Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. I, Part 31

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > Kentucky > Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. I > Part 31

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 (link on the Part 1 page).

Oct. 19-23 Confederate soldiers in Can- ada, led by Ist Lieut. Bennet H. Young, (of Nicholasville, Jessamine co., Ky.)- acting under orders from the Confederate States secretary of war, who authorized it in retaliation for the disgraceful- burning of farm houses and dwellings, pillaging, and other outrages, in the Shenandoah valley in Virginia, by the direct act of Gen. Phil. Sheridan-make a raid upon the town of St. Albans in Vermont, on the Central railroad, about 15 miles from the Canada frontier ; for three quarters of an hour, hold the citizens prisoners of war ; seize all the money in three banks, $211,- 150, and a number of horses ; kill one man who resists, and attempt to set fire to the town, but fail in this. Immense alarm along the whole Canada border, militia enlisted, arms and troops sent from New York, and patrol kept up for some time. The Canadian authorities prove very prompt in arresting the raiders, and secur- ing their money-acting, as the U. S. sec- retary of state, Wm. H. Seward, says, "in entire conformity with the wishes of the United States." Under the proceedings in court for their extradition as burglars and murderers, they are discharged by Judge Coursol on a technical defect in the instrument under which they are tried, released from custody, and the money re- stored. Their release provokes, Dec. 14, a " blood and thunder" proclamation from Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, who orders any nore such marauders to be shot down if possible while in the very act, but by all means to be followed into Canada if neces- sary, and there arrested and brought back. President Lincoln is alarmed by the stupid blunder of Gen. Dix, and, Dec. 17, modi- fies the order so as to require "military commanders to report to headquarters at New York for instructions before crossing the boundary line in pursuit of the guilty parties." The claim was subsequently renewed, under the treaty with Great Britain, for the delivery of Lieut. Young, Wallace, Spurr, Huntly, Tevis, Hutchin- son, and their 17 companions (mostly Kentuckians) in the St. Albans raid : but Mr. Justice Smith, at Montreal, held that " the said attack was a hostile expedition, undertaken and carried out under the au- thority of the so-called Confederate States, by one of the officers of their army," and being both a belligerent act of hostility and a political offense. quoad the state now demanding extradition," was not em- braced by the Ashburton treaty nor by the statutes of Canada-for neither authorized the extradition of belligerents or political offenders. Therefore the prisoners were discharged.

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Oct. 23-Tilton, Fleming co., and neigh- | borhood, plundered by guerrillas.

Oct. 24-Col. Frank Wolford, in a pub- lic speech, announces that " the man dies" who stands between him and the polls, on the day of the ensning presidential elec- tion, to prevent him from exercising this sacred right of an American freeman.

Oct. 25-Guerrillas enter Flemingsburg, Fleming co., and commence plundering, but are driven off by the citizens-with loss of 1 killed and several wounded.

Oct. 25-In retaliation for the shooting, by Sue Munday's guerrillas, of a Federal soldier, near Jeffersontown, Jefferson co., four men-Wilson Lilly, Sherwood Hatley, Lindsey Duke Buckner (a Confederate captain in Col. Chenoweth's regiment), and M. Bincoe-are ordered to be taken, and by Capt. Rowland E. Hackett and 50 men of the 26th Ky., are taken to the spot, and shot to death.

Oct. 25-The Lexington Unionist news- paper says there are now $3,000,000 in the U. S. treasury awaiting distribution to those loyal masters whose slaves have en- listed in the U. S. army. The act of con- gress authorizing slaves to be recruited in the army, section 24, provides that "the secretary of war shall appoint a commis- sion, in each of the slave states represented in congress, charged to award to each loyal person to whom colored volunteers may owe service a just compensation-not exceeding $300 for each such colored vol- unteer, payable out of the fund derived from commutations."

Oct. 26-Guerrillas plunder Hillsboro, Fleming co. The Maysville Eagle, an able Union newspaper, says "the people have been practically deprived of the means of self-defense by Gen. Burbridge and that duty entrusted to negroes ; the people know how they enforce it."

Oct. 26-Gen. Burbridge, by order No. 7, says " it has come to his knowledge that persons, in this military district, in public speeches and otherwise, arc encouraging their partisans to go to the polls armed, at the ensuing election-under the false pretense that the military meditate illegal interference .. .. Officers within this com- mand will promptly arrest every one vio- lating this order ; and citizens are re- quested to communicate infractions of it to the nearest military authority."

By general order No. 8, issued same day, he hoists the black flag thus : "The irregular bands of armed men within our lines, disconnected from the rebel army ... are guerrillas, and will be treated as such. ..... Hereafter, no guerrillas will be re- ceived as prisoners ; and any officer who may capture such, and extend to them the courtesies due to prisoners of war, will be held accountable for disobedience of or- ders."

Oct. 27-The principal effect of the U. S. draft, in many counties in western Ky., is to drive the drafted men into the Confed- erate army. 300 from Breckinridge, Meade, and Hardin countics, 203 and 75|

from other counties, have passed through Henderson or Morganfield-to join Gen. Lyon and other Confederate officers.

In Hardin co., Rev. Mr. Williams, a Baptist minister, who was drafted, came out of the pulpit, raised a company, and led them to the Confederate army. His congregation offered to relieve him by pur- chasing a substitute ; but he declined to have his substitute fight for a cause for which he was unwilling to go to battle himself.

Oct. 28-The "hog order" scheme is initiated by the following order from Gen. Burbridge :

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF KY. Lexington, Oct. 28, 1864. " The following information is hereby published : Those owning or feeding hogs in Ky. are informed that th U. S. government desires to secure the surplus hogs in the state. A fair mar'.et value will be paid for all that are for sale.

" It is not intended to limit the amounts deemed necessary to be packeu for family use ; but it is hoped that al' "-i'll willingly sell to the government any .cess of per- sonal wants, and not allow so much to be packed in the country as to invite raids for its capture.

" Major H. C. Symonds, commissary of subsistence U. S. army at Louisville, is instructed with the details of this busi- ness, and will give all necessary informa- tion. S. G. BURBRIDGE,

" Major General."

Nov. 5-Col. Swaine, commanding at Covington and Newport, issues orders No. 8: " In compliance with instructions from the Brevet Major General command- ing the district of Ky., the shipment of hogs from the state of Ky. across the Ohio river is hereby prohibited. Guards will order back any parties bringing hogs to the river ; and on and after the 9th instant, they will arrest any persons attempting to violate this order, and deliver them and their stock to the provost marshal."

Nov. 14-In a letter, of this date, from Gov. Bramlette to President Lincoln, he says : " Considerable commotion has been produced amongst the farmers and pork- packers by some orders recently issued- and more especially by the manner of their carrying out-in relation to the hog crop. The agents sent out have been attempting to force the farmers to let their hogs go to them at greatly less than the market price-by falsely telling them that the government had fixed the price ; and un- less they received it willingly, their hogs would be taken at that price any how ; and if they attempted to sell, or if packers attempted to purchase and pack, their hogs would be confiscated, and they ar- rested and imprisoned. Some large houses in Louisville that have paid their tax, are thus held in check and cut off from business ; although they offer to sell to the gov .nment their hog product at one dollar less per hundred than the Cincinnati mar- ket-if permitted to go on with their busi-

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ness." [Sce Senate and House Journals, 1865, pp. 42 and 50.]

The price paid for hogs, Nov. 10, was 9 cents per pound gross, quite steadily ad- vancing to 12 cents, on Dec. 20.

Nov. 7-The Louisville Democrat an- nounces that the only pork packing around the falls, this scason, (excepting a few in New Albany), will be on account of the government-a contract ha ring been closed with Robert Floyd and Smith Speed to pack 100,000 head, at figures not yet known out- side. The packing is distributed among the following houses : Win. Jarvis & Co. 50,000, Owsley & Co. 20,000; Hamilton & Bros. 30,000. The government contractors are offering 912 to 10c. gros, fer hogs de- livered here, and 8c. if delf. ered at the pens in the country. At Cincinnati the packers are paying llc. gross; and as much or more would be paid here, if the other packers (who have paid government license, and are prepared to do the work) were allowed to carry on their business.

Nov. 7-Vene P. Armstrong, of Louis- ville, announced as the authorized agent of government for purchasing hogs in Adair, Barren, Breckinridge, Edmonson, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, Laruc, Meade, Metcalfe, Nelson, and other counties ; will pay in cash, not in vouchers as many fear. He is the only one authorized to buy the hogs from Jefferson and Bullitt counties, except the small lots to sausage dealers and in the market houses.

Nov. 8-The Cincinnati Gazette says the reason assigned for Gen. Burbridge's " hog order" is " that the government has given a contract to some parties in Louisville to pack 100,000 head; and they are afraid, if shipments are allowed to Cincinnati, they will not be able to obtain hogs enough to fill the contract."

Nov. 15-Col. C. L. Kilburn, supervising chief commissary of subsistence at Louis- ville, in special order says : " No hogs are to be seized in Ky. by agents or commis- sioned officers. All persons holding hogs are permitted to sell them, in such markets and to such persons as they may see fit- subject only to obtaining permits if to be shipped out of the state." Nov. 16-By additional order he removes all restric-

, tions from transporting hogs to market, either by steamboat, railroad, or on foot ; and requests " all persons knowing of im- portant facts bearing on this Ky. hog question, to lay their communications in writing before him, in order that he may forward them to Washington if required."

Nov. 17-Maj. H. C. Symonds, from office U. S. commissary of subsistence at Louis- ville, notifies the " Farmers of Kentucky" that "the subject of packing hogs at Louisville is left to his judgment ; it ap- pears to be the almost universal wish that he receive hogs directly from the owners- which he will do, in lots of 50 or upwards ; he will pay a just and fair market rate, as may be deemed proper from day to day ; such hogs as have already been bought by the agents appointed by me must be deliv-

ered by them on their engagements." He adds : " My advice to farmers is to sell at once. I make no threats of impressment ; but trust that all will realize that they are promoting the interests of their govern- ment, while they advance their own inter- ests. I consider that the government has a prior claim to any private parties, and shall take steps to secure such results. If not provided with funds at the time of deliv- ery, I will pay as soon thereafter as funds are received."

The Louisville Democrat, of Nov. 18, says: "Gen. Burbridge says that he has nothing whatever to do with the hog busi- ness ; the whole matter is in the hands of Major Symonds and Col. Kilburn."

[It is reported at Louisville, Nov. 16, that the commissary department at Wash- ington sympathizes with Maj. Symonds, in his disagreement about hog-orders with his ranking officer, Col. Kilburn ; and that the latter thereupon asked to be relieved.]

[So indignant were the farmers at the combination between speculators and the military authorities to compel the sale of their hogs nominally to the government, and at prices considerably below what was paid at Cincinnati, that as a mass they held back-until after the issue of the following :

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF KY. Lexington, Nov. 27, 1864.

" All orders from these headquarters affecting the hog trade in Kentucky are revoked.

" By order of Brevet Maj. Gen. Burbridge. " J. BATES DICKSON, Capt. and A. A. G."

Nov. 1-A Confederate force of 32 men, under Col. Robert J. Breckinridge, jr., and Maj. Theophilus Steele (son and son- in-law of Rev. Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge, of Fayette co.), make a raid at 312 A. M. ipon Williamstown, Grant co .- expecting to capture a large sum of U. S. govern- ment money, which they had been in- formed was in the safe in N. C. Tunis' store. The money had been removed, but they found there 30 U. S. muskets which they captured ; some of the men plundered the store freely.

Nov. 1-Oil well and oil springs excita- ment increasing in northern Ky.

Nov. 1-63,323 hogsheads of tobacco sold at the Louisville warehouses, since Nov. 1, 1863-an increase of 26,610 over the year previous.

Nov. 2-Gold in New York 21934.

Nov. 2-Last night, Robert Graham, living near Peeke's Mills, Franklin co., was shot and killed-it is said, by Wm. Marshall and his men. At twilight this evening, S. Thomas Hunt, a young lawyer from Maysville (captured on his way to the Confederate army, in which he had enlisted), Thor. Lafferty, an old man and political prisoner, and two others, names not ascertained, were taken by a military escort from the Lexington jail to the lower corner of Maj. Hunt's pasture in South Frankfort. At their request, Rev. B. B. Sayre offered a fervent prayer. As soon as

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1864.

he pronounced the " Amen," one of the four-who had, while in jail, managed to file his chain apart-started to make his escape, but soon fell, his body riddled with bullets. The other three stood still, and were shot dead on the spot, and their bodies buried, without coffins, a little under ground»

Nov. 3-Four men, one or more of them captured while on their way to the Con- federate army and accused of being guer- rillas - Wm. Long, of Maysville, Wm. Tithe, of Williamstown, Grant co., Wm. D. Darbro, near Dallasburg, Owen co., and R. W. Yates, of Bacon creek, Hart co .- were sent from Lexington under guard to Pleasureville, Henry co., and there shot to death-in retaliation for the killing of two negroes in the neighborhood, some days ago. Sixteen hours after, their bodies were lying on the floor in the depot, near where they were shot.

Nov. 4, 5-Gen. H. B. Lyon's Ky. Con- federate cavalry, with the forces of Gens. Forrest, Roddy, and Chalmers, and a gun- boat captured by them, attack and destroy, at Johnsonville, Tenn., on the Tennessee river, the steamboats Aurora, Doane No. 2, Goody Friends, Duke, Alice, Arcola, Mountaineer, J. B. Ford, Venus, Mazeppa, J. W. Cheeseman, Naugatuck, and Bon Accord ; the gunboats Lawawa, Wm. Mann, Key West and Ben. Galey ; besides a number of barges. To prevent their falling into the enemy's hands, the Fed- eral troops set fire to the boats-burning, besides, all the U. S. military stores, pro- visions, and depot buildings at Johnson- ville-the entire loss $2,000,000.

Nov. 5-A large body of guerrillas, un- der Witcher and Bill Smith, makes a raid on Peach Orchard, Lawrence co., 45 miles from the mouth of the Big Sandy river, captures Col. Dils, late of the 39th Ky., burns two little steamers and some houses, and pillages the stores.

Nov. 5-The Springfield ( Mass. ) Repub- lican says one great reason why the U. S. government will not exchange prisoners with the South is, " that most of the Fed- eral soldiers now in rebel prisons are not really in the service, their time having ex- pired. They would not reinforce our army 5,000 men ; while by a full exchange the rebels would gain 30,000 fresh and skilled troops." [There is policy in such a course, but it is a great outrage on jus- tice and humanity !]

Nov. 6-Capt. Sam. Jarrett, with 41 men of 48th Ky. in garrison, defends Hop- kinsville for 5 hours, against about 350 Confederates under Gen. If. B. Lyon, when the latter withdraw, with their dead and wounded.

Nov. 6-Two rebels, named Cheney and Jones, sent from the military prison at Louisville to Munfordsville, Hart co .- to be shot to death, in retaliation for the killing by guerrillas, on Oct. 20, of James Madison Morry, Co. A, 13th Ky. infantry.

Nov. 7-Three men - Jas. Hopkins, John W. Sipple, and Samuel Stagdalc-

supposed to be guerrillas, shot to death by order of the military authorities, 7 miles from Bloomfield, Nelson co .- in retalia- tion for the killing of two negroes, last week, in that neighborhood, supposed to be by Sue Munday's men.

Nov. - Many political prisoners re- leased, during this month, at Louisville- upon taking the oath, and giving bonds, in various sums from $1,000 to $10,000, to go and remain north of the Ohio river during the war.

Nov. 7-Severe skirmish between 25 Confederate recruits under Lieut. Jerry W. South, jr., and 20 Ky. state militia, on the middle fork of Ky. river, in Breathitt co .; the latter are routed, leaving 1 killed and 6 who die from their wounds.

Nov. 8-The official vote for U. S. pres- ident and vice president in 101 counties : Geo. B. Mcclellan and Geo. H. Pendleton 61,233, and soldiers' vote in 18 regiments as received up to Dec. 6th, 3,068 -- total 64,301; Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson 27,786, and soldiers' vote 1,205- total 27,786; maj. for MeClellan 30,515. Aggregate vote 92,087, against 146,216 at the presidential election in 1860-a falling off of 54,129, or nearly 64 per cent. Nine counties - Breathitt, Calloway, Floyd, Johnson, Letcher, Owen, Perry, Pike, and Wolfe-failed to make returns.

Nov. 9-Gold in New York 257.

Nov. 9-Skirmish at Devil's creek, Wolfe co.

Nov. 9-Gen. Burbridge has four guer- rillas shot to death, at Mr. Harper's late residence, two miles south of Midway, Woodford co .- in retaliation for the kill- ing of Mr. Harper, Nov. 1, by Sue Mun- day's band.

Nov. 9-Gen. Hugh Ewing, command- ing second division of the military district of Ky., issues an order forbidding the cir- culation within his district of the Cincin- nati Enquirer, Chicago Times, Dayton (O.) Empire, and 5 New York papers-Day Book, News, Freeman's Journal, Old Guard, and Metropolitan Record. Newsboys and others selling them are to be arrested.

Nov. 9-Gov. Bramlette telegraphs to President Lincoln : "Gen. John B. Hus- ton, a loyal man and a prominent citizen, was arrested [at ] A. M.] and yesterday started by Gen. Burbridge to be sent be- yond our lines by way of Catlettsburg, for no other offense than opposition to your re-election. Stay the hand of this second Paine, and save your administra- tion the odium and our country the shame of such iniquities. You are doubtless re- elected, but surely cannot sanction this ostracism of loyal men who honestly op- posed you."

President Lincoln replied that "he could scarcely believe that Gen. Huston had been arrested for no other offense than opposition to his re-election," and would telegraph Gen. Burbridge to "release him at once."

Nov. 9 to 18-Spirited correspondence between Gov. Bramlette and Gen. Bur-

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

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In Gov. Bramlette's reply, he speaks of the " charge of dereliction against the civil authorities, made by innuendo and in ap- parent bullying tone." In reference to the charge of reviling speeches made by Col. Wolford, Lieut. Gov. Jacob, Gen. Huston, and others, he says : "You [Gen. Bur- bridge] on Thursday preceding the elec- tion, without any one thinking of inter- fering, enunciated a more reviling charge against the Administration than any I have heard of coming from any other source, when you concluded your speech- as reported in the Frankfort Common- wealth-with the following words, viz .: ' Now, gentlemen, you all want pay for your horses, and niggers, and corn, and your hogs. Be cautious what record you make.' This, to all who heard or read it, was regarded as avowing the purpose to take, without compensation, the property of those who voted against Mr. Lincoln. You, so 'reviling the Administration' by charging it with such infamous purpose, have passed unquestioned." "As to the charge that those pure and incorruptible patriots have been endeavoring to discour- age enlistments, &c., I believe it to be as untrue in reference to them as I know your charge to be untrue in reference to the state authorities. It is but a shallow pretense, gotten up upon false accusations, to afford a pretext for wreaking political vengeance upon them ..... .. You know that at all times the state authorities have promptly and cordially responded to your calls, and earnestly aided you in all those objects [supporting the government, pre- serving the peace in the state, and sup- pressing guerrilla bands.] When you de- sired the militia called into service to aid you, it was promptly done-whenever and wherever you desired it, and for such pe- riod as you requested. When you desired the state forces employed at any place, they were promptly sent as requested: And when you were preparing to go upon

bridge-growing out of the "arrest and ; your Saltville expedition, which resulted so sending South" of Gen. John B. Huston. unfortunately to you and the country, the state forces were disposed of as you re- quested." [The rest of the long letter is a masterly and powerful vindication of the state authorities, ] and closes by saying : " Had your success been better and more approximate to your means, it would doubt- less have saved you from attempting to cover up your failures under calumnious charges against the state authorities, and would have enabled you to respond to a question put for information, with at least a decent regard to gentlemanly courtesy." Nov. 18-Gen. Burbridge " declines any further controversy," but "re-asserts the contents of his former letters and tele- grams." Gen. Burbridge telegraphs : "In the ex- ercise of power delegated to me by the president of the United States, I have ar- rested John B. Huston, and am respon- sible for my action to my government. When the civil authorities make no effort to suppress disloyalty, the military must and will." And writes : "For months past, Wolford, Jacob, Huston, and others, have been making speeches reviling the Administration, and not only that-which would be overlooked-but also endeavor- ing, by their remarks, to discourage en- listments, and thus to weaken the power of the government in its efforts to sup- press the rebellion. This has been done with the apparent sanction and approval Nov. 11-Capt. J. A. Stamper's Ky. militia defeat a party of Confederate re- cruits under Lieut. Jerry W. South, jr., wounding and taking prisoner the latter, on Holly creek, Breathitt co. of the state authorities." If the latter had given the "hearty and cordial sup- port" assured, "Kentucky to-day would not be cursed with the presence of guer- rilla bands, and her loyal people outraged by frequent robberies and murders."

Nov .- The rapid increase of " military murders," without discretion or semblance of justification, but under the plea of " re- taliation," alarms the leading Union mnen of the state-some of whom speak out in bold and earnest protest. This provokes the military who arrest a few conspicuous citizens-among them, Paul R. Shipman, & leading editor, and Richard T. Jacob, lieu- tenant governor of the state, late colonel in the Federal army. The latter arrives in Louisville, under guard; Gen. Burbridge orders him to be sent South immediately.

Nov. 13-This day (Sunday ) in accord- ance with general orders of Gen. Bur- bridge, five guerrillas - three brothers named Horton, - Forest and - Fry- shot to death, 1 mile above Henderson, by a detachment of negro soldiers ; said to be in retaliation for the killing of Union men in that vicinity.

Nov. 14-Paul R. Shipman, one of .the brilliant and spirited editors of the Louis- ville Journal, who had been ordered by the military through the Confederate lines and is on the mail boat for Catlettsburg, Ky., is ordered by the U. S. secretary of war, Edwin M. Stanton, to return to Louis- ville.

Nov. 14-Gov. Bramlette addresses a strong and practical letter to President Lincoln,# npon the situation in Kentucky. Among other things he says: " I regret that Gen. Burbridge is pursuing a course calculated to exasperate and infuriate, rather than pacify and conciliate. His whole course, for weeks past, has been such as was most calculated to inaugurate revolt and produce collisions .. I shall need your co-operation to attain that unity and harmony which I desire-and which, I doubt not, you desire-but which he will try to prevent, in the blunderings of a weak intellect and an overweening vanity. . If the hendquarters of the command- ... ant in Kentucky were at Frankfort, where

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Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. I, Part 31

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn Publication date: 1874 Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452