Raiding with MorganDunn, Byron A. (Byron Archibald)
History
Raiding with Morgan
Dunn, Byron A. (Byron Archibald)
Morgan, John Hunt, 1825-1864 -- Fiction; United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
“Oh! they will keep him safe enough,” said the major, complacently
stroking his chin. The major better understood the Delphic answer of the
General the next morning.
All went well until Dayton was reached, where by some accident the train
was held over an hour. It was an anxious hour to Morgan and Calhoun. It
meant that the train would be late in Cincinnati, that before they arrived
there the Federal authorities of the city might be informed of the escape.
It would never do for them to ride clear into the city. As the train
slowed up as it entered the suburbs, the General and Calhoun both dropped
off without being noticed.
Morgan being well acquainted with the city, they quickly made their way to
a ferry, and by the time the escape had been discovered at the
penitentiary, Morgan’s feet were pressing the soil of Kentucky. Calhoun’s
heart thrilled as he once more breathed the air of his native state. He
felt like a new being, yet he knew that it was hundreds of miles to
safety. They must steal through the states of Kentucky and Tennessee like
hunted beasts, for the enemy was everywhere. But friends there were,
too—friends as true as steel. And hardly had they set foot in Kentucky
before they found such a friend, one who took them in, fed them, and
protected them. He gave them horses, and sent them on their way. Slowly
they made their way through the state, travelling all night, sent from the
house of one friend to that of another. At last they reached the
Cumberland River near Burkesville, where they had crossed it at the
beginning of their raid. To Calhoun it seemed that years had passed since
then, so much had happened.
On entering Tennessee, their dangers thickened. They did not know friend
from foe. On entering a house they did not know whether they would be
protected or betrayed. The country was swarming with Federal cavalry. It
was rumored that Morgan was in the country making his way south, and every
officer was eager to add to his laurels by capturing him. In the mountains
Morgan and Calhoun met a party of forty or fifty Confederates who were
making their way to the Confederate lines. In the party were a number of
Morgan’s old men, who hailed their chief with the wildest delight. Morgan
assumed command of them. But few of the party were mounted, consequently
their progress was slow and their dangers were augmented.
All went well until the Tennessee River was reached, a few miles below
Kingston. The river was high and there was no means of crossing. A rude
raft was constructed, and with the horses swimming, they commenced
crossing. When about half were across a company of Federal cavalry
appeared and attacked those who were still on the northern bank. On the
frail raft, Morgan started to push across to their aid.
“Are you crazy, General,” cried Calhoun; “you can do no good, and will
only be killed or captured. See, the men have scattered already, and are
taking to the woods and mountains.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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