E> R.AR.Y 
 
 OF THE 
 
 U N IVER.SITY 
 OF ILLINOIS 
 
 ^973.734 
 
 L HW. SURVEY
 
 


 
 GRIERSON RAIDS, 
 
 HATCH'S SIXTY-FOUR DAYS MARCH, 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 
 
 THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES 
 
 CHICK ASA W, THE SCOUT, 
 
 JBY R. W. SURBY. 
 
 CHICAGO: 
 
 RotmDS AND JAMES, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTKBS. 
 
 1865.
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by 
 RICHARD W. SURBY, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern 
 District of Illinois.
 
 To the officers and men, who have so kindly assisted me 
 in getting out this work, and those who accompanied the 
 various expeditions, this work is most respectfully dedicated 
 by the 
 
 AUTHOR. 
 
 C. B. GRIFFIN, General Agent for the United States. Address Box 2779, Chicago, 111.
 
 HEAD-QUARTERS DEP'T 7TH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, ) 
 MEMPHIS, TENN., Nov. 1, 1864. j 
 
 To whom it may concern : This is to certify that Sergeant B. W. SURBY 
 has been a member of my regiment for the three past years. I have 
 been intimately acquainted with him during that time, and know 
 him to be a man of undoubted loyalty, strict morality, integrity, and 
 temperate habits. Since October, 1862, he has acted as Quartermaster- 
 Sergeant for the regiment, the duties of which office he has discharged 
 with promptness and ability often doing all the business in the 
 absence of the Quartermaster. I therefore unhesitatingly recommend 
 him to any one or any position he may seek for employment. 
 Bespectfully, 
 
 GEO. W. TRAFTON, 
 
 Lt-Col. 7th Illinois Cav, 
 
 MEMPHIS, TENN., January 10, 1865. 
 
 To whom it may concern : The bearer, L. H. NARON, has acted for me 
 as guide and scout, and has rendered valuable services to the govern- 
 ment in that capacity. He was formerly a resident of Chickasaw 
 County. Miss., from whence he was driven by the enemy early in the 
 war. He has proven his loyalty and devotion to the cause of our 
 country by his acts, and the sacrifices of property which he has made. 
 I earnestly recommend him to the favorable notice of all commanding 
 officers of the United States forces. 
 
 B. H. GRIERSON, 
 
 Brig.-Gen'l. 
 
 BURNETT HOUSE, CINCINNATI, OHIO, Feb. 8, 1865. 
 My Dear Sir: L. H. NARON, of Chickasaw, Mississippi, acting in the 
 capacity of a scout, behaved while with my command as became an 
 honest, brave, loyal and reliable citizen of the United States ; and for 
 his good services and noble devotion merits the high respect and good 
 wishes of all Union men. God bless him and his family. 
 
 W. S. BOSECRANS, 
 
 Maj.-Gen'l. 
 
 HEAD-QUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, ) 
 ST. Louis, Mo., June 24, 1865. J 
 
 B. W. SURBY, Esq., Arcola, 111. Dear Sir: I have your letter of the 
 23d inst. L. H. NARON, ("Chickasaw") was in my employ as Chief ol 
 Scouts, and secret service corps, for more than a year. Daring, bold 
 and shrewd, he rendered me most valuable services, by keeping me 
 informed or the movements of the enemy in Tennessee, Alabama, 
 Mississippi and Georgia, and by operating against the enemy's outposts 
 killing and capturing their spies, scouts and couriers, destroying 
 their bridges, telegraph lines, &c., and annoying them generally. He, 
 together with my other scouts and spies serving with him, performed 
 many exploits of singular daring. 
 
 Very Bespectfully, 
 
 Your 6b't Serv't, 
 
 G. M. DODGE, 
 
 Maj.-Gen'l. 
 
 MEMPHIS, TENN., Dec., 14, 1864. 
 
 I have carefully perused the manuscript of the work upon the expe- 
 dition from "La Grange, Tenn., to Baton Bouge, La.," in April, 1863, of 
 which MR. BICHARD W. SURBY is the author, and I pronounce it 
 correct in every particular. 
 
 Very Bespectfully, 
 
 B. H. GRIERSON, 
 
 Brig.-Gen'l.
 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 DEAR READER : After waiting a sufficient length of time 
 for some competent writers to place before the Public the 
 particulars of these world-renowned Raids, and as yet nothing 
 but imperfect reports have appeared in print, I therefore 
 take the responsibility of offering to you the contents of rny 
 journal, together with items furnished by others. It was 
 written under most embarrassing circumstances; just imagine 
 yourself trying to write in an army tent, with six jolly 
 comrades seated and standing around, talking and laughing on 
 various subjects, (for soldiers like ladies gossip over the 
 incidents of the day before retiring,) and you will need no 
 other apology. Having performed a conspicuous part on the 
 Raid, I will try and furnish you with some items of a startling 
 and amusing character, but nevertheless true. 
 
 AUTHOR. 

 
 u K E V V IV: A J . G E N L . B t~ . G R I E R S ,'>
 
 BRIG.-GEN. BEN. H. GRIERSON. 
 
 RIG.-GEN. BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON 
 
 was born in Pittsburg, Penn., July 8th, 1826, 
 I of Scotch and Irish parentage ; he removed 
 I at an early age to Youngstown, Mahoning 
 Co., Ohio, where he resided for eighteen 
 years. While a boy he evinced a remarkable 
 talent for music, and at the age of thirteen 
 was the leader of a fine band. He afterwards 
 devoted himself for many years to music as a 
 profession, composing and arranging for bands, orchestras, 
 the piano and guitar, playing with ease on all. 
 
 In October, 1849, he removed to Jacksonville, 111., where 
 he resided at the commencement of the war. Early in May, 
 1861, he entered the volunteer service as aid to General 
 Prentiss, then commanding at Cairo. In October, 1861, he 
 was commissioned Major of the third battalion Sixth Illinois 
 Cavalry, but remained on detached service with General
 
 10 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Prentiss until the first of December, when he joined his regi- 
 ment at Shawneetown, 111. His energy and perseverance in 
 drilling his battalion soon gained for him the good will of 
 both officers and men of the Regiment. In February, 1862, 
 Major Grierson was stationed with his battalion at Smithland, 
 Ky., and in March rejoined the regiment at Paducah, Ky. 
 Upon the resignation of Colonel Cavanaugh, March 28th, 1862, 
 Major Grierson being the choice of the regiment was pro- 
 moted to the vacancy. In June the regiment moved to 
 Columbus, Ky., and soon after to Memphis, Tenn.; from this 
 point Colonel Grierson with his command made frequent 
 dashes into Northern Mississippi and West Tennessee, often 
 attacking superior numbers and always with remarkable 
 success. 
 
 At Hemand, Cold Water Station, Olive Branch, and near 
 Cockrum's Cross-roads, Mississippi; Germantown, Colliersville, 
 Wolf River, and near the Looschatchie, Tenn., he had brisk 
 fights inflicting serious injury on the rebels, with slight loss 
 to his command. His rapid, intelligent and decisive move- 
 ments soon taught the rebels to fear Grierson's Cavalry. 
 
 On the twenty-sixth of November, 1862, he left Memphis 
 with his regiment in advance of General Sherman's army 
 corps, and from the middle of January, 1863, to the 17th of 
 April Colonel Grierson's brigade was stationed at La Grange, 
 Tenn., to guard the Memphis and Charleston railroad ; from 
 this point he surprised Colonel Richardston near Covington, 
 Tenn., capturing his entire camp equipage, a large amount 
 of ammunition, a quantity of arms, wagons, mules and horses j 
 killing and wounding about thirty and capturing forty pris- 
 oners, (including Colonel Richardson himself who was 
 wounded) without the loss of a man. 
 
 On the seventeenth of April, 1863, Colonel Grierson left
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 11 
 
 La Grange, on his great raid through Mississippi, arriving 
 at Baton Rouge, La., on the second day of May. He co-ope- 
 rated With General Banks before and during the siege of 
 Port Hudson, having various engagements with the enemy. 
 On one occasion, at Clinton, La., June third, he fought 
 successfully against a force more than double his own. On 
 the third day of June, 1863, Colonel Grierson was, for gallant 
 and distinguished service, appointed by the President of the 
 United States, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. 
 
 On the eighteenth day of July, General Grierson embarked 
 with his command at Port Hudson for Vicksburg, upon his 
 arrival at that place the meeting between Major-Gen. Grant 
 and himself was most cordial, and his course of action met 
 General Grant's hearty approval. From Yicksburg General 
 Grierson was ordered to Memphis to report to Major-Gen. 
 Hurlburt, by whom he was immediately placed in command 
 of the Cavalry of the Sixteenth Army Corps. 
 
 On the fourteenth of September, the officers of the sixth 
 and seventh Illinois Cavalry, who accompanied General 
 Grierson on his expedition, presented him a valuable 
 sabre, as a token of their respect and esteem. In person, 
 General Grierson is tall, with dark complexion, hazel eyes, 
 black hair and beard, and prominent nose. Though not robust 
 in appearance, he has an iron constitution, and is capable of 
 enduring great hardships and fatigue ; modest and unassuming 
 in his manner, he is loved by his officers and men, and has 
 the confidence and respect of his commanding officers. 
 
 * See account of fifty days travel of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry.
 
 EDWARD PRINCE 
 COL.7 TH -RGT.lLL.VOL.CAV.
 
 COLONEL EDWARD PRINCE. 
 
 'OL. EDWARD PRINCE was born in 
 
 ;East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N.Y., Dec. 
 ,8th, 1832 j his parents removed to Payson, 
 , Adams Co., 111., in the fall of 1835. Edward 
 entered college in 1847, at Jacksonville, 
 and graduated in 1852 ; after receiving his 
 degree he read law in the office of Williams 
 & Lawrence, in Quincy, 111., and for several 
 years practised his profession in that city. 
 When the South rebelled, he entered with zeal into the 
 service of his country. Having a taste for military life he 
 studied the cavalry tactics, and became so familiar with the 
 drill, that upon offering his services to Gov. Yates in the 
 summer of 1861, he was appointed Cavalry Drill Master, with 
 the rank of Lt.-Col. in the Seventh 111. Volunteer Cavalry. 
 He has always shown great genius in developing the systems 
 and intricate manoeuvres of troops, and in inventing and 
 improving many things which have been of great value in 
 the field and at home. 
 
 While in front of Port Hudson, his active mind conceived 
 a plan by which the enemies works could be brought under
 
 
 14 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 our observation. He applied to General Banks for permission 
 to carry out his plan, it was granted, and he immediately 
 commenced building (what we called caviliers) high mounds 
 of earth overlooking and commanding the enemies' parapets, 
 Colonel Prince set his troopers to transporting from all the 
 the sugar houses the hogsheads, (which could be found in 
 quantities in that section of country,) these he filled with 
 cotton and moved within a short distance of the Fort, and 
 soon five hundred men were able to take a position in line 
 behind this novel breastwork ; the arc of the semi-circle was 
 then thrown within fifty yards of the rebel works, and by 
 mining sufficient dirt was thrown out from inside to make a 
 complete protection against all kinds of missiles; the hogsheads 
 were mounted one upon another until they commanded the 
 enemies' position and demonstrated the plan of Col. Prince. 
 
 During the early part of the siege, Colonel Prince ascer- 
 tained from negroes along Thompson's Creek that the rebels 
 had two steamers nicely moored under their river batteries, 
 and but slightly guarded, (on account of the supposed impos- 
 sibility of getting at them,) Colonel Prince obtained permission 
 to undertake the capture of these boats ; he succeded where 
 others failed, and moved them from under their batteries to 
 the protection of the Stars and Stripes, showing great tact, 
 energy and perseverance. 
 
 He was promoted Colonel of the Seventh 111., in the fall 
 of 1862. This regiment was organized at Camp Butler, near 
 Springfield, in August, 1861, and mustered into the United 
 States' service in October. 
 
 It would be too lengthy to enter into a detailed account of 
 all the raids, skirmishes and battles in which this regiment 
 has taken an active part. I will only state through what 
 States they passed, and the number of miles traveled
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 15 
 
 Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and a 
 portion of Louisiana have all been visited by this regiment, 
 and in every place left behind it a token of their presence, in 
 railroads destroyed, government property burned, and prisoners 
 taken, of which they count four thousand ; they have traveled 
 by water over one thousand miles, by railroad about five 
 hundred, and by land not less than twelve thousand ; have 
 never done garrison duty, but always been in active service, 
 and ever distinguished themselves, while their loss has been 
 less than many other regiments in the same brigade. 
 
 Colonel Prince was mustered out on expiration of his term 
 of service by order of General Washburn about the middle of 
 October, 1864.
 

 
 LT. SAMUEL L. WOODWARD. 
 
 . SAMUEL L. WOODWARD, acting assist- 
 'ant Adjutant General on the staff of Colonel 
 Grierson, was born in Burlington Co., New 
 Jersey, on the 28th day of October, 1840. 
 I When he was eight years old his parents re- 
 moved to Philadelphia, where he was educated. 
 At the age of sixteen he embraced mercantile 
 business. In 1860, he removed with his 
 parents to Paducah, Ky., where he resided at 
 the commencement of the war. 
 
 In consequence of his strong Union sentiments and of those 
 of his father and family they were subjected to a series of 
 persecutions. On three different occasions was he waited 
 upon by rebel sympathisers and allowed so many hours to 
 leave the State, twice was himself and father mobbed in the 
 streets, their lives threatened as well as the destruction of 
 their property ; all of which they withstood for sometime, but 
 finally they became so severe that young Woodward was com- 
 pelled to leave his home. He went to Illinois where he 
 engaged in business until February 1st, 1862, when he 
 enlisted in the Sixth Illinois Cavalry as a private soldier. On
 
 18 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 the first of March he was detailed from his regiment as clerk 
 in the office of Brig.-Gen. W. T. Sherman, in that capacity 
 he served for eight months. Was in the battle of Shiloh and 
 the numerous engagements during the advance on Corinth, 
 Miss, j after the fall of this place General Sherman's command 
 moved towards Memphis, Tenn., to which point he accom- 
 panied the General. 
 
 In November, 1862, upon the recommendation of General 
 Sherman, and Colonel Grierson, of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, 
 he was promoted to second lieutenant in his company. In 
 December, 1862, Colonel Grierson being assigned the command 
 of a brigade, Lieutenant Woodward was detailed as Acting 
 Assistant Adjutant General on his staff, and served with dis- 
 tinction in all the expeditions and engagements in which his 
 command was employed. While acting in this capacity, in 
 March, 1863, he was promoted to First Lieutenant in his 
 company. He accompanied Colonel Grierson on his Raid, 
 in April, 1863, and in all the numerous expeditions and 
 engagements in Lousiana, and during the siege of Port 
 Hudson. Upon the promotion of Colonel Grierson to the 
 rank of Brigadier General, he was highly recommended to 
 the President, by both Generals Banks and Grierson, for 
 promotion to Assistant Adjutant General with the rank of 
 Captain. He received the appointment and has since served 
 in that capacity with honor to himself, and the command to 
 which he was attached.
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 It was in the spring of eighteen hundred and sixty- 
 three, that considerable emotion could be perceived in 
 and about the camps of the sixth and seventh Illinois 
 cavalry regiments, also the second Iowa, all of which 
 were stationed at La Grange, Tennessee, on the line of 
 the Memphis and Charleston railroad, fifty miles south- 
 east of Memphis, at one time a very pretty, enterpris- 
 ing town, situated on a high ridge of land, commanding 
 a fine view of the surrounding country; but this place, 
 like many others of importance, has felt the effects of 
 a civil war, and now presents a truly sad picture. It 
 was upon -this day that I shall commence my narrative. 
 
 "What's up?" is the question asked by a score or 
 more of voices. 
 
 "A big scout, I reckon," is the general reply. A 
 certain member is seen to emerge from headquarters, 
 when the inquisitive ones gather around him. 
 
 "Come, John, tell us all about it; where are we 
 going, and how long will we be gone ?" 
 
 John's retreat being cut off, he replies as follows: 
 " Now, boys, I'll tell you, but you must not say a word 
 to any one, for it must be kept secret." 
 
 "Oh! no; we'll not tell ; you know us."
 
 20 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 V 
 
 "Well, boys, we are going on a big scout to Columbus, 
 Mississippi, and play smash with the railroads." 
 
 "All right; we'll keep mum, and when we get to 
 Columbus we'll make it pay." The sequel will show 
 how correct John was in his opinion. 
 
 General W. S. Smith was at that time commander of 
 the post, a gentleman and a soldier. The men had 
 been complaining for more active service, or as they 
 expressed it, "spoiling for a fight." General Smith 
 finally announced to them, through their officers, that 
 they should in a few days have a chance to try 
 their fighting qualities, which report was received with 
 loud cheers; and a few days after this an order was 
 issued to the commander of the first cavalry brigade to 
 be ready for a march or scout, requiring all effective 
 men, with five days rations in haversacks, with the 
 understanding they were to last ten, and double rations 
 of salt. 
 
 On the morning of the seventeenth of April, eighteen 
 hundred and sixty-three, at an early hour, the following 
 regiments left camp: the second Iowa cavalry, num- 
 bering between six and seven hundred men, rank and 
 file, commanded by Colonel Edward Hatch, the seventh 
 Illinois cavalry, numbering five hundred and forty-two, 
 rank and file, commanded by Colonel Edward Prince, 
 the sixth Illinois cavalry, with about five hundred men, 
 commanded by Lieut.-Col. Loomis, and accompanied 
 by Company K, first Illinois battery, numbering six 
 pieces light artillery, under the command of Captain 
 J. B. Smith, the whole commanded by Colonel B. H.
 
 3RIERSON RAIDS. 21 
 
 Grierson. Before proceeding further, I will state that 
 Colonel Grierson planned this expedition some three 
 months previous to this time, and it was submitted to 
 General Hurlbut and remained null until again referred 
 to by Colonel Grierson, when it was forwarded to Gen- 
 eral Grant, then near Vicksburg, who readily approved 
 it, and sent suitable instructions how Colonel Grierson 
 was to proceed. 
 
 The morning upon which the command moved out 
 was a beautiful one, with a gentle breeze from the 
 south. The fruit trees were all in full bloom, the 
 gardens were fragrant with the perfume of spring 
 flowers, the birds sang gaily, all of which infused a 
 feeling of admiration and gladness into the hearts of 
 all true lovers of nature. The men seemed to feel 
 highly elated, and, as they marched in column of twos, 
 some were singing, others laughing, while many were 
 speculating as to our destination. 
 
 The following poetry I thought would express the 
 feelings of the men at the time of our departure. 
 
 SONG OF THE FIRST BRIGADE. 
 
 The morning star is paling, 
 
 The camp-fires flicker low, 
 Our steeds are madly neighing, 
 
 For the bugle bids us go; 
 So put the foot in stirrup, 
 
 And shake the bridle free, 
 For to-day the fearless first 
 
 Are bound for Mississippi. 
 
 CHORUS. With Grierson for our leader, 
 We'll chase the dastard foe, 
 'Till our horses bathe their fetlocks 
 In the Gulf of Mexico.
 
 22 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 Our men are from the prairies, 
 
 That roll broad, proud and free ; 
 From the loyal State of Illinois 
 
 And brave old Iowa; 
 And their hearts are open as their plains, 
 
 Their thoughts as proudly brave; 
 With Hatch for their commander, 
 
 They'll resist the rebel wave. 
 
 CHORUS. Then quick into the saddle, 
 And shake the bridle free, 
 To-day with gallant Grierson 
 "We'll leave old Tennessee. 
 
 'Tis joy to be a trooper, 
 
 To fight for this free land, 
 'Tis joy to follow Grierson, 
 
 With his gallant, trusty band ; 
 'Tis joy to see our Prince 
 
 Plunge like a meteor bright 
 Into the thickest of the fray, 
 
 And deal his deathly might. 
 
 CHORUS. Oh ! who would not be a trooper. 
 
 And follow Grierson's eye, 
 To battle for their country, 
 And, if needs be, to die. 
 
 By the many streams of water, 
 
 And the deep, murmuring shore, 
 On pur soft, green peaceful prairies, 
 
 Our homes, we may see no more; 
 But in those homes our gentle wives, 
 
 And mothers, with silvery hairs, 
 Are loving us with tender hearts, 
 
 And shielding us with prayers. 
 
 CHORUS. So trusting in our country's God, 
 We draw our stout good blade, 
 For those we love at home, 
 
 And those who nrrd our nil.
 
 . 
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 28 
 
 It is under such circumstances, with nothing to mar 
 the feelings, that time passes swiftly away. The order 
 of march for this day was to be as follows : Sixth 
 Illinois cavalry in advance. Through some mistake 
 the sixth took the wrong road near La Grange, was 
 thrown to the west, and did not join the command until 
 near camp, which was on the plantation of Dr. Ellis, 
 four miles northwest of Ripley, Mississippi, distance 
 from La Grange thirty miles. Just before going into 
 camp five or six rebels were discovered crossing a field, 
 and immediately a party was sent in pursuit, who 
 captured three of them. Our advance met a young 
 man who looked rather seedy ; he was driving an ox 
 team, and, unfortunately for him, wore a very good 
 looking hat, which one of the boys took a fancy to and 
 relieved him of, leaving the poor fellow looking rather 
 sad. Colonel Prince, on coming up, noticed the man 
 and inquired of him what was the matter ; he stated 
 his loss, when the Colonel pulled out his pocket-book 
 and gave him a two-dollar greenback, which seemed to 
 please him very much. 
 
 SECOND DAY. 
 
 Next morning, the eighteenth. At seven o'clock the 
 command moved out, the seventh Illinois in advance. 
 At eight o'clock we passed through Ripley, in Tippah 
 County, making a halt of one hour, then moved south 
 towards New Albany. The day was delightful, and 
 nothing occurred to interrupt the quiet prevailing, until 
 we had marched four miles, when our ears were startled
 
 24 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 by the report of fire-arms. A party of eight rebels 
 had fired on our advance, then retreated rapidly. A 
 few shots were sent after them, no harm done to either 
 side, and all became quiet again\ Colonel Prince then 
 detached the first battalion, under the command of 
 Captain Graham, who took the direct route to New 
 Albany, while the main column passed through Arizabee, 
 crossing the Tallahatchie River two miles east of New 
 Albany, arriving there at five o'clock, P. M. 
 
 Captain Graham arrived at the bridge near the latter 
 place in time to prevent a rebel picket demolishing it. 
 He had been there an hour when the main column 
 arrived, and crossed in safety. Previous to leaving 
 Ripley Colonel Hatch had been detached to move with 
 his regiment eastward and southward, to cross the 
 Tallahatchie about five miles above New Albany, with 
 a view of rejoining the brigade some five or six miles 
 below the latter place, (which Colonel Hatch accom- 
 plished with success). The seventh Illinois captured 
 this day four prisoners, two of Bartue's and two of 
 Wetherall's men. The command camped for the night 
 at Mr. Sloan's plantation, five miles below New Albany, 
 a small place composed of a few dry-goods stores, whose 
 stock needed replenishing ; also some fine residences ; 
 altogether a pleasantly situated country town. 
 
 THIRD DAY. 
 
 The morning of the nineteenth day was anything but 
 agreeable, a heavy rain having fallen all night and 
 continued the next morning until noon. At an early
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 25 
 
 hour Colonel Prince, by order of Colonel Grierson, sent 
 two companies of the seventh Illinois, under command 
 of Captain Trafton, back to the Tallahatchie, who drove 
 a force of the enemy out of New Albany and rejoined 
 the command at ten o'clock the same morning. Two 
 companies of the same command being sent to the 
 right to look after Captain Wetherall's (Confederate) 
 company, which was camped in that vicinity, they had 
 taken the hint and retired during the night. They 
 hoVever captured from Major Chalmers' command four 
 prisoners, and destroyed some camp and garrison 
 equipage. Two companies were also sent to the left 
 to find some horses, said to be hid in the woods. They 
 returned to the column in a few hours, having had very 
 poor success. The command left camp at ten o'clock 
 in the morning. The road being slippery and muddy 
 somewhat retarded our progress and damped our 
 feelings. At a late dinner hour we stopped to feed, 
 and while so doing some of the fortune-seeking ones 
 were searching a house close by, in which they found 
 concealed one keg of powder, several revolvers, and a 
 few old United States muskets, which unfortunately 
 resulted in the burning of the house and most of its 
 contents. The officers made every effort to find the 
 guilty party, but it occurred mysteriously, no one 
 knew anything about it. 
 
 The sixth Illinois, occupying the advance, entered 
 Pontotac, county-seat of Pontotac County, at four 
 o'clock, killing a rebel who persistently fired on the 
 advance ; (his name was Beers.) A small party of 
 
 2
 
 26 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 rebels were in town, when hearing of our advance 
 skedaddled, leaving a wagon-load of ammunition and 
 camp equipage which we destroyed. Captain Graham, 
 of the seventh Illinois, with three companies, found 
 and destroyed between four and five hundred bushels 
 of salt, (government property.) Pontotac is, or rather 
 was before the war, a brisk business place, boasting a 
 population of about three thousand inhabitants, a fine 
 brick court-house, and beautiful residences, denoting 
 wealth. After remaining about an hour we proceeded 
 eight miles south, and encamped on the plantation of 
 Mr. Wetherall, (brother of Captain Wetherall,) and 
 Mr. Daggett. The whole command camped in sight 
 of each other, having marched in the last two days 
 sixty miles. 
 
 FOURTH DAY. 
 
 Next morning, the twentieth, at three o'clock, boots 
 and saddles was sounded. Lieutenant Wilt and sixty 
 men with a number of lead horses belonging to the 
 seventh Illinois, together with about the same number 
 of the sixth Illinois and second Iowa, and one piece of 
 artillery, all under the command of Major Love of the 
 latter regiment, were sent back to Le Grange ; the rest 
 of the command, with the second Iowa in advance, 
 continued south passing through a good section of 
 country somewhat rolling. The day being cloudy and 
 damp, there was little interest displayed in viewing the 
 country, and it was not until I had discovered that we 
 had left the main road, and was making a new one
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 27 
 
 
 
 through a wheat field of some extent ; it was about six 
 inches in height and of a beautiful green, which was a 
 change from the mud ; the question arose, what does 
 this mean, and various were the conjectures. 
 
 The prevailing opinion was, that the enemy was near 
 at hand, and we were on a flanking expedition, how- 
 ever, our fears were soon dispelled, the column had 
 been conducted through the fields in order to avoid 
 passing through the town of Houstan, leaving it on our 
 right ; a very pretty little place in Chickasaw County. 
 Either the citizens had held out some inducements, or 
 our commanders through a pure motive avoided march- 
 ing the troops through, that pillaging might be avoided ; 
 there may have been some other motive, that of 
 disguising our forces as much as possible however, 
 Houstan this time was favored by a side view of our 
 column, while house tops and church steeples presented 
 a picturesque appearance to us, we proceeded on to 
 Clear Springs and camped for the night, having marched 
 forty miles. 
 
 FIFTH DAY. 
 
 Left camp on the morning of the twenty-first at 
 daylight, the seventh Illinois in advance; Colonel 
 Hatch with the second Iowa and one piece of artillery 
 turned eastward from Clear Springs with orders to 
 proceed toward Columbus, Mississippi, and destroy as 
 much as possible of the Mobile and Ohio railroad, and 
 make his way to Le Grange again. Some fears were 
 felt for his success, as forces were concentrating in our
 
 28 GRIEKSON RAIDS. 
 
 rear, expecting to intercept us on our return, it was of 
 the utmost importance that a feint should be made in the 
 direction of Columbus in order to draw the enemies' 
 forces that way and conceal the real movement which 
 was then making all speed south. Colonel Hatch was 
 just the officer to be entrusted with this perilous task, 
 he accomplished the object but had some hard fighting, 
 reaching our lines in safety. The sixth and seventh were 
 now alone and various were the opinions expressed by 
 the men as to our destination. The proceedings of the 
 past few days showed that something was to be done ; 
 they felt equal to any task and, notwithstanding the 
 heavy rain that was falling, they were cheerful and 
 enlivened the march with songs and jokes. 
 
 The citizens were somewhat surprised to see so many 
 "Yanks" so far down in "Dixie," and many were the 
 questions asked, 
 
 " Where are you' ens all going to ?" 
 
 Rebel courriers were ahead, and for several days our 
 arrival was expected by them ; they having had warning 
 had concealed all of their valuable horses, mules, and 
 negroes. Now the question will arise, how did we 
 manage to subsist ? Why, we just helped ourselves, or 
 rather, when we stopped at a plantation to feed, a 
 detail of men for guards was immediately made and 
 stationed at the smoke-house, kitchen and dwelling 
 house, with instructions not to allow anything to pass 
 without permission of a commissioned officer, also a 
 suitable person was appointed to issue out to the different 
 companies a proper quantity of hams, shoulders,
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 29 
 
 meal, and so forth, for one or two meals as the case 
 required ; this duty devolved upon William Pollard, 
 commissary sargent of the sixth Illinois, he being the 
 only representative of that department along, and fully 
 competent to the task. Respecting the horses, it was 
 seldom that there was any scarcity of corn and fodder, 
 if there was not enough at one plantation, for the 
 command, part went to the next, always keeping within 
 supporting distance of each other. 
 
 Belonging to the non-commissioned staff I was a 
 priveleged character, and undoubtedly took many 
 liberties not allowed me, consequently I had a good 
 opportunity of observing many things, and learning 
 some of the designs of our commanders. Possessed 
 of a venturesome disposition I naturally wanted to be 
 in the front, and it occurred to me I could do so ; I 
 immediately suggested my ideas to Lieut. Col. Black- 
 burn (formerly my captain,) that of having some scouts 
 in the advance dressed in citizens clothes, they could 
 by proper management gain much valuable infor- 
 mation, although not without running some danger. 
 Colonel Blackburn immediately had an interview 
 with Colonel Grierson stating the object of the organi- 
 zation ; Colonel Grierson approved the plan provided 
 the right men could be found, Colonel Blackburn said 
 he knew just the men, and without further consideration, 
 he had full permission to organize and control the scouts ; 
 it was not long before I was ordered to report to him, and 
 was somewhat surprised when he requested me to act as 
 scout, and take command of a squad of men. This
 
 30 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 suited me, and without any hesitation I accepted the" 
 position with thanks, fully resolved not to abuse 
 the confidence reposed in me. I received orders to 
 take six or eight men, proceed at once on the advance 
 and procure citizens dress, saddles, shot guns, and 
 everything necessary for our disguise. It did not take 
 long to do this, and by noon reported myself and men 
 ready for duty ; we excited some little curiosity and 
 sold the sixth Illinois boys completely, they thought 
 we were prisoners and bored us with a thousand 
 questions ; after this we went by the name of " The 
 Butternut Guerillas ;" our old uniforms and carbines 
 were placed in the hands of friends. 
 
 My instructions from Colonel Blackburn were to 
 keep in the advance, from a quarter of a mile to two 
 as the case required, to obtain all information respecting 
 different roads, their destination, distance, and condition, 
 also that of the streams, bridges, and the whereabouts 
 of the enemy, their force, and was to exercise my own 
 judgment in all cases where it required immediate 
 action, to report to him or Colonel Prince from time 
 to time. Another advantage was, that we would more 
 easily find forage, and save trouble and delay by 
 sending out squads for that purpose. 
 
 The advance guard each day being advised and 
 cautioned about us, did not find or take us prisoners, 
 and our signs were soon understood by both parties. 
 We passed through Starkville, Ochtibleher County, and 
 camped eight miles south of that place. Between 
 Starkville and camp the scouts captured a Lieutenant
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 31 
 
 belonging to Vicksburg, who was seated in a fine 
 buggy with a beautiful span of iron gray horses 
 attached ; the horses Colonel Grierson assigned to the 
 battery. Also a mounted rebel was secured and taken 
 along. 
 
 SIXTH DAY. 
 
 Morning of the twenty-second left camp at an early 
 hour,^-weather favorable. Before leaving camp Captain 
 Graham of the seventh, commanding a battalion, was 
 sent to burn a Confederate shoe and saddle manufactory 
 near Starkville ; he succeeded in destroying several thou- 
 sand pairs of boots and shoes besides a large quantity of 
 leather and hats, capturing a quarter-master from Port 
 Hudson, who was getting supplies for his regiment 
 (the twelfth Tennessee,) previous to leaving camp, the 
 field officers had a consultation and were convinced 
 that it was of the utmost importance to intercept and 
 destroy the railroad and telegraph between Okalona 
 and Macon, as near Macon as possible. This work 
 Colonel Prince offered Captain Forbes, Company B, 
 seventh Illinois, whose company numbered thirty-five 
 men and officers ; Captain Forbes accepted at once, 
 though he knew he would be obliged to repulse all 
 attacks and travel at least fifty miles more than the 
 command, would run great risk in being captured, as 
 it was not known what force was at Macon, nor what 
 force was following us ; he was instructed, that if a 
 force should be at Macon, to endeavor to cross the 
 Ranox Bar and move toward Decatur, in Newton 
 County, by the shortest route.
 
 32 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 The Captain proceeded on his perilous journey, and 
 many feared that they would never see him again. 
 The country through which we were passing was not 
 of a prepossessing appearance it was low and swampy. 
 The 'scouts were quite successful during the day in 
 finding several droves of horses and mules, with 
 negroes concealed in the woods, to avoid being captured 
 by our forces. The manner in which we obtained our 
 information was quite easy in our assumed characters, 
 when conversing with the hunters we passed our- 
 selves off as confederates, belonging to commands in 
 Tennessee ; that we were ordered to keep in advance 
 of the Yankies, watch their movements and when 
 opportunity presented, to report to the nearest post ; 
 this story invariably was credited among them, and in 
 a little while by ingratiating ourselves into their favor, 
 we obtained their confidence, and was told where they 
 had concealed their fine animals ; I would then leave a 
 man to inform the Colonel when the column came up, 
 and a squad of men would often bring in twenty-five 
 horses and mules, with as many negroes, who would 
 of their own accord accompany us. 
 
 I was very much amused one day ; had taken three 
 of my men with me and proceeded two miles from the 
 main road expecting to find a Confederate captain at 
 home, but he had left quite suddenly ; found some good 
 mules, upon which I mounted some negroes who 
 were standing round with mouths wide open showing 
 teeth like circular saws, at the sight of a Yankee, 
 having never seen one before. On my return I passed
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 33 
 
 a very fine residence my attention was suddenly 
 attracted by a motion made at one of the windows, I 
 gave the order to halt ; no sooner done than the front 
 door flew open and three lovely looking females dressed 
 in white appeared at the opening, their faces beaming 
 with smiles, and in a voice soft and sweet invited us to 
 dismount and come in. It was raining, we were all 
 wet to the skin, and spattered with mud, contrasting 
 strongly with the elegant appearance of everything 
 around ; I therefore begged to be excused as my time 
 was limited, and we were watching the advanced move- 
 ments of the Yankies ; no sooner said than out they 
 bounded, regardless of the rain, and coming to the 
 gate (were joined by an elderly lady who they addressed 
 as mother, insisted upon our remaining over night. 
 Various were the questions asked about the "Yanks" 
 all of which we could answer satisfactorily ; they 
 informed us their father and brothers were in the 
 Confederate Army. 
 
 One of the boys complained of being hungry ; no 
 sooner said than one of the ladies ran into the house, 
 and soon returned with two black servants following, 
 loaded down with eatables ; we had to accept half a 
 ham, that would make a hungry man laugh ; biscuits, 
 sweet cakes, fried sausage, and peach pie, all in abun- 
 dance were pressed upon us, while one of the young 
 ladies plucked some roses and presenting one to each 
 bade us adieu, with many blessings and much success 
 in our "holy cause;" on my way back I met a 
 company of the sixth Illinois, and cautioned them to 
 
 2*
 
 34 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 still deceive the "ladies," and I presume it was some 
 time ere they learned how bad they had been sold. 
 
 Another instance occurred where I visited a planta- 
 tion, accompanied by two of my scouts. We found two 
 young men at home, both belonging to the Confederate 
 army. They were somewhat surprised to hear the 
 Yankees were coming that way ; all was excitement, 
 the negroes were called up, and received orders to 
 get all the horses and mules, and saddle two of them. 
 We were invited into the house. Having told them 
 that we would accompany them some distance, the 
 demijohn was brought out, glasses placed upon the 
 table, and a cordial invitation given to help ourselves 
 to some "old rye," which invitation a soldier never 
 refuses. The blacks soon announced all ready, and 
 we started out, the young men armed with shot- 
 guns, eight negroes following with fourteen mules 
 and six fine horses. It was about one and a half miles 
 to the road, upon which the column was advancing, 
 and in the direction that we were going ; when about 
 half way I had a curiosity to examine their guns, 
 which they seemed proud to exhibit ; making a motion 
 to one of my men he followed suit, thus we had them 
 disarmed, and in a good humored way informed them 
 they were our prisoners ; they laughed, thinking it a 
 good joke, saying they were old soldiers, and not 
 easily scared. We soon came in sight of the column, 
 when our Confederate friends " smelt a rat," and 
 with downcast countenances became uncommunicative. 
 Shortly after this we passed through Whitefield, a 
 small place of little importance.
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 35 
 
 After leaving this place the country began to look 
 decidedly swampy, we were crossing the Big Black or 
 Okaxuler River, which was much swollen by the recent 
 rains. In many places we had to swim our horses and 
 mules. Many troopers lost their animals and equip- 
 ments, barely escaping with their lives. It was a 
 tedious task piloting our way through this bottom, 
 which extended in breadth nearly six miles, and was 
 covered with water to the depth of three feet. You 
 will ask how did we get our artillery over ; this was 
 accomplished by taking the ammunition out of the 
 caissons, and packing it over our own horses, thereby 
 keeping it dry. Unfortunately one of the gun car- 
 riages broke down, causing some delay, but through 
 the ingenuity of Capt. Smith, commanding the guns, 
 it w&s mounted next day on buggy wheels. 
 
 The sixth Illinois cavalry succeeded in crossing and 
 reached camp about two o'clock ; the seventh did not 
 arrive until three the next morning. After leaving 
 this dismal swamp, the country became more rolling, 
 the roads were in better condition, vegetation more 
 forward, and the citizens were impressed with the idea 
 that we belonged to the rebel General Van Dora's 
 command, and complimented us on our fine appear- 
 ance, and said we were right good looking men. No 
 couriers had preceded us on this road, and we enjoyed 
 ourselves very much at the expense of the deluded 
 citizens. 
 
 While passing a schoolhouse the teacher gave her 
 pupils recess ; the way they flocked to the roadside was
 
 36 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 not slow, hurrahing for Beaureguard, Van Dora, and 
 the Southern Confederacy. One little urchin imagined 
 she recognized in one of the men an old acquaintance, 
 and very impatiently inquired how John was, and if 
 her uncle was along. 
 
 Before reaching Louisville the scouts captured a 
 mailcoach containing the Port Hudson mail, together 
 with some Confederate money, which was handed to 
 Colonel Grierson. The letters were mostly in French, 
 which was translated into English by Sergeant-Major 
 Le Sure of the seventh ; they contained some valuable 
 information. Louisville is a neat little town of pretty 
 location, in Winston County. After leaving it ten 
 miles in our rear, we camped for the night, having 
 traveled this day fifty miles. On this evening Captain 
 Lynch of Company E, of the sixth Illinois, and one of 
 his men, Corporal W. H. H. Bullard, disguised them- 
 selves in citizens' dress, and started on a reconnoitering 
 expedition towards Macon, with what success will 
 appear hereafter. 
 
 SEVENTH DAY. 
 
 We left camp at an early hour and were now draw- 
 ing near Pearl River Valley. A glance at the map 
 will show the importance of this river on the Talla 
 Hoga, and knowing it to be quite high from recent 
 rains, and a possibility of news of our approach reach- 
 ing them from other routes, it became necssary to 
 secure the bridge. I was instructed to proceed rapidly 
 and cautiously forward, and if possible, to secure it 
 with my squad. When within two miles of the bridge,
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 37 
 
 I met an old citizen mounted upon a mule. We passed 
 the time of day and entered into conversation ; he 
 informed me that a picket was stationed at the bridge, 
 composed of citizens, numbering five in all, his son 
 being one of the party ; all were armed with shot-guns. 
 They had torn up several planks from the centre of the 
 bridge, and had placed combustibles on it ready to 
 ignite on our approach. 
 
 I then wrote down the old man's name, and the 
 whereabouts of his residence, which was on the 
 opposite side of the river. He began to mistrust that 
 all was not right, and says, " gentlemen you are not 
 what you seem to be, you certainly are Yankees, for 
 we got news in Philadelphia last night that ' you'ens ' 
 all were coming this way." I had now fully resolved 
 upon scaring the old man into an unconditional sur- 
 render of the bridge. So, looking him in the face, I 
 told him it now lay in his power to save his buildings 
 from the torch, his own life, and probably that of his 
 son, by saving the bridge. We started, and when 
 within one half mile of our object we descended into a 
 low bottom land, considerably flooded with water, mak- 
 ing progress slowly. Unless the enemy had a picket, 
 or videt, thrown out we could approach to within 
 three hundred yards without being discovered. I now 
 told the old man, who was trembling with fear, that he 
 was to visit his friends, and tell them, that if they 
 would surrender, they should not be harmed, but would 
 be paroled as soon as we reached town, but if they did 
 any damage to the bridge, his property would suffer 
 for it.
 
 38 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 The old man said he was confident of saving the 
 bridge, but would not promise the surrender of his 
 friends ; that we cared nothing about the bridge was 
 the important point. I impatiently followed the figure 
 of the old man with my eye ; when within a dozen 
 yards of the bridge, he halted, and commenced telling 
 his errand ; but ere he had hardly half through, I could 
 perceive some signs of uneasiness on the side of his 
 listeners, they all at once jumped upon their horses and 
 away they went. We then advanced to the bridge, re- 
 placed the planks, found two shot guns, that they had 
 left in their flight, and leaving one man to wait for the 
 column and turn the old man over to the Colonel, I 
 proceeded with the rest to Philadelphia. 
 This incident is mentioned as one of the many in 
 which the Power above seemed shielding us from harm, 
 as the destruction of the bridge would have been fatal 
 to the expedition. In my case others might have 
 acted differently ; my object was to save life if possible, 
 the bridge at all hazards. We now proceeded toward 
 Philadelphia, occasionally firing a shot at some mounted 
 citizen who were armed but took care to keep at a re- 
 spectful distance. The nearer we approached the larger 
 the force became in our advance, yet, they showed 
 no disposition to come within range, until within about 
 three hundred yards of town, when they were dis- 
 covered drawn up in line across the road, upon which 
 we were approaching. I immediately sent a man back, 
 requesting the commanding officer of the advance guard 
 to send me ten men. I waited long enough to see they
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 39 
 
 were coming ? and turning to my men ordered them to 
 charge, and as we neared them amid a cloud of dust, 
 we commenced to discharge our revolvers at them, 
 which had the desired effect of stampeding them ; they 
 fired but a few shots, and in a few minutes we had full 
 possession of the town ; resulting in the capture of six 
 prisoners, nine horses with equipments. One of the 
 prisoners being the county judge a very worthy man. 
 At first they evinced much uneasiness and thought 
 their time was near to depart from this world. Colonel 
 Grierson soon quieted their fears by telling them that 
 he did not come among them to insult them, or destroy 
 private property, that he was in quest of Confederate 
 soldiers and government property. We left the Phila- 
 delphians in better humor and with a more favorable 
 opinion of our intentions, and the conduct of our army. 
 
 The last I saw of them they were standing in line 
 with arms extended perpendicular, and Colonel Prince 
 was swearing them not to give any information for a 
 certain length of time. Just as we were leaving Phila- 
 delphia, up came Captain Lynch and his corporal in 
 disguise, having just arrived from their expedition to 
 Macon, the particulars of which I obtained from Cap- 
 tain Lynch. 
 
 On his departure from Louisville he pushed through 
 to Macon, traveling all night, arriving within half a 
 mile of the place at eight o'clock next morning ; trav- 
 eling seventy-five miles, meeting with no trouble until 
 haulted by the picket in sight of the town ; they de- 
 manded his business. The Captain told them that he
 
 40 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 had been sent out from Enterprise to ascertain the 
 whereabouts of the Yankees. " Why," says the guard, 
 "you need not go any further, they are now within 
 two miles of here. General Loring sent out a squad 
 of cavalry to reconnoitre ; they have all returned but 
 one who is either killed or taken prisoner." The Cap- 
 tain then inquired what force they had to defend the 
 place, and was told that re-enforcements had arrived 
 from Mobile two regiments of cavalry, one of infantry, 
 and two pieces of artillery. The Captain made an 
 excuse to withdraw by stating that he had left two 
 men at a plantation about a mile from there ; he would 
 return for them and be back in a few hours. The 
 guards thought it all right and allowed him to depart. 
 The Captain made good time, forfeiting his word to 
 return. After traveling all night and next day until 
 about one hour of sunset, they reached the command, 
 just as they were leaving Philadelphia. After pro- 
 ceeding seven miles south of the latter place the com- 
 mand haulted to feed and rest for a few hours on the 
 plantation of Esquire Payn. While so doing, at a 
 council of the officers Lieut. Col. Blackburn offered a 
 proposition, which was to take two hundred men and 
 proceed to Newton Station, on the Southern railroad, 
 to intercept the trains and destroy the track ; his plan 
 was favored by Colonel Grierson, and at ten o'clock 
 Colonel Blackburn started with the first battalion of 
 seventh Illinois. I was ordered by him to take two of 
 my men and accompany him. The night was a beau- 
 tiful starlight one, the roads in good condition, and
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 41 
 
 meeting with no enemy, nothing occurred to interrupt 
 the stillness that reigned until midnight, when the 
 column was startled by the report of fire-arms, in the 
 advance, which occurred in the following manner : In 
 coming to a point where the road forked, I was at a 
 loss which one to take, and to decide the question, sent 
 George Stedman back to a house to inquire, in the 
 meantime I had advanced on the road leading to the 
 right a short distance, and haulted, with my horse 
 standing crosswise the road, leaving a narrow neck of 
 timber between me and the other road. Scout number 
 two had preceded me a short distance, and was wait- 
 ing by the shade of the timber. In a few minutes 
 Stedman came trotting back, and as he neared me I 
 asked him if this was the right road ; he did not seem 
 to comprehend what I said but came up within a few 
 feet of me and peering into my face a moment, without 
 saying a word, wheeled his horse and galloped off. 
 His actions puzzled me a little at first, and was giving 
 no further thought to it, supposing he had gone back to 
 the column with his information, when the first thing 
 I heard was the report of firearms ; though somewhat 
 startled at first I did not move my position until the 
 third shot had been fired, which impressed me with the 
 idea that some one was firing at me, by hearing and 
 seeing the fire-sparks fly from a stone the ball hit just 
 beneath my horse's head, the next whizzed a few feet 
 over me. I began to think it was time for me to get 
 out of that, so I turned left about and retreated a few 
 yards into the timber. Soon, whiz, whiz, came another
 
 42 GEIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 shot, tearing through the timber ; I immediately de- 
 cided on a retreat, and went pell-mell through the 
 scrub-oaks and briars for about two hundred yards, 
 then coming to a halt, I heard another shot, then all 
 was quiet again. 
 
 I now took time to think, and was of the opinion 
 that we were ambushed from the point of timber 
 between the two roads, and that the enemy had let us 
 pass, and were firing into the advance of our column ; 
 still I could not account for the shots fired at me. I 
 concluded to flank around and get to the column if 
 possible. At that moment up came scout number two. 
 We struck out and circled about a mile, striking the 
 middle of the column, and soon learned that I was the 
 sole object of all the firing. It appears that Stedman, 
 when he rode up, did not recognize me, but hastily 
 retreated to the fork of the road, and commenced firing 
 at me with his revolver, causing the advance to hurry 
 forward, who in turn began to fire with their carbines. 
 Loss sustained, one hat. George was cautioned against 
 firing upon his comrades again. It reminds me of the 
 saying, "better born lucky than rich." 
 
 When within four miles of Decatur I was ordered 
 by Colonel Blackburn to take one of my men and pro- 
 ceed to the town and try and ascertain if there was 
 any force stationed at Newton Station, their position ; 
 if any artillery, and any information I could obtain. 
 We started, feeling secure of our disguse, and no 
 couriers ahead to tell of our coming. About three 
 o'clock in the morning we entered the quiet town of
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 43 
 
 Decatur, ' in Newton County. No one was astir, the 
 sleeping occupant little dreaming that two "Yanks" 
 were treading on their sacred soil. After going up 
 and down, surveying all the streets, and satisfying 
 ourselves that no one was astir, we halted in front of 
 an old fashioned country inn, with its pigeon-hole 
 windows standing half way up the slanting roof. Dis- 
 mounting and leaving my horse in care of my comrade, 
 I stepped boldly up on the verandah, approached the 
 door, knocked loudly ; no answer. Repeated the sum- 
 mons ; still no answer. Tried another door, with the 
 same result. Began to think the hotel was evacuated. 
 Made a forward movement, which proved the right one. 
 After knocking at the door, a gruff voice on the inside 
 inquired "who's there?" I answered in a loud voice, 
 " a Confederate soldier, on important business, in quest 
 of information." In a moment the door opened, and 
 an invitation to come in was extended, which I at once 
 accepted, stepping into what appeared to be a sitting 
 room and bed chamber in one. 
 
 I begged to be excused for disturbing them at so 
 unseasonable an hour. No excuses were necessary. 
 The old gentleman, who proved to be the proprietor of 
 the establishment, scraped out a few coals in the fire 
 place, which threw a lurid light across the room, drew 
 forth a chair ; and told me to be seated. At the same 
 time he sprang into bed again, from beneath whose 
 covering I could see a pair of sparkling, roguish black 
 eyes, tresses black as the raven's wing, a mischievous 
 mouth, belonging to a young and charming woman. Can
 
 44 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 it be possible, thinks I, that she is married to this old 
 man. It must be so, for it is quite fashionable in the 
 South, old husbands and young wives. My hospitable 
 friend, in a mild tone, at once demanded my business. 
 I told him in a few words. Before answering me he was 
 careful to ask me to whose command I belonged, where 
 I came from, and why I was sent through there. I 
 answered him by stating that I belonged to Van Dora's 
 command, a portion of which was stationed at Columbus, 
 Miss., and I was sent with a portion of them across the 
 country to obtain all the information I could respecting 
 a Yankee raid, which was then being made somewhere 
 in the interior of the State, and supposed to be medi- 
 tating an attack on the Southern railroad. I wished 
 to know how far it was to any of our forces, at what 
 points stationed, their strength, &c., as it was of the 
 utmost importance that I should communicate to them. 
 This story seemed to satisfy the old gentleman. He 
 then told me that the nearest force was at Newton 
 Station, that our hospital was there, and about one 
 hundred sick and wounded soldiers occupied it, and he 
 was under the impression that two corps of infantry 
 were stationed there. He also said that a considerable 
 force of cavalry had passed a few days previous within 
 five miles of Decatur, going east. He had heard the 
 day before many conflicting reports about the Yankees, 
 but had no idea that they would ever reach this far. 
 Had he known that the "blue coats" were then within 
 rifle shot, that dreaded disease, the "cholera," would 
 not have caused more consternation in town. My
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 45 
 
 partner called me. A sweet voice invited me to call if 
 I came that way again. I promised, and, bidding 
 good-bye, left them to slumber. 
 
 I met the column just entering the town, reported to 
 Colonel Blackburn, and again assumed my place in 
 front. It was not long after leaving this town that 
 streaks of daylight began to appear in the east, and a 
 glorious sun arose to crown the day. 
 
 EIGHTH DAY. 
 
 The eighth day found us passing through a timbered 
 country somewhat rolling, and displaying but little 
 cultivation. Decatur is a small place in Newton 
 County. It being night, I could see but little of the 
 town. When within five miles of Newton Station 
 Colonel Blackburn ordered me to proceed lively with 
 my two men to the station, reconnoitre, and report what 
 force was stationed there, what time the train would 
 arrive, and so forth. 
 
 This suited us. On we went, meeting with no obsta- 
 cles, approached to within half a mile of town, found 
 an elevated position, from whence I could obtain a 
 pretty good view of the place ; could not see any camp ; 
 saw several persons walking and standing around a 
 large building, which I took to be the hospital. I felt 
 pretty well satisfied that there was no force stationed 
 there, or we would have seen their pickets ere we 
 approached so close to town. 
 
 I told the men we would proceed and see a little 
 more before reporting. We started leisurely along
 
 46 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 and stopped at a house just at the edge of town ; 
 found a white man, called for a drink of water, and 
 asked him how long before the train would be in. He 
 said it was due in about three quarters of an hour. I 
 ascertained that no force was stationed here. Was 
 obtaining other information, when my ears were startled 
 by the whistle of a locomotive. It seemed a long way 
 off. I then inquired what train that was. The man 
 said it was the freight train coming from the east, due 
 at nine o'clock, A. M. 
 
 I now allowed there was no time to lose in order to 
 capture the train. The column must be here. I at 
 once sent back one man to tell the Colonel to hasten 
 with all speed or lose the train. I then, with my scout, 
 made for the depot to secure the telegraph, but 
 found, upon reaching there, no office. By this time 
 the convalescents began to pour out of the hospital, 
 (which building stood within one hundred yards of the 
 depot) to see who and what we were. I knew the 
 column would be here in a few minutes, and, with 
 revolver in hand, approached it and told them to remain 
 inside, not to come out on peril of their lives. 
 
 In a moment the column came charging down the 
 street, which was immediately picketed to prevent 
 any one leaving town. The horses were led back 
 behind the buildings, and one man sent to each switch, 
 to lay concealed until the train passed, then to spring 
 forward and alter it. Every "blue coat" was ordered 
 to lay behind the buildings until the train was secured. 
 On she came, puffing and blowing with the weight of
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 47 
 
 twenty-five cars, loaded with railroad ties, bridge tim- 
 ber and plank. In a few minutes this train was in our 
 possession and switched on a side track. Another train 
 would be due in a few minutes from the West. Men 
 were placed near the switches. The command was 
 ordered to hide themselves from view, and everything 
 was perfected just as the whistle sounHed. On she 
 came rounding the curve, her passengers unconscious 
 of the surprise that awaited them. The engineer 
 decreased her speed. She was now nearly opposite 
 the depot. Springing upon the steps of the locomo- 
 tive, and presenting my revolver at the engineer, told 
 him if he reversed that engine I would put a ball 
 through him. He was at my mercy, and obeyed 
 orders. It would have done any one good to have seen 
 the men rush from their hiding places amid the shouts 
 and cheers which rent the air of "the train is ours." 
 It contained twelve freight cars and one passenger car, 
 four loaded with ammunition and arms, six with com- 
 missary and quartermasters' stores, and two with dry 
 goods and household property belonging to families 
 moving from Vicksburg. Several passengers were 
 aboard, and as soon as they learned what was up, com- 
 menced throwing out of the windows on the opposite 
 side from us their valuables, which fell into the water, 
 it being low and swampy on that side of the track. A 
 few revolvers, some papers and a considerable amount 
 of money was unceremoniously thrown out. Some of 
 the men, who never let anything pass unobserved, acci- 
 dentally picked up a few articles. One old watch,
 
 48 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 which was floating on the water, contained about eight 
 thousand dollars in Confederate "greenbacks." 
 
 This train being switched off on the side track with 
 the other, the private property thrown out, fires were 
 kindled in each car. The whole soon became one con- 
 tinuous flame. By eleven o'clock the heat had reached 
 the shells, which began to explode, and must have 
 sounded at a distance like a sharp artillery duel. Such 
 was the impression it had on Colonel Grierson and the 
 rest of the command, who were eight miles in our rear, 
 following us up. As soon as they heard the reports of 
 the bursting shells, they allowed that Colonel Black- 
 burn was attacked, and the order was given, "trot, 
 gallop, march," and on they came, expecting battle, 
 but instead, found the men had charged on a barrel 
 of whisky, which they were confiscating. I did not 
 see. a man that had more or less than a canteen full. 
 
 As soon as Colonel Grierson came up, two battalions, 
 under command of Major Starr, of the sixth Illinois, 
 was sent to destroy the bridges and tressel-work for 
 six miles on the east side of the station, while one 
 battalion of the seventh, under command of Captain 
 Hening, destroyed them the same distance on the west, 
 also effectually destroying the telegraph lines for some 
 distance. A building was found containing a large 
 quantity of United States rifles and clothing which was 
 burned. Seventy-five prisoners were captured and 
 paroled, (which duty devolved upon Adjutant George 
 Root, 7th Illinois). One depot, two locomotives and 
 all the cars, everything was destroyed. Colonel 
 Blackburn was highly complimented for his success.
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 49 
 
 Everything being completed, rally was sounded, men 
 fell into line, and at two o'clock, P.M., the command 
 moved forward. Passing the railroad we proceeded 
 south, which pleased the men very much. In justice 
 to them I will mention that while at the railroad station 
 they allowed the patients of the hospital to supply 
 themselves with sugar, coffee and clothing before 
 destroying it. t It was now useless to disguise our 
 character further; the news of "Yanks" was too far 
 ahead. Couriers were going in all directions, spreading 
 various reports respecting our strength. Some had 
 estimated it as high as fifteen hundred, and some as 
 many thousand ; that we burned all the towns, insulted 
 the females, and shot and hung all defenceless old 
 citizens. 
 
 It was very annoying to listen to the stories repeated 
 by many that we captured during the day ; and many 
 was the load of bacon, flour and household goods and 
 valuables that we captured, which the poor deluded 
 owners were trying to run off from the "Yanks," 
 deserting their mansions, leaving all to the mercy of 
 the invaders. 
 
 Great credit is due the commanders of this expedi- 
 tion for their efforts to prevent the destruction of private 
 property, and the men for abstaining from destruction, 
 which they could have done quite easily. It now 
 required more energy and perseverance on the part of 
 the scouts ; the rumors ahead were contradictory, and 
 the designs upon us, hard to tell ; the roads must be 
 found, so that there should be no delay to the column, 
 
 3
 
 50 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 at the same time, through our assumed character, find 
 all the horses we could, and get them, or give informa- 
 tion to the command where they could be found. The 
 roads being good, we made good time, passing through 
 Garlandville, where we found the citizens organized, 
 armed and ready to receive us ; they fired on the advance, 
 wounding one man and killing one horse ; we charged 
 them, capturing nearly the entire party. 
 
 They were all aged men and very much alarmed, 
 supposing that we would murder them and their families, 
 burn their homes, and commit other unheard of outrages. 
 We disarmed them and quieted their fears by releasing 
 them, assuring them that we had come among them not 
 to make war upon defenceless women and children but 
 upon the armed rebels ; they appeared elated at what 
 they deemed their good fortune, and one old man vent- 
 ured to remark that hereafter his prayers should be for 
 the Union Army. 
 
 The column stopped to feed on the plantation of 
 Mr. Bender, twelve miles from Newton Station. After 
 two hours' rest we started again, feeling somewhat 
 old and tired. We would occasionally see citizens 
 dodging about, watching but avoiding us; we would 
 sometimes give chase, but they escaped in the by-paths. 
 
 We continued our journey this night, through timber 
 land. I was so sleepy that, after trying all in my 
 power to keep awake, and finding I could not, I dropped 
 back to the column, and was aroused several times ; but 
 it was no use, sleep I must have, and sleep I got, for 
 when I awoke I found that my horse was nibbling the
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 51 
 
 grass, and I was on the eve of taking a somersault 
 over his head. I was alone, and, reader, I was awake 
 at once ; not a sound could I hear. The night was 
 intensely dark and dreary, and the shade from the 
 timber made it dismal enough. It was only a moment 
 before I acted. I could not see anything of the road, 
 so I dismounted and commenced feeling for it ; I found 
 it several yards to my left. To get on the right course 
 was the next thing ; this I did by feeling for the toe 
 and heel of the horse-shoe prints. Mounting my 
 trusty steed I put him on the track, with a slack bridle 
 and smart canter, trusting to his instinct to keep the 
 road. After traveling about two miles I was rewarded 
 by overtaking the rear-guard to the column. I assure 
 you I felt relieved. 
 
 My horse was seen to turn out from the column, but 
 supposing I had left the column purposely, to fix 
 something about my saddle, which is nothing unusual 
 on a march, besides the men were so sleepy and tired 
 that nothing but a shot fired would arouse them. I 
 found that I was no sooner out of one danger that of 
 being captured than I was into another. When 
 within one mile of camp, and as the column was 
 passing a plantation, my attention was attracted to a 
 barn-yard, where were apparently some fine horses. A 
 wide lane extended between the barn-yard and house. 
 I proceeded up the lane a short distance, hitched my 
 horse to the fence and sprang over into the yard, and 
 joined in the chase after a fine cream colored horse. 
 "While thus engaged an officer belonging to the sixth
 
 52 GKIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 Illinois rode up the lane, and seeing my horse with 
 citizen's saddle and shot gun attached to it, concluded 
 that some Guerillas were around, and was calling for 
 some of his men, who did not appear to be there ; he 
 continued to ride back and forth. My chase after the 
 steed proving unsuccessful, I was returning to my 
 horse, when I discovered the officer, as described ; 
 my first impulse on seeing him, which was a very 
 indistinct view, was that he was a Rebel, and without 
 further investigation I drew my revolver, jumped on 
 the fence presenting it at him, demanded his surrender, 
 or I would fire ; he had his revolver in his hand, but 
 dare not raise it for fear of my putting my threat into 
 execution, which I certainly should have done, had he 
 made any show of resistence. Just at this stage of the 
 game, when I was going to order my prisoner to drop 
 his arms, I was startled by the report of firearms just 
 in my rear, at the same time I felt a stinging sensation 
 on my left side. I was hit, and like a flash the thought 
 occurred to me, that I was fired on by one of my own 
 men ; and still keeping my men in view, I shouted, I 
 am one of the seventh, what are you firing at me for ; 
 this explained all ; the person who fired was William 
 Pollard, commissary sergeant of the sixth ; the moment 
 I spoke he knew my voice. "Why," says he, "sergeant 
 that is Captain Skinner, of the sixth ; but, my God, 
 you are hit." "Yes," I replied, "I am; but it is 
 nothing serious." It turned out that the sergeant 
 knew the Captain, but my back being turned toward 
 him, and my clothes being decidedly "butternut," he
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 53 
 
 came to the same conclusion respecting my character 
 that I had that of the Captain. 
 
 They allowed it was a good joke, but I could not 
 view it in that light, but in my heart I thanked God 
 that it was no worse. Upon examining my side I 
 found that the ball had ruffled the skin for about three 
 inches just over my hip (for a few days it burned and 
 smarted considerable.) We repaired to camp, which 
 was a short distance from there. It was eleven o'clock, 
 and for the first time in forty hours did we take off 
 our saddles from our weary horses. 
 
 NINTH DAY. 
 
 On the morning of the twenty-fifth, we left camp at 
 eight o'clock ; the sky obscured by clouds indicating 
 rain. Our progress was impeded by the bad roads ; the 
 country was thinly settled, and we had to swim our 
 horses across the streams. Being considerably in 
 advance, I stopped at a plantation, the appearance 
 of which did not denote much wealth ; a double log- 
 house, and a few out-buildings. On approaching the 
 stoop I was met by five females, who betrayed in their 
 countenances, much uneasiness and fear the cause was 
 soon explained. 
 
 I at once inquired if there was any men about, and 
 with one voice they all replied, "No sir," "our 
 husbands are all in the Army of Vicksburg." 
 
 "And so, ladies, you are all married?" 
 
 "Yes, sir; is there anything strange about that."
 
 54 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 " Oh no," I replied, laughing, " only it is strange to 
 see so many married ladies at one house." To this they 
 replied, that they had met to sympathize with each 
 other. I then asked them for a drink of milk ; they 
 said that they had none, but would bring some water, 
 which we accepted with thanks ; one of the number, 
 an old lady, wanted to know how soon this cruel war 
 was going to end. 
 
 I concluded to utter a few Union sentiments, to see 
 with what effect they would be received. I answered 
 her by saying, that I thought it would stop just as 
 soon as the old Stars and Stripes floated triumphantly 
 over all the South. Looking at me with some surprise 
 pictured in her countenance, she said, "I always did 
 like that old flag, and I think this ere war all wrong, 
 and if it had'nt been for these big lamed folks, we'd 
 all be living in peace. There's my husband, he'd no 
 lawing nor law-suits in court, but minded his own 
 business, and had nothing to do making this war ; but 
 they had to come and conscript him, and take him off 
 to Vicksburg, and I don't expect to see him agen 
 after being together for thirty-six years to be parted 
 this way " the tears trickled down her cheeks as she 
 continued, "I suppose you are conscripting; well, 
 you'll find no men around here ; you'd better conscript 
 all the women too ; we have no one left to care for us ; 
 we don't own any blacks." By this time I began to 
 think there were still some sparks left burning for the 
 old Union that they were not all extinguished by the 
 adulterated fluids of secession, and finally I asked the 
 old lady what she thought about the "Yanks."
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 55 
 
 "Well," says she, "we've hearn a heap about them 
 that wasn't good, and I've hearn tell a heap about 
 them that was right smart in their favor. I've never 
 
 seen but one, that is Mr. P , who lives four miles 
 
 from here ; he came all the way from Ohio, and is a 
 good man." 
 
 "Now, madam," says I "what would you think if I 
 should tell you that we were Yankees?" 
 
 Picking me up before I had scarcely finished the 
 sentence, she replied, "Now, young man, just stop that 
 thar kind of talk ; I aint going to be fooled in that 
 thar way ; you aint no Yankees, and you can't make 
 me believe it, and I aint going to tell you a word about 
 where the men are." By this time I looked up the 
 road and saw the column advancing. I beckoned the 
 old lady to me, and pointing to them told her they 
 were all Yankees, " and, my good woman, we are 
 Yankees, too." 
 
 The old lady's eyes opened to their widest extent, 
 and turning around she raised her hands in a praying 
 attitude, said "good Lord deliver us ! what will we'uns 
 all do ;" and calling the "gals," as she termed them, 
 showed them the column. At first they felt very much 
 alarmed ; we soon quieted their fears, and assured them 
 that they were perfectly safe. 
 
 We were called into the house, and in a few minutes 
 pies, bread, butter and milk in abundance was placed 
 upon the table, and we were invited to help ourselves. 
 While so doing the old lady was pulling an old chest 
 from under the bed, and soon displayed to us a good
 
 56 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 sized flag, representing that good old flag for which we 
 were fighting, and to protect its beautiful folds, so that 
 it may continue to wave 
 
 " O'er the land of the free, 
 And the home of the brave." 
 
 This was sufficient to satisfy me that the old lady 
 was all right on the Union question ; at the same time 
 one of the other ladies expressed a wish that "John 
 and William only knew what we were, how soon they 
 would come out of the woods." I left the old lady 
 wishing that God, in his mercy, would spare her 
 husband, and that peace would soon be permanently 
 restored to our afflicted country ; then she need no 
 longer keep concealed the "banner of liberty," which, 
 though 
 
 Thousands of true and brave, 
 
 Their heroic lives may end; 
 O'er thousands that flag shall wave, 
 
 Thousands its folds defend. 
 
 And as I journeyed on I thought how many of our 
 readers, were they to take a trip through the interior 
 of Mississippi, would be most bitterly disappointed; 
 where they expected to find educated minds, elegant 
 mansions, beautiful fields, quiet retirement luxuriating 
 in wealth, they would find a double log cabin or frame 
 house, with plain furniture (very scant), a feint show of 
 comfort, a little garden spot, profuse with flowers of 
 various hues (not very tastefully arranged), fields that 
 show a lack of proper cultivation. Altogether, there 
 is no show of wealth. And as for the high-toned intel- 
 lect, with few exceptions, it is not to be found. Many
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 57 
 
 words they express have the negro accent, and their 
 knowledge of the geography of our country, its popu- 
 lation, and resources, is very deficient. No free 
 schools to educate their children, and not sufficient 
 wealth to send them from home, they continue in igno- 
 rance so I thought as a pretty girl of some eighteen 
 summers remarked one day as we were passing, " why, 
 ma, they all look like we'uns do." Their minds preju- 
 diced, they will continue to be the tools and dupes of 
 the educated classes, who are building up their hopes 
 on establishing a monarchical government ; but when the 
 time arrives that these prominent leaders are brought 
 before the bar of justice, and their evil designs frus- 
 trated, and our country cleansed of those evils, then 
 will knowledge flow like lava into the minds of those 
 who now think there is no soil equal to that which 
 raises cotton. 
 
 We passed through Pineville a small place and at 
 noon stopped at a plantation and fed. The proprietor 
 was absent about a mile from the house, with his 
 slaves, cultivating corn. I was ordered by Colonel 
 Blackburn to go and request him to come to the house. 
 I found him, as I expected, with a large leather-bound 
 whip. He was seated on a stump, from which he 
 commanded a view of the negroes, about twenty-five, 
 male and female. I approached him, and passed the 
 time of day ; he did not seem at all surprised to see 
 me, and at once asked me what success I had hunting, 
 and how Pemberton was getting along at Vicksburg. 1 
 answered that I thought the latter place was safe 
 
 3*
 
 58 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 against the whole Northern army ; but as for hunting, 
 I was not on that kind of business ; that there was a 
 large force of us up at his house, and I was sent to 
 request him to come up. He at once called an old 
 negro, giving him his whip, and instructing him what 
 to do. We started, he on foot, I mounted. While on 
 the way he asked me whose command I belonged to, 
 and where we were going. I told him we belonged to 
 "Williams' " command, late from Tennessee, but now 
 from Jackson, Miss., and were in quest of commissary 
 stores, and picking up deserters and conscripts. As 
 we came in sight of his barn-yard he was perfectly 
 astonished to see so many troops ; but what worried 
 him the most was that they had all helped themselves 
 to his corn and fodder, without asking his permission 
 besides he had none to spare ; not but what the Confed- 
 erate vouchers were good enough, and he was willing 
 to loan his share, that he had fed several squads, but 
 he did not have more than he wanted for his own use. 
 As we passed through among the men he remarked how 
 well they were dressed, how healthy they looked, and 
 what fine arms we had. I told him we were the best 
 equipped cavalry in the Confederate service, and had 
 been in several battles. I entered the house with him, 
 and not letting him have an opportunity to talk with 
 his wife, ushered him into the room occupied by Colonel 
 Grierson and other officers. I at once introduced the 
 Colonel to him as " Colonel Williams, from Jackson, 
 Mississippi, formerly from Tennessee, at the same time 
 intrusting to the Colonel that our friend could give
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 59 
 
 information of deserters, conscripts and provisions, 
 which hint was sufficient for those present. I then 
 withdrew, to lay down and rest my weary limbs upon 
 the verandah. Considerable information was obtained 
 from this planter. While here some of the men found 
 a negro imprisoned in a log-hut, with manacles fastened 
 about both ankles, and a chain attached to it, fastened 
 to a ring in the floor. Colonel Blackburn had the irons 
 cut off, and it was a sickening sight to look at those 
 ankles ; the flesh was worn off to the bone and almost 
 in a state of mortification ; the rings that went around 
 the ankle were one inch in thickness, the whole weighing 
 about twenty-five pounds. The poor fellow felt quite 
 grateful, and never once complained about his scars. 
 He accompanied us through to Baton Rouge. His only 
 offence for all this treatment was trying to run away 
 from bondage. 
 
 Just as the shades of night began to set in we halted 
 and camped on the plantation of Dr. D . Informa- 
 tion had been obtained that a force of "rebs" were 
 making their way from Mobile to intercept us. It was 
 necessary that we should know something about their 
 movements and force. About nine o'clock, after holding 
 a consultation, Colonel Grierson requested Colonel 
 Blackburn to select one of the scouts and report with 
 him. In a few minutes Colonel Balckburn appeared 
 with scout Samuel Nelson, of the Seventh Illinois. He 
 was then instructed to proceed due north to Forest 
 Station, thirty miles from where we were camped, and 
 cut the telegraph line between Jackson and Meridian,
 
 60 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 on the Southern railroad, and if successful, bring a 
 piece of the wire, as proof of its accomplishment ; and 
 if he had time to fire the bridge before daylight to do 
 so, if not return to the command. After being supplied 
 with a quantity of Confederate money, Samuel started 
 on his perilous journey. After proceeding sixteen 
 miles he met a force of Rebel cavalry, about eighteen 
 hundred strong. He was halted and asked who he was 
 and what he was doing here. He replied that he had 
 been "pressed in" by the "Yanks" and compelled to 
 guide them ; that they kept him two days, releasing 
 him the day before on a parole ; that he was then on 
 his way to a friend, residing at Forest Grove. He was 
 then asked what force the Yankees had and where he 
 left them. He replied that he had left them the day 
 before at noon near Garlandville ; that their force was 
 about eighteen hundred men, well armed, enough, he 
 thought, to whip them. He was then asked the nearest 
 route to Garlandville, and which course the Yankees 
 went from there. Sam directed them so as to lead 
 them away from the proper trail, telling them the 
 Yankees had left before he did and gone in the directoin 
 of the Mobile railroad. Apparently satisfied with the 
 information they started, allowing Samuel to pursue 
 his journey. After he thought they had gone far 
 enough he turned about, retraced his steps about one 
 mile, then taking a right-hand road, and pressing in a 
 negro as guide, reached camp about five o'clock the 
 next morning. This valuable information was at once 
 conveyed to Colonel Grierson, who decided on evacuating
 
 GRIERSON KAIDS. 61 
 
 immediately. Boots and saddles was sounded, and the 
 command moved out at once. It was a fortunate thing 
 that this scout was sent out, as there would have been 
 a force upon us by daylight that would have annoyed 
 us to some extent. As it afterwards proved, they were 
 thrown two days in our rear. The telegraph project 
 was abandoned. 
 
 TENTH DAY. 
 
 Left camp at five o'clock the sixth Illinois in 
 advance. Three soldiers had to be left behind this 
 morning, they being too feeble to travel further. About 
 eight o'clock we passed through Raleigh, Smith County, 
 a small place having rather a deserted appearance. On 
 entering the place I discovered a man hastily mounting 
 his horse and riding away at full speed, which looked 
 rather suspicious ; he was requested to halt, but paying 
 no attention, kept increasing his speed. I told two 
 of my men to give him chase ; they being well mounted 
 soon came up within pistol shot of him, when a few 
 shots fired convinced him that there was danger in 
 his rear, he concluded to halt, and very reluctantly 
 returned to town, where he was delivered over to 
 Colonel Grierson, together with five thousand Con- 
 federate "greenbacks," and a bundle of papers ; he 
 proved to be the county sheriff, and possessed some 
 valuable information. 
 
 During the day we traveled through considerable 
 pine timber plantations, few and far between. We 
 experienced some scarcity of forage. It was just about
 
 62 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 dusk when I stopped at a plantation to dry my clothes, 
 it having rained all the afternoon ; had a very lively 
 conversation with the proprietor who proved to be 
 another sheriff (but minus the five thousand,) one that 
 had no little conceit of his own abilities ; he imagined 
 we were hunting up deserters, and did not trouble 
 himself to ask our business particularly, not half so 
 much as we did to try the quality of his home made 
 whisky, which he very generously supplied. 
 
 Imagine his astonishment when I ordered his negro 
 servant to bring his masters horse to the door without 
 delay, at the same time allowing the sheriff permission 
 to procure a change of clothing, which he crammed 
 into his saddle bags with an oath, exclaiming that it 
 
 was d d strange that he should be ordered round 
 
 in his own house in this style, that he was not subject 
 
 to conscription, and he be d d if somebody should 
 
 not have to pay for this trouble. He did not seem well 
 posted in military matters. By this time up came the 
 column, and Mr. Sheriff was introduced to Colonel 
 Grierson, under the impression that he was in the 
 presence of some noted general in the Confederate 
 army. He was ready to tell all he knew, and more 
 too. We were now nearing Stony River and near 
 Westville, in Simpson County, when the column was 
 overtaken by two messengers from Captain Forbes, who 
 then about thirty miles in our rear, requesting us 
 not to burn any more bridges, as he was endeavoring 
 to overtake us. This was joyful news to us. One of 
 the messengers, whose name is Wood, was one of the
 
 GRIEKSON RAIDS. 63 
 
 scouts, and had rendered much valuable assistance on 
 the expedition that was now trying to reach us, of 
 which I will speak hereafter. About nine o'clock the 
 
 Sixth Illinois camped on the plantation of Major ; 
 
 the Seventh, going a mile further, crossed Stony River 
 bridge and camped at Mr. Smith's plantation. The 
 rebel Major was quietly seated in his house, when 
 Colonel Grierson halted before it. Coming out he 
 wished to know whose command this was. No one 
 seemed to pay any attention to him, but riding in 
 through his gate into his garden, dismounting and 
 hitching their horses to the beautiful shade trees. This 
 was more than he bargained for, and he foamed and 
 tore around, swearing that it was an insult upon his 
 
 dignity, and he'd be d d if he would not report the 
 
 commanding officer to General Pemberton; he would 
 not stand such abuse and insult on his own premises ; 
 his garden was ruined, and they were feeding up all of 
 his corn and fodder. The Major learned his mistake 
 before morning, respecting our character, and had 
 nothing more to say about his garden. Distance 
 marched this day forty-two miles. Though tired and 
 sleepy, there were those who did not rest or sleep 
 longer than to feed their horses and prepare supper. 
 As the citizens were arming themselves, and, the news 
 was flying in every direction, it was a matter of life or 
 death that Pearl River should be crossed and the New 
 Orleans and Southern railroad reached, without any 
 delay. So thought Colonel Prince ; and acting on the 
 impulse he had an interview with Colonel Grierson, and
 
 64 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 obtained permission to move directly forward, and with 
 two hundred picked men of his regiment to secure the 
 ferry across Pearl River before the enemy should 
 destroy it. The following companies were detached : 
 I, C, E and L. The distance to the river was thirteen 
 miles, and from thence to Hazelhurst Station twelve 
 miles. The remainder of the two regiments were to 
 come forward as soon as they were sufficiently rested. 
 The Colonel left with the four companies at two o'clock 
 on the morning of the twenty-seventh. Some of the 
 scouts accompanied him, they being permitted to sup. 
 
 ELEVENTH DAY. 
 
 At daylight the remainder of the command moved 
 out, and it was discovered that Mr. Sheriff number two 
 had effected his escape during the night, and availed 
 himself of a fine horse belonging to one of Colonel 
 Grierson's orderlies. Taking the advance I reached 
 Pearl River, and found that Col. Prince had succeeded 
 in crossing about one hundred of his men. He had 
 reached the bank of the river before daylight, and, 
 contrary to the information he had received, the flat- 
 boat was upon the opposite side. Not daring to arouse 
 any of the citizens, the Colonel called for a volunteer, 
 who, with a powerful horse, undertook to swim the 
 river ; but the rapidity of the swollen stream carried 
 him far below the landing, where there was quicksand, 
 and he barely escaped to the shore with his life ; his 
 name was Henry Dower, company I, Seventh Illinois. 
 A few minutes later a man from the house came down
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 65 
 
 toward the river, and, with North Carolina accent, 
 wanted to know if we wished to cross, to which the 
 Colonel replied, in a very fair imitation of the same 
 tongue, that a few of us would like to get across, and 
 it was harder to wake his negro ferrymen than to catch 
 
 the d d conscripts. The proprietor apologized, and 
 
 woke up his ferrymen, who brought the boat across, 
 from which time it remained in federal possession. For 
 all the proprietor knew it was in the possession of the 
 first regiment Alabama cavalry, from Mobile. The 
 Colonel says the breakfast he gave the first Alabama 
 will long be highly appreciated. The importance of 
 this dispatch in this instance was proved half an hour 
 later, by the capture of a courier, who was flying to 
 the ferry with the news that the "Yanks " were coming, 
 and that the ferry must be destroyed immediately. By 
 the time that Colonel Prince had crossed his two 
 hundred men the rest of the command came up, having 
 left a guard at Stony River bridge to await the arrival 
 of Captain Forbes. It was known that a rebel transport 
 was some seven miles up the river, that carried two 
 pieces, six-pounders. Colonel Grierson sent a detach- 
 ment of men two or three miles above the ferry, where 
 they could lay behind the river bank, secure from 
 artillery, and engage the transport if she attempted to 
 come down ; but she did not make her appearance, 
 probably apprehending capture. Leaving the rest of 
 the command crossing a slow, tedious task, as only 
 twenty-four horses could go at a time Colonel Prince 
 with his two hundred men proceeded toward Hazelhurst.
 
 66 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 The scouts were ordered ahead, and had not advanced 
 more than four miles before we began to pick up 
 citizens, who were collecting together and arming 
 themselves to repel the invader. One small man, with 
 sandy whiskers and foxy eyes, trying to look as savage 
 as a meat-axe, had secured in an old belt around his 
 waist two large old flint-lock dragoon pistols, and slung 
 over his shoulder a large leather pouch and powder-horn, 
 and on his left shoulder, with his hand resting on the 
 stock, and old United States musket, flint-lock. As I 
 came up to him he brought his gun to a carry arms, and 
 between a grin and a laugh exclaimed : " They is 
 coming, Capting, and I am ready ; I've jist bid the old 
 woman good-bye, and told her that she need not expect 
 me back until I had killed four Yankees, and they were 
 exterminated from out our Southern sile; I'm good for 
 three of them, anyhow; I've been through the Mexican 
 war, and know how to use them ere weapons." I 
 gave the men the wink, which they understood, and 
 approaching the "exterminator" began to compliment 
 him on the appearance of his arms, and requested to 
 look at them. Without any hesitation he passed over 
 his musket to me ; the other men in the meantime had 
 his pistols. I informed him he was a prisoner, and 
 would soon have a chance to see the General. Leaving 
 him with one of the scouts, to be turned over to the 
 Colonel, I proceeded some two miles further, when I 
 saw some ten or twelve men together, some of them 
 mounted, while others were standing and sitting on 
 some pieces of timber. We boldly advanced, and when 

 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 67 
 
 within speaking distance I discovered there was a small 
 building, and further that it was a gunsmith's shop, on 
 rather a small scale. A few questions were asked by 
 the crowd respecting the "Yanks," which were answered 
 by letting them know that they were supposed to be 
 advancing toward Pearl River. They had flocked here 
 with their old shot-guns, muskets, rifles and pistols, 
 some of which looked as if they were made in the year 
 one. Taking them all prisoners, which somewhat 
 surprised them, we proceeded into the shop and threw 
 out twenty-five guns, of all descriptions ; taking them 
 one at a time and striking the stock on the ground, 
 breaking them off at the breech, then taking the barrel 
 and putting one end under some weighty substance and 
 giving it a jerk or two, it was no longer fit for anything 
 but to shoot around corners. These prisoners were 
 turned over to the column. 
 
 When within four miles of Hazelhurst, Colonel Prince 
 handed me a written dispatch and ordered me to send 
 two of my men with it to the station, to be handed to 
 the telegraph operator. I at once hastened forward and 
 sent Stedman and Kelly. The dispatch was addressed 
 to General Pemberton, at Jackson, Miss., stating that 
 the Yankees had advanced to Pearl River, but finding 
 that the ferry was destroyed, and that they could not 
 cross, had left, taking a northeast course. The scouts 
 had no difficulty in reaching the station, found the 
 telegraph office, the operator and six or eight Confed- 
 erate officers and soldiers standing and seated around, 
 not having the least idea that any Yankees were on the
 
 68 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 south side of Pearl River. The dispatch was examined 
 and various questions asked by the parties, all of which 
 were satisfactorily answered. The dispatch being sent 
 the men complained of being hungry, and said they 
 would cross over to the hotel, and mounting their horses 
 they were half way over when up rode, in great haste, 
 Mr. Sheriff number two, who had escaped the night 
 before. He at once recognized the scouts as two of 
 the party who had helped to drink his whiskey ; the 
 men knew him, too, and began to feel for their revolvers, 
 while the sheriff, with naked sword in one hand and 
 horse-pistol in the other which proved to be empty 
 began to assume rather a dangerous character ; at the 
 same time shouting for help, and ordering everybody 
 
 to stop them d d Yankees. The men thought it 
 
 would not pay to resist, so they prudently commenced 
 a retreat. Several persons tried to stop their horses, 
 but the sharp crack of a revolver impressed them with 
 the idea that it would not be a safe business, and gave 
 them a wide berth. They met me within one mile of 
 town. After stating their adventures I immediately 
 sent one man back to report to the Colonel, also to tell 
 the advance guard to come on double quick, while with 
 the remainder of my men we charged back into town, 
 the rain at the time pouring down in torrents. The 
 first place to visit was the depot. Not a soul was there 
 except two old men ; the rest had all absconded, the 
 operator tearing up his instrument and taking it with 
 him. He had not countermanded the dispatch, as was 
 ascertained. When the two scouts retreated the
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 69 
 
 Confederates thought that the Yankees were then in 
 sight, and without waiting to secure their private property 
 skedaddled, the honest sheriff with them. Upon inquiry 
 we learned that a train was soon due from the north. 
 The usual precaution was taken to secure it ; but after 
 waiting half an hour beyond the time for its arrival the 
 command became careless, and no further attention was 
 given it, supposing that news had reached the next 
 station of our approach. This was a sad mistake, for 
 when every one was scattered around town, thinking of 
 anything else, the train came around the corner, from 
 which point the engineer had a good view of a score of 
 "blue coats." He "smelt a rat," and reversing his 
 engine retreated safely with seventeen commissioned 
 officers and eight millions in Confederate money, which 
 was en route to pay off troops in Louisiana and Texas. 
 A large lot of empty and loaded freight cars was 
 burned, considerable commissary stores, four car-loads 
 of ammunition, the telegraph cut in several places, the 
 track torn up and some tressel-work destrqyed. 
 
 The depot was spared on account of its being so near 
 private buildings ; they would undoubtedly have caught 
 fire. This was a humane act, and was highly appre- 
 ciated by the citizens. Though every precaution was 
 taken by the officers to prevent the destruction of 
 private property, the flames were soon seen to burst 
 forth from a drug-store on the east side of the depot, 
 resulting in the burning of three other buildings, two 
 of which were empty stores and the third a private 
 residence ; none of the buildings were of very large
 
 70 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 dimensions. Every exertion was made to extinguish 
 the fire and prevent its spreading. 
 
 Hazelhurst is in Copiah County, and is not a very 
 large place; the buildings are somewhat scattered. But 
 little taste or neatness is displayed, though we found 
 some very clever people there, and some who still 
 entertained a strong feeling for the old Union, and 
 were bitterly opposed to secessionism. Two or three 
 barrels of eggs and a quantity of sugar, flour and 
 hams was found in the depot, which was taken to the 
 hotel and cooked for all hands as long as it lasted. 
 
 The explosion of boxes of ammunition and bursting 
 of some shells not only alarmed the citizens to some 
 extent, but had a startling effect on Colonel Grierson 
 and the column with him, which was about half way 
 between the station and ferry. The order was given 
 at once to "trot," then "gallop, march !" and they 
 came charging into town, expecting to find Colonel 
 Prince hotly engaged with the enemy. It was only 
 the explosion of the ammunition and shells, that we 
 had purposely fired, and they were sold again, as at 
 Newton Station. 
 
 Captain Forbes, who was sent to Macon, rejoined 
 the command just as the rear guard was crossing Pearl 
 River. After the whole command reached Hazelhurst 
 they rested four or five hours, giving me a good 
 opportunity to listen to Captain Forbes relating his 
 adventures, which I give as near as possible. On his 
 way to Macon he was preceded by two of his scouts, 
 Isaac E. Robinson and Wm. Buffington, both members
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 71 
 
 of his own company. When within three miles of 
 Macon they concluded to camp. Before reaching this 
 place the scouts had captured twelve Confederate 
 soldiers, picking them up one, two and three at a time. 
 While selecting the camp-ground Robinson was ordered 
 to advance toward Macon about a mile, to see what he 
 could learn about the force at that place. When he 
 had gone about that distance, and dismounted, he heard 
 the tramp of horses, and in a few minutes there 
 approached him a squad of six Confederate soldiers. 
 When within fifty yards he halted them, and demanded, 
 " Who comes there ?". The answer came, " Friends." 
 The scout then said, "Advance one and give the 
 countersign," whereupon one of them advanced, a 
 captain, and the following conversation took place: 
 
 "You appear to be a picket here?" 
 
 " Yes, sir ; have you not heard the ' Yanks ' are 
 coming?" 
 
 " Yes ; I have learned that they are about six miles' 
 from here. I was not aware of any pickets stationed 
 here." 
 
 " Oh, yes ; I was sent here, and told to watch these 
 cross-roads," (which were between him and the camp.) 
 
 " How many men are there of you ?" 
 
 " Only about sixteen of us." 
 
 "What are your instructions about passing, &c?" 
 
 " The orders from General Loring (commanding 
 forces then at Macon) are not to pass any soldiers, 
 except commanding officers, and citizens." 
 
 "Well, my friend, I am a commanding officer, and
 
 72 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 have permission to take a squad of men and scout 
 around the country." 
 
 " I will call the sergeant of the guard." He shouted 
 at the top of his voice two or three times " sergeant of 
 the guard," but no answer. By this time the soldiers 
 began to be suspicious that all was not right, and two 
 of them dropped back, soon followed by two more, 
 leaving but one, who turned round and wanted to know 
 " what in h 1 they meant by leaving in that manner." 
 They did not seem to pay any attention to him, but 
 were soon on a gallop. 
 
 "Why, Captain, you must have queer men, to leave 
 in that way ; I would not give much for such men to 
 look after < Yanks. "' 
 
 " I'll know what this means," he replied, and calling 
 the fifth man, who still remained at his post, ordered 
 him to remain there, and he -vfould bring back the 
 rascals, and away he went. 
 
 Robinson thought this was his opportunity, and he 
 would improve it. The Confederate sat on his horse, 
 with his double-barreled gun elevated, cocked and ready 
 for instant use. Robinson had on a long grey coat, 
 beneath which his carbine hung, attached to a string ; 
 he slid his hand down beneath his coat, seizing his 
 carbine and cocking it silently, unbuttoned his coat, and 
 in an instant had it presented at the rebel's heart 
 ordering him to drop his gun, ride forward and dismount, 
 which he did. Robinson draws his revolver, drops 
 his carbine, breaks the shot-gun, mounts his horse ; 
 ordering the reb to follow suit, hurries him back to
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 73 
 
 Captain Forbes, who made the fellow believe that he 
 would hang him if he did not tell all that he knew about 
 the forces in Macon. The man had not been long in 
 the service, was young and easily frightened, and 
 informed the Captain that there was about four hundred 
 troops, mostly conscripts, stationed there, but there 
 had arrived that day nine hundred troops from Mobile. 
 This was the same man captured by Federal forces as 
 reported by Captain Lynch on his return from scout 
 previously mentioned. Captain Forbes concluded not 
 to visit Macon, and early next morning started back. 
 After marching eight miles the scouts picked up a 
 soldier belonging to the Second Mississippi Artillery. 
 He happened to be one of those individuals that had 
 been opposed to the war, but rather than be conscripted 
 had volunteered. This man proved of considerable 
 service to the Captain, he having a good knowledge of 
 the country; just the man the Captain wanted, and he 
 used him to good advantage. Striking towards the 
 railroad, with the intention of cutting the telegraph 
 and burning a bridge between Macon and Enterprise, 
 to prevent a force being sent from the former to the 
 latter place ; but on nearing the railroad he learned 
 that the bridge was strongly guarded; he concluded 
 to avoid it, and destroying the telegraph proceeded 
 towards Newton Station, at which place he was informed 
 that Colonel Grierson had gone to Enterprise. The 
 Captain had a tedious time reaching this point, having 
 to go through swamps, swim streams, travel through 
 timber without any roads, for hours at a time, in order 
 
 4
 
 74 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 to avoid forces that were patroling the country in quest 
 of us. From Newton Station he went the nearest route 
 to Enterprise, and when within one mile of the town 
 learned that a force of three thousand rebel troops were 
 just getting off the cars. He promptly raised a white 
 flag and rode forward, demanding the surrender of the 
 town in the name of Colonel Grierson ! To this demand 
 the rebel commander, Colonel Goodwin, asked an hour 
 to consider upon it, and inquired of the Captain where 
 he would be found at the end of that time. Captain 
 Forbes replied that he would fall back to the reserve. 
 It is not known whether Enterprise surrendered or not, 
 although an article was read in the Jackson-Granada- 
 Memphis-Appeal, of April 26th, that fifteen hundred 
 "Yanks" had demanded the surrender of the place. 
 The Captain made good use of the hour in getting- to 
 the reserve. He followed our trail for four days, 
 making forced marches of sixty miles a day, swimming 
 streams, over which we had burned the bridges, to 
 prevent the enemy following us. At one time they 
 were taken in a windfall purposely by a guide, with the 
 intention of having them captured, but their scheme 
 was discovered in time to avoid it. Previous to this, 
 and near Philadelphia, one of the scouts was shot dead 
 from an ambush, (William Buffington,) also a member 
 of the company wounded, (C. E. Martin,) both good 
 and brave soldiers. 
 
 When near Raleigh, Robinson learned that a company 
 of guerrillas were in that place. The Captain ordered 
 a charge, and so complete was the surprise (they thinking
 
 GRIERSON KAIDS. 75 
 
 that all the " Yanks " had passed) that not one of them 
 escaped. They were taking dinner, and ere they knew 
 it, they were surrounded ; they numbered twenty-nine , 
 men. Their arms were destroyed, men turned loose, 
 the horses and captain of the company taken along. 
 After leaving this place, Lieut. McCausland suggested 
 to Captain Forbes that if he would let him he would 
 send three men, well mounted, to overtake Colonel 
 Grierson. His request was granted, and I have pre- 
 viously mentioned how successful they were. Captain 
 Forbes and men deserve great praise for their bravery 
 and perseverance. He was highly complimented by 
 Colonel Grierson for his success. 
 
 At seven o'clock the command left Hazelhurst, the 
 Sixth Illinois in advance. Taking a northwest course 
 it proceeded towards Galiton. It now became necessary 
 to use every precaution. We had passed withtn twenty- 
 five miles of the capital of the State cut the railroad 
 and telegraph communications on the New Orleans and 
 Great Northern Railroad. The enemy's scouts had 
 been sent out, and were watching our movements ; 
 couriers were flying in every direction, spreading the 
 news, forces were concentrating and sent to intercept 
 us, hem us in and annihilate us, as they boasted, and 
 felt confident of accomplishing. They certainly had 
 every advantage on their side ; a perfect knowledge 
 of the country every road, public or private every 
 stream of water, small or large the fordable places 
 and bridges forces above and below us on the railroad, 
 in our front at Port Gibson, Grand Gulf and Port
 
 76 ORIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 Hudson following in our rear retreat was impossible, 
 even if such an idea had occurred to us, we having 
 destroyed our only hope in that quarter bridges and 
 ferries. Colonel Grierson was not one of the retreating 
 kind; his motto was "onward." In wood craft I do 
 not think I ever saw his equal. He reminded me of 
 an old deer hunter ; he understood the runways and the 
 shortest way to get to them ; besides he had good 
 supporters in the following persons : Colonel Prince 
 and Lieut.-Col. Blackburn, of the Seventh Illinois ; 
 Lieut.-Col. Loomis and Adj't. S. L. Woodward, of the 
 Sixth Illinois. It was seldom that any citizen was 
 found to act as guide, except when dodging across 
 through the woods from one road to another. With 
 one of Colton's maps a small pocket companion with 
 the states and counties on it, he made his way through 
 the enemy's country. The road selected, it was then 
 the duty of the scouts to keep its communication open, 
 thereby causing no delay to the column. 
 
 Colonel Grierson was, just at this time, executing 
 one of his flank movements, which had so many times 
 thrown the enemy off our track, leaving them far in 
 our rear. It was about nine o'clock when we entered 
 the small town of Galiton, driving out a few guerrillas. 
 We had not proceeded many miles further when a train 
 of wagons was discovered ahead, drawn by oxen. The 
 scouts were withdrawn ; the Sixth Illinois dashed ahead, 
 and after a few shots fired, captured a thirty-two pound 
 Parrott gun, fourteen hundred pounds of powder, two 
 wagons, and some provisions, en route for Grand Gulf.
 
 GRIERSON .RAIDS. 77 
 
 The gun was spiked, wagon and powder destroyed. 
 After proceeding a few miles further, we went into 
 camp at Hargrove's. Distance traveled, thirty-seven 
 miles. 
 
 It was very amusing, sometimes, to witness the 
 astonishment depicted on the countenances of the 
 negroes when they learned that we were Yankees. So 
 many falsehoods had been told them by their masters 
 and mistresses that we were a different people ugly, 
 deformed, and very wicked, that the poor slaves had 
 conjured up in their minds a fearful picture ; they being 
 naturally superstitious and ignorant, are easily worked 
 upon. I had stopped one day to feed at a large 
 plantation, and was somewhat surprised at not seeing 
 any negroes about; however the mystery was soon 
 solved, by finding an old negro in one of the cabins, 
 whose aged locks of wool had turned " gray." I asked 
 him where all the negroes were. " I tell you, massa, 
 dey am in de woods ; you see I'se an old nigger, but I 
 knows better, massa; I tell dem not to rue to de wood 
 to hide, de Lord knows I did ; yes, massa, dey am in 
 de woods over dar," pointing with his hand. I asked 
 him why they had run away; we would not harm them. 
 "Well, I tells you, massa ; de white folks tell we black 
 ones dat you all's will kill us ; so dey hear dat the 
 "Yank's" be coming, and dey runs ; now, massa, Ise 
 like to ax one question." "Well, Uncle, go ahead." 
 " I wish you tells dis old nigger when am all de black 
 folks to be free." Smilingly I replied, "just as soon 
 as Uncle Abraham sounds his trumpet, so that it will
 
 78 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 be heard throughout the whole land, then he will fold 
 you all in his bosom, and you will become a free and 
 happy people." I left the old darkey repeating to 
 himself, "De Lord send him this way soon!" Upon 
 reaching the yard I found that some of the men had 
 flanked around into the woods, looking for horses, and 
 discovered the negroes hid behind stumps and logs. 
 They thought their time had come, and exhibited much 
 fear, which was soon quieted by the kind manner in 
 which cur men approached them. They became quite 
 docile, and had a great curiosity to see the "horns" 
 they had heard stuck out of our heads. 
 
 TWELFTH DAY. 
 
 After a good night's rest we left camp at seven 
 o'clock. We had changed our course, and were going 
 due south the roads in good condition. Nothing 
 occurred to interrupt us except now and then a chase, 
 and frequently capturing one or two guerrillas, who 
 were in our advance. Thus we continued until about 
 ten o'clock, when the column was halted, and after a 
 council of half an hour among the officers, the following 
 companies of the Seventh Illinois were detached : A, 
 H, F and M under command of Captain Trafton, 
 (acting major) whose instructions were to proceed to 
 Bahala, on the New Orleans and Great Northern 
 Railroad, below Hazelhurst, to destroy the track and 
 otherwise injure the enemy. 
 
 Colonel Blackburn ordered me to take one man and 
 accompany this expedition. Away we went, taking a
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 79 
 
 left-hand road, while the rest of the command moved 
 forward on the road to Union Church, the Sixth Illinois 
 in advance, which I will leave to resume their journey 
 while I take my place in the advance with Stedman. 
 Not meeting with anything until within one mile of 
 Bahala, when on gaining the top of a hill (country 
 thickly timbered), I was somewhat startled, at first, to 
 discover two army tents not more than seventy-five 
 yards distant. I immediately halted, cautioned my 
 command to be silent ; taking a hasty survey, could not 
 see a living being. We then retreated and reported to 
 Captain Trafton ; the column was halted, we concluded 
 there was either no person with the tents, or they 
 knew of our approach and were ready to ambush us. 
 The captain at once decided to advance, by deploying 
 one company as skirmishers, and throwing one 
 company on the right and left flank, the fourth bringing 
 up the center, moving up cautiously, each moment 
 expecting to hear the sharp crack of the rifle. The 
 skirmishers are within a few yards of the tents, still 
 no signs of life; the tents are surrounded, they are 
 captured, they are ours ; contents one darkey asleep ; 
 loss none. It appears that a squad of cavalry had 
 been camped here, and were engaged in burning coal 
 for the Confederate Government, and had been with- 
 drawn the day previous, being ordered to Osako. The 
 negro had been left to take care of the tents, which 
 were destroyed, together with a large quantity of coal. 
 I was then ordered to proceed forward and reconnoitre 
 the town. I did so by flanking around through the
 
 80 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 timber. Could see no signs of any force there all 
 appeared to be quiet. Reported back to the command, 
 which went in on a charge, capturing a Major Weader, 
 belonging on General Gardner's staff, and was chief 
 commissary of subsistence, and very much of a gentle- 
 man. After destroying depot, water-tank, tressle-work, 
 and steam-engine for pumping water and sawing wood, 
 we rested a short time and then began retracing our 
 steps, taking the Major along. After traveling about 
 seven miles we stopped at a plantation and fed, then 
 continued our journey. On coming into the main road 
 upon which we were to follow up Colonel Grierson, it 
 was eight o'clock, and we had thirty miles to travel 
 before reaching the command. After proceeding about 
 a mile I stopped at a plantation, and what was my 
 surprise to learn that a force of the enemy had passed 
 about five hours before, and were following up Colonel 
 Grierson, but were in ignorance of any Federal force 
 sent to Bahala. They were under the impression that 
 all the Yankee forces had passed. This was most 
 fortunate for us, and in another respect we were favored 
 the night was very dark. I immediately reported to 
 Captain Trafton. The men were all ordered to observe 
 silence, arrangements were perfected so that the column 
 should halt whenever the scouts requested it, and all 
 seemed to depend on them for a safe re-union with the 
 command. Only Stedman and myself were acting as 
 scouts. Half a mile further I saw a candle-light, 
 apparently out of doors. I advanced boldly, and when 
 near enough discovered an old man standing out upon
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 81 
 
 the front stoop of the house, holding the light in one 
 hand and shading his eyes with the other. He appeared 
 to be conversing with a man that was mounted on a 
 horse, and inside of the garden lot. As I drew up to 
 the gate, not more than fifty yards from the house, I 
 cried out " Hello, step this way;" this seemed to come 
 unexpectedly, and in a moment the mounted man 
 disappeared in the darkness. The old gentleman 
 wanted to know who was there. "A friend," I replied ; 
 " please step this way a moment, I want to ask you 
 some questions." He toddeled out to the gate, and as 
 soon as he could see asked if I was not a soldier. I 
 answered that I was, and wished to know how long 
 since our troops passed. 
 
 " Do you mean Colonel Adajns, sir ?" 
 
 " Yes, and what force has he?" 
 
 " Well, I don't know as I can tell ; I can't see but a 
 short distance, but there appeared to be a good many 
 pass, then some cannon." 
 
 " How long since?" I inquired. 
 
 " Well, about five hours, or it may be six." 
 
 " Who was that man that was talking with you when 
 I came up?" 
 
 "Well, I really don't know; he' is a soldier and a 
 stranger to me, and was inquiring the way to Port 
 Hudson." 
 
 "Well, good night, we must go, for we have got 
 reinforcements for Colonel Adams. Tell that man, if 
 you see him, not to be alarmed, the Yankees are all 
 ahead, and we expect to overtake them to-morrow." 
 
 4*
 
 82 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 "I hope you will," said the old man, "they took 
 two horses and a mule from me, and my neighbor down 
 here lost three mules and one horse, besides four of his 
 best working hands." 
 
 I turned and left him, thinking the horse and mule 
 business was nothing new to me. I had no sooner 
 returned to the head of the column and reported to 
 Captain Trafton, then up came a single horseman. It 
 at once occurred to me that this was the man talking 
 with the old man at the house. I told the men to keep 
 still, at the same time ordering him to halt, which he 
 obeyed promptly, and in a loud voice said, " I am all 
 right, I belong to the Confederate army ; I heard you 
 talk with the man at the house." Captain Trafton 
 then told him to advance ; coming up rapidly he dis- 
 played a double-barrelled gun laying across the pommel 
 of his saddle. I asked him if he was not tired, at the 
 same time requesting him to hand me his gun and I 
 would have one of the men carry it for him ; he handed 
 it over and I passed it back. Just then Captain Trafton 
 says to me, " This man may be a Yankee for all we 
 know." " Oh, no, gentlemen, you are mistaken ; I am 
 a Lieutenant, and belong to Port Hudson, and can tell 
 you all about it, and who commands there, then Captain 
 you can tell if I ain't all right." He was rather young, 
 had been on furlough, and was now on his way back to 
 join his company. He said we would find six men 
 stopping at the next plantation, patrols and pickets, 
 belonging to Wirt Adams' Louisiana cavalry just what 
 we wanted to know. He was allowed to ride in the
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 83 
 
 ranks, upon being persuaded to accompany us. The 
 men all understood the game, and the Lieutenant proved 
 very sociable, little dreaming that he was a prisoner. 
 After traveling another mile I met a mounted soldier, 
 with a small boy behind him, passed them back as 
 prisoners and continued on until reaching a plantation 
 a barn on the left of the road, the house on the 
 right ; from the barn to the house was about three 
 hundred yards. Approaching the barn we found three 
 men feeding their horses, which they had unsaddled, 
 their saddles laying on the ground ; two shot-guns and 
 one carbine standing against the fence next the road. 
 They heard us coming up. I stopped at the gate ; they 
 appeared to be expecting us, and expressed no surprise 
 entered into conversation ; questions were asked on 
 both sides and satisfactorily answered. I then told 
 Stedman in an under tone to go back and tell the 
 captain to send a few men forward, and as Stedman 
 started I spoke loud, telling him to tell the captain 
 that all was right, that we would soon join Colonel 
 Adams. In a few minutes the men came up, and 
 without further parley we took them prisoners, which 
 proceeding somewhat surprised them. They had stated 
 that three of their number were at the house, and as 
 some loud talking had been done, might they not have 
 heard it ? An idea occurred to me, which I at once 
 put into execution. Telling four or five men to come 
 with me, I galloped up to the house, and speaking in a 
 loud voice said, " Come along, men ; you know what 
 the c.iptain's orders are, that we must find and bring
 
 84 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 along every man that is straggling behind ; every man 
 
 is needed to whip those d d Yankees." This had 
 
 the desired effect. They were in the house one a 
 lieutenant having a good time conversing with the 
 ladies. Skulking was beneath their dignity, and as 
 they heard what I said came boldly out. The men had 
 dismounted, and slipping through the gate took the 
 gentlemen by surprise. Their arms were secured and 
 they put under guard. The Port Hudson lieutenant 
 for the first time " smelt a rat," and exclaimed, "D n 
 me, if I ain't sold!" 
 
 A sad accident occurred at this place. Several 
 shot-guns were found ; I had destroyed all but one, a 
 very fine double-barrelled shot-gun, which Sergeant 
 G. M. Vaughn, company F, took a fancy to, requesting 
 me not to break it, but give it to him, and he would 
 carry it. I handed it to him, at the same time saying 
 that he would soon get tired of it, which proved to be 
 the case sooner than I anticipated. We were just going 
 to start when we were startled by the report of fire- 
 arms. The sergeant had concluded not to keep the 
 gun, and dismounting went a few steps to a tree, and 
 grasping the barrel in both hands near the muzzle 
 raised it up, striking it against the tree. He had not 
 taken the necessary precaution to remove the caps, and 
 the result was he lodged the contents of one barrel of 
 buck-shot in his thigh. He had to be left, and I never 
 expected to see him again. The inmates of the house 
 promised to show him every kindness. We resumed 
 our journey, and while passing a cross-road five rebels
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 85 
 
 came trotting into our column, thinking we were 
 Confederates. They were taken quietly, without firing 
 a shot. A short time after this occurred two patrols 
 were met and secured. 
 
 It was now about midnight, when on consulting with 
 the captain he thought it was advisable to know 
 something more about the force between us and Colonel 
 Grierson, as well as the locality of the country, and 
 see that, if necessary, we could not flank around the 
 enemy and join our command. We were then within 
 sight of a large plantation. It was a dim starlight 
 night, and the country through which we were traveling 
 principally timbered, with tolerable good roads. The 
 column halted, and taking two men we jumped over a 
 fence, crossed an open space about two hundred yards 
 and stopped in front of a neat log house. I then 
 stationed one man on each side, to prevent any one 
 from leaving it, and then stepping upon the verandah 
 knocked loudly at the door. A voice from within 
 inquired, "Who's there?" I answered, "A soldier; 
 my captain has sent me here to find out something 
 about the roads, and how long since Colonel Adams 
 passed ; we are trying to overtake Colonel Adams with 
 reinforcements." By this time he told me to come in. 
 The door not being locked I turned the knob and 
 stepped into a small-sized room, containing one bed, a 
 few chairs, a table, a looking-glass, and a fire-place in 
 which were a few burning embers, giving sufficient light 
 to see that the room was but scantily furnished. He 
 requested me to light a candle and then be seated,
 
 86 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 which I soon accomplished, while he remained in bed. 
 The following conversation then took place. He was 
 a lawyer and a bachelor, living at his ease, owning 
 considerable property, and did not appear to have seen 
 more than thirty-five years, very good looking, with 
 penetrating eyes, rather prepossessing countenance, and 
 no doubt prided himself -on his cuteness as a lawyer. 
 "Well, you say you are a soldier, and that your 
 captain has sent you here to obtain information about 
 Colonel Adams and the condition of the roads. Now, 
 sir, before answering your questions, I will ask you a 
 few. To whose command do you belong ?" 
 
 " To Colonel Faulkner's First Mississippi Cavalry, 
 stationed at Granada, and sent by railroad to Jackson, 
 to assist in intercepting the Yankees at Pearl River, but 
 we arrived too late ; the Yankees had crossed, and we 
 were ordered by a dispatch from General Pemberton to 
 pursue the enemy, and, if possible, fall in with Colonel 
 Adams and report to him." 
 
 " Is Colonel Faulkner in command of this force." 
 "No, sir; Major Williams is in command. We 
 number about two hundred men, well armed and 
 uniformed. Having been engaged in several battles 
 with the enemy, most of the men have captured Yankee 
 clothing sufficient to clothe themselves." 
 "You do not speak like a Southern man." 
 " That is easily accounted for ; I came from Missouri 
 formerly ; belonged to Jeff. Thompson's command ; 
 when he disbanded I came to West Tennessee and 
 joined this command. But I must not delay ; can you
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 87 
 
 send a negro along to guide us through to Union 
 Church?" 
 
 "I have several blacks, but my horses and mules I 
 sent away when I received news that the Yankees were 
 coming this way, in order to save them. I would go 
 myself as your guide if I had my riding horse here, for 
 I am acquainted with Colonel Adams, and it will be a 
 capital idea, this reinforcement; yes, I would like to 
 go the Colonel stopped here half an hour and rested 
 his column." 
 
 " Do you know, sir, how much force Colonel Adams 
 had?" 
 
 " About four hundred men, with six pieces of 
 artillery. He left here about sundown, and intended 
 to attack the Yankees at three o'clock in their rear, 
 while a force from Port Hudson will meet them in front, 
 on the Natchez road." 
 
 " I would like very much you would accompany us ; 
 I can mount you on a good horse." 
 
 " I will go ;" and suiting his action to his word sprang 
 out of bed and commenced dressing, saying that he 
 would be ready in five minutes, and that I would find a 
 saddle, bridle and sheepskin on the door-steps." 
 
 " What may I call your name, sir ?" 
 
 " My name is Mosby." 
 
 "Well, Mr. Mosby, I will step out and tell the 
 Major, and have a horse brought up for you." So out 
 I went, feeling very much relieved ; told the Captain 
 all about my conversation and my representations of 
 the command, also the information I had obtained,
 
 88 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 thoroughly posting the captain. I then had the horse 
 brought forward, and the two men withdrawn from the 
 house, the captain in the meantime procuring a long 
 grey coat and cap of the same color. All was now 
 ready, and Mr. Mosby made his appearance at the 
 fence, jumped over, and I introduced them. The 
 captain occupying the advance the lawyer had no 
 opportunity of seeing the column. I proceeded to the 
 front, leaving the Captain and lawyer riding side by 
 side, on intimate terms. We were now within twelve 
 miles of Union Church, and it was of the utmost 
 importance that Colonel Grierson should be informed, 
 at all hazards, of the designs of the enemy. I had 
 gone about two miles when I met two patrols ; unarmed 
 them, turning them out on one side of the road, in order 
 that Mr. Mosby should not see them near enough to 
 recognize their features or dress. 
 
 As we continued to move on, tired and hungry, I 
 thought some one might try and reach Colonel Grierson 
 before three o'clock ; I dropped back so as to ride in 
 company with Mr. Mosby, and inquired of him, where 
 he thought Colonel Adams would stop to feed and 
 prepare before making the attack, and if it was a 
 possible thing for any person to get around his camp 
 without being discovered, as my design was to reach as 
 near the "Yanks" as possible and find out their position, 
 which would be a great advantage to us. Mr. Mosby 
 thought Colonel Adams would feed near the Fayette 
 road on a plantation ; that it was impossible to get 
 around Colonel Adams' camp and return in time, owing
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 89 
 
 to the rugged state of the country; "But," continued he, 
 " I am well acquainted with Colonel Adams, and I will 
 go with you, and can pass you through his lines, then 
 you can have a good road to proceed on." I then 
 inquired how far it was to where the Colonel would 
 camp, Mr. Mosby replied about four miles. It was 
 near one o'clock, P.M. I told Mr. Mosby I would 
 consider his proposition, and if I concluded to go 
 through Colonel Adams' camp I would return for him. 
 I started ahead, accompanied by Stedman. We had 
 now made up our minds to go ahead and see if we 
 could obtain a view of the rebel camp, and if possible 
 reach Colonel Grierson. 
 
 I bid some of my comrades good bye, telling them 
 that I did not know whether ever I would see them 
 again or not. We started alone ; the road was shaded 
 the overhanging trees on either side, which, together 
 with the darkness of the night, made it very lonely. I 
 began to reflect ; what, if we should be detected, our 
 fate was certain death we would be treated as spies. 
 Then imagination pictured home with all its inducements, 
 and I could see many sad countenances and bitter tears. 
 I thought of all this ; what if we should be successful 
 in the attempt, might we not be the instrument of 
 saving the lives of many brave comrades, (we said we 
 would go, and go we must,) and I prayed in my heart 
 that God would guide us safely through. We had 
 advanced to within one half mile of the supposed camp 
 ground, when I could distinctly hear somebody talking 
 and laughing ; we came to a halt, and when near
 
 90 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 enough I could see the figures of the men mounted upon 
 horses ; I allowed them to come within about twenty-five 
 yards, when I cried halt, which sound came rather 
 unexpected to them, and at first they did not know 
 whither to turn and run or not, but raising their guns 
 I could distinctly hear the sharp click of the hammers 
 as they cocked their pieces. Our revolvers were grasped 
 in our right hands ready for instant use. (a precaution 
 we always used after night.) I immediately inquired 
 "who comes there?" One of them answered, "friends," 
 I then said, "advance one and give the countersign." 
 They answered they had no countersign, at the same 
 time one of them advanced, and as he came up, inquired 
 who I was, and if I was alone. By this time I could 
 see my man plain enough to feel satisfied that he was a 
 Confederate soldier. I answered him that I was not 
 alone, that the column would be here in a few minutes, 
 that we had been traveling all day and that night to 
 overtake Colonel Adams and reinforce him ; "all right," 
 says he, " we belong to old Wirt Adams' cavalry, and 
 
 to-morrow we intend to give the l Yanks' h 1." By 
 
 this time the other two came up and many questions 
 were asked as to the -command we belonged to, all of 
 which we answered satisfactorily. They informed me 
 that the "Yanks" had a fight going into Union Church 
 last evening, and that Colonel Adams had gone to 
 Fayette there to be reinforced by troops from the 
 river^ and they intended to ambush the "Yanks" in the 
 morning between Fayette and Union Church ; that the 
 "Yanks" intended to make Natches but would get
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 91 
 
 slipped up ; they farther stated that they had been left on 
 the corner where the Fayette road turned off to notify 
 forces coming up where they could join Colonel Adams. 
 This was just what I wanted to know and I felt really 
 good. I knew the column would soon be along, and 
 telling my friends that I would go back and meet the 
 advance, and tell them of their presence, so that no 
 accident would occur. This looked plausable enough, 
 and without any objections they permitted me to depart. 
 I then procured two men from one of the company's, 
 proceeded ahead, and without any trouble took my three 
 friends in " out of the wet" two of them were lieuten- 
 ants, they had left their post and were going to a 
 plantation about a mile from there to visit an old 
 acquaintance. They were taken a few yards into the 
 timber to prevent Mr. Mosby seeing them, fearing that 
 he would know them. As soon as the head of the column 
 had passed the prisoners were turned over to company 
 M. I started forward and as I passed Mr. Mosby he 
 inquired who those men were that we had taken ; I told 
 him they were " Yanks" and had been straggling from 
 their command, probably to plunder, and had lost their 
 way. He allowed it was a capital idea, and hoped we 
 would shoot them, that they should not be permitted to 
 live. 
 
 The coast was now clear, and we had only six miles 
 to go before joining our command. I now told Mr. 
 Mosby that Colonel Adams had gone to Fayette, and 
 explained the reason. Mr. Mosby then wanted to know 
 from the Major whether he intended joining Colonel
 
 92 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 Adams or following up the " Yanks." The Major (which 
 we will continue to call Captain Trafton,) replied, that 
 on considering the matter he would follow the "Yanks" 
 and send a courier through to Colonel Adams, notifying 
 him of the force here and the intention, which was to 
 attack the enemy in the rear, in conjunction with their 
 attack in the front. 
 
 Mr. Mosby thought it was a capital idea and offered 
 his services to carry this dispatch through to Colonel 
 Adams in fact insisted upon it. But the Major 
 allowed that he could not part so easily with his 
 excellent company, and turning to me, ordered me to 
 send a courier through to Colonel Adams on the 
 Fayette road which we were now leaving to our right ; 
 I absented myself a short time, then reported to the 
 Major that his order was obeyed. I then trotted 
 forward beside my friend Stedman and we congratu- 
 lated each other on the success attending us, and it was 
 not without a feeling of gratitude to the Most High 
 for our safety thus far. 
 
 We now felt comparatively safe. It was but five 
 miles to the command, and I gave myself up to thoughts 
 of our numerous adventures, of the past few hours, and 
 could hardly realise that we had had so many narrow 
 escapes ; I thought of the delay I had occasioned the 
 column so many times, knowing how tired and sleepy 
 the men were, how they must have cursed me, but they 
 were ignorant of the proceeding in front, and as the 
 prisoners continued to be sent back they began to 
 realise the importance of the scouts, and their show of
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 93 
 
 gratitude toward myself and comrade afterward has 
 more than repaid me for the risk incurred. When 
 within a few miles of Union Church I could see our 
 picket fires, so riding briskly up, though not without 
 heing halted by the vidette. I advised the men of our 
 having a guide who was under the impression that he 
 was rendering the Confederate service a great benefit 
 by guiding us. I requested them not to make any 
 remark while the head of the column was passing, that 
 would excite suspicion in the mind of Mosby. I 
 dropped back to see what effect the presence of this 
 picket post would have on him ; at first, he was much 
 surprised and remarked that he did not know that we 
 had any force ahead. I told him that it was only one 
 company, that had been sent down on the east side of 
 the railroad, and were waiting here expecting us that 
 we still had a force at Union Church. This was 
 satisfactory ; he allowed it was a capital idea. We 
 soon entered town, and with it came daylight half-past 
 four o'clock. We found the command scattered, and 
 laying stretched out on the ground fast asleep for the 
 weather was quite warm and pleasant. We at once 
 dismounted, the men feeding their horses, while Captain 
 Trafton no longer major repaired to headquarters 
 and communicated his information to Colonel Grierson. 
 The prisoners were put under guard, except Mr. Mosby, 
 who remained most of the time in my company, and 
 not suspecting anything wrong. Colonel Grierson at 
 once arose from his bed and sent for Colonel Prince, 
 Lieut.-Col. Blackburn, Lieut.-Col. Loomis, and Adj't
 
 94 G 11 IE 11 SON RAIDS. 
 
 S. L. Woodward ; the latter he consulted on all such 
 occasions. 
 
 After Captain Trafton left on his expedition to 
 Bahala, the rest of the command kept on the direct 
 road to Union Church, not meeting with any trouble 
 until within two miles of the place, except eight or ten 
 guerrillas, who were picked up by the scouts. Com- 
 panies A, C, and D, the advance of the Sixth Illinois, 
 met the enemy about one hundred and fifty strong, but 
 without any delay drove them into and through town 
 some three miles, wounding two and taking several 
 prisoners. Our loss one slightly wounded. Captain 
 Trafton brought in twenty-one prisoners, having met 
 with no loss, except the accident, and having traveled 
 about thirty miles more than the rest of the command. 
 While Colonel Grierson was consulting the map, Adj't 
 Root was busily engaged writing paroles, and soon the 
 prisoners were brought up to sign their names. This 
 was what I wanted ; now was the time to witness the 
 surprise and discomfiture of our worthy friend, Mr. 
 Mosby, the learned lawyer, the Yankee exterminator, 
 "a capital idea." As the prisoners were brought 
 around to the front of the house, and going through the 
 ceremony of being paroled, my friend the lawyer's 
 curiosity was excited ; he thought he recognized among 
 the prisoners a few familiar faces, and expressed a 
 desire to cross the garden and see. " Most certainly," 
 I replied, " there's no objection to any one conversing 
 with the prisoners." He started, and I remained 
 standing where I could see and watch his countenance.
 
 GEIERSON RAIDS. 95 
 
 On the verandah was a table, and seated around it the 
 buisy clerks, while the prisoners crowded around, 
 awaiting their turn to be called, apparently feeling in 
 good spirits. On approaching the crowd one of them 
 turned around and at once recognized, in the form and 
 features of Mr. Mosby, an old acquaintance, and 
 extending his hand exclaimed, "Why, friend Mosby, 
 you here; I did not expect to see you a prisoner." 
 * Why, explain ; what do you mean ? are these not 
 our troops?" 
 
 " Our troops ? No ! I wish they were ; I'd feel a 
 
 d d sight better than I do now. No, sir ; they are 
 
 the genuine Yankees ; but they will not do anything 
 with you, being a citizen, and not a soldier ; but I am 
 surprised, lawyer Mosby, that you had not noticed the 
 difference." 
 
 I could see his face change color half a dozen times 
 and turning around he looked " daggers " at me. In 
 a few minutes he returned, and looking me full in the 
 
 face said, " This is a d d Yankee trick." I was 
 
 full of laughter, and laying my hand familiarly on his 
 shoulder said, " Mr. Mosby, you are sold, but it is all 
 fair in war times, and do you not think ' a capital 
 idea?'' He twitched his mouth a little, and at last 
 assuming a contented look said, " Sergeant, you havo 
 done well, but for God's sake do not ever mention this 
 to any person." I promised, but it was too good to 
 keep. From that time until he left the place he was 
 very sociable. On inquiring how he was to get back 
 home, he said he could not walk so far, and there would
 
 96 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 not be a horse or mule left. I told him that I thought 
 I could raise him a horse of some kind, as several had 
 to be left behind. I left him, and finding the Colonel, 
 asked him if there would be any horses left behind, if 
 so, I would like one for Mr. Mosby to return on. The 
 Colonel told me to find one and mount him. I soon 
 found one, and putting on a good saddle called Mr. 
 Mosby, and handing him the reins told him to keep 
 this horse in remembranc^ of the Yankees. He seemed 
 much pleased, and when I left him he had a very 
 favorable opinion of Yankee hospitality. Prisoners all 
 paroled, exhausted horses turned loose, by six o'clock 
 in the morning we left Union Church. 
 
 THIRTEENTH DAY. 
 
 The twenty-ninth found -us directing our course 
 towards the railroad the Seventh Illinois in advance 
 passing through the woods for several miles without 
 any signs of a road another flank movement leaving 
 Colonel Adams with a considerable force on the Natchez 
 road, expecting to ambush us. We afterwards learned 
 hat he did not discover we had evacuated Union Church 
 until two o'clock that day. 
 
 We were now directing our course towards Brook- 
 haven, on the New Orleans and Great Northern railroad. 
 Considerable dodging was done the first three or four 
 hours' march of this day. I do not think we missed 
 traveling toward any point of the compass. We were 
 making tolerably fast time, occasionally " taking in " a 
 prisoner. Finally we struck the main road leading to
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 97 
 
 Brookhaven, and met ox and mule teams drawing 
 hogsheads of sugar, running it off from the station 
 across the country to Port Gibson ; of course it. was 
 destroyed, but not before the men replenished their 
 haversacks. When within four miles of the station we 
 surprised and took prisoners five guerrillas, without 
 firing a shot. Upon searching a house near by we 
 found eight shot-guns and rifles, and three revolvers. 
 Destroying the former we advanced to within two miles 
 of the station, when I was ordered to proceed and 
 reconnoitre the town, and see what I could discover. 
 About one mile from town I met a squad of eight 
 soldiers walking ; they had no arms and were on their 
 way to join their command at Port Hudson. I sent 
 one man back with them to the column. Coming within 
 sight of the town I could see a considerable number of 
 men collected here and there on the corners of the 
 streets, but could not see any armed soldiers. I 
 reported back to the column, which advanced, and as 
 soon as in sight, and not more than four hundred yards 
 from town, a single shot was heard to our left, in the 
 timber. This place being entirely surrounded by woods, 
 the column formed fours, and on a charge dashed into 
 town through the streets, causing some confusion, 
 excitement, and a considerable running among the 
 citizens; they anticipated a visit from the "Yanks," 
 but not so soon. The shot was a signal of our approach, 
 but ere the echo of the report died away we were in 
 and among them. While the Seventh was charging in 
 this gallant style, the Sixth was making good time 
 
 5
 
 98 GKIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 towards a camp of instruction, one and a half miles 
 south of town, which they charged into, expecting to 
 find a considerable force, principally conscripts ; but 
 they had left the evening previous some eight hundred. 
 This camp was capable of accommodating about fifteen 
 thousand troops. Long rows of small frame buildings, 
 a few tents, a quantity of arms, and a large supply of 
 commissary stores were destroyed. It was truly a most 
 delightful camping-ground, situated on a high hill, in a 
 shady grove of live oaks. 
 
 Captain Lynch, of the Sixth Illinois, with companies 
 E and F, was sent to destroy one mile of tressel-work. 
 After accomplishing this work, the Sixth visited town, 
 in time to see the flames devouring the depot and some 
 dozen freight cars, fired by the Seventh; also a railroad 
 bridge. The depot contained quite a quantity of 
 commissary stores. 
 
 Two hundred and sixteen prisoners were captured 
 and paroled here, principally sick and convalescent 
 soldiers. They were quartered in a very fine building, 
 used as a hospital ; they seemed to court our society 
 rather than avoid it, and evinced a strong desire to be 
 paroled, which was a long, tedious task, they having to 
 be written out, which duty devolved on Adjutants Root 
 and Woodward, both young men possessing a large 
 share of patience and perseverance. Several citizens 
 were hiding themselves in the woods, and as soon as 
 they learned that we were not destroying private 
 property came into town, and urgently requested that 
 they be paroled, so as to avoid the conscription. In
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 99 
 
 the meantime somebody was enjoying a good meal. 
 Lieut. -Col. Blackburn had ordered at one of the hotels 
 dinner for two hundred of his men, paying the proprietor 
 in Confederate money. The landlord expressed a wish 
 that the "Yanks" would come every day, if they all 
 acted like " we'uns " did. 
 
 When the depot was burning there was great danger 
 of a private building taking fire on the opposite side of 
 the street, owing to the excessive heat thrown upon it ; 
 and had it not been for the exertions of some twenty 
 soldiers, who brought pails of water and kept the roof 
 wet, it would have burned and destroyed many more 
 with it. The saving of the property was personally 
 superintended by Colonel Grierson. 
 
 I must say that the citizens of this town were 
 generally very clever, opening their doors and inviting 
 us to partake of their hospitality ; there was none of 
 that bitterness and hatred displayed. They were mostly 
 of an educated class, whose minds had not been 
 prejudiced by the extravagant tales circulated through 
 the South concerning us. A show of neatness and 
 taste prevailed around these dwellings. Brookhaven 
 has a very pretty location. It is in Lawrence County, 
 and has a population of about fifteen hundred. It .was 
 near sundown when we took our departure, leaving the 
 people enjoying a much better opinion of us than they 
 had before. From this place we marched six miles 
 and camped, and for the first time in thirty-eight hours 
 did a portion of tfre command take the saddles off their 
 horses, and obtain time to sleep.
 
 100 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 FOURTEENTH DAY. 
 
 The command moved out just at sunrise, with every 
 appearance of a lovely day the Sixth Illinois in the 
 advance. Without any interruption we proceeded to 
 Boyachitta, a small station on the railroad, consisting 
 of not more than a dozen houses. While the Sixth 
 Illinois was destroying the depot and six or eight freight 
 cars, Captain Hening, of the Seventh, with his company, 
 was sent to destroy some tressel-work and a railroad 
 bridge. Upon reaching them he found it to be a bigger 
 job than he could complete in the short space of time 
 allowed on such occasions, so the Captain sent back to 
 the Lieut.-Col. of the Sixth Illinois to send fifty or 
 one hundred men to assist in destroying the very large 
 railroad bridge and two hundred and fifty feet of 
 tressel-work a very important item. Captain Lynch, 
 of the Sixth Illinois, with company E, destroyed three 
 hundred feet of tressel-work. From here we proceeded 
 towards Summit, crossing the railroad to the east 
 between the former and latter place, destroying railroad 
 bridges and tressel-work as we went along. Two 
 couriers were captured by the scouts. We arrived in 
 Summit about noon ; marched in quietly and leisurely. 
 
 The people seemed to expect us, and there were no 
 signs of excitement or fear displayed, either in actions 
 or features. They had received a favorable report of 
 our conduct at Brookhaven, and Colonel Grierson was 
 almost as much of a favorite with them as General 
 Pemberton. We spent nearly half a day here, improving 
 the time by destroying a large number of freight cars 

 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 101 
 
 and a large quantity of sugar, salt, molasses and meal 
 government property which was loaded into the 
 cars and then run down the track, away from private 
 property, and burned. The depot was spared from the 
 flames because it would endanger dwellings. 
 
 Some of the men discovered that there were thirty 
 or forty barrels of Louisiana rum hid in the swamp, 
 about a mile from town the meanest stuff in existence, 
 warranted to kill further than any rifle in Uncle Sam's 
 service. Some of the men began to feel quite uneasy, 
 and the swamp became a place of much resort. The 
 Colonel soon heard of it, and sent a commissioned 
 officer, with a squad of men, to destroy it ; they with 
 great reluctance stove in the head of each barrel, and 
 thus did waste the balm of a thousand flowers. In 
 justice to the citizens, I will say they knew what good 
 liquor was, and kept it, too. You will ask, where? 
 buried in a pile of old chips. Now, who but a Yankee 
 would think of looking in a pile of old rubbish, in a 
 dirty door-yard ? A four-gallon demijohn was pulled 
 out from its hiding-place, filled to the brim with good 
 " old rye," such as would make a temperance man 
 forget his pledge. Upon entering a house one day I 
 neard the latter part of a conversation between a mother 
 and daughter. The latter was in a mild way trying to 
 convince her mother that it was no use trying to hide 
 anything from the Yankees ; "Aunty hid her wine out 
 in the cornfie-ld, and some of the nasty scamps found it." 
 
 Some of the men had a curiosity to see the inside of 
 a large hall ; the door being fastened they did not wish
 
 102 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 to break the lock, but took the trouble to find the 
 proprietor, who, on learning the object of their visit, 
 was very reluctant to comply with their request. He 
 was informed that if he did not produce the keys they 
 would break it down. This was enough ; he handed 
 over the keys and the men entered the hall, finding 
 several old United States muskets, and folded neatly 
 underneath them was a silk battle-flag, with a motto 
 inscribed on it " God and our rights," " Fort 
 Donelson," "Shiloh" belonging to a Mississippi 
 regiment I have forgotten the number. The men of 
 course confiscated it. At this place we found plenty 
 of feed for our horses. The citizens were kind to us, 
 and, like their neighbors at Brookhaven, showed many 
 signs of loyalty toward the old Union. This place 
 showed many signs of once having done considerable 
 business ; of a neat, lively appearance, a pretty location, 
 situated in Pike County, and before the war could boast 
 of a population of about three thousand. 
 
 Just as the sun was sinking to rest "boots and 
 saddles " was sounded, and we left town amid smiles 
 and the waving of many handkerchiefs, following a 
 southwest course in the direction of Liberty. After 
 traveling eight miles we camped for the night. After 
 leaving Summit we passed through some fine country 
 and over good roads. The climate was delightful. We 
 were not more than one hundred miles from New 
 Orleans. Were we going there ? that was the question. 
 
 A rebel courier had been captured since leaving the 
 railroad. The scouts had learned that there was a
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 103 
 
 force at Osyko Station. There was now every indi- 
 cation that the enemy were exerting their utmost to 
 intercept us. Large forces were reported in various 
 directions delay would prove fatal to us. Colonel 
 Grierson concluded to abandon the railroad and take a 
 straight line for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We had 
 completely destroyed forty miles of the road, and the 
 command was becoming very weary for want' of proper 
 rest. So far as horses were concerned there was no 
 scarcity; many troopers had to change four or five 
 times, abandoning their worn out ones, and but few of 
 the horses we started with were taken through ; besides 
 we were in poor trim for fighting, there being only 
 forty rounds of ammunition to each man, and it was not 
 the intention of Colonel Grierson to engage the enemy, 
 but rather avoid him. I am satisfied of one thing 
 that had we been compelled to fight it would have been 
 a desperate one. A better understanding and feeling 
 never existed between two regiments than between 
 these two so linked together. I will speak more of 
 them hereafter. 
 
 FIFTEENTH DAY. 
 
 On the morning of the first of May, just as daylight 
 began to appear, the command left camp, taking a 
 southwest course Seventh Illinois in advance and as 
 we wended our way through the woodlands, we little 
 dreamed what a change would be produced in a few 
 hours. The sun arose in all his glory not one cloud 
 visible in the sky to obscure its dazzling brightness.
 
 104 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 A gentle breeze floated through the trees, causing a 
 rustling among the green leaves of the oaks. Perched 
 among the branches was the mocking bird, singing a 
 variety of notes, the whole impressing the beholder 
 with a sense of a Creator of all this beauty. The 
 command felt inspired, and various were the conjectures 
 as to what point on the Mississippi River we would 
 make. We were sometimes pursuing by-roads, and it 
 was on one of these, and within four miles of the Clinton 
 and Osyko road, that we met a sutler driving his team, 
 seated in a wagon. Following him was a man mounted 
 on a fine horse, from whom I obtained some information 
 respecting their forces. They were on their way to 
 Osyko, not expecting to meet, but rather avoid us, 
 under the impression that we were advancing on another 
 road. Among the stock was some tobacco, to which 
 the men helped themselves. 
 
 About ten o'clock we emerged into the Clinton and 
 Osyko road. I at once discovered, by the newly-made 
 tracks, that a column had passed, and could not have 
 been long before. Sending a man back to Colonel 
 Grierson, he soon came up and examined closely. It 
 was the opinion of all the officers that a considerable 
 force had passed, and were going in the same direction 
 as ourselves. I was then ordered by Colonel Grierson 
 to advance cautiously, to let nothing escape my 
 observation on either side of the road, and if I saw any 
 object that I could not satisfy myself about, to report 
 at once to him, and not to get more than half a mile 
 from the advance. After receiving these instructions
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 105 
 
 I started, followed by my scouts; had proceeded 
 about two and a half miles when I discovered horses 
 hitched in the edge of the timber, near the road-side 
 on our left ; I could see that they were saddled, but 
 could not discover any person around. We were then 
 about three hundred yards from them. I immediately 
 sent one man back to report to Colonel Grierson, and 
 taking two of them with me started on, using the 
 necessary precaution of having our revolvers ready at 
 hand. As we approached nearer I could see that there 
 were but three horses and three men, two of them 
 sitting upon a log talking, the third lying down. They 
 were well armed, each man carrying a carbine and 
 revolver. They did not seem to think strange of our 
 approach. We rode up to them and I said, " Hello, 
 boys, on picket ?" "Yes j been on about an hour and 
 feel devilish tired ; been traveling night and day after 
 
 the d d "Yanks," and I'll bet my horse they will 
 
 get away yet." "That is just our case," I replied ; 
 "but where is your command ?" "Over in the rush 
 bottom, resting" pointing with his hand. "Whose 
 command is it, and how many have you ?" Just then 
 two shots were heard in our rear, and sounded as 
 though fired on the right of the road. At this they 
 began to open their eyes and prick up their ears. 
 There was no time for further questioning, so giving 
 the men the sign, each one of us covered his man with 
 his revolver, demanding their surrender, and to hand 
 over their arms at once or we would blow them through, 
 and ordering them to mount, double-quicked them back
 
 106 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 to the column, which was halted some four hundred 
 yards in our rear. In order that the reader may more 
 fully understand the situation of affairs, I will try and 
 describe the surrounding country. On our left as we 
 advanced was timber ; on our right a large plantation, 
 a two-story frame-house, painted white, standing back 
 from the road some three hundred yards ; between the 
 house and main road the ground was covered with a 
 dense growth of live-oaks and silver-poplars, completely 
 hiding from the house the view of any passing column. 
 Two roads wended their way through this little forest 
 from the main road to the house, one above and the 
 other below it, taking an oblique direction. It appears 
 that when the column was stopped, the advance was 
 just opposite the house, and while waiting for further 
 developments from the scouts, several men under 
 command of Lieutenant Gaston, company G, Seventh 
 Illinois, proceeded to the house. As they rode up to 
 the gate they were surprised at seeing four armed 
 rebels standing around in the yard, their horses being 
 tied outside the gate. The "rebs" were surprised as 
 well, and both parties showed a disposition to fight. 
 Our men demanded their surrender, which they had no 
 notion of complying with. Both parties commenced 
 firing upon each other, which resulted in our men 
 taking two, putting the other two to flight, and an easy 
 capture of the four horses. One of our men was struck 
 in the breast by a buck-shot, striking one of his ribs 
 and glancing off without inflicting a serious wound. 
 This explained the firing while at the picket-post, and
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 107 
 
 these four "rebs " belonged to that post, but had gone 
 to the house to procure something to eat, not expecting 
 the "Yanks " to come that way. They paid little or 
 no attention to their duty. 
 
 I was again ordered to proceed cautiously, and upon 
 reaching the place where we had taken in the picket I 
 thought I could see two mounted men off to my right, 
 in an oblique direction, and about one quarter of a 
 mile off; an open field was between us, having a 
 gradual descent towards them. On surveying the road 
 with my eye I could see that after following it for a 
 quarter of a mile it turned a right angle, and then at 
 the distance of another quarter it entered the timber, 
 at which point those two men appeared sitting on their 
 horses, and not moving but looking very earnestly at 
 us. That a force was down in the bottom, and that 
 not very far off, was pretty well understood ; but what 
 that force was, and their number, we did not know, but, 
 as the game says, we had to "go it blind." Leaving 
 a man at this point with instructions to stop the 
 column, which could advance this far without being 
 seen by those who appeared to be watching us from 
 below, and at the same time see all that was going on 
 in the bottom, outside of the timber, I proceeded with 
 Stedman. Fowler and Wood had taken the right-hand 
 road, and advanced on it about one hundred yards, 
 when one of the horsemen cried out in a loud voice, 
 "What in h 1 does all that firing mean ?" I answered 
 that reinforcements were coming up, and that his picket 
 had fired on our advance, thinking that they were
 
 108 QRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 "Yanks," but no one was hurt, and it was all right. 
 At this one of them broke out in a roar of laughter, 
 and said " Is that all ?" and putting spurs to his horse 
 started towards us at a gallop, leaving his comrade 
 behind. I told Fowler to let him ride up between us, 
 and I would manage him. Each one of us carried our 
 revolvers in our hands ready for instant use. Up he 
 came, looking much pleased, and said, " How are you, 
 boys; how much force have you got?" We had now 
 halted, and as he rode in between us I turned my horse 
 in an oblique direction, changing my revolver into my 
 left hand, cocked it, and pointing it at his breast, 
 attracted his attention to it, and in a quiet way told 
 him not to speak or make a motion, but hand over his 
 arms to Fowler or I would blow him through ; he at 
 once complied, though not without some astonishment 
 at our proceedings. I then directed my attention to 
 "reb " number two, and discovered that he was coming 
 slowly towards us. Stedman, who had dismounted for 
 some reason, was leading his horse and advancing to 
 meet him. He had returned his revolver to its holster, 
 feeling confident that he had an easy prey. They met 
 about one hundred yards from where I was then 
 standing. Stedman was so anxious to secure his man 
 that he forgot for a moment the character he was to 
 play, which came near proving fatal to him. As they 
 met Stedman let go his bridle-rein and grasped that 
 of his opponent, at the same time laying his hand 
 firmly on his revolver holster and ordered him to 
 surrender. This proceeding somewhat confused the
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 109 
 
 " reb's " ideas, and for a moment he did not know what 
 to think, at the same time he looked up the hill and 
 must have seen the column advancing. He was a 
 large, athletic man, while Stedman was very small. 
 With a quick movement he tried to release the hold 
 Stedman had on his holster, at the same time saying. 
 "Who and what in h 1 are you?" It only took a 
 moment to see something was wrong, and calling to 
 Wood to come on I put spurs to my horse, and in a 
 few moments was presenting a revolver at his head, 
 threatening to blow his brains out if he did not 
 surrender; he at once complied. I could not but 
 admire his manly proportions, and face beaming with 
 courage and bravery. I noticed the gold bars on his 
 collar, which in the Southern army denotes captain. 
 I ordered him to follow me, and told him not to be 
 alarmed, that we were Illinois boys and he would be 
 treated well. Smilingly he said, in a clear, firm voice, 
 " I am not afraid, sir ; I would not have been your 
 prisoner had it not been that I was deceived in your 
 dress." He proved to be a Captain Scott, and 
 commanded the force then within rifle-shot. Just at 
 this time Colonel Blackburn came galloping up, alone, 
 and said to me, " Sergeant, bring along your scouts 
 and follow me, and I'll see where those rebels are." 
 I called one of my men and told him to take the 
 Captain back to the column, which by this time had 
 descended the hill, and were advancing within four 
 hundred yards of us. I then started, followed by 
 Kelly, Wilson and Wood. The Colonel being some
 
 110 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 distance ahead we had to increase our speed to a gallop . 
 to overtake him. It seemed to me that this was a 
 rash movement on the part of Colonel Blackburn, but 
 he had ordered me to follow him, and it was my duty 
 to obey. As soon as we reached the spot where the 
 two horsemen were first seen, we were at the end of a 
 lane, and a few yards further all was timber. A 
 considerable stream of water could be seen wending its 
 way through the marshy and heavily timbered bottom. 
 A little to the left, about seventy-five yards, is the 
 crossing, a narrow plank bridge, some fifty feet in 
 length, better known as Wall's Bridge, across the 
 Trickafaw River, in Hunt County, and within one mile 
 of Wall's post-office. Just before we reached the 
 bridge we were saluted by a few shots fired from the 
 opposite side of the stream, which did not check our 
 speed, but rather increased it. Closely following 
 Colonel Blackburn all dashed upon the bridge, but ere 
 the last one of us had reached the opposite side we 
 were greeted by a loud volley of carbines and musketry, 
 coming from some eighty of Colonel Wirt Adams' 
 cavalry, who lay in ambush not more than fifty yards 
 distant. It seemed as though a flame of fire burst 
 forth from every tree. The Colonel fell, along with 
 his horse, both pierced by the fatal bullet. One of 
 my comrades had his horse shot under him. A minnie 
 ball struck me on my right thigh, passing through it 
 into my saddle, just grazing my horse's back. Three 
 shots were all I could get. I began to feel a faintness 
 creeping over .me, but still clinging to my revolver I
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. Ill 
 
 turned my horse about and tried to retrace my steps 
 amid the flying bullets. When the first few shots were 
 fired it was heard by Colonel Grierson, who then 
 occupied the advance, and was the advance guard of 
 the column. On they came, most gallantly, led by 
 Lieutenant Styles, who charged across the bridge, 
 followed by only twelve men. No sooner over the 
 bridge than they were checked by a well directed 
 volley. They rally and charge, but it is useless 
 they were too few and exposed, while the enemy were 
 protected by the surrounding timber. The little band 
 have to retreat back across the bridge, leaving one 
 man killed and two wounded, and seven dead horses. 
 They had no support ; the column was too far behind 
 to lend assistance in time, but just as they re-crossed 
 the bridge the column came up on the double-quick. 
 Colonel Prince, by order of Colonel Grierson, ordered 
 companies A and D of his regiment to dismount. They 
 were sent to the right and left as skirmishers. One 
 section of Captain Smith's battery was brought up, the 
 woods were shelled, the enemy put to flight, and our 
 men were pursuing them, and as they pass Colonel 
 Blackburn, who laid mortally wounded, with one leg 
 under his horse, cries out to them, " Onward ! follow 
 them, boys!" and cheers. The Sixth now take the 
 advance no halt is made the Seventh look after the 
 killed and wounded ; they are all borne hy friendly 
 hands, and with tender care placed in the ambulances 
 and carried forward one mile and left at the plantation 
 of Mr. Newman. Their horses, equipments and arms
 
 112 . GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 are turned over to comrades and friends to take through 
 with them. Many a kind farewell was given, and 
 friends parted, some never to meet again on this side 
 of the grave. 
 
 The following are the casualties sustained at this 
 place, all belonging to the Seventh Illinois : Lieut.-Col. 
 Blackburn, mortally wounded ; Quartermaster-Sergeant 
 of the regiment, R. W. Surby, flesh-wound; William 
 Roy, Company G, seriously ; R. W. Hughes, Company 
 G, mortally ; and Geo. Reinhold, Company G, killed. 
 The following members were left to nurse and attend 
 to the wants of the wounded : Serg't-Maj. A. Le Suer, 
 Seventh Illinois ; George W. Douglass, Company A, 
 Seventh Illinois ; and Dr. Yole whose services were 
 very valuable of the Second Iowa Cavalry, who 
 accompanied the expedition. 
 
 And now, as my thoughts at that time were with the 
 command, thinking of their safety, with the reader's 
 permission, I will still continue to be with them, until 
 they again return to old Tennessee, and then, not 
 forgetful of the sufferings of those who we were 
 compelled to leave behind, will return and tell you of 
 their fate. 
 
 The Sixth was pursuing the fast retreating foe, for 
 they began to scatter in all directions. It was amusing 
 to see some of them grasping their horses' manes, while 
 their lower extremities were half suspended in the air ; 
 their saddle-girths have broken, and off tumbles saddle 
 and blanket, leaving the rider bare-backed, with his 
 legs pressed close to his horse's sides, his body thrown
 
 (JRIERSON RAIDS. 113 
 
 forward, resting upon his neck, and bare-headed. 
 Occasionally a ball whizzes past him ; he is fortunate 
 enough if he escapes capture. The road is strewn with 
 old saddles, blankets, coats, hats, and firearms. It was 
 rarely we participated in such a chase ; but it is not 
 quite so fine when the joke is on the other side. While 
 we are enjoying the prospect of such a chase I will go 
 back to the scene of the last few hours and endeavor to 
 show you how, in my opinion, the loss of our few brave 
 hearts could have been avoided. You will remember 
 of reading, a few pages back, of the manner in which I 
 approached the picket-post, accompanied by two of my 
 men, and how, just as I was on the eve of obtaining 
 information respecting the forces in the bottom, and 
 whose command, that a few shots were heard at the 
 house on our right ; it was those shots that frustrated 
 our plans and left us in the dark. Had Lieutenant 
 Gaston and squad not entered the house, thereby 
 meeting the enemy, firing upon each other and giving 
 the alarm, all would have no doubt ended well. With 
 the information I should have obtained from the picket 
 it would have been sufficient for Colonel Grierson to so 
 perfected his plans as to have surprised the enemy and 
 taken them prisoners, and that very probably without 
 the loss of life, thereby still securing to the country a 
 few good soldiers, a brave and efficient field-officer, and 
 prevented the sorrow and anguish that was inflicted on 
 the loved ones at home. Another sad mistake was that 
 Lieut.-Colonel Blackburn, unfortunately with too much 
 daring, proceeded across the bridge with no other
 
 114 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 support than a few scouts. He being a very large man, 
 dressed in full uniform, and mounted upon a very fine 
 horse, was a most conspicuous mark. There was no 
 call for this movement. The scouts had performed 
 their duty up to this time, and having every assurance 
 that the enemy was near by they should have been 
 withdrawn, at least long enough to have changed their 
 costume ; however, it is all past, and I often think that 
 it was a miracle that any of us escaped the first volley ; 
 but the ways of Divine Providence are very mysterious, 
 and I have every reason to be thankful that my fate 
 was no worse. 
 
 We will now see how the advance is progressing. 
 The command was now in Louisiana, Amit County 
 being the last county passed through in Mississippi. 
 We found the roads in good condition, and were making 
 not less than six miles per hour. It was about two 
 o'clock, P.M., the column was about six miles from 
 Wall's Bridge, and the scouts, who were in the advance, 
 discovered off to the right about forty rebels advancing 
 on a side road leading into the main one. The scouts 
 made a halt at this corner and fired several shots, which 
 was replied to by the " rebs," who still kept advancing, 
 seeming determined to gain the main road, but ere they 
 could accomplish this the Sixth came in sight, and at 
 the distance of six hundred yards brought one of their 
 guns into position and threw a few shells among them, 
 which had the desired effect, causing them to beat a 
 hasty retreat. This was most opportune, for had they 
 gained the main road nothing could have prevented
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 115 
 
 them from reaching the Amit River and effectually 
 destroying the extensive bridge over that stream, which 
 would have resulted most seriously with us. About 
 four P.M. the command passed through Greensborough, 
 jf a small town in St. Helena County. It was here that 
 Lieutenant Newall, company G, Sixth Illinois, overtook 
 the command, having been sent early that morning with 
 a few men to procure horses and provisions. He was 
 not aware of the fight until he had passed over the 
 battle-ground, which somewhat increased his speed 
 until he overtook the column. He had a narrow escape 
 from being captured. 
 
 As the scouts entered this place Samuel Nelson 
 discovered a mounted "reb," who was armed with a 
 shot-gun, and apparently standing picket on a cross-road. 
 Samuel approached him, and saluting him inquired who 
 he was and what he was doing there. He replied that 
 he was the County Clerk, and was waiting for a courier 
 to come up that he might learn the news. Samuel then 
 asked him if he knew who he was talking too. The 
 fellow replied that he did not remember of seeing him 
 before, but thought he was a soldier and belonged to 
 Port Hudson. Samuel says, "No, sir; you are mistaken 
 you are talking to a live Yankee, and here is some 
 Yankee whisky." " Reb " looked somewhat surprised 
 at first, but displayed good taste and judgment took 
 the proffered canteen, and raising it to his lips took a 
 good drink. As soon as the column came up Samuel 
 turned him over, but before they parted company he 
 very politely asked Samuel for " another nip of that
 
 116 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 Yankee whisky." Of course Samuel gave it to him, 
 and he appeared to be very well satisfied with his new 
 quarters. 
 
 On leaving town the column took a southwest course, 
 and met with nothing of note until they had gone about 
 four miles, when the scouts brought in two couriers, 
 who were on their way to Osyko Station. The column 
 was now proceeding on a good road, level as a floor, 
 beautifully shaded on both sides by tall forest pines, 
 interspersed with a small growth of other kinds of 
 timber, now and then passing a small plantation, until 
 within four miles of Amit River, when the country 
 became more open, displaying considerable cultivation 
 and some fine residences, with extensive plantations. 
 
 The night was a clear, starlight one, and moderately 
 warm, the moon not making its appearance until about 
 eleven o'clock, which added to the beauty of the 
 surrounding country. Yet there was little interest 
 displayed in the scenery, the men being too much 
 exhausted for want of rest, and nearly every man was 
 nodding as he rode along, reminding me of the old 
 song, " Nid, nid, nodding." For the last hour previous 
 to reaching the Amit River considerable delay was 
 occasioned by waiting for the scouts, who were ordered 
 to visit different plantations and obtain all the infor- 
 mation they could respecting the situation of the bridge 
 and whether any force was stationed there. Before 
 reaching the bridge the scouts learned that a post of 
 couriers was stationed during the day, and at night 
 withdrawn, one half mile from the bridge, on the south
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 117 
 
 side of the river. If this should prove to be the case, 
 what a considerable advantage would be gained ? Once 
 across this bridge and all was comparatively safe. So 
 thought Colonel Grierson, who was fully awake to the 
 interests of his command. When within one mile of 
 the bridge the roads became very muddy and rough. 
 The column was halted, and the scouts were ordered to 
 proceed to the bridge and ascertain if any picket was 
 stationed there. Samuel taking the advance arrived at 
 the bridge, dismounted and proceeded across on foot. 
 The bridge was about two hundred yards in length, over 
 a deep and rapid stream. He found it all right, and 
 was not long in reporting this good news to Colonel 
 Grierson, who gave the order "Forward!" and in a 
 few minutes the horse's hoofs could be^Jieard rattling 
 upon the planks. It was a striking scene to witness 
 the column crossing this long brftge at the hour of 
 midnight. After crossing the column passed through 
 a delightful country. The distance from the Amit to 
 the Comit River is seventeen miles, and better roads 
 are seldom traveled in the interior of any state. No 
 alarm had been given in crossing the bridge. The 
 couriers, who numbered ten men, were asleep at a house 
 about half a mile from the bridge, little dreaming that 
 the Yankee raiders were then within rifle-shot. They 
 were not disturbed, and not until daylight did they 
 learn what a rich prize had escaped their vigilance. 
 For the first few hours every man was aroused, and all 
 were congratulating each other on the success of the 
 expedition. All felt that they were comparatively safe,
 
 118 GKIEKSON RAIDS. 
 
 and occasionally could be heard the booming of the 
 mortars, which were throwing their ponderous shells 
 into Port Hudson, all of which had a tendency to inspire 
 the men with the prospect of soon meeting with our 
 forces ; thus we continued to move along, meeting with 
 no obstacle. r 
 
 SIXTEENTH DAY. 
 
 On crossing the bridge over Big Sandy Creek the 
 scouts discovered a camp not more than two hundred 
 yards from the bridge, but could not discover any 
 sentinels, and upon approaching nearer saw two negroes, 
 who were busy building a fire. Without being seen the 
 scouts withdrew and reported to Colonel Grierson, who 
 immediately oi^red Lieut.-Col. Loomis to send forward 
 two companies of th^^ixth to open fire, while the rest 
 of the regiment brou^it up the rear. Captain Marshall, 
 company H, dismounted his men, crossed the bridge 
 silently being supported by Captain Lynch, with 
 company E, mounted and when within one hundred 
 yards raised a tremendous yell, shooting and charging 
 down through the long rows of tents, which must have 
 somewhat startled the unconscious sleepers, who felt 
 so perfectly secure as not to have out any pickets. 
 Instead of finding a considerable force here, as was 
 expected, there were only about forty men, principally 
 convalescents, nearly all of whom were captured. The 
 force stationed at this place numbered six hundred, 
 (Williams' cavalry.) They had the day previous to this 
 been ordered to push forward to Brookhaven and
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 119 
 
 intercept the Yankees. Colonel Grierson at once 
 ordered Colonel Prince to move forward on the advance, 
 while the Sixth stopped long enough to destroy the 
 camp and garrison equipage, and secure the prisoners, 
 one of whom escaped and was afterwards captured, and 
 related his experience that night by stating that he 
 rushed from his tent, reached his horse, sprang upon 
 his back, and away he went, bare-backed, with nothing 
 on but his shirt and drawers and socks ; he never 
 stopped until he reached home, some sixty miles distant. 
 The only casualty that happened while capturing this 
 place was the wounding of one rebel. 
 
 We will now follow the Sevelfct, who are in the 
 advance, going at a lively pace, over a good road, which 
 began to show some signs of dust. The^norning was 
 beautiful, with a clear sky and a brignt sun. The 
 country had the appearance of % being very level on 
 our right somewhat low and swampy, for several miles 
 on our left fine and extensive plantations. After 
 proceeding about a mile and a half a single horseman 
 nras seen, by two member's of company A, to emerge 
 into the road about two hundred yards in their advance, 
 ind between them and the scouts. The road was so 
 straight and level that most any moving object could 
 be seen for the distance of two miles. As soon as he 
 3ame into the road he was ordered to halt, but did not 
 ["eel inclined to obey orders, and using his spurs away 
 ic dashed, hotly pursued, exchanging a few shots. In 
 i few minutes he overtakes our scouts, whom he takes 
 for some of his own men, and brandishing his revolver
 
 120 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 over and around his head excitedly says, " Get out of 
 here, boys ; the road is full of 'Yanks ' in our rear !" 
 "Yes," says one of the scouts, as they closed in around 
 him, "and you are right among them now." Imagine 
 his surprise. His name was Hinson, and a Lieut.-Col. 
 of cavalry. He had heard the firing in the direction 
 of the camp that morning, and was on his way to give 
 notice to a picket-post between them and Baton Rouge. 
 After proceeding about three miles Samuel Nelson, who 
 was somewhat in advance of his companions, met a man 
 walking, a citizen, and asked him if there were any 
 soldiers around. He replied that there was one at the 
 next house, about a quarter of a mile further, on the 
 right-hand side of the road. Samuel pushed ahead 
 and stopped in front of the house. Dismounting and 
 stepping up^o the door, which was wide open, he 
 confronted a female, who very politely invited him to 
 enter. On stepping into the room he saw a soldier and 
 three females seated around a table, enjoying a meal. 
 The lady invited him to partake of their hospitality, 
 which invitation he very readily accepted, and while 
 eating had a very lively conversation with the "reb," 
 from whom he learned that there was a company 
 stationed on the road about four miles from there. 
 After Samuel had got all the information he wanted 
 from the "reb," he asked him where he belonged. He 
 answered that he was a lieutenant, and his command 
 was at Natchez. Samuel then said, "You may consider 
 yourself my prisoner." The Lieutenant, feeling very 
 indignant, replied, " I am an officer, sir, and will start
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 121 
 
 for my command in the morning ; besides, sir, you have 
 nothing to do with me, if you are a conscripting officer." 
 At this one of the women spoke and said, " He ain't no 
 officer and can't conscript you." Samuel, turning to 
 the officer, said, " Do you know who you are talking 
 to?" "I suppose you are a soldier, sir," replied the 
 Lieutenant. "Yes, sir," said Samuel, "and a live 
 Yankee, and you may just consider yourself my 
 prisoner." At this the ladies burst forth in a chorus 
 of voices, " It ain't no such thing ; you can't fool us ; 
 don't believe him ; he ain't nothing but a common 
 soldier." Just at this time a squad of company A 
 appeared in front of the house, to which he pointed. 
 This changed the aspect of affairs ; they all at once 
 comprehended the meaning of the blue coats, and with 
 tears and screams they all commenced hugging the 
 Lieutenant, exclaiming, " Oh, my dear, they will kill 
 you, they will kill you." Samuel quieted their fears- 
 by telling them that not a hair of his head should be 
 harmed, and giving the Lieutenant in charge of the 
 orderly-sergeant of company A, again took his place in 
 the advance, though not before reporting to Colonel 
 Grierson the information he had obtained respecting 
 the force ahead. Nothing occurred until the column 
 had arrived within half a mile of the Comit River, at 
 which place the force spoken of was expected to be 
 found. The scouts were ordered to advance cautiously 
 and reconnoitre the ground, and find out the position 
 of the camp. Owing to the situation of the ground the 
 scouts could approach to within three hundred yards of 
 
 6
 
 122 GKIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 the camp without being seen, the enemy not having out 
 any vidette on that side, and as yet no report had reached 
 them of the Yankees coming that way. The scouts 
 then halted, and "Wood volunteered to go and reconnoitre 
 and see what he could discover. Just then a soldier 
 was seen coming up from the creek, and approaching 
 the scouts said, " How are you, gentlemen ; have you 
 come to relieve us?" "Yes; the company will be up 
 in a few minutes." "It's about time you come to 
 relieve us ; we've been here now four days, and are just 
 about out of rations." The scouts told him they would 
 soon be relieved. In the meantime Wood returned, 
 having obtained all desired information. The camp 
 was situated along the east bank of the stream, shaded 
 by timber, juat at the end of the lane, and could not be 
 approached only by charging down the road, which was 
 fenced on either side. After the scouts had reported 
 to Colonel Grierson the command moved forward slowly 
 until within three hundred yards of the camp, when the 
 following companies were ordered to proceed : company 
 A to flank through the field on the left, while companies 
 D, E and I kept the road, the former commanded by 
 Lieutenant Bradshaw, the latter by Captain Ashmead. 
 They charged most gallantly upon the unsuspecting 
 foe. So complete was the surprise that the rebels, 
 forgetting everything, tried to seek safety in flight ; but 
 a very few of them escaped, and not more than a dozen 
 shots were fired. The confusion was indescribable 
 shot-guns, saddles, camp-kettles, rifles, old blankets, 
 coats and hats scattered in all directions, while men
 
 GEIERSON RAIDS. 123 
 
 and loose horses were stampeding from all quarters. 
 It did not take long for our men to flank the woods and 
 pick up the stragglers. One man, a member of company 
 I, found sixteen rebels hid in a hole that the water had 
 washed out by the bank of the stream. They all 
 surrendered to him. While the Seventh was thus 
 engaged gathering up their booty the Sixth was ordered 
 in the advance, so as to save time. It was now about 
 nine o'clock, A.M., and in half an hour's time the 
 Seventh followed the Sixth, having captured forty-two 
 prisoners belonging to Stewart's cavalry, together with 
 all their horses and equipments, without sustaining any 
 loss or damage. In order to cross this stream the 
 command had to move up its bank about a half mile 
 and ford it. All those owning large horses had the 
 advantage they could ford it without swimming, while 
 the small ones had to resort to the latter extremity. 
 After proceeding three miles the whole command 
 stopped to rest and feed, the first for man or horse for 
 the last thirty hours, having traveled eighty miles night 
 and day, with scarcely a halt, and it is to be remembered 
 that nearly the whole command was asleep on their 
 horses while marching the greater portion of the last 
 night. 
 
 The command was now within six miles of Baton 
 Rouge, and all felt quite safe. The raid had been one 
 grand success. A kind Providence had smiled upon 
 our efforts all through our perilous journey, and finally 
 crowned it with victory. Nearly eight hundred miles 
 had been traveled in sixteen days, passing through
 
 124 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 fourteen counties, and through the interior of the State 
 of Mississippi, destroying a great amount of government 
 property, besides the destruction of railroad property, 
 and effectually cutting off communication in various 
 directions, preventing supplies from reaching Vicksburg 
 and Port Hudson, drawing out a force from Jackson, at 
 a time when General Grant was making a rapid flank 
 movement on that place, and on the last morning 
 surprising two camps, capturing and bringing in four 
 hundred prisoners, not including the six hundred that 
 were paroled and left on the route at different points, 
 besides eight hundred horses and mules, and some five 
 hundred negroes that followed us, a large number of 
 cattle, and a considerable train of vehicles of various 
 descriptions. But what must be considered the crowning 
 glory of the expedition is the fact that during the entire 
 march, and more especially the last forty hours, men 
 and horses hungry and jaded though they were, not a 
 murmur was heard from the lips of either officers or 
 men. Our loss did not exceed twenty men. 
 
 While feeding and resting a company of the First 
 Louisiana Cavalry, Union forces, came out from Baton 
 Rouge, the report having reached there that a large 
 force was crossing Comit River and advancing towards 
 that place. This company was sent out to reconnoitre. 
 Picture their astonishment when they learned whose 
 command it was, and where it came from. It was some 
 time before they could be convinced of the fact. 
 
 Our prisoners felt quite jubilant. They allowed that 
 a force had to come all the way from Tennesse purposely 

 
 QRIERSON RAIDS. 125 
 
 I 
 
 to capture them ; they considered it an honor to be 
 taken by Illinois troops. Altogether they were a jolly 
 set of fellows the most of them living in Louisiana and 
 Mississippi, and men of wealth. Their captain, at the 
 time their camp was taken, escaped by climbing a tree, 
 where he remained concealed by the Spanish moss, 
 which abounds in that section of the country, and 
 presents a beautiful sight, hanging in long clusters from 
 every limb. 
 
 About eleven o'clock the command took up its line of 
 march in the following order : first, the Sixth Illinois ; 
 second, the battery ; third, the prisoners ; fourth, the 
 Seventh Illinois ; fifth, the negroes, with the led horses 
 and mules ; and lastly, about thirty vehicles of every 
 description, from the finest carriage down to a lumber 
 wagon of the poorest description. The line extended 
 about two miles. It really presented an interesting 
 sight, one to which neither pen nor pencil can do justice. 
 
 After being formed, and when within four miles of 
 Baton Rouge, the column was met by Captain Godfry, 
 First Louisiana Cavalry, who escorted us into the city. 
 For one half mile before entering the city we were met 
 by citizens and soldiers, both white and black ; male 
 and female, old and young, rich and poor, paper collars 
 and ragged urchins ; everybody's curiosity was at its 
 highest pitch. The streets were densely crowded, and 
 amid the shouts and cheers of thousands, the waving of 
 banners and flags, interspersed with music, the tired 
 soldiers, all covered with dust, marched through the 
 principal streets, around the public square, down to the
 
 126 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 river, watered their horses, and then proceeded to 
 Magnolia Grove, two miles south of the city, a most 
 delightful spot, shaded by the magnolia, whose long 
 green leaves encircle a beautiful white flower, which fills 
 the air with its rich perfume. 
 
 It was just at sunset that the command entered this 
 grove, and that night, for the first time in sixteen days, 
 they slept soundly under federal protection. Among 
 the sleepers were the scouts except those left behind 
 now relieved of their dangerous double-dealing duty, 
 which rendered their death certain if they had been 
 taken prisoners and discovered. They had given full 
 satisfaction to the command, and I trust will make a 
 favorable impression upon the mind of the reader. 
 Their names are as follows : 
 
 R. W. Surby, Regimental Q. M. Sergeant, Seventh 
 Illinois, commanding scouts; C. B. Weeden, corporal 
 Co. E, do ; L. H. Kelly, Co. E, do ; Wm. Buffington, 
 Co. B, do ; Samuel Nelson, Co. G, do ; Arthur Wood, 
 Co. B, do ; Isaac E. Robinson, Co. B, do ; George 
 Stedman, Co. C, do ; Uriah Fowler, Co. H, do. 
 
 They were armed in guerrilla style, with a variety of 
 arms thre'e Sharpe's carbines, four shot-guns, one 
 sporting rifle, four sabres, and nine revolvers; had 
 captured eighty-four prisoners, with their arms and 
 equipments, and destroyed over two hundred shot-guns 
 and rifles. 
 
 The evening found the men so exhausted for want of 
 sleep and rest that the moment they had stripped the 
 saddles off their horses they laid down, and it was
 
 OJRIERSON RAIDS. 127 
 
 almost impossible to arouse them, to partake of coffee 
 and refreshments, prepared by the One Hundred and 
 Sixteenth New York and the Forty-eighth Mississippi 
 infantry regiments, who made their appearance, bringing 
 with them their own cooking-utensils and provisions. 
 This act on the part of the officers and men of those 
 regiments was noble and kind, and will always be 
 remembered by the Sixth and Seventh Illinois cavalry. 
 J~, On our entrance into Baton Rouge it was difficult to 
 distinguis-h the prisoners from our own men, who had, 
 while on the march, exchanged their close-fitting jackets 
 for citizens' coats the same with regard to hats and 
 pants ; this, together with the dust that covered them, 
 made it impossible to distinguish them apart, and as 
 the column marched along the following remarks were 
 heard: "Why, see how many prisoners they have !" 
 A group of negroes was seen on one corner of the 
 street, in which an old darkey was heard to say to one 
 of his brethren, " Hush, child ; you must look at dem 
 peoples with respect ; dey am de great warriors, wat 
 come from de Norf ; dey trable widout sleep, and stop 
 de railroads, and cut up the track ; I hear massa say 
 so dis mornin'." 
 
 While on our route we were looked upon by the 
 people with wonder and astonishment, and our courteous 
 and kind manners seemed to surprise them considerably. 
 There were undoubtedly instances where some unprin- 
 cipled men would enter private dwellings, while away 
 from the control of their officers, and pillage. Such 
 things could not well be controlled, as the column was
 
 128 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 almost constantly on the move, and subsistence had to 
 be procured from the country through which we passed. 
 It was seldom we found a scarcity. Horses had to be 
 pressed whenever and wherever found, and in many 
 instances double the number were left for those taken, 
 of exhausted animals, which, with a little care, would 
 soon become as servicable as those taken. It would 
 sometimes arouse a feeling of regret to witness the 
 attachment displayed by the faithful old horse, who, on 
 being turned loose by the road-side, to wander where 
 he pleased, would be seen following up the column, and 
 when it stopped he would lay down in the road to rest, 
 and as we started again could be seen occupying a place 
 in the ranks, where he would remain from morning to 
 night, faithful in the discharge of his duty. 
 
 After a few days' rest the command began to wander 
 around. They being privileged characters, were per- 
 mitted to go where they pleased, and it was amusing to 
 see to what extent they would carry their jokes. At 
 one time they took possession of the Provost Marshal's 
 office, turning him out of doors. One day about a 
 dozen men went into a saloon the proprietor having 
 stepped out for a moment. Without waiting for him 
 one of the men jumped over the counter and inquired 
 of his comrades what they would have, and thus they 
 treated each other until the proprietor arrived. He 
 was refused admittance. For redress he applied to the 
 Provost Marshal, who recommended him to shut up 
 shop, that he could not do anything with those raiders. 
 At another time some of the men entered an ice-cream
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 129 
 
 saloon, and were rather noisy, when the Provost Marshal 
 was sent for. The men got "wind" of it, and taking 
 the soda fount charged it with gas and placed it in 
 position opposite the door. The Marshal made his 
 appearance, and would have received a salute had not 
 a friend outside advised him of the danger. He very 
 readily compromised with the men. Occasionally they 
 would get into a fight, just for the fun of the thing. 
 Passing an eating-house one day three of the men were 
 attracted by hearing loud and angry words. Their 
 curiosity must be satisfied. They entered the house 
 and discovered two eastern officers engaged in a fist- 
 fight. The landlady was trying her utmost to prevent 
 the quarrel, and as our men entered entreated them to 
 stop it if they could, as such a proceeding would injure 
 the reputation of her house, which was of unquestionable 
 character. Western troops are noted for their gallantry, 
 and in less than no time the two officers lay sprawling 
 in the street. 
 
 It is customary in Baton Rouge, when an auction is 
 to take place, also for concerts and other entertainments, 
 to send a negro around with a banner with the adver- 
 tisement, and a bell, which he rings, and cries out at 
 the 'top of his voice. As one of these was coming up 
 the street one day a squad of the Sixth and Seventh 
 made a charge, capturing the bell and banner. They 
 proceeded on through the streets, crying out " Concert 
 to-night, at Magnolia Grove, by the Sixth and Seventh 
 Illinois cavalry." Some of the citizens were sold that 
 evening. Providing they e^ver do conclude to give a 
 
 *6
 
 
 130 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 concert, I have composed the following few lines for 
 their benefit : 
 
 SONG OF THE RAIDERS. 
 
 The Sixth and Seventh you all know, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 Together on the raid did go; 
 
 Row de du da da, 
 Colonel Grierson was in command, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 And in Baton Rouge did safely land, 
 
 Row de du da da. 
 
 CHORUS 
 Are you going to march all night? 
 
 Are you going to march all day? 
 I'll bet my money on the Sixth and Seventh, 
 
 Who'll bet on the Southern Grey? 
 
 It was in April, 1863, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 That we left the State of Tennessee ; 
 
 Row de du da da; 
 The course we took on the map you'll see, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 Down through the State of Mississippi, 
 
 Row de du da da. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 We were accompanied part way, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 By the brave old Second Iowa ; 
 
 Row de du da da; 
 When at Clear Spring they were left to range, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 And fight their way back to La Grange, 
 
 Row de du da da. 
 
 t CHORUS.
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 131 
 
 With the railroad we did play " whack," 
 
 * Du da, du da, 
 Burning the cars upon the track; 
 
 Bow de du da da; 
 We'd march all day and then all night, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 And only stop to have a fight, 
 
 Kow de du da da. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 The people thought it very strange, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 To see so many from La Grange ; 
 
 Bow de du da da; 
 They looked with wonder and surprise, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 To see so many from Illinois, 
 
 Bow de du da da. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 When Port Hudson did surrender, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 We were there to see the " rebs " knock under ; 
 
 Bow de du da da; 
 The 116th New York are bully boys, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 Kind hearted and full of fight besides, 
 
 Bow de du da da. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 And now, kind friends, we'll bid adieu, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 Hoping to see this war soon through; 
 
 Bow de du da da; 
 How joyful then will be our song, 
 
 Du da, du da, 
 As our wings of peace will glide along, 
 
 Bow de du da da. 
 
 CHORUS 
 Are you going to march all night? 
 
 Are you going to march all day? 
 I'll bet my money on the Stars and Stripes, 
 
 On Freedorii and Liberty. 

 
 132 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 The following is characteristic of the good feeling 
 existing between the Sixth and Seventh. One day one 
 of the men, in roving around, discovered two men 
 fighting. Stepping up to them he said, " How is this, 
 Sixth and Seventh ? you must not fight each other in 
 this style." At this announcement the combatants 
 eyed each other a moment, when one says to the other, 
 " Do you belong to the Seventh ?" "I do ; and you 
 to the Sixth, do you?" "Well, I reckon I do," was 
 the reply. This was sufficient, and like two brothers 
 they started, arm in arm, to the nearest saloon, to 
 pledge anew their friendship for each other, allowing it 
 was all a mistake. 
 
 About this time several of the officers, with Colonel 
 Grierson and Prince, went on a visit to New Orleans. 
 On their arrival in that city they were received by the 
 citizens, who displayed considerable interest, compli- 
 menting them for their bravery and success, and as a 
 token of their admiration for their gallantry, the one 
 was presented with a horse and equipments, the other 
 with equipments. 
 
 This state of things was not permitted to last long. 
 The Illinois cavalry had their reputation up for being 
 fighting men, and work was now laid out for them. 
 The bombardment of Port Hudson had commenced, and 
 a movement was to be made against the place by a land 
 force. On the twelfth day of May the cavalry was 
 ordered to move in the advance to Port Hudson. Some 
 considerable skirmishing took place with the advance, 
 until within eight miles of Port Hudson, at which point
 
 GKIEBSON RAIDS. 133 
 
 our forces, under General Auger, camped, and remained 
 some time before advancing again. During this time 
 the cavalry was not idle. A scout was made, which 
 reflected great credit both upon the officers and men 
 concerned. Captain Godfry, of the First Louisiana 
 Cavalry, with one company, Captain Angley, of the 
 Sixth Illinois, with one company, and Lieutenant La 
 Grange, of company A, with twenty men, were sent 
 from Alexandria eight miles to the rear of Port Hudson. 
 When in the vicinity of the latter place, they learned 
 of there being a force of rebels there, numbering ninety 
 men. The three commands then separated, each taking 
 a different road, with the intention of surrounding them. 
 Captain Angley had succeeded in drawing the rebels 
 after him, and falling back to a suitable position held 
 them in check, while Lieutenant La Grange, learning 
 of their situation, charged down upon them in the rear, 
 completely surprising them, killing two and capturing 
 nineteen prisoners, with their arms, horses and equip- 
 ments, without sustaining any loss. 
 
 A few days after this the entire force was ordered to 
 advance, which brought on the engagement at Plain's 
 Store, noted for its stubbornness. Major Whitsit, of 
 the Sixth Illinois, with companies A, K and L, were 
 sent up to the railroad from the store, meeting the 
 enemy Colonel Miles' Legion and commenced the 
 engagement, falling back to the reserve, the enemy 
 following closely. When the battle became general 
 the Forty-eighth Massachusetts and One Hundred and 
 Sixteenth New York behaved most gallantly, the latter
 
 134 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 regiment doing most of the fighting, the cavalry 
 affording good support, dismounted. The fight lasted 
 seven hours, when the enemy was driven from his 
 position, leaving their killed and wounded on the field > 
 which numbered one hundred, besides sixty prisoners. 
 Our loss was fifty-four killed and wounded. 
 
 The next day General T. W. Sherman, of the east, 
 arrived from New Orleans, with a long train of heavy 
 artillery. On the following morning the Sixth and 
 Seventh were ordered out, at an early hour. After 
 riding about an hour they met the advance of General 
 Banks' force, which had come up the west side of the 
 river from New Orleans, and crossed to Bayou Sara. 
 The first meeting which then took place between 
 General Banks and Colonel Grierson was very warm 
 and friendly. On the twenty-first of May. a demon- 
 stration was made by our forces against the enemy, who 
 were in position outside their works. It was here the 
 One Hundred and Sixteenth New York distinguished 
 themselves, repulsing the enemy, charging and driving 
 them inside their works, while a Massachusetts regiment 
 threw down their arms and run. The cavalry being 
 ordered to dismount and support the New York regiment 
 caused much surprise in the stampeders ; they had never 
 heard of such a thing as cavalry fighting dismounted. 
 
 On the twenty-fourth of May our forces advanced to 
 within one mile of the fort. Some heavy skirmishing 
 was done in the advance. Several attempts had been 
 made by our forces to discover two steamers said to be 
 concealed up the bayou, or Thompson's Creek, but
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 135 
 
 were unsuccessful. Colonel Prince, by order of Colonel 
 Grierson, left with detachments from each company of 
 his regiment, proceeding to the creek, where he captured 
 two fine passenger steamers, the Skylight, also a small 
 ferry-boat. These boats lay within three hundred 
 yards of the rebel batteries. So quiet and unexpected 
 was the expedition that they were completely surprised, 
 and knew nothing of it until the boats were run up the 
 creek out of range of the guns. Colonel Prince was 
 highly complimented by GeneralBanks,who pronounced 
 it one of the grandest feats of the campaign. The 
 next day Lieutenant Lee, of company F, with four 
 men, took a yawl belonging to one of the steamers and 
 quietly dropped down the creek, passed close to the 
 rebel works, entered Alligator Bayou, which they 
 crossed, landed, and footing it through a neck of timber 
 hailed the steamship Hartford. A yawl was lowered 
 and they were brought aboard, and reported the capture 
 of the boats, which the Hartford had been watching 
 for at the outlet, to prevent their escape. Lieutenant 
 Lee was highly complimented and kindly treated by 
 the officers of the boat, and three cheers were given for 
 the Illinois cavalry. 
 
 The men had considerable sport while camped in the 
 rear of Port Hudson shooting alligators, with now and 
 then a skirmish with Logan's or Wirt Adams' cavalry. 
 In the meantime our forces were encircling and drawing 
 nearer the enemy's works, the cannonading was growing 
 more fierce and terrific each day, and sharp-shooting 
 was practiced to some extent. Many of our cavalry
 
 136 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 could be seen each day on their way to the rifle-pits 
 near the Twenty-first Indiana Battery, where they 
 would dispose of fifty or a hundred cartridges before 
 returning, firing at the distance of six hundred yards. 
 
 It was on the last day of May that the enemy 
 charged one of our siege-guns, but we easily repulsed 
 them. By the middle of June our forces had nearly 
 two hundred guns in position, and the cannonading was 
 most terriffic. The heavy siege battery manned by the 
 Twenty-first Indiana, Colonel McMiller, proved most 
 efficient. So accurate became their aim that the rebels 
 dared not place a gun within their range. On the 
 fourteenth of June our forces, commanded by General 
 Sherman, made a desperate charge upon the enemy's 
 works, and were repulsed with some loss. Captain 
 Skinner, of the Sixth Illinois, with companies E and 
 D of that regiment, was escort for the General. Their 
 loss in horses was seventeen. The General had two 
 shot from under him, and was himself carried off the 
 field wounded. A braver or more gallant officer never 
 led troops into any engagement. 
 
 It was on one of these occasions that a certain 
 Massachusetts regiment refused to enter action because 
 their time would be out in a few days. They were nine 
 months' men. Previous to starting for their homes 
 there was a great demand for trophies, and our cavalry 
 could sell them almost anything for a good price. 
 Many of the men took advantage and sold out, even to 
 their old jack-knives, stating that they were captured 
 on the raid.
 
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 137 
 
 The weather was now becoming excessively hot, and 
 it was a severe task to both horses and men to labor 
 through the heat of the day. In many instances scouts 
 had to be postponed and conducted through the night. 
 The large green flies and mosquitoes were very trouble- 
 some. The country abounded in blackberries, which 
 afforded the men a luxury. Sugar could be obtained 
 in abundance at the different plantations. Frequently 
 the men approached the gun-boats, when some hearty 
 old tar would hail them and inquire if they did not 
 want to come aboard. They had a very exalted opinion 
 of the cavalry, and looked upon them as true heroes. 
 Regardless of the excessive heat, change of climate, and 
 constant scouting, our men experienced but little sick- 
 ness, and would find some kind of amusement to while 
 away the spare hours. Musical instruments of various 
 kinds could be found in camp, and the most noted 
 among the players was Colonel Grierson, who could 
 produce most perfect music on nearly all instruments. 
 He possesses a natural talent for music. On several 
 occasions after retiring has he arisen from his bed on 
 hearing a violin, and finding it out would have all the 
 negroes collected, and then such a variety of dances 
 the reader can better imagine than I describe jigs, 
 breakdowns, and the original plantation dance, with its 
 chorus of voices. There could be seen Sambo in all 
 his glory the genuine African. 
 
 There are several fine plantations and beautiful 
 residences in the rear of Port Hudson and above it, 
 particularly that of Mrs. , a sister of Jeff. Davis
 
 138 GRIEBSON RAIDS. 
 
 While on a scout Colonel Grierson had occasion to call 
 and pay his respects to this lady, who received him 
 rather coldly. Not knowing who the Colonel was she 
 very uncourteously left him and his adjutant alone in 
 the drawing-room. In the room was a splendid piano. 
 A request was made through the Adjutant for the ladies 
 to play, which they declined. The Colonel was not to 
 be bluffed in this way, so seating himself before the 
 instrument he soon filled the room with the notes of a 
 very difficult but popular air. This had the desired 
 effect of bringing all the ladies to the room. They 
 were very inquisitive to know who the player was, that 
 he would not be any ordinary man to produce such 
 beautiful music. Upon hearing his name they evinced 
 much surprise, and apologised for their rudeness, they 
 became extremely sociable, particularly with Adjutant 
 Woodward, who is a great favorite with the ladies ; of 
 very prepossessing appearance, (good looking,) and 
 knows how to play the agreeable ; he is unassuming 
 and gentlemanly in his manners, and not fond of 
 display, as the following will show. He was the only 
 officer on Colonel Grierson's staff, Acting Adjt.-Gen., 
 and was of incalcuable service. His judgment was 
 consulted on all occasions. After the successful 
 termination of the raid, he wrote the official report, in 
 which he was so delicate as not to mention his own 
 name. 
 
 A scout was sent out to Clinton, La., consisting of 
 the following troops the Sixth and Seventh, the 
 Fourth Wisconsin mounted Infantry, accompanied by
 
 GEIERSON RAIDS. 139 
 
 Captain Godfr y, Captain Eaton of the First Louisiana 
 Cavalry, and Lieutenant Perkins of the Mississippi 
 Cavalry. This expedition left within four miles of 
 Port Hudson, marched twenty-eight miles, met the 
 enemy in force, fought three hours and retreated in 
 good order, on account of ammunition being exhausted, 
 arriving in camp about three o'clock the next day. 
 The day following an expedition consisting of cavalry, 
 infantry and artillery returned to Clinton, but the 
 enemy had disappeared, leaving in our possession one 
 hundred convalescent soldiers, which were paroled by 
 Colonel Prince. An extensive cotton factory was 
 destroyed. 
 
 An attempt was made by the " rebs " to capture a 
 boat, used for keeping supplies on at Springfield 
 Landing. Captain Cohn, of the Sixth, and Lieutenant 
 Maxwell, of the Seventh, were on board at the time, and 
 rallied what few men, that were scattered about, which 
 did not exceed twenty, and repulsed the "rebs," who 
 numbered sixty men, driving them away. 
 
 Company E, of the Sixth, while on picket at the 
 crossing of the Jackson and Clinton road, four and a 
 half miles in rear of Port Hudson, was attacked by a 
 superior force of the enemy. Sargent Fayer was in 
 command of the company at the time, and so placed 
 his men as to hold the enemy in check while he sent 
 a courier to camp, who returned with reinforcements, 
 and the enemy were driven off. One battalion of the 
 Fourteenth New York Cavalry, at this time, was 
 stationed as picket on the cross-road and railroad.
 
 140 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 They had just received some clothing and three boxes 
 of Colt's army revolvers. One hundred of the enemy 
 attacked them, capturing several prisoners, nearly all 
 their horses, their arms, clothing, and four wagons. 
 
 About a mile from this post was a hospital, in which 
 were at this time about three hundred sick and wounded, 
 with two companies of infantry acting as guard, six 
 ambulances, a quantity of hospital stores, and one 
 
 hundred stand of arms, all in charge of Surgeon , 
 
 who surrendered the whole to a Confederate officer and 
 . four men. In the meantime news had reached camp. 
 Lieutenants Maxwell and Caldwell, of the Seventh, 
 immediately collected about twenty men, principally 
 convalescents the regiment being absent on a scout at 
 the time and started for the picket-post, where they 
 arrived only to find the enemy gone with their booty. 
 They then started for the hospital, arriving in time to 
 prevent its capture by the enemy, who had sent for 
 reinforcements. The surgeon was very indignant, and 
 insisted that he had surrendered the place, and would 
 not permit the forces at his command to interfere. He 
 soon found he had those to deal with who knew how to 
 act, and with revolvers in hand Lieutenants Caldwell 
 and Maxwell threatened to shoot the first man who 
 refused to raise a musket in defence of his own liberty 
 and Uncle Sam's property. Colonel Grierson, with 
 his command, soon after made his appearance, who 
 reprimanded the surgeon for his cowardly actions, but 
 he was too late to pursue the enemy, they having 
 sometime the start ; they made good their escape, with
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 141 
 
 the property taken from the Fourteenth New York 
 Cavalry. 
 
 I will now draw the attention of the reader to those 
 who were left wounded at Wall's Bridge, Mississippi. 
 They had not been forgotten. Several efforts had been 
 made by Colonel Prince to send a party with a flag of 
 truce to learn their condition. Madame rumor was 
 busy with her tongue* At one time she reported that 
 Colonel Blackburn was dead, and that Sergeant Surby 
 had been recognized as one of the scouts and was hung. 
 It was about the last of June that permission was 
 granted to proceed with a flag of truce, the rebel General 
 Gardner furnishing the party with the necessary papers 
 of protection. J. B. Hartley, company A, and A. G. 
 Leving, veterinary-surgeon of the Seventh Illinois, 
 started on their mission. They were to proceed to 
 Clinton, Louisiana, where they were furnished with an 
 escort of two Confederate soldiers, who accompanied 
 them through. On the afternoon of the second day 
 they reached Mr. Newman's plantation, and found Mr. 
 N. at home, but were disappointed in not finding any 
 of the wounded. They were told that the Colonel died, 
 after suffering intense pain for seventeen days. A 
 member of company G had also died from his wounds. 
 The remaining two wounded men, together with the 
 nurses, had been sent to Osyko Station. Mr. Newman 
 expressed himself highly pleased and satisfied, stating 
 that he had been paid most liberally by all parties 
 concerned, and also that the dead had received a decent 
 burial, all of which was gratifying news to the friends 

 
 
 142 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 of the deceased. On the morning of the fourth day 
 the flag of truce returned, having made the trip without 
 meeting with any accident or trouble on the road, 
 ^^.t one time Colonel Prince made an effort to he 
 detached with his regiment from the Sixth Illinois 
 without consulting Colonel Grierson, his intention being 
 that of remj-iJlng in the Department of the Gulf. 
 General Banks thought well of him, and appreciated 
 his military genius, but the idea did not meet the 
 approbation of the officers, all of whom opposed it with 
 the exception of one, besides Colonel Grierson did not 
 approve of it, and told the officers and men that he 
 would take them back to Tennessee. Colonel Prince, 
 in making this effort, thought it was to his interest. 
 As a military man he has few superiors, and is perfectly 
 conversant with the tactics. The following is one of 
 his ideas, suggested to General Banks, and by him and 
 his chief engineer approved and carried into execution 
 that of collecting the. sugar hogsheads from the 
 neighboring plantations and constructing a lunette fort 
 and tower of observation. This work was commenced 
 by digging a trench within three hundred yards and 
 following up to within forty-five yards of the enemy's 
 works, when the main work was commenced as follows ; 
 thickness at the base, fifteen feet ; length, forty feet ; 
 height, twenty feet ; with wings extending from each 
 flank, serving as rifle-pits. From the top of this a fine 
 view was obtained of the enemy's river works, and was 
 about to have been mounted with four guns, when the 
 fort surrendered, which would have commanded an
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 143 
 
 enfilading fire (fa. both the enemy's flanks, which could 
 not have been returned in the same manner by them. 
 This work was frequently commented on, and General 
 Gardner's chief-engineer remarked, that had it been 
 completed, it would have proved very destructive to 
 them. 
 
 When the news of tlfe surrender ' k Vicksburg 
 Bleached the command ft Port Hudson, "the rejoicing 
 *was beyond describing. 0n the eighth day of July 
 General Gardner surrendered Port Hudson and its 
 garrison to General Banks. It was then that the 
 cannon pealed forth in thunder tones, volley after 
 volley from the gunboats and land batteries in honor 
 of the great victory achieved. The last stronghold on 
 the Mississippi river was wrested from the traitor's 
 clutch, the " father of waters " once more carried its 
 entire length, proudly floating the banner of liberty. 
 The next day a portion of our force marched into the 
 fort, and then in the presence of cavalry, infantry, 
 artillery and marines, the "rebs" grounded arms ; this 
 was a proud moment for the Illinois boys. General 
 Gardner requested to see Colonel Grierson, who came 
 forward and was introduced to him. He complimented 
 the Colonel very highly, saying, that he was both glad 
 and sorry to see him, glad to see so brave and gallant 
 an officer, but sorry to see the one who caused the 
 surrender of Port Hudson, he having cut off his com- 
 munications and supplies, thus starving him into a 
 surrender. 
 
 A few days after this the Sixth and Seventh embarked
 
 144 'GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 for Memphis, Tenn., amid the cheers of friends and 
 -.the deafening roar of artillery. Accompanying and 
 Bunder guard, were the Confederate officers of the 
 garrison, General Beall and staff occupying the same 
 boat with Colonel Grierson and Colonel Prince. On 
 our arrival at Vicksburg the boats were detained 
 several hours, during which time Colonel Grierson had 
 an interview with General Grant, who received hii 
 with marked courtesy, displaying a high appreciation o\ 
 his services. On the arrival of the command at 
 Memphis, they disembarked, rejoicing that they had 
 returned safely back again to old Tennessee, shortly 
 after which a re-union took place between the raiders 
 and those who were so unfortunate as to be left behind. 
 They consisted mostly of convalescents and men who 
 were on detached service, and doing duty at the time 
 the expedition left, together with those who returned 
 as an escort from near Pontotac, Miss., all of which 
 did not spare them from a nickname conferred upon 
 them by the r aider & " Quinine Brigade ;" the meeting 
 was warm between old comrades, and a thousand and 
 one questions were asked, and a large mail was distrib- 
 uted, letters which contained word from the loved 
 ones at home. Mails had been a scarce article while in 
 the Department of the Gulf. 
 
 The brigade was once more thrown together, and the 
 meeting between the Second Iowa and the Sixth and 
 Seventh Illinois was of the most friendly character. 
 The respect that these three regiments entertained 
 toward each other is only what brave and unprejudiced

 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 147 
 
 volley from their running five shooting rifles, which 
 quickly checked their speed and sent some of them 
 to their long home. They now fell back out of range 
 and formed in two columns, moving down on both 
 flanks. In the meantime Colonel Hatch quickly formed 
 in the edge of the timber, where his devoted little 
 band could be completly concealed by trees. With a 
 portion of his force dismounted behind a barricade and 
 breastwork constructed out of fence rails and logs ; 
 while the little two pounder was placed in a position 
 to command the front, a sufficient force was placed on 
 either flanks to protect the rear. In order to make 
 the charge the " rebs" had to cross an open field ; on 
 they came the second time, yelling like demons'. 
 Colonel Hatch had cautioned his men not to fire until 
 the command was given. When within easy range 
 the order "fire" was passed along the line. At the 
 command up rose two hundred men armed with the 
 revolving rifle. Volley after volley was poured into the 
 rebel ranks in quick succession, playing a tune more 
 loud than charming, while the well manned cannon 
 nobly supported the base. The rebels (who had 
 boasted at a house near which they made the attack 
 that they would take our cannon in three minutes,) did 
 not appreciate this song and broke back in all direc- 
 tions. Colonel Hatch immediately ordered a charge 
 which completely stampeded the entire command, 
 driving them back full three miles, capturing thirty 
 prisoners, besides about twenty-five killed and wounded 
 men left on the field, and wonderful to tell not a drop 
 

 
 148 GEIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 of federal blood was spilt. From that time until dark 
 it was a constant skirmish, the enemy still believing 
 that they were engaging Grierson's entire command. 
 Colonel Hatch now shaped his course northward, 
 crossing the Hooka River, and drawing the enemy's 
 force immediately in his rear. On nearing the Tippah 
 River it was discovered that the enemy were strongly 
 posted on the opposite side to protect the ford. The 
 Colonel at once turned into a large swamp through 
 which the river run, and after, proceeding a few miles 
 pressed in an old negro to act as guide. It was now 
 near midnight and very dark. The guide led the 
 command by a blind path to a ford crossing the river, 
 ohe which had not been used in years. A place was 
 found where a large quantity of floating timber had 
 collected and was lodged against some trees ; over this 
 the men constructed a foot bridge, stripping their 
 saddles off and carrying them over to the opposite side. 
 The bank on the side where they entered the stream 
 was about six feet high ; the horses were pushed oft 
 this bank, one at a time, and compelled by long poles, 
 used as whips, to swim to the opposite shore, where 
 men stood hip deep in water to assist the animals up 
 the bank which was too steep for them to climb 
 unassisted ; in this way the entire command crossed 
 the river without any loss. The cannon was taken to 
 pieces and drawn over the bed of the stream by means 
 of ropes. After crossing the command moved several 
 miles before daylight, leaving the enemy, who were 
 guarding the ford far in the rear. On the twenty-second
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 149 
 
 the command took but little rest. Detachments 
 were sent in various directions to hunt up droves of 
 horses and mules, which had been run into the low 
 bottom lands to avoid capture by our forces. The 
 men sent out for this purpose were very successful. 
 At four o'clock the command reached Okolona, a place 
 on the Mobile and Ohio railroad, charging into town, 
 driving out the enemy's cavalry and state troops, 
 burning the barracks for five thousand troops, destroy- 
 ing a large quanity of ammunition, quartermaster's 
 stores and considerable Confederate cotton. The 
 command moved five miles northwest from town and 
 camped for the night. 
 
 The twenty-third was spent hunting horses and 
 mules. The enemy was again discovered trying to 
 overtake the column. Citizens were collecting from 
 all parts of the country armed with shot guns, hunting 
 rifles, &c., constantly firing on the flanks of our troops, 
 but taking care to keep at a respectful distance. 
 Detachments were sent in various directions, which 
 had the desired effect to so completely puzzle the 
 enemy that they could not arrive at our real intended 
 movement. In order to check the main force following 
 in the rear, the bridge over the Chiroppa Creek was 
 destroyed. The command camped for the night near 
 Tupelo. 
 
 On the morning of the twenty-fourth Colonel Hatch 
 sent Major Coon with six companies off to the left, to 
 pursue another route and form a junction again near La 
 Grange ; while he, (the Colonel) with the remainder of
 
 150 GRIERSON KAIDS. 
 
 the regiment and the plunder, consisting of thirty-one 
 prisoners and over two hundred horses and mules, led 
 by seventy negroes, took the Birmingham road. The 
 rebels, who were constantly watching their movements, 
 thought this their time, and just as the head of the 
 column reached the latter named place the rebels 
 attacked their rear in force. The Colonel .quickly 
 detached a sufficient force to guard the prisoners and 
 train ; this done he had just sixty-five riflemen whom 
 he could dismount, and fourteen sabre-men whom he 
 placed on the flanks, mounted, and the little cannon 
 manned by Corporal T. H. Walker, Sixth Illinois 
 Cavalry, and four men from the same regiment ; with 
 this small force the enemy was repulsed three times. 
 The Colonel retreating slowly, concealing his men at 
 all favorable points, letting them approach to within 
 short range, when he would pour a withering fire into 
 their exposed ranks with his revolving rifles, aided by 
 the two pounder which did excellent service. The 
 enemy suffered terribly, while the loss on our side was 
 very small. In this way the attack was kept up for 
 about six miles, when the enemy evidently became 
 tired, and with exceptions of a little annoyance from 
 guerilla parties they were not troubled by the enemy 
 from that point to La Grange, where they arrived safe 
 with all the plunder on the'morning of the twenty-sixth. 
 The loss sustained by the Second Iowa Cavalry on 
 this important trip was but ten men killed, wounded 
 and missing. They left La Grange with seventy rounds 
 of ammunition per man ; on their return they had but
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 151 
 
 two rounds left to the man. They captured and 
 destroyed over three hundred shot-guns and rifles 
 mostly Enfield killed and wounded not less than one 
 hundred of the enemy, brought safely into camp two 
 hundred horses and mules besides re-mounting nearly 
 the entire command together with fifty-one prisoners, 
 and about sixty negroes, who followed of their own 
 accord. 
 
 Too much praise cannot be awarded Colonel Hatch 
 for the skillful manner in which he handled his men 
 against far superior numbers. His fight at Palo Alto 
 diverting the enemy from Colonel Grierson did 
 undoubtedly give the latter some thirty-six hours start 
 of all incumbrances. . 
 
 And now, while the command is resting, camped in 
 the suburbs of Memphis, I will take the reader down 
 to Wall's Bridge, Amit County, Mississippi, and tell 
 what disposition was made of us who were left wounded 
 at Mr. Newman's plantation, and with it bring my 
 history of our journey to an end. 

 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 After receiving my wound I made my way back to 
 the rear of the column, when with the assistance of a 
 few comrades I was helped from my horse and laid 
 upon the ground. They assisted me in changing my 
 dress for that of the Federal army, and securing my 
 side-arms, horse and equipments. I was then carefully 
 laid into an ambulance, and conveyed to the plantation 
 along with the rest of my wounded comrades. I 
 remember of being carried through the front into a 
 back room, joining the kitchen, and laid upon a pile of 
 unginned cotton, which Hughes, Roy and myself occu- 
 pied, the Colonel remaining in the front room. I had 
 not lain many minutes before it occurred to me, for the 
 first time since receiving my wound, that 1 had consid- 
 erable Confederate money in my possession, and acting 
 on the impulse of the moment I concealed it by poking 
 it down under the cotton, together with my pocket-knife, 
 match-safe, and three dollars in silver and a breast-pin. 
 Shortly after this I heard considerable talking in the 
 adjoining room the one in which the Colonel lay. The 
 cause was soon explained, by seeing the door-way filled
 
 rJ 
 
 GRIEKSON RAIDS. 153 
 
 with Confederate soldiers. "We excited some curiosity, 
 and with few exceptions were treated with respect by 
 them. Some threats were made against the Colonel by 
 a Confederate officer, who drew his sabre, threatening 
 to plunge it through him. The Colonel told him that 
 he did not expect to live long, and as he had done 
 nothing but his duty he would not ask for mercy at his 
 hands. The Southern " chivalry " was prevented from 
 putting his threat into execution by the timely interfer- 
 ence of a superior officer, who reprimanded him severely. 
 These soldiers proved to be the advance of Colonel 
 Miles' command better known in that region as Miles' 
 Legion having just arrived from Osyko Station, and 
 in pursuit of Colonel Grierson. I could plainly see 
 the column from my window as it moved along. It 
 consisted of about three hundred cavalry, two thousand 
 infantry, and one battery of artillery four and six 
 pound rifled guns. They felt confident of capturing 
 the "Yanks," and did not appear to be in any hurry, 
 stating that a force had been sent out from Port 
 Hudson, and that they would intercept our forces when 
 they attempted to cross the Amit Eiver. 
 
 Colonel Grierson had now five hours the start, and I 
 knew that he would not let any grass grow under his 
 feet. We were visited by the Colonel while his command 
 was passing. He informed us that he had instructed 
 the nurses that they should pay every attention to the 
 wounded. He treated us with kindness, and I shall 
 never forget his kind manner and venerable form. He 
 was afterwards captured at Port Hudson, and related 
 
 7*
 
 154 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 his interview with Lieut. -Col. Blackburn, and the 
 wounded men of our command, upon this occasion. 
 
 After they left I felt some anxiety about the command, 
 fearing they wauld be cut off from crossing the river. 
 Mr. Newman, the proprietor, had been pressed in by 
 our command and taken as far as Greensburg. The 
 women, being left alone, at first felt very much alarmed. 
 Their fears were soon quieted by the arrival of some of 
 their neighbors, who assisted them. They were all 
 very kind, and did everything in their power to alleviate 
 our sufferings. During the evening Mr. Wall, of Wall's 
 Post Office, made his appearance, and evinced much 
 desire to provide for our wants. He seemed to think 
 we ought to have the assistance of a surgeon from 
 Osyko Station, and without any delay started that 
 evening on his mule, rode eleven miles, and returned 
 that night, bringing with him an army surgeon, who 
 displayed considerable skill in dressing the Colonel's 
 wounds. He had to leave the next morning, being 
 ordered to Port Hudson, and would not receive any 
 compensation for his trouble, saying that it was his 
 duty, and his government paid him for his services. 
 Mr. Wall was another man of the same principles, but 
 he complained bitterly, and regretted the loss of his 
 saddle-horse, which our command had taken from his 
 stable. It seemed to me that it was in my power to 
 replace his loss by offering him the value of his horse 
 in money. I felt influenced to act thus by the kindness 
 and interest he had displayed in our welfare. Desiring 
 to see him he was sent for. On his arrival I asked
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 155 
 
 him how much he valued his horse at and he said five 
 hundred dollars. I told him he should receive that 
 amount for it that it would be paid to him by Mrs. 
 Newman. My reason for not paying him then was 
 that I did not wish to show them where my money was 
 concealed ; no one had known of my having it except 
 my comrades. As the reader will want to know how 
 much money I had, and how I came by it, I will 
 explain. The amount was twenty-five hundred dollars, 
 nearly all in Confederate fifty-dollar "graybacks," the 
 remainder in notes of smaller dimensions. The money 
 was handed to me by a member of the Seventh Illinois, 
 who found it at Newton Station, floating on the water, 
 as previously mentioned. The next morning, at about 
 ten o'clok, Mr. Newman arrived, having been released 
 by our command. It was a timely arrival, for many 
 of the citizens were under the impression that he would 
 be murdered, and had in circulation a rumor that our 
 command had murdered Captain Scott, and many were 
 the threats muttered against us, which they were 
 prevented putting into execution by Mr. Wall, until 
 the appearance of Mr. Newman, who, by his statement, 
 dispelled all evil intentions. He also brought the 
 joyful news that the command had safely crossed Amit 
 River, which was confirmed a few hours later by the 
 arrival of a courier, who was on his way to Osyko 
 Station. He stated that the force sent out from Port 
 Hudson consisted of two regiments of infantry and one 
 battery of artillery, and when Colonel Grierson crossed 
 the bridge the rebels were within five miles, waiting for
 
 156 QKIERSON EAIDS. 
 
 daylight, so as to proceed something Colonel Grierson 
 did not wait to consult in cases of emergency. We all 
 felt elated over the good news. 
 
 And now the -question arose, what disposition would 
 be made of us ? We were all wounded in a manner 
 that would not admit of our being moved. It was in 
 the afternoon of the second day that a squad of cavalry 
 arrived from Osyko Station, being sent as guard, with 
 orders to bring us all to that place. They had a 
 rickety old ambulance, which they intended to put us 
 all into. Dr. Yole explained matters to them that it 
 was impossible to move any of the wounded except 
 myself. After parleying awhile they submitted, and I 
 was carried out and laid in the ambulance. As I was 
 carried through the Colonel's room I could not but 
 notice how pale and haggard he looked. He was 
 suffering intensely. I bid him good-bye, hoping that 
 we would meet again. Previous to leaving the room I 
 saw Mrs. Newman, and having confidence in her I 
 handed her twentry-three hundred dollars, my pin, 
 miniature, pocket-knife and silver, keeping one hundred 
 dollars myself. I requested her to pay Mr. Wall five 
 hundred for his horse, and I would devise some way to 
 get the ballance. Dr. Yole, Le Sure and Douglas were 
 ordered to accompany the escort on foot, which made 
 them puff, on an eleven mile march, they not being used 
 to infantry tactics. The Colonel was left without any 
 medical attendance, though every care and attention 
 was bestowed on him by Mr. and Mrs. Newman. 
 
 About six o'clock we arrived at Osyko Station and
 
 GKIERSON KAIDS. 157 
 
 halted in front of headquarters. I was surprised to 
 hear and see the rebel Colonel Richardson, from 
 Tennessee, who took particular delight in heaping 
 abuse upon the Sixth and Seventh cavalry, by saying 
 everything that was mean and unbecoming a gentleman. 
 He has since met with his reward, by being shot while 
 attempting to make his escape from the Union forces. 
 From this place I was moved to the depot, where I 
 rested all night, very comfortably, on a cot. The next 
 morning a soldier made his appearance, followed by a 
 little girl, who carried a pitcher of coffee, some nice 
 ham, biscuits, and tender beefsteak. It was really 
 inviting, and my appetite being in a good condition I 
 did ample justice to it. This soldier was actuated by 
 a noble impulse. He had come voluntarily from his 
 dwelling, and brought me a breakfast prepared by his 
 wife. He had once been a prisoner, was taken at Fort 
 Donelson, and was kindly treated by our army, and 
 had not forgotten it. I am sorry that I have forgotten 
 his name. 
 
 At an early hour I was put on board the train, on 
 my way to Magnolia Station, ten miles north. Previous 
 to starting I learned that the Doctor and Le Sure were 
 permitted to return to the Colonel, on their parole, 
 while Douglas was retained and would be sent to 
 Richmond. On my way to Magnolia my boots and 
 coat were stolen from beneath my cot. On my arrival 
 at the latter place I was taken from the cars and carried 
 to the hospital, up the first flight of stairs, and put into 
 a large-sized room, in the north end of the building,
 
 158 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 fronting the street, on the east side of the railroad, with 
 a piazza in front ; the room was a very pleasant one. 
 The building was built for a hotel, and used as such 
 until the breaking out of this war. It was capable of 
 accommodating about four hundred guests. Connected 
 with it was an extensive livery-stable, bowling saloon, 
 billiard-rooms 5 bathing establishment, &c. Before the 
 war this was a place of much resort from New Orleans, 
 it being only ninety miles distant, and having a healthy 
 location, surrounded by the beautiful magnolia trees in 
 full bloom. A clear stream of water, abounding with 
 fish, afforded sport for the angler. Magnolia Station 
 did not contain more than two hundred buildings of all 
 classes, a few stores, two hotels, and an extensive 
 tannery, busily engaged manufacturing leather for the 
 government. 
 
 I had not been here long before my wound was 
 attended to by the principal surgeon, Dr. Huford, 
 formerly from Baton Rouge, whom I found very kind 
 in his treatment, but stern in his manner. He had 
 some three hundred patients under his charge, and was 
 assisted by Drs. Stebbling and Biggs, formerly of 
 Kentucky. I shall never forget the kindness extended 
 to me by those gentlemen. They would frequently 
 visit my room, where I was alone, and sit and talk for 
 hours at a time. This was very considerate in them, 
 and a great privilege enjoyed by me. It was here I 
 lay in suspense many a long hour, busy with thoughts 
 of home and friends. Contrary to what I anticipated 
 I had not been searched, and was in possession of the
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 159 
 
 following articles : one pair drawers, one pair overalls, 
 one pair of socks, two shirts, and one hundred dollars 
 in Confederate money no hat, coat, boots, pants or 
 jacket. The second day after my arrival my drawers, 
 shirts and socks were washed, after which I felt quite 
 comfortable. A black man was assigned to wait upon 
 me, and I received every attention. The landlady I 
 have forgotten her name furnished me with books to 
 read, and occasionally would bring me in a fresh 
 magnolia, which, placed in water, would keep the room 
 sweet for several days. 
 
 Though the ladies of the South are to be admired 
 for their graceful forms and manners, they indulge to 
 excess in one habit that of dipping snuff which looks 
 strange enough to Northern men. The hospital-steward 
 was very kind, calling frequently to see me. My fare, 
 though scant, was clean and properly cooked, which 
 consisted of corn-bread, molasses, mush, sassafras tea, 
 and almost invariably the leg of a goose for breakfast, 
 baked, no dressing, sometimes tender as a spring 
 chicken, then again tough enough to make a good 
 whip-cracker; however my appetite was sufficient for 
 all I could get. In the course of a week I was able to 
 dress my own wound, by the aid of a glass, washing it 
 every morning and evening with warm water and castile 
 soap, keeping it constantly wet with cold water. I did 
 not have occasion to take a single dose of medicine. 
 The ball, in passing through my thigh, had just missed 
 the main artery and bone, and the Doctor said I would 
 soon be able to go about on crutches.
 
 160 GEIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 I had permission to write a letter home, which the 
 Doctor told me would be forwarded through the lines, 
 subject to military inspection. I felt rejoiced at this, 
 and wrote a suitable letter, handed it to the Doctor, and 
 I supposed it was on its way and would soon be in the 
 hands of my friends. I was doomed to disappointment. 
 In a few days it was handed to me, with the unwelcome 
 news that no more letters were allowed to pass the 
 lines. I felt sad and lonely ; this was my last and only 
 hope of getting news home. My death had been pub- 
 lished in the Jackson Appeal, and if one of those papers 
 should get into our lines it would be copied, and my 
 friends would think me dead. I was in suspense, but 
 not forgetful of a kind Providence, that had spared me 
 thus far. I put my trust in God, and tried to wait 
 patiently. 
 
 In the meantime I was not forgetful of my wounded 
 comrades, of whom I made daily inquiries at one time 
 hearing the Colonel had died, the next it would be 
 contradicted. It was impossible to get a correct story. 
 Finally I succeeded, through the exertions of the 
 steward, in hiring a man to go out to Mr. Newman's 
 and learn the truth, at the same time to bring in a 
 portion of my money. On the third day after leaving 
 he returned, bringing the sad intelligence that after 
 seventeen days of intense pain and suffering the Colonel 
 had died, also the man Hughes ; that they were buried 
 on the plantation, and that Roy, Le Sure and the 
 Doctor had reported to Osyko ; that my property had 
 been delivered over to Le Sure. This was a sad
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 161 
 
 disappointment to me. I feared I would not see my 
 comrades again before they were sent to Richmond. 
 Again the hospital-steward showed his kindness, by 
 going on the train to Osyko Station and seeing the 
 sergeant-major, who sent back word that he would pass 
 next day, on his way to Richmond. I was now able 
 to move around on crutches, and had been up and down 
 stairs several times. The sergeant-major made his 
 appearance next day, and handed me my breastpin and 
 four hundred and fifty dollars, the balance of the 
 twenty-three hundred which I left in the hands of Mrs. 
 Newman. The five hundred had been paid to Mr. 
 Wall, according to promise, and the remainder was used 
 towards defraying the expenses of the wounded and 
 nurses, burying the dead, &c., everything being scarce 
 and consequently very expensive. It seemed as if the 
 hand of Divine Providence directed the use of this 
 money for this special purpose. 
 
 I was soon able to walk around, with the use of a 
 cane, and was permitted to promenade the streets. I 
 had a pair of shoes made, very common ones, for which 
 I paid sixteen dollars. I also purchased some clothing, 
 paying for a common felt hat thirty dollars, a light 
 summer coat forty dollars, a pair of pants, half cotton, 
 twenty dollars cotton socks one dollar and thirty 
 cents. I make mention of this that the reader may 
 know how scarce and expensive articles were at that 
 time in Dixie. The following prices were given me by 
 the hospital-steward : flour one hundred and fifty dollars 
 a barrel, none in market ; coffee five dollars a pound,
 
 162 QRIERSON EAIDS. 
 
 none in market ; sugar three dollars a barrel ; molasses 
 three dollars a gallon ; bacon one dollar and a half a 
 pound ; eggs one dollar and a half a dozen ; chickens, 
 live, twelve dollars a dozen. The two first named 
 articles I had not seen in the hospital. I was now 
 allowed the privilege of eating in the dining-room, 
 with the non-commissioned officers, also of visiting the 
 different wards. Among the patients I found one 
 federal soldier, belonging to the navy. He had one leg 
 amputated just below the knee. His name was William 
 Hawkins. He served at one of the guns on the 
 Indianola, when she was sunk by the rebel batteries at 
 Port Hudson, where he received his wound and was 
 taken prisoner. I found him a very intelligent person. 
 We could sympathize with each other, were company 
 for each other, and time passed more rapidly and 
 agreeably. 
 
 It was very amusing sometimes to listen to the 
 various reports respecting the army and battles, which, 
 according to their statements, always resulted in their 
 favor. There was a telegraph office at the depot which 
 brought them daily news from Jackson, Mississippi. 
 That, with the Jackson Appeal which could tell the 
 biggest lies, for a small paper, of any one published 
 were the only sources we had to obtain news. They 
 took particular pains to report to me, which was very 
 kind of them. At the time that Hooker withdrew from 
 Fredericksburg, Virginia, they received the news that 
 he lost forty thousand men in killed, wounded and 
 prisoners, that he was completely routed, and his army
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS, 163 
 
 flying in all directions. A few days later and General 
 Lee occupied Arlington Heights, and threatened to 
 shell the city of Washington. The next report was 
 that Grant had lost at Vicksburg, in storming the 
 works, eighty thousand men, and owing to the excessive 
 warm weather, and disgusting stench arising from the 
 bodies, they had to be burned. They were confident 
 of capturing his whole command, and had his supplies . 
 cut off. Following this was a report that Kirby Smith 
 had crossed the Mississippi River, attacked Banks in 
 the rear, and captured nearly all of his command ; and 
 lastly, that a Texas regiment of cavalry had met Colonel 
 Grierson, wounded and taken him prisoner, together 
 with nearly all of his command. You can imagine my 
 feelings on hearing such reports. I could not contradict 
 them, nor did I choose to believe all. I could; occa- 
 sionally hear, after night, the reports of crur mortars, 
 as they were throwing their ponderous shells into Port 
 Hudson, eighty miles distant. I knew in that quarter, 
 at all events, our forces still existed. Vicksburg was 
 their boasted Gibralter. 
 
 The month of May was now drawing to a close, and 
 I was able to move around quite lively, feeling anxious 
 to be sent North. My wishes were soon gratified. On 
 the second day of June I was notified by the Doctor 
 that he would send me to Jackson on the morrow. I 
 felt rejoiced at the thought of going towards home, and 
 knowing that my friend Hawkins desired to accompany 
 me I sought an interview with the Doctor, and after 
 considerable talking he consented to send him along, as
 
 164 QRIBRSON RAIDS. 
 
 I could be of some service towards assisting him. In 
 the meantime I purchased two watches from inmates of 
 the hospital, paying for them two hundred and fifty 
 dollars. I thought this a good investment, knowing 
 that the Confederate money would not be of any use 
 inside of our lines. The morrow came, and with it the 
 train. At one o'clock Hawkins and myself went 
 aboard, and were soon leaving Magnolia far in the 
 rear, where I had remained just one month. Upon 
 arriving at Summit Station I was told that we could 
 not proceed further by railroad, as it had not been 
 repaired since Grierson's command destroyed it. Here 
 was a space of twenty miles which we must walk, or 
 hire a private conveyance, paying fifteen dollars each. 
 I at once procured passage for Hawkins, the Sergeant 
 who was guarding us, and myself. It was here I again 
 experienced the benefit of that money. After proceeding 
 about half way we stopped at a house, where we stayed 
 all night. We had not been here long before we were 
 joined by other passengers. I at once recognized the 
 plantation and the proprietor as one on whom I had 
 called with a squad of men, and taken two horses, 
 while the command was destroying government property 
 at Boyachitta, one mile distant. The planter did not 
 recognize me, and I did not take the trouble to relate 
 to him the circumstance. We were provided with a 
 good bed and supper, for which I paid one dollar and 
 fifty cents. The next morning at four o'clock we started 
 for Brookhaven, arriving there at eight o'clock, just in 
 time to take breakfast at the hotel before leaving on
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 165 
 
 the train. While passing through Hazelhurst I saw 
 several faces that were there when we rode in so 
 gallantly. The most familiar were those of the landlady 
 and her daughter, at the hotel. I felt as though I 
 would like to speak to them, but circumstances did not 
 permit. 
 
 Aboard the train was an Englishman, who held a 
 captain's commission in the rebel army. He amused 
 me very much, not only by his foppish appearance, but 
 by his ridiculous actions and the interest he took in 
 watching me. I could not move but what he would 
 tell the guard to keep his eyes on me. He belonged 
 to that class of Englishmen who interfere with other 
 people's business. 
 
 About one o'clock we arrived within two miles of 
 Jackson. The train could not run further on account 
 of the road being torn up by Sherman's forces, at the 
 time they occupied the place. Here were quite a 
 number of private conveyances. After obtaining one 
 for my wounded friend I started for the city on foot 
 with the Sergeant. I had a very good opportunity of 
 seeing the Capitol of the State, and was surprised to 
 see so much of it left standing, having been told that 
 our forces had destroyed the principal portion of it. 
 The first place I was introduced to was the Provost 
 Marshal's office, where I had to wait some two hours 
 before being examined. While so doing I took occasion 
 to hand Hawkins fifteen dollars, thinking he might 
 need it, and we might be separated, which proved to be 
 the case, he being examined and sent away the same
 
 166 GEIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 evening, with a number of others, to Richmond. They 
 allowed him to keep his money. I bid him good-bye, 
 not expecting to see him again. My turn came, and 
 unfortunately for me, being neatly dressed, I was looked 
 upon with suspicion, and ordered to strip myself to my 
 shirt and drawers, which I did not hesitate to do. 
 They then proceeded to search the pockets, lining, &c., 
 appropriating to themselves my watches, papers, and 
 all my money, except about twenty dollars, my pocket- 
 knife and miniature pin, which they allowed me to 
 keep very considerate in them. I also had in my 
 possession two letters from Doctors Stebbling and 
 Biggs, which they requested me to mail after reaching 
 our lines. They were not sealed, and contained nothing 
 but what was of a domestic character. I felt sorry 
 about those letters, for I had been kindly treated by 
 those two gentlemen. The search ended, and they 
 found nothing to implicate me. They expressed some 
 disappointment in not finding any Lincoln greenbacks. 
 I thought this rather queer proceedings for the head 
 military authorities of Jackson. I soon found I was 
 not the only one subject to this treatment others also 
 suffered. The name of this specimen of " Southern 
 chivalry," who appeared to be the star actor in this 
 military drama, was J. C. Winnin. I think I will 
 remember his face, and if I am ever so lucky as to meet 
 him again will ask him the " time of day." From the 
 Provost Marshal's office I was sent to the guard-house, 
 a one and a half story frame house on Main street, 
 where I lodged with about twenty-five others, and
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 167 
 
 remained for thirty-six hours before receiving any 
 rations, which, when they did come, consisted of a 
 scanty supply of unsifted corn meal and refuse bacon 
 nothing else ; no cooking utensils of any description, 
 and nothing but cistern water to drink, on the top of 
 which could be seen pieces of bacon floating. I had 
 not been here long before the lieutenant of the guard 
 ordered me into a private room, and ordered me to 
 undress, while he gave the garments a thorough exam- 
 ination. He found nothing. My pocket-inife seemed 
 to please his fancy, which he kept, and it was only 
 through my earnest entreaties that he allowed me to 
 retain my miniature pin, for which I thanked him. 
 The money he had no use for greenbacks was what 
 he was after. Among the prisoners were two citizens, 
 who claimed to be residents of Memphis, Tennessee. 
 They were very kind to me, inviting me to their table, 
 which they had furnished from a hotel close by a 
 priviledge not allowed soldiers. Thus I fared very 
 well, until the third day, when we were ordered to be 
 in readiness to leave at nine o'clock next morning. At 
 the appointed time we were found in line, twenty in 
 all, and marched two miles, crossing the Pearl River, 
 and taking the train on the Jackson and Mobile railroad 
 were soon comfortably seated in a passenger car. Our 
 guard consisted of one sergeant and six men old 
 soldiers who treated us with kindness and respect. 
 Before leaving Jackson we were not provided with 
 rations, nor did we receive any until we arrived at 
 Selma, Alabama.
 
 168 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 The first place of any importance was Meridian, 
 then the Tombigbee river, where we took a boat for 
 Demopolis and again resumed the railroad, arriving 
 at Selma the next afternoon. Remained all night, and 
 received three day's rations of hard tack and boiled 
 salt beef, (a very good article). We were kindly 
 treated by the Provost Marshall, and looked upon 
 with some curiosity by the citizens, as well as a show of 
 sympathy and respect. Not being allowed the privilege 
 of the streets I had no opportunity of viewing the 
 place, but the small portion I could see impressed me 
 favorably ; the extensive buildings, fine roads, level 
 sidewalks, shaded by beautiful trees, all looked neat 
 and business like. 
 
 The greater portion of this State, through which we 
 passed, appeared to be under good cultivation, and 
 the crops looked very favorable. Corn appeared in 
 abundance on all sides. The next morning we were 
 marched down to the river, where we took deck 
 passage on board a steamer for Montgomery, Ala. 
 Before leaving Selma I saw what was said to be the 
 keel of a boat on the stocks intended for a gunboat. 
 One had been completed a short time before and 
 launched. Our trip up the Alabama was very pleasant 
 indeed ; not being confined to close quarters, we enjoyed 
 a fine view of its high banks, shaded by trees. In due 
 time we arrived at the capitol of the State, where we 
 remained a few hours. Taking the train we proceeded 
 to West Point on the Alabama and Galine railroad, 
 where we remained all night in a close building. What
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 169 
 
 little money I had upon leaving Jackson I had spent 
 for something to eat, which I shared with some of my 
 comrades who were in feeble health, two of whom 
 belonged to the Fourteenth N. Y. Cavalry ; our rations 
 at this time becoming rather scant, I concluded to sell 
 my coat, which I offered to the guard, for twenty-five 
 dollars ; he took it, at once paying the money. I 
 derived more benefit from this money than I would 
 have done by the use of my coat, by purchasing a few 
 luxuries which benefited my health, and at the same 
 time assisted my feeble companions who were not so 
 fortunate as myself. The guards were very accomo- 
 dating, allowing us many privileges. At an early 
 hour next morning we left on a train arriving at 
 Atlanta, Ga., where we were conducted to a guard 
 house, a few blocks from the depot, at which place we 
 had the pleasure of staying three days. We were put 
 into a small room in the second story of a frame 
 building which was surrounded by a high board fence, 
 while several guards were patrolling their beats around 
 us. Upon being put into this room I found it already 
 occupied by about forty prisoners, the most of them 
 citizens belonging to East Tennessee, who had been 
 dragged from their homes and thrust into this filthy, 
 loathsome room, because they loved the good old 
 Union better than secession. It was a sorrowful 
 sight to look upon the bent forms and wrinkled brows 
 of these old men, whose heads were silvered by the 
 frosts of seventy winters, and many were still older. 
 After living a life of honest industry, enjoying the 
 
 8
 
 170 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 privileges and blessings of a free and independent 
 country, to be at last separated from wife and family 
 by lawless hands and cast into a prison, there to 
 subsist on a scant supply of corn bread and salt beef. 
 For what ? because they still continued to love the good 
 old flag that had protected them so long. Our fare 
 at this place consisted of a small piece of corn bread, 
 about three inches square, twice a day, with a limited 
 supply of salt-beef. Upon a table in the centre of the 
 room (the only piece of furniture it contained,) stood 
 a pail of water and one cup this was the only drink 
 we had. Every man had been searched and every 
 pocket-knife taken possession of by the jailor, a most 
 brutal and unfeeling specimen of humanity. No one 
 was permitted to look out of the window into the street ; 
 if he did violate this unreasonable order he ran the 
 risk of being fired upon by the guard below, who was 
 watching for the chance. One innocent citizen was 
 shot dead a few days before our arrival for the above 
 offence the blood stains were still fresh on the window 
 sill. From this place we were conducted to the depot 
 by a new guard, where we took the train for Augusta. 
 As we left Atlanta I was surprised to see so many 
 locomotives and cars; they were making this their 
 depot for supplies for their army, which explained for 
 the large amount of rolling-stock seen. I did within 
 my heart wish that our cavalry could make a dash 
 into this place and destroy this property. 
 
 Our trip through Georgia was not unpleasant con- 
 sidering our circumstances. The new guard were
 
 GRIEHSON KAIDS. 171 
 
 home guards, and were not very strict ; and we were 
 allowed to look out of the windows ; so we had a good 
 view of the country, and I noticed that wheat was the 
 principal crop, which looked very well. On our arrival 
 at Augusta, which was in the night, we changed cars, 
 and just at daylight crossed the bridge over the 
 Savannah river, a very pretty stream. We were now 
 in South Carolina, and in due time we arrived at 
 Columbus, the capitol of the State, through which we 
 were marched, giving us a good opportunity of seeing 
 a large portion of the business part of the city, as well 
 as the suburbs. I must say it is a beautiful place, 
 displaying good taste and abundance of wealth. From 
 this place we were conveyed in freight box-cars, which 
 at that time I thought very cruel, (but since have 
 experienced the same treatment in my adopted State 
 of Illinois, from Alton to Springfield, when returning 
 home on furlough, as a veteran, with the regiment to 
 which I belonged, after serving my country two years 
 and eight months,) I came to the conclusion it was not 
 so bad after all. From Columbus we went direct to 
 Chesterville, soon passing out of the hot bed of seces- 
 sionism. This was the only State we passed through 
 that we received any taunts from the citizens, many 
 of whom seemed to take delight in spitting their venom 
 upon us. On one occasion they remarked how meanly 
 we were dressed ; that there was no uniformity about 
 our clothes ; and I took pains to tell them the cause 
 that when taken prisoners our captors made an 
 exchange with us our boots, pants, hats, and sometimes
 
 172 ORIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 our coats or jackets ; thus the cause of our appear- 
 ing so ragged and offensive. This did not sit well, 
 
 and some of them were for breaking the d d 
 
 Yankee heads. The crops in this State did not look 
 so well as through Alabama and Georgia, though we 
 passed through some very delightful country. 
 
 The first place of any importance we arrived at in 
 North Carolina was Charlotte, thence to Salisbury, 
 Greensboro, Raleigh, Goldsboro and Weldon, the last 
 place bordering close upon Va, and fortified to some 
 extent, though few troops were stationed there at that 
 time. Our trip through this State was not unpleasant. 
 The country through which we passed was not prepos- 
 sessing in appearance. One incident occurred while 
 passing through this State worthy of note. While 
 stopping at a wood station to wood up, I saw an 
 individual approaching our car, who, as soon as he 
 came up, inquired, in North Carolina accent, if any 
 of us had Confederate money we wished to exchange 
 for Lincoln greenbacks. I inquired how much he 
 had. He replied five dollars, and would give it for 
 five dollars in Confederate money ; that he had carried 
 
 the d d abolition money long enough, and nobody 
 
 wanted it out here. I hauled out my pile, amounting 
 to eight dollars, and handing him five received the 
 greenback, which looked natural enough, and made one 
 feel sort of good. The question arose in my mind, 
 how will I keep it hid from the searching eyes of the 
 Richmond officials. We had been informed by the 
 guard that we would all be strictly searched and
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 173 
 
 examined immediately on our arriral at Libby prison. 
 An idea occurred to me how I might save my green- 
 back, which I put into execution. I had remaining, 
 tied up in an old dirty handkerchief, a few hard biscuits 
 that I had bought. I borrowed a knife of one of the 
 guard, and unperceived by them I cut a square piece 
 out of the side of one of the biscuits, and scooping a 
 hole out in the centre large enough I concealed my 
 money together with my miniature pin ; plugging up 
 the hole again, I took care not to break into those 
 biscuits which were hard and dirty. On our arrival at 
 Petersburg we were delayed a few hours, and then, 
 "On to Richmond," nineteen miles distant. When 
 about half way between those two places we came in 
 sight of the rebel fortifications, which are expected to 
 protect Richmond. The works are very extensive, 
 extending some eight or ten miles, and two to five 
 miles in breadth, and, if well defended, will take an 
 immense army and hard fighting to get possession of. 
 
 I will here take occasion to make some remarks 
 respecting their railroads. Those over which I passed, 
 as a general thing, were pretty well used up track 
 very rough, and rolling stock out of repair. They 
 could not average more than fourteen miles per hour. 
 The most substantial track was in South Carolina. 
 On the afternoon of the fourteenth of June we arrived 
 at the capitol of the Southern Confederacy, being ten 
 days on our way from Jackson, Miss. We were 
 marched down through the main street where every 
 idle spectator could gaze at us, which we returned in
 
 174 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 full. We were soon introduced to that hospitable 
 mansion, "Libby Prison," so familiar to so many of 
 our brave boys ; and where, by close confinement and 
 cruel treatment, many a brave heart has beat its last 
 within its walls, whose spirit gone forth to a just God 
 will be avenged. We were formed in line fronting the 
 prison, and almost the first man I saw was Sergt.-Major 
 Le Sure, and the next, Dr. Yole. I felt pleased at 
 seeing my old companions and longed to speak to them, 
 which was not permitted just then. We were ordered 
 into the building, and formed in line through a narrow 
 hall, when the search commenced, passing through the 
 entire line, finding but little plunder beside canteens 
 and haversacks the two latter they invariably kept. 
 Upon presenting my biscuits they were looked upon 
 with contempt. I felt satisfied with the result and still 
 continued to freeze to them. The next proceeding was 
 to take our names, rank, number of regiment to which 
 we belonged, what State, &c. We were then paroled, 
 signed an article of agreement, and swore not to do so 
 and so until duly and lawfully exchanged. After this, 
 we were told the joyful news that we should be sent away 
 to City Point with a batch that was to start in the 
 morning; for this, I felt really thankful. From the 
 hall we were conducted to another apartment, up two 
 flights of stairs, into a large room crowded with Union 
 soldiers. The first thing we heard upon entering was 
 the cry of "fish, fish, more fish ;" at first I could not 
 imagine what it meant ; I thought they were receiving 
 rations, and I began to anticipate something good
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 175 
 
 to eat ; imagine my disappointment when I discovered 
 that we were the object of all this noise and confusion. 
 The prisoners had adopted a rule that of keeping a 
 man on sentry at the stairway and when any new 
 prisoners arrived to cry out "fish, fish," which sentence 
 would be taken up and repeated by nearly every one 
 in the room, while they would flock to the stairway, 
 expecting to see some old friends and comrades. The 
 size of this room was sixty by forty feet, with no 
 ventilation except what came from three heavily barred 
 windows at each end. It contained no article of fur- 
 niture whatever, and was crowded with about three 
 hundred and forty men. At the lower end, and about 
 the centre was a small closet, six by four feet, in which 
 a pipe entered coming up from the canal below ; this 
 afforded drinking water, as well as wash room and water 
 closet. You may well blush, but such are facts. Picture 
 to yourself this room at night, the floor covered with 
 human frames, inhaling such impure air. The stench 
 that then arose was almost suffocating, enough to cause 
 disease and sickness. ' Besides the soldiers there was 
 other company, and plenty of it, well known by the 
 name of "graybacks" in the army. Our rations con- 
 sisted of a limited supply of flour bread, a small piece 
 of boiled salt beef, and a mixture called Confederate 
 coffee, which was anything but agreeable to the taste 
 or appearance. Before retiring that night we were 
 notified that we would start next morning at three 
 o'clock and for every man to be awake and ready, that 
 no one would be permitted to take his blanket with
 
 176 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 him. I laid down, not to sleep, but to think of 
 Libby Prison, and how thankful I should feel that a 
 kind Providence had favored me thus far ; then I 
 pictured horae and all its inmates, who were anxiously 
 waiting to hear some word or news concerning me; 
 perhaps they thought me dead, if so, what a sweet 
 disappointment my presence would create ; and thus, I 
 fancied in thought until sleep closed my eyes. At an 
 early hour next morning everybody appeared to be 
 awake ; all was excitement and confusion, but we did 
 not have to wait long before a guard appeared at the 
 stairway and gave the order to move out until we 
 reached the street and then form fours. We soon 
 arrived at the depot, some five hundred in all, taking 
 the cars to Petersburg, then changing and f making a 
 short run we were soon at City Point. I perceived 
 there were no officers aboard, and upon inquiry, was 
 told that they would not be exchanged for a long time. 
 I felt sorry for them, and was glad that I was not an 
 officer. While waiting at Petersburg a few hours I saw 
 several strangers in a sly way offering four dollars in 
 Confederate money for one in greenbacks. Upon 
 reaching City Point, toward the neutral ground for 
 exchange of prisoners, our sight was greeted by the old 
 flag, whose stars and stripes were floating defiantly and 
 proudly from the mast-head of the steamer New York. 
 Cheer after cheer rent the air, and tears could be seen 
 trickling down the cheeks of more than one brave hero, 
 whose heart was full to the brim with gladness at once 
 more beholding the emblem of liberty.
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 177 
 
 Like the symbol of love and redemption its form, 
 As it points to the haven of hope, and the nation ; 
 How radiant each star, as the beacon afar, 
 Gives promise of peace or assurance of war. 
 How peaceful and blest was America's soil 
 Till betrayed by the guile of the traitor demon, 
 Who lurks under virtue, and springs from his coil, 
 To fasten his fangs on the life-blood of freedmen ; 
 Then boldly appeal to each heart that can feel, 
 And the flag of our country shall in triumph remain, 
 To guide us to victory and glory again. 
 
 From the cars we all rushed to the river, and after 
 taking a good wash in its bright waters, feeling much 
 refreshed, were ordered to form twos and march aboard 
 of Uncle Sam's boat, and as we stepped upon its clean 
 white deck the first thing that we saw, which was served 
 out to us, was a large slice of fresh bread and boiled 
 ham, and a large tin-cup full of real old Java coffee. 
 Wasn't it good ? If you doubt it, just ask any soldier 
 who has been in Libby Prison until half starved. Who 
 would not fight for such a government as we possess ? 
 What a contrast ! Just view the picture. There are 
 landed at this very spot three or four hundred Confed- 
 erate prisoners, fresh from a Northern prison. They 
 look clean, healty and strong, are well dressed ; each 
 man is in possession of a blanket, and a haversack, 
 which is filled with good rations ; he is fully prepared 
 to enter immediately into active service. On the other 
 hand here comes a few hundred Union prisoners, fresh 
 from Libby Prison or Bell Island ; their garments are 
 ragged and dirty robbed of their own clothes, they 
 receive old garments of every description their steps 
 are weak and tottering their forms are wasted away 
 
 *8
 
 178 GKIERSON KAIDS. 
 
 to mere skeletons their spirits broken. They are no 
 longer fit subjects for the battle-field close confinement 
 in a filthy room and starvation has brought them to 
 this condition. They carry no blankets, haversacks or 
 rations. This is Southern chivalry, Southern hospitality 
 and as the war is prolonged the more barbarous is 
 the treatment inflicted upon their prisoners. The 
 inmates of Libby Prison, the inmates of Bell Island, 
 God help them ! they deserve the pity and sympathy 
 of all Christians. 
 
 As we left City Point I bade farewell to Southern 
 hospitality. I have no desire to taste its sweets again. 
 As we glide swiftly down the stream how refreshing 
 the breeze ! how sweet is liberty ! We were allowed 
 to range over the boat at pleasure, which was guarded 
 by a portion of the few that remained of the famous 
 Ninth New York Volunteers Hawkins' Zouaves a 
 noble, manly set of men, neat in attire and perfect in 
 discipline. They treated us with every kindness, 
 particularly M. E. and J. L. Fitzgerald, company K. 
 The officers of the boat were also unremitting in their 
 attentions. 
 
 The scenery along the James River presents some 
 beautiful landscape views. As we came in sight of 
 Fortress Monroe we could see our gunboats the two 
 extremes, the old man-of-war Constitution, three decker, 
 
 carrying guns, and near by could be seen the little 
 
 iron-plated Monitor, apparently not more than twelve 
 inches above the water, with a round turret, carrying 
 two ponderous guns. As we oame opposite the fort the
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 179 
 
 boat anchored and a yawl was lowered, which conveyed 
 the Captain to the fort to report to the commander of 
 the post. 
 
 While lying here I could see at a distance the 
 immense Lincoln Gun, capable of throwing a one 
 hundred pound shot six miles with great accuracy. 
 Who would have believed it twenty years ago ? In the 
 meantime I had not forgotten my biscuit, and cut it 
 open in the presence of a gaping crowd, who looked 
 with perfect astonishment when they beheld the pin 
 and greenbacks extracted. They allowed it was genuine 
 sleight of hand. After a few hours delay the order 
 was given to weigh anchor, and with steam up we 
 started for Annapolis, Maryland, arriving there the 
 next afternoon in time to march up to the camp of 
 parole. We were formed in close column and ordered 
 by the Major commanding for each man to answer to 
 his name as it was called, and he would assign troops 
 from different states each one by themselves ; this being 
 accomplished a short address was made by the Major, 
 stating that those who desired clothing to report to the 
 quartermaster department and they would be furnished 
 it, also a quantity of soap, and every member was 
 advised to visit the bay close by, where they could 
 indulge in a salt-water bath. I assure you there was" 
 some scrubbing done just about that time, after which 
 a new suit of clothing throughout was put on, which 
 made us look once more respectable. Of rations we 
 had plenty and good, and were allowed the limits of 
 the town as long as we did not abuse the privilege. It
 
 180 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 was quite refreshing to visit the oyster stands down 
 near the water's edge; and indulge in some fresh from 
 their native brine. 
 
 Annapolis is the capital of the State, a delightful 
 location, surrounded by beautiful scenery. A very 
 extensive Naval Academy is established here, but since 
 the war broke out the buildings are used as hospitals. 
 A more appropriate place could not be selected. The 
 streets present a very odd appearance, radiating from 
 the State House. A large number of the buildings are 
 of the old style of architecture, and the old State House 
 still remains, in which Washington used to give to the 
 world his noble sentiments. 
 
 Among the many soldiers that were here on our 
 arrival I was pleased to find some of my old comrades 
 Sergeant Vaughn, who accidentally wounded himself 
 near Union Church, Corporal Douglass, from Osyka, 
 and friend Hawkins. After remaining here about ten 
 days an order was read at roll-call for all Western 
 troops to be in readiness, at an early hour next morning, 
 to take the road for Baltimore. Starting at the time 
 appointed we crossed Chesapeake Bay, having a very 
 pleasant trip. It was amusing to watch the schools of 
 porpoises roll leisurely over and then disappear. It 
 was about two o'clock when we arrived in Baltimore, 
 and at once marched up to the Soldiers' Association 
 Hall, where a good table was supplied for us, and 
 lodgings for the night. The next morning we left by 
 train on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, over a 
 good track, making excellent time. We soon found
 
 GEIERSON RAIDS. 181 
 
 ourselves winding around the hills, through ravines, 
 woodlands, and over streams, with mountain peaks in 
 the distance, which we were fast approaching. 
 
 And oh ! how the heart did beat with joy to witness 
 at almost every house the waving of handkerchiefs and 
 star spangled banners. It was one continual display 
 of patriotism. To me it was the first demonstration of 
 the kind I had seen for fifteen months. The next day 
 we arrived at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, after a pleasant 
 ride through a fine agricultural country, presenting a 
 variety of beautiful scenery, where we were conducted 
 to Union Hall and partook of a sumptuous dinner, 
 served by the fairest daughters of Pittsburg. From 
 here we proceeded in separate parties, those belonging 
 to the Army of the Cumberland being sent to Camp 
 Chase, Ohio, and those belonging to the Mississippi 
 department being sent to Bentoa Barracks, St. Louis, 
 Missouri. After arriving in Illinois I soon discovered 
 that the train would pass within ten miles of my home. 
 I had been absent- about two years. The temptation 
 was so strong that I naturally dropped off, and in a 
 few hours afterwards was joyfully received by my 
 friends. I immediately reported by letter to the 
 commanding officer at Benton Barracks, and by keeping 
 a strict watch I received the first notice through the 
 public prints of an exchange, and at once started for 
 Memphis, Tennessee, joining my regiment at Colliers- 
 ville, on the C. and M. Railroad, October 13th, 1863, 
 after an absence of five months and thirteen days. 
 There was a general greeting of old friends, particularly
 
 182 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 with the scouts, who I found occupying the same 
 position they held previous to the raid. They had met 
 with no reward, and it was some time before I was 
 permitted to resume my former duties ; but regardless 
 of position let all who love freedom, justice, and their 
 country, 
 
 Strike for the Union ! let her name ever be 
 
 The boast of the true and the brave ; 
 Let freedom's bright star still shine on her brow, 
 
 And her banner the proudest to wave. 
 Strike for the Union ! shall the heroes that fell 
 
 In graves all unhonored repose, 
 While the turf on each head and the sword by each side 
 
 Has been stained by the blood of the foes ? 
 
 CHORUS. Three cheers for our land of the free, 
 Three cheers for our noble and true, 
 For freedom, right, and liberty, 
 Our flag of the Bed, White and Blue. 
 
 Strike for the Union ! for liberty's sun 
 
 In darkness and gloom has not set ; 
 Her bright beams still shine, like a light from above, 
 
 And will lead thee to victory yet. 
 Strike for the Union ! for her weapons are bright, 
 
 And the heroes who wield them are strong; 
 Let her name brightly glow on the record of time, 
 
 And hers be the proudest in song. 
 
 CHORUS. Three cheers for our land of the free. 
 
 Strike for the Union! we will honor her name, 
 
 For the glorious deeds she has done ; 
 The laurel will twine on each patriot's brow, 
 
 And shout when the battle is won. 
 Strike for the Union ! it must never be said 
 
 That her banner was furled to a foe; 
 I^et those stars ever shine in bright glory above, 
 
 And the pathway to victory show. 
 
 CHORUS. Three cheers for our land of the free.
 
 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 183 
 
 The following is a roster of the officers of the Sixth 
 and Seventh Illinois cavalry regiments, on their arrival 
 at Baton Eouge, May 2d, 1863 : 
 
 SIXTH. 
 
 FIELD AND STAFF. 
 
 Col. B. H. Grierson, commanding. 
 Lieut.-Colonel, B. Loomis. 
 First Major, M. H. Starr. 
 Third Major, C. W. Whitsit. 
 Assistant-Surgeon, A. B. Agnew. 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 
 
 Sergeant-Major, D. S. Flagg. 
 Q. M. Sergeant, T. Legget. 
 Com.-Serg't, Wm. Pollard. 
 
 FIRST BATTALION. 
 
 Captain A. D. Prince, Co. A. 
 Captain W. W. Patterson, Co. B. 
 Captain D. Angley, Co. C. 
 First-Lieut. Chas. Howard, Co. C. 
 Captain I. Conn, Co. D. 
 First-Lieut. H. Daily, Co. D. 
 Second-Lieut. L. V. Allen, Co. D. 
 
 SECOND BATTALION. 
 
 Captain John Lynch, Co. E. 
 First- Lieut. E. Ball, Co. E. 
 Second-Lt. H. W. Stewart, Co. E. 
 Captain G. W. Sloan, Co. F. 
 First-Lieut. W. H. Dove, Co. F. 
 Second-Lt, G. W. Newell, Co. F. 
 Captain W. D. Glass, Co. G. 
 Second-Lt. S. L. Woodward, A.A. 
 Captain S. L. Marshall, Co. H. 
 First-Lieut. D. Manling, Co. H. 
 
 THIRD BATTALION. 
 
 Captain L. B. Skinner, Co. I. 
 Second-Lt. D. L. Grimes, Co. H. 
 Captain F. Charlesworth, Co. L. 
 Second-Lt. J. W. Hughes, Co. L. 
 
 SEVENTH. 
 
 FIELD AND STAFF. 
 
 Col. Ed ward Prince, commanding. 
 Adjutant, George W. Root. 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 
 
 Veter'y Surg'n, A. G. Levering. 
 Hospital Steward, Charles Hall. 
 
 FIRST BATTALION. 
 
 Captain Charles Hunting, Co. A. 
 First-Lt. J. J. La Grange, Co. A. 
 Second-Lt. D. V. Rhea, Co. A. 
 Captain G. W. Trafton, Co G. 
 First-Lieut. J. Gaston, Co. G. 
 Second-Lt. Wm. Stiles, Co. G. 
 Captain W. H. Reynolds, Co. D. 
 First-Lt. D. W. Bradshaw, Co. D. 
 Captain J. K. Fleming, Co. K. 
 First-Lt. J. W. Maxwell, Co. K. 
 
 SECOND BATTALION. 
 
 Captain William Ashmead, Co. I. 
 Sec'd-Lt. S.H.Richardson, Co. C. 
 Captain I. M. Graham, Co. E. 
 First-Lieut. N. G. Wiley, Co. E. 
 Second-Lt. I. M. Caldwell, Co. E. 
 Captain S. A. Epperson, Co. L. 
 First-Lieut. W. W. Porter, Co. L. 
 
 THIRD BATTALION. 
 
 Captain A. W. McDonald, Co. F. 
 First-Lieut. C. F. Lew, Co. F. 
 Second-Lt. James Breze, Co. F. 
 Captain B. C. F. Johnson, Co. M. 
 First-Lieut. Charles Stall, Co. M. 
 Second-Lieut. Henry Nicholson. 
 Capt. Milton L. Webster, Co. H. 
 Second-Lieut. S. A. Kitch, Co. II. 
 Captain Henry Forbes, Co. B. 
 First-Lieut. William McCausland. 
 Second-Lieut. Jos. 0. Ram, Co. B.
 
 184 GRIERSON RAIDS. 
 
 Charles Hall, hospital-steward, was the only medical 
 attendant of the Seventh Illinois that accompanied the 
 expedition, and he deserves much praise for his unre- 
 mitting care and attention to the wants of the suffering 
 during the raid and while at Baton Rouge.
 
 RICHARD W. SURBY. 
 
 RICHARD W. SURBY, was born May 23, 1832, in Kingston, 
 Upper Canada, of English and Scotch descent. While very 
 young his parents removed to the frontier of Niagara, where 
 he remained until he attained the age of fifteen years, he 
 then left home to seek his fortune, relying entirely upon 
 his own exertions. Being possessed of a roving disposition, 
 he visited New York city, Philadelphia, Boston, Cincinnati, 
 St. Louis, Chicago, New Orleans, and various other places of 
 note. While absent from home his parents died, leaving 
 four younger brothers who had no experience of the world 
 abroad and relied upon him for help and advice, which he 
 has always given, proving himself a true brother. For a 
 number of years previous to the breaking out of the rebellion 
 he was employed in the service of the^New York Central 
 Railroad Company, and the Great W.estA Railroad Company, 
 of Canada, where he gave good satisfaction. His sober habits 
 and industry won him many friends.
 
 186 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 In the fall of 1860 (accompanied by his much esteemed 
 friend C. B. Griffin), they left Niagara Falls on a hunting 
 tour, visiting the Northwestern States, until late the following 
 spring, when they visited a friend residing in Edgar Co., 
 111., where they remained a few months. About this time 
 the excitement of the people was intense, caused by the 
 assault made upon our flag at Fort Sumpter by a traitorous 
 crew. Though comparative strangers in that section of 
 the country, they at once enrolled their names upon the list 
 to serve their country for the term of three years in the 
 cavalry service ; they resolved to link their fortune together, 
 bound to each other by the ties of pure friendship 
 
 
 
 Which is not of that changeful form 
 That makes the most of earthly things, 
 
 But in the coldest bosom warms, 
 And round the heart it closely clings. 
 
 Previous to leaving Camp Butler, 111., he was appointed 
 second duty sergeant. October, 1862, he was appointed 
 Quartermaster Sergeant of the regiment, which position he 
 filled with honor to himself and the command. Until his 
 re-enlistment as a veteran, in the spring of 1864, at which 
 time he was the choice of the regiment for their future 
 quartermaster, receiving a unanimous vote of all officers and 
 men present. For services rendered on the raid he was 
 tendered a position by General Grierson, which offer he did 
 not accept, choosing to remain and preferring a promotion in 
 his own regiment, if so fortunate as to obtain it. 
 
 He has participated in seven general battles, besides 
 numerous skirmishes. He had three brothers serving in the 
 Union army, all of ^poni enlisted at the first call, and have 
 served their country faithfully. Benjamin Surby, Fourth 
 New York Heavy Artillery, lost his left arm at the battle
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 187 
 
 of Fredericksburg, Ya. ; he has been discharged the service 
 with a pension. Joseph belonged to the Eleventh Illinois 
 Infantry, mustered out at expiration of his term, (three 
 years.) James, formerly member of a cavalry battalion 
 attached to the Thirty-Sixth Illinois Infantry, now consol- 
 idated into the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry regiment, has 
 re-enlisted as a veteran. 
 
 The following statement is inserted with the hope that it 
 may meet the notice of some person, who may be able to give 
 some information respecting his father's family. He has 
 never in all his travels met any person answering to his name. 
 He has a very limited knowledge of his parents' history, 
 previous to their arrival in America, and gives the following 
 as being correct : His father was born at Seven Oaks, Kenife, 
 County, England. When but sixteen years old he left home 
 and enlisted in the army, and was a short time afterwards 
 bought out by his father ; he left the second time and enlisted 
 where he remained for twenty-one years. After the arrival 
 of his regiment, the Sixty-sixth infantry, in Upper Canada, 
 from which place they were ordered to the West Indies ; he 
 preferred remaining in America and bought his discharge. 
 Previous to his departure from England his name was changed 
 to the present one, the original was Southby. His grand- 
 father paid a large sum of money to have it re-established ; 
 a portion of the family retained it. His father had a brother 
 John who owned a wholesale basket establishment in the city 
 of London. It is the impression of the family that their 
 father loaned his brother a considerable sum of money while 
 on a visit from America, a few year's previous to his death.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 OPERATIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SECOND BRIGADE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FIFTH DIVISION CAVALRY CORPS, 
 
 MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
 
 

 
 3 R E" V T. M A J . G c. IN L . E D WA R D MA T C H
 
 BREVET MAJ.-GEN. HATCH. 
 
 AMONG the many distinguished men that this war has 
 produced, and brought before the public, is Edward Hatch, 
 whose reputation is less from the position that he holds than 
 from the splendor of his military talents. His character is 
 free from the excesses and vices that often tarnish a military 
 life. He is just and upright in all that pertains to his duty 
 as a soldier, or in that which renders him a friend in private 
 life. He was born on the 22d of April, 1831, in Bangor, 
 Maine. He was the son of Nathaniel Hatch, a lawyer in 
 that place, distinguished for his abilities. 
 
 Edward choosing a military life was placed by his father 
 in the military school at Norwich, Vt., where he excelled in 
 mathematics and every branch pertaining to the army. After 
 three years of unceasing study the bent of his inclination, 
 together with his roving disposition, led him to ship before 
 the mast, on board a trading vessel. He went to sea, and 
 after numerous adventures on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts 
 returned home, satisfied that the briny deep was not the place
 
 192 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 for him. His father being engaged in manufacturing lumber 
 in Pennsylvania placed him in charge of his mills, where he 
 acquitted himself satisfactorily. With his experience and 
 indomitable will he embarked heavily in the lumbering 
 business, without any capital, illustrating the old proverb 
 " that where there's a will there's a way." In the winter of 
 '51-2 he succeeded in getting a large quantity of his lumber 
 down the west-branch of the Susquehannah a task that 
 no one else succeeded in that year and returning home paid 
 all his liabilities, leaving a surplus on hand. At this time 
 he became interested in a manufacturing establishment i 
 Norfolk, Va., in which he has not been as fortunate, the 
 rebels having confiscated his interest. 
 
 In the early part of 1854 he made a trip to th$ Western 
 States, spending a summer with the Indians on the plains, 
 where he met with numerous adventures. In the autumn he 
 returned, and on his way east he stopped and passed the 
 winter with the lumbermen on the head-waters of Black 
 River, Wisconsin. 
 
 Early in the year 1855 he moved with his family to the 
 West, locating at Muscatine, Iowa, continuing his lumbering 
 business. As an illustration of his indomitable perseverance 
 and self-reliance, to overcome every obstacle, I will tell, as 
 related to me, how in the winter of '56 he succeeded, under 
 the most unfavorable circumstances, in getting about one 
 hundred and thirty million feet of lumber, that had lodged in 
 the river, and been accumulating for two years, though many 
 attempts had been made by others, but they failed to secure 
 it. With Hatch, success demonstrated the wisdom of his 
 plans j it was deemed by all impracticable. 
 
 At the breaking out of the war he was in Washington, and 
 immediately tendered his services to the Government, deeming 

 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 193 
 
 it his duty to protect the flag. He shouldered his musket 
 and joined an independent company, raised in the city, and 
 composed mostly of men holding office under the government, 
 for the purpose of guarding the White House and other 
 public buildings. He was shortly promoted to a lieutenancy 
 In the month of April, '61, he obtained his discharge, and at 
 once returned to his home in Iowa, where he took an active 
 part in raising the Second Iowa cavalry regiment, in which 
 he was appointed captain, and passed through the regular 
 grades of promotion to the colonelcy of the same. He was 
 commissioned Brigadier-General April 28th, 1864, and was 
 made a Major-General by brevet December 15th, 1864. He 
 has been engaged in the following battles and skirmishes : 
 New Madrid and Island No. 10, March, 1862; Farmington, 
 Miss., May 9th, 1862 ; Boonville, Miss., May and July, 1862 ; 
 luka and Corinth, Miss., September and October, 1862; had 
 the advance of the army commanded by General Grant down 
 the Mississippi Central Railroad, December, 1862 ; checked 
 and held the enemy at Coffeeville, Miss. who numbered two 
 to one several hours ; took an active part in the Grierson 
 raid, in which he fought against vastly superior numbers, 
 April, 1863, at Palo Alto and Birmingham, Miss.; was at 
 Jackson, Tenn., July, 1863; at Colliersville, Tenn., November, 
 1863 ; at Moscow, Tenn., December 4th, 1864, at which place 
 he was severely wounded, being shot through the right lung, 
 from which he suffered greatly, but having an iron constitution 
 he recovered sufficiently to accompany the expedition on its 
 sixty-four days' march. Ho participated in several hard 
 fought battles, displaying rare military genius. 
 
 In stature he is about five feet ten inches, well proportioned, 
 of a florid complexion, dark hair slightly tinged with grey, a 
 high forhead, a full blue eye, beaming with intelligence, and 
 
 li- 9 
 
 fc Ik
 
 194 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 when in battle or excited they shine like meteors, a Roman 
 nose, a well shaped mouth and chin, thin lips, denoting 
 firmness ; his upper lip displays a heavy dark mustache ; his 
 dress is neat and very plain no guady display. He possesses 
 a cool, collected mind, that sees things at a glance, is a 
 splendid horseman, very active in all his movements, full of 
 energy, and is noted for being the last man to sleep when on 
 a march, and the first one up in the morning. He has always 
 practiced visiting the camp of his command at revillie, which 
 not one general or brigade commander in one hundred does. 
 He is a strict disciplinarian, loved and respected by his 
 troops, and requires no more of his officers and men than he 
 performs himself. 

 
 I 
 
 
 BREVT.B.RIO GFNI il.vrus E.COON,
 
 BREVET BRIG.- GEN. COON. 
 
 DATUS E. COON is a fine example of our American self- 
 made men. Beginning life in an humble sphere he has, by 
 straightforward integrity and well directed efforts, won for 
 himself the position he now occupies. As a citizen he was 
 upright in principle, courteous in conduct, and by his manly 
 bearing in every transaction of life commanding the respect 
 and esteem of all who formed his acquaintance. As a soldier 
 and officer he has proved himself energetic and trustworthy 
 in camp, vigilant and watchful on the march, and brave and 
 collected in the field. Wherever his command has been 
 whether in the camp, bivouac, or saddle, whatever the position 
 assigned him he has always been at his post, enduring the 
 hardships and fatigue required of him as a soldier and patriot. 
 In appearance he is a little above the medium height, and 
 well proportioned has a clear grey eye, brown hair slightly 
 sprinkled with grey, and a heavy beard, usually worn with a 
 military cut. He is a native of New York State, and was 
 born in the town of Decatur, Madison County, in the year 
 1831. During early childhood his parents moved to the 
 western part of the State, and settled in Cattaraugus County, 
 where his father cultivated a small farm until the spring of 
 '46, when he again moved to the town of Little Genesseo, 
 Allegany County.
 
 196 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 In the year 1849, in company with his parents, he followed 
 the tide of emigration westward and settled in the State of 
 Wisconsin. He received the ordinary education from the 
 public schools, but he desired a more liberal one. His father's 
 circumstances would not allow him to leave home, and he 
 stayed with him, working upon the farm, until his services 
 were no longer required by his parents. He then, with their 
 approbation and " God speed," with his worldly effects tied 
 in a handkerchief, started to seek the good or ill the world 
 had in store for him. Following the plan previously decided 
 upon he entered the Milton Academy and remained two 
 years, paying his way by swinging the cradle in the harvest 
 field in summer, and the axe in the forest in his vacations ; 
 but notwithstanding these disadvantages, so closely did he 
 devote his time, that at the expiration of his term he was far 
 in advance of many of his fellow-students who had enjoyed 
 liberal school advantages. 
 
 In the year 1853 he went to Iowa, in the capacity of school- 
 teacher, which profession he followed for two years, carrying 
 forward and perfecting himself during the time in the various 
 studies he had taken up while at the academy. 
 
 In the spring of 1845, through the earnest solicitations of 
 his friends in Delaware County, Iowa, he entered upon the 
 publication of a country paper called the Delhi Argus, which 
 proved so profitable that after eight months' publication he 
 was enabled to pay all obligations incurred there, and to start 
 early in the spring of 1856, at Osage, Mitchell County, a paper 
 called the Democrat. As an editor he was a zealous friend 
 and unflinching advocate of the policy he once determined 
 upon. The weak-kneed policy and administration of President 
 Buchanan he warmly denounced, causing a warm controversy 
 between him and his former democratic friends, which proved
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 197 
 
 of so serious a character that he disposed of the Democrat and 
 established an independent sheet in the town of Mason City, 
 Iowa, called the Cerro Gordo County Republican, which 
 carried the colors of Stephen Douglas through the presidential 
 campaign of 1860. 
 
 When the country was called to arms in the spring of '61, 
 burying politics and party in the service of his country, he 
 responded to the call by raising a company of men for the 
 Second Iowa Cavalry. He arrived with his men in Davenport 
 which was the rendezvous of the regiment on the 17th 
 day of April, and was assigned to it as company I. He was 
 duly elected captain by his men, but in the organization of 
 the field and staff of the regiment he was appointed and 
 commissioned second-major and assigned to the command of 
 companies A, C, Gr, and H, which were designated the second 
 battalion. He commanded this battalion during the spring 
 and summer of 1862, was present at the capture of New 
 Madrid and Island No. 10, and with his regiment accompanied 
 the Army of the Mississippi on its first demonstration upon 
 Fort Pillow, and then at Pittsburg Landing, where it arrived 
 a few days after the battle of Shiloh. 
 
 During the advance upon Corinth his regiment was actively 
 engaged in ascertaining and developing the position and 
 strength of the enemy. He led his battalion at the battle of 
 Farmington, where the Second Iowa Cavalry made a desperate 
 sabre-charge upon twenty thousand of the enemy's infantry, 
 for the purpose of diverting their attention while General 
 Payne's division, which was in a critical situation, could be 
 withdrawn. He distinguished himself for his bravery and 
 gallant conduct on that occasion. He accompanied Colonel 
 Elliott, on his raid to Booneville, Mississippi, and assisted in 
 destroying an immense amount of rebel stores at that place,
 
 198 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 and by cutting General Beauregard's communications, aided 
 in no small degree in hastening the fall of Corinth. 
 
 The exploits of the Second Iowa Cavalry procured Colonel 
 Elliott the position of Brigadier-General. In the summer of 
 '62 Lieut.-Col. Hatch was promoted to Colonel, and the First- 
 Major to Lieut.-Col. Major Coon was then First-Major, and 
 as such took command of the regiment in August, 1862, Col. 
 Hatch having been assigned to the command of a brigade, 
 and the Lieut.-Col. being on detached service. During the 
 advance of General Grant to Coffeeville, Miss., in the fall of 
 '62, he commanded the regiment, and acquitted himself 
 creditably in the several engagements of that expedition. 
 Actively as the regiment was engaged during the spring, 
 summer and fall of '63, it never left camp without Major 
 Coon accompanying it, and usually in capacity of commander. 
 During that summer there was hardly a county in Northern 
 Mississippi or Western Tennessee but that he scouted through, 
 at the head of the gallant Second Iowa. 
 
 In the spring of 1864 Colonel Hatch was promoted to 
 Brigadier-General, and the regiment re-enlisting Major Coon 
 was commissioned Colonel of the veteran regiment, and 
 immediately assigned to the command of a brigade, composed 
 of the Second Iowa, Sixth and Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and 
 designated the Second Brigade, First Division Cavalry Corps, 
 District of West Tennessee. This brigade was with General 
 A. J. Smith, on his expedition to Tupelo, Mississippi, in the 
 summer of 1864, and the able manner in which Colonel Coon 
 handled it assisted very materially in bringing the expedition 
 to its successful termination. 
 
 In the fall of 1864 his command was transferred to the 
 Department of the Cumberland; the Seventh Illinois and 
 Twelfth Tennessee cavalry were attached to it, and the whole
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 199 
 
 re-organized and designated as the Second Brigade, Fifth 
 Division Cavalry Corps, Middle Department of Mississippi. 
 Of this gallant brigade I need say nothing it speaks for 
 itself, and is probably one of the finest in the service, owing 
 its discipline and efficiency, in a great measure, to the military 
 ability and untiring exertions of Colonel Coon. He is no 
 carpet-knight, or parlor warrior, but has gained the confidence 
 and esteem of the men of his command by his constant 
 attention to and faithful performance of the duties devolving 
 upon him. During the three and a half years he has been 
 in the service he has never had a leave of absence, and unless 
 on duty has never been absent from his command, upon any 
 pretext whatever. He has been in every engagement in 
 which his regiment has participated, from the time of its 
 organization until now, and, without exception, has always 
 acquitted himself well. Few officers can show a cleaner record 
 of faithful service than he, and few have better merited their 
 country's approbation.
 
 
 THE SIXTY-FOUR DAYS' MARCH. 
 
 BY order of Maj.-Gen. Washburne, commanding the 
 Department of West Tennessee, Brig.-Gen. Edward 
 Hatch, commanding first division cavalry corps, was 
 ordered to hold his command in readiness to march, with 
 ten days rations, and, if possible, form a junction with 
 the United States forces then operating up the Tennessee 
 River, as far as Eastport, Miss. The division was 
 composed of the following troops : The first brigade, 
 commanded by Colonel Oliver Wells, Twelfth Missouri 
 Cavalry, and consisting of the Seventh and Third 
 Illinois and Twelfth Missouri cavalry regiments ; the 
 second brigade, commanded by Colonel Datus E. Coon, 
 Second Iowa Cavalry, consisting of the Sixth and Ninth 
 Illinois and Second Iowa Cavalry, and company K, 
 .First Illinois Light Artillery, Captain J. W. Curtis, 
 commanding, the whole numbering about twenty-four 
 hundred men, rank and file. The expedition was fitted 
 out at White Station, on the line of the Memphis and 
 Charleston Railroad, within seven miles of Memphis, 
 Tennessee. 
 
 9*
 
 202 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 September 30th, 1864. The column moved out on the 
 Germantown road; the rain fell in torrents for two 
 hours. When within one mile of Germantown they 
 turned north and crossed Wolf River, at Pattine's 
 plantation ; the crossing was upon a poorly constructed 
 bridge, which delayed the wagons and artillery until 
 after dark, and caused much trouble in passing through 
 the heavily timbered bottom on the opposite side. The 
 command was in bivouac by eleven o clock, seven miles 
 north of Germantown. 
 
 October 1st. Left camp at daylight, the first brigade 
 in the advance passed through Macon at 12 o'clock, 
 and took the Sommerville road, camping three miles 
 from the former place. 
 
 October 2d. Moved out of camp at four o'clock, 
 reached Sommerville and took the Boliver road, arriving 
 at that place at four o'clock P.M. Here a heavy detail 
 from the Second Iowa was sent to assist the Seventh 
 Illinois in constructing a bridge across the Hatchie 
 River they were sent six hours in advance the evening 
 previous. At eight o'clock, A.M., the bridge was 
 completed, and the whole command crossed over and 
 went into camp, except the Seventh Illinois, which did 
 not cross until the next morning. 
 
 October 3d. Moved out of the Hatchie bottom at 
 daylight, taking the Mt. Pincton road, southeast of 
 Jackson, crossed the Forkadeer River at sunset, and 
 camped at eight o'clock in a heavy rain. 
 
 October 4th. Left camp at three o'clock, A.M., and 
 reached Miffin, Henderson County, fed horses, prepared
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 203 
 
 coffee and rations, and moved at ten o'clock, taking 
 the road leading down the valley of Beach River, 
 leaving Lexington to our left and north some eight 
 miles. Camped at Jones' plantation, three miles from 
 Scott's Hill ; rained all day. 
 
 October 5th. Moved at daylight, passing Scott's 
 Hill, taking the Decaturville road, at which place we 
 arrived at two o'clock, P.M., and halted one hour to 
 feed. At sunset reached the Tennessee Eiver, opposite 
 Clifton, Hardin County, having crossed a very imprac- 
 ticable, rocky, picturesque country. At Clifton we 
 found the gunboat fleet and transports, under command 
 of Maj.-Gen. C. C. Washburne. 
 
 October 6th. Arrangements were made early this 
 morning to cross the river, by means of the transports 
 City of Pekin, Kenton and Aurora. At two o'clock 
 the command was all over, and in accordance with 
 orders from Brig. -Gen. Hatch it moved out in direction 
 of Waynesboro, on the Nashville pike, for twelve miles, 
 and camped for the night on a beautiful hillside. 
 
 October 7th. We left camp at an early hour, moving 
 towards Waynesboro, passing through that little place 
 at ten o'clock, A.M., which is the county-seat. The 
 command stopped and fed on the plantation of Mr. W. 
 C. Barnes, a very respectable man. Waynesboro is 
 41 miles from Florence, 44 miles from Pulaski, and 92 
 miles from Nashville. The country is mountainous, 
 rugged and barren, covered with vast and unknown 
 forests, and filled with beautiful trout streams, whose 
 clear waters gleam like pearls in their rocky basins.
 
 204 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 It is not very thickly settled, owing to its sterility. 
 The roads being in good condition we made good time, 
 and camped within seven miles of Lawrenceburg. 
 
 October 8th. Resumed our march this morning at 
 three o'clock, amid the most intense darkness. We 
 took the wrong road and were led some five miles out 
 of the way. We halted at nine o'clock for breakfast 
 and to feed. Reached Lawrenceburg, the county-seat 
 of Lawrence County, at one o'clock a dilapidated, 
 ancient looking place, and after a short rest moved out 
 on military road leading to Florence, Alabama. When 
 three miles out we took the road leading down the 
 valley of Shoal Creek, through the most picturesque of 
 countries, and camped for the night on its bank, ten 
 miles from Lawrenceburg. 
 
 October 9th. Left this encampment at daylight, 
 returning to the military road, and moving in the 
 direction of Florence. Reached Baugh's Mills, and 
 received orders to camp for the night. At this place 
 we learned that Forrest had crossed the Tennesse River 
 and escaped unharmed. 
 
 October 10th. At four o'clock this morning we 
 were again in motion. On arriving at Wilson's cross- 
 roads we changed our course and moved toward 
 Waterloo, passing to the north of Florence some six 
 miles. We reached Waterloo at four o'clock, P.M., 
 and camped. 
 
 October llth. Remained in camp until four o'clock, 
 P.M., when the command moved down the river some 
 ten miles, with the hope of finding the gunboats and
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 205 
 
 fleet, and procuring rations for the men. To make 
 this more certain Major C. C. Horton, commanding 
 the Second Iowa, was sent in advance with his regiment 
 to the fleet with dispatches. Unfortunately the fleet 
 had left a few hours previous to the arrival of our 
 cavalry opposite Eastport, Miss. 
 
 October 12th. The command left camp at four 
 o'clock, A.M., moving in the direction of Savanah, and 
 at two o'clock, P.M., was snugly encamped one mile 
 below that place. 
 
 October 13th. There being no visible signs of 
 procuring rations for the command, who had been 
 subsisting on the country at a poor rate some three 
 days, we still remained in camp. Brigade commanders 
 applied to General Hatch, who gave them permission 
 to send out detachments of men, under suitable officers, 
 and procure corn and wheat and have it ground at the 
 neighboring mills. This supplied a scanty amount for 
 the next four days. 
 
 October 14th, 15th and 16th. During this time each 
 day was industriously spent at the mills, by parties 
 grinding wheat and corn, while others scoured the 
 country to procure bacon, salt, &c., to make it palatable. 
 In great anxiety they waited for the boats, until the 
 evening of the 16th, when orders were received to move 
 in the morning. 
 
 October 17th. At seven o'clock, A.M., we moved 
 out on the Waynesboro road a distance of some ten 
 miles, when we turned toward Clifton, at which place 
 we camped, having marched thirty miles, over a very
 
 206 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 rough road, and having to forage off the country, which 
 is a very disagreeable necessity, and cuts both friends 
 and foes most cruelly. 
 
 October 18th. On arriving at Clifton no boats were 
 in sight. The " grand rounds," on a large scale some 
 150 miles had been made, and we returned to the 
 starting point, very hungry, ragged, and tired. During 
 the afternoon, while unwelcome feelings were causing 
 us to cast about for some means of subsistence, the 
 steamer Duke came in sight, to the great satisfaction 
 of the whole command. Our fine hopes were soon 
 blasted, for we learned that it only had short rations 
 of hard-bread and meat, which was equally distributed 
 among the different regiments, the balance to be 
 gathered from the country, during the absence of the 
 steamer to Johnsonville. 
 
 From the 18th to the 27th of the month the officers 
 and men were industriously employed in shoeing horses, 
 and making necessary preparations for an active cam- 
 paign. Owing to the scarcity of blacksmiths and tools 
 scouting parties were sent out in the country to press 
 in sufficient to supply the deficiency. Only a few were 
 obtained, and many horses were shod by the use of 
 the common pocket-knife and a hatchet. The horses 
 improved, as forage was abundant. 
 
 While camped at Clifton, Tennessee, it was not an 
 unusual occurrence for the rebls to make their appear- 
 ance on the opposite side for the first few days, and 
 considerable sharp-shooting was practiced by the men. 
 At last both parties entered into an agreement not to
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 207 
 
 fire upon each other, and a lively conversation ensued 
 between them across the stream. Taking advantage of 
 circumstances, Major Graham and Dr. Briggs, both of 
 the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, procured an old canoe, 
 hallooed over to them, asking if they would receive 
 company. The rebels assented, and promised not to 
 fire upon them, or detain them. Away they went, and 
 upon landing were greeted by the "Johnnies" most 
 cordially, who appreciated the visit highly, compli- 
 menting the Major and Doctor, and more particularly 
 the good old Bourbon, a bottle of which the Doctor 
 presented to them. Among the rebels was a surgeon 
 by the name of Green, belonging to a Texas regiment, 
 with whom the visitors had a very lively and agreeable 
 conversation. The surgeon, on receiving the bottle, 
 mounted himself upon a stump, ana attracting the 
 attention of the men on the opposite side, displayed 
 the bottle and hallooed across to them to give three 
 cheers for Old Abe, which was heartily responded to ; 
 then turning to his visitors drank to the success of Old 
 Abe, (a remarkable circumstance, but true,) after which 
 the parties returned, much pleased with their visit, 
 the main object of which was to obtain information 
 respecting three soldiers belonging to the Third Illinois 
 Cavalry, who had been sent down the river in a skiff, 
 some ten days previous, to ascertain the whereabouts 
 of the gunboats. Their not reporting to their command 
 in a reasonable length of time led to the supposition 
 that they had been captured by the enemy. No infor- 
 mation was gained concerning them.
 
 208 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 October 29th. Left Clifton at three o'clock, P.M., 
 taking the Nashville pike. Camped three miles out. 
 
 October 30th. At nine o'clock we moved towards 
 Waynesboro, as far as Lincoln Creek, twenty-four miles 
 from Clifton, and camped. 
 
 October 31st. Resumed the march this morning, 
 reached Lawrenceburg, and camped one mile beyond. 
 
 November 1st. Left camp at six o'clock, A.M., and 
 reached Pulaski, eighteen miles distant, and camped 
 for the night. 
 
 November 2d, 3d and 4th. During these three days 
 the time was occupied in procuring clothing and rations 
 for the men, while shoes were being fitted on the horses, 
 and preparations made for a heavy campaign. On our 
 arriving at Pulaski we found two divisions of the Fourth 
 Army Corps, under command of Maj.-Gen. Stanley. 
 General Croxton's cavalry command was below, toward 
 Florence. While here a brigade of cavalry arrived, 
 consisting of the Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois and 
 the Eighth Kentucky regiments. The Twenty-Third 
 Army Corps, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Schofield, was 
 reported to be en route for this place. Railroad trains 
 arrived daily from Nashville, bringing supplies. 
 
 November 5th. Left camp with three days rations, 
 marching from Pulaski southwest toward Florence. We 
 were joined there by General Croxton's command, who 
 were ordered to report to General Hatch. Our forces 
 were reported to be at Shoal Creek, where the enemy 
 was also reported to sustain his pickets. During the 
 afternoon of this day heavy cannonading was heard in
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 
 
 209 
 
 the direction of the Tennessee River, which gave 
 undoubted evidence of Hood's advance into Tennessee. 
 The command camped for the night on Sugar Creek. 
 A beautiful sunset was witnessed, for the first time in 
 three days, it having rained constantly. This gave the 
 men more life, and raised their drooping spirits. 
 
 November 6th. Pushing out of camp before daylight 
 enabled us to reach Lexington, Ala., before eleven 
 o'clock, A.M., where we halted for an hour, to learn 
 the movements of the enemy. Getting no reliable 
 information the command moved on to Baugh's Ford, 
 on Shoal Creek, the Second Iowa Cavalry in advance. 
 On arriving within two miles of the ford the advance 
 met the enemy's pickets, driving them across the creek 
 rapidly, when the whole command came in full view of 
 a heavy line, extending along the bluff on the opposite 
 side. By order of General Hatch a detachment of the 
 Second Iowa, under Lieutenant George W. Budd, 
 commanding company G, was sent for the purpose of 
 destroying by fire a flouring mill, which was located 
 above a factory. After a lively skirmish of nearly an 
 hour the Lieutenant returned and reported that the 
 mill was on the opposite side of the stream, and that 
 the water was too high to admit of crossing, mounted 
 or dismounted besides the enemy were some three 
 hundred strong, and a large number posted in and 
 about the mill, rendering the position almost impreg- 
 nable, to say nothing of the difficulty of crossing the 
 stream. On learning these facts the General directed 
 a withdrawal of the whole command, except the Second
 
 210 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 Iowa, which was sent to remain and hold its position 
 until further orders. At 9 o'clock, P.M., the command 
 went into camp, in a most unpleasant rain storm. 
 
 November 7th. Daylight found us with mud and 
 water under foot, and a drenching rain still falling. 
 Information obtained stated that Hood's forces were 
 located between here and Florence. The Second Iowa 
 was withdrawn to feed. At one o'clock Colonel Coon 
 was ordered to take his brigade and make a demon- 
 stration upon the enemy's pickets, the Ninth Illinois, 
 Captain Wm. C. Blackburn, commanding, in advance. 
 A persistent and heavy skirmish took place, when the 
 enemy were driven from the bluff on the opposite side. 
 The regiment reached the ford, but the creek was too 
 much swollen to admit of crossing, the water carrying 
 horse and rider down the stream. During an hour 
 spent in skirmishing, and an unfruitful effort to cross 
 and destroy the mill, it was ascertained beyond doubt 
 that the enemy had reinforced the pickets heavily, and 
 that Shoal Creek was much higher than at any day 
 previous. The second brigade was withdrawn, falling 
 back to Slutt's Cross-Roads, and camped for the night. 
 It had rained all day. 
 
 November 8th. The whole command remained in 
 camp this day, with exception of detachments sent out 
 to reconnoitre, &c. This afforded the men an oppor- 
 tunity to vote for President, the result of which was 
 that an overwhelming majority was given for "Honest 
 Old Abe." At two o'clock, P.M., the detachments 
 sent out in the morning returned. They all reported,
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 211 
 
 as the three days previous, that the stream could not 
 be forded. An effort was made by the Second Iowa to 
 construct a raft to cross to the mill, but failed for want 
 of material. During a skirmish of an hour the rain 
 fell in torrents, and soon night came on, closing all 
 operations for the day. The second brigade was with- 
 drawn to a point near the bivouac of the previous night. 
 Major C. C. Moore, Second Iowa, was immediately sent 
 out, with a detachment of one hundred men, to the rear 
 of the enemy on the Tennessee River, with instructions 
 to strike the river ten miles below Florence. 
 
 November 9th. During the night Colonel Coon 
 received orders from General Hatch to move out early 
 in the morning with his brigade, and make another 
 demonstration on the enemy at Baugh's Ford. At 
 nine o'clock the ford was reached ; the road was nearly 
 impassable from mud and water. They found the 
 enemy's pickets heavy and well posted on the opposite 
 side the stream still too high to admit of fording from 
 either side. The brigade withdrew during the afternoon 
 and camped at Wadkin's House. It rained nearly all 
 day, but cleared away at sunset. In the meantime 
 Major Moore, Second Iowa, returned with his command 
 safe, having passed around in rear of the enemy's line, 
 a distance of forty miles, and striking the Tennessee 
 River ten miles below Florence, making a distance, in 
 going and returning, of eighty miles travel in twenty- 
 four hours. The object of this expedition was to bring 
 in some men of General Croxton's command, who had 
 been three days previously sent down the river from
 
 212 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 Bainbridge to destroy the enemy's pontoons at Florence, 
 which was not accomplished. They were to complete 
 the work of destruction and meet this party below, but 
 after diligent search and careful inquiry the Major 
 returned. 
 
 November 10th. Remained in camp all day, the first 
 pleasant day since leaving Pulaski. Owing to the very 
 inclement weather, bad roads, &c., the whole command 
 was again entirely destitute of rations. Two mills 
 were taken possession of, and a regular system of 
 foraging off the country was adopted, which, with the 
 most careful management, could but poorly supply the 
 men. Orders were given for the whole command to be 
 ready to move upon the enemy next morning. 
 
 November llth. The division moved out, the second 
 brigade advancing on the Baugh's Ferry road, the 
 remainder of the force moving on the Huntsville, 
 Bainbridge and military roads. It was not long before 
 each command was engaged, skirmishing with the 
 enemy's pickets. The Sixth* Illinois, Major Chas. C. 
 Whitrish, commanding, had the advance of the second 
 brigade, and were deployed as skirmishers, dismounted, 
 forming a line from the main road up the stream to 
 the mill, while a section of artillery was put in position 
 on the military road. The skirmishers soon drove 
 back their pickets, while the artillery caused their 
 reserve, at first in plain sight, to scatter to the rear. 
 A company of mounted men were, in the meantime, 
 to try the ford on the main road and ascertain its 
 condition for crossing. After a thorough trial it was
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 213 
 
 found too deep, even for mounted men. The Second 
 Iowa, Major C. C. Horton, commanding, succeeded in 
 finding a crossing, nearly one-fourth of a mile below 
 the main crossing. Col. Coon dispatched an orderly 
 to the Major for him to cross as rapidly as possible, 
 which order was obeyed, in a most gallant manner, by 
 company G, of that regiment, with Lieutenant Geo. W. 
 Budd commanding, in the advance. The first battalion, 
 Major Gustavus Schwitgar commanding, was soon over 
 and engaging the enemy in a brisk skirmish, when 
 Major 'Horton reported the ford impracticable for the 
 passage of more troops, owing to the quicksand and 
 miry soil on the opposite shore, and that it was impos- 
 sible to cross the artillery in any event. The Major 
 was ordered to dismount the remainder of his regiment, 
 place them in line along the shore, and recall Major 
 Schwitgar. In crossing and re-crossing the stream 
 the enemy kept up a heavy fire from a barricade some 
 three hundred yards distant, on a high bluff. Another 
 effort was made to cross at the mill, but failed. The 
 Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. Blackburn commanding, 
 had been sent, on leaving camp, to make a flank 
 movement to the right of their position, by crossing 
 Shoal Creek above the pond and mill, and moving 
 down on the opposite and west side of the stream. 
 They now appeared in sight, fighting the enemy's 
 pickets to such an extent that they fell back so far 
 that the Second Iowa was enabled to cross by swim- 
 ming their horses, which feat was accomplished in 
 safety, with one exception Lieutenant David Hilliars,
 
 214 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 commanding company A, who, by a misunderstanding 
 of orders, took the wrong track, and being sorely 
 pressed by a brigade of the enemy's cavalry, coolly 
 took to the timber and hills, evading their main force, 
 and after much difficulty succeeded in re-crossing Shoal 
 Creek, and reporting with all his men in camp at dark. 
 The cool, undisturbed manner of this officer in releasing 
 himself from the snare of the enemy is at least highly 
 complimentary. This evening the command camped 
 again at Wadkin's House. 
 
 November 1 2th. Remained in camp all day. Issued 
 a very light ration of meal ground at the mills. 
 
 November 13th. Remained in camp all day. Orders 
 were received from General Hatch for the brigade to 
 send heavy details to all the fords and main roads, and 
 by felling timber to obstruct the passage of the enemy. 
 This was done to enable the command to shift from 
 right to left, and make an immediate attack. Forrest 
 was reported crossing at Eastport to join the advance, 
 with 15,000 men. 
 
 November 14th. Remained all day in camp. Details 
 returned. All roads were effectually blockaded, in 
 compliance with orders. 
 
 November 15th. The command moved out on the 
 military road a few miles, toward Lawrenceburg, and 
 camped at Wilcoxson's plantation. 
 
 November 16th, 17th and 18th. Still along the 
 enemy's front, heavily picketing. The second brigade, 
 Colonel Coon commanding, left the military road at 
 eight o'clock, A.M., of the 16th, passed down the valley
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 215 
 
 of Wolf Creek and crossed Shoal Creek at Wolf Ford, 
 moved from the opposite side to Abberdeen, thence to 
 Big Butler, and down to .Little Butler, from which 
 place it moved directly south toward Wilson's Cross- 
 Koads. After passing a mill the advance of the Second 
 found the enemy's pickets and dashed at them furiously, 
 running them into their reserve pell mell, which created 
 a stampede of the whole command, composed of General 
 Khoddy's brigade, which also ran back to their infantry 
 camp in great confusion. Through the gallant conduct 
 of Lieutenant Tiffoth, company D, Second Iowa, the 
 command captured several prisoners, who informed us 
 of many important facts touching the movements of the 
 enemy. After forcing Khoddy within the infantry 
 lines the brigade retraced their steps, re-crossing Shoal 
 Creek at Savanah Ford, and went into camp at Harris's 
 plantation, three miles from Cowpen's Mill. General 
 Hatch became satisfied that the enemy were constantly 
 receiving reinforcements, and that Forrest had recently 
 joined Hood, (on the 14th,) and that the location about 
 the two Butler creeks was not the most safe place for 
 the camp of a cavalry command. 
 
 November 19th. While the first brigade was watching 
 the different roads, the second brigade, Colonel Coon 
 commanding, was ordered to move across Shoal Creek, 
 at Cowpen's Ford, for the purpose of camping on Butler 
 Creek. On reaching the creek, some three miles west, 
 they drove in the enemy's pickets. Captain A. R. 
 Mock, of the Ninth Illinois, commanding battalion, was 
 sent to patrol the Waynesboro road the main column
 
 216 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 to move north to JButler Creek, while Captain J. W. 
 Harper, with the remainder of his regiment the 
 Ninth stood picket on the road running south toward 
 Florence. Colonel Coon and escort remained at the 
 cross-roads to see the train safely closed up. He had 
 not been superintending the direction of the train quite 
 an hour when an orderly informed him that the Second 
 had met the enemy in force, and that Buford's division 
 (rebel) was in the front on Big Butler Creek. At the 
 same time Captain Harper reported the enemy pressing 
 his pickets from the south, and had the appearance of 
 being infantry. Leaving an orderly to close the column 
 and sending another to inform Captain Harper that he 
 must hold his position, at all hazards, until the pack- 
 train and artillery had passed, as it was impossible, 
 from the bad condition of the road, to halt or return by 
 the same route, Colonel Coon rode rapidly to the Second 
 Iowa, and found them engaged with a superior force. 
 He at once sent an orderly with instructions for the 
 train and artillery to turn up the valley of the Little 
 Butler, accompanied by the Sixth Illinois as escort, 
 Major Whitrish commanding, who was instructed to 
 take all the spades and make a crossing on Shoal Creek, 
 at all hazards, as this was the only place of escape from 
 a well devised trap of the enemy. Great anxiety was 
 felt for the command, as Buford, on the north, was 
 pressing the Second Iowa hard in front, and flanking 
 on the right and left with vastly superior numbers, 
 while the Ninth Illinois were heavily pressed in the 
 rear by a force from the south. During this time a
 
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 SECOND BRIGADE. 217 
 
 messenger was sent to Captain Mock, informing him 
 that unless he returned soon the last place left for his 
 escape would have to be abandoned. As the Ninth 
 Illinois came up they passed to the right and rear of 
 the Second Iowa, down the Little Butler, and formed 
 in line dismounted at the junction of the two rivers, 
 where the high and abrupt bluffs on either side made 
 the valley quite narrow. This made a good support 
 for the Second when compelled to fall back. By this 
 time the situation of the Second became critical, in 
 consequence of the rapid movements of the rebel 
 flanking column, which reached nearly to their rear 
 on right and left. Seeing that it was impossible to 
 hold the gap until Captain Mock could be heard from, 
 Major Horton was ordered to fall back and form again 
 in rear of the Ninth Illinois ; each regiment then fell 
 back alternately and formed lines for two miles, when 
 they reached Shoal Creek and found, to their great 
 surprise, the Sixth Illinois pack-train, artillery and 
 ambulances all safe on the other side, and the regiment 
 dismounted to cover the crossing. A lively skirmish 
 was kept up by the rear guard while the command 
 passed down the steep, miry bank by file, obliquely, 
 one hundred and fifty feet. The mortification and 
 apparent chagrin of the rebels, when they found their 
 prey had unexpectedly escaped their snare, was made 
 known by their hideous yells, such as rebels only can 
 make. Pickets were carefully placed on all practicable 
 roads, and the command encamped at dark at the same 
 place it left in the morning, with the firm belief that 
 
 10
 
 218 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 Butler Creek was by no means a desirable location to 
 encamp. The day had been one of incessant rain. 
 
 November 20th. While the second brigade was 
 engaged with the enemy, the first held a position a 
 few miles below, and on the left of the Second, facing 
 the enemy, while Croxton's brigade was posted yet 
 further to the left of the first. The fighting devolved 
 principally upon the second brigade. At three o'clock, 
 A. M., the second moved out on the military road, 
 thence to Bluewater Creek and camped, leaving pickets 
 on the military road. Captain Mock, of the Ninth 
 Illinois, reported on the military road, having traveled 
 all night to reach the command. He succeeded in 
 reaching the Waynesboro road, but in returning found 
 himself and command completely surrounded by the 
 enemy, and took to the hills by by-roads. By accident 
 he came upon General Chalmers' division wagon-train, 
 (rebel) made a charge on the guard, capturing several 
 wagons and prisoners, and fifty mules, besides much 
 plunder, which he could not bring away. While in the 
 act of destroying the train he was attacked by a superior 
 force and compelled to leave all and take to the woods 
 again. By the assistance of Union men and negroes 
 he was guided by circuitous routes until he reached the 
 column. His loss was thirty men, most of whom were 
 taken prisoners. In capturing the train, papers con- 
 veying important information were found, which must 
 have been of infinite importance to General Thomas, as 
 they detailed the movements about to be made, giving 
 timely notice to all of what was to take place. Captain
 
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 219 
 
 Mock is entitled to much credit for the skill displayed 
 in bringing out his command with so little loss. At 
 sunset the pickets were driven in on the military road. 
 Patrols who had been sent out returned, reporting the 
 enemy advancing in force. 
 
 November 21st. The whole command moved at an 
 early hour, on the Lexington road, the second brigade 
 bringing up the rear. After resting a few hours at 
 this place the whole force moved toward Lawrenceburg, 
 the second brigade still guarding the rear. At five 
 o'clock, P.M., the command reached the latter place 
 and camped for the night. The day was cold, and 
 much snow fell during the afternoon and night. 
 
 November 22d. The morning was cold and the 
 ground frozen hard. About twelve o'clock the enemy 
 commenced skirmishing with our pickets, and Captain 
 Bandy, Second Iowa, with one battalion, was sent to 
 ascertain their force. After skirmishing with them an 
 hour he returned and reported the enemy three miles 
 from town in force, and strongly posted on bluffs and 
 behind well arranged rail barricades. At two o'clock 
 the enemy moved up in heavy force, infantry, cavalry 
 and artillery, and encamped in line, in plain view of 
 town and our bivouac. The General commanding the 
 division ordered the second brigade into line of battle. 
 A brisk artillery duel was kept up for an hour between 
 the enemy and company K, First Illinois Artillery. In 
 the meantime a large dismounted force was displayed, 
 showing all the characteristics of infantry. After 
 holding the town until sundown the command was
 
 220 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 ordered to move out on the Pulaski road, Croxton's 
 brigade in advance, while the second brought up the 
 rear. The command withdrew in good order, though 
 heavily pressed by superior numbers, and halted and 
 camped seven miles east of Lawrenceburg. 
 
 November 23d. Left camp at four o'clock in the 
 morning, and halted at Richland Mills to feed and issue 
 rations. General Croxton's command was in the rear, 
 heavily skirmishing with the enemy. At three o'clock, 
 P.M., the command moved three miles toward Pulaski, 
 took up the valley of Dry Creek, and camped five miles 
 'south of Campbellville. 
 
 November 24th. Moved out at six o'clock, A.M., 
 the second brigade bringing up the rear, and arrived at 
 Campbellville at 9 o'clock. The patrols reported the 
 enemy moving on our left, with videttes standing on 
 every high bluff in sight. General Hatch ordered the 
 patrols strengthened. Had proceeded but a short 
 distance when an orderly arrived and reported that a 
 heavy column (supposed to be Buford's division,) was 
 in front of the first brigade. The second brigade was 
 withdrawn and fell back to the east side of town, and 
 held the Linnville roads until the first division, then in 
 a critical situation, could be recalled. The second had 
 no sooner taken position than the enemy's infantry 
 made its appearance in heavy force on the south and 
 west side of the town. The General ordered battery 
 K, First Illinois, to commence firing, at a range of one 
 and a half miles ; the effect of the cannonading was 
 excellent, causing the whole rebel column to halt for at
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 221 
 
 least one hour. During this time a flanking column 
 of the enemy was discovered moving to our left, and 
 threatening the Linnville road. The Second Iowa was 
 immediately ordered to guard and check the movement, 
 and they soon reported the force engaging them vastly 
 superior to theirs. The Ninth Illinois was sent to their 
 support. The position of these regiments soon became 
 intolerable, as the enemy were undoubtedly moving 
 their main column by the right flank, to get possession 
 of the road in the rear. Upon learning this fact 
 General Hatch ordered the second brigade to fall back 
 and hold the road, regardless of the first. The enemy 
 were strongly posted on the left of town, with a battery 
 playing at one thousand yards. In the meantime the 
 first brigade had succeeded, by flanking through the 
 timber, passing over rugged and steep hills, and keeping 
 up a bold front, in making a junction with the second. 
 The Seventh Illinois, Major Graham commanding, 
 made two gallant charges, driving the enemy before 
 them in confusion. Two miles from Campbellville the 
 flanking column and patrol of the second, from the left, 
 were suddenly driven in. As the road turned to the 
 left, through a narrow gorge, and just at the time 
 General Hatch was passing, Captain E. B. Phillips, 
 company M, Sixth Illinois, commanding his escort, 
 discovering the rebels, charged in an instant with his 
 company and saved the gallant commander from being 
 captured. This gallantry of Captain Phillips is worthy 
 of special compliment here, as well for his daring as 
 the good results. Unfortunately the Captain received'
 
 222 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 a wound in his left hand, which disabled him for the 
 campaign. The Ninth Illinois, Captain J. W. Harper 
 commanding, followed immediately in rear of the escort, 
 and were immediately ordered by him to dismount and 
 hold the gap, at all hazards. Captain Harper had 
 scarcely dismounted his men when they received a 
 heavy fire from a brigade of the enemy ; not a particle 
 daunted the Captain ordered his men forward until it 
 became a hand-to-hand conflict. The Captain received 
 orders to fall back slowly, their ammunition sixty 
 rounds being nearly exhausted. The Second Iowa 
 was formed across the gorge to protect them while they 
 withdrew. The loss of the Ninth in this fight was 
 thirty killed and wounded, in as many minutes ; among 
 them were four orderly sergeants. Much credit is due 
 Captain Harper for the skillful manner and good order 
 in which he retreated, although the loss was heavy. 
 No sooner had the Ninth passed through the line of 
 the Second Iowa than the rebel brigade came at a 
 double-quick up the hollow, colors in front, and in 
 another instant were in line of battle, when three 
 hundred Spencer's in the hands of the Second Iowa 
 drove them back in confusion ; but a moment, however, 
 intervened, when the rebels rallied. Major Horton, in 
 the meantime, retired and mounted by battalions under 
 fire, leaving one officer and five men on the field* The 
 whole command then moved forward, Croxton in the 
 advance, the second on the pike and the first to the 
 left of the pike, while the rebels followed closely in the 
 rear and on both flanks. At eleven o'clock, P.M., the
 
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 223 
 
 command was in the rear of Columbia and inside the 
 infantry pickets of the Fourth and Twenty-Third army 
 corps, they being stationed there at that time. 
 
 November 25th. Crossed Duck River and camped 
 three miles above the city. The advance of Hood's 
 army was within a few miles of Columbia. 
 
 November 26th. At ten o'clock, A.M., moved out 
 on the Murfreesboro road and camped eight miles east 
 of Columbia. Hood's advance was engaged with our 
 infantry. Rained constantly during the day and night. 
 
 November 27th. Remained in camp all day; raining 
 very hard. The Seventh Illinois was assigned to the 
 second brigade ; Major John M. Graham, commanding 
 the regiment, reported for duty. This transfer caused 
 great rejoicing in the Seventh Illinois ; they felt once 
 more at home among their old comrades, with whom 
 they had been previously brigaded. And now, kind 
 reader, I will devote my pen almost exclusively to the 
 benefit of the second brigade, Col. Coon, commanding. 
 I do not wish to slight other commands, who have acted 
 nobly and bravely, but space will not permit me to 
 dwell upon the good merits of all. 
 
 November 28th, Rained until noon. At 2 o'clock 
 Colonel Coon received orders to move immediately. 
 While boots and saddles were being sounded the enemy 
 opened with a volley upon the pickets on the Shelby- 
 ville road. By the aid of a glass the enemy could be 
 seen in heavy force through the thin fog, about two 
 miles distant. Captain Foster, commanding battalion 
 of Second Iowa, was ordered to support the pickets
 
 224 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 while the command made preparations to move. By 
 direction of the General commanding the artillery was 
 sent to Hunt's Cross-Roads, on the Lewisburg pike, 
 where the brigade erected a slight barricade of rails, 
 and slept on their arms during the night. 
 
 November 29th. The brigade took up its line of 
 march at four o'clock, A.M., passing Croxton's and 
 Harrison's commands, and moving toward Franklin. 
 The second brigade marched in the rear of the division 
 to Mount Carmel, when it halted and fell in line of 
 battle to the left of the pike. At 9 o'clock, A.M., 
 General Croxton's command passed, heavily pressed 
 by the enemy. The light rail barricade, previously 
 constructed, served as a temporary breastwork, and 
 enabled the second, then dismounted, to check the 
 enemy's movements. But a few moments passed until 
 the whole line was engaged in a heavy skirmish, which 
 continued for an hour, when they were ordered to 
 withdraw slowly, which was done by alternate numbers 
 in line for two miles ; the brigade was then ordered to 
 mount and withdraw by brigade in line of regiments, 
 each regiment in line of squadrons, in columns of fours. 
 The enemy discovering this formation charged down 
 the pike, in column of fours, on a small company of the 
 Ninth Illinois, who were acting as rear-guard. The 
 company did not halt, but continued to fall back, 
 leading the enemy between the flanking column right 
 and left, who opened upon them a raking fire, throwing 
 them into confusion, and ending the pursuit for the 
 day. The command arrived at Knowland's plantation,
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 225 
 
 at twelve o'clock, and halted in line of battle until four 
 o'clock, P.M., when it moved toward Franklin two 
 miles, and turning to the right crossed Little Harworth 
 River and moved north to the Knowlandsville and 
 Franklin road, where the brigade camped for the night. 
 November 30th. The Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, 
 Colonel R. R. Spaulding, commanding, was this day 
 assigned to the second brigade, and reported for duty. 
 The day was a beautiful one. The positions on the 
 roads were held in quiet until about three o'clock, P.M. 
 The enemy had previously skirmshed General Croxton's 
 command heavily, which was picketing the river, and 
 at this hour compelled him to give back. The Confed- 
 erate cavalry on their right made a general attack on 
 the Federal cavalry on Schofield's left, and simulta- 
 neously with their main assault on the Federal works 
 at Franklin, with the evident design of forcing back 
 and flanking General Schofield's position. General 
 Hatch formed a portion of the Twelfth Tennessee, a 
 detachment of the Tenth Tennessee, the Third, Sixth, 
 Ninth and Seventh in order from right to left, and 
 facing a high ridge to the south, with the Second Iowa 
 thrown across the Knowlandsville road half a mile 
 east of and at right-angles with the main line, all 
 dismounted. The fight was a very simple and brief 
 one ; heavy skirmishing well up with his right, and 
 exchanged some pretty heavy firing. The General 
 ordered his line to charge ; he was then on the left with 
 the Seventh Illinois, which wound up a long hill, in a 
 direction to detach it by opening both flanks from 
 
 no
 
 226 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 its support, and upon gaining the brow of the hill 
 unmasking a heavy line of dismounted men, carrying 
 their stands of colors. With a volley and a cheer it 
 charged them, driving them through their bivouac and 
 across the river, and they were still retreating when 
 this regiment was recalled. The regiments to the right 
 joined in the advance, and carried the hill in their 
 front, driving the enemy in most gallant style until 
 they had recrossed the Little Harworth. Our cavalry 
 on the Knowlandsville road was not attacked. The 
 enemy's forces were estimated at from five to six 
 thousand strong, and were said to be Buford's division 
 of cavalry and mounted infantry. The entire brigade 
 acquitted itself in a most creditable manner, and 
 camped for the night on the ground occupied the night 
 previous. From this date no operation of importance 
 transpired, save the march to Nashville, occupying the 
 1st, when the command skirmished a little at Brent- 
 wood's, and the 2d, when it marched at five o'clock, 
 and arrived in the vicinity of Fort Negley about eight 
 o'clock the same morning. Until the 12th the time 
 was diligently employed in re-furnishing the command. 
 On the 13th it crossed the river and camped near the 
 defence. 
 
 December 15th. By order of Gen. Hatch, pursuant 
 to orders from Brevet Maj.-Gen. Wilson, commanding 
 cavalry corps M. D. M., the division and brigade was 
 marched at an early hour from camp, crossing the field 
 on the right of the Harding pike, in the following 
 order : The second brigade on the right of the infantry,
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 227 
 
 commanded by Maj.-Gen. A. J. Smith, Sixteenth army 
 corps, and on the left of the first brigade, with its 
 regiments from right to left, the Twelfth Tennessee, 
 mounted, Seventh Illinois, Second Iowa, Sixth and 
 Seventh Illinois, dismounted, with horses led in the 
 rear, and men carrying one day's rations and one 
 hundred rounds of ammunition per man. The other 
 cavalry extended the line to the Cumberland River on 
 the right, and its movement was by a grand left-wheel 
 against the enemy to double up his left, and by driving 
 his center in to concentrate the Federal attack, besides 
 opening a way to his rear, if it should be advantageous 
 to use it. The rapidity of the movements of the 
 infantry upon the left, and which constituted the 
 movable pivot of the grand left-wheel of the cavalry, 
 was so rapid that it was found impossible to accelerate 
 the movements on the right. To keep up the entire 
 line the various divisions and even brigades became 
 separated, and even detached, and when the second 
 brigade finally went into close action the first brigade 
 on its right was detached some miles. It was down 
 this opening that the Twelfth Tennessee, Colonel R. R. 
 Spaulding, commanding, charged and captured some 
 twenty wagons and teams, about forty-five prisoners, 
 and a large amount of plunder, belonging to the rebel 
 General Chalmers' headquarters. By one o'clock we 
 had rolled back the enemy successively from the Char- 
 lotto, Hardin and Broad Street pikes, and approached 
 some of the rebel redoubts, with the brigade line facing 
 nearly due east, and much in advance of the infantry,
 
 228 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 
 which was moving down from the north. The brigade 
 being formed on the extreme right of the infantry 
 caused lively marching for the men, as the distance 
 traveled by them was much further than that of the 
 infantry ; for three miles the marching was done on a 
 double-quick. After a sharp artillery duel for an hour 
 between the first redoubt and battery I, First Illinois 
 Light Artillery, attached to the division, the brigade 
 was ordered to charge the redoubts containing the guns. 
 The regiments engaged in this charge were the Seventh 
 Illinois, Major John M. Graham commanding, on the 
 right, with the Second Iowa, Major C. C. Horton, and 
 Ninth Illinois, Captain J. W. Harper commanding, in 
 order on its left, and the Sixth Illinois, Lieut.-Col. 
 John Lynch commanding, on the left of the brigade. 
 In making this charge the right wing of the brigade 
 Seventh Illinois and Second Iowa had an open field, 
 with nothing to impede their progress save two stone 
 fences, while the left wing Ninth and Sixth Illinois 
 had a heavy thicket to pass through. At the word 
 "forward," stone fences and thickets were very slight 
 impediments in the way of this veteran brigade. At 
 the distance of about eight hundred yards southwest of 
 the work assaulted was another redoubt, mounting two 
 guns, and filled with several hundred infantry ; from 
 this latter work, while moving eastward on the first, 
 the Second Iowa and Seventh Illinois were exposed to 
 a continuous shower of shells and musketry. The right 
 of the Seventh Illinois, who were not more than four 
 hundred yards from it, giving first their front, then
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 229 
 
 their right flank, then their rear to this fire, without 
 shrinking for a moment or firing a shot, was as proud 
 evidence of good soldiership as ever displayed. The 
 enemy in the first redoubt, discovering the movements, 
 changed their little messengers (shells) to grape and 
 canister, accompanied by heavy musketry from the 
 infantry support behind their works. The men never 
 halted from the time the charge was sounded until they 
 had possession of the works, containing four Napoleon 
 guns and seventy-five prisoners, besides a large number 
 of small arms, thrown away by the enemy in their rapid 
 flight. So eager were the men of each regiment to 
 reach the redoubt first, that they became mixed up in 
 such a manner that it is a> difficult question to settle, 
 or say who was first to reach the prize. All acted 
 nobly, and all are entitled to the highest praise, under 
 the circumstances, for their efforts to be first. The 
 Second Iowa planted the first colors on the works ; the 
 others had none with them. General Hatch was among 
 the first to reach the redoubt, and he is under the 
 impression that Lieutenant Budd was the first officer 
 inside the works, and consequently ordered him to take 
 command of the guns and use them immediately upon 
 the retreating enemy, which order was carried out with 
 good effect. In the capture of this redoubt the infantry 
 were behind time, though they afforded good support, 
 and were fully as anxious to gain the prize as were the 
 cavalry. After its surrender a major of an Ohio 
 infantry regiment mounted the works, drew his sword 
 and claimed the honor of capturing the fort for his
 
 230 OPERATIONS OP THE 
 
 regiment, but the cavalrymen standing around cooled 
 his ardor. The rebel colors, which lay on the ground 
 folded up, had been overlooked by our cavalry, and were 
 afterward found by some infantry belonging to General 
 McArthur's division. But few of the men lingered to 
 view what they had captured each and all were eager 
 in the pursuit of the retreating foe, and were continually 
 bringing them in by squads, numbering from two to 
 forty. Major Forbes, Seventh Illinois, states that he 
 met one sergeant and two privates in charge of thirty 
 prisoners. The rally being sounded General Hatch 
 ordered a charge to be made on redoubt number two, 
 which had not ceased to fire its deadly missies. With 
 General Hatch and Colonel Coon at their head the men 
 charged, and in less than thirty minutes after the order 
 was given the works were in the possession of our brave 
 cavalrymen. This redoubt was situated upon the top 
 of a bluff, some two hundred feet high, and protected 
 by strong earthworks. The colors of the Second Iowa 
 were planted on the works by Sergeant John Hartman, 
 of company F, color-bearer, who fell mortally wounded, 
 and a braver man never faced the enemy. His last 
 words were spoken to Major Horton, requesting him to 
 tell his friends at home that he fell while performing 
 his duty. During the charge the enemy kept up a 
 brisk cannonading, accompanied by heavy musketry 
 firing from the infantry within the redoubt. The long 
 march previous, the charge on the first redoubt, and 
 the short time given until the second charge, rendered 
 it almost impossible for a cavalryman to move faster
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 231 
 
 than a walk. So eager were the officers and men to 
 reach the second redoubt that many fell to the ground 
 exhausted. Lieut.-Col. John Lynch, commanding the 
 Sixth Illinois, fell exhausted and was carried from the 
 field. Many soldiers, when too tired to walk, crawled 
 upon their hands and knees up the steep bluff to the 
 foot of the redoubt. While the cavalry were rallying 
 for the second charge General Hatch was apprised by 
 Major Forbes, Seventh Illinois, of a very threatening 
 movement of the enemy, who were concentrating a 
 considerable force in a ravine in the edge of the wood, 
 to the east of and at right-angles with the main pike, 
 with the evident design of attacking the left of our 
 main line, then moving westward against the second 
 redoubt. The General at once comprehended the 
 design of the enemy, and turning to the Major said, 
 " Go into them, sir, with what you've got." The Major 
 started for them at the head of about twenty-five men 
 of his own regiment, and a few members of the Second 
 Iowa cavalry and Fifth Minnesota infantry, not more 
 than forty men in all ; they charged and drove fully 
 three hundred rebels from a greatly superior position, 
 pursuing them three-quarters of a mile, and returned 
 with ninety prisoners ; meanwhile from the captured 
 redoubt went up three hearty cheers for Un<?ie Sam. 
 A rather amusing incident occurred while charging this 
 redoubt, which was told me by an officer of high 
 standing in this brigade. As the gallant General 
 Hatch was charging up the hill, leading his command, 
 his attention was attracted toward a cavalryman, a
 
 232 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 member of the Ninth Illinois, who was lying on the 
 ground trying to crawl up the hill ; but so exhausted 
 was the poor fellow that it was impossible for him to go 
 any further without some assistance. The General 
 asked him what ailed him ; he stated the fact, when 
 the General told him to get hold of his horse's tail, and 
 hold on, and he would help him up the hill, which was 
 done. Another dispute arose as to who was the first 
 to enter the fort, every regiment claiming the honor. 
 The fort surrendered to Captain McCausland, and it 
 was difficult, to restrain the men from firing upon the 
 rebels after they surrendered. Among some of the 
 first to enter this fort was an infantryman, who had 
 pushed ahead of his command and joined the cavalry, 
 eager for the fun. He was a fine looking fellow, and 
 with his bayonet fixed he kept close behind the Captain, 
 and as the latter demanded the surrender of the fort 
 exclaimed, " Go it Captain ; I will follow you to h 1 
 on a charge!" In this redoubt when captured were 
 two twelve-pound guns, a large quantity of ammunition, 
 over one hundred prisoners, including one surgeon, one 
 major, and one captain. The infantry were behind 
 time, unable to keep up with the cavalry, who did not 
 keep very good order, while the former moved in solid 
 column. It was very mortifying to them, and you 
 could hear their officers calling upon the men to hurry 
 up, and not let the cavalrymen take all the forts, which 
 feat not only surprised them, but when it was reported 
 to Maj.-Gen. Thomas that the cavalry had carried the 
 first works, he replied, "Tut, tut, impossible, impossible,
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 233 
 
 sir ; such a thing as cavalrymen carrying forts by assault 
 has never been heard of." However the General was 
 convinced of the fact, by witnessing the brigade enter 
 the second redoubt. The cavalry were soon in hot 
 pursuit of the retreating rebels, leaving the fort and 
 prisoners in charge of the infantry. It was now getting 
 dark. Colonel Coon, mistaking two regiments of the 
 first brigade for his own, had the honor of leading them 
 to the summit of a third hill, under a most galling fire 
 from the enemy in front and on both flanks, and holding 
 the position until the infantry support came up, when 
 they charged, driving the enemy before them and 
 capturing three pieces of artillery. The Colonel says 
 he will ever remember with pleasure the gallant conduct 
 of the officers and men of the two regiments, which he 
 had been told were the Twelfth Missouri and Eleventh 
 Indiana cavalry regiments. At dark the brigade went 
 into camp near the redoubts, on the Lewisburg pike. 
 December 16th. At ten o'clock, A.M., the brigade 
 was ordered out to support General Nipe, commanding 
 division of cavalry. After advancing one mile the 
 brigade moved to the east of the pike, and formed a 
 line dismounted, then moved forward in conformity to 
 the infantry toward the Granny White pike. The 
 steep hills, rising abruptly from one to two hundred 
 feet high, and covered with a thick undergrowth, made 
 it almost impossible to manoeuvre troops, even when 
 dismounted. The regiments were in line of order as 
 on the preceding day, each upon a hill. After moving 
 forward nearly one mile the whole line became engaged.
 
 234 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 During the first hour the Seventh Illinois came upon a 
 brigade of rebel infantry, strongly posted. A charge 
 was at once ordered by Major Graham, commanding, 
 who immediately after fell, wounded in the arm, and 
 was carried from the field. The command now devolved 
 upon Major Henry C. Forbes, who led the charge then 
 in progress, and was ably sustained by the third 
 battalion, under Captain McCausland, who, a few 
 moments after, fell wounded a young, brave and 
 efficient officer, loved and admired by the regiment for 
 his many noble qualities. The command moved up the 
 hill in a direction perpendicular to the movements on 
 the right, when the enemy gave way, throwing their 
 guns in every direction and surrendering seventy-two 
 prisoners, including a captain and four lieutenants. 
 
 The position thus gallantly taken was untenable for 
 a single regiment. The enemy rallied upon discovering 
 the small force that attacked them, and this regiment 
 was obliged to withdraw, which it did in good order, 
 bringing away the prisoners, and destroying the arms 
 captured, by breaking and bending the barrels. Had 
 the regiment been supported by any portion of the 
 brigade they would have succeeded in making a large 
 capture. The regiment lost fifteen men, killed and 
 wounded, during the fight, including four officers. The 
 same ground was passed over a few hours afterward 
 by the remainder of the brigade, the enemy having 
 evacuated the position. 
 
 During the afternoon the Sixth and Ninth Illinois, 
 with the Second Iowa, were engaged firing at will on
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 235 
 
 a fort some five hundred yards distant, while Battery 
 I, First Illinois Light Artillery, played upon it 
 from the valley below, which soon caused the enemy to 
 evacuate. The line moved forward and the Twelfth 
 Tennessee Cavalry charged and captured one hundred 
 and fifty prisoners, eight stand of colors which were 
 left in the hands of the infantry. The enemy were 
 retreating in great haste on the Granny White pike. 
 The brigade was ordered to charge them, if possible, 
 before dark. Col. Spaulding, of the Twelfth Tennessee, 
 took the advance, and had not proceeded more than a 
 mile when he made a charge which threw them into 
 confusion, and by the assistance of the Ninth Illinois, 
 who were brought up dismounted, drove them from a 
 strong position protected by a barricade of rails ; the 
 Twelfth Tennessee, Sixth and Ninth Illinois followed 
 them to another strong position, a half mile distant, 
 when a hand to hand fight took place and lasted an 
 hour after dark. At this place Brig.-Gen. Bucker 
 was captured by Captain Joseph Boyer, Twelfth 
 Tennessee Cavalry, who received a severe blow on 
 the forehead at the hand of the rebel General. In 
 that personal contest Captain Boyer wrenched the 
 rebel General's sabre from his hand, who in turn seized 
 and took his ; several cuts and points were executed by 
 both parties, each one exhibiting skill in the use of 
 their weapons ; by a powerful and dexterious blow 
 Captain Boyer succeeded in knocking from the 
 General's hand his sword ; the General then put spurs 
 to his horse and tried to escape, upon which the 

 
 236 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 Captain drew his revolver and shot him through the 
 arm, which resulted in his capture. It was in this 
 melee, amidst intense darkness, that the two regiments 
 of Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry (Federal and Confederate) 
 met and mixed in mad confusion, neither knowing the 
 other save by the usual challenge, "halt! who comes 
 there?" Colonel Spaulding who was foremost in the 
 charge was halted by two Confederate soldiers, who, 
 on hearing his answer to the challenge grasped his 
 horse by the reins on either side and demanded his 
 surrender ; the Colonel put spurs to his horse and with 
 one bound the noble animal took himself and rider 
 beyond danger. Private Barny Watson, Company G, 
 Twelfth Tennessee, captured and brought away General 
 Bucker's division flag, and was promoted to sergeant 
 the same night for his gallant conduct. Majors Cor win 
 and Bradshaw of the Twelfth Tennessee charged 
 entirely through the rebel lines with their battalions 
 and afterward returned by passing themselves off as 
 belonging to the Twelfth Tennessee, (Confederate 
 Cavalry,) and in great anxiety to meet the Yankees. 
 The brigade encamped for the night on Granny White's 
 pike, eight miles south of Nashville. 
 
 December 17th. Moved at daylight and continued 
 the pursuit, following in the rear of the enemy's cav- 
 alry to Franklin, and thence to the Louisburgh pike, 
 and crossed over to the Columbia pike. When three 
 miles south of Franklin the enemy were met in force. 
 The whole brigade was formed and charged, mounted, 
 driving in the rebel left. The Second Iowa pressed
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 237 
 
 their way round to the rebel left and rear, where they 
 became engaged in a hand to hand fight, resulting in 
 the capture of one stand of colors and several prisoners. 
 In this engagement Sergeant John Coulter, Corporal 
 A. R. Heck and private Black, of company K, Second 
 Iowa, captured a stand of Division colors. The two 
 latter were killed and the former severely wounded 
 but he succeeded in bringing away the colors. So 
 desperate had been the conflict for these colors that 
 two Federals and three Confederates lay dead within 
 three paces of each other. 
 
 The firing in the rear, in conjunction with the brisk 
 engagement in front, caused the enemy to fall back. 
 General Hatch, with small detachments from the Sixth, 
 Seventh and Ninth Illinois and Second Iowa, made a 
 most gallant charge, which resulted in the capture of 
 three more pieces of artillery, (formerly the famous 
 Waterhouse Battery, of Chicago, captured from Gen- 
 eral Sturgis, by Forrest, near Gumtown, Mississippi, 
 June, 1864.) The darkness of the night prevented 
 further movements and the brigade went into camp, 
 seven miles below Franklin. 
 
 December 18th. Continued the pursuit to Spring 
 Hill, where a considerable force of the enemy were 
 found. After firing a few shots, they fell back in 
 confusion. The brigade camped three miles south of 
 Spring Hill. 
 
 December 19th. Resumed the march to Rutherford's 
 Creek, where the command dismounted and marched 
 by the right flank. The Sixth Illinois succeeded in 

 
 238 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 crossing the wreck of the burned railroad bridge, when 
 the fragments floated away and the balance of the 
 command were compelled to ford the stream some 
 distance above. Moved two miles below the enemy's 
 flank, the Sixth skirmishing until dark, when the 
 command encamped for the night. 
 
 December 20th. At daylight were again in motion. 
 Moved down Rutherford's Creek, about two miles, and 
 constructed a crossing from the fragments of a railroad 
 bridge, which the enemy had destroyed the day previous. 
 This work was soon completed, and by twelve o'clock 
 the whole command was across. The Seventh and 
 Ninth were dismounted and deployed on foot, while the 
 remainder of the brigade followed mounted to Duck 
 River, opposite Columbia. 
 
 On arriving at Columbia they found that the enemy 
 had crossed his rear guard in safety that morning, 
 leaving a small party, with a piece of artillery, to guard 
 the town, upon the opposite side. A brisk skirmish 
 was kept up for some time, between the enemy's sharp- 
 shooters, who were lodged in the buildings. At the 
 same time a light artillery duel was going on. General 
 Hatch at once turned his attention toward the sharp- 
 shooters and ordered the buildings shelled, which soon 
 caused an evacuation of them, and, also, an interview 
 with General Forrest, who appeared with a flag of 
 truce and approached the water's edge, requesting 
 General Hatch not to shell the town, as he was doing 
 more injury to Ms own men (many of whom lay in the 
 buildings wounded) than theirs. General Hatch replied
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 289 
 
 that he would stop the shelling if he General Forrest 
 would withdraw the sharpshooters which was done. 
 At the conclusion General Forrest remarked to General 
 Hatch that he hoped he would see him again. The 
 General replied, that he hoped he would have that 
 pleasure. During the skirmish the Seventh discovered 
 where the enemy had abandoned four pieces of artillery, 
 by tumbling them into Duck River. They were after- 
 ward taken out by the infantry. 
 
 December 21st, 22d and 23d were occupied pursuing 
 the retreating enemy, continually bringing in prisoners, 
 wagons, ambulances, caissons, small arms, &c. The 
 road was literally strown with arms, blankets, knap- 
 sacks, cartridge-boxes, &c. One battalion of the 
 Second Iowa, under Captain G. W. Foster, company 
 M, was sent on the Shellbyville pike, in pursuit of a 
 party of rebels who were reported escaping, with two 
 pieces of artillery. The Captain succeeded in capturing 
 them, after a day's march, and also found six ambu- 
 lances and three wagons. The enemy, on the 23d, 
 camped five miles south of Columbia, on the Pulaski 
 pike. Prisoners reported that they had orders when 
 they discovered Hatch's division pressing their rear not 
 to fire but one shot before limbering up. It was a 
 stated fact that if the enemy attempted to fire more 
 than one round our men would charge and capture the 
 guns. They asserted that they never saw such men ; 
 they did not seem to care anything about their artillery 
 fire, but seemed to take delight in charging their guns, 
 and would only stop to take aim and fire, not stopping
 
 240 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 to load nary a time showing the superiority of the 
 Spencer carbine. 
 
 December 24th. Brigade had some sharp skirmishing 
 with Buford's division, and the rebel General Buford 
 was wounded by the Seventh Illinois sharpshooters. 
 
 December 25th. Brigade marched in rear of General 
 Hammond and Colonel Harrison's commands, passing 
 beyond Pulaski, some six miles, where the enemy were 
 found in force. Harrison's command being badly 
 repulsed the Second brigade was ordered forward, 
 dismounted. After a skirmish of an hour they drove 
 the enemy from a strong position and camped for the 
 night. 
 
 December 26th. From this date little fighting was 
 done. The enemy had crossed the Tennessee at 
 Bainbridge, badly defeated and terribly demoralized. 
 
 After a period of hard marching to Gravelly Springs, 
 Alabama, the command went into camp, and remained 
 three weeks, subsisting about two-thirds of the time on 
 parched corn owing to the scarcity of rations at the 
 time. At the same time boats were constantly arriving 
 loaded with forage, necessitating a great amount of 
 fatigue duty. This, together with the inferior diet, 
 caused much sickness among the men. However, 
 General Hatch was not to blame for this gross neglect 
 of the men, as he was subject to orders from superior 
 officers. 
 
 During the stay of the command at Gravelly Springs, 
 scouting parties were frequently sent out. On one 
 occasion company A, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Lieut.
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 241 
 
 J. I. LaGrange commanding, (to whom I am indebted 
 for the following items,) states that, returning from 
 Waterloo to Athens, a rebel deserter, John Mitchel, 
 belonging to the First Missouri battery, came to 
 us on the road, gave himself up, stating that he was 
 tired of the war, and wished to get to his home in 
 Missouri. He said that he had been in the rebel 
 service nearly four years, and participated in every 
 battle of any consequence in the west, commencing 
 with the battle of Frederickstown, Missouri, and ending 
 with Hood's defeat at Nashville, and that during all 
 the engagements between the two mentioned, Chicka- 
 maugua included, he never saw men fight with the cool, 
 calm, determined bravery of Hatch's cavalry. "Why, 
 d n it," says he, "you all must have been drunk or 
 mad, for you paid no more attention to our batteries 
 throwing solid shot, shell, grape, and canister at you 
 than you would at a four year old boy throwing stones, 
 and every stand our battery made and it was kept 
 contiually in the rear we would never have an oppor- 
 tunity to fire over four rounds before you all would be 
 upon us, and we would be compelled to limber up and 
 get out at a gallop, to save our pieces. It is the first 
 time during my four years of almost contiuual fighting 
 that my old battery ever failed to repulse a charge, and 
 she has been 'went for' frequently. And you can judge 
 whether or not I have seen any service when I tell you 
 upon the honor of a soldier, that I am the only man 
 left out of a regiment of seven hundred that was 
 organized in April, 1861. There was seven of us at 
 
 11 

 
 t g<> 
 
 th 
 
 242 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 the battle of Franklin, but upon going over the ground 
 at daylight the next morning after the fearful and deadly 
 charge of the day before, I saw (and the tears rolled 
 down the cheeks of the noble fellow as he said it) my 
 six companions lying stark and cold, and you now see 
 before you, to the best of my knowledge, the only living 
 representative of that seven hundred men. And now 
 I am going home, satisfied that the South can never 
 gain her independence, and to try and find the friends 
 
 at I have not seen, or even heard from, for over three 
 years." 
 
 The following order was issued, and read on dress 
 parade, at the head of each regiment. 
 
 HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIFTH DIVISION, C. C., ") 
 
 GRAVELLY SPRINGS, ALA., M. D. M., v 
 
 January 31st, 1865. J 
 
 GENERAL FIELD ORDERS No. 2 : 
 
 The Colonel commanding takes this, the first opportunity, to 
 express to the officers and men of this brigade his heartfelt thanks 
 for their untiring energy and loyal, devoted patriotism to their 
 country's cause, during the recent arduous campaign. He feels 
 confident that the labors performed, and suffering endured, throngh 
 rain, sleet and snow overhead, and mud underfoot, while at Shoal 
 Creek, the retreat to Nashville ; the cold, bleak weather at Edgefield, 
 followed by the two days' battle at Nashville and near Franklin ; 
 the cold storm at Rutherford's Creek, and in the pursuit to the 
 Tennessee River, are without parallel in the history of this war, 
 while your record of gallantry and bravery has been more brilliant 
 than that of any other cavalry brigade in the United States' 
 service. 
 
 You have done what your noble department commander said 
 could not be done with cavalry. When a staff officer reported that 
 General Hatch's cavalry had charged and taken a Fort, he replied, 
 "Impossible, impossible, sir! such a thing was never heard of."
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 243 
 
 When he and his staff rode forward rapidly to ascertain the truth 
 of this report, arriving at the first redoubt in time to witness your 
 taking the second, with no little astonishment. 
 
 You have won for yourselves and your respective States immortal 
 fame ; you have taught the army and the world the important lesson 
 that cavalry can fight and charge breastworks, on foot, a fact 
 heretofore almost unkown. 
 
 The acts of personal bravery during the campaign have been 
 numerous, too many to mention here, but all present know who 
 those men are, and you will do important service by relating, in 
 the presence of "skulkers, "the incidents of gallant conduct in the 
 recent engagements. 
 
 The brigade now has a name truly enviable, and it is hoped that 
 no officer or soldier will fail to lend his entire energy to render the 
 record still more brilliant. Let our motto be : First in drill ; first 
 in disipline; unsurpassed in soldierly conduct, and, as of late, 
 
 foremost in every battle. 
 
 IB 
 
 By command of 
 
 DATUS E. COON, 
 
 Colonel Second Iowa Cavalry, Commanding Brigade. 
 
 JOHN H. AVERY, 
 Lieut. Ninth 111. Cav., and A. A. A. G. 
 
 From Gravelly Springs the command moved to 
 Eastport, Mississippi, and engaged in recruiting up, 
 preparatory to another grand move. 
 
 In conclusion, I must say the campaign and labors 
 of the brigade have been endured by the officers and 
 men with unparalleled fortitude. They have been 
 subject to all the privations that soldiers are heir to, 
 and without eliciting the least complaint. An army 
 made of such materials, veterans of nearly four years'
 
 244 OPERATIONS OF THE 
 
 standing, can accomplish what the world never before 
 witnessed. 
 
 I would do an injustice were I to omit mentioning 
 the important service rendered this brigade by company 
 I, First Illinois Light Artillery, Lieutenant Joseph 
 McCarteny, commanding, from the time it reported at 
 Nashville up to the present, and especially in the battle 
 of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, and 
 in every action and engagement the men and officers 
 conducted themselves in a cool, brave and gallant style, 
 always delivering their messengers to the enemy with 
 astonishing accuracy. 
 
 The Regimental Surgeons, (of whom Dr. Riggs, 
 Seventh Illinois ; Dr. Burgess, Assistant Surgeon, 
 Second Iowa; Dr. Agnew*, Assistant Surgeon, Sixth 
 Illinois ; Dr. Jones, Assistant Surgeon Twelfth Ten- 
 nessee; Dr. Price, Assistant Surgeon, Ninth Illinois; 
 Dr. Corbusin, Acting Assistant Surgeon Ninth Illinois,) 
 whose labors were unremitting during the tedious marches 
 and on every battlefield, to the sick and wounded, and 
 to their care many are indebted for life and limb. 
 
 During the charges on the first and second redoubts 
 the Brigade Band, consisting of sixteen pieces, belonging 
 to the Second Iowa and Sixth Illinois, played patriotic 
 airs, which enlivened the men. They then did duty in 
 carrying and caring for the wounded. 
 
 The following names comprise the field and staff of 
 Brevet Maj.-Gen. Edward Hatch, commanding the Fifth 
 Division Cavalry Corps, Military Department of the 
 Mississippi.
 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 245 
 
 Captain HERVY A. CALVIN, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry and A. A. G. 
 
 Major E. T. PHILLIPS, Sixth Illinois Cavalry and P. M. 
 
 Surgeon J. S. HUNT, Third Illinois Cavalry and Surgeon in Chief 
 
 of Division. 
 
 Captain J. P. METCALF, Second Iowa Cavalry and A. A. I. G. 
 Captain WM. B. BRUNTON, Second Iowa Cavalry and A. 0. 0. 
 Captain R. KEN. MARTIN, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry and A. A. 
 
 Chief of Musters. 
 Captain F. W. BABOOQE:, Sixth Illinois Cavalry and commanding 
 
 escort. 
 First Lieutenant PAUL R. KENDALL, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry and 
 
 A. A. Q. M. 
 First Lieutenant E. A. DEVENPORT, Ninth Illinois Cavalry and A. 
 
 C. S. 
 
 The following names comprise the field and staff of 
 Brevet Brig.-Gen. Datus E. Coon, commanding Second 
 Brigade of the Fifth Division Cavalry Corps, Military 
 Department of the Mississippi. 
 
 Major GEO. B. CHRISTY, Ninth Illinois Cavalry and Senior Surgeon 
 
 of the Brigade. 
 
 Captain JOHN H. AVERY, Ninth Illinois Cavalry and A. A. A. G. 
 Captain GEO. W. BUDD, Second Iowa Cavalry and A. A. I. G. 
 First Lieutenant H. B. SUDLOW, Second Iowa Cavalry and A. A. Q. M. 
 First Lieutenant JAS. PRICE, Seventh Illinois Cavalry and A. 0. 
 
 commanding escort.

 
 LIFE AND ADVENTURES 
 
 OP 
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT, 
 
 WHILE SERVING UNDER THE COMMAND OP 
 
 GEFLS. SHERMAN, POPE, ROSECRANS, DODGE & GRIERSON, 
 During the years 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864.

 
 
 L . H . N A R , v ; OR C H ! C K. A S AW r ; ; L: S C
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 " CHIOKASAW " was born in Newton County, Ga., and is 
 of Scotch descent. He is about forty years of age, although 
 he looks older. He is five feet nine inches in height, with a 
 compact, muscular frame ; a well shaped head, covered with 
 a profusion of long gray hair, inclined to curl ; a full, round 
 blue eye ; well shaped mouth, with thin lips ; an honest, 
 intelligent countenance, beaming full of generosity, springing 
 from a heart that feels for others' woes. But mark the 
 change. When speaking of wrongs inflicted, then the coun- 
 tenance becomes stern and resolute the eyes are lighted up 
 with a fire that makes guilty secessionists tremble to behold ; 
 there is an unflinching determination of character exhibited 
 not to be terrified or thwarted in fulfilling a noble design, no 
 matter how great the risk. He is the father of six children, 
 the oldest of whom is fifteen years of age. His second wife 
 and family are living in Illinois. He has been a resident of 
 
 11*
 
 250 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. . 
 
 Mississippi for twenty-one years, where he owned eleven 
 hundred acres of land and six negroes. The negroes he 
 inherited from his wife, but the land he acquired by the 
 sweat of his brow. 
 
 He served through the Mexican war, belonging to the First 
 Mississippi Rifles, commanded by Colonel Jeff. Davis, 
 President of the Confederacy, participating in the battles of 
 Monterey and Buena Vista. He carried a dispatch from 
 the former to the latter place, a distance of sixty miles, in 
 six and a half hours, when the communications were cut. 
 He received, for this service, one hundred dollars, from 
 Captain Brant, A. A. A. G., on General Wool's staff. He 
 was lassoed, on the route, but escaped with his life, by cutting 
 the lassoe with his bowie-knife. 
 
 At the commencement of this unholy rebellion, he was 
 found to be an out-spoken, unconditional Union man, residing 
 upon his own plantation, and surrounded by many wealthy 
 planters, respected by all who knew him, and looked upon as 
 one capable of exerting considerable influence. On many 
 occasions he delivered stump speeches denouncing the bogus 
 Confederacy. This difference of opinion soon created bitter 
 enemies, until his life was threatened, and it was no longer 
 safe for him to remain at home. 

 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 The following narrative was furnished the writer by 
 the hero of the story. He is better known in the 
 Union army by the name of Chickasaw, and thousands 
 can testify to his deeds while serving in the capacity 
 of scout : 
 
 In the spring of 1861 I secretly organized three 
 hundred Union men in Mississippi, with the promise of 
 nine hundred more, making a full regiment. It was 
 my intention, at this time, to place the regiment at the 
 service of Governor Pettis, of Mississippi, for the 
 purpose of enforcing the State of South Carolina to 
 adhere to the Union. Some six weeks afterward an 
 answer was received from Governor Pettis, saying he 
 would accept their services to the gallows. During 
 this time the State had seceded, and the Governor soon 
 found it necessary to organize a vigilance committee, 
 for the purpose of subduing the strong Union feeling 
 then arising in that portion of the State. The manner
 
 252 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 in which this committee was formed was as follows : 
 The Governor appointed the probate clerks of each 
 county to act as presidents of the county committee, 
 which consisted of twelve men ; the probate clerks 
 appointed five sub-presidents, to act in their respective 
 districts, and take cognizance of all the acts and words 
 of the people, and report the same to the president 
 probate clerk. The first proceeding of this committee 
 was under pretence that the Confederate Government 
 needed all the arms in the county to be placed at the 
 disposal of volunteers in the field to issue an order 
 for citizens to turn over, at the county-seat, all arms 
 in their possession, which they would receive receipt^ 
 for. A number, beside myself, refused to comply with 
 the order. The committee then seized upon all the 
 ammunition in the stores throughout the country. 
 
 Not long after this occurrence myself and thirteen 
 others of my district were waited upon, by six of the 
 vigilance committee, to learn our opinions, also why 
 we did not comply with the order, and cited us to 
 appear, on the following Friday, at the academy. 
 This naturally caused considerable excitement. Some 
 protested against going, while I advised them all to 
 attend; and we did attend, with our 'fire-arms in our 
 hands. When we arrived we found the president and 
 his twelve men present, also the six who so kindly 
 waited upon his. They announced to the president 
 that we were there, and would answer for ourselves. 
 We did not have any apprehension of danger, they all 
 being our neighbors. The president then took his scat
 
 CIIICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 253 
 
 and requested us to state our views, and why we did 
 not comply with the order. My friends then requested 
 me to speak for them, which I did, making a speech of 
 nearly an hour's duration, in which I stated we did 
 not comply because it was unconstitutional to disarm 
 peacable citizens, and that the order was not according 
 to law, and did not originate from proper authority ; 
 also that it abjured the right and liberty of speech. 
 We also protested that we had committed no offence 
 against the laws, and that was not a proper tribunal if 
 we had. I wound up by expressing my opinion in full, 
 telling them that what I said was the sincere conviction 
 of my heart ; that their course would ruin themselves 
 and their children, as well as mine ; that we would be 
 a ruined people to which my friends added "Amen !" 
 The committee then admonished us to desist from 
 speaking against the Confederacy, and dismissed us, 
 leaving us at liberty to return to our homes. Some 
 three hundred persons were present during the exam- 
 ination, many of them armed, but all passed off quietly. 
 I afterwards learned that some of the committee were 
 very much dissatisfied with the result of the meeting, 
 
 and allowed that the last d d one of us ought to be 
 
 hung. 
 
 Some two weeks after this one of my friends had 
 business at the same town, and upon arriving there he 
 learned that there was a company forming for the 
 Confederate army. He was by some of said company 
 assaulted and nearly beaten to death, and had to be 
 carried home. This caused great excitement among
 
 254 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 the Union men, and many unguarded threats were 
 made. Shortly after this the company in town were 
 ordered to leave and rendezvous at West Point. The 
 majority of them concluded that it would not be safe 
 to leave behind them myself and friends, all of whom 
 they threatened to hang, calling them d d aboli- 
 tionists. On the night they meditated this diabolical 
 act I was notified by our friends, and my old friend 
 
 J. M. T , who had received such a beating, came 
 
 to my house to know what he should do. I will here 
 mention that at this time no citizen could travel a short 
 distance without a pass from the president of the 
 committee of his district, and no one could travel a 
 long distance without a pass from the probate clerk of 
 the county, with the county seal affixed to it, and no 
 man suspected of Union sentiments could obtain it. I 
 told my friend I thought the best thing he could do 
 was to leave the country ; he answered that he could 
 not travel without a pass. I told my wife to stand 
 picket while we repaired to the house, when I forged 
 him a pass and furnished him a letter, requesting him, 
 if he should succeed in reaching the North, to have it 
 published; I also gave him my overcoat and twenty 
 dollars. He then left, and I have never heard any 
 word of him since, neither has his family, who now 
 reside in Illinois. 
 
 The threats of hanging were now put in force ; two 
 of my best friends, more innocent than myself, were 
 hung, but, thank God, I escaped. This naturally 
 created great excitement, and some of the most resolute
 
 THE SCOUT. 255 
 
 Union men expressed their opinion that now was their 
 time they must fight. We met and consulted together, 
 but our condition was such that it was not deemed 
 advisable to commence fighting. We possessed but few 
 arms and a scant supply of ammunition, with no pros- 
 pect of obtaining more in the country, and no means 
 of communicating by telegraph or railroad with our 
 friends abroad. We considered our case desperate. 
 Up to this time the Union sentiment was very strong 
 in that section of country. The news now came that 
 a great Confederate victory was won in Virginia the 
 battle of Manasses, or Bull Run. This caused a won- 
 derful change of opinion. Union men felt dispirited, 
 while the secessionists were inspired with a new energy, 
 proclaiming that God was on their side, and victory 
 must follow. 
 
 I am sorry to state that many professed Union men 
 changed their politics and became sadly adulterated 
 with the fire of secession. People were wild with 
 excitement, and loudly proclaimed that every d d 
 tory must be hung. A number of my nearest friends, 
 who at one time flocked together beneath my banner, 
 afterwards joined the Confederate army, to save them- 
 selves (they say) from disgrace or the hemp. They 
 betrayed all our future pre-meditated plans. This 
 sudden and almost indescribable change caused a great 
 re-action. The Confederate authorities became less 
 vigilant, and, through policy, they extended their hand 
 to the Union man. You perceive, my friend you were 
 on the wrong side. We can forgive you for thinking
 
 256 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 differently, but now you must be convinced that God is 
 on our side. Our cause is a just and holy one, and we 
 will soon gain our independence. 
 
 This kind of feeling was very prevalent, and hundreds 
 who heretofore kept back, now boldly came forward 
 and enrolled their names on the muster-roll. This 
 change of feeling, particularly among some whom I 
 considered firm in their resolve, so wounded my feelings 
 that I became, for a while, a silent spectator, kept 
 secluded at home, and had but little to say, though many 
 of my friends would visit and try to persuade me to 
 retract, to once more attend church, and take my old 
 seat, where I had so often knelt and prayed God that 
 the Union might be preserved. 
 
 I lost all hope of raising a force or maintaining the 
 Union at home. In the meantime two companies had 
 been raised for the Confederate cause, and I was offered 
 a commission which would place me in command of 
 either one. I rejected the offer, telling them that I 
 would not, on any consideration, aid by any act of 
 mine the bogus Confederacy. Even good Union men 
 were afraid to speak to each other. Previous confidence 
 was lost and every man doubted his neighbor. 
 
 Such was the state of affairs in August, 1861. At 
 that time I had a heavy crop on hand to which I at 
 once turned my attention, gathering and housing it. 
 The country was flooded by the New York Day Book, 
 published in New York City and supported by Southern 
 capitalists. Persons who would not subscribe for it, 
 no matter what their politics, it would be sent to them
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 257 
 
 for six months gratis. Though I tried to remain at 
 home, it was impossible, and, occasionally, I found 
 myself mixed up in a crowd of people, listening to 
 some fire eater expostulating on Southern rights, and 
 filling the minds of the ignorant classes with falsehood 
 and a desire for vengeance. 
 
 It was at one of these gatherings, in October, 1861, 
 that my last and final difficulty at home occurred, which 
 was as follows : One of my nearest neighbors, Mr. 
 J. L. J., myself, and quite a number of others, were 
 
 seated in a drug store, in the town of A , when I 
 
 asked one captain J. W. what he thought now about 
 the war, and could he now look the people in the face, 
 after telling them that he would be willing to drink all 
 the blood that would be spilt in this war, and would 
 support all the widows and orphans ? how were matters 
 now ? If reports were correct there was an army of 
 one hundred thousand men, on each side, arrayed 
 against each other, and a great battle had been fought, 
 at Manassas, and some six or seven thousand human 
 beings were reported killed and wounded. These 
 remarks so inflamed my near neighbor, J. L. J., that, 
 springing up from his seat, he said that no one but a 
 d n fool and coward would talk in that style. (He 
 was considerable of a man and, at one time, noted for 
 his fighting qualities.) This outburst of passion and 
 insulting language fired me in an instant, and I told 
 him there were those around who would testify that I 
 was no coward, and for him to choose his weapons then 
 and there. If he would not I said that he must take it
 
 258 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 back or fight me. This created quite a commotion 
 among the bystanders and my friends flocked to me 
 while his gathered on his side. Bowie knives and 
 revolvers were freely and plentifully exhibited, and 
 there was every appearance of a collision. His friends, 
 however, advised him to take it back, which he did, 
 and apologized, saying, that it was spoken in the heat 
 of passion, and that he knew that I was no coward. 
 This ended the difficulty for the present. 
 
 Mr. J. W. J. and J. W. were very wealthy planters, 
 and had large families of children, and a long train of 
 connections by marriage and intermarriage. They 
 were so connected and so mixed up that they were 
 sometimes puzzled to tell one from the other of these 
 families of my district. The vigilance committee 
 were largely represented. The news of the difficulty 
 between myself and neighbor spread like lightning 
 through the country, and the topic was that I had 
 chalenged J. L. J. (more familiarly called Bull Dog 
 Jack) to fight a duel. This caused a bitter feeling 
 among his friends against me, and they swore that I 
 could not reside in that country that I must die. 
 
 I had in my possession two double barreled shot guns, 
 which I loaded with buckshot and balls. They knew 
 that I did not fear them, and were afraid to meet me 
 on equal footing. I still continued to gather my crop, 
 and, by this time, had forty bales of cotton put up, 
 and twenty-five hundred bushels of corn housed. I 
 should have previously mentioned that I had a brother 
 who resided in my district. We did not agree on 


 
 : '^ir : 
 
 
 
 ft
 
 THE SCOUT. 259 
 
 politics, nor did we quarrel. He belonged to the 
 vigilance committee and had accepted a commission 
 in one of the same companies that had been offered to 
 me. Meeting him one day he enquired what I intended 
 to do, advising me to see those people who felt so bitter 
 toward me and make up with them that it was out of 
 his power to assist mo further. I told him that when 
 it became so pressing that I could not live at home I 
 should go North. He laughed and said that it was 
 impossible for me to go North ; that the lines were 
 closed blockaded -and that it was out of the question 
 for me to procure a pass. (I, however, had no apologies 
 to make, having acted on the side of justice and right.) 
 A few weeks after this, on returning home one 
 evening, about dusk, and while in my stable lot, putting 
 up my horse, I found myself surrounded by a body of 
 armed men, who ordered me to surrender. I recognized 
 among them a few members of the vigilance committee. 
 They at once ordered me to accompany them to the 
 
 town of A , stating that I should there appear 
 
 before the vigilance committee. I asked permission 
 to go to the house, but no, I must go with them. After 
 proceeding about half a mile, we came to a halt, when 
 one of them remarked here was the place and there 
 was the tree, and all the committee that was required 
 was here. This strange proceeding arroused my 
 suspicions, and I said, gentlemen, this is not all the 
 committee. One of them remarked that they would 
 proceed to trial. I saw among them several. of my 
 most bitter enemies and, in my own mind, decided
 
 260 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 that action rather than words would save me from their 
 revengeful appetites. They now proceeded to go 
 through a mock trial. They stated that many of those 
 present were legal substitutes to fill the place of those of 
 the committee that were absent. Here I was kind reader 
 (imagine yourself in the same fix) without a single 
 friend near me my wife and family at home not even 
 knowing where I was. Those were trying moments, 
 for I could guess their purpose actions spoke plainer 
 than words but my unbounded love for the Union, 
 and my trust in God, made me bold and resolute. I 
 did not fear them, yet I could not see any passage for 
 escape. 
 
 After hitching their horses, they gathered around me 
 and asked me if I would tell them the truth, and I 
 answered that I would. The speaker of the party, in 
 a very persuasive tone, then told me to tell the truth, 
 as I had but a short time to live. I answered, I would, 
 so far as I knew. The first question was, " Are you a 
 Union man ? " I told them that I was and always had 
 been. Following this were a number of other questions, 
 all of which I answered truthfully. One of them then 
 spoke and said : " We have heard enough, bring the 
 rope." Another then asked me if I did not want to 
 pray, and I replied that I had not waited till that late 
 hour to prepare my soul to meet its Maker. (I will 
 here remark that two of the party were professors of 
 religion.) I then asked the question, " What are you 
 going to hang me for ?" (By this time the rope had 
 arrived but two of them said, " Hold on boys, wait a
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 261 
 
 a little longer" at the same time gently pushing the 
 rope back to prevent its being put around my neck.) 
 They replied, "for treason." I asked, "For treason 
 against what ?" They said against the Confederacy. I 
 replied that I knew no such power, and neither did the 
 balance of the world. The latter sentence aroused 
 their anger. A portion of them rushed at me with the 
 rope, shouting, with loud oaths, " Let us hang him, let 
 us hang him." I said stand back, gentlemen, I want 
 to speak. Some of them desisted and said " Hold on, 
 boys ; don't be in a hurry ; let us see what he has to 
 say." 
 
 I then thought I saw a shadow of hope. My only 
 salvation was to divide their opinions. I commenced 
 by working on their sympathies if they had any but 
 was interrupted by many questions. I tried to reason 
 the case with them, but would occasionally use some 
 expression that would arouse their anger, and again 
 and again they would rush at me with the rope. Thus 
 I continued : " Gentlemen, you say I have committed 
 treason. All I have done is to speak my honest opinion, 
 what I believe to be true. We differ in opinion and 
 you are about to use physical force. You say you will 
 hang me on this spot. Now, for instance, suppose I 
 had one hundred armed nren here to-night at my com- 
 mand, and you but twelve, and because my party and 
 yours could not agree in politics, 1 should say, come 
 boys, we are strong enough to hang them, let us do it. 
 Is there any justice or reason in conduct like this ?" 
 
 This seemed to have the desired effect, so far as
 
 262 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 abating their anger was concerned, particularly that of 
 the two who professed religion. Then they asked me 
 on which side I intended to fight, and I told them that 
 I did not want to fight at all. At this one of them 
 said, " There is no use of talking in that d n way, 
 we have all got to fight, and he who will not fight is 
 against us." The same speaker continued, " Suppose 
 Governor Pettis orders every man to turn out and take 
 up arms and fight for their homes, then what will you 
 do?" This was a pointed question and I knew not 
 how to evade it. I made the following comparison: 
 "Suppose you tell me to knock down Mr. A. I tell 
 you that I have nothing against Mr. A. ; but you say 
 that you shall knock him down, and if you do not I 
 will knock you down. I will say knock away then, for 
 I will be justifiable in knocking you." At this some 
 of them remarked and construed the meaning of my 
 language to be that I said I would knock down Governor 
 Pettis, which was treason, and a great military offense, 
 and swore they would hang me. They then rushed on 
 me with the rope. I cried loudly, " Hold on, gentlemen, 
 hold on; I want to speak; I want to reason with you." 
 (Reader this was a tight place.) Through the influence 
 of my religious friends, who cautioned them not to be 
 in too much haste, but let him speak, they somewhat 
 relented. 
 
 I then said, gentlemen, you asked me to tell you the 
 truth. I have done so, and for that you would hang 
 me. Now there are hundreds in this county who are 
 of the same opinion as I am, and if they all tell you
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 263 
 
 the truth you will soon hang all the good honest men 
 you have, and nothing will be left but a batch of liars 
 and rascals. I have taken an oath to support the 
 Union, this government, which every man has to do 
 who holds either civil or military office, and he who 
 violates it is guilty of perjury. Now I have said all I 
 have to say. I am here and you can hang me or let 
 me go. 
 
 As I thus concluded, one of the church members 
 proposed the following : " Now, sir ; suppose the 
 Northern army should come down here and commence 
 confiscating our negroes and other property, killing our 
 children and ravishing our wives, would you fight them ?" 
 I replied, I would, most certainly. He continued, then 
 why not fight them now ? They have commenced at it 
 already, both in Baltimore and St. Louis. I said, 
 gentlemen, I do not believe it we have no proof of it. 
 He then addressed his comrades with " Come, boys, 
 
 I believe Mr. , is perfectly honest in his opinion, 
 
 only he thinks the wrong way which is ignorance in 
 him. He may yet change his mind, and I trust he 
 will, for the sake of his family, and save them from 
 disgrace. 
 
 This speech somewhat cooled their anger, and, with 
 the exception of a few, they decided to let me escape, 
 this time, but reminded me that I w as not safe, by any 
 means that they intended to kill me for the insulting 
 language used by me at the store as previously 
 mentioned. I then asked if they would give me any 
 show. They replied, "Yes, all you can get," and,
 
 264 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 with this last remark, they mounted their horses and 
 left me alone, and if ever there was a fervent thank 
 God spoken it was then. A mind so much relieved, a 
 heart feeling so glad, I bent my steps for home, where 
 I soon arrived, my family little dreaming of the solemn 
 ordeal through which I had just passed, and the narrow 
 escape I had for my life. 
 
 I refrained from mentioning it to my family, for 
 several days, and hut little was said about it through 
 the community, but I have reason to think that the 
 party concerned felt really ashamed afterwards for 
 what they had attempted, not from any pity for me, but 
 because they had set out with the determination of 
 hanging me and failed to do so. 
 
 Matters went along very quietly with me for a few 
 weeks, when I was cautioned by a few friends to be on 
 my guard that four of my most bitter enemies were 
 riding about, carrying their guns, watching for an 
 opportunity to shoot me. My wife had become 
 acquainted with these facts, and grieved herself nearly 
 to death. Her mind was in a constant fear of my 
 safety, both night and day. She believed, however, 
 that I was governed by the right principles, which was 
 a great consolation to me. 
 
 I now took my two double-barreled shot-guns, and 
 took to the woods. I had made some effort towards 
 trading, and offered good chances for speculation, and 
 my neighbors at once proclaimed that I wished to steal 
 out and leave for the North, which caused a more 
 vigilant watch to be kept over me. While living most
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 265 
 
 of the time in the woods, I frequently saw my enemies, 
 but not in any position to my advantage to attack them. 
 They, in turn, would see me and would refrain from 
 attack, on the same grounds. 
 
 Thus matters stood when I concluded to leave home. 
 There was a few of my neighbors who had always 
 remained true to me, and among them the following, 
 who, upon learning that I was agoing to leave the 
 country, decided to leave with me. It was in December 
 when we started. I loaded up two bales of cotton and 
 started a nephew a young boy with instructions to 
 go to Grenada, and I would meet him there. I knew 
 this stroke would draw the attention of my enemies, 
 and while doing so I would be pursuing some other 
 road. On the second day after starting the cotton, 
 myself, my wife's brother, and my cousin, with two 
 others, met at my house, I furnishing the party with 
 the necessary funds, and, at ten o'clock at night, in 
 the month of December, eighteen hundred and sixty- 
 one, we started, mounted. My wife's brother and 
 cousin going one route, by the way of West Point, on 
 the Mobile and Ohio railroad, and to join me at Corinth, 
 while myself and friends would go by way of Grenada. 
 (None of us had passes.) That night we made about forty 
 miles, arriving in Grenada a few hours after the cotton, 
 which I sold for six cents, bought somO family groceries, 
 and sent back to my family. The balance I invested 
 in gold, paying two for one, also disposing of my mule. 
 
 When the hour arrived to leave Grenada, my two 
 friends, seeing the great risk and almost impossibili ty 
 
 12
 
 266 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 to travel without the proper passes, concluded to return 
 home, and, with sorrowful hearts, weeping like children, 
 they left me. While looking around in Grenada I 
 chanced to meet with an old acquaintance, who was not 
 acquainted with my politics. He procured me a pass 
 to Grand Junction. I then asked the commander of 
 the post, Captain L. Lake, for a recommendation to 
 travel on. He replied that I did not require one. I 
 took the first train, and in due time arrived at Grand 
 Junction. I at once repaired to a private boarding 
 house, and kept myself as much secluded as possible. 
 Citizens were closely watched and every one was liable 
 to arrest. 
 
 While here the news of the fall of Forts Henry and 
 Donelson reached us, which gave me cause for much 
 joy. Not long after this news I procured a pass for 
 Corinth, through the influence of my landlord. On 
 reaching Corinth I found many troops stationed there, 
 and had some fears that I might be recognized by 
 some of my acquaintances. I was disappointed in not 
 meeting my brother-in-law and cousin. 
 
 After remaining a few days, I finally ventured into 
 the Provost Marshal's office, and, after presenting my 
 two passes, enquired if he thought it would be safe for 
 a person to go up into Tennessee. He asked, " What 
 regiment do you belong to sir ? " I answered, * ' None sir . " 
 Whereupon he replied, " It will be safe for you to go into 
 the guardhouse," and instantly ordered me under guard 
 and sent me there. I tried to make some explanation, 
 but he would not listen, and I was marched off. Upon
 
 THE SCOUT. 267 
 
 being ushered into the guard house, I found some two 
 hundred citizens, and learned that the most of them 
 were there on the same pretext as my own case, that 
 of not belonging to any regiment and not desiring to 
 join any, and were, in consequence, suspected of being 
 Union men. Every morning we were offered an oppor- 
 tunity to volunteer, and many availed themselves of 
 the opportunity, but I still protested. I had been here 
 some ten days when the news arrived that the Yankees 
 were coming up the Tennessee river. 
 
 After remaining in the guard house twenty-two days 
 in all, I was taken out and brought before the Provost 
 Marshal, who told me to go home, and furnished me a 
 pass to travel south. The next day firing was heard 
 at Pittsburg Landing, and the news came that Yankee 
 gun boats had arrived and were shelling a small fort, 
 which they succeeded in capturing that day. I still 
 remained in Corinth, feeling secure with the Provost 
 Marshal's pass. 
 
 In a few days General Bragg's army began to arrive 
 from Pensacola. Troops were coming from all quarters, 
 and great consternation prevailed, for it was known 
 that the Yankees had possession of Pittsburg Landing. 
 I had now fully resolved to try and reach the Federal 
 lines. Previous to leaving home I had promised my 
 wife that when I reached the last outpost I would write 
 her a letter, and, in writing my name, if I made the 
 Yankee lines, I would extend a straight dash out to the 
 margin of the paper. If I did not I would give it a 
 circle, which would indicate that my passage was
 
 268 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 blockaded. I felt quite confident, extended the dash, 
 mailed my letter, and at seven o'clock, P. M., I started. 
 
 The distance from Corinth to Pittsburg Landing is 
 twenty-one miles. At break of day I found myself 
 three miles above the Landing, near the mouth of Lick 
 Creek, and in the bottom, overflowing with water and 
 full of drift wood, which I could neither wade through 
 nor swim in. I had been fired at by Confederate senti- 
 nels four times but, thank God, escaped. After much 
 perseverance I succeeded in wading and swimming 
 across to the north side. I then followed the course of 
 the river one and a half miles, when I was hailed by 
 the picket and conducted to Colonel Davis' headquar- 
 ters, where I had not been many moments when up 
 rode General Sherman. I was then called to his 
 attention, by the Colonel, who told him that I had just 
 arrived from Corinth. The General then ordered me 
 to report to his headquarters, at the bluff, where I 
 would find a double log cabin, and there to await his 
 arrival. His quarters had not yet been established. 
 
 I had not long to wait before the general made his 
 appearance, accompanied by Colonel McPherson, (the 
 late lamented Maj.-Gen. McPherson. A braver heart 
 and more noble mind was not to be found in the army.) 
 I was then taken into a private room and closeted with 
 the General and his Aids, when I was questioned closely, 
 and answered all their questions honestly and truthfully. 
 I stated to the General all my previous troubles, and, 
 while so doing, could not avoid the shedding of tears. 
 The General displayed much feeling and sympathy ;
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 6 
 
 told me not to be discouraged, that I was safe, and to 
 make his headquarters my home. After being provided 
 with food, I sat down to think over the past my family 
 at home my own condition. I once more felt like a 
 free man, while over my head was the flag, with its 
 beautiful folds floating in the breeze, under which I 
 had fought in Mexico, I there, on bended knees, sent 
 up a prayer to our Father for my safe deliverance. 
 
 Troops kept constantly arriving, and in two weeks 
 from that time headquarters were moved to the front, 
 two and a half miles from the river, near Shiloh church. 
 On many occasions I had been questioned and consulted 
 by the General respecting the country with which I 
 was familiar. He appeared to have implicit confidence 
 in me, and allowed me many liberties not permitted a 
 private soldier. It was he who gave me the name of 
 Chickasaw, by which I am so well known in his army. 
 Beside myself there was a Tennesseean, by the name 
 of McDonald, who resided between the Landing and 
 Corinth. Me. was a good Union man, but had to seek 
 protection within our lines. He was very anxious to 
 go and see his family, but the General would not give 
 him a pass. I interceded for him and procured one 
 for us both. I was to proceed as near Corinth as 
 possible, and obtain all the information I could respect- 
 ing the rebels, their designs, &c. This gave me an 
 opportunity to send a letter to my family, through Mrs. 
 McDonald. 
 
 We reported to the General next day, the reliable 
 information that the rebels were in force at Monterey,
 
 270 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 and were advancing upon him. The General was not 
 disposed to believe us, saying that the roads were in 
 such a deplorable condition that it was impossible for 
 an army to move. 
 
 It was on Tuesday before the battle that the General 
 requested myself and McDonald to go out and obtain 
 what information we could. At first I felt somewhat 
 dubious about going, for I knew they were advancing. 
 However, I started, and we succeeded, after making 
 some narrow escapes, in returning, the next day, with 
 the news that the whole Southern army was advancing 
 upon him as stated to us by Mrs. McDonald that 
 Generals Beauregard, Johnston, Breckinridge and 
 Bragg's combined forces would, in a few days, pounce 
 upon him and completely annihilate his army. It 
 appeared to me that, upon communicating this news 
 for the second time to the General, he still had his 
 doubts. He acted quite unconcerned, and I could not 
 perceive that any preparation was made to receive them, 
 though some caution was observed. 
 
 At this time General U. S. Grant's headquarters 
 were at Savannah, about fifteen miles below Pittsburg 
 Landing. On Friday, General Sherman sent out a 
 force of cavalry to reconnoitre. They returned with the 
 information that the rebels were advancing. Another 
 force was sent out that evening, and had proceeded 
 but four miles when the enemy was discovered in force, 
 and our cavalry made a hasty retreat under fire of a 
 battery. This report fully convinced the General that 
 the enemy was in force and near by.
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 271 
 
 About this time an incident occurred which created 
 considerable amusement at headquarters. About two 
 miles from our pickets, in the direction of Corinth, 
 resided a lady, who possessed considerable personal 
 attractions, so much so that a gentleman belonging to 
 the General's staff might have been seen to frequently 
 ride in that direction. About four o'clock considerable 
 stir and commotion could be perceived around the 
 General's headquarters. Each and everyone's attention 
 was directed toward the above mentioned gentleman, 
 who came dashing into camp, apparently much excited, 
 and minus his hat. His head and face being covered 
 with a profusion of hair, resembling in color a flaming 
 torch, with eyes protuding to their full extent, gave 
 him a ludicrous appearance, and he was greeted with a 
 general roar of laughter. After procuring sufficient 
 breath, he stated that, while enjoying a social chat with 
 the above mentioned lady, he was made aware of .the 
 presence of a rebel force, and, with a hasty good bye, 
 he mounted his trusty steed and, with lightning speed, 
 he made for camp, hotly pursued by a score or more of 
 rebels, who did not give up the chase until checked by 
 the presence of our pickets. 
 
 The general had two clerks, S. L. Woodward find J. 
 W. Bame, both young men, and gentlemen possessing 
 considerable talent. They are now occupying worthy 
 positions on the staffs of Generals Grierson and Dodge. 
 
 The next day was employed in drawing in the pickets 
 and strengthening our lines. I asked the General if he 
 did not think we were going to have a fight. He replied
 
 272 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 that we would soon have all the fighting we would want. 
 I must here remark that, in my opinion, the General is 
 a very extraordinary man, possessing some peculiar 
 traits of character. An early riser eating his break- 
 fast before sunrise ; of very temperate habits ; seldom 
 using profane language ; a fine military appearance ; 
 plain in his attire ; exercising his own judgment ; 
 governing his actions according to circumstances ; 
 approachable by all the private can meet him with 
 the assurance of receiving attention, and respect, as 
 well as the officers, (though there were times when his 
 temper was not mild.) I pronounce him a difficult man 
 to read, but brave and good, possessing a high military 
 talent, with a constitution adapted to the field. 
 
 An iacident occurred, while camped within six miles 
 of Corinth, in the timber, with no tents stretched. 
 Upon rising, early one morning, he discovered one of 
 his headquarters sentinels asleep. The General gently 
 fakes his carbine from him, and commences to walk 
 the beat, which he continued to do until the sleepy 
 sentinel awoke. You can picture his consternation 
 when he saw who was walking his beat. The General 
 approached and handed him the carbine, mildly telling 
 him what a great military offense he had committed, 
 and the penalty. He left him hoping he would never 
 neglect his duty again. 
 
 Sunday morning brought with it an early attack by 
 the enemy, rather sudden and unexpected. The Gen- 
 eral hastily mounts his horse, and leaves for the front 
 just as a rebel battery of six guns is opened upon
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 273 
 
 headquarters. The shot and shell were thrown with 
 great precision, killing horses and mules, and ripping 
 open the tents. It was my desire to accompany the 
 General to the front, but, not having any horse or 
 arms, I was ordered by him to remain and take care of 
 headquarters. I succeeded in getting the wagons and 
 some other articles away. In less than thirty minutes 
 from the time the ball opened, the rebels were charging, 
 three deep, and within forty yards of the General's 
 tent. I thought it high time to evacuate, and made a 
 hasty retreat for the river, with a salute of musketry 
 in my rear but, luckily, I escaped. 
 
 I will refrain from making any comment on this 
 battle. Its proceedings have been placed before the 
 public various times, by various writers. I will con- 
 clude it by saying that I acquitted myself with honor 
 and credit, and was highly complimented by the General 
 and staff. From this time forward I was treated with 
 every respect by all who learned my character. 
 
 My next adventure was the storming of the Russell 
 House, four miles north of Corinth, on the Purdy road. 
 I volunteered my services, along with two companies 
 of the Fifty-Fifth Illinois Infantry, [and the Eighth 
 Missouri Infantry, commanded by Brig.-Gen. Morgan 
 L. Smith, who so gallantly led the assault. Some tall 
 fighting was done, for about fifteen minutes, when our 
 boys dislodged a whole brigade of rebels, and held 
 possession of the place. Our loss was thirteen killed 
 and twenty-eight wounded. 
 
 Nothing more of interest occurred concerning me 
 *12
 
 274 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 until the evacuation of Corinth, two days previous to 
 which I was present at a council of war, held at 
 General Sherman's head-quarters, near the Russell 
 House. The following generals were present : Halleck, 
 Grant, Sherman, Buell, Pope, Thomas, and others. A 
 strong debate took place, and I distinctly remember 
 that Generals Sherman, Pope and Thomas were in 
 favor of immediately attacking the place. It was 
 finally decided by General Halleck, commanding the 
 forces, not to do so, and in two days afterward the 
 evacuation of Corinth followed, by a safe retreat of 
 Beauregard and his whole army. After this the army 
 divided into three grand divisions, under Generals 
 Sherman, Pope, and Buell. General Sherman moved 
 directly across the country to Shuwallah, situated nine 
 miles due west from Corinth, on the Mississippi and 
 Charleston Railroad; General Buell directed his course 
 toward the Tuscumbia Valley ; General Pope moved 
 directly south down the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad. 
 I now inquired^of General Sherman which way he was 
 going, and he told me to Memphis. I then requested 
 him to let me go and join General Pope, as I was 
 anxious to move toward home, which thought was 
 uppermost in my mind. The General appeared to be 
 very unwilling to part with my services, but finally 
 consented, and furnished me with a letter to General 
 Pope, the contents of which I never knew. I set out 
 on foot, and after traveling two days arrived at General 
 Pope's headquarters, then stationed at Booneville, on 
 the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, twenty-five miles
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 275 
 
 south of Corinth. I at once repaired to headquarters, 
 and, without being introduced, walked into his tent and 
 stood before him. He eyed me closely, with a look of 
 contempt, and in a gruff tone said, "What do you want 
 here ?" I made no reply, but at once handed him my 
 letter from General Sherman. The treatment I was 
 about to receive here did not look favorable to me just 
 then, and I regretted leaving General Sherman. After 
 reading my letter the General looked up at me, and in 
 a very modified tone of voice asked me what I proposed 
 to do.- I told him I was willing to do anything in my 
 power for the advancement of the Union cause, and 
 that I desired to accompany his army into Mississippi, 
 for there was my home. He dismissed me, saying in 
 an hour and a half to report to him, and directed me 
 to where his orderlies were quartered, to get something 
 to eat, which I very much needed. At the appointed 
 time I reported to the General. He then told me he 
 wanted me to make a trip down South far enough to 
 learn where Beauregard had stopped with his army, 
 and to report the same to him as soon as possible. 
 This was a trying moment for me, remembering all the 
 difficulties under which I left home, and knowing if 
 caught in that country again my fate was certain 
 death. I reminded the General of all this, upon which 
 he said, " If all that General Sherman has said about 
 you is true, then, sir, you are the man, and fully 
 competent to perform the task." I at once consented, 
 fully resolved to accomplish the undertaking, or die in 
 the attempt. Two hours were given me to prepare
 
 276 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 myself and receive the necessary instructions. The 
 General here provided me with a splendid horse and 
 equipments, citizen's dress, and twenty-five dollars in 
 specie. I started, but the day being so far advanced I 
 went no further than the outpost, and remained all 
 night with Colonel Haskell. At an early hour next 
 morning the Colonel escorted me outside his pickets, 
 and left me with hearty good wishes for my success. 
 I was now alone in rebeldom. I shaped my course 
 southwest, and was soon keeping company with frag- 
 ments of the retreating army. They all appeared to 
 be excited, and each one was looking out for himself, 
 paying little attention to who was going north or south. 
 After traveling this course some forty miles I turned 
 south-east, striking the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad 
 near Okolona. I there learned that Beauregard and 
 Bragg had halted their army a few miles north of here, 
 at a place called Tupelo. I remained here twenty-four 
 hours, watching the trains and procuring all necessary 
 information. I then took a northeast course for thirty 
 miles, when I stopped and put up for the night at my 
 brother-in-law's, some six miles from Gunntown, in 
 Itawamba County, Miss. I was somewhat surprised 
 to find my brother-in-law here, who was to have met 
 me at Corinth. He was dressed in the Confedarate 
 uniform. I asked him what that meant. He replied 
 that while trying to reach Corinth he was captured, 
 and in order to save his neck he had volunteered. He 
 had joined my brother's company. He said he was as 
 good a Union man as ever, and had feigned sickness
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 277 
 
 in order to be left behind and captured by the Yankees, 
 whom he knew were coming. He expressed a wish to 
 accompany me back, but not having a horse he finally 
 backed out, and allowed he would go and see his family 
 first. 
 
 I found it very difficult to travel north. Every one 
 wanted to know what my business was. After staying 
 here twenty-four hours I shaped my course toward 
 Booneville, through the woods. It was reported that 
 the Federals had advanced to Gunntown, but I did not 
 believe it, and so continued my course toward Boone- 
 ville. Previous to taking my departure from my 
 brother-in-law's I handed him a letter and some money 
 to take to my family, in Chickasaw County. I had 
 arrived to within about two miles of Baldwin, where I 
 certainly expected to find our troops, but imagine my 
 astonishment to see before me, and not more than two 
 hundred yards distant, a Confederate picket. I at 
 once wheeled my horse and shot into the woods on my 
 right. They hallooed after me but did not fire. I 
 made quick time for a short distance, and felt quite 
 satisfied there were no Union troops in that place. I 
 pursued my journey, very cautiously striking the 
 railroad again, two and a half miles north of Baldwin. 
 I here inquired of an old lady if she had seen any of 
 our cavalry that day. She replied she had, and that 
 they were going toward Baldwin. I asked if she had 
 seen any Yankees, and she said she had not, unless I 
 was one, and she thought I was. I told her I felt 
 satisfied that she had never seen any, for they had a
 
 278 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 horn and tail like a billy-goat, and wheeling my horse 
 I put spurs, leaving her to her own reflections. I then 
 made good time toward Boonville, meeting with no 
 interruption until halted by the Federal pickets. They 
 took me prisoner and carried me to General Oglesby's 
 headquarters. It was then after night. I informed 
 the General who I was, and he dismissed the guard and 
 ordered his cook to prepare me some supper, after 
 which he informed me that General Pope had moved 
 his headquarters to Corinth, and that he was going 
 there next day, and I should accompany him. The 
 General furnished me with a blanket and a place in 
 his tent. 
 
 I had been gone just six days, and had completely 
 circumnavigated the Confederate army. I arrived at 
 Clear Creek, near Corinth, where I found General 
 Pope and reported. He expressed himself very much 
 pleased with my services, and told me the horse and 
 equipments were mine, which I felt very proud to own, 
 it being the first present I had received from the Union 
 army, and I began to have a better opinion of General 
 Pope. I had not been in camp more than twelve hours 
 when he sent for me. On appearing before him he 
 told me he wanted me to go to Columbus, Miss., and 
 to start immediately, furnishing me with all necessary 
 instructions, and promised that if I returned success- 
 fully he would make me a present of one hundred and 
 fifty dollars. The money was no inducement to me, 
 but I thought I could serve my country, and was 
 willing to try. I started next morning, and about
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 279 
 
 three o'clock in the afternoon reached Blackland, where 
 I found a detachment of the Third Michigan cavalry, 
 commanded by Lieut.-Col. Minty. They had had an 
 engagement that day near Baldwin, and a portion of 
 them were then out. Just about sunset Colonel Minty 
 put me through his pickets, and wishing me good luck 
 left me alone. 
 
 I again launched out into rebeldom, taking a south- 
 west course. After traveling some fifteen miles that 
 night it being very dar"k I suddenly found myself 
 halted, and two men emerged from the woods in my 
 front ; at the same time two came in my rear. They 
 asked me if I was armed. I told them I was not. 
 One of them asked, " Are you a citizen, or who in h 1 
 are you?" I replied that I was a citizen, but did not 
 belong to that settlement. One of the party was about 
 to ask me another question, when I interrupted him by 
 saying, " Gentlemen, I hope I am among my friends." 
 One of them said, "Who in h 1 do you call your 
 friends?" I answered, "I am a Southern man, and 
 hope you are the same." One of them, taking me by 
 the hand, said, " We are, old hoss ; but where in h 1 
 have you been?" I told them I had been up above, 
 after a sick brother, who had been left when our forces 
 evacuated Corinth, but did not succeed in getting him, 
 for I found that the Yankees were too convenient, and 
 that I was then hurrying away from them. I asked 
 them to what command they belonged, and they told 
 me to the Second Alabama Cavalry. I then wanted to 
 know if I could remain with them all night. They
 
 I 
 
 280 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 said I had better get to the rear and stop at the next 
 house, for they had been fighting that day with the 
 
 d d Yankees, and they believed that they would be 
 
 along that road the next morning. After leaving them 
 I took a diiferent road from the one they had directed 
 me to take, and pursued a more westerly course. I 
 traveled some ten miles further that night. I learned 
 that the army had flanked out considerably since my 
 last trip, and it required more caution. Next morning 
 I took the road leading to Ellistown, but before reaching 
 it learned that a cavalry force was stationed there. I 
 then tried to circle it, by leaving it on my left, but 
 unfortunately struck the outer picket west of town. 
 They captured and sent me a prisoner into Ellistown, 
 where we arrived about noon. I was put into a room, 
 where I found several citizens, who had been picked up 
 the day previous. The majority of them were soldiers 
 who were returning to their commands. The captain 
 in charge told me we would all be sent to Colonel 
 Chalmers' headquarters, which was about four miles 
 southeast from there. Upon being brought before the 
 Colonel I stood back, allowing others to be heard, the 
 better to frame my story. While standing there I was 
 a silent listener to some of the most damnable falsehoods 
 ever uttered by human tongue. Some of these soldiers, 
 upon being questioned by the Colonel, told him they 
 had been left behind at Booneville and vicinity, sick 
 and wounded, where many of their families resided ; 
 that when the Federals advanced they were concealed 
 beneath beds, in old garrets and other places ; that
 
 THE SCOUT. 281 
 
 while in those positions they saw the d d Yankees 
 
 violate the persons of their wives and daughters, destroy 
 their property, etc. You can imagine my feelings, and 
 God knows how I wanted to tell them they lied. And 
 yet these stories were believed, and men shed tears, 
 and swore by the Almighty God that they would have 
 independence or death. It was such lies as these, in 
 many instances, that so inflamed the Southern people 
 against the North, and made demons of them. 
 
 I then related my story to the Colonel concerning 
 my sick brother, and he told me to proceed on my way 
 home. I had not gone more than eight miles when I 
 was again arrested and taken immediately before 
 General Breckenridge, who was camped a litte north 
 of Pontotac. He questioned me very closely, and I 
 related the same story. He also told me to go home. 
 I then made a sympathetic appeal to the General for a 
 pass, telling him that it was impossible for me to travel 
 without one. He asked me for my County pass, and 
 when I could not produce one he threatened to send me 
 to General Bragg, who, of all men on earth, I dreaded 
 most for in his command were about four hundred 
 men who knew me and threatened my life. I was then 
 very willing to leave without the pass, which he per- 
 mitted me to do. It was now night, and, on reviewing 
 my situation, I found that each time on being arrested 
 I had been carried east, away from my intended route, 
 until I found myself on the main road between my 
 home and the main Confederate army. I felt some 
 alarm about pursuing this road, fearing I would meet
 
 282 CIIICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 some of my old acquaintances. So I put up all night 
 at a plantation, where I found five Confederate officers, 
 with whom I entered into conversation, and listened 
 attentively to their plans. I found matters quite dif- 
 ferent since my first trip. People were less excited 
 and all were organizing and taking up arms, making 
 ready for another great struggle. Every one through- 
 out the country were ordered to report at places 
 designated by the authorities. 
 
 Now that I was so near home, (within fifty-five miles, 
 and nearly on my route to Columbus,) I fully resolved 
 to visit it. Deeming it unsafe to pursue the main road, 
 I traveled paths and byroads. Night overtook me 
 within fifteen miles of home, near the head of the 
 Yellow Bushy River. Some five miles further on I 
 stopped at a house, to inquire about the roads, when 
 who should I find in the proprietor but my own cousin. 
 He recognized my voice and called me by name. He 
 then asked me to alight, feed my horse and sup with 
 him. He then told me he had that day been sworn 
 into the Confederate army. After supper I took him 
 one side and asked him not to make public my appear- 
 ance in that country, for I had been wrongfully treated, 
 and he promised me that he would not. I then pro- 
 ceeded on my way home, arriving just before day. 
 What was my astonishment to find my brother-in-law, 
 whom I had parted with near Gunntown, on my first 
 trip, and returning to the Federal lines. He had 
 arrived a few hours before me, and delivered the money 
 and letter. You can imagine the astonishment of my
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 283 
 
 wife on seeing me, and my joy at being with them all 
 again, and viewing the familiar spot where I had toiled 
 for so many years. 
 
 My horse was sent to a place of safety, to be cared 
 for by a friend, so as not to raise suspicion. I also 
 sent for some of my old staunch Union friends to come 
 and see me immediately. I found some of them wearing 
 the Confederate uniform. My brother, who was com- 
 manding a company, and lived only half a mile from 
 my place, was then home, gathering up stragglers 
 belonging to his company. The following day, my 
 cousin, with whom I had taken supper before reaching 
 home, came over into my settlement and, in the presence 
 of a number of citizens, announced my arrival. Not- 
 withstanding my wife's joy at my unexpected appearance 
 home, as soon as it was known that I was there, she 
 became alarmed, and wept bitterly, fearing I would be 
 assassinated. My friends kept me well posted. The 
 second night after my arrival, a friend called and told 
 my wife that I would be hunted for the next day, by a 
 pack of hounds, and that my brother would be with 
 the party. I sent for my horse, fully resolved to leave 
 immediately. At eleven o'clock that night I met my 
 wife, in the middle of my plantation, and there, in the 
 presence of Almighty God, we knelt together and 
 prayed, and I believe it was heard by Him who "know- 
 eth all things." 
 
 The next morning found me many miles from home, 
 on my way toward Columbus. About noon that day, I 
 met a young man who was out conscripting negroes, to
 
 284 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 work on the fortifications at Columbus, and from that 
 time we traveled together, arriving at the place about 
 three o'clock that afternoon, having traveled sixty miles 
 in the last fifteen hours. I had no difficulty in getting 
 into town, and did not part company with my young 
 friend until after riding around and viewing all the 
 works. After satisfying my curiosity I repaired to the 
 Cady House, where a large concourse of Confederate 
 officers were collected. That night they had a grand 
 ball, while opposite the house was a large building 
 which contained some six hundred prisoners Federal 
 soldiers and Union citizens. While the Confederates 
 were dancing the prisoners were praying and singing 
 patriotic songs. This occurred June 21st, 1862. 
 
 The next day I called on the Provost Marshal, where 
 I found quite a crowd who, like myself, were applying 
 for passes. I remained some time, watching and listen- 
 ing, the better to frame a story for myself. It required 
 a voucher before a citizen could procure a pass to leave 
 the city of which I had none. Before presenting my 
 case I was deeply interested, listening to the following 
 conversation, between a colonel, commanding if I 
 remember aright the Second Tennessee Infantry, who 
 desired a pass to visit his wife, then residing in the 
 vicinity of Tuscumbia valley. The Provost Marshal, 
 Captain Gregory informed him that the Yankees were 
 in the valley and would capture him if he went up there. 
 The Colonel replied, d n the Yankees ; he felt no 
 alarm about being captured ; he saw friends from there 
 every day ; that he would dress in citizen's clothes and
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 285 
 
 go all among them, and find out what they were doing ; 
 and that his wife had some eighteen recruits for his 
 regiment, and that he must go. He was granted a 
 pass and left. 
 
 I now presented myself, and was asked who would 
 vouch for me. I replied that I was a stranger in the 
 place ; that I lived in Chickasaw County, Mississippi ; 
 had come here with a friend, to drive some cattle, who 
 had left the day before, without notifying me. He said 
 how do I know whether you live in Chickasaw, or 
 somewhere else. I then produced my papers, showing 
 him my cotton bills of sale and receipts for taxes. He 
 then propounded some hard questions. I convinced 
 him that I was acquainted with all the prominent 
 citizens in that section of country, and told him he 
 must know we had hung all the Union men in our 
 county. Upon this he gave me a pass to go to Chick- 
 asaw County -just where I did not wish to go at that 
 time. I had left the office and proceeded about sixty 
 yards when I was halted and found myself a prisoner, 
 and was conducted back to the Provost Marshal's 
 office. I could not account for this proceeding, and, at 
 first, thought that I had been recognized by some old 
 acquaintance in which case my life was not worth a 
 cent. However, I did not show any signs of fear, but, 
 with a bold, defiant look, confronted the Captain, and, 
 handing him my pass, demanded what he wanted. 
 After looking me in the eye, for nearly a minute, he 
 said " Go, d n it, go ; I believe you are all right." I 
 felt much relieved, and, without further delay, procured
 
 286 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 my horse and left the city, on the north side. After 
 passing the pickets, I bent my course east, and, that 
 evening, struck the road leading from Columbus to 
 Tuscumbia. 
 
 I had proceeded about thirty miles when I overtook 
 the Colonel, previously mentioned. He was seated in 
 a buggy, dressed in full uniform. I entered into a 
 conversation with him, and soon found that he had not 
 recognized me while in the Provost Marshal's office. 
 I was not long in working myself into his good graces, 
 and, telling him that I, too, was on a visit to the valley, 
 after a widowed sister, whose husband had fallen while 
 gallantly fighting under Zollicoffer, at Mill Springs. I 
 found but little difficulty while traveling with the 
 Colonel, as but few questions were asked me. When 
 within about thirty miles of old Russelville, Alabama, 
 I framed an excuse and left him. I had not proceeded 
 far when, crossing one of the branches of Big Bear 
 Creek, I was arrested by a Confederate picket. From 
 all appearances I began to think matters were going 
 hard with me, one claiming my horse, and another my 
 saddle. I felt very indignant, and demanded them to 
 report me to their officers. I was then taken across 
 the stream to a house near by, where I saw some two 
 or three officers. I then called for dinner, and requested 
 that my horse might be fed. I saw the officers had no 
 notion of letting me pursue my journey further. Just 
 as we had finished dinner, up drove the Colonel, whom 
 I had left behind. He appeared rejoiced to see me, and 
 our familiarity had the effect of changing the suspicions
 
 THE SCOUT. 287 
 
 of the others, if any existed and I was not ques- 
 tioned any further, but at liberty to leave when I pleased. 
 On calling for my horse, I discovered that my saddle 
 was gone, and soon learned that one of the officers, a 
 lieutenant, had taken a fancy to it, and stolen it, and 
 sent me his saddle and a note, enclosing ten dollars, 
 saying that he was well pleased and that I had better 
 leave those diggings d n quick. 
 
 Before leaving that place, in company with the 
 Colonel, we were told that we would not find any more 
 Confederate cavalry on our course, but we would be 
 
 liable to be gobbled up at any time by the d d 
 
 Yankees. After proceeding some two miles with the 
 Colonel, I framed an excuse and, pretending that my 
 course lay in another direction, I left him, taking the 
 direct road to Russelville, about twenty miles distant, 
 which I learned was occupied by the Federals. In 
 passing down the mountain into Russelville I met one 
 of General Bragg's scouts, who informed me that he 
 had to report that night to General Bragg, at Tupello, 
 some sixty miles distant. (This was very early in the 
 morning, and his horse was covered with foam.) He 
 cautioned me how I was to proceed in the valley, as the 
 Yankees were thicker than bees in June. I felt very 
 much disappointed that I had no fire arms. I might 
 have taken him prisoner. 
 
 I reached Russelville without any further detention, 
 and found two companies of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry 
 stationed there. I informed the Captain that an attack 
 was premeditated upon him in a few days, (which I had
 
 288 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 learned at the house where my saddle was stolen.) The 
 attack did occur with some loss to our side. I requested 
 the Captain to send me immediately to Tuscumbia, 
 which he did, under guard, arriving there the same 
 evening, and reported to General Wood, commanding 
 the Post. The General knew nothing about me. I 
 told him I could capture a rebel colonel that night, if 
 he wished it done. He consented and ordered a lieu- 
 tenant and twenty men to accompany me. I had, while 
 conversing with the Colonel, (my traveling companion) 
 learned his destination. We started, and when within 
 one half mile of the house, a charge was ordered by 
 the Lieutenant. The clattering of the horses hoofs 
 over the hard gravel road could be heard twice that 
 distance. This was poor policy, and it betrayed the 
 ignorance of the Lieutenant, who thought he knew it 
 all. 
 
 Fortunately the Colonel had not arrived. After the 
 house had been thoroughly searched, the women making 
 sport of us the while, they turned their attention toward 
 me, and commenced cursing me, and allowed that it 
 
 was a d d lie, and they believed I was a d d 
 
 rebel too. My feelings were considerably wounded. I 
 then told the Lieutenant that if he would take my 
 advice I would yet secure the Colonel. After some 
 considerable argument he consented. I then had him 
 withdraw his men one half mile from the house, and 
 dismount, six or eight proceed on foot back again, and 
 so conceal ourselves near the house as to see any 
 person who might approach. Everything being ready
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 289 
 
 we had not long to wait before a buggy was seen to 
 drive up to the house and stop. Now was the time, 
 and at a signal the men bounded forward and secured 
 the Colonel before he had time to get out. I remained 
 concealed, so as not to let him see me, but at a distance 
 I could perceive that he had shed his uniform and 
 donned a citizen's dress. He expostulated, denying 
 that he had anything to do with the Confederate army. 
 We finally reached headquarters. He still protested 
 that he was no Colonel. The General approached me 
 and asked me if I was certain that was the man. I 
 told him I thought it was that if I saw his face before 
 the light I could tell, but I did not wish him to 
 recognize me. The Colonel still protested, until the 
 General was inclined to doubt my word, and told me 
 as much. I then told him, in order to convince him, 
 that I was no humbug, and that I would confront the 
 Colonel. I then came forward, and stepping before 
 him and saluting him said, " Colonel, how are you ?" 
 This was a nailer ; the Colonel was dumbfounded, and 
 you can well imagine his astonishment. He at once 
 confessed, and turning towards me gave vent to his 
 feelings by cursing me for all that was out, telling the 
 General that I accompanied him from Columbus, that 
 
 I was a d d rascal, and ought to be hung. 
 
 This proved a disastrous, a painful affair for me and 
 mine. The Colonel had learned my name and place of 
 residence. In two months he was exchanged, and he 
 immediately went to my county, and under the alien 
 enemy act, entitled the " Sequestration Act," seized 
 
 13
 
 290 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 forty thousand dollars worth of property, leaving my 
 family destitute. The next morning I was put on 
 board, the train, and under guard sent to Corinth, to 
 report to General Pope. On arriving at the latter 
 place I was informed that General Pope was about to 
 leave for Virginia. I had just time to see him and 
 bid him good-bye. He told me to report to General 
 Rosecrans, and he would make everything satisfactory 
 with me. I then reported to General Rosecrans, whose 
 headquarters were at Bear Spring. I had been absent 
 just twelve days, having spent two at home. 
 
 I now appeared before the General, telling him who 
 I was, where I had been, and who sent me. He took 
 down all the items, and then said to me, u As I do not 
 know you, sir, I will want some proof." This" was a 
 stunner. I thought of General Sherman, but he had 
 gone to Memphis General Pope had left for Virginia. 
 I told him that General McPherson knew me, and who 
 was then in Corinth. He said he was going to Corinth 
 that day, and taking down my proper name told me if 
 General McPherson knew me that whatever he said 
 would be all right. The General started, leaving me 
 in charge of an ^orderly. He returned that evening, 
 and early the next morning sent for me, telling me 
 that General McPherson knew no such name, and that 
 I must be an imposter. I told him I knew that the 
 General did not know me, and that I would go with 
 him to the General. General Rosecrans then said that 
 General McPherson knew one Chickasaw very well, and 
 would vouch for anything he said. I told the General
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 291 
 
 I was Chickasaw that General Sherman had always 
 called me by that name, but I hoped that I had lost it. 
 The General then burst into a laugh, and said I must 
 be the man, for I answered the description, and that 
 should be my name. He then wrote me an order, and 
 sent me to Captain Wm. Wiles, Provost Marshal at 
 Corinth, for him to swear me into the United States' 
 service as a scout, furnishing me the necessary papers. 
 It was now about the last of June. For the following 
 month I was kept almost constantly riding, guiding 
 scouting parties here and there, until the army moved 
 toward luka. During this time an order had been 
 issued to the effect that citizens who would report and 
 take the amnesty oath would be permitted to bring in 
 their cotton, for which they would be paid in gold. At 
 that time the country was well settled around the town 
 of Danville, and it was surprising to see them flock 
 into Corinth and take the oath. There was one person 
 around headquarters who was a cotton speculator, and 
 who kept me, a considerable portion of my time, finding 
 cotton. On one occasion two teams had been sent out, 
 and were returning loaded with cotton, when about two 
 mil 3S west of Danville they were stopped in front of 
 
 one H. L 's house, where they were captured and 
 
 wa;;on and cotton burned, and the mules and drivers 
 taken south. Some time after we had arrived at luka 
 one of the drivers, who had been captured, reported, 
 having succeeded in making his escape. He said that 
 
 Mr. H. L , who professed to be a good Union man, 
 
 was the person who burned the cotton, and told the
 
 292 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 guerrillas to be sure and have the Yankees killed, not 
 to let them return. At this time our pickets stationed 
 in that section of country were very much annoyed by 
 being fired upon after night and several had been killed 
 and wounded. This was then reported to General 
 Rosecrans, who was then at luka, and sending for me, 
 requested me to go to Danville, and by playing off 
 sesech obtain all the information I could, particularly 
 
 concerning this man H. L . I selected six men, 
 
 well armed and attired in citizen's dress. We started, 
 arrived at Danville the same evening, and reported to 
 the Provost Marshal, handing him a note from General 
 Rosecrans, directing him to furnish me what assistance 
 I required. That same night I set out with six men 
 and advanced to within four hundred yards of Mr. H. 
 
 L 's house. I then ordered my men to conceal 
 
 themselves, while I called on Mr. L , whom I found 
 
 at home. At first he was very shy and questioned me 
 closely, but I answered all his questions with apparent 
 satisfaction to- him. I told him I was a member of 
 Colonel Faulkner's command, and that he had sent me 
 here to learn what I could respecting the Yankees. It 
 was not long before he related to me all about the 
 burning of the cotton, fully confirming the report of 
 the driver. He also stated that he had planned and 
 assisted, only a few nights previous, in shooting two of 
 the Yankee pickets, and while his two sisters were 
 preparing supper for me he wrote a letter to Colonel 
 Faulkner, which I was to hand him. It contained the 
 following statement : that all the citizens in that part
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 293 
 
 of the country had taken the amnesty oath, not out of 
 any pure motive, but for the purpose of selling their 
 cotton, and that they all had arms, which they kept 
 concealed, and if he would only come up in that country 
 they would all flock to his support and help to clean 
 out Danville. 
 
 I had now procured all the information I wanted, 
 and bidding him good night we parted. I at once 
 rejoined my men, and sent a portion of them to arrest 
 him and take him to headquarters, which they did. 
 The next day, as I accompanied him to luka, he at 
 once recognized me, though I had taken the precaution 
 to change my clothes, and begged me, for God's sake, 
 to deal with him as easily as possible. He was duly 
 examined, convicted, and sentenced to be shot, in five 
 days from that time. In attempting to make his 
 escape, on the third day of his confinement, he was 
 shot dead by the guard. I felt sorry that I had any 
 hand in this, still I honestly believe that he deserved 
 his fate. 
 
 About this time hundreds of persecuted Union men 
 were flocking into our lines from Alabama, Mississippi, 
 and Tennessee, expressing a desire to fight the rebels. 
 The General requested me to take charge of them and 
 organize them into companies and regiments, and also 
 to select such men as I chose for scouts, which I was 
 to have full control of, and be his chief of scouts. 
 Upon conversing with the refugees I learned that they 
 wanted to become independent companies, and fight the 
 rebels on their own hook. This the General would not
 
 294 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 permit. They then agreed to be sworn into the United 
 States' service, if allowed to elect their own officers. 
 This also the General objected to. They then became 
 disgusted, and the majority of them disbanded and left, 
 going in all directions. I think this was an oversight 
 in our General. I am confident that, if granted the 
 latter privilege, I could have raised a full brigade of 
 good Union men, who would have been very valuable 
 to the Government, operating in that section of the 
 country. 
 
 A few days previous to the evacuation of luka I was 
 sent out to watch a female, who had been coming into 
 the lines almost every day and procuring passes. After 
 following her about four miles I concluded to flank out 
 and come in ahead of her. I succeeded in doing so, 
 and being dressed in Confederate uniform I pulled up 
 at a house, where I found two ladies. I inquired if they 
 had a pass issued that day in luka. At first they 
 seemed to doubt my character, but after alluding to 
 General Price's army, and telling them that I was 
 direct from there, they felt better satisfied, cautioning 
 me not to remain long, as I was in danger of being 
 captured by the Yankees. They also informed me that 
 General Price was then advancing to attack luka, and 
 they were expecting a sister back from there. At the 
 same time, on looking up the road, she was discovered 
 coming, with a Federal soldier by her side. This was 
 unexpected, and I now must act ; so keeping out of 
 sight I waited until they came up, when I stepped out 
 before the gentleman, with revolver presented, and
 
 THE SCOUT. 295 
 
 demanded his surrender. He at once complied. The 
 ladies then beseeched me not to kill him there that 
 they were placed in a very peculiar situation. I drew 
 the soldier aside and managed to inform him who I 
 was. At the same time, unperceived by us, another 
 soldier, (Federal) who had been following his comrade, 
 saw the proceedings, and managed to get behind the 
 house, and was just in the act of drawing a bead on 
 me when I Detected him. Fortunately for me his 
 comrade saw him at the same time, and motioned to 
 him not to fire. He thought he had a good thing. 
 This broke up any further conversation with the ladies, 
 and we all returned to camp. The information which I 
 obtained respecting Price's movements was of much 
 value, for at that time it was the impression of Grant 
 and Rosecrans that he was advancing to attack Corinth. 
 Another incident occurred a few days previous to 
 leaving luka. The same old cotton buyer, previously 
 mentioned, ordered me to take two of my men and go 
 over to a certain house on Indian Creek, and there find 
 a negro, who would show me where there were ten 
 bales of cotton hid in the swamp. It was nearly dark 
 when we arrived at the plantation. Riding into the 
 middle of the cornfield we hitched our horses, fed them, 
 and waited until dark before advancing to the house. 
 At the proper time we started, and when near the 
 house and still in the cornfield what was our surprise 
 to see several men jump up and run like the old scratch. 
 We retreated in an opposite direction at the same time. 
 After awhile we started again, coming from another
 
 296 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 direction, when the first thing we knew up they jumped 
 again, " licketj scoot," while we turned, increasing our 
 speed in another direction. Again we concluded to 
 try our luck, but still we could not account for those 
 men being there, nor could we tell what they were. 
 We could see that they had arms, and also that they 
 outnumbered us, yet there was no firing done on either 
 side. Making a large circuit we felt confident of 
 reaching the house this time, when the first thing we 
 knew they were right before us, running away as if the 
 very old boy was after them. We now concluded to 
 wait until daylight, at which time we approached the 
 house, without seeing our unknown friends. Upon 
 finding the negro he informed us that his master and 
 three sons had returned from the army, and also a 
 neighbor's son ; that they dare not remain in the house 
 for fear of the Yankees coming upon them ; that they 
 had been run to death all night by the sneaking cusses, 
 but they had succeeded in getting away that morning 
 and were gone. 
 
 While out one day, dressed in Confederate uniform, 
 I met a healthy, robust looking young man, whom I 
 concluded to conscript, telling him I thought he had 
 been up here so long among the Yankees that he would 
 soon spoil, and I would take him down to the army. I 
 asked him if he knew where I could find some good 
 horses. He replied that his aunt, living near by, had 
 three horses, but would not sell them to the Yankees. 
 I let him go, not paying any further attention to 
 him, and, returning to luka, reported. On the next
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 297 
 
 day, the old cotton speculator ordered me to take one 
 man and visit the lady, and, if the horses would answer 
 for cavalry purposes, to buy them. We started and 
 had not been at the lady's more than one-half hour 
 when I saw, passing the house, the same young man I 
 conscripted the day before. He seemed to recognize 
 me and hurried away. The lady now insisted upon our 
 remaining to dinner, which she appeared to be very 
 slow in getting. In the meantime she had sent for the 
 horses, when, the first thing I knew, the place was 
 surrounded by our infantry. The Sergeant commanding 
 the squad appeared before me, pointing his bayonet to 
 my breast, commanded me to surrender. Of course, I 
 complied, not feeling the least alarmed, nor could I 
 avoid laughing. Just then up came the horses, but, 
 when I expressed a desire to examine them, they 
 refused, saying that I would soon have other kinds of 
 horses to examine. We were soon ordered to move 
 forward. I told the old lady not to part with her 
 horses, and that I would return for them. 
 
 In a little while we were carried before Colonel , 
 
 commanding a detachment of an Ohio regiment then 
 guarding trestle-work, some four miles from luka. He 
 received me very coldly and, in a gruff voice, wanted 
 to know who I was and where I belonged. I told him 
 I was stationed at luka. At this moment I chanced 
 to look around, and there stood the young man whom I 
 had conscripted the day previous, with mouth wide 
 open, grinning like an ape. Our eyes met, when, 
 clapping his hands, he halloed out, " That's him ; that's 
 
 13*
 
 298 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 him ; " and they all felt rejoiced to think that they had 
 captured two secesh conscripting officers. I now 
 requested to speak privately to the Colonel, who readily 
 consented. I then told him he was very much mistaken 
 respecting my character, and that if he would send 
 me, under guard, to luka he would find me all right. 
 I told him, further, that I would like to purchase the 
 old lady's horses, and take along, as it would save me 
 the trouble of returning again, and would be fulfilling 
 the contract for which I was sent out. Thus the matter 
 was satisfactorily arranged, and I paid the old lady 
 eighty-five dollars, in greenbacks, for each horse. 
 
 I was taken direct to luka, and then to the Provost 
 Marshal's office, who, on learning the facts, at once 
 released me, telling the guard that they could return, 
 and, if they ever saw me again around their camp, to 
 treat me to the best they had. The boys left, looking 
 as if badly sold. I now turned the horses over to Mr. 
 Cotton buyer, who, in a few days, sold them to the 
 government for one hundred and twenty-five dollars, 
 each a pretty neat, little speculation. 
 
 It was just after the above occurred that the General 
 ordered me to take two of my scouts and go to Bay 
 Springs, or below, and learn the whereabouts of Price, 
 and his intentions. We proceeded afoot, keeping the 
 woods and by-paths, avoiding the main roads, as much 
 as possible, and traveling day and night. On arriving 
 at Bay Springs we learned, from friends, that Price's 
 whole force was then north of us, and shaping his 
 course rather for Corinth or luka, an.d we turned right
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 299 
 
 about, taking the most direct route through the woods 
 for luka, striking the main road within twenty miles of 
 the latter place, and crossing it between his cavalry 
 and infantry. We traveled all night, reaching luka 
 next morning, just in time to see the main column of 
 our army leaving for Corinth. 
 
 The General was under the impression that Price 
 was moving on that place. A small force was left at 
 luka, under command of Colonel Murphy. We at once 
 proceeded to Corinth and reported to General Rose- 
 crans. Myself and scouts then had . a chance to rest a 
 few days, when the news came that Price had possession 
 of luka. I was then ordered to distribute my men 
 among the following commands, which were ordered to 
 concentrate on the Tuscumbia road, east of Jacinto, 
 Mississippi : Generals Hamilton, Stanley and Rose- 
 crans, while General Grant would concentrate at 
 Boonsville. On the morning of the day that the battle 
 took place, a dispatch was received, at four o'clock, by 
 General Rosecrans, from General Grant, ordering him 
 to move immediately, and attack the enemy on the 
 south side, precisely at four in the afternoon. This 
 dispatch was carried by L. Bennet, one of my scouts. 
 A .letter also accompanied the dispatch requesting 
 General Rosecrans to have the following read at the 
 head of his command: "A great victory won in the 
 East, by General McClellan " which was complied 
 with. According to order, the General was on the 
 ground at the appointed time, having marched that day 
 eighteen miles myself acting as guide for the General]
 
 300 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 It is useless to comment on this batttle, further than 
 this that, for the number of men engaged, it was one 
 of the most stubborn and hard fought battles of the 
 war. The General displayed unquestionable general- 
 ship and bravery, and I shall never forget the noble 
 charge made by Colonel Mower, and his brigade, while 
 not a shot could be heard from General Grant, eight 
 miles distant. Dark coming on ended the bloody strife^ 
 each army holding their ground. After the firing 
 ceased, the General ordered me to assemble my scouts, 
 and see who was the most competent to go to luka. 
 On looking around I could not find a single man. I 
 then proposed to go myself, and left immediately. I 
 parted from our pickets on the ridge, near two tall 
 pines, and, after proceeding a few rods, found myself 
 among the rebels. A number of dead and wounded 
 were scattered around. The first one I saw was leaning 
 against a tree, apparently suffering much pain. I 
 asked him what command, regiment and company he 
 belonged to, and also his name. My intention was to 
 assume his, if occasion required, as I knew he would 
 soon be out of the way. I had not proceeded one hun- 
 dred yards further when I came upon the rebels laying 
 down in line of battle. I passed to the rear, without 
 being questioned as a number of wounded and dead 
 were being carried in that direction. I was now within 
 one and a half miles of luka, on the main road which 
 I found full of men traveling each way. I pushed on 
 into the place, and learned that they were loading up 
 everything, and preparing to retreat. I now turned
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 801 
 
 my attention to getting back. I reached the tall pines 
 without difficulty, and was about to pass by the picket 
 when I was halted. They then asked me if I had any 
 arms, and I told them they knew I never went without 
 them. I was then ordered to give up my arms. I 
 asked them by what authority they demanded my arms, 
 and one replied by Confederate authority. This was a 
 stunner. I had not until this moment discovered the 
 mistake, for while absent in luka our pickets had been 
 driven from this post. You may well imagine my 
 surprise, but presence of mind did not forsake me, and 
 I replied no, never, and drew my revolver. In an 
 instant, and before I could fire, I was thrown to the 
 ground and my weapon wrested from me. I was then 
 marched back into luka, and brought before the 
 Provost Marshal. It was now two o'clock in the 
 morning. After being questioned I was taken before 
 General Price, who addressed me very kindly, and 
 asked me what number of men we had. At first I was 
 undecided what answer to make. I knew he was 
 retreating-, and so I concluded that the bigger scare I 
 could give him the better, and told him that no private 
 could tell the strength of our army. He said for me 
 to tell him what I knew. I replied, "forty thousand." 
 "Why," said he, "You did not fight as if you had so 
 many." I said, "General you have been fighting only 
 the advance brigade the main column will be up in 
 the morning." He then asked me what force General 
 Grant had, and I told him that I had not seen General 
 Grant's army, but, from all I could learn, supposed he
 
 302 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 had more men than Rosecrans. He then asked me how 
 many pieces of artillery we had, and I told him that I 
 counted thirty-six, when we left Jacinto. He then 
 asked me what I was doing with those clothes on, and 
 I told him that I was the Colonel's hostler, and he 
 allowed me to dress as I pleased. He then sent for 
 the Lieutenant who captured me, to know under what 
 circumstances I was captured. The Lieutenant told 
 him that I came to the picket post and claimed to be 
 one of them, and when they tried to disarm me I told 
 them that I would report them to General Rosecrans 
 which, at the time, created some laugh at my expense. 
 The General then said he guessed I was out plundering 
 the dead. I replied, "No sir ! You can search me." 
 He sent me to the Provost Marshal, with orders for 
 him to examine my person, which he did, but found 
 nothing for, fortunately I had thrown away my pocket 
 book, containing papers which would have condemned 
 me. 
 
 I was then sent to the guard house, and, at four 
 o'clock in the morning, was started on the road toward 
 Bay Springs Factory. The whole army was then on 
 the retreat, as follows : Six regiments of infantry 
 abreast, three of them on each side of the road, while 
 the artillery and wagons kept the road. This manner 
 of marching accounts for General Price's rapid move- 
 ments especially when on a retreat and I firmly 
 believe that he can beat any general, Federal or Con- 
 federate, at that game. He marched this day thirty 
 miles and camped near Bay Springs Factory. Just
 
 THE SCOUT. 303 
 
 before night I was recognized, by an old acquaintance, 
 as one of General Rosecrans' guides, and the Captain 
 in charge of prisoners of whom there were about 
 sixty said that he would put me in irons. 
 
 Our guard consisted of two companies of the Sixth 
 Missouri Infantry. I had now fully made up my mind 
 to attempt my escape, the first opportunity. That 
 night we were correlled on a side hill in the woods. 
 The guards were placed around us every six paces. 
 I laid down on the ground near by where the Captain 
 was seated. The night was dark. As I lay there, a 
 major, belonging on General Price's staff, rode up to 
 the Captain and asked him what he thought the orders 
 were, from General Van Dorn. The Captain replied 
 he did not know, when the Major said that a despatch 
 had been received from Van Dorn, that evening, for 
 them to make a forced march to Baldwin, when the 
 combined forces would attack Corinth, and capture it 
 before the Yankees could return. The Captain then 
 swore like a trooper, saying that they had performed 
 their part of the programme ; that while they attacked 
 luka, Van Dorn should have attacked Corinth ; that 
 he had a mind to break his saber, and never draw 
 another in the Confederate cause ; that they had all 
 the fighting and marching to do. I had had nothing 
 to eat since leaving Jacinto, the morning before, and 
 I asked the Captain if we were not to have anything 
 to eat. He said he was sorry to inform me that he had 
 none for himself that they had had no time to issue 
 rations. I remarked to him, in a jovial way, that if
 
 304 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 he did not furnish me with some rations or whiskey, I 
 would not remain with him. He replied, "Nary a 
 whiskey." I then moved, carelessly, but cautiously, 
 to the lower side of the prisoners, with nothing on but 
 my shirt and pants, (the nights were somewhat chilly 
 as it was September,) and I knew that I could not sleep 
 much. As the moon would rise about twelve o'clock, 
 my best time was after that hour, as the rebels needed 
 rest as well as myself. About twelve o'clock I awoke 
 and, peeping cautiously around, discovered a sentinel, 
 not more than twelve feet from me, and apparently 
 very drowsy. I had previously surveyed the ground, 
 and made up my mind how to proceed. The moment 
 had now arrived for action. No one was astir. Gath- 
 ering myself up, in a sitting position, I sprang forward, 
 throwing my whole weight against the guard, clasping 
 my arms around him and his gun, we both went stag- 
 gering down the hill. I gave him no chance to recover 
 his equilibrium. In the meantime, the other sentinels 
 were aroused, but dare not fire, for fear of hitting 
 their comrade nor could they leave their posts, for 
 the other prisoners needed watching. After staggering 
 in this manner, for about twelve paces, the sentinel 
 fell to the ground, and at the same time I made one 
 bound into a clump of bushes, where I lay sprawling 
 at full length. At this moment two shots were fired 
 toward me, but without effect. I did not stop until I 
 had crawled about eighty yards. I then listened a few 
 minutes, but could hear no one in pursuit only some 
 loud talking and swearing. In my scramble through
 
 THE SCOUT. 305 
 
 the bushes I, unfortunately, crawled through one of 
 those sinks so common around camps. The danger 
 was not yet over, by any means, as the pickets had to 
 be passed. After moving cautiously one-half mile, I 
 discovered the picket, who I succeeded in eluding, by 
 crawling on my hands and knees. 
 
 I now felt quite free again, and sat down to reflect, 
 and study my course. The moon had risen, shedding 
 a dim light. The stars were my compass and guide. 
 The distance to luka was abaut thirty miles, in a north- 
 easterly course ; to Corinth about the same, in a north- 
 westerly course. I then struck out, keeping the woods, 
 striking across the country, going due north, wading 
 through streams, across ravines, over hills and open 
 fields. Just as the streaks of daylight began to appear, 
 I heard the roosters crowing. This was a welcome 
 sound, for I was so hungry that I had resolved to 
 procure food, the first opportunity, at any risk. I 
 approached the house, which was a double log cabin, 
 cautiously. A bright fire was burning in the fire place, 
 which showed very ' pkin through the crevices and 
 unplastered walls. My only fear was that there were 
 men around. "Liberty is sweet but hunger will make 
 a man bold." The only weapon of defense in my 
 possession was a short, stout stick, about two feet long. 
 I entered the little gate, and was making for the house, 
 when I was assailed by six or eight dogs, of all sizes 
 and colors. They made a dive at me. I now had to 
 act on the defense, and kept backing up to the fence, 
 but dare not turn to spring over, the dogs were so
 
 306 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 savage. I then threw my stick with all my might ; at 
 the same time the door opened and a woman made her 
 appearance, but the stick, bounding, struck the door, 
 scaring the woman most to death. She screamed, 
 slammed the door shut, and could not be persuaded to 
 open it again. 
 
 I concluded best to leave. Still pursuing my course, 
 passing through a cornfield I got some corn and water- 
 melons, which somewhat appeased my appetite. At 
 times I saw squads of rebel cavalry, from whom I kept 
 hid they were all going south. Toward evening I 
 came to a large open field which I must cross. As I 
 went, I increased my pace, until I was making about 
 two-forty time. I reached the timber on the opposite 
 side and, springing over the fence, jumped right on 
 top of a man, who lay concealed in the grass and vines. 
 This was quite unexpected. He did not say a word, 
 but jumped up and put into the woods, and was gone 
 in less time than it takes to tell it. I never learned 
 who he was, or why he was hiding there, but concluded 
 that he was trying to avoid the conscription. 
 
 About an hour before sunset, I perceived a lengthy 
 column of troops, moving westward, and, approaching 
 them very cautiously, soon discovered, to my joy, that 
 it was General Rosecrans' army, moving to Jacinto, 
 and by dusk, that evening, I was with the General, 
 who expressed unbounded satisfaction at my safe return. 
 After a good supper food never tasted better and 
 some good brandy, I reported to the General what I 
 had learned respecting the intentions of the enemy 
 their meditated attack upon Corinth.
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 307 
 
 The next morning the General ordered the branding 
 of the horses belonging to the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, 
 which caused considerable excitement in camp. The 
 Seventh owned their horses and equipments, and this 
 proceeding was in violation of the contract entered 
 into by the government, at the time of their organization. 
 This same day the General moved his headquarters to 
 Corinth, and at once commenced to fortify the place, 
 while I was ordered to send out my scouts on all the 
 roads leading south, and to watch closely Price and 
 Van Dora's movements which I did. 
 
 Now follows the attack on Corinth, October 3d, 1862. 
 The enemy gained some little advantage the first day, 
 but the second day was the hardest fighting, and in it 
 I participated, doing efficient service on the General's 
 staff, for which he mentioned his scout (without name) 
 in his report, in the highest terms. I will here make 
 some comment on the proceedings of this battle, which 
 will not only interest the reader, but throw some light 
 upon the high esteem in which I was held by the 
 General. 
 
 While General Davy was being hard pressed on the 
 Mississippi and Charleston railroad, the first day, I was 
 ordered to go to General Stanley, commanding division 
 to the south on Tuscumbia, and tell him to reinforce 
 General Davy, with one brigade of infantry and one 
 section of artillery, and for me to guide them, which 
 was accomplished, and I entered into the engagement 
 with them, and came near being killed by the explosion 
 of a shell from the enemy. I then left this brigade,
 
 308 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 led by Colonel Mower, and, under a perfect shower of 
 shot and shell, reported back to General Rosecrans 
 that they were in position. On the second day, when 
 the rebels made their grand assault which was the 
 most magnificent charge I ever witnessed, and seldom 
 equalled I was with the General and staff. Adjutant 
 General Clark was shot through the right lung, when 
 sitting on his horse, immediately in front of me. Cap- 
 tain William Wiles, Provost Marshal, and myself carried 
 him a short distance to the rear and laid him down, as 
 we thought to die. The Captain remained and I 
 returned to where I had left the General, but he was 
 not there, while. I found myself almost completely 
 surrounded by rebels in their desperate charge. I 
 managed to fall back, and at the same time our fort on 
 the south of east of the town opened, and I never, in 
 all my life, heard such screeching and whistling through 
 the air. It was terrifying to listen to and witness. 
 Directly after I had left this position I perceived that 
 the rebel line was checked, and, for a space of two 
 minutes, they stood wavering, undecided, when the 
 most precipitate retreat imaginable took place every 
 man for himself and the devil for the hindermost. I 
 hurried as close in their rear as possible, without expos- 
 ing myself to the deadly discharge of our own artillery, 
 which was making sad havoc with their retreating and 
 disordered ranks. On advancing some three hundred 
 yards beyond where our lines were formed that morning I 
 discovered several members of the Yates' sharpshooters, 
 and among them a Captain and orderly sergeant, both
 
 THE SCOUT. 309 
 
 mortally wounded also the brave Lieut. -Col. Morsle, 
 who called to me and requested me to hurry to the rear 
 and procure some ambulances to convey his wounded to 
 the hospital. I dismounted, leaving my horse with him, 
 and started afoot. On my way, I overtook a squad of 
 rebels, and ordered them to surrender. At the same 
 time, seeing a man trying to hide in a clump of bushes, 
 I ordered him out, and recognized him as an old neigh- 
 bor, then a captain in the Forty-First Mississippi 
 Infantry. His name was Thomas Cookwood. I then 
 returned with them into town. 
 
 Thus ended the battle of Corinth. My scouts had 
 all acquitted themselves honorably. The cavalry was 
 in hot pursuit of the enemy. The General's body 
 guard consisted of two companies of the Thirty-Sixth 
 Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain Jenks, acting 
 Major. 
 
 During the last day of this battle a rather amusing 
 incident occurred, which I cannot refrain from men- 
 tioning. A certain captain, who could be seen occa- 
 sionally around headquarters, had, that morning, 
 imbibed somewhat freely of the ardent what-do-you- 
 call-it commissary whiskey. Myself and an orderly 
 locked him up in his room, thinking it the safest place 
 for him, under the circumstances. This was before 
 the fighting become general. After the battle ended I 
 sought the room, with the intention of finding some 
 "commissary." I had forgotten all about the Captain, 
 when lo, there he lay, soundly sleeping locked fast in 
 the arms of morpheus. After considerable shaking,
 
 310 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 he awoke. Rising up, he commenced rubbing his eyes. 
 Advancing to the door he looked out, and the first 
 object that met his eyes was a dead rebel, who lay 
 within a few steps of the door. The Captain looked, 
 and rubbed his eyes again and again. Was it imagi- 
 nation or was it some evil spirit, that appeared in that 
 shape to annoy him ? Stepping out through the door, he 
 turned to the rear of the building, when, behold ! there 
 lay another dead rebel. If was truly laughable to 
 witness the astonishment pictured on his countenance. 
 I shall never forget his look and the expression depicted 
 on his countenance, after he became satisfied that it 
 was no delusion of the brain. Looking at me, with 
 eyes protruding to their utmost capacity, he exlclaimed, 
 " Who in hell has been killing all these men ?" I then 
 related to him the proceedings of the day, up to this 
 time. Upon examining his room, it was discovered 
 that some dozen balls had entered, passing through 
 the weatherboards. The Captain gave it up. He is 
 no coward which he afterwards proved by his bravery 
 at the battle of Stone River, Tenn. 
 
 The next day cannonading was heard toward the 
 west. I inquired of some prisoners what that meant. 
 They replied, " They are getting h 1 on the Hatchie." 
 This became a by-word afterward among the command. 
 I participated in the pursuit of the rebels as far as 
 Ripley. 
 
 On our arrival at Ruckerville General Rosecrans 
 received a dispatch from General Grant, stating that 
 if he carried the pursuit further he would have to do it
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 311 
 
 with his own command, and that he could send him no 
 assistance. This left General Rosecrans at liberty to 
 act according to his own judgment, and he decided to 
 follow them to Vicksburg. On reaching Ripley another 
 dispatch was received from General Grant, with positive 
 orders for the pursuit to end, and for him to return to 
 Corinth. While returning I succeeded, with eight of 
 my scouts, in capturing eleven rebels near the Hatchie, 
 whom we delivered over to the proper authorities. 
 
 Some time had elapsed after this when one John 
 Logan, from Edgar County, Illinois, arrived, bringing 
 with him a high recommendation, approved by several 
 officials of his State, Governor Richard Yates' being 
 one of the signatures. The General, after examining 
 the document, sent John to me, to be enrolled as one 
 of my scouts. I found John a truly patriotic man, with 
 a great degree of self-conceit, confident that he could 
 go anywhere in the Southern Confederacy that he took 
 a notion to. I saw at once that John had but a very 
 faint idea of the different characters he had to deal 
 with. John was very eager and solicitous for a trip. 
 It was not long before an opportunity presented itself. 
 A scout was needed to send to Grenada, Miss., and 
 John was entrusted with the trip. After making the 
 necessary preparations, and receiving instructions, he 
 started. Some four or five days after this, while 
 standing and looking towards the depot, who should I 
 discover advancing on foot but John, At first I was 
 in doubt whether it was him or not, he had changed so 
 much in appearance, and was really such a sorrowful
 
 312 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 looking object minus horse, fire-arms, and his good 
 clothes ; and from the manner in which he limped along 
 I concluded that some one had taken a fancy to his 
 boots, leaving him a pair that were a size too small. 
 On presenting himself before me I was no longer in 
 doubt that it was John, and extending my hand said, 
 " Halloo, John, back from Grenada already ?" " Back 
 from h 1 ?" replied John. "Well, let us hear how 
 you succeeded, John?" "Wait till I get breath and 
 something to eat, won't you?" I saw that John did 
 not feel in the best of humor, and allowed him to depart. 
 After his appetite was appeased, and he was somewhat 
 rested, I took him into my tent, when he proceeded 
 about as follows : 
 
 "After leaving Corinth I shaped my course toward 
 Blackland, meeting some mounted rebels, who did not 
 appear to take much notice of me, and I passed along, 
 congratulating myself that I was all right. I had not 
 proceeded much further when I was met by six more, 
 who stopped me and commenced questioning me, after 
 which they came to the conclusion that if I was not a 
 spy I would make a good conscript, and ordered me to 
 go with them. As we proceeded along they were very 
 active in finding and chasing deserters and conscripts. 
 Night coming on they entered the woods and camped. 
 After building a fire and making preparations for rest 
 the question arose, what was to be done with me ? Two 
 or three of the party declared they would not guard 
 me, and another swore he would shoot me before he 
 would guard me all night. Things began to look very
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 313 
 
 dubious, and there was no chance of escape. I had 
 been deprived of my arms, &c. At last they concluded 
 to make me fast to a tree, and they proceeded to fasten 
 my hands behind me with a grass rope, made me sit 
 down with my back against a hickory sapling, and 
 secured my arms to it. They then all laid down and 
 went to sleep. After feeling satisfied that they slept 
 soundly I commenced to work and twist, and in doing 
 so wore the skin all off my wrists. At last I managed 
 to raise my body up to a standing position, and while 
 straining every nerve I twisted my head around so as 
 to be able to gnaw the rope with my teeth, one of which 
 became fast in it, and while in the effort to release it 
 one of my feet slipped and I fell. I felt a sharp, quick 
 pain for an instant, and discovered I was minus a tooth. 
 The longer I knawed on the rope the larger it seemed 
 to get ; I succeeded, however, in freeing my arms from 
 the tree, and crawled cautiously along on my body 
 about one hundred yards. I listened, but all was quiet. 
 I then succeeded in working my legs back, one at a 
 time, thus bringing my arms before me, which was 
 quite a relief. I soon had them untied. I then shaped 
 my course, as I then supposed, toward Corinth. After 
 traveling all night and the next day until evening I 
 found myself back on the same identical spot where 
 they had tied me. Of course the rebels were gone, but 
 let me tell you I was badly scared. I then proceeded 
 to a house, where a woman directed me the course to 
 pursue, and here I am." 
 
 John thought he had traveled about seventy-five 
 14
 
 314 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 miles, when in fact he had not been more than twenty 
 or thirty at most. I asked him why he did not go 
 back, after releasing himself, secure their arms, and 
 kill the last one of them. "Well," replied John, " I'll 
 
 do it if ever I have the chance again, d n me if I 
 
 dont." I thought if John was not a better man he was 
 a wiser one than before, and must have come to the 
 conclusion that he could not travel where he pleased. 
 I have since learned that he has rendered very efficient 
 service to the Government. "When last I heard of him 
 he had gone to Yicksburg. 
 
 About the time of the above occurrence General 
 Bragg's army was in Tennessee, after General Buell, 
 while General Price had fallen back twelve miles south 
 of Holly Springs, and was very active in collecting 
 forces and organizing. General E-osecrans sent for me 
 and told me that it was necessary for him to know what 
 Price and Bragg were doing, and asked me if I could 
 ascertain. I told him I would try. So I resolved that 
 myself and my best scout, L. Bennett, of Mississippi, 
 would each make a trip, one to visit Price's and the 
 other Bragg's army. I gave Bennett his choice, and 
 he chose Bragg. We both started about the same time. 
 I left my scouts in charge of Captain Cameron, Provost 
 Marshal. I started on an old horse, with no arms, and 
 Baking pretty much the same route that John previously 
 took, avoiding public roads as much as possible, made 
 my way to Water Valley, north of Grenada, and south 
 of Price's army. I there learned that Price was not 
 able to act on the offensive, but was busy collecting 
 conscripts, &c.
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 315 
 
 I now started back for Corinth, and found it very 
 difficult to travel north. I procured a home-spun sack, 
 in which I carried sufficient corn to feed my horse two 
 days. On reaching the vicinity of Rocky Ford, on the 
 Tallahatchie Kiver, I was arrested by a squad of the 
 Fourth Mississippi Cavalry, commanded by Colonel 
 Gordon, in the following manner : upon riding up to 
 them they stopped me, and asked me where I was 
 going. I told them I was going to Corinth, and asked 
 if there was not a place by that name somewhere about 
 there. They said there was, and wanted to know what 
 I was going there for. I replied that I was going to 
 have some salt in that sack before I came back. They 
 said they would put me in the army. I told them I 
 did not care for that, but I must have some salt that 
 I wouldn't fight without it. They told me if I went to 
 Corinth the Yankees would get me and kill me. I told 
 them I didn't care, I must have some salt, that my 
 family could not live without salt, and that some of my 
 old neighbors had been and got salt, and I knew I 
 could, and if they would wait until I returned with my 
 salt I would then fight as well as any of them. It was 
 quite amusing to hear the remarks made respecting 
 
 me. Some of them allowed I was a d d old fool, 
 
 and they did not think it would pay to keep me, for I 
 would leave the first chance I got and go after my salt 
 that I was of no account. They laughed at me 
 considerable, and thought I was soft in the upper story. 
 Finally they concluded to send me to Holly Springs, 
 along with two other prisoners, guarded by four men.
 
 316 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 We went about twelve miles and camped. I had bought 
 my sack full of sweet potatoes, which was all we had 
 to eat. It was now night, and I sat up roasting sweet 
 potatoes and talking about my salt. At last one of 
 them wanted to know why in h 1 I did not stop talking 
 about that salt. At last they all lay down and went 
 to sleep. I then got up and saddled my old horse, 
 emptied my sack of potatoes on the ground, tied it on 
 the saddle, mounted and started. Upon missing me 
 in the morning my friends no doubt allowed I had gone 
 after that salt. 
 
 About noon of the second day after this I reached 
 Corinth, safe and sound, and in four days afterwards I 
 was rejoiced to see my old friend Bennett, who had 
 been conscripted, just south of Nashville, by Colonel 
 Biffle, and carried to Mifflin, Tenn. After remaining 
 a prisoner four days he succeeded in making his escape, 
 and reached our lines with the necessary information. 
 
 At that time luka was considered neutral ground, 
 and all the wounded of the two battles were placed in 
 the hospitals there. A lady arrived from Missouri at 
 this time and requested a pass through our lines, that 
 she might go to Holly Springs to see her husband, who 
 was wounded, also three surgeons, who were then 
 attending the wounded belonging to General Price's 
 army, and one Captain Bond, medical director on 
 Price's staff. I was sent by General Rosecrans to 
 luka, with instructions to proceed from there to Price's 
 headquarters with this party, under a flag of truce, 
 accompanied by four members of the Fourth U. S.
 
 
 THE SCOUT. 317 
 
 Cavalry, (regulars.) Our conveyance consisted of one 
 ambulance, the escort being mounted. Upon reaching 
 Ripley we stopped to procure rest and food. 
 
 An incident occurred here which I cannot refrain 
 from mentioning. On the west side of town resided a 
 lady in a very fine house, at the time our forces 
 occupied Ripley just after the Corinth fight. At that 
 time she professed to be the strongest kind of a Union 
 woman, so much so that General Rosecrans had ordered 
 a guard to be placed around her house, to prevent 
 anything being disturbed. And now comes the funny 
 part. After alighting Captain Bond proposed to go 
 
 over to Mrs. 's, saying she was an old friend of 
 
 his. We started, and as we neared the house the lady 
 spoken of was seen standing in the door, apparently 
 eyeing us very closely. I had on a Federal uniform, 
 and the Doctor, previous to leaving Corinth, had 
 purchased a suit of dark blue. We now halted at the 
 gate, the lady still standing at the door, eyeing us with 
 a look of silent contempt. The Captain thought it was 
 time to say something, and calling her by name asked 
 how her health was. Until then she had not recognized 
 the Captain, when with a few bounds she reached the 
 gate, and clasping her arms around his neck exclaimed, 
 "Why, Captain Bond, I did not know you with those 
 clothes on ; I thought you were one of those cussed 
 Yankees." The Doctor laughed heartily, while I bit 
 my lips and could hardly contain myself. However, 
 such is the fact, and there are many similar cases 
 which might be recorded, and that the private soldier 
 can testify to.
 
 318 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 From here we proceeded to Lumkin's Mills, General 
 Price's headquarters, and after being detained one day 
 we were furnished a pass by the General and returned 
 to Corinth. I had been absent twelve days, and on 
 my return found that General Rosecrans had left to 
 take command of the Army of the Cumberland, and 
 left word that I was to follow. 
 
 General Hamilton was left in command of the forces. 
 When I informed him that I wanted to join General 
 Rosecrans he protested he could not spare me, but 
 requested me to remain with him and keep charge of 
 the scouts; that a combined movement of Generals 
 Grant, Sherman, McPherson and himself, with their 
 respective commands, was about to be made down into 
 Mississippi, after old Price, and that my services as a 
 guide were indispensable. Reader, that movement 
 would lead me near my home, which I was anxious to 
 see, so I consented, the General promising me good 
 pay. The army soon took up its line of march for 
 Grand Junction, where we were encamped for a few 
 weeks, making preparations, during which time I took 
 two or three trips south. On one of these trips I 
 learned that Colonel Faulkner would rendezvous at 
 Ripley on a certain day. On reporting the same to 
 the General he ordered me to report to Colonel Lee, 
 commanding cavalry division, left wing of the Sixteenth 
 Army Corps, the day before Faulkner would be at 
 Ripley. According to orders I reported, and the 
 cavalry moved out at eleven o'clock, A.M. That night 
 we camped at the residence of the notorious Samuel
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 319 
 
 Street, whom I expected to capture, but on reaching 
 the house he was not to be found. At midnight we 
 moved toward Ripley, fifteen miles distant, arriving 
 there just at the dawn of day, entering the town from 
 every direction at the same time. Previous to entering 
 the town I had learned that Colonel Faulkner had 
 changed his programme, and instead of meeting his 
 command at Ripley they were to meet at Hickory Flat. 
 About an hour after sunrise we struck out for the Flat, 
 and on reaching there we found a portion of them 
 collected. They fired upon our advance, and then 
 scattered in all directions. We captured several pris- 
 oners and their baggage, and returned to Ripley that 
 night. Next day we returned to Grand Junction with 
 over sixty prisoners, without the loss of a man. I then 
 formed a very high opinion of Colonel Lee's military 
 talent as a cavalry officer, and he has honestly won 
 his star. 
 
 Not long after this the army moved down the Central 
 Railroad. I was then ordered to report to General 
 Lee, to act as his guide, keeping with him and taking 
 part in all the skirmishing from Holly Springs to 
 Coffeeville, where I received a slight wound. Previous 
 to this, and while at Waterford, I was sent with a 
 dispatch through to General Grant, then at Tullahoma, 
 where I found the General, whom I had not seen since 
 the capture of Corinth. The General manifested a 
 warm feeling toward me, and I loved him as a father. 
 The next clay I reached Oxford and reported to General 
 Hamilton, who had reached there with the infantry.
 
 320 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 While resting here a few days I employed an old 
 gentleman to make a trip down into Chickasaw County 
 and visit my family. I provided him with a horse and 
 equipments, two hundred dollars in Confederate money 
 and fifty dollars in greenbacks. After being absent 
 six days he returned with the information that my 
 family had left, and no one could tell him where they 
 had gone that my property had all been confiscated. 
 This was the first news I had received from home since 
 my visit there while on my trip to Columbus, Miss. 
 He also stated that they took him into a room and 
 made him strip naked, and searched him, expecting to 
 find some letter or papers from me to my family, but 
 they found nothing. I received a dispatch from 
 General Dodge, at Corinth, saying my wife and family 
 were there, which was joyful news, although I could 
 not tell what was their condition. I got permission 
 from General Hamilton to go to Corinth, where I found 
 my family in a good house, provided them by General 
 Dodge. He had also loaned them fifty dollars and 
 furnished them with rations, for which I shall ever feel 
 grateful. After remaining in Corinth a week I moved 
 my family to Memphis, where General Hamilton had 
 established his headquarters. 
 
 The next day Bennett and myself thought we would 
 take a ride out in the suburbs of the city and see what 
 we could discover. We directed our course toward the 
 south part of the city, and soon found ourselves on the 
 Horn Lake road, and passed out into the country, 
 without seeing any guard or picket, which I thought
 
 THE SCOUT. 321 
 
 very strange. We met a lad riding a horse and asked 
 him how far it was to the pickets, and how the crossing 
 was at the Nonconnah. He asked me what pickets I 
 meant, and I told him any that might be on the road. 
 He again asked me where I wanted to go, and I told 
 him we wanted to go down into the Confederacy, that 
 this emancipation proclamation and free negro fighting 
 had played out. He then called our attention to 
 several houses near by and told us that at certain ones, 
 which he designated, we could procure anything we 
 might want, but that the people living in certain other 
 houses, which he pointed out, would betray us. He 
 also informed us that if we wished to cross the stream 
 we would find a raft, just above where the bridge had 
 been burned, upon which he had himself crossed the 
 day previous, with the mail, and that we would find 
 some of our pickets there who would guide us further. 
 We then proceeded down the road, and after riding 
 about a mile discovered some fresh wagon tracks, which 
 led me to suppose that some smuggling was going on. 
 We now increased our speed, thinking that we might 
 overtake the wagons before they could reach the creek. 
 As we came in sight of the creek, which was about 
 three hundred yards in our advance, we discovered two 
 men walking toward us, and on meeting them I asked 
 if they had met any wagons. They answered they had 
 just assisted them across the creek and up the opposite 
 bank. They then asked where we were going. I told 
 them I did not wish to say where we were going, but 
 they insisted upon knowing, and I told them we were 
 
 *14
 
 322 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 going into the Southern Confederacy, in quest of 
 friends, that the emancipation proclamation did not 
 agree with our politics. As I concluded this speech I 
 perceived that their countenances brightened up, and 
 one of them remarked that it would not be safe for my 
 friend to go down to the creek with blue pants on, but 
 that I might go, and after stating my business to the 
 pickets I could then return for my friend. I asked 
 them where they were going, and one of them replied 
 that he was going to Memphis to take the oath of 
 allegiance, so that he might buy himself a revolver, 
 after which he was coming back home to shoot a 
 
 d d Yankee for stealing his father's horse. I then 
 
 dismounted, and leaving my horse with my partner I 
 proceeded on foot towards the creek. I carried a 
 revolver, which I kept concealed from view. As I 
 came up to the crossing I saw two men standing upon 
 the raft, one an old and the other quite a young man. 
 To all appearance neither of them carried fire-arms. 
 I inquired if they could take two men and two horses 
 across the river, and they replied that they could. I 
 then told the old man that I wanted to find some 
 
 ^^^/ 
 
 Confederate soldier who would convey me into their 
 lines without running any risk of being shot by our 
 Confederate or any other forces. The old man, after 
 a hearty laugh, introduced me to his companion as a 
 sergeant belonging to Major Blye's battalion, and who, 
 extending his hand, greeted me warmly. I asked him 
 to walk with me upon the bank, to which request he 
 consented, After proceeding a short distance I drew
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 323 
 
 my revolver, and presenting it at him ordered him to 
 proceed at once to Memphis. A moment after my ear 
 was startled by the sharp crack of a rifle, and at the 
 same instant a ball whistled past my head, clipping my 
 hair. I then ordered him to quicken his pace, and in 
 a few moments we had come up to my comrade, and 
 mounting my horse I persuaded my prisoner to quicken 
 his speed. Before reaching the city we overtook the 
 two men whom we had previously met, and I at once 
 arrested them both, which somewhat surprised them. 
 One of them allowed that he was all right, anyhow. 
 
 Upon arriving in South Memphis, I dismounted and, 
 turning my horse over to my partner, told him to take 
 care of him. We were decidedly a rough-looking set 
 of men. My comrade's revolver, and my own, were 
 fully exposed to view, which fact was noticed by a citi- 
 zen, who stood, a short distance off, a silent spectator. 
 As it afterwards appeared, he came to the conclusion 
 that we were a portion of some guerrilla band, and 
 away he started, as I afterwards learned, to General 
 Veitch's headquarters who was then commanding the 
 post and reported his suspicions. The General at 
 once ordered a squad of cavalry to proceed and arrest 
 the last one of us, requesting the citizen to act as guide, 
 and conduct the cavalry to where we might be found. 
 In the meantime, I had started my prisoners toward 
 General Hamilton's headquarters, to report to him. 
 On arriving at the General's headquarters, he had 
 given me a note, directed to General Veitch, to whom 
 I was to report. I at once started, with my prisoners,
 
 324 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 for General Veitch's headquarters. Arriving in due 
 time, I reported to the General, handing him the note 
 from General Hamilton. After reading it, he turned 
 toward me and laughed very heartily, at the same time 
 ordering me to bring in one prisoner at a time, in order 
 that he might examine them separately. One of them 
 stated to the General that he belonged to the Union 
 army, telling the number of his regiment. At that 
 moment a colonel announced himself, who at once 
 recognized the prisoner as a member of his regiment, 
 and, looking the man sternly in the face, asked him 
 what in h 1 he was doing with those clothes on. The 
 Colonel then told the General that the man had deserted 
 his regiment some fifteen .days previous. This man 
 was put in irons, after which he confessed his guilt. 
 The other two were sent inside of the fort. 
 
 Reader, about this time there was great dissatisfaction 
 in our army, owing to the emancipation proclamation, 
 and hundreds were deserting our cause, and horse 
 stealing, robbery and murder were common occurrences 
 in the City of Memphis at that time. 
 
 After the prisoners were disposed of, the General 
 told me that he had sent out a squad of cavalry, who 
 had found and arrested my partner, and, after exam- 
 ining him, and finding certain papers upon his person, 
 he had ordered his release, and had sent him to act as 
 guide to a squad of cavalry which he had ordered to 
 proceed to the Nonconnah and destroy the ferry. The 
 General then gave me my orders, which were to hunt 
 up and arrest every d n deserter from the Union army
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 825 
 
 I could find, every horse thief and smuggler, and every 
 citizen caught aiding deserters, or in any way violating 
 the authority of the United States and I assure you 
 that Bennett and myself had our hands full for the 
 following two months. 
 
 After arriving at home, that evening, I was glad to 
 meet my friend, who had made a successful trip to the 
 Nonconnah, destroying the ferry, &c. It had become 
 necessary very frequently to go outside of the lines. 
 
 On one occasion, Bennett and myself were requested 
 by the General to go down south of the Nonconnah, 
 and, if possible, ascertain were Major Blye's command 
 was camped. The next morning we started, on foot, 
 and proceeded to the neighborhood where we supposed 
 he was camped. About three oclock, in the afternoon, 
 we found ourselves some fifteen miles from Memphis, 
 seated on a log, in the timber, and near us was a small 
 stream of running water. We had not been sitting 
 more than ten minutes when we heard a rustling among 
 the leaves. On looking to see whence it proceeded our 
 sight was greeted by the presence of three Confederate 
 soldiers, who were advancing toward us, each present- 
 ing a gun at us. Seeing that resistance was useless, 
 they having the advantage of us, we delivered over our 
 firearms, and were at once marched toward camp, which 
 was about one mile and a half from where we then 
 were. After proceeding about a mile, and being some 
 ten paces in advance of my partner, and guarded by 
 two of the men, the third keeping company with Ben- 
 nett, I had just crossed over a fence and advanced
 
 326 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 some six or eight paces, when I was startled by the 
 report of firearms. On looking around I heard another 
 report, and, at the same moment, one of the men at 
 my side fell. I caught hold of the gunbarrel of the 
 other man, who was just in the act of firing at Bennet, 
 and commanded him to surrender which he did. After 
 disarming them I found that one was shot in the back 
 of the head and the other in the shoulder. The third 
 person was now our prisoner, and we at once made him 
 wheel right about, and, on double quick time, retraced 
 our steps, arriving in Memphis, about midnight, safe 
 and sound. We had learned all that was required 
 respecting the camp, and, under the circumstances, had 
 been quite as near as was desirable. 
 
 I have omitted to tell an incident which occurred 
 during the first two weeks after our arrival at Memphis, 
 from Corinth, which was as follows : Bennett and 
 myself started out one morning, with the intention of 
 proceeding to Nonconnah Creek, for the purpose of 
 discovering the crossing of contraband traders. After 
 following the course of the creek for the distance of 
 seven miles, we discovered a party of rebels busily 
 engaged in building a flatboat. After reconnoitering, 
 we withdrew, unobserved, and decided not to attack 
 them they being too numerous and retraced our steps 
 toward town. On arriving in the suburbs, on the south 
 side, we saw two gentlemen approaching us, mounted 
 on very fine horses. When within about sixty yards 
 observed one of them raise his hand to his mouth an 
 with his teeth, pull off his glove. This act at one 
 
 cu. 
 
 i
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 327 
 
 aroused my suspicions, and I told my comrade to take 
 the opposite side of the road, which would, on meeting, 
 place the gentlemen between us. Just as they came 
 up, I drew my revolver and, in a resolute voice, ordered 
 them to halt, which they did instantly my partner 
 also ordering his man at the same time. One of them 
 turned very pale, and hesitated, which led me to think 
 that he would either make an effort to escape by flight, 
 or draw his revolver, upon which his hand then rested, 
 but, luckily for him, he did not make the attempt. I 
 then demanded of them who they were, and they replied 
 citizens. I then asked if those were government horses 
 they were riding, and they answered no. I then 
 inquired their name, which they, hesitatingly, told me, 
 also stating that they lived two miles from town. I 
 knew better than that, and did not hesitate to tell them 
 that it was a falsehood, for there were no such men 
 living in that place. I then asked them if they had 
 any arms, and one of them said no, while the other, 
 with some hesitation said yes, he had a small repeater. 
 In the meantime my comrade stepped out into the 
 center of the road before them, at the same time keep- 
 ing his revolver pointed toward them. I continued to 
 ask questiens, inquiring if they had any papers, and 
 intimated that I thought they would make good soldiers, 
 and I should be compelled to take them down into 
 Mississippi, upon which one of them replied that he 
 belonged to a command down in Mississippi, and was 
 now at home on furlough. One of them produced a 
 memorandum book, which I took, and the first thing
 
 328 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 that met my eyes was a discharge from the United 
 States army. I then looked the man sternly in the 
 face, asking him his name. He told me his name, and 
 at the same time, I turned over another page of the 
 
 book and saw it written in full, Captain S , Chief 
 
 of Detectives. Without further questions I returned 
 to him his book and told him to keep his revolver that 
 I thought he was all right. We then allowed them to 
 proceed, which they were not slow to do, and, putting 
 spurs to their steeds they were soon out of sight, think- 
 ing, undoubtedly, that they had made a narrow escape. 
 However, I felt satisfied in my own mind that they 
 were all right. The name and position occupied, as 
 written in the book, convinced me. The name I did 
 not pretend to see, betraying every sign of ignorance 
 in regard to reading. 
 
 We now proceeded to our homes, tired and hungry, 
 resolved to make a report the next morning of our trip. 
 Next morning Bennett and myself left home and 
 directed our steps toward the Provost Marshal's ofiice, 
 where I found Lieutenant Bryan, Acting Assistant 
 Provost Marshal, with whom I was well acquainted. 
 While reporting to him about the boat, &c., some person 
 had approached me, from behind, and the first intima- 
 tion he gave me was a light tap on the shoulder, at the 
 same time announcing that I was the same d n scoun- 
 drel who had arrested him the evening previous. The 
 Lieutenant then burst into a loud laugh, after which he 
 told the gentleman that if I was the man who arrested 
 him he did not wonder at it, for I would arrest the very
 
 THE SCOUT. 329 
 
 devil himself if I should meet him. The Lieutenant 
 then informed the gentleman that I was General Ham- 
 ilton's Chief of Scouts. After this Captain S. treated 
 me very kindly, invited me to his office, introduced me 
 to several of his detectives, and told them that I was 
 the cause of all the excitement, confusion and alarm in 
 the last twenty-four hours. Until then I had not 
 become acquainted with the particulars, which were 
 really amusing. It appears that after the Captain and 
 companion departed from us, they, with all speed, took 
 a circular route into town, and at once deployed all the 
 police force through the town, and several squads of 
 cavalry were sent out, to hunt up and bring to his 
 headquarters the persons of two desperadoes. I assure 
 you I enjoyed the joke as well as the good brandy that 
 was being freely offered and drank. 
 
 General Veitch had informed me that in all cases of 
 emergency, where it required immediate action, and I 
 needed assistance, in the shape of cavalry or provost 
 guards, that the commanders of those detachments 
 were instructed to furnish me the required force. The 
 day after the above occurrance I was ordered to take a 
 detachment of cavalry and proceed to the Nonconnah 
 Creek and destroy the boat, which was successfully 
 accomplished. 
 
 At this time it was impossible for a person to keep 
 a horse or a mule, there were so many thieves in the 
 place. My comrade, Bennett, had become intimate 
 with a gang of them. On a certain night they were to 
 make the attempt to steal the horses of Company A,
 
 330 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 Thirty-Sixth Illinois Cavalry. Bennett informed me 
 of this fact, and I went and informed Captain Willis, 
 commanding the company, who at once made disposition 
 to arrest them. At ten o'clock that night his guard 
 succeeded in arresting three of them, but not until they 
 had unhitched six or eight horses. This horse thieving 
 was only a specimen of what occurred nearly every 
 day. 
 
 I will now relate an incident that occurred during 
 the first week in March, 1863. The reader will under- 
 stand that for two months Bennett and myself had 
 been operating in the city and vicinity, running many 
 narrow escapes from persons who knew us and against 
 whose interests we were working. On one occasion I 
 chanced to meet some Confederate soldiers, numbering 
 fourteen, two of whom were lieutenants. I had been 
 drinking quite freely with them, and professed to be as 
 good a rebel as any of them. My intention was to arrest 
 the whole of them, but, unfortunately, one of the party 
 recognized me and it was soon whispered among them 
 who and what I was. Soon one of the party approached 
 me behind and, unperceived, struck me on the back of 
 the head, which felled me 4o the floor, where I lay, 
 insensible, for nearly two hours. Upon recovering my 
 senses I found myself alone, every person having dis- 
 appeared, and, strange to relate, until this day I have 
 not seen one of them to recognize them. 
 
 My friend Bennett, when reporting these occurrences 
 to General Veitch, had been fired at, by some unknown 
 enemy, and narrowly escaped with his life, and the
 
 THE SCOUT. 331 
 
 General very kindly advised me to leave the city, for a 
 time, as my life was threatened, and I might be assas- 
 sinated. Acting upon the General's advice, I was 
 furnished transportation for myself and family to St. 
 Louis, and, in the latter part of March, left for a more 
 northerly clime, where I hoped to find friends. My 
 wife was in very feehle health, produced by exposure 
 to all kinds of weather, while stealing her way through 
 the Confederacy into our lines. While on our trip to 
 St. Louis, I had six hundred dollars stolen from me, 
 leaving in my possession only forty dollars with which 
 to locate my family, and that among strangers. The 
 loss of nearly all my money was a sad stroke upon my 
 wife's feelings. Her health had grown worse, since 
 our departure from Memphis, and, four days after our 
 arrival at Girard, Illinois, my dearly beloved wife died, 
 leaving six motherless children. Pen cannot describe 
 a father's feelings at this sudden and unreplaceable loss. 
 I felt as though my last earthly hope was gone. I was 
 a stranger in a strange land, reduced to poverty. But 
 who should care for my children ? This thought inspired 
 me with a new feeling, and I resolved to try and care 
 for them, and, with the help of God, assist my country 
 too. After remaining in the State of Illinois a short 
 time, I left my children in charge of a widowed sister. 
 I will now refer to my old chum and friend Bennett, 
 who left Memphis, shortly after I started for Illinois, 
 for the purpose of bringing in his family, who were 
 then residing in the interior of the State of Mississippi. 
 On my return from Helena I found him, he had just
 
 332 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 : 
 
 returned and was unsuccessful in getting his famil 
 through. It was not long after my return from up the 
 river when I received a telegraph despatch from General 
 Dodge, then at Corinth, commanding left wing Sixteenth 
 Army Corps, requesting me to come at once if not 
 engaged. At first I was undecided, being at this time 
 in the employment of General Veitch. I had also, 
 some time previously to this, received the following 
 letter which is a true copy 
 
 HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, 
 
 MUFREESBORO, TENN., Feb. 15, 1863 
 MR. . 
 
 SIR : I am requested by Captain William M. Willis, Provost 
 Marshal General to Maj.-Gen. W. S. Kosecrans to write to you, 
 that he would like to have you come to this army on special service, 
 if not particularly engaged. If you can come do so without further 
 delay or writing. He remembers your scouting at and around 
 Corinth. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 JOHN FITCH, 
 
 Provost Judge. 
 
 I soon decided to report myself at Corinth. Arriv- 
 ing at the latter place the next day and immediately 
 reported myself to General Dodge, who requested me 
 to take charge of his scouts. On seeing them I at 
 first declined, they were not the kind of men for the 
 business. I told the General if he had anything that 
 myself or my friend Bennett could perform, that all he 
 had to do was to command and we would undertake the 
 job ourselves without the assistance of others. The 
 General then told me that he wanted me to go down
 
 THE SCOUT. 333 
 
 into the State of Mississippi and make arrangements so 
 that he could receive from me papers every week the 
 Mobile Register, Augusta Chronicle, and Memphis- 
 Grenada-Jackson-Atlanta-Appeal. Myself and Ben- 
 nett started afoot, shaping our course south until we 
 arrived into the interior of the State of Mississippi. 
 I sent one man to Atlanta and one to Mobile, with 
 instructions to take cognizance of the enemies' works, 
 force and so forth, and procure the papers weekly. 
 Myself and Bennett were visiting the latter's family, 
 the most of the time being spent in the woods, to avoid 
 being seen, where we had our meals brought to us. 
 While remaining in this vicinity, General Rhoddy's 
 command was moving down from the Tuscombia valley 
 to join Chalmer, Ferguson and Lee at Okolono, Miss., 
 then to move on toward Memphis and strike the 
 Memphis and Charleston railroad, between Corinth and 
 La Grange. I immediately sent a courier through to 
 General Dodge who gave him notice of this contem- 
 plated move, which resulted in a Union force meeting 
 the enemy at the Tallahatchie, near Rocky Ford, and 
 severely repulsing the enemy ; the road was not injured. 
 This was in June, 1863. While yet remaining in that 
 section of country an incident occurred of rather an 
 amusing nature. I had learned that not more than 
 eight miles from there was a gun shop which was re- 
 pairing arms for Captain Warren, C. S. A., whose 
 camp was about one mile from the shop. I at once 
 decided to destroy it, and, accompanied by Bennett, 
 started and succeeded in approaching to within one
 
 334 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 half mile of the shop. About one hour before sundown 
 we had gained an elevated position so that we could 
 perceive any movement made around the place. We 
 discovered three cavalrymen, who remained until dark. 
 After which time we concluded to advance and see if 
 the cavalry had left ; if there should be only three we 
 felt confident we could overpower them if surprised. 
 
 After reconnoitering the premises closely, we could 
 not see any signs of the cavalry. They had either left 
 with their horses, or else had sent them away and were 
 themselves in the house. I proceeded to the back door, 
 which was wide open ; my friend remaining in front, 
 with a revolver in one hand and a shot gun in the other. 
 I mounted the steps and saw a large mastiff standing 
 in the open door, looking in at the darkies eating, who 
 were gathered around a large table. I had not attracted 
 the notice of the dog, and my mind was at once made 
 up what to do. With one bound I landed behind the 
 dog, at the same time allowing my foot to come in 
 contact with his extremities, which had the desired effect 
 of landing him under the table, where he commenced 
 to growl, bark and bite. My unexpected appearance 
 so frightened the niggers that they scrambled in every 
 direction, screaming murder, murder, upset the table, 
 breaking the dishes, and adding to the noise and confu- 
 sion still more. I did not stop to see what mischief I 
 had done, but, opening a door on my right, found 
 myself in the presence of an old gentleman, his lady 
 and son, a young man belonging to the Confederate 
 army, and, by order of Captain Warren was detailed
 
 THE SCOUT. 335 
 
 at this place to repair arms. I immediately ordered 
 them to surrender, which they did, without any hesita- 
 tion, but with wonder and astonishment depicted on 
 their faces. They could not imagine what this intrusion 
 meant. I told them to remain quiet and I would not 
 harm them. They allowed that they had done nothing 
 that they were afraid of, and thought it strange that 
 one of their own men should visit them in such a man- 
 ner. I then ordered them outside the door, where my 
 partner took charge of them, ordering them to take 
 the position of soldiers. I told them that Major Ham 
 (Confederate army) was very much dissatisfied with 
 them for trading and selling cotton to the Yankees, 
 and that he had ordered me to come here and obtain 
 the proceeds that they had received for it. Also to 
 arrest them and seize upon all arms and ammunition 
 they had about the premises. Also that Captain 
 Warren was under arrest, and his command superceded 
 by Major Ham. The old lady replied that the cotton 
 she had taken to the Federal lines belonged to Captain 
 Warren, and that she had paid the proceeds to him. I 
 then permitted the old lady to enter the house, when she 
 handed me three revolvers and one shot gun. We next 
 proceeded to the shop, where we found ninteen muskets 
 and shot guns, which I ordered the old gentleman and 
 son to load themselves with, myself and Bennett taking 
 the remainder. 
 
 We all, except the old lady, proceeded toward Cap- 
 tain Warner's camp, but, after traveling one-half mile, 
 I concluded I had gone far enough in that direction,
 
 336 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 and the old gentleman and son desiring to return home 
 for some blankets, I permitted them to do so, after they 
 had pledged their word to report to Major Ham's camp, 
 at seven o'clock next morning. We were now alone, and 
 at once left the road, crossing a cornfield, until we 
 reached a low bottom land, where we buried the guns in 
 the mud and there they undoubtenly remain until this 
 day. From this place we made all haste back to our 
 old section, and, the next day, sent an old man down 
 into the vicinity of the gunsmith's, to ascertain what 
 effect our visit had produced. 
 
 The old gentleman returned, in due time, and stated 
 that the father and son had reported at camp, according 
 to promise, but found Captain Warren still in command, 
 and that he knew nothing ahout my Major Ham, and 
 told the grieved party that they had been badly fooled 
 by two d n home made Yankees. 
 
 In the meantime, my newspapers, for which I had 
 subscribed and paid for six months, had arrived at the 
 post office, and my friends had arrived from Mobile and 
 Atlanta, and all intermediate points, bringing all the 
 necessary information. I now established a line of 
 couriers, to ply between the post office and to within 
 fifteen miles of Corinth. I also had plenty of Confed- 
 erate money, having captured the Sheriff and County 
 Treasurer of Franklin County, Alabama, who had in 
 their possession fourteen thousand dollars. I expended 
 this money freely among my scouts and couriers. The 
 reader can perceive by this that there must have been 
 good Union men residing in the South, without whose
 
 THE SCOUT. 337 
 
 assistance many of my plans would have proved failures. 
 While laying out in the woods, waiting for my scouts to 
 report, my meals were brought to me by a young lady, 
 and I promised that, if she would come to Corinth, 
 her services would be rewarded. 
 
 I now had everything arranged to my satisfaction, 
 and left for Corinth, which was sixty miles north, 
 traveling all the way through the woods afoot, arriving 
 on the second day of July, making the trip in forty 
 hours, and reported to the General who was much 
 pleased. He again requested me to take charge of his 
 scouts, numbering fifteen, and to increase them to 
 twenty-five, which I did. About one half of them 
 were citizens, who were residing in the County, and 
 the other half soldiers detailed from the ranks. My 
 next plan was to establish three more lines of couriers, 
 in different directions, whose business was outside the 
 ines, not to come unless ordered to do so. I have 
 every reason to believe that General Dodge, at this 
 time, had better facilities for being posted than any 
 other general in the Union army. 
 
 In the meantime, the young lady I have previously 
 spoken of, made her appearance in Corinth. I knew 
 of no better way to remunerate her than to offer her 
 my heart and hand, which she, at once accepted God 
 bless her and has, so far, proved a good, faithful wife 
 and step-mother. An amusing incident occurred on 
 the day of my marriage. Some of the boys came to 
 the little frame house I was then living in, and, without 
 waiting to see me, called out that Colonel Mercer, then 
 
 15 *
 
 338 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 commanding the post, in the absence of General Dodge, 
 required me to saddle my horse immediately. I learned 
 the boys were trying to play off a joke on me. About 
 ten o'clock, that same night, an orderly came with the 
 same message, but I paid no attention to it. Not long 
 after this another came, knocking at the door. This 
 annoyance began to bore me considerably, and I jumped 
 out of bed and opened the door, expecting to see the 
 fellow, but he did not wait, and I could not see who it 
 was. I called after him, " Tell the Colonel to go to 
 h 1." I had hardly got in bed before another rap, 
 rap, rap, came, on the door, and a voice calling me 
 said that the Colonel wanted me to come right away 
 and if I did not I had better. I at once opened the 
 door and, shure enough, there stood the Colonel's 
 orderly. 
 
 This was no joke. I was soon dressed, and reported 
 myself to Colonel Mercer, who I found not in the best 
 of humor, and, in broken English, he wanted to know, 
 " Vat for, py God, you no report yourself to me, when I 
 sends vor you ? Ah, py God, and you keep me waiting 
 all de hole night, py God. I sens my orderly some 
 two, three times, and you no comes, py tarn. I no like 
 dis, and I vants to know de vy you tells mine orderly 
 to say to me go to h 1, eh ? Vat for you say dis ? 
 Ah, py God" and thus he continued for some time. 
 At last he told me he wanted a guide to send out with 
 a scouting party, which order I filled in a few minutes. 
 The next day I called on the Colonel, and explained to 
 him why it was that I did not obey his orderly that
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 389 
 
 the boys had been plagueing me because I had only 
 that day got married. This was a proceeding the 
 Colonel had known nothing about, and when I finished 
 he said, " So you gets married, eh ? Veil, dat ish goot. 
 I forgives you dis time, and hopes you have lots of little 
 poys. Now we takes a drink of brandy. So good 
 day" and I left the Colonel in the best of spirits. 
 
 My position was of such a nature, at this time, that 
 I had but little chance to participate in many of the 
 scouts or raids, made into the enemy's country. Having 
 twenty-five men under my immediate command and 
 control, subject to no orders, except what came from 
 myself; (I was at liberty to discharge and employ my 
 men ;) keeping my own books, without the help of a 
 clerk or orderly ; attending to the wants of my company 
 for commissary and quartermaster stores, ordnance, 
 camp and garrison equipage ; making out of pay rolls, 
 and receiving funds for paying my men no one of 
 whom got less than one hundred dollars a month ; kept 
 me constantly employed. I would have as many as 
 eight scouts out at a time, operating in various direc- 
 tions, and be receiving reports daily, which had to be 
 handed in at headquarters by myself. When I did 
 absent myself I appointed a suitable man to conduct 
 the business. I felt proud of my position, and my 
 commanding officer, Brig. -Gen., since Maj.-Gen. Dodge, 
 one of the bravest of the brave, was one who could 
 appreciate valuable services, when rendered. 
 
 Twice a week I had to send scouts to communicate 
 with the gunboats at Pittsburg Landing, twenty-one
 
 340 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 miles north. On the other hand, I had to have scouts 
 out whose business it was to communicate with my 
 outside cousins, fifteen miles from Corinth, bringing in 
 the Southern papers, which kept about one-half of my 
 men out all the time. In this way was business con- 
 ducted most successfully, from July 1st, 1863 until 
 November of the same year. Not unfrequently during 
 this time have I taken ten or a dozen men, when learn- 
 ing of some rebel rendezvous, and surprised the enemy 
 in their camp, and almost invariably with success. I 
 must omit giving attention to a hundred or more 
 incidents which occurred while scouting they are too 
 numerous to mention, and would occupy too much 
 space. I will relate a few of the most startling and 
 interesting ones. 
 
 About the last of July, having learned that a party 
 of guerrillas and bushwhackers were making their head- 
 quarters at a certain house on Brown's Creek, some 
 thirty miles south of Corinth, near Bay Springs, I 
 resolved to capture them, although I could only take 
 six of my men, the most of them being absent on duty. 
 One morning, just as daylight began to appear, we 
 started, riding all day, and arriving at the vicinity of 
 our destination about four o'clock. After reconnoitering 
 and satisfying ourselves as to their position, we charged 
 their camp. It was a complete surprise, we, however, 
 captured but two prisoners, and five horses the rest 
 being absent on a scout. We destroyed their camp 
 and garrison equipage. It was now near sundown, and 
 we learned, from reliable sources, that not more than
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 341 
 
 two miles distant, there were camped some twenty-five 
 Confederate Cavalry, who had only come into that 
 section of country the day previous. 
 
 After talking the matter over, we came to the 
 conclusion that we would retrace our steps toward home, 
 taking the two prisoners along, and also a few extra 
 horses, our own being tired and hungry. We must 
 also procure corn for them before dark. After reaching 
 the Tuscumbia and Fulton road, we crossed a bridge 
 and turned into the woods, proceeded about four hundred 
 yards and, dismounting, unsaddled and fed our horses, 
 intending to remain at that place until midnight. Our 
 arms, on this occasion, consisted of three double-bar- 
 reled shot-guns and three fine shooting rifles, and. two 
 navy revolvers, each. Feeling confident that we would 
 be pursued, I determined to fight them in their own 
 style that night. After waiting about one hour we 
 prepared for action. Leaving one man to guard the 
 two prisoners and all the horses, with instructions if 
 either of the prisoners tried to escape or made a noise 
 to shoot him on the spot, we started for the main road. 
 On reaching it, we selected a favorable position and 
 laid down. We had not been waiting long when we 
 heard the enemy approaching, as they crossed the 
 bridge. Judging from the noise they made in crossing 
 it, we supposed there were about fifteen of them. As 
 they advanced to within about forty yards I halted 
 them. They obeyed instantly. I then asked them to 
 what command they belonged, and they answered to 
 Major Ham's, at the same time inquiring to what one
 
 342 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 we belonged. I answered Rhoddy's, and, in the same 
 breath, gave the word to my men to fire, which they 
 did, pouring in a volley that somewhat disturbed the 
 stillness of the night, and created a complete stampede 
 of men and horses some turning into the timber and 
 others recrossing the bridge. All soon became quiet 
 again, with the exception of a loose horse, stumbling 
 over the fallen timber, and the groans of the wounded. 
 Without changing our position, we reloaded our guns, 
 and had been waiting about half an hour when several 
 were seen to approach' again, from the same direction. 
 Halting at a more respectful distance they commenced 
 to call loudly, and the following dialogue ensued : 
 
 "Halloo, there." 
 
 "Halloo." 
 
 "What in h 1 do you mean ?" 
 
 "You don't come that on me. You are the d n 
 Feds that went down the road this morning." 
 
 "No, by God, we are Rebels, and belong to Major 
 Ham's command. You must be d n fools." 
 
 "If you are Confederates, three of you advance." 
 
 (Three of them advanced to where they had been 
 fired into and halted.) 
 
 "Dismount, and advance afoot." 
 
 "No, that is not right." 
 
 "I believe you are the d n Yankees who went down 
 the road this morning." 
 
 "No sir, we are pursuing them. They captured two 
 of our men, this evening, five miles from here." 
 
 "Advance."
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 343 
 
 "No, one of you advance." 
 
 At this, I ordered the boys to let them have it, and 
 we all blazed away which caused another stampede. 
 Very soon all became quiet again. The night was 
 intensely dark. We again reloaded our guns, and all 
 was ready. My attention was now attracted by a noise 
 in the bush, on our left, which impressed me with the 
 idea that a flank movement was going on. At the same 
 time a voice was heard, coming from the direction of 
 the bridge, to which I paid no attention. One of our 
 men remarked that he would go and see what that 
 groaning meant in our front. He had no sooner said 
 it than a volley was poured into us from our left, which 
 made things rattle around us. We instantly returned 
 the fire, and a general fight ensued. Emptying our 
 guns and revolvers, we silenced the enemy, and then 
 began to fall back slowly, for about sixty yards, when 
 we again took a position and loaded our guns and 
 revolvers. Remaining quiet, we could now hear them 
 coming out of the bush into the road, near the same 
 spot we had left. One of them remarked that he 
 reckoned they had given us h 1 ; to look sharp for he 
 believed they must have killed some of us. At this I 
 told the boys to let them have it, and away went another 
 volley and away went the rebels. We could not hear 
 or see any more of them that night, and, returning to 
 our horses, found our prisoners all right. 
 
 It being now midnight, we saddled up, mounted and 
 started, arriving in Corinth the next morning. A few 
 days after this occurrence, we captured two of Major
 
 344 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 Ham's men. Upon questioning them about General 
 Rhoddy's men, they replied, d n Rhoddy's men ; that 
 they had had a fight with them the other night, and 
 that two of their men had been killed and three 
 wounded and five horses killed ; that they were a set 
 of d n fools. This news pleased me very much arid I 
 did not dispute it. 
 
 About this time, there was a band of guerrillas, 
 commanded by one Dr. Smith, who operated between 
 Corinth and the Tennessee River. They became a 
 terror to the Union inhabitants of that vicinity. The 
 leader was a brave and desperate man. My instructions 
 from the General were to break up the band, if possible. 
 They had captured two of my scouts, while they were 
 bearing dispatches to the Tennessee River, one of whom 
 escaped, but the other I have never heard frome since. 
 I now selected seven of my men, and, all being well 
 armed, we started out, mounted, for their rendezvous, 
 determined to give them battle, at all hazards, if found. 
 After proceeding about fourteen miles, on the Hamburg 
 road, we halted, dismounted, and, after concealing our 
 horses, took up a position at a cross-road, where w r e 
 remained all night, expecting them to pass that way. 
 As they did their traveling in the night, and morning 
 came without the guerrillas making their appearance, 
 we mounted our horses and rode about a mile to a 
 plantation, where we procured breakfast. We had 
 just concluded our meal, and the order had been given 
 to prepare to mount, when we discovered Dr. Smith, 
 and seventeen of his men, advancing,' following our
 
 THE SCOUT. :>4") 
 
 trail. My men fell into line as quickly as possible, 
 while shots were being rapidly exchanged from both 
 sides, at not more than than two hundred yards. Dr. 
 Smith, leading his men, ordered them to charge. I 
 now had my men in line, and ordered them to charge, 
 both parties firing and yelling like Indians. This 
 movement was rather unexpected by them, and was 
 made with so much determination, that they broke and 
 fled in all directions, leaving on the field two men 
 wounded one of them mortally, and we also captured 
 five guns. I had one man wounded, but not seriously. 
 After caring for the wounded, we started for Corinth, 
 but not by the direct road, which, had we taken, would 
 have proved fatal to us as I afterward learned that 
 Dr. Smith rallied ten of his men and took a position 
 on the direct road to Corinth, expecting us to pass that 
 way. Neither party was satisfied with the result of 
 this fight, and Smith was still at large. 
 
 It was now my intention to start out with a larger 
 force and pursue Smith to the death ; but before I was 
 ready to start the Seventh Illinois mounted infantry, 
 Colonel Rowett, commanding, while on a scout had 
 come unexpectedly upon Smith's band and completely 
 broken it up, Smith narrowly escaping. He left the 
 country for other parts. 
 
 Myself and six of my men started out mounted, all 
 dressed in Confederate uniform and armed to the teeth, 
 directing our course toward Fulton, Miss. After riding 
 three days, and finding nothing of any importance, we 
 concluded to return home. When within about twenty 
 
 15*
 
 :>4<> CIIK'KASAU', THE SCOUT. 
 
 miles of Corinth we stopped at the plantation of a very 
 wealthy secessionist, where we procured supper, the 
 inmates extending every courtesy, under the impression 
 that we were good Southern men. While at supper a 
 lady made her appearance, having just arrived from a 
 neighboring house, to inquire to what command we 
 belonged. I asked her why she wished to know, and 
 she replied that there were twelve of Major Ham's 
 command up at her house, getting supper, who wished 
 to know. I told her we belonged to Captain Daven- 
 port's command (rebel.) Just as we were about ready 
 to start an old gentleman made his appearance, coming 
 from the same house, and inquired which way we were 
 traveling, and what we were doing in that section. I 
 told him to tell Major Ham's men that we would be up 
 there in a few minutes to see them. "We were soon 
 ready and mounted, and as we approached the next 
 house, which was by the road-side, we discovered a 
 company of men mounted and drawn up in line, with 
 their guns ready for instant use. The moon was 
 shining brightly, and as we rode up to within a few 
 yards of them the Captain commanding inquired which 
 way we were going. I replied that we were skylarking 
 around, to see what we could find, and that we expected 
 to go up into the valley. I then asked them what they 
 were doing there. He replied that they were sent out 
 to watch the roads, and learn what they could about 
 the Yankees, but as yet he had learned nothing. One 
 of my men now proposed to swap horses, but could not 
 agree, so we proceeded on our way, thinking it would
 
 THE SCOUT. 347 
 
 not pay to attack them under the circumstances. They 
 were in doubt as to our character. We arrived safely 
 at Corinth, without meeting with any further incident. 
 Another incident occurred which is quite amusing to 
 think of, though anything but profitable to us at the 
 time. We had learned that at a wealthy old rebel' 
 plantation, about forty miles south of Corinth, there 
 were some very fine horses, and as our stock needed 
 replenishing I concluded to take a few of my men and 
 capture them. I selected B. and H., and we started, 
 arriving in due time at the plantation. We concealed 
 ourselves in the woods until night, when we proceeded 
 toward the house. B. went to reconnoitre, and shortly 
 returned, stating that a very fine stallion and two 
 blooded mares were in the stable lot. We concluded 
 to wait until the inmates of the house should retire 
 before attempting to catch the stock. After waiting 
 as we thought a sufficient length of time we started for 
 the lot. The night was dark, and we did not discover, 
 until close by, that the lot was full of horses, and at 
 the same time we heard men talking and laughing. B. 
 and II. started into the stable, while I kept concealed 
 in a shed. Just then a number of men entered the 
 lot and commenced catching their horses, saddling up, 
 and preparing to start. This was unexpected company, 
 and we were in doubt as to their number. I told the 
 boys to hide, if possible, but if discovered to let into 
 them, and we would get out the best we could. The 
 new comers began to show themselves in every quarter, 
 but I had a very indistinct view of them as they passed
 
 348 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 close by me, trying to catch their horses. I was then 
 lying flat on my back, close in the pannels of the fence, 
 and B. and H. were cooped up in the stable, under the 
 mangers. It was not long before the horses were all 
 secured and saddled, and nine men were seen to mount 
 and ride off, followed by a negro, riding one and leading 
 two, the same that we had come so far to procure. We 
 now retraced our steps toward home, arriving there 
 without meeting /with any accident. While passing 
 through a swamp two armed rebels rode up to us, and 
 in a very rough manner demanded what we were doing 
 there, and where we were going ; they were under the 
 impression that we were deserters from the rebel army. 
 After parleying a few minutes I drew my navy revolver 
 which I carried concealed beneath my coat and 
 told them they were prisoners, and must accompany 
 us. We brought them into Corinth, not meeting with 
 any further trouble, but feeling very cheap over our 
 disappointment in not getting the horses. 
 
 About this time General Rhoddy had his command 
 scattered along Bear Creek, guarding all points where 
 it was possible for any force to cross. Several attempts 
 had been made to send scouts up into the valley. 
 General Dodge told me it was highly necessary that 
 he should obtain some reliable information from that 
 quarter. I at once concluded to make the effort, and 
 taking six of my men we started. After dark we 
 arrived at the plantation of a doctor, with whom I had 
 formerly been acquainted, and thought to be a good 
 Union man, he having taken the oath of allegiance at
 
 THE SCOUT. 349 
 
 the time our forces occupied luka. When within half 
 
 a mile of his house we turned into the timber, where I 
 
 left all my men except one, who accompanied me to 
 
 the house, leaving our horses behind. On arriving at 
 
 the house we found that the inmates had all retired to 
 
 rest, but we at once aroused them, and they got up and 
 
 went to work preparing us a supper. The old doctor 
 
 did not recognize me in my Confederate uniform. 
 
 They seemed to feel glad of our presence, and inquired 
 
 where we were going. I informed them that we were 
 
 rebel soldiers, belonging to the infantry, but we were 
 
 going up into the valley to join General Rhoddy, for 
 
 he was a fighting man. After finishing our supper we 
 
 oifered him pay for it, but he would not receive a cent, 
 
 and expressed himself glad to think that we were going 
 
 to join Rhoddy. I then inquired if he knew where we 
 
 would find the pickets stationed, and .he informed me 
 
 that the first picket was stationed on this side of the 
 
 creek, not more than four hundred yards from his 
 
 house, and that two of them had taken tea with him 
 
 that evening. I then asked him if the pickets had 
 
 instructions to fire on any one approaching after dark 
 
 without first halting them. He replied that they had 
 
 not, and that when halted to halloo out "all right," 
 
 and advance boldly. We then started down the hill, 
 
 toward the creek, laughing and talking, with the 
 
 understanding that when the proper time arrived, and 
 
 I should give a certain signal, to draw our revolvers 
 
 and demand their surrender. Upon reaching the foot 
 
 of the hill we were halted and challenged. After
 
 350 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 answering in the usual manner, and adding that it was 
 "all right," we were told to advance, which we did, 
 and when sufficiently near I discovered there were but 
 two of them. They inquired who we were, and I told 
 them the same tale I had told the doctor, and gave 
 them to understand that I knew they were here that 
 I had been informed so by the doctor, up at the house ; 
 in fact I made myself very familiar with them, and 
 taking a seat upon a rock seemed to feel quite at home. 
 They inquired if we had any arms, and we told them 
 we had not. If they had searched us they would have 
 found two navy revolvers concealed about the person of 
 us both. 
 
 After obtaining all the information required about 
 the disposition of Rhoddy's forces, and their contem- 
 plated movements, we also learned that their reserve 
 picket was on the opposide side of the creek, which 
 they crossed in a small boat, and that they would be 
 relieved in about an hour, when they would ferry us 
 over. After remaining as long as I thought it prudent 
 I gave the signal, when we each drew a revolver and 
 demanded their surrender, and, on peril of their lives, 
 not to speak above a whisper. After securing their 
 arms we marched them before us up the hill, and halted 
 at the doctor's house. All this proceeding had taken 
 considerable time, and the men I had left behind 
 becoming alarmed at our lengthy stay had come up to 
 the house, arousing the inmates a second time, and 
 inquired if any Confederate soldiers had been there 
 that evening. The old doctor told them that he had
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 351 
 
 not seen one for more than a week. On reaching the 
 house with the prisoners I found my men there. The 
 old doctor looked at me and my party with the utmost 
 astonishment. I now informed the old gentleman that 
 we would have to draw on him for two horses for the 
 prisoners to ride, knowing that we would be pursued 
 before morning. At this request he produced his oath 
 of allegiance and protection papers, signed by General 
 Rosecrans. I told him to come down to Corinth and 
 we would settle it. Without any further interruption 
 or delay we proceeded to the latter place, and reported 
 to headquarters. A few days after this the old doctor 
 sent one of his neighbors in to see General Dodge, and 
 have his horses returned to him. I had stated to the 
 General all I knew respecting the doctor's loyalty, and 
 the General sent the agent back as he came, without 
 them. Not long after this latter trip one of my outside 
 scouts sent me word that Captain Shackleford, of the 
 Twenty-Sixth Mississippi Infantry, who lived twenty- 
 eight miles south of Corinth, had returned home on 
 leave of absence. I immediately started out, taking 
 with me five of my men, arriving next morning, and 
 surrounding his house before daylight. We found the 
 Captain and two soldiers, all of whom surrendered to us 
 without any resistance. After securing their horses, 
 arms, &c., we mounted them, and brought them all safe 
 into camp. 
 
 During all this time my scouts and couriers were 
 operating in their different departments, with entire 
 success, in obtaining the Southern papers, and also
 
 352 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 valuable information. Occasionally I would lose a 
 man, either by capture or by being killed. Their 
 services were invaluable to the generals, and were 
 appreciated ; they expressed themselves fully satisfied. 
 
 About the first of October General Dodge requested 
 me to ascertain at what point the Tennessee River 
 could be forded above Eastport. This was the first 
 intimation that I had of the intended movement of our 
 army towards Chattanooga, Middle Tennessee. Three 
 days after I reported to the General that the river 
 could be forded at Green's Bluff, one mile above the 
 mouth of Town Creek, and one mile below the mouth 
 of the Big Nancy, on the opposite side. 
 
 I now found it necessary to make some disposition 
 of my wife. My friend Bennett was about to start for 
 Illinois with his family, and I concluded to send my 
 wife under his care. 
 
 The grand move of our army had now commenced. 
 General Sherman and his command were already on 
 the march. General Dodge was ordered to follow, my 
 scouts, under my charge, constituting the advance 
 guard for his command, taking the road leading to 
 Pulaski, Tennessee. General Sherman had moved by 
 the way of Florence. 
 
 I had received orders to scout the country in every 
 direction, and secure all servicable horses and mules. 
 We had been out several days when I learned that a 
 number of Confederate scouts were in our advance. I 
 started out with my men, determined to overtake and 
 capture them, if possible. Four of my men and myself
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 353 
 
 were dressed in the Confederate uniform, and occupied 
 the advance. On reaching a cross-road we came upon 
 them. At a considerable distance off they saw us, and 
 demanded to know to what command we belonged. I 
 answered, "Confederate. " This announcement did not 
 seem to satisfy them, for without any hesitation they 
 pulled away at us. My company had received orders 
 to keep within supporting distance of us, which they 
 were at that time. I at once ordered them to charge, 
 which they did, the enemy scattering in all directions, 
 and my men also separating and pursuing them in the 
 same manner. I soon found myself alone, and in hot 
 pursuit of a single rebel. I was well mounted, and 
 after a chase of about a mile my man dismounted and 
 ran into a hotfse. I followed him closely ; at the same 
 time I saw three or four of my men coming up the 
 road at full speed. As I ran up to the door I was met 
 by a nice looking young lady, who asked me if the 
 Yankees were after me. I told her they were, and 
 asked her if she could tell me where to hide. She told 
 me she did not know. I then inquired where the other 
 man was, and she replied that he was up stairs. She 
 then opened a door leading to a room, and I ran into 
 it, ghe following. Just then my men arrived, and were 
 
 at the door demanding where in h 1 them d d 
 
 rebels had gone that came in the house. The young 
 lady had told me to stoop down in the corner, and 
 standing before me screened me from their view by 
 spreading out her crinoline. She told them they had 
 gone out the back door, and as she finished speaking
 
 354 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 away they went ? pell-mell through the hall, out at the 
 back door, and had soon disappeared in the rear of the 
 house. I now relieved the young lady, and could 
 scarcely contain myself, I was so full of laughter. In 
 a few minutes my men returned, when I told them that 
 the man was up stairs, whom they soon found. 
 
 Nothing more occurred after this, except skirmishing 
 and the capture of a few prisoners each day, .until we 
 arrived at Pulaski, where General Dodge received 
 orders to repair the Nashville and Huntsville railroad, 
 establishing his headquarters at Pulaski. General 
 Sherman had by this time taken Lookout Mountain. 
 
 It was now about the tenth of November. Our. 
 forces were scattered along the line of railroad from 
 Columbia to Huntsville, Ala. At this time there were 
 but a very few rebels in that vicinity. My time was 
 principally employed with my men, scouring the country 
 in quest of horses, mules, etc., occasionally an incident 
 occuring of a startling and amusing nature. I had 
 learned that the rebel General Rhoddy was with his 
 command in the Tuscumbia valley, with his headquar- 
 ters established at Tuscumbia. He also had possession 
 of some points along the river in the vicinity of 
 Florence. Captain Phillips, with the Ninth Illinois 
 mounted infantry, had almost daily skirmishing with 
 them along the river. I had sent out some of my 
 scouts in various directions; one of them returned, 
 stating that two wagon loads of salt were at Lamb's 
 Ferry. I took five of my men and started with the 
 intention of destroying it, which we did near the river,
 
 THE SCOUT. 355 
 
 within forty miles of Pulaski. On our return, and 
 during the night time (which was very cool), we stopped, 
 putting up at a wealthy planter's, who professed to be 
 a good Union man. After stabling and feeding our 
 horses and partaking of a good supper we retired to 
 rest, feeling perfectly secure, being only twenty-seven 
 miles from our army. At the same time, I took the 
 neccessar-y precaution to keep one man on picket. 
 About twelve o'clock (midnight) we were aroused by our 
 guard, who told us the yard was full of rebel cavalry. 
 I ordered the boys to get up, and without making any 
 noise to dress and prepare their guns for instant use. 
 I could then hear considerable noise in the parlor, which 
 was the adjoining room. After all was ready, I ordered 
 two of the men to step out on the porch and slip around 
 to the back window, and, if necessary, to fire in through 
 it, but not until they saw me enter from the inside 
 through the door. Taking the other four men, each 
 one w T ith his revolver in hand, I approached the door 
 and gently opening it I discovered six rebel officers 
 seated around a fire. I at once demanded a surrender, 
 to which they complied without any resistance, but 
 very much astonished at our unexpected appearance. 
 They ranked from a second lieutenant up to a major, 
 which somewhat surprised me in turn. I afterwards 
 learnjed they were a portion of Morgan's command, 
 who were trying to make their escape, which was just 
 after his defeat. We secured their arms and horses, 
 keeping close guard over them until morning, when we 
 started for camp, where we arrived safely with our
 
 356 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 prisoners and captured property, which pleased General 
 Dodge very much. 
 
 A few days after the above occurrence, I sent out 
 two of my scouts, dressed in Confederate uniform. 
 While on their return to camp they met a young man 
 dressed in rebel uniform, whom they conscripted for the 
 rebel army. The young man was very indignant at 
 first, and told them they were doing wrong, that he 
 was on special business from General Bragg, all of 
 which was of no avail, my scouts persisted in taking 
 him before their Captain, who could act at his pleasure. 
 They then demanded his arms which he hesitated for 
 some time before delivering up, and said he did not 
 believe they were Confederate soldiers, he would never 
 give them up, that the whole Federal army could not 
 take them from him alive. They had now approached 
 to within about two miles of our camp, when this young 
 man discovered that he was a prisoner in the hand of 
 Federal scouts. He attempted to escape by putting 
 spurs to his horse, but the scouts were on the watch, 
 and the moment he made the effort one of the men 
 caught his horse by the bridle rein. He was taken to 
 headquarters, and upon examining his person was found 
 a water-proof haversack filled with letters and papers 
 for General Bragg. Among them was a despatch from 
 General Bragg's chief of scouts in Middle Tennessee, 
 giving the exact number of men in General Dodge's 
 command, together with all his late orders and a late 
 paper from Nashville. Other papers were found 
 proving this young man to be a spy. The General
 
 THE SCOUT. 857 
 
 then turned him over to me, with orders to deliver him 
 to the Provost Marshal and to have him put into a 
 cell, also, to tell him, that he had only a few days to 
 live; except on one condition would his life be spared, 
 that was, to tell who the person was that furnished him 
 with those papers. He replied, that he would not 
 confess anything. That when he entered the army he 
 did not expect to live through this war, and if Tennessee 
 could not be restored to the Southern Confederacy he 
 would rather die than live. I could not but admire his 
 brave manly spirit. At no time, while in my presence, 
 did he seem to feel depressed. The next day a com- 
 mission was called to give him a trial. The prisoner 
 was called out, who confessed to the charge preferred 
 against him. He was sentenced to be hung on the 
 following Friday. When he was taken to the scaffold 
 I was permitted to talk to him. I addressed him thus ; 
 u Davis, you are not the man that should be hung, and 
 if you would yet tell me who General Bragg's chief of 
 scouts was, so I might capture him, your life would 
 yet be spared." He looked rne steadily in the eye, and 
 said "do you suppose were I your friend that I would 
 betray you ?" I told him I did not know, but life was 
 sweet to all men. His reply to this, was, " Sir, if you 
 think I am that kind of a man you have missed your 
 mark. You may hang me a thousand times and I would 
 not betray my friends." I then left him, only to witness 
 in less than two minutes afterwards his fall from the 
 scaffold, a dead man. Thus ended the life of Samuel 
 Davis, one of General Bragg's scouts, a noble, brave
 
 358 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 young man, who possessed principle. I have often 
 regretted the fate of this young man, who could brave 
 such a death when his life rested in his own hands. 
 His mind was one of principle, though engaged in a 
 wrong cause. 
 
 Guerrillas were becoming more numerous, and receiv- 
 ing information from two of my scouts that a force of 
 rebels, moving north, had crossed the river at Lamb's 
 ferry ; I reported the same to the General, and he ordered 
 me to take my scouts and see if it was so. I started 
 with eleven men, and, after proceeding about twelve 
 miles, in the direction spoken of, we saw six mounted 
 rebels emerge into the road in our front, and form a 
 line across the road. We immediately ordered a charge, 
 when they fired a volley, turned about and retreated in 
 hot haste. We were mounted on good fleet horses, and 
 very soon began to overtake them, picking them up, 
 one at a time. After chasing them about half a mile, 
 my men succeeded in picking up all but two of them. 
 I still continued the chase followed by six of my men, 
 the remainder having halted some distance in the rear 
 with the prisoners. On reaching the top of a hill, under 
 full headway, I unexpectedly found the road full of 
 rebels, forming in line of battle, and not more than 
 twenty yards in our front. There was but one course 
 to pursue, and that was to charge through. In fact, it 
 was impossible so check our horses, and away we went, 
 firing our revolvers right and left. The rebels were 
 thrown into confusion by this unexpected appearance 
 in their midst, and thought the whole Federal army
 
 THE SCOUT. 359 
 
 was charging them. It was now each man for himself, 
 and through them we went. The next question was to 
 get away from them, and the only chance was to wheel 
 about and return as we came. No sooner said than 
 away we went, charging about three hundred and fifty 
 men, formerly Rhoddy's old regiment, commanded, at 
 this time, by Lieut. -Col. Johnson. A portion of them 
 had formed a line and, as we passed them, they fired a 
 volley into us, wounding three. One rebel stood beside 
 the road and, as I came up, leveled his revolver within 
 two inches of my head and fired, the ball just grazing 
 my neck, and powder burning my face and singing my 
 hair. We had now returned back, still keeping under 
 full headway, while the rebels continued to fire after 
 us, but not daring to pursue. We soon came up with 
 the rest of my men, who had remained with the prison- 
 ers, and, without any delay, we retraced our way to 
 camp, all arriving safely, and feeling rejoiced that we 
 had escaped so well. My wound was not of a serious 
 nature. My two. companions, however, were less fortu- 
 nate, one having his arm broken, and the other his 
 thigh fractured. As soon as we arrived in camp I 
 reported to the General, who ordered out a detachment 
 of the Seventh and Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, 
 who were to find and attack this rebel force, if possible, 
 but they returned without finding them, for the rebels 
 had retreated and re-crossed the Tennessee River. 
 
 My wound now began to trouble me, and I applied 
 to the General for leave of absence, to visit my family 
 up North. I now felt that I had had my fill of
 
 360 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 satisfaction. The following is a correct copy of the 
 Special Order relieving me from duty for a certain time : 
 
 HEADQUAPTERS LEFT-WING SIXTEKNTH ARMY CORPS, 1 
 PULASKI, TENNESSEE, 'Dec. 15th, 1863. / 
 SPECIAL ORDEB, \ 
 No. 39. / 
 
 VI. L. II. N , in employ of United States Government, is 
 
 hereby ordered to Illinois, on business for this command. The Q. 
 M. Department will furnish transportation. He will turn over his 
 quartermaster and ordinance stores to James Hansel, taking proper 
 
 receipts therefor. During N 's absence James Hansel will act 
 
 as Chief of Scouts. 
 
 By order of 
 
 BRIG. -GEN. G. M. DODGE. 
 
 J. W. EARNER, 
 
 Lieut, and A. A. A. G. 
 
 After making preparations, I started for Nashville, 
 remaining there about one week. My health was not 
 good and I experienced considerable pain in my wound. 
 I had been in Nashville but a few days when I found 
 one of my old scouts, who had been absent from me a 
 long time. While stationed at Pulaski, during the 
 month of November, I sent out three of my best scouts, 
 with instructions to reconnoiter up and down the Ten- 
 nessee River. After being absent about three weeks, 
 one of them, Biffell, a Tennessean by birth, returned. 
 He was wounded through the shoulder, and reported 
 as follows : After scouting along the river four or five 
 days, finding that they were going to be arrested or 
 pursued, they began to retrace their steps. Being very 
 weary they stopped at a plantation, about midnight, to 
 feed and rest. They were at some distance from the
 
 THE SCOUT. 361 
 
 house, at the lower end of the plantation. After feed- 
 ing their horses, they crept into a corn-crib, and, laying 
 down, were soon asleep. The first intimation they had 
 of danger they were aroused and found themselves 
 surrounded by nine men, who had their guns leveled 
 upon them. They surrendered, without any resistance, 
 and were marched back to the Tennessee River, where 
 it was decided they should be hung. They declared 
 that they were Rhoddy's scouts, when it was decided 
 to send them to Rhoddy. 
 
 After crossing the Tennessee River, their guards 
 were reduced to five men. They halted at a plantation 
 to feed and rest. The prisoners now fully determined 
 to escape knowing that if they were carried before 
 General Rhoddy they would be recognized by some of 
 his men, and certain death would await them. One of 
 the party had kept concealed, in his boot, a small 
 revolver. While three of the guard were in the house, 
 eating dinner, the other two remained on guard. Two 
 of the prisoners then seized the guns belonging to 
 the guard while the other drew his revolver from his 
 boot leg, but it would not fire the caps being damp. 
 He then struck one of the guards over the head with 
 his pistol, knocking him down, while the other was 
 knocked down with a musket. By this time the three 
 men in the house were alarmed, by the noise, and 
 made their appearance, only to see their two bleeding 
 comrades lying on the ground, and the prisoners 
 making the best possible use of their legs in crossing 
 a corn field. The three guards commenced firing on 
 
 16
 
 362 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 them, and wounded Biffles, who then became separated 
 from his companions whom he saw no more. 
 
 This ended Biffie's narrative, and, until my arrival 
 at Nashville, I had not heard anything of the other 
 two Joe, from Mississippi, and Haines, of the Second 
 Iowa Infantry. One morning, while in the quarter- 
 master's depot, at Nashville, I was asked by a gentleman 
 to what command I belonged. I told him, General 
 Dodge's scouts, and he then said that o-ne of the d d'st 
 looking cases he had ever seen was then up at the 
 Soldier's Home; that he had arrived that morning, 
 from the vicinity of Chattanooga, and professed to 
 belong to General Dodge's scouts. It occurred to me 
 at once, after hearing the description of this strange 
 looking being, that it must be either Joe or Haines. 
 Without any delay, I proceeded to the Soldiers' Home, 
 and about the first man I saw was Haines, and, true 
 enough, he was a hard looking case, reduced almost to 
 a skeleton, covered with dirt and rags. Pen cannot 
 describe the meeting that there took place. He was 
 overjoyed at seeing me, and clasped his arms around 
 me and caressed me like a child. I immediately took 
 him to the barbershop and had him shaved and sham- 
 pooed. I also procured an order for a suit of clothes, 
 after which I presented him to Generals Sherman and 
 Dodge, who were then in the city, stopping at the St. 
 Cloud Hotel. They received him kindly and heard his 
 report. He furnished me the following narrative. I 
 will commence at the time they had knocked the guard 
 down and effected their escape, by running across the 
 cornfield when they became separated from Biffles :
 
 THE SCOUT. 363 
 
 After making their escape, they concluded to make 
 their way toward Corinth Joe being familiar with the 
 country though they were, at this time, in the midst 
 of Rhoddy's scattered forces. Rhoddy,' having learned 
 the circumstances, had sent out detachments of men, in 
 various directions, to watch for them, and, after traveling 
 two days and nights, without provisions, they were 
 discovered by his cavalry. After running some dis- 
 tance, they came to a narrow defile. Haines, having 
 now become so exhausted that he could proceed no 
 further, told Joe to go ahead and try to make his escape, 
 and that he would get behind a stump having yet in 
 his possession one of the guns taken from the guard, 
 but no percussion caps. Joe continued running, while 
 Haines, took up a position behind a stump and, as the 
 pursuers came up within fifty yards he leveled his gun 
 at them, and they retreated. Thus it continued until 
 they succeeded in flanking him, when he arose to a 
 standing position and, breaking his gun over a stump, 
 surrendered. Joe, in the meantime, had effected his 
 escape from this party, and has not been heard of by 
 me up to this time. 
 
 Haines, now a prisoner, was conveyed to Tuscumbia, 
 where he was recognized as one of the men who killed 
 the guard, and was ordered to be put in heavy irons. 
 After keeping him closely confined for several days, 
 orders were received to remove all the prisoners to 
 Rome, Georgia. As the Federals were advancing into 
 the valley at that time, Haines was taken along hand- 
 cuffed. As they were taking their departure, the
 
 364 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 Provost Marshal told the Captain of the guard that he 
 would hold him strictly responsible for that man, as he 
 was a desperado, and if he made his escape he would 
 have to take his place. 
 
 After marching several days across the sand moun- 
 tains, they came to the Coosa River, near Rome, at 
 which time he said he was nearly in a state of starvation. 
 While seated on the river bank, waiting for the boat 
 which was to convey them to Cahawba, a young lady 
 made her appearance, carrying a basket of eatables, 
 consisting of pies and cakes, and, addressing him kindly, 
 asked him to eat some of her pies. He told her that 
 he had no money, but she replied that he must eat some 
 anyhow, saying that she did not want any pay from 
 him. (She had been informed that he was a Federal 
 spy, and was to be shot.) He then asked her name 
 and where she lived. She told him her name and said 
 that she lived with her brother-in-law, some distance 
 out west, also telling his name. After eating abund- 
 antly of her pies and cakes, he felt very much refreshed. 
 This young lady appeared to him like an angel sent 
 to soothe and relieve his troubled mind. She was the 
 first person who had shown any sympathy toward him 
 since his capture. 
 
 The boat now making its appearance he was ordered 
 aboard, and was chained, by the Captain of the guard, 
 to one of the uprights of the boat. A lieutenant who 
 was on the boat, at the time of her landing at this 
 point, on passing Haines saw that he was chained, and, 
 without consulting any person, released him, saying
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 365 
 
 that it was a shame and not right to chain a man on 
 water. Immediately after this, the Captain of the 
 guard, in passing, saw that Haines was released, and 
 immediately rechained him, cursing and swearing at 
 the Lieutenant, and threatening to report him. After 
 dark, the Lieutenant, watching for an opportunity, 
 told Haines that, if he would jump overboard, he would 
 relieve him of his chains and break his handcuffs that 
 he would let the d n Captain see if he could treat a 
 man in that manner. Haines, of course, consented, 
 and the Lieutenant managed to release him, without 
 being observed, which was no sooner done than Haines 
 made one jump, and plunged headlong into the Coosa 
 River, on the west side of the boat, and swam ashore, 
 nearly chilled to death by the cold. 
 
 After scrambling up the bank, he proceeded tforth, 
 finding himself in a wild, barren and mountainous 
 country. After traveling all that night and the next 
 day, until late in the evening, without any food, except 
 roots and wild herbs, he unexpectedly, upon gaining 
 the top of a high ridge, and looking down into the 
 valley below, saw with inexpressible joy, the smoke 
 curling up through the tree tops, and upon closer 
 observation, he could see a few log houses and people 
 moving about. Being hungry and nearly naked, he 
 resolved to venture, at all hazards, so moving cautiously, 
 he approached the house from the rear, and had got 
 within one hundred yards when he perceived a female 
 emerge from it and approach the spot where he lay 
 concealed. Upon seeing her face what was his
 
 360 CIIICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 inexpressible joy and astonishment at beholding the 
 kindhearted lady who had furnished him with pies and 
 cakes, on the banks of the Coosa River. 
 
 He at once attracted her attention, and she, in turn, 
 was surprised at seeing him there. She told him that 
 she would bring him some food and clothing, but that 
 as the country was full of rebel cavalry, he must lay 
 concealed through the day. After dark she went to 
 him, accompanied by her brother-in-law, who told him 
 to keep secluded all the next day, and the next night 
 he would convey him fifteen miles and turn him over 
 to other friends. This promise he faithfully kept, and 
 the second party conveyed him to within a few miles of 
 the Tennessee River, and gave him instructions neces- 
 sary to enable him to avoid danger, and the course to 
 pursue to reach Nashville. The reader is already 
 acquainted with his arrival and condition. 
 
 Shortly after meeting my old friend Haines, I took 
 my departure for the North, arriving in Illinois the 
 first day of January, 1864, where I found my wife and 
 family all well, and happy at seeing me alive once 
 more. I remained at home until the first day of Octo- 
 ber, when I started for Tennessee. In the meantime, 
 I had learned that General Dodge had been wounded 
 and was absent from his command, which was the reason 
 for my visiting Memphis. It had also been reported 
 to me that he was coming to the latter place, to assume 
 command of that Department, and I was anxious to 
 again tender him my services. In this I was disap- 
 pointed. I found General Washburne in command,
 
 307 
 
 and also learned that General Dodge was assigned to 
 the command of Missouri, with headquarters at St. 
 Louis. 
 
 I at once tendered my services to General Washburne, 
 and they were accepted, for a short time. The General, 
 however, told me that he would not remain long in 
 Memphis, and recommended me to the notice of Brig.- 
 Gen. Grierson, to whom I at once reported. I was 
 greatly surprised at meeting my old friend, S. L. Wood- 
 ward, formerly General Sherman's Chief Clerk, now 
 Captain and Acting Adjutant General on General 
 Grierson's staff, who was pleased to see me. My 
 services were at once accepted by the General, who 
 was making preparations to send a cavalry force into 
 Mississippi, to tap the Mobile and Ohio railroad south 
 of Corinth. 
 
 This expedition was entrusted to the command of 
 General Grierson, who questioned me respecting the 
 roads, streams, &c. I told the General that I could 
 guide him and his command through the proposed route 
 without having to swim a horse over any steam of water. 
 On the morning of the twenty-first of December, 1864, 
 the expedition left Memphis, Tennessee. It was com- 
 prised of three brigades. The first was commanded 
 by Colonel Karge, and was composed of the Second 
 New Jersey, Fourth Missouri, Seventh Indiana and 
 First Mississippi Mounted Rifles. The second brigade, 
 commanded by Colonel Winslow, included the Third and 
 Fourth Iowa and Tenth Missouri. The third brigade, 
 commanded by Colonel Osborne, consisted of the Fourth
 
 368 CIIICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 and Eleventh Illinois, Second Wisconsin, Third U. S. 
 Colored and fifty men of the Pioneer Corps, colored, 
 commanded by Lieutenant Lewis, of the Seventh Indiana 
 Cavalry, numbering in all about thirty-three hundred 
 men. The whole commanded by Brig. -Gen. B. H. 
 Grierson. His staff consisted of the following mem- 
 bers : Major M. H. Williams, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, 
 Acting Assistant Inspector General, and Captain S. L. 
 Woodward, Assistant Adjutant General, U. S. A., 
 accompanied by a telegraph operator, whose quick hand 
 is lightning. 
 
 Previous to the departure of this expedition, reliable 
 information had been received, from scouts, that the 
 enemy were accumulating a large quantity of supplies 
 on the line of the Mobile and Ohio railroad and Missis- 
 sippi Central railroad, for transportation to Hood's 
 army. On the morning of the nineteenth, a brigade 
 was sent forward, to make a demonstration toward 
 Bolivar, and thence to swing south-east and join the 
 main column near Ripley, Mississippi, but owing to 
 heavy rains on that and several previous days, it was 
 impossible to cross Wolf River, and, therefore, the 
 intended junction could not be effected, and the command 
 returned to Memphis. 
 
 On the morning of the twenty-first, the expedition 
 started from Memphis, accompanied by a considerable 
 force of infantry, moving along the line of the Rfemphis 
 and Charleston railroad, as far as Moscow, making a 
 demonstration toward Corinth. The cavalry, under 
 General Grierson, cut loose from the infantry near
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 369 
 
 Germantown, and pursued the most direct route for 
 Ripley, passing through Lamar and Salem. 
 
 From Early Grove, a detachment of one hundred 
 men, commanded by Captain Neet, of the Tenth Mis- 
 souri, was ordered to proceed to the neighborhood of 
 Grand Junction, and cut the railroad and telegraph 
 lines there. He regained the command between Salem 
 and Ripley, having successfully accomplished the work 
 assigned him. 
 
 The transportation for the expedition consisted of 
 pack mules, carrying ten days' rations, and one hundred 
 rounds per man of extra ammunition. No artillery, 
 ambulances or wagons accompanied the expedition. 
 Such encumbrances, which have proved fatal to so many 
 well contemplated raids, were dispensed with, that the 
 command might be able to move with great rapidity. 
 General Grierson's orders from General Dana were to 
 cut the Mobile and Ohio railroad effectually, if possible. 
 Further than this the General was at liberty to use his 
 own discretion and the sequel will show with what 
 masterly skill it was exercised. The march to Ripley 
 was unopposed, very few of the enemy being seen. 
 
 Arriving at the latter place in time for dinner, on 
 the twenty-fourth, two detachments of the Second New 
 Jersey, under the command of Major Van Rensalaer, 
 were immediately sent out with orders to proceed to 
 Booneville, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, to destroy 
 it and the government property there, and rejoin the 
 command at Ellistown, twenty miles south of Ripley. 
 I was ordered to accompany this expedition as guide. 
 
 *16
 
 370 CIIICKASAW, THE SCOTT. 
 
 The other detachment of two hundred men, under the 
 command of Captain Search, of the Fourth Illinois, was 
 to strike the same road at Gunntown, and rejoin the 
 command at Ellistown. This the detachments success- 
 fully accomplished, the former capturing and destroying 
 a large quantity of quartermaster stores, five cars, 
 cutting the telegraph, burning railroad bridges and 
 trestle-work, and paroling about twenty prisoners. At 
 the same time the attention of the enemy at Corinth 
 was diverted from the proceedings. They were led to 
 anticipate an attack on that place. The track and the 
 telegraph line were destroyed at Gunntown. While 
 this was being done the main column, after a few hours' 
 rest, left Ripley and moved rapidly toward Tupelo, 
 arriving there on the afternoon of the twenty-fifth 
 without meeting with any opposition. From this place 
 the Eleventh Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Funk, commanding, 
 was sent to destroy a bridge and some trestle-work 
 over the Old Town Creek. In the meantime Colonel 
 Karge was ordered to move rapidly upon Verona 
 Station, seven miles south, with his entire brigade, 
 information having been obtained that a force of seven 
 hundred dismounted cavalry, belonging to Forrest's 
 command, were stationed at that place, guarding an 
 immense amount of quartermaster stores. About ten 
 o'clock that evening a gallant charge was made into 
 the place, led by the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, Captain 
 Skelton, commanding. The surprise was so complete 
 that little resistance was offered, most of the garrison, 
 aided by the darkness, escaping into the timber. This
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 371 
 
 affair resulted in the easy capture of eight buildings 
 filled with fixed ammunition, variously estimated at 
 from 250 to 300 tons, 5000 stand of new carbines, 8000 
 sacks of shelled corn, a large quantity of wheat, an 
 immense amount of quartermaster stores, clothing, camp 
 and garrison equipage, a train of sixteen cars, and two 
 hundred army wagons, the same that were captured by 
 Forrest from General Sturgis, at his disastrous defeat 
 near Gunntown the June previous. After effectually 
 destroying all this property, tearing up the track, 
 burning the bridges and cutting the telegraph wire, the 
 brigade started to rejoin the command, leaving a fire 
 in their rear for miles. The explosion of ammunition, 
 which continued at intervals all night, added much to 
 this magnificent scene, which must have produced a 
 peculiar effect upon the minds of the citizens, who were 
 not aware of our presence. 
 
 On the morning of the twenty-sixth the command 
 moved out from Tupelo. The third brigade was ordered 
 to proceed down the railroad and destroy the bridges, 
 trestle-work, water-tanks, etc. On arriving at Shannon 
 they surprised and captured a large train of cars, 
 containing one hundred new army wagons on the way 
 for Forrest's forces, besides a quantity of quartermaster 
 and commissary stores, and also several government 
 buildings, all of which were destroyed. After the main 
 column arrived at this place the third brigade was 
 relieved by the second, which received orders to proceed 
 down the railroad, destroying it as they went. The 
 remainder of the command kept the public road leading
 
 372 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 toward Okolona, and camped that night on Chawappa 
 Creek. 
 
 On the morning of the twenty-seventh the command 
 moved out at an early hour, the second brigade in 
 advance. After proceeding a few miles the enemy was 
 encountered. They numbered about one hundred men, 
 who kept falling back and exchanging shots with our 
 advance guard, just as we came in sight of Okolona. 
 Here a rebel courier was captured, bearing a dispatch 
 for the captain commanding the post. The dispatch 
 stated that thirteen hundred infantry would reinforce 
 him, arriving by railroad from Mobile. 
 
 While making preparations for the fight I sent one 
 of my comrades into Okolona, who returned with a 
 favorable report. The same scout was sent from this 
 place with a dispatch to Memphis, for General Dana. 
 He succeeded in arriving safely with it, but had some 
 narrow escapes. He was arrested once, carried back 
 and closely searched, but no papers were found and he 
 was permitted to proceed, telling them that he was a 
 good rebel. Being acquainted with many of the 
 citizens of that county his story was believed. He was 
 nick-named "Perseverance." 
 
 A fight was- now anticipated, and the order was given 
 to form squadrons. The command "forward" was 
 sounded. It was a grand sight to witness the cavalry 
 moving along in perfect order over the prairie, with 
 banners gaily fluttering in the breeze, each company 
 bearing its guidon. Peaceable possession was taken of 
 the town, a large quantity of commissary stores and
 
 THE SCOUT. 373 
 
 several thousand pounds of finished leather captured 
 
 and destroyed, and sufficient tobacco obtained to supply 
 
 the whole command. The telegraph wire was tapped 
 
 at this point, and dispatches were intercepted from 
 
 General Dick Taylor, Maj.-Gen. Gardiner and others, 
 
 ordering the commanding officer at Egypt to hold that 
 
 place at all hazards, and intimating that reinforcements 
 
 would be sent from Mobile and other points. The 
 
 promised reinforcements soon made their appearance. 
 
 A long train of cars was seen approaching from the 
 
 south. When within two miles of town they could see 
 
 the burning buildings, and they concluded to retreat to 
 
 Egypt Station, ten miles south. After effectually 
 
 destroying all the government property the command 
 
 moved to within five miles of Egypt and camped for the 
 
 night. During the night several deserters came into 
 
 our lines, bringing with them their guns. They said 
 
 they belonged to our army, had been prisoners a long 
 
 time, and had joined the Confederate army in order to 
 
 avoid a lingering and horrible death in the prison pen 
 
 at Andersonville, Ga. As soon as this fact became 
 
 known among the men they at once conferred upon 
 
 them the title of " Galvanized Confeds." These men 
 
 stated that the rebels offered inducements to all those 
 
 of foreign birth who would join them, promising that 
 
 they should be required to do only garrison duty. 
 
 They further stated that about two hundred of their 
 
 own stamp were in the stockade at Egypt, and would 
 
 be compelled to fight us in the morning if attacked. 
 
 The morning came, and at an early hour the command
 
 874 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 started for Egypt. The General did not anticipate a 
 fight there, but was under the impression that the 
 rebels would evacuate. However, the opposite fact was 
 soon ascertained, and the whole command,, except the 
 Fourth Iowa, was ordered to move by the wagon-road ; 
 the latter regiment moved down the railroad. The 
 second brigade was ordered to follow as a reserve. 
 They had not proceeded far before a squad of mounted 
 rebels was seen; they kept retreating, and occasionally 
 exchanged a shot with our advance. The command 
 soon emerged from the timber into the open prairie, 
 where were plainly visible to the eye, about a mile 
 distant, the few houses, depot, and stockade, which 
 comprise the town or station of Egypt. On nearer 
 approach it was discovered by the third brigade that 
 Colonel Karge, commanding first brigade, had come 
 well up to the enemy's works, and heavy skirmishing 
 was going on. General Grierson and staff accompanied 
 the first brigade. A train of cars stood on the track, 
 and a four-gun battery was mounted on one of them ; 
 all were within supporting distance of the garrison. 
 The enemy's skirmishers were driven into their works, 
 where they were well protected, while our forces were 
 exposed on the open prairie. While forming the troops 
 for a charge a movement was discovered which led the 
 General to suppose that the train was about to leave. 
 He at once ordered Colonel Karge to charge the works. 
 Drawing his sabre he ordered a detachment of the 
 Fourth Missouri and Seventh Indiana to follow him, 
 and away he dashed for the train, which was by this
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 375 
 
 time moving off. So closely did the General, his staff 
 and escort press them, that the engineer detached 
 fourteen cars, leaving them in our possession thus 
 escaping with the battery, which was attached next the 
 tender. 
 
 An exciting chase was now kept up for nearly a 
 mile, the cavalry firing rapidly their carbines and 
 revolvers, while the gunners threw grape, canister and 
 shell. It was soon discovered that two other trains 
 were approaching from the south. They were loaded 
 with troops. Captain Woodward, General Grierson's 
 assistant adjutant-general, a young, brave and dashing 
 cavalry officer, was ordered to take the detachment that 
 had been chasing the train and proceed down the road 
 rapidly and tear up the track. This he successfully 
 accomplished, preventing the trains from approaching 
 nearer than within two miles of the station, and keeping 
 in check General Gardiner, with reinforcements to the 
 number of about two thousand infantry. The Captain 
 was ably assisted by Captain Hencke, of the Fourth 
 Missouri, and Captains Elliott and Skelton, of the 
 Seventh Indiana. The former fell wounded while 
 charging the enemy, who had disembarked, thrown out 
 a line of skirmishers, and begun to advance. The 
 Captain, with only one hundred men, fell back from 
 the railroad, the infantry pursuing. When about six 
 hundred yards from the train Captain Woodward 
 ordered a left about, and with a will and a spirit 
 stirring yell he charged them, driving them back in 
 confusion. His loss was two men killed and five or
 
 376 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 six wounded, and thirty horses killed. While this 
 hrave little band was so gallantly fighting the first 
 brigade charged the enemy. The charge was made by 
 the Second New Jersey, Lieut.-Col. Yorke, their brave 
 commander, leading the attack. Mounted on their 
 horses they charged right up to the stockade, so that 
 they could fire directly into the garrison. They were 
 armed with that splendid carbine, the Spencer seven 
 shooter, and poured, in quick succession, volley after 
 volley into their ranks. The rebels could not withstand 
 the fire. They were flanked on both sides, while the 
 third brigade lay back in the rear not more than sixty 
 yards, dismounted and ready to participate in making 
 a charge. The charge was not necessary ; the rebels 
 saw that there was no chance for retreat, and that their 
 reinforcements could not reach them ; they therefore 
 surrendered the whole garrison to Lieut.-Col. Yorke. 
 The prisoners numbered about eight hundred, infantry 
 and cavalry. Their loss in killed and wounded was not 
 less than sixty or seventy. Among the killed were 
 Brig.-Gen. Gohlston, commanding post, and a colonel. 
 Our loss was fifteen killed and seventy wounded, thirty 
 of whom had to be left behind. Over one hundred 
 horses were killed at Egypt, and one thousand stand 
 of arms captured and burned with the cars. After 
 burying the dead and caring for the wounded the 
 command moved west and southwest toward Houston. 
 The prisoners were taken along. 
 
 This fight was a very spirited one, and reflects great 
 credit upon the officers and men engaged. It has been
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 377 
 
 seldom, if ever before during this rebellion, that a 
 charge has been made and successfully carried out by 
 a mounted force against an equal force protected by a 
 stockade. General Grierson participated in the victory 
 with his brave followers, and complimented them very 
 highly. Just as the garrison surrendered the rebel 
 General Gardiner and his force left on their trains, 
 retreating towards West Point. Beside the fourteen 
 cars mentioned that were abandoned, ten more were 
 captured at the station. They were loaded with two 
 large pontoon bridges, shelled corn and quartermaster 
 stores, all on the way for Hood's army. 
 
 I do not think it had been the intention of General 
 Grierson to attack this place, and I believe he did so 
 principally with a view to the recapture of our own 
 men, who appeared to feel very much rejoiced at their 
 deliverance. He hinted that the capture of so many 
 prisoners had saved the command several days hard 
 riding, as he would now be compelled to take them to 
 Vicksburg. The General governs his actions according 
 to circumstances, being quick both to plan and to act. 
 On the night of the 28th the command camped within 
 three miles of Houston, on the plantation of Norton & 
 Co. They remarked that we were the first Yankees 
 they had ever seen, and that "weuns" looked like their 
 folks. General Grierson somewhat surprised the ladies 
 by displaying his musical talent on the piano, after 
 which one of the ladies favored the General and staff 
 with one of Longfellow's beautiful songs, " Hiawatha." 
 At its conclusion one of the officers complimented her
 
 378 CIIICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 by saying that he thought the song very beautiful, and 
 that her singing was excellent. She replied that she 
 did not suppose he would like it, as it was seldom 
 appreciated except by persons of literary tastes. This 
 was said as a compliment to the Captain, she being 
 under the impression that the Northerners were an 
 ignorant race, and was surprised to meet any one 
 possessing a cultivated taste in the Yankee army. 
 
 The next morning the General missed his saddle 
 blanket, when, in the way of a joke, I suppose, he 
 remarked to the inmates that he thought it was not 
 treating him well to steal his blanket, when he had taken 
 so much pains to guard their property. So I thought, 
 also, especially in view of the fact that there was not 
 a chicken or turkey left alive on the plantation. 
 
 On the morning of the twenty-ninth, the whole com- 
 mand moved out, passing through Houston, from which 
 place two detachments were sent one south-east, 
 toward West Point, and the other north, toward Pon- 
 totac for the purpose of misleading the enemy. On 
 returning, they destroyed the bridge across the Houlka 
 River. Orders were soon issued to the command to 
 sequestrate, for the use of the prisoners who were in 
 a pitiable condition all the blankets, shoes and such 
 clothing as was required, that might be met with. 
 Nothing worthy of note transpired this day, and the 
 command camped at Hohenlinden. 
 
 Morning of the thirtieth, left camp at an early hour 
 and proceeded to Bellefontaine, capturing a few prison- 
 ers, among whom was the notorious Captain Tom Ford,
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 379 
 
 whose business it had been, for the past two years, to 
 conscript and hunt down with bloodhounds good 
 Union men, and who confessed to having assisted in 
 hanging several of them. He was placed in custody of 
 a special guard, but, by some means, succeeded in 
 making his escape. From Bellefontaine a detachment 
 was sent toward Starkville, again threatening the Mobile 
 and Ohio railroad, while one hundred and fifty men, 
 under Captain Beckwith, of the Fourth Iowa, were 
 sent to Bankston, where they arrived at midnight. 
 
 They found the place quiet the inhabitants having 
 had no intimation of the Yankees being in their vicinity. 
 At this place a large manufacturing estalishment, which 
 was turning out one thousand yards of cloth and two 
 thousand pair of shoes per day, was completely burned 
 down. It was working five hundred hands. A large 
 supply of cloth, shoes, cotton, wool and commissary 
 and quartermaster's stores were also destroyed. A 
 large flouring mill underwent the same fate. The 
 following incident will show how completely the enemy 
 was surprised. Just as the fire got well started, the 
 superintendent of the factory made his appearance, in 
 his night clothes, swearing, threatening to arrest the 
 guard and night watchers, and wanting to know what 
 in h 1 they were -about that they did not extinguish 
 the fire. It was amusing to hear him, and still more 
 so to witness his astonishment when he discovered who 
 and what we were. The Captain perceiving his mistake, 
 told him that the night was so very cold^ that he had 
 concluded to have a fire. "H 1 and d nation," said
 
 380 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 the man, "would you burn up the manufactory to make 
 a fire to warm by ? " 
 
 On the morning of the thirty-first, left camp at six 
 o'clock, the first brigade in advance. At about nine 
 o'clock, the command was joined by Captain Beckwith, 
 who returned from Bankston, reporting his complete 
 success. The column proceeded along the Bellefontaine 
 and Middletown road, passing through a hilly country, 
 and arriving at Lodi about eleven o'clock in the morn- 
 ing. At that place we captured seven hundred and 
 ninety fat hogs, which were enroute for Hood's army, 
 and also two thousand bushels of wheat, which was at 
 once destroyed. After a good deal of speculation, and 
 about one thousand and one ideas being advanced, as to 
 what disposition should be made of the grunting stock, 
 it was finally concluded to drive it before us. This was 
 done amid a good deal of fun. Just imagine about 
 eight hundred hogs before you, in the road, and about 
 two hundred jolly fellows driving them, and then picture 
 to yourself the various remarks and expressions they 
 used. The General and staff participated in the fun, 
 and directed the movements. After putting the hogs 
 through for five miles, they being found to be too 
 troublesome, it was decided, by a council of officers, to 
 put them all to death. They were too fat to be driven 
 further, averaging, as they did, two hundred and fifty 
 pounds each. The men constructed a large pen, and 
 into it they were driven. The idea was then advanced 
 after killing to burn them. This being decided about 
 a whole brigade dismounted and, with drawn sabres,
 
 THE SCOUT. 381 
 
 charged in among the squealing herd, splitting each of 
 them open in the back. They then piled rails upon 
 them, which were fired. This soon made a glorious 
 barbecue. H. V., a clerk declared that, a few years 
 hence, new discoveries would be made in that section of 
 the country, in the shape of lard oil wells the genuine 
 oil. According to Mobile prices, pork was worth, at 
 that time, five dollars a pound. 
 
 While the destruction of hogs was going on, Colonel 
 Karge commanding the first brigade, was moving toward 
 Middletown. He struck the Mississippi Central railroad 
 within one mile north of Winona, cutting the railroad 
 and telegraph. Before cutting the wires Colonel Karge 
 intercepted a dispatch, which contained an inquiry 
 respecting the operation of Wirt Adams, at Canton 
 whether he had sent any reinforcements up the road ? 
 A reply could not be obtained. Nine locomotives were 
 destroyed at Winona, and also the depot and a large 
 quantity of quartermaster stores. From this place 
 the command proceeded to Middletown and camped for 
 the night, with the exception of the Third Iowa, com- 
 manded by Colonel Noble. After feeding, and resting 
 a few hours, this regiment was ordered to proceed up 
 the road to Grenada, and to destroy the bridges on the 
 route and all government property in that place, after 
 doing which he was to rejoin the command at Benton, 
 sixty-five miles south of Middletown. The distance 
 from the latter place to Grenada is twenty-five miles. 
 
 On the morning of January 1st, 1865, the command 
 left camp, the main column moving south, toward
 
 382 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 Benton, while the third brigade was sent down the 
 Mississippi Central railroad, with orders to destroy it, 
 and to rejoin the command at Benton. Nothing trans- 
 pired on the march that day, worthy of notice, the 
 main column camping that night within four miles of 
 Lexington, Holmes County, Mississippi. 
 
 On the morning of the second we left camp, passing 
 through Lexington. Some little skirmishing occurred 
 in the advance, on the direct road to Ebenezer. We 
 arrived there about noon, and passed through the town 
 without halting. Shortly after leaving the place a 
 rebel lieutenant belonging to the Fifth Texas Cavalry 
 was captured. He stated that a force of rebel cavalry, 
 numbering eleven thousand men, with artillery, was 
 then at Benton, awaiting our approach. This story 
 was not credited, at least it made no impression further 
 than to increase our speed toward that point. About 
 four o'clock, P.M., a dispatch was received from the 
 second brigade, stating that they had moved down the 
 railroad, which they destroyed as far as Gooman's, 
 and then struck west through Franklin in the direction 
 of Ebenezer. While at Franklin they were attacked 
 by five or six hundred of Wirt Adam's cavalry, under 
 the command of Colonel Woods. After a very spirited 
 fight the latter was repulsed with th^ loss of twenty-five 
 killed and left on the field. Among them was one 
 major and one captain, also several wounded ; twenty 
 prisoners were taken. Our loss was five killed and 
 fourteen wounded. Too much praise cannot be awarded 
 the whole brigade for their conduct in this fight, and
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 383 
 
 particularly that of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, 
 commanded by Major Mann. They alone repulsed 
 several desperate charges, having their adjutant killed 
 and several wounded. Colonel Osband, commanding 
 the brigade, is all fight. About six o'clock, P.M., the 
 main column arrived at Benton, without meeting any 
 opposition, and camped for the night. About ten 
 o'clock, P.M., the third brigade arrived, having met 
 with no opposition after their fight. 
 
 While the main force was lying at Benton Colonel 
 Noble joined it. He came with tidings of success, that 
 added largely to our victories. After destroying 
 twenty-five miles of the Mississippi Central Railroad 
 he surprised and took Grenada, where he captured four 
 serviceable engines and ten others in process of repair, 
 a very extensive machine shop, which had but recently 
 been completed the machinery for which was brought 
 from Georgia several buildings, containing immense 
 quantities of commissary and quartermaster stores, 
 twenty cases of Enfield rifles which had been lately 
 received for the purpose of arming the State militia 
 together with a considerable amount of ammunition. 
 Colonel Noble entered the office of the Grenada Picket, 
 where he picked up a paper of the day previous, in 
 which was an article stating that the Yankee raid on 
 the Mobile and Ohio Railroad had played out, that 
 Grierson's vandals had been repulsed and were making 
 for Memphis with all speed. After reading this the 
 Colonel remarked to a citizen that it was not the 
 intention of General Grierson to slight them so much
 
 384 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 as to fail in paying them a New Year's visit. He 
 ordered the destruction of the Picket press, saying that 
 if he could have done so consistently he would have left 
 it untouched, so that the editors might proclaim what 
 a warm call they had had from their Northern brethren. 
 
 The General now felt comparatively satisfied, as the 
 main object of the expedition was to reach Benton 
 without disaster. On the morning of the third tfye 
 whole command left camp, proceeding southwest in the 
 direction of Vicksburg, passing through Mechanicsburg. 
 They arrived at the latter place before dark, camping 
 there for the night. From this place, four scouts, 
 members of the Fourth Iowa, were sent to Vicksburg, 
 forty miles distant, with dispatches for General Wash- 
 burne ; also with a request that rations might be sent 
 to Clear Creek. 
 
 On January fourth, we left camp at an early hour, 
 and marched all day through canebrakes. Considerable 
 bushwhacking was done this day, in which we lost one 
 man killed a member of the Third Iowa. The roads 
 were good, but were not unlike the Mississippi River in 
 one respect they were very crooked, and were in a 
 really God-forsaken country. We arrived at Clear 
 Creek about five o'clock in the afternoon, having 
 marched twenty-five miles. At this place we were met 
 by the provision and forage train, which had been sent 
 for the day previous. Just as old Sol was disappearing 
 behind the western horizon, our ears were greeted by 
 the report of the sundown gun at Vicksburg, which had 
 the effect of eliciting hearty cheers from our weary
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOCT. 
 
 command. Captain Whiting, of General Washburne'g 
 staff, brought in the late Northern papers, containg news 
 of the glorious successes of Sherman and Thomas. 
 This night we camped within fifteen miles of Vicksburg, 
 feeling perfectly secure and safe, after a sixteen day's 
 ride through the enemy's country, and having traveled 
 over five hundered miles. Our loss was twenty-five 
 killed and eighty wounded many of the latter slightly. 
 We brought in six hundred prisoners, six hundred extra 
 horses and mules, and about a thousand negroes. The 
 amount of property destroyed cannot be estimated. It 
 would take all the figures in the calendar, and the 
 Philadelphia lawyers to sum it up. Seventy miles of 
 railroad were effectually destroyed, with bridges, etc. 
 Some private property was destroyed, not intentionally, 
 but owing to its close proximity to burning rebel gov- 
 ernment property. 
 
 Too much praise cannot be awarded the four scouts 
 who operated during this raid. Their services were 
 duly appreciated by the Generals. I have refrained 
 somewhat from entering into details respecting myself, 
 while on this raid, although I might make mention of 
 many startling and amusing incidents that occurred. 
 I occupied the advance all the time, of either detach- 
 ments or the main column. At one time I had an 
 exciting chase after three rebels, and fired three shots 
 at them, but they, being mounted on fresh horses, 
 succeeded in making their escape. I afterward learned 
 that one of them was my own brother. I am only 
 sorry that I did not succeed in taking him a prisoner. 
 
 17
 
 386 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 At one time I was within three miles of my home, and 
 met with several of my old neighbors, many of whom 
 expressed a strong desire that I should return and 
 reside among them again which I would willingly do 
 could I be guaranteed a peaceable life, without changing 
 my opinions respecting this rebellion. 
 
 The question of arming negroes was freely discussed 
 by our men with many of the citizens, who assert that 
 they must resort to every means to obtain their inde- 
 pendence, though they do not like the idea of making 
 soldiers of negroes. Prisoners brought in stated that 
 thirty days' furlough was given to every rebel soldier 
 who shot a Yankee prisoner, who might be caught in 
 the act of trying to escape. 
 
 On several occasions when government property was 
 destroyed, General Grierson allowed the many poor 
 families around to help themselves to salt, flour, sugar, 
 bacon and molasses. With the exception of the first 
 three days and the last, the weather was delightful. 
 On the morning of the fifth of January, 1865, the 
 command started from Clear Creek, for Vicksburg, in 
 a pelting rain it was eold and dreary arriving at the 
 latter place about two o'clock, amid the cheers of thou- 
 sands, who flocked to the roadside to welcome us. The 
 meeting between Maj.-Gen. Washburne and Brig.-Gen. 
 Grierson was very cordial. In a few days we arrived 
 at Memphis, by the river, from which place I intended 
 to leave for Illinois, to visit my family. 
 
 I will now close my lengthy but true narrative by 
 extending my sincere thanks to Brig.-Gen. Grierson,
 
 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT, 387 
 
 Captain S. L. Woodward, Assistant Adjutant General, 
 for their marked attention and generous appreciation 
 of my services. Also to H. B. Paris, of the Seventh 
 Illinois Cavalry, who is General Grierson's Chief Clerk, 
 for his many acts of kindness, and to his Assistant 
 Clerk, Edward Jonee, of the Second Iowa Cavalry, 
 who is a most agreeable comrade*
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 I will take the liberty of expressing a few opinions 
 respecting the winding up of this rebellion. My long 
 -acquaintance with the Southern people, and my knowl- 
 edge of their dispositions, traits of character, etc., give 
 me some ideas I would like to see carried out. 
 
 In the first place, a war is existing between the 
 people of the Northern or Free States and the people 
 of the Southern or Slave States, which has yet to be 
 settled. As there are various opinions as to how this 
 settlement is to be effected, I will confront the public 
 with mine. Two ideas seem to be prevailing among 
 the public one to subjugate the South, and the other 
 to use mild measures, or, rather, to buy them back. 
 The first two years the war was conducted on the latter 
 plan, and the South, laughing at the very idea, asked, 
 "Have you anymore to give us now than when we 
 seceeded?" The last two years the war has been 
 conducted on the former principle, and the South, with 
 thousands of others, say that you only aggravate them 
 and will make them fight the more desperately. I am 
 of the opinion that, to finally settle this question, and 
 
 17*
 
 390 CHICKASAW, THE SCOUT. 
 
 to have a permanent peace, we must have a majority of 
 loyal people in the Southern States. Now, the question 
 arises how is this to be effected for the administrations 
 of the Northern and Southern States have been con- 
 ducted in such ways that the loyalty which was in the 
 Southern States is now nearly extinct. The Confeder- 
 ates would not tolerate a loyal man in their midst, while 
 the Federal authorities would tolerate disloyalty any 
 where within their jurisdiction, and, therefore, most of 
 the loyal men who were in the Southern States have 
 gone to the North. Now, when the Southern people 
 lay down their arms, let all the lands in the rebellious 
 States be confiscated, and one hundred and sixty acres 
 of it be given to the head of every white family in the 
 Southern States. This course, I claim, would largely 
 increase the number of friends of the government, for 
 there are thousands of men in the South who never 
 owned an acre of land. Such a course would not only 
 make friends of them, but would prevent large numbers 
 from becoming paupers and outlaws. The remainder of 
 the lands of the South should be given to actual white 
 occupants who have served three years in the United 
 States army. In this way there would be placed in 
 the Southern States a majority of loyal men, who would 
 represent tnemselves in Congress, and enforce the laws 
 at home, and in this way the Southerners would become 
 an enterprising, flourishing, law^loving and abiding 
 people. On the other hand, were the Southern people 
 to lay down their arms to-day, and take the amnesty 
 oath en masse, and establish civil law, their first
 
 391 
 
 Representative would be as vile a rebel as Davis or 
 Wigfall, and they would exterminate within their bounds 
 every loyal man who had given aid or comfort to the 
 Federal government. And who would be the judge to 
 try the secessionist assassin ? Who would say to the 
 secession murderer you served him right ? On the other 
 hand, to enforce civil law by force of arms would 
 require a standing army of at least two hundred 
 thousand men, and we would have neither a peaceable 
 nor a republican government. *v." 
 
 CHICKASAW.
 
 FAREWELL ORDER OF MAJ.-GEN, EDWARD HATCH, 
 
 GENERAL ORDERS, j 
 
 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OP TALLADEGA, *l 
 TALLADEGA, ALA., Aug. 23, 1865. / 
 
 _ Jti)JSKS. I 
 
 No. 4 
 
 'Orders have this day been received directing me to report to 
 another department for duty, which compel me to part with the 
 officers and men of the Second Regiment Cavalry, Iowa Veteran 
 Volunteers, and the Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Regiments Cavalry, 
 Illinois Veteran Volunteers, with whom I have been so long and so 
 pleasantly associated. 
 
 There are times in the course of events when the best of friends 
 must part, and now that the hour of our separation draws nigh, I 
 desire to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks for the cheerful 
 co-operation with me in the performance of kindred duties, for your 
 gallantry, self-denial, and untiring energy you have displayed on 
 every occasion while under my command. 
 
 Participation in common dangers, privations and hardships, for 
 nearly four years a period too full of events and heroic deeds that 
 you have accomplished to be mentioned in an order like this has 
 united us in the bond of an indissoluble friendship. 
 
 Often during your military career have you nobly obeyed the 
 command: "Charge the enemy's works!" even amid volleys of iron 
 hail and leaden rain, delivered by a brave and confident enemy. 
 No greater praise can be offered than the fact that you have never 
 charged a work you have not carried a line you have not broken 
 or a battery you have not taken.
 
 394 FAREWELL ORDER. 
 
 I will ever cherish, among the brightest passages of my life, the 
 memory of our association while engaged in a cause in behalf of 
 right against wrong and oppression. And now that the war is over, 
 and we are spared to enjoy the fruits of our labors, let us not forget 
 our comrades in arms, whose remains were left on the field of 
 battle, or those who have been stricken down by the slow hand of 
 disease; but let their sacred memory renew our devotion to the 
 cause for which they gave their last offering. 
 
 , You have done your duty as good soldiers, and each one of you 
 have my best wishes for your future welfare and happiness, 
 throughout the remainder of your lives. 
 
 Hoping the future may be as bright and prosperous as your 
 military life has been glorious, I bid you an affectionate good-bye. 
 
 EDWARD HATCH, 
 Brevet Major-General Commanding. 

 
 FAREWELL ORDER OF BREVET BRIG,- GEN, COON, 
 
 HEADQUARTERS 2o BRIGADE, 5in Div. C. C. M. D. M., > 
 
 GENERAL, ORDERS,) 
 
 DECATUR, ALA., July 9th, 1865. 
 
 _ -DEBS. ? 
 
 No. 11. 
 
 VETERAN COMPANIONS ! This day the identity of the old Second 
 Brigade is lost, and its unflinching battle line, that covered our 
 retreating forces at West Point and Prairie Station that saved a 
 disorganized command at Okolona that raised the well earned 
 battle-cry of "victory!" at Hurricane Creek and Tupelo that 
 presented its unbroken front to Hood's advancing hosts at Shoal 
 Creek, Mt. Carmel, Campbelville, Linnville, Louisburg "Pike and 
 Franklin and that taught the world a new lesson in cavalry 
 warfare when it waved its victorious battle-flags over the captured 
 redoubts at Nashville that unwavering, battle-scarred line has at 
 last, by order of your department commander, been broken. And 
 in parting I feel proud in giving expression to the heart-felt "God- 
 speeds," and sincere "well-wishes," mutually exchanged by the 
 officers and men of the brigade. 
 
 You have endured storm, hunger, fatigue, and disaster ; and 
 enjoyed sunshine, plenty, and many a victorious march together. 
 Under each other's faithful watch you have slept without fear in 
 many a dangerous bivouac. Shoulder to shoulder you have stemmed 
 the battle tide on many a sanguinary field, and the greatest good I 
 could wish for you is that your future happiness and prosperity 
 may be as great and unremitting as your past patriotism, fidelity 
 and courage while better cause for honest pride I shall never
 
 396 FAREWELL ORDER. 
 
 possess than this : I once commanded the Second Brigade. Officers, 
 soldiers, comrades, farewell ! 
 
 By order of 
 
 DATUS E. COON, 
 
 Brevet Brigadier-General. 
 
 JOHN H. AVERT, 
 
 Capt. and A. A. A. G. 
 
 To commanding officer Seventh Illinois Cavalry.