 Preface of Rating with Morgan. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Rating with Morgan by Byron A. Dunn. Preface. General John H. Morgan was one of the most picturesque figures in the Civil War, an officer without a peer in his chosen line. During the two years of his brilliant career, he captured and paroled at least 10,000 federal soldiers and kept three times that number in the rear of the Federal Army regarding communications. When we consider the millions of dollars worth of property he destroyed and how he paralyzed the movements of Buell, we do not wonder that he was considered the scourge of the Army of the Cumberland. General Morgan was a true Kentucky gentleman and possessed one of the kindest of hearts. The thousands of persons captured by him almost invariably speak of the good treatment accorded them. The following incident reveals more clearly than words his generous spirit. And reporting a scout, he says, Stop at a house where there was a sick Lincoln soldier who died that night. No man being in the neighborhood. His wife having no person to make a coffin or bury him, I detailed some men who made a coffin. The Adventures of Calhoun as a secret agent of the Knights of the Golden Circle opens up a portion of the history of the Civil War which may be almost unknown to our younger readers. During the war the whole North was honeycombed with secret societies whose members denounced Lincoln as a usurper and a bloody monster and maintained that the government had no right to coerce the South. They resisted the draft, encouraged desertions, and embarrassed the federal government in every way possible. In secret many of the leaders plotted armed rebellion, the liberation of Confederate prisoners, and the burning of Northern cities. They held out inducements to the South to invade the North, and there is but little doubt that Morgan was lured to his destruction by their representations. Shortly after the close of the war, the author met a gentleman who had served on the staff of General Breckenridge. This officer affirmed that he had carried a message from Breckenridge to Morgan saying that the former had positive information that 40,000 armed knights stood ready to assist Morgan if he would invade Indiana. Everything goes to show that Morgan relied on these reports, and it was this belief that induced him to disobey the orders of General Bragg. It is an interesting question whether General Breckenridge was really privy to the plans of the Knights, and whether he secretly encouraged Morgan to disobey orders, hoping that the appearance of a Confederate force in the North would lead to the overthrow of the Lincoln government and to the independence of the South. The author has taken the ground that Breckenridge was fully cognizant of Morgan's intended move. This volume mentions only the greatest of the General's raids, and the author has tried to narrate them with historical accuracy as regards to time, place, and circumstances. In stating that the number of his men, his losses, and the damage he inflicted on the Federals, the General's own reports have been followed. These, as was to be expected, differ widely in many cases from those of the Federal officers. The tale of the exploits of Calhoun is substantially true, though the hero himself is fictitious. Every one of his most notable feats was accomplished by one or another of Morgan's men. It was Lieutenant Easton of Morgan's command who killed Colonel Hallissey in single combat. Calhoun's achievements in the escape from the Ohio Penitentiary were actually performed by two different persons. A sharp dining room boy furnished the knives with which the prisoners dug their way to liberty. Captain Thomas H. Hines planned and carried to a successful termination daring an ingenious escape. Captain Hines fled with General Morgan, and every adventure which befell Calhoun in The Flight to the South actually befell Captain Hines. The Captain's marvelous story was published in the January number of the century, 1891, and to this narrative the author is indebted for the leading facts. B.A. Dunn. August 1, 1903. End of Preface Chapter 1 of Rating with Morgan This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Rating with Morgan by Byron A. Dunn. Chapter 1 After Shiloh The great battle of Shiloh had been fought, and victory had been snatched from the hands of the Confederates by the opportune arrival of Buell's army. The Southerners had lost their beloved commander, Slane. A third of their number had fallen, although defeated they had not been conquered. They had set forth from Corinth in the highest hopes, fully expecting to drive Grant's army into the Tennessee River. This hope was almost realized when it suddenly perished. 20,000 fresh troops had arrived upon the field, and the Confederates were forced to retreat, but they had fallen back, unmolested. For the Federal Army had been too severely punished to think of pursuing. Both armies were willing to rest, and had their decimated ranks filled with fresh troops. Of all those southern troops engaged in Shiloh, none felt their defeat more keenly than the Kentucky Brigade under the command of Colonel Trey Buu. They had fought as only brave men can fight. They left one third of their number on the field, killed and wounded. Defeat could not demoralize them, and it fell to their lot to cover the retreat of Beauregard. They had stood like a wall of adamant between their fleeing army and the victorious Federals. No charge could pierce that line of heroes. With faces to the foe, they slowly fell back, contesting every inch of ground. Finally they had hoped that Grant would first be crushed, then Buell annihilated, and their march to Nashville would be unopposed. From Nashville it would be an easy matter to redeem their beloved Kentucky from the ruthless Northern invaders. It was but a few days after the battle that there was a social gathering of Kentucky officers at the headquarters of General John C. Breckenridge. Conspicuous in that group of notable men was one whose insignia of office showed him to be only a captain, but he was already a marked man. He had greatly distinguished himself in Kentucky and Tennessee as a daring raider and scout. And at the battle of Shiloh he had rendered invaluable service at the head of a squadron of independent cavalry. It was but natural that in such a gathering the situation would be freely discussed. It looks to me, said Breckenridge with a sigh, that if we are forced to give up Corinth, our cause in the West will be lost. I am in favor of holding Corinth to the last man. What is your opinion, Morgan? asked one of the officers, turning to the captain of whom we have spoken. Thus addressed, John H. Morgan modestly answered, the general will pardon me if I differ with him somewhat in his opinion. Corinth should be held, as long as that can be done with safety to the army. But Corinth itself is of little value to us, now that the railroad between here and Chattanooga is in the hands of the enemy. It is not worth the sacrifice of a hundred men. What? Would you give up Corinth without a struggle? asked the officer in surprise. Not if a battle offered a reasonable hope of victory, replied Morgan. What I mean is that the play should not be held so long as to endanger the safety of the army. Corinth is nothing. The army is everything. Then you believe, captain, that Corinth could be lost and her cause not greatly suffer? Certainly, the further the army advances into the South, the more vulnerable he becomes. Even now, give me a thousand men, and I can keep forty thousand of the enemy busy protecting their lines of communication. Morgan, you are joking, exclaimed several of the officers. No joke about it. I expect to see Old Kentucky before many days, and if I do, there will be no consternation in the ranks of the Yankees. Do you think you can reach Kentucky with a thousand men, asked Breckenridge, and atoned what showed his doubt? A murmur of surprise arose, and then Trebuchet asked, Well, but regardless, let you make the hazardous attempt. Yes, with my own squadron, but he will risk no more men in the venture. Well, goodbye, John, if you try it, said one of the officers laughing. Why, goodbye, Colonel, because the Yankees will get you sure. Perhaps, answered Morgan dryly, as he arose to go. The whole South will ring with appraises of that man one of these days, remarked Breckenridge, after Morgan had made his exit. A perfect daredevil. I am proud he is a Kentuckian, remarked Trebuchet. Not knowing the flattering words spoken of him, Morgan wended his way to his headquarters, where he was informed by the orderly who took his horse that a young Confederate officer had been waiting for some time to see him. He said he must see you, continued the orderly, and if necessary he would wait all night. All right, I will see what he wants, replied Morgan, and he turned and entered his headquarters. There he was greeted by a young man, not much more than a boy, who wore the uniform of a Confederate lieutenant. Morgan gave him a swift glance and then exclaimed, Bless my heart, that this isn't Calhoun Pennington, son of my old friend Judge Pennington. I am more than glad to see you. I have heard of some of your exploits and often wondered why you did not seek to take service with me. Let's see. You were on the staff of the late, lamented Governor Johnson, were you not? Yes, replied Calhoun, and his voice trembled, and tears came into his eyes in spite of himself, as he thought of the death of his beloved chief. A grand man, a brave man, said Morgan gently, now that he has gone, what do you propose doing? That is what I have come to see you about. General Beauregard has offered me a position on his staff, but I wanted to see you before I accepted. What? A position on the staff of General Beauregard? That is a rare honor for one so young as you are. Of course you are going to accept. I do not know yet. I am to give him an answer in the morning, and as I said, I wanted to see you first. Great as the honor is which has been offered me, I feel it is a service which would not be agreeable to me. I much prefer the freer life of a scouting ranger. Perhaps you may know, I have done much of this kind of work. I have even performed more dangerous tasks than that of scouting, and I confess I rather like it. Morgan mused for a moment, and then suddenly asked, are you not a cousin of Frederick Shackelford, son of the late Colonel Richard Shackelford of our army? Calhoun's brow clouded. Yes, he answered, but why do you say the late Colonel Shackelford? Uncle Dick is not dead. Is that so? I am rejoiced to hear it. It was reported he was among the slain. He was desperately wounded, answered Calhoun, but he did not die, and he is now a prisoner in the hand of the Yankees. Uncle Dick is a hero, but as for that traitor cousin of mine, I hate him. And again, Calhoun's brow grew dark. I have no reason to love him, laughed Morgan, but I cannot help admiring him. He it was who discovered our well-aid plans and forced me to flee from Lexington as a thief in the night. I answered Calhoun, but for him and that brute Nelson, Kentucky but now I have been out of the Union. But that is not all. Had it not been for the same two traitors, there would have been a different story to tell of Shiloh. Grant's army would now have been prisoners, and our own pressing northward to redeem Kentucky. Had there been no Nelson, Buell's army would not have reached Grant in time to save him from destruction. If there had been no Fred Shackelford, I should have borne the news to General Johnson that Buell would join Grant by the 5th, and Johnston would have made his attack a couple of days earlier. I was bearing the news to Johnston that Nelson would reach Savannah by the 5th when I was captured. Captured, echoed Morgan in surprise. Yes, captured, and by no less a personage than my cousin Fred Shackelford. But for this I would have reached Johnston by the 2nd, as it was, I did not reach Shiloh until the morning of the last day of the battle. Then you escaped, queried Morgan? No, my cousin let me go. After he held me until he knew my information would be of no value. I was dressed in citizens' clothes. He could have hanged me as a spy. I suppose I ought to be thankful to him, but I'm not, and Calhoun shuddered when he thought of how near he had been to death. That was kind of him said Morgan, and you ought to be thankful to him, whether you are or not. To tell you the truth, I took a great fancy to young Shackelford. I tried hard to get him to cast his lot with me. But as I failed to get him, I believe you would make a splendid substitute. You still think you had rather go with me than be on Beauregard's staff? A thousand times yes. I had rather go with you as a private than be a lieutenant on the general staff, answered Calhoun with vehemence. Morgan's eyes sparkled. That is the finest compliment I ever had paid me, he said. But I cannot allow the son of my old friend Judge Pennington to serve in their ranks as a private soldier. Yet my companies are fully officered now. Let's see. How would you like to go back to Kentucky? Go back to Kentucky? asked Calhoun in surprise. Yes, to recruit for my command. Do you think you could dodge the Yankees? I believe I could. I could at least try, answered Calhoun, his face aglow with the idea. The case is this, said Morgan. I am going to make a raid in a few days, and am going to try to reach Kentucky. My present force is small, not much over four hundred. I do not look for much help from the Confederate government. Those in authority do not regard with much favor independent organizations. To augment my force, I must, on a great measure, rely on my own efforts. I know there are hundreds of the flower of Kentucky youths eager to join me if they have the opportunity. You are just the person to send back to organize them. When can you start? In the morning, answered Calhoun. Morgan smiled. Good, he said. You are made of the right material. We will make full arrangements tomorrow. Good night, now, for it's getting late. Thus to smiths, Calhoun went away with a light heart. He was to be one of Morgan's men. It was all he wished. The next morning, Calhoun informed General Beauregard that while sensible of the great honor which he would bestow on him by appointing him a member of his staff, yet he believed he could be of more service to the south by casting his fortunes with Morgan, and he had concluded to do so. Well, I greatly regret to lose you, replied the general. I believe you have chosen well. To one of your temperate service with Morgan will be much more congenial than the duties of a staff officer. In fact, continued the general with a smile, I think you resemble Morgan in being restative under orders, and prefer to have your own way and go where you please. A commander too of partisan rangers may do, but too many would be fatal to the discipline of an army. Morgan may do the enemy a great deal of mischief, but after all, the fate of the south must be decided by her great armies. True general, replied Calhoun, But if Morgan can keep thousands of the enemy in their rear guarding their communication, the great armies of the north will be depleted by that number. That is true also, answered Beauregard, and for that reason Morgan will be given more or less a free reign. I have recommended him for a courtesy, convey to him my regards, and tell him I heartily congratulate him upon his last recruit. General Beauregard's kind words touched Calhoun deeply. Thank you general, he replied with feeling. I trust I shall never prove myself unworthy of your good opinion. May God bless you and crown your efforts with victory. After parting with Beauregard, Calhoun lost no time in reporting to Morgan. He found his chief in command of about 400 men, rough, daring fellows who would follow their leader wherever he went. A more superb body of rough riders was never formed. Calhoun was introduced to the officers of the squadron, and when it became known that he was going back to Kentucky to recruit for the command, although many of the officers wondered why their chief had selected one so young, they gave him a hearty welcome. But when it became known that he was the son of Judge Pennington of Danville, that he had already won renown as a daring scout, and had been offered a position on the staff of General Beauregard, their welcome was doubly enthusiastic. To this welcome there was one exception, one of Morgan's officers. Captain PC Conway had applied to Morgan for permission to go back to Kentucky on the same duty and had been refused. He was a short, thick-set, red-faced man with a very pompous air. His weakness was liquor, yet he was a brave, efficient officer. What he considered an affront was never forgiving, for he was of a revengeful disposition. It was consistent with his character that he should become a mortal enemy of Calhoun. When he was introduced to Calhoun, he merely bowed and did not offer to give his hand. I believe I have heard of Captain Conway, said Calhoun with a smile. I have heard a cousin of mine speak of him. Why, yes, spoke up Morgan with a twinkle in his eye. Captain Lieutenant Pennington is a cousin of your particular friend, Captain Fred Shackelford, of the Yankee Army. Conway fairly turned purple with rage. Lieutenant Pennington has no reason to be proud of his relationship to that sneak and spy, he snorted. I have no more reason to love my cousin than you, replied Calhoun with some warmth. He may have played the spy, so have I, but sneaky is not, and I would thank you not to use that term again, traitor though he is to the south and his native state. Conway glared at him for a moment, but there was something in Calhoun's eye which told him that if he repeated the term, it might cause trouble, so he snapped, well, spy and traitor, if those terms suit you better. But it may be of interest to you to know that I have sworn to see that precious cousin of yours hanged and, with a fearful oath, I will see that he is. With these words, he turned on his heel and stalked away. Shackleford's name has the same effect on Conway that a red rag has on a mad bull, if Morgan. He can never forget that trick your cousin played on him. Ah, I remember, said Calhoun. Fred told me all about it. Conway may take a dislike to me simply because I am Fred's cousin. I noticed that he greeted me rather coldly. I reckon he will not carry his hatred so far as that, replied Morgan. Yet it may be best not to mention Shackleford's name to him. But Morgan might have changed his mind if he had heard Conway talking to a brother officer. Just a thing, he fumed, that that captain picked on that young upstart to go back to Kentucky to recruit instead of one of us. I volunteered to go yesterday, and he put me down. To my mind, Pennington is no better than that sneak of a cousin of his, and Morgan will find it out someday. Better keep a still tongue in your head, Conway, dryly replied the officer, a captain Matthews to whom Conway was complaining. Morgan will give you hell if he finds you are trying to create dissatisfaction. I am not afraid of Morgan, mother of Conway, but he said no more. In the meantime, Calhoun was hurriedly making preparations for his journey. Many other officers and men were engaged in writing letters to send back by him to the dear ones in Kentucky. Morgan entrusted to him several important communications to prominent Southern sympathizers. Just as Calhoun was ready to start, Morgan gave him his secret instructions. What I tell you now, he said, is too important to commit to writing. You may be captured. For hundreds of miles you must ride through a country swarming with Yankees. You will need discretion, as much or more than you will need courage. Much depends on your success. I intend to make a raid north about the first week of May, if possible, and I think it is. I shall try to reach Kentucky. My force when I start will not reach 500. If I could be joined by a thousand when I reach Kentucky, I believe I could sweep clear to the Ohio River. But with the short time at your disposal, that will be impossible. But join me in Glasgow with all you can. I expect to be in Glasgow by the 10th of May at the latest. All right, replied Calhoun. I will try to meet you there at that time with at least one or two good companies. Little did Morgan think at the time how badly he would need those companies. I last all was ready, and amid shots of goodbye and success to you, Calhoun vaulted into the saddle and rode away eastward. End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2 of Rating with Morgan This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Rating with Morgan by Byron A. Dunn. Chapter 2 Through the Lines At the time Calhoun started work in Kentucky, General Halleck was concentrating his immense army at Pittsburgh Landing. Preparatory to an attack on Corinth, Federal gunboats patrolled the Tennessee River as far up as Esport, General Mitchell held the Memphis and Charleston railroads between DeCanter and Stevenson, but between Corinth and DeCanter there was no large body of Federals, and the country was open to excursions of Confederate cavalry. In Middle Tennessee, every important place was held by detachments of federal troops. To attempt to ride through the lines was an exceedingly dangerous undertaking, but that is what Calhoun had to do to reach Kentucky. He expected to meet with Little Danger until he attempted to cross the lines of General Mitchell, which extended along the railroads that ran from Nashville southward. The country through which he passed was intensely southern, and the Yankee Calvary did not venture far from the railroads. When Calhoun left Corinth, he rode straight eastward until he reached Escumbia, Alabama. Here he found little trouble in finding means to cross the Tennessee River. Once across the river he took a northeast course which would take him through Rogersville. Now and then he met small squads of Confederate cavalry, and it did not seem to be under very strict military discipline doing much as they pleased. Now and then he came across a party of recruits making their way to the Confederate army at Corinth. They were mostly country boys, rough, uncouth, and with little or no education. They knew or cared little of the causes which had led up to the war, but they knew that the Southland had been invaded, that their homes were in danger, and they made soldiers whose bravery and devotion excited the admiration of the world. In order to find out what General Mitchell was doing, as nearly as he could, to ascertain the number of his forces, Calhoun resolved to ride as near the line of the Nashville and decanter railroad as was prudent. As he approached Rogersville, he learned that the place had just been raided by a regiment of Yankee Calvary, and the country was in panic. Approaching the place cautiously, he was pleased to ascertain that the Calvary, after committing numerous depredations, had returned to Athens. He now learned for the first time of the atrocities which had been committed on the defenseless inhabitants of Athens, and his blood boiled as he listened to the recital. No wonder the citizens of Rogersville were in panic, fearing that their fate might be the same. The whelps and robbers, he exclaimed, how I should like to get at them, but their time will come, never will the South lay down her arms until every northern soldier is driven in or across the Ohio. In Rogersville, Calhoun met with Dr. Jenkins, who was especially well informed as to the strength and positions of the Federal Army and as to the feelings of the citizens. At first, he said, the result of the battle of Shiloh greatly discouraged us, and the slaughter was horrifying. But we are getting over that now, and every true son of the South is more determined than ever to fight the war to the bitter end, even if we see her homes in flames and the country laid to waste. How is it that Kentucky does not join hands with her sister's states? She will, she must, cried Calhoun. Already thousands of her sons are flocking to the southern standard. It needs but a victory, a Confederate army to enter her territory, and the people will rise en masse. There are not enough traders or Yankees in the state to keep them down. Do you think Beauregard can hold Corinth? asked the doctor. He can if anyone can. He is a great general, answered Calhoun. But Morgan thinks the loss of Corinth would not be fatal if the army were saved. Under no consideration, says Morgan, should Beauregard allow himself to be cooped up in Corinth. I reckon he is right, sighed the doctor, but may the time never come when he will have to give it up. Amen to that, answered Calhoun. From Ridersville, Calhoun made his way north. He ascertained that the railroad which Mitchell was engaged in repairing was not strongly guarded, and he believed that with 500 men, Morgan could break it almost anywhere between Athens and Columbia. Near Mount Pleasant, he met a Confederate officer with a party of recruits which he was taking south. He sent back by him a statement to Morgan of all he had learned, and added, Taking everything into consideration, I believe that Pulaski would be the best place for you to strike. I have no fears but that you can capture it, even with your small force. Calhoun met with his first serious adventure shortly after he crossed the railroad, which he did a few miles south of Columbia. Thinking to make better time, he took the main road leading to Shelbyville. He was discovered by a squad of federal cavalry, which immediately gave chase, but he was mounted on a splendid horse, one that he had brought with him from Kentucky. He easily distanced all his pursuers with the exception of three or four, and he was gradually drawing away from all of them, except a lieutenant in command of the squad, who seemed to be as well mounted as himself. Only one muttered Calhoun looking back as a pistol ball whistled by his head. I can settle him, and he reached for a revolver in his holster. As he did so, his horse stepped into a hole and plunged heavily forward, throwing Calhoun over his head. For a moment, he lay bruised and stunned and then staggered to his feet, only to find the federal officer upon him. Surrender, you rebel, cried the officer, but quick as a flash, Calhoun snatched a small revolver which he carried in his belt and fired. Instead of hitting the officer, the ball struck the horse fairly in the head and the animal fell dead. Leaving the officer struggling to extricate himself from his fallen horse, he went to the front fence and scurried across a small field, beyond which was a wood. A scattering volley was fired by the foremost of the pursuers, but it did no harm and Calhoun was soon across the field. Mounting the fence on the other side, he stood on the top rail and turning around, he uttered a shout of defiance, then jumping down, disappeared into the wood. The foremost of the federal's, a tall lanky sergeant named Latham, galloped to the side of his commander who was still struggling to extricate himself Springing from the saddle, he held them to his feet and anxiously inquired, Are you hurt, Lieutenant? The rebel, the rebel, where is he? Did you get him? Asked the lieutenant. Get him, drawed the sergeant. I think not. He got across that field as if old Nick was after him, but once across he had the cheek to stand on that fence and curl like a young rooster. I took a crack at him, but missed. Why didn't you pursue him? Demanded the officer fiercely. What? In those woods, might as well look for a needle and a haymow. Are you hurt, Lieutenant? My leg is sprained, he groaned, but the worst of it is Jupiter is dead. Curse that rebel! How I wish I had him! I would make him pay dearly for that horse. Here is the rebel horse I called him, explained one of the men leading up Calhoun's horse, which he had captured. He looks a mighty fine horse, and only seems a little lame from his fall. That is a fine horse said Latham looking him over, but he has been rode mighty hard. Wonder who that fellow can be? I see no signs of any other rebel. He must have been alone. Say, he was a Jim Dandy whoever he was. I thought you had him sure, Lieutenant. So did I, answered the Lieutenant with an oath. When his horse threw him, I had no idea he would try to get away, and ordered him to surrender. But quick as a flash, he jerked a revolver from his belt and fired. Better be thankful he hit the horse instead of you, said the Sergeant. For answer the Lieutenant limped to a stone and sitting down said, Examine that roll behind the saddle of the horse. Perhaps we can find out who that fellow was. He broke the roll, which was securely strapped behind Calhoun's saddle, and began to unroll it as carefully as if he suspected it might be loaded. A fine rubber and a good woolen blanket, remarked the Sergeant. Looks mighty like those goods once belonged to our good Uncle Samuel. Bet your life they are part of the plunder from Shiloh. Ah, here is a bundle of letters. Give them to me, said the Lieutenant. The Sergeant handed them over, and the officer hastily glanced over them, reading the superscriptions. These letters are all addressed to persons in Kentucky. What could that fellow be doing with letters going to Kentucky? We will see. He tore up in one of the letters. He had read but a few lines when he exclaimed with a strong expletive, Boys, I would give a month's pay if we had captured that fellow. Who was he? Who was he? Cried several soldiers in unison. He was, let me see. And the Lieutenant tore up in several more of the letters and rapidly scanned them. Yes, these letters make it plain. I take it he was on his way back to Kentucky to recruit for the command of Captain John H. Morgan. Morgan. Morgan, I have heard of that fellow before. He played the deuce with us in Kentucky last winter. Burned the railroad bridge over Bacon Creek. Captured trains tore up the railroad and played smash generally. These letters all seem to be private ones written by the soldiers in Morgan's command to their relatives and friends back in Kentucky. But he may have carried important dispatches on his person. We let him know that the dispatch is on his person. We let a rare prize slip through our fingers. Can't be helped now, Drally remarked Sergeant Latham. If you had captured him it might have put one bar, if not two, on your shoulder strap. The Lieutenant scowled but did not reply. All the letters were read and passed around. Three or four of them occasioned much merriment. For they were written by Love-Norn Swains whom the cruel hand of war had torn from their sweethearts. Golly, it's a wonder them letters hadn't melted from the sweetness they contained, or it took fire from their warmth put in a boyish-looking soldier. Not half as warm as the letter I caught you writing Polly Jones the other day left a comrade. Boys, I looked over his shoulder and read some of it. I tell you, it was hot stuff. My dearest Polly, it commenced. I—but he never finished the sentence for the young soldier sprang and struck him up low which rolled him into the dust. A fight, a fight, shouted the men and crowded around to see the fun. Stop that, roared the Lieutenant, or I will have you both bucked and gagged Sergeant Latham, see that both of those men are put on extra duty tonight. When things had quieted down others of the letters were read, but some of them occasioned no merriment. Instead one could see a rough-blow sleeve drawn across the eyes and a gulping down as if something joked the wearer. These were letters written to the wives and mothers who were watching and waiting for their loved ones to return. These letters reminded them of their own wives and mothers in the Northland, waiting and praying for them. That fellow was making his way back to Kentucky. He has no horse. What more natural than he would try to obtain one at the first opportunity. That old rebel Osborn lives not more than a mile ahead. You remember we visited him last week and threatened to arrest him at the railroad which was tampered with any more. It was thought he sheltered those wandering bands of Confederates who make it dangerous to step outside the camp. If we push on we might catch our bird at Osborn's. If not it would at least give us a chance to see the pretty daughter, remarked the sergeant. Shut up or I will have you reduced to their ranks, grabbed the lieutenant. The subject was rather a painful one to the lieutenant for during his visit to the Osborn's the week before, when he tried to make himself agreeable to the daughter the lady told him in very plain words what she thought of Yankees. It's nearly noon to continue the lieutenant after the interruption and that spring near the house is a splendid place to rest our horses and eat our dinners, so fall in. The lieutenant slowly mounted Calhoun's horse for his fall had made him sore and in none the best of humor he gave the command forward. The plantation of Mr. Osborn was soon reached. It was a beautiful place. The country had not yet been devastated by the cruel hand of war and the landscape rich with the growing crops like glowing under the bright April sky. The mansion house stood back from the road in a grove of noble native trees and the whole surroundings be tokened a home of wealth and refinement. About near the house gush forth a spring whose waters, clear as crystal, ran away in a rippling stream. It was near this spring that Lieutenant Haynes for that was the officer's name, halted his troops. Better throw a guard around the house he said to Sergeant Latham for if that rebel has found his way here he may make a sneak out the back way. After you get the guard posted we will search the house. As the sergeant was executing his orders Mr. Osborn came out of the house and approached the troops. I am a cordial greeting. I cannot say I am rejoiced to see you again he exclaimed with a smile except you come in peace. I trust that the telegraph wire has not been cut or the railroad torn up again. Nothing of the kind has happened to answer the Lieutenant. Then I reckon I am in no danger of arrest and I trust you will take dinner with us. It is nearly ready. The invitation nearly took away the Lieutenant's breath but he accepted it clearly. As they were going towards the house Mr. Osborn remarked carelessly Are you afraid of an attack? I know of nobody of confederates in the vicinity. The truth is, replied Haines we ran into a lone confederate about a mile from here we captured this horse but he succeeded in escaping to the woods after killing my horse. I do not know but he might have found Refugee here and excuse me Mr. Osborn but I may be under the necessity of searching your house. Do as you please replied Mr. Osborn Coley I have seen no such confederate but if I had I should have concealed him but do not let this circumstance spoil our good nature or our dinner. Just then they met Sergeant Latham returning from posting the guard Sergeant you may withdraw the guard said the Lieutenant Mr. Osborn informs me he has not seen our runaway confederate the sergeant turned back to carry out the order muttering confederate confederate the Lieutenant is getting mighty nice he generally says rebel if Lieutenant Haines was surprised that the cordial greeting he had received from Mr. Osborn was an exception he met from Miss Osborn and especially the daughter Miss Clara Miss Osborn was the most beautiful girl about 20 years of age no wonder Lieutenant Haines felt his heart beat faster when he looked upon her when he met her the week before she had treated him with the utmost esteem now she greeted him with a smile and said I trust you have not come to carry Papa away in captivity if not you are welcome nothing of the sort this time I am happy to say exclaimed the Lieutenant with a bow thank you she answered with a smile now you must stay and take dinner with us while your men rest the Lieutenant tells me he met with quite a little adventure about a mob below here said Mr. Osborn Miss Osborn looked up rather inquiringly before more could be said Miss Osborn announced that dinner was ready and the Lieutenant sat down until he most sumptuous repressed what was Lieutenant Haines' adventures you spoke of at length as Miss Osborn of her father better let the Lieutenant tell the story for I know nothing of it but he spoke of searching the house for a supposed concealed confederate as Mr. Osborn said this Miss Osborn gave a little gasp and turned pale but quickly recovered herself she turned a pair of inquiring eyes on the Lieutenant eyes that emitted flames of angry light and seemed to look him through and through Lieutenant Haines turned very red forgive me if I thought of such a thing your father has assured me he has neither seen nor concealed any confederate officer and his word is good with me make yourself easy I shall not insult you by searching the house a look of relief came over the face of Miss Osborn and she answered I thank you very much I shall never again say there are no gentlemen among the Yankees but tell us of your adventure I thought I heard firing about an hour ago was there anyone hurt only my poor horse he was killed answered Haines ah and the days of night had to be unhorsed was to be defeated exclaimed Miss Osborn gaily you must admit yourself vanquished easily effingly replied I am sorry to disappoint you but as I captured my enemy's horse and he fled on foot I cannot admit defeat then your enemy was a solitary knight queried Miss Osborn yes but to all appearances a most gallant one strange she mused who he could be and what could he be doing in this section the place for true knights at this time is at Corinth from letters captured with his horse I take it he was from Corinth said Haines from those letters we learned that his name Pennington that he was a lieutenant in the command of Captain John H. Morgan a gentleman who has given us considerable trouble and may give us more and that he was on his way back to Kentucky to recruit from Morgan's command you say you captured letters queried the girl yes a whole package of them they were from members of Morgan's command to their friends back in Kentucky the boys are having rare fun reading them I suppose it is according to military usages to read all communications captured from the enemy remarked Miss Osborn with a slight tinge of sarcasm in her tone but it seems sacrilege that these private letters should fall into profane hands some of them were rich Haines they were written by loving swings to their girls there were others written to wives and mothers which almost brought tears to our eyes they were so full of yearnings for home Lieutenant there was nothing in those letters of value to you from a military standpoint was there suddenly asked Miss Osborn nothing then I have a great boon to ask will you not give them to me why Miss Osborn what can you do with them asked Haines in surprise I can at least keep them sacred perhaps I can find means of getting them to those for whom they are attended think of those wives and mothers watching waiting for letters which will never come oh give them to me Lieutenant Haines and you will sleep the sweeter tonight your request is a strange one said the Lieutenant yet I can see no harm in granting it you can have the letters but the boys may have destroyed some of them by this time thank you well thank you you'll never forget your kindness I shall remember it I only ask that you think better of the Yankees Miss Osborn we are not all monsters dinner was now over and Sergeant Latham came to report that the hour for the halt was up and to ask what were the Lieutenant's orders had their troops ready and we will return to camp I see nothing more we can accomplish here answered the Lieutenant the sergeant slewed it and turned to go when the officer stopped him with say Sergeant you can gather up all those letters we captured and send them up here with my horse very well said the sergeant but he muttered to himself as he returned now I would like to know what the Lieutenant wants with those letters I bet he has let that girl pull the wool over his eyes a few moments later a soldier appeared leading the Lieutenant's horse the family had accompanied Lieutenant Haines to the porch stepping down to where his horse was he said to the soldier he may return and tell Sergeant Latham to move the troop I will catch up with you in a few moments did you bring the letters yes sir answered the soldier slew it and handed the package to his commander very well you may go now Lieutenant Haines stood and watched the soldier while his orders were being obeyed for he did not wish to have any of his men see him giving the package to Miss Osborne after his troops had moved off Haines placed the bridle of his horse in the hands of a waiting color boy and returning to the porch where Mr. Osborne and the lady still stood said that is the horse I captured from my foe he is a beauty isn't he Jupiter was a splendid horse but I do not think I have lost anything by the exchange here are the letters Miss Osborne you see I have kept my promise and he reached out the package to her but before she could take them away they were snatched from Haines hands and a stern boy said I will take the letters please had a bombshell exploded at Lieutenant Haines' feet he would not have been more surprised and his surprise changed to consternation when he found himself looking into the muzzle of a revolver Lieutenant Haines was no coward but he was unarmed saved his sword and there was no mistaking the look in Calhoun's eye it meant death if he attempted to draw his sword as for Mr. Osborne he seemed as much surprised as Lieutenant Haines Miss Osborne gave a little shriek and then cried oh how could you betray us and still with clasped hands and with a face as pale as death Mr. Osborne was the first to recover from his surprise I know not who you are he said but Lieutenant Haines is my guest and I will have no violence lower that weapon without doing so Calhoun answered if I have done anything contrary to the wishes of those who have so kindly befriended me I am sorry but I cannot withstand the temptation to claim my own as it is I will bid you good day thus saying he dashed past them and snatched the bridle of his horse from the negro boy he vaulted into the saddle and was away at full speed for a moment not a word was spoken and then Lieutenant Haines turned on Mr. Osborne and said barely I congratulate you on the success of your plot and will not be fooled enough again to take the word of a southern gentleman Mr. Osborne flushed deeply but before he could reply his daughter sprang in front of him and faced Lieutenant Haines with flashing eye I will not have my father accused of deception and falsehoods he cried he knew nothing of that confederate being concealed in the house I alone am to blame and I told you nothing I strove to entertain you and keep you from searching the house and I accomplished my purpose and you got those letters from me to give to him yes Lieutenant Haines groaned it may be some satisfaction to you but I mean my undoing disgrace a dishonorable dismissal from the service I shall take no pleasure in your dishonor she exclaimed the color slowly mounting to her cheeks I did not intend that Lieutenant Pennington should show himself it was his rashness that has brought all this trouble how can I return a can without my arms without a horse it would have been a kindness to me if your friend Lieutenant Pennington had put a bullet through my brain Mr. Osborne now spoke Lieutenant Haines he said my daughter speaks the truth when she says I knew nothing of the confederate officer being in my house had I known it I should have tried to conceal him to protect him but I should not have invited you to be my guest as my guest you are entitled to my protection and I shall make what reparation is in my power then turning to the color boy who had stood by with mouth and eyes wide open he said Tom go in saddle and bridle starlight and bring him around for this gentleman surely you do not intend to give me a horse Mr. Osborne said Haines as my guest I can do no less he replied Mr. Osborne if Lieutenant Pennington had not taken his I should have let him have one to continue on his way to Kentucky so you see after all I am out nothing just then they were aroused by the sound of horses feet and looking out they saw sergeant Latham accompanied by two soldiers coming on a gallop riding out the sergeant saluted and casting his eyes around said Lieutenant excuse me but you were so long and joining us that I feared something an accident had befallen you so I came back to see a horse Lieutenant coming answered his superior briskly for he had no notion of explaining just then what had happened when the color boy came leading an entirely strange horse with citizen saddle and bridle on the sergeant exchanged meeting glasses with his companions but said nothing mounting Lieutenant Haines bade the family good day and rode moodily away no sooner were they out of hearing than the sergeant forgetting military discipline explained what in blazes is up Lieutenant I suspected something was wrong all the time that is what made you come back is it as the lieutenant yes I did not march to command far before I halted and waited for you pretty soon we heard the sound of a galloping horse and thought you were coming but when you didn't appear and concluded to ride back and see what was the matter thank you sergeant for your watchfulness I shall remember it then as they rode along the lieutenant told Latham his story and that pesky red was concealed in the house all that time was he asked Latham yes the girl worked it fine the sergeant laughed long and loud and she coaxed the letters from you too oh my oh my and he nearly bent double shut up you fool you say you must help me out of this scrape trust me lieutenant I will tell how brave you were and how you run the rebel down and how you would have captured him if he hadn't shot your horse but look out after this how you let southern girls fool you the lieutenant sighed she is the most beautiful creature I ever saw he murmured gods I shall never forget how she looked when she sprang in between me and that when he had his revolver leveled at my head forget her was a sage advice of the sergeant but the lieutenant did not take it end of chapter 2 chapter 3 of raiding with Morgan by Byron Dunn this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Richard Kilmer recruiting in Kentucky it did not take Calhoun long after he had plunged into the wood to ascertain that he was not pursued so he slackened his head long pace then stopped that he might catch his breath who he panted here is a go horse gone arms except this small revolver gone baggage gone letters gone thank God the dispatches are safe and he tapped his breast where they lay hidden this is about as tight a place I care to be in he continued as he began to work his way through the woods I call this blamed tough luck here I am nearly 300 miles from my destination a horse I must and will have and that quickly surely the planters in this section are too loyal to the south not to let me have a horse when they know the predicament I am in I will try my luck at the very first opportunity if worst comes to worst I will steal one that is I will confiscate one with this resolve he pushed rapidly on and after going a half a mile or more he came out of the woods and beyond lay a fine plantation I wonder if those pesky Yankees will trouble me if I try to make that house he thought I will risk it anyway for if I can reach it it means a horse making his way cautiously he soon reached the road in safety he listened intently but could hear nothing of the enemy but from the opposite direction there came the measured beat of a horse's hoofs looking up he saw not a Yankee but a lady approaching at a swift gallop Calhoun's heart gave a great bound for he knew that no southern woman would betray him and he stepped out from his place of concealment and stood in plain view by the side of the road when the rider saw him she gave a start of surprise and then reigned in her horse with such ease and grace as to charm him he saw at a glance she was young and exceedingly beautiful pardon me he exclaimed reaching for his hat and then he remembered he had none having lost it when his horse fell excuse my appearance he laughed I find I have no hat to take off probably some Yankee has it has a trophy by this time I am a Confederate officer in distress and has a daughter of the south I know I can appeal to you and not in vain you can she replied quickly I thought I heard firing and I rode down to see what it meant as I knew of no party of Confederates in this vicinity a company of federal cavalry were firing at me answered Calhoun my horse fell I had to run or be captured were you all alone she queried yes all alone then I forgive you for running she answered with a ringing laugh otherwise I should not but how came you here and all alone in a few words Calhoun told her who he was and his business come with me she cried quickly let us gain the house before the Yankees come has no doubt they will father will let you have a horse if no other before coming my firefly here although it would almost break my heart to part with him and she lovingly padded the neck of her gallant steed I sincerely hope such a sacrifice will never be called for replied Calhoun no sacrifices too great to aid our beloved cause she answered but come we are losing time the Yankees may be here any moment if Lieutenant Haynes had not stopped to read the captured letters Calhoun and his fair guide would not have reached the house undiscovered as it was they had hardly entered it when the Federals hoeve in sight there is that Yankee officer riding my horse exclaimed Calhoun how I should like to meet him alone they are going to stop gasped the girl they may search the house but they will not if I can out with them mother she said to an elderly lady who had just entered and was gazing at Calhoun in surprise take this officer upstairs and conceal him there is now no time for explanations the Yankees are in the yard the mother without a word motioned Calhoun to follow her and let him upstairs hardly had they disappeared when her father entered there is that Lieutenant Haynes and his company visiting us again he said with some anxiety I wonder what they want father said the girl go and meet Lieutenant Haynes use him nicely invite him to dinner Mr. Osborne looked at his daughter in surprise I never expected to see the time you would want me to invite a Yankee officer to dinner he said never mind now I will explain afterwards go quick for I see he is throwing a guard around the house was her answer Mr. Osborne went for his daughter and was entirely successful in carrying out her scheme although it was unknown to him before his return Mrs. Osborne came downstairs her face denoting her anxiety mother said the girl do not let father know we have anyone concealed it will enable him to say truly he knows of no confederate around and mother I have told him to invite the federal commander to that odious Lieutenant Haynes to dinner be nice to him use him like a welcome honored guest we must disarm all suspicion and keep them from searching the house if possible we have seen how well her plan worked and how completely Lieutenant Haynes was thrown off his guard little did he think that while he was enjoying his dinner downstairs the confederate officer came downstairs it soon became evident to Calhoun that there was no danger of the house being searched and from a window he observed all that was passing without when he saw the troop right away and his own horse led up to the house for the federal commander that spirit of recklessness for which he was noted came over him and without thinking of what the effect might be on those who had at great risk handed him he resolved to try to capture his own with satisfaction he saw the last Yankee depart leaving the commander behind now is my time he exclaimed exultingly and looked to see that his revolver was in perfect condition he crept softly downstairs and has been noted was perfectly successful so sudden was his appearance so swift were his movements and only gazed after him in astonishment until he had disappeared for a few minutes Calhoun was hilarious over the success of his bold dash then came to him the thought that he had cruelly wronged the Osborns in what he had done he suddenly checked his horse and turned as if he would ride back hesitated and turned once more and rode on his way but more slowly it is too late now he sighed to himself to undo the wrong I may have done to think I may have brought trouble on the head of that glorious girl who even would have given me her own horse it is the meanest trick you ever did Calhoun Pennington and it would serve you right if the Yankees captured you it was in no enviable frame of mind that Calhoun continued his journey it was not long before he noticed that his horse was lame the fall he had had evidently strained his shoulder Calhoun more bitterly than ever regretted that he had not restrained himself if he had he might now have been riding a good fresh horse given him by Mr. Osborn serves me right he groaned oh what a fool and not only a fool but a brute I have been that girl I can't help thinking that I may have got her into serious trouble a few miles more and his horse became so lame that Calhoun had to come down to a walk he dismounted with a rueful face it's no use he said I shall have to leave him where can I get another horse the opportunity came sooner than he expected he had dismounted in a wood a thick growth of cedars screening him from the observation of anyone passing along the road hearing the sound of an approaching horseman he crept to the side of the road and to his surprise saw a federal officer approaching unattended he was riding leisurely along unsuspicious of danger and whistling merrily with Calhoun to think was to act all surrender were the words which saluted the startled officer as Calhoun sprang into the road by his side and leveled a revolver at his breast the officer was a brave man and he reached for his revolver touch that weapon and you're a dead man said Calhoun in a low firm voice fool, don't you see I have the drop on you the set features of the federal relaxed he even smiled as he replied I guess you are right no use kicking what is your pleasure dismount, no on this side the officer did as he was bitten Calhoun took hold of the horse's bridle still keeping the man covered with his revolver now continued Calhoun your name rank and regiment Mark Crawford Company B Ohio Calvary was the answer Captain Crawford I'm very happy to have met you as it may be a little inconvenient for you and me to travel together I ask you to give me your parole of honor that you will not bear arms against the southern confederacy until regularly exchanged may I be permitted to ask replied the captain with a peculiar smile who it is that makes this demand Lieutenant Calhoun Pennington of Morgan's Cavalry well Lieutenant Calhoun Pennington of Morgan's Cavalry you may go to the devil before I will give you my parole Calhoun was astounded at the reply I'm afraid I shall have to shoot you he said shoot an unarmed prisoner if you will was the fearless reply it would be an act worthy of a rebel and traitor Lieutenant Pennington I am well aware you are alone that you cannot take me with you it would be an act of cowardness in me to give you my parole as Captain Crawford said this he folded his arms across his breast and looked Calhoun in the face without the quiver of a muscle Calhoun was filled with admiration at the bravery of the man Captain you are too brave a man to die a dog's death and neither would I think of shooting a defenseless man I shall let you go but shall be under the necessity of borrowing your horse you will find mine in the bushes there badly crippled goodbye may we meet again thus saying Calhoun sprang on the captain's horse Captain Crawford stood looking after him until he was out of sight may you have your wish my fine fellow he exclaimed I would ask nothing better than that we should meet again both had their wish they met again not once but several times a brave fellow that said Calhoun to himself as he galloped away I would have soon have thought of shooting my brother he didn't bluff worth a cent the horse which Calhoun had captured was a good one and he rode him for many a day we will not follow Calhoun in all his adventures in his journey toward his destination in Kentucky suffice it to say he met with numerous perils and made some narrow escapes but at last found himself near Danville there resided a few miles from Danville a rich planter named Ormsby Calhoun knew him as an ardent friend of the South one well versed in all secret attempts to take Kentucky out of the Union and one who kept well posted in everything which pertained to the welfare of the Confederacy and at Ormsby's he resolved to stop and lay his plans for the future he was received with open arms so you are from John Morgan said Mr. Ormsby and wish to recruit for his command you have come at an opportune time tomorrow there is a secret meeting of prominent Confederates near Harrodsburg I am to attend you will meet a number there for whom you have letters of course you will go with me tired as he was Calhoun rode that night with Mr. Ormsby to be present at the meeting if he was to meet Morgan at Glasgow during the first day of May his time was short, very short and what he should do was done quickly when he was introduced to those present as from Morgan and just from Corinth their enthusiasm knew no bounds he had to tell the story of Shiloh of the tragic death of Governor Johnson of the retreat but how the spirit of the Southern Army was unbroken and that the South would not and could not be conquered to his delight Calhoun found that two companies of Calvary were nearly ready to take the field and it was unanimously agreed that they should cast their fortune with Morgan I believe that Morgan with a thousand men can ride clear to the Ohio River declared Calhoun it only remains for Kentuckians to rally to his standard and give him the support that he desires it was agreed that the companies should be filled as soon as possible and should go whenever Calhoun said the word Calhoun returned with Mr. Ornsby as he wished to enter Danville to visit his parents disguised as a country boy with produce to sell he had no trouble in passing the pickets into town with a basket of eggs on his arm he knocked at the back door of his father's residence it was opened by Klo the cook want any good fresh eggs asked Calhoun no get away with the poor white trash the old Negro woman as she attempted to shut the door in his face Klo the dish which she held in her hand went clattering to the floor for the lands sake she cried if it isn't massive Calhoun the Lord bless you child the Lord bless you and she seized him and fairly dragged him into the house hush Klo not so loud don't tell father I am here yet and Klo don't whisper I am here to his soul if the Yankees found out I was here they might hang me oh Lord oh Lord hang your mask as she cried oh Klo tell no one that's right Aunt Klo now bake those biscuits I see you are making in a hurry and make my favorite pie I want to eat one more meal of your cooking no one can cook like Aunt Klo you shall have a meal fit for the king cried the old Negro's her face all aglow you must hurry Klo for I can't stay long now I will go and surprise father and surprise him he did the old judge could hardly believe the seeming country boy was his son where in the world did you come from he asked from Corinth answered Calhoun I am now back to recruit from Morgan so you have joined Morgan have you yes now that Governor Johnson has killed I know the service I would like as well as to ride with Morgan you could have come home my son father what do you mean come home while the south is bleeding at every poor come home like a craven while the contest is yet undecided I am wrong my son but it is so hard for you my only child to be in the army oh that dreadful battle of Shiloh the agony the sleepless nights it has caused me you are safe yes father and I trust that the hand of kind providence will protect me but here is a letter from Morgan the judge adjusted his spectacles and read the letter with much interest my son he said after he had finished it it is well you are not captured with such letters on your person it might have cost you your life even now I tremble for your safety does anyone know you are in Danville only Aunt Khlo and she is as true as steel yet there is danger I know the house is under the closest surveillance the federal authorities know I am an ardent friend of the south and they watch me continually Morgan says in his letter that he hopes it will not be long before he will be in Kentucky and mark my word cried Calhoun it will not be before many weeks the name of Morgan will be on every tongue he will be the scourge of the Yankee army but father what of Uncle Dick and Fred Colonel Shackleford is at home minus a leg the federal authorities have paroled him Fred is at home nursing him your uncle won in perishable honors on the field of Shiloh what a pity he has such a son as Fred Calhoun's face clouded the remembrance of his last meeting Fred still rankled in his breast I never want to see him again he said the judge sighed oh this war this war he exclaimed how it disrupts families you and Fred used to be the same as brothers I thought nothing could come in between you and him Calhoun he is a noble boy not withstanding he is a traitor to his state and the south they say he is going to resign from the army for the sake of his father won't you go and see him no brusquely answered Calhoun yet he felt in his heart he was wronging his cousin by his action dinner was now announced by Aunt Khlo and it did her honest old heart good to see the way Calhoun ate I just believe that their child ain't had nothing to eat for a week she declared I reckon I shall have to go now said Calhoun rising reluctantly on the table I have already made too long a visit for a country boy with eggs to sell I declare Aunt Khlo I do believe I should kill myself eating if I stayed any longer no danger of that child replied Aunt Khlo grinning the words of parting were few do be careful my son said Judge Pennington his voice trembling with emotion God only knows whether I shall ever see you again or not as Calhoun started to leave a pair of sharp eyes was watching him those eyes belonged to a pretty girl named Jenny Freeman the Freemans were Judge Pennington's nearest neighbors but Mr. Freeman was as strong a union man as the Judge was a secessionist once the best of friends a coldness had sprung up between them since the opening of the war Jenny was two years older than Calhoun but they had been playmates from babyhood and were great friends Jenny called him her night errant more than once he had carried a pair of black eyes and fighting her battles when some of the larger boys had teased her Jenny had seen the supposed country boy enter the kitchen of Judge Pennington and there was something in his walk and manner which attracted her attention if that isn't Cal Pennington I'm a sinner she exclaimed to herself she was on watch for him and when he remained so long she became more than ever convinced that her suspicions were correct at length the boy came out with a basket on his arm hi there boy come here she called what have you to sell Calhoun paid no attention to her call but hurried on faster I tell you boy you had better come here if you know when you were well off she called in a threatening voice oh I know you Calhoun saw that he was discovered and that his best way was to try to make peace with her what do you want he growled as he walked toward her I have nothing to sell all sold out well I never said the girl has Calhoun came up do you think I don't know you Cal Pennington a pretty figure you cut in those old clothes and with that basket what in the world are you doing here hush Jenny not so loud if discovered I might be hanged said Calhoun in a low voice Yankees don't hang traitors they ought to reply the girl with a tooth of her head but don't you see I'm in disguise I might be taken as a spy what are you but one I ought to inform on you at once Jenny you wouldn't do that I am only here to see father and mother I had to come in disguise or I might be taken prisoner by the Yankees and you are not here to spy you know there are many rumors of float ask the girl just here to visit father and mother can you blame me Jenny as Calhoun said this his heart smote him for while it was true he was in Danville for the purpose of visiting his parents his mission to Kentucky was for an entirely different object now Jenny you won't tell on me will you he continued in a coaxing tone not if you behave yourself and don't let me hear of any of your capers answered the girl you won't Jenny good-bye I may be able to do you a good turn one of these days Jenny stood looking after him until he disappeared then shaking her head she went into the house saying I couldn't inform on him if he is a rebel the next few days were busy ones for Calhoun he visited Nicholasville Lexington Pittsburgh had interviews with a large number of prominent secessionists found out as near as possible the number of federal troops garrisoning the different towns in fact gathered information of the utmost value to Morgan if he should ever raid Kentucky but all these things could not be done without rumors reaching the federal authorities it was known that the southern element was extremely active that recruiting for the confederate army was going on and at last the name of Calhoun Pennington was mentioned someone who knew him well declared that he had seen him and it was common report he was back recruiting for Morgan's command the federal commander at Danville was ordered to keep a close watch on the house of Judge Pennington to see if it was not visited by his son it was on the evening of May 2nd and Calhoun was in Lexington when he was startled by hearing the news boy crying Pulaski, Tennessee, captured by John Morgan he is head at north closely pursued by the federal forces then Morgan had commenced his raid there was no time to be lost that night the next day and the next night horsemen could be seen galloping furiously along unfrequented roads throughout central Kentucky the word was meet at the rendezvous near Harrodsburg three days afterwards two hundred of the best, the bravest and the noblest youths of Kentucky were ready to march to join Morgan each one of them had provided his own outfit they asked no pay to fight for their beloved south before going Calhoun determined to pay his father one more visit although he knew it was dangerous to do so concealing his horse in a thicket outside the limits of the city he waited until dark then stole across fields and through Alley's home no sooner did the judge see him then he cried Calhoun, Calhoun, what have you done do you know they are on the watch for you I had to see you once more before I went answered Calhoun I was careful and I do not think anyone saw me come I have some things of importance to tell you father and son talked together for some five minutes in low confidential tones when they were interrupted by Jenny Freeman bursting unannounced into the room and crying run Calhoun the soldiers are coming they are most here and before either could say a word she was out again like a flash who would have thought it of that abolitionist Freeman's daughter gasped the judge fly my boy fly and may God protect you grasping his trusty revolver he said goodbye all and ran through the house to pass out by the back way just as he reached the door it was opened and he fairly rushed into the arms of a soldier who was entering so surprised were both that they could only stare at each other for a brief second but Calhoun recovered himself first and dealt the soldier a terrific blow over the head with the butt of his revolver the soldier sank down with a moan sprang out over his prostrate body only to meet and overturn another soldier who was just ascending the steps the force of the collision threw him headlong but he was up again in a twinkling and disappeared in the darkness followed by a few ineffectual shots by the baffled Federals Judge Pennington had heard the firing and groaned my son oh my son the firing had alarmed the neighborhood and there were many pale faces for the people knew not what it meant a short time afterwards a federal officer arrested Judge Pennington and he was dragged off the jail but he did not think of himself my son he asked was he captured was he hurt I think the devils protecting his own roughly replied the officer but we will attend to you for harboring rebels Judge Pennington lay in jail amongst criminals not only that night but for nearly a week there was talk of sending him to a northern prison as a dangerous man but Fred Shackleford heard of his arrest and his probable fate and came in and had a stormy interview with the federal commander he showed that Judge Pennington had committed no overt act that his son who was a confederate soldier had simply come to visit him and had resisted capture had a right to do as Fred threatened to report the case to the commander of the department the judge was released Jenny Freeman had many qualms of conscious over what she had done but Judge Pennington kept her secret well telling only Fred and when he congratulated Jenny over her act she felt relieved for young Shackleford was not only known as a favorite of General Nelson but as one of the most daring and successful of Union scouts Calhoun met with no more adventures he had no trouble in finding his way to his horse and he lost no time in joining his comrades boys, John Morgan told me to meet him at Glasgow he cried and two hundred voices answered him with a loud, hurrah, we will do it little did Calhoun or they think that at that very time John Morgan, his forces defeated and scattered the enemy but like them he had set his face toward Glasgow End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of Raiding with Morgan by Byron Dunn this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Morgan's first raid all through the month of April General Halleck had been concentrating the mighty armies of almost the entire west for the purpose of crushing the guard at Corinth for a month the two armies lay but a few miles apart almost daily skirmishes taking place between the outposts during the month General O. M. Mitchell had overrun Middle Tennessee and was holding the Memphis and Charleston Railroad from Decatur to Bridgeport, Alabama two railroads led south from Nashville, Tennessee both connecting with Memphis and Charleston Railroad one at Decatur and the other at Stevenson, Alabama both of these roads were of vital importance to General Mitchell for on them he depended for transportation for the sustenance of his army these roads had been badly damaged by the Confederate army when it retreated from Nashville and General Mitchell was busily engaged in repairing them if repaired and held and the Confederate army be driven still further south John H. Morgan now promoted to a colonelcy believed that with a small force the rear of the Federal army could be raided the railroads cut, bridges burned and their communications so destroyed that they would be forced to fall back General Beauregard was not so sanguine well great damage might be done and the Federal army subjected to much inconvenience the contest after all would have to be decided by the great armies then he needed every man as Halleck was about to move at last he gave Morgan permission to make his raid but with a force not to exceed 500 it was in the last days of April that Morgan started with his little force on what seemed to many certain destruction but every man in the command was full of enthusiasm they had unlimited faith in their leader and where he went they would follow following almost the exact route taken by Calhoun Morgan's first blow fell on Pulaski, Tennessee so swift and unexpected had been his movements that the Federals were taken completely by surprise the place was surrendered without a struggle moving rapidly north the command attacked and without any loss captured a wagon train in route from Columbia to Athens thus at the very commencement of his raid Morgan captured Pulaski with all its military stores a wagon train and some 270 prisoners and this without the loss of a man among the prisoners captured were a son of General O. M. Mitchell and our old acquaintance the prisoners were all paroled and were astonished by the kind treatment they received both Captain Jumper who was in charge of the wagon train and the son of General Mitchell were loud in their praise of the way they were used by Morgan after destroying all the Federal property captured and damaging the railroad as much as possible the command continued on their raid their route taking them by the plantation of Mr. Osborne the welcome they received there was a royal one Colonel Morgan stopped and took dinner with the family here he heard of the adventure of Calhoun and he laughed long and heartily over the way Calhoun had recovered his horse tell him said Miss Osborne that I forgive him his abrupt leaving as no harm came to father by the way Lieutenant Haynes has become quite friendly coming out to see us two or three times no one can blame him even if you give him but a moment of your company replied Morgan gallantly but Miss Osborne I am sorry to say we took your friend prisoner he was paroled and no doubt is now on his way north Miss Osborne blushed and then said and good riddance I trust I shall never see him again but he was kind the papa he even returned the horse that is lucky responded Morgan for if he hadn't been returned one of my men would be riding him now and your chance of getting him would be small from Pulaski Morgan pushed northeast avoiding Shelbyville and Murphysboro both of these places been too strongly garrisoned for him to attack with his small force he crossed the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad ten miles north of Murphysboro and destroyed as much of the track as his limited time would admit from there he rode straight to Lebanon, Tennessee which place he reached just at nightfall the inhabitants received him with the wildest demonstration of joy but trouble was in store for him his men with their long ride and he laid it over there continued success became careless they knew they were among friends but no harm could come to them so they slept without fear the federal authorities had become thoroughly alarmed over his progress strong bodies of troops were in swift pursuit from Shelbyville from Murphysboro and from Nashville just before daylight the federal's charged into the little city with whoop and hurrah taken entirely by surprise Morgan's men thought only of flight companies under the command of Colonel Robert C. Wood being cut off from their horses threw themselves into a college building in the outskirts of the city and for three hours defended themselves with desperation at last being out of ammunition they were forced to surrender in this unfortunate affair Morgan lost nearly two hundred of his best troops the rest were more or less scattered he himself was chased for eighteen miles and the pursuit ceased only when he with the remnant of his troops had crossed the Cumberland the federal's thought they had thoroughly whipped Morgan and he would give them no more trouble but they did not know the man he had started for Kentucky and to Kentucky he would go after crossing the Cumberland he halted gathered his scattered command together and then with less than three hundred men started for Glasgow Lieutenant Pennington will meet us at Glasgow with reinforcements he told his men but there were some of his officers who had misgivings chief among these was Captain Conway speaking to another officer Captain Matthews Conway said it's strange that the Colonel has such confidence in that young upstart has for me I look for no reinforcement what else than we can do is get back as soon as possible Captain what is the matter asked Matthews what has that young fellow done that you have taken such a dislike to him nothing but the idea of sending a mere boy on such an important mission why did he not send someone back with influence Pennington is well connected you know his father is Judge Pennington of Danville his mission will be a failure see if it isn't we shall see no reinforcements at Glasgow just then Morgan came riding along and seeing Conway said Captain I want to thank you for the gallant manner in which you held back the enemy while the command crossed the Cumberland you did nobly the praise so pleased Conway that for a time he forgot his supposed grievance without further trouble from the Federals the little command reached Glasgow where they were received with open arms by the inhabitants Houses were thrown open to them and food provided in abundance but nothing had been heard of any reinforcements what did I tell you said Conway to Matthews wait was the answer the night was an anxious one morning came but still nothing was heard of any reinforcements we will wait another day said Morgan about noon cheering was heard and Morgan's men nearly went wild with enthusiasm as nearly two hundred splendidly mounted men came galloping into camp when the captain in command reported Morgan thanked him in the warmest terms and then looking eagerly around said where is Lieutenant Pennington I do not see him Lieutenant Pennington answered the captain asked to leave to take twenty men and scout toward Cave City I gave him permission to do so he has an idea that the railroad might be reached and broken at that point ah I have thought so myself replied Morgan I shall wait for his report with interest the arrival of the two fresh companies had raised a command to his large or larger than it was when it started from Corinth and every man was eager to go on it was nearly night when Calhoun reported with his little company he was jubilant over what he had discovered Colonel he said we could easily capture Cave City and thus sever the connection between Louisville and Nashville the place is lightly guarded oh if we could only take the place and capture the train on which my gallant men taken prisoner at Lebanon are being taken north I should be supremely happy Morgan with much feeling perhaps we can replied Calhoun with enthusiasm how about going farther north in Cave City asked Morgan Calhoun shook his head it will not do he replied all the towns are too strongly held for your small force to cope with at least we can try Cave City answered Morgan and orders were given for the command to be ready to march at sundown the vicinity of Cave City was reached about two o'clock in the morning the column was halted and the men were ordered to rest until daylight as soon as it was light Calhoun with a soldier named Emery was sent in advance to the place they were disguised as countrymen and were to linger around the depot and when the charge came they were to prevent the telegraph operator from sending warning of the raid dressed in homespun clothes and steeds Calhoun and Emery played their part to perfection their entrance into the little place caused no comment and excited no suspicion sauntering into the depot they gazed curiously around what's that? asked Calhoun pointing at the clicking telegraph instrument that my boy said the operator patronizingly is a telegraphic instrument did you never see one before what makes it tick? lightning my son lightning that's a lightning catcher Calhoun opened his eyes and wonder just hear that he said to Emery what is it for he continued turning his attention to the operator once more to send messages replied the operator amused at the ignorance displayed with this little instrument I can talk with anyone at Louisville or Nashville what's you in Givens wins drawed Calhoun do you take wins for a fool a guard who stood idly by laughed long and loud a fine specimen of southern chivalry he chuckled just then there came the sound of cheering pistol shots and the clatter of horses hoofs mingled with a frighted cries by heavens the town is being raided shouted the operator as he sprang to his instrument stop thundered Calhoun touch that instrument and you're a dead man the operator looked up amazed only to find himself covered with a revolver the guard at the same time was looking into the muzzle of a weapon held by Emery drop that gun said Emery to the trembling man the gun went clanging to the floor you two stand there in the corner with your hands above your heads commanded Calhoun the operator and the guard stayed with the clarity keep them covered with your revolver Emery continued Calhoun while I see what I can find think I will pocket these dispatches first they may be of use just then he glanced out of the window and saw four or five soldiers running toward the depot there might be more following giving the telegraphic instrument a kick which sent it flying he started to leave in a hurry then noticing the blanched faces as they came rushing into the depot he called out no use running Emery we can take the whole crowd prisoners green as we look and they did there was no fight in the frightened men when the excitement was over Calhoun looked over the dispatches which he had captured and found that a passenger train was due from the south in half an hour and that it had orders to wait at Cave City for a freight train to pass coming from the north this was good news and Morgan's men waited in glee for the approaching trains at the appointed time the passenger train came rolling in the reception it received astonished everyone on board to Colonel Morgan's great disappointment his men captured at Lebanon were not on the train but there were a great many federal soldiers principally officers aboard on their way north these at first made some show of resistance but when they saw how hopeless their case was they suddenly submitted to their fate it was not long before the freight train came slowly puffing in it was an immense train of 45 cars heavily loaded with rations, clothing and munitions of war for Buell's army Morgan's men freely helped themselves from the rich stores to everything that they needed and could carry the work of destruction began the torch was applied and soon the two trains were wrapped in flames the prisoners who had gloomily watched the work of destruction were now lined up and told that they would be released upon giving their parole this they gladly consented to do it fell to Calhoun to take a list of their names with rank and regiment don't see why I should be asked to give another parole, growled a lieutenant I gave you fellows one at Pulaski a short time since and was on my way home now to stay until I am exchanged how often do you want to take a fellow prisoner anyway Calhoun glanced up much amused the officers started stared at him a moment and then abruptly asked is your name Pennington it is Lieutenant Pennington if you please you and I have met before ah I know you I wish to thank you for I am told you did not visit your wrath on the Osborns on account of my abrupt leave taking no the girl had concealed you in the house unbeknown to the old gentleman and as he had assured me that there were no confederates about he felt real cut up about it he actually proffered me another horse in the place of the one you took said I was his guest and should not suffer just like an old fashioned southern gentleman the very personification of honesty replied Calhoun it may interest you Lieutenant to know that recovering my horse did me little good for he went so lame I had to leave him and took mine in his place spoke up a fine looking Federal Officer who stood near and whose name Calhoun had not yet taken Captain Crawford as I live exclaimed Calhoun extending his hand Captain I want to give you my sincere thanks that was a fine horse you loaned me must have Kentucky blood in him I am writing him yet how about your parole Captain you know you absolutely refuse to give it to me I have changed my mind ah that is good if you refuse this time we might be obliged to take you along with us and that might not be agreeable to you as the Captain gave his parole he said this is the second time we have met there may be a third meeting and it may be my time or va gaily replied Calhoun little did he think then of their next meeting and what it would mean to him the prisoners all being paroled and the work of destruction complete Morgan's command returned to Glasgow loaded with booty the capture of the trains caused the greatest excitement throughout the Federal Army it showed the Federal authorities how weak their line of communication was although so much depended on Morgan's capture he was left for some days almost unmolested he made a demonstration toward Lebanon captured a number of prisoners and then when the combination against him grew too strong to be resisted he withdrew at his leisure and at length found rest for his command End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of Rating with Morgan by Byron Dunn this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Morgan's first great raid the struggle for the possession of Corinth was ended General Halleck with his immense army of 125,000 men had thought to reduce the place by regular siege and forced General Beauregard to capitulate surrendering himself with his whole army Beauregard was too able a general to be caught in a trap for a month he held the Federal Army at bay and then when Halleck was about to spring his trap Beauregard silently withdrew leaving the him but a barren victory the Confederate army was saved and to the Federal forces the occupation of Corinth proved as demoralizing as a defeat the result showed that John Morgan was right when he said that the hope of the South rested not on the occupancy of any single place but on the safety of its armies the fall of Corinth at once changed the theater of war the Federal Army was divided the Army of the Tennessee under Grant remaining in Mississippi and the Army of the Ohio was ordered to march east and capture Chattanooga if Beauregard had acted promptly and swiftly he might have been successful and the death blow would have been given to the Confederacy long before it was but he moved slowly and haltingly and the golden opportunity was lost it gave the Confederacy time to transfer to Chattanooga the larger part of the Army which had been at Corinth the command of this Army was given to General Brexton Bragg a brave man and by many thought to be one of the ablest generals of the South it at once became the dream of General Bragg to gather as large an army as possible then march northward clear to the Ohio River sweeping everything before him this dream came near being realized it was made possible by the efforts of two men General John H. Morgan and General N. B. Forrest these two great raiders and leaders of cavalry nearly turned the scale in favor of the Confederacy they raided the rear of the Federal Army tore up railroads destroyed millions of dollars worth of property and captured thousands of prisoners they ran General Buell nearly distracted and made it possible for General Bragg to reach Kentucky unopposed and if after reaching Kentucky General Bragg had proved as able a leader of infantry as Morgan was of cavalry Buell's Army would have been destroyed while Bragg was organizing his Army at Chattanooga another Confederate Army was being organized at Knoxville under General E. Kirby Smith this Army was to invade Kentucky by way of East Tennessee while General Bragg was to invade by way of Middle Tennessee once in Kentucky the two Armies were to unite this program was successfully carried out and yet the whole movement was a failure as far as the occupancy of Kentucky was concerned after the fall of Corinth Colonel Morgan rendezvoused his little force at Chattanooga from Chattanooga he proceeded to Knoxville where he at once began the preparations for another raid as Cumberland Gap was held by the Federals Colonel Morgan decided to cross over into Middle Tennessee before invading Kentucky his command consisted of about 900 men made up of two regiments and two independent companies his own regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Basil Duke all through Morgan's career Colonel Duke was his chief advisor so much so that many claimed that Morgan's success was mainly due to Colonel Duke why doesn't someone shoot Basil Duke through the head and blow out John Morgan's brains exclaimed a disgusted federal officer after a fruitless effort to catch Morgan but the officer was mistaken both had brains like Grant and Sherman they worked hand in hand one needed the other to be responsible before leaving Knoxville Morgan picked out 25 men mounted on the best and fleetest horses and placed them in command of Calhoun Pennington they were to be the scouts of the command and well did they do their duty more than once did they save Morgan from heavy losses by ascertaining the movements of the enemy Morgan left Knoxville July 4th his route lay directly west over the Cumberland mountains to Sparta a distance of 104 miles this in spite of the rough roads he made in three days many of the mountaineers of East Tennessee clung to the union and much of the way he had to ride through almost as hostile a country as if raiding through the north the utmost vigilance had to be used and Calhoun with his scouts was kept well in front to see that the road was clear on the second day's march there was a crack of a rifle from a mountain side and one of the scouts tumbled from his horse dead a little cloud of white smoke up the mountain showed from where the shot was fired with a cry of rage the scouts sent a volley where the little cloud was seen then springing from their horses clambered up the mountain to hunt down the murderer but their search was fruitless about a mile beyond where the shooting took place they came to a rough log cabin surrounded by a few acres of comparatively smooth ground a small patch of corn and potatoes was growing near the cabin and an old man with tangled gray hair and beard was hoeing in the field an old woman sat in the door calmly smoking a corn cob pipe neither seemed to notice the soldiers as they came riding up you man come here certainly called Calhoun the mountaineer deliberately laid down his hoe and slowly came to where Calhoun was he seemed to be in no hurry nor did he appear to be disturbed what is your name demanded Calhoun Nichols, Jim Nichols drawled the man are you well acquainted around here demanded Calhoun have lived here going on 20 years was the answer we have just had a man shot by one of your skulking mountaineers do you know anyone likely to do such a deed tell the truth or it will be the worst for you the old man shook his head the men be all gone in one army or the other he answered are you union or confederate asked Calhoun the war is nothing to weans he drawed weans own no niggers that's no answer honestly replied Calhoun I have a mind to hang you up like a dog a little stretching of the neck might loosen your tongue at the word hang a strange look came into the old man's eyes a look has a mortal hatred but it was gone in a moment and the drawing answer came weans knows nothing there may be strange men hiding in the mountain weans don't know have you a family a gal where is she done gone over to mountain to see the gymson gals you have no son at the word son again the deadly glint came into the old man's eyes again it was gone in a moment and the answer came no the cabin was searched the mountaineer and his wife apparently perfectly unconcerned as to what was going on but nothing suspicious was found and Calhoun had to confess himself baffled but after Morgan's column had passed a tall, lank girl with unkept hair might have been seen coming down the mountainside carrying a long rifle in her hand swiftly and surely as a deer she leaped from rock to rock and soon neared the cabin carefully concealing her rifle beneath a huge rock she came slowly up to the door of the cabin where the old man sat smoking he looked up at her inquiringly but did not say a word wins got one dad she said as she passed in not another word was spoken but the old man sat and smoked and watched the son as it slowly sunk to rest behind the mountain if Calhoun had known that Nichols' only son had been hanged the winter before by the confederate authorities for bridge burning and that his sister had sworn revenge he would not have been at a loss as to who had fired the deadly shot for every mountain girl could use a rifle from Sparta Morgan made a rapid march to Selina where he forded the Cumberland river at Selina he learned that there was a federal force at Tompkinsville which is just over the line in Kentucky by a swift advance he hoped to surprise and capture this force as the command crossed the line from Tennessee into Kentucky the enthusiasm of the men knew no bounds they sang my old Kentucky home and cheered again and again Tompkinsville was reached at five o'clock on the morning of the ninth of July the Federals under the command of Major Thomas J. Jordan of the ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry those surprised made a stand and the battle at once opened but a few shots from Morgan's Mountain Howitzers utterly demoralized the Federals and they fled in confusion Major Jordan after retreating about a mile succeeded in rallying about seventy-five of his men and made a stand to cover the retreat of his force Calhoun with some fifteen of his scouts far in advance of the main column charged down on them without hesitating a moment the Federals although they outnumbered their scouts five to one were ridden down and throwing down their arms they cried for mercy in this fight the Gallant Colonel Hunt was mortally wounded he was one of Morgan's best officers and his loss was deeply mourned from Tompkinsville Morgan moved to Glasgow arriving there at one o'clock in the morning the Federal Garrison had heard of his approach and had fled leaving everything behind them a large quantity of military stores fell into Morgan's hands and was destroyed although it was in the middle of the night the glam news spread through the town and the citizens were hailing each other with the glad shout Morgan has come again Morgan has come again soon from every house lights were flashing and every woman was engaged in cooking when morning came not only a steaming-hot breakfast was one of the best that place afford it was set before the men but three days cooked rations were given each man at Glasgow Morgan gave out that he was again to raid the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in order to carry out the deception when he left Glasgow he followed the road which would lead him to strike the railroad in between Woodsonville and Monkford'sville but when he was within a few miles to his command and taking only Calhoun and his scouts he struck the road at a lonely place a short distance from Horses Cove here he had his telegraph operator a sharp young fellow named Ellsworth attach his private instrument to the telegraph wire and for two hours Ellsworth in the midst of a driving storm and standing in water up to his knees took every message that passed over the wire it was rare fun to hear the federal officers telling all their secrets and revealing the terror they were in over Morgan's raid after listening to their plans of how they would try to capture him Morgan had Ellsworth send the following dispatch to the Provost Marshall at Louisville Nashville, Tennessee July 10th, 1862 General Forrest commanding Brigade attacked Murfreesboro routing our forces and is now moving on Nashville Morgan is reported to be between Scottsville and Galatin and will act in concert with Forrest it is believed inform General commanding Stanley Matthews Provost Marshall Morgan sent this dispatch to lead the federal authorities to believe that he was returning from Kentucky but the strange part of it is that Forrest did on that very day attack and capture Murfreesboro and of this fact Morgan was entirely ignorant leaving the telegraph and railroad intact so as to have the federal's remain in ignorance of what he had done and where he was Morgan rejoined his command and set out for Lebanon a ride of over 40 miles the place fell almost without struggle dashing in at ahead of his scouts Calhoun took possession of the telegraph office this was at 3 o'clock in the morning unsuspicious of danger the regular telegraph operator was at home asleep and Ellsworth was once more installed at the instrument it seemed that the day before Colonel Johnson commanding the place had telegraphed for reinforcements saying he feared an attack the first dispatch that Ellsworth received was what news any more skirmishing to which Ellsworth answered no, we drove what few Calvary there were away the next was has the train arrived yet no, how many troops on the train asked Ellsworth about 500 was the answer this was what Morgan wanted to know and he at once dispatched the column to intercept the train but the train scented danger and backed with all speed toward Louisville at Lebanon immense stores fell in the Morgan's hands two large warehouses filled to overflowing with clothing rations and the munitions of war were given to the flames five thousand stand of arms were among the trophies Morgan picked out the best of these to arm his men the destruction of federal property being complete Morgan started north going through Springfield to Harrodsburg here he met with the most enthusiastic reception nothing was too good for Morgan's men while at Harrodsburg Calhoun greatly wished that Morgan would make a detour and visit Danville but this Morgan refused to do as it would take him too far out of his route and give the federal time to concentrate against him thus Calhoun was prevented from entering his native town Morgan had caused the report to be circulated far and near that he had a force of five thousand and that his object was the capture of Frankfurt from Harrodsburg he moved to Midway on the line of the Louisville and Lexington railroad the place was about equidistant from Frankfurt and Lexington and from it either place could be equally threatened here he once more took possession of the telegraph office and was once more busy in sending telegrams in the names of the different federal officers Morgan telegraphed right and left ordering the federal troops here and there everywhere but to the right place and causing the utmost confusion the poor Federals were at their wits end they knew not what to do or which way to turn the whole state was in terror the name of Morgan was on every tongue his force was occupied five fold general Boyle in command of the department of Kentucky was deluged with telegrams in plurian assistance he in turn deluged general Halleck, general Buell and even president Lincoln send me troops or Kentucky is lost John Morgan will have it he said Lincoln telegraphed the Halleck at Corinth they were having a stampede in Kentucky please look to it Buell telegraphed I can do nothing have no men I can send thus Kentucky was left to her fears never did a thousand men create a greater panic from midway Colonel Morgan made a strong demonstration toward Frankfort strengthening the belief that he was to attack that place but his real object was to capture of Lexington Calhoun with his men scouted clear up to the outskirts driving in the federal outposts but he learned that the city was garrisoned by at least five times the number of Morgan's men this fact he reported to his chief who saw that it would be madness to attempt to capture it Morgan therefore resolved to swing clear around Lexington thoroughly breaking the railroad which led from that place to Cincinnati so he gave orders to start for Paris but he was unexpectedly delayed by a day at midway by an unfortunate incident the capture of Calhoun and one of his men by the home guards End of chapter 5