The Patriots and Guerillas - Chapter V-End



CHAPTER V.
A CAMPAIGN IN TENNESSEE.

Before starting, Colonel Wolford ordered that each man should have his 
arms placed in the best order, and procure one hundred rounds of 
ammunition. The four companies were composed of three hundred and twenty-
five men, including officers. On the ------- day of April, 1862, we left
Glasgow, and on the second day of our march we crossed the Cumberland 
river at Burksville, and arrived at Albany on the third day. We here
ascertained that three rebel companies had just left and gone to 
Tennessee, with a large amount of property that they had taken from the 
citizens. The recent rains had so swollen Wolf and Obey's rivers that we 
could not cross them; so we remained at Albany nearly a week. It was very 
fortunate for the rebels that they got into Tennessee before the rise of 
these rivers. With the two forces so near together, between these rivers 
and the Cumberland, and no line of retreat, a collision would have 
occurred, which would have resulted in destruction of one of the parties.

On the 24th day of April, Colonel Wolford's little band started from 
Albany. It was not long before we had crossed the State line and were in 
the northeastern portion of Overton county, Tenn. After travelling a short 
distance, three officers rode to the fence in front of a house, and asked 
for water. A young lady brought us some, which was drunk eagerly by all. 
Being asked about the movement of the rebel troops, she said that a few 
days before our arrival a squad of rebels had called at their house and 
demanded all the arms on the place.

She informed them that she had a musket, but that they would not get it. 
They advanced toward her to take it. She presented it at them, and told 
them that the first man who attempted to take it would certainly die. They 
believed her to be in earnest, and would keep her word if they made any 
further demonstrations; so they went away without it. Expressing a wish to 
see her musket, she went into the house and brought it out, and went 
through the manual of arms as well as a soldier. Her name is Zachary.

We crossed Wolf river near J. D. Hale's residence. The house was closed 
and the mill idle; everything presented a desolate appearance. The most 
picturesque scene I ever witnessed was at the crossing of Obey's river. 
About half a mile from the river, on the north side, the road makes a 
precipitate descent into the river bottom. I stood upon the brink of the 
hill at this point, and took a view of the surrounding country. There lay 
the beautiful river at my feet, and a vast plain upon the opposite side, 
perhaps three miles in width, while a range of hills is presented to the 
view. Just beyond this range is another, then a third one, and so on to 
the farther range, which is of great height. These hills approached the 
river both to the right and left, thus forming a basin. The timber, which
was very heavy upon them, was just getting green; the warm spring days had 
pushed out the buds and leaves.

The soldiers marched down to the river, and, with the waving of hats and 
banners, rushed into the foaming water, which was nearly over the backs
of our horses. It was necessary to march down the stream one hundred 
yards, and then make a turn and march up-stream at the same time. It was a 
beautiful scene. I am no poet, nor have I imagination enough to describe 
the scene as I would wish; yet I have given the outlines, from which a 
highlywrought fancy can form a beautiful picture.

We continued our march, without any interruption or remarkable occurrence, 
until we were within a mile of Livingston, when Lieutenant Adams and
Sergeant Carpenter fell in with a rebel lieutenant, and gave him such a 
close chase that he abandoned his horse and made his escape into the 
woods. They captured his horse, however, with good equipage. We then 
proceeded until we came in sight of Livingston, and then halted. Two 
squads were sent in advance, and directed to march into the town by 
different streets, the main body following at a slow gait.

It was near sunset; the clouds were dark, and the evening gloomy. It was 
not long before we heard the crack of rifles in front. The soldiers gave a
yell, and all galloped to the assistance of their comrades; all were sure 
of a fight. At this moment the rain commenced falling, and in a few moments
it was pouring down in torrents. When we reached the centre of the town we 
found our comrades, who had captured several prisoners and driven others
into houses. We captured eight rebel soldiers; they were the picket of 
Captain McHenry's company --an unexpected turn in affairs, both for the 
picket and citizens, the latter of whom ran in every direction, the men 
concealing themselves, and the women and children screaming. The women 
"didn't want their houses burnt; " some "didn't want their husbands killed 
or carried off," as they had done nothing.

They were assured that we professed to be gentlemen, and that we would not 
interfere with private property or citizens. Quiet was finally restored.
It was now dark, and still raining. We started in search of Captain 
McHenry's company. We had not gone far before we met a rebel colonel and 
senator, whom we arrested and kept a day, and released upon their parole, 
which I have since heard they violated. We then proceeded about two miles
from Livingston. It was very dark, and raining.

Our guide did not know exactly where we would find McHenry, and we had 
travelled thirty-five miles during the day, and all were wet; so we 
returned to town and procured something for the horses to eat, and made 
our suppers on cooked meat and bread that we had brought along in our 
haversacks. We took lodging in the court house and adjoining houses. Thus 
ended our first day in Tennessee.

We were up early next morning, and after getting breakfast and feeding our 
horses, started again. It was such a stormy night, and our pickets were so 
well posted, that McHenry had not heard of our approach. His men were 
considerably scattered; but we soon started several of them. The boys were 
eager for fun. The rebels fled before us wherever we went. The chase was 
kept up during the entire day, but Captain McHenry and a portion of his 
men succeeded in making their escape to the mountains. Sometimes ten or 
fifteen of our boys would be after one or two rebels, and again two or 
three would chase ten or fifteen. Wherever one made his appearance, the 
rebels thought all were coming; and our movements were so rapid that they 
could not tell how many men we had, some even supposing we were a thousand 
strong.

One company followed a portion of the rebel forces to Cookesville. It was 
here that they came up with Champ. Ferguson, an account of which affair is 
given elsewhere. Night put a stop to the chase, previous to which we had 
captured about thirty rebel soldiers, including a lieutenant named 
Goodbar. Some very rich scenes occurred during the day. One fellow created 
much merriment by having "Jeff Davis" in large capitals worked in the 
browband of his bridle; but, as he proved himself a citizen, our kind 
Colonel liberated him the next morning. Some of the men discharged their 
guns for the purpose of cleaning them. A citizen in the neighborhood, 
hearing the noise, seized his gun, mounted his horse, and was making for 
our camp, when he was arrested by some of the men out on the road, who 
asked him where he was going. He said that he heard the report of guns, 
and supposed our camp was attacked; and, as one of the Home Guards of the 
county, was coming to join the forces against us. He was taken along with 
the other prisoners.

We marched this day through Cookesville to Gainsboro, a distance of about 
fifty miles. We caught several rebel soldiers, among them two notorious 
characters named Goggin and McWhorter. We reached Gainsboro after dark, 
and found many frightened women, but few men. Captain Hamilton and company 
had been here all day, but hearing that we were on the way, had just left 
for the hills. They were all secessionists here, and without any 
accommodations; it was a very difficult matter to get anything to eat for 
men and horses. Next morning we started for Nashville, which place we 
reached April 30th, 1862, without meeting any rebel force. We lost only 
one man on this expedition, who was shot by a comrade accidentally. We 
captured about fifty soldiers, took twenty of them to Nashville, and 
released the others on parole.

Citizens at home, in their comfortable houses, and with bountiful tables 
to sit down to three times a day, know very little about the trials of a 
soldier. On this expedition we travelled from thirty to sixty miles each 
day, eating only twice, and then but a scant supply of meat and bread. 
Some days we partook of food but once, going twenty-four hours without 
anything; and at night we had to sleep in the open air, with barely one 
blanket besides our common apparel.

I will here copy from a letter that I wrote home while at Nashville, which 
gives a more detailed account of this and other expeditions.

"Nashville, Tenn., May 18th, 1862.

" * * * From Louisville I proceeded to Bowling Green, Ky. The rebels kept 
a force here last fall and a part of the winter. Devastation appears to 
follow the rebel army wherever they go. A large number of buildings had 
been destroyed by fire. The fine railroad bridge across Barren river also
had been ruined by them, as well as the turnpike bridge. There was at all 
hours a very disagreeable odor arising from the decay of horses and other
animals which had been left near the city. The rebels had buried a large 
number of their dead here ---- perhaps three thousand. They had performed 
considerable labor in fortifying the place, but their works were not as 
strong as generally represented, and could have been taken by a good
general without much difficulty.

"After staying here one day and night, I returned to Munfordsville, a 
small village on Green river. The rebels had destroyed another fine 
railroad bridge, also the turnpike bridge. I then proceeded to Glasgow, 
where I found my regiment. From Glasgow I went with Colonel Wolford and a 
portion of the regiment to Celina, on the south side of Cumberland river. 
The rebel troops had all left. The citizens had very little to say, but we
soon ascertained that they were hostile. From Celina I went with Captain 
Morrison and twelve men to Albany on a reconnoitering expedition.

Champ Ferguson and a considerable rebel force had just left, in the 
direction of Overton county, with a large amount of property taken from 
the citizens. They had murdered several in the most brutal manner, which 
you have perhaps heard of before this.

"We remained in the county three days, although Ferguson was expected to 
return every moment. We then returned to Glasgow, which place we left 
again in a few days. The main body of the regiment went direct to 
Nashville. Colonel Wolford and three hundred and twenty-five men went to 
Albany, where we remained nearly a week, Wolf and Obey's rivers being so 
much swollen that we could not cross them. After a week's delay we were 
again on the march for 'Dixie's Land,' passing through Livingston, 
Cookesville, and Gainsboro. In this scout we captured fifty rebel 
soldiers, and chased two or three hundred more into the mountains. It was 
a most lively and interesting time. I never saw any one so frightened in 
my life as the rebels, nor any so anxious for a chase as our boys. Besides 
prisoners, we got horses and equipage, guns, pistols, sabres, swords,
ammunition, &c. From Gainsboro we proceeded to Nashville, where we arrived 
the 30th of April, on the way passing through the towns of Granville,
New Middleton, Lebanon, and some smaller ones.

"From Nashville the entire regiment moved to Murfreesboro, where we 
remained a few days, and then proceeded to Lebanon, where we surprised the
notorious Colonel John Morgan, and captured about one hundred and six of 
his men, including Lieutenant-Colonel Wood and several captains and 
lieutenants. Morgan's loss in killed and wounded is not known by me, but 
must have been heavy, as the battle raged fiercely for some time. Our loss
in killed was about ten. Colonel Wolford was severely wounded in this 
engagement. Never did troops fight better than Colonel Wolford and his
command. You will see the particulars in the papers.

"The second day after the fight we returned to Murfreesboro. We afterward 
proceeded to Rogersville, Ala., through Shelbyville and Pulaski, Tenn., 
leaving our wagons and camp equipage at Shelbyville, and a part of the 
regiment. From Rogersville I went with two hundred of our men to Columbia, 
Tenn., as a guard to a wagon train. There I left the men in command of 
Captain Jenkins who returned with the wagon train. I came here to-day, and 
expect to leave to-morrow, as I am ordered to Shelbyville to take command 
of the portion of our regiment at that point. So you see I have travelled 
a great distance since I saw you. The most of this time we were without 
wagons, tents, or cooking utensils. We rested very little during this 
time, sometimes travelling all night, and often from forty to sixty miles 
in twenty-four hours. We have had a rough time--men and horses are 
exhausted.

"I must say something about the people and the country through which we 
passed. Glasgow is a pretty town: the Union people are very clever. There 
are many disunionists in the county. The people of Overton county are 
rebels, except those of the northeastern portion of the county. Gainsboro 
is the worst hole in Tennessee or anywhere else. The people are actually 
mean; they said they had no corn, bacon, or anything for starving men and 
horses; but our quartermaster found plenty of food, and we soon relieved 
our appetites. I never want to see the place again. I met with only two
or three clever people in the town.

"From Albany to Granville we passed through a very rough country; but from 
Granville to Nashville the land is mostly level and quite rich. It is a 
pretty country. Many of the citizens are wealthy. The farmers were 
preparing to put in large crops, and appeared to be very industrious. The 
citizens in Tennessee on this route are disunionists, except at New 
Middleton, and about ten miles around the town, where they are principally 
loyal. They were delighted to see us. They would have Colonel Wolford stop 
and make them a speech, which he did in good style, giving them great 
satisfaction. They said it was the first time they had heard the truth for 
a whole year.

"We stopped at the Hermitage and visited the tomb of the great Jackson. 
Our little band dismounted, and in double file marched around the tomb. It 
was a solemn scene, and made a strong impression upon all. Mr. Jackson, 
the proprietor, was not at home, having gone farther south upon the 
approach of the Union troops. We were waited upon by an old negro who had 
been one of General Jackson's attendants. The Hermitage is a beautiful 
place, ten miles from Nashville.

"There are not many Union citizens in Nashville. It cannot be called a 
handsome city, nor is it as large as Louisville. The capitol at Nashville
is one of the finest buildings in America.

"Murfreesboro is a pretty town, in a rich and wealthy country. The 
citizens are all disunionists, with very few exceptions, and are quite 
bitter. As we marched through the streets, the women appeared at the 
doors, and windows and waved their handkerchiefs to the prisoners we were 
convoying, and many sent them bouquets. They had prepared to make a 
demonstration upon this occasion.

"Lebanon is a neat place, and the inhabitants generally disunionists, but 
we found several kind and loyal citizens. Ex-Governor Campbell, Jordan. 
Stokes, and other prominent Unionists reside here.

"Shelbyville is a beautiful place. A Majority of the citizens of the town 
and county are loyal, and very kind to Union soldiers. At a little town 
below Shelbyville, called Farmington, we found a Union population. The 
women shouted and rejoiced as though they had been at a camp meeting.

"Pulaski is another pleasant town, the inhabitants mostly disunionists. 
The country from Nashville to Pulaski is rich and the citizens wealthy;
but a few miles beyond Pulaski, toward Rogersville, the country is the 
poorest I ever saw. The road from Pulaski to Columbia is through a rich
country. The latter is a good town, and a strong Union sentiment prevails. 
Major Wm. H. Polk, a loyal citizen, resides here. The people generally
appear willing to feed the Union soldiers, but charge fifty cents meal, 
and the same for lodging for one night, which is often paid by officers 
when marching without wagons or camp equipage. The people of Middle 
Tennessee appear to have plenty, but in North Alabama provisions are 
scarce. Some citizens had very little to eat, and even that was taken
by some mean soldiers.

"I will give an estimate of the distances travelled by us. This estimate 
may not be exactly correct, as we did not travel the direct roads; ten 
miles may therefore be added to every thirty, to make the actual distance 
travelled.

"From Glasgow to Albany, 50 miles, Albany to Livingston 30, Livingston to 
Cookesville 25, Cookesville to Gainesboro 25, Gainesboro to Granville 30;
Granville to Lebanon 30, Lebanon to Nashville 30; in all, 220 miles. From 
Nashville to Murfreesboro 30 miles, Murfreesboro to Lebanon and back again
60, Murfreesboro to Shelbyville 25, Shelbyville to Pulaski 55, Pulaski to 
Rogersville 30, Rogersville to Columbia 60, Columbia to Nashville 45; total
distance 525 miles. Add (for indirect routes) 175 miles, and the whole 
distance travelled is 700 miles, which was accomplished in thirty-five 
days. We fought one battle, and had nearly a dozen skirmishes; captured 
two hundred soldiers and perhaps three hundred horses, with guns, pistols, 
sabres, swords, &c., sustaining a loss of about twenty men killed and 
wounded. Such has been our campaign since I saw you."

The foregoing letter, together with what is given in the beginning of this 
chapter, is all that I desire to say concerning this expedition, except a 
notice of the battle at Lebanon between the Union forces under command of 
General Dumont and the rebels under command of the notorious Colonel John 
Morgan, on the 5th of May, 1862, and to relate an incident which occurred 
between Pulaski and Rogersville. I can say nothing concerning the battle 
at Lebanon so well and so accurately as is furnished by General Dumont's 
official report, which I here introduce:

OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL DUMONT.

"Headquarters U. S. Forces,"
"Nashville, May 15th,1862."

"Colonel James B. Fry, A. A. G.:

"I now, in pursuance of your directions, have he honor to submit to you a 
more detailed report of the expedition resulting in the defeat of the
enemy under Colonel John Morgan, at Lebanon, Tenn., on the morning of May 
5th, 1862.

"On Friday night, May 2d, 1862, at midnight, I received a despatch sent by 
Brigadier-General Negley from Columbia, Tenn., informing me that on that 
day, Morgan, at the head of two thousand men, had, at Pulaski, Tenn., 
captured 280 convalescents of General Mitchell's wagon train, south of 
Pulaski, and asking me to send reenforcements. Upon glancing over the map 
I was satisfied that I could not get troops to Pulaski in time to
participate in anything to be done there, but that I might stand a chance 
to intercept the enemy by pushing with all speed by railway to Shelbyville,
and thence in pursuit, shaping my course by the route of the enemy. I 
immediately telegraphed to Colonel Duffield at Murfreesboro to hold 1,000 
infantry in readiness to move by rail by the time of my arrival; that I 
would be there with the cars to transport them before morning. One hour 
afterward I was on my way with the train, accompanied by a guard of thirty 
men from the 51st Ohio regiment, Colonel Stanley Matthews, whom I consulted
as to the course best to be pursued, and who rendered what I consider 
judicious and valuable advice and prompt assistance. Upon him I devolved
my command at Nashville, during my temporary absence from the city. At six 
o'clock on Saturday morning, May 3d, I reached Murfreesbore with the 
train, but, to my mortification, found that my despatch to Colonel 
Duffield had not been delivered, and that troops were not ready. I went to 
Colonel Duffield's camp and informed him what I wanted. In the shortest 
possible time he had the 9th Michigan, Lieutenant-Colonel Parkhurst, and 
the 8th Kentucky, Colonel Barnes, on board the cars, and with these 
regiments, Colonel Duffield and myself proceeded forthwith on the 
Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad to Wartrace. At Wartrace I posted the 
8th Kentucky regiment, with a view to intercept the enemy, should he 
attempt to cross the railroad at that place. Having ordered the 4th
Kentucky cavalry forward from Wartrace to Shelbyville, with the 9th 
Michigan, I proceeded to Shelbyville, and there posted it with the same 
view. At Shelbyville I learned that the enemy had encamped on Friday night 
near Farmington, which is about halfway between Shelbyville and Pulaski.
I reached Shelbyville about 5 o'clock P. M., on Friday, and immediately 
ordered forward the 38th Indiana regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Merriweather,
toward Farmington. As vain as it would seem for infantry troops to 
overtake a mounted enemy, I considered it best to have them about, in view 
of the information which had been given me as to Morgan's strength. Eager 
for the fray, never did men make a better march than did this regiment on 
that night, and if it did not finally participate in the engagement, it 
was simply because a physical impossibility stood in the way. I feel 
grateful to Lieutenant-Colonel Merriweather and his regiment for the 
promptness and zeal displayed in joining me in the pursuit of the enemy.

"With some three hundred of the 4th Kentucky cavalry, Colonel G. Clay 
Smith, I followed the 38th Indiana regiment toward Farmington, not being 
able to get ready to start as promptly as did Colonel Merriweather. At 
midnight I halted my command and sent forward scouts to ascertain the 
whereabouts of the enemy, and learned that he had crossed Duck river that 
morning, making toward Doolittle, on the Shelbyville and Nashville 
turnpike. With that start it seemed evident that he could not be overtaken 
with infantry; still, I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Merriweather and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Ruckstuhl, of the 4th Kentucky cavalry, to follow on 
his trail. Believing that the enemy intended to pursue an easterly 
direction and to cross the railroad at some point between Wartrace and 
Murfreesboro, I, with a detachment of Colonel Smith's 4th Kentucky 
cavalry, returned to Shelbyville, reaching that place a little before 
daybreak. I directed Colonel Duffield to again take the cars, with the
9th Michigan, and go to the bridge north of Wartrace, fearing that Morgan 
would cross at that place before I could intercept him and burn the bridge.
I proceeded myself on Sunday morning, after an hour's rest, with Colonel 
Smith and the detachment from his command, toward Murfreesboro, hoping to 
intercept Morgan as he crossed the Shelbyville and Murfreesboro pike. 
Knowing that infantry could no longer aid me, and still supposing the 
enemy strong, I sent a courier forward to Murfreesboro, with word to 
Colonel Wynkoop, 7th Pennsylvania cavalry, and Colonel Wolford, 1st 
Kentucky cavalry, to meet me at 2 o'clock P. M. of Sunday. Wynkoop did 
meet me with 120 of his men, informing me that Morgan had already crossed 
the railroad between Murfreesboro and Nashville, tearing up the track,
burning cotton, &c., and that Wolford had gone in pursuit. Causing Wynkoop 
to join me with his 120 men, I hastened forward to Murfreesboro, arrived
there at 5 o'clock P. M. of Sunday, fed my horses, and pushed forward 
toward Lebanon. Colonel Duffield and Lieutenant-Colonel Parkhurst 
accompanying me.

"I had proceeded from Murfreesboro about eight miles toward Lebanon, when, 
to my utter amazement, I met Colonel Wolford coming back with his command. 
He informed me that he had followed the enemy until almost reaching him,
when he was overtaken with an order from Murfreesboro to return, on 
account of an apprehended attack on that town. I ordered him to join me,
which he obeyed with alacrity and gladness, and having now some six 
hundred troops of the 1st and 4th Kentucky and 7th Pennsylvania cavalry, I
pushed toward Lebanon, confident that, after my long, tedious, and 
discouraging march, I would yet be able to strike the enemy before he 
could cross the Cumberland and get beyond my reach. At a little after 
midnight I reached point within four miles of Lebanon, and learning that 
Morgan was certainly there, posted a guard to intercept any one that might 
give him intelligence of my approach, and halted with a view of resting my 
greatly fatigued men and of striking him at daybreak. A little before the 
break of day I moved forward at a rapid pace, the detachment from the 7th 
Pennsylvania, led by Colonel Wynkoop, in advance, followed by Colonel 
Wolford at the head of the detachment of the 1st Kentucky cavalry. Colonel
G. Clay Smith commanded the rear guard, composed of a detachment from the 
4th Kentucky cavalry. I directed Wynkoop and Wolford to move at full speed 
into town by different streets and charge upon the enemy, believing that 
the benefits resulting to us by his surprise would be of more value than 
any advantage I could obtain by a different policy. I felt confident that 
I could whip him if he did not escape, and that all I had to fear was from 
his heels; that the best way to prevent his escape was to precipitate my 
main force upon him, strike him hard and fast, and not suffer him to get 
out of my sight or beyond my reach. To avoid the risk of this course, I 
held Colonel Smith's 4th Kentucky momentarily in reserve.

"I hesitated some in pursuing this policy of making a charge without 
knowing precisely the enemy's position or strength, but am now fully 
satisfied that his escape would have been inevitable if it had not been 
adopted, as the roads leading from the town were very numerous, many of 
them diverging at right angles from the main roads outside of town.

"The enemy, it seems, were in two squadrons, one in charge of Morgan and 
the other in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, all under command of 
Morgan. Morgan occupied the college, a large, massive building, on a hill 
to the right of the road, along which I must enter the town. Wood and his 
men occupied the public square and the various buildings in and around it, 
including an immense livery stable and the Odd Fellows' Hall, which 
were not immediately upon the square.

"To charge upon or approach Morgan at all, it was necessary that the 
attacking forces should go beyond him into the public square, because there
was first a creek, then a stone fence, then a hill, and then a board fence 
between the road and the college; and to get beyond these obstacles, my
whole line was exposed to a fire from Morgan on the right and from Wood in 
front. The charge was most gallantly made by Colonels Wynkoop and Wolford, 
and seeing that to hold Colonel Smith in reserve was but to expose him to 
the fire of Morgan, with no ability to return it effectively, rather than 
order him to fall back, I directed him to charge also through another 
street into the public square. A terrible fight ensued; no man flinched. 
On every side, wherever I looked, determined valor and heroic courage were 
conspicuous.

"It was as yet hardly light; the rain fell in torrents. The town was 
illuminated by a sheet of flame and redolent with the unceasing roll of 
musketry. Morgan did not at this time come down to the square, but 
maintained his ground on the hill and in the lane to the north of the 
college, and from thence gave his troops in the town what aid he could by 
opening upon us an annoying but not a destructive fire. From the fire of 
the first gun, my troops constantly advanced, gave back not an inch, while 
the enemy quailed before the valor, wavered before the deadly fire of my 
men, and finally broke and fled in every direction and in the utmost 
terror. During the deadly strife, Colonel G. Clay Smith was shot in the 
leg painfully, but bravely kept the field at the head of his men until
the enemy finally fled, and then joined many mile in pursuit.

"Colonel Wolford was badly wounded in the abdomen by a pistol shot, and by 
a desperate charge upon the head of his column, cut off from his command 
and captured, but subsequently recaptured. He is a brave and determined 
man, and his troops on this occasion proved themselves worthy of so 
gallant a leader. After Wolford was wounded and captured, his command 
devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Letcher, and well, faithfully, and 
bravely did he take upon himself the responsibility and do his duty. He 
won credit, and it is pleasant to me to award it.

"The public square being cleared of the enemy, the field being ours in 
this quarter, I determined now to direct my attention more particularly to
Morgan on the hill, who had annoyed us a good deal, and had, up to this 
time, been engaged by but a small part of my command.

"Inspired by the success that we had already achieved, my gallant troops 
had no sooner received my command than they engaged Morgan closely, and 
came down upon him with a jar. Their fire was so well directed and soon 
became so hot that he gave way in good order and led us a chase through 
many of the streets and alleys of the town, thinking he would be able to 
dodge us and make his escape on a road unobserved. To this end he made 
many attempts to decoy me after small parties, that would approach us, 
fire into us, and then slowly retreat. I suffered not myself to be thus put
upon the wrong scent, but kept my eyes upon, and gave my attention to the 
main force of the enemy, and at length disconcerted and defeated his 
purpose, by bringing all my force to bear upon him, and compelling him to 
stand or be put to utter rout. He chose the latter, and fled toward that 
point on the Cumberland river at which town of Rome is situated. That town 
is thirteen miles from Lebannon. He fled at full speed, and was joined, a 
mile from town, at the junction of an intersecting road, by some two 
hundred or three hundred men, driven by us form the public square. My 
troops, with the exception of a portion left behind under the gallant
Colonel Duffield and Lieutenant-Colonel Parkhurst, to look after such of 
the enemy as might still be secreted in the houses, followed, never 
permitting the enemy to get out of sight, killing, wounding, and taking 
prisoners at every half mile, for the distance of twenty miles, and not 
losing a man on our part in the chase. At Rome we recaptured Colonel
Wolford, who had been carried at a fearful rate, wounded as he was, a 
distance of thirteen miles. Having followed the enemy until my horses began
to drop head under their riders, and until the enemy had been so killed, 
wounded, captured, or escaped singly by byroads, that not to exceed forty 
men were still together, the pursuit was finally abandoned at Carthage. 
From Lebanon to Carthage the road was strewn with the dead and wounded
enemy, and with many horses that had been shot or had fallen dead from 
exhaustion. In this latter respect my command suffered even more than the
enemy. Bearing our trophies of victory taken in the chase, consisting of 
upward of one hundred prisoners besides those taken in the town, and many
horses and arms, I ordered my command back. I had not proceeded far on my 
return until men by a messenger informing me that they were still fighting 
at Lebanon. I hastened with all speed, but found all quiet and in good 
order when I arrived, but learned from Colonel Duffield and Lieutenant-
Colonel Parkhurst and Major J. A. Brents, to all of whom I am greatly 
indebted for the most valuable aid, that after I had followed the 
retreating enemy with my main command, it was discovered that some sixty 
or seventy were in the Odd Fellows' Hall. These had been, in my absence, 
surrounded and captured. Lieutenant-Colonel Wood was among the number. All 
their horses, arms, and equipments were also captured. This was a good job,
and made me proud of the victory achieved, valor displayed, and trophies 
won.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Wood took refuge in this hall, in the hope that all my 
troops would follow Morgan, and that he could then withdraw with his men 
and escape. In this purpose he was signally defeated by the vigilance of 
Colonel Duffield, Lieutenant-Colonel Parkhurst, Major Brents, Captain 
Essington, Lieutenant Birnet, and the officers and men to whom that duty 
had been by me confided. It was Major Brents who threw a guard of the 1st 
Kentucky cavalry to the rear and prevented the escape. To this faithful 
officer I am greatly indebted for valuable service in charge of the 
prisoners and captured property, as well as his Assistant Adjutant, M. C. 
Bayles, 4th Kentucky cavalry.

"The disloyal inhabitants, it is believed by many, united with the enemy, 
fired from the houses upon and killed some of my men. I thought to
punish these murderous 'non-combatants' and assassins by burning down the 
houses from which the firing came, but found that I could not do it 
without destroying the property of Union men, of which some of the best 
specimens in Tennessee or any other land or country reside in this town. I 
feared, too, that I might make a mistake and do injustice, as some that I 
arrested declared that, though firing came from their houses, they did not 
fire, but that Morgan's and Wood's men, when hotly pursued, broke into the 
houses and did the firing. Such was possible. I doubted, but could not 
disprove it.

"Of the horses captured, many had been taken by Morgan from loyal 
citizens; indeed, that seems to be his mode of always keeping well mounted 
on fresh horses. I have returned many of these, and it affords me great 
pleasure to do it.

"In this expedition we killed and wounded many of the enemy. A number were 
killed and wounded in town, but by far the greater number in the pursuit. 
They lay along the road for a distance of twenty miles. On our return we 
found that many of them had been taken away by the inhabitants. I have 
been told that we killed upward of sixty, among whom was Captain A. C.
Brown, of Louisiana, brother-in-law of Governor Isham G. Harris. We 
captured upward of one hundred and fifty prisoners, among whom is 
Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Wood, of West Adam's regiment of cavalry, one 
assistant-surgeon, one captain, two lieutenants acting as captains, one 
lieutenant; the adjutant of West Adam's regiment of cavalry, one 
lieutenant; the acting adjutant of Morgan's squadron, four other 
lieutenants, and twenty-three non-commissioned officers, including the 
sergeant-major of Morgan's squadron.

"We captured upward of one hundred and fifty horses and mules, many 
saddles and bridles, and many swords, guns, and pistols. A number of
negro slaves fell into our hands, acting as the servants of Morgan's 
officers and men.

"We captured an elegant American flag that had been taken from the dome of 
the court house the night before. Also a most elegant sword, presented to 
Major Grosvenor, of the 18th Ohio Volunteers, and captured by Morgan at 
Pulaski from Adjutant J. C. Neil, who was deputed by the donors to present 
it. It will afford me pleasure to return it to its gallant owner. We also 
captured Morgan's negro and mare. Morgan told Colonel Wolford, while the 
Colonel was in his hands as a prisoner, that his force was upward of eight 
hundred. Our loss was ten killed, twenty-one wounded, and five missing, a 
list of which is appended.

"It will be observed that, in this expedition, I started with nothing but 
infantry, and that, owing to the celerity of the enemy, I was compelled to
drop my infantry, and that I finally fought the battle wholly with 
cavalry; that I started southward, but finally struck the enemy east and 
north of Nashville, and more than one hundred miles from where I first 
took his trail. It would be unjust not to state the part the infantry bore 
in this expedition (though it was not their good fortune to be in the 
fight), and to avoid that injustice my report is longer than I could wish. 
The time consumed in this expedition, the distance travelled, the changing
character of my troops, and the details of the fight and pursuit, will, I 
trust, afford a sufficient apology for so many words. As I had to gather 
up my fighting men here and there, as I marched, it makes details prolix.

"In the chase,' the long chase, that stalwart and brave old man, Colonel 
Wynkoop, 7th Pennsylvania cavalry, led the van, cheering his men on, and 
still on. Captain David Braden, Assistant Adjutant-General on my staff, is 
worthy of favorable mention. Quick, active, determined, and brave, no one, 
no matter how experienced or meritorious, could have rendered me better 
service, or held out under the most exhausting fatigue with more 
unflagging spirit. He was in the midst and thickest of the fight in town, 
at the head of the chase, and the last to abandon it.

"Major James Given, 7th Pennsylvania cavalry, after fighting most bravely, 
and proving himself of the most undoubted pluck, fell into the hands of 
the enemy --- mistaking Morgan's forces for those of Wolford. He was 
carried by Morgan a few miles beyond, Carthage, and released on his parole.
After his capture the command of his squadron devolved upon Captain 
Essington, who did good service and approved himself equal to the 
emergency. He was as I am informed, a valuable auxiliary to Colonel 
Duffield in the capture of Lieutenant-Colonel Wood and his band.

"Special mention may with propriety be made of Lieutenant R. F. Mason, 
Adjutant of Colonel Wynkoop. He was conspicuous throughout the fight for 
his intrepidity. He was wounded in the arm and his escape from death was 
most marvellous, as is attested by the fact that his rubber coat was 
pierced by many bullets.

"Second Lieutenants Greeno and Taylor, of the same regiment, are also 
named with great praise for good conduct. They were both wounded, but
would not leave the field until the enemy was vanquished and routed and 
victory won.

"William Spence, a citizen of Murfreesboro, Tenn., acted as my volunteer 
aid on this occasion, and rendered me service for which I must ever feel
grateful. He is true as steel, and an utter stranger to fear.

"I particularly noticed upon the field the conduct of Lieutenant M. C. 
Bayles, Adjutant 4th Kentucky cavalry. It was such as to excite admiration 
and to merit warm commendation. If I had promotion to bestow for capacity 
and good conduct, I know not where I would find a more worthy, capable, 
and gallant recipient. Colonel G. Clay Smith mentions him in his report in 
terms of praise. He also speaks of the meritorious conduct of Major John 
F. Gunkle, Surgeon Samuel L. Adams, Captains Kurfees, Magowan, Willing, 
Lieutenants Bennett, Bird, Kenys, Ryan, Weston, Rogers, Fritsch, and 
Church, and his aid, G. Clay Goodloe, all of the 4th Kentucky cavalry. It 
affords me pleasure to add my testimony to that of their gallant colonel. 
He awards them no credit to which they are not well entitled.

"Of the 7th Pennsylvania cavalry, credit is due to Captains Darth, May, 
Shafer, and McCormick, and to Lieutenants Hilier, Veil, Childs, Umbleby,
McFadden, Ricketts, Reed, Burge, Warfield, Allison, and Wood, as well as 
to such officers of said regiments as have been already named. I especially
noticed Captain McCormick performing deeds of valor requiring a strong 
arm, a steady hand, and a stout heart.

"It was not the good fortune of Lieutenant-Colonel Ruckstuhl and Captain 
Chilson, 4th Kentucky cavalry, to be in this fight, but there was no one 
in the fight entitled to more credit than they. They it was who, under my 
orders, followed Morgan day and night with but a handful of men, so to 
speak, from Friday to Sunday night. It was through their instrumentality 
that I was able to keep the trail of the enemy while trying to gather the 
force with which to chastise him. I would be unmindful of merit if I did 
not speak of them in terms of commendation.

"Of the 1st Kentucky cavalry, besides those already named, particular 
mention is made, in the report of Major Brents, of Captains Sweeny, Owens, 
Morrison, Coppage, Dillon, Jenkins, Hackley, Alexander, Carter, Smith, 
Lieutenant Adams, Quartermaster, Lieutenants Wolford, Dry, Coppage, 
Perkins, Carr, Van Dyke, Dillon, Ballard, Jenkins, Blane, Burton, Robson, 
Dick, Huffaker, Mays, Pankey, Hill, Fishback, Luckett, and Roland. What 
the Major says meets my approbation. They well merit the praise he so 
handsomely bestows.

"I can bestow no praise upon the soldiers of my command that would exceed 
their merit; they cannot be individually named, but the victory, after 
all, is theirs, theirs the honor, theirs the plaudits of a grateful 
country.

"In this conflict some of them poured out their blood and offered up their 
lives upon their country's altar. Of such, weak and feeble are the words I
may utter. Gallant spirits! they fought to maintain liberty on earth, and 
died to perpetuate the best government upon which the day ever dawned. The
soil upon which they bled will be sacred soil. Green be the sod above 
them! Their last resting place shall be forever hallowed. For such, earth 
has no adequate reward --- there is none this side the paradise of God, 
and, borne on wings of love, they have gone to receive it. With 
outstretched arms, the Saviour has embraced them and welcomed them to 
bliss immortal. Let the tearful eye become dry, and the wounded heart 
cease to bleed. Your son was a good soldier, died in a just cause, and is 
but taken home to God --- a denizen of heaven, an heir of immortality. He 
fought the good fight and kept the faith, is honorably discharged, and 
beyond the din of battle and conflicts of earth, has gone to a blessed 
clime to locate his warrant. Tempted to the skies by heavenly harmonies, 
trumpet tones and bugle notes may not recall him.

"E. Dumont,

"Brigadier General Commanding."


I may add to this report a few words in regard to the battle, in justice 
to the parties concerned. Major Brents, with a portion of the 1st Kentucky
cavalry, were the only troops left in town to operate against Lieutenant-
Colonel Wood, and Major Brents disposed of his troops so as to capture
Colonel Wood and his forces. Captain Essington and a force of the 7th 
Pennsylvania cavalry returned to town a few moments before Colonel Wood
surrendered to Major Brents and Captain Essington.

Colonels Duffield and Parkhurst came up after the surrender. All the 
officers and men of the 1st Kentucky cavalry did well, but some 
distinguished themselves more than others, perhaps from having a better 
opportunity. Captain Morrison, in particular, with a portion of his 
company, was in the advance and made the attack. He displayed great 
courage and skill, and had several holes perforated in his clothes. It was 
here that the severest fighting took place. Lieutenant Adams was also with
the advance and displayed great courage, as also did Sergeant George W. 
Cabbell, who was killed in another part of the engagement, while charging 
upon the enemy. Captains Dillon and Jenkins made a determined attack upon 
a squad of rebels concealed in a stable, and drove them from it.

Cabbell fell here, and Lieutenant Jenkins received a severe wound in the 
shoulder. Captain Jesse M. Carter displayed great courage and activity.
He was foremost in the pursuit of Morgan, and followed him till he crossed 
Cumberland river, a distance of twenty-three miles. He recaptured Colonel 
Wolford, and took many prisoners. W. H. Honnell, our chaplain, was in the 
midst of the severest of the fight and was captured, but afterward made 
his escape. Others did as well in the engagement, but these names are 
prominent in my mind. The victory was a brilliant one, and the rebel 
Morgan, for the first time in his career, was defeated.

As we were marching from Pulaski to Rodgersville, three or four officers 
dismounted and went into a house for water. They were met at the door by 
the landlady, who inquired their business, and at the same time told them 
they had better be going, as they had a case of the smallpox in the
house. One of the officers replied,

"Madam, that makes no difference with us, as we have several cases among 
our troops; and as it will not endanger you any, we will leave them with
you."

Landlady. "It is true we have two cases of the yellow fever here."

Officer. "We had two soldiers die last night with the yellow fever."

Landlady. "You had better be going and get to your work, as you will have 
plenty to do."

Officer. "I am afraid we will not find it, as your soldiers appear to be 
very fast on foot."

Landlady. "It is just as the Scriptures say, 'Brother shall strive against 
brother."

Officer. "Well, madam, don't find fault with us, as we are only fulfilling 
the Scriptures;" to which the landlady made no remark. The officer
continued, "Madam, we throw away a large amount of coffee, and as we now 
have a surplus, I will give you a half bushel for the same amount of meal."

The daughter said, "Mamma, don't do it; they want to poison us." She then 
turned to the officer and said, "What are you doing so far south?"

Officer. "We came down into Dixie to marry."

Young Lady. "If all the girls are like me, you will go back disappointed, 
as I will die and old maid rather than marry a Yankee."

The officers then went to the well in the yard, and drank of the purest of 
all drinks; and mounting their horses, rode away.

In my letter I left a portion of the cavalry at Rodgersville, a portion at 
Columbia, and another at Shelbyville. At the time of writing I was at
Nashville. The next day I proceeded to Shelbyville, where I found a part 
of the regiment, the men and horses exhausted with active and severe 
service. On the 22d of May I received orders to take all my available 
force and proceed immediately to Manchester, and there form a junction 
with the 4th Kentucky cavalry, for the purpose of capturing all the rebel 
forces in that direction. We started at once and reached Manchester after 
dark by a circuitous route. Here we learned that the 4th Kentucky cavalry 
had been near that place and returned to camp. We attempted to get corn to 
feed our horses, but as we could not find enough to feed all we started 
back to camp, via Wartrace, on the same road travelled by the 4th Kentucky 
cavalry.

As we marched into Manchester from the south side, we were taken for 
Colonel Sterns' rebel cavalry, and in this way obtained valuable 
information.

After we had gone about two miles from town, I sent a sergeant to a house 
to see if we could get corn. The landlord met them and said, "I suppose
you belong to Colonel Stearns' regiment."

Sergeant. "Yes, sir, and I was ordered here to procure corn to feed our 
horses."

Landlord. "I would be most happy to accommodate you, but I really have not 
as much as will make my bread till Fall."

Sergeant. "Can we get any on the road?"

Landlord. "I really don't know. This is a very poor country, and I don't 
know of any one that has more than enough for bread. Where are you going?"

Sergeant. "We are going toward Wartrace."

Landlord. "Why, the whole country in that direction is alive with Lincoln 
troops; a regiment of cavalry passed here to-day; and if your Colonel knew 
it he would not go in that direction for the world. I know him, and he is 
not going to be caught in danger if he can avoid it."

The sergeant got all the information he could and then joined the squad. 
In a few moments two officers called at the house. The landlord said, 
"Where is Colonel Stearns?" "I am the man," said one of the officers. "One 
of your men was here," responded the landlord, "wanting corn, and I was 
very sorry I could not supply him, for I will do anything in my power for 
the cause; but I must confess everything looks very gloomy at present.
It seems as if the Yankees would soon have the entire State. A regiment of 
them were here to-day. You had better not go in the direction of Wartrace,
for the whole country is alive with them."

The officers, after inquiring about the feelings of the people and 
obtaining all the information this fellow had, bid him good night and rode 
away. I have not doubt he told the truth about corn, as it was a very poor 
country. He was a man of good sense, and one of the best citizens in that 
country. We marched till about ten o'clock, then rested till morning, when 
we rode to Wartrace, fed our horses, got breakfast, and returned to 
Shelbyville, having travelled sixty miles in twenty-six hours. In a few 
days we marched to Pulaski with all the camp equipage, where we found the 
other portion of our regiment, except two hundred men at Columbia. The 
next day Lieutenant Adams and myself rode alone to Columbia, although the 
country was then full of guerillas, and our troops never travelled except 
in large bodies. We were not interrupted, however. In a short time the 
whole regiment moved to Columbia, where they remained till July, scouting 
in that section and rendering other service. They also made one trip to 
McMinnville, Tenn.

On the 2d day of July, 1862, I resigned my position as an officer in the 
army, for reasons stated in the resignation, which was accepted. So I 
doffed my uniform for the suit of a civilian, and bade farewell to those 
with whom I had been associated for eleven months. I had been treated 
kindly by both officers and privates. My intercourse with Colonel Wolford
had been most agreeable, upon all occasions being treated most kindly by 
him. This separation was a severe trial. --- But it is not my intention to 
intrude my individual actions upon the reader, any further than is 
necessary to explain matters of public interest.

I cannot conclude this chapter without giving brief personal sketches of 
some of the officers of the 1st Kentucky cavalry, whom I have already 
noticed, and perhaps excited an interest to know more about them.


REV. W. H. HONNELL,

Of Mercer county, Ky., a single man, aged about thirty-five years, was our 
chaplain. He was a model clergyman: not that he preached much, or appeared 
sanctimonious, or intruded his religious notions upon any one; but because 
of his devotion to the sick and wounded. Not a soldier could be taken sick 
without his knowing it. He visited and conversed with all, ascertained 
their wants, and had them supplied if it was possible. Nor was this 
conduct occasional; it was continual and unceasing. His name has been 
blessed a thousand times by sick and helpless soldiers. When any died, he 
was foremost in providing them a decent and Christian burial. He was not 
only kind and tender to the sick and wounded, but treated every one with 
gentleness and respect. Further, he was no coward. He delighted to be upon 
the battlefield, encouraging the soldiers by his presence, and waiting 
upon and caring for the wounded, praying for the success of our arms while 
the battle was in progress. When marching, he was always in front near his 
gallant Colonel; and when the conflict raged, he could be seen where the 
danger was greatest, attending to the wounded and dying. He was at the 
battle of Mill Springs, administering to the necessities of the disabled, 
and was near General Zollicoffer when he fell. Dismounting from his horse, 
he lifted the General from out the road where excited combatants were 
dashing to and fro, and carried his dying form to a place where it would 
not be trampled beneath the horses' feet. He was also in front at Lebanon 
in the fight with Colonel Wolford. He became separated from his regiment, 
and rode into the rebel ranks, mistaking them for Union troops, when the 
following dialogue took place.

Colonel Morgan. "You take a position yonder," directing him to the rear.

Honnell. "I desire to go to my own regiment."

Morgan. "I told you where to go."

Honnell. "I don't like to be treated in such a way. I am chaplain of the 
1st Kentucky cavalry, and want to go to my regiment."

Morgan. "It is hard for you to understand that I am Colonel Morgan, and 
you are my prisoner. My men need your prayers as well as Wolford's."

Honnell saw the position he was in, and submitted quietly. When Morgan 
commenced his retreat, he took Honnell along with him. After travelling at 
a pretty rapid gait for some distance, and the Unionists getting pretty 
close to them, Morgan said, "Well, Chaplain, I suppose we will have to 
separate, but before going you must pray." About this time a squad of 
Union cavalry dashed up, and Morgan had to proceed without a prayer
from our chaplain.

He accompanied the expedition from Glasgow to Nashville via Livingston, 
and was much delighted with the chase after rebels. He is now making 
notes, and intends publishing a book containing a complete account of the 
campaigns of the 1st regiment of Kentucky cavalry, which will, I have no
doubt, be very interesting.


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN W. LETCHER.

This officer resides in Garrard county, Ky. He is a good drill-officer, 
energetic, and attentive to his duties. He was with Colonel Garfield in his
campaign, and with his troops received a favorable notice from that 
officer. Colonel Letcher was in the battle of Lebanon, and was 
complimented by General Dumont, whose report is inserted in this work. I 
was with the Colonel but little, as the regiment was divided for several 
months, and therefore cannot say more in regard to his services.


MAJOR FRANCIS M. HELVETI.

Major Helveti is a Prussian by birth, and has resided for several years 
past in Lexington, Ky. He served a number of years in the Prussian army, 
and is thoroughly acquainted with all the duties of an officer; is a good 
drill-master in both cavalry and infantry tactics. He commenced his
services as adjutant, but was soon promoted to the rank of major. He acted 
as aid to General Schoepf at the battle at Wildcat. He has been quite 
unfortunate. About the 1st of December, 1861, he was wounded and taken 
prisoner not far from the battle-ground of Mill Springs; was conveyed south
and kept till February, 1862, when he was duly exchanged. His wound not 
being entirely healed, he received leave of absence for a month, and 
afterward was placed on duty at Louisville, where he remained until May, 
when he started for Tennessee to join his regiment, but was again taken a 
prisoner by Colonel John Morgan at Cave City, Ky., and paroled. He is a 
good officer and a kind gentleman.


MAJOR WILLIAM A. COFFEY.

This officer is a physician, and resides in Madison county, Ky. He was 
very energetic in raising troops for the regiment, recruiting two companies
in Madison county. He is a man of fine sense; very prepossessing, and 
presents a fine military appearance. He had the command of a squadron of 
cavalry at Somerset for some time before the battle of Mill Springs, and 
rendered important service, as his force was the only cavalry at that
point, while the rebels had quite a large body. He was taken a prisoner 
with Major Helveti at Cave City, but was paroled that he might proceed to 
Washington and effect the exchange of Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, who was 
taken at Lebanon, for himself. As he was unsuccessful, he proceeded to 
Tennessee and surrendered to the rebel authorities. He is a married man, 
and I believe served a campaign in Mexico.


CAPTAIN JOHN A. MORRISON.

This officer entered the army in July, 1861, as a lieutenant in the 
company of cavalry raised in Clinton county, and was in September promoted 
to the rank of captain. He has distinguished himself for courage, skill, 
and energy. I have already mentioned some of the services rendered by him.
If there was to be a campaign of any importance, he would be along; if a 
battle was to be fought, he would be in the front ranks; he never sought
rest if anything was to be done. His company was with Colonel Bramlette at 
Lexington, also at Clay's Ferry. He was at Wildcat, but was ordered in
another direction before the battle. At the head of his company he 
attacked with success a rebel camp at Travisville, Tenn. These were the 
first Union troops in Tennessee. An account of this affair is given 
elsewhere. His company was in the battle of Mill Springs, but a typhoid 
fever prevented him from joining them. At the battle of Lebanon he 
distinguished himself greatly. He was with the expedition through 
Livingston and other places, and captured many of the prisoners. Other
important services, which I need not mention, have been rendered by him; 
indeed, he was ever active, and was never content while idle. In June, 
1862, while at home in Clinton county on a leave of absence, he was 
attacked by a band of guerillas, who wounded him in the head and arm; he, 
however, made his escape. He is about twenty-eight years old, tall and 
slender, has a large head, prominent forehead, and a good intellect. 
Receiving but a limited education, he is a self-made man, and promises 
fair: is married, and has several children.


CAPTAIN FRANK N. ALEXANDER.

This officer recruited his company in Wayne county, Ky., where he resides. 
He has distinguished himself for bravery and energy. He rendered good 
service at the battles of Wildcat, Mill Springs, and Lebanon, and 
displayed great courage and coolness in all these actions. He is beloved by
every officer and private in the regiment, being very kind to his men. He 
is perhaps thirty-five years old; is a married man, but has no children.


CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH

Is a young man, a good, kind, and brave officer, and has rendered 
excellent service. His company was at Camp Wildcat several weeks before the
battle, and were continually skirmishing with the enemy, in one of which 
affairs he received a severe wound in the wrist. He has the confidence of
every officer in the regiment; performs any service imposed upon him 
without a murmur---a valuable quality in an officer. He recruited his 
company in Washington county, where he resides.

I cannot, in a work of this kind, be expected to give a notice of all our 
officers. There are others in the 1st Kentucky cavalry just as gallant and 
as brave as those mentioned; and, if this book falls into the hands of any 
of those whose names are omitted, they must not be offended on account of
the omission. I will say here that my association with the officers was 
most agreeable. I found them to be clever gentlemen and brave soldiers. 
Lieutenant Miller, a gallant officer, died upon the battle field. 
Lieutenant Jenkins was wounded while charging upon the enemy. Lieutenants 
William Perkins, George W. Drye, Silas Adams, F. M. Wolford, S. 
Coppage, ------ Dillon, Ballard, Dick Griffin, and others, I have seen on 
the field, and know they proved themselves true. I have mentioned Captain 
Carter and others elsewhere. For the names of other officers who have 
distinguished themselves, I will refer to General Dumont's report of the 
battle of Lebanon.


COLONEL WILLIAM A. HOSKINS.

I cannot conclude without a brief notice of Colonel Hoskins, of the 12th 
Kentucky regiment of infantry. He was born and educated in Garrard
county, Ky., but for several years past has resided in Clinton county, 
where he engaged in the coal trade, being the owner of some very valuable 
mines in the northeastern part of the county, about six miles from the 
Cumberland river. He is a man of medium size, has red hair and whiskers, a 
well balanced head and fine intellect. He is perhaps thirty-five years 
old; is a married man, and has an interesting family. He has lost property 
at the hands of guerillas, and his family, like many others, have had to 
flee from their home. I have already said that he assisted in organizing a 
company of Home Guards in Clinton county, and visited Washington to 
procure arms for the company, and that he was instrumental in producing
a change in Washington which resulted in the establishment of Camp Dick 
Robinson. He was quartermaster for a while at this camp, and afterward 
commissioned Colonel, and recruited and organized the 12th Kentucky 
regiment. Before this, with a company of the 1st Kentucky cavalry and the 
Home Guards, he made a campaign south of the Cumberland river and in 
Tennessee, and with eight hundred men maintained a position for one week 
in the face of perhaps five thousand of the enemy. After the battle of 
Mill Springs he, with the other forces of General Thomas, joined General 
Buell, and has been in his department ever since. He is a noble officer, 
and one of the most accomplished and agreeable gentlemen in Kentucky.

In concluding this chapter, I will give the result of my observations and 
conversations while in the State of Tennessee. As a southern man, I could
perhaps better understand this people than those not acquainted with their 
institutions and habits. Men generally did not talk much to Union 
soldiers, as they were unwilling to commit themselves. The women talked 
very freely, and of course expressed the views of their fathers and 
husbands. The massed of them honestly believe they have as much right to 
their negro property as to any other. They maintain their claim to this 
species of property to be perfectly sacred and inviolate. The women are 
wholly enlisted in the southern cause. They cannot be too kind to their 
soldiers; nor will they permit the men at home to see any peace till they 
join the army. Wives send their husbands, mothers send their sons, and 
young ladies will not speak to a single man unless he enlists in the army.

Much has been said about starvation in the South: I have seen it stated 
that the South could not raise sufficient grain and meat to sustain the
people and army. One fact is sufficient to dispel this idea. At the 
commencement of the rebellion the people of the southern States were 
almost entirely engaged in the production of cotton, and dependent to a 
great extent upon Kentucky, Missouri, and the western States for 
breadstuffs, horses, hogs, and mules. They have lived through one year with
this supply almost entirely cut off. Since the war commenced they have 
planted mostly grain instead of cotton: the new crop has matured. Why 
should any one at this time, after they have gone through nearly two 
years, say that they will starve? It is true many will suffer; a large 
number may be limited for food; but we should not expect to starve them 
into submission. Old corn was abundant in Middle Tennessee last summer. 
The citizens had plenty of bacon for their use. The new crop of corn was 
very large, and looked well. The wheat crop was also large, but not very 
good. The southern people are better prepared to-day with provisions than 
they were at the outset.

It has also been said that the Southern soldiers are in great want of 
clothing. It is true that clothing is scarce in their army, and what they 
have is of an inferior quality. Men can do with little clothing when 
forced to. Yet they get large quantities of clothing from England. They 
have large amounts of wool raised in Texas, Tennessee, and other States;
they have besides any amount of cotton, and have some factories. If each 
family was to make two suits it would supply the army. Texas can supply
the whole South with hides. Other States also furnish hides which they can 
put into some kind of leather. They get shoes and boots from England.
Already large quantities of clothing have been captured from our armies.

It has been said, likewise, that the South are not united. I assert that 
they are more united than the North. It is true a Union sentiment prevails 
in places, but this is a trifle compared with the entire population. They 
were not of one mind at the beginning of the rebellion, but circumstances
have united them. It has been hoped that the people of the South would get 
tired of the war, and desert the cause as a hopeless one. They are now
tired of the war, but still think they will succeed; and they will not 
desist from their efforts while there is any hope.

The resources of the South have been underrated. This has been fully 
proven by the past. We should study the true condition of affairs, and
not deceive ourselves. We should ascertain what we have to do in order to 
crush the rebellion, and then use such means as are necessary to do it. The
enemy is strong and active, and exerting every energy. He has a large army 
of well-disciplined troops, commanded by able generals. But they must be 
conquered. We must unite, and put forth all our energies. The best 
generals should be placed in the field, who should be active, and strike 
heavy blows, and continue blow after blow. We must strike for their 
capital, and at all their lines, and then for the heart of their 
dominions. The Federal Government must be saved. It is the best ever
organized by man. We are engaged in a struggle between Liberty and 
Slavery: we must not let the banner of Liberty fall. It is a struggle 
between Constitutional Liberty and Tyranny. In the name of all that is 
sacred, keep the banner of Liberty waving. The friends of Freedom in all 
parts of the world are looking with the deepest interest upon this 
struggle. We must not let their hopes sink with our banner. Let us keep it 
waving --- Constitutional Liberty and the Star-Spangled Banner forever!

 

CONCLUSION

Crime and corruption exist to a very great degree. Ignorance is the parent 
of crime, misery, and slavery. The human race must become enlightened 
before these cease to exist. The amelioration of the human race will be 
gradual.

Negro slavery or any other kind of slavery is an evil--a enrse. 
Despotism's, and all governments not founded upon the consent of the 
governed, are evils. All evils will finally be removed--all mankind will 
be free. The people of the United States were blessed with the best 
government ever organized by man. They were enjoying Constitutional 
Liberty to a greater extent than any other people; they were making more 
rapid progress in civilization than any people; they had imperfections; and
they would have finally surmounted all evils and imperfections without a 
sudden revolution of great magnitude, except for one evil---negro slavery.

Will not the war cease till slavery (the cause) be removed? Yes. The 
struggle between freedom and slavery will continue; it will be with mind,
and not physical force. Will the war end slavery in the Southern States? 
It may end the present system. The negroes belong to an inferior race;
they will continue to be dependent beings for a considerable time; they 
will look to superior minds for help. In addition to their natural 
inferiority, the system of slavery to which they have been reduced blunts 
all the better feelings of the mind. It is debasing. All intellectual food 
is withheld from the mind.

Physical force may become necessary. It is necessary to defend a good and 
republican government against those who would destroy it. Where it can be, 
let mind appeal to mind. We are in the midst of a revolution. It is a 
struggle to maintain the principles of freedom.

I have said that slavery was the cause of the rebellion. How was this? The 
Southern people hold that slavery is of divine origin, therefore not
prohibited by Christianity---that it is a political and civil blessing. 
The Northern people hold that slavery is unchristian---a moral, political,
and social evil---that it is a relic of barbarism. Here is a war of 
ideas---an "irrepressible conflict." There was no necessity for physical 
force. The radicals of the North presented the question in an offensive 
manner. The Southern leaders hoped to check a moral revolution which will 
ultimately liberate those in bondage.

War has been forced upon the American people. The Government must be 
sustained, ---
Because it is a good Government.

Because it is a republican Government.

Because those in rebellion against it had no
cause for the act.

Because the oppressed of all nations are looking to the American people to 
sustain the principles of republicanism.

Because if the Government is sustained, it will
be a triumph of civilization and intelligence over
ignorance and crime.

Because the success of the Government will be
a triumph of Liberty.

TRUTH AND FREEDOM WILL ULTIMATELY TRIUMPH!