Today in History:

531 Series I Volume XVI-I Serial 22 - Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign Part I

Page 531 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

to remain in Kentucky permanently and so strong was the belief, that when I expressed the opinion that the Federal forces would drive them out in two weeks they arrested me and put me in jail for it and kept me there a day.

Question. What sort of treatment did you receive from the rebel authorities when they came in?

Well, I thought pretty bad. They took possession of my premises; sent out and issued an order and had my horses taken; fed from my grain for a week, and paid me nothing for it. They put me in jail twice and arrested me once besides; at least I was arrested the first morning they came in and twice afterward and put in jail once; the third time when I was arrested they kept me in the marshal's office.

Question. Did they require you to take any oath or give any parole?

They demanded it of me and I refused. Upon the interposition of a friend General Smith released me.

Question. Do you know anything about the number of Union troops that were at Louisville when the rebel troops came into Central Kentucky?

I do not, sir; I went to Louisville after my property, and was under special promise to General Smith not to divulge anything; consequently when I got to Louisville I asked no questions and derived no information whatever.

Cross-examination by the JUDGE-ADVOCATE:

Question. In this account of the forces under Kirby Smith do you mean to say that Marshall's and Morgan's are included in the 15,000 men?

I do not, sir.

Question. How many do you make the whole number?

From 20,000 to 22,000 it would add up.

Question. Do you not know that Kirby Smith entered Kentucky with from 8,000 to 10,000 men?

I do not, sir. The information I have on that subject is from a gentleman from our town, a Mrs. Spencer, that he counted them in Barboursville, and his count was that 12,000 passed through that town.

Question. Upon what day did Kirby Smith enter Lexington and did his entire force come into town?

He first entered Lexington on the 1st of September. His army came in by divisions; some of them came in by different roads; one or two on the Tait's Creek road and the balance on the Richmond road.

Question. With his force entering the town by different roads how did you make up your estimate?

The two roads run into the main street, and the whole force of General Smith made a display down the main street.

Question. On the same day?

No, sir; on different days.

Question. Who assisted you in making that count?

Several gentlemen of our town, sir.

Question. Do you recollect their names?

J. M. Lawrence, David Hawkins. I do not recollect the others. I refused to do any business with the rebels while they were in Lexington, but made it my business to see all I could.

Question. How did you count; by regiments?

No, sir; I did not count by regiments. I counted them as they entered by divisions.

Question. Do you mean to say that you actually counted each man as he passed?

As near as I could. I do not think any person could make a really correct count.


Page 531 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.