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 4
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I have the honor to remain, General,
Your most obedient servant, ROBERT DENNY,
Senior Captain, Commanding Companies H and C. Minute Men. CAMPBELLSBURG, Ind., July 18, 1863.
REPORT OF LIEUT. AARON W. GORDON.
COMMANDING. COMPANY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY LEGION.
NEW PHILADELPHIA,
Washington Co., Ind., Dec. 9, 1864. J ì
On the 9th lay of July, 1863, an order was received by Captain John Davis (then commanding company), from Gen. Hughes, to report at Salem, with his company, on the following day, there to receive guns for the company and go on the Morgan raid. When the company arrived at Salem, the town was occupied by Morgan, and all the company were taken prisoners.
The company has spent 40 days in drilling.
When it was reported that Morgan was in the State, the company was ordered out by Col. Dunham, of the 50th Indiana. The order was verbal. Marched to Hardinsburg, which took two days.
None of the company were killed, wounded, or captured, during the last mentionel service.
AARON W. GORDON,
First Lieut. Commanding Company
REPORT OF ANDREW J. BURRELL.
COMMANDIN . VALONIA MOUNTED MINUTE MEN.
VALONIA, IND., December 2, 1864.
Willim T. Jones, A. A. G .. Corydon, Indiana :
SIR :- I am in receipt of your order of the 28th alt., and hasten a reply.
The " Rifles" were organized in the summer 1861, commanded by
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MORGAN RAID ..
Captaain S. T. Wells, who is now in the United States service. The officers, and most of the privates of said organization, went into the volunteer service in October of said year, since which time the com- pany has never drilled, or met as a company. As I am the only officer of said company that has returned from the army, I respect- fully submit the above.
It might be proper to state that I organized (only temporarily) & company of mounted men, in obedience to a call by Governor Morton, of July, 1863, for the purpose of pursuing John Morgan, styled " The Valonia Minute Men." We were out some six or seven days, under General Love's orders-at Seymour a part of the time Nothing transpired worthy of note.
Respectfully, ANDREW J. BURRELL.
REPORT OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM FORQUOR,
COMMANDING " MOUNTED HOOSIERS," 6TH REGIMENT INDIANA LEGION
HEADQUARTERS MOUNTED HOOSIERS, 6TH REG. IND. LEG., Corydon, August 15, 1863. S Colonel Lewis Jordan, Commanding :
SIR :- In obedience to a request from headquarters, I hereby append a precise report of men and arms captured in the recent engagement with John H. Morgan during his raid in Indiana, from the time of his crossing at Brandenburg, until the surrender of Cory- don, July 9, 1863.
Being at Mauckport when the information was received that a large rebel force were attempting a crossing at Brandenburg, I imme- diately repaired to Corydon, and notified my company to report at Corydon forthwith.
I summoned what men were nearest at hand, and immediately pro- ceeded to the scene of action-being on duty about one hour and a
MORGAN RAID.
half. ty men all detailed as couriers. I was ordered to Mauckport, I rally all the men at that place ; but failing. I was ordered, with de or tw . to reconnoiter. Soon finding myself. however, in close proximity with the enemy. began a speedy retreat. Being under a goss fire of the enemy, my horse became ummanageable, and ran Melty against a tree, which entirely disabled me; whereupon First Lieutenant De Moss assumed command of th . company. They Were on duty all night, skirmishing with the enemy, and made several very narrow escapes.
On the morning of the 9th, the Orderly was ordered to hold such !' the e aupany as were not on duty to be ready for any emergency. Information being received that the enemy were advancing. he was ordered out to meet and skirmish with them. Coming up with Major Pfrismer. at Glem's residence, the cavalry were formed for a charge. Sim the enemy came in sight, and, with drawn sabres, a charge was nl red, which resulted in the loss to the enemy of one man killed, and two prisoners.
The enemy being reinforced, we were oblied to fall back slowly and reluctantly, disputing every step, until we reached headquarters- formed there on the right of the line, exposed to the enemy's shells. Our arms being of insufficient range, we were compelled to retire- but in good order.
Pursned by a superior force, we retreated to the Pilot Knob, and there maintained our position until the surrender of the town. with the loss of eleven captured, as follows, viz :
Serg. Henry Grable, John Swarts, Lorenzo Shuck.
William H. Hottell.
George Rudy, Peter McLaren,
John De Moss, John Overton,
Francis M. Bline.
Henry Read, James Mayer,
LOSS OF ARMS.
Twenty-three sets, including the loss of fourteen horses, valued as follows, viz :
Sergeant Painter. 1 mare, $150 00
John De Moss, 1 mare, 125 00
F. M. Bline, 1 mare. 135 00
J. J. Overton. 1 mare 150 00
W. H. Hudle, 1 mare, 135 00
JI. Matson. 1 mare. 120 00
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MORGAN RAID.
A. A. Wright, 1 mare, .. 85 00
James Mayers, 1 mare, 125 00
Francis Frovel, 1 mare, 110 00
George D. Beau, 1 mare, 115 00
George Charles, 1 mare, 120 00
John V. Stevens, 1 mare, 150 00
W. II. Read, 1 mare, 150 00
Henry Read, 1 mare, .. 150 00
Captain William Forquor, 1 mare,. 150 00
Total value of horses lost while in service, $1,970 00
We would once more suggest, in addition to the requisition that has already been made, the propriety of furnishing us with arms worthy of this branch of the service, as those that we get are hard- a great many of which are of no use, the locks being out of order.
I would further state that I have not yet recovered from the shock I received whilst on iny retreat, near Brandenburg.
I should have reported sooner but for the wound received. I have been part of the time unable.
WILLIAM FORQUOR,
Capt. Mounted Hoosiers, 6th Reg. Ind. Leg.
REPORT OF LT. COL. JAMES F. MCCURDY.
SEVENTH REGIMENT INDIANA LEGION.
NEW ALBANY, July 22, 1863.
Adjt. Gen. Laz. Noble:
GENERAL :- In compliance with instruction from you, I have the honor to report the part taken by the men under my command during the "Morgan raid" in this section of the State. On Wednesday, the 8th day of July, 1863, information reached ns that Morgan was
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MORGAN RAID.
cromag (wita a considerable force of mounted men) the Ohio rive On the receipt of this intelligence, an immediate caf W .. : \;en-the Legion. being completely disorganized, cou I mars elective. At this time Col. E. A. Maginness was in con word. Very little progress was made towards organization during the Le. On Wednesday evening Col. Maginness turned over th « man l'o me. On Thursday morning I received an order fro Gry. Boat, Louisville, Ky .. to make an immediate enrollment of th
1 this order to mean a foreille enrollment, it seemin In de of procedure by which any important result could I .
Tion sis, at 2 P. M., more men were enrolled and formed int! companies than could be furnished with arms.
I started with the armed men to Edwardsville, to co-operate wit -the Regular Volunteer Infantry, and one section of a Battery, the lal prece led us to that point.
The curemy was supposed. at that time, to be advancing on th Cordon road to New Albany, having already compelled the surren .r .f Gs. I'm. Our forces at Edwardsville being too small t. assam of tive movements, we chose a strong natural position hãng 1 0!\ Morgan's forces in check until reinforcements reacher " this giving the Federal forces in his rear, an opportunity to clos up on His rear. We threw out pickets, and sent out mounted scouts holding ourselves in readiness for any alarm. Early on the morning of th . 10th. the seouts brought in information that the enemy ha lett Corydon, and were moving in the direction of Palmyra. M. e ammand was immediately ordered back to New Albany, on ; forcel march. We passed through New Albany without halting and took position on the Greenville road. We remained in this position until Saturday morning, our numbers increasing, by those who obtained arms after we first left the city-a supply having arrived sufficient to arm companies that could not be furnished at first
Saturday morning, abont 10 o'clock, we were ordered to move up on the road leading to Jeffersonville, leaving a strong picket on the Greenville road. We were stationed on the Jeffersonville road abou two hours when we were ordered to change to the Charlestown road a- that appeared to be the most exposed point. Pickets and mounted songs were thrown out from this point broadcast through the sur. rounding country. We remained camped at this point until Tuesday evening, when the command was ordered to the city and dismissed
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MORGAN RAID.
were in camp six days and five nights. The number of men der my command was about eight hundred (800) not including some ce hundred (300) men from Crawford county-Home Guards that ported to me for duty, and joined my camp on Saturday.
[ may add that Capts. Knapp's and Snider's batteries were pre- ted from going with me on the first day-they having no ammu- ion for their guns.
Snider's battery was with me after the first day. Capt. Knapp h his battery was ordered to Jeffersonville to join Col. Willey's giment. One company of Infantry, from this city, under Capt. inson, also joined Col. Willey's command.
desire to make mention of the hearty assistance of both line and d officers, Major Naghel, acting Lieut. Col., and Capt. Brown, act- Major, were active and vigilant, and by their very attentive co- ration, greatly assisted me in all the duties of the march and camp. ring the time we were out, we made several arrests of suspicious sons, handing them over to the Post Commander.
In conclusion, I would add, that orders came to me from quite a Iber of military men, and it was at times difficult to tell who had nmand of the troops. I endeavored to do all that could be donc, er myself raising any question about who had the proper author. generally acting on the last order received.
Respectfully, JAMES F. MCCURDY, Lieut. Col. Comd'g 7th Reg.
R
REPORT OF COL. JOHN F. WILLEY,
COMMANDING 8TH REGIMENT INDIANA LEGION.
HEADQUARTERS 8TH REG. IND. LEG., Jeffersonville, Dec. 12th, 1864.
. Wm. T. Jones, A. A. G. Gen. Jordan's Staff :
IR :- In accordance with your orders &c., I have the honor to bort for 1863 :
M. RGAN RAID.
WA Mal Ave battalions and were called into service by order of the Invent. June 20th, to meet the raid under Capt. Ilines. June 21st monved from duty.
Jum 221, a false alarm: was sent to guard White River bridge. June 24th, dismissed the command.
July de. INGS : called into service by Laz. Noble, Adj't. Gen. ren- lesmal Jeffersonville. July 7th, dismissed the command.
Jaly ath: met at Jeffersonville to repel Morgan raid : were in line of Dattie, sat no enemy came. July 15th, relieved from duty and
In .. .. Is called into service by order of the Governor to og ay 1 in Kentucky by Morgan : dismissed June 15th.
Aug. 1 700: called company A and HI to picket the Ohio river in the vitality of the Grassy Flats to stop guerrillas from crossing un ler r bel Jesse. Pickets fired on by guerrillas-returned the fire but no one hurt : dismissed Aug. 20th, 1864.
We have had two battallion drills in April, 1864, one regimental battalion chill in May and one in October. The Regiment is well drilled for militia and are ready and willing to turn out whenever vall-1 on.
I hope General, you will use your influence to have a good militia law passed this winter and to have the money due the Legion appro- printed. We have not been paid for any services as yet, but hope we will be soon.
I certify upon honor that the above is a true report of the opera- tions Tothe Sth Regiment Indiana Legion for 1863 and 1864. JOHN F. WILLEY.
Col. Comd'y 8th Reg. Ind. Legion.
REPORT OF G. W. COLCLASURE,
CAPTAIN COMMANDING "VALLEEN GUARDS," INDIANA LEGION.
HEADQUARTERS, VALLEEN, INDIANA, December 15, 1864.
Brigadier General Jordan :
SIR :- I received your note, requesting me to give the proceedings of the Valleen Guards since January 1st, 1863. I can say to you, the company was not made up that time.
After the rebel Captain Hines made the raid through here, which was about the 20th of June, 1863, we held the first meeting for the purpose of getting up the company, and had it almost made up when Morgan came through, but we were not regularly organized at that ime ; as we had neither elected our officers, nor had we been sworn nto the Legion, but we were out on both the Hines and Morgan raid.
On the Hines raid we gathered together, and volunteered our ser- vices without any orders, and were out about three days.
In the time of the Morgan raid we received orders from Major Woodberry, commander at Leavenworth at that time, or at least the orders were said to have come from him; they were sent verbally, at any rate.
We started out and met Morgan at Corydon, and remained out after him five days and a half. We returned home, and whilst I am giving che history, I will say here that previous to the Morgan raid there was a false alarm raised, which started us out, and we were out that time one and a half days.
We elected our officers, and were sworn in about the 17th of July, 1863. I believe we have had no calls since that time except one, and that was at the time of the uprising in Greenfield Township, at which time I received orders, (written,) from Colonel Johnson. The com- pany was under arms. and doing duty ten days.
MORGAN RAID.
Ihti no men killed or wounded in any of the raids. I had a quite tener if men captured by Morgan ; they were paroled immedi- ply, bet cah not give the number.
Save the company was organized, we have spent twenty-five days trilling.
G. W. COLCLASURE, Captain Commanding Valleen Guards.
REPORT OF COLONEL SAM. B. SERING.
ANDANY PT: REGIMENT, (JEFFERSON COUNTY) INDIANA LEGION, .
To Mij. G.n. J. L. Maneti. 1.1 :
SI: :-- In compliance with your order of 21st inst., I beg to submit de following Report of the acts of my regiment since 1st day of January 1-63. At that time the organized Legion of this county onsi-ted of four companies of Infantry, two companies of cavalry, and che ciri pany of artillery. all armed and mostly uniformed. Previous to this late, four congrmies of Infantry were called upon to guard pris- mers of war. at Indianapolis, where they were mustered into the service of the United States for a period of three months. On their return home, these companies were disbanded ; other companies were organized previous to this date, but failing to be provided with arms they were di-handel.
In addition to the regular organized Legion of the county, the cit- .puis of Madison organized eight companies of Infantry, (minate men) and tendered their services to repel invasion of the State. During the winter and spring of 1863. there was no occasion to call upon the Legion and minute men to perform duty along this portion of the border until about 8th July, when information was communicated tous by Gov. Morton, that John Morgan, with a large force, had eres of the Ohio river at Brandenburg, and was marching into the interior of the State. I also received orders from Gov. Morton, directing that the Legion of this county be called immediately into
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MORGAN RAID.
active service, and to hold transports ready to convey them to New Albany. All the companies of my command reported promptly for duty, and transports were held in readiness to convey them to New Albany.
On the 5th July orders were received from headquarters to hold my command at Madison-that Morgan was moving in this direc- tion, and calling upon us to use every effort to check his progress and to prevent him crossing the river at this point. The citizens and minute men responded promptly to the call of the Governor, and every preparation made to defend this point and prevent the enemy from crossing into Kentucky.
On Friday the 6th July, Gov. Morton informed me by telegraph, that Morgan had crossed the Jeffersonville Railroad at Vienna, and was moving in the direction of Madison, through Lexington, Scott county, at the same time he informed us that reinforcements would be sent to this point as rapidly as possible. The same evening, the Legion from Johnson and Bartholomew counties arrived, numbering some 400 men. Early next morning we were further re-inforced by a regi- ment of the Legion from Switzerland county, numbering 500 men, also, one section of artillery from the same county-thus furnishing us a force of about 2,000 men, Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery.
A company of Cavalry had been dispatched on Friday evening, in the direction of Vienna with instructions to proceed until they met Morgan's force and to ascertain the direction of his march. Early Saturday morning a messenger from our cavalry, informed us that Morgan's force rested at Lexington, Scott county, some 18 miles west from this place. The troops were immediately called into line, and after making the necessary details for duty along the river and in the city, we at once proceeded on the road leading to Lexington and South Hanover. After proceeding some 5 miles on this road we took a strong position on the hills covering the turnpike road to Lexing- ton, and also the road to South Hanover, with about 1800 Infantry and 4 pieces Artillery.
This position was greatly strengthened by obstructions thrown across the roads, and by falling trees in the immediate vicinity, which afforded a good shelter in case of an action. These precautionary and valuable preparations were made by the citizens under the imme- diate direction of Hon. D. C. Branham.
Getting our small force into the best possible position we waited for the appearance of the enemy, who we presumed would attempt to pass through our lines on the turnpike road leading te the river. M. B .- 4
MORGAN RAIL.
Intl ' in the afternoon, we were inuch annoyed by uncertain mis antrodietary reports from our scouts in front. Morgan's forces were reported never rond leading in this direction, and until late m. de avertoon we were not advised that his main column was mov- my tothe north of us, and thus threatening to enter the city from the north side. Ascertaining that his whole force had gone in this inetten, at les dock Saturday night, we got our force into column mal pro gred in the direction of North Madison, distant 6 miles.
The wes Tons exceedingly dark. we did not reach that point wor thylight Sunday morning. Soon after arriving at this point, es camp in and reported Megan's forces again on the roads 1. .. . . North Malison. Our troops were immediately thrown f battle, and every preparation made to give them a warm Lady in the day it was ascertained that the enemy was ! why in the direction of Versailles. Ripley county, but fearing that hr nach suddenly change his direction, our troops were kept in line, resting on their arms, until Monday morning, when learning that the to my was moving cast. We went into camp at North Madison where we remained until the 16th July, when the troops were dismissed from service by order of Gov. Morton.
From this period until the close of 1863, the Legion of this county were not ag in called into active service, but occasional demonstra- to be still parties of guerrillas in Kentucky, opposite this point, requirel an occasional guard along the river, and almost constant watelifulness on the part of the officers of the Legion.
Durar to fail of 1965 one company of cavalry was organized in this canty and was allded to my command, thus giving us on the 1st f Juntruiry, Isol. a force of 3 companies of cavalry, 4 companies of infantry, and I company of artillery of Legion. From this period m.til the 9th of June. 1864, the Legion of this county were not called int active service. On that day I received an order from Tim. Morton, to immediately assemble my command and hold them subject to further orders. The companies of my command promptly responded to the call, and on the 12th day of June. I was directed Do serte transportation by the river and be in readiness to embark my command for Jeffersonville. Boats were secured and we remained here under these orders until June 15th, 1864, when by order of the Governor, the command was dismissed and sent to their homes. Dur- ing this service it was found necessary to guard closely the border along the front of our county, in consequence of the presence of a Confeder- ate force in Trimble and Henry counties, Kentucky, under the com-
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MORGAN RAID.
mand of " Col." Jesse. Upon this, as well as upon all other occasions. the Legion of this county were prompt to respond to the call of the Governor, although at a season of the year when the crops of the coun- try required the constant attention of the farmers, and their absence from home at this time was a matter of serious loss to them. Since that time until the present writing we have been in a constant state of suspense in consequence of the presence of parties of guerrillas in the counties opposite this place, and their frequent approaches to the river.
Neither the citizens of Madison. nor the city authorities have evinced that interest which the circumstances around them would demand. but seem almost lost to any sense of danger, and our city is suffered ro remain exposed and liable to attacks of the enemy, and would be easily captured whenever they are disposed to make the effort. Re- cently a small band of guerrillas have visited Carrolton, twelve miles above, Garrit's Landing, fifteen miles below, Spring Creek, eight miles below, and even Milton, just opposite this city, and from all these points have fired upon passing boats. The steamer Boston. Capt. David, plying between this place and Cincinnati, has been fired upon by this band several times during the past week. At the solici- tation of Capt. David, I provided him with thirty-seven muskets and ammunition, and on his upward trip he was again fired upon ; he returned the fire and drove the guerrillas in confusion. On Friday last, learning that this boat would probably be attacked by a larger force, at the request of Capt. David, I sent on board one of our can- non, with cannister, shells, &c., under the command of Lieut. Craw- ford, of Western Artillery Company, with instructions to fire upon the guerrillas wherever seen, The boat has returned without meet- ing with the guerrillas ; she will, however, retain the gun a few days longer.
The organized Legion of this county consists, at this time, of four companies of infantry, three companies of cavalry, and one company of artillery. All of these companies are small, and in consequence of the recent draft, and the enlistment of the men in the regular service, it requires constant exertion on the part of the officers to keep up an organization. These companies have all uniformed them- selves (and some of them more than once), have drilled regularly, with few exceptions, and have done much duty, for which they have received a very small compensation.
Before closing this report, allow me to express the hope that the convening Legislature will adopt some means for the better defense
MORGAN RAID
f the border counties and the State, and a more complete and effi- dient orraization of the militia of the State.
Under the present inefficient law, the organization of the Legion is small, and. I am informed, mostly confined to the border counties, where their services are frequently required, and they are called upon to perform military duty. and to guard the State against inva- Sion, while the citizens of the interior of the State are seldom called upon to do military duty. It would. perhaps, be difficult to provide a las chat would fully remedy this objection, but means might be provided to better compensate those doing service on the border than the present law provides.
I make the above remarks, knowing that I express the views of the officers and men of my command, as often expressed by them, but would not be understood as offering complaints for the past- only desiring a better condition of affairs in the future.
I have the honor to be.
Very respectfully. Your obedient servant, SAM. B. SERING, Col. Comd'y 9th Ind. Legion.
REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. A. C. DOWNEY,
COMMANDING ATH BRIGADE INDIANA LEGION.
HEADQUARTERS 4TH BRIGADE, INDIANA LEGION, Rising Sun, August 20, 1864.
La. Noble, Adjutant General :
I make the following report of the services rendered by the forces under my command during the Morgan invasion :
On the afternoon of the 9th of July, 1863, I received orders from his Excelleney, the Governor, to have all the Legion under my com- mand sent to Seymour, by the Ohio and Mississippi railroad.
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MORGAN RAID.
I immediately communicated the order to Col. G. H. Burkham, of Dearborn, by telegraph; and Col. Williams, of Ohio county, being absent from the city, I dispatched messengers to the Captains of the companies in his regiment, directing them to report to him at Aurora. Soon after, Col. Williams returned, and I informed him of what I had done, and directed him to report, with his forces, at Seymour. Early on the morning of the 10th, the forces of Col. Williams and those of Col. Burkham were on the railroad ready to embark, but transportation was not supplied until about 12 o'clock, when they started for their destination. On the morning of the 10th I was directed by you to have the companies go on to Mitchell, which order I gave to Col. Williams at Aurora, and Col. Burkham at Lawrence- burgh, by telegraph, before they started from those points. When it is known that most of the forces in this county, and many of those in Dearborn, are farmers, and that they were then engaged in har- vesting their crops, and that all of them were destitute of everything essential to the comfort or convenience of men in actual service, the promptness and cheerfulness with which they responded to the call are worthy of the highest praise. After my forces had been thus sent to Mitchell, I was, on the afternoon of the 10th, ordered by his Excellency, the Governor, to report, with the Legion from Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland counties, at Madison immediately, as it was supposed that Morgan would try to get out that way. As I did not notify the Governor of any compliance with the former orders, this one was probably given under the supposition that my forces had not yet been sent away. I communicated this order to Col. Keeney, of Switzerland, and attempted to communicate it to Col- onels Williams and Burkham, but it was not received by them, they being then in the neighborhood of Seymour or Vernon. I did not report in person at Madison for a reason then communicated to the Governor. The accompanying report of Col. Williams will show the part which his regiment took, and also in part the services ren- dered by Col. Burkham's regiment, from which I have as yet received no report. On the 12th, on receiving information that the enemy was moving in the direction of Cincinnati, scouts and parts of armed men, to obstruct his progress, were sent out by me, who furnished accurate information of his position and movements. This I com- municated to General Manson, then at Carrolton, Kentucky, by tele- graph, and the General in person, on his arrival here, at about 2 o'clock, A. M., of the 13th. At this hour Morgan was resting his forces at, or near, Milan, in Ripley county. Believing that General
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