only of this 
squad made their escape.

Colonel Wolford has always been an uncompromising Union man, even when 
others were talking about the glorious results to be derived from a 
condition of neutrality, and proud position Kentucky occupied----that 
while the storm was raging, and all was confusion and excitement on every 
side, Kentucky remained calm, and stood majestic, bidding defiance to the 
waves of passion that were surging and beating aganist her ship of state; 
that Kentucky would become the most honored member of the confederacy. 
Colonel Wolford told them that this was very pretty talk, but as for him, 
he knew no neutrality; the strife was between his country and traitors who 
were attempting to destroy it; and if Kentucky permitted others to crush 
the rebellion and restore the Union without her help, she would be the 
most dishonored State of the Union. 

In July he received a commission as colonel of cavalry, and at once set 
about to recruit his regiment. On August 3d, three companies of his 
regiment went into camp at Camp Dick Robinson. It was not long before his 
regiment numbered twelve companies. He is a brave, energetic officer, and 
restless unless in active service; is very kind to his soldiers, and 
beloved by all of them. If there is any fighting to be done, he wants to 
do a part of it. He is perfectly cool upon the battle-field, not appearing 
to be the least excited. His regiment has done service in all parts of 
Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. The Colonel distinguished himself at the 
battles of Wild Cat, October 21st, 1861, Mill Springs, January 19th, 1862, 
and Lebanon, Tenn., May 5th, 1862, where he was severely wounded. Besides 
these battles, his regiment has been in many skirmishes, and done good 
service as scouts. 

I will here introduce a letter written to the Louisville Journal, February 
26, 1862, which gives a characteristic yet truthful account of the 
services rendered by Colonel Wolford's regiment to that date.

"CAMP MORTON, NEAR BARDSTOWN, Feb. 26.

"To the Editors of the Louisville Journal:

"GENTLEMEN: Colonel Wolford and his regiment have at last found a resting 
place. No pickets out, no camp guard, yet restless and anxious to be on 
march to the South. This regiment has been on almost a continual scout for 
nearly six months past. They met the rebels first in an attempt to stop 
our arms at Lexington, and, headed by Colonel Bramlette, by one dicisive 
stroke put down all armed interference there. They marched to Munday's 
landing, and by that movement showed the difficulty of escaping to 
Zollicoffer at the Cumberland Gap. They hastened to Frankfort to secure 
that city and arsenal, and, headed by Colonel Wolford and with Bramlette's 
infantry, terrified the secesh of 'Sweet Owen' to silence. They were then 
despatched to meet the advance of Zollicoffer's cavalry upon London, and 
when they reached that place the inhabitants had all fled, except one old 
lady, who came out clapping her hands and shouting, 'Glory to God, the 
country is saved! Here is Colonel Wolford and his cavalry.' The people 
soon returned, when he again fell back upon Camp Wildcat, and, in 
connection with Garrard's regiment, fortified that place. In a few days he 
had a heavy skirmish at London with a double number, and drove them back 
in terror. We had hardly time to return and rest our horses and men, when 
Zollicoffer marched up to storm Camp Wildcat. We reached the works on 
Sabbath, and took the advance position with the 33d Indiana, and there 
about seven hundred men of these gallant regiments, with a few home 
guards, met the main attack of the enemy as they attempted to storm that 
point in order to shell our camp. Wolford's and Colonel Coburn's Indiana 
regiments, both on foot and side by side, mingled their kindred blood in 
that short, decisive conflict. The other regiments would have doubtless 
done as well, but these occupied the front and most exposed position. The 
enemy ever after were heard to say that they feared the 'Old Wolf' with 
his Sharp's-rifle boys. This regiment are nearly all mountain boys, 
farmers' sons, quiet and orderly in camp, befriended by the mountain 
people, and welcome in every house, and known over all Southeastern 
Kentucky. After, the Wildcat battle, all except two companies were sent to 
Somerset, and scouted down to Albany, and even over to Tennessee. Captain 
Morrison and his company were the first to pass into Tennessee of all the 
Union forces, when they broke up the secesh camp, McGinnis. After clearing 
the counties of Wayne and Clinton three times, they were ordered back with 
Bramlette's and Hoskins's regiments to Somerset, and from there in a few 
days passed down to Columbia. From Columbia a part under Colonel Wolford 
returned to Waitesboro, and, after assisting to repel Zollicoffer, 
returned again to Columbia, where, after nearly four months' hard service, 
they were furnished proper clothing for the first time, and two months' 
pay. After this, Lientenant-Colonel Letcher, with half (six companies) of 
the regiment, was ordered to the Big Sandy to assist in driving back 
Marshall's forces, and these companies will rejoin us again this week 
here. From the fact that this regiment has been divided into three 
divisions, and were the only cavalry in Southeastern Kentucky to bear 
despatches, and often passed from one division to the other, some think 
they have no discipline or order, which is a secesh falsehood, and used by 
them because they wished to injure, and, if possible, get the regiment 
changed into infantry. But if they would know how this regiment is 
regarded by the Union citizens, let them go to those parts where they have 
been, and where all Union citizens welcomed them as their protectors and 
friends. Wolford and his regiment are more dreaded by the enemy in East 
Tennessee than all the rest, the prisoners tell us. And Zollicoffer was in 
the continual habit of charging them, when he sent them out on 
reconnoissance from Mill Spring toward Green river, 'to keep a sharp 
lookout, or the Old Wolf would get them certain.' With only four companies 
he occupied camp Williams, within twenty-five miles of the whole force of 
Zollicoffer, for over a month, coming in almost daily conflicts with some 
of his pickets. His prisoners tell us they were awfully afraid of our 
pickets, as we carried such long-ranged, deadly guns. And when their 
forage trains came over toward Green river, the Union men would hide, and 
the women stand in the door and tell them how glad they were that they 
were going over there, 'for the Old Wolf would be sure to get them.' And 
under that apprehension they would often turn back or go some other course 
for forage. They say they did not like to meet men who carried young 
cannons on their horses. They had heard their balls whistle at Wildcat, 
and did not wish to hear them again. They always reconnoitered in large 
force, and at every few miles inquired for Wolford's cavalry; and, we 
think, the secrecy of General Thomas's success was owing in part to their 
dread of meeting him. The two companies at Somerset never had much chance, 
as they were always met by five times their number when on picket, and 
they often met and fought ten times their own number, falling back 
generally in good order to the encampment.

"There has been hardly a battle or skirmish in all Eastern or Southeastern 
Kentucky but what some of this regiment were in it, fighting either on 
horseback or afoot, as they could do the best service. They do not, 
however, pretend to be a well-drilled regiment, nor are they all armed as 
regular cavalry. But in a kind of 'half-horse and half-alligator fight' 
they are hard to beat. Their companies are drilled in company drill, and, 
as companies, in your own graphic language, are 'h--l on a scout.' The 
Colonel is the idol of his men, and, as a quiet, plain, sensible, 
generous, Christian gentleman, is an example to all in like position. A 
lawyer by profession, and a soldier who, when his company (of which he was 
captain) was not received in the Mexican war, enlisted in another as a 
private and served with honor, he deserves the high position he holds in 
the service and in the people's affections. He and his brave boys did 
their duty in the battle at Logan's Fields and Mill Spring, as all know. 
In the advance on horses, and then with the gallant Indiana 10th and 
Kentucky 4th on foot, they fought on until the victory was complete. 

"They claim no precedence over the other brave regiments in that battle, 
where all did their duty nobly and well. But it is a wonderful coincidence 
that these same cavalry boys, with another Indiana regiment, were again in 
the advance as at Wildcat, and thus, as brothers from sister States, 
cemented their love of the union with their blood. They fell side by 
side---they fill a common and a hallowed grave; and let Indiana and 
Kentucky, Ohio and Minnesota, remember their brave sons sleeping on the 
banks of the Cumberland, and let no prejudice jar the living who have so 
glorious a common heritage there. 
KIRKWOOD.

"P.S. One of our companies has just returned from detached service in 
Clinton county. They report the cavalry of McHenry and Bledsoe as still 
stealing horses and committing outrages in that county. They had a 
skirmish with a party headed by Champ Ferguson, in which they killed one 
and mortally wounded three more, as we learned, and got six horses; one of 
ours only slightly wounded. The forces of Mill Spring, after their defeat, 
all fled home in utter confusion, and no company of all that army can be 
gathered together again.
K."

 
It may not be out of place here to give a few anecdotes of Colonel 
Wolford, which may prove interesting to the reader.

General Nelson had great confidence in Colonel Wolford, and always treated 
him kindly. On one occasion, in the Colonel's absence, General Nelson 
visited the cavalry camp, and, not finding things to suit him, cursed both 
officers and privates. This created considerable excitement, as the 
Kentuckians did not like to be talked to in that manner. On Colonel 
Wolford's return to camp he was informed of the occurrence. He went to 
General Nelson, and told him that he understood he had cursed his officers 
and men. General Nelson said that it was true; that he could not get them 
to do right, and that they would not obey his orders. Col. Wolford said he 
did not wish any one to curse his soldiers----that he would as soon be 
cursed himself. General Nelson said he would not curse them if the Colonel 
would make them obey. The Colonel replied that he could do that. General 
Nelson then remarked, "Well, Colonel, if you will, I will not go in your 
camp any more." The General kept his word. When he spoke of them afterward 
he would say, "They don't like discipline, but they will fight like h--l."
In the latter part of September, 1861, Colonel Wolford, with a portion of 
his regiment, was marching in the direction of London, Ky., to meet the 
advance of General Zollicoffer's forces, who were then moving into 
Kentucky. A lady ran to the roadside, shouting, "Glory to God! I thank God 
that I have been spared to see the sight." Colonel Wolford in a loud voice 
gave the command, "Column, halt!" --and rode to the lady , and said, "Are 
you a single lady, a married woman, or a widow?" She said, "I am a widow." 
Said the Colonel, "I am a widower, and if you are willing, we will get 
married when the war is over." She said, "Agreed." He continued, "You must 
get you a pair of shoes before the wedding." "I have a pair of shoes," she 
replied, "but the rebel scamps didn't give me time to put them on." Said 
the Colonel, "Well, give me your hand." They shook hands and separated. 
Colonel Wolford rode back and gave the word of command, "Forward, march!" 
and moved away. The Colonel said he would know the lady if he was to see 
her again, but forgot to ask her name; and is afraid that he will have 
some difficulty in finding her at the end of the war. 

In April, 1862, Colonel Wolford, with a portion of his regiment, marched 
from Glasgow, Ky., to Celina, Tenn., expecting to meet a rebel force 
reported to be in the vicinity: they were not found, however. While his 
forces were crossing the Cumberland river, the men of the town fled; but 
the women collected in squads, and from their actions Colonel Wolford 
supposed they were alarmed. He approached them calmly, and told them not 
to be alarmed, as he came to make war upon soldiers, and not upon 
defenceless women. One of them replied, "Colonel, I am not afraid of you 
or any of your soldiers; and I don't suppose these ladies are; if so, they 
are not genuine Southern ladies." The Colonel replied that he was glad to 
know they were not alarmed, and left, without attempting to quiet any 
other ladies of that town.

While Colonel Wolford's regiment was stationed at Camp Dick Robinson, a 
citizen inquired for him. An officer pointed him to the Colonel. The 
citizen said, "Do you mean to insult me? I want to see the Colonel. I want 
no burlesque." He expected to see a fine-looking officer, dressed in 
splendid uniform, but was disappointed, as Colonel Wolford is an 
unhandsome man, dressing in plain attire. 

Colonel Wolford is very strict about interfering with citizens or their 
private property, maintaining that they should be respected. He is kind to 
prisoners: no officer in the army shows more attention to the sick and 
wounded. He is a pure patriot. It was reported to him that he was about to 
be removed from his command. He said, "They can't prevent me from 
fighting. I will go in the ranks."