Operations of the Indiana Legion and Minute Men, 1863-4 : Documents presented to the General Assembly, with the governor's message, January 6, 1865, Part 1

Author: Indiana Legion
Publication date: 1865
Publisher: Indianapolis : W. R. Holloway, State Printer
Number of Pages: 120


USA > Indiana > Operations of the Indiana Legion and Minute Men, 1863-4 : Documents presented to the General Assembly, with the governor's message, January 6, 1865 > Part 1


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8


OPERATIONS OF THE INDIANA LEGION AND MINUTE MEN 1863-4


COLLELIT


FORT WAYNE & ALLEN CO. INC


GEN


ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY


3 1833 01705 7966


GC 977.2 OF2 INDIANA LEGION. OPERATIONS OF THE INDIANA LEGION AND MINUTE MEN, 1863


OPERATIONS


OF THE


INDIANA LEGION AND MINUTE MEN,


1863-4.


Documents Presented to the General Assembly, with the Governor's Message,


JANUARY 6, 1865.


INDIANA COLLECTION


INDIANAPOLIS: W. R. HOLLOWAY, STATE PRINTER. 1865. INDIANA COLLECTION


CONTENTS.


11639 PAGE.


1. Report of Major General Mansfield-Indiana Legion. 1


2. Governor Morton's Address to the " Legion" and "Minute Men" of Indiana 8


3. Report of Major General Lew. Wallace-Morgan Raid. 10


4. Report of Lieut. W. H. Smith, Reg. Quartermaster, Gen. Wallace's Div ... 13


5. Report of General John Love-Morgan Raid. 15


6. Report of Colonel John A. Mann-Indiana Legion 20


7. Report of Colonel Daniel F. Bates-Indiana Legion 25


8. Report of Captain G. W. Lyon, Crawford Artillery 26


9. Report of Adjutant E. C. Caldwell-Indiana Legion 28


10. Report of Colonel Lewis Jordan-Indiana Legion. 31


11. Parole of Militia and Minute Men at Corydon-Morgan Raid. 34


12. Report of Captain Robert Denny-Morgan Raid. 38


13. Report of Lieutenant A. W. Gordan-Morgan Raid. 40


14.


Report of Andrew J. Burrell-Morgan Raid. 40


15. Report of Captain William Forquor-Morgan Raid. 41


16 Report of Lieut. Colonel James F. McCurdy-Morgan Raid. 43


17. Report of Colonel John T. Willey-Border Service, 1863-4 45


18. Report of Captain G. W. Colclasure-Hines and Morgan Raid. 47


Report of Colonel Sam. B. Sering-Border Service-Morgan Raid. 48


19. 20 Report of Brig. General A. C. Downey-Morgan Raid-Legion. 52


21. Report of Colonel H. T. Williams-Morgan Raid-Legion 55


22. Report of Colonel Harris Keeney-Morgan Raid-Legion 58


23. Report of Colonel John A. Platter-Morgan Raid. 60


24. Report of Colonel Lawrence S. Shuler-Morgan Raid. 62


25. Report of Colonel Wm. C. Wilson-Morgan Raid. 64


26. Report of Colonel Kline G. Shryock-Morgan Raid. 66


27. Report of Colonel B. M. Gregory-Morgan Raid. 69


28. Report of Colonel Isaac P. Gray-Morgan Raid. 70


CONTENTS.


1. - ( p. J Rh R. Mahan-Morgan Raid. ... 1.


72


4 4 . .. MiCallogh, Brig. Quartermaster-Morgan Raid 74 I . C . E. H. C. Cavine, Chief Maj. Gen. Hughes' Staff 75 B . G . Heury Jordan-Orange and Crawford Conspiracy ... SO


: Mare nos was in Crawford and Orange Conspiracy ... 82


Fournier-Raid and Defense of Border. 85


: B.G sind Hvary Jordan-Defense of Border. 00


: 11 : - General A. P. Hovey-Expedition to Kentucky .. 92


1 1: . ! W. W. Frybarger, Chief of Artillery-Legion 94


: J. H. Koontz-Indiana Legion. QC


: .: MY . David E. Shaw-Indiana Legion 96


! Kennely Brown-Indiana Legion 97


1: 1 Mc : William Manning-Indiana Legion 97


Major Wilson MI. rrow-Indiana Legion 98


: . R pruef Colonel Thomas Webb-Indiana Legion 99


::. Hp " of Colonel Harvey D. Scott-Indiana Legion. 100


Kuju rt of Captain Thomas M. Adams-Indiana Legion 100


Report of Brig. General Henry Jordan-Protection of the Border. 101


OPERATIONS


OF THE


INDIANA LEGION AND MINUTE MEN,


1863, 1864.


REPORT OF MAJOR GEN. JOHN L. MANSFIELD.


HEADQUARTERS INDIANA LEGION, Indianapolis, Dec. 27, 1864.


. His Excellency, O. P. MORTON,


Governor of Indiana:


SIR :- In compliance with your order for a biennial report of the acts and condition of the Indiana Legion, two separate reports should have been furnished; one by Major Gen. Hughes, commanding the Second Division of the Indiana Legion, and one by myself as Com- mander of the First Division. It was thought, however, that one report would better answer the purpose, and Gen. Hughes having to be absent from the State, requested me to act for both.


The reports made to thesc Headquarters by the officers command- ing the Legion, as far as they have been received, have been annexed to this report. They contain full and detailed accounts of various events and actions in which our State troops have participated. To avoid repetition, I will refer to these reports, instead of giving sepa- rate and additional recitals of those events.


It is highly gratifying to me to be able to say to your Excellency I. L. R .- 1.


MORGAN RAID.


Smet The In Jantes Militia, though defective in many respects, has fully need the purpose for which it was intended. An organized perbak detween the citizen and the professional soldier, and tfw. tous .r. two-fold. The one consists in aiding the civil authori- set the execution of the law, and the other in performing such mall ory service as cult conveniently be done by the regular army. VI ations ar linble, in times of war, to be disturbed by hostile of lawless citizens. An army of professional dugrinst such occurrences, would be an immense w institution dangerous to the liberty of the people. It s. thering . proper that a nation capable of self-government -houll be trust 1 with the means of defense, and that the citizen older hod!i'm employed for the suppression of riots, and for the ·pelling of invasions. Both of these ends have been accomplished by our State Militia within the preceding two years.


During that period of time Kentucky, where it borders on the Oho river, was infested with guerrillas and robbers, who have repeat- is offered in uch numbers as to seriously threaten our border with invasion. In the early part of the preceding year they had "time so numerous in I'nion and Henderson counties. Kentucky, that it required a constant and regular system of patrols and senti mels to protect the counties of Posey and Vanderburg against inva- ion. In Harrison county. Hines, and his band of guerrillas, were note Reces-ful: they effected a landing, and entered our State, but they were immediately expelled by our militia.


Soon after, and in the same locality, the rebel General Morgan. hvaded our territory with about five thousand men and five pieces of artillery, and made his exit on our eastern boundary into Ohio. It was, however, in consequence of an accidental and erroneous report. that Morgan was not prevented by our militia from entering the State: and for his escape, after having entered the State, he was colebied to an accidental mismanagement in the railroad transporta- Tm of our troops. He made his appearance in Brandenburg. Ken- arky, on the 7th of July, 1863, and took possession of the steamers McComb and Alice Dean. The steamer Lady Pike brought intelli- sure of this to Leavenworth, and immediately after conveyed thirty ich and one cannon of the Crawford Artillery, Capt. G. W. Lyon commanding, to Maakport. The cannon was then drawn by the men a considerable distance to a point opposite to Bradenburg, where Col. Timberlake was in command of some Harrison County Home Guards. On the next day, at 7 A. M., they fired their piece with


3


MORGAN RAID.


true aim at the steamer McComb, crowded with Morgan's men. The first shot scattered the invaders in wild confusion, and both of the transports might then have been easily destroyed by our cannon. But unfortunately, our men had been informed that Morgan had less than two hundred men, and no artillery. They desired, therefore, to save the boats, which had been cleared of rebels, and ceased firing at them. Soon after, Morgan's artillery exposed our mistake, and our gun was silenced and the crossing accomplished.


The news of this event reached your Excellency late in the eve- ning of the same day. You went to work at once, and with your usual energy and dispatch you aroused the citizens of Indiana to instant action. Within two days you received offers for defending the State from three score thousand men, and before the third day expired you had from twenty to twenty-five thousand men, armed and organized, in pursuit of Morgan.


On the 8th, late at night, you ordered me to proceed to New Albany, and to call out the militia along the line of my travel. Arriving at New Albany on the next day, I found Gen. Hughes in command of that post. He had already organized a considerable force, which he had skillfully disposed for the protection of New Albany. We there received news of the bold resistance to the invader, made by a small band of Militia in Harrison county, who had to be overpowered by the enemy's artillery before he could occupy the town of Corydon.


On the 10th, at 2 A. M., the news arrived of Morgan's approach to Salem, whereupon I sent you the following dispatch, dated New Albany, 10th of July, which you had immediately forwarded to Madi- son :


" Rebels at Salem !- They may aim for Vienna, Madison, and Trim- ble county, Kentucky. Let boats have steam up and be guarded."


Your Excellency, however, had anticipated my plan of preventing Morgan from recrossing the Ohio ; you had already sent, on the same day, the following dispatch to General Burnside, at Cincinnati :


"It is not unlikely that Morgan will go out above Louisville. I am informed that there is a lot of spare artillery at Louisville. Would it not be well to mount it on boats, and patrol the river between Louis- ville and Lawrenceburg? He should not be allowed to escape. I will have 15,000 militia here to-day."


Morgan took the route you had conjectured. He approached within a few miles of Madison, but had to seek for a passage elsewhere; and wherever his scouts approached the river, they found it guarded by gunboats, which escorted him on his line of march.


MORGAN RAID.


When Morgan arrive Lat Vernon, and demanded the surrender of the town. he was handsomely bluffed off by Colonel Williams, who bevi thay place with two companies of the Legion, from Ohio county, and some troops from demings county. Soon after General Love rive i, took comman i, and with a force of about one thousand men, Tidefiance to Mergin. v. I hus whole command. Morgan decamped. is the - time General Wall: . arrived at Vernon with a heavy force


11. . 18th of July, Morgan had made his way to Versailles, in Rajd : county, whilst the forces which you had sent under different anders in pursuit of him, had accumulated to an overwhelming Three, Jur Giely of infantry. And here it is to be regretted that an " dental delay in transporting these troops to points where they might head the enemy, and compel him to give battle, should have nulled Morgan to have escaped into the State of Ohio. But even 4. it is, it will often be a source of gratification to contemplate the : Anotista and the martial spirit which was exhibited on that occasion by the citizens of Indiana. The conduct of the officers and men was , praiseworthy that I will abstain from naming any one individually. knowing that the great mass of all who were engaged deserve the -amne commendation.


For a detailed account of these reports I refer you to the able ports of Major General Love. Brigadier General Downey, Colonel Ion. Colonel Williams, Colonel Keeney. Colonel Platter, Colonel Shuler. Colonel Fournier. Colonel Sering, Lieut. Colonel MeCurdy. Captain J. W. Lyon, and others, annexed to this report.


The ja cent year. also, has not been free from danger to our border. During the month of March the rebel General Forrest had occupied Paduesh, from which point he moved across the Tennessee and ( manberlant rivers, making it necessary to have our southern frontier warded by pickets and patrols. The same danger existed during the 'uonth of July, when the rebel Generals Johnson and Seipert occu- peed Union and Henderson counties, Kentucky.


And again in August, guerrillas collected to the number of from voir to two thousand men in the same locality of Kentucky, with the showed intention of destroying some of the river towns of Indiana. It was on this occasion that seven hundred and fifty men of the Indi- ant Legion, with five pieces of artillery, and accompanied by four hundred United States Volunteers, entered the State of Kentucky, under the command of Major Generals Hovey and Hughes. They advanced to Morganfield, surprised and scattered the rebels. took


5


MORGAN RAID.


some prisoners, and returned in safety to their homes. For particu- lars, I refer you to the lucid and concise report of General Hovey to Adjutant General Thomas, U. S. A.


The latest disturbance from guerrillas took place some two weeks ago, in the vicinity of Madison. A gang of outlaws, supposed to belong to Jesse's men, had at different times and places fired on four of the boats running between Louisville and Cincinnati. They were about fifteen in number, but they never remained long enough in any one place to be easily found and caught by our troops. To save the State the expense of sending troops atter these fellows, I consented to supply one of the packet boats with some muskets and ammuni- tion. I have also taken the responsibility to direct Colonel Sering to similarly supply any other of the mail and packet boats who may desire it, on receiving a proper voucher and bond for the return of the arms. No firing on boats has occurred since that time, but there is no doubt that constant vigilance will be necessary on our part.


The other function of our military, the preservation of peace within the State, has also been performed with success and propriety. And I will here express my humble approbation of the course pursued by General Willcox and by Colonel Baker-the one Military Commander of, and the other Assistant Provost Marshal General for, Indiana. They acted under the conviction that, even in time of war and vio- lence, the authority of the State should have full sway whenever its power suffices to preserve order and peace. Both of these gentle- men made it their rule to consult and co-operate with your Excel- lency ; and in cases where the execution of the law required the employment of the military forces under their command, they would tender me, as an officer of the State, the general management of their troops.


Of the disturbances which took place in the year 1863, and in which I was called upon to act, the first one occurred at Enterprise, in Switzerland county, in consequence of some guns which had been stolen from a company of the Legion commanded by Captain Hall. This was during the month of May. In June a riot and bloodshed took place at Williamsport, Warren county, between furloughed sol- diers and citizens of that county. During that same month resistance was made to the enrolling officer in Union Township of Bartholomew county. In Rush county an enrolling officer and his aid were mur- dered in cold blood; in Putnam county a simultaneous attack was made on the enrolling officers of that county ; and a similar act was perpetrated in the county of Monroe.


MORGAN RAID.


p: 12 0 with at July large bodies of men assembled in Greene & Sullivan Youdie te aring resistance to the draft. An enrol- For Her was all d'y the latter county. There was also danger of trois nett Elbing. Jamon county, in consequence of some hat treatment given to a fellow who had ornamented himself with


In the present year at riot occurred in Parke county during the Int of April. A set of outlaws, twenty-five in number, came from. Funtimonday to Bake for the purpose of driving of the Union. They attacked in the night time the house of an old citizen, Hr Ly, and wouldled him severely with pistol shots. The old man, wever succeeded, with the aid of his corn-knife. in defending his Oa their retreat one of the outlaws shot hinself accidentally. a. I did the great day. They were immediately pursued by Colonel bull, of the Indiana Legion, and Captain Buchanan, of the Wave- Med Zerues, who followed them into Fountain county, arrested : 1%. and deliverel them to the civil authorities of Parke county.


A rious difficulty, and a conspiracy to resist the draft and import guerrillas to vote at the State election. took place during last Sep- tender in the counties of Crawford and Orange. It was. neverthe- icss, speedily suppressed through the judicious and vigorous conduct of Brigadier General Henry Jordan, of the Indiana Legion. For the huls of this transaction I refer you to the excellent report of Gen- d .J. rlin, to the statement of confessions made by the prisoners. Tto the report of Lieutenant Colonel Cavins, of General Hughes'


The Latest occurrence which called for services of the Legion hap- ti ! some two weeks ago in Greene county. General Pitcher. bostad Provost Marshal General. had sent some troops to Greene county for the purpose of arresting deserters and outlaws, who were concealed in that county. These troops proved inadequate to their tisk for the want of horses, and a report being received that some two a three hundred disaffected citizens had congregated on the line of Sollisen county to protect the deserters. it was, therefore, thought Figur to call out two mounted companies of the Legion from Monroe and's. These two companies served for a short time only, but they Hh.sel. officers and men, with great propriety, and they have ren- dered valuable services.


In regard to the present condition of the Legion, I will state that we have an extensive supply of arms for infantry, but that we are Jeficient in arms and equipments for cavalry. It would also be.


MORGAN RAID.


desirable to exchange some of our heavy ordnance for lighter pieces of artillery.


The numerical strength of the Legion has been reduced by the late calls for volunteers, and by the effects of the draft. And here I beg leave to remark that an alteration in the present militia law might greatly facilitate the filling up of the ranks of the Legion. The Indiana Legion is an organization of volunteers ; yet, under our law. volunteering is, in a measure, discouraged by imposing all the labor and expenses on the volunteer, whilst no sacrifice or expenditure is demanded from those who withhold their service from the State.


In fact, the experience derived from the practical operation of that law, makes it desirable that our Legislature should perfect the law by proper amendments. It is, however, the more creditable to the citi- zens of Indiana that, notwithstanding these impediments, they should have sustained, and are still sustaining, a well disciplined and effective militia. It is an evidence of the intelligence and patriotism of our people, and it proves that the great majority are willing to make any sacrifice to defend our border, and to sustain the laws of the State.


A considerable part of our Legion have undergone, within the last two years, severe hardships, and many of them have suffered in a pecuniary point of view by having been called away suddenly from their daily occupations. They obeyed the summons with alacrity and cheerfulness, and I take pleasure in assuring your Excellency that in time of need you may safely rely on the efficiency of the Indiana Legion.


I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, JOHN L. MANSFIELD, Major General Indiana Legion.


VONGAN RAID.


ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR MORTON.


To're Offers and Said reof the " Legion" and " Minute Men " or Indian .


Having received information that a rebel force, estimated at six nousand strong, with six pieces of artillery, had crossed the Ohio river into Harrison county. I issned a call on Thursday last. to the patriotie citizens of the State to leave their various occupations and turn out for its defense, and, if possible. capture the insolent inva- ders. The evidence was abundant that the original purpose of the rebel- was to seize, plunder and burn the capital, but as their course would he medhi, it was necessary to make preparations to encoun- : r them in every direction. Within forty-eight hours from the time he call wa is. aed. not less than sixty-five thousand men had ten- bernd their services and were on their way to places of rendezvous. while many thousands more were preparing, but were notified to remain at home. Within three days. thirty thousand men, fully armed and organic.e. l. had taken the field at various points to meet the enemy.


This wonderful uprising will exert a marked effect throughout the country, exhibiting, as it does, in the strongest and most favorable night, the military spirit and patriotism of our people.


At the first landing on our soil. the rebel advance was met and tought by the neighboring " Legion," and, although our forces were tes in number, and were driven back, they gave the rebels a clear fordtaste of what they might expect when they penetrated the inte- rior of the State. Within ten hours after they entered our borders. their invasion was converted into a rapid and desperate flight. In whatever direction they turned they were confronted by large bodies of armed inen. Wherever they approached the river, with the view


MORGAN RAID.


to crossing, they found large bodies of troops prepared to dispute their passage. In half a dozen cases they were offered battle, which they invariably declined. They dodged and ran, by night and by day. and finally succeeded in making their escape over our eastern border into Ohio.


They are reported to have murdered several of our citizens in cold blood, to have plundered many of their horses, money and goods. and to have burned and otherwise destroyed much valuable property. The injury done the railroads was slight, and has been almost entirely repaired. They had but little time to do damage beyond the murder and plunder of surprised and defenceless citizens along the line of their flight.


For the alacrity with which you responded to my call and left your harvest fields, your work shops and offices, and took up arms to protect your State and punish the invaders, allow me, on behalf of the State, to tender my hearty thanks. Your example will not be lost upon the nation, and you have taught the rebels a lesson which will not be forgotten.


In the light of these events, it is impossible not to perceive the importance of a thorough organization of the Legion. The presence of an organized force ready to take the field at a moment's notice is a standing security against invasion and depredation, and I am very anxious that so far as it is possible, the temporary organization of the " Minute Men" may be converted into permanent ones under the law ; and that exertions will everywhere be made to recruit the ranks of the Legion and perfect its drill and efficiency.


Given at the Executive Department, Indianapolis, Indiana, this 15th day of July, 1863.


OLIVER P. MORTON, Governor and Commander-in-Chief.


MORGAN RAID


REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL LEW. WALLACE.


ARAP RDSVILLA, IND., August 16, 1863.


A renaline to rupert. I send you the following report. I reported medf to ti veel con on the morning of the 11th of July, and, at Vistoque book erarand of a detachment of the Legion, for ope- reconstruire Joon Morgan, who was then in the neighborhood of


I appears tion. Carrington had reported to Gen. Willcox that, as ulsas - devel. A. M. a body of troops, twenty-two or twenty- live impired strong, was ready to march. I waited for them at the apot of the Maison and Indianapolis Railroad, intending to put Them on the cus, and proceed immediately to Vernon.


Abor 10. 1. 21 .. ( 1og 1 Shuler reported his regiment. Upon equity. I found le lad no ammunition. Shortly after, Col. Gregory sportel his command. It. also, was without ammunition; in addi- ton, it was without rations. The united strength of the two was about thirteen hundred effective, and they were all that reported


I was compelled to wait for ammunition until about four o'clock Receiving a limited smg ly, a start was then made for Vernon. At Columbus I was officially informed. from headquarters at Indian- polis, that a demand had been made on Gen. Love, at Vernon, for surrender -- that be had refused, but waited reinforcements.


Dispatches from Old Vernon also informed me that Love was sur- rounded by Morgan's whole force, about 6000 strong, with six guns. About the same time I was notified that the 15th Indiana Batters


11


MORGAN RAID.


had left Indianapolis to report to me. Assurance of the enemy's presence in force, at Vernon. made it my duty to await the Battery at Columbus. Meantime. every preparation was made for a fight. There was reason to believe that Morgan, if he was seriously demon- strating against Vernon, would attempt to prevent me from rein- forcing Love. It became necessary, therefore, to anticipate, as far as possible, every contingency, and provide against them beforehand. If attacked at all, it would be while my command was in the cars. All my preparations and orders were promptly executed, except by the Captain of the Battery. He was ordered to keep his horses har- nessed. but he failed to do so, and, as a consequence, the little col- umn had to wait for him and his battery at North Vernon until after day-light before it could move. About six o'clock the column started for Old Vernon, where we arrived only to be informed that Morgan had decamped.


This movement satisfied me of what I felt assured before, viz., that Morgan would not fight, if he could help it; also, that as against his mounted men infantry could accomplish nothing more than the de- fense of towns and railroad bridges. At Vernon Gen. Love turned the command over to me. That officer and his subordinates are really entitled to just credit. Besides firmly rejecting the demand for sur- render, he made the best possible disposition of his little force to defend the town, and, like his men, was willing and ready to fight. I subjoin an informal report which I had made of the two commands united at Vernon.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.