Four years with Morgan and Forrest

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THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS

CAPTAIN THOMAS F. BERRY.

FOUR YEARS

WITH

MORGAN AND FORREST

BY

Col. Thomas F. Berry

The Harlow-Ratliff Company

Oklahoma City. Okla.

J914

THE KrW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

6^8714

AiTop;, Lts.:x a-«<C
TiLOEN FOUNDATiONI.

Copyright 1914

By the Harlow-Ratliff Company.

and Thomas F. Berry.

THE BADGE OF THE SEVEN CONFEDERATE KNIGHTS.

This oath-bound order, the badge of which is shown on the
title page, originated in Rock Island Prison in 18fi3 as the result of
the efforts of seven patriotic Confederate soldiers confined there, who
were actuated by high ideals of duty, fidelity and patriotism to tlie
Southland, foi- the purpose of stopping tlie tide of desertions thtn
taking place in the prison, the deserters taking the Yankee cath of
allegiance and joining the Federal army for the frontier service.
This beautiful badge of the Seven Knights of the Confederacy is a
star with seven points, seven links and sevc-n letters. The fir:st let-
ters of the seven words of our motto are emblomatic of the seven
cardinal virtues, taught by our order, and also are emblematic of
the seven grades of officers in military organizations. The letters
are the initials of the Latin motto, "Dulce et decorum osi pro
patria mori" ("Sweet and fitting it is to die for the fatherland"). T
was chairman of the originators of the order and its first commander.
Its membership from liist to last included about :!000 men.

T. V. P..

INTRODUCTION

A man's book is the visible sign of the spirit that
is within him. Again, it is his brain-child, over which he
often yearns in love or pity, for thoughts expressed be-
come living things, to live forever in the blame or praises
of men, or slain in the arena of public opinion. Truth
should make a man's book triumphant.

I desire to say here that the contents of this volume
were not dictated by malice, by captious criticism or by
vindictiveness, but solely to entertain and amuse, and
to instruct and inform the rising generation of the true
history of our struggle in the beautiful Southland, as
we saw it, and as it was evolved under our personal
observations and experiences during that terrific and
bloody struggle, known as the Civil War.

It is my purpose, also, to rescue as far as possible,
the good names and fame of my comrades and^ especially,
of one who was dear to me by reason of his many noble
qualities of mind and heart, as well as by ties of blood,
my brother, Captain Samuel O. Berry, who was known
to many as *'One-Arm" Berry. It is my wish to correct
if possible, some of the many false ideas and mis-
conceptions about my brother.

Those who have studied the abuses of our institu-
tions know that human affairs, like many diseases, have
their acute and chronic developments, their climaxes
and their extreme delirium.

These records are taken from a diary kept during
my service in the Confederate Army, under Generals
Morgan and Bedford Forrest, and are, therefore, simply
my personal experiences and recollections. I have con-
fined my narrative largely to my brother's career, to
his final fate as a Federal prisoner after the war, and

VIII . INTRODUCTION

to myself. I have described my thirteen thrilling escapes
from the Yankees — seven times from prison vvralls, and
six times on my way to prison; also, in a brief manner,
my service in Mexico with General Joe Shelby, my
short service there under the French General Dupin,
the centre guerrilla commander, and under Prince Maxi-
milian, Emperor of Mexico, adding a short romance
and an account of two duels while there.

There will be found an account of a certain inter-
view between General Sheldon, the honorable secretary
of war for the Confederacy, and Captain Charles Quan-
trell ; of the causes that led to the various organizations
of guerillas in the various border states, and also of the
Home Guards. The career of my brother. Captain
Berry, appears in the record of his service in the army,
and as a recruiting officer, and in the story of his sur-
render and parole, his re-arrest, trial and sentence to
death, and his commutation of sentence by the president
to ten years' solitary confinement in a prison at Albany,
New York.

All these incidents are simple facts of personal ex-
periences during my service in the Confederate Army.
There may be persons, perhaps, who will doubt some
of these statements. Nevertheless, the facts remain.
In writing these reminiscences it was not my purpose
to engender strife or to wound any person's feelings,
but solely to enlighten my fellow men upon one of the
many phases of our civil struggle, and to explain some
of the elements that were floated to the surface by this
upheaval — phenomena largely due to our institutions
and their abuses. I harbor no belliii'ereiit feelings to-
ward individuals. The occurrences of this period were
inherent and fundamental, and bound to appear, sooner
or later, as we should know if we have studied the pri-

INTRODUCTION IX

mary facts and the diverse interests and purposes of the
early peoples who settled this continent. There were
few things in common between them, then or now.

I am a grandson of a Revolutionary soldier and
was taught by him to believe that the States were free,
independent and sovereign, within themselves. That
our forefathers fought to establish this, and did so estab-
lish this condition, and that all the early representative
statesmen and commentators and writers so regarded
this question, in this light. There are many people who
have a false conception or idea of the Federal Union.
There seem to be very few people who understand this
matter clearly, as shown by the assertion in many so-
called histories, which contain the statement that the
Southern soldiers fought to destroy the Union; this
statement bears upon its face its own falsity. In the
first place there was no Union until it was established
by mutual consent and concession after the states had
won their independence, as sovereign and independent
states. There is no Union, nor can there be any, if it
must be held together either by wrangling or fighting.
The principle, or question, of secession was understood
and agreed upon by all the States when they entered
the compact of federation.

The Southern soldiers fought only to preserve, to
retain their sovereign rights under this solemn obliga-
tion. When the Federal government sent troops to in-
vade, to coerce, the South, this was a ruthless viola-
tion of the sovereign rights of the States. In years
previous to this time several of the Northern states advo-
cated secession on a number of occasions, especially
during the war of 1812; also, when Texas was asking
admission into the Federal Union. To thinking men, it
is a well known, an established fact of history, that

X INTRODUCTION

the Southern states were loyal to the Union as long as
its terms were faithfully observed or lived up to; there-
fore, no blood was shed to save the Union. The estab-
lishment of it was by peaceful means by a mutual agree-
ment. The South fought to preserve what their fathers
sought to establish. Therefore^ the claim that we fought
to destroy the Union is hypocritical, and manifestly
malicious, trumped-up charges of histories. Many of
these so-called histories are the result of ii^norant
prejudice to discredit and blacken the character of both
the living and the dead all over the southland, and to
champion a few jealous, envious, corrupt and misguided
politicians who sought to destroy the people and to plun-
der their country. These degenerate sons of hypocritical,
bigoted and fanatical men, whom the Civil, or I might
say, "Uncivil" War, floated to the surface, and who di-
rected its progress, stand without a parallel in history for
brutality and vindictiveness. There was nothing coo bru-
tal or beastly or cruel for them to do, to stagger or
stop them.

All honest thinking men now know and admit the
Southern states were justified in their action from both
principle and authority and also by precept and prece-
dent. Yet, we are stigmatized as rebels to satisfy ignor-
ant fanaticism. If it be treason to fight and repel by
force a horde of conscienceless plunderers of one's home
and country. I glory in the name. The grandest and
best and greatest of our country were so called by their
silly enemies. By the noblest, these are called patriots,
and such they are, to my mind.

The purest, the most sacred obligation of human
affairs in any generation is to strive to transmit to pos-
terity the grand idea of civil liberty, unimpaired. And
it was for these ideals and principles that the southland

INTRODUCTION XI

shed the best blood of the world. We of the elder genera-
tion of Southern men are made sore and sensitive by
the everlasting, long-continued slanders and wilful, often
malicious, misrepresentations of so-called histories, writ-
ten by ignorant fanatics, many of whom love a negro
better than his own race, or at least pretend to do so.
Such men as Ben Wade and Thaddeus Stephens and
old John Brown, and all their fanatical bruod, are a dis-
grace to any age or country. It is a well known and
understood proposition of the two schools of politics
of the North and the South, of Hamilton and Jefferson,
of Patrick Henry and the Tory leaders, of the early
days of the Confederation. These differences were in-
herent, fundamental and sprang from personal and ra-
cial differences. There was not and could not be any
permanent and mutual sympathy or understanding be-
tween these divers racial elements — the fanatical, bigoted
Puritan and the Roundhead, and the conservative, lib-
erty-loving Cavalier stock. These diverse elements were
certain finally to clash ; as well might we try to mix
two acids, or water and the fixed oils ; it simply can't
be done.

Patrick Henry, the grand old man, foresaw^ this, and
w^arned his compatriots of the dangers involved.

The genesis of the various treaties made between
these States was similar to the genesis of treatie-^ made
between other nations whose desire was to protect them-
selves against invasion. This alliance was intended also
to regulate their relations with one another and did not
make these States a single nation. It was upon this
proposition the Southern states were to fight the great-
est and the bloodiest war of all history, a fight to the
deatli^ to maintain their sovereignty, that it might be
preserved to our posterity.

XII INTRODUCTION

b^roni my standpoint, there was no rebellion, nor
was there a civil war, between 1861 and 1865, out ihcre
was a war between two sections of the American States.
This war was waged between the American sovereign-
ties. This silly twaddle about rebellion and rebel is the
veriest rot ; those who talk thus show their ignorance of
the fundamental history of their own country. Patrick
Henry, this grand old patriot, stood firmly and fearlessly
against the doctrine of centralization, the Federalism of
Hamilton, whose efforts were all towards the centraliza-
tion of power in the Federal Government. This is now
an accomplished fact, as predicted by the immortal
Henry, and this fair land is now ruled by a mongrel
l)reed of despots. It is no wonder that enlightened and
awakened public conscience all over this country and
the outside world has repudiated the so-called histories,
and school text-books. They desire and demand the
truth and nothing but the unvarnished, the whole truth.
All honest people hate liars, especially those who wil-
fully and maliciously utter them, and thus mislead the
young and unsuspecting.

To those who by reason of ignorance or wilful
prejudice may regard these lines as harsh or severe,
I answ^er that I know whereof I speak from personal
experience.

I ask the indulgence of the boys who wore the
Gray^ to whom I affectionately dedicate this book, in
vindication of the truth of history.

THOMAS F. BERRY, M. D.,
Adjutant Chickasaw Brigade and Surgeon-General,
O. D., U. C. V.

Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
June 22, 1914.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I

Ancestry and Childhood 1

n

The Beginning of the Struggle .__ _ _. 8

III
Kentucky's Position During the War 19

IV
In Camp With Morgan 27

V
Real Warfare ..- 38

VI
With Morgan About Nashville 43

VII
Battle of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing 53

VIII
A Dash With Morgan into Tennessee and Kentucky 66

IX
I Am Ca])tured and Escape 81

X
Lrove and Sorrow 97

XI
Revenge 106

XII
Guerrilla Warfare 113

XIII
Back in the Regular Army 124

XIV
Battle of Perryville _137

XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS

XV
Again Wounded and Left Behind 146

XVI
Very Busy 153

XVII
The Guerrilla in the Civil War 159

XVIII
Fighting With Morgan 173

XIX
Some of Morgan's Daring Exploits 182

XX
The Campaign in Kentucky, 1862 187

XXI
The Christmas Campaign, 1862 194

XXII
Miraculous Escape at Tullahoma — 20:

XXIII
Morgan's Invasion oi Indiana 221

XXIV
Before Chickamaaga 233

XXV
Chickamauga 238

XXVI
After Chickamauga - — -249

XXVII
With Forrest - - - —262

XXVIII
Morgan's Escape __ __ 278

XXIX
My Last Service With Morgan — 286

XXX
Back to Forrest 289

TABLE OF CONTENTS XV

XXXI
Rock Island 294

XXXII
Back to the Southland- -_- 307

XXXIII
Escape from Camp Morton 320

XXXIV
Last Days of the Confederacy 330

XXXV
With Shelby in Mexico _344

XXXVI
Eucarnacion 366

XXXVII
Bill Anderson 379

XXXVIII
Back to Kentucky 394

XXXIX
Quantrell 401

XL
Quantrell's Last Campaign 422

XLI
Surrender 446

Four Years with Morgan and Forrest

I

ANCESTRY AND CHILDHOOD

My ancestry — I visit South America — Join Lexington Rifles —
Accompany my father through the Mexican war — Return to
Lexington and rejoin the Rifles.

I have often thought since the late civil struggle
that I would at some future time give my personal ex-
perience in the four years' contest and the impressions
w^hich it made upon me.

It may be of importance to my children and my
friends to know something of my family histor3^ My
great-great-grandfather was a soldier under Marlbor-
oug'h and was in all the battles in the Netherlands and
the Levant under the Iron Duke. He was born in France,
of Scotch-Irish parents, and was a protestant in faith.
In 1702 he immigrated to this country with his family
of ^x sons and three daughters. Settling first in or
near Williamsburg, Virginia, he afterward moved to
Westmoreland County.,/ My grandfather was born in
J7243L at this place. On the breaking out of the Revo-
lutionary War, he joined the army under Washington,
and gallantly bore arms until peace was declared. By
promotion he rose through the various grades to be a
captain. He married a Miss McGraw^ daughter of a
distinguished Revolutionary soldier.' After peace was
ratified, he and soldier friends moved on the tide of
immigration to Kentucky.

My Grandfather Berry settled with the first of the
pioneers in the virgin territory of what is now Wood-

2 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

ford County. Grandfather McGraw settled in Boyle
County. At that time all these lands were known as
the County or Province of Kentucky, and belonged
to the Territory of Virginia. They obtained their pat-
ents and grants from the State of Virginia.

My ancestors, both paternal and maternal, were
in the numerous and bloody battles fought with the In-
dians during these early days. Grandfather Berry was
seriously wounded at the battle of French Lick Springs.
He was saved from the savage tomahawk and scalping
knife by the heroic devotion of a comrade.

Grandfather Berry was the father of nine children,
six sons and three daughters. The sons were : James,
Louis, Younger, John, Samuel Oscar, and Gardner. My
father, Samuel Oscar, was the youngest of the boys.
There were two sisters younger than he. My aunts,
Susan, Mary and Martha all died before I w^asjioni^

My father, Samuel Oscar Berry, was born in West-
moreland County, Virginia, in 1760, and died in Lex-
ington, Kentucky, in 1869. He married Miss Elizabeth
McGraw of Boyle County, daughter of Major John ^Ic-
Graw, a Revolutionary soldier, who was widely known
for his courage, benevolence, and charity. Six children
were born to them, namely : Samuel O., William W.,
Susan, Minnie, Thos. F., and Alex Berry, four boys and
two girls. Sister Minnie died in early infancy. All
these children were born in Woodford County.

My mother died in 1835, leaving five small children.
My father was disconsolate over his loss. He received
a letter saying that his brother, W^illiam Berry, had
been seriously wounded in battle at San Antonio, and
that on the same day Col. John Milam, his brother-in-
law, had been killed. Father moved Uncle Williajr'
Berry to New Orleans and left him there in the care u^

MY ANCESTRY 3

surgeons. He was soon restored to health. My father
returned to Texas and took part in several skirmishes
and battles in the early troubles of that territory.

Before leaving home for Texas he placed all his
children with his brothers and sisters. I was placed
with my grandfather, Xohn McGraw, of Boyle County.
Brothers Sam and William were placed with Uncle Jim
and Uncle Younger ; my sister, Susan, was placed with
Uncle Louis Berry. Father left his business affairs
in the hands of his brother, Younger. Father was
in several battles with General Sam Houston and was
present at the battle of San Jacinto, when the Texans
gave Santa Anna and the Mexican army such a drubbing
that they have never forgotten it to this good day. This
ended the struggle for Texas independence.

Father returned home a much changed man. He
married a second time, and settled at V^ersailles, moving
afterwards to Lexington. He resumed his business and
tried to reassemble his children, but Brother Sam and
Brother William had now about reached manhood and
were making- their own way. Sister Susan was the
only one of the children that he could induce to returrt
to him. I was content to remain with Grandfather.
Father took up his residence at Versailles, Woodford
County, remained there for two years and then removed
to Lexington. At this time I entered the home of my
uncle, John ^McGraw, a professor of geology and was
with him for two 3-ears. We took a trip t.j South
America, visiting Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Paraguay,
Brazil, Yucatan, Mexico and Guatamala. We ^\'ere ab-
sent two years and eight months, studying the p;eology,
fauna and flora of these countries. We brought back
many beautiful and valuable specimens. On our return
from this trip, we went to live in Lexington, where Uv»^-^

4 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

John was professor of geology in Transylvania Uni-
versity.

At the beginning of the Civil War I joined Captain
John H. Morgan's company, the famous Lexington Rifles,
Company A, First regiment, Kentucky State Guards.
Captain Morgan served in the Mexican War as a lieu-
tenant under Captain Perry Beard in Colonel Humphrey
Marshall's regiment. I was living in Lexington when
war was declared between Mexico and the United States,
in 1846. Volunteers were called for, and my father
joined Captain Beard's company. They were ordered
to New Orleans^ and started for that place in February,
1847. >

I had formed a strong attachment for & boy much
older than myself, who had joined Captain Scarce's
company of the same regiment. I was in great distress,
and felt that I could not lose my boy friend, so he con-
cocted a scheme to smuggle me aboard the boat and
keep me hid from the officers, and especially from my
father. We sailed from New Orleans to Corpus Christi.
The vessel remained there only one day, and 'vas or-
dered to Point Isabel, on Brazos Island, where the
American army was concentrating. We were disem-
barked at night. I was kept out of sight intil all the
boats had sailed away for more troops and supplies.

The surprise of my father may be imagined when
I emerged and showed myself to him. His firsr impulse
was to whip me soundly. My chum, James A. Camp-
bell, had kept me closely concealed and supplied with
food. All the soldiers begged my father not to punish
me. I was 14 years old, and well developed.

I was not disturbed on the march and rode on the
supply wagon or behind some of the soldiers.

At the first battle, Palo Alto, Texas, the advance

THROUGH THE MEXICAN WAR 5

guard of the army encountered the Mexican cavalry.
After a spirited skirmish, the two armies met about
2 o'clock and sharp fighting ensued. The Americans
steadily advanced without a check and drove the Mexi-
can army, under General Ampudea and General Arista,
from the field, following them closely for several miles
in the direction of Brownsville, on the Rio Grande river.
I picked up on the battle field several grape and canister
shot made of copper ; also, fragment of copper shells of
different sizes. These missiles produced a wound of a
serious nature, poisoning the flesh and making a wound
difficult to heal. Many wounds made by these never
heal. The Mexicans, having retreated to Resaca de la
Palma, some miles south, again took position, on the
south side of the lagoon.

General Taylor buried the dead and cared for the
wounded, numbering respectively 192 and 63. He
pushed flanking columns against the enemy in his new
position^ attacking furiously. After about two hours'
fighting the Mexicans were driven in confusion from
the field. These two battles cost the enemy in killed,
wounded and captured more than 1,300 m.en. The Mexi-
can general now rapidly retreated across trie Rio Grande
river, some miles above Brownsville, and sent a detach-
ment to attack Fort Brown, which was soon driven off.
There was but little fighting after these two battles,
though there was spirited skirmishing with the enemy s
cavalry during the intervening months.

General Taylor now made all necessary pTans to
invade Mexico. Crossing the Rio Grande, he advanced
leisurely upon Monterey. His forces approached this
city from three directions, surrounded it, and drove the
Mexicans into the city. The Mexicans used the houses
for covering breastworks, fighting from the tops

6 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

of houses and windows. The American soldiers tun-
nelled through the walks to reach them, and gradually
drove them towards the center of the city, or public
plaza. After two days' hard fighting the Mexicans were
forced to surrender. After a brief rest^ the American
Army marched toward Buena Vista, Vera Cruz, Molino
del Rev and Chapultepec.

From the latter place I was sent home with my
chum, Campbell, who was wounded. We stayed somt
time at Vera Cruz, in the hospital, where there were
quit a number of sick and wounded. We were away
from home twenty-six months. I was in six battles,
and thought it was great fun. Returning to Lexing-
ton, we settled down to the humdrum of civil life. I
now felt myself quite a man. I rejoined Captain Mor-
gan's Lexington Rifles, and went to school. The State
Guards of Kentucky, composed of four regiments —
three of infantry and one of cavalry, with two batteries —
met annually for military instruction and drill.
We were drilled constantly, almost nightly, during the
winter of 1860-186L

I saw little of my father or my family, though at
this period I was with them at home. We were all
fully aware at this time of the certainty of a civil war
between the North and the South over the slavery ques-
tion, as there had been much hot, belligerent discussion
in Congress on this subject long before this period.
All felt sure that we should be, called upon to defend
our guaranteed rights under the Constitution ; that
events were rapidly hastening to this end was patent
to us all.

In 1858 my Brother Samuel left home, having gradu-
ated at Lexington from the State normal school. He
was called to accept a position as teacher in a country

WINTER OF 1860-61 7

school in Mercer County, Avhere he proved himself worthy
and competent. He joined the Christian church and won
the esteem, confidence and love of his neighbors and
acquaintances. He was regarded as a sincere, conscien-
tious member of his church. I state this fact to show
that he was trying to live a Christian life, until the intol-
erant bigotry of a fanatical or abolition party drove the
people of Kentucky and the South to take the only means
left to honorable men to protect themselves ; namely, the
appeal to the sword. My second brother, William, was
in the South with a drove of mules, where he helped his
employer during the fall and winter of 1860-1861.

II

THE BEGINNING OF THE STRUGGLE

The crisis of 1861 — Federal arms are shipped into Lexington —
We determine to seize them — We leave for th€ south with
Morgan — Mustered into the Confederate service — Morgan and
his methods — Defense of Morgan and his comrades.

In the spring of 1861 the crisis was rapidly shaping
itself. Mr. Abraham Lincoln was elected by the aboli-
tionists ; the time was rapidly approaching for him to
take his seat as president. There were many remark-
able events transpiring throughout the country; many
Southern states were taking steps to secede from the
Federal Union. I shall never forget the whirl of excite-
ment and feverish anxiety of the older citizens during
this period. All seemed to agree that war was inevitable.
I distinctly remember that Captain Morgan went South
during the Spring of 1860 and was gone until late in
the summer months, returning about the end of August.
While he was absent from Lexington there occurred
an event that stirred the citizens to the highest pitch of
excitement.

The state had declared through her representatives
that she would not take part either for or against the
North or the South ; that neither would be permitted
to invade her soil, and she would repel with force such in-
vasion. This was seemingly accepted by both the North
and the South^ both would respect Kentucky's position.
But what was the surprise, nay, the indignation of the

FEDERAL ARMS SHIPPED INTO LEXINGTON 9

state, to be ruthlessly undeceived. During all these
months the Union elements in this state were organiz-
ing for self protection, ostensibly; but really to be pre-
pared for the event that occurred at this time at L,ex-
ington.

They had formed a camp of instruction at Camp
"Dick" Robinson and were organizing companies and
regiments. One bright morning the citizens of Lex-
ington were aroused from their slumbers by the sound
of Federal bugles at their very doors. These soldiers,
all Kentuckians, had come to Lexington to receive arms
shipped by Federal authorities into the state, thereby vio-
latmg the pledge to respect the neutrality of the state.
Colonel Bramlett had come to tlie city with a regiment
of loyal citizens to see that the loyal state of Kentucky
sliould remain in the Union, and also to disarm the Lex-
ington Rifles, Capt. John Morgan's company, who were
disgracing this state and the United States by their dis-
loyalty.

What was to be done? The soldier boys did not
want to be disarmed in this way. They discussed this
in groups and squads. Our captain was away ; had not
returned from the South. We called on our officers. First
Lieutenant Robert W. Wooley, Second Lieutenant Reice,
and others, with a number of the most promment citi-
zens of Lexington. Our determination was not to sur-
render the State Guard arms to Bramlett's mountain
renegades. We even discussed the feasibility of cap-
turing the arms^ five thousand in number, at the Lex-
ington depot. There were mustered in the company's
armory ninety-seven men ready for this hazardous en-
terprise. Our company was a hundred and four strong
but we were persuaded from this course by such men

10 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

as the Hon, J. C. Breckinridge, Jas. B. Beck, Chas.
Wickliffe and others.

By this time we were all marked for arrest. It was
determined to seize the armory and arms. The time had
arrived to act with promptness and vigor. I and ten
other young men were summoned to Colonel Bramlett's
headquarters, to explain our connection with the demon-
stration at the armory. That same evening I received
a note from Capt. Morgan on very important business.
I called on him and found several young men already
there. It was determined to load the guns, already in
boxes, into wagons immediately and take them south,
to join our fortunes with the people of the South. We
then and there took an oath to stand by our arms till
death. We hurriedly left with Morgan and began our
preparations; by 11 o'clock p. m. were on our road
south, with one hundred minie rifles.

We took the pike to Versailles, crossed the Ken-
tucky river to Lawrenceburg, thence by country roads
to the Chaplain Hills to a camp nearly midway between
Bloomfield and Bardstown, which we named t^amp
Charity. We were accompanied by Capt. Morgan for
about five miles from Lexington where he left us, saying
that he would join us in two or three days, which he did.
At Camp Charity we stayed seven days. When we
broke camp we found there were over seven hundred
recruits in line^ with several ammunition and supply
wagons. There were about seventy dismounted men.
We threw out scouts, videttes in front and on each flank
with a rear guard, so as not to be surprised by any
enemy.

There was at Bardstown at this time a regiment oi
Federal troops stationed there to watch Morgan. Our
column moved about 3 o'clock p. m. We bade farewell

MUSTERED INTO SERVICE H

to home and friends. I never saw my sister or step-
mother again. I was about 27 years old, strong and
vigorous. This first march was the hardest and most
trying of all the early trials I experienced as a soldier.
We marched continuously all night, starting at about
3 o'clock, p. m. We stopped a short time to feed the
horses and then resumed the march. While crossing
the Cumberland Mountains this night we encountered
forest fires which we mistook for the enemy's camp-fires.
We were halted and formed in line of battle; videttes
were sent forward to see if the enemy was in our front.
I shall never forget the impression this produced on me.
There was no enemy, and we marched forward without
noise. At daybreak we struck the turnpike. About this
time there was considerable excitement, as several shots
had been heard at the front of the column. We were
ordered to quicken our pace. Our advance had encoun-
tered some Home Guards, whom they charged with
promptness and dispersed.

Oh, the tingling excitement of anticipated battle
which set me on tiptoe ! We marched on in silent
thoughtful array, little dreaming of the tremendous strug-
jjle before us, nor of the immense import of the struggle
then in its incipiency. Our destination was Woodson-
ville. where the Confederate advance forces were camped,
under the command of Col. Roger Hanson, Second Ken-
tuckv Volunteers. Tbis point was reached late in the
evenine, after a march of one hundred and seven mi'Ies,
in twenty-six hours; not a bad showing for raw recrufts.
We were mustered into the Confederate service for three
years. Many of the voune men joined other commands.

At this plare we organized Company A, of the old
squadron afterwards so famous in the annals of war-
fare. We remained here recruiting and doing camp

12 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

duty, picketing, scouting through this section until near
the end of December. There was no election of officers
until our company was full ; that is, until we had" eighty
men. Of course, Captain Morgan was looked to as
commander. When we were mounted we elected our
officers, which were as follows : John H. Morgan,
captain; Basil W. Duke, first lieutenant; Jas W. West,
second lieutenant; Jas H. Smith, third lieutenant; the
non-commissioned officers were appointed, also the quar-
ter-master sergeant during this formative period. We
were almost constantly scouting. Cavalry drill also was
a part of the daily routine of camp life at this time.

In my account of this formative period of our com-
mand of Morgan and his men ; his service and individual-
ism ; the peculiar and heroic mould of the young and
daring spirits who where flocking to his standard — I
shall endeavor to state the bare facts as they occured.

This command formed by Capt. Morgan was
created out of the sons of the best families of Kentucky
and Tennessee, and was the nucleus of his command,
the old squadron, the first regiment. It was constantly
increasing in numbers from this time forward, it. was
easy to foresee that this command was destined to be
an important factor in the bloody drama of war. There
were many daring spirits here who were anxious to at-
tain distinction and fame on the field of glory. They
were eager to establish their true character in the field
of actual service, and to show they could serve bravely
and faithfully to the end of the great struggle.

Gen Morgan's career throughout the whole war
was so remarkable and often so sursprising that the
public accustomed to the contradictory newspaper ac-
counts of his exploits received them with incredulity.
His movements were so rapid, so crowded with excit-

MORGAN AND HIS METHODS 13

ing incidents, that they attracted widespread attention
and elicited comments from both sides ; all of which
kept the public in constant whirl of excitement. It was
Morgan and his command that first originated this sys-
tem of warfare. His methods were celerity of move-
m€^nt; concentration on the. enemy's weak points; hard,
telling and unexpected blows at remote places. Early in
his career, with a comparatively small command^ he
first demonstrated to his astonished enemies, friends
and the world in general, this new thing in actual war.

Gen Morgan's command was composed principally
of Kentuckians like himself. They were all uninfluenced
by public opinion in the State in which they resided ;
they surrendered fortune, home^ friends, all that was
dear, to assist the people of the South in desperate and
vital struggle for freedom which their action provoked
and to whom they were bound by blood and convictions.
They felt that the South had an imperative claim upon
their services. These men pledged their all in this cause
and identified their names with every phase of the con-
test until the bitter end. Such devotion of such men to
such services can never be forgotten. It is impossible
that the memory of these can ever fade from minds of
men in the beautiful land for which they fought, bled
and died. The traditions which will indicate where they
struck their foes will also preserve their memories in
undying affection and honor. The men of this gener-
ation which knew them can forget them only when they
forget the fate from which they strove to save them.
Their memory belongs to the history of the race and
cannot die.

So general and intense was the interest which Mor-
gan excited among the young men of the State that he

14 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

obtained from every county in the State, recrufcs who
ran every risk to join him. When another leader could
not enlist a man, the whole state was represented in his
command. Many Kentuckians who had enlisted in the
regiment from other vStates procured transfers to his
command, and it frequently happened that men, the bulk
of whose regiments .were in prison, or who had become
irregularly detached by some of the many incidents ot
which the volunteer, weary of the monotony of camp
life, is prompt to take advantage, would attach them-
selves to Morgan.

Morgan and his men were bitterly assailed during
his life and since the war for certain acts for which nei-
ther he nor his men w^ere in any wise responsible. A cor-
rect representation of a certain series of events sometimes
leads to a proper understanding of many more. If the
veil which prejudice and deliberate misrepresentation
and falsification have thrown over some features of the
contest be lifted, a truer appreciation may be had of
others of greater moment and interest. I may add that
no one has been more bitterly assailed than my brother,
Samuel O. Berry while living, also after death; in like
manner has Gen. Morgan been assailed even by his own
people and from mv standpoint very harshly and un-
justly by persons knowing absolutely nothing of the
facts and conditions. Let those who are disposed to
judge hastily or harshly place themselves in like sur-
roundings and conditions — let them stand in the place
of those they so glibly condemn.

No man's memory should be more peculiarly sub-
ject to justification and vindication than that of Gen.
Morgan or that of Samuel O. Berry, the latter known as
"One-Armed" Berry by his friends. But there are

DEFENSE OF MORGAN 15

Other and cogent reasons why this vindication and tri-
bute should be rendered to them by one who, devoted
to them while living^, should in the interest of the
truth of history rescue their fair names from infamy.
The cruel treatment and ingratitude which embittered
the last days of both these men renders their friends
sensitive regarding the reputation they left behind them,
and has made their memory all the dearer to the many
who were true and constant in their love and esteem
for them, and they feel that they should be justly de-
fended. The fame which they deserved shall be ac-
corded them, since the reward which they both strove
for is theirs already, in the glory won in the tremendous
and unequal struggle, in the affection of the people and
the pride with which they speak the names of the dead
and martyred heroes.

The Southern people possess treasures of which no
conqueror can deprive them. There rests upon some
one who was identified with this command the oblig-
ation of denying and disproving the frequent grave and
false charg:es of crime and outrage which have been
preferred against Gen. Morgan and his soldiers. So
persistently have these accusations been made that at one
time an avowal of allegiance to Morgan was thought
even in Kentucky tantamount to a confession of high-
way robbery. At this day, doubtless the same opinion
prevails in the North and yet when it is considered how
this was produced it is surprising that it should last
so long.

I do not pretend to defend or explain or deny any
inexcusable excesses committed by any of the camp
followers of the command. All armies have thieving
buccanneers in their wake. Unfortunately for the good

15 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

reputation and honor of both armies there were many
bad, infamous characters following the two armies lor
plunder only, but wherever these lawless acts were
brought to the notice of Morgan or "One-Armed Berry"
it would be difficult to prove that such practices of
plundering and cruelty did not meet with prompt rebuke
and punishment of the guilty ones from Morgan and his
officers. Lawless acts were not characteristic of his
command.

It has often been said that there was a total lack of
discipline in this command. This absolutely is unfound-
ed, as the character of the services performed proves.
We were constantly in the enemy's country and were
of necessity compelled to have discipline. I do not pre-
tend to say we were as carefully drilled as regulars, but
when we met the carefully disciplined enemy we were
well drilled enough to take them to camp with us.

I am sure that this command of rough riders
could not have been made a mere military machine.
They were were all high-born freemen and gentlemen,
possessing that pride-element of true soldierly quality —
personal self-respect. They were intelligent, courageous
and had a quick apprehension of the duties to be per-
formed ; too proud to desert or leave a comrade in dan-
ger or distress. They were ever ready to meet all emer-
gencies. Such men do not require the rigid discipline
of regulars to make them soldiers. These men possess-
ed all the highest qualities of true men and they had
a just cause to fight for. Morgan had very decided
military qualities — really he was a talented leader, the
very man above all men for such a daring band.

I have heard it said that he was simply a partisan
leader of a small command. It is not difficult to dis-

DEFENSE OF MORGAN 17

abuse the minds of military men or even intelligent men
of any class, of this false impression. It will only be
necessary to review his campaigns and give the reasons
for his movements and the attendant facts, and it wUi
be seen that he had in an eminent degree many of the
highest and most necessary qualities of a general ; what-
ever may be said of this man, this merit must be ac-
corded him. To him belonged the credit of having dis-
covered uses for cavalry or rather mounted infantry to
which that arm w^as never applied before. While othej
cavalry officers were all adhering to the traditions oi
former wars and the systems of the schools, howevei
inapplicable to the demands of their day and the nature
of the struggle^ he originated and perfected not only a
system of tactics, a method of fighting and handling men
in the presence of the enemy, but also strategy as effect-
ive as it was novel.

Totally ignorant of the art of war, as learned from
the books and in the academies, and imitator m nothing,
self-taught in all that he knew, his success was not
more marked than his genuis. The creator and origina-
tor of his own little army, with a force that at no time
reached over four thousand, he killed and wounded near-
ly as many of the enemy and captured more than fif-
teen thousand in one engagement at the battle of Harts-
ville, Tenn. The author of the far-reaching raid, so
different from the mere cavalry dash, he accomplished
with his handful of men results which otherwise would
have required armies and the costly preparations of regu-
lar and extensive campaigns. When the means at his
disposal are considered, the results he effected will then
be understood. Generally his connection with the oper-
ations of the main army and the strategic importance

18 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORRFvST

of even his seemingly rashest and most purposeless raids,
in their bearing upon the grand campaign of the west,
were not understood. To rank with the best of the many
active and excellent cavalry officers of the west; to have
had confessedly no equal among them except in Gen.
Bedford Forrest, argues Morgan to have possessed no
mean or common ability.

Ill

KENTUCKY'S POSITION DURING THE WAR

1 have often marvelled at the position assumed by
Kentucky at the inception of the struggle. Her con-
duct at this time and throughout the civil strife excited
surprise of both sections. Both alike doubted her good
faith and both complained of her actions. All such senti-
ments as she then promulgated were scoffed at by the
North^ and the South was bitterly disappointed. But all
these were soon forgotten by the latter and have be-
come intensified into bitter, and undisguised anrmosity
upon the part of a large portion of the population of the
former. The reason is patent. It is the same which^
during the war influenced the Confederates to hope for
large assistance from Kentucky, and caused the Federals
on the other hand to regard even the loudest, most zeal-
ous profession of loyalty as secessionists in disguise, or,
at best, unionists only to save their property in slaves. It
is the instinctive feeling that the people of Kentucky, on
account of kindred blood, common interests and identity
of ideas in all that relates to political rights, and the
objects of political institutions, may be supposed likely
to sympathize with the people of the South, but a variety
of causes and influences combined to prevent Kentucky
from taking a decided stand with either of the combat-
ants, and produced the vacillations and inconsistency
which so notably characterized her councils and para-

20 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

lyzed her efforts in their direction and, it may be added,
so seriously affected her fair fame.

Her geographical position, presenting a frontier ac-
cessible for several hundred miles to an assailant com-
ing from either the north or south, caused her people
great apprehension, especially as it was thought lo be
an absolute certainly that her territory, if she took pan
with the South, would be made a battleground and sub-
jected to the disasters, horrors and devastation of war.
The political education of the Kentuckians also dis-
posed them to enter upon such a contest with extreme
reluctance and hesitation. The state w^as chiefly set-
tled by immigration from Virginia, and so her popula-
tion partook of the characteristics of these people, and
was imbued with the feelings which so strongly pre-
vailed in the mother commonwealth. It was from this
same source that the first generation of Kentucky states-
rnen derived those opinions which became the political
creed of the Southern people and which were promul-
gated in the celebrated resolutions of '98, giving shape
and consistency to the doctrine of States Rights, and
popular expression to the general government under the
federal constitution, so earnestly insisted upon by the
master minds of Virginia.

The earlier population of Kentucky was peculiarly
inclined to adopt and cherish such opinions by the
promptings of the nature which seems common to all
men descended from the stock of the Old Dominion — a
craving for the largest individual independence, and a
disposition to maintain in full measure every personal
right, a sentiment which has always made the people
of the southern and western states so jealous of outside
influence with their local affairs. It was natural, ani
mated by such a spirit, that they should push their pref-

KENTUCKY'S POSITION DURING THE WAR 21

erence for self-government even to extremes and that
they should esteem their most valued franchises safe
only when under their own entire custody and control ;
that they should prefer that their peculiar institutions
should be submitted only to domestic regulations and
that the personal liberty which they prized above all
their possessions should be restrained only by laws
enacted by legislators chosen from among themselves,
and executed by magistrates equally identified with
themselves, and appreciative of their instincts. The
Southern people were strongly attached to their state
government, and were not inclined to regard as bene-
ficient, nor even exactly legitimate any interference with
them upon the part of the general government ; they de-
sired to see the powers of the latter exercised only for
the common defense .and welfare.

This decided and almost universal sentiment was
first shaken, and the minds of the people began to
undergo a change, about the time of, and doubtless in
consequence of, the- detection of the Burr conspiracy.
Burr had been identified with the party which advo-
cated the extreme States Rights doctrine, and his prin-
cipal confederates were men of the same political com-
plexion. The uselessness of Burr's scheme, even if suc-
cessful, and the small prospect of any benefit to any
one, unless to the leading adventurers, had disposed all
the more 'sober-minded to regard his plans with distrust.
The people, whom it had been a part of the plan to
flatter with hopes of the most brilliant advantages^ im-
mediately conceived for it the most intense aversion.
The odium into which Burr and his associates became
involved in some measure attached to the political
school to which he belonged, and men's minds began
at this time to be unsettled upon the very political ten-

22 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

ets in the validity of which tliey had previously so
implicitly believed. The able Federalist leaders in the
state pursued and improved the advantage thus offered
them for the first time in the history of Kentucky.

About this time Mr. Madison attempted to explain
away the marrow and substance of the famous resolu-
tions of '98, but the effect was injuriously against the
States Rights party everywhere, and contributed at a
still later day to weaken that party in Kentucky. But
the vital change of the political faith of Kentucky was
wrought by Henry Clay. The spell which the great
magician cast over his people was like the glamour of
medieval enchantment. It bound them in hopeless but
delighted acquiescence to the Avill of the master. The
undoubted patriotism of Mr. Clay and the spotless in-
tegrity of his public course so aided the effect of his
haughty will and superb genius, that his influence
amounted to fascination. Although he himself in early
life was an advocate of the principles of the Jeffersonian
democracv. he was gradually, but thoroughly, weaned
from his first opinions and became a convert to the dog-
mas of the school of politics w"hich he had once so ably
combntted. The author of the American system, the
tariff, the advocate of the United vState's bank, the cham-
pion of the New En^^land manufacturing and commer-
cial interests, with protective tariff bounties, and mo-
nopolies, could have little sympathv Avith States Rights.
Mr. Clav fairlv and emphaticallv announced his politi-
cal faith. He declared paramount allesfiance to the
whole union : a subordinate one to his own state. He
taup'ht his o-eneration to love the Union and at the same
time he was sowing the seed of disunion. He sincerely
believed that in the union of the states resided the

KENTUCKY'S POSITION DURING THE WAR 23

surest guarantees of the safety, honor and prosperity
of each.

In 1851 John C. Breckenridge was elected to Con-
gress from Mr. Clay's district. From this period Mr.
Clay's influence waned. One of his warmest personal
friends was defeated in this race. Under the leader-
ship of Breckenridge, the Democratic party rallied, and
rapidly gained ground. Again, in 1856, Kentucky cast
her vote for Buchanan and Breckenridge by 7,000 strong.
Breckenridge's influence became predominant and was
felt in every election. The troubles in Kansas, the agi-
tation in Congress over the slavery question and ren-
dered the Democratic element in Kentucky more de-
termined and the more strongly inclined to take a
southern view of all the debated questions. The John
Brown affair exasperated every slave-holding commun-
ity, and led to the organization of the Kentucky State
Guards, created because of the strong belief that similar
raids would be made in Kentucky. These attacks were
expected to come from the North.

This belief was confirmed and intensified by the
language of the northern press and pulpit, and by the
commendation and the encouragement of such enter-
prises as the Harper's Ferry raid.

On the 17th day of February, 1861, Governor Magof-
fin called the State Tegislatur;e in extra session. At
this time seven states had seceded from the Union and
had formed the Confederate government. It was time
the people of Kentucky should know what they were
going to do. The governor addressed them in a mes-
sage advising them to call a convention. This the legis-
lature declined to do, but suggested the propriety of as-
sembling a national convention to revise and correct
the federal constitution, and recommended the "Peace

24 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Conference" which was subsequently held at Wash-
ington City.

In certain resolutions adopted by this legislature
relating to resolutions passed by the states of -Maine,
New York, Massachusetts and other northern states, is
the following: "The governor of the state of Kentucky
is hereby requested to inform the executives of said
states that it is the opinion of this General Assembly
that whenever the authorities of these states shall send
armed forces to the South for the purposes indicated in
said resolutions, the people of Kentucky uniting with
their brethren in the South, will as one man resist such
invasion of the soil of the South at all hazards and to
the last extremity." Rather strong language for Union
men and a loyal legislature to use. Many of these
members, Union men, held commissions at this time in
the armed forces sent to invade the South. It was
proven by subsequent events that these men were insin-
cere. They were playing for time.

This same legislature, on the 11th of February re-
solved that *'we protest against the use of force or coer-
cion by the general government against the seceded
states, as unwarranted and imprudent and tending to the
destruction of our common country."

A Union convention of the state was held at Louis-
ville on the 8th of January. Certain amendments to the
federal constitution were recommended, and it was re-
solved "that if the present disorganization of the pres-
eift Union is not arrested that the states agreeing to the
amendment of the federal constitution shall form a sep-
arate confederacy with power to admit new states under
our glorious constitution thus amended." It was re-
solved also that it was "expedient to call a convention
of the border free and slave states, and that we deplore

KENTUCKY'S POSITION DURING THE WAR 25

the existence of a union to be held together by the
sword."

This of itself proves the insincerity of the union
men^ and almost takes breath away from honest men,
even to read it. Theirs sounded like strong secession
resolutions. "If this disorganization of this union is nol
stopped ;" the loyal union men would also help it along.
The reader is left to draw his own conclusions.

On April 16th Governor Ma,s:offin received a call
for troops from Kentucky from the President. His re-
ply was as follows : "Your dispatch is received. In
answer, I say emphatically that Kentucky will furnish
no troops for the wicked purpose of subduing her sister
states. — B. Magoffin, Governor of the state of Ken-
tucky." The state had declared its neutrality by reso-
lutions some months before.

In the early months of summer, Gen. S. B. Buckner,
commander of the Kentucky State Guards, held an in-
terview with Gen. George B. McClelland, who com-
manded a department embracing territory contiguous
to Kentucky, if, indeed the latter was not included in his
commission. Gen. Buckner received, as he supposed, a
guarantee that the neutrality of Kentucky would be
observed or respected by the military authorities of the
United States. He communicated the result of his in-
terview to Governor Magoffin, and immediately it be-
came a matter of official as well as popular belief, that
Kentucky was safe for all time to come. But the dream
was very short lived. Soon after this the federal g -^r-
ernment began recruiting in Kentucky; camps were
organized, and citizens arrested, etc. At first this pro-
duced high excitement and distrust, and in some in-
stances, resistance. This invasion had its counterpart
in the occupancy of Columbus, Kentucky, by the Con-

26 FOUR YEARS AVITH MORGAN AND FORREST

federates, under General Leonidas Polk. Thus was the
neutrality of the state ignored by first one side, then
by both.

About all the Southern states by this time had
joined their fortunes to the Confederacy, except Ken-
tucky and Missouri. It was at about this time that
Colonel Bramlett issued orders for the arrest of many
members of the Lexington Rifles. There was intense
excitement throughout the state. Many Southern sym-
pathizers had left and joined the army in the South;
many were leaving under serious difficulty. I have told
of the attempted seizure of the state guard's guns at
Lexington ; the hard march to Camp Charity ; our tire-
some and laborious tramps to Green River, where we
met the advance of Sidney Johnston's army, commanded
by the redoutable Colonel Hanson, that magnificient
soldier who gave his life for the South, the first com-
mander of the splendid Second Kentucky Regiment,
which was considered one of the finest regiments in
the Confederate armies, both as to drill and also in
fighting qualities. This reputation was a just tribute
spontaneously given after many bloody and severe con-
tests on field of battle and drill camps, and Hanson was
the guiding genius in all.

IV

IN CAMP WITH MORGAN

My first scout — We move to Bowling Green, Glasgow Junction
and Schob's Tavern — Meet the Home Guards — Adventure of
Jeff Sisson in securing meat from Schob — I resent an insult.

Arrived in camp the serious business of soldier-life
began in sober earnest. Camp duties were familiar to
most of Morgan's old company, as they had followed
him from home to try the realities of soldiering upon
the field of glory. I shall never forget my first scout
on the 2nd day of September, 1861. Morgan, having
some forty or fifty men in his company at this time,
determined to try conclusions with the enemy. The
monotony of camp and picket duty, devoid of all ex-
citement^ did not suit him or his men. Calling for
twenty volunteers, he declared the fact then, that cav-
alry can be employed to far better advantage if kept
well out upon the front and flank of the enemy, than
if kept performing picket duty for the army ; that cav-
alry should be the eyes and ears of an army. This fact
was so completely demonstrated by him that comment
is unnecessary.

At this call for volunteers the whole company
stepped forward ; he chose thirty men. He merely stated
to them that he wished to gain some information of
the enemy, who was now camped near Nolin Bridge,
some twenty-one miles up the railroad. We made our

28 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

way to near the enemy's outpost, sometimes going near
their camps, to learn from our friends what transpired.
These excursions occurred three or four times weekly.
Sometimes we would have exciting times on reaching
the enemy's lines, as some of these countrymen were
in the pay of the Federals, or were in sympathy with
them and would report our approach and would start
at break-neck speed, pursued by our foremost riders.
They soon found that we were mounted on fleet horses,
and when pressed too closely they would leave their
horses and take to the brush ; these abandoned horses
we took possession of. They then adopted a less ex-
pensive mode of carrying information ; they travelled
on foot, having conch shells which they blew, others
answering from hill to hill, and thus informed their
friends of our approach far in advance.

We were compelled to change our plans. We would
start from camp an hour or so before sundown, reach-
ing the enemy's lines after dark. We would prowl
around their camps all night. When day returned the
scouting party would take a position on the line of
retreat at a convenient distance, but safe from sur-
prise from the enemy^ to rest and refresh men and
horses. We had some friends living near who piloted
us around. Many were the secret conferences we had
in the shade of the woods and with faithful informants.
They would close their reports with emphatic "for the
love of God." We would never breathe their names. We
were thus unconsciously becoming familiar with danger.
Once we were guided safely out of a dangerous situa-
tion by an intensely loyal man who thought he was
assisting some friends who had lost their way in the
dark. There were six of us with Morgan upon this
occasion. After twenty-four or thirty-six hours' close

MY FIRST SCOUT 29

observation we knew if there was any unusual move-
ment in the hostile lines.

After three or four weeks of this sort of service,
relieved by frequent skirmishes with the enemy, about
the last week in October we were called to horse by
bugle note. Having mounted, we turned our horses'
heads to the north. Proceeding some twelve miles from
camp in the direction of Nolin Bridge, the advance of
our column suddenly discovered a body of Federal in-
fantry moving down the road towards us. Their bayo-
nets glistening and just perceptible above a little rise
three or four hundred yards off, notified the videttes
of their vicinity. We immediately dismounted and post-
ed ourselves in the thickets on both sides of the road,
sending our horses to the rear under the charge of nine
men. The Federals had not as yet discovered us. No
plan of battle was adopted. Every man acted as his
own commander. This being his first real battle with
infantry and cavalry, Captain Morgan fired the first
shot. The battle lasted about twenty-five minutes. The
enemy retreated, and took shelter in a two-story log
house, having lost thirteen men killed, and nine wound-
ed. Our loss was three men wounded slightly. We
were in no danger during this fight, as the enemy seemed
to be shooting at the tops of the trees. During the
battle one of the horse-holders informed us that the
enemy was receiving reinforcements and was at that
moment flanking us. This intelligence necessitated the
withdrawal of our forces, and every man withdrew after
his fashion and at his own time.

Services of this character kept us constantly occu-
pied^ and shortly after this we moved to Bowling Green,
where we were sworn into the Confederate service, the
company numbering eighty-five privates and four com-

30 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

missioned officers. After completing our organization,
we received orders to repair to Glasgow Junction, scout-
ing and picketing the various roads. From there we
fell back to a place known as Schob's Tavern, midway
between Glasgow Junction and Bowling Greeii, wnere
we camped for some time. Scouting the country north
to and beyond Green River, we made a raid into Butler
County and to Morganficld.

While preparing to cross Green River on rafts, wc
were attacked by two companies of Home Guards, aiid
compelled to cross the river under a galling fire. Sev-
eral horses were killed and three or four men woundea.
Lieutenant Van Sellers was seriously w^ounded. When
we had landed and placed our wounded under sheitei
of the river bluff, we raised the rebel yell and charged
the Home Guards with a whoop. In the excitement
I found myself in the van or lead of these rough, enthu-
siastic riders, which made me the object of admiration,
compliments and honors, for they placed me in com-
mand of the scouts in place of Lieutenant Van Sellers.
He was sent back to camp under an escort while we
pressed forward to Morganfield. We met and disposed
of over 179 Home Guards and captured 12 prisoners, 70
horses, and 20 guns.

I was in high favor with my comrades and Captain
Morgan. W^e, by this time, became a squadron or bat-
talion of three companies : Companies A, B and C,
with Captain Morgan in command of Company A, Cap-
tain Tom Allen, of Shelby County, of Company B, and
Captain Jas. Bowles, afterward Colonel Bowles, of Com-
pany C. All had their full complement of men and
officers.

While at Schob's Tavern we ran short of rations
and our company devised a scheme to obtain from Mr.

SECURING MEAT FROM SCHOB 31

Schob necessary supplies. A committee was appointed
to wait upon him to solicit the poor, but necessary, privi-
lege of buying supplies from him. He was a strong
Union man. He was sorry, he informed our commit-
tee, that he could not and would not let them have what
they wanted. He asked for a guard from Captain Mor-
gan. The captain informed him that he did not need a
guard at his house as no one could leave camp because
there was a camp-guard round his soldiers. Schob had,
Morgan reminded him, a large half-breed bloodhound
in his yard to protect his property ; therefore, it was not
necessary for him to have a soldier on his place.

After several days' scheming by my company, we
concocted a plan of procedure. I called for volunteers
to carry out this plan. We then held a meeting to de-
termine who should perform the various parts of the
work necessary to be done in this undertaking. The dog
must be disposed of or entertained while this work
was being done. We must also have some one to crawl
under the meat house and hand out the ham, shoulders
and sides of bacon ; there must be others to pry „j^ tlie
corner of the meat house ; others to carry tne meat away
to a place of safety. All these details were settled by
drawing straws.

We selected a tall, slender beech tree, cut it down
close to the ground, then trimmed the limbs close to
the body. This was cut off twenty-four feet long;
then we cut a short block to place on the ground as a
pry block. To Leek Arnett fell the duty of entertain-
ing the dog with eight pounds of fresh meat ; to Jeff
Sisson, the dangerous duty of crawling into the meat
house ; the others were placed where there was the most
need of them. All were assigned to places so that the
scheme would be a howling success. The time was set.

32 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

It fell on a dark night. All was ready, everything ar-
ranged and emergencies provided for.

The meat house was about twenty feet in the rear
of the residence, which was on the north side of the
turnpike ; a garden, a grape arbor and an orchard with
sweet potato ridges were on the west and north sides.
We are on the ground. All is now ready. Arnett is
doing his duty by the blood-hound, entertaining him
royally with fresh meat ; we have pried up the corner of
Schob's meat house. Jeff Sisson has entered the sacred
and forbidden place and is handing out the hams^ should-
ers and sides of meat with lavish hands. Ten. twelve,
fourteen, sixteen ! "Boys, this is enough." "No," says
some one ; "let's have an even twenty." Twenty it shall
be. S-sh! s-sh! h-st ! What's that? The dog? Why,
the dog, of course! He refuses longer to be entertained
by the friendly stranger in soldier clothes. He will see
what it all means. He scouts his domain, he finds
something very strange and unusual going on under the
very nose of his master. A low threatening growl, a
fierce, snappish bark, a furious rush at these intrucrers of
the master's sacred domain. What was done must needs
be done quickly, and it was. The invaders fled in hot
haste. Where was the meat? Gone. Where was Ar-
nett? Gone^ on very urgent business down the road.
Where were all the other men? Gone, across the gar-
den and woods with the precious store. Someone RS-ks,
"Boys, where is Jeff Sisson?"

It is remembered that at the first onslaught of the
dog the men on the prize-prop leaped from their perch,
the prop being thrown violently into the air from the
immense weight upon it. The noise was like a cannon
shot, when the corner fell into its former position and
poor Jeff had been caught in the trap. Heavens, how

SECURING MEAT FROM SCHOB 33

Startled he was! "A scurvy tricky this, by my com-
rades. I shall await de\'elopments," said he, easy and
lov/, and he did.

In the meantime the boys were not idle. They hid
the meat securely in a hole dug in the ground, covered it
with a brush heap in the woods, while Jeff was re-
flecting on the uncertainties of his position. The dog
kept him informed of his presence. He charged round
and round the meat house like mad. In a few minutes
Sisson heard the voice of our friend Schob, hissing the
dog on. A light was brought, the place examined and
the prop found. The dog w^as still uneasy, alert, growl-
ing and barking, fiercely rushing around the meat house.

"Let us examine inside the meat house. Tige seems
very uneasy. I believe there is someone in the house,"
says Mrs. Schob ; *1:)ring the light and also the key."

The key is placed, the' lock flies back. At this time
Sisson has placed himself close beside the door. When
the light is thrust in, Schob says^ ''Who's there?" At
this moment Sisson blows out the light, rushes past
and over Schob, shoving him aside. In one desperate
rush he leaps past the astonished family group, and
at one bound he clears himself of all entanglements,
leading the dog, who was hissed after him. Across the
potato ridges, through tangled vines, on he rushes to
liberty and anxiously awaiting friends. At the cross
fence in this mad rush for liberty he loses his red artil-
lery cap and one shoe. Sad mishap. He reaches the
fence, tries hard to clear the top rail. Oh, the fates
seem to be against him ! He only gets one leg over.
The rail breaks with his weight and he falls backward
and the dog is upon him ! He calls for help from his
comrades. The dog is snarling in his face and seems

34 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

to want more fresh meat from Jeff. His comrades rush
to his rescue and drive the dog away.

Next morning we had an unceremonious call at our
camp from our neighl^or. He calls upon Capt. Morgan.
Makes his complaint. Our gallant captain told him that
if he could find one single trace of the guilty i)arties,
he would punish them till Schob said it was enough.
The squadron was drawn out into line. A squad was
detailed to go with Schob and search the tents ; the\
started down the line with Schob in the lead, holding
Sisson's red artillery cap and No. 10 shoe in his hands.
He scrutinized each soldier closely but failed to find
any one the shoe would fit. Sisson had found another
shoe and cap. Schob finally went back to Sisson, placed
the shoe before him and said, ''If this shoe don't fit your
foot and this cap is not yours, I don't know whose they
are." But Captain Morgan decided that this was not
sufficient evidence on which to punish a man. Forever
afterward this was a source of gibe and jest. Sissor.
never heard the last of it during the entire service.

We remained here some weeks. During our stay
we had established a rule that was ever after adhered
to, and that was when any one felt themselves insulted
or aggrieved they were not permitted to quarrel or to
fight with weapons, but must settle the difference with
their fists or acknowledge themselves a coward. A se-
vere condition for the weak and physically small ; but
this had to stand. The officers made them form a ring
round the belligerents, and they fought it out there and
then to a finish. There were several of these private
battles.

I took part in one. There were two of my school-
mates in the same mess that left Lexington with me.
They were chums and fast friends, always together.

I RESENT AN INSULT 33

They announced that a quarrel with one was with both
and they would jointly resent any insult the other might
receive. Since my recent, distinction at the hands of my
comrades, these two ambitious sons of Mars took spe-
cial pains on every occasion to show their disgust, envy
and dislike at the favors shown me. I took all their
petty insinuations and slights until one day I was griev-
ously and outrageously insulted.

My father was present at the time. This called for
blood. My father looked on for a few moments. He
then very quietly asked me if I was a coward. I said,
"No, father, I am not, but I don't wish to destroy my
chances for promotion. I want to fight these two en-
vious imps, both at the same time. You know the ru^
established. I shall certainly demand satisfaction and
have it at all hazard." A great hue and cry was raised
about this time. "Form a ring! form a ring!" could
be heard all over the camp. A great crowd gathered. I
told my friend, Jack Wilson^ from Woodward county,
to challenge Ben Drake and Billy Spencer. They must
either apologize publicly or fight.

While this w^as being arranged for, the officers
came forward to know what the trouble was. My father
was my spokesman in the case. He told them every
thing from beginning to end. Captain Morgan and
Lieutenant Basil Duke decided that the provocation was
great and of serious nature to a proud person. Yet
there should not be any duelling. If this was once al-
lowed there would be no end to the practice ; therefore,
we must settle our differences with Nature's weapons.
They informed us of their decision in the matter, telling
Drake and, Spencer that they must either apologize or
light me at once ; all must agree beforehand to accept
the. result as final, as there should be no quarreling.

36 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

For my part, I was ready' and willing to accept
any terms where there was a prospect of thrashing my
tormentors once for all. We all stripped for the scrap.
They wanted to try their skill, and at the same time
humiliate me in the eyes and opinion of the command
and shut off any remote chance of promotion or honors.
I had learned something of the use of the gloves and
felt confident that I could hold my own with either
or both of them at the same time. It was arranged that
they should fight me singly. They evidently did not
relish this arrangement ; seeing which I insisted that I
would rather fight them both at the same time. Having
agreed to this, both parties entered the ring. Captain
Morgan asked me if I thus deliberately invited sure
defeat by fighting both men at once. I said, "If they
whip me, I will accept it like a man and a soldier ; but
they will know they have had a fight."

We faced each other without ceremony. The fight
was brisk and furious. I attacked Spencer and j)ressed
him closely. I knocked him silly in short order. The
claret poured from his nose and mouth. He was carried
from the ring helpless. I turned on Ben Drake, now
thoroughly aroused. He had been the cause and aggres-
sor, and was the better man of the two. \ had some
hard fighting to whip him; he was cautious and g:ive me
some severe blows. I pushed the fight with the determ-
ination of one aggrieved. I finally got in a hard blow
on his ear that settled the matter from that time for-
ward. My status was recognized. I had no further
trouble. I was always on hand for any and all enter-
prises. I had a good horse, and treated him kindly, even
tenderly and he seemed to, and did, appreciate my atten-
tions. He was always glad to see me coming.

We were now^ fast becoming inured to camp life.

WINTER IN CAMP 2"

«-'/

I felt comparatively content. My father was with me.
He had to leave home to avoid arrest as did thousands
of southern sympathizers in the state, leaving^ every-
thing behind. He was 99 years, 10 months and 20 days
old at this time, and lived through the war, to the age
of 108 years, 4 months. Winter was now^ upon us, with
rain, snow and sleet.

V

REAL WARFARE

We are ordered to the front— Battle of Green River — Morgan
harasses the enemy's pickets — Burning the Bacon Creek
bridge — We raid the Federal stores at Lebanon.

We were again ordered to the front, reporMng to
General Hindnian, who commanded a strong body of
infantry and cavalry, abotit 3,500 men, upon the extreme
front of our line. The headquarters were at Bell's Tav-
ern, twxnty-five miles from Bowling Green and thirteen
miles from Woodsonville. The latter place w^as ther
occupied by the enemy, wdio had advanced to Green
River, ten days after we had left there. While camped
at Bell's Tavern there was a call for volunteers for a
scout to the extreme front, as General Hindman had
received information that a strong body of the enemy
had crossed the river, and he desired to ascertain if this
movement was preliminary to an advance of the enemy's
entire army.

General Hindman moved forward with a large part
of his army. He took us along to show him the country,
as we had scouted over the ground frequently.

He sent forward two pieces of artillery and Colone'
Terry's Texas Rangers^ cavalry regiment, to reconnoiter
and when about three miles from the river he discovered
the enemy advancing, and supposing the latter to be
stronger than his own forces he determined to engage
at once. When first seen, the enemy was unaware of
the whereabouts of General Hindnian. who had screened
the bulk of his force behind a large hill on the east
side of the Bowling Green road, the summit of which

BATTLE OF GREEN RIVER 39

he occupied with skirmishers. His artillery was posted
farther back, where it was partially concealed, and yet
swept the road over which the enemy was advancing.
Colonel Terry was instructed to skirmish in his front
and draw him on till his flank should be exposed to the
infantry masked behind the hill. It was the intention
then to attack vigorously with all the infantry, a part of
it in the enemy's rear and between him and the river,
while Terry charged him on the flank. One part of
Colonel Terry's regiment under his immediate command
was on the right of the road at a considerable distance
from any support. Another, commanded by one of his
officers, was posted nearer the infantry. Hindman's
plan was to bring his whole force rapidly into action,
cut off and capture at least a part of the enemy's forces.
This was frustrated by Terry's impatient order, who,
after a very brief retreat before Willich's regiment of
infantry, turned and charged furiously. The officer, see-
ing his colonel engaged^ also charged, riding around the
federals. Of the latter 18 or 19 were killed, 48 wounded,
pvd ]7 taken prisoners. Many were lassoed in the charge
and dragged from their ranks. Colonel Terry was killed
at the first volley. His death rendered his men almost
frantic. The loss of Colonel Terry was a hard, sad
blow. He was a brave, gallant and dashmg officer of
much promise, and his death was regretted by the en-
tire army. We had 11 wounded and 5 l^illed in this
en<?a<?'ement, which was the severest that we had wit-
nessed. There were 46 of Morgan's men in the fight.
They were complimented by General Hindman for gal-
lant and meritorious conduct.

We were now real soldiers, having seen a real bat-
tle ; we were actors in actual war. The whirl of the
headlong charge, the hiss of flying bullets, the mad and

40 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

dashing cavalry charge, the exultant rebel yell, all made
one forget the danger or rendered him indifferent to
it. At first, 1 was somewhat uneasy and wished that I
might find some honorable way out of it. Oh, the con-
temptible, corrupt, tricky politicians on both sides ! I
thought if honest men could only stand aside and let
them fight it out how much l)etter it would be for the
whole country. But we were in for the war. The merry
dance of death is in full swing, and woe to the hapless
widows and forlorn orphans, — how piteous is their cry !
the demon of liate, murder, bigoted intolerance, is
abroad in this fair land and must be satiated, gorged,
before it will be satisfied. How many innocent ar;d
blood}^ victims will he claim? God only knows.

The enemy withdrew hastily and recrossed the river.
From this time forward the squadron was constantly
close upon the outskirts of the enemy, sometimes in small
scouting parties, at others, the entire squadron. We
had no regular engagements except now and then some
picket fights. The enemy seldom left camp exceot in
large bodies, and then only for short distances. Mi)rgan
was never idle and seemed never to tire when he could
annoy the enemy, w^hich was kept in continual ferment
by his forays. He was attacking their pickets, scouting
entirely around their camps at night, comperimg them
to turn out and form line of battle. At these times the
long roll was beaten, the bugle-note sounded clear and
distinct above the din. This was done to develop their
]'(sition and strength.

The practice of firing on pickets, attacking them in
camp, was at this time much condemned by Federal
officers, but they could give no good reason for this
condemnation. It is true that at first sight it does not
appear to affect the final result, but it does help in a

THE BACON CREEK BRIDGE 41

General way to decide, by assistiiiiJ: to make a campaign
successful. Every soldier killed or wounded or by any
means weakened by constant attack, worries and dis-
courages an adversary and thereby weakens his strength,
and keeps him in doubt. If these are toDe condemned,
then for the same reason must sieges, pitched battles,
and all strategem be condemned. There are certain rules
of war whose observance humanity and the spirit of the
age demands. Prisoners ought not be killed or mal-
treated, unless in retaliation ; the terms of capitulation
and surrender ought always to be faithfully fulfilled;
war should not be made on non-combatants, but the sol-
dier ought to be content to take his chance. It certainly
is more soldierly to teach a picket to fight when he is
attacked than to complain of it. And a picket who
will allow himself to be surprised on his post ought to
be shot ; for he is supposed to be the eyes and ears of
a sleeping army. At the time of which I write the Fed-
eral army at Green River bridge had no cavalry, or had a
cavalry that was useless.

We now had an adventure that attracted much at-
tention. It was the burning of the Bacon Creek bridge,
a wooden structure across this creek, small it is true ;
but was necessary in the operation of the railroad. The
Federal army lay in camp about three miles north.
Their pickets were scarcely half a mile from the bridge.
We believed it would be strongly guarded, as the Feder-
als had burned this same structure before railing back
to Bowling Green. We expected to encounter some
force at the ford at Woodsonville, which, unfortunately,
was not guarded. We dispersed a company of Home
Guards^ which, ignorant of our approach, had assembled
in the town to carry off some Southern sympathizers.
Marching rapidly on, we reached the bridge about mid-

42 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

night and to our surprise and satisfaction found it un-
guarded. Having entirely destroyed it, we fell back
across the river.

On the 25th of January Captain Morgan, with five
men, of whom I was one, left Bell's Tavern, crossed
the river at an unguarded ferry, and on the
following day we rode into Lebanon, some sixty
miles from his camp. Several hundred Federal
troops were camped near this place and a large
amount of army stores were in two large buildings. Sol-
diers off and on duty were frequently passing through
town. We captured these and made them set fire to
these stores. We took 30 prisoners. Some of them we
released, reserving their blue overcoats with which to
disguise our men. By this means we were able to quietly,
pass through some dangerous situations, and bring back
nine prisoners, a large flag and several .other trophies.
Two companies of cavalry pursued us but we eluded them,
being familiar with the country. Next day we reached
Glasgow with the United States flag flying in front of
our column of ''blue coats." We scared the citizens and
some straggling Confederates horribly. They were al-
most demoralized at the sight of us, but were soon re-
assured. We turned over our prisoners. This was the
first flag captured. It was a proud record for the gal-
lant rangers, left of this period, but they paid dearly for
it, and I fear that few remain of those who used to roam
and fight so recklessly.

VI
WITH MORGAN ABOUT NASHVILLE

We leave Kentucky — At Nashville and Murfreesboro — Scouting
about Nashville — Morgan's methods — We visit Nashville^ —
In ambush at the asylum — An exchange of prisoners — We
got a hot reception, but escape.

The time was now approaching when we should
leave these scenes and the region with which we had
become so familiar. With sad hearts we turned away
when the signal was sounded. We had confidently hoped
that we should be ordered to advance instead of retreat
and it seemed to us like a march to our graves, and so
it was to many poor fellows.. We had hoped to be or-
dered to press forward that wt might win victories that
would give Kentucky to us forever. It was but natural
that Ave should regret leaving the country in which we
had passed pleasant months, and seen stirring service and
where we had led free, active lives, spiced with danger.
These are not the kind of reminiscences that the poetical
and the romantic sigh over, but every man has a right
to be sentimental after his own fashion, and we always
felt this way about this Green River country, where we
were baptised as soldiers.

In the latter part of January it became clearly evi-
dent that we must leave Kentucky. This was known
to even the private soldiers. Gen. Albert Sidney John-
ston, chief commander of the Western armies, had been
for months making his disposition to meet the threat-
ened points of attack. The battle of Mill Springs on
this right flank had been fought, with serious disaster
to the Southern cause, near Summerset, Ky. In this

44 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

battle General Zollicoffer was killed. His death was
itself an irreparable loss. The evacuation of Bowlinj;
Green on the 14th of February, 1862, took place. Many
soldiers had been sent to reinforce Fort Donelson. A
battle was raging there. The weather was bitterly cold.
The troops suffered intensely on the retreat. All the
bridges had been destroyed by our command on orders
from General Johnston.

News received by us from Donelson on our retreat
was favorable to our arms during the ■ first few days
of conflict. We were the rear-guard of the army. The
late news from Donelson came like a thunder clap, tell-
ing of the surrender of several thousand men. This was
indeed a disaster that none looked for, but after a few
days the news was more reassuring. It was learned
that Col. Bedford Forrest had refused to surrender and
'had cut his way out with his entire regiment and was
then on his way to Nashville. He reached the city
two days later. His command was recruited along the
border of Tennessee and Kentucky. It was a mixed
command. He afterward became famous as a dashing
cavalry commander, and is yet regarded as one of the
most remarkable of the many remarkable men the war
developed. Our stay in Nashville was of short duration
but it is impossible to convey an adequate idea of the
confusion that existed for a week or two after the fall
of Fort Donelson. Soldiers and citizens were almost in
panic. Forrest was called on to clear the streets. There
were large stores of ordnance and army supplies of
every description, only a small amount of which was
saved to the army; much of it was given to the citizens'
who carried it away.

The army halted at Murfreesboro, thirty miles south
from Nashville ; rested for a few days. Here it was

MORGAN'S METHODS 45

joined by the remnant of Zollicoffer's forces under Gen-
eral Crittenden. After recruiting, reorganizing and dis-
ciplining his army, General Johnston resumed his re-
treat, crossing the Tennessee River at Decatur, Alabama,
to Courtland, Tuscumbia, luka and to Corinth, the goal
of his march.

Every straggler had been driven out of Nashville.
The evacuation was complete. Morgan's squadron was
the last to leave, as we were required to remain in the
rear of the army and pick up all who had evaded the
rear guards of the infantry. Our scouts that were left
behind witnessed the arrival of the Federals and their
occupation of the city, but not without a parting salute
by way of protest and to remind them that we still held
the right of defense.

We fell back to Laverne, a small town about 16
miles from Nashville, where we remained three weeks,
scouting and picketmg the various roads, which radiated
in every direction. It Avas from this central point that
we carried terror and nightly disaster to the men of
General Mitchell's army, now advanced to the insane
asylum grounds. Our attacks were made from every
direction. Many of his soldiers were captured in sight
of their camps in daylight. When they placed thr'
pickets for the night they said their prayers and crossed
themselves. A chain of pickets was thrown out to
better protect themselves from attack.

Our method of attack was simple enough. We
would select, say, forty men ; divide these into four or
five unequal parts and give each its special number, then
station them at points corresponding to their special
number. After all had been so placed or assigned, we
would send an attacking party down the pike about mid-
night and charge the Federals furiously at their out-

46 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

posts^ driving them past the places of ambush, where they
were g-iven volley after volley. Many times their own
men would fire on them, thinking Morgan was charg-
ingr their camp. This often occurred twice nightly.

This section of country was admirably adapted to
this mode of warfare, ])eing densely covered with cedars,
which hid the operations from view/ if it became neces-
sary to retreat. It was only a few yards to absolute
safety, so dense was the forest of cedars.

We learned before retiring that General Mitchell's
army had been reduced fifteen hundred during three
weeks. Hearing of this, Morgan determined to try con-
clusions elsewhere. He selected fifteen picked men
for a visit to Nashville. Avoiding the highroads we
were conducted by a faithful guide through the woods
to the Lebanon Pike, which struck the road about a
mile from the city. This vicinity favored, rather than
endangered, Morgan. He rode into the streets without
attracting hostile attention. A patrol of twenty or
thirty cavalry was making the rounds. After reconnoit-
ering a short time he formed his plans.

He sent all but six of his men to a thicket a short
distance away, to await his return. Keeping a sharp
lookout with those whom he kept with him, he made
them dismount and lead their horses along the river
bank, until near the reservoir, about opposite a govern-
ment steamboat that was anchored in the river. It was
his wish to set this boat on fire and let her drift with
the current into the midst of a number of other trans-
ports which lay a few hundred yards below and were
then crowded with troops and provisions. Three of us
volunteered to do the work. We found a canoe and
paddled out and set her on fire in full view of the
trpops on the transports. We nearly fell into the hands

IN AMBUSH AT THE ASYLUM 47

of the enemy. The canoe, being leaky and rickety, was
almost unamanageable. After watching the hissing
flames and the consternation of the soldiers on the fleet,
with three cheers for John Morgan, Jeff Davis and the
Southern Confederacy we rowed rapidly away to rejoin
our comrades. Cavalry was sent in pursuit but failed
to overtake us. We gained the Alurfreesboro pike,
where we encountered a body of cavalry which we drove
pell mell into Nashville. Here we lost one man, killed —
a fine soldier. We now fell back to Murfreesboro.

Only a few days after this Morgan determined to
pay his old friend General Mitchell a visit at the asylum.
He selected thirty men and penetrated by bridle paths
through the woods to the immediate vicinity of Mitch-
ell's headquarters. With his men stationed in the thicket
along the road at various places, he arranged to catch
everything that should come along. There was a great
deal of passing to and from headquarters to the
various camps of commanding officers. No one thought
of danger — they went unsuspectingly into the trap pre-'
pared for them. In about an hour 84 men were taken
and seven wagons captured and burned. The animals
were used as mounts for prisoners. We also captured
45 loose horses, after sending the prisoners away under
guard.

Morgan and two companions rode down to the
forks of the road, where there was a sergeant with ten
men. He placed himself between them and their guns
and represented himself to be an officer of high rank
and berated them for neglect of duty and finally marched
them off^ prisoners. They evidently thought they were
being taken to headquarters, but they were soon dis-
abused of this idea.

This constant boldness increased the alarm of the

48 FOUR YEARS \MTH MORGAN AND FORREST

Federal commaiuler. General Mitchell determined to
march ai^ainst us with his entire force. At this time
we had 97 prisoners. Morj^an decided to effect, if pos-
sible, an exchange of prisoners. We had lost six men,
captured in the various forays with the enemy. We
started under a flag of truce. General Mitchell put his
columns in motion for our extermination or capture.
We met his advance not far from Laverne. There were
surprises for both parties. They immediately formed
in line of battle. They would not or could not or pre-
tended not to believe Morgan sincere in his ialentions,
wherefore Colonel Woods rode forward and added his
presence and statement to those of Morgan, backed by
the 97 prisoners. Would he be convinced now that this
move was not simply one of Morgan's ruses to escape
him? Mitchell had all his brigade — infantry, artillery
and cavalry — in full force on the ground. He finally
acknowledged very reluctantly that he was again de-
feated by this wily chief of the gay, rough riders in
'gray from old Kentucky.

We had on this trip only enough men to safe-
guard the prisoners, many of whom, be it said^ were
fine fellow^s. There were formed at this time many
mutual ties of friendship that have lasted until now.
When all the preliminaries were agreed to we were
escorted back to Mitchell's headquarters, where it was
arranged that we. should exchange our 97 prisoners for
the six Confederate soldiers held by the Federals, sub-
ject to the ratification of each government. In the
meantime the prisoners on both sides should be paroled,
pending the action of the tw^o governments. We now-
had a good dinner, and parted with mutual good wishes
and handshakes on both sides.

Two days later Lieutenant Duke was dispatched

A SCOUTING EXPEDITION 49

with twenty-eight men from Flat Rock, on the Shelby-
ville pike, to capture the enemy's pickets and foraging
parties, who were seizing cattle and arresting private
citizens. We were to press in as close to Nashville as
possible and learn the position of the Federals. On
arriving at these points w^e found that the enemy had
withdrawn their picket base. They had evidently been
informed of our approach. We moved three miles fur-
ther down the pike in the direction of Nashville before
coming upon the enemy, although a day before their
pickets had been thick in this ciuarter. It was evident
that some plan for our reception was on foot, which
caused this change ; therefore, unusual vigilance and
caution became necessary. Here we had heard of and
hoped to find some officers in a house behind the picket
bases, where they would believe themselves secure, and
capture them. But in this we were disappointed. None
of the citizens had seen any one ; they wourd tell us
nothing, and seemed alarmed at our presence. Their
evident desire to get rid of us showed plainly that they
knew of the proximity of danger.

We rode down the road a short distance, turned to
the right into the brush and, going a quarter of a mile
into a dense thicket, halted and secreted men and
horses. We were sure that we were within the lines
and not far from General McCook's division in camp.
It was now quite dark. Leaving five men to take care
of our horses, and to remain there until our return, we
started to find the enemy, Lieut. Basil Duke leading,
all in single file, Indian fashion. We entered a wide
meadow. While crossing this we heard a challenge of
a picket: ''Who goes there?" It came from their
camp, not far away. I judged from the words that it
was the officer of the day making his rounds. We reached

50 FOUR YKARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the Shelby villc pike. Our guide told us there was a
public or county road crossing the pike a short distance
away. We could now see dimly outlined the enemy's
white tents a short distance ahead. Soon a negro came
down the road towards us ; we captured and questioned
him. He answered very glibly. He had come out to
be captured, with a made-up tale. His story seemed
incredible. It simply aroused our already confirmed
suspicion. He evinced no fear and seemed anxious to
answer our questions and talk. We were surely be-
tween the enemy's picket lines and camp. We sent the
negro to the horses, under guard. We were now not
more than three hundred yards from a large camp. We
were convinced that it was a part of a plan to capture
any scouting party who might attempt to raid their
picket base. We at least had found an enemy. He it
was certain had laid a trap. There was little hope of
accomplishing the object of the scout, but we could at
least spring the trap, and there was a chance of sur-
prising an ambush at close quarters. We were then
a fair match for three or four times our number, as we
were all armed with double-barrel shotguns, loaded with
twenty-four buckshot in each barrel ; also, a pair of pis-
tols. Each w^as a proper weapon in such an affair.

We were ordered to keep open space between files
in single file and all of us to keep together and not
reload, but, after firing both barrels of our shotguns, then
use the pistols and make our way bacl^ to the horses.
Lieutenant Duke ordered us to follow him. We started
in the direction of the enemy. We were mstniciecl to
hold our fire until challenged then half was to fire,
all kneeling, and all must fire low. We made little
noise marching down the pike, each soldier seemed to

A HOT RECEPTION 51

be afraid that he might tread on and break some eggs
that might be lying around loose on the pike.

We were soon convinced by a chorus of coughing
which at this moment broke on our ears as we neared
them, that a pretty large crowd was before us. When
we had almost reached the point where the road
crosses, a sergeant and ten men at his back sprang up
so near us that we could have touched them, by making
another step ; they ordered us to halt, in a low voice,
evidently taking us for friends. Our answer was a
shot. All fell into line at once. In an instant a line of
fire from three directions greeted us — in our front, to
our right, and from the direction we had come, all from
the fence corners. We had passed them unseen in the
darkness. The blaze of our guns met. Our men could
be seen kneeling. The low firing- did dreadful execu-
tion. The bulk of the enemy was stationed on the left
or west side of the road^ and must have been asleep until
alarmed by the firing. They sprang up at the sudden
uproar. They aimed at the blaze of the guns, endan-
gering their own men more than our own. At ev^ery
flash from our guns there followed agonizing groans,
curses and the commands of officers ; the mingled up-
roar was terrific, almost deafening. It was noticed at
each flash that the w^ounded and dying were writhing
in agony, and that the fire of the enemy was high, pass-
ing over our heads.

Our weapons emptied, ammunition expended, we
sprang over the fence on the east side of the pike and
ran at top speed for our horses. A chained picket which
had been posted on the Shel])yville pike sprang forward
and opened fire on us. Those we had left behind and
bidden farewell redoubled this fire. All was confusion.
When we regained our horses, we were nearly sur-

."^Z

FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

rounded. Parties liad come down the road from the
woods Ijehind us and our retreat, hy the way we had
come, was blockaded. ( )ur signal to call in lag-^ards
as we prepared to leave was answered from every di-
rection by the enemy^ but the friendly woocfs protected
us, as it had many times before, and we escaped under
its shelter. Strange as it may seem, not a man among
us was killed ; only one was slightly wounded, in the
fleshy part of the left arm.

This same night a similar occurrence took place on
the Franklin pike under the immediate command of Cap-
tain Morgan, though earlier in the evening, in which he
captured some thirty wagons and two sutler's wagons.
The latter were taken to camp, the others burned, and
the horses and mules driven to camp to remount men
whose horses were broken down by continuous hard
service for months past. The Federals were puzzled
and uncertain whether to believe him really ubiquitous,
or the commander of two or three thousand men. In
reality, Morgan at that time had only three companies,
about 300 men all told.

VII
BATTLE OF SHILOH OR PITTSBURG LANDING

Morgan rejoins the army — Is attached to Breckenridge's division.
Under Albert Sidney Johnston — Morgan commissioned as
Colonel — Marching from Corinth to Pittsburg Landing — The
battle— Death of General Johnston — Confusion in Northern
army — We retreat to Corinth.

About the middle of March Captain Morgan re-
ceived orders to rejoin the army as soon as practicable.
But desiring to leave an impression upon our enemies
of his ubiquity, after he had gone, which might be use-
ful to his further plans, he called for twenty-five volun-
teers from each of his three companies. There was a
great scramble by all for a place. He left Murfreesboro
about mid-day, his objective point being Gallatin, Tenn.,
situated on the Louisville & Nashville railroad, about
thirty miles from Nashville; at that time it was of no
special military importance. There were numerous
roads radiating from it. The distance to Murfreesboro
was about sixty miles. ]\Iorgan wished to place him-
self where he could receive any news of importance that
might be available.

Crossing the Cumberland River at Canney Branch
ferry early next morning, we reached Gallatin about
9 o'clock and he found the town not garrisonecr. There
were four or five quartermasters' clerks which we cap-
tured. Morgan left fifty of his men behind at the river.
We took charge of the telegraph office and the opera-
tor. Morgan also represented himself as a Union offi-
cer^ desiring information from Nashville, as he was just
from the interior of Kentucky. After obtaining the
news, the conversation turned on Captain Morgan. The

34 FOrU YKAUS WITH MORGAN AND FORlll^ST

"clerk of the lii^hlniiiL;" said thai he had not disturl)e(l
them yet — lie had better not. lie told the story ot
Morgan's coming to Mitchell's lines with a flag of truce
which it seemed had raised great excitement, and de-
clared that he ought to have been shot then and there.
"The scoundrel," he said, brandishing his pistol, "had
I been there he could never have left alive !" Before
he could say more, a pistol was shoved into his face by
Morgan, who said, "Give me your pistol, my good fel-
low ; I am Morgan." The operator's consternation was
extreme, and his apology, when he foiuid his tongue, was
polite. It was accepted and he w^as placed under guard.

We remained two days longer, captured four offi-
cers, an engine and loaded freight cars and two loaded
wagons of government property. The cars and wagons
were burned. Six transports loaded with troops from.
Monticello passed down the river toward Nashville.
Our boys left behind on the river bank did not dare
fire on the troops on these boats as it might endanger
Captain Morgan, and those w^ith him, nor did these
troops know who the cavalry w^ere on the bank. We
now rejoined our men at the river and hastily returned
with our prisoners to Murfreesboro, thence to Shelby-
ville, wdiere we found our friends anxiously awaiting our
return.

In our absence we had received orders to hasten
our march through Fayetteville, thence to Huntsville.
Our fame had preceded us. Along our line of march
people flocked to see the rough riding Kentucky soldier-
boys. Huntsville w^as the birth place of Captain Morgan
and she received him like a mother. Her gates and
doors were thrown wide open, not only to him, but
to all his soldiers. We remained there four days. We
were the recipients of unwearied kindness and attentioi

ATTACHED TO BRECKENRIDGE'S DIVISION 55

and unstinted supplies of food or "square meals," as the
boys called them. Lea\'ing our good friends behind, we
continued our march to the Tennessee River, crossing
it at Decatur, and reached Byronsville, a few miles from
Corinth, after five days' marching, having passed
through Tuscumbia and luka.

It was now the third day of April. We found here
the division of Gen. John C. Breckinridge, to which we
w^ere attached. The wdiole army was astir and concen-
trating to attack the enemy at Pittsburg Landing. This
was a glorious sight to my eyes, these soldier boys in
gray. Looking upon Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, I
thouht : What a glorious specimen of all that is great !
The peerless man^ the magnificent soldier ! Look at him
in his manly, vigorous and splendid physical develop-
njent, symmetrical proportions, excelled by none, and
equalled by few. He sits his splendid white charger
with unequaled ease and grace. A born leader of sol-
diers. He greets all with kindness, unrestrained by for-
mality. He inspects our command and compliments our
chief and ourselves, and tells us he is proud to com-
mand such soldiers. He shows that he means what he
says. He gives our captain a commission as colonel, to
take effect at once, April 4, and also gives our colonel
the assurance that after the coming battle he would be
permitted to act independently and again follow his
favorite service with a stronger force on a larger scale.

None of the many ardent and high strung young
men went with so much zeal and high hopes and en-
thusiasm into that fight as did Colonel Morgan, for he
saw beyond it a career of excitement, success and glory
that might satisfy the most energetic and daring nature.
Oh, little did we think then that the magnificent, superb
Sidney Johnston would be slain, leading his victorious

50 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

army in its last grand assault against Grant's demoral-
ized and ])roken columns on iihe very brink of the river.
That he should so soon be slain on the very verge of a
glorious triumph none of us thought, even remotely,
would be his fate. But I forestall events.

Our commander-in-chief w^as in high spirits, he
seemed to communicate his ov^n energy and vitality to
his army. After months of hard work he was now
beginning to see tangible results, and for his army, he
doubted not there would be glorious victory. He moved
among his troops with a smiling face and a kind word
for each soldier, who cheered him lustily wherever he
appeared.

The infantry started from Corinth on the third of
April with the artillery and cavalry following, all con-
verging toward Pittsburg Landing, where General
Grant's army lay, flushed with the victory at Donelson,
wholly unconscious of the gathering host, insolent with
triumph ; and disturbed by no thought of danger.

General Johnston formed his plans for attack on
the fifth, but owing to heavy rains on the third and
fourth, the march from Corinth was slow. The artil-
lery often stuck fast and the struggling horses failed to
move the guns until the cannoneers applied themselves
to the heavy mud-clogged Avheels.

On the evening of the fifth, about 3 or 4 o'clock
everything was at last concentrated upon the high
ground near Shiloh Church, where General Johnston
proposed to establish his line of battle. The disposition
of his forces was at once commenced. It was said that
owing to the lack of promptness on the part of some
of the division officers, or the miscarriage of orders, a
delay of one day was occasioned in the disposition of the
forces. It is a well known fact that General Johnston

BEFORE SHILOH -^y

had made his arrangements for attack on the fifth,
instead of the sixth. He was informed that General
Buell was marching rapidly to reinforce General Grant,
and he desired to crush Grant before Buell arrived. He
knew the importance of this and was preparing to act
accordingly. At a conference of all the officers this
matter of delay was considered. It was the opinion of
General Beauregard that the attack, having been so
long delayed, ought to be abandoned and the army re-
tired to Corinth. He said it was now extremely hazard-
ous to attack. The army might be confused by the
delay.

General Johnston listened to every argument with
courtesy, but was unm.oved. He resolved to rfgnt them
on the morrow. He believed the offensive, once as-
sumed, ought to be maintained at all hazards. His army
was in high spirits. They believed in their commander,
and that he w^ould lead them to sure victory. He trusted
that vigor and audacity would enable them to win on
the first day. His faith in his gallant soldiers was too
strong for him to be shaken from his purpose.

The ground selected for the battle was between
Owl and Lick creeks, which ran nearly parallel with
each other, and emptied into the Tennessee River. The
flanks of the two armies rested upon these two little
streams, and the front of each was just the distance as
their respective positions between the two creeks. The
Confederate front was, therefore, a little more than three
miles long. The distance between the creeks widens as
they approach the river.

General Johnston's available effective strength was
35,000 men; that of the enemy, 45,000. The Confed-
erates camped in order of attack. To General Hardee
was assigned the first line, to General Bragg the second,

5S FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

and to Cicneral Polk the third. General Hardee's line ex-
tended from one creek to the other^ as his cor])s was
fully deployed. . To him was given the honor of bei^in-
ning- the l)attle. Thus disposed, the men slept on the
field. Brai^i^s' corps was formed similarly to Hardee's, and
General Polk's corps was formed in columns of brigades,
both at close supporting distance of each other. Gen-
eral Breckinridge's division, over 6,000 strong, consti-
tuted a reserve, and was close up to General Polk's
corps. Morgan's squadron was formed with Breckin-
ridge's command. Other bodies of cavalry were formed
promiscuously alou": the lines of l^attle. All were to
move simultaneously at or before early dawn, each in
close supporting distance of the other.

At early dawn on Sunday morning Hardee, in ad-
vance, attacked the Federals in the first camps, and drove
this line back upon the second, where they were now
hastily forming. As he closed upon the second, a long
line of steel and flame met him, staggering and for
a while stopping his advance. But this gallant corps was
too fresh to be held back by an enemy that had not yet
recovered from the effects of its first surprise. For
a while it writhed, closed its ranks, and gathering it-
self dashed irresistibly forward. The enemy was beat-
en back. These hardy western men, though raw and for
the first time under fire, could not be forced to positive
flight, and at this stage of the battle could not be routed.
They had little discipline, but plenty of staunch courage.
They turned for another stand, and the Confederates
were upon them again. Once more they gave way be-
fore an impetuous charge of bayonet.

The ground was now covered with niaiiv a corpse
in gray or blue. At half past seven the first line began
to show signs of exhaustion. It was now time for Bragg's

BATTLE OF SHILOH 59

superb corps to move to its relief. It did so in serried
ranks. This was the first sign of slackening on the part
of the Confederate advance and it seemed to add vigor
to the enemy's resistance. But bravely as they fought,
they never recovered from the stun of the first surprise.
Their half day's battle was out of joint at the beginning
and they never got it right that day. They were mak-
ing desperate efforts to retrieve lost ground, when
Bragg's tornado burst upon them. The shock was met
gallantly, but in vain. Another bloody grapple, and an-
other, was followed by retreat of the Federals ; again our
lines moved on ; still another bloody grapple, in un-
broken lines, and a wild yell would break forth from the
gray lines. A mad^ fierce charge, a horrible din, then
another rapid forward move. It seemed like some tre-
mendous machine with regular stroke.

We had now passed four large encampments. About
half past ten o'clock General Polk's corps was ordered
to advance and take part. One brigade was also sent to
each flank by General Johnston. The battle was now re-
newed. The enemy had called into action all his avail-
able force. The battle was urged all along the line with
greater vigor than at any time during the day. The
enemy fought as if determined not to accept defeat, and
their stern leader was not the man to relinquish hope,
although his lines had been repeatedly broken, and the
ground piled with his slain.

The corps of Hardee, Bragg and Polk were now
abreast or mingled with each other. Each brigade com-
mander was ordered, when disengaged or detached, to
seek and engage the nearest enemy and to press the
flank of every hostile force, which his neighbors could
not move, and to press forward at all hazard. General
Johnston was continuously at the front. He more than

50 FOUR YKARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

once assumed command of brigades in person, and led
them where they could fight with effect. Our success
was not without very costly sacrifice and, the carnage
was heavy upon both sides.

Morgan's squadron was moving along wiin General
Breckinridge's reserve. We had passed over many dead
and wounded men^ both gray and blue. The sight was
ghastly. I listened to the hideous noise, and thought how
much larger was this engagement than the skirmishes
on Green River, and at Nashville. We were now for-
cibly reminded that we were close upon the enemy, as
the bullets whizzed past with rapidly increasing num-
bers. It Avas about this time that our advance was re-
ceiving its first serious charge, on our right. While our
left was still advancing, the right and center were re-
pulsed before a strong position w^hich the enemy held
in strong force. They were posted on an eminence in
front of which were thickets and an intervening undu-
lating depression. Plenty of artillery, strongly supported,
crowned this eminence. Hardee's utmost efforts to carry
it were foiled. So furiously played the batteries of the
enemy that nothing could be seen of the enemy's posi-
tion, save sheets of flame and clouds of smoke. At every
advance, there was a shower of bullets. It was finally
carried by the impetus given the line by the arrival of
the reserve under General Breckinridge. He had moved
forward on both sides so far that he had flanked the
enemy's position, and the advance at this point was thus
suspended. As the squadron approached. General Hardee
sent an aide to know what cavalry it was. Upon learn-
ing that it was Morgan's, he expressed himselt as much
pleased. He would use us to take that battery.

Upon being informed of this compliment, so gratify-
ing to our vanity, we bore ourselves with becoming

BATTLE OF SHILOH 51

sobriety. We felt that our time had come. For the
first time since my enlistment, I felt that I should much
prefer that I was somewhere else ; that I had not lost
any battery, and that I did not want that one, espe-
cially while it was in such rapid eruption as it then
was. As we formed for the charge, I heartily wished
that I was some where else. We were told that the
charge would be ordered immediately. We were not so
sanguine of the result as General Hardee seemed to be.
The general sat on his horse near vSchoup's battery, re-
plying as best it could to the vicious rain of grape-
shot and shell that poured from the hill. He seemed
wholly indifferent to the terrible firing and only anx-
ious to capture those guns. We were ordered on the
charge and were moving forward. Noticing a slack-
ening of the enemy's lines, Ave saw, to our intense relief
that he was rapidly retreating. At the same time our
infantry regiments dashed forward and poured deadly
volleys into the Federal ranks, which were in imminent
danger of now being flanked, and captured. Twxnty of
their guns were abandoned. It was now evident that
the enemy's plan was to mass his forces upon our left,
to keep a way open for an escape passage down the
river ; the drift of battle showed that he was already
being hemmed in on all sides and forced toward Pitts-
burg Landing.

General Hardee ordered Colonel Morgan to take
his command to the extreme left of the line, and to
charge the first enemy he saw. Reaching the left of
the line, we met some of the Kentucky brigade charging
across an open field. We entered this field at a sharp
trot. Our left flank was exposed^ and the enemy was
in strong force, moving where one of their camps wa.-
situated. The Kentucky brigade charged upon them so

52 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

closely that it seemed as if l)ayonets must cross befpre
the enemy o:ave \va\-. 'I'he roar of musketry in this
charge was so tremendous that it drowned the thunder
of artillery. The Federals withdrew rapidly to the
cover of the woods near l)y, hjllowed closely by the
victorious Confederates. The squadron and the Eii^hth
Texas Rangers were close up. We lost several men in
this charge. It was here we encountered Captain
Byrne's battery, whose men were being picked off by
some concealed sharp-shooters. We went forward at a
headlong charge against some skirmishers, and captured
and killed a number, causing their hasty retreat through
the woods. We followed closely and suddenly came
upon the infantr}^ This regiment, in scrambling
through the v/oods, had lost its compact formation; for-
tunately for us, we were close upon them before they
fired. They delivered one stunning volley, the blaze
almost reaching our faces, and the roar rang in our ears
like thunder. Next moment we rode through their
ranks. Some of our men, in trying to cut down the
enemy with sabers, made ridiculous failures, though
doing real execution with their pistols and guns. We
lost in the charge 7 killed and 13 wounded. The affair
was soon over.

The Federal loss here was 27 killed, 69 w^ounded,
and 117 prisoners. The Texans, as we prepared to charge,
asked what we were going to do. "Go in," we an-
swered. "Then we will go in, too,'' replied the Texans.
They formed on our left, shouted, and charged into the
woods with us. The enemy was now rapidly retreating
to Pittsburg Landing. It was now that the most stub-
born stand was made. His flanks had been driven in.
The word was passed along the lines, "Let every order
be forward!" In tliis stand Major-General Prentice and

DEATH OF JOHNSTON 53

3,700 of his division were captured, with 26 field pieces
of artillery. His troops stood until the advancing Con-
federates closed in upon him. His escape became im-
possible

Our advancing lines were now near the river and
victory, absolutely complete and decisive, was just with-
in its grasp. General Johnston had exposed himself
from the commencement of the fight. He had been in
the van, adding spirit to the charge, cheering the men
and giving new energy to the batteries that had been
checked. Once he had ridden along the rear of a brave
Arkansas regiment, which had recoiled before a terrible
fire. "Where now," he said, tapping some of the men
encouragingly upon the shoulder, "are the Arkansas boys
who boasted that they would fight with their bowie
knives?^ You have a nobler weapon in your grasp; will
you dare to use it?" He spoke to men who could not
hear such words spoken in vain — they rushed forward
and won the position. At another point General Strath-
em's magnificent brigade had faltered, seeing which
General Johnston, hat in hand, with hand elevated, rode
out in front of this brigade, and called out to them to
follow their general to sure victory.

His dress, majestic presence, imposing gesture and
large gray horse, made him a conspicuous mark. A
ball pierced his leg, severing a large artery. He paid
no attention to the wound, but continued to lead his
troops, who incited by his heroic example had charged
while their last charge was successful. Suddenly, he
grew faint from loss of blood, and reeled in his saddle.
His staff came too late to his assistance. They bore
him to a ravine for shelter, and in a few moments he died.
If only he 'could have lived a few days longer!

Shortlv after this great disaster our lines were

54 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORRH^ST

pressed forward ra])i(ll\- at all ])nints. Our troo])s were
still filled with tlie spirit of our lost leader. His t^^enius
had prefaced results accomplished after lie was Lonc.
The left had swept around the center, where the latest
check harl been felt: when l)y hard fi^htini^ the oppo-
sition here was completely overcome. For many miles
we had driven the enemy throu^di his camps, rich with
blood-boui^ht spoils. His brave resistance had at lenc^th
been broken. After immense losses he seemed ready to
yield. It is an indisputable fact that for an hour and
a half at least, before the Confederate advance was
checked bv orders from the commanding: general, it was
meeting with no sort of check. Even the Northern writers
— who shortly after the battle described it — one and all
depicted a scene of utter confusion and consternation
as prevailino; in the Northern army, crowded upon the
banks of -the river. Avith scarcely a semblance of re-
sistance or discipline remaininc:. Other writers main-
tained thnt in reality they were ready to surrender.
Hundreds of the fugitives, unable to force their way
upon the boats, plung^ed into the river and w^ere drowned.
This w^as witnessed by at least one hundred of on-
scouts on the river banks.

We were astonished at the lull in the battle, wdiich
had almost ceased. We had learned of General John-
ston's death, but had not thought that we should thu'
abandon the results of a splendid victory. All felt that
there was a great blunder somew^here. There were hun-
dreds of straggling soldiers, prowling in the various
camps. ;

Early the next morning we received orders to scout
the encampment and collect the stragglers. Shortly
after starting, we heard rattling musketry fire. There
was some severe fighting for several hours. W^hen we

WE RETREAT TO CORINTH 55

heard the army was retreating, we were very much
surprised, but were informed that Buell had reinforced
Grant's army with something like 30,000 fresh men. So
our army slowly retreated to Corinth. General Breck-
inridge was left in charge of the reserve rear-guard, and
held a portion of the battlefield five or six days. He
remained in undisputed possession from this time; our
cavalry was still further to the north for more than
ten days^ during which time only two or three skir-
mishes occurred. Thus for the second time within a
year were the fruits of splendid victory thrown away.

VIII

A DASH WITH MORGAN INTO TENNESSEE
AND KENTUCKY

I am made a lieutenant — We leave Corinth — Fight at Hunts-
ville — I receive my second wound — Crushed at "Lebanon
Races" — Morgan's mare "Bess" — Reorganization at Sparta —
About Bowling Green — We capture a train — Squaaron be-
comes a regiment at Chattanooga — A very remarkable char-
acter, Lieutenant-Colonel Grenfels — -On the march — Fighting
at Tompkinsville and Bear Wallow — I am wounded — Mor-
gan's body-guard — I meet my brother at Harrodsburg —
Through Lawrenceburg, Versailles, Midway and George-
town to Cynthiana.

Our squadron was now relieved of duty at the
front. Colonel Mor^^-an sought and obtained permis-
sion to dash into Tennessee and Kentucky. He wished
to pounce upon the rich prizes of the enemy in the rear.
He reorganized the squadron, as all the companies had
suffered severe loss during our stirring engagement. We
had lost a number of gallant officers and fine soldiers.
I was elected a lieutenant.

There were numerous transfers from otrier com-
mands to us, three companies of detached cavalry being
assigned to us, making our effective force about 650 men.
All was activity and excitement, especially in camp was
there cooking of rations and the shoeing of horses and
mules, the latter for carrying the extra ammunition. This
pack train was dubbed "Frank Leather's Mule Train."
It was often said of Leathers that he made more noise
driving his mules than was necessary to align a division
for action. All Avas now ready.

WE LEAVE CORINTh 67

We left Corinth on April 26th, reaching luka, six
miles from the river^ early next morning. We imme-
diately began crossing the river which was high from
recent rains. There was nothing but a small horse
ferry, capable of carrying twelve men and horses. The
crossing took us two days and a half. During this period
the boys had the "gunboat fever," as we expected to see
one coming any minute, for they patroled the river for
some miles above this point. Leaving here on April 30,
we reached Lawrenceburg, Tenn., that night. Resuming
the march next morning about 10 o'clock, we reached
Pulaski and Huntsville. Here we learned that about
400 Federals had passed through town. Moving
rapidly forward, we attacked them, charging with
vigor. We encountered them behind some slight breast
works on the 'side of the hills, carrying their entire line
with a whoop. We captured over 100, killed 20 and
wounded 9. Our loss was 2 killed, and 4 wounded, I
among the number, this being my second wound. Up
to this time twenty loaded wagons had been captured,
here six more, loaded with cotton, were taken ; all were
burned. The prisoners were paroled. We halted a few
hours for rest.

The citizens were wild with joy and we were r"
reived with delight by the fair ladies. Morgan's cele-
brated "Black Bess" came in for her share of admira-
tion ; they crowded around her to feed her with dain-
ties, for which she had a weakness. Her glossy mane
was in great demand. For the first time in his life
Morgan had to oppose the wishes of his lady friends,
fearing that Bess would be shorn completely of her
mane and tail. He tore her away and sent her to the
stable.

From this place we moved in the direction of Mur-

68 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

freesl)oro, near which place we camped for the night.
On the third of May, the column reached Harrington.
Here much cotton was burned. General Beauregard, in
accordance with orders from the war department, or-
dered that all cotton likely to fall into the hands of the
enemy should be burned. Arriving in the vicinity of
Murfreesboro, we drove in all the pickets on the roads.
.We captured some videttes, burned some cotton and cut
the telegraph wires. We reached Lebanon late at night
and picketed the roads. A heavy rain fell during the
night.

Companies A^ B and C were quartered at the Col-
lege, and D, E and F at a hotel. Colonel Morgan took
with him on this raid a telegraph operator, named Ellas-
worth, who became famous afterwards for his ingenious
deceptions of the Yankee operators on numerous occa-
sions during the war.

Early next morning we were aroused, and befc.^ we
had completed saddling our horses, we heard the clat-
ter of horses' feet. Taking about twenty men, I rode
forward to ascertain the cause. We were greeted with
a volley of bullets. The enemy had passed our pickets
unchallenged and were pouring into town at a rapid
rate. I formed my men across the street to oppo'=ie them,
and sent notice to Colonel Adorgan and the command af
the College. We opened a rapid fire on the advancing
columns. It was still raining and still quite dark.
Several of the Federal officers, in the confusion of the
fight, rode into our lines, mistaking us for their own men.
General Dumont, chief in command, w^as one of
them ; also, Colonel Woolford, who were made prison-
ers. A chaplain who was taken, on becoming aware
of his mistake, asked that he might be permitted to
return to his command "to pray for his men." ''The hell

CRUSHED AT LEBANON RACES 69

you say," responded a member of Company A ; "don't
you think Morgan's men need praying for as well as
Woolfords?" There was fighting now in various direc-
tions in the streets. Morgan with about 250 men cleared
the streets at the front. vSeveral small detachments of
his men were surrounded in another portion of the
town by superior numbers. General Dumont had about
2,500 men. The fighting lasted about two hours.

Morgan, finding that it would be impossible to
accomplish much, withdrew, slowly at first, but soon
followed by rapid flight; The Federals charged us
furiously. There was, however, some show of discip-
line, and a fight for several miles. When our ammuni-
tion was exhausted, we had to make a run for it. The
enemy pressed the pursuit vigorously. At Rome they
abandoned it, probably on the supposition that we were
about destroyed or all scattered. Many of the horses, in
fact most of them, were broken down ; they were aban-
doned and the men took to the woods, and made their way
on foot to Sparta. There were only fifteen fit for duty
left. About 100 of them were left on the south bank
of the Cumberland river, twenty-one miles from Le-
banon. Here we found a small ferry boat with which
we crossed about eighty-five men. We begged Colonel
Morgan to take Bess, but he said he would leave her
with the rest; that if we had time we could bring her
afterwards. I volunteered to bring her but Sergeant
Tom Quirk leaped into a boat, to cross the river and
bring the mare over. When Quirk was about half way
across the enemy fired upon him, riddling the boat, but
fortunately. Quirk escaped unhurt.

I have never seen any account of this magnificent
animal in any of the official records. She was too con-
spicuously identified with Morgan's early career to be

70 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

dismissed witlicul description. Jslie was a faxorite and
a great pel with the men of llie old scjuadron. \Vc all
loved her. Slic ^vas gentle, intelligent^ and seemed to
understand everything said to her. vShe was the most
perfect model of beautiful horse flesh tliat I ever saw
e\'en in Kentucky. She was not quite 15 hands high.
The immense power of her short back, broad withers,
loins, thighs — all muscles — enabled her to carry Colonel
Morgan, who weighed 185 pounds, as if he were a feather-
weight. Her head, broad between the eyes, was as beauti-
ful as ''a poet's dream" is popularly supposeo? to be.
She had large^ intelligent eyes and her head tapered to
her muzzle, which was small enough to have picked a
lady's pocket. The way it was set on her matchless
throttle might well "haunt one's imagination for years."
Her straight, superbly proportioned neck, her shoulder
and girth, might have fascinated the eye forever. Her
beautiful hindquarters, and the speed and power they in-
dicated, the arch of her back, her flank, her clean legs,
with firm dry muscles and tendons like steel wires; her
hoofs, almost as small as a clenched fist, all baffle de-
scription. Her coat was glossy black, soft as satm and
without a white hair. From her Canadian sire she in-
herited the staunchest constitution, and her thorough-
bred dam endowed her with speed, game, intelligence
and grace. What a loss to us when we parted with her !
It was like parting wath some dear friend. We naturally
hoped she would be treated with kindness and 'vvould
not be subjected to ignoble uses. The civilized world
will scarcely credit that a Yankee subsequently travelled
her about the country showing her at 25 cents a r.ight.
Poor Bess, her spirit must have been 1)roken, or she
would have kicked the brute's brains out.

Most of the men surrounded in Lebanon were cap-

REORGANIZATION AT SPARTA 71

tured, about 65 in all. Seventeen were killed and 26
wounded; the balance escaped to the brush and joined
us afterward. Our total loss was 180, of which 90 were
subsequent to the fight. The loss of the enemy was
79 killed, and 64 wounded. Thus ended what to us was
afterward dubbed as the ''Lebanon Races."

Colonel Morgan now made his way to Sparta, Tenn.,
remaining there four days. By this time many of the
men made their way back to him. He now found that
he had about 300 men. He left Sparta on the 11th of
May, and directed his march toward the territory of his
former service, the country about Bowling Green. He
hoped to find some points weakly guarded, and the
garrisons in disorder, due to the impression that his
severe defeat a few days ago had finished him. We
travelled rapidly, reaching Hamilton Ferry, sixty miles
from Sparta. We crossed the river and camped. On
the following day we reached the vicinity of Glasgow,
passing through. We sent scouts to ascertain the strength
of the garrison at Bowling Green. They reported a
strong force there. After riding all night and capturing
some stragglers, Morgan now determined to strike the
railroad between the river and Glasgow Junction. Trav-
elling all night again, we reached the railroad near Cave
City. Here we stopped and tapped the telegraph
wires.

While this v/as going on a train came along. We
had the good luck to capture it. It seemed at first to be
carrying troops. Three cars were loaded with labor-
ers, repairing the road. We found twenty soldiers on
this train. There were forty-eight cars and a fine en-
gine. In a short time the passenger train would l^e due.
Morgan had hoped that he would be able to capture
the train that was conveying his men captured at Le-

^2 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

banon to prison, but they had ])een sent off by the
river. The passenger train from Louisville was heard
coming-. A cow gap was filled with upright ties to stop
the train. Some men lying in ambush near by were to
place another obstruction after the train went past, to
prevent its return. Women notified the conductor of
his danger, to which he gave no heed, and pressed on
more rapidly. He was soon made aware of our pres-
ence.

\\^e found Federal officers aboard. Major Coffee,
Major Hilvite, Captain Long and tv.'<3 others whose
names I have forgotten. We took charge <.{ them.
There were a great many women passengers. One young
staff officer was accompanied by his wife. This lady
approached Morgan, weeping, and implored him not to
kill her husband. She had been told that Morgan and
jiis men were a bloodthirsty set of cut-throats. "My
dear madam," he replied, bowing, and vrith an arch
smile, which none who saw can ever forget, "I did not
know you had a husband." *'I have; here he is. Don't
kill him !" *'He is no longer my prisoner," said the
Colonel ; **he's 3^ours." He released this officer uncon-
ditionally, bidding him console his wife. This train was
not burned ; Colonel Morgan begging the ladies to ''ac-
cept it as a small token," etc. The sum of $8,000 in
greenbacks — government funds — was captured. We now
sat down to a sumptuous dinner, after which we burned
the train of box cars, and also destroyed the fine engine.

Colonel Morgan again directed his march for the
Cumberland. Colonel Coffee was paroled on condition
that he would exert himself to procure his own ex-
change, and that he would report again as a prisoner
if he failed.

Returning through Burksville, on county court day,

SQUADRON BECOMES A REOIMENT 73

we captured some Federals, made many horse trades,
after which we crossed the Cumberland on our way to
Chattanooga. On the way we picked up thirty-five
more survivors of the "Lebanon Races." Reachins:
Chattanooga, Colonel Morgan left Lt.-Col. Duke in
charge, and started for Corinth, to see what could be ef-
fected in the way of obtaining permission to make an-
other expedition into Kentucky ; also equipments of
horses and guns and to recruit his regiment. Here he
found two fine companies of cavalry^ commanded by
Captains R. M. Gano and John Hoffman. They re-
quested to be assigned to Morgan. Their request was
granted and they at once marched to Chattanooga. We
remained here recruiting and reorganizing. Gano and
Hoffman now reached our camp. The Texans were
greeted with enthusiasm. About 300 men of the First
Kentucky Infantry, which had been disbanded in Vir-
ginia, their term of service having expired, came to
join us. Very many new faces and new companies were
now here; in a word, we had become a full grown regi-
ment, with nine full companies. It was composed of
men from almost every state in the United States, and
nearly all had seen service.

The field officers were now appointed : Colonel,
John H. Morgan; Lieutenant-Colonel, Basil Duke;
Major, G. W. Morgan; Adjutant, Gordon E. Niles, once
editor of a New York paper, a gallant man, who died
a soldier's death shortly after his appointment ; Surgeon,
Capt. Tom Allen ; Assistant Surgeon, Dr. Edlen ; Quar-
termaster, D. H. Llewelyn; Commissary, Hiram Reese;
Forage Master, Capt. Ostrand O. Birney ; Capt. Cassel,
Co. A; Capt John Allen, Co. B; Capt. Bowles, Co. C;
Capt. Castleman, Co. D ; Capt. McFarland, Co. E ; Capt.

74 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Hutchison, Co. F; Capt. Gano, Co, G; Capt. Dickinson,
Co. H.

Recruits were coming into our camps every day
with every promise of filHng- two more skeleton com-
panies. We broke camp and marched for Knoxville.
While waiting for arms at this point we were joined
by a gentleman from everywhere or nowhere He
was the most unique devil-may-care creature it has ever
been the lot of any man to meet ; whose life from his
earliest boyhood had been one of curious, extraordin-
ary and exciting adventure. He came to see something
of our war. This was Lieut. Col. St. Leger Grenfel^ of
the English service. Of all the very remarkable char-
acters who have figured in this age, outside popular
novels, he was the most remarkable. He will receive
the suffrage of our western cavalrymen for pre-eminence
in devil-may-care eccentricity.

He had commenced life by running away from his
father because the latter would not permit him to enter
the army, and in doing so showed the good sense he
really possessed, for the army was the proper place for
him — provided they went to war often enough. He
served five years in a French regiment in Algiers ; quit-
ting that service, lived a number of years in Tangiers,
where he did a little business with the Moorish batteries,
when the French bombarded the place. He served four
years with Abd-el-Kader, of whom he always spoke in
the highest terms^ as having been everything that a
man ought to have been, except a member of the Church
of England. Having exhausted life in Africa, he looked
elsewhere for excitement, and passed many years in
great happiness and contentment amid the pleasant
scenes of the Crimean war, the Sepoy rebellion, and
Garibaldi's South American service. Having no more

ON THE MARCH

/o

chance for pleasing occupations there, he came to lend
his aid to our cause, taking a fancy to Morgan, and
had come to join him. "Would he graciously accept his
sword?" There was nothing that made him so happy
as the exhibition of a headlong charge upon an enemy.
He became General Morgan's adjutant.

On the march he bathed himself in almost every
stream we crossed. He brought with him four very
curious swords and always wore a fiery red silk cap
with cord and tassels of finest Indian silk. He was tall and
gaunt ; straight as an arrow shaft ; every inch a sol-
dier ; always ready for duty ; methodical^ and was usu-
ally in good temper when matters were active. I never
saw him hilarious but once and that was the day after
the battle of Hartsville. He had just thrashed his land-
lord and had doubled up a brother Englishman in a set-to
about a horse. He was indeed the only gentleman I
ever knew who liked to fight with his fists. He was
always happy, cheerful and contented when he could
shoot and be shot at. He certainly would have been
a holy terror if he could have been the commander of a
brigade of men like himself.

We set out from Knoxville, July 3, 1862, for Ken-
tucky, taking the road to Sparta. We Avere frequently
fired upon by bushwhackers, during our two days'
march. Here I first saw Champ Ferguson, of whom
it was said that he never asked or gave quarter. Fer-
guson killed some 93 men during the war. He hated
all Union men, by whom his family had been shock-
ingly and shamefully mistreated. He killed all who were
engaged in this inhuman act.

Continuing our march, we reached Tompkinsville,
where we encountered a Federal force of 500 men under
Colonel Jourdan. We tried to surround them, only to

76 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

find that they had ])ccn apprised of our approach, and
were prepared to receive us. We opened on tliem. The
battle did not last long. We captured the camp, 20
wagons, 60 prisoners, killed 46, wounded 109. Our loss
was four killed. Colonel Hunt's leg was shattered, the
wound causing death in a few days.

From this place we moved toward Glasgow, press-
ing forward to a little place called Bear Wallow. At this
place we had a brisk skirmish. Our scouts had frequent
encounters with bands of Home Guards. Reaching
Rolling Fork bridge, we found this naturally strong po-
sition well guarded.

We were fired upon, and I received a severe wound
in my leg. I remained on my horse, but dismounted my
men, and sent for the "Bull Pup," from wTiich a shell
went whizzing through the covered bridge. I charged
through with a platoon of my advance and cleared it
of the enemy. Marching rapidly toward Lebanon, Ky.,
we surprised the enemy's pickets. On the road, a mile
away, could be seen the town. Ordering forward several
companies^ right and left, we waited for them to reach
the roads entering town from opposite directions. Thv.n
we moved up and sent a demand for surrender, which
was complied with. A company belonging to the force
was absent on a scout, and upon coming suddenly back to
town, attacked us vigorously. We charged them
prornptly, killing twenty, wounding ten and compelling
them to surrender. We found here large supplies ot
arms and ammunition stores of all kinds. We took
heavy supplies of ammunition, guns of better caliber
and pistols in large numbers. The command was now
better armed than at any previous time.

Before leaving Knoxville Colonel Morgan had or-
ganized what was known as the advance guard of the

MORGAN'S BODYGUARD jy

command. This body was selected from the picked men
of the entire force. These men were exempt from camp
or picket duty. They were also the body guard to Col-
onel Morgan, hence to serve in his command became an
honor eagerly sought and only bestowed as a reward for
meritorious service and gallant conduct. This advance
was organized as follows : Captain, Tom Quirk ; first
lieutenant, Thos. F. Berry ; second lieutenant, Chas.
Rogers. This guard was composed of 60 men and reg-
ularly m.arched at a distance of 400 yards in advance of
the column, with three videttes, 100 yards at its rear,
whose duties were to transmit information and orders
between the guard and the columns, to regulate the
gait of the column, so that it would not press too closely
upon the latter, and to prevent any straggling between
the two forces. Six videttes were thrown out in front of
the guard, four at intervals of fifty yards, while at a
considerable distance ahead of the fourth two guards
rode together at the extreme front. These two were
consequently at a distance of 250 yards in front of the
body-guard. These advanced videttes were required for
examine carefully on all sides in passing cross-roads.

Passing on through Springfield, we marched in the
direction of Harrodsburg, entering that place next morn-
ing. This was one of our strongholds of friends and
sympathizers. Here I met my brother, Samuel Oscar
Berry, better known as ''One-armed" Berry, whom I
had not seen for two years or more. He had married
a beautiful, sweet-faced woman. He informed my
father and m3^self that it was a very hard matter now
for a Southerner to live in peace in the state. All
Southerners were liable at any time to arrest. He told
us frankly that he thought of joining our command.
Father and I both persuaded him not to do this, re-

78 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

mindinc;- him of his duty to his beautiful little wife, sayin^^-
that he should tr; and stand almost anything for her
sake. He said that he had been goaded almost to des-
peration by the taunts of the Home Guards who had
arrested him three times already. He was tired of this.
His wife's father was a strong Union man, very bitter,
and was the source of his troubles. I was almost sure
then that he would in self-defense cast his fortunes with
the South. He owned a small piece of property, a nice
home. His avaricious father-in-law wanted this. He
cared nothing for his daughter's welfare or happiness
as it was subsequently proven that he had been the
cause of his son-in-law's arrest. We now left him,
begging him to stay at home and protect his lovMy
wife. He replied that he would stand it as long as he
could. When we again met it was under very diffei-
ent circumstances.

We marched from Harrodsburg to Lawrenceburg,
Colonel Morgan sending detachments toward Louis-
ville, Frankfort and around Lexington, with instructions
to burn all the bridges on all the roads leading to those
places. The main column moved towards Lawrence-
burg, reaching there about mid-day and from thence to
Shyrock's Ferry. The column was delayed here. The
ferry boat had been sunk, and must be raised, to let ar-
tillery and cavalry pass. We had now travelled over
350 miles in eight days, and had dispersed killed and
wounded over 1,000 Federal soldiers. We were now in
the thickest of our foes ; almost encompassed by su-
perior forces. The command was in exultant spirits.
Colonel Morgan had created the impression among
friends and foes alike that his force was three or four
thousand strong. Our scouts were now riding in every
direction. On returning, they reported a very general

TO CYNTHIANA 79

consternation among our foes. We reached Versailles
late at night. Aly wound was sore and painful.

Leaving this place for Midway, our friend Ells-
worth, or "Lightning" as he was called, befuddled utir
friends, the enemy, by his peculiar methods of tele-
graphing. They are all at cross-purposes. Leaving
Midway for Georgetown, we arrived just at sundown.
A small force of Home Guards had mustered to oppose
us. Morgan sent them word to surrender promismg
that they should not be hurt. The leader of this band
is said to have made them a speech of singular eloquence
and stirring effect. He told them that Morgan, with
his marauders and murders — the accursed of the Union
men of Kentucky — was coming upon them, that every-
where prevailed terror and desolation; in his route the
smoke of the burning towns was ascending; the blood
of murdered patriots was streaming; the wails of
widowed women, and orphaned children was resound-
ing; in his front Home Guards were flying; that Tom
Long reported him at the edge of the town v/ith 10,000
or 12,000 long-bearded men around him, armed with
butcher knives. He thought they had "better scatter
and take care of themselves." And, accordingly, they
did scatter at full speed.

Many Southern sympathizers were confined in the
court house, among them a man whom many Kentuck-
ians have a lively recollection of — poor Will Webb.
Upon seeing the Home Guards flee for their lives he
thrust his body half through the window, and, pointing
to the stars and stripes, still flying, thus apostro-
phised in terms that the fugitives ought to have made
a more stubborn fight : "Are you going to desert
your flag?" he said. "Remain and perform the pleasing
duty of dying under its glorious folds, and afford us the

80 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

agreeable spectacle that you will i)resent." This touch-
ing appeal was of no avail. We remained at George-
town three days, taking a much needed rest for our
horses. We sent out detachments every day, and our
friend of the lightning was still at his old tricks.

IX
s I AM*CAPTURED AND ESCAPE

Battle at Cynthiana — I am severely wounded, left behind and
taken prisoner — Yankee surgeons wish to amputate my leg.
I resist successfully — In love with my nurse — I refuse to
accept a parole — ^Planning to escape — Taken to Cincinnati
and Camp Chase — Attempting to tunnel out — Make a friend
of an officer, whom I resemble — I impersonate him and
escape — Back to Cynthiana.

It was high time now that we were getting a move
on ourselves. We had recruited four fine companies
since reaching Kentucky, greatly increasing our force.
We marched to Cynthiana on the morning of the 18th.
General Morgan despatched parts of two companies to
drive the scouts and pickets into Lexington, thus acting
as shield and screen to his real intentions on Cynthiana.
This place was occupied by 400 Home Guards and 450
soldiers of Colonel Mitchell's cavalry, about 850 men
all told.

Captain Billy Glass had come from Cincinnati with
four brass twelve-pounders. He went to wor-: wftH
these guns as if he was putting out a fire. There is a
long, narrow bridge across Licking river at this place,
and nearby the only ford for a long distance in either
direction. These were the only available crossing
places. Morgan had made all of his dispositions before
reaching Cynthiana. All his officers knew their places
in the line of attack. Each point was taken as soon as it
was reached.

I had a curious experience the night before this
battle, and spoke of it to my father. I dreamed that I

82 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

was in battle, leading the eharge with my friend, Gren-
fel, and that 1 was badly wounded in the right leg
below the knee. My father laughed at me about it. i
felt the pain of it distinctly, and described it to him. A
very curious dream !

We all marched to our respective positions. Our
two pieces of artillery^ familiarly called our "Bull Pups,"
opened the battle with vigor. The dismounted men
pushed forward rapidly under cover of the battery.
When they reached the eastern bank, we were ordered
to charge across the bridge. Each alternate company,
on leaving the east end of the bridge, was to charge
through the streets, one east, the other north. Colonel St.
Leger Grenfels and myself leading the van. We were
both wounded in this charge, he in the neck, a slight
wound, and I in my right leg below the knee, severely.
We both remained on duty till the battle ended, which
lasted about forty-five or fifty minutes, being short,
sharp and decisive. W^e captured 500 prisoners, killed
68 and wounded 37. The hottest of the fight was around
the railroad depot. W^e also captured the artillery and
the line horses that came from the Cincinnati fire de-
partment. Our killed was 9, and wounded, 23. I was
left behind with the other wounded, and was taken
prisoner two days afterward.

Colonel Morgan left for Dixie land. Could I have
forseen the future before me I would have been ap-
palled. I did not then even remotely think of the sui-
fering and extreme anguish of spirit, I should be called
to undergo. I did not know that I would not see my
command for months. This was my fourth wound, all
received inside of ten months. I felt more grievously
the prospect of remaining behind than I did the bullet
wounds in my leg. I had at least cause to think of the

WOUNDED AND A PRISONER g3

Strangeness of my dream the night before the battle, and
reflect upon the vicissitudes of a soldier's life. My first
thought after I received attention to my wound was of
my sister.

I had been taken into a private house near the Lick-
ing bridge. The family were all very kind to me and
were Southern in their sympathies. My wound was
inflamed and painful. Mr. Grennan and his family, two
sons and a daughter, were very patient and kind. His
wife was a fine nurse. I asked Miss Sallie to write
to my sister and step-mother, and inform them and my
brother of my condition. The Yankees came in to see
if Morgan's men had horns like other cattle, as they
were sometimes called. Miss Sallie wrote and sent let-
ters to my friends. The Yankee surgeons now called
on me by order of Colonel Landrum, who commanded
them to examine my wound and determine whether or
not I was too badly wounded to be moved to Cincinnati.
They said that it was very necessary to amputate
my leg at once, to save my life. They told this to Mrs.
Grennan and Miss Sallie, but did not inform me. I had
considerable fever. They informed Miss Sallie that
they would be back at 10 o'clock, p. m., the next day
to take my leg off. She told me and asked what I
thought of it. I simply told her that it could not be
done, unless the surgeons first amputated my head ;
that I would not submit to such brutality, and would
die before I would allow any Yankee surgeon to cut
off my leg.

They were on hand at the appointed hour. They
came into the bedroom and gravely informed me that
it was necessary to remove my leg above the knee ;
that the bone was seriously injured and my life in jeop-
ardy, and that they must do the best for me that they

84 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

could. They were now ready to perform the operation.
I told them that I felt grateful to them for their in-
terest in my behalf; I also felt a like interest in myself,
and that they could not take my leg off. They replied
that they must do their duty and that they were going
to remove it whether I consented or not. I said, ''Gentle-
men, T will not consent to this outrage, and if you at-
tempt it, you do so at your peril. I will kill any one
that tries to remove my leg. If you must do an opera-
tion^ you must first amputate my head, for, by the
eternal, my leg shall remain. I am your prisoner. Vou
may have my carcass, all of it, but I will not lose
my leg, at least, not now."

They sent for Lieut-Col. Landrum and told him
what I said. He tried to prevail on me as one brave
soldier to another ; referred to my high fever and flushed
face, and ended by saying that the surgeons wanted to do
their duty towards me. It was too bad to sit by and
see a young man in his first bloom of young manhood
die for want of a well-known duty. This was six or
seven days after the battle. The same so-called sur-
geons sacrificed the arms and legs of four or five of
our men at this time. I absolutely refused to submit
to such infamy. They now placed a guard about the
house so that I might not escape. The days passed
into weeks and the weeks into m.onths. It was now
September.

The Grennans were exceedingly attentive and kind.
Miss Sallie was sweet charity and gentleness itself. I
watched and listened almost constantly for her gentle
foot-fall or her sweet voice, I often grew impatient,
waiting for her to come. I had never. before been in
such a frame of mind. What is it? I asked myself.
I wanted this beautiful creature at my side and was

IN LOVE WITH MY NURSE g5

very miserable when she was out of sight. She had
dressed my wound twice a day, brought and gave me
my medicine. My wound was now heaHng, and I was
recovering rapidly. The surgeons were talking of send-
ing me to Cincinnati for safety. They had a talk with
Miss Sallie^ which I overheard. They asked her if she
thought 1 was well enough to be moved. She replied
in the negative. I had been very restless, and to move
me now might make me worse. The doctors did not
mention this to me. I knew instinctively that there
was some move on foot for my especial benefit.

After the doctors left. Miss Sallie came to me and
told me of the talk she had had with them. She looked
distressed and anxious. Her beautiful eyes showed half-
shed tears, almost ready to flow. Her face was flushed
and she seemed nervous and ill at ease. I regarded
her for a moment and asked her what she was thinking
of. She replied very frankly, "Of your absence, when
they take you away from me — or us — ." Our eyes met
at this moment. She flushed or blushed deeply and
averted her eyes.

1 was nervous with excitement in a flash. The
question came to me, ''Does, oh, does she care for me ;
shall I say it — does she love me?" She, in maidenly
modesty^ kept quiet, looking out of the window. Dur-
ing those few moments I was thinking over an age. A
thousand questions were asked and answered. The first
was, ''Do I love her, or is this a passing fancy, and it
so, what should or must I do? Would I be doing the
right thing to tell this lovely creature my thoughts, my
feelings? Should I wait for a more tangible evidence of
my regard or love? Love! What do you know about
it? Is this love?"

She now tvirned her face toward me and asked,

86 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

"What are you thinkini^ about?" "Tlie same as your-
self." This l)rought tlie blood back to her downy
cheeks. "Why do you think so lightly as this of leav-
ing us?" she said, with downcast eyes. "I always have
to leave my dear friends, Miss Sallie," I said. "Do you
know or have any idea when they are going to send
me, and my comrades, away?" "They have already
sent six or seven to Cincinnati," she replied. "I told
them this morning that you were not able to be sent
away. Was that right?" "Yes, of course, it was; any-
thing you do is right." "Do you think so?" "You heard
me; yes."

I received a letter from my sister and mother; also
one from Brother Sam. He said his life and surround-
ings were becoming unbearable ; that he had been ar-
rested and compelled to give a heavy bond, with his
father-in-law as surety. The Home Guards had stolen
two fine horses and three milk cows and five hogs and
some sheep. When asked to pay for them, they told
him to charge it up to Uncle Sam, prove his loyalty and
then he might expect to be paid for what was taken ;
that if he did not want to land in prison he had better
join the army or keep his disloyal tongue in his head.
These were things that I knew he could not do.

The next day Miss Sallie came into the room and
said in her sweetest tones, "Oh, Lieutenant Berry, Gen-
eral Lee has whipped the Yankees again in a terrible
battle^ the fiercest that has been fought." Then turn-
ing her beautiful eyes and looking into mine, said, "Oh,
I do wish this horrible war was over." I said simply,
"So do I, but on one condition only." "What is that?"
"The absolute independence of the Southern Confed-
eracy." "I greatly fear, Lieutenant, that that will never
be," she replied, regarding me intently. I said, "i wish

IN LOVE WITH MY NURSE g7

it was over for more reasons than one." "And what
are some of them, pray tell me." "Are you sure you
really care to know them?" "I would be pleased to
have you tell me the one that is of the most interest to
you." Looking her full in the face I said, "I should be
willing to do anything that was reasonable and right
for your sake. I have recently discovered that you
are very dear to my heart. I am sure that I love you.
While you are out of my sight I am miserable ; but being
a soldier, I thought it would not be right for me to tell
you of my newly-awakened passion. I have no wish
to add a care to your life. Will you pardon me for
thus bluntly telling you?" At this point my tongue re-
fused to act. She said, simply, sweetly, "You know !"
laying her hand in mine.

How radiantly lovely and beautiful she was at this
moment. It was ever thus through the ages. Love is
ever young, hopeful, truthful. I said, "Dear, I have
been thinking of making my escape from these beautiful
blue coats. I despise them. They thought to maim
me for life, so that I could not again fight them. I be-
lieve now firmly that this was the* prime reason for their
wanting to amputate my leg." "I believe so, too," she
said. "I know they were sorely disappointed at being
baffled in their plans. Do you really think of trying
to make your escape?" she asked. "I was thinking of it."
"You could not stand much travel now." "A man can
stand anything when he has to." "There may be some-
thing in that." "Everything," I replied; "would you
really care very much to see me go?" "Wh3% you
dunce, no ; of course I would not." This softly, boxing
my ears lightly, and pouting. "You men are so pre-
sumptuous; you are all alike, I believe." "What do you
know about them?" "As much as I want to know,"

88 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

she replied. "Come, come, dearie; don't let us have a
lover's quarrel. I am so happy. I have somebody to
lo\e me. I ha\e no room for anything else." "Who said
they loved you, did I ?" "Well, yes."

I was hobblinjs: around on my crutches now, and
feeling that if the Yankee doctors should see lae they
would surely bundle me off to Cincinnati or Covington.
I am certain that they regarded me with some suspi-
cion and distrust.

I met a gentleman at this time who lived in the
country, six miles from town^ Mr. John Carter. He
said to me that he was a friend and wanted to do some-
thing for me. I was a little suspicious of him at first,
but he proved his loyalty, and we became fast friends.
I had two derringer pistols which i kept secreted for
obvious reasons. No one had seen them, not even my
sweet little nurse. I told Carter to luring me a Colt's
army pistol. He brought it all right. He often brought
or sent buckets of fruit. We often discussed my escape.
He thought it would l)e hazardous in my present con-
dition.

I was required in the future to call at the doctor's
quarters. One day while there Colonel Landrum asked
me if I was willing to take the oath of allegiance to
the government. I replied, "No, one is as many as a man
can serve at one time !" He replied that he thought
perhaps I had had enough of it. He understood I had
been wounded four times within a year. "That is true,
but still I have not had enough." He said, "We will
not discuss this any longer. Will you accept a parole of
honor and keep it sacred?" "Do you doubt that I
would keep it if I should accept it?" "I don't know,"
said he. "If this is your opinion of me, why, don't you
give it. I cannot accept it now, Colonel." "Take one."

CAPT. T. F. BERRY IN BALL AND CHAIN AT LOUISVILLE
PRISON.

I REFUSE A PAROLE 89

"No, Colonel, I cannot do it now under any circum-
stances ; you must excuse me." ** You are obstinate !"
"Yes, Colonel, I am ; have it as you will." Next day I
was sent to Covington.

When the hour of my departure came, my dear
little sweetheart was broken-hearted, and as for myself,
what anguish of spirit now came to me none can appre-
ciate except those who have suffered like experiences. I
bade all my newly made friends a sad farewell. I was per-
mitted to write only once a week and my letters or our
letters were examined and read. I slipped several letters
through to my darling, but this did not last long. I
was taken to Cincinnati^ whe^e I stayed 20 days and from
there to Camp Chase, near Columbus. My wounds were
now healed, but the bone was still very tender and sore.

I sat about laying plans for my escape from this
den of vermin, sickness, and death. There were some
2,000 citizen sympathizers from all over the country,
both north and south, all arrested for opinion's sake.
There were many old men among them. We formed
a club of ten to tunnel out. We called it the Gopher
club, as we wanted to dig a hole from under our bar-
racks to the outside of the fence. We dug three, but each
time we were discovered, and some of us were caught
at work in the hole, and punished. A double guard
was then set over the ground. This effectually put a
stop to any further digging. The bleak winds of No-
vember were blowing through the marrow of the Con-
federate soldiers, all thinly clad in light summer cloth-
ing. There was much suffering and many deaths among
them. I was almost frantic to get away from this Yan-
kee dungeon. How could this be done?

To escape should be my business and thought from
this hour until it became an accomplished fact. There

90 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

had been several prisoners shot while trying to scale
the walls, by sentries who had accepted bribes to let
them pass over. Hundreds of the most prominent men
from all o\cr the United States were here, simply be-
cause their sypmpathies were with the South ; there was
never a charge against them, not the semblance of a
trial or hearing. Was there ever such tyranny prac-
ticed upon a people? Many had lost property; their
captors called it confiscated a new name for stealing.

I had written to my brother that I had been sent
to Camp Chase. There were at this time only fourteen
of Colonel Morgan's men here — Morgan's horse-thieves
— we were called. Nearly all had been wounded, and
were captured while helpless. We were naturally
drawn together by common ties and suffering. I re-
ceived a letter from my dear little sweetheart, telling
me she had been sick for two weeks, and how dreary
and lonesome she had been, and asked me when
I would return again. She sent me her picture.
How lovely and smiling it was! If there is anything
on earth that would tempt or make a man desert a cause
it certainly is a beautiful, sweet woman ; but all true
and noble women despise cowards and traitors. Death
would be far preferable than to have the name of de-
serter or traitor thrown in your teeth.

The icy breath of winter fixed its chilling touch
upon us and with it comes a nice box of warm under-
clothing and socks and home provisions. Dainties like
these were indeed a welcome relief from prison grub —
hard tack, side bacon, tough beef, rice beans, and some-
times stale baker's bread. Also, a nice roll of green-
backs that has escaped the lynx-eyed inspectors of let-
ters, clothing, boxes and packages. In fact, everything

A FRIEND OF AN OFFICER 91

sent to the prisoners is examined, and, in many in-
stances, kept from those for whom it is intended.

In these degenerate days^ I have frequently thought
the war was started, maintained, continued, and length-
ened to the farthest limit solely for the greed of selfish
plunder, as it lasted just so long as the greedy plun-
derers could obtain fat contracts surreptitiously dupli-
cated from the government and a chance to rob the
Southern people through the wdiole country traversed
by the Union armies, and an army of camp followers.
As long as the pickings were rich, the plundering went
on. When it became poor, the war ended.

On the 31st of December I w^as invited to dine
with Lieutenant Hulin of the Fourth Ohio Volunteers.
I met this young man at General Mitchell's headquar-
ters w^hile on the trip under a flag of truce with Gen-
eral Morgan around Nashville, Tennessee. We became
friends then. Why not be so now? So it was, the for-
tunes of war had placed me in his charge. We can be
friends if we do have political views and differences.
Would I com.e? Yes, and thank you, too, and would
take great pleasure in renewing old friendships. I went.
He was a genial host, kindly and attentive. There w^ere
a number of invited guests.

The lieutenant was very solicitous for the pleasure
of his company. He had me sit next to him and after
dinner told the guests when he had first met me, and
under what conditions. He then called upon me to give
my versions of the matter for the entertainment of the
guests. It was a short history of the operations around
Nashville, Laverne, and also of the "Lebanon Races."
They were highly pleased with the recital. I then
asked him to tell us how he came to be assigned to duty
at this prison. He told the following story:

92 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

He belonged to Buell's army, in General Mitchell's
division and was on duty in and round Nashville, and
engaged in many of the battles and skirmishes with
Morgan around Nashville and Laverne. After serving
actively with his command during its stay in that vicin-
ity, he was ordered to move with his command. They
marched with General Buell's army to reinforce Grant at
Pittsburgh Landing or Corinth. During the battle of
the second day on this bloody field, he was seriously
wounded^ April 7th, in a cavalry charge upon Colonel
Bedford Forrest's regiment of cavalry. His left arm
was broken and two fingers^were shot off. He lay m a
hospital for three months. When discharged he was
assigned to duty at Camp Chase, and was there when I
arrived. It was often remarked that we were very much
alike in personal appearance, so much so that we were
often taken for kin. In truth we were enough alike in
personal appearance to be twin brothers. About the
same age, size and height. Our military step was also
similar. Even our eyes and hair were of the same
color. In a word we were each other's doubles. We
were now much together. I became very intimate with
this young lieutenant and very much attached to him.
He possessed many striking qualities, and was of a
genial, social nature. He often said to me, ''Berry, if
you were not a rebel and were not trying to break up
this government, I could love you like a brother." To
which I sometimes replied, ''Hulin I know I could
love you if you and your friends were not Yankees, and
trying to kill all my friends^ and steal all the negroes
and property in the South." At this he would laugh
heartily. He was indeed my good personal friend, and
but for his kindness life at Camp Chase would have
been miserable for me.

I IMPERSONATE HIM AND ESCAPE 93

•Although the time passed very pleasantly I chafed
constantly at the restraint prison life imposed. When
I received my roll of greenbacks I placed $60 of it
in the keeping of Lieutenant Hulin. I drew small sums
of this from time to time. I had access to his quar-
ters at all time, as these were within the enclosed
walls of the camp. There were but very few men stir-
ring about the prison grounds on these cold days, i
had now drawn all my money, except thirty dollars.
I was sitting in the lieutenant's quarters on a very cold
morning thinking I would like to be out of prison. On
this day Lieutenant Hulin was officer of the guard.
He had made the rounds of the guards on duty. He
had told me a few minutes before that he was going
to Columbus on private business, and would be gone
about three hours or until it was time to make the
rounds of the guard again. Would I take charge while
he was gone? Certainly, I would gladly serve him
in this way.

The weather was very cold, and a short time after
he left, the snow besian to fall in blinding sheets. I
quickly dressed myself in the lieutenant's uniform
wearing his sash, also his cap. I sallied out, went the
rounds of the guards, and saw all at their posts^ through-
out the entire camp. No one was passing. The guards
did not detect the difference. They evidently believed
me to be Lieutenant Hulin, as they saiuted me with
deference. I walked out of the gate, was saluted at the
guard house by the officer of the day. I passed on
through the camp of the soldiers, some of whom sa-
luted me, believing me to be Hulin. It was snowing
furiously. I quickened my walk, taking a path leadin'
to Columbus, through the fields and patches of wood^
land.

94 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

No one was stirriiii;- in this snow storm. This was
indeed a* God-send to me. My tracks were covered as
quickly as they were made. My heart was beating
hard and fast. I was laying my plans for the future, as
to the route I should take south, revolving these
thoughts in my mind as I walked. I came now in sight
of the city of Columbus, and reached a stable or shed
covered at three ends. I entered this and hastily re-
moved the lieutenant's uniform^ for I wore my citizen\s
suit under the uniform. I rolled the uniform in a neat,
compact bundle, tied the sash around it securely and
placed the bundle under my arm. I then took the
road into Columbus, I entered the first hotel I saw
and asked for a room. The clerk told me to register
I wrote "Thomas H. Henderson, Evansville, Indiana,'
took the key and followed the servant to my room.
Once there, I dismissed him and then called him back
and asked for pen, ink and paper. He returned shortly,
placed them upon the table and left me to myself. 1
sat and rapidly wrote Lieutenant Hulin a note, thank-
ing him for his kindness, and hoping that at some future
time I might be able to return wath interest his many
kind attentions. I told him that I had not intended to steal
his uniform, cap and sash, nor to do him a scurvy trick.
I was but doing my duty as a soldier, even as he woulc!
if placed in my surroundings and in like conditions. li
he would call at the hotel, 507 State street, Columbus,
Ohio, he. would find his uniform cap and sash. Wish
ing him a very happy life with his ambitions satisfied,
I subscribed myself very truly, his lasting friend
Thomas F. Henderson, First Lieutenant, Company A.
Morgan's Cavalry.

After placing a card on the bundle, I passed out of a
side door of the hotel and made a bee-line for the depo

CAPTAIN T. F. BERRY IN lcSt«.
(Just after his escape from Louisville piison.)

BACK TO CYNTHIANA 95

Reaching it, I found I had forty minutes to wait. These
minutes seemed hours. I stepped into a barber's shop
and had my hair cut close to my head, and had a shave,
leaving: the mustache, and imperial on the chin. This
greatly changed my appearance, which the barber no-
ticed. Having bought my ticket for Cincinnati, I wr
now ready to be off. When the train pulled out T
breathed easier. I was confident Hulin had not yet
discovered my ruse as I saw him pass the hotel with
some officers when I was on my way to the depot.

I determined to mail the letter at some place near
Miami. /\t Miami we stopped for supper. I placed the
loiter in the mail box. and with light heart, foi I was
ao-ain free, my own master, and would shape my own
destiny as conditions might dictate. My wounds were
entirely healed. T enjoyed my liberty immensely. We
arrived in Cincinnati after midnight and I took a room
at the Burnett House. I was an early rise.^ these day^
and was up betimes next morning. 1 sent a note to m^-
old friend, Seth Thomas, asking his presence at his
earliest possible convenience at my room. He came
post haste. His first words were, ''Holy Moses ! Where
did you come from? Everywhere but here!" Vv'e talked
of the bygone days v/hich would never return. At las'
I said, 'Xet's don't be sentimental, Seth. I am here
for business. I want six Colt's dragoon pistols, 50C
cartridges, a belt and scabbard, one pair of cavalry
boot, high tops. No. 5's, a good hat with a broad
brim, and a ' heavy overcoat." "Do you want the
earth?" "Yes." "Anything else?" "I want many things,
but these are enough for the present." "Where are y<r
going?" "Don't know, do you? I may go to the other
country. Can't tell. Be off, time -flies and waits for

96 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

no man. Here's some money, begone, quick! Hold,
Seth. I need a valise, a grip-sack. Bring me one."

My friend Thomas brought the articles I needed.
I first pulled on the boots, then the overcoat.

We loaded all the pistols, and I buckled on two of
them under my great-coat which was large and roomy
and put the remaining arms and ammunition in m}
valise. I felt more like myself than I had for some
time past. Seth took me down to a restaurant where
we had refreshments. Here I left him, and taking a
cab to the ferry crossing, reached the Lexington depot
just in time to catch the train going south. I had
bought a ticket for Lexington, but on reaching Cyn-
thiana I jumped off the train before it stopped and
made my way unobserved through alleyways to Mr.
Grennan's house.

X

LOVE AND SORROW

My meeting with Miss Sallie — Marauding Union soldiers — Henry
McGruder brings a message from my brother telling of the
murder of my sister — I secure recruits and join my brother.

Great was the astonishment and pleasure of my
dear old friends upon seeing me. "Where did you come
from? Did they release you?" were their first questions.
"Not much," I replied. The tale was soon told as to how.
when and by what means I had escaped. I had simply
called to pay my devoirs and be off. The Vankees
would surely and certainly trail and track me here. "I
must go tonight to a place that I shall name to you
only," I whispered to Miss Sallie. "I am sure none has
seen me come here, as I got off the train before it
stopped, and came through the alleys. \ met no one
on my w^ay ; it is best, however, to be on the safe side
all the time. It would be harrowingly painful for me
to be captured here. But mind^ dearie, T would rather
die than be captured again, especially in your house and
presence. Really I would not be taken. I would di-
first. It would involve all of you in ruin." "Here is the
pistol John Carter gave you. Are you armed?" asked
Miss Sallie. "Armed ^" I answered; "well, yes: see
these, six of them, aren't they beauties?" "You don't
expect to use all of them?" "Yes." "Can I find a
way to go out to my friend John tonight?" "I will
see," said Mr. Grennan. Then I asked Miss Sallie, "Can
I see you alone?" "Certainly," she replied. I said to her

98 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

when we were alone: "I have been away from ' ou now*
not quite four months. During that time I have had
ample time for thought, and I have come to tell you
frankly, my dear Miss Sallie, that you are the very
first and the only woman I have ever loved. I at first
sight loved you and I love you now. Absence has only
tended to increase my admiration tor you. Please don't
i-top me now. Time presses. I want to say here and
now that I have been a most miserable creature since
I was sent away to prison and left you behind. I am
a soldier. Duty calls all true men to aims in defence
of home and right. I have enlisted for three years, or
during the war, with the Confederate army. My duty
lies there with her struggling sons. I am young,
27. You are young. We can afford to wait. It
would not be right to ask you to be my bride now, and
then go away, and perhaps be killed in my very first
battle. I ask you now, do you, can you love a soldiei
like me? You need not answer me now, unless yor
desire; but I should like so much to know this from your
dear, dear lips before T leave, perhaps never to returr
to look into those dear eyes again, to hear that sweet
low voice. May I take hence the sweet assurance
of your love from your own dear self? It shall be m^
talisman of hope and cheer, and shall buoy me in the
strife of battle. I have done."

Quietly laying her hand on my own, and with
streaming, downcast eyes, she gave her answer. I shn^'
not say what, but the readers may guess ,if they will.
We parted. I left that night. She was too noble, good
and oentle. God took her home. She died two vears
afterwards from injuries received in a runaway acci-
dent. I received letters from her at intervals during the
two years she lived. She was a queen among her sex.

I HEAR FROM MY BROTHER 99

Tall and o-raceful, fair, with a complexion clear, soft,
downy, peachy ; beautiful, soft, large brown eyes ; a
mouth small and sweet as newly blown roses ; lips th
would put to shame all the rose tints in richness and
sweetness combined. Her nature was all that is most
lovable; she possessed all the noble graces. Peace be
to her ashes.

I went to my friend Carter, bidding this generous,
noble family farewell. I reached his house about 4
o'clock in the morning, not having slept for two nights.
I was now safe from pursuit and among my friends.
I slept nearly twenty-four hours. I found refreshments
on a table by my bed when I awoke. I remained there
until I heard from my brother, Samuel O. Berry^ and
received such friends as my protector thought fit should
call. I was solicited to raise a company in this county
for partisan service. I requested my brother to write
to me under the nom de plume of Tom Henderson, and
enclose his letter in an envelope addressed to John
Carter, Leesburgh, Harrison County.

While here I receive a daily paper giving an account
of an outrage perpetrated by some marauding bands of
Union soldiers near a small place called Foxtown, upon
a defenseless family, the house being plundered of such
articles as they fancied. It was also said in the same re-
port that they had not stopped at plundering the house
but that they had assaulted a member of the family,
a young girl, 19 years of age. Of the truthfulness of
this report they would not vouch. After a few days
there was an additional account confirming the reports
first received of the plundering of a house in the neigh-
borhood of Foxtown between Nicholasville, Camp Dick
Robinson, and Richmond. There seemed to be no doubt
of the truthfulness of the report and the serious in-

100 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

jury of a member of the defenseless family a young
woman, l)y these plundering, thieving marauders. Said
this report: "If defenseless families and helpless non-
coml)atants of this state are to be subjected to such
brutal and inhuman insults, and infamous treatment as
this last one, it is high time for all self-respecting men
to buckle on their arms and drive these fiends from our
soil." To v^hich all honest men could but say, Amen.

About this time I received a visitor, a traveler,
worn and dusty. When he was presented by John
Carter, he looked about him and asked if we were en-
tirely alone. I assured him we were. Then he said :
"These are squally times. Walls sometimes have ears
and it behooves all men to be careful Such times try
men's souls to the utmost." He drew from an inner
pocket a letter from my brother. It told of the terrible
and infamous assault upon my sister, of the robbery and
plunder of the house, trunks drawers, etc. The object
of the raid was robbery. Upon leaving my home in
Lexington for the Southern army, I had left with my
sister a chronometer watch and a sw^ord presented by
my Grandfather McGraw to me at the time of his death.
This sword he had captured at the storming of Stony
Point, under Mad Anthony Wayne ; the watch his father
had presented to him. I had also left in her care my
uniform. This was the finest company uniform in the
state. All these articles were left with my sister, to
be preserved as relics and heirlooms of our family, and
had excited the cupidity of their friends. All were taken.
While trying to save this fine sword, my. sister was
bayonetted in the right side from behind. Passing
through the lower lobe of the liver, the bayonet came
out in front. She lived five days, leaving to her be-
reaved family a bloody legacy, a horrible infamy, that

I HEAR FROM MY BROTHER IQl

a life time of penance could not atone^ nor in any way
satisfy the just reprisal of her wronged brothers. My
brother wrote that she pleaded with him not to seek
revenge, or* wreak vengeance upon her murderers, as
God in his own good time and way would punish them.
Sam w^rote that he had obtained the names of all the
cowardly scoundrels who were in the party, and would
preserve them for future reference and disposal.

The young man who brought me this letter sat
before me watching every varying expression on my
face. Brother Sam declared that he would devote his
entire life in trying to wipe out the infamy thus perpe-
trated not only upon our sister, but upon the wives,
daughters and sisters of the state, in avenging his
own wrongs as well. Now that sister was in her grave,
this should be his life's business.

Having finished reading this letter I sat thinking
what should be done. I felt at this moment that my
sister Avas but another victim added to the already long
list of such cases all over the South ; that there was
also an added duty for me to perform in this case. 1
|iad been rapidly thinking of the most direct way to
my heart-broken mother and brother. I had almost for-
gotten my visitor in my agitation. T turned to him and
said, "Has my Brother Sam any plans for the future?"
•'Yes," said this silent^ observant young man, "he de-
sires me to pilot you to his camps."

This young man was Henry McGruder, as the let-
ter informed me, the noted fighter who afterward be
came famous throughout the country. He was at thai-
time but a boy, but alread}" a veteran in courage. We
were soon on most friendly terms. I hastened my plans,
for it was time for vigorous action. I called in my
friend Carter and informed him of the brutal killino- of

102 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

my darling sister, and told him then and there that I
must l)e off instantly, and that I, of necessity,
must have at least eighteen or twenty recruits. I wanted
him to see them for me at once so I could b'e about this
business. I then informed McGruder that I wanted him
to go to Georgetown and buy me forty Colt's pistols and
a thousand rounds of cartridges. I gave him a letter to
an oldtime friend of mine in Georgetown, asking his
aid. McGruder was gone two days, returning with the
arms, wliich were sent as a small contribution to the
good cause.

In four days all were ready to move. I had the
good fortune to welcome two of my old comrades un-
der Morgan. They had been wounded at the battle of
Cynthiana. We all had good horses^ my ow^n, a thor-
oughbred bay of noble appearance and a fine specimen
of his race, was a present from John Carter.

We left my dear friend Carter's early in the even-
ing when the shadows of night w^ere falling as a curtain
to hide our movements. Riding rapidly we were soon
many miles away on the road to join my brother. Skirt-
ing around Lexington, as we pushed forward, we found
ourselves in the Kentucky river cliffs near Shakertown
at daylight. Hiding our horses, we fed them and cur-
ried them off while they were still warm. Placing pick-
ets and lookouts as a precaution against surprise, we
composed ourselves for a short nap : but finding this
impossible, I joined some of the pickets and we kept a
sharp lookout for the Home Guards. I told the men of
the brutal butchering of my sister, of the service they
had now entered upon, and of the plan to meet my
brother. I allowed no fires because they might attract
attention, and consequently investigation. There was
plenty of provisions among the men. About four o'clock

CAPTAIN S. O. BERRY
("One-Arm Berry")

I MEET MY BROTHER 103

in the afternoon we were again astir. I swore these
recruits into the Confederate service, sixteen in all, with
my two old comrade veterans.

The travelling was now slow as the roads and by-
paths were rough. We passed quietly through vShaker-
town in Mercer County. Crossing Dick's River we
were now near my brother's camping place. We rode
forward into a large woodland and halted. McGruder
advised us to wait for day, saying to me, ''Your brother
is in this pasture somewhere." Having dismounted the
men, we hitched our horses in a sheepfold and waited
for daylight. What bitter anguish I experienced as
thoughts came trooping through my mind! I had be-
come an old man in less than eighteen months. The
war had claimed already its thousands of bloody victims,
and my sweet, gentle sister, so bright, bouyant, and
lovely was among these, a sacrifice to the brutal greed
of hirelings. Was life worth the living under such con-
ditions? Must a man who regarded his honor and the
safety of his loved ones, tamely submit to such outrages?
Bow his neck and receive the infamous yoke, an abject
slave to tyrants? These were the thoughts that surged
through my brain as I waited. Morning came at last.
I told the men to keep a sharp lookout. We should be
gone in but a short time.

McGruder led the way into a dense thicket. About
half a mile from its edge we were halted by a picket.
Having given the countersign we were passed in three or
four hundred yards. Further on we were met by a man
and I asked him where my brother, Samuel Berry, was.
He led me to a small log house hidden among the brush.
I entered. There lay the object of my long ride, sleep-
ing in his blankets, the sleep of a tired soldier. I touched
his hand. He sprang up suddenly, clutching his. pistol

104 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

handle. I said, "Sam, don't you know me?" "Well,
Tom, I am indeed J?lad to see you. I was afraid you
had been captured ap^ain." The tears stood in his eyes.
He regarded me a moment then threw his arms around
my neck, sobbing like a child. He at last said: "Oh,
Tom, tears are for women. The iron has entered my
soul since T saw you last. We did not think then that
it would be thus when we should meet again." "No,
Sam, 'vve did not ; but war is a terrible thing, you know,
and if you don't know it now you wall soon learn." He
did not speak of sister. He simply said, "We buried
her." I said, "She is far better off now than we are.
We have a sacred duty to perform. Shall we perform
it like men?" "We shall," was all he could say.

He had five men wdio had been hounded from home,
hunted like w^ld animals. One of them was George
Enloe, whose house was burned, and his horses, three
wagons and stock all driven off by soldiers from Camp
Nelson while he w^as hauling stores and provisions to
this camp. He w^as the first person to tell of the outrage
upon my sister. He met the party wdio were engaged
in it and knew them all. He Avent to camp and com-
plained of the infamy to the commander, Colonel Jacob,
I believe. For this he was brutally beaten by the guilty
parties. He fled for his life. His property was de-
stroyed. What was he to do? Where should or could
he go and be safe from such cowardly and brutal assas-
sins? Like all other hunted men, he could not attend the
funeral of my sister. He sought my brother's protec-
tion. A\"ere these crimes and. infamous brutalities any
provocation to men who love their friends? Reader,
ask yourself this question. Think over it seriously and
answer on your own conscience. See what the answer
will be. I leave it with all men.

I MEET MY BROTHER

105

The other three men with Sam were men who had
had similar experiences. There were forty men present
at the house when my sister was assaulted, all equall\
guilty with the vile wretch who did the deed.

XI
REVENGE

The recruits are sworn in — Our oath — We lay our plans for re-
venge and elect officers — Capture and execution of the mur-
derers— Sixteen more — Finishing the score.

Our first care now was to swear these new recruits
into the Confederate service, which was done. I sent
for the soldiers who had come with me. They were
ready for any emergency. Having rested here two days,
shoeing horses, we now formed our plans to reach the
murderers. It was understood that we were all a band
of brothers^ and we took a solemn oath to stand by each
other under all circumstances, to protect with our lives
at all hazards any and every one, to carry away any
wounded comrade who should be unable to ride or to
protect himself and in case any comrade failed to pro-
tect the wounded it was the duty of all the others to
report the fact, and if found guilty of such conduct or
neglect of duty the offending party should be shot.

All having pledged themselves, plans were now
discussed. They were few and simple. We were to
keep constant watch about the enemy's camp on all
roads leading to or from it ; we were to divide into two
or three squads as might be required; if any pickets or
camp guards should have camps we should follow them ;
watch for an opportunity to engage any one or two
stragglers in conversation when outside of camp and
shoot them in the forehead. This should be our mark.
We should all provide ourselves with blue overcoats and

OUR PLAN OF ACTION 107

trousers. It would then be easy to go about without
causing suspicion. Having adopted the quiet plan of
having twos, threes and fours meet the unsuspecting
enemy on the roads outside their camps, all of us being
dressed in blue, we had roads assigned to each squad,
sometimes far from the camp, sometimes close to it.
Each squad had i<-s chief^ with signs that all understood,
and all had a common place of meeting after a certain
hour of the night, to report the day's doings to the cap-
tain and receive instructions for next day. Having de-
termined upon this simple plan of action, the question
was put to the comrades as to wdio should be their of-
ficers. They elected Samuel O. Berry captain, Thos. H.
Henderson, first lieutenant; Henry McGruder, second
lieutenant ; George Enloe, guide and scout. It Avill be
remembered that I had assumed the name of Henderson
at Coluumb'us. It was agreed not to be seen on the road
leading to the enemy's camp.

We moved close to the enemy's camp at Dick Rob-
inson. Enloe piloted us around the camp and showed
us the various bridle paths and private roads. He had
already two pairs of blue trousers and two great coats.
We traversed the country in every direction, learning its
topography and selecting the best places to meet, at
springs and in ravines. After familiarizing ourselves
with all these things we were ready for the severe work
of killing everyone whom fortune might throw in our
way.

There were three roads that ran to or centered close
to their camps. We therefore divided into three squads,
eighteen men in each squad. It was arranged that all
the men in each squad should place fourteen men in
ambush and let two men patrol the road in opposite di-
rections, keeping a sharp lookout for the enemy. Should

108 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

there be more than three or four in sight, they should
not stop them but should let them pass. These videttes
should not let themselves be seen, but should disappear
into the woods. If there were only three or four, they
should capture them without noise, take them into the
thickets or ravines and shoot them or hang them to the
first convenient limb. All was now arranged to the sat-
isfaction of the different chiefs.

On the second day, while patroling the road leading
to the Harrodsburg pike, Sam Berry was fortunate
enough to meet with six of the very wretches who were
with the party who killed our sister. Enloe was with
him at this time, and recognized them at once. They
were disarmed, taken into the woods and placed under
strict guard. Sam did not shoot them there, as it Avould
raise an alarm and frustrate our plans. All the road^
were watched, closely w^atched, for more. Late that
evening McGruder took four men, three of them being
of the party that killed our sister; the other was the
very fellow who had so brutally beaten Enloe and burned
his house. I was about to repair to the designated place
of meeting for the whole party, passing through a small
glade in the woods, when I met a villainous looking man
in butternut suit. I captured him, taking him along.
He said. "Why do you want to treat me this way? I
am going to camp the nearest way." "Let's go this way,
it is nearer," I said. I took away his arms. Moving
rapidly through the woods w^e reached our destination.
The other two squads were already there. We were
about two miles from the Kentucky river. After con-
sulting awhile, w^e determined that it was best to take
all our prisoners nearer the river, to a deep gorge in the
cliff. Reaching the spot we halted. Everything was
quiet. Enloe came to me and said, "Lieutenant, you have

I MAKE A CAPTURE 109

made the king strike of the day." ''How so?" 1 asked.
"You have caught the scoundrel that murdered your
sister, he is the very one."

All the blood in my body seemed to rush to my face.
My hands clenched my pistol handle instantly. My
brother, seeing this, placed his hand on my arm and
said, "Wait for a few minutes. This is too important a
matter to be done hastily. Let's be sure of this before
we act." "All right, my brother, as you will," said I.
We then placed all the prisoners in line and brought my
man before them. Sam asked them if they knew this
man. They all answered that they did. Not one of them
knew that we were other than Federal soldiers who wxre
playing practical jokes on them. They were soon unde-
ceived. They were tied together. We told them who we
were and what we intended doing with them. They beg-
ged for their lives and said, "You surely are not going to
kill all of us for one man's crime? There is the man who
killed the young woman ; shoot him, not us." "Was he not
in your company?" "Yes, he was in our company, but we
are not responsible for his crimes." "Are you sure you
tell the truth?" All said that he was the guilty man.
We then asked him what he had to say. He was sullen
and defiant. He said, "I did not mean to kill her, but
meant to scare her." "You really did kill her, then?"
"I did not intend to do it." "Tell us, yes or no. Qid
you kill the young woman?" "I suppose I did — yes, I
did. What are you going to do about it?" "We intend
to shoot you like a dog, and let the buzzards pick your
bones." We nov/ were satisfied that we indeed had the
right man. Taking the entire party down under the
bluff to the bottom of the ravine we shot them, leaving
their bodies, and departed from the scene.

A fine days work for the first. We hunted the

110 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

roads, woodlands, valleys and the next day we cap-
tured three more and shot them. I suggested that we
move up closer to camp — we might be more lucky. But
not being successful we took our course through the
woods eastward. Crossing the road into a wide valley,
we reached a high cliff, where we could command a view
of the country for several miles. While here the whole
command dismounted and let their horses graze; I sent
out some videttes. We had been on this spot about an
hour and a half wdien I discovered through my field-
glasses a scouting party approaching. I said to those
about me, *'Boys, I see some game approaching; we
must bag it." I handed the glasses to my captain.
•'There are sixteen of them," I said. ''What do you
make of them, Sam?" "Yes, that's right. They are
about two miles away. There is ample time to make
preparation to bag them."

We called the videttes — tightened our girths and
looked to our weapons. We had nothing but army
pistols, .44 calibre, the best weapon at close quarters.
W^e proposed a plan, which was accepted. It was to
allow these troops to meet us in the road, where our
captain was to salute their chief, w^hile our lines divided
allowing their column to pass between, and at a given
signal each man was to face inwards, covermg with
his revolver one of the enemy.

We timed our pace so that we met this scout at a
small stream in the road in a narrow^ lane. We car-
ried out this program to' the letter, and it worked like
a charm. We captured the entire party; not one of
them escaped to tell the tale. They, too, belonged to
the same company as had the men we had killed. There
was not a shot fired in making the capture. It was
hard to make them believe we were enemies and meant

BAGGING AN OFFICER m

to shoot them, without first telling them who ^ we were
and for what they were being shot. -Th'z made thirty
men disposed of in four days.

About noon the following day we met seven men
on the road scouting. They asked us what regiment
we belonged to and Sam said, ''Bramlett's." "Humph!"
said the officer : "I belong to that myself, but I don't
recall your faces. I have but recently joined the regi-
ment. I wish to inquire if you have seen any small
scouting parties in this vicinity in the last few days?
Some have been sent out lately but they have not re-
turned. I have been sent to scour the country for them."
Sam asked him, "Did they belong to your company?"
"They did," was the reply of the lieutenant. "Then you
are my prisoners, surrender!" At the same instant they
were all covered with revolvers. When they were look-
ing into the muzzles of pistols, how surprised they were !
We informed the lieutenant of our mission. This officer
was in command of the company when my sister met
her death. He told us again the tragic story. He would
have prevented it, he said, if he could, but declared it
was done before he had time to interfere. "But," said
Sam, "you did not punish the man or friend who did the
cowardly deed, and for this you deserve to die the death
of a dog — the same death he has died." Thus thirty-
seven of them died in a week.

From this forward we had to fight for the small
margin we gained. We had stirred up a hornet's nest.
The enemy was aroused and scouts were on all roads.
We met and charged them at headlong pace, killing
tw^elve four days later We did not have time to take
prisoners. On the tenth of February we met and
charged a company, killing twenty-three of them ; on
the 19th we captured their pickets and surprised seventeen

112 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

men at djnncr. We entered the house with pistols in each
hand, killing :':'J:een out of the seventeen. One made
his escape by jumping out of the window, through the
carelessness of one of our own guards. A few days
after this we were entirely surrounded by three com-
panies of Colonel Jacob's cavalry before we knew there
was an enemy within five miles of us. Our pickets had
been surprised by these troops and but for the fact of
the mettle and speed of their horses would surely have
been captured. The first volley they fired at the enemy
gave us warning. We quickly moun(ted and were
ready to receive them. They followed our men into
our midst, and the cool courage and steady nerve of
these bold riders saved us. We gave them two volleys
in their very, faces, under which they recoiled. We
charged them with the old rebel yell, breaking through
their lines. They were firing too high, entirely over
our heads, while our bullets had emptied twenty saddles.
After these exciting scenes we concluded to hunt
a secure hiding place to rest our tired horses and have
them reshod. We accordingly made our way into the
Anderson county hills, having killed all of the cowardly
wretches who had so cruelly butchered our sister.

XII

GUERRILLA WARFARE

across the river — We scatter for a rest — General Kirby
Smiths operations — ^Battle of Richmond — Recruiting at Lex-
ington— Reassembled — Running fight from Fairfield to the
Chaplintown pike.

Captain Sam Berry now had some thirty-five men
who were anxious to be led against a company stationed
at Fairf.eld. But before leaving camp we reorganized
the company. Sam Berry was made captain ; Thos. F.
Berry, alias Tom Henderson, first lieutenant ; Henry
McGruder, second lieutenant ; Tom Henry, first ser-
geant ; Bob Taylor, second sergeant ; Texas, third ser-
geant; Jake Smith, first corporal; John Brothers, second
corporal ; Jim Toler, third corporal ; Jerome Clark, Sam
Avery, Bill Marion, Rough Smith, Enloe, Jim David,
Pat Calahan, Oscar Jones, Henry Johnson, Bill John-
son, John Cunningham, Henry Anderson, Billy Wilson,
Herbert Spencer, James Trabue, Henry Todd, Burke
Sanders^ Frank Hawkins, Clarence Hutchinson, Ben Al-
len, James Conrad, John Hays, Ashbrook, Henry Sims,
Jim Peyton, Silas Long, privates.

The new organization was about to be baptised.
We received word that Captain Bridgewater was raid-
ing the country between Samuel's depot and F'airfield,
Nelson county. Bridge water's company was first
equipped as Home Guards and was afterward enlisted
in the Federal army. Their operations included the ar-
rest of private citizens, plundering private houses, rob-
bing hen roosts, insulting women, and searching for
rebels in band-boxes. At this time they numbered
seventy-five men. Sam Berry had thirty-five in his

114 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

company. Now we were face to face with the Federal
freebooters. Sam halted his men and asked which shall
it be boys, "a fight or a foot race?" One and all said,
*'Fight." "Then, close up form in fours; charge!" The
Federals were loading corn and hay with no picket
out. The hay-stacks and corn-pens were in a large,
wide field, and beyond an open woodland was a grass
pasture. We charged the surprised Federals, firing but
one volley. It was then hand to hand, body to body.

Captain Bridgewater tried in vain to rally his men.
After firing their wads, they fled in every direction,
with the boys in gray in close pursuit. Jones, Clark,
Toler, McGruder, Spencer, Long, Texas, Brothers, all
killed right and left as they pressed hard and fast after
the panic-stricken plunderers. Reaching Fairfield, they
tried to rally, but we were in their midst. Death helps
him w^ho fears him least. He who dodges is in most
danger. Fortune's great uncertain eye looks down upon
the world and brightens when it falls upon the bravest.
The quickest is the safest, the coolest is the least ex-
posed. Enloe's and Clark's practice bore abundant fruit.
They each killed six; Toler, five; Texas, five; Clarence
Hutchinson, four; Jones, four; others, three and two
each. We pushed the frightened Federals to the pro-
tection of Bardstown, where there were 300 of the
enemy. Our loss in this first real battle was three
killed — Herbert, Bell and Spencer — all young men of
fine promise and splendid soldiers. Four of our men
were wounded. The Federal loss was 27 killed and 12
wounded, which, by four, amounted to more than our
entire number.

This was a good day's work. But it was not over.
Finding we could accomplish nothing against 300 shel-
tered in the fortified court house, we withdrew rapidly.

FORCED ACROSS THE RIVER 115

We found 200 following us to revenge the drubbing
we had given their friends. While fighting them off from
our rear, our front videttes encountered a wagon-train
with supplies for the garrison at Bardstown^ escorted by
a guard of thirty soldiers. AVe were now between two
hostile forces. What should we do? Charge, and charge
quickly. Calling in our rear guards, we charged the
wagon guards with a rebel yell that sent them flying
across the country before us. We rode in their ranks
for miles, killing thirteen and wounding six, while not
a man of us was hurt. After burning the seven wagons,
Lieutenant McGruder galloped up to us. Sam said,
"Mac, this is a fine day's work, being the first for two
weeks. We shall now go into the river hills and camp."
We moved off under the cover of darkness and had a
good night's sleep.

While we slept, the enemy found and followed our
trail. We had pickets out, but while we were eating
breakfast, shots commenced to rattle in our camp. Salt
river was in front of us. Fortunately, our horses were
saddled, and we mounted at once. Reconnoitering, we
found that we were surrounded by three or four hundred
Federals. We received a flag of truce, demanding im-
mediate, unconditional surrender. Forming quickly, we
charp-ed with a yell, having answered that we did not
know how to surrender. We could not break their lines,
as they were behind trees and logs. Not discouraged
at this repulse, we made another charo-e. and still an-
other. Finding that we were effectually hemmed in we
withdrew to a place near the river, which we found to
be almost bank full. The enemy pressing us, we divided
into two squads, determined to hold the enemy back,
while one squad crossed ; when they had reached the

115 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

other shore, they would protect the other while crossing.
Up to this moment no one had been killed.

The melee now became fierce ; the woods rang with
the shouts of the combatants. We were completely
hemmed in, fighting for every inch of ground. Our am-
munition was almost exhausted. We were forced up
the river a short distance, with 300 Federals hammering
aw^ay at us from three sides. The banks or the river
were at least twenty feet high, and almost perpendicu-
lar at this point. Sam cheered the men to renewed
resistance and ordered me to take fifteen men ana cross
the ri\'er as quickly as possible. Twice my horse re-
fused me, but lifting him a third time by spur and at
the same time giving him a cheering cry, he sprang over
the steep embankment. The men followed quickly.
We formed on the other side, taking shelter behind trees
and shouted to our friends to follow. They leaped the
perpendicular bank, while we poured in volley after
volley upon our foes, with exultant yells. All were now
safe with the exception of five men killed and seven
wounded, my brother among the latter. The Federal
loss was 19 killed and 28 w^ounded.

We pushed for the Bullit county hills, to scatter and
after a rest of ten days to reassemble at Merrinan's
farm. I was taken to Colonel Stower's place, to a
cave, until my wounds could heal. Dr. John Conn, who
lived near Samuel's depot, on the Bardstown railroad,
attended me. This Christian gentleman's hand and
heart were always open and ever ready to respond to
calls from the defenders of the South. Her brother, Mr.
Nimrod Conn, constantly protected and fed Confeder-
ate soldiers and sent boxes of provisions to the various
prisons in the North. We received twelve recruits dur-
ing this period.

KIRBY SMITH'S OPERATIONS 117

The Federals were scouring the country with small
detachments. Many Southern sympathizers, a number of
women included, were arrested and carried off to prison.
It was designed by this wholesale outrage to strike terror
to non-combatants. Vain hopes ! There were still some
men in Kentucky who believed that by taking the oath
0-f allegiance to the government they and their slaves
and property would be protected, but the Avar having
been instigated for robbery and plunder, and continued
and maintained for that purpose, the robbers who were
now in full swing had no wish to be deprived of any
chance afforded them.

After disbanding the command, we sent McGruder,
Jerome Clark and Billy Wilson to Louisville to obtain
a supply of ammunition. The men were instructed to
devote some part of each day to pistol practice on
horseback and to leaping fences, ditches, fallen timbers
and other obstructions, so that when such feats should
be required of them they could perform them without
fear.

The enemy was now falling back before the ad-
vance of the Confederate armies. General Bragg in
the southwest and E. Kirby Smith in the eastern part
of the state, were pushing rapidly into Kentucky. It
was a race between these armies and a questfon of
who should first reach the goal of the Blue Grass re-
gion. The Confederates under General Smith overtook
the Federals at Big Hill and forced them to fight.
While this was going on, the cavalry under Colonel
Scott, Duke and Morgan, on different roads, by forced
marches was passing around the retreating enemy. Hav-
ing formed a junction, they placed themselves across
the path of retreat. General Smith pressing him closely,
overtook him at Richmond and fought a decisive battle ;

118 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

he killed and captured the lar.^er portion of his army,
seriously wounding- the commanding officer, General
Nelson.

The Federal government was now conscripting
men in Kentucky, compelling them to enter the army or
to furnish substitutes. There were thousands of men,
both Union and vSouthern, hiding in the brush or
leaving the state, going to Canada and the northern
states. There was a general stampede in all directions.

It may be well to give here an account of General
Smith's operations. He had collected at Knoxville and
other points in Tennessee, some 20,000 men of all arms.
Leaving General Stevenson with 8.000 men in front of
Cumberland Gap, then occupied by the Federals under
General G. W. Morgan, with 12,000 men and 35 pieces
of artillery, he pressed through Big Creek, and Rogers
Gap in the Cumberland Mountains and marched rapidly
for the Blue Grass country. Once master of Lexing-
ton, he would have the terminus of the two railroads,
and, indeed, one-half of the state of Kentucky. A defeat
of the forces in this regiou would clear his way to Louis-
ville— in one direction and to Covington in the other.
He was in no danger until forces were collected and
organized in sufficient strength at Cincinnati to march
against him. As for Buell's army, it was General
Bragg's duty to take care of that. General Smith had
about L800 cavalry under Morgan, Duke and Scott.
Colonel Scott's being the advance column, met the
enemy at Big Hill under Colonel Metcalfe, and defeated
him. Their comparative strength was : Colonel Scott's
regiment, 700; Metcalfe's, L200. Big Hill was about
fifteen miles from Richmond.

Even after this affair, the Federal commander at
Richmond remained in ignorance of the approach of

BATTLE OF RICHMOND 119

any force besides the cavalry under Colonel Scott, until
General Smith, having pressed forward with wonderful
celerity and secrecy, was within a few miles of Rich-
mond. Then every available man was concentrated at
Richmond and pushed out to meet the invading column.
A battle was fought on August 29, 1862. General Smith
had marched rapidly and his men fared badly, having
subsisted for ten days on green corn ; their feet were so
cut by the rough stones that they could be traced by
the blood. His column was scattered and straggling,
consequently, he could put into this fight only about
6,000 men. It is true that General Heath was com-
ing forward with supports a few miles in the rear. The
attack was made with a rush. He drove them before
him pell-mell, and although three stands were made,
his advance was never seriously checked at any point.
The last stand was made in the outskirts of the little
town of Richmond itself, and when the enemy was driven
from the town his rout was complete. The commander.
General Nelson, was wounded, with a loss of 1,000 killed
and wounded, and 6,000 prisoners taken. Colonel Scott's
cavalry pressed the enemy for many miles. Of the
Federals there was no single command that maintained
its organization ; in fact, the rout was followed by
complete disintegration. The streams of fugitives poured
through Lexington all Saturday and Sunday nights to-
wards Cincinnati and Louisville. Thus, for the time,
was finished this decisive campaign on the part of Gen-
eral Smith, with all that part of Kentucky in possession
of his forces.

Taking Lexington on September 1, he dispatched
General Heath with 6,000 men toward Covington. Gen-
eral Smith issued strict orders for the maintenance ot
order and discipline among his soldiers, for the preven-

120 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

tion of excesses, maltieatmeut of citizens, or bad con-
duct of any description. To such a state of discipline
had he ah'eady broui^ht his army, that these orders were
little needed. Recruits, ready to join the cavalry ser-
vice, formed many new regiments. Great efforts were
made to induce the Kentuckians to enlist in the infant-
ry arm of the service. There were some few regiments
formed, all wanting to ride. As a people the Kentuckians
are fond of horses, and, forced to go to war, they thought
it a hardship to go a-foot. Many gallant spirits flocked
to our forces, among them being Captain Abe Buford,
formerly of the regular United States army, a graduate
of West Point, well known and popular, who received
a brigadier's commission. Colonel Butler, Smith and
Grigsby Shelton and Bowles recruited regiments. All
these young men had been hiding in the woods. Com-
panies and regiments had in many instances bespoken
their men, who were ready to enlist as soon as a favor-
able opportunity should occur. Many also had made up
their minds to join Morgan when he next came through
the country. Had a decisive battle been fought and
won by General Bragg at this time, there is little doubt
that the majority of that class of men who were wait-
ing for such an event before enlisting would then have
enlisted in the infantry, with many others who had been
debating the matter. But this grand opportunity was
thrown away by General Bragg.

At the time appointed, our men assembled at old
man Merriman's with horses rested and shod, and better
equipped in every particular, as each man was now
armed with cut-off shotguns and four — some with six —
pistols in holster and belt. We had fifty-six men. When
my brother, Sam, rode in front of the men they called
for a speech. Facing them, he briefly told them that

A RUNNING FIGHT 121

speech-makino- was not a part of a soldier's duty. The
time for close-handed, continuous fighting had arrived;
there were many enemies to conquer in every direction ;
it was our duty to help in this work — we had work be-
fore us. Speech-making was not only not necessary,
but out of place at this time. ''Men," he said, "we
have plenty of work for you. Forward, march !"

Passins: rapidly from the hills, we struck the Fair-
field pike three miles from Samuel's depot. About one
mile from Fairfield, we encountered Captain Harper of
Colonel Halicy's regiment, with 125 men, his own com-
pany and that of Captain Terrill. Both commands were
in rapid motion when we discovered each other.
"Charo-e !" was the order given. AVe were descending
a gradual steep. From a walk, we started on a dead
run toward the enemy. We closed with them before
they could fire a single volley. It was now a question
of speed and endurance. It was a continuous charge
through Fairfield, through Bloomfield. Four miles be-
vond this place the Chaplintown pike joins the Tay-
lorsville and Bloomfield pike. Here the flying Federals
met Captain Bridsfewater's company of forty men and
made a stand which checked our advance until our
rear could close up. Our column had* lengthened out
some distance in a run of eight miles and some of the
men diverged from the main road to follow about
twenty Yankees, who had fled across the country at our
first volley. These men came up. We had been skir-
mishing- Avith the Federals. Thinking that we were
falling back, they now took the offensive. There was
a lull in the firing", due to the fact that Confederate^^
were reloading. The enemy charged us. Every man
held his fire until they were in close pistol range. Double-
barrel shotguns were brought into effective use ; at each

122 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

discharge there was an empty saddle or a dead horse.
The charge spent itself before reaching our lines. After
discharging our shotguns, we drew our pistols and troop-
ing to the center, charged the Federals furiously. The
enemy broke, retreating rapidly. We charged their left
and crushed it. then turned to the right and rear, found
tlie enemy coming upon our rear and met them in a
counter charge. A brief hand to hand combat followed :
the guerrillas had the advantage, as the revolver volleys
were continuous. We could fire twenty-six shots with-
out reloading. We forced the fighting and compelled
them to fall back through the w^oodland into the pike,
charging them vigorously they had no time to form.
We poured volley after volley into their ranks as they
fled precipitatelv down the pike through Smileytown.
A mile from this place they took shelter in Wakefield's
barn, which the guerrillas set on fire. Their flight con-
tinued toward Taylorsville in Spencer county, we at
their heels, shooting the hindmost ones of their flying,
broken ranks. Sam Berry, Clark, McGruder, Enloe, my-
self and others were in close pursuit. Reaching Salt
river bills thev scattered in every direction.

Thus ended one of the most desperate and hotlv
contested fiehts of the w^ar, considering numbers. The
Federals had at the commencement of the fight 125 men,
-^nd ]pter received 40 men and reinforcements under Cap-
tain Bridfrewater, at the Chaplintown pike. This in
creased their number to 165 men. The guerrillas had
58 men when they entered this fight. Captain Harper,
a gallant soldier, exposed himself recklessly during the
fieht. He seemed to bear a charmed life. A number
of the finest marksmen in the companv fired at him
freauently. He was finallv killed, while trying to rally
his men, who had been driven from the woods. Out

A RUNNING FIGHT 123

of the 165 Federals, there were killed during the running
fight from Fairfield to Bloomfield, 71 men ; between
Bloomfield and the Chaplintown pike, five more %vcre
killed. In the terrific struggle at the junction of the
Chaplintown pike they lost 22 men and their wounded
amount to 11. The guerrilla's loss was 6 killed and
15 wounded. Captain Harper w^as given this command
for the express purpose of exterminating "One-Armed"
Berry and his band. He had orders to kill all he cap-
tured ; bring no prisoners to Louisville. The battle-
cry of the Guerrillas was, ''Remember the slaughter of
the innocent !"

In some respects these contending commands were
equal. The guerrillas had twenty-four, or I might say,
twenty-six shots, as each had four pistols and a shotgun,
and at close range these are very deadly. Most of them
had insults, wrongs and grievances to avenge, desolate
homes to fight for, and life to protect. On the other
hand, the Yankee soldiers were fighting for plunder, to
free the negroes and for $13 a month; their numbers
about balanced the advantages of the guerrillas. All
these soldiers were Kentuckians and were butchering
each other for the edification of a cowardly lot of sancti-
monious, snivelling hypocrites at the North. Old men,
gray-haired, feeble with age, at most, tottering on the
verge of the grave, were being ruthlessly arrested and
torn from their homes, and many women, young and
old, insulted and made to cook for these prowling bands
of robbers. Numbers of women sent with the old men
to prison were separated never to see, or even hear from
each other again. And for what? Ostensibly, for opin-
ion's sake, or for disloyalty or for aiding and abetting
rebels. But, really, they were sent off for a better chance
to be robbed. Nothins: else.

XIII
BACK IN THE REGULAR ARMY

"The Buell-Bragg races" — My brother and I each recruit a com-
pany— Spirit of the Nelson sisters — My brother and I join
our companies and join Morgan's command — I again meet
Miss Sallie — On the scout as we withdraw from Cincinnati —
Seven men capture seventy — Preparing to leave Kentucky.

General Bragg's and General Buell's armies were
now in Kentucky. Each marching along parallel lines,
their objective point bein^: Louisville. It was a question
which should reach that place first. Bragg's soldiers
dubbed this march through Kentucky, "The Buell —
Braver races." They were so ea.^er to reach the goal ot
their hopes, the blue grass region, that they could hardly
wait for its consummation. It was said and was believed
by some that these generals met and discussed plans
to avoid a collision between the forces. It was known
that they were brothers-in-law. This fact gave color
to such reports. Both were putting forth all their en-
ergies to accelerate the advance. Gen. Kirby Smith had
fought and won a battle at Richmond, Kentucky, and
was pushing his victorious columns towards Covington
and Cincinnati. He had occupied Lexington and Frank-
fort and his men were in high spirits and all looked
forward with sanguine hopes to a glorious campaign
and certain victory. With another victory added to our
laurels, Kentucky would be occupied by the Southern
armies, which would in turn invade the North, as their
armies had the South.

RECRUITING 125

"One-Armed" Berry, having defeated his enemies, set
about recruiting- his own company, which had suffered
severe losses. We were both wounded. This was the
second time he had been wounded and the sixth for me.
Our object was for each to recruit a company, be ready
for service w^hen we should meet our old comrades with
Morgan. I was retarded in the work because of my
wound which healed slowly. The anxiety of not being
ready to meet Morgan doubtless retarded my recovery.

An event showing the high courage and spirit of the
Kentucky ladies occurred at this time. There was a
family of Nelson county people consisting of three sons
and two daughters. The two eldest sons were with Gen,
Forrest : the 3'ounger boy w^as at home attending
school. The two young ladies were keeping house for
their parents. The old gentleman was of old Revolution-
ary stock; a strong Southern sympathizer, who prayed
for the success of the Confederacy every night. These old
people had raised their children to fear God and to love
their native state and its institutions. A frugal, happy
family. Misses Roberta and Alice, God bless their nurs-
ing, were ever ready to do a kindness or a heroic act.
Their old father had been dragged from home for his
sympathy with the South. Miss Rhoda had gone to
Washington herself to intercede with the President for
her father. He and Mr. Lincoln had been friends in their
early days and the President issued a peremptory order
for his immediate release. Miss Rhoda brought the order
herself to Louisville and took him home with her. A few
days later Capt. Ed. Terrill — who by the way was a de-
serter from Morgan's command, but more of him here-
after— rode up and called for Dr. Evans, who was
sick, suffering from ill treatment received in prison. The
surgeon at Bardstown had given strict orders for Dr.

126 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Evans not to be disturl)ccl under any circumstances.
This brutal marauder was not to to be stopped by a
woman. He tried to push her aside and attempted to
go into the house, against her protest. He roughly
took hold of her. She drew a six shooter from under her
apron and stepping back a few steps shoved the pistol
into Captain Terrill's face, saying, "Go, at your peril. I
will shoot you like a dog, if you take another step to-
ward that door." Her eyes were now fairly blazing.
Captain Terrill, looking, at her for a moment, said, "You
don't mean this. If you kill me there are my men. They
will avenge my death." "Go, leave this house, I say. I
shall not tell you again." Terrill, seeing the terrible light
in her eyes, slowly backed out, as pale as death, quailing
before this high-spirited young woman. I asked her
afterwards if she really meant to shoot him. She said,
"Yes, the cowardly brute had insulted me once before,
and I had made up mind to defend my honor and home,
if he ever afforded me the opportunity."

Miss Rhoda and Miss Alice were splendid shots
with pistol and practiced every day. There were few
better shots in the army than they. They brought me
food and medicine and recent newspapers at night, some-
times sending their young brother Elijah, who often
stayed with me. He and his sisters did most of my re-
cruiting while I was unable to leave my hiding place in
the cave, my wound being more serious than I had at
first supposed. These three recruited for me 58 men,
and enrolled them as honorary members in my company.
This was a noble, generous family ; many suffering and
sick and wounded soldiers on both sides received help
from them. Miss Rhoda made many perilous journeys
for the cause and did -what few men could or would do
in those perilous times — times that tried men's souls.

WE JOIN OUR COMPANIES 127

My wounds were nearly healed when I received a
message from my brother that he was about ready to
move his command. He informed me that he had re-
cruited 79 men, and that if I would join him at Camp
Charity, Morgan's old first camp, we would move to-
ward Lexington. We now had definite information that
Gen. Morgan's command was at Hustonville, some 14
miles from Danville. I had 75 men in my company when
we joined our two companies at the old camp. Here
we organized, the men electing their own subordinate
officers. Henry McGruder, Jerome Clark and Geo. Enloe
were each chosen first lieutenants ; orderly sergeants
and corporals were also elected. We moved toward a
small place on the pike between Harrodsburg and Law-
renceburg, rough and ready, where we encountered a
company of ninth Michigan cavalry. Our pickets and vi-
dettes were driven back upon the marching columns ; my
company was in front and we charged with the old rebel
yell. This meeting was unexepected to us, and evidently
to the federals. We were on the pike, hemmed in on
both sides by fences. The enemy retreated before the on-
slaught; a part of them formed across the road; we
formed fours and went at them with vigor; as their rear
guard rode through a gap we made for them ; they gave
us a volley almost in our faces, but the monentum from
the rear pushed us through and over them, carrying
everything before us. We pressed them to keep them
from reforming and hurried them through Lawrence-
burg at a rapid gait. Here we had the pleasure of re-
ceiving the surrender of 25 of them, and also of meet-
ing a scout sent out by Col. John Scott, who brought us
glorious good news.

This was September 4th. I had been in the service
one year, had been captured and sent to Camp Chase;

128 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

had made my escape ; had been wuunded six times ; was
reunited with my old comrades and hoping to see dear
old father again. Surely this was enough to make glad
the heart of a heathen. If not a man in age, I certainly
was in experience. I had lived ages in this one short
year. I was walling, yea, anxious, to perform my duty as
I saw it.

Leaving Lawrenceburg, we moved towards Schri-
coks Ferry on the Kentucky river. Fortunately, the
boat was intact and we crossed without accident or de-
lay. Moving forward we reached Mortonsville, in Wood-
ford county, where we camped for the night. But
there was little sleep for me ; reflecting upon my year's
experience drove all thoughts of sleep from my eyes.
Closing my eyes, I could almost hear the voice of my
sij-ter, now hushed forever in death. This spot, my na-
tive heath, where my sister and I first saw the light of
day ; this place so near the home where we played to-
gether in our childhood; and she now gone forever!
How could I sleep? I went to my brother's camp. There
I found him pacing backward and forward. I said,
"Sam, I have been living over my whole life again to-
night" He simply said, "So have I." His voice sounded
husky. I could not see his face. "Let us make the
rounds of our camps," he said. As we moved along to-
gether the guards halted us, and found us a miniature
army, self sustaining and supporting. I said, "Sam, I
believe that some men are born soldiers." "I think so,
too," was his reply, "and I also believe that every gener-
ation of men is formed for the peculiar duties of its age."
I agreed with him.

Having made the rounds of the guards we conferred
on a matter that was to affect our future. We both
naturallv w^ished to be near our father in the same com-

WE JOIN MORGAN'S COMMAND 129

mand. I told him that if this could not be arranged I
intended to make application for independent partisan
command and that if he would join me in this application
in case we should not be assigned to Morgan's command
I wanted him to be the chief of the squadron, he being
the older; there was a sister and a brother born between
us. This being settled, streaks of dawn showed in the
fai east, the men were aroused and the camp filled
with bustle and activity. Having fed our horses, and
eaten our meager fare, the clear shrill bugle sounded ''to
horse." It was twelve miles to Lexington.

Moving out slowly, we took a road across the
country to Sligo, about seven miles from Lexington,
where we captured some Home Guards, taking them
along with us, with our Michigan friends, the enemy
captured at Lawrenceburg, as a free-will offering to
Gen. Morgan. "How was it that this grand, glorious, pro-
ductive country could foster and nurture such brutal, in-
famous (in my eyes) creatures as these Home Guards?"
were my reflections as I rode along. The beautiful land-
scape spread out before me, the early morning breezes
stirred the leaves and caused them to fall in variegated
colors; the fat sleek cattle browsing in the blue-grass
pastures, looked at us in a lazy^ mild-eyed way, seeming
to say "Why stir so early, friends?" The thought came
unbidden, "The man who would not fight for such a
country is not worth killing." We could see the spires
of Lexington in the distance. We now threw out pick-
ets who met some blue coats who were not disposed to
let us pass. Some of Col. Scott's men came forward. We
passed once again into a Confederate encampment,
amidst enthusiastic demonstrations and congratulat-
ions, waving of handkerchiefs, hearty handshakes, and
greeting of old friends and comrades, my father among

130 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the number. He was very much surprised to see me
here in such surroundings.

We were received by Gen. Morgan and compliment-
ed on our enterprise, and were assured that both myself
and brother Sam should be assigned to his command.
We turned over our prisioners to Gen. Kirby Smith.
Recruits were now coming in to join the army. There
was rejoicing and great enthusiasm. A number of cap-
tains and lieutenants were given authority to raise bat-
talions and companies and- also regiments. Some pri-
vates were promoted to command. Maj. Gano, was
granted a commission to raise a regiment ; Capt, Law-
rence Jones, a battalion; Capt. Billy Breckinridge and
Second Lieutenant Alexander were permitted to raise a
company. Gano and Breckinridge each made their
company a nucleus for their battalion, as did Lawrence
Jones. Capt. Desha, who was a fine officer and had recruit-
ed a company on Morgan's first raid, was permitted to
raise a regiment of infantry. There were many more who
raised companies and battalions. These were busy times.
Organizations and equipment went forward apace. A
brigade was formed of the regiments recruited.

Brother Sam had received word before leaving
camp, that the stockade on the south side of Salt River,
on the Louisville and Nashville railroad which com-
manded the bridge there, was garrisoned by 150 men.
This stockade was built of logs 10 feet high above ground,
set on end, the logs being 12 or 14 inches in diameter,
pierced with loop holes. Such structures were imperv-
ious to small arms. On reaching Lexington he reported
this to Gen. Morgan. Three days later three companies
were sent to reduce this place, as it was important to
destroy this bridge so that it would be useless to the
enemy. This duty was assigned to Major, formerly

WITH MORGAN'S COMMAND 131

Captain Hutchinson, of Morgan's command and my
brother Sam's company, as most of the men who be-
longed to om- two companies were familiar with the
roads in Spencer, Nelson and Bullit counties. This
bridge was in Bullit county. Maj. Hutchinson was
a singularly active and energetic officei and possessed
the shrewdness as well as the daring which eminently
qualified him for the command of such detachments.

We made a tremendous march and on the evening of
the second day reached our destination, having left Lex-
ington about 4 o'clock the evening before, stopping on-
ly long enough to feed our horses once. After having
placed his men around the stockade and planted his
two mounted howitzers to command it, Maj. Hutchin-
son sent Capt. Bowles to demand the surrender of the
garrison, allowing but 20. minutes for negotiations. The
captain opened the parley under a flag of truce. The
garrison was quite willing to surrender in 20 minutes,
provided one strange point should be conceded, that is
that the bridge should not be burned. To prove to them
the folly of such a proposition, the twenty minutes truce
was allowed to expire. Hutchinson, who was very literal
in observing all that he said, immediately caused his ar-
tillery to open without waiting for the return of his en-
voy. Two shells burst above the stockade, wounding one
of the inmates. This might have caused the death of the
bearer of the truce flag, as the garrison then had a perfect
right to shoot him. The effect on Bowles, who was one
of the very few men who I believe never felt fear, was
to render him indignant that his embassy should be inter-
rupted just as he thought he was about to be success-
ful. He came galloping back at full speed, waving the
flag, at his own friends, shouting, ''Don't shoot any more ;
they'll be all right directly !" The garrison at the same

132 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

time came pouring out without regard to rank, waving
pocket handkerchiefs. As soon as the howitzer opened, the
skirmishers advanced in accordance with Hutchinson's
instructions, firing as they went forward, driving the
enemy back into the stockade. Soon however, all mis-
takes were rectified and adjusted amicably and the pris-
oners were paroled.

We were now assigned to Morgan's immediate com-
mand, sent to a point opposite Cincinnati to act as
scouts at Gen. Heath's front. On our way down, I
turned over to my First Lieutentant, Jerome Clark, ob-
taining permission from Col. Hutchinson to revisit my
dear friends at Cynthiana, staying with them four or
five days. I found Miss Sallie radiantly beautiful and
sweet. How lovely she looked now ! I had not seen
nor heard from her for nearly nine months, but had
written to her several times informing her of my doings.
She was glad to see me, or seemingly so. Time flew fast.
Those dear, sweet, happy, fleeting days. They were so
brief! When my five day leave was past, I dragged
myself away to join my company at the front. This
was the last time I ever saw her. She died in a year
from this time. Thus was ended the most blissful, happy
period of my life. I had nothing now left me to love but
the South.

We were close enough now to look into Cincinnati.
The enemy's forces were active and numerous. Accessions
of regular troops were arriving every day. We had sev-
eral skirmishes with their out-posts. Gen. Heath was
about to attack their outer work and had made prepar-
ation to do so on the following morning, but during the
night received orders not to do so, but to hold himself
in readiness to march at short notice, as Gen. Smith had
received instructions from Gen. Bragg saying he must

ON THE SCOUT 133

be prepared to return to reinforce him to prevent Buell
from entering Louisville. At this time our spies report-
ed that fifteen or twenty thousand veteran troops had
arrived at Cincinnati.

General Heath now withdrew his whole force, di-
recting- his march to Georgetown and Frankfort, Col-
onel Hutchinson bringing up the rear. General Morgan
was directed to co-operate with General Humphrey
Marshall to cut off and capture General George Mor-
gan, a Federal general, who was retreating through
the mountains. Arriving there, he was to intercept him
on his march to the Ohio River. He had evacuated
Cumberland Gap two days before, and had two days'
start. It was General Smith's desire that General Mor-
gan should blockade the roads in the enemy's front and
use every effort to retard his progress. By uniting with
General Marshall's forces, it was hoped that in that rug-
ged, almost impassable country the enemy might be
stopped altogether or until another body of troops could
be thrown upon its rear. As it was, Marshall remained
inactive. After some days of laborious scouting, felling
trees across the roads, climbing over mountains and
sticking close to the enemy's column, we had the mor-
tification of seeing him getting away. We now re-
turned to General Heath's command, having been gone
two weeks.

We were sent to the front near Falmouth, meeting
with several scouts and detachments of our command.
Reaching camp, we expected to rest, but not so. The
enemy, as we understood, was on the move. We had
to saddle up and march. It proved to be a false alarm,
but being desirous of gaining information we sent
scouts to ascertain as nearly as possible the exact posi-
tion of the pickets and the condition of everything about

134 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the encampments. Our instructions were not to fire
upon or in any way to alarm the pickets or do any-
thing to make them suspect our vicinity. We learned
from citizens who lived near the enemy's encampment,
that they were encamped between the Covington and
Independence pikes. We were confident that we would
be able to get to the Georgetown and Covington pike,
by a country road which runs into it from the Indepen-
dence pike, without alarming the main body, and then
reach the point where the cavalry was encamped ; and
defeat it before the infantry could come to the rescue.
We were sure the infantry was about two miles north
of Walton, and this by-road came into the pike about
1,000 yards from the encampment and between the en-
campment and Walton. We had marched ten miles.

Just at sunrise we reached the Georgetown pike and
saw ten cavalry pickets standing in sight of the point
where we would enter. The column was at once halted.
A brief reconnoisance showed an infantry regiment. Ar-
rangements were made to capture these pickets, who
had not seen us, without alarming the camps. There
-was now no hope of passing this point without being
discovered by the main body and it only remained to
make the most of our situation. Lieutenant Messick of
Company A and Lieutenant Clark of Company K were
who were captured without firing a shot ; Lieutenant
Clark, commanding the advance guard, was sent with
a portion of it to try the same game with the infantry.
He went right into the midst of them. The column
moved forward at a gallop, as soon as the pickets were
disturbed, and turned in the direction of Walton. The
rear company rushed at full speed to the assistance of
Lieutenant Clark. One of the howitzers was planted
had his pistols at the head of the commanding officer

SEVEN MEN CAPTURE SEVENTY I35

demanding the surrender of his men, and threatening to
blow his brains out if he did not do so at once. Hays,
sent to the left ; Lieutenant Messick, to look after pickets,
at a point where we entered the pike, to cover our re-
treat, if were were pressed. When we reached the little
squad of Lieutenant Clark, the company which we took
to arrest it, or rather a fragment of it, was in a situation
which perhaps was never paralleled during the war.
Clark was further down the road toward the encamp-
ment with a portion of the detachment, picking up strag-
glers. Surgeon Hays was in the midst of a company of
sixty-nine Federal infantrymen, who stood sullen and be-
wildered, with their rifles cocked and at ready. Clark
with six men grouped round him, stood ready to shoot
down any man who raised a gun. It was, in fact, the
finest sight ever seen — an exhibition of high courage and
nerve. There is not recorded a cooler, more daring
scene than this. The arrival of the company made the
infantry decide to surrender. The caps and bayonets
having been removed from their guns, the men marched
away under guard. Clark had gone into the infantry
camp, captured one company and had run the balance
back into their camps. The men were raw recruits.

The long roll was beat. We saw the various
reg:iments form at a double quick into line of bsttle.
The artillery was hurried up into position and behind
the whole was the cavalry, peeping over the shoulders,
as it were, of the infantry — those whom we had taken
so much pains to see. My company was sent away
with 89 prisoners, taken here without firing a shot. We
carried them to Georgetown, and turned them over
to General Heath.

We were detailed and sent to the Ohio River, as
some companies of Home Guards were organizing near

136 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Carrolton. We had orders to disperse or capture them.
While on our way down, we encountered my brother's
company, sent on the same duty. We joined forces,
dispersed these companies of Home Guards and en-
countered one company of Colonel Buckley's regiment.
We had some sharp skirmishing, driving them towards
Covington. Upon reaching the river one afternoon about
3 o'clock, we saw three transports loaded with troops
going down the river toward Louisville. Watching
them pass, we rested our horses a couple of hours. We
turned our horses in the direction of Frankfort, where
we arrived next day and found the army on the move
toward Lawrenceburg.

This was the first intimation we had that we were
going to give up the state without an effort to win.
This was indeed a bitter thought, but we all devoutly
hoped that we should return after a short absence. Vain
hope ! There was every indication of preparation for a
general battle. Every one was moving to a common
center and from reports hourly received from scouting
parties, that center must certainly be near Harrodsburg,
Danville or Perryville, because the two armies were
converging towards these points. We reached Law-
renceburg at about 10 o'clock, and were immediately
pushed forward to meet the threatened attacks at the
extreme front. We were greeted with whizzing bullets,
eruptions of our old friends, the Ninth Michigan cav-
alry. We pressed them for a closer acquaintance. We
soon saw that there was a trap fixed for us, and sent
back for reinforcements. Our whole force moved forward ;
flanking columns were sent forward and we charged
and forced them to develop their lines, and fall back
rapidly. It was a force sent to mask the position of Gen-
eral Buell's advancing army on the extreme right wing.

XIV
BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE

At 10 o'clock on the morning of the 7th of October,
1862, among the browning woodlands, with the smoking
curtains of Indian summer covering the landscape,
brooding over the corn fields, pastures and stubble, that
skirted the banks of Chaplain River's dry bed. General
McCook, with his staff, formed the center corps of the
Federal position. Chaplain Hills of bloody fame and
woe ! For here took place one of the most deadly and
bloody struggles of the war.

General McCook could have been crushed and cap-
tured if he had been attacked on the 7th. This was
the opportunity for Confederate attack, but was thrown
away by waste of time. McCook had no supporters on
this day.

General Stackwater's division and General Lyle's
brigades, formed on the right and left, with twenty-five
regiments, and thirty-six pieces of artillery, the latter
on the high crest of the rugged hills that lay behind
the bottom lands. Between them and the dry channels
of the river was an interval of some 300 yards on the
right of McCook's position. Sheridan's division of six
regiments and twelve pieces of artillery, occupied the
wooded sides and ridges and ravines in front of the
Confederate left. In addition there was General Good-
ing's brigade, a Wisconsin battery, General Mitchell's
division, with eight regiments and three batteries and
the First Ohio cavalry. This cavalry and a brigade

138 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

was held ready to re-inforce either win,2: of the Yankee
army. There were 23,400 additional Federal infantry
approaching on the Lebanon Pike, only ten miles away,
and would arrive before night. This would make sixty-
four regiments of infantry and eighty-two pieces or
artillery and six regiments of cavalry that stood in line
of battle on the morning of October 8th, in readiness
for the word to advance, whereas, the day before there
were only about 18,000 Federals present.

The Confederates on October 7th were 36,800 strong,
with 23,400 within three hours' march of this battle-
field. The Confederates' position along the verge of
Chaplain River and among the rugged hills and gorges,
could be traced by the gray uniforms and bright bayo-
nets. Their lines were formed among the low project-
ing banks. This was a fine position for defense, but
might prove a veritable slaughter-pen in a successful
flank movement, which could have been made by the
right wing of the enemy's approaching columns.

The Confederate advance, or right wing, was led
by that peerless, matchless and dashing soldier General
Frank Cheatham, and his division was composed of two
Georgia, ten Tennessee^ one Alabama and one Louisiana
regiment, and eighteen pieces of artillery. General S.
B. Buckner's division was on his left, with 4,500 men
and three batteries of six guns each. On the ex-
treme right of our line was General John H. Morgan
and General Whorton, with 1,800 cavalry, and on the
left, General Wheeler with 1,200 cavalry. Thus the
two hostile armies confronted each other.

The Confederates assailed the Federal lines with
vigor and enthusiasm. The fourteen infantry, fifty
pieces of artillery and twenty-eight hundred horsemen —
six thousand eight hundred and ninety Confederate sol-

BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE 139

diers — menaced thirty-five thousand three hundred Yan-
kee soldiers who were avoiding a general engagement,
until General Craddock's Corps should arrive on the
field to assist in this battle. This little Confederate
army stood proudly awaiting the fight and inviting its
opponents to come on. One o'clock came and no ad-
vance from the enemy. Two o'clock came. Long gray
lines with bright bayonets emerged from cover. The
right, marching by columns of brigades, echelon forma-
tion, moved quickly into line of battle and assailed the
Federals who were posted behind rocks and fences,
thickets, hills, ravines, in woods, upon heights, oehind
trees and at the rear of open field — a position for battle
almost impregnable.

In a very few minutes the whole force was in act-
ion. The air was full of flying missiles of death. The
resistance to the Confederate advance was savage in the
extreme. The infantry and artillery seemed to cut down
or slay whole companies at a single discharge. But
the gray lines pressed up to the very muzzles of the
guns with ringing cheer upon cheer, driving all before
them at the point of the bayonets.

General Hardee ordered General S. B. Buckner to
charge the enemy's center. His advance was so im-
petuous and daring upon the Federal center that they
were forced back with heavy losess and confusion. He
more than redeemed himself from his misfortune on Fort
Donelson's bloody field which cost the Confederacy its
General and opened the way which soon broke in twain
the premature nation. The v/liole Confederate line now
dashed forward, Cheatham, Bushrod, Johnson, Pat Cle-
burne, Buckner, all hotly engaged, dashed with irresist-
ible and distinctive impetuosity, which nothing could stay
or check, against the enemy's salient angle of position.

140 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

At the crossing of Doctor's Creek, Generals Jones, Brown
and Mat Adams' brigade joined General Cheatham and
assailed General Sheridan's division.

In this supreme movement jMorgan and Wheeler's
cavalry, charged with great fury and enthusiasm riding
over stone walls, fences, and ravines, through the woods
and up to McCook's lines, capturing many of his men on
his flanks, General Wheeler turning his left flank among
the retreating enemy. The Confederate lines moved
amidst the thunder of one hundred and forty pieces of ar-
tillery, and the constant roll of infantry volleys. They
charged the enemy's line with deafening yells and cheers
and enthusiastic, intense ardor and unmistakable pluck,
their lines were unchecked, they advanced straight to
the enemy's salient and left front.

At this moment Liddell's division of reserves were
hurled at the retreating foe ; at this supreme moment
those of the good bishop, General Leonidas Polk, were
leading. At this time the twilight of evening was fall-
ing on the scene and in the dim smoke of battle Polk
rode into the disordered line of the enemy. In the
darkness and confusion he immediately made his way
back to his rapidly advancing lines. He met General
Liddell's solid brigades, pointing in the direction he
had come, he cried, "Fire," and an unbroken sheet of
flame relighted the fading twilight, quickly followed by
another, and another, completing the rout of the enemy,
who fled in v/ild confusion under cover of darkness.

Their commanders reformed them some four miles
from the battle field. The Confederates ceased pursuit
by reason of darkness. General I\IcCook lost his bag-
gage, his papers, and man}- of his colors were captured.
He, like Lucullus, had to retreat, compelled to do so by
reason of the close and rapid fighting of the Confederates.

BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE 141

They now lighted their camp fires on the hard-won
fields, and planted their pickets in the very teeth of the
retreating foe, with one fifth of their number killed and
wounded.

Three thousand two hundred Confederates under
General Cheatham whipped three thousand seven hun-
dred ninety nine Federals under General McCook, in
sight of Generals Gilbert's corps, and drove them from
the field in confusion. They turned to the left flank
and whipped half of the latter corps within hearing of
General Crittenden's advance, seeking the field of bat-
tle, not so fast as Blucher, nor so slow as Grouchy. "I
was badly whipped," said General McCook, on oath
before the Buell commission, which exonerated that gen-
tlemanly soldier from blame, for the disastrous results of
this terrific battle.

Such daring was seldom eyer witnessed, Massena
fought not more recklessly at Saragossa, nor even
Marshall Ney at Waterloo. For boldness and dash, the
General who ordered the attack excelled even Napoleon
in his first campaign in Italy, for pure, unqualified cour-
age, for perfect faith in his soldiers and in absolute
risk to do the impossible, in the capacity that mounted
with the occasion.

This depleted, sore-footed, tired army of Confeder-
ates will live in the history of this country and its praises
be sung by sages and poets as long as valor shall fur-
nish themes, to ^race the pa,G:es of history, to the re-
motest times.

I must not forget or pass over an episode that took
place on the bloody fields on the day following this bat-
tle. While covering the retreat the Confederate cavalry
was slowly withdrawing over the Chaplain Hills. Two
Confederates, lingering in the dry bed of Chaplain

142 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

river, stopped near a pool of water to water their horses
and take another parting- shot at the advancing Federals.
Seeing those darino- Confederates, a colonel with two
aides from the Federal side advanced to cut off the
rebels. Down across the hillside and valley near the
river bed they dashed, the three together ; they were con-
cealed from view by the banks of the river. When with-
in sixty yards of the two Confederates, they struck a
dirt road running near and parallel with the river and
near a low fence. Leaping the fence they reached the
road and turned down to the banks of the river.

James Elliot, private soldier, and Captain Shaw had
ridden to the top of the river bank, and saw three Yan-
kee horsemen officers galfoping across the w^oodland
and intervening valley, on the left. Elliot said, "Captain,
we shall fi^ht them here ; they are only three to our two.
We can kill or capture them." As the Federal colonel
with his two aides turned into the road, the two Con-
federates faced toward them. They spoke to each
other and flashed significant glances and words of
encouragement, and other tokens of determination,
wherein daring deeds are done. Their pistols clicked in
readiness for quick use, the advance stopped short, the
retiring army halted to watch this hand-to-hand com-
bat all breathless, expectant and excited, their horses
champing bits and prancing beneath their riders.

On came the brave Federals like a whirlwind ; at
close range the colonel fired at Elliot, who returned the
fire at the same moment, and spurred his horse to closer
quarters with his antagonist. Again the pistols cracked,
so closely that they were hardly distinguishable. The
first shot clipped the colonel's epaulet from his shoulder,
and the bullet had clipped the rim of Elliot's own hat. A
third shot was aimed at a yard's length ; the colonel saw

BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE 143

the steady unquailing^ deadly, glistening, liquid, brave
eyes of Elliot flash along the barrel of his pistol. His
time had come unless he surrendered. Throwing up his
hraid with his silver mounted pistol glistening over his
head, he shouted, "I surrender, I'm your prisoner." Their
horses' bodies had touched. "Hand me your pistol," de-
manded Elliot slightly l6wering his own ; the colonel
seemed to obey slowly. Elliot seized him by the collar.
With his left hand tne colonel thrust his pistol under
his left arm, fired upward and burned Elliot's face. He
now saw the gleam of contempt blaze from the mad-
dened eye of his generous foe. When he had missed fire
the colonel's heart sank within him. The desperation
of unfair advantage, foiled, seized his soul and with re-
doubled strength he tried to throw his antagonist to the
ground, but the fates were against him. Elliot was a
skilled Kentucky horseman, and was not easily unhorsed.
His pistol at the head of his wily, treacherous foe, loud
rang the shot, the colonel fell dead from his black stal-
lion, which had borne him into his last fight.

As he fell from his horse his head caught in the
reins of Elliot's bridle and his body was dragged to the
bottom of the dry bed of the river.

In a pool there Captain Shaw stood knee deep in
the water^ with empty pistol, strangling into submission
one of the aides who had been thrown from his horse
into the water during the desperate struggle. Captain
Shaw covered him with his empty revolver, Elliott
shouted, "Surrender." The lieutenant, almost broken-
hearted, with tears in his eyes, submitted, not knowing
their pistols were empty. He was disarmed. With falter-
ing, broken voice he said, "You have have killed my Col-
onel." Elliot dismounted and unbelting the gold hiked
sword and pistol, remounted his captured stallion. Com-

144 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

pelling the two officers to do likewise, he galloped away
with them as trophies of soldierly prowess.

On reaching the crest of the ridge, we were in full
view of the two armies, who had witnessed the duel be-
tween Captain Shaw and Elliot. They were cheered lust-
ly, for their gallantry and heroism. These two typical
Kentucky Confederates with bowed heads and thank-
ful hearts modestly received the plaudits of their com-
rades.

Thus ended one of the most desperate and bloody
battles of modern times for the number engaged. There
is nothing in the annals of war like it. This period was
the high tide of Confederate success. This grand op-
portunity was thrown away. Bragg failed to follow up
or to utilize this great battle. Its benefits were entirely
lost to our arms, never to return again.

I was not in this battle, as the field was so located
that the cavalry could not be used to advantage, the
country being broken and hilly. The result of this en-
gagement was simply to check the advance of Buell's
army and was barren of any advantage to the Confeder-
ates except this : Gen. Buell's movements completely
mystified Bragg and he was placed on the defensive. He
was the victim of every rumor ; alternately exhilarated
and dejected. When the distance between them increased
he became bold and defiant; when a collision was immin-
ent dejected, he could see nothing but disaster — of that
kind of fear which provides against future dangers, he
knew nothing. He, at this time, at least, was ignorant
of the courage which kindles when the hour of final is-
sue has arrived. Gen. Bragg had, as a subordinate, no su-
perior in bravery, but as a commander no bravery at all.

I do not pretend to be a competent critic of military
movements or military ability, yet Bragg's hatred and the

BATTLE OF PERRY VILLE I45

wrongs he did Kentucky and Kentuckians, the malignity
with which he bore down on his Kentucky troops, his
bitter, active antagonism to all prominent Kentucky offi-
cers, have made abhorrence of him part of a Kentuckian's
creed. There was not an officer or private in his army
who did not expect to and who was not anxious to fight
while the two armies were confronting each other for
ten days. As to the small disparity between their num-
bers, Bragg's lack of numbers was more than made up
by his having more seasoned veterans than did Buell.

There appears to have been a strange fear on the
part of Bragg to risk a battle at this time which was not
felt by any one in his army. Once the armies were not
more than three miles apart. There was throughout his
stay in the state a marked vacillating policy and a timid
hestitancy in all his maneuvers. Of this campaign much
was expected ; had it been successful it would have in-
calculably benefitted the Confederate cause. There can
be no doubt that this period was the turning point in
the war and that the best and last chance to win the war
was thrown away. All subsequent events were but the
dying agony of a great cause — the tremendous struggle
carried on by a gallant, heroic people.

XV

AGAIN WOUNDED AND LEFT BEHIND

Bragg in Retreat — Morgan remains behind — He secures a guide
— Fight at Lexington — I am wounded and left behind — ^With
the help of friends I get away — Back with Morgan.

After the battle of Perryville, Bragg began his re-
treat from the soil of Kentucky. With what bitter dis-
appointment we turned our backs upon our homes can
better be imagined than discussed. Failure was written
upon tree, bush, stones, houses, land and water; every-
thing spoke, hissed it in our ears. The army fell back
to Bryantsville. General Kirby Smith took the road
to Big Hill and Cum.berland Gap. The bulk of Bragg's
army was retreating by way of Lancaster and Sequatchie
Valley to Murfreesboro. At this time Morgan's com-
mand consisted of three regiments and two battalions,
about three thousand men and six rifled six-pound can-
non. General Morgan obtained permission to remain be-
hind the army and select his own route out of Kentucky,
and to annoy the enemy by destroying the bridges, rail-
roads, and his supply trains, then retire by the shortest
route when it became necessary. On the 17th of Octo-
ber the column was put in motion from Gum Springs.
We had information that a regiment of cavalry, our old
friends the Fourth Ohio, occupied Lexington. We cross-
ed the river below Clay's Ferry. We must have a guide
as it was important to approach the town through by-
ways. Morgan's address was equal to the emergency —
he represented himself as Col. Wolford of the Federal
service, as in this region, which was strongly Union, the

MORGAN SECURES A GUIDE 147

people refused to give any aid or act as guides. Finally
he rode to a house where Morgan said he was Col. Wol-
ford, a great favorite with the man of the house, who
declared his joy at seeing him and his willingness to
guide him anywhere. We were piloted safely through
the country to within three miles of Lexington; his loyal
spirit was warmly applauded. We were within two miles
of the enemy's camp. The command was halted and plans
perfected for a simultaneous attack to be made at day-
light. Colonels Gano and Breckinridge were detached to
attack the force stationed in the city. When our worthy
guide discovered his mistake, his amazement was only
equalled by his horror. During the night he had said
many hard things to Wolford, as he thought, about Mor-
gan which greatly amused the so-called Wolford, who
had even encouraged him to indulge himself in that
way. Suddenly the merry, good-humored Wolford turned
out to be Morgan, and Morgan seemed for a few min-
utes to be in a bad temper which made the guide's flesh
creep. I^e expected to be shot, or perhaps scalped with-
out ceremony. The general told him, in consideration of
his services, he would not be hurt or molested. Finding
that he was not to suffer, he grew bolder and assumed
the offense. He pleaded for his horse. Morgan
turned him loose, horse and all. He was advised point-
edly to be careful in the future how he confided in sol-
diers, as appearances were sometimes deceptive.

Colonels Gano and Breckinridge moved forward to
assume their part in the enterprise before them and the
main column set forward on its mission. The force at
camp near town was the Fourth Ohio cavalry. The
main body was at Ashland, two miles from the town,
encamped in the eastern portion of the woods, in which
the old Clay mansion stands. As daylight approached

14S FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the column was put into motion. My brother Sam's com-
pany and mine were detached to enter the town from the
east, to capture the two companies of provost guards.
Two more companies were sent to enter the city irom the
north and place themselves between the main camp and
town, to intercept the enemy in case of retreat before we
could surround the encampment ; also, in the event of our
having to engage other forces not bargained for, and to
maintain communication with the whole force. Day came
and the attack was made promptly. The camp, surround-
ed as it was, surrendered after two or three deadly vol-
leys. At this camp twenty-seven Federals were killed and
sixty-one wounded. Morgan's loss was five killed and
fourteen wounded. The fight with the provost guard
at the court house was more serious. They finally sur-
rendered when the artillery was brought forward. I
received a serious wound in this affair and my brother
Sam was slightly wounded. Our loss was five men killed
and eleven wounded. We captured over eight hundred
prisioners and some arms and ammunition.

I was again left behind to nurse another wound, the
eighth, through the lung. How I hated this ! I was taken
four miles into the country and stored away in a snug
little farmhouse at Cowgell's. With this shelter I
hoped soon to be able to be in the saddle again. The
family were assiduous in their attentions. I hoped that
I should not be disturbed in this hiding place. After
a few days' rest, I felt comparatively easy. My wound
did not cause me much pain. There was scarely any in-
flammation and the suppuration was slight. The days
dragged along. I sent for a Doctor Steele to examine
my wound. I had begun to think that the lung was
not injured. Dr Steele examined the wound carefully
and said that the lung was injured. It was now Novem-

WOUNDED AND LEFT BEHIND 149

ber 13 ; I was wounded on the 18th of October, twenty-
six days had passed. I was becoming restless and
greatly feared that I should be discovered and either
sent to prison or shot if I should be recognized. The
young ladies, Misses Gracie and Josie, were constant in
their kindness and attention. They had two brothers
with Morgan. They were both brave, gallant troopers.
Strange to say even the negroes had not discovered my
presence in the house as I kept close to my room.

I finally told my good friends that I felt that I was
strong enough to ride. They insisted that it would be
hazardous to do so, in my condition. They sent for
Dr. Steele, He came and said that I might be able to
ride, but should be careful. I asked him if he would
undertake to furnish me a good horse. He promised
to do so, and kept his word like a true gentleman, but
the Doctor was a Southern man, and constantly watched
by government detectives, who had followed him to
the house. The horse was sent and hitched in a ravine
behind the house. I had already sent Miss Gracie
to town to procure my four pistols and ammunition.
Having arranged everything for my depature, I belted
on my pistols, put on my heavy blue overcoat and hast-
ily bidding my dear friends farewell, I went out and
mounted my horse and as I passed through a gate lead-
ing from Mr. Cowgell's back field into a private by-road.
I was halted by two men ; one came forward, placing
his hand on the bridle, saying at the same time, "You
are my prisoner, we want you." In an instant I covered
them with my pistols, "You are mistaken. What do
you want with me? I don't know you. But I shall not
surrender. Give me your arms quick, both of you, or
I'll kill you." Having disarmed them I turned them
loose. I at first was strongly tempted to kill them.

150 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

but reflectino^ that this mi_G^ht ii^et my ,2^ood friends into
trouble, I rode rapidly away. I continued riding during
the night and at daylight found myself shelter in the
barn of my old friend Nim Conn. I was tired and sore.
I w^aited patiently for him to make his appearance, as
I did not care to be seen. The Yankees were every-
where and more insolent than ever. I had not long to
wait. The weather was chilly and while waiting for
my host I occupied my time rubbing down my horse.
The doctor had sent me a most excellent, noble steed.
I named him Steele. He was almost a thoroughbred
animal fifteen hands high, had a splendid head and fine
eyes. He possessed an intelligence that was marvelous.
He was the finest picket in the army and saved me
from capture many times.

Uncle Nim soon came. On seeing who its was,
he was very much surprised. I made known my wishes.
He informed that eight of my old soldiers were down
in the brush, waiting for an opportunity to go south.
These men had been wounded in the battle at Chaplin-
town pike, near Bloomfield. Their wounds were now
about healed and they were anxious to be in the saddle
again. Uncle Nirn had two small nephews, children of
a dead brother, a Confederate soldier. They were ten and
twelve years old, bright, sharp-witted little fellows
named Ed and Lighter Conn. He would send these little
fellows to the woodland pastures to feed corn from a
basket to the cows, but beneath the corn was food for
the wounded soldiers, hiding in the brush. Remaining
a day longer to give the old soldiers time to see others
who might be able to go south, on the third night all
was ready for the long ride before us. There were thir-
teen in the party. Uncle Nim brought us a guide. We
bid this generous nobleman farewell, he saying, "If you

I GET AWAY 151

ever find yourself in trouble, come again." We made
our way through Bullit, Meade and Barren counties
during the first three nights. On the third night we
reached the vicinity of Leitchfield and camped in the
brush. The next day we saw a squadron of cavalry pass
on the road. They were unconscious of our presence.
There were 300 of them, moving in the direction of
Morgantown. z\t this place I passed myself and com-
rades off as Federal scouts, sent from Elizabethtown
with private dispatches. In this way we found a guide
to pilot us to a secret private ferry across Green river,
as the other ferry had been destroyed by Gen. Morgan.
After crossing this stream we were comparatively safe
and could travel in the daytime. We all had blue over-
coats as a precaution. We traveled by-roads crossing
public roads only when it became necessary. On the
fifth day near Tompkinsville we rode into a squadron of
Federals who where scouting. They asked me what
command I belonged to. "Wolfords," I replied without
stopping to talk. We moved rapidly on, my flesh creep-
ing on my bones ! After leaving this column we turned
west into a by-road, marching through farms for sev-
eral hours ; the enemy's scouting party were on all the
main roads. We passed around Bowling Green late at
night. About 11 o'clock we went into camp, tired and
weary. We found forage for our horses, and rubbed
them do«wn before taking to our blankets ; we went sup-
perless and breakfastless too, for that matter; early next
morning, before day, we fed our horses giving them an-
other good rub while they ate to keep down any soreness
in their legs. We mounted and rode away from this
dangerous locality. We saw as we crossed the Nash-
ville pike at daylight that we had camped in sight of the
Federal picket post. We had a hard day's ride, mak-

152 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

ing sixty-five miles. We met during the day a company
of Colonel Averill's scouts saluting each other as we
passed. We were bearers of dispatches from General
Buell. Late in the evening we were near Springfield,
Tenn., in Robinson county. We Avere glad to be with our
old comrades once more. The welcome we received was
sincere, cordial and hearty, as only soldiers can give.
My old father showed his regard and appreciation ; also
my brother was g:ratified at my return. I reported for
duty next day and was assigned to my company, Col.
Gano's regiment, Company G. There is no rest for sol-
diers at the front.

XVI
VERY BUSY

The fight at Tyree Springs— I capture two officers — Fight at
Gallatin — I am shot in the mouth.

On reaching Gallatin, Tenn., on the retreat from
Kentucky, we marched to Hartsville, and took up our
camp there. There was plenty of work for all, scout-
ing, and fighting alternately between Gallatin, Hartsville,
Lebanon, Nashville and Tyree Springs. In fact, from
every direction, the entire command was kept busy, as
Colonel Gano expressed it, seasoned.

We had not been in this region more than two days
before our scouts brought us news of the approach of
Rosencrans' army. I had been on scout to watch his
approach which we reported. They were marching to-
ward Nashville on the Scottsville pike. The Louisville
and Bowling Green pike was watched to keep in touch
with them, and report their numbers as far as possible.
Crittenden's corps was in the advance, with Col. Stoke's
cavalry leading. Having learned all that we could, we
slowly retreated, reporting to General Alorgan that the
enemy's advance were at Tyree Springs.

Morgan selected some three hundred men from the
different regiments and found an excellent position for
ambush, on the east side of the pike in the thick brush.
We lay down, resting upon our arms. The night was
cold and the boys grew tired of waiting. We were be-
tween the cavalry and infantry columns. Suddenly, we
were called to arms! The enemy were near. Some

154 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

straj^glers came along, talking and laughing. Two sut-
lers' wagons came up, which were captured and sent in-
to the woods. In a few minutes a small advance guard
passed by unmolested. Then came the web-feet infantry
moving along laughing and singing. Suddenly, we hear
a clear, calm voice, "Ready! Aim! Fire!" A second later
a \'olley from shotguns. The enemy recoiled, then
rallied. A third volley at close range reached their ranks,
with deadly effect. We could- hear and see distinctly,
officers reforming their men, and deploying them
into line. They charge the hill. We again greet them
with a sheet of fire ; the artillery is brought forward.
Saluting them again with another volley, there is a ter-
rible din ; the artillery opens on us with grape and can-
ister, we are away to other fields of enterprise.

Morgan now moved rapidly through the woods to
reach the extreme rear of his columns, making a wide
detour. Before doing this, he had sent his prisoners
and sutlers' wagons to camp under guard. We reached
the pike some three or four miles from Tyree Springs.
We captured some two and thirty prisoners and eight
commissary wagons. After reaching our line, he paroled
these prisoners, and they started for Kentucky, all seem-
ingly glad to be thus relieved. They took good care to
go by a road on which they would not meet any of their
detachments.

On our way back to Gallatin we avoided the main
roads, knowing that General Woods and Van Cleave's
divisions were marching towards that place. Approach-
ing close to the pike we discovered the advance of the
enemy marching down the road. They were coming
over the hill thick as fleas on a dog's back. The artillery,
consisting of twenty-four twelve-pound steel pieces,
passed us ; it was the same that had lately fired at us so

I CAPTURE TWO OFFICERS 155

viciously with o^rape and canister. The whole of Van
Cleave's division passed us.

We saw two staff officers approaching.' I asked per-
mission to capture them. "Do you think you can take
them without giving the alarm?" "I think I can, gen-
eral ; I am willing to try,' I said. Captain Quirk was
given permission also. I said, ''Captain, you drop be-
hind and I will go in front of them. I guess we can man-
age it." The captain crept through the brush until he
was behind them. As they rode up, I halted them, plac-
ing myself before them and asked them to what command
they belonged, saluting them at the same time. They
told m.e they were officers on General Woods' staff and
asked "What command do you belong to?" I replied, "To
General Morgan's," and drew my pistols, one in each
hand, saying, "You are my prisoners, surrender." Cap-
tain Quirk came forward, took their arms from them and
turned them over to General Morgan, Major Stanton and
Captain Shelton.

We again hastened toward Gallatin. At a distance
of two miles we heard the "Bull Pups," our mountain
howitzers, open on the advancing columns of the enemy.
We quickened our march into a long, swigning gallop and
reached a hill half a mile north of Gallatin, where we
had a fine view of the situation. Morgan had cautioned
Colonel Hutchison the evening before on leaving camp to
keep a sharp eye on all the roads, to keep his scouts out,
warned him of the approach of the enemy and cautioned
him not to risk a fight with any force, save such as he
could handle. Sending the brigade out on the Lebanon
road to cross the Cumberland river, he retained only the
advance guard one hundred strong, and the "Bull Pups,"
to salute the enemy as they entered the town. His guns
were planted on an eminence on the Lebanon road just

156 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

outside the town. As the head of the infantry column
entered the town, these guns opened on them, causing
the column to recoil. Several well-directed shots
were made but with little impression. As the lit-
tle pieces were being limbered up to move off,
a blue line of infantry was discovered drawn up in the
road in the rear of the guns ; it had taken position very
quietly. General Morgan, Quirk and myself rode for-
ward to observe the shelling of the town and stood eager-
ly w^atching the result. Presently the infantry deployed
and the firing ceased ; then the sudden movement of Col-
onel Hutchison and Alsten, Breckenridge and Ganoe.
Every field and staff officer of the command was in the
trap. They tried to escape along another road ; they
found that blockaded also. Finally the howitzers and the
advance guard were sent across a pasture into the
Springfield road. Hutchison w^ith the numerous filed offi-
cers made the best of his way across the country, taking
with him the "Bull Pups" and rejoined the brigade. The
advance guard and the howitzers dashed gallantly past a
large body of the enemy without being checked ana with
the loss of only one man killed and eight wounded.

The retreat of the others attracted the attention of
the enemy as was intended, and they now rattled down
the pike at a brisk trot, confident now that they were
not surrounded, and that they could whip a moderate
sized brigade. General Morgan, Captain Quirk and my-
self and companions, fifteen in number, making a wide
detour to avoid any chance of capture reached the river
as the last detachment was crossing. This was a highly
exciting ride; we were in the saddle twenty out of the
twenty-four hours. It appears almost incredible that
men under the stimulation of highly exciting influences
can undergo so much fatigue and enjoy it.

I AM SHOT IN THE MOUTH 157

We went into camp six miles from Lebanon at a
cross-roads, picketing and scouting in every direction.
We discovered on the 10th of November a foraging
party of the enemy with six wagons loaded with corn,
hay and fodder. Moving up to them quietly while they
were driving along we set the wagons on fire. There
were four mules to each wagon. Soon the flames envel-
oped the wagons. The mules took fright, and away they
went down the road.

The Yankee soldiers were in the house taking a free
lunch off the man they were now plundering. Hearing
the racket outside, they came pouring out of the house.
We opened fire upon them at a lively rate, charging them
furiously. They divided into two squads. While pur-
suing one of these I received a shot in my mouth, knock-
ing out two teeth. I thought sure I had gotten my fur-
lough, my final discharge, for good. I managed to keep
my saddle. Lieutenant Clark took charge of the detach-
ment and sent a soldier with me to the rear, towards
camp. We encountered a detachment of thirty Yankees.
I said to my comrade, ''Keep close to me; do as I do."
The Yankees came up and took us prisoners. I repeated,
"Close to me ; do as I do." I rode into their ranks, and
as I turned about I jammed my spurs into my horse's
sides and said, *'Now !" I leaped my horse over the
fence, clearing it at a bound. My comrade followed.
At the .same instant came a volley and shouting. We
were into the thick cedars and woods; all was over; we
were out of sight, safe. The Yankees had emptied their
guns at us. Suddenly a sharp volley, a crashing sound,
greeted our ears. Lieutenant Clark, returning from the
chase heard the volley intended for me ; heard the shout-
ing of the Yankees, and saw them approach. He fixed
an ambush and these worthies walked right into the

158 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

death trap. Hark, a volley! Another volley followed in
quick succession. This detachment has also received its
furlough ; that is, many of them have.

XVII
THE GUERRILLA IN THE CIVIL WAR

The development of the guerrilla — Remarkable interview be-
tween Quantrell and Sheldon — The contre-guerrillas and the
American squadron in Mexico — ^The American guerrilla.

I shall here try to ^ive some of the causes that led
to or produced the guerrilla in the border states in the
Civil War.

It is the province of history to deal in facts which
produce certain results ; it has not the right to condemn
the phenomena which caused them. Neither has it the
right to decry or complain of the agency that directed it.
Providence always raises up conditions to restore the
equilibrium of eternal justice. Civil war might well
have made the guerrilla but only the classes of the civil
war could make of him the untamable, unmerciful crea-
ture history finds him. When he first went into the
business of war he was somehow imbued with the old-
fashioned idea that soldiering meant fighting and that
fighting meant killing. He had his own ideas of soldier-
ing, however, and desired nothing so much as to remain
at homxe and meet its cruel despoilers upon his own
premises or ground.

Not naturally cruel, and averse to invading the terri-
tory of any other people, he could not understand the
patriotism of those who invaded his own territory. Pat-
riotism such as his could not spring up in the market.
He believed, indeed, that the patriotism of John Brown
and his compeers was merely the patriotism of highway

150 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

robbery, and he believed the truth. Neither did the
ouerrilhi become all at once merciless. Pastoral in his
pursuits and reared amongi^ the timid surroundings of ag-
ricultural life, he knew nothing of the tiger that was in
him until death had dashed into his face the blood of his
own kin, in numberless and brutal ways, as in my broth-
er's case. The fury of passion came to him slowly. It took
him some time to learn the system of saving the Union
by the methods in vogue. It was a truly brutal and an
infamous system, which bewailed not even that which it
crushed. It belied its doctrine by its tyranny and stained
its measures and methods in blood. It arrogated right
by its violence and dishonored its vaunted struggles by
its executions.

Before the days of breech-loaders and revolvers,
armies moved in fields almost wholly unfit for cavalry.
Thev fought when they best liked it, and -were more
formidable in reputation than in prowess. The Ameri-
can's capacity for war can be estimated by the enter-
prising nature of his individual efforts as a guerrilla. He
can guard defiles, surprise cantonments, capture convoys,
disappear in the mountains, and make a safe retreat. The
difficulty is not so much in fighting him as in finding
him. He discovers and holds his own passes; learns the
secrets of nature so that the rain or snow storm will
be his ally, fog his friend, and be sure seeds for a
harvest of armed men, that need only the cultivation of
discipline to become a remarkable growth.

Before the great civil struG^ele began, nothing like
a guerrilla organization had ever eisted in the history
of this country, and yet the strife was scarcely two
months old before prominent in the field were leaders
of guerrilla bands, more desperate than those of La
Vendee, and organizations and fiG:hters more to be de-

INTERVIEW BETWEEN QUANTRELL AND SHELDON 161

pended upon, and more bloodthirsty than the Fra Diava-
los of Italy.

Take Ouantrell and Berry, Anderson, Todd, Mc-
Gruder or Pool, Cole Younger, the two James Boys,
Frank and Jesse, or Jerome Clark ;who ever heard oi these
Americans fighting less than twice, often three or four
times, their own numbers, without holding their own?
Recall the Centralia fight in Missouri — the Federals,
under Colonel Johnson, numbering 315 men, and the
guerrillas, under Bill Anderson, with 182 men. This
was a supreme test of pluck and valor.

Who shall say that the experiences of Fra l^iavalo,
El Empecinado are not repeated in history? We have
a number of such, for instance, Charles Quantrell and
Coleman Younger. The white, set face of a maimed
sister or a slain brother always make tense the muscles.
Scenes like these are never absent from the mmds of
Capt. Sam Berry and T. F. Berry, whose sister was
butchered by brutal vandals.

The noted Missouri guerrilla leader. Captain Charles
Quantrell, went to Richmond to prevail upon Secre-
tary of War Sheldon for a commission as colonel under
the partisan rangers'^ act, w^hereby he would be ac-
corded in his operations any protection the Confederate
government might afford. Quantreli was prepared to
recruit and equip his own men. This was in October,
1863, at which time I had gone to Richmond to report
concerning the recruiting operations ol my brother and
myself in Kentucky, and I was present at the interview
between Quantrell and Sheldon. General Lewis F.
Wigfall, then a state senator from Texas, was also pres-
ent at this interview, and from him the newspapers of
that time obtained the facts and published them.

162 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Secretary Sheldon told Quantrell that his proposal
was barbarous and desperate.

"Yes," replied the guerrilla; "everything in this
struggle is desperate, very desperate, and very bar-
barous. The cause is desperate, beyond a parallel in
history, and we must use desperate means to w^in."

Quantrell was told by Secretary Sheldon that war
had its immunities, even refinements.

"Yes, its refinements of brutality," answered Quan-
trell ; "and its cruelties, all in this nineteenth century.
It is barbarism crystallized."

Quantrell's eyes blazed like coals of fire, and his
whole attitude and bearing at this moment were terrible.
Looking into the eyes of the Secretary of War, he said:

"Barbarism," he repeated twice, "is war, war is
barbarism." Very vehemently, "Barbarism means war.
Mr. Secretary, since you have touched upon this sub-
ject, let us discuss it a little. Times as well as men
have their crimes. For over twenty years this w^ar
cloud has been gathering ; for over twenty years inch
by inch and little by little the people called Abolition-
ists have been on the track of slavery. For over twenty
years the people of the South have been robbed, here
a negro and there a negro. For over twenty long years
hates have been engendered, and wrathful feeling, and
things have been said and done and laid up against
this day of wrath. This day is now upon us. The
war cloud has burst. Do you condemn this thunder-
bolt?"

The secretary, leaning back, bowed his head. Quan-
trell leaving his own seat and standing over him, as it
were, went on :

"Who are these people you call Confederates?
Rebels. Unless they succeed, they are outlaws, traitors,

INTERVIEW BETWEEN QUANTRELL AND SHELDON 163

food for hangings, for gunpowder." He went on, stand-
ing over the old man : ''There are no great statesmen
in the South, or this war would have happened ten years
ag^o, no men of vision or it would have happened not
less than fifteen years ag-o. To-day the odds are
fearful, desperate. The world hates slavery, and the
world is noAv fio;htino- you. To-day, Mr. Secretary,
the ocean belongs to the Union navy, and there is a
recruiting officer in every foreign port. I have killed,
and killed many, who did not know one word of the
English language or tongue. Mile by mile, the cordon
is being drawn around us. The granaries of the South
are gradually falling into our enemies' hands. Missouri
w^ill go first, Kentucky next, Tennessee next, then Ar-
kansas and Mississippi, and then we must put gloves
on our hands and honey in our mouth and fight this
implacable enemy as Christ fought the wickedness of
this w^orld!"

Still the secretary did not speak and perhaps Quan-
trell did not wish him to.

''You ask an impossible thing, Mr. Secretary. This
secession or revolution, or whatever you may choose
to call it, cannot conquer or succeed without violence.
Nor can those who hate it and hope to stifle it strike
without vindictiveness. Every struggle has its phil-
osophy. But this is not the hour for philosophers. Your
young confederacy wants, must have, stout champions,
not judges. We want victory as well as philosophy.
Men must be killed, to impel the people to passion.
There must be some sin ming^led with the truth. To
marshal them and stir their blood to enthusiasm some-
thing out of the ordinary or natural must occur. That
medium should be a crusade or conquest in the name
of liberty and that something out of the natural should
be the black flag:. You, all of us, must do this to win.

164 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

The Federals come to you with an oath of loyalty in
one hand and the torch in the other, as I have seen
them in Missouri. Bound hand and foot, by this Christ-
less thing called consideration and amenities of war,
look round you and see bleeding- Missouri and Kentucky
and many others. They should each of them have two
hundred and fifty thousand men fighting for their lib-
erty. There is to-day less than twenty thousand in one
and fifty thousand in the other."

''What would you do, Captain Ouantrell, were yours
the power and the opportunity?"

"Do, Mr. Secretary? Why I would wage such a
war and have such a war waged by land and sea as
to make one shudder with horror. I v.'ould cover the
armies of the Confederacy all over with blood. I v/ould
invade the enemy's country and rew^ard audacity with
the highest honors. I would exterminate. I would
break up foreign enlistments by indiscriminate mas-
sacres. I would wan the independence of our people,
or find for them all an early grave. And what about our
prisoners? Do they take prisoners from me? Sur-
rounded, I do not surrender ; surprised, I do not give
way to panic ; oiiltnumbered, I rely upon common sense
and stubborn fighting. Proscribed, I answer by procla-
mation. Hunted, I hunt my hunters in turn. I feel
my power. Hated and made blacker than ten devils, I
add to my heels the swiftness of a horse and to my
horse, the terrors of a savage following. It matters
little when or where a man dies, or is killed. As for
Kansas, I hate her. I feel she should be laid waste at
once ; pillage and slaughter for her many crimes, sub-
jugated with pitiless hand, such as they have given Mis-
souri. ]\Iy enemies have taught me these things, and
these are my every day experiences. You now have

COXTRE-GUERRILLAS IN MEXICO 165

my ideas, ^ Mr. Secretary, and I must say that I am
sorry they do not accord with your own, nor with the
ideas of the government, at Richmond, which you have
the honor to represent so well."

Without his commission as a partisan ranger, Ouan-
trell bowed himself out from the presence of the secre-
tary of war, and departed from Richmond.

After Quantrell had gone the secretary turned to
General Wigfall and said :

"That is a very wonderful and unusual man, is he
not? We shall hear of him again."

In Mexico under Maxmilian, the French had an
organization known as contre guerrillas, that is to say,
Imperial guerrillas, who fought when they could, and
exterminated when they could. The republican-3»Iexi-
can guerrilla. General Dupin, commanded them. He
miore nearly resembled Quantrell in his manner of fight-
ing than any other leader in history. General Dupin
was desperately cruel, but he fought fast and hard.
Distance was nothing to him, no fatigue nor odds, nor
difficulties of a position to assault. He had the flexi-
bility of the tiger and panther together, and the grip
of the bull dog. Nothing alive ever lived after he once
laid hold upon it. Past sixty, bronzed as brown as a
bag of leather, with a school girl's face, covered with
decorations, straight as Tecumseh's arrow, he led his
squadrons through ambuscades, sixty miles long, and
made the court martial bring up the rear. Eternally in
the combat, any weapon fitted his hand just as any
weapon fitted the hand of Quantrell, of Clark, the Berrys
or McGruder. A born soldier, he used all his ability
to terrify and exterminate.

With Dupin in Mexico was Captain Ney, Duke De
Enghien, and a grandson of that other Ney, who, when

IC/y FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

thrones were tumbling and fugitive kings flitting througli
the smoke at Waterloo, cried out to Delsio, "Come and
see how a marshal of France dies on the field of battle."
Ney had under him an American squadron, swart, stal-
wart fellows, seasoned in many a border battle, and
bronzed by sunshine and stormy weather, all hiding
themselves in the unknown beyond the Rio Grande.

These cool, calm men asked one another no ques-
tions of the past ; nothing of retrospect remained. Con-
tent to march and fight, and be prodigal of everything,
save brag or boast, they carried no black flag, and often
gave no quarter. And how they fought ! Dupin took
note of this. Once when a day of battle opened ominously
and when from the far front the story came back of
repulses, savoring strongly of disaster and aereat, i}C
chose this little band alone for a desperate charge and
patched with it swiftly the riven ranks of his routed
troops. When the hottest of the battle was over, when
nowhere in street or town or chapparal an enemy strug-
gled, he bade the balance of the regiment to defile past
the guidon of these Americans and salute it, and sloping
the standard toward us, to the sound of victorious musi'^
they saluted us.

In that day's fierce melee of America's best and
bravest, thrice was the sword of Captain Ney put out
to wave the foremost, bravest back, it being a point of
honor with all French officers to permit no subaltern to
pass him in a charge. Thrice did he cry aloud and warn
the boldest that if they must pass him they would do
so at their peril.

There were many of these bronzed, scarred veter-
ans of the Southland, who joined these contre guerril-
las in Mexico. Captain Ney's was the center company
of the many dauntless spirits of these old Confederates,

THE AMERICAN GUERRILLA 167

who fought recklessly, as of old, because it was fash-
ionable in the old days agone. One of these, yea two
dozen, thrice three dozens, more than twelve dozens,
pressed close behind the gallant Ney, among them being
John C. Moore, of General Marmaduke's staff, with
whom Joe Shelby and some of Morgan's and Forrest's
giants struggled for glory and renown. War found
them and him an enthusiast, and left him a philosopher.
Moore was also the center of a group of choice and
dauntless spirits who dreamed of empire in the land
of the Aztecs, and who never for a moment lost faith
in the future or saw need for despair in the present, until
imbecility rose up and mastered resolution, and forced
Maximilian from a throne to a dead wall.

There were no "guerrillas in days of the American
revolution, for in no sense of the word could General
Francis Marion and his men be considered as such. He
never severed communication with government forces,
nor relied for a moment upon resources other than those
of the departments regularly organized for military
supremacy. As a part of the national army, he was
an important factor in the plans of every campaign.
His sw^amp warfare made him formidable, but never
ferocious. He rarely killed, save in open battle, and
being seldom retailiated upon, he had nothing to retaliate
for in the way of equilibrium.

It required, indeed, all the scenes of the Civil war
of 1861 to 1865 to produce the genuine American guer-
rilla. More enterprising, more deadly, more capable
of incessant or increased physical endurance, more fitted
by nature for deeds of reckless hardihood and daring,
given over to less of penitence when face to face with
the final end than any French, or Spanish, or Mexican,
or Italian guerrilla ; notorious in song and story, he

168 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

simply lived the life that was in him, and took the worst
or best as it came. Circumstances made him unsparing,
sometimes, but not from any predisposition or mode of
reasoning. He fought fire with fire. He made of the
infamous badge a birthright and boasted of it as an in-
heritance, while flaunting it in the face of civilization,
which denounced criminals, while condoning the crimes
that made them. One half the country believe that
these men were highway robbers, crossed upon the
panther. The other half, that they were the gallant de-
fenders of their home and nation — of their native South-
land. One half believed them to have been ordinary
avenging nemesis of their rights; the others, a forbidding
monster of assassination. History cannot hesitate, how-
ever, and abandon him to the imagination of the ro-
mancers.

In Kentucky, as in all the border states, the original
Abolitionists were so-called Union men, and most of
them were an imported or mongrel breed, or were in-
digenous to the mountains or the poorer sections of
these states. There always belonged to this type a
chronic longing for his neighbor's goods and chattels,
a chronic case of chills and fever, a starved cow and a
pack of poor, half-starved dogs, mangy, like himself ;
also, a Sharps rifle, or a squirrel rifle, wdien they could
have them at somebody's else expense. He owned a
Bible for hypocrisy's sake, affecting something that sa-
vored of the real presence of the Book, that it might
give backbone to a sniveling, canting pretense in man-
ner. A mountebank, villian, scoundrel, thief, a conscience-
less plunderer, a merciless, brutal murderer of helpless,
old men and women, this class of creatures was pre-
eminently fitted for the brutalities of a civil war, which
always produces more adventures than heroes. His hands,

THE AMERICAN GUERRILLA I59

large, red and hairy, were proof of grasping greedi-
ness ; his shambling ungainliness added to his weak,
hesitating walk, made a figure once seen, never to be
forgotten. They were all of a type or kind. The mouth
always wore a calculating smile, especially when con-
scious of being watched, the only remaining gift of a
Puritan ancestry. When looked at closely, this calcu-
lating smile became sanctimonious. Slavery concerned
these worthies, only when the slave-owners were sup-
posed to be rich. Born to nothing, and eternally out
at the elbows, just so long as Beecher presided over Aid
and Immigration Societies for stealing negroes, preached
wholesale highway robbery, and defended political mur-
der, and sent something in real fruits or funds, surely
there was some good in Israel. John Brown and Beecher
were high priests. Chance kicked the country into civil
war, and gave these and their kind a high license to
rob and have a good time; a chance to plunder their
betters ; wholesale business to beggars and bummers.
When this high priest of republican fanaticism, John
Brown, stained his hands in innocent blood and was
handed over to a just punishment, all the howling, fa-
natical horde cried aloud that he was a martyr to honest
convictions.

The memories of this bloody period linger in the
mind, wrathful and accusing. IMemory recalls this
period and the canting, snivelling hypocrisy of these
brutal thieves, and also the misery of their helpless
victims.

AVe know that blood is as contagious as air. The
fever of civil war had its climax, its delirium. When
the guerrilla awoke under stress, he was a giant. He
took in at a single glance all the immensity of the
struggle. He was hunted, proscribed. He had neither

170 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

flao^ nor country, not even government. ?Ie enjoyed
neither the rights nor the amenities of civilized war-
fare. These were not to be his, and a dog's death awati-
ed him if he surrendered, even in the extreme agony
of battle. Thus, the house which sheltered him had to
he burned ; the father whom he succeeded had to be
butchered ; the mother who prayed for him, had to be
insulted ; the sister who carried him food had to be im-
prisoned or killed ; the friend who sympathized must be
robbed and insulted ; the neighborhood which witnessed
his combats had to be laid to waste ; the comrade shot
down by his side had to be put to death like a wild
beast. Then only did he lift up a black flag in self
defense and fought as became a man and a hero.

Unstinted abuse has been heaped upon the guerrilla
organization, because in its nam^e bad men plundered
the helpless, pillaged friend and foe alike, assaulted non-
combatants. The murder and assassination of the inno-
cent was not the guirrella's work. It fitted all too well
the hands of those cowards crouching in the rear of
either army, courageous only where women defended
what remained to themselves and their children. Des-
perate and remorseless as he undoubtedly was, the guer-
rilla killed in the name of God, and his country, and
saw shining down on his pathway a luminous patrioism.
The nature of his warfare made him responsible, of
course, for many monstrous things, in which he had no
personal share. Denied a hearing at the bar of public
opinion, the hete noir of all loyal jouranlists, painted
blacker than ten devils, and given a countenance that
was made to retain the shadows of all the death asronies
he had seen, is it strange in the least that his fiendish-
ness became omnipresent and that he assailed omnipo-
tently? The cruel acts of Federal soldiers, five times

THE AMERICAN GUERRILLA 171

more cruel, were laid at the door of the guerrilla. Stand-
ing at bay, he died, always as a wolf dies, backed against
the rock. Both officers and men were daily made fa-
miliar with these bloody scenes. These hell hounds
made his enemies fear and hate him. From all their
bomb-proof places his enemies slandered him, fired silly
lies at him at long range, and put afloat monstrous and
unnatural stories.

A few guerrillas believed that retaliation should be
a punishment, not a revenge, and when an execution
v/ps unavoidable they gave to it the solemnity of law,
receiving the endorsement of civilization. The ma-
jority, however, always killed without ado. They had
passwords that only the initiated understood, and sig-
nals that meant anything or nothing. A night bird was
a messenger, a day bird a courier; to their dialect they
added woodcraft, and to the condition of the proscribed,
the cunning of the Indian. They knew the name and
the number of the enemies' regiment by the shoes on
the horses, and told the nationality of the troops by the
manner in which the twigs were broken along the march.
They could see in the night like other hunted beasts
of prey, and hunted when it was darkest, caring not
for a road so long as there was a trail and caring not
for a trail if there was direction. When there v^-as no
wind, and when clouds hid the sun or stars, they trav-
elled by the moss on the trees. In the daytime they
looked with their eyes; in the night time, with their
hands. Living much in fastnesses, they were rarely
surprised. In solitude they developed a more acute in-
stinct of self preservation. By degrees, a caste began
to be developed and was established. Men stood forth
as leaders as if by inherent right, by the unmistakable
right of superior address and undaunted courage. There

172 FOITR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

was a kind of brotherhood of courage, an aristocracy
of daring, wherein the humblest among them might win
a crown, or establish a dynasty. And there were many
of these, respect for personal powers begat discipline, and
discipline strengthened by the terrible pressure of out-
side circumstances, was kept in the midst of an organiza-
tion ostensibly without a government, and w^ithout a flag.
Internal feuds came rarely to blows. The men were free
to come and go ; bound by no enlistment and dependent
upon no bounty. Hunted by one nation and apologized
for by the other, prodigal of life and property, foremost
in every foray and dying last in every rout, they were
content to die savagely and at bay, when from under the
dead steed the w'ounded rider could not extricate himself.
Unmerciful rarely and merciful often ; loving liberty in
a blind, idolatrous fashion; half superstitious, holding
no crime as bad as cowardice in battle ; courteous to
women amid all the wild license of pillage and slaughter;
steadfast as faith to comradeship and friends; too se-
rious for boastfulness and too close or near to the un-
known to deceive even themselves ; with sanity, eminent-
ly practical, being constantly environed; starved today
and feasted tomorrow ; victorious in this combat or deci-
mated in that ; receiving no quarter and giving none, is
it strange then that Christians looked in amazement at
the shocking, blood-stained, sable garments of civil war
and wondered at a perpetual cut-throat ambuscade?

XVII!
FIGHTING WITH MORGAN

Capturing the garrison at Gallatin — Lightning Ellsworth's ex-
pedition— Burning a tunnel — Revenge at Bald Knob — Battle
at Castillian Springs.

It was now planned that General Morgan should
set out to surprise the Federal garrison at Gallatin, a
distance of seventy-five miles. He had also received
orders to destroy the railroad between Nashville and
Louisville. Pressing forward through Hartsville,

stoping only long enough to feed, the command left the
main road a few miles from Gallatin to avoid the pickets,
which were captured by scouts sent after we had avoid-
ed their rear. As we entered the town a small party
was sent to capture Colonel Boone, the Federal com-
mander, who as we had learned, was in the habit of
sleeping in town. Captain Desha reached the house,
surrounded it and sent three trusty men to capture him.
We found him asleep in bed. We aroused him. He at-
tempted to reach for his pistols on a table near by. We
covered him and warned him not to try any violence, as
he was our prisoner.

Captain Desha sent him to Morgan, who advised
him to write a letter to the officer at the camp urging
him to surrender, as they were surrounded, to spare
tre effusion of blood. Colonel Boone consented to this
?nc] liis letter was sent under a flag of truce. It had the
desired effect, as the entire garrison fell into our hands
v/ithout firing a shot. Two companies had been sent
away. Colonel Boone and his command was paroled —

174 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

450 prisoners with a good many officers, 500 fine Spring-
field rifles were capured ; also, a train of wagons, and
several cars with about 100 fine horses on them. Many
stores were also seized. The next day a train loaded
with forage for the cavalry was taken.

A very funny thing happened at this time. Our
Comrade, ''Lightning" Ellsworth, was immediately put
in possession of the telegraph office and he went to
work with more than his ordinary ingenuity. It was
the peculiarity of this "truly great man" in his line to
be successful only in his own department. If he at-
tempted anything else, he was sure to fail. He took it
into his head to go after a notorious and very dangerous
bushwhacker and bring him to camp. Our best scouts
had tried in vain to capture him. Without telling any
one of his intention, he took Colonel St. Leger Gren-
fel's horse, upon which was strapped a saddle, which the
owner prized very highly, and behind that was tied
a buff coat, equally prized, and in this coat was all the
gold the colonel had brought with him when he joined
us.

Thus equipped he started out with one companion
to take the redoubtable Captain King. He went boldly
to that worthy's house, w^ho, seeing only two men com-
ing, scorned to take to the brush. To Ellsworth's de-
mand to surrender he answered with several volleys from
his shot gun, severely wounding his friend and putting
Ellsworth to flight. King pressed the retreat and Ells-
worth brought off his wounded companion, but lost
horse, saddle, coat and gold. St. Leger w^as like an ex-
cited volcano, and sought Ellsworth, to slay him in-
stantly. Four days were required to pacify him, during
which time the operator had to be kept out of his sight.
He never fully forgave Ellsworth for the loss of his

LIGHTNING ELLSWORTH'S EXPEDITION 175

saddle and great coat, which had been his companions
for many 3'ears — he had tiiem in nearly all his wan-
derings.

The truth was, Ellsworth was out of his element
when he tried soldiering, but when seated at the keys
he was always master of the situation. No man could
match him at that work. See him catch without a boggle,
''signals" — ''tariff," and all the rest, fool the regular
operators, baffle with calm confidence their efforts to
detect him, and even turn to his own advantage their
very suspicions. He was unquestionably a genius. As
if to demonstrate incontestably his own superiority he
has since the war closed invented a plan to prevent
just such tricks as he used to practice at every station.
Much of the success of General Morgan's operations
was due to this man's ready wit and genius. The sol-
diers of Morgan's command dubbed him "Lightning."

While at Gallatin we destroyed the tunnel by run-
ning a train of cars into it and setting tire to them. This
tunnel was situated six miles from Gallatin. A great
deal of wood work lined it ; huge beams and cross ties
were placed to support the roof which was of a pe-
culiar rock, and liable at any time to disintegrate and
tumble doAvn. The hre once kindled would smoulder
for weeks.

Returning to Gallatin after four days' absence we
found everything in confusion and distress. The women
and children were in the streets wringing their hands
and crying at the top of their voices. They told a very
distressing story. During our short absence 300 infan-
trymen had come to Gallatin, and on that evening had
arrested every man and boy they could find in the town,
and had driven them off like a drove of cattle to Nash-
ville. The women were in terrible distress over their

176 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

loss. This was done because of the kind reception given
us on a recent occasion. We found that one of our com-
rades had beei*! captured, and then kicked and cuffed
to death, also shot, to be sure he was dead. We saw
his blood on the bridge where he was killed. His body
was a mass of bruises. Our men became furious and
could hardly be restrained. We started in pursuit of
the brutal, cowardly miscreants, overtaking them at
Bald Knob. They had heard the roar of our horses'
hoofs and had turned loose the prisoners; though some
of them were shot, and beaten over the head before
abandoned.

They all fled for their lives down the road, across
the fields and woods. Some hid themselves in cul-
verts, under bridg:es, in brush-heaps, in shocks of fod-
der— anywhere to hide from the just vengeance of out-
raged humanity. There were about 100 who made some
show of defence and fought with that desperation born
of despair, knowing full well that they had forfeited all
claims to civilized war. We charged them furiously and
shot them without mercy. The officers tried in vain
to restrain our infuriated men. The rattling shots told
of deadly work bv the maddened soldiers. Few were
left when Morgan came and sternly rebuked the men
for such excesses, and threatened to have the first man
shot who should dare fire another shot. I asked him then
and there how he would like to have his sister butchered
or his young brother or father brutalized in the way
some of the rest of us had. He did not reply to this
question.

The war spirit and blood was now up in these men.
Thev demanded to be sent against the stockade. The
first one encountered w^as reduced without trouble. The
gates were open and some of the Yankees outside. It

REVENGE AT BALD KNOB lyj

was a race who should enter first. We entered to-
gether, Reb and Yank, side by side. We captured the
place without firing: a shot. The others were reduced
after much severe fighting and loss of life. We lost
several fine officers and men before they were cap-
tured. This was an exciting; and eventful day. Our
loss in these affairs was 22 killed and 17 wounded. The
enemy lost 300 killed and 35 prisoners. The citizens,
prisoners, old men and boys not over ten years old were
gotten together and mounted behind some of the men.
Others of the soldiers had dismounted and placed from
two to four old men and boys on one horse and walked
alongside them. Returning we met the people of the
adjacent country, coming with every description of ve-
hicles to convey their escaped relatives and friends back
to their homes. The rescued were weary and footsore,
many of them hardly able to drag one foot after the
other. When Ave reached the town there was a wild
scene of joy and congratulation.

We camped in the fair grounds that night. Our
scouts reported that a formidable Federal force had
passed through Hartsville on the previous night and
was then camped at Castillian Springs, ten miles from
Gallatin. The pickets were strengthened in that direc-
tion and the scouts were sent to watch. They returned
and reported the enemy rapidly approaching. We
formed line on a gallop. Sure enough, they were ad-
vancing on us in fine array, forming in line of battle,
with artillery in sight.

Colonel Gan.o v/ns ordered to attack on horseback.
There were two batallions dismounted on theright of line,
three on the left, each with supports in close distance,
and our artillery was in the center. Gano's three battal-
ions v/ere in the extreme rear of the column. Each

178 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

l)i'.Ualion defiled to ri^ht and left as they came up.
Gano's was now forminiLi- in column of fours right for
ward. After all had taken their places a gap was left
in our line. The enemy seeing this started to enter.
T' cy were met by Gano in a furious, head-long charge,
It was so sudden, impetuous, and determined that it
caused the enemy to recoil. At this moment companies
D, I, K, and G were forming. On the left of the
Hartsville pike and east of Scottsville road was a wood-
land of some tw^enty acres. Company H was formed
here and cleared it of the enemy and kept it clear until
the line advanced. To the left of this woodland was 3
meadow, five or six hundred yards long and some
three hundred broad.

Belie\ing that Morgan was trying to escape or
avoid battle, three or four hundred men dashed across
this meadow wnth draw^n sabres flashing in the sun-
light. It was indeed a grand si :ght as they rode toward
the horses which they saw in the road beyond. Com-
panies A, B, C, E and F were by this time dismounted,
and here dropped on their knees behind a stone fence
on the east side of the road. The enemy came rush-
ing on. We held our fire until the enemy were in
thirty yards, then we opened on them. Now^ w^as seen
the terrible effect of a volley from that long, thin line
w^hich looked so easy to break through, and yet whose
fire was so deadly. Every man took deliberate aim at
an individual foe, and as the blaze left the guns two-
thirds of the riders, as wxll as horses, went down. The
cavalry recoiled. Our men sprang up and poured such
another volley that the rout was complete.

On the right, Gano had not been idle. After
checking the enemy's advance, he had re-formed his
squadron. Hutchinson and Bowles had driven back

BATTLE AT CASTILLIAN SPRINGS 1/9

the enemy, which noAv had re-formed for another charge.
The companies on the right had taken a position where
they could enfilade the enemy's line as it strove to ad-
vance. Both our wings were now engaged in a hot
contest all along the line. The melee grew fierce. The
artillery took part with a few discharges of grape and
cannister. The enemy was forced back everywhere.
Gano charged again with three companies, Captain
Sam Berry's, my own own, and Captain Shelton's. Ga-
no pressed them closely, killing many of them.

After retreating about a mile. General Johnson,
comm.anding, rallied his men, and re-formed on a hill.
Gam readjusted his lines and charged. Again the
enemy retreated in disorder. A number of prisoners
and all the wounded fell into our hands. General John-
son retreated some three miles and sent in a flag of
truce, pr(.>posinfT an armistice that he might bury his
dead. General Morgan replied that he could not enter-
tain any proposition, but an unconditional surrender.
General Johnson replied to this, that catching came be-
fore hanging. Morgan was now in swift pursuit. Di-
viding the command into three columns, he sent each
in a special direction, being thus more certain to en-
counter the enemy. We struck them about six miles
from the first battle-field, our flanking column closing-
in upon them from all sides. Charging them, the fight
lasted only a few minute^. General Tohnson, with the
remnant of his command, surrendered. His killed was
69, wounded 107.

General Johnson's force was a command of twenty-
four companies taken from the various cavalry regi-
ments of Buell's army, and sent by him to destroy or
capture Morgan and his force. Johnson was appointed
to this command upon his own earnest solicitation, and

180 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

when passing through Hartsville told the citizens he
was going to Gallatin to capture Morgan and bring him
back in a band box.

A few incidents of a personal character will illus-
trate some of the many curious experiences in the life
of a soldier. When we had repulsed the enemy the
first time they re-formed for a charge. Captain Leabo
of the Second Indiana, dashed down upon our line and
coming on himself after his men turned back, was made
a prisoner; still another soldier was made a prisoner
in the same way, although he did not come with the
same intent which inspired the gallant captain.

The wildest looking fellow, perhaps, in the Yankee
army came rattling down the pike on a sorrel horse,
which was running away with him ; his hair standing
on end, his mouth wide open, his shirt collar flying
by one end like a flag of truce, and his eyes glazed.
He was caught by the greatest wag in the command,
perhaps in the western army, the celebrated Jeff Ster-
ritt. With a look of appalling ferocity Jeff exclaimed,
**I don't know wdiether to kill you now or wait until
the fight is over." *'For God's sake," said the captive,
"don't kill me at all. I am a dissipated character and
not prepared to die at this time!"

Our sturdy rough riders had their gaieties, frolics,
and pleasures; in fact, there was but one, or perhaps,
two things that caused them trouble. First, continuous
stationary camp duty ; second, and not the least import-
ant of the two, restraint or rigid discipline. These were
to them a holy horror. All the command had that co-
hesive, instinctive discipline or personal self-respect and
intelligence that make of the volunteer American sol-
dier the highest type of the efficient, destructive sol-

BATTLE AT CASTILLIAN SPRINGS 181

dier on earth, and this command possessed them in an
eminent degree.

It will be impossible for the men whose lives were
staked upon so many field's ever to forget this period
of active, stirring scenes. The beautiful country, the
blue-grass pastures, and the grand, noble trees, the en-
campments in the shady forests, through which ran the
clear, cool Tennessee waters, the lazy enjoyments of
the bivouac, changing abruptly to the chase and hot
conflict, and the midnight moonlit rides amidst the
lovely scenery cause the recollections which crowd our
minds when we think of Gallatin and Hartsville, to min-
gle almost inseparably with romance. In this country
lived a people worthy of it. In all the qualities which
Vv'in respect and love; in generosity, honesty, devoted
friendship, zealous adherence to what they deemed the
right, unthinking support of those who labor for them,
in hospitality and kindness, the Creator never made a
people to excel them. May God bless and prosper
them.

XIX

SOME OF MORGAN'S DARING EXPLOITS

Escape at Tyree Springs — \'isiting Buell at Nashville.

General Morgan was remarkable for his ability to
extricate himself from dangerous situations. His esca-
pades of daring fired his men with a spirit of emulation,
and were largely responsible for the romantic renown
that attaches to his command.

I recall a startling experience that occurred shortly
after the campaign of General Bragg in Kentucky.
Morgan did not follow the line of retreat pursued by
the Confederate army, which marched out through the
mountains of southern Kentucky and Tennessee; he
dashed along the rear of the Federal columns, as they
passed southward toward Nashville and middle Tennes-
see. He inflicted considerable loss and annoyance upon
the enemy, by taking their route, making many con-
siderable captures of prisoners and stores, and finally
after completing a circuit of all Federal forces, reached
and took position at Gallatin on the Louisville and
Nashville railroad, before any of them had gotten so
far on their march to Nashville. It was his object to
impair and render useless the railroad to such an ex-
tent, at least, as the limited time in which he had to
do such work, would permit. The masses of the Federal
army — then commanded by General Rosecrans, Buell
having been removed — was so close upon him, however,
that he was not only compelled to perform hastily the

ESCAPE AT TYREE SPRINGS IS'3

task of bridge burning and track destruction, but fre-
quently abandoned it, to pay some attention to the ap-
proaching enemy.

Such occasion was when he prepared an ambush
of 200 men for General Crittenden's corps at Tyree
Springs, about twenty-five miles from Nashville. After
a sharp fight with the head of the column, he made a
wide detour and again reached the road on which it
was moving, three or four miles to the rear. Dispersing
his men in small detachments, he put all to work to
capture stragglers. With Lieutenant Quirk, myself
and four others General Morgan had collected a num-
ber of prisoners and disarmed them and was escort-
ing them down the road to be turned over to the guard,
which had been detailed to remain near the road and
take charge of the various captures.

Suddenly his dangerous undertaking was sum-
marily interferred with, and the conditions came very
near being reversed. By some means the information
of what was going on reached the Federal officer in com-
mand, and he sent Colonel Stokes' regiment from Tyree
Springs to put a stop to it, which, because of the small
number of men engaged, it might readily do. This
regiment struck General Morgan's small squad at a
sharp turn of the road, Morgan, Quirk and myself, in
the advance of the prisoners, came right face to face
with the Federals who had no notice of our presence or
proximity.

General Morgan, as were his men, was dressed in
the Confederate uniform. He determined to deceive the
enemy into the belief that he himself was a Federal offi-
cer and, strangely enough, succeeded. He was, of
course, halted and questioned. He answered promptly,
with great frankness. He stated that he was a Colonel

184 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

of a Michigan cavalry regiment, which was only a short
distance away, and that the prisoners were his own
men, whom he had arrested for straggling. He expiated
at great length and with much heat and enthusiasm upon
the evils of straggling, pointing out how detrimental
it was to discipline and also how dangerous it was when
the enemy was in the immediate vicinity, and con-
cluded by urging his auditors to follow his example
and to scatter at once, in search of other such offenders.
The prisoners who believed he himself would he cap-
tured, listened with broad grins on their faces, with-
out saying anything.

Those to whom his remarks were addressed were
much bewildered, but strongly inclined to doubt the
truth of his story. They asserted that his dress and ad-
dress, and general appearance, was a very strange one
for a Federal officer. The rebels, they said, ver}^ often
masqueraded in blue, but none of them had ever heard of
any of their officers wearing gray. The colloquy became
quite warm and decidedly personal, and one officer final-
ly suggested that Morgan should go with him to Colonel
Stokes, and repeat his story to him. At this General
Morgan grew very indignant. He announced in a very
hearty tone that he was not accustomed to having his
word questioned and would not submit to it; he said he
would bring his entire regiment to testify to his identity
and convince them that a Michigan colonel was in-
capable of telling a lie. With that, calling on us to
follow, he suddenly wheeled his horse and galloped
away before an effort could be made to stop him. He
leaped the fence at full speed and dashed with his com-
rades into a neighboring brushy thicket, wher^- wq were
safe from the shots that came from the enemy in pur-
suit.

VISITING BUELL AT HEADQUARTERS 185

It is probable that none other than Morgan could
have escaped, at least but few. But not only his audac-
ity, but his self possession, quickness of apprehension
and thought, and adroitness of suggestion and expedi-
ence in the presence of danger were literally perfect.
I have known several similar escapes where the chances
seemed strongly against it, but in each case there was
some circumstance to either intimidate or mystify the
enemy or in some manner contribute to the aid of the
party imperiled or escaping.

On this occasion everything was adverse to our
escape. We were all dressed in full Confederate uni-
form. The enemy knew that a Confederate force was
in the immediate vicinity, and it was reasonable to sup-
pose that he belonged to it, as they had been fighting
in the advance. The prisoners could have told their
story, and disclosed his true character, notwithstanding
his clever fabrications. He could rely only upon his
absolute self-poise and address, which never failed him,
and a quality that was mesmeric. I can describe it only
as the power to subject to his will nearly everybody
who came near its influence.

While on this subject I shall give another very re-
markable and daring incident concerning this very re-
markable man. While camped at La Verne, during the
stay and operations of General ^litchell's forces south
of Nashville, Morgan took it into his head to go into
this city and with the help of seven picked men set fire
to the accumulated commissary stores and transports
and destroy them at night. We all dressed in ragged,
dirty, patched clothing; were to fire the storehouses at
a certain hour at night, then to make our way out of the
city. He dressed himself in a rough, farmer's suit, ob-
tained a double ox team, loaded a large hay frame with

185 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

hay and driving into Nashville, called for General
Buell at his headquarters and would not be put off.
He must see the general himself to sell him his hay.
He finally had his wish and saw the general, talked to
him in the long, drav^ling speech of the backwoods
countryman, got his money, obtained the information
he sought and came back to us with a pass through the
lines. He could impersonate any character he wisher^
His resourcefulness was almost unlimited. He never
sent men where he would not lead ; he often appeared
reckless even to foolhardiness, but his plans with few
exceptions always worked out. His very remarkable
escape from the Ohio penitentiary, described later, is one
of the most daring in the annals of the world.

After we made our escape in front of Colonel Stokes'
regiment, we found the command several miles away.
They had been informed that General Morgan and
those who were with him had been captured, as some
of our soldiers had seen us meet the Federal column
and thought we were surely captured. During this
day our command had destroyed the railroad train on
^^-^ Xashville railroad, thus blocking traffic.

XX

THE CAMPAIGN IN KENTUCKY, 1862

Reorganization of the command — Expedition on Hartsville — I
am examined by the surgeon — Attack on Hartsville — Mor-
gan commissioned brigadier general — His marriage.

Before starting on the campaign into Kentucky,
there was a reorganization of the entire command. We
had been on a continual, hard campaign and had suf-
fered a heavy loss of men in killed and wounded and cap-
tured. Many changes had occurred. Many of the old,
familiar faces had disappeared. At this tinhe, Novem-
ber, 1862, the command had attained the proportions of
a brigade of somxC five regiments, notwithstanding the
heavy loss. Many of the privates of the old squadron
were now commanders of com.panies and battalions ;
those that still survived, who were hot assigned as
above were formed into a company with all who had
disting^uished themselves by bravery in battle and as
expert shots. All were exempted from camp and picket
duty, were distinguished as scouts, and were always in
the advance of the command when on the march. They
were a select body of men and were often called "the
old guard." The scouts were almost constantly in the
saddle during the fall and winter months.

On the 6th day of October, 1862, General Morgan
received orders at Lexington to place his command in
communication with General Kirby Smith's command
and operate with him in the coming conflict. Taking
Duke's, Gano's and his own command, we moved down to
VeisaiUex.

188 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

A number of noted Kentuckians joined us here for
the purpose of making the campaign to Hartsville. Col-
onel Hanson and his magnificient regiment had been ex-
cl:an.Lied to the second Kentucky. All these veteran
soldiers had been captured at Fort Donaldson. General
Bragg was concentrating his army in the vicinity of
Murfreesboro, receiving constant accessions to it. All
was preparation and bustle in the camps.

I had a leave of absence of ninety days but did not
care to leave my father. I visited all the camps, es-
pecially the Kentucky division. I had many warm, per-
sonal friends among these soldiers. My wound was
healing nicely. There was some soreness in my throat
and lung in the region of the bullet.

We crossed the Cumberland river and found the left
wing of the Yankee army camped near Gallatin. Harts-
ville and Rodney were occupied by detachments of Mc-
CooVc's and Crittenden's corps, with several miles inter-
vening. We reported this to General Morgan. General
Bragg's headquarters were at Murfreesboro.

General Rosecrans occupied LaVerne, Shelbyville
and Clinton, west of Murfreesboro. On the east and
immediately in front, on the right wing of Bragg's army,
the enemy had established garrisons at Gallatin, Harts-
ville and Castillian vSprings, on account of the supplies
it afforded his army and also for the purpose of shutting
us out.

These garrisons were supposed to be in supporting
distance of each other, Gallatin being six miles from
Hartsville and twelve miles from Castillian Springs. This
entire region is a beautiful farming country, the garden
spot of middle Tennessee, and very much like the blue
grass region of Kentucky. A Confederate force march-
ing to attack any one of the garrisons must necessarily

EXPEDITION ON HARTS VILLE IgO

expose to attack its flanks, and also its rear from Nash-
ville. The Cumberland river was also a natural protec-
tion. Consequently these garrisons felt safe from attack.
Our camps were at Black's Shops and near Woodbury,
Tennessee, and our regiment at Lebanon. Morgan and
his men had great affection for Sumner county; many
of her gallant sons were in the command. Upon learning
the enemy's situation, Morgan, at his request, was al-
lowed to select two regiments of infantry from the Ken-
tucky brigade to attack Hartsville. He chose Cobb's
battery, which was the finest in the army; the noted
Second Kentucky, Hanson's ; the Ninth Kentucky under
Colonel Trabue. Hunt commanded the Second Ken-
tucky on. this campaign. Hanson had been made a
brigade commander. Colonel Trabue did not accompany
his men. We were familiar with this entire region.
General Morgan expressly requested that Colonel Hunt
should command the infantry.

The cavalry under the immediate command of Col.
Basil Duke, consisted of the regiments of Cols. Gano,
Bennett and Clark and Chenault's and Steam's battalions.
The infantry who joined us, about seven hundred strong,
were as fine soldiers as ever trod the earth. The entire
force amounted to 2200 men. We set out on the morn-
ing of December 1, 1862. The weather was bitterly cold,
ice and snow covering the frozen ground. We marched
all day and all night, reaching the river about one o'clock.
The infantry crossed in boats, with ice fringing the river
banks. The cavalry was compelled to swim the icy
water. It was arranged to let the infantry ride alter-
nately with the cavalry, a portion of the cavalry dis-
mounted and e:ave up their horses, but the infantr}^
soon clamored to dismount and walk as they were thor-
oughly chilled and their wet feet nearly frozen ; in a like

190 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

manner the cavalry suffered intensely. The darkness
caused some confusion in returnin^^: horses to the rio:ht
owners. The infantry denounced the cavalry service
with all the resources of a soldier's vocabulary.

I asked General Morgan for the poor privileji^e of ac-
compan3-ino^ the brigade. He referred me to the sur-
geon who stripped me to the waist and examined me
critically. He thumped me with the fingers of his right
hand. The ends of his fingers, striking my ribs and
chest, caused a sound like a kettle drum. He listened,
with his ear to my chest for some minutes, turned me
over and repeated the same manner on my shoulder
blade (scapula). He handled me as if I w^ere a vinegar
barrel. His methods, I found to my disgust, had not
improved with practice since our last meeting. He
looked me over and scratched his head, incidentally look-
ing very wise, and said, "Percussion shows some crepi-
tus and frictional sounds. I don't like this." I stumbled
backward into a seat. ''Doctor," said I, "am I as bad as
these things seem to indicate, wdiatever they are? Are
they very dangerous." I had now aroused his Scotch-
Irish blood. He eyed me for a few minutes w^ith evident
disgust and said, "God damn you, you make fun of me in
the discharge of my duty ! I care not whether you live or
die. Get out, you imp, you scoundrel, out of my sight ; I
don't believe anything can kill you, anyway; out with
you". I had been riding about for three weeks. I had
the laugh on the surgeon at any rate. I was sorry after-
ward that I did not remain in camp, according to his
advice, as the weather was intensely cold.

When all were across, each detachment moved to
its appointed position. All the Yankee outposts were
captured without noise or alarm. The command was di-
vided into three sub-divisions, one to march swiftly and

ATTACK ON HARTSVILLE ]91

silently to the west of Hartsville and there guard the
roads leading to this place; one to the east of Harts-
ville to guard the roads leading west to this town ; the
central, or third division, was assigned the duty of cap-
turing the brigade camped near the town of Hartsville.

The astonished enemy was awakened from slumber
at early dawn with the rattle of musketry from every
direction and met with volleys of leaden bullets. The
battle lasted just sixty minutes, but it was lively while
it lasted. We captured 4870 prisoners, killed 163 and
wounded 400. We seized six 12-pound cannon that had
never before been used in battle, and 5000 stands of arms.
Our loss was thirty-two killed, sixty-nine wounded,
twelve missing, some of whom were drowned, and three
frozen to death.

We were now compelled to make a rapid march for
the river and cross it with these prisoners, as we now
had at least 20,000 of the enemy at our heels. It re-
quired some swift marching and sharp fighting to stand
the Yankee soldiers off, to retain the prisoners and to
recross in safety. We used the captured artillery on
them with telling effect until our men were all safely
over. They did not attempt to follow.

This action was considered by the army to be the
most brilliant thing Morgan had accomplished. Cen-
tral Bragg, in his congratulatory orders to the army
on our return, spoke in the highest praise of the conduct
of the troops, especially of the remarkable march of the
infantry. He said to Brigadier General Morgan and Col-
onel Hunt: ''The Ceneral Commander tenders his
thanks and assures them of the admiration of this army.
The intelligence, zeal and gallantry displayed by them
will serve as an example and incentive to still further
honorable deeds, to the other brave officers and men ac-

192 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

companying this expedition. The General tenders his
cordial thanks and congratulations. He is proud of
them, and hails this success, and is charmed by their val-
or, and as a procurer of still greater victories each corps
engaged in this action will in the future bear upon its
banners the name of this memorable field."

At this time General Morgan was formally made
Brigadier General and handed his commission. There
are some who have doubted that he was ever commission-
ed as such. I personally saw the commission.

Another event happened which I have always
thought, with many others, materially affected Morgan's
fortunes; his marriage to Miss Ready, at Murfreesboro ; a
lady to whom he was very much attached and who cer-
tainly deserved to exercise over him the great influence
she was thought to possess.

The ceremony was performed by General Leonidas
Polk, by virtue of his commission as Bishop, in full Ma-
jor General's uniform, at the residence of the bride's
father, Charles Ready, which that night held a happy
assemblage of distinguished guests. It was one of the
few scenes of happiness that house was destined to wit-
ness before its memories of joy and gaiety were to give
place to heavy sorrows, and the harsh insults of the in-
vaders.

The bridegroom's friends, brothers-in-arms, the com-
mander in chief, and Generals Hanson, Breckinridge and
many others, felt called upon to stand by him upon this
occasion.

Colonel St. Leger Grenfels was in a high state of
delight although he had regretted the General's marriage,
thinking it w^ould render him less enterprising. He de-
clared a wedding at which an Episcopal bishop militant
clad in a General's uniform officiated, and at which the

MORGAN'S MARRIAGE I93

chief of an army and his corps of commanders were
guests, certainly ought not to soften a soldier's temper.
On his way home that night he sang Moorish songs to
his comrades, with a French accent, to English airs.

In the engagement at Hartsville a number of noble
Kentucky youths served as couriers and staff officers un-
der General Morgan, for whom he and his entire com-
mand had great fondness. A loss deplored by all was
the death of Major Gervaise Peyton. This boy was the
most favored and petted in the command. He was a
highly intelligent boy, twenty years of age; gentlemanly
and fearless, the soul of honor. His integrity and sense
of propriety were marked. His daring and gallantry un-
der fire was superb. There was not an officer in the
command who would not act upon a verbal order from
him. Daring, even to recklessness, he would lead a
charge at any time. Exposing himself in this battle
at Hartsville, he received such a wound that he could not
be moved. With us he was made a prisoner and abso-
lutely fretted himself to death inside of twenty days.

XXI

THE "CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN," 1862

Departure of Grenfels — ^Again on the march to Kentucky —
Skirmishes at Glasgow and Bear Wallow — Capture of
Elizabethtown — Death of Colonel Halsey — I am snoi through
the lung and captured — 1 escape at Louisville — ^Back to the
command at Liberty, Tennessee — ^We meet our first negro
troops — Battle at Woodbury — Colonel Hutchinson killed and
I am wounded at Big Springs.

The day before staring on what was known as the
"Christmas Campaign" in 1862, the first brigade had in
its ranks about 1800 men, the second brigade 700, and in
the two other regiments, Chenault's brigade, 2000. This
included the artillery. There were about 200 un-
armed men, all mounted. These had been recently ex-
changed as prisoners ; a/rms had not been provided for
them. We expected to capture arms for them from the
enemy. They were not so useless as it might appear,
at first thought, as they were detailed to hold horses dur-
ing the battle. The division now included the Quirk's
scouts. General Morgan's report of his strength to the
commander was 3900 men. At this time my friend,
St. Leger Grenfels. severed his connection with this com-
mand, having accepted the appointment of Inspector-
General of the cavalry of the western army. His saddle,
bridle and buff overcoat were captured at the battle of
Hartsville, and were returned to him. It had been cap-
tured by a noted Home Guard, Captain King, several
months before, from our man "Lightning," Morgan's tele-
graph operator. St. Leger was overjoyed at recovering

^:^m^:

DEPARTURE OF GRENFELS 195

his old time relics. He served with the western army to
the close of the struggle, was captured, and with a num-
ber of other prisoners, who were charged with some spe-
cial crimes, doubtless falsely, as many others had been at
this period, was sent to the barren, sandy island of Dry
Tortugas, off the coast of Florida.

He tried to escape in a small open boat at night dur-
ing a storm at sea ; this craft was washed ashore by the
tides. No one has ever heard or seen him since ; his fate,
therefore, remains a mystery. He certainly was one of
the most unique and interesting characters that our civil
strife floated to the surface. Peace to his memory, soul
and ashes. Amen.

There now comes to us a young man of fine execu-
tive ability, James Magginiss of New York state. He
was made adjutant-general to the command, after St.
Leger Grenfels resigned this office. This young soldier
was killed six months later in a battle at Gordons Mills,
Tenn. He died doing his duty as a soldier, and died as a
soldier should die. There were many magnificent soldiers
in this command, many of them the pick of the youth
and young manhood of Kentucky, the flower of the cour-
age and chivalry of the state. No commander ever led
a more magnificent body of men to action nor were men
ever more nobly led. Our officers were enterprising, dar-
ing and skillful ; many of them became leaders of regi-
ments or of detachments. Of the seven regimental com-
manders, five became brigadier-generals. The other two
gave their lives to the cause. Colonels Bennett and Chen-
ault dying soldier's deaths in battle,Bennett in January
1863, and Chenault on July 4, '63, while leading his men
gallantly in a fruitless charge upon fortifications.

Morgan was ordered by Bragg again to proceed
at the earliest moment to Kentucky, and again destroy

1% FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the Louisville and Nashville railroad bridges, in the rear
of Rosecrans' army, also the telegraph communications.
On December 29, 1862, the division took up its march
for Kentucky. Morgan had under him, at this time, the
largest number of troops he had ever led. Receiving
marching orders, they slowly filed out of the woods.
After some hours' marchino- a cheer at the extreme rear
was heard ; it rapidly came forward, increasing in vol-
ume and intensity.

General Morgan, followed by his well mounted staff,
dashed by with hat in hand bowing and smiling his
thanks. Morgan on horseback was a striking figure.
There were few men in either army, who possessed
the easy graceful poise and striking proportions. His
easy management of his horse, made him appear almost
a harmonious part of the animal itself. Six feet tall,
finely, almost exquisitely proportioned, he had handsome,
regular features, blue-gray eyes, and small foot and
hand for a man. His was the air and manner of a pol-
ished gentleman, the noble bearing of a born leader, and
a soldier. Straight as an Indian arrow shaft, always
neatly and tastefully dressed, elegantly mounted, he was
superb, the ideal cavalry officer.

At this moment he was at the height of his fame,
and happiness — married only 10 days previously to an
accomplished lady, made a brigadier general, justly, de-
servedly, in command of the finest cavalry division of
the army, beloved almost to idolatry, by his men, re-
taining their devotion by an extraordinary great confi-
dence in their valor and prowess, conscious of his own
great powers, yet wearing this with modesty. This was
John H. Morgan's situation on that December morning.

Ah, what is fame? What is ambition? A shadow, a
hollow empty thing.

SKIRMISHES AT GLASGOW AND BEAR WALLOW I97

This column marching all day, reached the sand
shoals on the Cumberland river, just before dark. The
first brigade crossed, and camped for the night. At
early daylight next morning this division made thirty
miles, and wheru within five miles of Glasgow, Colonel
Breckinridge sent Captain Will Jones forward as a scout.
He encountered a battalion of Michigan cavalry, three
com.panies, which he drove out of the town. Our loss
was 4 killed and 7 wounded. Captain Jones died of his
wounds received here.

On the following morning, Christmas day, pushing
forward the advance, we encountered one hundred of
these Michigan cavalry and charged and routed them,
killing nine of them. We reached a place known as
Bear Wallow, where we had a brisk skirmish. Our
scouts had frequent encounters with small bands of home
guards. Two regiments were sent to make a feint upon
Murphysville.

I shall never forget this day because we came across
and captured the largest sutler's wagon I ever saw, load-
ed with all kinds of Christmas good things. The sutler
was going to Glasgow. This was the most enormous
outfit I have ever seen and was drawn by 20 large perch-
eron horses. I believe this wagon would hold more than
the largest railroad car and it was loaded with a fabulous
variety and quantity of everything good to eat. What a
tempting prize to hungry soldiers ! This wagon belonged
to a Yankee army sutler. He met eager customers who
prepared themselves for a much longer credit than
he anticipated. I believe there was enough to furnish
every man in the command a Christmas dinner and sup-
per for three or four days.

On reaching Rolling Fork Bridge, a natural forti-
fication and a very strong position, we found it guarded

198 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

by some two hundred and fifty men in two impregnable
stockades. We being in the advance met with a stub-
born resistance. Having received a very severe wound in
the right leg I remained on my horse because I could not
dismount, but dismounted my men and sent for the ar-
tillery to reduce the place. After placing several shells and
solid shots into these stockades and the covered bridge
we induced the garrison to surrender. We charged
through the bridge and cleared the road on the north
side of the creek. Marching rapidly forward, we surprised
and captured twelve Yankee pickets. On this road
near the town of Lebanon, Kentucky, some two miles
away, General Morgan sent two regiments to the right
and left and waited for them to reach their positions;
then from the opposite direction we entered the town,
and sent a demand for a surrender. Colonel Dick Han-
son's regiment occupied the town. The demand was
refused, a company of this regiment which had been out
on a scout was returning to town and coming suddenly
upon our men, attacked us vigorously. We promptly
made a counter charge and compelled them to surrender,
killing 30 and wounding 17.

We now captured the town and moved on the freight
depot ; from all directions these soldiers fought us for
several hours, until they were forced to surrender some
six hundred men. Our loss was serious. Lieutenant Tom
Morgan, brother of General Morgan, was killed. Our
loss in killed was 39, wounded 47. We found here large
supplies of fixed ammunition, arms and commissary
stores of all kinds. Our command was better armed now
than at any previous time. We marched to Springfield
and here my company was detached to guard the pris-
oners while they were being paroled by our Adjutant
General and his assistants. As they recefved thcrr pa-

CAPTURE OF ELIZABETHTOWN 199

roles, they were turned loose to ctq home. It took us un-
til night to get through with this duty. When Colonel
Alston finished the work, we followed the command.

Now we moved toward Woodsonville on Green
River, thence north along the Louisville & Nashville rail-
road capturing some provisions after a sharp fight at
Nolin Bridge at Bacon Creek. We reduced the stock-
ades there and at various other places along the line of
railroad. We captured about a hundred prisoners, pa-
roling them to be exchanged. The command moved up-
on Elizabethtown where an unusual and very ridiculous
thing occurred.

The advance met a large body of men under a flag
of truce. The officer, a very talkative pompous fellow,
handed our Captain a letter from the Colonel command-
ing the town to General Morgan demanding our imme-
diate and unconditional surrender. He said we were
now amidst the thickest of our foes; that we were
practically surrounded and to prevent the unnecessary
effusion of blood, it was best that we should surrender at
once with all our forces. General Morgan came forward
and glacing over the contents of the letter, said, to the
officer, with a very polite bow, a ludicrous smile on his
face, "Give the Colonel my compliments and say to him
I should much prefer to discuss this matter with him per-
sonally in Elrzabethtown." We moved forward upon
the town. General Morgan had already sent forward
two regiments to surround the place on the north and
east sides. Dispositions being made, we attacked the
town vigorously and after a sharp two hours* fighting we
compelled them to surrender. There were about eight
hundred prisoners captured here, eighty killed and one
hundred and twenty-six wounded. The doughty Colonel
fled at the first fire, and left his soldiers to their

200 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

fate. Our losses here were six killed and thirteen wound-
ed. Moving along the line of the railroad we destroyed
the two light trestle bridges across the gorges m Mul-
draugh's Hill to the mouth of the tunnel, and also the
bridge across Rolling Fork. We crossed this creek with
much difficulty as the banks were precipitous and boggy.
We were attacked there by a large force, necessitating
some heavy firing. General Basil Duke received a seri-
ous wound in this engagement. We lost five soldiers.
Having crossed over we moved to the small town of
Boston and sent out detachments along the railroad to
destroy the bridges as far as Shepherdsville. The main
command marched on to Bardstown, Nelson county,
where we captured a small force and stopped for a day.
We received frequent complaints of brutal and tyran-
ical conduct of one Colonel Halsey, who had arrested
many of the best citizens of the country and sent them
off to languish in Yankee prisons. We marched toward
Springfield. We built our camp fires and drove in the
enemys' pickets both here and in Lebanon, seven miles
away. Leaving a small number of men at each place
with pickets, the command moved in a wide detour
away from these places because the enemy had concen-
trated all their available forces in this region to crush
or capture our whole force. General Morgan made sev-
eral feints, as if to attack this position ; the pickets' camp-
fires kept up the impression that Morgan would attack
early in the morning.

After marching all night, the command was twenty-
five miles southwest of Lebanon, clear of the entangle-
ments the enemy had fixed for our benefit. Our pick-
ets silently disappeared.

How strange is destiny. A few of our men who
had been detached on special duty, were returning along

DEATH OF COLONEL HALSEY 201

the wake of our detour near the ford or crossing of
Beach ford. Colonel Halsey with fifty men while scout-
ing struck our trail. He saw this small detachment and
charged down upon them. The Confederates saw them
and stood their ground, and when the charging Yankees
were close upon them they fired at close range with shot-
guns, emptying twenty-five saddles at the first fire and
nine more at the second fire. They then retreated to
the creek. Colonel Halsey not satisfied and still unhurt,
ordered a charge ; the Confederates had stopped in the
bed of this stream. There Colonel Halsey encountered
them. The impetus of his horse carried him among
our men; the first man he met was George. Eastin; they
were side by side ; they clinched each trying to draw his
sword first. Failing in this, they tried their pistols. Both
released their holds and drew their pistols, but Eastin
was the quicker of the two. He shot Colonel Halsey
from his horse and dismounting took his sword, which
was a fine one, also his pistol and horse. The Colonel's
men did not follow him ; they had had enough. Eastin's
comrades did not ^fire, because they were liable to kill
him. They rode forward and overtook the command
near Columbia.

My wound was still painful and at this place I was
detached and sent with twenty men to a small hamlet
near Marrowbone on the Burksville Fishing Creek road.
Our commissary officers had collected some cattle and
supplies and needed a guard to escort them across Cum-
berland river. We arrived there all O. K . and started
on our return south. Near Withers Crossing we were
attacked by three companies of the enemy. We hurried
the beeves and wagons to the river under whip and
spur, packed the wagons, and thus fortified, held the
enemy at bay until the cattle were safely over. We

202 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

crossed the supply wagons, one by one, until all but two
were out of danger. Ten volunteers remained with these,
while twenty men crossed the wagons to the south side,
and protected us, while we should cross. While mount-
iny my horse he was killed under me, and I received a
minnie ball through my right lung. We lost five men and
six wounded, but got the supply train and beef cattle
safely away.

I was captured, being badly wounded. They sent
me on the transport to Nashville, and placed me in a
hospital there. I was wounded on the twenty-ninth of
December, this being ten times to date. I was sent to
Nahsville, Jan. 6th, 1863, and was in the hospital there
twenty-one days, was then sent to Louisville and placed
in the hospital near Oak Street, between Second antl
Third streets, near the officers' quarters. My wounds
were healing nicely, but I pretended to the surgeon that
I was very ill and could not eat, and complained contin-
ually. I had an object in this.

The hospital was near the officers' stables, and the
ward was on the ground floor. I could see the officers
coming and going. I watched closely for the best and
most spirited horse ; I also noticed that often they would
leave their pistols in their holsters, and sometimes would
leave a sword hanging on the saddle. Keeping my eyes
continually on these matters I made my plans for a get-
away.

On the evening of Feb. 5th, 1863, I dressed myself
hastily and made my way to the stables. There were five
horses standing in the stalls; three had saddles on. I
quickly selected the best and mounted him in the stable.
I found a pair of Colt's pistols behind the saddle and a
fine rain coat. I rode into the alley, looked about me
in every direction. Then I rode slowly to an intersect-

BACK TO THE COMMAND 203

ing alley and crossed Second street to another alley lead-
ing- southward. I reached the city limits, and took a
country road.

I was now quite dark. I traveled all night and
reached safety and generous friends, my old-time faithful
standbys, in the tirne of trouble, Nimrod Conn of Nelson
county and his two bright, intelligent boys, Sid and
Lem. I remained here in seculsion until March 1st.

During this time eighteen Confederate soldiers who
had been wounded at the battle of Perryville made ready
to leave for the South. My brother Sam had joined the
army under Colonel Grigsby ; was made orderly sergeant
of Company D. We must needs be very cautious, as
numerous scouting parties of the enemy were all on the
main roads. There were many Home Guards and the
town all garrisoned with provost guards. The Federal
conscription was being enforced in every county. The
woods were full of hiding men and refugees too cowardly
to fight for their country and homes. We soon made
our way back south.

I found the command camped at Liberty, Tenn. The
advance was at Alexandria, some at Dry Creek, Snow
Hill, Smithville and McMinnville. The command had
been very active during my absence of three months,
and occupied the extreme right wing of the army. It
had fought almost daily, engaging in two battles at Alex-
andria, two at Snow Hill, one at Smithville and one
at Black's Shops. The battle of Murfreesboro had been
fought, when I was in Kentucky. On Bragg's retreat
from that State the two armies readjusted their lines to
conform to the new positions. During this period the
weather was very cold, and developed much pneumonia.

The first negro troops or soldiers we encountered
was during this period. We were met between Alex-

204 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

andria and Lebanon, Tenn. When our boys learned
\vc were before these negroes, they would not be con-
trolled and charged the negroes furiously and drove
them back and through the white soldiers. We gave
them no time to reform their lines. The Yankees fled in
confusion. A short time afterward we were sent by Gen-
eral Morgan to destroy the bridges and trestles between
Murfreesboro and Tullahoma. We had twelve hundred
men, detachments from the different regiments, under
Colonel Hutchinson one of our most gallant, enterpris-
ing and dashing soldiers, also Lieutenant Colonel Martin
of Adam Johnson's regiment. We destroyed a number
of structures and were returning to our former position,
when we were confronted by a strong force who threw
themselves across our line of march, confidently expect-
ing to capture the entire command. While both sides
were maneuvering for position. Colonel Jim Bowles
made his appearance on the scene, this force was two
hundred strong, making the Confederate strength four-
teen hundred. The Yankee force was thirty-six hundred
strong. Here were pitted two picked forces of seasoned
soldiers.

Colonel Hutchinson rode down the lines with his
hat in his hand, smiling and said to the soldiers, "Boys,
we must whip and take these Yankees to camp with us
or all die on the field together." He placed himself at
the head of his old company and led it in a headlong
charge. Lieutenant Colonel Martin also followed in these
charges, counter charges, hand to hand fights, personal
encounters, twos, fours, sixes, tens, twenties, in broken
detachments, etc. Colonel Jim Bowles came into the
fight like a cyclone and carried all before him. Colonel
Hutchinson called his bugler to him and had him sound
the rally. The boys came to him from all directions
to the number of four hundred. Thus he charged the

BATTLE AT WOODBURY 205

ranks of the enemy. It was at this moment that the ar-
tillery had a chance to enter the action. The two
contending forces had been so closely engaged that this
arm could not be used. The field was strewn with the
dead and wounded. We killed, captured and wounded
one thousand nine hundred and seven. This was one
of the most hotly contested battles of the war for the
number engaged. There were prodigies of valor, and
personal heroism shown by all these soldiers. I have
been in 97 battles and skirmishes to date first and last;
but I have never witnessed more dash and gallantry on
any field. This battle was fought near the village of
Woodbury, Tenn.

We camped on the field and gave aid to the wound-
ed of both sides. We marched next day at noon, after
burying the dead, taking such of the wounded as could
be safely moved ; more than half of our men received
wounds that were more or less serious. I received two
wounds in this battle, making eleven up to this time.

There was little fighting for some weeks. We
were scouting most of the time during the winter and
spring, but during the month of May a picked force
was sent out to destroy a large trestle over a gorge not
far from Tullahoma. Here was a strong stockade near
this for its protection. Colonel Hutchinson requested
permission to take this force and destroy it. Reaching
this place it had to be reduced with steel Parrott 12-
pounders before we could destroy it. Having completely
wrecked it we retraced our steps and went into camp near
Big Springs, six miles from Woodbury.

During the small hours of the morning, my fine
Kentucky thoroughbred mare, which I had taken from
the stable at Louisville became very restless and kept me
awake, by pawing the ground almost continuously. I

206 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

went up to her twice and tried to pacify her. We had a
dog with us, he also kept up a constant whining, sniffing
and growling, showing much uneasiness and concern.
I finally concluded there was cause for these demon-
strations. I first saddled my horse and found a watef
bucket and went to the spring for some water. After
drinking I sat down on the roots of a big tree. I heard
a low cough not far from me, on the side of the hill.
Looking intently I thought I saAV the glint of a musket
not over 75 yards away. Snider our dog came to me
and growled. At this I hurriedly left the spring, went
to the camp and awoke my first sergeant and told him
what I had seen and heard, how my horse and dog had
acted all night. He at once awakened the company, got
them under arms and saddled the horses. I sent soldiers
to the different captains and went myself to Colonel
Hutchinson and told him, warned him of our danger, and
informed him of what I had done. When I returned to
my company, they were ready to mount at a moment's
notice. The entire camp was astir. I had told the Col-
onel that I should make for the McMinnsville road if it
became necessary.

It was now breaking day and many outlines of ob-
jects were plainly visible. I mounted my company and
was about to move them toward the road, when we
heard and saw the enemy moving on our camps through
the woods. They were entirely around us, acfvancmg
rapidly. The first fire wounded several men. Jeff Sis-
son's gun was shot from his hand as were those of Leak
Arnetts, Jack Wilson and John Edgar. Sisson said,
"Captain, our guns are useless ; what are we going to
do?" There were some small mess axes lying near. I
told these soldiers to take them. They were the very
weapons we needed. They did so. I took them to the

WOUNDED AT BIG SPRINGS 207

head of the company, and formed them with eight men
armed with shot-guns loaded with 20 buckshot in each
barrel. We charged the enemy in this formation. The
shot guns opened a gap in their ranks. These boys
with the mess axes cut down nine men. We soon made
a passageway for the company to pass through. There
was some very severe fighting while it lasted. We cut
our way out, and left them scattered and badly crippled,
but it was a very serious loss to us, as Colonel Hutch-
inson was seriously wounded and died on the field, like a
soldier doing his duty. He was one of the most active
and enterprising soldiers in the army ; ever watchful and
careful in looking after the welfare of his men. His loss
was irreparable and seriously felt by all. I received a
serious wound in my hip on the right side and was again
knocked out, this making twelve wounds received to
date. I was on the sick list for six weeks.

XXII.
MIRACULOUS ESCAPE AT TULLAHOMA

I again report for duty — Sent to General Bragg — On a dangerous
errand — Captured at Tullahoma — Sentenced to death as a
spy — I escape in the storm — Fight at Turkey Neck Bend —
At Green River Bridge — Capture of Lebanon.

At this time, June 1863, having recovered from my
v^ound, I reported ready for duty again. While camped
near McMinnville, Tennessee, I received orders to re-
port at headquarters at once for special duty. Having
reported, I received instructions to select eighteen picked
men, well mounted. I went to camp and called for vol-
unteers for detached special duty, at the same time telling
the men and nature and great hazard of the duty they
were called upon to perform. Over 140 came forward
and volunteered. As only eighteen men were needed
we had to resort to drawing straws to decide who should
go.

This being settled, I reported to General Morgan,
ready for duty. He simply instructed me to report to
General Bragg's headquarters without delay and handed
me a sealed order not to be broken by me until we had
passed our outpost pickets. We reached General Bragg's
headquarters. I handed him the orders from General
Morgan and asked for instructions.

After reading these orders General Bragg regarded
me for some minutes with a hesitating, searching glance,

A DANGEROUS ERRAND 209

and then asked: "Are you Lieutenant Berry?" My an-
swer was, ''Yes, sir, I am a first lieutenant in Morgan's
command." "You seem quite young to command an ex-
pedition like the one in hand." He then informed me of
the nature and importance of the errand on which he
was sending me, and told me frankly that I and all of
these young soldiers with me in all probability would
fall by the enemy's bullets, or, perhaps, be made pris-
orners of war, or be shot or hanged as spies, if found
with the orders on our persons.

I believed then that General Bragg was trying to
get in his bluff on me.

These orders were to proceed by the most direct
route to Johnstown on the Tennessee river and deliver
the dispatches to the commanding officer. Our small
body was to be sacrificed to save this division. The
country we had to traverse to reach this place was prin-
cipally occupied by General Rosecrans' army, with his
scouts, pickets and men moving in every direction. I
could not hope to escape or avoid them all; I surely
would meet some of them on my journey. I was di-
rected to deliver the orders with the least possible de-
lay and to spare neither men nor horses, but to get there
as rapidly as possible. If I should lose a man or a
horse I was to leave them to their fate; only to be sure
that the dispatches were carried forward.

I proceeded on my errand of death. All turned out
well the first eighteen hours. Then our trouble began.
The enemy were on all the roads, public and private,
in by-paths and fields. I tried to avoid them, and did so
on several occasions. On the morning of the second day
they finally became informed of our presence. When
this fact became patent to us, we were compelled to
take desperate chances. We traveled through the thick-

210 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

ets and woods. When this could not be done we took
the roads.

It was understood that if the man who bore the
dispatches should be killed, the nearest soldier was to
take them and carry them until he met his fate, and
so on, and if captured, he must chew them up and swal-
low the pieces. They must not fall into the hands of
the enemy.

On this day we met and charged forty-five men in
a narrow lane, killed the captain and eight men and
scattered the others, taking some of their fresh horses.
We lost five of our eighteen men in this charge, leaving
me thirteen men. We reached Johnstown late in the
night of this day, and delivered the dispatches.

We now rested our horses for two days and started
on the return to our command. We met no enemy until
after crossing the railroad between Tullahoma and Duck-
er station where we encountered a scouting party of the
enemy's cavalry, one hundred strong. Having only
thirteen men I made a run for it, and fought them off
for some miles until our ammunition was exhausted.

We were compelled to take to the woods for pro-
tection. I had three men wounded and four killed and
received two wounds myself, one serious, as were the
injuries to my wounded men. I had my horse killed
under me. I took to the woods on foot, guided during
the night by the stars and the moss on the trees. I was
very tired, having traveled all night. My companions
disappeared during the night and I never heard of them
again. Early the next morning I was surrounded and
captured by the enemy and was taken to Tullahoma.
Having a blue overcoat over my gray suit, I was taken
before General Rosecrans and questioned as to how I
came by this coat. I told him I had captured it from

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SENTENCED TO DEATH AS A SPY 211

a soldier, as we had to fight our way through their lines
both coming and going. We had killed several and
wounded a number, of which he had been informed. He
ordered me into confinement. I was notified late that
evening that I was to be tried by military court martial
early in the morning.

I was brought before this tribunal at 9 o'clock a.
m. and placed on trial for my life on a charge of being
a spy inside the Federal lines. I had no chance to prove
the contrary. The charge, according to their evidence,
was proven. They informed me that I would be ex-
ecuted at 5 :30 o'clock that afternoon. I felt that my
time had surely come and that General Bragg had
spoken truly as to the probable fate of us all. But
somehow I did not despair. I would wait and keep my
eyes and ears wide open.

They gave me a good dinner, and treated me kindly,
but placed a double guard over me. I watched Ihe
slowly passing hours which seemed ages to me. Toward
evening, about 3 o'clock, I noticed a very black threaten-
ing cloud to the southwest of the camp. It seemed to
gather rapidly and to increase in volume as it approached
the camp, which was in the low bottom land of Duck
river. Along its banks for three or four miles j^ome
of these lands were low and flat, and subject to overflow.
I watched with intense interest the approach of this
black cloud, as I felt that perhaps it might be the last
one I shculd ever see. It might, too, be made the means
of my escape. I could now see it was rapidly approach-
ing, black and angry looking, and not very far away.

It was now 4:30 in the afternoon. One more hour
to live, I thought. While watching the cloud T saw
a young staff officer from headquarters approaching.
His beautiful Kentucky thoroughbred horse wa.-^ pranc-

212 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

ing under its rider. What would I not g:ivo to be upon
his back. I turned my attention wholly to him. How
handsome he was, I thought, and his horse, how p^race-
fully he did step. How full of life, strenc^th and cour-
age. Oh, if I could only capture him and ride him away
to liberty, and my friends how happy I should be ! These
were my thoughts as he came up. The animal was in-
deed a beautiful specimen. The officer came to my guard
tent and told me that I would be hung at 5 :30 that att-
ernoon.

While he was reading the sentence of the court there
came, from the angry, black cloud large drops of rain.

Then came vivid, blinding flashes of forked lightning
and sheets of lightning played over our heads. The black
clouds drew^ nearer. The rain and thunder roared nearer,
lightning played round the camp. The very heavens
seemed to open and torrents of rain fell ; the spirited
charger became restless and frightened. He broke loose
from his rider who had been giving final instructions to
the officer of the guard as to my execution. I saw all
that was transpiring. I saw the beautiful horse loose,
turning and running to protect its eyes from the rain
and the vivid lightning. Now black as midnight; now
bright as morn, was the day. Here was liberty in this
rain and darkness ! On this horse they could not hit me.
I would prefer to be shot like a soldier than to be hung
like a dog. If they did hit me, it was but a soldier's
death. I shall not die nor be hung like a dog. Go, you
fool ; this is the hand of God and his message. Go, and
be a free man ! These thoughts chased each other through
my excited brain.

I acted upon this impulse with exceeding prompt-
ness. I jumped from the tent, seized the horse's mane,
and was in the saddle and off like a shot from a cannon.

CAPT. T. F. BERRY JUST AFTER HIS ESCAPE FROM
TULEAHOMA.

I ESCAPE IN THE STORM 213

The rain by this time was falling in sweltering
sheets, mingled constantly with the ever increasing
flashes of lightning and deafening thunder.

I turned the horse's head toward the river, reached
its brink, plunged into its waters and guided my horse
down stream. When I reached the other bank, I turned
my eyes back upon the camp in the bottom of the swollen
river.

I shall never forget the sight that met my gaze.
There was not a tent left standing. Thousands of men
were struggling in the water. Hundreds of horses were
belly deep. Tents were blown away and many soldiers
were wadins: about in the water.

Prudence admonished me to be away. The cloud
burst had passed on to the northeast, leaving in its
wake destruction. The sun came out bright and beauti-
ful— it looked to me like a new sum shining above a
new earth. This was eight times I had escaped. I must
get away at once. I took to the woods and brush, under
whose friendly cover I made my way by circuitous route
back to Bragg's headquarters at Chattanooga, as the
Confederates had retreated to this place.

I rode all night and all the next day, stopping but
twice to feed my horse. I had been abou": twcive cfays
away from my command. I had lived an age in this
time. I was received by General Bragg cordially, but
with evident surprise which was pictured on his rugged
face. It had been reported to him that I had been killed
with all the men under me. He congratulated me on my
safe return, and recommended me for promotion, which
I received in due time. I was truly glad to return with
my hide intact. These men had been sacrificed to save
a division. These comrades were as true and as fine
a body of soldiers as ever drew a blade or fought tor a
noble cause. Peace be with their ashes and memory.

214 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

On my return from my desperate escape from an
ignominous death at Tullahoma. I joined my command
encamped at Turkey Neck Bend on the Cumberland
river. The first brigade was crossing at this point, the
second brigade at Burkesville. The river was very high
and swift, rendering the passage difficult and dangerous.
General Judah's brigade of Federal cavalry was only
eight miles distant at Marrowbone. His scouts had been
seen at Burkesville on the day before. Late in the even-
ing of July 2nd the force moved up to attack us. He
was too late, as most of our command had crossed the
river. We attacked his force vigorously on two roads,
and forced him to retreat. General Morgan took five
companies of Gano's regiment and charged the enemy,
driving them in confusion, back upon his base at Marrow-
bone, where we encountered his artillery, and four regi-
ments of infantry. We were thus enabled to finish
crossing unmolested. In this melee we had two killed,
while quite a number of officers received severe wounds
and had to be sent back, among them being Captains
Tom Quirk, Mitchell and Cassee.

On the morning of the 3rd of July, the divisioa
pushed on to Columbia, Kentucky, with scouts well for-
ward, and on the flanks of our column. In the evening
we came upon the enemy near this place. The skirmish-
ino: was brisk for a short time. Four companies were
sent forward to charge the enemy, who were infantry
and a finely drilled body of men. They formed a hollow
square in an open pasture to receive the charge. Out
artillery poured grape and canister into their ranks just
before our charging column reached them. Our head-
long, swinging impact was more than they could stand.
They were broken and their ranks thinned by the close
range volleys of the charging squadrons. They were

FIGHT AT GREEN RIVER BRIDGE 215

captured here and paroled. Their cavalry fled pell-mell
through the town and some fought us from the houses.
The enemy's losses were severe for the time they were
engaged; thirty-nine killed and twenty-one wounded.
Our losses, seven wounded and four killed.

We camped ten miles from Columbia, moving at
early dawn of the morning of the 4th. We encountered
a regiment at Green River bridge, where the road from
Columbia crosses the Lebanon and Campbell roads. Our
scouts reported that during the entire night they heard
the crashing of falling trees, and the sound of axes. We
were destined to learn what this meant. The advance
received a salute as it came near the bridge. The enemy
had been cutting down trees and forming abattis work
across our path and from which they greeted us
with volleys. Upon a demand for a surrender from Gen-
eral Morgan, Colonel Moore, the Federal officer in com-
mand, returned for his answer that it was a bad day for
a surrender, it being the 4th of July, a national holiday.
His position was the strongest natural one we had en-
countered during the war He had fortified it with skill.
The abattis work, ditches, and banks of earth, and the
sharpened ends, limbs and branches of trees had made
this natural fortification impregnable. All who are fa-
miliar with a position of this kind will agree that a small
force could hold it against vast odds approaching from
either direction.

Green River here makes a wide bend for half a mile
and returns so that it forms a narrow peninsula at this
point, not more than one hundred yards wide. The
bridge is located here. Colonel Moore had constructed
three forts besides the earth and abattis work across
the road. In front of the skirt of woods was an open glade
about two hundred yards in extent. South of this clear

216 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

ground ran a ravine with steep and rugged descent ren-
dering access to it very difficult except by this road.
The road did not pass directly through this cleared space,
but to the left of it. On all sides were thick woods,
and on the east and west sides the river banks were
steep and impassible precipices. At the extremity of
the open ground, and facing and commanding the road,
were rifle pits, about one hundred yards long; also, the
stockade from which the enemy poured a destructive
and concentrated fire as our men rushed across this open
space into the woods beyond. The sharpened limbs or
branches wounded many while pressing over the rifle
pits and up to the stockade.

Colonel Duke led his men on the left and Colonel
Chenault on the right, both assaulting columns. Colonel
Chenault was killed, ten feet from the stockade, his men
falling fast around him. They were forced to retreat and
reform. Still another and another fruitless charge was
made. The loss was more than human endurance could
stand, to carry this stronghold. Therefore, it must be
abandoned. Our losses were thirty-six killed and fifty-
four wounded, all in less than half an hour's fighting
so close and deadly had been the fire. The enemy lost
nine killed and thirty wounded. There were among our
killed some dashing officers and soldiers who were great-
ly missed; among them being Major Brent, Captain
Treble, Captain Cowan, Lieutenants Halloway and Fer-
guson and several others whom I have forgotten. Col-
onel Moore was as human, as he was brave. He ren-
dered our surgeons every facility and assistance in car-
ing for our wounded.

Passing around this position and crossing two miles
below, we resumed our march toward Lebanon, Ken-
tucky. We camped 5 miles from here, where Colonel Han-

CAPTURE OF LEBANON 217

son's Federal regiment, the Twentieth Kentucky, was
camped. We drove in his pickets from the roads, and
sent scouts to confuse the enemy at different points,
such as Jimtown, Harrodsburg and Springfield. Early
in the morning of the 5th of July we moved upon Le-
banon, reaching it about 5 o'clock. A short, sharp
picket fight, a forward rush ; surrender was demanded
and as quickly refused. The line being formed, an as-
sault was made from four directions upon this position.
The fighting was brisk and furious for four hours. The
artillery was pushed close to the depot into which the en-
emy had been driven from the streets and houses. An
extensive breach was soon made in the brick walls of
this shelter, and bricks and mortar were knocked about
the enemy's ears in lively fashion, from first one side and
then the other. The artillery slackened its fire, and while
this was being done an assaulting column was be-
ing formed. The latter rushed for the breaches in the
walls, and toward the two ends of the depot, to take it
by storm. When we entered the building the enemy
hoisted a white flag in tokea of surrender.

The battle being over Colonel Hanson drew out his
regiment in line, showing six hundred and forty men.
These surrendered their arms and a large quantity of
stores and fixed ammunition fell into our hands as tro-
phies in this battle. There were many stands of Sharpe's
and Springfield rifles. Our losses were quite severe, as
many acts of daring heroism were performed. Captain
Franks led a party to set fire to the doors of the depot,
carrying bundles of dry wood and hay, placing the fire
in a storm of bullets. He was seriously wounded which
made the fourth officer in three days who occupied the
position of commander of the advance guard. These
were all members of the old squadron, from which the

218 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

advance was formed. The heaviest losses of the battles
were amono^ these old veterans. The gallant and la-
mented Ferguson performed a most gallant deed on that
day. A messmate lay wounded in the broiling sim, ex-
posed to a galling fire. Tom Logwood was begging
water. Ferguson went to him through this leaden storm
and carried him on his back amid the cheers of both
friends and foes.

Poor Walter Ferguson was one of the bravest of
the brave of the old veteran squadron. He was soon
afterwards captured near Lexington, Kentucky, placed
in prison, and was taken from there and hanged by Gen-
eral Burbridge's order without a trial.

There were many casualties in this fight at Lebanon,
and Lieutenant Tom Morgan was kiUed in an assault
upon the depot, falling into the arms of his brother, Cal
Morgan. Our loss was twelve kiPed and thirty-six
wounded. All our wounded who could be moved were
placed in army ambulances and taken with the command.
We took Colonel Hanson and our prisoners to Spring-
field and paroled them, which occupied several hours.
I was detailed with my company to help in this service.
We did not more than get through with this duty be-
fore General John Judah, Federal, came up and took
an active interest in us, saluting us with a broadside of
shrapnel and grape shot. We came very near being
made prisoners ourselves and but for the darkness would
have been captured. We now pushed on our w^ay to
rejoin our command.

While moving slowly along the pike, some time af-
ter midnight we were suddenly halted near Beach Fork
stream by the challenge, ''Who goes there?" "Friends
with the countersign." ''Advance one man and give the
sign." One man passed forward and was received into

ANOTHER CAPTURE AND ESCAPE 219

the Yankee ranks, and was hustled to the rear. The
Yankees rose up all around us, greeting us, *'Men do you
surrender?" I being in advance answer, "Yes," know-
ing full well that we were now in the hands of our enemy,
as their language betrayed them. I had granted thirty-
seven of my men leave of absence until next day noon
and had only about 16 or 17 men with me at the time.
We were taken in charge, disarmed and our horses' heads
turned back to Springfield. We were in a big bunch of
trouble.

Soon my brain was in a whirl of thought to devise
some scheme of escape. I was in the hands of the com-
mander, a Major Thornton, of the Michigan cavalry. We
soon fell into a pleasant and spirited conversation. I
finally told him in bantering manner that I did not like
his company one bit and intended at the very first oppor-
tunity to leave him, to make my escape soon as possible.
He came close to me and said earnestly : "Johnny Reb, I
do not want to be compelled to kill you ; which I will
certainly do if you try to make your escape." I told him
I was a soldier, his enemy, that it was my duty to get
away from him at the first opportunity, and that I should
certainly try if even half a chance was presented.

Riding thus, and talking all the while, day light ap-
peared in the east. I said, "Major, I am very thirsty for
a drink of water." He replied, "There is no water to
be had now." I then told him of a splendid cool spring
about one mile ahead on the side of the pike, where we
could water the horses, and get a good drink for our-
'selves. He made no reply ; we finally reached the spring
and pool ; I said "Here is the place." Our horses started
over to where the water was bubbling from the hill-side.

By this time objects were visible at a distance.
We dismounted and drank from the same spring. We

220 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Stood up about the same time ; the command was busy
drinkint^-. I spoke to a soldier ; he replied that it was
almost day and asked how far it was to Springfield. I
told him it was about six miles. At this moment a Yankee
soldier rode up, and asked for the officer in charge. He
handed the Major a note*; now was my time. I was
standing about four feet from this officer. I secretly
punched my mare in the flanks. She kicked a clear space
around her ; he was reading the note by a lighted match,
which blinded him somewhat. I suddenly mounted my
horse and raised my broad-brimmed hat with an ostrich
feather on it, both covered with heavy dust. The Major
looked up ; I slapped him in the face and eyes with my
hat, and said, ''Good-bye, Major, I am gone." Planting
my spurs deeply into the side of my mare, I was off like
a shot out of a gun. I cleared a space to the pike. The
ranks were in sudden confusion and before they could dis-
entangle themselves I was out of reach moving like the
wind to gain my liberty again. I learned afterwards, that
the Major said he thought I was only joking.

A CORNER OF CAMP DOUGLAS.

XXIII.
MORGAN'S INVASION OF INDIANA

Crossing the Ohio — In Indiana — Capture of the command at
Buffington — 'I escape en route to Cincinnati — Back in Ken-
tucky— I am pressed into the Federal service — Placed in
command of the advance guard — Back among friends — Se-
curing fresh mounts — Again to the South.

Morgan now moved to invade Indiana's sacred soil.
He was the first Confederate to invade this state.

We rested on the banks of the Ohio for thirty-six
hours, in the meantime crossing some troops under the
fire of four small cannon. Becoming tired of this annoy-
ance, Morgan ordered two twelve pound Parrott guns on
the high hill above the town to silence these and to com-
mand the river above and below the town.

Along in the afternoon we saw steaming down the
river a curious looking craft. Captain Towsier conclud-
ed to interview them as to their destination. He there-
fore sent two solid shots on this polite errand. One
these went half a mile beyond the second and the last
struck the cabin and knocked it into the river. The
captain became very much disgusted and would not in-
sist on any further interview and withdrew very prompt-
ly from that vicinity.

We moved on toward Corridon, Indiana. Here we
were welcomed with many evidences of affectionate re-
gard ; at least it was a vigorous demonstration. They

222 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

fired many small arms and a number of cannon shots
here. After a short, sharp skirmish we captured about
two hundred home guards and charg^ed over some rifle
pits. A few hundred of these featherbed soldiers fled
at the first fire. We were detained here about forty-
five minutes. Moving forward, our scouts had frequent
collisions with militia.

We camped near a small place called Posey; passed
on through Hampton, and Sharpsburg, meeting many
companies mustering to stop us. We passed ourselves
for regulars and then affiliated with them. At a given
signal we would level our guns in their faces and de-
mand a surrender, taking their arms and breaking them.
We did this often.

We had stirred up a hornet's nest; there were thirty
thousand men on the march to head us off. We were
constantly under fire. As we approached the towns and
villages the people fled in terror, leaving homes open,
with hot bread, biscuits and steaming hot coffee.

The command was now marching by parallel roads
to a central point. Meeting here these would fix another
common center, again take parallel roads. Different de-
tachments would take the advance, which met and cap-
tured many militia.

We were crossing a river at three fords and the ar-
tillery was being ferried over in boats, when about a half
mile from the river we heard firing ahead of us. The
scouts had reached the river, made a raft, placed their
clothing and guns on this craft and, perfectly nude,
were now swimming the river. When about two-thirds
over they were fired upon by some Yankee scouts. These
had not seen our artillery, who had reached the north
and west bank of the stream. Our boys made for the
shore, caught up their guns and drove the Yankees off,

IN INDIANA 2Z3

and our artillery opened on them also. I am sure this
was the most unique and unusual battle that occurred
during the Civil War. Four of our boys were wounded
in this battle, which was near Burksville on the Cumber-
land river.

Our advance and a small detachment of the scouts
encountered a Yankee force near Marbone, which was
near our line of march. Captain Quirk charged them
and chased them for three miles, coming upon General
Hutchison's brigade, drawn up in line ol battle across
the road. Here they were checked by a heavy volley
and grape shot from a masked battery. Captain Quirk
received a serious wound. Our soldiers fell back upon
the main body of our troops.

Sometimes we would travel forty-five and even fifty
miles daily, stopping only long enough to feed our horses.
We had guides and would travel far into the small hours
of the night. Most of the boys would sleep on their
horses for hours at a time. The reason for this was that
Morgan traveled faster than the news could reach the
outside world, thus baffling the enemy, who could not and
did not know where to meet or find him at any certain
time. These different detachments also tended to be-
wilder them and kept them confused during this hard
campaign. The Federal authorities heard of us at one
place, then in a few hours at another place fifty miles
from this. The only rest we had during this continuous
ride was at Georgetown, Ohio, and Versailles, Ohio, and
a short rest at Hamilton, Ohio. We traveled on an av-
erage daily fifty-one miles by night travel; when we left
Hamilton, Ohio, we made a continuous ride of ninety-
one miles without stopping. We this night rode around
Cincinnati, and reached the Ohio river a few miles above

224 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

this city, following the course of this river to Buffington
Island, which we reached on the evening of July 18th.

I had now been continuously almost day and night
for five weeks in the saddle. It seemed an ag^e to me. I ■
had escaped an ignominious death in a most miraculous
way ; surely I had no reason to complain at my fate. I
was in comparatively good health. True, my last wound
still troubled me at times, but this could not be helped.

We went into camp near a ford just above Buffing-
ton, and could have crossed. That evening or night we
found a small fort here garrisoned with ninety men.
We quickly surrounded it and went to General Morgan
and informed him of the situation. We sent in a flag
of iruce, saw the captain and induced him to surrender
without any bloodshed ; thus we held the key to the
crossing. We camped in a beautiful valley covered with
shocks of wheat.

But, alas for human hopes, we lingered too long
here. The men had ridden a long, weary distance. There
was liberty over there, less than half a mile away, just
across the water. But Morgan said, "These men are
tired to-night ; it is dark, we can cross early in the morn-
ing." When morning came a thick, heavy, wet fog cov-
ered the bottoms nearly to the tree tops, on the high
hills. This fog lasted to 10 o'clock. The ford cannot be
found. Oh, the fatal delay!

We sent some of our scouts back upon the hills.
The Yankees were thick as fleas and on the move, too.
Our columns were put in motion to forestall our ene-
mies. I got my company in line and examined the cart-
ridge boxes, and found only five rounds to the man.
Other officers found the same conditions, only some of
the men in other companies had only three rounds to the

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St

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CAPTURE AT BUFFINGTOxN 225

man. This was reported, but no matter, we got in mo-
tion.

The foo;- heg-an to lift. Some of our troopers, stoop-
in^^ close to the ground, saw, not twenty feet away, the
blue line. General Duke leading, halted, cried, "Kneel !
Fire ! Charge !" The thin gray line moved forwarcl
with a wild rebel yell, firing as they advanced, driving
the heavy mass of the enemy before them while the
ammunition lasted. In the meantime Morgan with
about 1800 men moved up to the ford and about five
hundred of them crossed in safety. General Morgan
now retreated up to the river with about twelve hundred
men. We had exhausted our ammunition. The con-
stant jolting up and down had worn the wrappers of
paper off the balls, and thereby rendered it useless.
Thus ended one of the most remarkable campaigns in
ancient or modern history.

We were now facing an army of some forty thou-
sand men, regulars, seasoned soldiers and state militia,
without any means of defense. The only solution soon
came in the shape of surrender of General Duke's small
brio-ade. This being over we were now all marshaled
back up the river to the head of the island, and the
arms that had carried us through so many brilliant and
bloody scenes taken from us.

I had already made my preparations for this. I had
found a fine suit of citizen's clothing, and had kept them
rolled up in a tight roll to keep the dirt from them. I
asked permission to take a bath at night. Taking this
roll of clothing ^vith me I- bathed nicely and dressed
mvself in these, placing my soiled clothes on over these.
The dunrd could not see me, to know what I was doing.
Wc returned to camp and next day we were placed on
br»ard two transports for Cincinnati, arriving there on

22h FOl'R YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

July 21st, 1863. I)urin<^ the trip down to the city at
night I had a shave and a haircut. My hair had grown
long, hanging low on my shoulders. This I had clipped
close to my head, and my whiskers were also long and
matted with dust and grime. These were shaved off,
le'^ving only a moustache and goatee. I now stripped
off my dirty soldier uniform and dropped it from the
splashboard of the wheel house of the moving boat and
waited for my opportunity, which I knew would come
soon. I sent for my dear old father and told him of my
hopes and plans for a speedy escape and asked him to
go with me. He looked at me in amazement and dis-
couraged the attempt, telling me that he thought it a
very desperate thing to try. I handed him fifty dollars
and told him I was going or die in the effort ; if we do
not risk something we shall never gain anything.

The time had now come. I made my way to the
forward deck where some citizens had already come
aboard. I stepped up to a young lieutenant In charge
of the guards and said to him, "Can I give this five dol-
lar bill to that young soldier standing there?" He
turned to me in a very impatient manner, looking me in
the face, then said in a very positive, imperative tone,
"No, you cannot. Leave here. Leave this boat at
once. Guard, make all these citizens g-et off this boat,

get into the yawl and leave d quick. Guard, clear

these decks and keep them clear of citizens."

He pushed me towards and into the small boat him-
self. I said to him, "I did not wish or intend to break
your rules. I asked you first, sir. Please excuse me."
Leaving the boat I jumped down into the yawl and
pushing it away was rowed swiftly to shore.

I did not linger. Tumping on shore I sprang up
the wharf. 1 hunted my old time, standby friend, Seth

ESCAPE ENROUTE TO CINCINNATI 227

Thomas, and told him my wishes, handing him a roll oi
bills. He scolded me some, but went and brought what
I needed — two pairs of heavy dragoon pistols, one hun-
dred rounds of ammunition, a pair of riding boots, a
long duster, a hat and some socks. I changed my suit
quickly and was off again.

I returned to the river and saw my comrades leav-
ing the boats, passing on into the city. How I did
wish my father was with me. I passed on down and
boarded a boat for the Kentucky shore. My heart beat
fast and my brain was in a whirl as I bought a ticket for
Lexington. I heard many persons speak of Morgan and
his men.

I did not stop at Cynthiana this time. My little
darling had passed to the great beyond where there is
no sorrow,^ no fighting, no sin or suffering. Passing on
to Lexington I met an old friend who told me all the
particulars of the death of my dear sister; also that
Brother Sam — one-arm Berry — was recruiting in the
state. I started that very night to find him. I did not
find Captain Berry at the place designated. I then re-
turned to Lexington. I was stepping into a carriage
when I was tapped on the shoulder by a lieutenant who
said, **We want you."

"For what?"

"To repel an attack on the city by the rebels, who
are now advancing from Richmond ; they are now nearly
here. We are pressing every man that we can find into
the service."

I hesitated, deliberating whether to kill him or go
with him. I scrutinized his face for a few seconds, and
concluded to go with him. I was sure that he did not
know me, but I knew him instantly, for he was none

j)j>s I'^oriJ vi:aks wi'i'ii mokcan and kokkkst

other than IJciiU'iiant Hale, formerly of General Buell's
staff, the identical officer I had met in Tullahoma, Tenn.,
on June 19th, when 1 was about to be hang^ed as a spy.
I was inside the Federal lines and if this turned out to be
a capture it would be three times within six weercs,
hence my close scrutiny of this young officer's face.
Having determined to keep my eyes open I followed
with several others that he had gathered up. He had a
guard with him and marched us into the city to the
headquarters of General Steve Burbridge.

All was excitement, confusion and rumors. Hun-
dreds of citizens were forced into the ranks in two days.
Colonel Scott had captured Richmond, made a feint upon
Lexington and was now moving towards Winchester.
A reliable "grape-vine' telegram said that Colonel Sco.t
was to make a demonstration in favor of General Mor-
gan, toward Cincinnati. The next day "\^e were all
mounted and placed in a regiment of Indiana cavalry,
Colonel Crawford's, and started in hot pursuit of Scott's
command. When I found that I was again in their toils,
I began at once to devise some plan to take French leave.
I could not think of any way to take advantage of the
situation. I now had a line chance to improve my for-
tunes. I was mounted on a good horse and carried a new
Springfield rifle. T had kept my two pairs of Colt's pis-
tols hid under my duster.

I soon became convinced that these Hoosiers did
not care to catch up with this fighting, doughty old war-
horse. The general in command, D. H. Johnson, had
already learned his mettle on former occasions, and to
his entire satisfaction. We had followed Scott five days,
always half a day's march behind him. W^e advanced
on to Winchester. When near this place there were
calls for volunteers for the advance. I was the first to

BACK AMONG FRIENDS 22' >

volunteer, and was placed in command of sixteen men.
Having organized them, 1 received instructions to keep
the general posted on conditions at the front, every mile
^r two. We resumed our march for Winchester. Every
mile or two I sent a courier back to the colonel as to the
status of affairs.

On reaching the vicinity of Winchester I saw
Colonel vScott's advance coming from the south. I halt-
ed the men and took six men and rode forw^ard. The
recruits seemed to be very uneasy. I quieted them by
telling them that these were Federal soldiers. I rode
into the ranks of vScott's advance and asked for Colonel
Scott. He came shortly and recognized me instantly.
I told him of my experience and of Morgan's capture,
and especially of my recent experience with the Yankees.
He laughed heartily at this and commended my service.

I now told the six men w^ho I w^as, that I w'as gofng
with this command south, and they could go or stay
with us or go back, as they chose. There w^ere five of
these joined us here, one only returned home. Colonel
Scott now^ sent a detachment out to meet the advance
of my late companions, and gave them a chase for sev-
eral miles. I now told Scott of the capture of General
Morgan's command, except four or five hundred men.

I was now again once more among my friends. We
moved southward towards Pound Gap, in the Cumber-
land Mountains, and had a short skirmish with a small
cavalry force at or near Estell Springs. I was the first
soldier who carried south news of General Morgan's
capture. I left Colonel Scott's command at or near Pound
Gap. I met some of my old company and they had been
detached and sent to Tamsey, on special duty. I was
indeed glad to meet these old comrades.

We now made our way over the mountains to Spar-

).;() I'oiK vi:ai:s wrni MoudW and i'okrkst

la, 'J'cnn. For live clays we traversed this wild region.
When near this place we learned through friends that
there was a large force of Yankee cavalry near this
place; had come last night. 1'here were ten of us. We
concluded to have some fun with these people. We were
all familiar with this entire country. Our friend took us
to a hill overlooking the whole country. This was about
ten o'clock, and on reaching this position we saw General
Long, the commander, and his staff riding into the barn-
yard to feed their horses. All went to the house nearby
and sat down to a nice dinner, prepared for them.

This was our opportunity. Wliile they were en-
joying a good dinner we could remount ourselves on fresh
horses. There wxre seven superb Kentucky thorough-
bred horses in that stable. It would be a lasting dis-
grace on all Morgan horse thieves, as we were called,
to let this chance slip by and not get them. Quickly
placing the barn between us and the house, two of the
boys reached the high fence and laying it down quickly
we entered the barn, placed the bits in the horses'
mouths, mounted them and slipped through the gap in
the fence. All now through we moved rapidly away
without being discovered. The boys laid up tiie rails
again. We left our tired horses in the w^oods. I got
the general's horse and rubber blanket lined with a fine
robe.

We all now pushed southward ; leaving the roads
and travelling only by-paths, we rode far into the night
by country roads. W^e met a native and pressed him
to pilot us. We stopped and fed our horses about 3
o'clock and after resting about one and a half hours we
moved away rapidly towards the Tennessee river, about
twenty miles south. We kept a vigilant outlook now
for we were in the hot nest of Union men, or bush-

AGAIN TO THE SOUTH 231

whackers. This was in the neighborhood of London
bridge. We had traveled hard ahiiost continuously since
capturing these fine horses, and had fed them but once.
About five o'clock in the evening w^e found some fodder
and corn hid in a cove in this mountain gorge ; here we
rested and fed and rubbed down our tired steeds, then
moved once again towards the river. About dark we
met some of our cavalry going to Knoxville ; wq were
now safe within our lines and soon we went into camp.
The next morning, July 29, 1863, we entered Knox-
ville, Tenn., and met Mrs. Morgan, the general's wife,
and told her of his capture. She was very much dis-
tressed ; we tried to console her all we could. We re-
mained here some three weeks in camp, doing nothing
but loafing and eating hard tack with worms in it and
sowbelly, and it was sour at that. Finally Colonel Scott
was ordered west to Dalton Georgia, and from there to
Missionarv Ridge, near the Tennessee line.

XXIV.
BEFORE CHICKAMAUGA.

Missionary Ridge — Ringold's Gap — Remains of Morgan's division
assigned to Forrest — Cavalry fight at Ringold's Gap — F'or-
rest pleased — We refuse to be dismounted.

At tliis time tlie two armies were again concentrat-
ing". The Federal army was at Chattanooga at the
foot of Lookout Mountain, some near Rossville, south
of this. General Rosecrans was crossing' the Tennessee
River and making his base at this place. Every one was
now expecting an early battle. The armies were mov-
ing to a common center. General Longstreet's corps
from the A'^irginia army was now arriving as a reinforce-
ment for Bragg's army, in fact General Forrest had sev-
eral skirmishes with the enemy, one near Rossville gap.
It was known that the enemy were nearing Missionary
Ridge in force. .The Confederates w^ere advancing also.
They finally came to a clash about the last day of Aug-
ust and fought the bloody battle of Missionary Ridge.
General Polk's corps did the principal fighting here.

Our forces retired for a short distance and Patrick
Clebourne's division formed here at Ringold's ga]) in
ambush. This ga]) is a narrow pass in the steep hill-
sides. He massed his troops so that they had an en-
Hiadini; tire from the ciirliii^ hills, concentrating their
fire upon this central ])(>sition. 'i'he Federals advanced

IIIXGOLD'S GAP 233

and when the head of their columns were almost through
this gap we opened upon them with deadly effect. One
whole brigade and a part of another was almost de-
stroyed in this gap, so much so that the passage on and
along the sides of the road was blocked. Many were
killed and wounded and the rear of this column was
forced to retreat. This terrible concentrated fire of Cle-
bourne's completely checked the enemy's advance at this
point. I have never witnessed such terrible havoc in so
short space of time. It was late in the dusk of evening,
but the fiery, continuous flash of infantry and artillery
fire lighted up the horrible scene of blighting destruc-
tion. The cries and moans of the wounded, the fierce
yells and shouts, the orders of the officers of both armies
and the din of this daring, gallant struggle were simply
awful. The ground, the very hills, shook under the feet.

Night put a stop to the carnage. The Confederates
held this gap and camped near the scene, moving off
next morning unmolested.

The two armies were now shifting positions daily.
Our cavalry w^as watching the flanks, during the inter-
val between this and the coming conflict, destined to be
fought at Chickamauga, one of the most, if not the
most bloody battles of the Civil War, if not of tx*ic world.

At this time about five or six hundred of our com-
mand of those who crossed the river at Buffington
Island, and while Duke was fighting at this place, and
also about two hundred men who w^ere wounded and
left in our convalescent camp came into our camp. They
were under the command of Major Fitzpatrick and were
at this time ordered to report for duty to the redoubtable
General Bedford Forrest, the magnificent and uncon-
querable, the brilliant, now unmatched soldier of the
western army.

2;y\ I'M Hi; vi-;Aiis WITH moimjan and foukest

General Longstrcet's corps had now arrived. Gen-
eral Wheeler's and General Forrest's cavalry were al-
most in daily combat with the enemy's outpost, show-
ing plainly that a general engagement was imminent
at any time.

The remnant of General Morgan's division, with
the sick and wounded who had been left behind and some
prisoners who had been exchanged, were collected at
Cjaines\ille, Ga. These were under Lieutenant Colonel
Kilpatrick and in effective force nine hundred and twen-
ty strong. They received orders to report to General
Forrest at Warrenton. Reaching this place Forrest or-
dered us to Dalton. On the evening of September 17th
General Forrest rode into our camp with his bodyguard.
We were drawn up in line and inspected by him. He
complimented us, but said that he had some hard work
for us ; that the enemy were on the move and we must
help drive them back, as they were then massing in
front of us, and in a few days he should then try the
mettle of this small band of Morgan's men. "We shall
move to the front in the morning," he declared, "and I
want you near me."

On the morning of September 18th, while one hun-
dred and ten of us were scouting we encountered a regi-
ment of Pennsylvania cavalry, near Ringold Gap. For-
rest was leading us. The enemy had no advance guard,
but were moving slowly. Our videttes discovered them
and fell back, unseen, to our main column. General For-
rest placed fifty men in ambush, and instructed the of-
ficer in charge not to fire until he had heard three guns
in front of him. At this signal they opened upon them
rapidly. He now sent me forward to meet and attack
them with ten men, slowly falling back. We charged
them so suddenly that we created considerable confusion.

CAVALRY FIGHT AT RINGOLD'S GAP 235

Forming quickly they rushed at us with yells. We fell
back through the ambushment. Forrest now assailed
them at close range and fired almost in their faces. They
followed us through the ambushment, shooting at us al-
most in our ranks. Forrest rode forward, leading the hity
men ; drawing his sword, which flashed in the sunlight,
.with a clear, ringing command charged into the advanc-
ing enemy's ranks, cutting the leader's head open at one
powerful stroke. This first victim was a captain. They
recoiled under the impetus of this charge. We pressed
the fight. The first grapple was short, fierce and deadly.
We killed twenty-one of them. They fell back slowly
at first, but the onslaught was so fierce and persistent
that soon they fell back rapidly. Receiving a number
of deadly volleys from the ambush, they retreated pell-
mell, almost frantically. General Forrest cutting down a
number in their rear. The pistol practice went on. At
Ringold Gap they tried to rally. Our dismounted men
had now gained their horses. We resumed the charge.
The enemy gave way and fled. We drove them across
Chickamauga creek, four miles from where we met them.
We captured eighty-five prisoners on the run, killed
sixty-four and wounded forty-nine. Our loss was four
killed and eleven wounded.

While returning we met Forrest's old regiment com-
ing to see what had become of us. Recrosjing the bridge,
we went into camp two miles from Gordon's Mill, with
his whole command.

On our return one of the general staff asked For-
rest how he liked and what he thought of the remnant
of Morgan's old command. Forrest was noted for his
sparse praise of troops, but we all considered his reply
a high compliment. He simply said, "Any man could
make a reputation as a fighting general with such men

2^(, I'oru vi-:Aiis wnii .moiuiax and korrest

at liis back. If this is a sample of their methods, I am
satisfied with tlicm. With such men I could drive the
Yankees out of this country." We all felt assured that
we had a friend in General Forrest. Reaching our
camps we found our army advancing. Our outpost pick-
ets were placed along the Chickamauga creek, which is
very tortuous and crooked, and is spanned by a number
of bridges.

General Forrest received orders to dismount all the
remnant of General Morgan's command and turn their
horses over to the artillery and send the men to the in-
fantry, after the battle. General Forrest sent for all
the field officers of Morgan's old soldiers and read the
orders to them. He asked the question, "What are you
going to do? Are you willing to go to the infantry?"

All were silent ; all seemed unwilling to be the first
to speak. Forrest said, "Gentlemen, what are your in-
tentions? Answer for yourselves; this order can not
reduce your commissioned officers to the ranks. What
is your pleasure?"

All were still silent. I now spoke for myself.

"General, I will say that I will not be dismounted.
I have never drawn a dollar as pay from the Confederate
government, nor has our government ever been at a
cent's cost for equipment, rations, horses or clothing
for these men. These men in my company, these private
soldiers, have not really been sworn into the service.
W^e are not willing to permit this indignity. I have
furnished, first and last, one hundred and eight revolvers
for equipment out of my own pocket, also the ammuni-
tion. All our horses are our own private property. I
earnestly protest on niv own 1:»ehalf and of this remnant
• if my old comrades and \eterans, some forty-six in num-
ber. As for these gentlemen ])resent, they can speak for

WE REFUSE TO BE DISMOUNTED 237

themselves; but if these old veterans are to be dismount-
ed and deprived of their private property and without
their consent, I shall tender my resignation now. I did
enlist for the war, but my commission entitles me to this
privilege of resigning. As my comrades cannot do this,
I shall remain with them. I have done."

I noticed that the general watched me closely, his
gray eyes piercing me through. It w^as the unanimous
opinion that the officers, thirty-one in number, should
sign a remonstrance against this vandalism, not to say
robbery, by the commanding general. General Forrest
himself said that these orders were an outrage, and that
he would refuse to carry them out when the proper
time came ; that he would resign his position first, and
seek to obtain an independent command from the sec-
retary of war. I asked him if I might call the men and
inform them of the matter. After conferring with each
other, it was thought best that we should not tell them
of this order until after the coming battle. I insisted
and did tell my comrades that evening that General For-
rest promised to do what he could to help us in this
matter.

XXV.

CHICKAMAUGA.

About nine a. m. Gen. Forrest received orders to
advance iov an attack at early dawn. He had under
him thirty-nine hundred men, encamped some two miles
from the bridge, which was near Gordon's Mill. About
one a. m. our out post pickets were driven in and re-
ported that the enemy was advancing in strong force
along our front; our a(lvance-])ase picket lines and
skirmishers were strengthened. We were very tired
and lay down to take a short nap, if possible. About
three o'clock a. m. our camp was aroused by heavy
firing all along our front. The command was hurried
into line quickly, the pickets and skirmishers slowly
falling back ; in a short time our infantry came up.
We heard the dead limbs and brush crackling under
their advance in our immediate rear. All was still
as death, sa\e but a few picket shots at long intcr^■als.
Both armies were waiting for the dawn to commence
this bloody battle. General Longstreet had come from
Virginia to reinforce Bragg's army with his magni-
ficent corps of nine tliousand men.

Some of our immediate comrades were asleep,
resting on their arms. I fell asleep myself, be-
ing very tired from the battle of the day be-
fore. I was awakened by the terrific explosion of a

CHICKAMAUCiA 239

shell behind our lines, the first ^un fired in this blood-
iest of the many bloody battles of the war. It was al-
most day ; I had slept almost an hour and a half, but
it seemed to me five minutes. It was five o'clock.
I heard a rattling, crackling sound in our immediate
front, a silence, then a roll of heavy and prolonged
musketry fire. "Forward March," the stern command
which puts the whole army in motion. Skirmishers
were thrown forward in increasing numbers ; they were
met by fitful, irregular showers of whizzing bullets. Our
advance was slow, but steady and continuous. We pass-
ed through cultivated fields of corn and cotton, and
through thick, tangled undergrowth of the woods, which
necessitated a halt to adjust the lines.

General Buckner arrived from Knoxville with his
corps, leaving Knoxville to uncertain mercies of a brutal
soldiery. Major General Wheeler had the immediate
charge of the left wing of the cavalry arm ; General
Forrest the right wing. General John C. Breckenridge
was close behind Forrest and Buckner close up be-
hind General Wheeler, followed by General Pope, Gen-
eral Hardee, General Cleburne and General Cheatham,
General Wallthal and General John Helm, in columns or
brigades as a reserve at close supporting distance. Gen-
eral Bragg went into battle with 62,700 effectives. Gen-
eral Rosecrans' force consisted of 98,698 effectives.

At early dawn these two hostile forces were in
motion, both seeking the offensive, moving across a
level but thickly wrioded area, and in many places open
plantations, along the devious and sluggish Chickamauga
Creek. As the advance quickened the shrill notes of the
various bugles acted as a stimulus to the cheering reb-
els. As the .mists of early morning, which at first
mingled thickly with the smoke of battle and obscured

240 FOUR YKAKS WITH M()K(^AN AND KOIIKKST

the scene in our front, cleared away, the great orb
of day peeped above the horizon, blood red, and seem-
ed to stand still, as if in protest and horror at the bloody
drama to be enacted on the Chickaniauga, the river of
blood.

General Forrest all aglow seemed transformed as he
rode along the lines, grim, fixed. He was now entering
the fray, his eyes all ablaze with the prize of battle. We
reached a wide opening. With a sweep of his field-glass
he surveyed the scene in front. There was the enemy
in serried battle array, the rifles blew white smoke m
fitful puffs from each regimental line as the men dis-
charged their yolleys. There were at least ten thous-
and blue coats in sight. At their rear was the Chick-
amauga.

Our advance was checked, and thirty-six pieces of
artillery brought u]). A storm of shot and shell, shrap-
nel and canister, intermixed with grape shot was now
rained upon the massed forces directly before us, near
Gordon's Mill, which was riddled with bullets. The
enemy took shelter under the banks of the river. The
entire valley was hidden under a thick veil of drifting
smoke. During this cannonading, General Forrest had not
been idle. He sent an aide to inform General Breckenridge
that as soon as firing ceased he could charge the position
with his entire cavalry force. Having collected the ad-
vance and skirmishers he formed his lines ready for
the dash. The enemy was falling back rapidly across
the stream.

At the head of his command General Breckenridgc
swept across the open field at a headlong charge. Form-
ing hollow squares, the enemy met us, a short, deadly
grapple; a hand to hand combat with bayonets and
swords, we soon thinned their two squares which were

CHICKAMAUGA 241

broken. We captured six hundred prisoners in this
contest at a severe loss. Many saddles returned with-
out riders. Neither side could use artillery as this
would endanger friends and foes alike.

While retreating, the enemy recrossed the river
which was deep, marshy and very boggy, with dangerous
quick-sand in its bed. The weight of a man's body
would sink him out of sight in a few minutes.

Turning our prisoners over to the field guards,
General Forrest sent for his six regiments and two bat-
talions, massing them in the edge of the w^oods. He
held a short conference with General Breckenridge. Our
battery opened again, playing upon the two bridges
which crossed the stream, one above and one below
the mill. The battle was now raging all along our
front. About three-quarters of a mile to the north of
our position was another crossing of large logs which
barely showed above the surface of the water. To this
point General Breckenridge sent a brigade under Gen-
eral Helm, to attack the flank and rear of the enemy,
who were engaged in our front ; when he should hear
the signal of three guns in our immediate front, he
was to attack the position which was the key or salient
point of both armies ; if General Rosecrans was driven
from this position his line of retreat from Chickamauga
would be in danger, as also the water supply for his
army which of itself was very important to fighting,
struggling soldiers. Our lines were adjusted, the as-
saulting column massed and the leading officers assigned
to their places. General Forrest chafing under his re-
pulse, rode in front of our line and in a short speech
told us this position must be taken by direct assault
and by the hardest fighting; that we must cross that
bridge at all hazards ; that we must cross that bridge

242 I'^orii vi:aks wri'ii mokcan and i'okimost

like a U'lnpcst, a tornado or a wliirlvvind. He called
for volunteers for this hazardous but glorious work.

1 was the first of the five hundred and seventy
volunteers to ride into the front ; General Forrest sur-
veyed this gallant little force critically for a few minutes.
He rode up and saluted us with his sword and said,
"Captain you are the first to volunteer and being an
officer, 1 assign you the first post of honor. You shall
lead these men across that bridge ; I shall be close be-
hind your heels. Once across, deploy right and left, at-
tacking anything and everything in your front."

The enemy had now massed fifty pieces of artillery,
commanding approaches to these two bridges, the
infantry in the lower bottoms was lying flat on the
ground. This was our old friend, General Crittenden's
corps ; massed four lines deep. As instructed we formed
the advance columns of four by right of companies. At
them we went, in a furious headlong charge. Our col-
umn was close to the bridge when the enemy's guns
opened upon us; there were three planks removed from
the bridge on the other side, but our horses cleared this
at a bound, each company deploying right and left as
they passed the bridge. On rushed the charging squad-
rons. A rain of iron and lead, mingled with flame and
garnished with a wall of steel, met us on this plain.

Fragments of shell and grape with canister in a
withering storm smote our advance ; the cheering shouts,
the stern commands of officers, the clashing of steel
swords and the butts of muskets, the long continued
roll of musketry, the hoarse savage roar of half a hun-
dred field artillery all added to the horrid din. We
fought in eddying circles of hand to hand combats
and fierce grapples in widening areas. The infantry
coming up, charged bayonets. General Helm attacked

CHICKAMAUGA 243

the flank and rear, the Confederates had also gained a
footing at the lower bridge and were now in a death
grapple. Our lines constantly gained ground. The
earth was covered with dead and wounded. Wider and
wider the battle extended, the two armies sending for-
W'-ard re-enforcements one after another. The wild and
exulting rebel yells broke forth all along the lines, an-
nouncing the success of. our attack. We gained some
important successes also on the wing, pressing back the
enemy's lines. Our artillery under Colonel Rice Graves
caught the enemy in the flank with terrible effect.

The Confederates forced the fighting along the en-
tire line, the enemy contesting every inch of the ground,
retiring only after a fierce, tenacious battle. Many on
both sides were killed or wounded with bayonets as the
bridges were crossed. The Confederates rushed forward,
crushing everything before them. The wildly neighing
horses, wild and frightened, were running in every direct-
ion ; the whistling, seething, crackling bullets, the pierc-
ing, screaming fragments of shells, the whirring sound
of shrapnel and the savage showier of canister, mingled
with the fierce answering yells of defiance, all united in
one horrid sound. The ghastly, mangled dead and hor-
ribly wounded strewed the earth for over half a mile up
and down the river banks. The dead were piled upon each
other in ricks, like cord wood, to make passage for ad-
vancing columns. The sluggish stream of Chickamauga
ran red with human blood. It was in fact, the "river
of blood." I had been in sixty battles and skirmishes
up to this time, but nothing like this had I ever seen.
Men fought like demons, as if determined to conquer or
die. It was late in the evening as dusk began to gather
and the sun was sinking upon one of the bloodiest fields
of historv, that the enenr\' commenced slowlv to with-

244 KOrii YKAKS WITH mo kg an ANM) FORREST

draw. Many of the brigades were under enfilading fire,
as the two wini;s of the army had been forced back upon
each other. In the last charge upon the retiring foe,
Colonel Kicc (iraves was hit by a twelve pound shell
which cut him in twain and killed his magnificient
charger. He was leading his splendid battery to an ad-
vanced position to answer a furious cannonade from the
enemy's battery covering their retreat. The grand, the
magnificient career of this born soldier, ended licre.
His death was a very serious loss to the entire army.
His voice w\ns of such a quality and force that it coul'l 1)e
distinctly heard above the roar of infantry roll, and the
fierce bellow of the artillery. His voice was stilled for-
ever, but he was only one of the many brilliant soldiers
tliat Kentucky offered upon the altar of their country on
this bloody field as a sacrifice to the Confederacy. The
^hndows of nioht brought with them a cessation of the
linf^-ering, fitful and spiteful roll of musketry.

Of the 570 I led in the charge across the bridge
v362 were killed or wounded, about two-thirds of the
whole number. I suffered from a gut wound and a
wound in my left leg, which was crushed below the
knee joint. T received these wounds about an hour and
a half after crossing the bridge. The gut w^ound was
received while on my horse, and the wound in the left
leg while on the ground. Two horses were killed from
under me. Our losses were very heavy, but those of
the enemy greater. The losses of the enemy in the first
day's battle, on the 19th of September was 8278 wounded,
2279 killed, with 1500 prisoners.

On September 20th the battle was renewed at early
dawn ; although my hurts were serious I was very in-
terested. We could easily guess how the struggle was
going; the constantly receding ebb of battle told us that

CHICKAMAUGA 245

the enemy was being driven farther and farther from
the stricken field of the first day's battle ; the roll of the
musketry could be distinctly heard and the sonorous rebel
yell, mdicating continued success. About noon the Con-
federates gained a notable victory in the capture of
Missionary Ridge, with seven thousand prisoners, and
a .field battery of tw^ent3'-four Parrot guns. General
John C. Brecken ridge's division made three separate
charges before capturing this ridge as it was fortified witV;
numerous rifle pits and redoubts. Near this position
General Helm was killed, while gallantly leading his
men. The Confederates also broke the center of the
enemy's line.

The earth seemed to tremble from the tremendous
vibrations and shocks of battle. The continous and in-
creasing volume of musketry and artillery fire told of
the titanic struggle, fierce and bloody. Hoarse grew the
roll of receding musketry above which could be heard
the exulting rebel yells of victory. At a distance this
yell had in it some quality that made it terrible — when
mingled with the storm and din of battle, its intensity,
its savage, exulting, ringing tones cannot be described.

After the capture of this position and Snodgrass
Hill, the enem\^ receiving fresh troops under General
Thomas, concentrated and stormed the position to pre-
serve its line of retreat. General Thomas held this
|/Osition with bulldog courage and grit. While General
Rosecrans w^as conducting a disorderly retreat of the
broken and beaten fragments of his army to Chattanooga,
General Forrest charged the straggling masses a number
of times, capturing some four thousand of them. He
asked General Bragg for 8000 men to press the enemy
before the hitler could rally his routed army, but General
Bragg, with his usual imbecilit}^ of methods and slow,

246 VOVR YEAKS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

hcsitaliiii; action, let slip tliis greatest upportunity. His
whole army, with few exceptions, despised and hated
him, and iusth' su, as on more than one occasion he
had soldiers shot without usual formality of trial, for
ihe most trivial offenses. A soldier with a chicken in
his possession that during" the fierce battle had flown
far into the woods at least a mile away from any house,
met General Brac;-.<( and staff and body £>uard. The .^-en-
eral ordered this youn^- recruit shot, then and there.
This soldier was a recruit, not familiar with the regu-
lations of army life or of its sterner duties. He was
from Kentucky, and this was doubtless enough for Bragg
to know. Bragg's unpopularity became so marked and
universal in his own army that he was removed. Shortly
after this battle his incapacity for supreme command
became evident. He was superseded by General Joseph
E. Johnston. Bragg had absolutely thrown away three
battles, the last chance of the struggling Confederacy,
namely : Perryville, Murfreesboro and Chickamauga.
His campaign in Kentucky was an absolute failure,
and his glaring inexcusable delay and his failure to fol-
low up the grand victory that his soldiers had gained on
the 19th and "20th of September emphasized his incap-
acity in a most decisive manner.

The refusal of Bragg to permit Forrest, with his
cavalry and 15,000 infantry to follow the retreating Fed-
eral army to Chattanooga, made Forrest furiously angry
and caused him to denouce Bragg to his face.

Bragg ordered Forrest under arrest. Forrest refused
t3 be arrested. A bitter personal quarrel followed and
I'orrest half drew his sword from its scabbard and doubt-
less would have cut Bragg down but for the interference
(^f staff officers. Gen. Forrest now offered his resignation
and vowed and swore he would not serve under Bragg

CHICKAMAIJGA 2-17

any longer. General Bragg had sometime before this
ordered Forrest to report to General Wheeler for duty
or orders. Forrest refused to do so. General Wheeler,
when he was assigned to the supreme command of all the
cavalry was but twenty-four years old and very few of
our cavalry men or commanders had heard of him. He
proved to be a gallant soldier. General Forrest called it
cowardice to refuse to follow up this splendid victory.
Jle felt that Perryville, Murfreesboro and this third vic-
tory in less than one year were practically thrown away
by this tyrant.

Forrest's valuable service, little short of brilliant,
could not be spared. All the brigade division and corps
comanders went to him and implored him not to leave
the service. President Davis was present at headquar-
ters. He granted Forrest an independent command, free
from interference, after a futile effort to patch up mat-
ters. Forrest, now free, collected some eight hundred
men. From this nucleus he soon formed a fine body of
young men from many quarters. Everywhere and every-
time he met the enemy he defeated him.

He rose supreme to every situation ; everywhere he
astonished friends and foe alike.

The fighting was over, and an order was received for
the remnant of Morgan's old command to be dismounted
and sent to the infantry. This General Forrest absolute-
ly refused to carry out over the protest of both officers
and men, and the order came very near causing a mutiny.
The remnant of our command was given its choice to join
General Forrest, or stay with General Wheeler's com-
mand. Most of our boys went with General Forrest, for
it was at this time thought proper to reorganize the army.
An order was issued that the soldiers should be reorgan-
ized, placing the men from different states in companies,

J4S FOIK VKAKS WITH iMOIUJAN AND FORKIOST

rej^imcnts and hrii^adcs, thus liaxiii;^ tliem with their
own state's trooi:)s. It was thought that this was an un-
wise and also an unnecessary proceedine;-, causmg much
dissatisfaction and confusion.

XXVI
AFTER CHICKAMAUGA

Wounded and unconscious on the field — Aroused by a robber —
Help comes — Left to die — Forrest and my father come and
save me — Abandoned by the hospital surgeons — My father
saves my life — I operate on my own wounded bOAvel — Grati-
tude for my nurse — Convalescent— "Aren't you my papa?" —
In love with my nurse — Back to the service.

When the roar of Chickamau^f^a had rumbled into
silence, I realized that my dream of being twice wounded
had become a painful reality, and that my actual wounds
were much like those that I had seen in vision of slum-
ber.

I led this charge (on the bridge) and reached the op-
posite side and reformed the small remnant left of the
advance that started on this dash, some seventy re-
maining out of li\'e hundred and forty. At this supreme
moment, I received a wound in my left side, at the
same place the pain had struck me in my dream. I
reeled in my saddle, but steadied myself and, leading
my men, dashed into the ranks of the enemy; not think-
ing that I was much hurt. I now received another
wound, this in my left leg below the knee, just as I
had felt it in my sleep. My horse was also killed at
this same time.

With my shattered leg, I tried to rise but could not.
My wound in my side was also serious. I fell among
the manv of these dear, gallant S(^ldier boys. If T died
it would be a soldit'i's death in a sacrt'd i-aiise. The cx-
cessi\'e h>ss of l)l<»()d caused nic to lose ruiisciousness.

J3() F''()(:K VlOAliS WITH MOUCJAN AND lX)IiK10ST

1 heard the roll of nuiskctrv and tlic thunders of artil-
lery gradually receding;- further and further away in my
vSemi-C(»nsciousness, and then it seemed to eome near
again. 1 then lost consciousness again. The fjucstions
in my mind were "Is this death?" "Will my father
know?" The tliirst. oh the thirst! It was awful. A
drink of cool water, oh for a drink of water!

I lasped into a cold stupor, in which I lay I don't
know liow long. T was aroused by a terril)ly excruciating,
twisting pain. I had on a new pair of cavalry boots. I was
being rol)l)ed of my effects. A ghoul, a robber of the
battle field dead, was abroad. He had already taken
my watch and money and my right lK)ot, and was now
trying to pull off my remaining boot, tugging at the
one on my wounded leg. The pain had brought me to
my senses. I had always carried two double-barrel der-
ringer pistols in my hip pockets. I reached behind me
slowly, drew one of these pistols and took deliberate
aim at the robber's head, and fired. He fell back as if
dead, and then recoiled in horror, feeling that a corpse
had come to life.

I had fired too higli, and mereh' grazed his scalp
to the bone, ploughing a furow through his hair. It
brought me help however as an ambulance corps was
attracted by the shot and came directly to me, and took
charge of the miscreant. They found his pockets loaded
with plunder of the battle field including my watch and
about 25 others ; his pockets full of rings stolen from the
dead. He was ])laced under guard.

m

T was examined by the ambulance corps and left
for dead. They frankly told me that I could not live
an hour, and there was no use to waste any time on me.
My horse had fallen on me and pinned me to ihc ground,
but S(jme of the infant rv had pulled him off nn' l)0(ly.

LEFT TO DIE 231

They dressed my wounds, placed me in the shade,
gave me a canteen of water and passed on to other
wounded soldiers. I heard the awful moans of the
wounded and dying, especially the anguished cries of a
South Carolina soldi.er, who was calling for water. 1
crawled to him and gave the last of the water in my
canteen. He emptied the canteen without taking it from
his lips, and bowed his thanks to me. 1 now began to
think how^ I w^as to obtain more w^ater. I could not
walk. I thought for some time, I tried to crawl but
could not ; I began to roll over and over.

I finally reached the river Chickamauga. I had hurt
both my wounds, my leg and my side were very painful.
I began to fill my canteen. Looking at the water,
closely, I saw that it was half blood, or nearly so. I stop-
ped. After all, I might be mistaken. No this was sure-
ly blood, but I must ha\e it or I would die of thirst.
I started on my return. It was very hard work, and
took a long- time; mv head was bursting; with pain.
I reached my young friend, who was whispering, ''water."
I handed him the canteen, he drank half the contents,
and revived shortly. I drank some, and my side seemed
to begin to bleed. I lost consciousness.

The ambulance corps came again. I was so still
they thought me dead, turned me over and then back
again. I was too weak to move or speak, even to open
my eyes. They left me, believing me dead. I was con-
scious of everything. I lay for some hours in a stupor.
The distant sound of a stray picket shot at intervals told
me it was night. If I could but see my dear old sol-
dier father again before T died ! Finally, the cold, bright
beams of the nearly half full moon shone upon the
scene. A distant dog howled a sad requiem for the
dead and dying. I was, oh, so cold, and cliill. I spoke

2^2 FOl'Ii YIOAUS WITH MOKdAN AND FORRRST

to the South Carolina soldier, and asked him if he could
possibly do so, to send word to General Forrest or any
of the Kentucky officers.

Hark ! I hear the approach of horsemen. I hear
General Forrest asking- some questions. He dismounts
and kneels beside mc, feels my heart beats, feeble enough.
He now stands over me, and they gently raise me on
the ambulance litter, and place it in the ambulance and
drive it to the hospital. The surgeons examine my
wounds and shake their heads, and go away to wait on
the living. My father comes, examines my wound in
the side and takes his silk handkerchief and with a
ramrod from a gun gently ]:)ushes the handkerchief in-
to the wound, lets the handkerchief remain and with-
draws the rod. This stopped the flow of blood and
thereby saved my life, for I was surely bleeding to death.
I was given some soup and soon fell into a refreshing-
sleep.

I was very hungry the next morning-. T was given
soup and soon rallied. After five or six days, was feel-
ing very much better. My youn.g South Carolina friend
had told where I could be found, and they came for mc
on the sixth day. bringing the robber for identification.
He was hanged like a dog, a just fate. My comrade told
me of the second day's fighting; it was a continuous for-
ward movement on the part of the Confederates, driving
the enemy from one position to another and finally break-
ing through the center of their army, near the foot of
Snodgrass Hill, thus driving their army like a wedge,
turning their right wing, crushing it and driving it belter
skelter from the field.

^ly soldier friend Lieutenant Higdon, and I were
placed in a hospital at Spartansburg.

It was found that both w^ounds were very serious,

REFUSE TO LOSE MY LEG >S

Jno

as both bones in my le.i;' had been crushed, producing
a compound fracture, and all the surgeons said it would
have to be amputated. It was finally decided to do this
after the rush was over. They sent my comrade to tell
me this important news. I replied that it should not be
done. I would not submit to it. I would rather die. I
had already fixed for this emergency. When the doctors
came they began to make preparations for their w^ork,
and stepped forward now. I had my hand on my pistol
under my pillow. They threw the blanket off and started
to place me on a table. At this I protested and told them
to go away from me or I would shoot, at the same time
drawing the double-barrel derringer pistol. I held it
cocked in his face and told him pointedly to leave me or I
would shoot him. They tried in vain to convince me
if it were not done, I would die sure. I said, "Then let
me die ; I wall not submit to it." ]\Iy comrade said, ''Gen-
tlemen, you had better leave or he will shoot some of
you. He has two pistols and has always carried them for
this very purpose." They left very much disgusted with
me. The next day the old father of Lieutenant Higdon
came for me in the old family carriage and the young-
soldier insisted on having me go home with him. I was
taken along, it was a long weary ride, and required
seven and a half days to make the trip. The wound in
my side was very painful and I asked to be taken to
the hospital, as the bullet was still in my body and I
wanted it removed, if possil)le, soon as it could be done.
I w^as conscious that if it was not removed T would die.
as I was losing strength every day.

^It w^as now a month since I had been wounded.
The surgeon in charge told me the bullet could not be
taken out and that he would not attempt it.

I had been in the practice four years with my pre-

J34 I'nru vkaks with moiujan and forrest

ceptor, who was a Inie suri^eoii. I had assisted the sur-
geons often when crowded with work. From day to day
I called my case to the notice of the sur.^^eon. He still
flatly refused to do the work for me. I now made up my
mind to do it myself, with the assistance of a young- wid-
ow nurse, who was in the hospital. She had lost her
husband in the first battle of Bull Run and thereupon
had become a nurse for wounded and sick soldiers. 1
told her of my plans and told her, too, that I was dying
by inches every day. I asked her if she would bring me
the necessary instruments, while the surgeon was gone
to his dinner. She said "Yes, and I will help you, too."
I told her to get some hot water, a basin of cold water,
a pitcher of cold water, some carbolic acid, two pairs of
scissors, one curved pair, a sharp knife, a blunt, curved
hook. She had all these ready when the doctor started
to dinner. I asked her to bring me a bullet, a minnie
ball. I got very busy at once. The nurse also brought
me six surgeon's needles threaded with cat-gut sutures.
I placed the bullet between my teeth to bite on while do-
ing this work, for I knew it would hurt badly.

I took up the Idunt, curved hook and slowly intro-
duced it into the wound by a slight rotary, oscillating
movement from side to side. I rested a short time, for it
was very painful. 1 pressed it further in until I felt that
I had e:otten the hook over the bowel. I slowly drew
the bowel toward the opening, which had sloughed con-
siderably, and left a large hole in my side. The cut in
the bowel could be plainly seen. I now placeo a roll of
bandages in the loop of the bowel between it and my
side, to keep the bowel from slipping back into the
cavity. Then I took the curved scissors, snipped off the
sloughing, ragged edges to freshen them. I was gritting
my teeth upon the bullet. Cold perspiration was pour-

I OPERATE ON MY WOUNDED BOWEL 255

ing off my face and body. I must not and could not
stop now.

There was a horrid fascination about it. I was suf-
fering torture. I held my breath. The widow handed
me the curved, threaded needles ; I dreaded these more
than the cutting, but with a renewed determination, I
placed six stitches in my bowel ; I then tightened these
alternately, so as to have the fresh edges fit closely with-
out puckering. Having drawn all up tightly, I took
sponges and moistened them in hot water and bathed the
bowel, removing all the blood clots. I took a large syr-
inge and washed out the cavity thoroughly. After cleans-
ing the gut wound I placed eight stitches in the outside
wound.

The operation was finished. The cold perspiration
was standing in great beads upon my face and body. I
was frozen almost to death. The work finished, I looked
up into the face of this heroic, beautiful woman. Both
of us fell in a dead faint across the cot. The doctor
stood in the doorway and saw this last scene. He came
forward, swearing like a madman, picked up the beauti-
ful widow and carried her to her own room. Uncon-
scious, I lay oblivious to passing events.

I learned, after my return to life, that the doctor
said: 'Xet the fool die, if he will''; he was also heard
to say some very tender and endearing words while
trending over this dear young widow.

After a while the surgeon came to my cot and said
in a very gruff tone, '*You have played hell, haven't
you. I hope you are satisfied." I replied, "Doctor, I
am not entirely satisfied, but will be as soon as I am well
and strong enough to slap your jaws for your insults.
I would do so now if I were able, you vulgar puppy."

Abr.nt supper time, rlie nurse came and l)rought me

2^h FOT'R YEARS WITH MOIUJAN AS]) F0RRP:ST

siii)j)cr. v^lie looked very beautiful to me. She had
saved my life and I — well, I was very grateful.

I was healthy and vi^^orous at the time I received
these wounds, and my recovery w^as uninterrupted. I
am sure that mine was one of the few^ recoverres trom
such a bowel wound. Most ]:)aticnts would have .^iven up
without an effort, and died. At this i)eriod surgeons
regarded wounds of the bowels as necessarily fatal.
When T was wounded, I had not drawn any rations,
n(^r eaten anything, save some parched corn, for five
davs. T feel certain that if I had been well fed my
wound would have killed me.

I received the most diligent and kind attention. On
the 15th of November, following, I began to hobble
about on crutches. My leg was also healing rapidly.
Mv friend, Captain Fulton, took me out riding. The
w^arm sunshine, fresh air and exercise w^ere very bene-
ficial to both of us. I was, from this time on, a wel-
come guest in any home in this fine little settlement.

But the sad gloom of the terrible, blighting w^ar
was plainly visible in this and all other Southern towns
and cities. The women of the South made as many
sacrifices and endured almost the same amount of hard-
ships as did the soldiers in the fields. They were con-
stantly Inisy making caps, shirts, pants, coats, knitting
socks, scraping lint, rolling bandages, and doing all the
very necessary things for their absent husbands and
sons in the field. Many families had wounded relatives
and friends to nurse from one month's end to anothef.
They learned to do these things, as there was no other
way to obtain supplies for the army.

There were no young men in town, all were in the
service. There were some xerv old men. T met many
N'oun!,^ widows wh(^se husbands had l)ecn killed. Dark,

AREN'T YOU MY PAPA 257

indeed, was the past, and still darker was the future
for these hard-worked ladies.

I was frequently asked to entertain these sewing
parties with some of the thrilling experiences of the
cavalry service under Morgan, and especially those of
my last campaign in Ohio. I was rapidly growing
stronger, the wound in my side was nearly healed. I
could bear my weight on my game leg, whose strength
I tested many times a day. My recovery was con-
sidered almost a miracle,

I was frequently teased by the ladies about the
sad faced, little widow, who helped me in this operation,
and she about me, which she evidently did not like. I
had formed at this time a deep interest in her little
daughter, Effie. She was so sweet and sensible, bright
and innocent, that her prattle and lady-like manners
gradually stole my heart. She was my constant com-
panion.

I had now begun to take horseback rides every day
on her mother's saddle mare, a fine gaited animal. I
took my little chum with me. She enjoyed these rides
very much.

One evening I was invited to supper with the wid-
ow's aunt, and I found a number of the ladies of the
town present. Supper over, all retired to the porch and
parlor. My little chum came up to me and said, "Aren't
you my papa?" in a voice bewitchingly sweet and loud
enough to be heard all over the parlor.

Heavens. I thouerht I should choke! I could not
speak. All eyes were upon me — even the widow was look-
ing into my eyes. My face flushed hot. My eyes met
hers. I was, to say the least, uncomfortable and em-
barrassed. The ladies enjoyed my evident confusion. I
picked up my litle chum and tormentor and kissed her

258 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

repeatedly, at the same time looking at her mother.
All the ladies lauj^hed and railed at us both. She was
as much embarrassed as myself. To tell the truth, I
loved not only the child, but, unconsciously, up to this
moment, the mother as well. I was uncertain as to this
matter until now, but this little prattler had awakened
the conscious thought and emotion, a very strange one
to me. The poor, affectionate, little creature craved a
father's love ; her manner, and earnest, pleading tones,
stirred me, and all these prying eyes harried me to the
limit. She was three years and six months old, very
precocious and bright, and could ask questions that
would baffle old heads to answer.

So here was more trouble for me. I had never
thought for a moment that this young, beautiful, cul-
tured woman, who was very rich, could ever think ol
me as anything but an unfortunate soldier. I was per-
plexed with myself. I must stay and suffer the tor-
ments of uncertainty. After three or four days, I was
alone with this gentle, cultured, sweet woman, who had
nursed me so tenderly and constantly for nearly two
months. She seemed to be under some unusual re-
straint. Finally, turning her magnificent eyes upon me,
she said, "Captain, you seem to have been in a sad
mood for these last few days. Is there anything that
troubles you?"

I told her that I was seriously involved in a matter
that I did not know how to manage or dispose of; that
I was hopelessly at a loss what to do under the cir-
cumstances and must ask her advice. Going close up to
her, I said:

"My dear, I am desperately and devotedly in love
with you. I have been a most tortured creature since
the scene in your aunt's house. I first loved your dear,

IN LOVE WITH MY NURSE 259

little girl ; she stole my heart from me and then gave it
to you. I did not know at that time that I loved you.
Since that hour I have loved you more than myself.
Can you give me at least one hope for an answering
sentiment? I am but a soldier of fortune. May I, can
I, hope to win your love, or even your patient kindness?
This is a great surprise to me. Your patient kindness
and the sweet, trusting, innocent child have led me
to this." She replied, "You are a soldier, and almost
a stranger to me, but I must confess that I have had
and still have, a more than unusual interest in you,
in your fortitude and the brave struggle, the remark-
able recovery from your desperate wound. All have
claimed my attention and interest. You have endured
enough to excite the interest of any one. If I were cer-
tain that you would not be taken as the other was
taken, I could answer with more definiteness." Laying
her hand upon my arm, tears streaming from her beauti-
ful eyes, she exclaimed:

"Oh, this terrible, cruel war is breaking our
hearts."

I shall never forget her sad, woeful tones. She
was indeed a very sensible, practicable, bright woman.

"I could love you," she said finally, "but I dare
not.*'

She presented me with a copy of "Lalla Rookh,"
which I have kept ever since. We understood each
other fully and spent some very happy days. I never
can forget her tear-stained cheeks. I wrote to her fre-
quently and received letters from this lovely, beautiful
creature.

I now felt well enough to report for duty. I had
been wounded, and away from my comrades for three
months.

260 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

I told my nurse that I thought of leaving in a
few days for Richmond, to see my brother in the Vir-
ginia army and to spend the Christmas with him, as the
latter was only a few days off. She invited me to re*
main and spend the holidays at her home. She told me
she had severed her connection with the hospital that
very morning, and was going to her home to rest
awhile; that Doctor Ashford, the surgeon, had become
so cross and disagreeable that she did not care to be near
him.

I then remarked, "If you leave, I shall go away
at once, as I have come to the conclusion that the doctor
does not like me for some reason, since our surgical
operation together. He has been almost insulting at
times."

The doctor came out and said, "Captain, I under-
stand you are thinking of leaving us soon."

"Yes," I replied ; "today. Please arrange my papers
at once. I have come for them."

"You certainly are not in earnest about this, are
you?"

"Doctor, do you think I am joking? Please make
out my papers in due form, at once. I shall thank you.
I shall call for them in one hour."

I arose and started for the porch. I turned and
said, "Mrs. Thornton, will you walk with me as far
as Colonel Higdon's?"

So moving on towards his house, she said, "Cap-
tain, you have not told me that you would accept my
invitation to remain and spend the Christmas at my
house ; we should be glad to have you remain with us."
All the while the sweet chatterbox was talking and
prattling as we went. I now said, "Yes, with much
pleasure, and I thank you, too."

BACK TO THE SERVICT 261

She was a kinswoman of Captain Sheldon to whose
home she went. He told us that he was ready to return
to his command. He belonged to General Longstreet^s
corps. He left us the next day for the front. I never
saw him again.

I spent the holidays with these patriotic, hospitable
people. This gracious and beautiful and cultured woman
presented me with a beautiful saddle and a thorough-
bred mare, with a fine bridle.

I remained until New Year's day, and then took my
departure for Virginia to visit my brother, William W.
Berry, who was serving under Stonewall Jackson in the
Eighth Georgia regiment. I spent a week with him,
and met all the noted officers of the grand Virginia
army, particularly those matchless men and soldiers.
General Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, the two
Hills, Ashby, Stewart and the incomparable Pelham of
Alabama, who was considered the finest artilleryman in
the army. I also saw Jubal Early, Fitzhugh Lee and
Jeb Stewart. I went to Richmond and received my
commission as captain of cavalry. I left for Kentucky
on special duty, with the recruiting service, reaching the
station January 24, 1864, where I met my brother. Cap-
tain Samuel O. Berry.

XXVII
WITH FORREST

Assigned to staff duty — Winchester — Again wounded, captured
and sent to Rock Island — I escape — Returning to the south —
Outrages by Burbridge — Recruiting — Fight near Bardstown
Junction — Meeting Forrest — Forrest's victorious campaign —
Fort Pillow — Brice's cross-roads — I am stabbed in the throat
but kill my assailants — The battle — Personal characteristics
of Forrest^ — ^A furlough and a visit to my brother.

I determined to cast my fortunes with the daring
and dashing Forrest. He had endeared himself to our
comrades in the old squadron by his determined stand
against the order dismounting us, thus preventing its
execution. Free from the orders of General Bragg, un-
der whom he had sworn he would not serve another
day, and in charge of an independent command, which
he organized into two regiments, his success from this
hour was brilliant and phenomenal. Nothing seemed
to check his victorious career. He was constantly re-
ceiving recruits, whom he armed with captured weapons.
He promoted men to command under him solely upon
their merits and efficiency. His eyes seemed to take
in everything at a glance. His motto, "Get there first —
with the most men," worked like a charm. He always
led his soldiers, was always where the fight was thick-
est and hottest and never seemed to be fatigued or
tired.

I was assigned to staff duty on my return. His
command was receiving accessions from all over the
country. Wherever he went, many old, seasoned, wound-

WINCHESTER 263

ed soldiers joined him from choice. General A. Beau-
ford sought and obtained permission to join him, with
his fine brigade. General Forrest seemed to magnify
himself as the battles of Williamsburg, Loudon, Knox-
ville, Sweetwater, Philadelphia, McMinnsville, Murfrees-
boro, Shelbyville, Sugar Creek, Johnson, on the Tennes-
see, Percy, and Laverne, followed in rapid succession
without the loss of a battle. At all the places he assailed
the enemy's force was superior in numbers to his own.
He attacked without halting his battalions ; he formed
his lines while moving, sending his most trusted chiefs
to attack from different directions. All his battles were
fought and won by dashing, furious charges and at cl-osv
quarters. The suddenness of these attacks often paral-
yzed opposition. His name became a terror among the
enemy. This period was marked by severe and bitterly
cold weather.

During December and January, 1863-1864, his com-
mand was in the saddle constantly. On February 2, at
Winchester, we met a superior force of infantry, artil-
lery and cavalry — General Long's division of cavalry,
5,000 strong. Forrest's effective force was 2,600. He
attacked the enemy with such impetuosity and fury that
he drove them in confusion six miles, capturing and de-
stroying 2,500 stands of arms and 38 wagons.

I was again seriously wounded, shot through the left
lung, and fell into the hands of the enemy and was left
to the tender mercies of the Yankee surgeons. This
made thirteen Yankee compliments, or wounds. I was
taken to Chattanooga and placed in the hospital, on the
21st. I tried to make my escape. For this infamous
crime, as the enemy called it, I was sent off to prison
at Point Lookout. I suffered terribly on the trip. I
was placed in the hospital, where I was recognized as

264 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

one of the men who had escaped from Camp Morton.
After ten days' stay at Point Lookout I was removed
and sent under guard to Rock Island. I was hand-
cuffed to my guard to be sure that I should not escape.
On the night of the 17th, after leaving Cincinnati,
both being very tired, I said to my guard, "I shall take
a nap." He replied, "I shall do the same." I pre-
tended to sleep, until my guard was sound asleep. 1
very cautiously slipped my hand from the handcuffs,
raised myself up, and looked about me. The cars were
rattling along at a lively rate. One of the guard's pistols
were lying on the seat beside him ; the other one on
the floor in front of our seat. I picked them up, placed
them under my belt and quietly stepping over my sleep-
ing guard, walked leisurely to the door. I stood for a
moment, then opening the door I stepped out onto
the platform. The whistle blew for Herndon and the
train slowed up. I leaped to the ground and was slightly
stunned. Striking off through the woodland, I came
to a country road, along which I hurried as fast as my
strength would carry me. I found that I must rest. 1
pushed on toward the Ohio River, glad to be free. I
had no means of knowing the time of night until 1
heard the chickens in a barn yard begin to crow for
day. I trudged along slowly in a Southern direction.
My lung was still sore, and my wounded leg was giving
me much trouble. The night was cold and I had to
keep moving to keep myself warm. Day came on
apace. I met a negro man on horseback, and asked him
the distance to Herndon. He said it was twelve miles.
Then I asked him how far it was to the river at the
nearest point. "Seventeen miles. Boss; dat's about de
distance." "Where do you live, old man?" "I live near
Madison, Boss, I does." "How far is that place?"

RETURNING TO THE SOUTH 265

"Twenty miles, Boss. You mus' be a stranger in dese
parts, Boss, ain't ye?"

After making the necessary inquiries about the
roads, direction and distance, I covered the old man
with my pistol, bade him dismount, took his horse and
told him to stay where he was for one hour, when I
should be back; or if I was not back he might look for
his horse somewhere on the Ohio River. I had some
very important business to look after. I made off
quickly as I did not want to be caught on the north
side of the river. After riding rapidly for three hours,
not meeting with anyone, I heard the whistle of a boat.
Pushing on, I soon came in sight of the river.

I dismounted, hitched the horse near a gate, went
down the road one half a mile, crossed a woodland and
reaching the river, carefully scanned its banks on both
sides far and near. On the opposite shore, far below
me, I saw a small boat crossing. I hurried down the bank
and came in sight of the man in the boat about the time
he landed and attracted his attention. He waited for me.
I desired him to place me across the river. But to this
he objected, saying that he had not the time to spare. I
asked him if I could have the boat ; to this he consented.
This did not suit my plans so I took him prisoner, had
him row me across the river and held him until about
dark before allowing him to return. I then made my
way on foot to Dr. Jim Thayer's house near Carlton,
Ky.. where I was among: friends, as the doctor was a
brother-in-law of Captain Tom Taylor, who was in
our command. The doctor sent off and got me a horse
immediately and also sent his son to Carlton and bought
me a pair of pistols and ammunition. Thus equipped
I set out for further adventures and for Dixie l^anct

Crossing the Kentucky River above Big Eagle, in

266 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Owen county I traveled neighborhood roads and stopped
with good friends at the home of Mr. John Ladd in Henry
county, between Pleasureville and New Castle. During
the two days I stopped here I slept most of the time as
only a tired soldier can. I had had no sleep for four
nights. In this neighborhood I found some of our
wounded men, who were left in the state on the Ohio
raid. They were tired of hiding and anxious to go South.
It was very hard to hide from the numerous scouting
parties of the enemy, moving in all directions. There
was no shelter of leaves in the woods.

A few days before this time General Burbridge
had sent two Confederate soldiers from Lexington to
the Pleasureville depot and had them shot, in retaliation
for the death of Captain Sparks, who was a Captain in
the Home Guards and provost marshal of the old town,
Pleasureville. This creature had made himself extreme-
ly, obnoxious by tyrannizing over the people, arresting
citizens, and sending them off to prison, plundering them
of their property, or exacting blood money from them to
keep out of prison. He was a patriot tool of the blood-
thirsty Burbridge. This man was killed in battle
with Confederate soldiers in fair open fight. Shortly
afterward, during the early months of summer, this brutal
monster and fiend sent four more Confederate prisoners
from Lexington down to Frankfort where they were also
shot without trial or charges,for alleged killing that never
transpired. This is an account of the most wilful cold-
blooded and cowardly outrageous murder that ever dis-
graced the annals of time, or besmirched the name of
men or a state. These four men were sent from Lex-
ington, taken across the bridge near the city limits of
South Frankfort, stood up by their coffins near a sione
fence on the side of a hill, in a pasture near the Shelby-

RECRUITING 267

ville Pike. At the time of the execution there was a
cowardly, brutal and infamous creature too cowardly to
enter the army who had stayed at home to save his
miserable carcass. Coming down the pike he saw these
helpless victims standing before their coffins ; saw the
flash of the g^uns and three men fall dead; he saw the
fourth spring to his feet, run to the fence, leap over it
into the pasture, and escape from the firing party before
the latter could reload. Although grievously wounded
he was makino- his way to the woods ; poor fellow, he
did not know how close he was to the cowardly assassin.
When reaching the stone fence at the pike he placed his
hands on the top of the fence and was climbing up, when
he was met by this cowardly creature who pointed a
double barrel shot gun in his face. His head was liter-
ally blown off. Sanford Gains was not a soldier, had
never even joined a Home Guard. His name and mem-
ory will be forever execrated; made infamous by this
dastardly deed. He became a hated, loathsome, ostracised
man, even by his own family and class and died a mis-
erable death.

Leaving my friend's house at night I made my way
through Oldham, Shelby and Spencer counties. I found
my old friends Jonathan Davis and Nick Anderson in
a dense thicket. From this covert was received a com-
pany sent from Henry and Shelby counties. During
April I had the satisfaction of enlisting sixty-four good
soldiers all mounted and each equipped with four pistols
and a double-barrel shot gun, ready for any kind of serv-
ice. Many of these men were recruits. Twenty-three were
veteran soldiers who had made their escape. The terrible
suffering and the harsh treatment they had passed
through, and the punishments they had received had ren-
dered them desperate. Most of these men vowed they

268 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

would die before they would ever surrender again. Con-
scription measures had become more rigorous and hun-
dreds of men were hiding in the brush.

I learned from a reliable source that General For-
rest was moving into Kentucky and determined to meet
him. Leaving Spencer county late in the evening, we
encountered Captain Bridgewater's company. I charged
them furiously; a short, brief grapple ensued, near the
Old Nelson Forge between Bardstown Junction and
Boston. We killed and wounded forty-three and chased
the rest into the Bullitt county hills. Moving on we
passed around Garnetsville through Meade, Hardin, and
Hancock counties. Near Hawsville, we learned that
General Forrest was at Waverly and was moving on to
Paducah. We camped near the Tennessee River and I
sent ten men under a guide to find a boat. They found
one and we at once crossed the river. As the last man
reached the west bank we were fired upon by three com-
panies of Federals under Lieutenant Colonel Ward. We
took shelter behind trees and returned the salute with
vigor, killing a number and driving the rest to cover.
Sending the boat adrift, we moved rapidly forward to
meet General Forrest's advance columns.

He attacked Paducah with spirit and closed all ave-
nues of escape from above and below, entering the town
on a furious charge. He captured 1700 prisoners and
2000 stands of arms, also quantities of army supplies
and 80 army wagons. He had an army of 5000 under
him which was constantly increased by recruits. His
losses had been considerable during the three weeks of
his operations in middle and west Tennessee and western
Kentucky. He enlisted no fewer than 4700 men, all of
whom he armed with guns captured in his wonderful
campaign which was one of the most brilliant actions in

FORREST'S VICTORIOUS CAMPAIGN 269

which he had engaged since he had taken charge of an
independent command. He moved into west Tennessee
where he received two more regiments which made some-
thing over 11000 under his command, effectives equipped
without a dollar's cost to the Confederate government.
He had not met with a single reverse in his belligerent
career since October 1, or since he was his own mas-
ter. During this period he fought forty-six battles,
captured 31000 prisoners, and destroyed over $10,000,000
worth of property for the enemy and was destined to
win still more brilliant and remarkable renown and
victories. Truly this unlettered modern Ajax or Hanni-
bal was a constant astonishment to friends and foes
alike, especially foes. Starting with two small, skeleton
regiments, he was now at the head of a victorious little
army of his own making, that had supreme confidence in
itself and also unbounded confidence in its matchless
leader. This unlettered, uneducated man had so con-
tinuously expanded and developed such unusual capaci-
ties as to astonish all men. His compatriots look upon
him as a wonder. Meeting every necessity, he mastered
each increasing demand of the situation. Opposition
seemed to melt before him, his capabilities seemed to ex-
pand in every trying ordeal. Taking everything into con-
sideration, he stands as a colossus among many wonder-
ful men which the civil war developed. The brilliant
talents displayed in his dashing carreer of 17 months
were almost beyond belief and a correct history of his
exploits and achievements would read like a romance.

He planned to assault and capture Ft. Pillow, held
by three regiments of negroes. He marched with his vic-
torious veterans, sent a flag of truce and demanded sur-
render. While he was waiting for a reply, his outpost

270 POUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

pickets reported that the enemy was advancing in his
rear, in strong force, and they added that he was cut ofl
and surrounded by the enemy.

General Forrest regarding the soldier with some
scorn, said, "Well, ain't we in their rear, too?" His whole
visage changed instantly. "Captain, tell General Beau-
ford to coop up the niggers, and keep them in the fort
there, until wc whip these people coming up." I saluted
and rode to deliver the order. The two rear brigades
were turned about with promptness, with six pieces of
artillery ; in one hour the inclosing Federals were almost
destroyed and flying back to Memphis with trailing
colors. General Forrest now sent General Horton in pur-
suit. The enemy in the fort put up a white flag in token
of surrender. General Beauford's men had ceased firing
and many of his men climbed the mounds near the breast-
works. General Beauford had sent a staff officer to as-
certain what was wanted, or to receive the surrender. At
this moment the garrison took arms again and opened
fire upon the men on the banks, killing several and
wounding others.

General Forrest has received unstinted abuse and vil-
lification for what Northern newspapers and writers are
pleased to call a massacre at Fort Pillow but the fact re-
main that these faithless, shameless men, nad broRen
faith, they had surrendered, then taken arms again. There
was nothing left to the Confederates but to defend them-
selves, which they did as they always did. No one was
to blame but those blind misguided creatures, those poor
negroes. They were officered by a Northern fanatic
who urged them to do this dastardly deed.

When General Beauford saw his officers and men
fired upon, he mounted his horse and led his command
over the embankment, and said, "No quarter to wretches

FORT PILLOW 271

like these." The scene that followed inside the fort beg-
gars description. Sheets of fire and flame, bayonets,
clubbed muskets, revolvers, swords, flashed and rung
among the maddened soldiers who shot the frantic ne-
groes and slew the men who had urged the negroes to
this rash act and who now rushed pell mell about and
over the embankment and redoubts only to be impaled
on the bayonets of those outside the fort. The air was
full of bullets and flying missiles, mingled with the dy-
ing groans of these poor creatures, and still the horrid
din went on. The infuriated men grappled each other's
throats. Many of these poor wretches jumped into the
river, only to be shot in the water, which seemed to
seethe and boil with bullets. They sank out of sight
to rise no more. General Forrest did not order this last
assault ; he did his very best to stop the useless butchery
and sacrifice of life. He used the flat of his sword on
the back and shoulders of many of his own men before
he finally put a stop to it. Two regiments of soldiers
turned upon him and threatened him with loaded guns
if he should strike another man. He sent his aides for
two regiments and threatened to shoot the first man that
dare fire another gun.

This is the true story of this affair. This and many
o 1^0.- Vcnernte defeats of Federal arms had now aroused
the authorities to the importance, the necessity, of speedy
reprisal, to defeat this war Hercules, who had crushed
four armies superior to his own and commanded by four
West Pointers, house-made, or book-made soldiers. They
now scanned the list of the rough and ready, sturdy sol-
diers, who had never known defeat but had more fame
and success. From among these they picked an old
soldier, a West Pointer, a fine, unbeaten soldier, but
who was destined to become another victim of misplaced

272 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

confidence. General Sturgis was sent to destroy this
thunderbolt of battle.

General Forrest was apprised of the measures on foot
for his benefit. General Sturgis selected 18,000 picket
men from General Sherman's army, to be sent from
Memphis. He would march this well-equipped force
against General Forrest. Forrest's losses had been se-
vere in a series of skirmishes and battles recently and
his forces at this time being somewhat scattered he
concentrated for this emeregency, by sending couriers
to detached commands to meet him at Clinton, some 50
miles from Memphis. He retreated slowly to a dismal
swamp, leaving six fine regiments behind in ambush.
This swamp was impassable for about twelve miles, ex-
cept by the log road. He continued his retreat beyond
this and halted. He met his reenforcements near a slug-
gish, and boggy stream known as Mud Run. Crossing
this, he marched half a mile beyond and halted, near
Brice cross roads and formed his lines parallel to this
stream. With his staff he carefully examined the situation
and learned through field glasses that the enemy was
still crossing the swamp on the corduroy bridge. Every-
thing being in readiness, he now called for fifty volun-
teers. The enemy after crossing the bridge had thrown
up breastworks of logs and dirt. The enemy was seen
defiling from right to left as they crossed the bridge
and took their position in line.

While examining these lines on the opposite side
of the stream, a Yankee Colonel with six men tried to
capture me; I started to move away and was so close
to them that I could distinctly hear the General tell
them not to fire on me as it would develop their lines; to
capture me if possible. There was a large cotton field in
their front. Moving up faster they called upon me to sur-

BATTLE AT BRICE CROSS ROADS 273

render and at this divided into squads, two going behind
and two in front and two directly at me on a charge. I
suddenly put up my field g-lasses and drew my pistol.
It refused to fire. I had a point blank shot at the Colonel
but missed fire. Coming at me in a headlong charge the
Colonel gave a tierce point thrust with his sword and its
point entered the left side of my face just under the angle
of the jaw and passed through, transfixing my tongue and
coming out on the other side of my face. I threw myself
back upon my horse's hips. Having drawn and cocked
the second pistol in my left hand, I killed the Colonel at
the first fire, and he in falling from his horse drew the
sword from my face. I killed five men still laying back
on my horse. Then recovering myself in my saddle, I
shot and killed the other man's horse and wounded the
sixth man. The two others started to run and I also
killed one of them from his horse. This was all done so
quickly that you could hardly count the shots. All these
six men fired at me but missed. They had fired too
quickly, also too high, the bullets passing over me. My
horse was slightly wounded.

Our horses were in rapid motion when this fight
occured. General Forrest hearing shots in rapid succes-
sion, came forward at a swinging pace, at the same time
sending volunteers across the field with instructions to
march in open file upon the enemy's works until they
could see their eyes. When they heard the order to fire
they fell almost flat upon the ground. They charged
furiously upon the enemy's works before they could re-
load; at the same instant other bodies of reenforcement
charged the enemy's works ; deadly hand-to-hand contest
ensued for an hour. The ground was strewn with the
dead and wounded. The enemy having fled in confusion,
General Forrest reached my side and saw the dead and

274 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

wounded soldiers lying around me. The clear bugle notes
sounded a charge all along the line. The artillery came
sweeping by ; the storm of battle, fierce and deadly, was
raging along both sides of this swampy stream. The
sound of bugle notes, and the rapid succession of three
shots from the artillery were the signal for the ambush-
ment to open. For four hours this fierce hand-to-hand
combat swayed from side to side. It seemed that all the
noises of the age^Jiad come back to mingle with this por-
tentous strife. Nothing could stop this impetuous on-
slaught of Forrest. His sword cleaved the skulls of
eleven men in this terrible melee. Wherever his avenging
blade sought the enemy they gave way, dismayed at
what they saw. These stricken soldiers were rallied
three times by General Sturgis, only to be pressed and
forced l^ack upon the causeway near its entrance to the
swamp. Our artillery was planted so as to enfilade the
masses of the enemy crossing this corduroy road, with
grape and canister; the ranks melted rapidly belx)re this
blighting fire of iron and lead. Many stricken fugitives
fled, only to be overtaken and killed. Thousands of them
were crowded off the causeway into the boggy mire
where men and horses sank out of sight almost imme-
diately. Late in the evening the chase was stopped for
the want of more material. General Sturgis had enter-
ed this battle with the battle cry of ''Remember Fort
Pillow," carrying a black flag with the avowed pur-
pose to exterminate the whole command.

Two days after this terrific conflict an old man,
dressed in shabby, coarse clothing, might have been seen
to enter the city of Memphis. It is hardly believed that
this was the proud old soldier who had been an active
factor on many a blood-stained field. This shabbily
dressed old man was no other than General Sturiiis, wi;u

BATTLE AT BRICE CROSS ROADS 275

had gone forth to wipe the stain of recent defeats from
the records of so many of his brother officers.

I must remark in this connection, that this battle
is passed over in the annals of the war with a few lines
of Federal history, not more than twenty. It was in bare
truth one of the most bloody, disastrous and distinct de-
feats to the Federals arms of the entire war. Out of
18,000 picked men sent against General Forrest there
were never more than four hundred effective men who
ever again reported for duty. There is one very good
reason for this to be found in the fact that General
Sturgis on this occasion displayed at the head of his
brigades the black flag with the device of a skull and
cross bones. General Forrest and his men were not the
kind to refuse this challenge. He was one of the few
men who saw the savage trend and brutal nature of the
invader. He said that war was destruction and death,
and this meant killing and that there were just so many
to be killed ; therefore, the sooner it was over the better
for all concerned. He fought fast, hard and furiously.
Almost a giant in strength, he never seemed to tire and
rested while riding his powerful gray chargers. His
pursuit and capture of General Sturgis' command demon-
strated his powers and endurance ; having been continu-
ously in the saddle for five days and nights of hard march-
ing and fighting before he started after Sturgis, who had
three days' start of him. He pressed forward with an in-
ferior force of 1750 men. General Sturgis had 2784
picked men with fresh horses and could get fresh horses
on his way. General Forrest followed him day and
night without stopping except to feed his horses, over-
took and compelled him to fight ; rear and flanks he con-
tinually assailed him by night and day. After seven days
of continuous combat and harrassment, he compelled

I'Ji^ FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

him to surrender 2700 men ; Forrest's force numbered
350 tired and fatigued, worn-out men. All the rest of his
men and horses were completely exhausted and left by
the way side. This tremendous strain was terrible up-
on these hapless men. But this flexible spring steel and
rubber man, seemed as fresh and alert, as ready for new
effort as when he started. He thus destroyed srx well
equipped armies sent against him inside ot tourteen
months.

He told me once that he had been in 184 battles
and skirmishes. I met him first at the battle of Chick-
amauga and served with his command first and last
about fifteen months. He was a man of firey, impulsive
temper, but with many generous impulses ; he had high
courage and hated a coward more than he loved a brave
man. Almost without education he had learned from na-
ture's books the full import of surrounding conditions.
The war found him a poor man struggling for an hon-
est living. It left him a gaint in the game of war. Per-
sonally, he was six feet, one and one-half inches in
height, very muscular and had broad, square shoulders;
he was of light complexion, had a very fine head, piercing
gray eyes, a heavy firm jaw, a finely shaped nose, regu-
lar features ; he walked with an active, springy step and
made the impression of force, power, and determination.
When in good humor his visage was pleasing, his face in-
telligent looking and his demeanor attractive ; but when
angry this man certainly was not a pleasant object to
look upon.

I was in this last battle with Sturgis. I was faint
with loss of blood when I was taken from the field and
thought I was done for, and would certainly receive my
last furlough. But not so, thanks to a strong vigorous,
healthy body, and sober and temperate habits. I recovered

PROMOTED 277

from this terrible wound. I did not then, nor have I
used any tobacco or coffee.

Being sent to the rear to recuperate, I obtained a
furlough of ninety days and went to Virginia to visit
my brother, Major Wm. Berry, of Jackson's old brigade.
Colonel ;Bartow's regiment, the eighth Georgia vol-
unteer. He had joined this command at the beginning
of the war as a private, and had obtained the rank of
major. I had not seen him since before the war began.
I found him bronzed from many months of exposure in
following the grand old hero, Stonewall Jackson. He
was glad to greet me once more. I spent fourteen days
with him. After leaving him I went to Richmond and
never saw him again. He was killed in the desperate
battle at Malvern Hill. I met my brother, Capt. Samuel
Berry. I had received a promotion from General Forrest
as a major after the battle of Mud Run. I received my
commission at this time from him. I was assigned to
detached duty and sent into Kentucky to recruit.

XXVill
MORGAN'S ESCAPE

In close confinement — Captain Hines's plan — Fooling the guard
— A ruse to secure information — Cutting their way out — The
escape — Morgan makes an acquaintance — A clean get-away.

Leaving Richmond together, my brother and I in-
formed General Forrest of this special detached service
telling him at the same time that he might expect at any-
time to see General Morgan just starting into Kentucky.
Having made his escape from the Ohio penitentiary he
was making his way back into the southern lines from
the Ohio River.

I cannot do better than give the details of this won-
derful experience as I received it from one of my com-
rades, Captain Ralph Sheldon, who was one of those
who escaped. General Morgan and seven of his officers
were in this wholesale penitentiary delivery. These
high-strung, spirited, free-rovers were imprisoned in
felon's cells, deprived of light, and fresh air, and con-
tinually subjected to harsh cruelties and brutal insults.
A number had been confined in the dungeon for trivial
offenses. Grown desperate, they planned escape. Mor-
gan was very restless under close imprisonment. Sev-
eral plans were brought forward, only to be abandoned.

Captain Tom Hines devised a plan which was adopt-
ed. This was to tunnel out. Captain Hines had heard
that an air chamber was constructed under tne lower
row of cell simmediately under or upon the ground
floor which accounted for the dryness of the cells on
this floor. At the first opportunity, he entered into a

FOOLING THE GUARD 279

conversation with an old man by the name of Harg,
who was assistant deputy warden. This old man was
the only one of the officials who had anything to say
to the prisoners. He was enthusiastic upon the sub-
stantial character of this prison. Captain Hines lead the
conversation into this channel and learned that his sur-
mise was correct. If he could cut through the concrete
row of cells immediately under or upon the ground
floor of the cell and reach this air chamber without de-
tection he would have an excellent chance for future
operations.

He communicated his plans to General Morgan,
who approved them. Five other men were selected,
whose cells were on the first floor as assistants for this
work, which was commenced with knives abstracted from
the tables. These knives, square at the end made an
excellent tool for this labor. Placing pickets to prevent
surprise, they hacked and chiseled away through 18
inches of stone, concrete, and cement. They concealed
the rubbish in their handkerchiefs, blankets and beds.
They soon had a hole in the floor large enough for a man's
body to pass through. The iron bed steads which stood
in each cell could be lifted up. Each morning, when
Capt. Hines swept his cell he threw the dirt into the
aperture over which he placed a rug when the guard
came around. The latter did not examine the cell which
looked neat and tidy. One kick at this speck of carpet
with its hypocritical neatness, would have disclosed the
plot.

After the air chamber had been reached, ten others
were let into the secret so that the work might constantly
go on night and day. Four men worked while one stood
guard. Candles were or iered ; without tlic^e it w nrild

280 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

have been impossible to finish the work ; a code of signals
was adopted to meet all contingencies. The walls of
the air chamber w^ere built of large stone ; three of these
were removed, and a tunnel run straight to the outer wall.
They were fortunate enough to discover an old rusty
spade with a broken handle in the yard on their way to
breakfast. They must have this spade at all hazards. This
was now a priceless object. At the earliest opportunity it
must be transferred to the air chamber. One man was
to secrete this spade about his person. He wore a long
overcoat. Six or seven men, who were his accompli-
ces, became very frolicsome while the men were wash-
ing. The man selected fell on the spade, slipped the
spade under his coat, buttoned his coat and carried the
spade to the breakfast table with him, where he sat
wonderfully straight. After breakfast he carried it to
the hall and transferred it to the air chamber to shovel
the dirt from the tunnel.

It was discovered, after removing a large block of
stone, that the tunnel passed under an immense pile of
coal. This difficulty must be remedied. The question
was how. No one could tell how far or in what direction
to run the tunnel to avoid obstruction. In this emergency
General Morgan engaged Scott, the deputy warden, in
Cvonversation about the remarkable escape of some pris-
r.ers a short time before. Scott was fond of telling about
this, describing how these men climbed up the balcony
in front of the cells to the ceiling and passed through
the skylight to the roof of the prison. Scott declared
that he did not believe that there were two other men
on the continent who could perform this feat by ascend-
ing these balconies. ''There is a man who can do it,'*
said General Morgan pointing to Captain Sam Taylor,
"small as he is he can do it." This caused an excited dis-

COMPLETING THE TUNNEL 281

cussion, ending in Scott giving Taylor permission to
try it. He immediately commenced the ascent, spring-
ing from one balcony to another until he reached the top ;
and being one of the men selected to escape he compre-
hended the object of this feat, as it afforded him a chance
to glance out of the windows at the ground beyond. As
he swuno- himself up he casually looked down. He
studied the position critically and was able to direct the
tunnel aright. Once during the work Scott called for one
of the men who was at work in the tunnel. General
Morgan's presence of mind saved them from discovery.
He said, ''He is lying down, sick, I believe." At the same
time he handed Scott a memorial which he requested him
to examine as Morgan was going to send it to Washing-
ton. It was something about removal to a military prison.
This flattered Scott's vanity. He took the paper and
scanned it for some minutes and returned it, saying, "I
think it will answer." So it did, for, by this time. Capt-
ain Hockersmith had been signalled to and made his
appearance and complained of being sick.

During the time the work was going forward, the
men slept with their heads and hands covered or con-
cealed. This was done to accustom the night guards
to take their presence for granted without actually see-
ing them. The guards made their rounds every two
hours during the night, taking a lantern close to each cell,
filling the cell with light to see if the occupant was in
bed.

When all the tunneling had been completed, other
preparations were made. The prison walls round the
yards, from which they were to emerge were twenty-five
feet high ; means had been provided for scaling them ; the
coverlids of several beds had been torn into strips and
plaited together into a strong rope of thirty feet and a

282 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

poker converted into a hook to which the rope was se-
curely tied. This rope was now stored in the air cham-
ber, ready for use.

All who were to escape procured citizen's clothes and
^ot a time table of the Little Miami railroad. They
knew the time the train left Columbus and when it
arrived in Cincinnati. For this schedule Morgan paid
fifteen dollars, the only money used in effecting this es-
cape. It has always remained a puzzle and a deep, dark
mystery to the Federal government and to the world how
and when and from what source these prisoners received
the money they had despite the strict search instituted
when they entered the prison wall. There were seven
men who managed to secrete their money so that it was
not found. This was divided among the seven who
wliere to escape, as follows: General Morgan, Captain
Tom Hines, Captain J. Bennett, Captain Sam Taylor,
Captain Hockersmith, Captain Ralph Sheldon, Lieuten-
ant Gus McGee.

Each man was locked in a separate cell. None
could get out of his cell without an interview or un-
derstanding with the night guard. It was, therefore,
necessary to cut an opening through the floor of each
cell, in order that the seven might escape. These open-
ings were cut from the air chamber upward through the
floor of each cell, each man leaving a thin crust of the
cement, for if all were cut through the risk of discov-
ery would become increased. To all appearance they
seemed as sound as even Each had procured a strong
sharp knife, an effective weapon in case of surprise or of
an attempt to stop them while escaping. Everything was
ready for the trial. They waited for rain several nights,
hoping to elude the guards on such a night and also the
vigilance of he prison dogs, which were loose nearly

THE ESCAPE 283

every hour in the night. These would be driven by the
rain into their kennels, which were situated on the far
side of the yard from that on which they would emerge.

A very curious thing happened at this period. Gen-
eral Morgan received a letter from an old Irish woman
living in Lexington, Ky., warning him not to make his
escape. If he did great evils or ills would be sure to re-
sult to him. She alluded to his kindness to the poor people
in Lexington before the war and claimed to be informed
of the future, by some supernatural power. On the 26th
of November it was learned that there was to be a change
of military commanders. Well knowing that during in-
spections which would follow there was danger of dis-
covery General Morgan determined to make his effort
that night. His own cell was in the second range from
which it was impossible to reach the tunnel, but the cell
of his l^rother Colonel Dick Morgan had been prepared
for him, and when Scott tapped on the stove as usual, the
sign for each man to retire to his cell, this exchange was
made. There was sufficient resemblance between them
to deceive a man who did not observe closely, especially
if they had their faces turned away. Both Scott and
night guards were deceived this night. Small bits of
coal and cinders had been sprinkled before the locking
up time on the floor of the first range, so that however
lightly a man might tread he could not help making
a noise. It had been arranged that just after the twelve
o'clock visit of the guards, Captain Taylor should de-
scend into the air chamber underneath. Six long hours of
suspense elapsed after the locking in. Six long hours the
guard went his rounds, making an awful noise, the coal
bits cracking and bursting under his feet as he passed
along the lower range. Sixty odd men lay awake, silent
and excited, with heart beating louder and the blood

2S4 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

rushing faster through their veins than if they had been
approaching a battle. Perhaps the coolest of all this
number were the seven who w-ere about to incur the risk.

The hour had now arrived, the clock struck twelve.
The clang of the bell seemed to the men to be in the hall
itself. The night guard passed with his lantern; a few
minutes elapsed while the men lay still lest the guards
should slip back, then, at the signal, they sprang from,
their beds, hastily stuffing flannel shirts with material
})iepared before for dummies to represent them in bed,
covered them carefully. Stamping upon the crust of each
cell the floors gave way and all descended into the air
chamber and passed out to the terminus of the tunnel.

The first one cut away the soil, which had not been
touched. All emerged into the open air of the yard. It was
cloudy and rainy ; the sentries and dogs had sought their
boxes and kennels. They moved cautiously and on tip
toe across the yard ; if detected, their knives must save
or revenge them. Discovery would have been bad, but
it would also have been unhealthy for the discoverers as
they were determined to be free and were desperate men.

They reached and climbed the outer wall in safety,
by means of the rope and grappling hook thrown over
the coping of the wall ; they climbed hand over hand
until all had reached the top ; the rope was hung over to
the outer side of the wall and they let themselves to the
ground, one by one. After reaching the ground they
tried to release the hook from the wall, but it could not
be done. This caused the discovery of the escape at day-
light two hours earlier than it otherwise would have
been discovered. The men scattered in pairs, and made
good their escape. General Morgan and Captain Hines
went straight toward the depot and bought tickets for
Cincinnati. When the train came in they got on it and see-

A CLEAN GETAWAY 285

ing a Federal officer, Morgan seated himself near him
and engaged him in conversation. Morgan produced a
flask of whisky, inviting him to take a drink, which was
accepted.

T-C+ fV,en the train passed the penitentiary. "That j«
the hotel where Morgan stops, I believe," said the Federal
officer. "Yes," answered Morgan, "and will stop, it is
hoped. He has given us his fair share of trouble and
he will not be released. I will drink to him, 'May he ever
be kept as closely as he is now.' They passed a pleasant
night together. When the suburbs of Cincinnati
were reached about daylight, it was time to get off. Hines
pulled the bell rope and they went to the pTatirorm and
put the brakes down tight with all their strength. The
train slackened and they sprang off.

Near a lumber pile, three soldiers were sitting. One
of them said, "What in the hell are you jumping from
the train here for?" "What in the devil is the use of a
man going into the city when he lives here? Besides what
matter is it to you," was the reply. "Oh, nothing," said
the soldier.

Passing on towards the river and reaching it, they
gave a boy two dollars to put them across quickly. Mak-
their way unseen to a friend's house near Covington they
obtained horses and reached "Boone County. Harrison,
Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Scott, Nelson, Anderson, Spen-
cer, Mercer, and Boyles counties were traversed. On to
the loved Southland they journeyed with many exciting
and touching incidents, narrowly escaping capture at sev-
eral places. They reached the Confederate lines after
seven days' hard riding.

XXIX
MY LAST SERVICE WITH MORGAN

A skirmish with Burbridge — I receive three wounds — Death of
Morgan.

When ''One-armed" Berry and myself reached Ab-
iijgdon, Virginia, Morgan's advance had moved in the
direction of Pound Gap. We procured horses and re-
ported to him, showing him our commissions. We
^found Pound Gap garrisoned with one k-egiment of
infantry and two of cavalry of General Burbridge's
force. Colonel Howard Smith of the advance brigade
charged them from this strong position and captured
many in the running fight that followed. At Louisa
we encountered another detachment of Burbridge's
force ; after a . sharp skirmish we dispersed them. Six
long, weary days we toiled over these rugged, broken
mountains. There were in the expedition nearly six
Inindred dismounted men who made this toilsome march
on foot. Three hundred and fifty horses broke down,
completely exhausted. The hardships were great.

Colonel Robert Alartin commanded the expedition.
A nobler, braver, or more dashing soldier never fought
for a cause. He generously walked most of the way,
giving up his horse, first to one and then to another
private, whose feet were so sore and torn that they
could not walk. His unselfish devotion to his men won
for him the sobriquet of "Generous Bob" Martin. On the
seventh day, late in the evening, we reached Mount

THREE TIMES WOUNDED 287

Sterling, where these tired, foot-sore veterans went into
camp. At daylight they were attacked by a force of
twelve hundred cavalry, who dismounted, creeping
close to their camp. The enemy had passed between
Colonel Martin and his men. He had slept in a small
house near camp. The first intimation of the enemy
was a volley poured into the camp. Colonel Martin,
roused by this fire, mounted his horse, without saddle
or hat and rode directly through the enemy's ranks.
Reaching his camp, which was in some confusion, he
formed his men under a hot fire. He led them against
the enemy, which he drove before him with a whoop,
capturing their horses, with wild exulting yells. At-
tracted by the continuous roll of musketry, other bat-
talions were sent to their aid. This battle lasted one
hour and a half. Our losses footed up 21 killed and
19 wounded. The enemy's loss 36 killed and 52 wound-
ed.

I received a slight wound in my foot, whicn, though
not serious, was exceedingly painful. We moved on to
Winchester, thence to Lexington. In a sharp fight,
I was again wounded, once in my right leg and once
in my right cheek. My brother tried to place me in
a safe place and prevent my capture, but failed ; I was
betrayed. He took my commission, however, and made
his way to Spencer and Nelson counties. I was sent
to the hospital. Morgan moved on to Georgetown,
Paris and Cynthiana.

This was the last time I ever saw General Mor-
gan, as my duties after this time kept me in the state
until near the final close of the struggle. He was not as
successful on this raid as he had been. Leaving Ken-
tuck}^ he returned by way of Falmoth, Connersville,

288 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Clayville, Sardis, Mays' Lick, Fleminsburg, Popular
Plains, Moorehead, West Liberty, Licking Station,
Paitsville and Piketon, back into Virginia and East
Tennessee to his department assignment. After some
months of sharp fighting he camped on September 3rd,
at a small town, Greenville, in East Tennessee. He
was sleeping at the house of .Mrs. Williams, the mother
of the young woman who betrayed his whereabouts. His
camps were nearby. The house and garden, which was
large and walled, was surrounded. Morgan vainly made
several attempts to escape. Three of his staff and two
orderlies say that he surrendered and was afterwards
killed by these ruffians. The rough treatment his re-
mains received attest the truthfulness of this statement.
There are still many of his old comrades Hvmg who
believe he was killed after he had surrendered.

Thus ended the life of the noble, generous cnieftain.
General John Morgan, beloved and admired by all who
knew him. With severe heart aches, we mourned his
death. He was killed on the morning or September
4th. 1864, after three years' service. His renown as
a cavalry chieftain will endure as long as time shall
last.

XXX
BACK TO FORREST

Wounded and captured — I escape — Betrayed and recaptured —
Escape — Recruiting — ^Again with Forrest — ^Again. wounded
and captured — Sent to Rock Island.

After Morgan left Lexington on his return to Vir-
ginia, I was sent to the hospital. When the Yankee
surgeon came to me he said, "Your wounds are not
serious, though they may be a little painful. You should
not be here ; I believe I know you. Were you not
wounded at Cynthiana; had your leg broken?" I did
not reply. "I heard that you made your escape Irom
Camp Chase. Is this so?" I did not say anything, but
let him do the talking. The next day I was bundled
into a wagon and taken to the depot, where I met some
thirty of my 'comrades. Placing us in cattle cars they
sent us to Louisville.

I determined to take French leave of these Phil-
istines at the very first chance. We left Lexington
about ten o'clock, passing through Frankfort about 3
p. m. When the cars reached Benson, two of the boys
jumped and escaped to the hills, under a shower of
bullets. We were nearing Bagdad station, not far from
Christiansburg. There were some cattle on the track.
The whistle blew loudly, causing some excitement
ahead. Both car doors were open. The guards were
green recruits. All the guards and prisoners were in
the car together. While the guards were looking out
of the door, I jumped from the train, which was still

290 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

running. I made haste to a horse standing hitched to
a post in front of a store, pulled myself onto him and
rode down the road as fast as he could carry me. The
guards began firing at me, but I kept to the woods and
made my way under cover of darkness to Sam Bryant's
place where I stayed until my wounds healed. From
thence I started to join my brother near Fairfield. I
stopped near Simpsonville. Here I was betrayed and
captured and taken to Louisville, receiving a severe
wound in my right shoulder.

I gave the assumed name of Tom Henderson, was
placed in the hospital on Third street, in the barracks,
near where the Norton Infirmary now stands. The of-
ficers' quarters were on the west side of Third street,
near Oak street. The hospital was near some stables
where the officers' horses were kept. There were sev-
eral fine horses among them. My wounds were heal-
ing nicely and I was afraid I would be sent away soon,
as the surgeon asked me if I felt like traveling. I toio
him '*no." He simply remarked that he thought I
would be moved to prison. I was sure that this would
be done.

I watched the hospital steward when he went into
the drug office. I drew on my coat, placed my hat on
my head and walking to the stables, entered by the rear
door and saddled the best horse. I led him out and
propped the door shut from the rear. I rode slowly
away until I reached a cornfield, between Floyd and
Preston Stations, where I remained until dark. There
were soldiers at the fort on the Preston street road,
and soldiers near Third street, so I steered my course
between the two, and made my way to Mr. James
Phillips' home, five miles from the city, hiding in a
dense thicket for four days. I suffered from my wound

A BERRY WITH BRIARS 291

which was painful and inflamed. Bidding these kind
friends farewell, I turned to try again the unknown fu-
ture. I had obtained through the kindness of Captain
Phillips six pistols, with ammunition. If I was to be
captured I would make somebody feel that they had
run up on a Berry with briars. I had to swim the
South Fork which was bank full. This did not hurt
me, as it was the 28th day of July and the weather
was hot. Next evening I crossed Salt River. 1 went
to my old friend, Judge Jonathan Davis, in Spencer
county, where I learned of my brother's whereabouts.
I rode to Dr. Evans' farm near Nazareth and there
found Jim Evans and Miss Alice. We scoured the
country for recruits, who were hiding in the bush. From
Henry to Meade, from the Ohio River to Lancaster, we
recruited three fine companies by the 15th of Septem-
ber. My brother, ''One-armed" Berry had become a
terror throughout the State. We rode and fought until
November. The leaves began to fall so we made ar-
rangements to go south for the benefit of our health.
On the 2nd of the month, "One-armed" Berry had 320
men. Making my way down through Meade, Breckin-
ridge, Hardin, Hancock, McClain and Davis counties and
thence to Morgantown, on the Tennessee River, pass-
mg around Hartford, I received information that Adam
Johnson was in the vicinity of Columbus, Kentucky. I
joined him and found him preparhig to return south.
When we reached the vicinity of Brownsville, Tenn., the
next day we met a force of Pennsylvania cavalry. We
charged them promptly. We hear dthat General Forrest
was moving on Clarksville. I left Colonel Johnson and
started to find my chosen commander. On the second
day after leaving Colonel Johnson we rode fnto Abe

292 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Buford's camps at Waverly. I here learned that Gen-
eral Forrest was going to attack Clarksville. We marched
with General Buford's brigade. I had known this man
from boyhood as we both lived in Woodford County,
not far from each other, Uncle Jim Berry being in the
same business as Buford, racing and breeding race horses.
It was during my earlier years that I learned to ride,
as I rode many races for Uncle Jim and at the time knew
Captain Abe Buford. I never imagined that we would
be soldiers together. As we rode forward, we became
reminiscent, going back over the old, happy days of
prosperity. This was the only time I had ever known
him to unbend and become cordial and social in his
manner.

Reaching General Forrest's camp, I went directly
to his quarters. He was surprised to see me, and re-
ceived me with that reserve that was characteristic of
him. I presented him with my recruits, one hundred and
sixty-two. I briefly told him of Morgan's raid through
Kentucky and showed him my commission from the Sec-
retary. I had informed the recruits when enlisting them
that I should take them to General Forrest's command,
and turn them over to him. They would then be as-
signed to the regiment that they chose. I received
hearty thanks for my efforts. He told these young sol-
diers he should take special care of them, but had plenty
of hard marching and fighting for them.

At early dawn information was received that the
enemy was approaching in strong force from the direc-
tion of Paris. Forrest determined to meet an attack
therej On his advance he encountered the enemy. For-
rest ordered his whole force to charge and sweep all
before them. Taking the center himself, his charging
columns broke through the enemy's lines and turned on

WOUNDED AND CAPTURED 203

the right wing, from the rear and almost destroyed it.
The left wing retreated. I received a serious wound
in my left hip which paralyzed my leg for some days
rendering me unable to ride or be moved. I was con-
sequently left at Paris. Hood was forced to retreat.

I was again captured, carried to Clarksville, placed
on board a hospital transport and taken to Evansville,
Indiana, and from there to Rock Island, Illinois, where
I met many of my old comrades. Some were dying of
poisoned vaccine virus which the surgeons had placed
in their arms. Members of our old command lost arms
from this cause. Hundreds of Confederates, poisoned, in
this prison, died of small pox. There were sixteen
thousand prisoners at this place at this time.

XXXI
ROCK ISLAND

The horrible punishments in this prison — The Seven Confederate
Knights — My experience with Colonel Carrier — Escape' —
Friends in Davenport.

If some of the calamity howlers and the autTiorities
at Washington could have looked in upon Rock Island,
and then Andersonville, and have been compelled to
make a choice between the two places as a permanent
abiding place, I am very certain they would have chosen
Andersonville, without any hesitancy. I am very sure
that Andersonville did not contain within its walls half
the horrors that existed for months at Rock Island. I
was at Andersonville in the early summer of 1863. The
prisoners received the same rations that their guards
received. The water supply was deficient, and bad, but
there was no harsh treatment that I ever heard of and
only such measures were taken as would insure their
safe keeping.

I shall simply give my own personal experiences
at this den of crime and infamy during the seven and
one half weeks I remained within its walls. I reached
Rock Island December 2nd, 1864; during my stay I wit-
nessed more human suffering than in any other ten
years of my checkered life. I had already been in five
prisons, from which I had escaped. I thought I had wit-
nessed suffering and personal hardship at Camp Morton,
Camp Chase, and at Point Lookout. I fled from these
as most men would flee from a pestilence. I was young

O ao

Oa

^ -M CO

C 3 O

STARVING INTO SUBMISSION 295

and healthy, and hardship seemed to agree with me,
but I must say in all candor that my experience and the
treatment I had received had not prepared me for the
scenes of suffering that daily met my eyes at Rock
Island.

This prison is situated on an island in the Mississip-
pi River, opposite Rock Island, and just opposite Daven-
];ort, la. The climate at this place is frigid and cold dur-
ing the long vv^inter months, and even those vvrho are ac-
climated, and equipped w^ith w^arm clothing to protect
them from the keen, cutting winter winds suffer from
it. What must have been the intense suffering of those
who had always lived in a warm climate, with only
summer clothing, often with no undergarments, shoes
full of holes, light socks, trousers full of holes at the
knees, and seats out, half starved, not having sufficient
wholesome food to keep the scurvy down. I have seen
men shot at for picking up scraps of bread and meat out
of the barrels and from scavenger carts. Colonel Car-
rier, commandant of this prison swore a great oath that
he would ''starve the d — d rebels to death if they did
not join the Union army."

Colonel Carrier built a prison in the southwest cor-
ner of the prison yard, large enough to hold seven thous-
and men, and from this time on until I made my es-
cape, he employed a systematic and brutal method to
carry out his threat of starvation. He had a placard
placed all through the barracks and streets of the prison,
stating that he wanted seven thousand men to join the
frontier service, pledging such recruits not to send them
to fight in the South, but to send them to fight the In-
dians on the frontier. At the same time he commenced
to cut off the usual allowance of rations, first an eighth,

296 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

then a fourth. The corn bread was not more than half
cooked and had so much soda in it that but few of the
men could eat it. Half the beans were withheld; the
baker's bread, most of it, was so sour it could not be
eaten. During this pitiless cold weather several men
froze to death, their blood being so impoverished and
thin that life could not be sustained. An order was
given that no two prisoners should stand and talk in
the streets; accordingly guards instructed the sentries
on the parapets to shoot any offenders guilty of a viola-
tion of this rule. Many were thus killed or wounded.
Many were whipped with heavy belts with buck-
les, the prints of the buckles being left on trie bruised
flesh. Others, again, were compelled to sit in banks of
snow raked up to the arm pits ; others were made to ride
"Morgan's mule." This was a long scantling with an
edge uppermost, which the hapless victim was made
to mount and there sit perched for two hours, the frame
work was seven or eight feet high. Many men were
wantonly shot for approaching the dead line.

But the most brutal and most awful of these terrible
punishments remains to be told. There were two of
them. I was the unfortunate victim of both. One, the
practice of tying men up by the thumbs, was as fol-
lows: The victim was caught and cords tied tightly
around his two thumbs. A peg or spike was driven
into a post or wall of the prison, seven or eight feet
above the ground or floor. A pulley was fixed to this
with a strong heavy cord ; this cord passed through the
pulley and the cords about the thumbs tied close to-
gether, and to the cord from the pulley. The victim was
now made to stand on top of a four inch block and
stretched up by this pulley, after which the block was
kicked from under his feet. The miserable man usually

METHODS OF TORTURE 297

fainted dead away, turning livid in the face in a few
seconds.

The other, almost as bad, was the sweat box. The
victim was placed in a box barely large enough to ad-
mit a man's body and the lid drawn down tight, shut-
ting out all fresh air.

These two last methods of torture were frequently
resorted to by this monster in human shape, the com-
mandant. The question will arise : Why were these se-
vere measures used? This is easy to answer. These
men had been rendered desperate by starvation, maimed
from poisoned vaccine virus, beaten with heavy leather
belts, with buckles on them, frequently suffered from
riding "Morgan's mule," being tied up by the thumbs,
the sweat box and bad food. Other causes of distress
were small pox, measles, pneumonia, vile curses and
personal abuse, robbery of both food and clothing sent
us from our homes. Cowardly threats of starvation and
its brutal systematic, studied application, to these poor
wretches brought about the desired end and thousands
of these men joined the frontier service. Is it any won-
der or surprise that these high-strung, brave men be-
came desperate, and ready to attempt anything that
might relieve them?

Many tunnels were dug under the barracks toward
the outer walls of this black hole of death. Numbers of
men were caught outside these walls and shot to death.
This was of almost daily or nightly occurence. All caught
inside were punished by tying up by the thumbs. Hun-
dreds of men had a wild, vacant look, caused b}^ intense
suffering.

The prison dungeon was a horrible, terrifying place.
I was kept there four days and nights, to make me tell

298 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the secrets of the 7 C. K. of the Mystic Order. This
was an oath bound society of Confederate prisoners,
who pledged themselves to stand by each other under
all circumstances and die in prison rather than take the
hated oath of allegiance and join the United States
army while the Confederate government was in exist-
ence.

It was during the time while I was confined in this
jinnil Ic (Inii'jcoii tlir't my liair bei^an to turn white, and
within forty-eight hours it was completely so, and be-
ean to fall out ; so terrible was my experience.

It may be of interest to know that the badge or
device of this society was a star with seven points, and
our motto, "Duke et decorum est pro patria mori," mean-
ing, "It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country."
In the center oi the star were the emblematic letters,
"7 C. K."

A weak-kneed traitor who had broken his oath and
joined the Federal army on the western frontier told
Colonel Carrier that I belonged to this Order. When
I was taken before Carrier, the human beast, he said:
"Berry, I know all about your various plans and your
schemes to escape, also the secrets of the *7 C. K.'s', in-
cluding your signs, grips and badge. You had better
tell me all about these things, and I will not punish you
any further."

"Colonel," I replied, "if you know so much about all
these things, why do you ask me to tell you? I have
nothing to say, and would not tell you, to save your
life or mine. You need not bother me further."

I told him that if I lived to get out of prison, and we
should meet, there would be a settling of scores. He
then put me into a sweat box, barely large enough to
admit my body, and turned on the steam.

I QUARREL WITH CARRIER 299

I was an especial object of hatred to this cowardly
monster, the commandant. I presume that I deserved
some of my severe punishments. I received notice one
day to pack my belongings, as I was wanted at the
Colonel's quarters. This was after the call had been
made for volunteers. Somebody told Carrier that I
had escaped from several -prisons, and was making
preparations to storm the prison walls. Upon hearing
this. Carrier ordered the sergeant to make me bring
all my effects with me, as he was going to send me to
Johnson's Island, as I was an officer, and had no busi-
ness in this place. I packed up all my traps, which were
not many, went along with the sergeant. I felt what
was coming. A presentiment gave me warning. The
Colonel was all politeness, sweetness, gentleness. While
he was talking of my departure to another prison, he
had an officer searching my effects. He asked me many
questions. I looked him in the eyes a moment without
speaking, and then, very deliberately said, *'I should be
delighted to get away from such a prison, and sucn a
keeper." This was too much ; he threw off all disguises.

"Where's that pistol you carried into this prison with
you?" "I have no pistol; there are my effects, if you
can find any pistol in them you're welcome to it." "I
have direct, absolute knowledge that you have a loaded
pistol in your possession, and you shall produce it or
suffer the consequences." "Colonel, I am your prisoner;
you searched me yourself when I came here. If you did
not find it then how do you hope to do so now? Find
it if you can ; I don't fear you. If I could have a chance
to fight you and twenty such scoundrels I should be
only too eager ; if not, I hope to live long enough to kill
you. You are butchering my friends and comrades by
the hundreds; I despise and defy you." I was furious.

300 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Unarmed as T was, he appeared to be afraid of me, but
raisint^ himself he sent me away and l^ack into the pris-
on. As T stepped from the door he yelled after me, ''I
will break your spirit or your neck, younj^- man."

T was desperate. [ had this very day bribed a sol-
dier who was a friend of mine in boyhood days. I had
a long talk with him on several occasions. Today he
had proposed to let me and six other prisoners out if I
would raise him one hundred and forty dollars. He said
he \v3.s going to quit the service, desert, and needed the
money to get away. His beat was on the north side of
the walls, next the river. He told me that his reliet
would come at 10 and 2 at night, and showed me where
his beat extended.

I knew that I was a doomed man, unless I should
get away. I had been in negotiation with a lady and her
daughter in Davenport, a Southern-raised woman from
Warsaw, Ky. She had been in the prison several times.
I had sent and received letters underground from both
these noble-hearted w^omen ; I knew where they lived
and how to find the house ; I was resolved to get out of
this black hell of death.

We had already torn up some quilts and made ropes
of them and bent a small iron bar into a hook ready to
be fastened to this rope ladder. The moon did not rise
until about 3 o'clock in the morning. I informed my
comrades of my plans and told them of the interview
with Colonel Carrier. I also laid before them the immi-
nent danger and risk we were taking, of the hourly dcatli
scenes we witnessed among our friends. I feared that
this pretended friend would betray us after he got our
money. I had made up my mind to end all or be a free
man again.

Seven men agreed to try to escape, but wdien the

THE ESCAPE 301

time came, two of them backed out and did not go with
us. Well for them, perhaps, that they did not, as the
sequel will show. I was impatient for the time to come
but waited for the appointed hour and signal, and found
the sentry on the parapet. It was fifteen minutes of two ;
the clock struck slowly, distinctly. The night was dark.
I had practiced throwing the hook over the edge of the
top bunks in my barracks, which was the height of the
prison fence. I had one hundred and twenty dollars in
my outside coat pocket to hand the sentry, also my pis-
tol handy for instant use. We all now stealthily crossed
the deadline to the fence ; I threw the hook over, and it
caught fast at the first effort. I climbed to the top and
slid down upon the parapet on the outside of the fence.
This walk was on the outside, four feet below the top
of the fence. Jim Evans, Billy Wilson, Jim Todd, Jack
Moseby and myself were in the party. Evans reached
the walkway or parapet, Todd and W^ilson were on the
top of the fence, Moseby's head was just appearing above
the fence. I handed the sentry, whose name was David-
son, the bribe money. At this moment I saw the glint
of musket barrels by the light of the moon, which was
just rising. I fell flat and pulled Evans down after me.
The volley killed two and seriously wounded others.
Wilson and Todd were killed. All was confusion. In-
stantly after the volley I whispered to Evans, "Come,
follow me," and leaping from the parapet ran toward
the river. Another volley was fired, the smoke obscuring
every object. Reaching the bank, I fired four shots at
the mass of blue coats.

The weather was intensely cold; I had an overcoat,
which I pulled off. We both now walked out upon the
ice, which commenced to crack and pop with long, vi-
brating noise. We walked in a half circle several times,

302 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

then near the edge of thin ice where the running water
had not frozen, then slowly back. We sprang up and
down. At this a large flake of ice broke loose, floated
out into the rapid current, and carried us down stream.
We were afloat on the Mississippi River.

I kept my overcoat on my arm, as I did not care to
have it on me in case we should have to swim. We had
to trust to fate. When we passed under the railroad
bridge, I expected to receive a volley. Looking back in
the direction of the island and prison we could see lights
moving in all directions. These were lanterns in the
hands of soldiers looking for us. We floated down about
two miles below the bridge and the current forced us to
the Iowa shore, near a small creek. Our weight sank the
block of ice beneath the water so that it was forced un-
der the shore ice, which gave sufficient strength to the
outer edge of thin ice next the running water to bear
our weight. We walked on towards the Iowa shore.
Finally we found a deep gulch in the prairie, cut by
freshets. This gulch was filled with round bunches of
weeds, known to many as ''tumble weeds," because they
are almost round and when dry the high winds break
them off and drive them rolling and tumbling across the
prairie. We entered this gulch, making our way to the
head. On reaching the end we found the soil haa been
washed out six or eight feet under the thick sod. This
was an excellent shelter from the bleak winter wind,
which whistled and sighed among the weeds, which we
gathered and placed close together for a bed. My feet
were soaking wet in my thick boots. I had to put on
my overcoat and button it closely about me. Notwith-
standing this I was becoming very cold. I said to
Evans, ''Suppose one of us at a time keep watch over
the fields and prairies in every direction, to prevent sur-

A DAY IN THE FIELDS 303

prise. When day comes we must not show ourselves
above the surface; we can't tell what may happen; I
would rather die than to return to the black hole again."
At this moment I resolved never to surrender again, so
long as the war should last.

Day was now dawning, the hours had fled since two
o'clock. I thought of my dead comrades, of the dying,
suffering companions left behind, to linger out a mis-
erable life of torture and woe ; I thought of the unnum-
bered cruelties to helpless prisoners in all the prisons
I had been in, but they all were pleasant, luxurious
homes compared to the incomparable, brutal cruelties of
Rock Island. This coward must have studied this sub-
ject all his life. The great orb of day was appearing
dimly above the horizon. The day, the 19th of January,
1864, dawned cold and clear. The wind was chill.
Evans and I watched for any stirring from the prison.
The noon hour came and passed ; it was my watch. I
could see wagons slowly moving toward the foot of the
island ; they stopped near the g«rave yard and some long
boxes were lifted out. I learned later that these boxes
contained the remains of the two gallant soldier boys
who were so infamously betrayed and butchered. I often
asked myself, for what was I spared? Why were my
comrades taken from my very side and I left?

In the evening the snow began to fall, reminding
me forcibly of my experience at Camp Chance. It was
slow at first, but in about an hour it fell faster and fast-
er. Darkness was approaching, and I said, ''Evans,
come let's be off; we shall be covered soon if we re-
main here." Taking the river for a guide we moved
cautiously toward Davenport, where I was sure we
could find shelter and food. I had eaten nothing for

304 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

three days, having been so wrought up by the exciting
experiences.

Reaching the limits of the city we made our way to
the place where I had been told the house stood. Going
boldly through the gate into the yard I tapped on the
door. It opened ; there was our friend. She said,
"Stable." Mrs. Culberson motioned me to go around
the house. There were two large lamps lighted in the
yard. I turned back into the street, found a narrow
alley next the yard which I followed. Reaching the
stable, I met Miss Culberson under the shed. She led
the way by a side entrance to the house. We, stepping
as lightly as we could, followed her. She took us to the
attic of the house, and entered a nicely furnished room.
She turned about and spoke in low, almost sobbing tones,
saying, "You are safe here ; I am so sorry your com-
rades were killed ; this is indeed a terrible, cruel war.
Here is some cold water; I see you are both nearly
frozen. I've been expecting you all day. There are
clean clothes for you both. Mamma will be up in a
half hour; I will also call later."

Leaving us she went dowm stairs.

I found that my boots were frozen on my feet;
also my trousers up to my knees. I stepped into the
water in the bath tub, which soon thawed them out. I
had Evans draw them off for me, then I took a bath in
some fresh water. I was feeling better and more com-
fortable than I had for months ; I was still numb and
growing sleepy when a soft knock was heard on the
door. Evans opened it; Mrs. Culberson came forward
and greeted us both kindly. Her lovely dauji^hter had
a basket of supper in her hands, w^hich she began to ai-
range. Madam told about the two dead comrades and
the wounded. She also told us that the authorities be-

IN HIDING AT DAVENPORT 305

lieved Evans and I were drowned in the river, as it was
reported to the colonel that we were seen to sink beneath
the water of the Mississippi. It is touchingly sad to hear
of one's own death and to be drowned in ice cold water,
in the dead of winter at that. We were dead to the
world, at least until we could hear from home. Mrs.
Culberson's husband was at Washington looking after
some interests for the Davenport and Iowa Central Rail-
road, of which he was president. We ate supper, to which,
it is needless to say, we did ample justice; we did not
leave a scrap. I told of my prison life, my set-to with
the colonel. "Yes," Mrs. Culbertson said, "he told us of
that; he says he would not like to meet you. They are
going to send the men to the frontier who enlisted in
the prison in a day or two."

I wrote to Sam — "One-Arm" Berry — to send me
some money, a suit of citizens clothes and a pair of
pistols. On February 1st I received a box sent to Mrs.
Culberson for me. I had spent a very pleasant time at
the home of Mrs. Culberson. She was a noble, generous
Christian lady; I shall ever cherish her memory with
lasting affection. I donned my suit, belted on my pistols
and bade adieu to those good Samaritans.

I had made myself familiar with Davenport from
the window of the house during my stay. I walked di-
rectly to the depot and bought a ticket for Chicago. On
entering the ticket office I saw two Yankee officers of
the prison lounging on the seats, and four private sol-
diers. I took in the situation at a glance ; I felt like
closing on them, but prudence is always the first ele-
ment of duty and of valor, but I had been so harried,
abused and compelled to submit to and witness such
cruelties by these cowards that my blood almost boiled,
I Vvalked out upon the platform, waiting for the train.

306 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

which arrived on time. I boarded the car, among the
first who took a seat. As the train moved out near the
bridge I noticed Miss Jessie Culberson waving adieu
from her side window. May the Deity bless and prosper
all such. "What a happy world this would be if all
mankind was like these noble, generous creatures," I
thought as she disappeared from my view. I looked
upon the island of death, where so much misery and
crime was practiced, while crossing the bridge to Rock
Island City. We reached Chicago late in the night.

XXXII
BACK TO THE SOUTHLAND

Incident in Cincinnati — We capture horses and find a friend — ^A
capture and a recovery — A new company recruited — Fight
near Owensville — Ride through Georgetown — More recruit-
ing— Attacked but victorious — Surprised — Our murderous re-
sistance— Burning of Georgetown female college.

When Evans and I left Mrs. Culberson's house we
left one at a time. We never looked at or spoke to each
other, as there were spies everywhere. Every stranger
was shadowed and his business pried into. In Chicago
we took a cab directly for the Cincinnati depot. Board-
ing the train we pulled out and reached Cincinnati about
9 a. m. Taking a bus for the Burrett house I ordered
a room. I told Evans that we would have to be careful
and watch our points. After a refreshing bath I took a
walk down the street. I purchased six pistols and am-
munition, placing four in my belt and the others in my
grip-sack. I had a shave and hair-cut. Returning by
another street I went to my room, where I met a man
whom I knew instantly; he had killed one of my com-
rades, and made his escape. He was a deserter from our
army and now a United States detective. I covered him
with my ^pistol and disarmed him. I said to Evans,
"Let's be away or we shall have more of the bloody
sleuths upon our heels." We could not kill this wretch,
but we could lock him in the room, and let him get out
the best way he could. This man's name was Murphy.
He killed Captain McGinnis, who had him arrested for
stealing a watch from a prisoner. When placed under
guard, he was not disarmed ; he watched for Captain

,>()S FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

McGinnis, who was at this time adjutant general of the
command. The killing occurred on the day of the battle
.-tt Green river bridge. As Captain McGinnis rode by
this man Murphy shot him dead, and made his escape.
This was the first time I had met him since. I did not
feel warranted in assuming the risk of taking him with
me, so I locked him in the room and hastily crossed the
river to Covington.

We walked on until finally we found ourselves some
distance from the city. We heard horses' feet. It was
some Federal scouts coming. We walked to a gate,
opened it and walked in ; the lieutenant spoke to us and
passed on. After passing they disappeared around a
bend in the road. We continued our walk and about a
mile and a half from here we met three soldiers whom
we halted and disarmed, and took their horses. We
placed the two on one horse, took a by-road through the
country, traveling steadily and rapidly for two hours
with these now thoroughly frightened soldiers. They
believed we were going to kill them. We halted and
made them dismount. I told them that we were Con-
federates, but that they were free. Bidding them good
evening we rode away, leaving them to make their way
back as best they could. We now pushed on faster, for
we were well mounted. We reached the vicinity of
Williamstown.

In the direction of Covington we met a fafmer who
claimed the led horse and told us such a straight story
of its capture that we asked him his name; he told us
"Sanklin." I then asked him if he had a son with Mor-
g:an. He said he did and that he was then in prison at
Rock Island. We had found a friend. We told him
who we were and about our escape from tnat place. He
directed us where to go so we could rest a few days —

I AM ALMOST CAPTURED 309

to his place, where we stopped with him three days. He
sent a guide to lead us through the country. Reaching
Owen county, we felt we were at home, as this county
had sent more men to the Confederate armies than any
other in the state, and fewer to the Union army. We
were now in the big hills. We stopped at Henry
Spence's place. Here we met Captain Southall, a re-
cruiting officer of the Confederate army, an old com-
rade, and a number of the old squadron. He was a
brave, gallant soldier, a hard fighter, a man who never
knew fear. There was at this time a regiment of mixed
troops at Covington — two companies of negroes and
three companies of white cavalry. Captain Southall had
gone to Carrolton the day before and asked me to meet
him in a lar^e woodland. Evans was sick with pneu-
monia. Leaving him in careful hands I started to meet
the captain. At this period we seldom traveled the
roads ; when we did it was only for very short distances.
While traversing this woodland near sundown, along a
bridle path, the trees thick and woods dense, suddenly
from behind a large beach tree I was confronting a mus-
ket. The muzzle of this gun was so close to my head
that the opening looked as large as the mouth of a six-
pound cannon. Behind this ugly-looking muzzle was
the blackest negro sergeant that ever wore the blue.
His eyes looked fierce and savage. "Halt, dar." I halt-
ed. T was made to dismount. He kept his gun un-
comfortably close to my body. I handed him one pistol.
He set his gun by the tree, I shoved my pistols at him,
one, two, three, four, five. He looked surprised and as-
tonished at the number. There was a purpose in this.
He fumbled at his belt. One of the weapons hung
against his clothing. He took his eyes off me and looked
down, but when he again looked up he was looking- into

310 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the muzzle of a cocked revolver. It was my inning. He
recoiled and threw up his hands, exclaiming, "Oh, boss,
don't shoot, I s-surrender." I bade him unbuckle his
belt, step backwards and to the right about face, march.
I halted him twelve feet away and then picked up my
pistols, returning them to the holsters, and taking his
musket up I mounted my horse, marched my negro ser-
geant into the woods and waited for my friend, Captain
Southall.

The moon rose clear, sending its silvery rays
through the branches. About eight o'clock I heard the
hurried footfalls of a horse coming through the woods.
A low signal announced his arrival. I joined him and
we made our way back to camp. The captain had with
him six recruits, all well mounted, and reported some
more to follow on the morrow's night. I turned my
capture over to the captain, as I did not wish to kill or
to be encumbered. Our soldiers never regarded negroes
as soldiers, only as property. This negro had been run
off from his master in Tennessee and smuggled through
to Olean, Ohio, when a boy. He had managed to ob-
tain an education. Joining the army he was made a first
sergeant in the Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteers. I gave
him to the captain, who took him south. During the
early days of March we moved up into the western bor-
der of Scott county, picking up recruits as we went.
Near the stamping ground we were met by Zl men, and
by 18 more at Arch Edger's. There were also nine ol;'
caped prisoners and thirteen more who had arranged
every detail for a return south.

Captain Southall drew up these men in line ; they
were counted and found to number 94, with 31 old vet-
erans among them. We moved out from camp with
guides and riding through the night reached the vicinity

A NIGHT ENCOUNTER 311

of Mount Sterling. The men were enjoined to keep ab-
solutely quiet as there was a strong garrison six miles
away, and scouting parties on all the roads. At early
dusk we moved towards Owensville, around which we
made a detour as there was a strong force here. Going
through farms we crossed the main road east of this
place three miles, but reaching a narrow lane were fired
upon from high banks on each side of the road. The
blaze of the guns met across the road; the light was
so bright that we could see the enemy's faces. Our col-
umn returned their fire. Each double-barreled shotgun
poured such volleys of buckshot into their ranks as we
charged through the lane that they were satisfied to
leave us for the night at least. The firing did not last
more than five minutes, but it was long enough for us to
kill 28 men and wound 43 and kill and wound 19 horses.
Our loss was two killed, seven slightly wounded and
four horses killed. My horse was killed. Captain South-
all pursued his way to Saltville ; I returned to Scott
county. I met an old Confederate, Archie, near Lees-
burg, which all the old soldiers and citizens in this re-
gion called 'Xittle Richmond." All the people in this
entire country from Williamstown, Owenton, Frank-
fort, Georgetown, Lexington and Shelbyville were in-
tensely Southern. There had occurred at this place a
number of deadly contests, always resulting in the rout
or serious defeat of the Yankee scouts. I met in the woods
near x\rchie's an old soldier who had been seriously
wounded at the last battle of Cynthiana. I asked where
he was going. He replied he wanted to go to the stamp-
ing ground, but the distance was so great around George-
town he did not care to go so far. I made the proposi-
tion to him to ride through Georgetown and kill a few
Yankees. ''All right." This man was Mose ^^>bs1er.

We reloaded our pistols fresh. I had a new Sharp's
rifle which I had taken from the negro sergeant. We
were splendidly mounted on fresh horses. We came
upon pickets at the two-mile p^st. We were dressed in
citizen's clothes. There were only two of them ; we cap-
tured and dismounted them, and taking their horses,
moving down the road toward the pike toward Lexing-
ton, we slung their carbines, straps and guns over our
shoulders and made our way down the street. At the
first street east of the courthouse we met six Yankees
mounted, evidently the picket relief. They eyed us
closely and seeing the guns they moved toward us. We
drew our pistols, opened on them a rapid, deadly fire,
killing four and wounding a fifth. They also fired at us,
but we wheeled towards the courthouse. Charging
down the street we checked our horses in front of the
court house and each emptied a pistol into the excited
struggling mass of soldiers, each of whom was trying to
get inside first. Those in the court house rushed to the
windows to see what caused the turmoil. Bethinking
themselves they took arms and opened on us. We fright-
ened these almost out of their wits.

With not a scratch or a hair turned we killed nine
and wounded four. We had accomplished our mission
and now had a run for it. Turning our horses' heads
to the west we dashed down the Frankfort pike at
breakneck speed: on we sped like the wind. From be-
liind us the leaden hail flew at and over us. Up the
steep hill we went. At the top we must render an
account as there were eight men on the new relief
pickets, waiting our coming. As we neared the top I
said, "Webster, hold your fire until at close quarters.
Pick your man, don't fail." Drawing a revolver in each
hand I took my reins in my teeth. As we came near,

SKIRMISH ON THE ELK HORN 313

they all fired at once, but missed. We were now close,
and fired together. Three empty saddles, five empty
saddles, and ten dead horses; the other three men fled;
we close after them. By this time the company had
mounted and were after us in hot haste. We followed
and were also followed. The three fled as if the demons
were at their heels. I wounded one of these at long
range with my Sharp's rifle. They kept the Frankfort
pike. We turned to our right and took the pike run-
ning to what is known as the Great Crossing three or
four miles from Georgetown. A bridge crosses north
Elk Horn, a stream above Big Springs, that rises in
the town of Georgetown. The banks of this stream at
this point are steep, here we proposed to fight them
if they should come on, as Mose Webster had four
pistols and a repeating rifle giving him 32 shots ; I had
six pistols and two rifles, one eight, the other a sixteen
repeating rifle. The six revolvers give me thirty-six
shots, and the rifles twenty-four shots, making sixty
shots for me. From behind the abutments of this
bridge, we determined to make them pay dearly if they
attacked us. They came at a rapid pace. I brought my
Sharp into use, emptied three saddles, which checked
the advance until the stragglers closed up. On and
on they came, closer and closer. Our repeating rifles
kept up a rapid fusillade from the western end of the
bridge. Webster proved himself a fine shot, killing
eio^ht horses, with four men killed or wounded. There
were three roads that entered this bridge from the
west; we had to keep a sharp outlook for other scout-
ing bands of Yankees. We fought this company, the
Tenth Ohio, with sixty-five men, for an hour. When
th^y withdrew there were tirhirteen killed and eight
wounded and seventeen horses killed and wounded.

,^14 KOTR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Night coming on, we made our way into the Eagle
hills. The next day we reached our old companion,
Jim Evans, who was much better, but not able to
travel, I left him a few days, to go over into Henry
county with Captain Wainwright, also a recruiting offi-
cer. Gathering thirty recruits, we started back mto
Owen county. We were attacked by a company under
Captain Buckley. Charging furiously we drove them
through Port Royal, killing a number. Returning we
crossed the Kentucky River, not far from the famous
Drennon Springs. I was gone a week and on my re-
turn I found Evans, "One-arm" Berry, and eight others
waiting for Captain Wainwright; we all left for Big
Eagle where there were fourteen men waiting to join
tjhe iCtaptain. Crowing ofver the divide we reached
Little Eagle Creek, picking up recruits. Captain Wain-
wright moved up to the vicinity of the stamping ground.
At this place eight more recruits joined the Captain.
With over sixty men, he moved his camp to the vi-
cinity of my old friend, Captain John Carter, about two
miles away. I wished to introduce my brother to him.
He had been plundered and robbed right and left; this
man was considered the legitimate prey for every thief
and Yankee company that passed his way. The in-
famous Burbridge had robbed him of horses, hogs and
a large drove o^ fat cattle. He greeted us with cor-
diality. I presented my brother. Very early in the
morning I was up. I heard horses moving on the pike
a short distance away. Lodking more closely they
proved to be Federal soldiers. Stepping to the north
window, I saw the house was being surrounded by them.
I quickly aroused my brother and Evans, also Wain-
wright, telling them we were surrounded we were in
for it again. I remembered my cruel treatment at the

SURROUNDED 315

black hole, Rock Island. Evans and I pledged our-
selves to die rather than surrender.

The house was a two-story lo^ house, weather
boarded with two bay windows on each side. In front
there was but one opening — the door. The windows,
two in number, were five feet from the ground; the
kitchen, also of logs, was detached from the
house. Captain Carter might be depended upon in
any emergency; he always carried two and often four
pistols, and had in his house seven double-barrel shot
guns. Captain Cook dismounted his men down in the
ravine behind the tobacco barn some two hundred yards
from the house. He sent his lieutenant to demand a
surrender; if this request was not complied with in five
minutes he would set fire to the house. Captain Carter
made answer, "Come and take us," that he might have
his house, and barn also when he took it, but not
before.

Cook opened fire upon the windows and sent men
forward with bundles of tobacco and dry shingles, and
clapboards to apply the torch. Immediately Evans and
I opened fire on these house burners, killing six of them.
Others took up the bundles and threw them against
the house. We shot the blazing fagots away. Then all
made a combined rush for the house. By this time
the four of us had descended to the hall. We threw
the door wide open and as they made a rush at it, they
met a solid sheet of flame and lead. They recoiled.
It was now our time to charge, each with a double-
barrel gun with twenty-four buckshot in each barrel.
In quick, rapid succession the leaden storm caught them.
After discharging our guns, our pistols came into action.
The rattle and roar of the volleys told fearfully upon

316 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the retreatiiii^, disniayecl Yankees, l^'ullowini; them, we
kept them on the move.

U'c had ]jhiced our horses in the mi(Ulle of the
tobacco in the barn; we now hurried to niouni. C\) )k,
thinking- we were trying- to get away, returned to the
fight, rallying- about twenty of liis men, who now pur-
sued us close to the barn to set it on fire. We drove
them back with serious loss. They began to waver.
Carter again opened on them with his shotguns.
Captain Cook was close upon "One-arm" Berry and
received for his pains three bullets in rapid succession,
which placed him at our mercy, seriously wounded. See-
ing their captain down, his men fled to the pike. As
they reached it we were close behind, having secured all
our horses. Hearing sounds on the pike to the north,
we looked and saw Captain Wainwright with his men
coming down in a run. He took in the situation at a
glance. Soldier, as he was, he charged the fleeing
enemy, following them four miles. Out of the sixty-
nine men picked to kill and exterminate us, there were
within a radius of seventy-five yards fifty-three men
killed and wounded in the yard, rear and front, and
about the stable, and in the narrow lane were dead and
wounded men and horses. Captain Cook begged "One-
Arm Berry" to finish him and end his suffering, and
what he termed his disgrace. My brother and myself
had both been touched, but only slightly, but we were
sure to hear from this. Captain Wainwright, returning,
took up his march for the Licking hills on his way south.
"One-Arm" Berry, Evans and myself vanished to the
upper Eagle Hills. This was the 12th day of March.

I took Cook's pistols. We slept in the woods tliat
night with but one saddle blanket. On the night of
the 14th, while eating supper we were surprised at

ANOTHER BLOODY ENCOUNTER ^]y

Arch Edges, an old bachelor. How he did love a frolic,
a foot race or a fight. It was all the same to him. His
house, open to all Johnnies, is on a round hill about a
mile and a half west of Leesburg, and built in the same
way as Carter's house, except that it had one story,
and faced the east. There was but one opening, or
entrance. The house was of logs and weather-boarded.
While eating supper, we were somewhat startled by a
shot. Going cautiously to the door, I saw a company of
Federal soldiers dismounting and deploying. In dis-
mounting one of them had caught his gunlock and it was
discharged prematfurely. At the same time a little
negro came running in and said, *'Masse Arch, de Yan-
kees is a comin'." There were five young ladies at the
table, who commenced wringing their hands and cry-
ing. I said, ''Boys, shot guns to the front." The door
was opened and seven soldiers, Yankees, darkened the
door. One, two, three, fire! The ringing, resounding
shots, almost deafening, with groans and curses, fol-
lowed. All these went down quickly. Captain Baker
led his men with a rush at the salient angle of the door.
There was some snow on the ground, giving us a clear
vision of what was going on outside. We heard the
officer shout, "Charge the door!" "Charge the door!
Follow me," he said. We waited for them. With a
rush they came, the young lieutenant leading. Oh,
What a pity he must be killed. Six more quick, rapid
solid volleys rang out. A quivering mass of mangled
humanity sank before the door. Before charging them,
we reloaded our double-barrel shotguns, twenty buck
shot in each barrel, also our revolvers. We leaped
across the wounded and dying, determined and vengeful,
and opened on the recoiling and fleeing bluecoats.
The scene at the door on this ever memorable night

318 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

of January 18, 1864, often rises up before me. We shot
to kill, as did all this fearless band. Every shot seemed
to take effect. In front of the door and along the hillside
were lying numbers of dead and dying men. The fright-
ened horses broke away from their riders and ran off
through the woods and down the road. The enemy fled
through the woodland. The scene was sickening. We
gathered up many pistols and broke them against the
trees. We did not finish our supper. We now made
our prisoners gather up their wounded and place them
under shelter; also, their dead.

We bade Arch Edges and the ladies farewell, and
made our way in the direction of the Williamstown road.
On reaching the pike about two o'clock, we saw a large
light illuminating the sky about a mile south of us.
Riding forward we could see it was a large building
burning in the vicinity of Georgetown. This fire proved
to be the Georgetown female college. We were close
enough to hear the crackling of the burning building.
Riding forward we could distinctly make out the whole
situation. We saw the young ladies students running
about wringing their hands in their night clothes, their
hair streaming about their shoulders and backs ; and
numbers of them sitting on their trunks crying. We
rode still closer and saw the negro soldiers carrying off
trunks. We rode into the campus with a pistol in
each hand, opened fire upon these negro prowlers, and
killed a number of them. We asked the young ladies
if these negroes had set fire to the college. Many a
voice answered "Yes."

On the opposite side of the creek on the hill stood
a large crowd of people, with many negro soldiers among
them. When we opened fire on the thieves many dropped
the trunks and fled ; we shot them as thev ran awav.

BACK IN SHELBY COUNTY 319

Having driven them off, we turned to go, but were
surrounded by these beautiful young creatures, who were
pulling the hair from our horses' manes and tails, and
also clipping the locks from our heads. We came very
near being captured, as the enemy saw our plight and
commenced to cross the creek. We had to force our
way through this wall of loveliness and beauty. We
rode all night and made our way into Woodford County.
Daylight found us in thick brush and woodland, tired
almost to death, having been in the saddle for the last
sixty-four hours. This period was crowded with much
excitement. I was only too glad to rest and stretch
out my weary body. Feeding my charger and rubbing
him down, I thought over the wonderful and rapid
changes in a few short hours. It really seemed years
to me, so much had happened in one night. These were
indeed evil and bloody years. Hunted, proscribed and
harried, I could not stop and be butchered like a mad
dog or a wild beast. We rested until nightfall, and then
traveled all night. Next morning saw us in Shelby
County. We here found some of our old friends, among
\hQ^-^ !c'"V'- , ' '- M- "Sue Monday," also Henry Mc-
Gruder, Enloe, Texas, Tom Henry, Bill Mareman, John
Hudgins, Bill Morrison, John Suder, Bill Walch and
"One-Arm" Berry.

XXXIII

ESCAPE FROM CAMP MORTON

Attacking the wall with cordwood — I am one of the few to
escape — Back to Kentucky — Fight at Simpsonville — A brutal
murder.

At this place I wish to set down the story of the
escape of Confederate prisoners from Camp Morton and
Indianapolis, where about 8,000 were in custody. It was
a most singular and remarkable occurrence. I was at
that time prisoner here, having been captured near Bards-
town, in Morgan's second trip, early in Noivember, 1862.

These soldiers were all intelligent, educated men,
who were captured at Fort Donaldson battle, many
of them Kentuckians, Tennesseeans and Alabamans, with
a few citizen-sympathizers of the South. Their fare and
treatment was of such a nature at this time that there
was much dissatisfaction and complaint, also protest.
These soldiers were becoming very restless. They were
disgusted and in an ugly mood, and began to organize
into companies, battalions and regiments. It now be-
came evident that these measures were taken for future
and serious purposes, that the real object was to storm
the prison walls and capture the guards' guns and fight
their way to Kentucky and liberty.

Having formed their plans and appointed officers
or leaders, all of them provided themselves with heavy
sticks of cordwood. Thus armed, they secretly mus-
tered their forces at night about half past one o'clock
November 19, 1862. At the agreed signal, all these des-
perate soldiers, some 5,000 strong, rushed forward against

ATTACK ON THE PRISON WALL 321

the prison wall on the west side, which gave way with
a crash like the sound of many cannon. The rush for
liberty was very exciting. The guards on the parapet
walls were thrown violently to the ground. The crack
of musketry, the hiss of flying bullets, the commands of
officers of both sides, the shouts and yells of all pro-
duced a pandemonium. A short struggle, a serious
grapple for possession of the guards' arms, all was soon
ended.

Unarmed men, however brave or desperate, cannot
fight men armed and under control. Many of these des-
perate brave soldiers were killed and wounded. Nearly
all were recaptured and returned to prison. Few of
them made good their escape. I was one of these for-
tunate ones, with two others of my friends, John Beatty
and Henry Hooper. The guards were doubled and can-
non placed to cover all points of the compass. Thus
ended one of the most desperate and notable attempts
at escape in all history.

We all separated and each one of us went his way
to find that protection we sought. After leaving the
prison we ran swiftly to White River, plunged into the
water, which was very cold; snow was falling rapidly.
Reaching the opposite bank, we thought our troubles
were over. But not so. As the White River here is
very crooked and makes a wide bend or detour and
doubles back upon itself, we had to swim it again, the
second time this night. The weather was very cold.
We thought that we would surely freeze, as our wet
clothing froze stiff on our bodies. But we pushed for-
ward during the night, and kept moving along, though
it was slowish traveling in the snow. At daybreak we
found a warm shelter under the roof of a good friend,
a Southern sympathizer. Here we dried our clothing

322 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

and rested for two days and nights, and when we left
this good Samaritan's shelter he furnished us with money
and a pair of Colt's army pistols, a gift or contribution
to the cause of civil liberty. He also took us in his
carriage to the depot some fifteen miles, and saw us
safe aboard the train south.

Reaching Louisville at night, we took our foot in
our hands, and started for the tall timber, avoiding all
public roads. At daylight we found ourselves eighteen
miles from the city, tired and leg-weary. We now took
shelter in a large barn near Shepardsville, Bullitt County.
We did not know whose place this was, but we kept
a sharp lookout. Finally, at early morning, we saw
an old man coming to the barn whom we knew, he
had a son with our command, and was very much sur-
prised to see us. This old gentleman was none other
than Colonel Bob Shepard, who now invited us to the
house and his good wife prepared a nice breakfast for
us. All his negroes had been stolen or had run away,
leaving him and his good lady alone, stripped and bare.
He listened to our recital of our escape with intense in-
terest. We asked him if we could find horses. He said
he would furnish one, and knew a neighbor who would
give us another, and would also give a fine shotgun for
good measure, with plenty of ammunition. We told
him we also needed six army pistols ; we already had
one apiece, but needed two pairs for each of us. He
told us that he could and would send a lady friend to
the city for these and plenty of fixed ammunition for
same. We also sent for cavalry boots and overcoats, as
the weather was bitter cold. Having arranged these
matters, we offered him the money to pay for these, but
he refused to accept a dollar, and said that he knew a
club of Southern women and men who would be glad

ON SPECIAL DUTY 323

and proud to contribute this equipment as a patriotic
duty to help along the cause.

We remained here resting after our hard march
for four days.

On the evening of the fourth day we were invited
to this neighbor's home to meet the lady who went to
Louisville to secure the equipment for us. She proved
to be the sister of Colonel Phill Lee, who afterwards
commanded the famous Second Kentucky Recruit Reg-
iment, Colonel Hanson's old regiment. This elevated pa-
triotic lady brought us warm underclothing, uniforms,
cavalry boots, socks, blankets, overcoats, hats and gloves,
six pistols and two fine Spencer sharpshooter rifles. We
enjoyed a sumptuous supper, and remained here until
after midnight, nearly two o'clock, before we could drag
ourselves away from these noble, generous people. God
prosper and preserve all such as these.

Leaving this place we were under the guidance of
a true Kentuckian, who led us to the Salt River and
found us a ford and went with us to a safe retreat,
where we were among friends. The next day our old
time friend and standby, Uncle Nimrod Conn, came to
us. He was much surprised to see me again. This was
the sixth time I had made good my escape from the Yan-
kees. I was ready for any duty that destiny should
bring. Two days after this date, March 14, 1863, my
brother, Captain Samuel O. Berry, came to this rendez-
vous. He was sent into Kentucky and informed me
that I was also detailed on this special duty to assist
him in this service. We now went vigorously at this
dangerous work, as the enemy were very active, since
Morgan's last raid.

To return to the events of 1865. We were informed
that Captain Ed Terrill, of General John M. Palmer's

324 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

body guard, was raiding in Spencer, Washington, Shelby
and Jefferson Counties, killing citizens, arresting many
of them, and stealing cattle and horses.

Captain Berry gathered around him a number of
men whose families had been brutally treated in various
ways, eighteen in number ; also of General Morgan's
men who had been cut off, and a number who had been
wounded and left behind. With these and the eighteen
men, some thirty-two in number, we now marched to
Nelson County, thence to Spencer, Jefferson and Shelby
Counties.

Reaching the vicinity of a small village, we received
word that a force of Yankees had left Camp Nelson in
Mercer County with two hundred head of fat cattle
and was driving them to the city of Louisville, and
was stealing all the cattle for miles on either side of the
pike as they came along. Near Shelbyville, Kentucky,
we received definite word from our Uncle Louis Berry
and Mr. John McGraw that this marauding band .
white and negro soldiers had stolen a hundred head from
Uncle Louis and forty head from McGraw. Hastily
mustering our force we awaited the approach of these
cattle thieves. There were sixty white soldiers and two
hundred and twenty-five negro soldiers, if I may so
call them. This thieving business was going on all
over Kentucky at this time. Horses, cattle, hogs, sheep,
jewelry, furniture, was being shipped out of Kentucky
by the drove and car load. Everything portable was»
taken during this period by these Yankees.

I had a negro boy servant, Tom, who belonged to
our family, who was faithful and trustworthy at this
time. He was sent into the ranks of these thieving
marauders on a work mule with blind bridle, trace
chains, back band, collar and harness. He was instructed

PREPARING FOR BATTLE 325

to fall casually in with them and learn the number c-^
soldiers, cattle, and gain all the information possible,
then leave them and report to us..

Near Simpsonville, near the county line of Shelby
and Jefferson counties, we had prepared ourselves with
long tin horns, ten in number, which could be heard a
mile away. These ten men, who had these horns, were
placed half a mile apart and on either side of the pfkc
the Yankees were marching with the stolen cattle, five
men on a side. These men were instructed to blow these
horns at intervals of twenty minutes, and each pair
on either side was directed to answer each other's calls
along the line of march, but were all instructed to keep
well out of sight and reach of the Yankee column, and
when within one mile and a half of Simpsonville to
hurry forward to that place ahead of the Yankees to
a point previously named. The march was slow, as they
had over four hundred head of cattle, divided Up mto
small bunches, some twenty or thirty in each in charge
of eight or ten soldiers. Moving thus, they were di-
vided and scattered along for over two miles. Our
negro came to us and reported these conditions. They
were mystified by the almost constant blowing of those
tin horns. They had not seen any 'one, and asked our
negro boy what it meant. He told them they were
dinner horns.

We now made our plans to attack them. All our
men assembled at the place designated. The advance
passed the village which was at the crossroads and came
straggling into the village. The captain commanding
this force commanded a halt here, as there was a fine
spring at this place. The cattle were browsing and
eating grass along the roadside. The captain was drink-
insf in the saloon with a number of his men, and had

326 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

no pickets out. We watched them some time, all un-
conscious of our presence. We now charged them
furiously with the rebel yell and were in their midst.
The poor fellows tried to rally but in vain. Some did
rally, about twenty of them, and gave us two volleys,
and then broke and fled. We were in their midst firing
right and left. The large drove of cattle were soon
stampeded and sent flying over the hills and fields in
confusion and fright, bellowing as they went. The fight
lasted about forty minutes.

The enemy were never able to recover any order or
organization, as we pressed them vigorously at every
point, and scattered them and the cattle all over the
country, and we followed some of them for several
miles. We had thirty- two men in this fight and lost one
man killed and seventeen wounded. The enemy's forces
consisted of two pieces of companies, white soldiers,
sixty men, and 180 negro soldiers. Their losses were
seventy-nine killed, one hundred and fourteen wounded.
We now went to work and collected the stampeded and
scattered cattle, which took us several hours, and drove
them into the hills and sent word to the owners where
they could be found. This battle raised a furious howl
among the Yankees and Union men all over the state.

When we fought these soldiers it so paralyzed the
captain that he did not pretend to fight but slipped out
the side or east door and hid himself during the melee,
under the platform. The space was so small where
he entered that we could not believe it was true. Thus
it is that most all plunderers and thieves are cowardly,
and usually will not fight. It is almost beyond belief
that so small a number, a mere handful of men, should-
be able to compass such results.

A BRUTAL MURDER 327

From this place we marched to Spencer County, and
thence to Nelson County. This was the last time I
saw Lieutenant Henry McGruder and Sue Monday,
whose right name was Jerome Clark, a son of Beverly
L. Clark of Simpson County. These two gallant sol-
diers went to Meade County on detached duty a few
Jays later to Nelson County.

There happened near Bloomfield a murder, that for
viciousness and brutality stands unparalleled in peace
or war, even for this brutal period. I mean the killing
of my negro boy, Tom, by Bill Marion, one of our
soldiers. After the fight was over we were riding along
and Tom happened to be riding- by the side of Bill Mar-
ion. Lightly touching his leg with his hand he said, "The
fight was a hot one, wasn't it, Marse Bill?" At this
Marion turned on him and denounced him in the most
bitter language, and told him then and there he was
going to kill him, but was first going to order his coffin.
Tom humbly apologized to him, but no, he would not
accept it. He rode to Bloomfield and ordered his coffin,
paid for it, came back to camp, and early in the morning
we were informed that Bill Marion had killed Tom
and had mounted his horse and left camp at a gallop.
He first told him that he had come to* kill him, that his
coffin was ready for him, that he had paid for it ; that
he had told him he would kill him, and did so then and
there. He was on his horse and having killed the boy
rode out of camp at a gallop. I never knew anything
of this matter until it was over.

I never saw Bill Marion alive after this, as he
was killed that very day by Captain Bridgewater's men.
He did not live eight hours after this brutal deed, but
was killed in a fight near Chaplintown, Ky., about four
o'clock P. M. the same evening. No one knew bis real

328 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

or right name ; all he ever told us of his life was that
his mother and two sisters had beem brutally mis-
treated, stripped and whipped with hickory withes until
tlic" blood ran down their legs, and were left tied so
they could not release themslves. All three were found
unconscious, his mother died soon after. His father
was killed, his sisters lingered between life and death
for months after.

From that hour this man was the most desperately
reckless man of all the desperate brave men of this
class. No man could or was ever allowed to surrender
to him. He killed all he met. I have often heard him
avow that he had not a friend in the world but his pistols
This man's experience was but another illustration of
many other such. He was driven to desperation by the
outrageous cruelty of any army of plunderers who did not
scruple to include helpless women and defenseless old
age. I do not now recall a single exception of any man
who was with Captain Samuel O. Berry, Charles W.
Quantrell, Sue Monday, Jerome Clark, Henry McGruder,
John Erebal, Tom Henderson, the Brothers boys, Texas,
Evans, Haller, Sutler, Wilson, Henry Davis, King White
of infamous memory of whom I shall have more to
say in the future, Willie Merriman, Teel Smith and
many others whose names have passed to the great be-
yond, all had histories to tell of brutal, inhuman treat-
ment of relatives and friends.

What are self-respecting men to do under such
conditions? All these men were respected, law-abiding
citizens before the war. Is it not natural instinct of all
men, yea, animals, to defend themselves? The tiger
in their nature had not been developed yet, not know-
ing it until developed by being hunted, they also became
hunters. The bloodhound and tiger instinct is devel-

MEN AND TIGERS 329

Oped, becomes active, dangerous and destructive. It
was thus with these men. This hunt became the entire
business of these desperate men. Doomed they might
be, what matters that? They could at least make it
interesting, even entertaining. They argued that all
men have to die. It made little difference so they died
like men with face to the foe. So it was with these
men. These conditions were made or fixed by our
enemy. Which one of them was the more inhuman?

XXXIV

LAST DAYS OF THE CONFEDERACY^

Recruiting — ^A war of extermination — Fight on Salt River — Every
man wounded — Thirty days' rest — A Christmas dinner — An
attack on Bardstown — Defeated — Burning of Rolling Fork
Bridge — Sue Monday — Two men against forty — ^A close call
— More recruiting — I report to Forrest — Lee's surrender.

After a ^ew days rest and shoeing of horses, we
went to work recruiting. My wounds nearly healed, I
went down into Bullitt County. Captain had received
into his camp one hundred and eighty men; many young
men were hiding in the brush to avoid the Yankee con-
script officers, and now came to us in droves, four,
eight, ten, twelve and fifteen at a time.

I now took charge of these recruits and started
south with one hundred and eighty men. We had an
excellent guide for this trip. We traveled only by
night, lying by during- the day. We reached our lines
without serious incident or mishap. We found Gen-
eral Morgan at Alexander, Tenn. His advance outposts
were a few miles towards Lebanon. The command
had been very active, had a number of skirmishes and
some hard battles, at Sparta, Smithville, Snows Hill,
Dry Creek, Alexander Blacks Shop, almost continu-
ous fighting for four months. 1 reported to Gen-
eral Morgan and turned over these recruits. He ivaj
glad to receive these fine young soldiers at this time.
After resting two days I was ordered back into Ken-
tucky. Taking my old guide, we traveled only at night,

A WAR OF EXTERMINATION 331

crossing the Cumberland River near Castillian Springs.
CThree days and nights travel found us again at our
old camp.

Captain Berry had sent one hundred and thirty men
south in my absence, and had three skirmishes v^ith
the Yankees and had received a serious w^ound. 1
'found him suffering intensely from this. Dr. John
Cook was looking after him. The war as it progressed
became more fierce and deadly and bloody. Whether it
was known generally or not, I don't know, but it cer-
tainly was understood by those who were most con-
cerned in it, that it was war to the knife, and knife to
the hilt. It was a well understood proposition that two
hostile parties meeting meant extermination, and the
commanders of this department, at least of Kentucky,
Generals Buell, Palmer and Steve Burbridge, instructed
Captains Terrill, Bridgewater, Colonel Buckley, and all
subordinates, not to encumber themselves with any. pris-
oners, as they were troublesome and expensive. They
might accept a head of a general or leader or chief, or
a noted man if they could obtain such without too
much trouble.

Few of these men were fighting from choice, but
necessity. They were forced, driven from their homes,
to take refuge in the brush, and caves, hunted like wild
beasts. Men who do not want to fight and are forced
to fight most generally make a desperate fight when
they get into it. So whenever we heard of a man who
had been robbed and insulted, plundered of everything
portable, we managed always to recruit such men, and
it is needless to add that these men in a very short time
were most formidable foes, guerillas. From the very
nature of these surroundings these men were the hardy
yeomanry of the country, fearless, honest, daring, self-

7,7,2 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

respecting, all taught early in life how to shoot with
unerring accuracy at full speed with revolvers in both
hands and bridle in their teeth. A charge, fierce, rapid
cuul deadly, firini; right and left with both hands at the
same time, this is the way these men fought. Such was
their horsemanship and such the terrible accuracy of
their fire, that in all history they have no equal. Nor
did a Federal line during the war, man for man, with-
stand their onset ; even with two to one did not make
it much better. Our little force frequently attacked three,
often four to one, driving them in confusion from many
fields.

In a battle on Salt River near where Nelson Creek
empties into this stream, we had been driving Captain
Terrill with 52 men; Captain Berry with 23 men. We
met Captain Bridgewater's company of 41 men, rein-
forcing Terrill, making 93 men against 23. The fighting
was brisk and furious. For a short time Captain Berry
held the enemy with ten men. Lieutenant Sue Monday,
Henry McGriuler, Evans, Brothers, Texas, Halee, Hen-
ry, King White, became the aggressors and charged.
Kvery man of us was wounded and in the midst of the
melee Kinq White's horse went down, the rider under
him. Bullets were as thick as hailstones. White called
for help, and not in vain. Captain Berr}^ stood behind
his dead horse and fought them back while I pulled
White from under his dead horse, rescuing him from
this storm of death. The killing went on all around us
in the road, struggling in a hand to hand combat. Both
sides had now exhausted ammunition. We now with-
drew from this bloody field. We had six men killed and
all the rest, 17 men, wounded. The Yankees lost 25
killed and 28 wounded. Thus ended this fight.

As for King White, after this rescue of this traitor

RECRUITING AND SKIRMISHING ^^S

and deserter from both armies, he betrayed my brother,
the one who had saved his dastardly, miserable life on
this occasion at the risk of our own. Sam and I both
received serious wounds, and retired to our old camp in
the hills to look after our hurts. Some were slight, some
serious. Our old faithful standby. Dr. John McCloskey,
came to our aid and soon had the satisfaction of seeing
all the boys on the way to recovery. He was faithful,
skillful, ever ready to render any aid in his power.

After thirty days seclusion and efforts with these
wounded soldiers, our friends of Nelson county had not
been idle, for when we were ready to ride again we mus-
tered our force and found 52 men ready for service. We
again rode forth to meet any fate that might be in store
for us. We took the road to Fairfield and met the en-
emy there, routed him in a headlong charge. Bloomfteld,
Taylorsville, Fisherville, Chaplintown followed in rapid
succession. Captain Terrill was sent flying through
Bloomfield to Smileytown, having scattered his com-
pany. The next day we heard of him at Taylorsville,
stopping at this place to have his horse shod. John
Ennis, who had just finished shoeing his horse, dropped
the foot and said to him, /'How is that?" Terrill drew
his pistol and shot him dead, mounted his horse and
rode away. Two days later he rode into a field near
Louisville where Mr. Kirk Walker was plowing, shot
him dead and left him as he had Ennis. These men were
respected citizens in their communities, were Southern
men, at home attending to their private affairs, but
butchered ruthlessly without warning or cause.

Many of these reckless and desperate young men
would find W'isl'ev and drink excessively during such
times, and were hard to control. They would do many
foolhardy and desperate things. We had been invited

334 FOUR YEARS WITH. MORGAN AND FORREST

by Doctor Evans and Miss Rhoda and Miss Alice to eat
a Christmas dinner. While at the table someone pro-
posed to capture Bardstown. Nearly all of them were
under the influence of wine and whiskey, with one or
two exceptions. This proposition was made in a boast-
ful way because they were in the presence of these
young ladies. Dr. Evans rather tried to discourage this
enterprise, knowing that Captain Taylor had under him
65 men in a brick court house with loopholes in the
walls inside. I tried my best to prevail upon Captain
Berry not to try this foolhardy enterprise. He, too, was
in his cups. I could not dissuade him.

The court house stood in the center of the square;
four streets cross and center into this square, and can
be approached only by these streets. The attack was
made by 55 men with disastrous results, four men killed,
13 wounded. Captain Berry seriously, most of them
slightly and some fatally. The doors on the west and
south sides were reached and battered down, killing
nine men inside and 19 wounded. I was also wounded
here. The attack failed ; we were repulsed.

While slowly retiring I saw my brother was shot,
falling from his horse amidst a shower of bullets. I
rode back to him, dismounted, lifted him upon my horse,
mounting behind him. Six men came to us, keeping
back the enemy. During this time King White was
conspicuous for his absence. Retreating slowly, for
brother was suffering intensely, we met old Capt. Lan-
caster in his buggy. Placing Sam inside I formed the
men and charged the advance, driving them back a mile
and a half, and killing some of them. This stopped the
pursuit, which gave us time to find a safe retreat for
brother.

My dear old friend. Dr. Evans, father of my prison

OUR RENDEZVOUS 335

companion, this noble son than whom no truer, braver ,
soldier ever lived or fought for a cause, now rendered
him skillful service, and soon restored him to the saddle.
My own wound healed slowly. This made fourteen
wounds I had received. As soon as we could we sent
some friends to Louisville for ammunition.

A description of our rendezvous might be interest-
ing to many. This place was near the west boundary
line of Nelson county and the east line of Bullitt county,
thickly covered with cedars, forest trees, with a cover-
ing of about three thousand acres of land. Within this
area there are a number of large caverns capable of
sheltering two hundred and fifty men. When hard
pressed, wounded and without ammunition our soldier
boys could find a retreat and shelter, safe from pursuit
and inclement weather, an ideal place lor hiding, with
plenty of pure water and supplied with food in abund-
ance by our good friends. To this safe retreat our
wounded were taken.

Recovering from our hurts we now led our restless
rough riders to Boston, Nelson County, and to RolHng
Fork Bridge which we burned a^'ter a sharp battle for
its possession. We caught thent outside the stockade, a
hand to hand contest took place l^^re, which was of short
duration, as we surprised them, and as guns against six
shooters is always an unequal contest and can not last
long. The same old story repeated so often on many a
bloody field. Reaching Boston we rested and fed our
horses. It was at this place that Jerome Clark was first
called Sue Monday. It came about in this way :

While here he met a very beautiful, fascinating
young lady, whose name was Miss Sue Monday. She
had come to this village, which is at the Lebanon Junc-
tion on the Louisville and Nashville railroad, and was

336 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

inside a store shopping. Clark picked up her riding
habit, put it on and mounted her horse sideways, lady
fashion. Riding all over town he exclaimed, "I am Sue
Monday !" This pleased the fancy of the young lady,
also the boys. Clark's youthful face, beardless, his long
black hair reaching to his shoulders, his small hands and
feet, trim, erect figure, graceful actions, all combined
and made him an object of curiously entertaining mter-
est to all who saw him. He really looked very much
like a young lady at that moment. From that time on
he was called "Sue Monday," which name became a ter-
ror to his enemies. His father's property was destroyed
by the savage maurading red-legs, his family insulted
and brutally treated. The same old story repeated many
times over.

It was fight every day during these belligerent, des-
perate, bloody days. Leaving Boston we tried our for-
tunes in Mead, Harden and Hancock counties. During
this ride we captured the James Lyttle, a steam boat,
at a landing about Hawsville. Boarding her we found
Yankees who fought viciously, three of them were killed
in this fight. King White stole $2,300.00 from the cap-
tain. Clark and Henry McGruder were both seriously
wounded; hard hit, they could not travel and had to be
left behind. Making our way back to Nelson County I
found my brother. Captain Berry, ready to take the field
again. We had stirred up a swarm of enemies, and
many enemies were everywhere scouting on all the
roads; hunted and hunters were on their mettle. It was
thought best to scatter for awhile or for me to take all
new recruits south. It was now very necessary for
someone to go to Louisville for a supply of ammunition.
Rude and Texas volunteered for this hazardous service.
They were young, vigorous and alert and dressed in

A STRANGE EPISODE 7,^y

women's clothes, and left us. They were gone seven
days, and returned with a large amount of the very
needful ammunition.

During this period of rest for the boys we were on
Dr. McClosky's place near Bloomfield. Late one even-
ing brother Sam and myself were riding briskly toward
Fairfield, ascending a steep hill from the southward.
Reaching the top we heard a horse cough and looking
ahead we saw Captain Taylor at the head of forty Yan-
kee soldiers. He also had reached the top of the same
hill, on the same road ; they were marching southward
toward Bardstown, on a very narrow road, all too nar-
row now to suit our fancy. Here was a serious dilemma.
What must be done? Quickly, neither party slackened
pace, closer and closer came the blue coats and the gray,
both with drawn pistols, each taking, as it seemed, in-
stinctively, the left side of the road, thus bringing the
right arm next to the foe, each ready for quick, deadly
work, if need be. Two rebs against forty blue coats.
Faster and faster moved each hostile party, turning each
in our saddles as we passed each other hurriedly, for we
jdid pass, without firing a shot at each other. The rea-
sons for this were simple and obvious. Brother Sam and
I could not afford to attack forty men in a narrow road-
way. Our meeting was sudden and unexpected. So
close were we that to have turned round and made a run
for it would have been sure and certain death to us. The
only chance left us was to put on a bold front; with
drawn pistols, ready cocked, and horses moving rapidly,
we determined to sell out as dearly as possible. Cap-
tain Taylor was so surprised when he saw us so close
to him, saw our pistols all ready, that he quickened the
motion of his column, and passed us almost before he
knew it, feeling sure that if a shot was fired he would

338 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

be the first to feel it. As for me I drew a long, deep
breath — several of them — after passing this column.
Without a word we moved off at a brisk gallop.

Half a mile from this hill we entered a woodland,
taking our old trail, we traveled to Salt River, before
reining in our horses. We now took a much needed nap
and to our detriment, for while eating our meager break-
fast we were surrounded by Captain Bridgewater's troop-
ers. They drove us through an open field where we
were compelled to jump a garden fence. Here was a
gate passing into a front lot with two corn cribs, near
the bank of the river. This was a mule feed lot, half an
acre in extent, with high fences all around it on three
sides ; on the north side of the steep, perpendicular bank
of Salt River, some twenty feet high. At this time the
Yankees were entering this lot. Thus from two sides
they came, cutting us off. We took shelter behind the
two corn cribs. It was raining bullets. We had six
pistols each and a double-barrelled shotgun, cut off.
We had thirty-eic^ht sliots apiece from behind these
cribs. We held them at bay for twenty-five minutes. I
had also a Sharps repeating rifle. With a pistol in each
hand we entertained these troopers. We killed eight
horses and eleven men and seriously wounded Captain
Bridgewater. At bay with all the tiger in my nature
aroused, feeling that perhaps this was my last fight, cut
off, we peppered lead into the blue mass with delight, re-
membering only all the cruel, brutal treatment. We
could hear the rain of bullets against the cribs. A num-
ber tried to rush us. At this we turned loose our double-
l)arrelled shotguns on them. Eighteen men and some
horses went down. At this moment I said, "Brother,
let's leave this place now." Mounting our horses we
turned their heads towards the perpendicular bank, giv-

WE GO SOUTH 339

ing them the spur and the tight reins, leaped down the
bank into the water with a splash. Coming up to the
surface, we hugged the steep bank and turned down
stream, thus avoiding the enemy's bullets, should they
come to the steep bank. Swimming down river out of
reach, we crossed over on the opposite side to the friend-
ly cover of a thicket.

The enemy was mystified. We watched from a dis-
tance. For some time they did not know what had be-
come of us. We now made our way into Bullitt County,
thence to Captain Phillips in Jefferson county. The next
night we went into Louisville, and sent to a good friend
and asked him to buy us one hundred revolvers and am-
munition for them. These were broiii^-ht out in market
baskets; also some medicines. We travelled all night,
reaching the old Parricut Springs or close vicinity.
Here we were compelled to remain all day and saw two
scouting parties of the enemy pass along the road in the
distance. At early twilight we moved our supplies on a
large mule toward Keesby's Ford, through the woods.
Before attempting to reach this place we carefully ex-
plored the banks of the river, but finding all clear we
moved out across into old Spencer County, reaching our
friend's. Judge Johnathan Davis', place and a friendly
thicket. Here we met a glad welcome from our waiting,
anxious comrades. In the distribution of the revolvers,
there were many exchanges of wit. During this day we
loaded the pistols. Our recruits were fifty-six in num-
ber. We now moved to Dr. McCloskeys' big pasture
after nightfall. All the men came in except the serious-
ly wounded. It was deemed best to start at once for
the south, with these recruits. There were also some
old veterans, who had made their escape during the
winter. They were ready to fight again with more deter-

,:40 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

mination than ever before, suffering under their treat-
ment and smarting still from harsh insults.

We had men who were familiar with the country to
the Georgia border line. All had on blue overcoats.
Moving on unfrequented roads from Dr. McCloskey's, we
went round Bloomfield and passed over the same old
trail that Captain Morgan did on his first march from
Camp Charity. We crossed Muldroughs Hills the first
night, resting until 3 p. m. Passing around Columbia at
night, we went into camp some ten miles from this place,
feeding our horses. After resting, we moved on down
to the vicinity of Burksville on the Cumberland River,
crossing above this place at Stagalls ford, thus avoiding
it, as there was a Federal garrison there. We sent for-
ward videttes and found this ford guarded by twenty
men, with whom we exchanged salutes. Pushing for-
ward without halting we went into camp near Black's
Shop. This was the scene of many exciting and inter-
esting episodes, while the army was at Murfreesboro,
Tennessee, only twelve miles from that place. Feeding
our horses, we moved out, leaving Woodbury to our left,
Readyville and McMinnville botli east of us, and reach-
ing the rough, broken res^ion between Tullahoma and
McMinnville. We sought the blind ronds, and pushed for
Duckers vicinity on the Chattanooga and Murfreesboro
railroad. We crossed below or south of this place, in
the direction of Shelbyville, leaving this place to our
left, our objective point being Johnsonton on the Ten-
nessee River.

We were now near General Forrest's lines, safe
with these young soldiers, having in their march of five
days and one night travelled 320 miles, stopping only
long enough to rest and feed our horses. We reported
to General Forrest, who was bronzed bv the continued

I HEAR OP LEE'S SURRENDER 341

exposure of the sun. He had had much hard fighting
recently. His force was much reduced but all were
seasoned soldiers and hard fighters. He expressed his
pleasure at receiving these fine young soldiers and
thanked me for my efforts in bringing them safely
through the enemy's lines. Two days after this he fought
the battle of Johnsonton.

I was now detached and sent with dispatches on
special duty with 25 men to General Jeff Thompson,
near Jackson, Mississippi. Not finding him at this place
and hearing that he had joined General Dick Taylor, then
near McDonald, Louisiana, I arrived at this place only
to hear of disasters coming thick and fast. It was here
that I heard first of Mr. Lincoln's death and also of Gen-
eral Lee's surrender, and also of General Joe Johnson's
and they also said that General Price had surrendered
and that General Dick Taylor was negotiating a sur-
render. All this came to me like a clap of thunder from
a clear sky. I knew that General Lee had evacua-
ted Richmond, also Petersburg and was trying to effect
a junction with Joe Johnson. There was intense excite-
ment. I saw strong men weep with intense sorrow,
like children. Wild rumors were rife on all sides. I
heard that my old father had been shot in Camp Doug-
las. I made up my mind promptly. I had no home, no
kindred left — all of them dead — no country. I deter-
mined to become a soldier of fortune. What mattered it
where or in what army I served? I should now follow
from this time forward a saying I said to myself:
"Young man, go fight the battles of life; if you have
none of your own, fight somebody else's battles, and if,
perchance, you are not hung or shot, you will be pro-
moted perhaps." Acting upon this idea, I formed my

342 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

resolutions at once, as all was now lost. There was no
Confederacy.

News that the Confederacy was falling, which came
to me when I reached the headquarters of General For-
rest at Johnsonton on the Tennessee River dashed all
my hopes. I had just arrived with a number of splendid
men which my brother and myself had recruited in Ken-
tucky. We had travelled 320 miles in five days and one
night, constantly among the enemy, to reach Forrest.

XXXV
WITH SHELBY IN MEXICO

At Piedras Niegras — A season of dissipation — The Mexicans de-
mand our horses — What happened — ^Brush with Mexican sol-
diers— Southward — ^A midnight encounter — Lampasas — An
insult and a duel — Lenores — West challenges Thrailkill — ^A
cock fight — Gillette's wager — The duel — Thrailkill fires in
the air.

After numerous conferences we agreed upon plans —
plans that would carry us to a foreign land. With For-
rest we found a number of Colonel Terry's old soldiers,
who knew the route through Louisiana and Texas to
Mexico. We were eager to be off as quickly as possible
before tlie enclosing net spread entirely around us. Call-
ing the men to horse we entered upon a new enterprise,
a new life, trusting, at first, mostly to relieve ourselves
of Federal environments.

We made cnn- Vv-ay to Houston, Texas, thence to the
Rio Grande to join Joe Shelby, who, also, had deter-
mined to leave the country, and cast his fortunes in the
tropical regions of Mexico. Across the Rio Grande, at
Piedras Niegras, we found General Shelby with 2,200
scarred, battered veterans, who had, after a few days
negotiations with Bes-Sca of the state of Coahuila, finally
sold his surplus arms, ammunition and cannon for a
round sum. making him comfortable.

In an interview with General Shelby I told him of
my plans and, showing my commission, asked liis pro-
tection, influence and help in obtaining my passport, all
of which he granted, and more. This was the first time
I had had the pleasure of meeting this dashing, natural-

,3 44 ^'OUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

born leader and soldier. He assigned us a place until
further arrangements could be made for us. General
Shelby had been here only two days. He ke])t his men
under his eye constantly. After a little speech he dis-
mounted them, warning them not to commit any ex-
cesses.

The tropical sun beat warm upon the white sand,
producing a glare that was almost blinding; the dust
settled in thick curtains upon houses, streets and in the
drinking water. The men scattered in every direction,
seeking sights and pleasures, careless of consequences.
Cafes were full ; wine and women abounded. Beside the
bronzed faces of the soldiers were the tawny faces of the
senoritas ; in the passages of the drinking houses the
men kissed the women; great American oaths were
heard, harsh at times, but even in their simpleness they
were national. But a tragedy was making; there in the
torrid heat, the white glare and the fervid kissing under
the roses. There were three men, interlopers, ostensibly
men of the western army, who had been fed and shelt-
ered and who had never tempted Providence beyond a
prudent point. They had joined the expedition some-
where in Texas. Having the heart of sheep they were
dealing with lions, but they did not know it. To their
truckling they were about to add bravado ; to the maga-
zine they were about to apply a torch.

There is a universal Mexican law which makes a
stock brand a Bible, from which truth there is no ap-
peal. Every horse and every cow in that country is
branded and every brand is entered of record, as the
deed of legal conveyance. Some of these brands are
simple, some unique, and some intricate, but all are legal,
especially when alcaldes and soldiers are about. The
logic of ownership is very simple. You prove your

THE MAKING OF A TRAGEDY 345

brand and take your horse or cow, no matter who rides
him or who holds it.

In Shelby's command there were more than two doz-
en magnificent horses of high class, fit for a king's race,
for that matter. Some of these bore a brand of an un-
usual fashion, v^on^c oi these had l:)een obtained along
the line of Shelby's march, and had been dealt with as
horses that belonged to our cavalry. These three men
wanted to secure possession of these horses. Helped by
their knowledge of the Spanish language and the laws
and usages of the country, they had gone among the
Mexican soldiers, poisoning their minds with tales of
Arnerican rapine and slaughter, depicting in vigorous
rhetoric their long, weary march with the American
marauders and thieves — their companions — all of which
was done that they might get possession of their dearly
beloved horses. They said they were at the point of
leaving the country, and did not wish to be deprived of
their lawful property.

This command of General Shelby had aspired to
found an empire, but ended with an exodus. In his ex-
pedition were many guerrillas who had served under
Quantrell and Bill Anderson, notably myself, who had
enlisted under the name of Tom Henderson, first assumed
when I escaped from Camp Chase in 1862, Joe Macy,
John Thrailkill, Erasmus Woods, W. M. Yarvell and my
cousins, Richard Berry and Ike Berry, who were
brothers.

The Mexicans listened to these tales, and were fired
by ereed, not generosity, when they swore a mighty oath
to the Holy Virgin that the Gringoes should be made to
deliver up to these worthy men every horse that bore
their brands. The Berrys, John Rudd and Yarvell were
mounted upon such brands, and claimed them by no

34r. ^^OUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Other law than that of possession, not a weak title for
fearless men.

Drill was over, and the men were drinking and hav-
ing- a i2;ood time. The hot, fierce glare of the sun was
still on the earth. The noise from the cafes was louder.
There was a musical, rippling undertone of women's
voices — women with dishevelled hair and tropical eyes.

Ike Berry had ridden one of these branded horses
into the street running past regimental headquarters.
He was a short, stoutly built man, a very Hercules in
strength, free of speech and of frank, open nature. He
sat with one leg crossed upon his saddle, smoking a pipe.
In battle serious he was always laughing; only in eating
was he serious. What reverence he had came from ap-
petite ; the crumbs that fell from his long slender hands
were his benedictions. Many other branded horses were
standing hitched close by. A company of Mexican sol-
diers came into the street. Behind them was a young
Mexican captain, handsome as Adonis, eyes to the front
and guns at trail. Jim Wood noticed them as they
passed along, as did I and many others. He spoke to an
Indian girl and also to Martin Kitzer, as he was toying
with this Indian girl, dark and beautiful. Old Joe has
delivered the arms. It may be that we shall take them
back again.

One of the men went straight to Ike Berry, as Berry
sat cross-legged upon his horse, and laid his hand upon
the horse's bridle. Berry knew him and spoke to him
cheerily, "How now, comrade?" A short answer, and
curt, "This is my horse; he wears my brand. I have
followed him to Mexico. Dismount." A long white
wreath of smoke came from Ike Berry's pipe. The
pipe seemed to protest. The old battle smile was on his
face, and those who knew him best knew that a dead

AFTER THE HORSES 347

man would soon lie in the street. Many of his friends
started to him at this time. He knocked the ashes from
his pipe, musingly placing his disengaged foot back into
the stirrup. He rose up all of a sudden, the very in-
carnation of fury. There was a white gleam in the air,
a heavy saber that lifted and circled, and when it fell a
stalwart arm was cut away. The ghastly stump, not
over four inches long, spurted blood at every throb of
the heart.

The man fell as one paralyzed. A shout arose. The
Mexicans spread out like a fan and when the fan closed
it had surrounded us. Yarvell alone broke through and
rushed to General Shelby, who was sitting with an
Englishman. One glance convinced Shelby that Yar-
vell was in trouble. ''What is it?" asked Shelby.

"They are after the horses."

"What horses?"

"Why, the branded horses, of course."

"And after we have delivered the arms. too. Mexi-
can like ; Mexican like," said Shelby.

He arose as he spoke, and looked out on the street.
Revolvers were being fired. There in the white heat of
that afternoon the shot sounded like the tapping of a
woodpecker on a dead tree. Afterwards a steady roll
of rifle shots told how the battle went.

"The rally, the rally!" cried Shelby to his bugler, as
he dashed down to where Berry and his companions
were surrounded by Mexicans. We had come to them as
friends, and eaten their salt and they had betrayed
us. They would strip us like barbarians. It was war
again, and war to the knife.

The wild, piercing notes of the American bugle call
were heard in clear, penetrating, defiant notes that told
of sore stress among comrades, and pressing need of

348 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

speedy succor. The laughter died out in the cafes, as a
night wind dies when morning comes. The bugles sob-
ered all who were drunk with drink or dalliance. Its
voice told of danger, near and imminent ; of a meeting
of men who were not afraid to die. Men swarmed out
of every doorway, poured from under every portal, and
furious and ravenous for blood. They saw the Mexi-
cans in the square, the peril of Berry and those nearest
him, and they asked no further questions. A sudden
crash of revolvers came, close and deadly ; a yell, a
shout and then a fierce, hot charge.

Ras Wood, a guerrilla, with a short Enfield rifle in
his hand, stood in the street looking at the young Mexi-
Cc'tn captain with his cold, savage grey eyes, in which
never a light of pity was shown. In the press about him
Wood kept his rifle pointed straight ahead as fixed as
fate. It looked as if he were aiming at a flower. The
dark olive beauty of the Spanish captain was superb.

"Spare him ; spare !" shouted a dozen stout-hearted
soldiers in a breath. *'He is too young, too handsome
to die."

In vain ; a sharp, sudden ring was the response.
The captain tossed his arms high in air, as if to catch
something above his head, and fell forward on his face,
a corpse. A wail of a woman rose upon the sultry even-
ing air, such as may have been heard in King David's
household, when back from the tangled brush they
brought the beautiful Absolom dead. The work that
followed was quick enough and deadly enough to ap-
pall the stoutest heart. Seventeen Mexicans were
killed, including the handsome captain ; also the two in-
terloping Americans who caused the encounter. The
third one, strange as it may appear, recovered from his
ghastly wound and could tell at this day, if he still lives.

OUR MARCH SOUTH 349

of the terrible powers of that American soldier who
sheared his arm away, as a sickle might reap a handful
of wheat.

There were many Mexican guerrillas, native born,
who fought the French, as I know from personal expe-
rience, and who also robbed the rich, and preyed upon
the passerby, and who also hovered around our flanks
as we marched boldly to the south of Mexico. General
Shelby forbade us to fight them. He could not take time,
he said, to brush away gad-flies, and have his time taken
up every day with mosquitoes. He would guard his
camp at night, and shelter his stock from stealthy ap-
proaches. For several nights these tactics were fol-
lowed. The native guerrillas became emboldened in the
face of such action. On the trail of a timid or a wound-
ed thing they were veritable wolves.

Our long gallop it seemed could never tire them.
Their night tactics were superb. Upon our flanks, in our
rear or our front, was one continuous musketry roll,
which harmed nothing, though it angered like the sing-
ing of mosquitoes in one's ears. At last they brought
about a swift reckoning; one of those sudden, awful
things which leaves behind little save a trail of blood, a
moment of furious, savage killing.

Our column had advanced to within a two days'
march of Lampasas. Some mountain speers ran down
to the road to a cluster of palm trees near the wayside.
The palm is a sad, pensive tree, much sadder than the
pine. It has a voice solemn and sorrowful, much like
the sound of muffled cerements when the corpse is given
to the orround. Even in the bright sunlight they are
dark, even in the tropics ; no vine clings to them, no blos-
som is born to them, no birds sing vespers in them and
no fluttering wings make melody for them. Strange and

350 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

shapely, coldly chaste, they seemed like human beings,
but desolate things, standing all alone in the midst of a
luxurious nature, unblessed of the soil, unloved of the
dew, and even of the sunshine.

One night in a grove of these lonely, desolate trees,
the column halted, for one night only. Above and be-
yond them was a pass guarded by crosses. In that
treacherous land these crosses are a growth indigenous
to the soil. Wherever a deed of violence is done, a cross
is planted ; wherever a traveller is left in a pool of blood,
a cross is reared ; wherever a grave is made for the mur-
dered one, there is seen a cross. No matter who does
the deed, whether Indian or don, a cross must mark the
spot, and as the pious one passes by he lays a stick or a
stone reverently at the feet of the sacred symbol, and
breathes a silent prayer, and tells a bead or two for the
soul's salvation.

To the left of a wooded bluff ran down abruptly a
stream. Beyond this stream and near the palms, a
grassy bottom spread out, green, soft and grateful. On
this beautiful blanket of grass the horses ate their fill.
A young moon, clear and white, silvery, beautiful, hung
low in the west; neither sullen nor red, but a tender
moon, full of the beams that lovers seek, and full of the
voiceless imagery, which gives soulful passion to the
voice of the night, and pathos to the dejected and de-
serted swain.

As the moon set the horses were gathered up and
tethered, amidst the palms and then a deep silencee like
the silence of death fell upon the camp. The sentinels
were beyond its confines, and all inside of the camp slept
the sleep of the tired and the healthy. It may have been
midnight. It certainly was cold and dark with the fires
all out. There was a white mist like a sheen creeping

ATTACKED BY MEXICAN GUERRILLAS 35 1

Up the stream and settling upon the faces of the sleeping
men.

Out on the far right front a single shot rang out,
clear and resonant. Shelby and two others lifted them-
selves up from their blankets. In undertones Shelby
spoke to Thrailkill and myself, "Who has the post at
the front and right?"

"Joe Marcy."

"Something is stirring," continued Shelby ; "Marcy
never fired at a shadow in his life."

The three men listened intently. One a grim guer-
rilla with the physique of a Cossack, and the hearing of
a Comanche. The two others sat with all their senses
alert. One had in his keeping the lives of all these silent
sleepers, who lay still, inert, grotesque under the sil-
vered sheen of the mountain mist. Nothing was heard
for an hour. The three men went to sleep again, but not
to dream.

Suddenly the mist lifted and in its place swept a
sheet of flame, so near to the faces of the sleeping men
that it might have scorched them. Three hundred and
fifty Mexicans had crept down the mountain side to the
edge of the camp and stream and had fired pointblank
into the camp. It seemed a miracle indeed, but not a man
was touched. As they lay flat upon the ground, wrapped
in their blankets, the whole volley meant to be mur-
derous, had swept over them.

General Shelby was upon his feet. We heard his
voice, clear, steady and faultless, and without the slight-
est tremor, "Men, give them the revolver, charge!"

Often, when men awake from sleep they grapple
with spectres. Amidst the shadows of the palm trees,
the Mexicans were shadows. They were invisible where
the powder pall was on the water, where the mist had

2,S2 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

been, and men, half-clad, barefooted and still heavy with
sleep went straight for the mountain side, a revolver in
each hand, Shelby leading. From spectres the Mexicans
changed to bandits. No quarter was given or asked. The
rush lasted until the game was flushed ; the pursuit until
the mountain top was gained, over ragged slopes and
rocks, and cactus with its dagger teeth. The hurricane of
bullets poured like a torrent. The revolver volleys were
deafening. Men died, but made no moan, and the wound-
ed were recognized only by their voices.

After all was over the Americans had lost in killed
nine men, and in wounded sixteen, most of the latter
slightly, owing to the darkness. In their attack the
Mexicans had tethered their horses on the further side
of the mountain. Most all of these horses fell into our
hands; also the bodies of the two leaders, Juan Auesel-
mo, a renegade priest, and Antonio Flores, a young
Cuban who had sold his sister to a wealthy Mexican and
then turned robber. These, with sixty-nine of their fol-
lowers were killed and one hundred and twenty-three
were wounded. Thus en'ded this midnight attack.

It was noon the next day before we resumed our
march, with the sun shining upon nine fresh graves of
the dauntless young Americans sleeping their last long
sleep amidst the palms and the crosses until the resur-
rection morn.

Reaching Lampasas we found a grand fandango in
progress. The bronzed faces of the foreign strangers
attracted much curiosity and comment. But no notes
jarred or slackened, nor were dances checked. General
Shelby did not care to trust his soldiers too close to the
city, so he camped beyond the suburbs, unwilling to
tempt his men too severely, where there was so much
to risk by exposure to the perils of so much beauty and

AT LAMPASAS 353

nakedness. Vigilant camp guards were mounted to keep
the soldiers within camp, As the night deepened the
men's devices increased, until a goodly company had es-
caped all vigilance of the guards, and found refuge with
the sweet and swarthy senoritas, singing "Oh, Via
Amis E res alura say coraxon/'

At this place there were thrtfe soldiers who stole
out together in mere wantoness, so full were they of the
exuberance of life. Obedient soldiers, usually, they were
soon to bring back with them a tragedy that stands
without a parallel in the history of their lives. No one
saw these three soldiers leave camp — Boswell, Walker
and Henderson — but the whole command saw them come
back, Boswell slashed from chin to waist, Walker almost
dead with a bullet hole through his cheeks and tongue,
Henderson without a hurt, but sober, having over him
the sombre light of as wild a deed as any that stands
out in the lawless past of all lawless bands.

After reaching the fandango, we had danced until
the lights glowed with an unusual brilliancy, and until
fiery drink had consumed our discretion. It was late
at night. They had eaten, with much drink, and over
us was the glamor of enchanting and beautiful women.
They were now walking on space toward camp, singing
snatches of bacchanalian songs, laughing boisterously,
with the moonlight flooding the streets. Passing a door-
way, they saw a beautiful girl, her dark beauty looking
out coyly from its fringe of dark hair. The men spoke
to her and she, in her simple fashion, spoke to the men.
In Mexico this meant nothing. They halted, however,
and Henderson advanced, and laid his hand on the girl's
shoulder, then around her shoulders. She wore a rebosa.
This garment answered for a bonnet, and bodice. When
removed, the head is uncovered and the bosom exposed.

354 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Henderson meant no harm. He laughed and asked her
for a kiss, and before she had replied, he attempted to
take it. Her hot Southern blood flamed up at this fa-
miliarity, and her eyes grew furious in a moment. She
drew back from him in proud scorn. The rebosa came
off, leaving all her head and bosom bare. Her long
hair fell down over l"^r shoulders, neck and bosom. 'V\u-
daciocies," she cried, a low feminine cry, as a signal.
This was followed instantly by a rush of men with
knives and pistols.

These three Americans had no weapons ; not dream-
ing of danger, they had left their arms in camp. Boswell
was cut three times, but not seriously. Walker was
shot through both cheeks and tongue, and Henderson,
who caused the trouble, was unhurt, but this sobered
him. No pursuit was attempted. After the Mexicans
had done their work they left as quickly as they came
Wary of reprisal, they hid themselves. But a young
man followed close to Henderson without speaking a
word. At first he was not noticed. Upon reaching
camp, Henderson saw him and turned and asked him
why he followed him. "That you may lead me to your
General ; I want satisfaction," was the reply.

When made acquainted with their hurts, the Gen-
eral dismissed the three men to the care of Dr. Tisdall.

We were camped in a wide bottom, close to the
river on one side and low mountain ranges on the other;
where our blankets were spread was a grassy valley.
The moon was shining, the air balmy. From the grape
gardens and apricot orchards the air was fragrant ; ii Avas
delicious to breathe the air. Lampasas was indeed a
gay place. No soldiers were sleeping; all seemed to
enjoy the delicious odors. General Shelby relaxed un-
der the solace of the season. Commonly, he never re-

HENDERSON IS CHALLENGED. 355

laxed, even a little ,of his severity. The story of the
melee was told, and told truthfully, as the narrator was
too brave to lie about it. As an Indian listens for the
footsteps of one he intends to scalp, the young Mexican
wa§ listening to the recital. When it was finished he
went close to General Shelby and said, pointing his
finger at Henderson, "That man has insulted, outraged
my sister. I could have killed him, but did not. You
Americans are brave, I know. You will be generous as
well, and give me satisfaction."

General Shelby looked at Henderson, whose
bronzed face, all the sterner in the moonlight, had upon
it a look of curiosity. He did not know what was com-
ing. "Does the Mexican speak the truth, Henderson?"
asked Shelby. 'Tartly; I meant no harm to the young
woman. I am incapable of that. Drunk, I know I was,
and reckless ; but not wilfully guilty. General."

"You had no business to touch her." Shelby re-
garded him coldly. His voice was stern and biting. The
soldier hung his head. "How often must I repeat to
you that the man that does such things is no follower
of mine? Will you give her brother satisfaction "■'"

Henderson drew his revolver almost joyfully, and
stood up, proudly facing his accuser.

"No, no, senor; not the pistol," cried the Mexican.
"I do not understand the pistol. The knife, Senor.
General, is the American afraid of the knife?" The
Mexican held his knife displayed as he spoke, in the
moonlight. It showed Avhite and keen in contrast v/ith
the dusky hand that grasped it. Not a muscle in Hen-
derson's face moved. He spoke almost gently as he
turned to the General, "The knife ! Oh, be it so. Will
some one of you give me a knife?"

A knife was handed to him, and a rinor ^as formed

356 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

with over five hundred soldiers outside circle ol the rmg,
many bearing torches, w^hich cast a red glare over the
arena, flooded with the softer beaming of the new
moon. The soft, velvety grasses were under foot, the
moon was not yet full, the sky without a cloud, and
sweet, delicious perfumes filled the air; all was calm
and peaceful on this balmy night. A hush of excite-
ment and expectancy fell upon the scene. Some soldiers
who were asleep were allowed to sleep undisturbed. All
who were present seemed under the influence of a
dream.

General Shelby did not forbid the fight, though he
knew it was a duel to the death, for one or both. It
could be seen by his face that some of the desperate
spirit of the two antagonists had passed into his soul.
General Shelby spoke to an aide aside, "Go for Dr. Tis-
dall, for when the steel has finished the surgeon may
be needed."

At this moment both men stepped fearlessly into
the arena. The traits of the two nations were upper-
most— the Mexican made the sign of a cross, and the
American tightened his belt. Both may have prayed,
but neither audibly. No seconds were chosen ; none
needed. The Mexican took his stand near the center
of the arena and waited. Henderson grasped his knife
firmly, and advanced. He was almost a head taller, and
the stronger. Constant familiarity with danger for four
years seemed to give him a confidence which the Mexi-
can may not have felt. Henderson had been wounded
many times. One wound was barely healed, but this
took none of his manhood from him.

The night wind began to rise. The torches flamed.
Neither spoke. The long grass rustled under foot,
shortly to become crimson. Some fourteen inches in-

THE DUEL 357

tervened between them. General Shelby stood looking
grimly at the two men as he would at a line of battle.
Never before had he gazed upon such a strange sight.
The great circle of bronzed faces was eager and fierce
in the glare of the torches, something monstrous, yet
grotesque. The civilization of a thousand years were
rolled back, and we were in a Roman circus looking
into the arena, crowded with gladiators.

The attack was as the lightning flash, the knife
gleaming cold and keen. The Mexican lowered his head,
set hard his teeth, struck fairly at Henderson's breast.
Henderson made a half turn, face to the right, threw
his left shoulder forward as a shield, received the steel
into his shoulder to the hilt, and then struck home. God !
how pitiful ! A stream of blood spurted into his face.
The tense form of the Mexican bent forward as a willow
in the wind, surged helplessly, and fell backward life-
less. His heart had been found. General Shelby said,
"Cover him from sight. No need of Dr. Tisdall for
him."

A piercing wail of women startled the still night
air, and these grim bronzed soldiers gave a shudder
of regret. A dead man on the green, velvety grass, a
sister broken hearted, and alone forevermore, and a
freed spirit somewhere out in eternity, in the unknown
and the infinite.

John Thrailkiirs turn now came in a most strange
way. It may be that fate that often thinks what small
things it may employ to make or mar, to save or lose,
a life.

Leaving Lampasas and its regretful experiences,
after a few days' we journeyed by meadows, and by
rivers, and great groves of orange trees, wherein mock-
ing birds sang songs to each other, and to the soft

358 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

sunshine. Late one evening we went into camp. I
used to love to sit and listen to John Thrailkill talk
round the camp fires. On this occasion he was telling
of brave deeds and stories; of the brave days that were
dead. Many were sitting silent, dreaming, perhaps, of
the northern land left behind, with its pains, losses,
and its disappointments; of the dear friends; of that far
land of forests and beautiful rolling prairies. It may
be, of a mother's white face, or of a father, or of chil-
dren at play in the old orchard. This man Thrailkill
had never slept under roof or tent since the war com-
menced. He was a guerrilla who had never measured
the length or breadth of bed during the four years of
strife. Some woman in Platte county, Missouri, had
made him a black flag, under which he fought. This
was worked into the crown of his hat. He was the
most excellent pistol shot in this noted band of experts.
I have never seen or heard of anything so quaint in
recklessness and dare-devil bravado since the Crusaders.

He talked much, but he had also fought much. He
told of border battles, fierce and bloody broils, and des-
perate deeds of valor, wherein at most desperate odds
he had done some desperate deeds. As the night deep-
ened, this guerrilla was generous with his share of
stories of killing. A comrade at his side doubted one
of Thrailkill's stories. This was Anthony West. West
also ridiculed the narration.

Thrailkill was not usually hasty in anger, but this
time he arose, every hair in his head bristling. "Do
you doubt and disbelieve me?" He leaned over West
until he could look into his eyes. For the skeptic there
is only the logic of a blow. "Is this real? and this?"
He smote West three times on either cheek with his
open hand. No insult could be more open, studied or

WEST CHALLENGES THRAILKILL 359

unpardonable. But for the instant interference of com-
rades there would have been bloodshed then and there,
by the fires of the bivouac. Each was very cool. Each
knew what the dawn would bring.

Our camp was within reach of a village church,
where there lived a priest; a don, and an alcalde, who
owned leagues of land, and more than three hundred
game cocks. A cocking main was arranged for General
Shelby's special benefit, and a general invitation ten-
dered to all. The contest was to commence at noon.

About sunrise Captain Gillette came to Thrailkill's
tent. Thrailkill was still asleep. "I have a message for
you," said Gillette. "It is not long I hope," said Thrail-
kill. "Not very long, but very plain." "Yes, they are
all alike to those who have seen such before. Wait for
me a few minutes."

Thrailkill found Ike Berry and Berry found Gillette.
The note was a challenge, brief and peremptory. A
conference followed and terms agreed upon. They were
savage enough for an Indian. Colts pistols, dragoon
size, were the weapons, but only one was to be loaded.
The other, empty in every chamber, was to be placed
along side the loaded one, and a blanket thrown over
both, leaving the butt of each weapon exposed alike,
so that there should be no appreciable difference be-
tween them. He who won the toss of coin was to make
the first choice. Thrailkill won. The loaded one, and
unloaded pistol lay side by side in the tent. Thrailkill
walked into the tent whistling a tune. There lay the
pistols. There was no difference in appearance. West
stood behind watching him with a face that was as set
as flint.

Thrailkill drew first. His eyes ran along the cyl-
inder; the pistol was loaded, and he smiled. West's pis-

360 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

tol was empty ; death was his portion. The terms were
ferocious, yet neither second had practiced deceit, nor
protested against them. It appeared now that one
man was to murder another because one man had been
lucky in the toss of a dollar. Thrailkill had the right
under the cartel to fire six shots at West, before West
had the right to grasp so much as a loaded pistol. Thrail-
kill was noted for his deadly skill among his comrades.
The meeting was to be at sunset, and the cocking main
at noon. ~'

Both the principles and seconds went to the main.
Before the main was over the life of a man stood as
absolutely upon the prowess of a bird as the spring
and its leaves upon the rain and the sunshine. It came
about in this way. In Mexico cock-fighting is a na-
tional recreation, perhaps a national blessing as well.
All men engage in it, when otherwise they might be
robbing, or waylaying convoys bearing specie, or haunt-
ing mountain gorges, until heavy trains of merchandise
entered, to be swallowed up. The priests keep fighting
chickens, and try to keep the first from his chicken or
chair, the odds in favor of the church.

It is upon Sundays that all pitched battles began. The
alcalde of the town of Lenores was a jolly good Mexi-
can, who knew a bit of English, picked up in California.
He was noted for but three things: hard drinking, hard
fighting and swearing. If he found any of these accom-
plishments lacking he lost interest, and there flowed
never again a stream of friendship from the alcalde's
fountain — it became as dry as a spring in the desert,
suddenly, and without recovery.

General Shelby won his heart by sending him a
case of Cognac brandy, which had been a present from
General Douay. Therefore, was the main prepared.

A COCK FIGHT 351

The pit was a great circle in the midst of a series of
seats, one above the other. Over the gateway, opening
like the lids of a book, was a chair of state, an official
seat occupied by the alcalde. Beside him sat the bugler,
in uniform. At the beginning, and at the end of each
battle this bugler, watching the alcalde, at a sign, blew
a triumphant, or a penitial strain, as the alcalde's fa-
vorite lost or won. As the main advanced the notes
of gladness out-numbered those of sorrow.

A born cavalryman is always suspicious. He al-
ways looks askance at the roads, the woods, the moving
fogs and the forks and crossroads, that run into the
rear of a halted column, or into the flanks, while rest-
ing or in bivouac. It tries the nerves to fumble at
uncertain girths in the darkness, in a hard rain of
bullets, fast and furious, pressing down at the threat-
ened outpost, with no shelter. Never at any time did
Shelby put faith in Mexican friendship or trust Mexi-
can welcome or politeness. Our guard was perpetual,
and his intercourse was always in skirmishing order;
hence, one-half of the forces of this expedition was re-
quired to remain in camp, under arms, prepared for any
emergency. The other half, free of restraint, could
accept the alcalde's invitation, or not, as they chose.
The most of them attended. With the crowd went
Thrailkill, West, Gillette and Berry. •

All the village was there. High dignitaries of the
church and benevolent priests mingled with congrega-
tions, and often bet their pesos on their favorites. Many
lords of high degree, and mighty men of the country
round about, and dons with many herds and leagues
of land, pulled off their hats, and staked their gold
against the greasy silver, palm to palm. Fair senoritas
shot furtive glances along the ranks of the soldiers. The

362 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

bugle sounded and the betting began. The sport was
new to many. Thirty cocks were matched, all hand-
some birds.

They were not so large as the American birds, but
as pure in grade, and as rich in plumage, and the fight-
ing was more rapid and fatal. The heels used have been
thrown aside here in the North and West, and mostly in
New Orleans. These heels were wrought of the most
perfect steel and curved like a scimitar, and had an
edge of exquisite keeness. They cut like a razor, fail-
ing in instant death, they inflict a mortal wound before
there is mutilation. I believe this is murder. This sport
is the cause of those people being so cruel, and so
treacherous, and so brutal ; at least is one of the causes.
To the savage combat there is added the attendant in-
sincerity of music, which deprived the arena of its pre-
meditation, and gave it an air of surprise which an
accommodating conscience passed unchallenged for in-
nocence. In Mexico the natives rarely ask questions;
of strangers, never.

General Shelby seated himself beside the alcalde.
The first five notes of a charge sounded, and the battle
began. Thereafter the varying fortunes of the Amer-
icans during the evening ebbed and flowed. They
espoused this or that side, or bird, and lost or won, as
the fates decreed. There was but a scant amount of
gold among them. A nation of born gamblers, it needed
only a cock fight to bring all the old national traits
uppermost. A dozen or more were now at the point
of w^agering their carbines and revolvers, when a sign
from General Shelby checked this unsoldiery impulse,
and brought them back instantly to a realization of their
duty.

Thrailkill had lost all — not a dollar had he now on

THRAILKILL MAKES A BET. 363

earth. West, his antagonist, had won incessantly. In
this it may be that fate was flattering him, for what
use would all his winnings be after sunset?

This was the eighth battle, and a magnificent cock
was brought out. He had the crest of an eagle, and
the eye of a basilisk. His voice more sonorous than the
bugle note, and the glossy ebony of his plumage needed
only the sunlight to make it a mirror. In an instant he
was everybody's favorite. In his favor all odds were
laid. Some few clustered about his antagonist, amongst
them a sturdy old priest, who did what he could to stem
the tide rising in favor of the bird of the beautiful plum-
age. Thrailkill was infatuated with him like all the
rest, and would have staked a crown upon the combat.
He did not have so much as a red cent. The man was
miserable. Once he walked to the door and looked out.
If at that time he had gone forth, the life of West would
go on with him. But he did not go. As he returned
he met Gillette who said, "You do not bet, and the
battle is about to begin?" "I do not bet because I have
not the money. The pitcher that goes too often to
the well is certain to be broken." "And yet you are
fortunate," said Gillette. Thrailkill shrugged his shoul-
ders and looked at his watch. It lacked an hour of
sunset. The tempter still tempted him. "You have
no money. Would you like to borrow?" "No." Gil-
lette mused awhile. They were tying on the blades,
and the old priest cried out, "A doubloon to a doub-
loon against the black cock." Thrailkill's eyes glis-
tened with excitement. Gillette took him by the arm
and he spoke secretly, rapidly, earnestly. "You don't
want to kill West. The terms are simply murderous.
You have been soldiers and friends together. You can
take the priest's bet ; here is the money. If you win.

364 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

you pay me ; but if you lose, I have the absolute control
or disposal of your fire."

The old guerilla straightened himself up. "What
would you do with my fire?" "Keep your hands clean
and free from innocent blood, John Thrailkill," answered
Gillette. "Is not that enough?"

The money was accepted, and upon the conditions
named, the wager was laid with the priest. When the
battle was over the black cock lay dead on the sands
of the arena, by the sweep of one terrific blow, while
over him in pitiless defiance of his antagonist, the bird
in thin plumage, ragged in his crest and feathers, stood
in victorious consciousness of his triumph and prowess.

The sun was crimsoning the sky, the sun setting,
and two men stood face to face in the golden glow. On
either side of them stood a second. There was a look
of sorrow on the suffering face of Ike Berry. The
light of anticipation was in the watchful eyes of the
calm Gillette. Well kept had been the secret. The
group that stood on the golden edge of the golden eve-
ning were men who knew the ways and the means of
the work before them. West took his place as a man
who had shaken hands with life and knew how to die.
Thrailkill had never been known to be merciful. And
this day of all days, the chances were dead against a
moment of pity or forgiveness.

The ground was a little patch of grass beside the
stream, with trees by the riverside and trees beyond
the waters which were running musically onward to
the sea. In the distance there were houses from which
the peaceful smoke ascended through the haze of the
gathering twilight. Tinkling bells sounded from the
homeward bound flocks.

West stood full front to his adversary, certain of

THRAILKILL FIRES IN THE AIR 355

death. He expected nothing beyond a quick and speedy-
bullet, one which would kill without inflicting needless
pain. The word was given. Thrailkill threw his pistol
out, covered his antagonist, looked into his eyes, and
saw that he did not quail. Then, with a motion as in-
stantaneous as it was unexpected, lifted it up over his
head and fired into the air. Gillette now took the
weapon.

XXXVI
ENCARNACION

A crime-stained land — Ttie goatherd — The story of Inez Walker
— Wood and Thrailkill plan her rescue — Preparation for a
night attack — Storming the Hacienda — Rodriguez is killed —
The beautiful Inez Walker — We arrive at Vera Cruz.

Another fight was also of Thrailkill's contriving. It
was a fight based upon a romance, a night attack that
grew from a goat herd's story into a savage scene o^
shooting and killing, when Shelby's expedition was well
on its way into Mexico. Many places old in song and
story stood out clear-cut and crimson against the dark
background of local history as Shelby and his men
passed through the country. They were filled to the
brim with rapine and lust and slaughter. First, the
Spaniards under Cortez, swart, fierce, long of swora,
and limb, and, next, the revolution, wherein no man
died peacefully under the shelter of a roof. Here was
Hidalgo, the famous patriot priest, shot. Morealies, with
these words in his mouth, shot, ''Lord, if I have done
well, then thou knowest it; if ill, to thy infinite mercy
I commend my soul." Lernardo Baro, scorning to fly,
shot; Nicobolas, his son, who offered a thousand cap-
tives for his father's life, shot. Matamoris, shot. Minor,
shot. Genorosa, shot. Then came the republic bioodier
and more bitter still. Victori, its first president, shot.
Mezea, shot. Predraza, shot. Santana Ewart, head
boiled in oil by General Ampuda, and his skull stuck
upon a pole on the walls :o blacken in the sun. Henossa,

THE GOATHERD 367

shot. Pasedes, shot. All of them shot. These Mexi-
can presidents expected this. General Santa Anna, who
lost a leg, was banished from the country. It was now
that the French came, and the country was taken by
the Americans. His mistresses helped to betray him.
He passed many days in Havana, seeing only the white
brow of Orizaba from the southern sea, while he lived
in agony under the orange and the banana trees.

This was a land old in the world's history, that these
men with Shelby rode into. And a land stained in the
world's crimes. A land filled full of the sin of the
tropics. What wonder that such a deed was done as
the following.

On the evening of the tenth day's marching, which
had been marked by the splendid dash and bravado of
medieval chivalry, while keeping utmost watch, John
Wood and John Thrailkill did vigilant duty in the first
of the reserve, in the silent camp of the dreaming sol-
diers. The earth smelt sweet with the flowers and
grasses, and blooming buds. The dew lay heavy on the
bearded cacti. A low pulse of song broke on the ear,
as low in fading cadence as the waves that came in
from the salt sea, seeking the south wind. There was
the vesper strain of the katydid, sad, solacing, rhythmical.
Before the eyes of the weary sentinels a figure rose
up, waving a white hat as a flag of truce. Encouraged,
he came into line. Not fully assured by what he saw,
he was a bit frightened. Pressed to speak by such
inducements as could be offered, this goat herd told
the Americans that he belonged at Encarnacion, where-
upon this Mexican robber and devout Catholic crossed
himself. Not to have heard of Encarnacion was next
to infamy such, for instance, as the strangling of a
priest. His mention of this crime made him garrulous.

368 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Encarnacion was the name of a great hacienda, a
vast plantation, with royal stables and leagues of land,
many male and female slaves, with music and singing
maidens, with a magnificent don as the owner of all
these things. There was a great silver table service,
many boxes full of silver dollars. Here was a passion-
ate, beastly, lustful life.

The owner of Encarnacion was Louis Enrico Rodri-
guez, Spaniard born, and patron saint of all the robbers
that lived in the surrounding mountains, and the idol
of all the beautiful senoritas who plaited their hair on
the banks of his arroyas, and hid but charily their
dusky bodies in the limpid waters of his streams.

The French in foray had laid but lightly their hands
upon this region. General Dupia, that terrible French
contre guerrilla, had never penetrated this mountain line,
which guarded and shut in this dominion from the
world beyond. When strangers came, Rodriguez gave
them greetings; when soldiers came he gave them of
his flocks ciiul herds, his wines and treasures,
but there was one pearl of great price, which no stranger
had ever seen, t^) \v' o^^i no' stranger had ever spoken.
The slaves called this pearl a beautiful spirit, gentle at
t"rres. prH ^r-^ at times. The confessor called her a
sorceress, the lazy gossips, a Gringo witch ; the don,
who knew best of all, called this pearl wife. But no
blessing or sprinkling of water, by priest or church,
had made the name a holy one. Don Luis Rodri-
guez owned Encarnacion, and Encarnacion held a
skeleton. This much John Wood, and John Thrailkill
knew when the goat herder, half-robber, had told his
story. In Sonora, years before a California miner and
hunter of gold had found a beautiful Indian maiden

STORY OF INEZ WALKER 359

while making his way along a stream where her tribe
lived. They loved at the first sight, were married, and
a daughter was born to them, with her father's Saxon
hair, and her mother's eyes of tropical dusk.

From youth to glorious womanhood the daughter
had been educated in San Francisco. When she re-
turned to her home in Sonora she was an accomplished
American woman, a beautiful woman, having nothing
of her Indian ancestry, but her color. Not even her
mother's language was known to her. One day in a
gulch, in an evil hour, Rodriguez looked upon a vision
Oif loveliness. He was a Spaniard and a millionaire. He be-
lieved all things possible. The loving was long, baffling,
highly discouraging, but the web was like the net of
Penelope — never woven. He failed in his passionate en-
treaties, in his lying in wait, in his stratagem, in every-
thing but his willingness. Some men come to their
end of their audacity. If fate should choose to back a
lover against the world, fate would give long odds on a
Spaniard.

When everything else had been tried futilely, Rod-
riguez determined upon abduction. This was a common
Mexican custom, dangerous only in its failure, no matter
how monstrous the circumstance, no matter the risks,
no matter how many corpses. Gathering hastily about
him some of his braves, whose devotion was in the exact
proportion to the dollars paid, Rodriguez seized the
maiden as she was returning late one night
from an opera, and bore her away with all speed, towards
Encarnacion. The father, born of a tiger race, that in-
variably dies hard, now mustered such as loved him, and
followed in furious pursuit. Once fairly at bay, pur-
suer and pursued were soon in death grapple. The
father died in the thickest of the fight, but leaving stern

,^70 F'OUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

and stark traces behind of his terrible prowess, That
a brave man gone, a dozen it may be, Rodriguez cared
not, the woman was safe. Once well inside her cham-
ber, a mistress perhaps, a prisoner certainly, she might
beat endlessly her young wings against the strong bars
of her palace home.

For all that gold could give or buy, or passion sug-
gest was poured at the feet of the beautiful Inez Walker,
for such was her name. Servants came and went at her
bidding, the priest blessed and beamed upon her. Amidst
it all the face of her dead father rose constantly before
her vision. Her prayers called for vengeance upon her
father's murderer. Many times from her chamber fear-
ful cries issued. The domestics and servants heard these
and crossed themselves. Once in a fearful storm of
grief, she fled from her thralldom and wandered fran-
tically until she sank from exhaustion. She was found
alone in her beauty and agony. Rodriguez lifted her
in his arms, and bore her back to her palace prison. A
fever followed which caused her to mutilate her fair
young face, and tear her beautiful hair until she was
pitiful to see. She lived on, however, until under the
light of a balmy southern sky, and by the fitful embers
of a soldier's bivouac, a robber goat herder was telling
the story of an American's daughter to an American-?
son.

"Was it far to Encarnacion?"

John Wood asked this question, in his broken way.

"By tomorrow night, Senor," the goat herder an-
swered, "you will be there."

"Have you spoken the straight truth, Mexican?"

"As the Virgin is true, Senor."

The Mexican smoked a cigarette and went to bed.
As to whether he slept or not, he made no sign, ?s

PLAN FOR A NIGHT ATTACK 371

entire confidence rarely holds an Indian's heart. Wood
and Thrailkill sat long in silence. Finally Thrailkill
spoke. "Of what are you thinking, Wood?" "Of En-
carnacion. And you?" "The beautiful Inez Walker."

The Mexican turned in his blankets, muttering.
Wood's pistol covered him. "Lie still," he said, "and
muffle up your ears. You may not understand English,
but you understand this." Wood waved his pistol.

It was daylight again. The men had not noticed the
flight of time. They felt as fresh as the dew on grass,
fresh enough to plan an enterprise as daring and as
desperate as anything ever dreamed of in romance, or
set forth in fable or song.

The morrow night of the Mexican had come, and
there lay Encarnacion in plain view in the star light.
Rodriguez had kept aloof, for in the American encamp-
ment there was a menace to his conscience. Through
the last hours of the afternoon, broad-hatted rancheros
had ridden up to the Encarnacion corral in unusual num-
bers, dismounted and entered. Shelby, who took note
of every thing, took note of this.

"They do not come out," he said. "There are
some sign of preparations about, and some fears mani-
fested against a night attack. Save for grass and our
goats, I know of no reason why our foraging should be
heavier than formerly."

Wood and Thrailkill had concluded to tell Shelby
the whole story, but their hearts failed them, as Shelby
had been getting sterner and sterner of late. As we
advanced into this country, the reins had to be drawn
tighter and tighter. Certainly, since the last furious
attack by night of the Mexican guerrillas, those who
had looked upon discipline as an ill-favored mistress,
had ended by embracing her with fervor.

372 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

As the pickets were being tolled off for night duty,
Wood came close to Thrailkill, and whispered to him,
"The men will be ready by twelve o'clock. They are
volunteers and splendid fellows."

How many of them will be shot? Quien-sabe? Those
who take the sword shall perish by the sword. With
all his gold, and leagues and leagues of land, and his
cattle, horses, servants, Rodriguez had for his eagles'
nest or dove cote only an adobe. Near the great gate
inside were acres of corral, and within this area sad-
dled steeds were lazily feeding. A Mexican loves his
horse, but this no reason why he is fed this night. How-
ever, Rodriguez was bountiful. For fight or flight,
both men and horses must not go hungry.

On top of the main building, a kind of tower lifted
itself up, it was roomy and spacious, and flanked by steps
that clung to it. In this tower a light shone, while all
about was hushed. High above, walls encircled the
mansion and cabins, the corrals, the acacia trees, the
fountain that splashed with water plentifully, and the
massive portals which had mystery within, all its rugged
outline.

The nearest picket was over and beyond Encar-
nacion. The camp guards this night were only for sen-
tinel duty. Free to come and go, the men had no
watchword for the night ; none was needed. Suddenly, as
if from the ground, had one looked up from his blankets,
he might have seen a long dark line, standing out against
the sky. This line did not move. It may have been
twelve o'clock. There was no moon, yet the stars gave
light enough for the men to recognize each other. A
quarter of a mile in the distance from our camp was the
hacienda, and at about the same distance stood the out-
post picket.

THE ADVANCE t^JT,

In these serried ranks one might have seen such vet-
eran campaigners, stern and rugged and as scant of speech
in danger, as McDugal, Tom Boswell, Armested, Win-
ship, Ras Woods, Joe Marcy, Jim Vires, Abe Curtly,
Will Blackw^ood, Jim Crockett, Collins, Williams, Ov^ens,
Timberlake, Darnell, Johnson, the three Berry boys
(brothers Ike, Richard and Henry), and myself, as v^ell
as many others of like material and courage, too numer-
ous to mention here. Woods and Thrailkill stood for-
ward as leaders. All knev^ that they would carry them
far enough, and some may have perhaps thought too far.
Hushed and ominous, the line stood as still as a wall
from front to rear.

Thrailkill, who walked around the walls of Encar-
nacion, its whole length, was now speaking low and
cheering words.

"Boys, none of us know what is waiting inside of
the corral. Mexicans fight well in the dark, it is said,
and see better than wolves or cats. But we must have
that beautiful American woman safe out of their hands,
or we must burn these buildings. If the hazard is too
great for any one let him step out of the ranks." Not a
man moved. Whatever we are about to do must needs
be done quickly. Shelby sleeps but little of late, and
may even at this moment be searching for some of us.
Let him find even so much as one man's empty tent or
blanket or absent horses and there will be trouble.

Sweeney, a one-arm soldier who had served with
Walker in Nicaragua, and who was always in front in
hours of enterprise or peril, said to Thrailkill, ''Lead on,
since time is so valuable."

Two men who had been sent forward to the great
gate returned and reported to Thrailkill, who said, "It's

374 I^'OUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

all dark and still about these gates, which are as strong
as a mountain. We shall batter them down."

A huge beam was brought, wrenched from a large ir-
rigating basin. Twenty-five men manned this and ad-
vanced upon the gate. In an instant tremendous tim-
bers were resounding against the gates. Then came
shouts, cries, oaths, musket shots. Before the battering
the adobe walls gave way; the fastenings of iron were
broken like reeds. The locks were crushed and broken,
and with fierce yells the Americans rushed in and
swarmed to the attack of the main building. The light in
the tower guided them.

A legion of devils seemed to have broken loose. The
steeds in the stables of the Mexicans reared and plunged
in the infernal din of the fight, and dashed hither and
thither, masterless and riderless. The camp where Shel-
])v rested was instantly alarmed. The shrill notes of the
American bugle call were heard over all the tumult, and
with them the voices of Thrailkill and Woods crying out,
"Make haste, men; make haste. In twenty minutes more
we will be between two fires." Crouching in the stables,
in the darkness some twenty rancheros made sudden and
desperate battle. Ike Berry and Joe Marcy with Yar-
vell, charged through the gloom by the fitful and lurid
flashes of muskets. When this work was over the cor-
ral no longer vomited flames. Silence reigned there, that
fearftil ominous silence fit only for the dead who died
strddenly.

The camp, no longer asleep, had become menacing.
Short, quick words of command came out of it, and the
tread of trained men forming rapidly for battle. Skirm-
ishers had been thrown forwards quite to the Hacinado ;
they seemed almost nude and stood out under the star-
light as white specters, threatening, yet undefined. They

STORMING THE HACIENDA 2^y^

had guns and pistols, too, and insomuch were surely
mortal. These specters also had reason and discretion.
Close upon the broken fragments of the great gate, and
looking in upon the waves of battle as they rose and fell,
they did not fire; they believed that at least some of
their kindred and comrades were there. For some time
the battle raged hotly, the beleaguered, cheered by the
\oice of Rodriguez, stod desperately to the fight. The
doors were as redoubts, the windows as casemates. Once,
on the steps of the tower Rodriguez showed himself for
a brief moment. One dozen of the best shots of the at-
tacking party fired at him.. His answer was an oath of
defiance, so savage and harsh that it sounded unnatural.
There was now a lull. Every Mexican outside of the
main building had been killed or wounded. Against the
maFsi\'e walls of the adobe the rifles made tin headway.
It was murder to oppose flesh against masonry. Vic
Ackers was killed, young and dauntless. Provins was
dead. Washburne dead, a stark German. Rodgers dead.
Jim Crockett, with four wounds, Crockett the hero of
the desperate Lampasas duel, was breathing his last. The
wounded were lying on all sides, some hard hit, and
some bleeding, yet fighting on.

Once more the great beam was brought. Shelby
was coming. Again the great beam crushed against the
door, leading into the main hall, with smashing of iron
and wood and plaster. Through splintered masonry the
besiegers poured, over crumbling timbers and jagged
debris. The building was gained. Once inside the
storm of robber bullets was terrible.

At the head of his hunted followers Rodriguez
fought like the Spaniard he was, stubbornly and to the
last. No lamps lit the savage melee. The Mexicans
stood up to be shot, and were shot where they stood.

376 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

The most of them died there. Some few broke away and
escaped towards the last, for no pursuit was attempted,
and no man cared how many fled. It was the woman the
Americans wanted. Gold and silver ornaments were
every where, and precious tapestry work, and many rare
and quaint woven things, but the powder blackened and
blood stained hands of these desperate assailants touched
none of these. It was too dark to tell who killed Rodri-
guez, but to the last his voice was heard cheering on his
men, and calling down the vengeance of God on the
Gringoes. Those who fired at him fired at his voice, for
it was dark, the smoke trifling and the sulphur fumes
of the powder almost unbearable.

When the Hacinada was won General Shelby had ar-
rived with the rest of the command. He had mistaken
the cause of the attack, and his mood was of that kind
v^^hich seldom came to him, but when it did come, as it
had several times before, it made the ears of his fighting
men tingle. He caused the Hacienda to be closely sur-
rounded, and he passed to the doorway, a look of wrath-
ful menace was on his usually placid face.

"Who among you have done this thing?" he asked
in tones that were full and vibrating. No answer came.
The men put their weapons up.

"Speak, some of you. Let me not find cowards in-
stead of plunderers, lest I finish upon all of you what
the Mexicans did so poorly to a few."

Thrailkill and Woods came to the front, all cov-
ered with wounds and powder and blood. They seem.ed
in sorry plight to make any headway in defense of thci
night's work before their stern commander, who wa-
holding up his left hand, deprecatingly. Thrailkill rn-
swered, "No cowards, no plunderers here. We are here

THE BEAUTIFUL INEZ WALKER 377

in the defense of a helpless American woman, a captive
within these walls for years."

He told the tale as straight as the goat herder had
told it, and in a simple, soldierly fashion, placing all the
blame upon the heads and hands of the attacking party.

The stern features of their commander relaxed a lit-
tle, and he fell to musing. It may have been that the
desperate nature of the enterprise appealed more strong-
ly to his feelings than he was willing his men should
know. Or it may have been that his set purpose softened
when he saw so many of his best and bravest soldiers
come from the darkness and stand in silence about their
leaders, Thrailkill and Woods ; and saw many of them
sorely wounded, and many other signs that showed the
desperateness of the fighting. Certain it is that when he
spoke again his voice was more relenting and assuring.

And where was this lady, this woman, during all
those terrible moments of combat? In the tower. The
lights in the tower had burned as a beacon. Perhaps in
the last few seconds when Rodriguez stood alone upon
the steps leading up to the door and tower, the dove's
nest occupied his mind in the tempest of fire and smoke.
The old love might have been busy at his heart, bringing
a desire to make some peace at last with her whom he
had so greatly wronged, sinned against and for whose
sake he was so soon to suffer. Death makes many sad
atonements.

After learning the wishes of Inez V/alker General
Shelby had his brave and sv/arthy dead of the midnight
attack buried with military honors. Also the Mexicans.
The unusual disparity of the killed on each side was so
marked that much comment on this point was indulged
in. Six guerrillas were killed and fourteen wounded.
There were one hundred and four guerrilas in this fight

378 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

wiili Thrailkill and Woods. Rodriguez had with him
two hundred and forty-six of his rough riding cutthroats
and robbers. He bad made every preparation, first for a
rattbnii f\ght, and then for his flight. We found all his
horses saddled and bridled. His conscience must have
smote him because of his many misdeeds, for when he
saw the Americans he kept aloof, and sent some of his
retainers after reinforcements, which arrived after dark.
The attack was no surprise, as the prompt response of
the musketry fire to the battering ram showed the as-
sailants that the besieged were ready and that they were
entering a veritable robbers' nest.

Miss Inez Walker was indeed beautiful. She was
now the guest of General Shelby for a few days to rest
and recruit from her terrible experience. She went with
us to Vera Cruz. Arriving there she thanked us for all
the service we had done her and for her rescue, and from
this place she went back to her home in California. She
was certainly a lovely woman, even in her forlorn and
helpless condition. Bidding her adieu we never saw her
again. The Mexicans lost in this baitle one hundred
and eighty-two men killed and twenty-eight wounded.
The rest of the robbers fled to their dens in the mountains
after their patron saint was slain. Thus ended one of
the most furious and desperate night attacks of all my
experience.

XXXVII
BILL ANDERSON

The making of a guerrilla — ^War on women and children — A dea-
perate leader — Arch Clemmens, the boy guerrilla — Jesse
James — The massacre at Centralia — Major Johnson swears
revenge — The fight in Singleton's pasture — The black flag —
Johnson's fatal error — Fifty-two of sixty Federals killed —
Death of Anderson.

In the early months of 1863 the adverse winds of
fortune blew hard and furiously upon many of the peace-
ful homes and families all over the South, especially
in Missouri and Kentucky. In Missouri a new name ap-
peared along the border. In this savage year of fighting
and killing, a year of the torch and black flag, formidable
men were coming to the front from every direction.
Guerrilla fires blazed forth in saveage, vengeful, unfor-
giving reprisal. It was also the year when the invisible
Reaper gathered in the harvest sheaves from the bravest
of the brave in the ranks of the guerrillas.

William Anderson of Missouri, left to himself and
permitted to pursue his peaceful, industrious way, would
never have flashed across the military horizon. This
amiable neighbor and hardworking man would never
have been developed into a devouring tiger. Let us see
how this son of toil was wrought upon.

Late in November, 1862, a body of Federal soldiers,
specially enrolled and uniformed to prey upon non-com-
batants and persecute women and children, gathered up
a number of young demonstrative Southern women
whose only sin was extravagant pro-Confederacy affilia-

380 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

tions. They were arrested and taken to Kansas City and
placed in a dilapidated, rackety old house close to a steep
embankment, in charge of brutal guards who sang vul-
var soni^s and talked indecent, infamous talk to them.
With these women, tenderly raised, were two of Ander-
son's sisters. At this time William Anderson was at
work with his father in Kansas and knew nothing of
the real struggle of the war and nothing of the arrest or
incarceration of his sisters. This quiet, fair-minded, cour-
teous man, who took more interest and delight in a book
than in any crowd, bore a most excellent name among his
neighbors in Johnson County, Kansas, and in Randolph
County, Missouri, where he was raised. He must yet
deal with destiny, however, and reconcile his claims.

This old, tottering, rickety building within which
were huddled these tender Southern women did not fall
down fast enough for the howling brutes of prey bel-
lowing about it. In the darkness of night it was under-
mined so that the wind (so it was said) blew upon it and
fell with a crash. Cover the faces and the disfigured,
limp and lifeless bodies, now past all pain or human sor-
row ; dead to touch, entreaty or kiss or passionate appeal.

Bill Anderson's oldest sister was taken from the
wreck a corpse. The youngest sister severely injured in
the spine, with one leg broken, cut pitifully and bruised
in many portions of the body, lived to tell a terrible
story of the dead and mangled females crushed in the
toppling, undermined house, to a loving, patient brother
at her bedside. Looking up Anderson said, "Is there a
God there?"

What he was Fate made him. Soon a stir ran along
the border. "Who is Anderson? Anderson! Ander-
son ! He kills them all." Magnificent horsemanship and
prowess seemed natural gifts to this natural born soldier.

BILL ANDERSON ^ 381

He gathered about him a desperate band of harried,
hunted men and rode at a gallop into terrible notoriety.

A tall, broad-shouldered man, his forehead was
broad and arched over his eyes. He was a man who
brooded over wrongs; his mouth and nose, which was
thin about the nostrils, betokened much of his sensitive-
ness, but more of determination. His eyes were variable
in their color, seemingly gray in repose but absolutely
black when expanded with excitement in battle. The
chin, neither massive nor square, but hidden in a beard.
All that was cruel about his face was the mouth, a smil-
ing, handsome, ferocious mouth, somewhat drawn about
the corners, with thin lips and regular teeth, white and
wide apart. Long haired, and lithe as a greyhound, as
he galloped he could swing himself to the earth and pick
up a pistol.

Anderson was popular with desperate guerrillas, and
he made them automatic killing machines of which he
was the mainspring:. He possessed natural eloquence
and a manner at once free and martial. His discipline
was rigorous but was relaxed at the proper time ; he had
only to be firm and his desperadoes were as a heated
mass in his hands. His ascendency over them, unless
based upon other qualities than personal accomplish-
ments or individual tact, could never have endured the
fierce and savage strains of guerrilla warfare. Where
ever danger was greatest or most threatening, from the
thickest of the deadlv fiehting Anderson's cheering voice
could be heard. From the wreck of ranks and the tear-
ing asunder of battle lines, there, leading the press and
ragine like a wounded lion, he fought as a man pos-
sessed of the devil. His features underwent a transfor-
mation. He kept a tally list of his victims. One guer-
rilla alone surpassed him — Arch Clemmens, a boy sol-

.182 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

dier, beardless and blue-eyed. Each guerrilla had a knot-
ted silk cord ; each knot stood for a life. The knots in-
creased continually and during this bloody harrowing
year of '63 wliat a ghastly tale it was. These knots
skilfully tied with deft and deathly fingers — how they
grew and grew ! At last on Anderson's there were fifty-
three, on Clemmens' fifty-four. Thereafter Anderson
never tied another.

After fighting two hundred and ninety-eight days
continually, almost nightly, in the extreme rear of
Price's raid, Anderson struck a brigade of Federal in-
fantry in the road he proposed to travel. He was a man
who rode over things in preference to riding around them.
He rode a red charger. As soon as he reached the
skirmishers, he dashed ahead, as he always did, never
looking back. A bullet reached his heart, killing him in-
stantly.

It was during this fateful day that Jesse James
was tied to a tree with his mother and sister and whip-
ped into unconsciousness. Then a halter was placed
around his neck and he was dragged across the field
where he had been plowing. His step-father. Dr. Sam-
uels, was hanged and left for dead. Both the mother
and tJie sister were taken to St. Joseph and thrown in+o
a filthy prison. The sister sickened and was never well
again. Insulted, half-fed and almost starved, they en-
dured hardships untold. Jesse joined his brother in
Quantrell's camp and soon became known as one of thf*
most deadly in this noted band of guerrillas.

He made a business of killing. He had a boyish,
smiling face, smooth as a school girl's ; the innocent blue
eyes were soft, clear and penetrating. This tall, sturdy
youth had tapering, long fingers and white hands, small
and soft. It had not been written that they were to be-

MASSACRE AT CBNTRALIA 383

come the quickest, the deadliest hands in all the deadly
West.

During all the spring and summer and early fall
days these hardy, desperate fighting guerrillas were
daily, often nightly, in the saddle. On the 27th day of
September, 1863, was enacted the bloodiest drama yet
known. Anderson during this month moved through
Randolph, Monroe and Audrian counties and operated
along the North Missouri railroad, killing militia upon
every hand and spreading terror and dismay in every
direction, thus causing the concentration of Federal
troops, so much desired by General Price and Confed-
erate authorities.

From his camp at Singleton's barn on the morning
of September 27, Bill Anderson moved into Centralia.
He had his own company and Poole and ten of his men.
George Todd did not accompany him to town, nor did
Captain Thrailkill ; these chieftains joined him at his
camp and with their companies rested upon their arms,
awaiting: developments. The noon train from St. Louis
stopped at the depot. There were Federal soldiers upon
it, some with guns and others without ; some returning
home on furlough and some to duty. Anderson charged
the cars. From the windows and platform some volleys
were fired at the guerrillas. Such resistance was -mere
child's play. Probably some would have been spared if
there had been unconditional surrender, but there was
no earthly hope after a single shot had been fired.

Before the cars had stopped one of the Yankee sol-
diers put his head from a window and cried out: "Lord,
Lord ; there is Bill Anderson ; boys, go to praying."
"Pray, hell," swore one, an Iowa sergeant, thrusting his
gun through the window and firing as he spoke. •

It is the hour of battle. The devil and all his imps

384 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

are here. This should not be called a fight. A few shots
from tlic s^uerrillas at close range cleared the windows
and the platform. White handkerchiefs were waved
from nearly every window in token of formal surrender.
It would have been better for the Federals to have
fought to the death if they thought best to fight at all.
They were all formed in line, and the separation of
soldiers and citizens began. It was indeed a ghastly
division which marked these two lines. Twenty-five
soldiers fell upon that side where death, invisible, but
stark and grim, lay in ambush for his prey. The citi-
zens were sent away and the soldiers all killed. The
train set on fire, and with full head of steam on, dashed
away like a cyclone through to Sturgeon. A construc-
tion train following behind was taken possession of, set
on fire, and the depot and all the government property
destroyed.

Anderson moved back to Singleton's pasture. It
was now decided to join forces and await coming devel-
opments. At Paris there was a Federal garrison, 300
strong, under the command of Major Johnson. The
Major had been busy watching and scouting the country
for Bill Anderson for some days. He was destined to
find him speedily. Johnson came into Centralia, viewed
the .blackened debris and the slain soldiers, and swore
all kinds of frightful, terrible revenge. At the head
of his columns a black flag was carried. So, also, was
there one at the head of Anderson's and Todd's column.
In Todd*'s ranks the stars and bars floated fair and
free. In Johnson's ranks for this day the stars and
stripes had been forbidden.

While in Centralia, the Union citizens begged and
besought Johnson to beware of Anderson and his men,
telling him that they were no ordinary soldiers and

JOHNSON SWEARS REVENGE 3g5

that he was no match for Todd and Anderson; it would
be a useless sacrifice of himself and his men to attack
them, as they were in ambush ready to destroy, and
spare not. He did not retreat. He listened patiently to
.the warning's that were well meant and timely, but he
put away firmly the hands that were lifted to stay his
course. Johnson was as brave as the bravest of them,
but he did not realize what was before him. He had
never fought guerrillas. He boasted that no quarter
should be given or asked, and pointed gleefully to his
black flag. He said he had come to carry back with
him the body of Anderson, dead or alive, he would
have it.

"Very well," said the citizens, "go and get it." But
still fate had not yet entirely turned its face from John-
son and his doomed column. A young and very beautiful
Union woman, now met him as he rode from town,
halted him, took his bridle in her hand besoueht him
spoke to him as one almost inspired, and declared that
a presentiment had come to her that if he led his men
a^pinst Bill Anderson, few or none would return alive.
This mad leader would not listen to her pleadines, al-
though she was almost in the dust before him. His blood
was on fire. He would devastate the country, and leave
of the habitations of Southern men not one stone upon
another. His bearing was savage. He cursed the people
as "damned secesh," and swore that they were in league
with murderers and robbers. Extermination was what
they all needed, and if Fortune favored him in the fight,
it was an absolute extermination they should all have.

But fortune did not favor him. Johnson left Cen-
tralia and rode east of south some three miles. His
scouts who went to Singleton's barn, came back and
reported that Anderson and his men had camped, rested

386 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

and fed there, and had gone into the timber to hide
themselves from the vengeance of the wrathy Major,
Behind the barn a ridge lifted itself up from the wide,
undulating country and broke the vision to the south-
west. Far beyond this ridge spread a smootVi, wide^
prairie, and still further south w^as the Limber. Here
WSLS the hiding place where the scouts located Anderson
and his guerrillas.

Johnson now approached this ridge, which was dis-
tant a mile, on the open prairie. Ten men came into
view. The leader of these was Captain Thrailkill, with
picked men, among whom were Frank and Je.^se lames,
Peyton Long, Dave and John Poole, Tuck Hill, James
Younger, Ben Morrow, Harrison Traw and E. P. De
Hart. When such giants as these began to show them-
selves. Johnson had need to beware of what might be
before him. The guerrillas, all told, numbered two hun-
dred and sixty. There were in Anderson's company
sixty-one men, in George Todd's, forty-eight ; in Thomas
Todd's, fifty-four; in Poole's, forty-nine and in John
Thrailkill's, fifty-two. Two hundred and sixty-two
against three hundred were face to face in an open
prairie.

Captain Thrailkill moved forward to skirmish with
the advancing Federals. Anderson and Todd came out
from the timber and formed a line of battle in the open
field. To the front a sloping hill arose between Johnson
and the guerrillas. Todd rode to the crest of the hill.
Thrailkill moved well forward and into the prairie, tak-
ing his position there. He lifted his hat and the whole
force rapidly moved up. Bill Anderson held the right,
George Todd joined to Anderson. Poole to Todd, and
Thomas Todd to Poole, and Thrailkill to Thomas Todd.
Thus were the ranks arranged. Thrailkill, with his

FIGHT IN SINGLETON'S PASTURE 3g7

ten skirmishers, vanished quickly behind the hill. An-
derson sat on his charger like a carved statue, on the
summit of the hill. Johnson moved forward. "Many
shots were fired at long range and some bullets flew
past and beyond where Anderson watched. From a
column of fours to the right in front, Johnson's men
formed a line of battle, pressing up the hill. The guer-
rillas opened fire briskly. The battle grew hot. Thrail-
kill knew his business too well to linger too !ong at
such work. He now fell back toward the main body.
While this movement was being executed, Johnson's
men da-^hed forward with a feeble shnut. But all orcL^i
at'd formation were gone; ranks all gone. They rushed
without order beyond the will, and beyond the control
of their commander. This looked bad, and 'was bad;
such exultation over a slight skirmish. None of the
enemy was killed or showed nervousness.

Captain Thrailkill formed again when he reached the
main line of battle. Johnson now rearranged his lines
and moved his men forward to the crest of the hill,
some at a brisk walk, others at a trot. He halted and
bade them look to their lines and cursed them bitterly.
A column of men suddenly rode into view, halted and
dismounted. They seemed to be confused or inexperi-
enced. Johnson is declared to have said to his ad-
jutant, "They will fight on foot. What does this mean?"
He soon found out. It meant that they were tightening
their saddle girths, putting fresh caps on their revolvers,
looking well to their bridle reins and bits, preparing
for a charge that would have the fury of the whirlwind
and the cyclone.

From a column they transformed into two lines
deep and with a double interval between all the files.
They moved over the crest forward. Major Johnson

288 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

advanced at a walk. It was near the hour five o'clock.
The sun was low in the west and the hour warm and
genial. From afar the low, lisping murmur of streams
came softly to the ear. At intervals the notes of birds
could be heard. All nature was hushed. A tragedy
was about to be enacted. Hush. There they are, face
to face, the two hostile forces, with black flags over
them, each ready to exterminate the other without pity.
An interval of some three hundred yards separated their
lines. Not a shot was fired. Anderson showed a naked
front base, file free of skirmishers, and ready for the
fight which he knew would be murderous to the Fed-
erals. The black flag was sufficient warrant for this.
From the lips of each leader came threats of extermina-
tion and death. Johnson was dismounted. Could it
be possible that he meant to receive the guerrillas at a
halt? What folly. What cavalry books had he read?

He halted his men, and rode along his front, speak-
ing a few calm and collected words to them. All battle
speeches are alike, "Keep cool and shoot low, and don't
get excited." Who has taught these suicidal, ruinous
tactics? Johnson now called out loud enough to be
heard from his lines, "Come on, we are ready for the
fight."

The challenge was accepted. The guerrillas gath-
ered themselves as by a sudden impulse and took the
bridle reins between their teeth. In the hands of each man
was a deadly revolver. There were carbines, also, but
they had never been unslung. The sun was low and
there was pressing need to finish quickly. These guer-
rillas were riding the best and fastest horses in Mis-
souri. Here were Dick Maddox, George Maddox, Frank
Gray, Al Scott, Ed Greenwood, Dave and John Poole,
Ike Berry, Frank and Jesse James, Tom Maxwell, Dick

FIGHT IN SINGLETON'S PASTURE. 389

Kinney, Ike and Si Flannery, Ambrose Maxwell, Dick
Burks, Puss Webb, Babe Hudspeth, James Younger,
Bud Pence, Lafe Privin, Allan Parker, McGuire Trow,
George Sheaperd, Oil and Frank Sheaperd, Frank Gregg,
Morrow, De Hart, Jeff Enery, Bill Anderson, Tuck Hill,
James Cummings, John Rupe, Silas King, James Corum,
Moses Huffaker, Ben Bloomfield, Peyton Long, Jack
Southerland, Will and Jim Berry, Ben Reynolds, Will
and Charles Stewart, Daniel Pence, Nat Tigul, Garly
Robertson, Hiram Guess, Buster Parr, William Gaiv,
Chat Renick, Henry Porter, Arch and Henry Clements,
Jesse Hamlet, John Thrailkill, Si Gordon, George and
John Todd, William and Hugh Archil, Blunk Murray,
Long Liteen, Sam and Wade Easters, Creth Creek,
Thomas Casth, John Chatman and over threescore other
heroes unnamed because forgotten.

They struck the Federal ranks with the mighty rush
of tigers. Jesse James, riding a white-faced mare, led
by a length. Arch Clements, Frank James, Peyton Long,
Oil Sheaperd followed in a bunch. There was neither
trot nor gallop. The guerrillas dashed from a walk into
a full, furious charge. The attack was a hurricane,
Johnson's command fired only one volley, scarwK..*^
standing until the intervening space was passea over
by the guerrillas. Johnson shouted to his men to fight
to the death. Many did not wait to hear him, but broke
and fled as soon as they fired, frantic to get away. Some
few were attempting to reload when the guerrillas, fir-
ing with both hands, reached their ranks and hurled
themselves upon them. Major Johnson fell among ir?e
first. Jesse James singled him out and when within
five feet of him drew a pistol suddenly and put a bullet
through his brain. Johnson threw up his hands, as if
trying to reach something above his head, pitched for-

390 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

ward heavily, a corpse. There was no quarter. Many
got down on their knees and begged for mercy, but
the guerrillas heeded the prayer as a wolf might the
bleating of a lamb. A wild roar broke away over the
prairie towards Sturgeon — the vengeful, implacable pur-
suit, fed by hatred, thundered behind the fugitives, with
death on all sides. There were no guerrillas hurt after
the first volley, but in this volley Hank Williams
and Frank Sheaperd were killed ; Tobe Maxwell and
Harrison Carter were slightly wounded, and R'ch-
ard Kinney was mortallv wounded. Bv this same
volley two horses were killed, one under Elias Reni^k.
and one under Dave Poole. About sixty of the Fed-
erals gained their horses before the first wave of this
pitiless charge broke over them. These were pursued
by only five guerrillas — Frank and Jesse James, Arch
Clements, John Todd and Oil Shenperd, for six mi^es
and at a dead run. Of the sixty, fifty-two were killed
on the road from Centralia to Sturgeon. Anderson drew
up his command and watched the chase for three miles.
Nothing obstructed the vision. Side by side, like the
wind over the level prairie they rode, the guerrillas
gaining step by step, leap by leap upon the rearmost
riders. Little puffs of white smoke arose. No sound
reached the ears, but terrified steeds ran riderless into
Sturgeon. Night put an end to the killing. Five men
shot down fifty-two. Arch Clements had credited to
him fourteen. Oil Sheaperd, ten ; Peyton Long, nine ;
Frank James, eight; Jesse James, besides killing Major
Johnson and several others in the charge upon the dis-
mounted troopers, killed eight others on the run to
Sturgeon.

Johnson lost in this battle on the open prairie two
hundred and ninety-two men; only eight escaped to tell

JOHNSON'S ERROR 391

the tale of the black flag contest. History has chosen
to call the ferocious killing at Centralia a butchery.
In all civil wars encounters are not called butcheries
where the combatants are man to man, and where over
either rank waves the black flag. The Federals had
thirty-eight more men than the guerrillas in this fight.
It was in a sense a mutual challenge between two com-
mands, and could, therefore, in no sense be called a
butchery. Johnson was a brave soldier. This is all
that can be said of him. He rushed blindly upon his
own fate, impelled by a power, it would seem, stronger
than himself. His destruction it is probable was a
decree of fate, beyond his power to resist. He evidently
did not know how to command, or to plan a fight, and
his men did not know or had not been trained, how to
fight. He tied his hands and feet and deliberately, by
dismounting in the face of the most terrible and deadly
revolver fighters, the most expert shots the world had
ever produced, and who probably could not have been
duplicated from the pick of all the best shots from both
sides in either army. Abject contemptible cowardice
among Johnson's men matched itself against reckless
daring and desperation, and the end could only have
been just what it was. The guerrillas did unto the
militia just exactly what the militia would have done
unto them if fate had been reversed. Therefore it is
idle to talk of butcheries under such conditions. War
is barbarism and barbarism is war, deadly and destruc-
tive to life and property.

Anderson's career was cut short by a most reckless,
it might be said, foolhardy, thoughtless act. The news
of Todd's death seemed to make him more desperate, if
possible. He recruited his own command and was joined
by two detachments of regular Confederates. He de-

392 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

I

termined to cross the river above Camden. Barring his
passage to the crossing were twelve hundred Federals.
He made haste to attack them with his raw recruits.
Officers advised urgently against attack with raw lines.
He would not be held back, ordered a charge, leading it
ferociously. He was fifty yards ahead of his men and
was dead before falling from his horse. There were ten
men killed and as many wounded while trying to bring
away his body. He may be said to have lived amid a
storm of bullets during his short, brilliant and stotmy
military life. His first battle was a furious charge, and
his last was even still more furious. This man never
knew fear. He was a pensive, brooding man. William
Anderson was a strange man in many ways. Had not
the waves of the Civil War made him the avenger of one
dead sister, and of another maimed for life, he would
have lived unconscious of his latent powers, the sleep-
ing tiger unaroused in his nature. He certainly did not
know his powers or nature, and could not anticipate
the almost miraculous transformation that came to him
in his first battle, a kind of transfiguration which found
him a boy but left him a giant.

Anderson rarely manifested any special individuality.
With his own soldiers or citizens he was a very positive
man. If he said "yes" or "no" it was as unalterable
as the hills. He Avent to war to kill and generally those
who fought against him were worsted, and in a ma-
jority of instances, annihilated. He was a very devil
incarnate in battle. He was frequently heard to say
"If I had cared for my life, I w^ould have lost it many
times and long ago. Wanting to lose it, I cannot throw
it away." His destiny was war, and he marched toward
it with an inspiration as fixed as Fate. Surrounded he
could not be captured; surprised, he could not be de-

DEATH OF ANDERSON 393

moralized. He never despaired. Shot dead from his
saddle in a last reckless charge beyond all reason of
daring there was none to triumph over him as a cap-
tive, fettered in prison. No longer a living hero, e
was but another victim of the cruel inhumanities of the
times, brought about by the bloody civil war.

XXXVIII
BACK TO KENTUCKY

Arrival at Vera uruz — I obtain a commission — Back to the
States — Capture of Monday and McGruder — We plan a res-
cue— Too late — Jerome Clark — Henry McGruder.

When I reached Vera Cruz I was introduced to
General Douay, also to General Bazaine, chief com-
mander of the Imperial army in Mexico. I received a
commission to raise a cavalry command, a squadron
of four companies, also a commission to return to the
United States, and obtain such men, especially such
veteran Confederates as I could induce to join the Im-
perial army. I was furnished with $20,000 for inci-
dental and recruiting expenses and equipment.

Leaving General Shelby now and thanking him for
his many kindnesses and the courteous treatment he
had shown me during my stay with him, I made my
way back across the border from Vera Cruz, thence to
Monterey, where I remained a few days. I met many
Confederate veterans at this place, flocking into Mexico.
Many of these had determined to return to the United
States. I met a body of General Douay's scouts who
went with me to New Laredo, on the Rio Grande river.
At this place I found two regiments of Federal or Yan-
kee soldiers, and obtained a pass from Colonel Colmen,
who was commanding here. Leaving this place I
reached San Antonio in three days, and went from
thence to St. Louis, and Louisville. From here I has-
tened to Nelson county with all speed, hoping to find

MONDAY AND McGRUDER CAPTURED. 395

my brother, Captain Samuel O. Berry, and near my
old haunts, some of my old comrades.

Many changes had taken place since my last visit
here. All the armies of the South had surrendered and
disbanded. I reached my brother's camp in Bullitt
county. May 24th, and learned for the first time that
Jerome Clark (Sue Monday) and Henry McGruder had
been captured under the most cowardly and treacherous
circumstances. Seriously wounded, they had taken shel-
ter in a tobacco barn, where they were surrounded by
eighty Federal soldiers. The Yankee captain demanded
their instant surrender, which was refused. They had
determined to sell their lives as dearly as possible, which
they now did with earnestness and success, killing sev-
enteen men and wounding twelve. The Yankee captain
asked for conference under a flag of truce. At this
conference the captain pledged these gallant soldiers
his word that if they would surrender they should re-
ceive the same conditions and terms all other Confed-
erate soldiers, such as General Lee's soldiers had re-
ceived. The captain said that if these stipulations of his
were not sustained he would appeal, and carry his case
to Washington.

This was a fatal mistake of these two daring sol-
diers, for all the Federals wanted was to get these men
into their bloody hands. Then their ruin was sure, and
certain. Thus, they would be rid of these troublesome,
dangerous, hard fiehting soldiers. What they could
not accomplish by fighting, they could do by treachery
and high-handed villainy.

They took these two gallant young soldiers to
LoiiisviPe. Thev had surrendered under the solemn
pledge of protection. They were placed in prison. Tt
was found that both of these were grieviously wounded.

396 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Both Lieutenant Clark (Sue Monday) and Henry Mc-
Gruder were sent to a hospital. Surprising to relate,
they were taken from this place next morning and
hanged without a hearing. We sent one of our com-
rades, Jim Evans, to the city to learn all about the
fate of our devoted comrades, as we had made our plans
to try to rescue them, if possible, from their impending
fate. We had scoured Nelson, Spence, Bullitt, Wash-
ington and Jefferson counties, gathering volunteers to
go with us to Louisville and rescue these gallant young
soldiers. Our meeting place was Cogers farm, four miles
from Louisville.

On the morning after the arrival of McGruder and
Jerome Clark, forty-five men assembled, all armed to
the teeth. Each had six pistols, a double barrel shotgun
cut off, and a hundred rounds of cartridges. These
c\\\ took the solemn oath to rescue, to stand by and
fall with them if need be, to the death. We now awaited
the coming of our three messengers. They soon re-
turned with information that these two dauntless sol-
diers had been executed at ten o'clock.

We moved towards Louisville, still doubting the
correctness of this news. On reaching the Ash Bottom
road three miles from the city, we learned definitely
that our comrades had surely passed to the beyond,
where we shall all sooner or later rest under the shade
of the trees.

Jerome Clark (Sue Monday) was the son of Beverly
L. Clark, of Simpson county, Kentucky. Mr. Clark was
among the first men of this county and his district.
He was a member of congress for two terms, a fine
lawyer, a highly respected citizen, a kind husband and
father, and true to every duty of life. His son, Jerome,
first joined the Second Kentucky or Colonel Hanson's

nr^ %

JEROMK CTvARK 'Sue r,:o;id;iy).

SUB MONDAY 397

Regiment, was detached for special duty, and transferred
to Captain Rice Grave's battery of artillery. He was
at the battle of Fort Donelson and was captured there,
this battery was also taken when General Buckner sur-
rendered. He was sent to Camp Morton, where he
made his escape with me, when the prisoners stormed
the prison walls of that place.

He returned home to find that his home had been
desecrated, his mother and sister insulted, his father
brutally mistreated and assaulted and sent to prison.
From this time forward he was a changed man. He
was seventeen when he joined the army, a very hand-
some boy, his face was smooth, pleasing and beardless;
features prominent and regular, with dark brown eyes,
a fine, shapely head, a smiling mouth, a Grecian nose,
and pleasing manners, especially when talking. His
hands and feet were small, and shapely for a man. His
motions were vigorous and graceful, whether walking
or on horseback He rode like a Comanche Indian. Was
a cheerful companion, and always rode into battle sing-
ing. He was never boastful. His, as well as Mc-
Gruder's, prowess was well known to his comrades as
well as his enemies. There were few men in either
army who so seldom missed their mark as he.

I shudder when I recall the action of the enemy
in his and McGruder's execution methods. Cowardly and
contemptible, indecent in its haste was this action of
the Federal authorities in receiving their surrender and
then violating its terms and stipulations in every par-
ticular, as they also did in the case of my brother a
few months after.

Let us now review this case. These young soldiers
surrendered in Meade county, under a flag of truce, at
Mr. Cox's tobacco barn near Brandenburg on Wednes-

398 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

day. Clark and McGruder, while under this flag oi
truce, were told that they would be treated as all Con-
federate soldiers of war were treated. They had de-
fended themselves so vigorously that they almost dic-
tated their own terms. Their enemy was anxious to
stop the fight on most any terms, as their supply of am-
munition was almost gone. They surrendered under
these false promises. They were now charged with
every crime in the calendar, but they were granted no
trial; they had been tried before surrender, and were
condemned without a hearing and hanged like dogs, thus
violating the terms of surrender.

It was this infamous, treacherous practice that drove
so many brave men to desperation. No pledged faith
was too sacred for the enemy to violate or set aside
when it did not suit their purposes. This was not the r
first nor last act of bad faith and broken pledges, as
will be shown later on.

When I learned of McGruder's and Clark's execu-
tion, we retraced our steps, being too late to be of any
service to them. Many of our comrades shed bitter
tears over their loss. May their souls rest in peace
over the river, under the shade of the trees.

Henry McGruder was sixteen years old when he
joined the army. While plowing in the field of his
widow mother, a band of plundering, marauding Fed-
eral soldiers, on a foray, saw this youth in the field,
in Bullitt county. They took a special fancy to a horse
with which the boy was plowing. They took the horse,
and because the boy objected, they stripped and whipped
him until the blood ran down his legs, and kicked and
cuffed him until he was unconscious and left him for
dead, as they supposed.

Aroused at last by rain falJing in his face, he re-

HRNRY McGRUDP:R.

HENRY McGRUDER 399

gained consciousness. He went home to his widowed
mother — he was her only support— told her of his brutal
treatment, bathed his many bruises, went to the stable,
caught another horse, and determined to avenge his
wrong. He followed up the trail of his brutal tormen-
tors. He had three pistols and a double-barrel shotgun.
He found the Federals stealing horses near the Spencer
county line. He rode into their midst, an avenging nem-
esis. Of the sixteen men who had so brutally used him
the day before, he killed ten, the other six he chased
four miles, but they escaped him. He afterwards killed
them all. He never was known after this to take a
prisoner — he killed all who fell into his hands.

His mother also had been insulted and brutally
treated before this time. This quiet, obedient, placid,
industrious boy had become a destroying, desperate
guerrilla in a day, in an hour. A dead-sure shot, Ke
practiced constantly to improve his proficiency, on horse-
back over ditches, over fences, over logs, over rough
ground. With a pistol in each hand, he soon became
a terror to his enemies. He never seemed excited and
was always cool, deadly, deliberate, absolutely without
fear, always ready for the most hazardous enterprises.
Often desperately wounded, he never complained.

It will always be found that most guerrillas, the
world over, have suffered a brutal or grievous insult,
to self or family. All these men, especially in our
family quarrels or civil strife, had this thrust upon
them. These two executions added other evidence, if
such were needed, of the implacable enmity, hatred and
brutality of the invaders of the Southland.

After we were certain of the fate of these comrades,
we marched back to Spencer county here again I saw
Captain Charles Quantrell, also Captain Williams, both

4CX) FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

noted Missouri chiefs. I had often read and heard of
Quantrell's daring deeds, of his valor and courage, and
had often thought I should like to know him. So here
he was before me, and also many of his bronzed, bat-
tle-scared guerrillas. I found these men a superior
type, all desperate, high-class soldiers, without an ex-
ception. All had distinguished themselves on many
bloody fields.

Captain Quantrell and his men had come to Ken-
tucky from Missouri, and immediately sought my
brother's command, but their race was run, like ours,
as the closing days of the bloody drama were near at
hand. I never shall forget the meeting of these two
bodies of men, and their leaders, The latter had many
things in common. Their kindly glances, their ready af-
filiation, and their mutual courtesy indicated that Quan-
trell and "One-Arm" Berry had formed favorable im-
pressions of each other. There were greetings and in-
troductions all round. Captain Berry and Captain Quan-
trell now inspected their combined forces. Captain Berry
had twenty-eight men. Captain Quantrell thirty-nine,
making sixty-seven men in all. Looking at these I
thought then, as I think now, that there never was
before nor since an equal number of such expert shots
together in the world. At least I have no knowledge
of any such number together at one time.

On our return from our sad march from Louisville.
I met many of my old friends from Nelson county. I
now went to work about my recruiting business.

XXXIX
QUANTRELL

A rendezvous — Quantrell s plan — Passing through Kentucky —
Fight near Hopkinsville — We exterminate a company —
Hustonville — A close call at Danvill — A foraging ^a.ty cut
off^ — ^Fight at John's Creek — Missouri aga nst Kentucl.y.

Before going further it might be of interest to many
to know something of Captain Ouantrell's career in Ken-
tucky. The following is his story as told by himself as
I now recall it, and as I saw it in the brief time we
were together:

On a very cold, bleak day in March, 1865, Captain
Quantrell sent runners or scouts to the Speedwell place
in Missouri, a rendezvous near Mrs. Wigington's place,
some five miles from Waverly, Lafayette county. At
the end of a week there was assembled forty guerrillas,
Forming these into line, Quantrell addressed them :
"My comrades, I have assembled you to say to you
what I have not yet said to myself, and ask of you to
give my proposal the simple answer 'yes' or *no.' On
this side of the Mississippi River the war is ended since
General Price left Missouri. All the West is overrun
with the enemy. There is no feed, no forage, no homes,
all has been destroyed in twelve counties by McNeal's
Orders No. 11. There is no hiding places; no traffic.
If we attempt longer to operate along this border, we
will do so to great disadvantage, since this order has
depopulated this entire region. Any further attempt
here is altogether disproportionate to our means. My
intention is now to cross the Mississippi River, and

402 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

pass through Illinois and Indiana and Ohio, as a Federal
scout, gain Maryland, and then carry into Pennsylvania
the torch and the black flag, if I live. I meant that they
shall feel in the East what we have felt in the West.
How many of you will follow me to the end?"

As one man, those stern o^uerrillas shouted, "y^s,"
all of them.

Continuing, he said, "Many of us may never come
back to this stricken land, and it may be my lot to fall
among the. first. The die is cast. You shall lose noth-
ing in name, fame or comradeship. You can now step
two paces to the front."

Not one spur-stroke failed ; all came forward. At
noon they marched, most of them, into the unknown.
All of them had on Federal uniforms. Over the Lamire
river they went, crossing the Missouri Pacific near Tip-
ton. They met Federal soldiers hourly, eating and
sleeping with them. They shot many of them to death
in lonely places. All were shot in the same place —
the forehead. Captain Quantrell was hurrying his
march to find a crossing place on the "Father of Wa-
ters." as he wanted speedily to put this river between
him and the gathering storm behind him. He was
compelled to change his course, and passed through
Tuscumbia. At this place he halted, passing himself
for Captain Moses of the Second Colorado Calvary,
Company E. They saluted the commandant of this
post when he came to the door.

The Major asked the guerrilla chief, "What can
I do for you?"

"Some food and forage, please, will be very ac-
ceptable, as we have ridden far and fast, and need to
make haste, as I have a- special mission to perform,
under special orders."

DISARMING THE ENEMY 403

They demeaned themselves as Federals, fed their
horses. Quantrell formed a resolution, calling about
him some of the coolest, the best of his men, he told
them that he intended to disarm this militia company.
This word was passed among them. When all was
ready, Quantrell turned upon the Major and ordered
him to surrender every pistol and musket. Surprised,
but wholly powerless, for each guerrilla had each mem-
ber of the militia covered. The Major yielded with the
best grace he could, handing Quantrell his sword and
pistol.

"I do not want your sword," said Quantrell, push-
ing it back to him, *'but my orders are imperative. You
have permitted your men to steal, to rob with im-
]>unity, the citizens of this vicinity, ris^ht and left, and
to kill some so-called Southern residents, who may
have become obnoxious to this or that per-^^onal enemy.
Because of all these thinors and in pursuance of direct
and positive orders, I, therefore, hereby disband this
company, here and now."

No word of remonstrance or denial did any offi-
cer or man offer. One. more guilty than the rest
broke away and ran for his life. Twenty-five or thirtv
pistols clicked, but Quantrell knocked some of them up.

"No blood here." he said sternly, "take him alive,
and bring him back."

Two of the fleetest of the nimble guerrillas went
in pursuit. When overtaken this man fought desper-
ately, and had to be choked into submission. When
questioned as to whv he ran away, he confessed that he
had been guilty of both petit and grand larceny. Quan-
trell bade the Major to report himself and lii^ comm'md
at Rolla under arrest. After seeing them ('-f^ he broke
their guns, appropriated their pistols and ammunition,

404 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

narched through the headquarters of this district, where
four thousand Federal cavalry were camped.

TIjIs scout with special orders pushed on, unques-
tioned, to Dent county, thence to Salem, where Ouan-
trell or Moses, took dinner with his men, also with Col-
onel McWilliams, a Federal, who had four hundred
men here. Leaving this place the guerrillas reached
Pocahontas, Arkansas, where they fraternized with the
Yankee garrison, staying four days, two men were left
behind with the smallpox.

Upon reaching the Mississippi, they were stranded
for awhile, and remained several days, looking for means
to cross. They finally found a boat buried in a cane-
brake, which had to be carried to the river a half mile
away on men's shoulders. It was learned that this
boat belonged to Major Boswell, the secret agent of the
Confederate government, who had scouting parties in
this region. Major Boswell dug out his boat and placed
it at Ouantrell's service.

The Major, from all accounts, was a most unusual
character. At times his headquarters, like General
Hooker's, were in the saddle. All the country round-
about was under this ubiquitous soldier, who unwit-
tingly gave up his military secrets to his untiring guest.
Somewhat past forty, 'pulling the beam at three hun-
dred pounds, always laughing, artless, ardent to please,
also the best judge of horse flesh in the Trans -Missis-
sippi Department, he was the Confederate military com-
mandant of this region. He sought to detain Ouan-
trell, and tried to compel Captain Quantrell to report
to him for duty. Quantrell resolved to reveal his
identity, but this officer laughed and scoffed at what
Quantrell said, and refused absolutely to allow Quan-
trell to go forward. Quantrell cut the knot, bade his

HOPKINSVILLE 405

men to mount. He told Major Boswell to do his worst,
and rode away.

Crossing the Tennessee river he went to Canton. At
this place a peculiar accident occurred, and what Ouan-
trell said was a presentiment of bad luck. Quantrell
was always more or less a fatalist. Old Charier was
his favorite war horse. This horse was noted for his
bottom and endurance, his almost human intelligence,
and his steadiness under fire. He had carried his mas-
ter through many hard places and battles. His proud
spirit had no need of lash or spur. While at this place
Old Charley had to be shod, and while the blacksmith
was trimming his foot, Old Charley struggled, an Ui^
usual thing for him. It was seen that the main tendon
in the right hind leg was cut in two, thus ruining the
horse forever. When told of it Quantrell said, "It is
fate for me, the long lane of a successful career is about
to have a turn. So be it."

John Ross, the blacksmith, promptly gave Quan-
trell his own horse, and Quantrell took the road that
lead to his destiny, on through Trigg county, to Cadiz,
thence to Hopkinsville. At this place disguise was
thrown off, and Quantrell was Quantrell. Near this
place he struck the trail of Federal scouts, thirteen in
number. The guerrillas needed horses, and to obtain
them they would have to run the risk of destroying
their disguise which was working in the most satis-
factory manner. The scout was overtaken at a house,
and brought to terms. Quantrell attempted to keep
up the Federal imposition. When the countersign was
demanded he could not give it, and as a result, those
in the house fired a volley which killed Lieutenant Lidce.
While Quantrell was surrounding the house, seven of
the enemy escaped. Volunteers were called for, and

406 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

were advancing under cover of the guns of their com-
rades, set fire to the house. Three Federals surrend-
ered, creeping out of the house. Quantrell demanded,
*'Where are the balance?" "There are but three of
us," v^as the reply. "In the country w^here I came from,"
said Quantrell, "soldiers ride but one horse, I counted
tw^elve horses in the stable." "Yes," came the answ^er,
"there were twelve when you came up. We thought
you were our soldiers, but Avhen you dismounted they
disappeared on foot."

This was the first time in his entire experience
that Quantrell had to admit reluctantly that his com-
mand had been held at bay for some time by three res-
olute Kentucky soldiers. These men told the simple
truth. He did not follow or advance for the others,
whose intrepidity he could well understand and appre-
ciate.

He bade Lieutenant Lidee goodbye forever. Dead,
he embraced him, laying his lifeless body quietly down
in the grave. He loved this youthful soldier with truest
devotion. Lidee had now received his long furlough
calmly, and will rest in peace until judgment day. No
more furious charges will he face. He was always per-
vious to human mercy and affliction ; none was truer to
word or comrade ; none fought a nobler fight ; he is gone
forever. This boy's death affected Quantrell more vis-
ibly than the death of any other of his men, more than
many of his staunchest comrades.

From this place he passed through Greenville, where
he completely deceived the Federal Captain Clark, <^cx-
ting rations for his men and forage for his horses. M -v-
ing on through Hartford he fraternized with the L-^ar-
rison. He induced Captain Barnet with thirty m?n

WE EXTERMINATE A COMPANY 407

to go on a man hunt, to kill and plunder some Southern
men.

With these volunteers for murder, and plunder.
Captain Barnet said he could show Quantrell and his
men where he thought some cases of needed killing
would clear up the military situation very much. Start-
ing in an Eastern direction, these would-be murderers
moved along. No sound of pistol echoes gave note of
aught that was transpiring in the rear. Captain Barnet,
looking back, once remarked to Quantrell, "I don't see
any of my men in the column, do you? Do you sup-
pose they have returned?" '

Knee to knee, Barnet and Quantrell had been riding
all day. The vengeful and voiceless, yet vindictive
work, was now about to be transferred to the head of
the column. Every few miles two guerrillas, v/ith a
Yankee, would drop out of column, ostensibly to go
and kill some Southern citizen, burn his place, and plun-
der his valuables. Quantrell rode down the line, and
saw that not a single Federal soldier remained with
the column. He whispered something in Jesse James'
ear. Jesse spurred to the front and then returned to his
place.

The sun had set, red and bloody. Night was com-
ing on. Barnet's first name was Charley. When a sig-
nal was given, Jesse James was to shoot the Federal
captain. James had dropped into a file behind the
doomed officer. The column was moving forward, chat-
ting- pleasantly, and presently, reachino^ a stream of
water where the banks were steep and muddy, there
was also heavy timber.

The appointed signal, "Charley?" came clear, sharp,
with a rising inflection. Barnet, thinking his own name
had been called, turned around in his saddle, looking

408 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

down the line, attentive and unsuspecting. As he did
so Jesse James' pistol almost touched his forehead. It
was his last look. He had neither time to speak or
cry out. A single shot, a splash into the water, and
all was over. The entire Federal scouting party that
so enthusiastically started out in the morning to kill
and destroy Southern sympathizers, was entirely wiped
out, their corpses marking off the miles traveled.

Quantrell scarcely lifted his eyes. Glasscock looked
back at James reproachfully, and spoke to him, as if
denouncing him, saying, "I rode with him, it was my
right to kill him. You shot well, comrade, but you
shot out of your time." "Hush, comrade," said James,
"it was the order of Quantrell."

The command camped for the night a mile from
this creek. It w^as now dark and the weather cold. Next
morning, Captain Barnet was lying face upward, in the
creek where he had fallen. During the night the freez-
ing water had formed a spotless framework of ice about
his drawn features. His eyes looked up wide open and
appealingly. The frost, as if to banish the ominous
splash of blood from the picture, had spread a thin white
veil above the red-hued round wound in the center of
the forehead. Jesse James rode quietly by and looked
his last on the evidence of a handiwork he had labored
for years to make perfect. He remarked to Hulse,
"Whether just or unjust, this thing called war kills all
aliVe in the end. Today a Federal, tomorrow a Con-
federate, at any time a guerrilla. Whose time will it
be next?" "What matters it?" replied his comrade, "if
the final mustering out is near at hand for all of us. As
for me I am ready." The final mustering out was in-
deed near at hand for many of them.

Moving on through to Lebanon, Campbellsville,

HUSTONVILLE 409

crossing the Rolling Fork, we went to New Market,
Bradford, and Hustonville. At this little village while
taking horses from the stables, and while Quantrell con-
versed with the Major in command, a pri^-ate came tor-
ward and loudly complained of what was being done
by the newcomers. Snatching up a brace of pistols,
buckling" them on as he ran toward the stable, with
Quantrell closely in his rear, the Major reachin<^ the
stable door and met Allen Palmer coming out. Placing
his hand on the bridle the Major bade Palmer dismount.
There was no guerrilla less hardened than Palmer to
physical fear, and none more deadly. He looked at th?
Major and smiled, remarking that his instructions wee
such that he could not obey him. ''Damn your instruc-
tions, and you, too," the Major shouted; "dismou^n."
The two men commenced to draw weapons ; unquestion-
ably there could be but one result. The rieht hand of
the Federal Major had not reached the flap of his re-
volver case before Palmer's pistol was against his fore-
head, and Palmer's bullet had torn half of his head off.
He fell forward on his face. A dozen muskets covered
Palmer, who was cool, defiant.

"Hold hard, hard for your lives," shouted Quan-
trell, reaching forward with twenty guerrillas at his
heels. All saw the threatening look, the flashing eyes
of this tiger suddenly aroused; the pale face that had
become absolutely frightful in its transformation, the
avenging attitude of the whole man as he stood near the
men, who were covering Palmer.

"If that one of you fires a gun, I swear by the
God above us all to murder you all enmasse," he shouted.

They surrendered. From this time on it was im-
possible to keep up his disguise. It had long since be-
come very distasteful to him. He wanted again to have

410 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

over him the old flag, thrown to the winds again, as in
the old days; to meet death, if he had to meet it, as be-
came one who hade made a name terrible in the annals
of war.

At Danville, the next place entered, a lady who
knew Quantrell, advanced and extended her hand. Flat-
tered because of the acquaintance, she told all her friends
of the great scout's presence ; these told the thoughtless.
Dead men lay everywhere along his trail ; the trees bore
them upon its branches; the water courses bore them
upon their bosoms.

But a crisis was forming for this wonderful man,
this desperate soldier, this most unusual man, of cool
courage, and strong, steady nerves. While moving about
the streets of the town, Quantrell became aware that
a Lieutenant was following him with a gun, sometimes
in front, sometimes in his rear, that others were on
the opposite side of the street. This young Lieutenant
wore four pistols. Quantrell noticed the weapons and
wondered what an officer was doing with four pistols
and a gun. He never suspected that he was closely
watched, much less was he prepared for what followed.

It was near dinner time. The first bell had rung
at the hotel. Alone, unsuspicious, he entered a saloon
for a drink, and while standing at the bar, he saw the
Lieutenant enter the doorway, rifle in hand. As Quan-
trell turned he was covered, the muzzle of the gun being
not more than three feet from his breast. The eye
that ran down the barrel was a cold, keen eye, full of
grit and pluck, with a fixed purpose. Quantrell's over-
coat was buttoned to his chin. His pistols were on him,
but for this emergency they might just as well have
been in Missouri. He did not feel his heart beat the
smallest fraction of a second faster; he felt no blood

A CLOSE CALL AT DANTILLE 411

rush to his face. He rather admired the cool pluck of
the soldier before him. Leaning back languidly against
the bar Quantrell held up the glass of whiskey toward
the light, and spoke to the Lieutenant in a tone that
was between an inquiry and a caress.

"How now, comrade, what are you going to do
with that gun?"

"Shoot you like a dog if you stir; you are Quan-
trell. You have played it for a long time, but you
have about played the farce to the end. March into
that room to the right of you."

Quantrell did not stir, but cast his eyes quickly
to the right, and saw without moving his head that the
barkeeper was holding the door open for him to enter
and that the barkeeper evidently was in league with
the Lieutenant.

Everythinsf was now clear to him. Once within
that room and guarded in its isolation, held until his
men, unable to find him, they would abandon the town ;
a body of Federal cavalry might finish his followins: at
one blow. If he must be killed, he would be killed
standing where he was. If he were to take risk of get-
ting at his pistol, he would be killed. Yet he would
take the hazard, and near the light of the door.

Holding the glass of whiskey and leaning back
against the counter negligently, he spoke to his captor
and smiled as he spoke, "You take me for Quantrell,
but you do me wrong. Permit me to call my orderly
sergeant who has all my papers, and a glance at them
will convince you in a moment that I am as true to the
cause as you are."

The Lieutenant, surprised at the unruffled, unper-
turbed manner, though confident of the identity of his
prisoner, now weakened visibly.

412 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

"I have heard perhaps the same story you have, and
frequently," began Quantrell, seeing a way out of his
predicament, "If I had not been officially notified to the
contrary, I might have believed what you say. Quan-
trell is not in Kentucky to my certain knowledge. You
are mistaken, and you are making a fool of yourself.
Put down your gun, and take off your pistols. As long
as we are comrades, let us be friends."

The Lieutenant grew somewhat ashamed of the
part he was acting, and stepped out of the door and
bade Quantrell call his orderly sergeant, yet keeping him
covered with his gun.

A short distance away many of the guerrilla band
were standing. Quantrell called to John Barker. At his
back was the drawn rifle.

"John Barker," he called again, very quietly.

Several of QuantrelFs men saw him standing thus
menaced. All started toward him.

"Go back, all of you. I want only John Barker."

John Barker came and when entering the saloon,
stepped close to the Lieutenant. Quantrell said "Show
the Lieutenant, he wants to see my papers. Show them
to him."

Barker thrust the Lieutenant's rifle aside with his
left hand, and with the spring of a tiger closed upon
the Lieutenant. Placing the muzzle of a heavy dragoon
pistol close to the Lieutenant's face, Barker said, "I
guess these are the papers you are looking for. I keep
such things for people like you. They carry people a
long way some times. Say the word. Captain, and I
will put the old mark upon him, between the eyes."

Quantrell did not say the word. He rather enjoyed
the young officer's coolness. The Lieutenant expressed
himself as perfectly satisfied with the papers, stipulat-

A FORAGING PARTY CUT OFF 41 3

ing only that a second glass should be taken by all, and
that the episode be kept from his soldiers as a secret.

The following is the roster of Quantrell's band when
I first saw them: Captain, Quantrell; Lieutenant, Ren-
nic; Second Lieutenant, John Barker; Orderly Sar-
geant, John Baker; second sergeant, D. Pence; A. Mc-
Guire, J. S. Lilly, Ran Venerable, A. Palmer, Clark,
Hockersmith, D. Hampton, Jack Graham, David Helton,
John Barnhill, Ves Isaacs, Richard Barnes, George Rob-
inson, H. Noland, John McCorkle, George Wigington,
pud Pence, Toss Ney, W. M. Hulse, Isaac Hall, W. M.
Gaugh, James Williams, Henry Porter, Lee McMurtry,
Peyton Long, John Ross, William Noland, Page Jones,
Robert Hulse, Thomas Harris, Richard Glasscock, Wil-
liam Basham, Cole Younger, Bob Younger, Jesse James,
Frank James, Dave Pool and James Little.

With the incident of his narrow escape at Danville
behind him, Quantrell left after dinner in the direction
of Mount Washington, a small village six miles from
Harrodsburg. Going into camp, he sent Lieutenant Lit-
tle and Lieutenant Rennic with a detail of ten men for
forage, about half a mile from camp.

Before reaching the place Rennic was killed. More
were soon to follow. In about half an hour there was
heard a furious volley in the direction his men had taken,
then another and still another, followed in far-reaching
detonations. Lieutenant Rennic was killed, Sergeant
Barker, cut off from his horses, took shelter in a large
house near by. Four men were killed at the first vol-
ley. It was now nine guerrillas against one hundred
and eighty Federals. Major Bridgewater had followed
them from Danville. The guerrillas put the family in a
safe place. Ves Acres placed the youngest child in its
mother's lap, saying, "Keep close to the floor, and don't

414 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

get excited or cry if any of us get killed. It matters not
if there is one or more or less guerrillas in this world."

He returned to his duty, and fought like a young
lion and hero until he was killed. It was fitting, per-
haps, that in these last days of Quantrell such soldiers
as he led should fight against such odds. It is the
revenge courage takes upon history, history that does
not see the great heroism of these hunted guerrillas,
while groping beneath his misfortunes for his bloody
hands and holding them up to the last reprobation of
mankind.

In that last battle nine guerrillas were killed, and
two wounded. These made their escape under a leaden
hail. Only Barnes, Gaugh and James made their es-
cape. The men were ambushed. Four took shelter in
a house, and fought until killed. The Noland brothers
were killed side by side. A breeze from the window
blew over the face of one, the hair of the other, as if
in caress. Did the first who had crossed the wonderful
river send this as a token to tell that guerrilla, as well
the grenadier had a God, his God, and the Yankees, too?
The Federals lost thirty-seven killed and seventeen
Avounded.

The five wounded guerrillas were brutally treated
by some of the Yankees, who began to deal with them
as each man's generosity of vindictiveness suggested, or
in accordance with his bravery or cowardice. One cow-
ardly Yankee slapped McGuire in the face. Another
placed his pistol to a man's head and threatened to
blow his brains out. Be it said to the credit of Bridge-
water that he put a stop to this cowardly conduct to-
ward these helpless wounded prisoners. There was
not a single load left in any revolver, every shot had
been fired.

MOUNT WASHINGTON 415

Glasscock was hard hit, greviously wounded, as
much dead as alive. When ordered to unbuckle his
belt and surrender his pistol, he refused to do so.

"I have sworn never to give them up voluntarily,
and give them up I never will," he said. "Kill me, if
it so pleases you, and then you can unbuckle them lor
yourself. Dead men have no sentiments."

A Federal covered him instantly, and cursed liim
bitterl)^ threatening him, "Damn you, be quick; off
with them. What right has a lazy beggar like you to
be chooser?"

"Hush," said Bridgewater, "come away and let him
alone; he is too brave a man to be shot or insulted. I
VvHll disarm him myself." Bridgewater took six heavy
dragoon pistols and a belt off this wounded lion. Large
tear drops forced themselves from his eyes, poor fel-
low; he tried hard to restrain his emotions, but could
not. Old memories came back to him, quick anJ :art.
His p'-oud spirit could not bend, but must surelv break.

Quantrell formed his men as soon as the first vol-
ley was heard, and sent four men to learn the true
condition of the detachment sent after the forage. They
saw the enemy coming at a furious pace upon them.
They gave a counter charge. A hot, short grapple,
and these four were compelled to retreat, three of them
receiving slight wounds. This was enough to convince
them of the fate of their comrades. Bridgewater feel-
ing now that he had the advantage, pressed these crip-
pled guerrillas, reduced to twenty-six. His ov/n force
one hundred and twenty-four. The hammering went
on nearly all night.

Quantrell formed his little band of devoted follow-
ers in a narrow ravine, and sent John Bushnell and John
Ross, also McCorkle and Graham, out half a mile to

416 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

picket his front. The Missourians rested on their arms
during part of the night, determined to figlit it out
there as they had never fought before in more than
three hundred battles. Bridgewater believed he could
easily ride down and through this small liandful of
men. He did not know what possibilities were before
him. The guerrillas apparently were in an ambuscade.
Quantrell undeceived him quickly, made desperate by
the loss of his best men. A sudden snare, a dea<Uy
furious grapple was now necessary to teach this bold
hunter that he could not with impunity press this
wounded lion now almost at bay, or easily override
him.

Quantrell was astir early, and formed an anibush-
ment on John's Creek in the rough Chaplin Hill. On
either side of the creek the banks were twenty to ihirly
feet perpendicular and rocky, with heavv woods. The
road leading to the crossing of the creek v/as down
a small stream of branch, and the ford where it entered
the water on either side was difficult 10 cross, being
miry and full of quicksand. The road bed cut througn
these banks. The steep hill on either side of this cross-
ing was covered with dense timber.

At early dawn Bridgewater was on the trail. The
guerrillas formed on either side of :he road across the
creek. Ten men were posted in the road in front, back
some distance from the crossing* : nine men unde- Ouan-
trell formed to charge the Yankees after they had re-
ceived the fire of those holding ihe cut. The four
Johns on the outpost were four giants in fighting prowess.
They were to skirmish with the enemy, and lead them
slowly backward Into the ambuscade, a death liap. All
these men were leaders if need be, and also recklei-s
fighters. It would be hard to excel them anywhere.

JOHN'S CREEK 417

John Barnhill had chars^e of these. He was a
sleepless, vigilant, gay-hearted, lauci^hing guerrillc'i, who
would fight all day and frolic all nijjht. He it was who
often went fifty hours between slumbers. John Ross
was a boy, turned Palidin ; ordered to charge, he would
have ridden over a precipice. Looking at his face, one
would have said "There is an amiable youth." In bat-
tle, he suggested an old oak tree, so firm and solid did
he stand. McCorkle and John Graham were both of
that old iron breed who had seen death many times, so
often and in so many sudden and curious ways that
they had come to regard him as an old acquaintance.
The}'- were posted on either side of the road.

Now, two by two, came the Federals. When they
were fifty yards away John Bushnell leaped into the
middle of the highway, firing a double barrel shotgun,
twenty buckshot in each barrel, at the front files, fol-
lowed by the quick volley from his comrades. Thev
retreated quicklv. The Federals we^-e check<^d slio^htlv,
with thirteen killed and eleven wounded. Then a yell
of defiance broke into a furious charge. Over the creek
in a dead run came the pursued and the pursuers. Up
through the narrow ravine and beyond like a thun^e--
cloud. The revolver volleys resounded continue 11 v. The
trees seemed to join in the melee. The guerrillas, s.''fe
behind trees, shot coolly, deliberately and Avith deadly
precision into the compact ranks of the enemv. Blue
coats and horses were falling and blocking the gorge
and narrow cut.

At this time Quantrell led a furious charge in the
fiercest, wildest moments of Federal agony, that su-
preme moment when the bravest who were chosen for
battle must have time to think a moment, and get a sec-
ond breath, if they would not fall away in panic.

418 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

No combat of the war excelled this for severity of
losses, for prowess or execution, numbers considered.
Frank James surpassed himself. Allen Palmer multi-
plied his capability as a reckless fighter. Joe Young,
riding a fleet horse, led the pursuit, and for once only
refrained from killing a handsome young soldier boy,
whose horse had been shot, and captured him. He es-
caped. Younger captured him the second time, but
gave him a fresh horse, paroled him, and bade him go
free. Hockersmith saw a Federal aiming at his chief
from behind a tree, and quickly rode his horse between
the sharpshooter and his. mark, the bullet intended for
Quantrell killed Hockersmith's horse. One second more
would have been fatal. Wigington killed this sharp-
shooter.

Diamond cut diamond in this fight. Missouri and
Kentucky against Kentucky. How terrible! Kinfolk
killing each other! William Hulse, carried away by his
battle ardor, which he rarely ever cared to curb, fought
his way into the midst of the struggling and stricken
enemy's rear, only to be surrounded, and put in des-
perate jeopardy. The four Johns, Bushnell, Ross, Mc-
Corkle and Graham, fighting together, cut their way
to him, and rescued him from peril. Henry Proctor
won the admiration of his comrades by an exhibition
of superb coolness and dash. He was also cut off from
his friends by six Federals who closed upon him. His
rapid, (c^eadly Ifire Mled )four, Whi^e Ran Venerable
killed one and wounded the other, ridding Proctor of his
six foes and his perilous situation.

The gorge was cleared, after a most terrific strug-
gle, lasting an hour and a half. Bridgewater, with fifty-
nine of his bravest soldiers killed and thirty-six
wounded, now withdrew. This taught him a wholesome

WE JOIN FORCES WITH QUANTRELL 419

lesson. Collecting his shattered remnants, he reformed
them on the open ground beyond.

Lee McMurty, Williams, Basham, Bud Pence,
Denny Pence, Tom Harris, White, Hall, David Hilton,
Robert Hall, Captain Samuel O. Berry, Jim Evans, Ike
Berry, Jesse James, Frank James and myself were all
in this terrific battle. Our loss was four killed and
nine wounded, myself included, making seventeen
wounds to this date, March, 1865. The guerrillas in
this battle had every advantage of the enemy, being
above them, protected by trees and precipitous banks of
the creek.

Captain Sam Berry, my brother, and his command
had joined forces with Quantrell only a few days be-
fore this battle was fought, for mutual protection. I
recall these names of men in Captain Berry's command:
Captain Berry, Jim Evans, Tom Henry, Bill Marion,
Ike Shelton, D. Cooper, James Barton, Alec. Ward,
vSid Bush, Al Turk, Wort Benson, Jim Patton, Henry
Graham, Tom Allen, William Wiley, Will Adams, Tim
Murphy, Jim Downy, Bill Spencer, Sam Harvey, Bee
Ray, Sam Daton, Jim Wooten, Jim Walker, Sid Batty,
Jim Drake, H. Mullen and myself.

With thirty-two men, the night before this battle
was fought, we had met and cut to pieces seventy Yan-
kee veterans, under Captain Ed Terrell. In this fight
there was much friendly rivalry between Quantrell's and
Berry's men in deeds of valor.

Next day Captain Bridgewater came cautiously skir-
mishing. His serious drubbing had made him cautious.
At least his pursuit was not vigorous. After he had
made a few feeble charges on us, we formed another
ambuscade, a few miles further along the road. But

420 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

the enemy had enough of this serious work, and disap-
peared during the night, leaving us to our devices.

On the followring morning we rode into Chaplin-
town, near the line of Nelson County. We had scarcely
reached the town limits, when we met Captain Ed Ter-
rell, Federal, at the head of forty-five men. He charged
us. We met him in a counter charge. A hand to hand
fight ensued, in which Terrell was driven back with
serious loss. He now reformed. We followed him vig-
orously for several miles. Now came another grapple.
We were forcing the enemy to constant flight.

It was found that Captain Berry had been wounded
seriously in the right foot. I now had to take him to
cover, carrying him to our old friend and standby, Dr.
McCloskey. I hid in a cave. The skillful service
of Dr. McCloskey were often required during these
bloody days of strenuous war. This great surgeon, gen-
erous and noble-hearted man, possessed skill that was
as deft and tender as his knowledge was deep and
profound in all natural laws. This nobleman by nature
was ever ready to answer the call of distress and afflic-
tion, day or night, responding to both Confederates and
Federals alike. Both made frequent calls upon this
good Samaritan.

While I was nursing my brother in his cave, some
of our soldiers formed a plan to make a campaign through
Spencer, Shelby, Oldham, Owen, Scott, Woodford and
Anderson counties. There were fifty-eight men in this
scout. They had six rattling battles on this expedition,
at or near Taylorsville, at Smithville, Worthville, Lib-
erty, Georgetown and Schryocks Ferry on the Kentucky
River. There was terrific fighting against heavy odds
in all of them. The guerrillas in this scout lost ten
killed and five wounded. The wounded men were com-

BACK TO THE RENDEZVOUS 421

pelled to do as much fighting as those not wounded, as
there were no prisoners taken, nor quarter asked or
given — those left behind were all killed.

Tom Henry was left for dead, with nine bullet
wounds. Strange to say, he survived. He crawled to
the river and bathed or lay in the water for a day and
a half before he was found. He was rescued and taken
to a home near by and nursed back to health.

XL

QUANTRELL'S LAST CAMPAIGN

Captain Berry wounded — Scouting and skirmishing — Plan to
capture Georgetown — A woman's intuition— The trap — We
escape — Captain Berry captured — The rescue — ^We disband —
Quantrell's last fight.

While on this scout a proposition was made that
may seem a small, a very small, thing. The Missouri
guerrillas still wore blue Federal overcoats, thinking it
to be possible to assume the Federal role. Approach-
ing a town under the guise of comradeship, they could
surprise and capture the garrison without firing a shot.
They also had a union flag at the head of the column.
At Georgetown the pickets were passed without at-
tracting notice. With the reconnoitering party in ad-
vance, the main column moved on towards town, the
ever watchful Missourians in the lead. Peyton Long
held the flag at the front, with Frank James for a com-
rade on his left, while behind came Hulse, Robert Ba-
sham, Bushnell, Graham, Helton, the two Hall brothers,
Hockersmith, Jesse James, Lilly and McCorkle. And
behind these the main column passed unchallenged.
Only salutes were exchanged with pickets. So far so
good; all had worked well.

Some fifteen miles from Georgetown these ad-
venturous rough rider guerrillas had stopped all night
with a good Union man. They looked and acted like
Federals. They were Federals, so their host said. But
the host had a daughter who listened with all the ears
she had. At the supper table the hostess and her

A TRAP 423

charming daughter had been especially communicative.
During the meal one of the Kentucky contingent said
quietly, but significantly, "How we will fool them in
Georgetown." In an instant, he caught himself and tried
to recover what he had been saying, but failed. Nei-
ther the man nor the woman of the house gave any
sign that they had heard this babbler's talk. Not so
the daughter; she heard the words of exultation, and
divined their full meaning with a woman's swift intui-
tion. She flushed scarlet to her hair. That night, when
all the soldiers slept the tired sleep of continuous fatigue,
this young woman crept from her bed to the stable, sad-
dled a swift horse and rode to Georgetown full tilt, as
only a country girl can ride. She cautioned officers pre-
pared to lay ambushments. The pickets were instructed
to admit the guerrilla force without hindrance or ques-
tion. They were prepared to destroy this devoted band.

Frank James' ever watchful eyes, and his alertness
saved this column from certain destruction. There was
no one in the streets; the town was as still as a grave-
yard; not a soul moving; nothing was to be seen or
heard. Frank James halted and spoke, ''Look here.
Captain; there is treachery somewhere; something is
wrong. See ! there are no soldiers to be seen ; no one
is moving. We are certainly, surely expected. If we
go further without developing the situation, we shall
be surrounded and attacked. We are evidently awaited,
but not as friends. Look yonder, Captain ; see those
four soldiers running with guns in their hands."

In five minutes our skirmishers had deployed to
many positions. There was a terrific fire poured upon
the guerrillas from doors and windows, from three di-
rections. Frank James' horse was killed. There was
st-ill time to get away from the trap of the wornciii's

424 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

setting, and which James had sprung, and agamst which
we had grazed their teeth in avoiding. Our need was to
Make haste, as large bodies were hastening to cur ns
off. Frank James' alertness, superior as it was, could
not avail against superior numbers. We retired rapidly,
gc'lliering up our pickets, who had sacrificed tlumselvos
for our successful escape from this ambushment. The
young woman who had betrayed us, was beloved by
a young lieutenant stationed in this town, and was be-
trothed to him. She had more than once carried infor-
mation to his colonel. She divined the intent of our
mission, and made the most of it. Thus small things
make or mar and rule the lives of men or nations.

Frank James found himself on foot, his horse hav-
ing been killed under him at the first volley. There
was a large livery stable under the point blank range
of fifty Federals, who were in houses on the opposite
side of the street. The stable was full of fine cav?lry
horses. Drawing his pistols in each hand he killed the
two guards standing at the door. He captured fwe
horses, mounting one of them and leading four away
under a hot fire. There was a constant cross firing
here, and fierce fighting all day for twenty miles in the
rear. Revolvers volleyed almost constantly. Our com-
rade, Tom Henry, was seriously wounded, receiving nine
bullet wounds. However, he survived the war, and
is a good citizen to this good day. His scars are his
simple badges and decorations, and for fewer than these
many major generals have been made. Peace and plenty
to him and his, all his days.

While on this scout fourteen days had passed. I
had left my brother near Dr. McCloskey's place in his
cave. Before leaving this vicinity, I went over to see
my friend Willie Spencer, who was also seriously

CAPTAIN BERRY CAPTURED 425

wounded. I told him and my brother to keep still, and
not to move much and let their wounds have a chance
to heal. I found my brother's wounds about healed.
He was still weak. I left him, saying, **I will return
in about an hour and a half," telling him where I could
be found, and leaving an old and trusted negro servant
with him. I had hardly departed before this old darkey
came to me in a great hurry and said, "Captain, de
Yankees dey comes, and dey done captured Marse Sam,
yo brodder, and dey hab done carried him away off,
and Ise almos' crazy, I am. Hurry, Marse Tom, dey
has took him to Chaplintown."

Willie Spencer forgot his wounds. Jim Evans came
and said, "I know where Enloe is." We all got into
our saddles in haste, for time was everything. It was
now or never. We met nine more of our comrades going
to the shop to have their horses shod. I sent three
men to rouse other comrades to the imminent danger of
my brother, Jesse James and Hulse also met us. We
now had fourteen men. Reaching the trail of Captain
Terrell, we followed it rapidly. We met five more com-
rades. These latter had seen the Yankees pass with
Berry. Finding that Terrell was moving in the direction
of Chaplintown, we left the main road and hurried for-
word as if the furies were after us, for I knew that Ter-
rell was liable to shoot his prisoner at any moment.

I knew a nearer cut-off across the fields and woods
to an upper crossing of the creek, about a mile above
our former battle ground. I reached the creek, cros-^ed
it and made my way to the main road, crossing at the
scene of our recent battleground. I placed my men on
either side of the road, behind trees, with double-bar-
reled shotguns, eleven in number, loaded with twelve
buckshot in each barrel. These men had six revolvers

426 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

each. We now had twenty-two men posted behind trees.
I had also a Sharps rifle carrying fifteen balls; also
six pistols. I cautioned our men not to shoot my brother ;
to avoid this by all means. In about twenty-five min-
utes the enemy came in sight with Captain Berry. His
legs were tied under his horse and he was riding be-
tween Captain Terrell and two other troopers. On they
came. How my heart beat at this sight! They were
chatting and laughing as they approached.

Reaching the stream, the horses stopped to drink.
Almost under our guns were thirty-five men, uncon-
scious of our presence. They were not over fifteen
yards away. I shouted, "Fire! Be careful lest we kill
the captive!" A quick, furious, plunging lire, almost
in their faces; another, and still another — one, two,
three, four — in rapid resounding volleys. Sixteen empty
saddles; plunging, struggling, frightened horses, a?id
dying men. A rebel yell of defiance, a charge, all was
over. Captain Terrell, desperately wounded, made his
escape through the woods, behind one of his men. He
was not followed. The concentrated fire with shotguns
was terrible to witness.

When the firing began Captain Berry turned his
horse's head down stream into deep water, swam him
around a bend in the creek, under cover from the storm
of bullets, safe behind a bluff. For a time I was uneasy
about his safety, as Terrell had been killing not only
soldiers after their surrender, but also citizens. A short
time before this he had killed Mr. Herk Walker in his
field, and also Mr. Ennis Wooten of Taylorsville. Both
of these men • were respected citizens. Mr. Wooten
was shoeing Captain Terrell's horse, which he had done
before. He had finished and dropped the last foot of
the horse, when he said to Terrell, 'Tlease pay me now

WE DISBAND 427

for all you owe me." Terrell drew his pistol and shot
Wooten dead, saying, coolly, "Another damned rebel
gone to hell."

After the firing was over Captain Berry rode from
his cover. I now cut the rope and released his legs.
We rode back to McCloskey's place. No pursuit was
attempted. We were rejoiced to have him back among
us„ Old Uncle Bob, the family servant, came forward
and hugged and kissed Captain Berry, also myself, in
his great joy.

Captain Terrell had gone to Dr. McCloskey to have
him attend some of his men who had been wounded.
He discovered Captain Berry and before Berry could
hobble to cover, errell captured him and took him away
with the avowed purpose of hanging him.

The long scout of the Missourians and Kentuckians
under Quantrell, culminating in the escape from the
dangerous ambuscade laid for them at Georgetown, now
bound the two bands together in ties made strong by
a common danger. All of us felt, however, that the
inevitable result was near at hand.

The Kentucky contingent took these bronzed, griz-
zled, battle-scared veterans, weary and buffeted, into
full fellowship and comradeship; took them and showed
them every resting and hiding place among our friends
in Washington, Spencer, Nelson, Bullitt and Hardin
counties. Quantrell and Captain Berry had followed our
old tactics — disbanded for a rest.

The state at this time was overrun with Federals.
All of us took to cover. Being wounded, I went to
Dr. Hopkins' place, staying there a few days. I also
went to Dr. Nim Conn and to Dr. Evans, recruiting
for the French army in Mexico. During this period I
obtained many promises for that service. All these

428 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

people were Southern in their sympathies and purposes,
and had passed through all kinds of threats, losses, per-
secutions, punishments and arrests. Many had suffered
at the hands of those brutal tyrants who robbed un-
armed citizens and sent men and women alike to un-
known prisons, as the fancy or impulse dictated. Among
such were members of the Russell, Thomas, McCloskey,
Hoskins, Conn and many other families, whose names
have slipped my memory.

Dr. Hoskins' place was formed by nature as a
rendezvous, a sure hiding place for men who were sorely
stricken with wounds. It covered something more tnan
five hundred acres, with a dense forest of cedar trees,
and a number of coves within its borders. These for-
ests were so dense a bird could not fly through them.
In places, horses could move only in single file and
barely pass into its shadows. Paths led to its interior,
but these could be found only by those familair with
the intricate retreat. Once within this protecting for-
est, a fugitive was absolutely safe. One situation high
above the surrounding country commanded a wide view.
A hello, a cough, a sneeze, or a shot were used as a
warning of the approach of friend or an enemy.

Fresh horses were often supplied, and medicine for
sick or wounded soldiers as well as medical attention
to the unfortunate, were all ungrudgingly given. Surely
this was God's own people in the country round about.
Through a field glass from this central point could be
seen at a glance, Taylorsville, Mount Washington,
Springfield, Bloomfield, Fairfield, Bardstown, Stoners,
Samuel's Station, and Chaplintown. No hostile force
could approach without some keen-eyed friends seeing
them hours before, giving ample time for preparation.
This was a friendly abiding place for all wounded Con-

A DARING RESCUE 429

federates. Many escaped prisoners found shelter here,
and a ready means for return to the South and to duty
were provided.

About this period the wounded men captured in
the first fight with Captain Bridgewater made their es-
cape, although their wounds had not healed. Ves Acres,
Dick Glasscock, McGuire, Gaugh, Jim Evans, George
Robinson, all had been very seriously wounded, so bad
that the surgeon said that they should not be moved for
some time. There were four guards, Federals, left at
the house to see that they did not get away. On a dark
night, during a storm, six guerrillas found a carriage
and went near the house. While the guards were being
entertained at a good supper, these wounded guerrillas
were helped through the windows of the carriages in
waiting and driven furiously away, through bypaths and
private country roads to our secret rendezvous, safe
among friends. They were still in no condition for
service. These hard hit guerrillas remained in here
until their wounds healed. They now returned to duty
at the call of their chieftain.

A few days later George Robinson was captured in
a fight, and sent to Lexington, and from thence to
Louisville, where he was tried by a drum-head court-
martial, and sentenced to be hanged. The charge upon
which he was convicted was shamefully false and brutal.
Every member of the court knew it to be false. These
Federal officers and authorities at Louisville, at this
time, were notoriously vindictive, I may say, infamous.
They were engaged in stealing and robbing all over the
state, taking everything they could lay their hands on
that could be moved. Droves of cattle, hogs and horses,
jewelry, pianos, furniture and even bedding; anything
and everything were stolen by the commanding officers

430 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

down to his private soldiers, even by the bushwhackers.
Some stole by the carload. It seemed that all the big
and the little thieves were turned loose upon suffering
Kentucky.

But the aftermath proved that this was a small
affair. From Maryland to California and from Ken-
tucky to Florida, the same saturnalia of plunder reigned
supreme. Unfortunate Virginia, North and South Car-
olina, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, all
these were plundered to exhaustion. And for what? To
save the union. The like of this was never seen or
known before in the world's history.

But I digress. It was at this time that all the offi-
cers in the garrison at Louisville were in command of
negro troops. Few, if any, of them had ever faced an
enemy in battle. They were too much occupied with
schemes of public or private plunder to look after the
real duties of the real soldier. Hence, the escape of
these three almost helpless soldiers. Infuriated at their
escape, they needed a victim, and conveniently found
one. George Robinson was their victim. Any evidence
was sufficient; no evidence at all was needed. He wa^
already tried by these negro trainers before he was
captured. All that was needed to be done was to sen-
tence him. George Robinson was falsely accused of the
killing of the officer at Hustonville, who attempted to
prevent the appropriation of horses at that place from
a stable. It was a well known and established fact that
Allen Palmer killed this officer, and not. George Robin-
son, who was sick at this time, and these hirelings,
negro trainers knew this to be a fact. Robinson had
no share in this affair and the wretches who swore his

GEORGE ROBINSON 431

life away were his murderers, equally as guilty as those
who condemned him, and they knew they were lying
when they swore his life away. Those cowardly liars!
They were too cowardly to defend their lives when
these horses were being taken, and when they had the
opportunity. Like all cowards, they shrunk before real
danger. Now they came forward to swear away an
innocent man's life, must needs kill him with a mis-
erable lie. Cowards the world over never carried mod-
esty or courage in the face of danger.

This period saw many men sent to their death.
Some who were brave, high spirited men asked to be
shot, but these cowardly assassins could have no idea
of chivalry, and for revenge this priceless boon was
denied him with scorn, this in the dying hour. The
condemned had a right to ask that they might die a
soldier's death, and not a dog's death. Brave, indeed,
was Robinson. Never had these guards and soldiers
seen such coolness. They remarked his proud, daunt-
less grace, his soldierly bearing, his calm fearlessness.
With upturned face, looking to the far west, at the
clouds, and the sun shining bright over all, he kissed
his thin small hand to the sunset, then smiled proudly.
He was stepping up to a soldier's God and throne. Thus
he died for his country, a hero's death. As the crisis
came closer, so did the victims increase in number. And
the cold, brutal, blood-thirsty tyrants claimed their vic-
tims. There were three unknown victims who fell be-
fore them. After the execution of George Robinson,
came Jerome Clark (Sue Monday) and Henry McGruder,
then Harry Bently. Soon after this- Captain Quantrell
followed, and many others were sentenced to long terms
in various penitentiaries. Finally my brother. Captain
Samuel O. Berrv. But of this more anon.

432 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Jerome Clark possessed many and varied talents,
not only as a fighting soldier, but as a successful spy.
He came and went as silently as a shadow. So many
were his disguises, so perfectly under control was his
bearing and speech, that in many quarters his identity
was denied, even by some of his intimate friends, even
his sex was a matter of doubt at times. He was a cool,
experienced, resourceful soldier, absolutely fearless. He
was also a fatalist. His smooth, handsome, resolute
face, made for many disguises, and easy manner with
added steady nerve, which carried him through many
difficulties and self-imposed duties for the good of the
cause, never failed him. When he fought he dealt sav-
age blows thick and fast. Beneath the exterior of a
woman, he carried the muscles of a trained athlete, and
the vital energy of a steam engine. His long black
hair in ringlets, blew about his broad shoulders in bat-
tle— a flag or a threat of defiance, the mane of a lion.

All these men were on their last scout, all fighting
a desperate, hopeless battle (almost superhuman) in the
dying throes of a gigantic civil strife, against odds al-
most beyond belief. It is not necessary here to mention
individual acts of heroism and prowess in this last furious
battle, which we all knew or felt was the last battle,
this battle at Wakefield's barn. This was Quantrell's
bst battle. He was wounded here unto death, paralyzed
in bis lower extremities.

We were in the barn under shelter from a heavy
ra' 1. We had had twenty days' desperate, continuous
fiv^' i wr^'tr^- ^ad reduced these iron guerrillas to a

p~oi-« i-pnrUiji of men. Many were wounded, a number
were killed on this Tune morning in 1865.

When Captain S. O. Berry and Captain Quantrell
called a muster at Bedford Russell's farm, in Nelson

SURROUNDED AT SMILEYTOWN 433

county, and the remnants of the two guerrilla bands lined
up and answered to their names, it was found that
there were nineteen men present, as follows: Captain
Berry, Thomas F. Berry or Tom Henderson, Jim Evans,
John Enloe, Billy Merriman, Jim Drake, Howard West,
Jake Singleton, H. Upton, Alex Grigsby, John Ross,
Bill Hulse, James Hockersmith, Halle, Glasscock, Bud
Pence, Allen Palmer, Dave Hutton, McMurtry and Dave
Hilton. This decimated band moved out of the woods,
to the pike leading toward Taylorsville, in order to
escape a chilly rain. We drew aside into a woodland pas-
ture. A quarter of a mile back was the spacious barn
and residence of Captain Wakefield, near Smileytown.
In this barn we took shelter until the rain should cease.
We hitched our horses carelessly, and failed to place
our pickets; all of us unconscious of danger.

Shortly the keen eyes of a Kentucky soldier through
the blinding storm, saw Captain Terrell's Federal guer-
rillas, one hundred and twenty strong, coming up to
this barn, also through the woods, ignorant of our
presence. They moved at a brisk trot, to reach shelter
from the rain. Seeing the confusion, Terrell thought
it strange that other soldiers were occupying this barn.
Our boys were having a battle with corn cobs under the
wings of the barn. He was now close to us. Realizing
that we were Confederates, he opened fire upon us
Only at this moment could we convince the boys of th
near vicinity of the Yankees. Thus, we were caugnt
napping and careless. A frightful volley awoke us to uui
peril and folly. A hot counter volley we fired, almost
in their faces. A hand to hand combat ensued The
fight lasted forty minutes, hopeless, of course, from t^^e
first, but desperate and deadly while it lasted. Twentv-
six Federals were killed and seventeen wounded ; the

434 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

guerrillas had four men killed and seven wounded,
Captain Quantrell among the number. Some of the
guerrillas' horses broke away and ran off. Captain
Quantrell's voice could be heard high above the strife
of battle, also Captain Berry's. The neighing of fright-
ened horses added to the noise.

Quantrell cried, "Cut through, boys; cut through."
Captain Berry repeating, "Cut through; cut through!"
Quantrell followed his horse for some minutes, under
a shower of bullets, but failed to catch him. Clark
Hockersmith, mounted and ready to go off at a run,
might have saved himself, but instead, he saw his chief
in peril, and rode back to him under a heavy fire. Quan-
trell held out his hand to him, touched by his act of
devotion, and smiled his thanks. Hockersmith dis-
mounted and helped Quantrell into the saddle, and then
sprang up behind him. As they were riding away an-
other furious volley killed Hockersmith and his horse,
all going down together. Still another hero was ready
to give up his life for his chief. Richard Glasscock, who
could have ridden away in safety, returned to assist
Quantrell. The third volley from the gate mortally
wounded Quantrell and Glasscock. Hockersmith, in
the last agonies of death, looked upon his chief and
smiled his farewell.

Two bullets had struck Quantrell. One, a heavy
ball, entered the breast and broke the collar bone, then
ranged downward along the spinal column, injuring it
seriously. The lower portion of his body was paralyzed.
The second bullet cut off his left forefinger, tearing
it from the socket or joint.

While this was transpiring, there was desperate
hand-to-hand fighting ; it was a touch and go matter.
Some cut their way through the blue lines. Only dead

QUANTRELL FATALLY WOUNDED 435

horses and the dauntless Hockersmith and the superb
Glasscock, fighting to the last ditch, remained. Glass-
cock stood over his chief, emptying his pistol at the ad-
vancing Federals. Forty fired full at him. He killed
nine of them as they pressed on him. He stood alone,
defiant and erect. His life seemed charmed. Not a
bullet touched him or drew blood. One cut his hat
brim, and another a lock of his hair. Nowhere was the
skin touched or broken.

While stooping to take a pistol from Captain Quan-
trell's belt, which had a few loads left, the Federals
rushed at him, and over him, crushing him down with
butts of guns, pistols, kicks, etc. They stamped upon
his head, his shoulders, and his ribs, all beating him.
They were determined to kill this aroused, unconquered
and furious lion. They must kill him somehow or
some way. But this was not to be. They pounced upon
him, took his empty pistols, bound him a prisoner, and
carried him away.

Quantrell was taken to Wakefield's house. His
wounds were very painful, but at no time did a moan
or a word escape his lips. His wonderful endurance and
fortitude remained unimpaired to the last. He recog-
nized that his last battle had been fought, and his
career almost finished. His mind was always clearest
in danger. He now awaited his fate calmly. He did
not talk much.

Terrell came to him and asked him that if there
was anything that he could do for him?

''Yes," said Quantrell, quietly, "have Hockersmith
buried like a soldier."

Again he spoke to Terrell, "I have one more request
to make, while I live, let me stay here. It is useless

436 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

to have a dying man hauled about in a wagon, jolting
out what little life that is left."

Terrell pledged his word of honor that he should
not be moved.

Hockersmith was buried as requested. Glasscock
was to meet with further adventure. When he was
overwhelmed and beaten down by the Federals, six
pistols were taken from him. Inexplicably, his captors
did not closely search him. Glasscock always carried
a double-barreled pocket derringer, which he frequently
inspected, that he might be sure of its being fit for
instant use. On his way to prison, Galsscock was
guarded by a single cavalryman, riding at the rear of
the column. In passing a patch of timber, he felt that
the supreme moment of years had arrived. Quickly
and unobserved, Glasscock snapped his derringer full
in the face of his captor. It failed to fire. The snap-
ping of the cap warned the guard of his danger. The
rainy weather had wet the powder. With his life at
stake, and after four years of patient, careful precau-
tion, to insure success at such a moment, everything had
been lost by the snapping of the cap.

Glasscock cursed his luck with a short, vicious
oath. Raising himself up in his saddle, he threw the
usless weapon at his guard, striking him a terrible blow
full in the face. It did not knock the man from his
horse. A short, fierce grapple ensued. The guard tried
to shoot him, but Glasscock pushed the gun aside, as
it was discharged. Both leaped to the ground and a
fight for life began. But Glasscock was doomed from
the first, because of an old wound in his shoulder that
had not healed and another one in his leg that was still
discharging pieces of bone. The struggle went on
almost amidst the horses. The terrible effort winded

DEATH OF GLASSCOCK 437

him. He was as a child in the grip of a giant, his
antagonist being over six feet tall, and powerful in pro-
portion. His embrace was like the hug of a grizzly-
bear. This desperate guerrilla still fought with the
rage of a wounded lion. He drew his pocket knife and
stabbed his enemy three times and he fought there until
he died.

Twenty-five cavalrymen, who had heard the cap
snap, turned back and stood watching the unusual con-
test. A soldier stepped close to Glasscock and placed
his carbine against Glasscock's hip and fired. The bul-
let passed entirely through his body and set his cloth-
ing on fire. The Federal felt the limp body sinking
down from his arms. With one last dying effort, and
a savage laugh, Glasscock stood up and tried to drive
his knife into the Yankee's heart. Still grasping the
knife, he sank to the earth, under the bullets of thirty
Yankees, defiant to the last gasp.

In justice to these unselfish, heroic and devoted
men, and also as a slight tribute to them, and to their
heroic deeds, in defense of their homes and country, I
will try to give an account of the many striking per-
sonal characteristics of these two heroic and devoted
men of heroic mold.

Each, from early youth, was noted for a steadfast-
ness which chaarcterized both during their short, event-
ful and stormy existence. Friendship was a real religion,
sacred to both. Bravery was a cardinal principal, as
demonstrated by their last acts in dying for their chief-
tain, this had been their principal creed all their short
lives. These two men had been made guerrillas by brutal
treatment. They were real Bayards. Either was free
to go, but neither went. They were commanded by
Quantrell to leave him : neither obeyed him. It is

438 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

probable that both believed they could save him, yet
steadfast in the equanimity of accepted death, they
died in the discharge of what they believed to be a
sacred duty.

Hockersmith, even in his early boyhood, was sin-
gularly devoted in his friendships. At school, if those
he loved had to be punished, he stood unfalteringly and
undismayed by his friends. If there was danger, the
youth became a man, so cool was he, so steadfast and
so calm. As he grew up to manhood, he became braver
and more gentle. All those who knew him, loved him.
Accommodating, generous and frank, he was popular,
trusted and liked by both old and young. He was
pointed to by old men as the ideal of manly courtesy.

When the war came, he joined the guerrillas. He
early grasped the tremendous import of the gigantic
struggle and the desperate nature of their warfare. It
awoke in his nature an emotion that responded quickly
to every phase of their fighting. He was noted among
cool men for coolness, and among daring men, for his
superlative daring, also, for his pre-eminent devotion,
for sweetness of disposition, and for patience of be-
havior. He was never known to kill an enemy, save
in open fight, and when the enemy was shooting at him.

In Missouri, during one of Dave Poole's battles
near Wellington, in which Poole was worsted, a gallant
guerrilla defending the rear, was wounded in his arm
and his left foot. The pursuit was merciless; guerrillas
were being murdered. Who would go back to save
the wounded? Clark Hockersmith, of course. He did
go back, but the victim's situation was well nigh hope-
less. Entrenched behind his dead horse, the crippled
guerrilla had made his peace with God, and was ready

HOCKERSMITH AND GLASSCOCK 439

to die. Fifty Federals were close to him and advancing.
In spite of the fire and in the face of odds that would
have beaten back and demoralized a less intrepid soldier,
Hockersmith helped this crippled comrade upon his own
horse, and carried him back to a place of safety, and
with the same undemonstrative and gentle resolution as
he exhibited at Wilmington, so twice afterwards he did
likewise, but the fourth time was his last.

As he rode up to rescue Quantrell, the latter bade
him go back. Hockersmith did not reply, save to dis-
mount under fire, hotter and more concentrated than
any that he had ever before endured, and helped his
chief into his own saddle. Quantrell needed help, as he
had been kicked on the knee joint by his horse two days
before, injuring it seriously, which gave him great pain,
even in hobbling over level ground. To use the leg in
mounting or dismounting was agony of the intensest
kind.

The volley that killed Hockersmith would surely
have killed Quantrell also, yet the considerate faithful
comrade invited death. He mounted behind his chief,
and built a barricade with his own body, that only
failed to furnish shelter to it, neither knew or felt any
more. The grandeur of human heroism and devotion
was never more highly demonstrated.

Richard Glasscock, though coming by a different
road from those traversed by Hockersmith, both reached
the same goal. If he cared enough for any one to fight
for him, he cared well enough to die for him. He had
stood over wounded comrades as often as he found a
friend. Hockersmith had often in the subsequent min-
utes and fury of the combat torn from the hands of
the victorious foe, some helpless, crippled guerrilla, hard
hit, unable to help himself and too far in the rear to

440 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

overtake his friends, the latter all scattered, bleedin^i^
and routed. Glasscock, while lacking the higher emo-
tion of devoted friendship, in his attempted rescue of
his chief, had in him that which would carry him just
as far — the feckless ambition to save the coolest and
fiercest fighter ever known to the border warfare. He
cared nothing for his own life, because he had never
taken a moment's thought of it. To be dead was no
care of his, because he did not know the meaning of
the word fear. Glasscock did through the excess of
personal courage; Hockersmith through excess of de-
voted friendship, and for his faith would have been
burned at the stake. Glasscock would have died as
Harold died, sword in hand, heroic, on the battlefield
of Hastings.

Thus were these hunted, devoted guerrillas, fighting
by twos and threes, and in larger squads, cutting their
way through ranks of blue, and sheets of flame, now
scattered irretrievably. Their voice and beacon, their
storm guide in battle, their now mortally wounded chief,
lay on a cot waiting for the coming of his furlough.

On the following night there was a sad, a very
sad and sorrowful meeting of a few dejected men —
Frank James, Allen Palmer, John Ross, John Hulse and
myself. We would tempt fate once more to see the
loved chief, just once more, dead or alive. We made
our way back to Wakefield's mansion. Frank James
knocked on the door, and was admitted by a courtly
lady of the house. Lying on a cot in the corner was
our chief, watchful but ver}^ quiet. James and his com-
rades stood over the bed, but could not speak. If one
could have looked into their eyes, they might have seen
them full of blinding tears.

Quantrell held out his hand and smiled, saying a

MEETING AT WAKEFIELD'S 441

little reproachfully, "Why did you come back? The
enemy are thick in this vicinity, passing every house."
Their answer was, "To see you, dead or alive, and be
the first to bring you away, or the last to leave you."

"I sincerely thank you, Frank; and you, my com-
rades; but why try to take me away? I am d^ad,
yet I am alive. I am cold below my hips. I am insen-
sible here; can neither feel, walk, ride, nor crawl."

Looking at them in his old quiet way, seeirfg them
all so distressed, and weeping visibly, he bade them
wipe away their tears. They all pleaded with him to
permit them to take him away to some safe, quiet re-
treat; they would defend him to the death. He listened
to them ; to their pleading, with his usual courtesy of
the old victorious guerrilla days, which were now gone
forever.

He silenced his pleading men with an answer that
was unalterable: "I cannot live. I have run a long
time. My career is ended. I have come out unhurt
from many desperate places. I have fought to kill, and
have killed. I do not regret anything. The* end is clo^e
at hand, and I am now resting easy here, and will d^'e
shortly. You do not know how your devotion has
touched my heart, nor can you ever understand how
grateful I am for this great love you have shown for
me. Try to get back to your homes, and avoid the
perils which beset you."

He talked freely of the early days of his career,
sending sweet messages and farewells to friends, and
greetings to comrades. Finallv, the partinsr houi" cpme.
They bade him goodbye, looking upon his face the last
time, forever.

Captain Terrell had broken his promise, as T knew
he would, about leaving Quantrell at Wakefield's house.

442 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND P^ORREST

He now advised his removal to Louisville. General
Palmer sent an ambulance under a heavy escort, mov-
ing him to Louisville, scarcely more alive than dead, suf-
fering great agonies from the motions and vibrations
of the moving vehicle. He v^as taken to a military hos-
pital until the question of his recovery had been de-
cided for or against him. Few friends were allowed to
visit or to see him. Mrs. Ross, of Missouri, only once,
in the. presence of officers. Feeling that his time was
short, he sent dying messages to loved friends in Mis-
souri. She left him at one o'clock on the 15th of June,
1865. He died on the following day about five o'clock,
P. M.

Thus the great guerrilla chief passed, after a fitful,
singular, tempestuous life, passed like a summer cloud.
He had been asleep. He called for water, but did not
drink. A Sister of Charity placed the glass to his lips.
A murmur escaped him, "Boys, get ready." A long
pause, then a moan, ''Steady," and then. When she
drew back from this murmuring man, she fell upon her
knees and prayed. Captain Quantrell was dead. Peace
be to him, and to his memory and to his ashes, and to
his soul.

Before his death he had become a Catholic. He
confessed his sins to a priest. He told everything. He
was too serious, too earnest a man to deceive or to be
dishonest, even in the list of all his homicides, excusing
himself in nothing, nor apologizing for anything. His
entire past was made to give up its secrets, from year
to year, not forgetting the four years of terrible war.
His white, set face looked picturesque, and he was al-
most eloquent at times in his recital.

Did he receive also absolution? Did William Tell?
Did Charlotte Corday? Did Westlake? Did Bezaine?

QUANTRELL 443

Did Leonidas? Did Hosea? Did any patriot during
all the ages passed receive pardon for doing what he
believed to be his duty? He was now beyond the
great river, alike was praise or censure, reward or pun-
ishment to this man, who, when living, had filled the
world with the renown of his deeds during four years
of terrible war history. Fate had done its work. A
smile seemed to brighten his face, and now the future
stood revealed to his spirit, now made omniscient by it^
journey through the valley of the shadow of death. He
was done with ambushing, ambuscades, with the shad
ows of night, with summer's heat, with winter's cold,
and with midnight vigils. No more troops of charging
calvary or ringing revolver volleys, rallying to the charge
or falling to the rear in fierce combat. No more agony
of sore defeat, of white, set faces trampled upon by men
and by iron heels of horses. No, there would never be
any more war. In the beautiful land of the great be-
yond, nothing shall reign but peace; there all must be
judged, standing or falling. So let history be just and
deal fairly with all men.

Captain Quantrell was in some degree different trom
every other guerrilla, even his comrades. He was not
superior in courage to them, for this is a common herit-
age of nearly all sons of the South. But he had one
particular quality which but few men possessed, though
some of his followers had this quality. Frank James,
George Gregg, Cole Younger, and Ike Berry possessed
it to a prominent degree. This quality was extraordi-
riary resourcefulness. All these fought gallanth^ yet
fighting might be under certain conditions the least of
their necessity. But to be a successful leader of these
daring spirits was quite another affair. This required
coolness, quick perception, unerring judgment, horse-

444 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

manship, expert pistol skill in peril, vigorous health,
celerity of movement, fixedness of purpose, great activ-
ity. Quantrell possessed all these. He counted every-
thing and sought to shield his men, lest an advantage
should be taken of them by strategy. They were often
too eager to fight and to take desperate chances, to
rush into combats where they could not win. Quantrell
tried to have the odds with him rather than against him.
He kept scouts everywhere, retreated frequently, rather
than to fight and be worsted. He had the faculty of
divining an enemy's plans almost to an occult degree ;
relied upon mystification frequently; believed in young
men ; listened to every man's advice ; paid attention to
small things. But, seeing and hearing all, he acted
upon his own active judgment. He stood by his sol-
diers always, and preferred the old dispensation to the
new. He obeyed strictly the laws of retaliation, be-
lieved in and took the code of Moses rather than the
code of Jesus Christ. He practiced self-abnegation and
inculcated the same by example. He carried a black
flag, killed every thing in blue, made even the idea of
surrender ridiculous, and snapped his fingers at death.
He trusted but few women, but these few, with his life.
He believed in religion and respected its ordinances ;
went to church when he could ; never quarreled ; under-
stood human nature critically, was usually silent re-
served, and taciturn. The coolest, deadliest man in a
personal combat on the border, he rode as if he were
a part of the charger under him. An organization like
his required great skill in the use of pistols, which was
a passport for comradeship. There was no force not
greatly superior to his own that ever stood his onset.
His men were drilled to fight equally with both hands,
and they fought with both. Fairly matched, God help

QUANTRELL 445

the column, man for man, that came in contact with
him. His warfare was based upon the sentiments of
nationaHty, personal wrongs and revenge. His men
carried mementoes of murdered kindred, mingled with
their weapons. The cry for blood was heard from home
to home throughout the land. All these men became
guerrillas because they had been savagely dealt with.
Ouantrell became a chief because of these reasons and
because of his courage, prudence, firmness, common
sense, audacity, in which he was inferior to no man.
His judgment was clearest and swiftest, when his re-
sponsibilities were heaviest. His fame as a guerrilla
will endure for ages. Let history deal fairly, truth-
fully with all.

XLI

SURRENDER

Quantrell's men paroled — Dr. McCloskey — I start to Louisville
— Surrounded and captured — I escape — We destroy a Dutch
patrol — Captain Berry's men paroled — King White — We are
wounded and captured — Imprisoned at Louisville — A farcical
trial— '"Court will take $30,000" — Sent to Columbus^ — Captain
Berry sentenced to hang — I cut my way out — Captain Ber-
ry's sentence commuted — His transfer to Albany and death.

The death of Quantrell was the bursting of a meteor
that left his comrades in darkness. In the gloom there
was no hope of more light, as news had come of the
surrender of General Lee and his hungry, tattered le-
gions. Realizing the inevitable, one of Quantrell's most
practical and sensible men, lying wounded at Wakefield's
mansion, suggested that Henry Porter should gather
the remnants of the guerrilla command and surrender
them to General Palmer at Louisville. This was done,
after a conference between Porter and General Palmer,
in which it was agreed that our men should receive the
same terms and treatment that had been accorded to
the soldiers of General Lee. Porter deserved the con-
fidence he received, because of his cool judgment, cour-
age and circumspection, and his prompt unyielding in
his demand for the same treatment that had been ac-
corded all Confederate soldiers.

Palmer's terms to Porter were liberal. Each guer-
rilla was permitted to retain two revolvers, what horses
he had, and his ammunition. If he was destitute, he
was to receive transportation to any portion of the
country to which he might desire to go. The past was
not to be inquired into, no matter how evil his reputa-
tion had been. The war was over, his oath wiped out

MAKING OF A GUERRILLA 447

his outrages, his parole was to be looked upon as his
pardon, and he was to receive the same treatment as
other soldiers.

Porter gathered up his comrades, eighteen in num-
ber, and all marched to Samuel's Depot, Nelson county,
Kentucky, on July 22, 1865. Captain Younger of the
Forty-second Kentucky Federal, assisted by Lieutenant
Campbell, received and paroled these grizzled war-worn
veterans. This little band was the last remnant of the
terrible organization of the Missouri border. They now
went their several ways, each according to his own
fancy. They were the offspring of the fury and agony
of a remorseless terrorism, which always attends civil
strife. It was a peculiar feature of our civilization.
Easily aroused, it broke forth into ferocious deeds. The
li^uerrilla was looked upon as a wild beast; he had no
rest or peace, and was buffeted, waylaid, ambushed, shot
at continually. A self-respecting man is always dan-
gerous when aroused, and hunted. The guerrillas sim-
ply defended themselves when pressed to the wall. There
could be but one of two things — they would be mur-
dered without recourse or forced into outlawry. Who
was to blame? I could place the wrong from my stand-
point, but I shall not. History must render the ver-
dict. The logical facts, the truth should prevail, and
rule every man's life. History should be based upon
facts. If this were done we should have less bitterness,
suffering and death.

All men of this generation know something of the
long-continued hunt for Quantrell and his men, of Cap-
tain Berry and his men, and especially of the James
brothers, after the war. They know also of the harpies
who blighted the fair names and lives of these men

448 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

and bounded them to destruction, without the remotest
danger to themselves, during twelve long years.

I need to refer to only one of the many dastardly
and cowardly deeds done in the name and under the
sanction of law. At night, yea, at midnight, the as-
sassin's time of work, at the lonely hour when all honest
people were asleep, Pinkerton's sneaking cut-throats
crawled up to Mrs. Samuels' house where there were
only women and children, wrapped in slumber, and
an old man far past his prime. This raid was planned
against Dr. Samuels' home, because his wife was the
mother of the James boys, by these so-called minions
of the law. Tt is not definitely known how many were
present, but something over fifteen crept stealthly close
to this home, surrounded it, found the inmates all asleep,
and threw into the kitchen, where an old negress was
sleeping ^with her children, a lighted hand grenade. The
terrific explosion, and the burning turpentine ball awoke
the household to find the house on fire. The negro
woman, with cries of terror, rushed to alarm the white
family. The flames added to the fright and terror of
the alarm. The negress and the children, white and
black, all stood together huddled in the kitchen. The
white family rushed to subdue the flames, all uncon-
scious of the further danger that awaited them. There
was a terrific explosion. Dr. Samuels was cut in sev-
eral places and stunned. Mrs. Samuels had her right
arm blown off above the elbow. A bright little boy
had his bowels torn out. The old negress was badly
cut and maimed in four places. The three other chil-
dren received several cuts and bruises, the hand gren-
ade had done its work. Every creature in the room
bore marks of its terrible effects. These wounds were
marks of the infamy of the cowardly midnight assassins

DR. McCLOSKEY 449

— a tragedy performed by men calling themselves civ-
ilized done in this nineteenth century, in a peaceful com-
munity, upon a helpless family of v^omen and children.
vSuch an act would have caused the blush of shame to
mantle the hardened cheek of Nero. The Pinkerton as-
sassins did this infamous, dastardly and cowardly thing
because they knew better how to kill the she-wolf and
her small cubs, Mrs. Samuels and children, than they
did armed men in open battle.

Many similar cases could be cited, but the contem-
plation of this is too harrowing. This occurrence was
hut the aftermath of the training and practice of a people
who had caused to be spilled oceans of the best blood
of this country, to save the Union ; and these were the
methods used, always sneaking, skulking, treacherous
and faithless.

After my recapture of Captain Berry from Captain
Terrell I took him to Dr. Hoskins at Cedar Grove.
While there some severe fighting had been done, and
to his old wounds, still unhealed, he added another. I
went for Dr. McCloskey and told him my tale of woe.
This good Samaritan and doctor had a saying and a
theory that he never knew a man until he felt his pulse.
This good man had two mistresses, namely, great good
humor and silence; he worshiped both equally and with
constant fidelity. He was always a genial companion
and a true friend. It was certainly a rare treat to hear
him talk, while he spent an hour or so with us. He
came and went at all hours, and having, it would seem,
a principle of magnetism, became a favorite with all.
It may be that like most of his class, he was somewhat
skeptical on some subjects. What physician is not?
At any rate he had his favorites among men, as well
as medicine. He believed with all his heart in calomel,

450 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

aloes and jalap combined. Witli hat in hand to quinine
and iron, he caressed chloroform, flattered carbolic acid,
and high up in the pharmacopia he gazed at opium.
Having arranged his knives, scissors and cutting things,
and threading things, he kept them all where a prudent
man kept his horse during these uncertain days — out
of sight. He called on the good God often, and calml\
went his way, a cleanly man in heart, head and person,
Always ready to do his duty to his God and to his
country. Oh, for more of his class and clan. His busi-
ness at this time was to grapple with death, face to
face, in many forms, and he loved to meet death and
put him to flight. He had a saying that death was a
coward, and would run at least half of the time, if
pressed hard by a clean man.

At this place, while a heavy wagon was passing, a
young soldier was thrown off, the wheels passing over
his legs. Many persons crowded about him and much
sympathy was expressed. The man needed fresh air,
as he had fainted. Dr. McCIoskey charged the crowd
and dispersed them,

"Awful," said a young esqualapsius standing by,
who seized the leg as he would a thief by the throat.
''It must come off," said this young physician, in a fine
experimental frenzy, rolling his casual, uncertain eyes
toward Dr. McCIoskey, in the monotonous sing-song
tone of a mechanical graduate. Then said McCIoskey:

"Eh; what come off? So must a man's hat come off
when the king, or a lady passes, but suppose they did
not pass, what then? The hat stays on, of course. Water,
water, water. It is water, my dear sir, that is all you
need now — enough to swallow up the knife and scissors,
and to drown the surgeon, and to rust the knife away,
also his saw. It is not the mission of the surgeon to

DR. McCLOSKBY 451

mutilate, but to help nature restore. The steel, why,
yes; the steel is good, like fire, prussic acid, strych-
nine, and the dead man on the dissecting table. Back
of it all, there must of necessity, of paramount import-
ance, every day, ordinary common sense always. Lift
him up, some of you ; sympathy will not hurt him ;
carry him home."

In half an hour after we laid the young man upon
his mother's bed. McCloskey had his crushed and
bruised leg as good as new.

So this was the manner of man who went about
in the deep, dark, remote places, into thickets, brush,
caves, doing good every day, yea, every night also;
bringing relief to the hot, feverish brow, the swollen,
painful hurts of the victims of this bloody, cruel war.
These delirious, mutilated, helpless victims never ap-
proached this great and good Samaritan in vain. May
neither his race nor his shadow ever grow less.

On the 10th of June Captain Berry was well enough
to hobble around on crutches. It was necessary to be
prudent, as Federal scouting parties covered the land
as a blanket covers a bed. From the tower of the house
on the hill we could see them almost daily, moving
about in all directions, especially since the death of
Captain Quantrell.

I left Captain Berry and went to Louisville for
medicine and supplies for him. Jim Evans went with
me. We traveled through the woods and fields and by-
paths, as all roads were watched and scouting parties
were passing continuously. We reached the home of
our old friend, Dick Philips, after dark. We had a
good supper and passed on to Louisville. Reaching this
place, we found our friends, obtained our supplies and
learned more definitely the particulars of the death of

452 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

Jerome Clark (Sue Monday) and Henry McGruder. At
midnight we left the city, walking, to avoid the Yan-
kee pickets. We were compelled to travel slowly and
cautiously. Having sixteen pistols, ammunition, and
medicine, we had to rest often on account of our load.
We reached our horses near daylight, tired and weary.
Our horses had had a good feed and rest. Leaving Dick
Philips' place we moved on south through the woods
and reached Salt River, which we had to swim, as all
fords were guarded.

On the south side, while we were feeding our
horses, I saw some Yankees about to surround us. We
mounted our horses hastily and charged through the
encircling trap. When nearly free, my horse sank under
me, and three Yankees closed in on me. My horse beino
killed, I kneeled behind him for a breastwork, took de-
liberate aim at the advancing foe and killed four, empty-
mg two of my pistols. I also wounded five, thus check-
ing them. Jim Evans came up to me and helped me
upon his horse. We hurriedly escaped and saved our
supplies, of which we stood greatly in need.

Upon reaching camp we found our comrades much
alarmed. While some of our men had been away from
camp a scouting party followed them into the cedars,
but they escaped. Later these same scouts saw us and
chased us. I jumped from the horse and entered the
cedars. Evans, retiring in a different direction, led them
away from me. I was soon out of reach in this cedar
grove in its protecting shadows. Evans led them away
some three miles, then also entered the cedar forest from
a different direction, and reached camp. T was cap-
tured not far from camp, near Colonel Stoner's place,
by Captain Cook. He sent me under guard to the sta-
tion.

I ESCAPE AT BROOK'S STATIOxV 453

The train came along and I was placed aboard and
started off to Louisville. It is needless to say that I
was miserable. At Bardstown Junction one of the
driving wheels on the engine was broken, and we were
detained three hours. My guard took me to a hotel
for dinner. Returning to the car, I asked for a drink of
water. We were on our way to Louisville.

Watching closely^ I dashed the water into his
face and quickly jumped to the platform and bounded
into the air, landed on my feet, but stumbled against the
embankment and was slightly stunned. Quickly pull-
ing myself together I looked about me and saw a sad-
dled horse standing hitched to a rack at a blacksmith's
shop. This was Brook's Station. T needed this horse
much worse than the rightful owner at this particular
time — had urgent business elsewhere. The train had
stopped and was backing up toward me, when I mounted
the horse and rode away at a furious gallop.

A ride of five miles at a very rapid gait brought
me to Salt River. I met a friend who knew the horse,
r-nd told him how T had found him. Leaving the horse,
1 made my way back to Nelson county and our camp,
much to the relief of my brother and my comrades.

T was at this time to leave the country; had already
recruited three hundred and ninety-eight men for the
French service in Mexico. All the armies of the Con-
federacy had surrendered. Captain Berry, who had
been waiting for his wounds to heal, was ready to go
in and surrender. He noAv sent Dr. Hoskins to General
Palmer's headquarters at Louisville, with a view of
surrendering. During the pendency of the negotiation
of final surrender he kept himself hid.

My brother. Captain Samuel Berry, had done much
of his hardest fighting during the time I was absent

454 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

with Shelby in Mexico. T had been placed in touch
with this expedition after T had ^ouq South from Ken-
tucky with recruits for General Bedford Forrest, who
then sent me with dispatches to General Jeff Thomp-
son. Upon leaving- Thompson, T was seized with the
ambition to go South of the Rio Grande, and went, as
I have recounted in earlier pages.

Captain Be rry had fought almost constantly, a
greater part of the time with Quantrell, and jointly with
him at these places : Lancaster, Crab Orchard, Mill
Springs, Lebanon, Perryville, Salina, Lawrenceburg-,
Harrisburg, Shryock's Ferry, Versailles, Slago, Cogers
Ferry, Bloomfield, Fairfield, Taylorsville, Bardistown,
Shepherdsville, Salt Lick, Old Ford and Fisherville. It
was almost a continuous daily battle.

Two days after my return from Mexico, while on
our way to Bloomfield, Captain Berry, myself. Bill Mer-
riman, Jim Evans, John Enloe, vShelton, Texas, Riley,
Dicks, Brothers, Jim Davis, Boswell, Hurndon, May-
field, Scott, Still, Wells, Amos, Ward, Ennis, Abrahams
and Conn we received information that a troop of fifty-
six Dutch,, or Pennsylvania, cavalry were marching from
Springfield toward Bloomfield, hunting for ''One-Arm"
Berry.

At this place there was an old saw mill on the
South side of the pike, around which a large number
of logs were piled up, covering some two acres of
ground, and making a natural fortification. Reaching
this position we took shelter behind this and sent four
men to skirmish with the enemy and fall back slowly,
thus leading them into this ambush. We had twenty-
two men with double-barrel shotguns, the barrels cut
off six inches and loaded with twelve buckshot in each
barrel; also six Colts dragoon pistols to each man.

WE FIGHT A DUTCH COMPANY 455

When the Dutch captain saw these guerrillas, with
drawn sword he charged them promptly. They stood
their ground and delivered many shots. Unchecked,
on came the Dutch at a furious gait. The guerrillas
took shelter with us behind the lumber pile and awaited
the oncoming Yankees. We were on our horses, ready
to receive them at close quarters, before firing a shot.

At thirty yards we turned loose with our double-
barrel shotguns. Rapid volleys were poured into their
very faces, into the thick mass of struggling, frightened
horses, and dead and wounded men. After firing our
shot guns, we drew our pistols and charged into their
ranks — pistol in each hand, bridle reins between our
teeth.

A lady, Mrs. Sayers, was driving down the pike
in a buggy. The Dutch troopers, in their recoil, ran
over and upset her buggy. Captain Berry rode to her
assistance, righted the buggy^ under fire, and placing
her in it, tipped his hat and started her on her way.

The guerrillas had slackened their fire, driving the
Yankees pell-mell down the pike, riding into their ranks
and killing the rear ones as they fled through Bloom-
field towards Taylorsville. The Dutch had stirred up
a veritable hornets' nest. We followed them as far as
Taylorsville.

At this place the fortunes of war were very nearly
reversed, for our old enemy, Captain Bridgewater, was
on hand to receive and greet us warmly. We must
needs quickly hunt cover, for these two captains. Cook
and Bridgewater, always resolute and enterprising, now
joined forces. They were also on the warpath, and
hunting for us. Of the fifty-six Dutch troopers, only
ten remained. The captain was killed at the first fire.

456 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORRKST

also all of his officers. Our loss was three killed and
twelve wounded.

But all things human must have an end. On Jul\
19, 1865, it was determined by all, after a consultation,
to make an effort to surrender. Accordingly, Captain
S. O. Berry, Captain Wainwright and Captain South-
worth jointly addressed a letter to General Palmer
by Doctor Hoskins, proposing surrender of their
men, and asking for a conference and conditions. Gen-
eral Palmer sent Major Wilson with instructions to
confer with Captain Berry and his party about the terms
and conditions upon which he would surrender. The
meeting place was at Mr. Williams' house near vSmiley-
town, in the near vicinity of Mr. Wakefield's home.

While Major Wilson was on his way to attend this
meeting and before he had reached the vicinity, we had
started toward Bloomfield. When we reached the junc-
tion of the Bloomfield and Chaplintown pikes we met
Captain Baker, a Federal, with forty-five men, coming
into the Chaplintown pike. Not knowing of our offer
to surrender, Captain Baker opened fire upon us.

Captain Berry and I were riding side by side in
front of our column. Captain Berry and Terrell both
halted their men and as by mutual impulse both drew
their pistols as they approached each other. At about
thirty yards they fired at each other at the same time.
The two commands stood watching this personal duel,
which was thrilling and exciting. At each fire they ad-
vanced slowlv. Each had now fired five shots ai^i-^re.
Each of Captain Berry's shots had taken effect, thrc^
enterino- Terrell's body, one his horse's shoulder and
one the horse's head, killing it under its rider. Ca!^-
<-ain Terrell's rio-h.t shoulder rmd collar hone were shat-
tered. He had one ball in the side of his head and one

CAPTAIN BERRY'S SURRENDER 457

in his hip. Captain Berry received two slight wounds,
^nd had a lock of hair clipped from his head.

Captain Terrell's first lieutenant, Thompson, rode
forward and helped his chief up behind him under a
fierce shower of bullets. We charged them with the
old rebel yell, pressing them closely and chased them
back into the Chaplin hills. Thus ended the war for
Captain Berry. This was his last battle.

On the twenty-seventh of July, 1865, Captain Berry
met Major Wilson at Smileytown, with twenty-seven
men. Major Wilson had thirty federals. I did not take
part in this cartel, but was present at the two confer-
ences. I had sworn allegiance to Maximilian's govern-
ment in Mexico. Some differences and friction arose
because of the disparity in numbers to represent the
two sides, each side being- suspicious of the other. This
however was adjusted by dismissing all but six soldiers,
three on each side. Major Wilson submitted proposi-
tions to some features of which Captain Berry objected.
A belligerent action on the major's part brought every-
one to their feet with hands on weapons. I stepped for-
ward and proposed to each party that they deposit their
arms with Mr. Purdy, a citizen and non-combatant, be-
fore any further discussion or proceedings. I proposed
that each side name a referee to decide disputed points,
and that each side pledsfe themselves beforehand to
abide by his decisions. This was accepted to the satis-
faction of all and the terms of surrender were concluded.
Each man was to keep his revolver and ammunition, and
his horse or horses; if he desired to go to any part of
the country he was to receive transportation ; if he was
unable to pay his own way to any place he might desire
to go this was to be paid by the government. No mat-
ter about his past, it was not to be inquired into, no mat-

458 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN' AND FORREST

ter how bad his reputation. The war was over and his
oath wiped out all his so-called outrages, if any. His
parole was to be looked upon as a pardon. If these
conditions were not ratified and sanctioned by the de-
partment commander, General Palmer, all the men were
to receive twenty-four hours' notice. All were to be
notified of their acceptance or their refusal. A place
was named at which the surrender would be consum-
mated. July 29th was named for this procedure. Ac-
cordingly, the men assembled on the pike near Smiley-
town in Spencer County. Twenty-four men were there
to receive their paroles, as follows : Captain Samuel O.
Berry, J. Johns, H. Sutton, John Southworth, Captain
Wainright, Jim Evans, Billy Merriman, Tom Henry,
Jim Henry, Alex Duke, John Savage, Alex Jones, Wm.
Smith, John Enloe, Dee Henry, Alf Truner, Sam Smizer,
Bill Ewing, John Dade, Oscar Vogle, Alex Howland,
William Barker, John Trisby, Jim Colbert. All these
old veterans went their several ways.

I tried to recruit some of them for the French serv-
ice but only eight joined me here. There was one man
whom I did not name. He had been with Captain Ber-
ry. I met him about 2i week after these men had bee*^.
paroled. This man was hiding out for a g(^.od reason
and had refused to surrender. I soon had good reasons
to remember him for the balance of my life. I received
him into the French service, paying him a bounty of
$200 and his transportation to the Mexican border. This
uncertain, devious creature, at this time or shortly after.
acted thre part of a treacherous villain. He had first
joined the Yankee army, receiving a bounty of S1200
and a good horse, as a substitute. He deserted and
joined the Confederate service while in Kentucky. But
soon finding this no place for a coward and afraid to go

KING WHITE 459

back home, he skulked about from both sides. He joined
Captain Berry and deserted him. Captain Wainright
found him and tried to recruit him, not knowing that he
had belonged to his service.

While on picket duty on the way south this coward-
ly treacherous man. King White, deserted his post at
night, leaving Captain Southall without protection. His
first exploit was to rob some toll gates and citizens,
telling the latter that he was ''One-Arm" Berry, in or-
der to intimidate and scare them. He collected others
about him of the same stripe, robbing right and left in
the name of "One-i\rm" Berry. He made a raid
through Meade, Hardin and Breckenridge counties. All
over the state these robbers rode, continually using the
name of "One-Arm" Berry, who got the credit for these
shameful acts of vandalism and robbery. When he
fought or captured Yankees he robbed them also. He
captured a steamboat with several sick and wounded
Yankees on their way home and had them shot; there
had not been a shot fired at his bunch. He also stole
fifteen hundred dollars from the captain of the boat.
He refused to divide the stolen plunder with his bunch
and most of them left him. He still called himself "One-
Arm" Berry. The steamboat captain knew him, and
upon reaching Louisville reported him to the Federal
authorities. They offered two thousand dollars for him,
dead or alive.

When I learned of his conduct and his villainies, I
demanded from him the bounty money I had paid him.
He claimed he did not have it ; in truth he had blown
it all in gambling. I had learned that there was a re-
ward of two thousand dollars for this cowardly sneak.
I told him to his teeth, pointedly and frankly, that I had
no further use for him, that a thief was generally a

460 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

cowardly sneak. Fie tried to draw his pistol. I had my
own in his face instantly. Had it no been for my broth-
er, Captain Berry, there would have been one sneaking
villain less in the world. I disarmed him. Captain Ber-
ry stepped between us, thus saving me the duty of
killing this shameful hound. If this had been done at
this time it would have saved both of us long years of
trouble and sorrow ; and also Captain Berry's death in
prison, as the sequel will show.

Captain Samuel O. Berry ("One-Arm" Berry) was
an educated and cultured man, a member of the Chris-
tian Church, an ordained minister in good standing and
a trained school teacher — he was teaching school when
the war came. He had married a beautiful, cultured
woman and was a' citizen respected by all his neighbors
and friends. He was happy and prosperous, but the
greed and fanaticism of this period forced him to leave
his home. He was frequently arrested, and placed under
heavy bonds, only to be plundered by his tormentors.

The horrible murder of our sister drove us to des-
peration. Solely upon this provocation and upon these
grounds we determined to do what all self-respecting
men would have done under the same circumstances.
He took stock of conditions and went about his busi-
ness of revenge and retaliation, becoming a desperate
guerrilla. His life and acts are a part of the history of
our race, and will be fairly judged by history when
truly and truthfully written. Let the ages judge of his
methods, of his course and actions.

After receiving his parole he looked around for a
school, first in Nelson County then in Bullitt and Spen-
cer counties. He had a young wife living in Indiana
with her father, Mr. Alex Rose, an intensely rabid abol-

CAPTAIN BERRY IS CAPTURED 451

itionist, an uncompromising Union man. He had sold
my brother's property in his absence in the army and had
taken his daughter with him to Indiana, where he forced
her to ask for and obtain a divorce, while her husband
was in the Confederate service. They never saw or
heard from each other again. I have every reason to
believe that she died of a broken heart. I got this in-
formation direct from her own son, my brother's child,
my nephew. They lived near Franklin, Ind. I met this
boy several times after the war ; he lived with his mother
and grandfather until his mother and also the grand-
father died, at which time he was about seventeen years
old.

About the first of September Berry went to West
Point, Bullitt County, near the mouth of Salt RiveV,
after having made arrangements to teach a district
school. On the 10th of September he started back to
Shepardsville, travelling alone, and when some five or
six miles from this place, near Nelson Ferry, he was
fired upon from ambush and was surrounded by a scout-
ing party of Federal soldiers. This was nearly two
months after his parole had been given him. He had
been coming and going openly almost every day since
his surrender. These soldiers acted under General Pal-
mer's orders. Not being warned, Berry was captured
and threatened Avith death, menaced with cocked pistols
thrust in his face. His parole was taken from him and
lie was informed that he was to be hanged as soon as
they reached Shepardsville. He was placed between
files of soldiers and as they travelled toward that place
lie reminded them of the terms and stipulations of his
parole. They laughed in his face.

The night was dark, but Berry knew the country,
knew every by-path in the region through which they

462 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

were moving. He was watching for a favorable place
to escape. As he rode down a very steep embankment
he yelled, "Good-bye.' They fired at him, but missed'
him. Taking a blind patch he made good his escape.
Returing to Nelson county he met Dr. Hoskins at Mr.
Conn's place.

While in this vicinity we learned from reliable com-
rades that he and I were being hunted all over three or
four counties. I disguised myself and went to Louis-
ville, where I learned the startling fact that King White
had agreed to betray and lead a party of armed Yankees
to our hiding place in consideration of his pardon. Upon
learning of this shameful plot I hurried back and in-
formed Sam of this villainy. My words rankled in his
Heart. White had been with my brother and knew where
to find him.

As soon as he reached Nelson County my brother
wrote to General Palmer, telling him of the violation of
the cartel by soldiers under his jurisdiction. He com-
plained of the taking of his parole, asked that it be re-
turned to him, and claimed protection against its future
violation. General Palmer merely replied that he would
have nothing further to do with the matter, a reply
characteristic of this brutal man. This was the climax
of the dastardly treatment that many of his victims had
received, victims who had been butchered because of his
treachery and double-dealing.

We made hasty preparations to leave the country at
once. Collecting twenty men and bidding our friends
adieu we travelled all night, passing around Grandsville,
Milton, BuUeysville and Harrisville. At Markport we
stopped, fed and rested our horses. After a day's travel
to a plantation called Chilton we were surrounded by
three companies of Yankees while eating our breakfast

AGAIN CAPTURED 453

in the woods. We all mounted our horses quickly and
charged through their ranks. We had one man killed
and seven wounded, and killed fourteen and wounded
nine Yankees Buck Harris was mortally wounded, but
kept his horse for six miles ; he fainted three times. We
were now compelled to stop and thought we were clear
away from the pursuing Yankees. While stooping over
Harris, taking his last message, I was shot through my
right leg and also received a bullet in my right hip, par-
alyzing me for a time. I fell helpless and could not
stand upon my feet. Lying on my stomach I emptied
my pistols at the enemy. Finding that I did not longer
fire, they came forward to finish me, but the captain
stopped them. I was hard hit and again in their toils.
My comrades and Captain Berry made their way back
to Nelson County, after several narrow escapes. My
brother heard that I was killed.

This was twenty-one wounds I had received. I was
taken to Harrisville, placed on a steamboat, carried to
Louisville and confined in a hospital at the corner of 5th
and Green streets. From here I was moved to a military
prison at Ninth and Broadway near Tenth Street, where
I found six Confederates who had been tried by military
or drum-head court-martial upon charges too flimsy,
ridiculous and silly to be considered by honest men. This
was done by men who commanded negro troops. All
were tried before capture and adjudged guilty afterward.
About a week later my brother was captured and
brought in. We were in the same prison. How miser-
able I was no one can ever know. In ten days my trial
was called — a mere mockery, a ridiculous farce, as many
others had been before. My wound was still painful
and unhealed. On my way to trial, who should I meet
but King White. This infamous traitor, this sneaking

464 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

coward, had been released for the betrayal of my broth-
er: he had led Major Wilson, the very man who had ne-
gotiated the terms of surrender, to the hiding place. He
had betrayed the man whom he had so foully wronged by
using his name to conceal many crimes. He was with
the searching party when my brother was taken, and
pretending that he himself had been captured, returned
to Louisville with the expedition. This was to revenge
himself upon me, because I had denounced him.

Here was a sample of the pledged faith of accredited
officers of the United States army, who would have dis-
graced any uniform in any age or in any country. It
would take a hundred men a lifetime to chronicle all
.the brutal infamies practiced during this period, and the
subsequent seven years of carpet-bag rule in the South.
It Avas the climax of all infamy.

King White was released inside of four days, with-
out the semblance of a trial, and thus rewarded for his
treachery, such was the premium given by these white
negro-trainers. I met the bloody sneak, but he dropped
liis head and turned away his face. My blood boiled. T
was almost smothering. The air seemed poisoned by his
presence in the streets. But there was plenty of his
kind, ready to sell their souls at any price.

I was tried under an assumed name, that of Tom
Henderson, for reasons satisfactory to myself — the peace
of my old father. My trial lasted three days. All the
charges were wholly false, save one — I had tried to do
mv duty as a soldier. My sentence was death, to be
hanged like a doj?". without witnesses or a chance to be
heard. As a matter of fact, T did not 1)elong to this
(•ountr\-. nor was I one of its citizens, having sworn al-
legiance to another country, and now owed my fealtv
to France. No matter, there was still need of another

TRIAL OF CAPTAIN BERRY 465

victim, to satiate the craving of more blood, if this
could be possible.

My brother's trial was begun about ten days later.
He was defended by Judge W. B. Hoke, who told him to
plead ''not guilty." This plea was entered and in con-
sideration of the fact that the prisoner had surrendered
and received his parole, which had purged him of his
past offenses, demand was made that the records show-
ing these facts should be produced in court.

At this reasonable demand, the judge advocate ad-
journed court for a secret conference, which lasted two
hours. When the court reassembled, the judge advocate
said, in behalf of the government, that the commanding
general could not be compelled to produce his records,
a-^ his acts could not be reviewed, and were final. This
farcical deliverance was by Colonel Coyle, colonel of a
negro regiment, a l^rutal, cruel, bigoted Connecticut ^^an-
kee.

Judce Hoke insisted upon the prisoner's rights. He
was given to understand that he would be arrested if
he carried matters too far. Judge Hoke was a fearless,
talented ^-ouno" lawyer and a man of unfaltering cour-
age, qualities which were renuired to face these bloody
tyrants, who now held in their bloody grasp the destin-
ies not only of Kentucky but the entire South.

My brother was called upon again to plead ; his plea
was "not guilty." He cited his parole again. They now
called upon him to produce it, which he could not do.
He asked that Major Wilson and General Palmer be
summoned as witnesses in his behalf; also the thirty-
five soldiers who were with him at the time of his sur-
lender and parole and that of hjs men.

Captain Berry and T were approached by one Cap-
tain Hoaguellv of the 119th colored regiment, who was

466 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

a member of this court that was trying- us both for our
lives. He handed each of a slip of paper bearing these
words and fi.c^ures as follows : "Court will take $30,000."
Another day this same scoundrel handed me a similiar
slip reading "$10,000." At this I could not refrain from
telling him that a man who was contemptible enougli to
he a nigger thief, a commander of a negro company and
to steal a nigger, would not hesitate to rob a man of his
life upon any flimsy pretext, or to sell his soul for blood
money. During and after our trials we were tantalized
in the same way by this same officer. Most of these com-
missioned officers and many of the field officers were
continually working schemes to plunder helpless victims.
Their greed seemed insatiable in their efforts to fill their
coffers with ill-gotten gains. Many unfortunate victims
had the misfortune to fall under the greedy eyes of these
recruiting and conscripting officers. Even members of
the medical examining board had a very simple and ef-
fective means of finding greenbacks in convenient situa-
tions; also, the supply, commissary and quartermaster
departments, which were mostly and usually in the
hands of a set of skillful robbers. They would rob both
individuals and the government at the same time. The
notorious contractor, Jacob Henderson of Louisville,
who held a contract with the government for the supply
of horses, mules and provender for the army, was a
noted instance. There are still many men living who
can recall the scandalous, bare-faced frauds and plunder-
ing perpetrated by this unscrupulous thief. I simply al-
lude to these to show how universally dishonest and cor-
rupt was the entire administration of not only the mili-
tary but also of all other departments in Kentucky.

This wholesale and retail robl)ery denoted the very
frenzy of a national disease, a chronic disease. Band

TRIAL OF CAPTAIN BERRY 467

boxes and wardrobes were searched daily for jewelry,
which was stolen from many Southern women; even
carpets and pianos were carried away and shipped North.
I know this will appear to some as a startling arraign-
ment and one that will be denied, but, nevertheless, it is
absolutely true. Very often the truth hurts, much worse
than a falsehood. I speak the truth, as God is my judge,
in this matter.

When my brother was placed on trial for his life
there was summoned a bunch of vicious white men and
negroes, and some negro women. These white men were
too cowardly to join even the Home Guards, much less
the Union army. They remained at home and acted as
informers on their neighbors and as spies upon them.
In almost every community there were more or less of
these sneaking, lying, hypocritical cowards who caused
untold misery, suffering and bloodshed, often death. I
have seen a number of letters that were written to Gen-
eral Burbridge, the butcher of infamous and bloody
memory, informing him of certain neighbors who were
disloyal, etc. Many families were robbed of father, sons
and brothers. Often mothers who were swept away to
languish and die in loathsome prison cells were arrested
as spite work and often plundered. It was this class
that was now summoned to Louisville to swear away
Captain Berry's life before a packed military tribun 1
of his implacable enemies, whom he had fought gallant-
ly for four years.

I have very often heard people say these things
should be forgotten. I have found that with many men
property is the strongest of ties, and that this fact is
deeply impressed upon young minds by the instrumen-
tality of vested interests. It is horrible to think that
greed should lead men to swear away the happiness,

468 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

even the lives of human beings who had never done them
a wrong; that such men should follow their quarry like
ravening wolves, once having the smell of blood in their
nostrils ; that they should stand ready to swear falsely
that men whom they were accusing had done things out-
side the pale of civilized warfare. Memory of wrongs of
this kind has clung to me for years, and will cling to
the end — as long as I remember my dead brother. T
suppose it was his fate thus to die, but this cruel, unjust
fate was brouglit about by most corrupt and cowardly
methods.

General Pahner, placed upon the witness stand, was
compelled, reluctantly, to admit that he had received
Captain Berry's surrender and had issued him the parole
through Major Wilson. The latter testified to the con-
tents of the cartel of parole and also to the violation of
its provisions, ^rst by his soldiers and then by himself.
These two witnesses were men who, during all the
bloody struggle, had been obtaining substitutes and
forming schemes with a horde of bountyjumpers. spies
cind informers, all men of questionable and shady char-
acter, and who prospered, fattened and became rich irow
a beggar's state by plundering their neighbors. They
had preyed upon the defenseless non-combatants during
the entire war in this state, and now were ready to swear
awav the life of any soldier who had the courage or the
manhood to stand up and fight for their home and coun-
trv. though powerless now to defend themselves, havin-
surrendered their arms in good faith.

Captain Berry's trial lasted two weeks. During this
time two of the members of the court solicited him to
i>ribe them to turn him loose, naming the sums they
would take to let him go free. He was found guilty of
•11 tbo infamous crimes in the calendar, upon charge*^

IN THE DEATH CELL 469

absolutely false. His sentence was death by hanging.
His case was appealed and was thus held in abeyance
until it could be sent to Washington.

During these dark, weary weeks and months, Cap-
tain Berry, myself and another captured Confederate
soldier from Louisville, Harvey Wells, who had been
tried and sentenced to be hanged, were committed to the
penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio, where we were all
placed in the same cell for the condemned — an upper
cell. This military prison stood on Broadway, between
Ninth and Tenth streets. At the end of our trials our
friends were allowed to visit us twice weekly. We were
in shackles and ball and chain. The iron, closely fitting
the ankle, was an inch and a quarter wide and half an
inch thick. An ordinary tracechain attached to a 24-pound
cannon ball completed our prison toilet. This prison
jewelry was a source of much jest, though we were all
chained like wild beasts. This was prison life in free and
enlightened America, the land of the free, so-called.
Two guards were in our cell, two in the hall, and one at
the bottom of the steps. All were negroes of the 119th
colored infantry. At the east end across the twelve-foot
hallway was another room for untried Confederate sol-
diers. There were sixteen in this room, also several
citizens, victims of those hungry, loyal men, whose palms
itched constantly for their neighbors' property. These
victims did not even know what they were charged with.
The steps leading up to the upper story were five feet
wide and fifteen in number. At the top was a hallway
twelve feet wide. The doors into the cells were double,
as was the one at the bottom of the steps. All opened
inside.

During this period our lives were made miserable by
these ignorant, vulgar, blatant, insulting negro guards:

470 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

even during the night we were often wilfully awakened
from our sleep by unnecessary noises. There were parts
of two regiments there as guards, including the 96th In-
diana. All these men seemed to take a special delight
in harrassing us. These troops had for quarters the en-
tire square. Between Ninth and Tenth streets on Broad-
way to the alley were the cells for prisoners. These
cells had two windows on either side, overlooking an
slley, also the parade ground.

I was the most miserable of all creatures. I had
long since made up my mind never to be hanged like a
dog. I did not care a snap about dying, nor did I care
to live. All my family had been killed, except my
brother, and now they were trying to finish him, all
the rest having crossed over the wo^nderful river, where
there were no infamous spies, or cowards, or traitors, or
thieving bountyjumpers, or murderers. Life at the
best now held no. charms for me. I was ready for any
fate that God had in store for me, no matter what it
might be.

At this time we had a visit from some Confederate
friends. One was the widow of a Confederate comrade
who had been killed in battle, serving with General
Morgan. There were also three others who sometimes
brought food to us, as the prison fare was of very poor
cuality, often the refuse or leavings of these negro sol-
diers, of the coarsest quality and very meager in amount.
I had two severe wounds that gave me constant trouble,
causing many restless nights. These angels of mercy.
whO'Se visits gave us some release, brought medicine for
mv wounds, and for my brother's also. I was grateful
for the sweet, tender sympathy of a true friend, such as
only a woman can give. This good friend who had lost
i^er husband in the Confederate service had dedicated I'e'-

KENTUCKY IN THE DUSK 471

sympathies and service to sorrow, to all suffering ones,
and she was ever ready to aid all who were in distress.
How dear to me are the recollections of the kindnesses
of these ladies in the darkest hours of my life. They
came to me when I was in the very shadow of death,
came with tenderest ministrations and in what marked
contrast to the vindictive persecutions and blood-ram-
pant actions of our tormentors, who were dealing- in
human life, which was held so cheap at this time.

The city was full of returning soldiers from the
south and the border states. The people were intensely
and abjectly alarmed. Tt was now that many old men
and women were arrested. The grip of the iron hand
was upon the neck of Kentucky, now prostrate in the
dust. These renegades and underlings, these bummers
and beggars, were now paramount. New faces lined
with envy, malice and hate, for the first time risen to
importance, were now leering at the prosperous, the good
and the decent. All citizens, male and female, were in
danger of violence. Confidence was lost and corruption
was rampant, stalking barefaced and defiant of all law
or decency. Acts of kindness, of charity, even of sym-
pathy for Confederate soldiers or the wounded stood for
overt acts of treason. The infamies practiced and sub-
mitted to at that time in Kentucky were almost past
belief.

The butcher, Steve Burbridge tried to shackle
thoughts — tried to set the price upon the best blood of
Kentucky. He even punished silence, plundered unarmed
citizens, stripped them of protection and licensed a
horde of hungry thieves to rob right and left as they
chose. Without capacity to govern the state, even with
an ample force, against Confederate invasion, he visited
his cowardly rage upon unarmed citizens, and also held

472 1-^0 UR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND FORREST

them responsible for the military acts of many whom ho
dared not meet in fair, open battle, for fear of being cap-
tured, or of the halter. This pretended soldier rejoiced
in the chaos and bloody discord which prevailed all over
the state. Every cave, thicket and hiding place was
crowded with young and old alike. Escaped soldiers
w^ere shot or hanged without a semblance of trial. This
black infamy can never be effaced from Kentucky his-
tory, nor can you, nor do you blame the action of the
native sons of proud old Kentucky for defending their
homes and lives from such vandalism. Answer this
upon vour own conscience, even now, when our fate is
fixed.

Harvey Wells' sentence was commuted to the peni-
tentiary for ten years at Columbus, O. Captain Berry's
sentence was that he should be hanged on February 6th.
The scaffold was built under our very noses. I watched
its construction with absorbed interest. As it approached
completion I felt that I should never be hanged upon it,
and made up my mind that if worse came to worst I
would throw myself upon the bayonets of my guards
cind compel them to shoot me.

While the appeal was pending I had obtained from
my good friend, Mrs. Bell Benson, a dozen jewelers'
savins of the finest steel. With these I cut the rivets in
my shackels and in the ball and chain, leaving a thin
sliver hanging to hold them together ; each night I would
saw^ away. I next attacked the bars in my window, be-
side my bunk. I had to saw two of these bars for a
space large enough to admit my body. When morning
came I would take moistened bread crumbs, black them
with soot and hide the saw marks during daylight. I
w^orked often four or five hours every night. Finally '

I ESCAPE 473

had . finished this tedious job. It seemed an age. I still
watched the scaffold. It was ready, grim and bloody.
Frank Black, Sue Monday, Henry McGruder, young
George Robinson and two others had been hanged upon
this same scaffold.

January 30th had now arrived, with chill, high winds
and some sleet. I had told my brother of m^y intentions,
and asked him to go with me, if possible. He had a
serious wound, still unhealed. I begged him to try to
go; to try for liberty or death, for we were in a living
death any way. He declared that it would be impos-
sible for him to travel, that he could not reach the city
limits. I was almost heart broken at this. He told me,
"Go, save yourself, and don't think of me. I shall take
care of myself.'

I had already formed my plans. There was a heaw
steel poker for a bi^ stove in the room. The two guards
would often come to the stove and stir the fire with this
poker. The room was large and the weather bitter cold.

On the evening of January 30th, while Wells was
toasting his bread, I placed this poker in the fire, think-
mg that he had finished toasting his bread. I happened
to touch his bread, causing it to fall into the fire. I apol-
ogized to him Init he would not listen, and cursed me.
I offered him my own bread — he would have none of it.
My brotlicr spoke to him. and was cursed. He was at
this time suffering with a slouq"hing wound, like myself.
We Imtli now tried to pacify Wells. I again offered him
mv bread, which he refused and continued his abuse. T
said to him, finally, "If I were not wounded as T am vou
should not talk to me as you do.

He hit me a hard blow on my breast, knocking me
down \s I fell T reached for this hot poker, still in the
stove. My anger flamed and my blood boiled. T sprang

474 FOUR y?::ars with morgan and forrest

up and went at him. I knocked him down with the
poker. vSpringinj4 to his feet he rushed at me like a
tiger. T knocked him down again; three times. While
I was doing so, the guard put his gun to his shoulder
and said to me :

"If you hit him again I will shoot you."

I turned towards him and said, ''This is none of
your affair or business." I was now close to the muzzi^
of the gun, holding my poker and looking the guard in
the eyes. He said, "I will shoot you anyway; I don't
like your manners."

I felt that the crisis had come. I knocked his gun
up as it was discharged and then struck him a terrifiic-
blow^ on the side of the left cheek with the poker. He
fell like a beef. The guard in the other room, hearing
the shot and noise, came to the hall door. Seeing his
comrade's condition, he threw up his gun to shoot. I
spring forward, knocked up the gun, and with a blow-
laid the guard senseless.

I now threw the bodies down the steps, one of them
blocking the lower door, which could not be opened, as
the door opened inward. I picked up one of the guns,
struck the two iron bars with the butt and broke them.

"Come, brother, here is liberty and safety," said I,
"So let's be off at once. Hear them clamoring and form-
ing. See there!"

"Go, Tom. I could not walk one square," he re-
plied.

It was just about sundown. T kissed him, said
goodbye and turned to the window. I dropped the gun
into the alley below, and swinging myself down by hold-
ing to the window sill jumped after the gun. I entered
the back door of a stable and stayed inside. A guard
came into the alley. I ran behind a shed, into a front

I PJSCAPE 475

yard, out into a street which I quickly crossed, thence
into a back alley and down this to the city -limits.

Looking about me I saw some shocks of corn in a
field, where I hid until dark^ when I made my way across
fields and woodlands, keeping closely under cover.
Hearing the sound of horses' feet on the pike to my left I
cautiously approached, but all sounds ceased. The cold
winds chilled my blood and my wounds were very pain-
ful. But I did not care, for I was a free man again.

I reached the place of a former friend, Mr. Hahan,
near the Ohio River. I found in his stable a horse, which
I saddled and mounted. I was very tired after my long
journey, and it was now dark and cold. Keeping my
way along the course of the river by neighborhood roads
I reached Salt River as the chickens were crowing for
daylight and found myself near McGhanes house. I was
very weak and hungry. I hid my horse in the dense
vine-covered trees and impatiently awaited the coming
of day. I v/as chilled to the bone.

At last day came, also my friend, who had come out
to feed him cattle. T hailed him and told him of my ad-
venture and my needs. He saw my sad plight. [ still
had my gun. He brought my breakfast and taking me
to a safe hiding place supplied me with blankets and
warm clothing which I needed very much. After a long-
sleep I was greatly refreshed. Mac found me another
friend and a horse on the other side of Salt River, and at
night put me safely across this stream. I asked him to
send to its owner the horse I was leaving behind. Turn-
ing my face southward, T bade Mac good-bye.

I now felt much stronger, and travelled all night
with my guide, through Rreckenridge county. Just be-
fore daylight, he informed me that we were in the vic-
niitv of Hickman, and took me to his oldtime friend

476 FOUR YEARS WITH MORGAN AND PORREST

Abbott, an aged Confederate soldier, who had just cunu
home from the army. I told Abbott of my recent ad-
veature, and remained with him all day. Taking to horse
again we arrived at another comfortable hiding place,
after travelling all night. We avoided all towns.

I reached the Mississippi at the end of seven nights,
v.u(\ crossed into Arkansas, where I remained resting
for four days, after which I proceeded to Memphis to
purchase side arms. I bought four pistols with an ample
supply of ammunition and took the stage for Benton,
leading my horse behind the stage.

x\t Benton I met four Confederate soldiers who were
leaving for Mexico, and with them I rode away to new
adventure.

My brother escaped the gallows in an odd way.
General Palmer was bent upon the execution of Wells,
and when the latter's sentence was commuted to im-
prisonment by the President, General Palmer was so
incensed that upon his own authority he was able to
^end Captain Berry to the prison at Albany, New York,
under a ten years' sentence, where he died after serving
se^en years of them.

THE END.

FEB 9 - 1948