The Big Sandy Valley on the Eve of the 1862 Confederate Invasion of Kentucky

On June 20, 1862, Confederate General Braxton Bragg replaced Beauregard as commander of the Confederate Army of Mississippi, later renamed the Army of Tennessee. He devised a plan to shift the focus of the war in the Western Theater by invading Kentucky. This became known as the Confederate Heartland Offensive, the Kentucky Campaign and the Confederate Invasion of Kentucky. Once in the state, Bragg planned to combine forces with Lieutenant General Edmund Kirby Smith's forces and move against Buell's Army of the Ohio. 

On August 15, 1862, the first Confederate troops under Scott entered Kentucky near Monticello. The following day, Heth's column passed through Big Creek Gap while Kirby Smith moved through Rogers' Gap. On August 17, Stevenson's division arrived in front of Cumberland Gap which was occupied by federal forces under command of General George W. Morgan. On the evening of the same day, Kirby Smith struck Morgan's line of communications at Barboursville and Cumberland Ford, effectively isolating Cumberland Gap from the outside world. General Humphrey Marshall was still in Abingdon, Virginia, but expected to cross the border into Kentucky at any given time.

Preceding these movements were reports of increased activity and "a general uprising for the invasion of Kentucky all along the Virginia border." During the first week of August, the Pike County home guards encountered Confederate troops under Moore, Witcher, Menifee and Harmon on three occasions. Citizens were robbed and killed and stores plundered. Eventually, the Home Guards were  driven from Piketon. A few days later, a small group of rebels made their way to Prestonsburg and burned some US Government supplies and stole a number of horses from the citizens. On August 16, 1862, according to historian Damian C. Beach, Confederate cavalry repulsed and defeated a unit of Home Guards near Warfield, Lawrence County.  

Marshall finally entered Kentucky on August 19, 1862, through Pound Gap. As the situation in Kentucky quickly became unraveled,  rumors were rife. According to newspapers reports, "There is said to be no doubt but that the Confederates intend to take possession of the Big Sandy region, drive the Federal force out, and carry the war to the Ohio border." 

A letter from Camp McClure in Louisa, Kentucky, clearly illustrates the impending danger that Eastern Kentucky was facing during those days of uncertainty in August of 1862. Written by a soldier to the Cincinnati Commercial, it was re-published by the Louisville Courier-Journal on August 21, 1862.

Lower Big Sandy Valley
Map by Campbell & Barlow, ca. 1861

Upper Big Sandy Valley
Map by Campbell & Barlow, ca. 1861
Library of Congress

THE SITUATION IN NORTHEASTERN KENTUCKY.

Camp McClure, Louisa, KY., Aug. 16.

A word in reference to the excitement in Eastern Kentucky, caused by the threats of the secesh to "wipe us out in the Sandy Valley, and follow it up by the invasion of Ohio." Is there reason to fear the execution of these threats? I will give a little of what we know of their proceedings, and let you judge.

A few days since, fifty of the 4th Virginia V. L., in charge of their Major, were recruiting, seventy miles above here, on Tug Fork, and while leisurely eating dinner, disarmed, were fired upon by two hundred mounted rebels. ** They seized their arms, and fought for half an hour, when the Major, with two privates, fell, mortally wounded. By this time the little party, being nearly surrounded and overpowered by numbers, saw their doom if they did not fight their way out. So, with one determined effort, most of them made their escape, leaving but few taken prisoners. Being rapidly pursued, they scattered, every one for his own safety. In the course of a few days, twenty-six of them had wandered into our camp, bringing one severely wounded.

The 200 guerrillas are the companies that so terrified that part of Kentucky by stealing and murdering before we drove them out last winter, and have long deserved the fate Strutton met in this last affair. He was Captain of one of the companies, and was not only killed, but the "Devil of the Mountains," Witcher, Captain of the other company, was severely, and though to be dangerously wounded.

At about the time of this engagement two or three other rebel companies came down the other fork of Sandy to Piketon, took possession of the town, not, however, without some considerable resistance from the Home Guards, who gave them a war on reception from the bushes, killing and wounding several; but their number was so small they were compelled to retreat to the rocks and caves. They were not satisfied with the appropriation of everything, belonging to Union citizens, but had the daring impudence to come down to Prestonsburg and burn all the provisions we had not yet moved from there. The loss was but small, as the stuff had been condemned.

The guerrillas are making great efforts at recruiting men, but secure many by telling them they will be sent to Richmond if they don't enlist, and that they will not be allowed to stay at home as long as they can carry a gun.

Captain Ford *, of the Home Guards, above Piketon, has just arrived with the news that Col. Williams's regiment of 700 mounted men had also crossed the mountain, and have now taken up quarters in Piketon, not, however, without first giving him a call, and that too with a volley of musketry which told him and his squad to skedaddle for their lines. The Captain was exposed to a perfect shower of bullets for one-fourth of a mile, some of them hitting his horse and saddle, but leaving him unhurt. What became of the rest of his men is yet unknown. The Captain is confident, from the number he saw and from the most reliable information, that there is at least one full regiment of mounted rebels.

This is not all. It is believed, and most reliable accounts lead to the conclusion, that these are only the advanced scouts of Humphrey Marshall's expected large army, with which he has so violently threatened Eastern Kentucky.

They are now committing more desperate outrages than ever. Beyond the mountains, every man that does not join the army is sent off as a prisoner, and his family driven from whatever possession they have, which is confiscated to "Southern rights." Capt. Ford saw a party of these poor, unfortunate, home-robbed families that had crossed the mountains, seeking a place to keep from starving to death.

The efforts made to penetrate Kentucky through Cumberland Gap and Pound Gap simultaneously only go to verify their threats of the conquest of Kentucky and the invasion of Ohio. Any one acquainted with the geography of the country through Eastern Kentucky well knows that the Sandy Valley is one of the best natural inlets from Dixie to the Northern States, and that the rebels want no better place than the mountains and hills at the head of Big Sandy to gather and conceal a strength sufficient to annihilate us, and make a march into Ohio in less than three days.

All we want is more force, especially cavalry, and we will wipe them out so effectually that they never again will want to avenge their defeats at Ivy Mountain, Middle Creek, and Pound Gap. Col. Cranor, having been in this part of Kentucky ever since he led the gallant charge at the battle of Middle Creek, is well acquainted with the hills, roads, and creeks, and the people from here to the mountains. His fighting qualities and good generalship make him well prepared to take command of whatever force is sent here. This is an important item, as our success or defeat depends to a very great extent on a perfect knowledge of the geography of the battle ground. To fight these skulking rascals considerable marching  must be done - of this we had experience enough to know we might have accomplished tenfold more had we had a more intimate knowledge of the country.

-Cor. Cin. Com.

Notes

* Pike County Home Guard Captain William Ford later enrolled as Captain in the 39th Kentucky Infantry (US), Company B, on September 2, 1862. He was 41 years old. He died on November 24, 1864, of dysentery, at Lexington, Kentucky.

** This engagement is known as the Battle of Beech Creek and took place on August 6, 1862.

Links of Interest

The Murder of Peyton Justice 

Excellent article by Randall Osborne, Pike County Historical Society

The Battle of Beech Creek, August 6th, 1862

While on a mission which had previously seen them trek across McDowell and Wyoming counties in West Virginia, a group of Confederate soldiers from Virginia, led by Lieutenant Colonel Vinson A. Witcher, making up the 34th battalion under his command, encountered and clashed with a portion of the 4th West Virginia Union regiment under Major Hall, resulting in a battle. The two groups confronted each other near the Cannaday farm on Beech Creek in what was then Logan County, West Virginia but is now considered Mingo County. During the battle, Witcher's right hand man, the 34th battalion's Major William Straton, was severely wounded in both his right arm and his chest, though he later recovered and was able to rejoin the Confederate army.

Major William Straton 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry

By Brandon Ray Kirk

4th West Virginia Infantry

On the 6th of August, 1862, Major Hall, with a force of forty-eight men, at Beach Creek, near Logan Court House, encountered 200 Confederated mounted infantry, under Colonel Stratton and Major Witcher. The fight was a stubborn one, Major Hall and two enlisted men were killed and twelve wounded. Of the Confederates, Major Witcher was killed; upon the death of their commander the Confederates retreated. In the death of Major Hall, the 4th Regiment suffered a great loss. He was a graduate of West Point, was young, brave, and of course well qualified for all the duties of a soldier.

Union Civil War Pass for Mrs. G. Vincent, Camp McClure, Louisa, from July 21, 1862 to August 1, 1862.

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, December 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

An Incident Most Unpleasant - New Year's Eve 1863 in Louisa

Throughout the Civil War, Louisa, the county seat of Lawrence County, Kentucky, remained a Union strong-hold and served as base of operations for the military in the Big Sandy Valley. In November of 1862, the town was designated as Headquarters of the District of Eastern Kentucky which comprised the counties of Lewis, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, Lawrence, Johnson, Magoffin, Floyd, and Pike. The military had taken possession of public buildings to house headquarters, provost marshal's office, commissary, hospital, guardhouse, stables &c. 

Louisa, ca. 1906

In 1860, Louisa was a small town with a population of 258. With the influx of the military, the town was also occupied by many civilians, mostly family members of the soldiers, which caused the population to increase to more than twice its normal number. In some instances, mostly officers, boarded with civilians. It was tight quarters in Louisa but over time the citizens had adjusted to the nearly constant presence of soldiers in their midst. The relationship between military and civil society remained in general peaceful but was not without challenges from time to time. 

On December 31, 1863, the following troops, under command of Col. George W. Gallup, 14th Kentucky Infantry, were stationed at Louisa:

- 14th Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. Orlando Brown, Jr.

- 39th Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. David A. Mims.

It was New Year's Eve and much to the delight of the troops, Major Cook, the paymaster, had made his appearance. A paycheck meant that the soldiers were able to provide for their families, settle their accounts and have some extra pocket change when needed. New recruits also received their bounty (one month's pay in advance, normally paid at muster) and premium due to them. With their pockets full of money, the men celebrated the New Year and, at least temporarily, forgot about the hardships they had endured as of late. The winter of 1863/1864 was especially harsh. The mercury had dropped to zero degrees and the Big Sandy was frozen solid. There were instances of merriment that went overboard and the men, "loved too well to look upon the wine when it is red, and giveth its color in the cup."  A few cases of drunkenness were recorded and the offending parties arrested and punished.

Some of the soldiers were mulling about town when 20 year old Mary Rebecca Layne encountered three of them on Main Cross Street, opposite from the courthouse. As the group was approaching her, she looked at one of them, who then smacked his lips and said "he would like to have a kiss or words to that affect." By 1860s standards, such forward behavior toward a woman in public was frowned upon as vulgar and insulting and certainly considered unbecoming of a soldier and a gentleman. 

Undoubtedly, Mary R. Layne was shocked by the gesture but continued on her way, undeterred, a short distance until she reached the post office. While passing the three soldiers, she quickly slipped inside. Upon entering, she noticed that the soldiers had stopped in front of the building. As luck would have it, an acquaintance, Charley Duncan, a private in the 14th Kentucky Infantry, happened to be in the post office. Mary called on him to ascertain the name of the soldier who had insulted her. Meanwhile, the three soldiers had entered the post office but left rather quickly when they noticed Mary R. Layne talking to Duncan and walked toward the (I.B.) Hutchinson & Carter store nearby. She later testified that, "Charley followed them and Charley told me afterward that the name of the soldier who had insulted me, was George Martin or that was the name of the man I had pointed out whose name I requested him to obtain."

Mary Rebecca Layne was the daughter of Floyd P. "Dock" Shannon and Elizabeth O'Rourk. Her husband was James Calvin (or better known as JC) Layne, son of Judge Lindsey Layne and Adeline "Edy" Meade. His father and brother Moses Layne famously cast the only two votes for Lincoln in Floyd County in the 1860 presidential elections. 

James Calvin Layne

At the time of the incident, Mary Rebecca and JC were still considered newly-weds. The couple was married on February 5, 1863, at Dock Shannon's house in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The ceremony was performed by I. B. Hutchinson, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisa. Incidentally, he was also part owner of the store Hutchinson & Carter in 1863. 

Mary R. Layne was not going to let the matter rest. On January 4, 1864, she went to see Provost Marshal Lieutenant Joseph D. Powers (Co. K, 39th Kentucky Infantry) at his office in Louisa and filed a formal complaint against Martin. An arrest most likely followed. 

Mary R. Layne's testimony

"Provost Marshal's Office

Louisa, Ky. Jan. 4 1864

This day Mary R. Layne personally appeared before me and made the following statement on oath in case of George Martin, charged with insulting the said Mary R. Layne on the street at Louisa Ky.

On Thursday evening last Dec 31st I was going down street and met three soldiers not far from the Post Office. I looked at one of them, and he smacked his lips and said he would like to have a kiss or words to that affect. I went on a few steps, and turned about and went in to the P. O. passing the said three soldiers as I went into the house, they stopped and I called to to Charley Duncan and the three soldiers came in. I told Charley Duncan to ascertain who the soldier was, that had insulted me. the soldiers left and went toward J. B. Hutchinsons store. Charley followed them and Charley told me afterward that the name of the soldier who had insulted me, was George Martin or that was the name of the man I had pointed out whose name I requested him to obtain. and I saw Charly talking to the same soldier who had insulted me, and whom I had pointed out to Charly.

Given under my hand the day above written

Mary R Layne 

I certify that the above Statement was made before me upon oath at Louisa Ky. on the day above written

J. D. Powers Lt.

& Prov Mar D E Ky"

George Martin was a private in Co. F, 39th Kentucky Infantry. He was one of the regiment's new recruits who had enlisted on August 8, 1863 and mustered in August 30, 1863. Before enlisting in the Union Army, Martin had seen previous military service in the Confederate Army.  He was mustered in as private in Captain Adam Martin's Company (later Co. F), Benjamin Caudill's 13th Kentucky Cavalry, on October 14, 1862. By April 30, 1863, George Martin was absent without leave and never came back. As it turned out, Martin also had a wife, Cynthia Caroline Frasure, and four children. The couple had been married since 1855. 

39th Kentucky Infantry (US)
Service Record

13th Kentucky Cavalry (CSA)
Service Record 

Charles "Charley" Duncan who came to Mary R. Layne's rescue was 20 years old and a native of Covington, Kentucky. An engineer in civilian life, he served as a private in Company E, 14th Kentucky Infantry.

14th Kentucky Infantry (US)
Service Record

The matter was referred to Department Commander Colonel George W. Gallup who ordered George Martin to be reprimanded and then returned to duty. 

Martin continued to serve with the 39th Kentucky Infantry but was absent without leave from October 1864 to January 19, 1865. He was finally mustered out with the regiment on September 15, 1865, at Louisville.

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, November 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Dr. William Smith Kouns - "Rank Rebel Now and Forever"

When the Civil War broke out, an overwhelming number of Greenup County men rallied around the Union flag.  On October 24, 1861, a Union recruiting camp, named Camp Swigert, was established just east of Greenupsburg, near Fulton Landing.  It was estimated that at least 800 Greenup County men joined the Union Army during the war. However, there was a small but vocal faction in Greenup who supported the Southern Confederacy. Most of these men were mere sympathizers who provided means and support to further their cause, but a small number actually served in the Confederate Army. In 1864, Judge Seaton stated in report to John Boyle, Adjutant General of Kentucky, that a total of 23 men from Greenup had joined the rebellion. Among these 23 was Dr. William S. Kouns.

William Smith Kouns was born on July 26, 1817, in Greenup County, Kentucky. He was the son of John C. Kouns and Elizabeth Betsy Smith. During the War of 1812, his father served as Major in the First Kentucky Infantry and was General Andrew Jackson's escort at New Orleans.  John C. Kouns was a man of prominence in Greenup.  In 1822, he was granted a tavern license for his home on Water Street (now Waterfront Street). In all likelihood this was the Kouns-Womack House. It still survives and is located at 602 Waterfront Street. It was here where William S. Kouns grew up and reached adulthood.

Kouns-Womack House

Image National Register of Historic Places

In 1827, Major Kouns moved his tavern business from his home and built the Kouns House in Greenup which stood west of the Waterfront Street district in the immediate vicinity of the steamboat landing. It soon became a well-known tavern and hostelry that welcomed steamboat travelers.

 

Ceredo Crescent, Aug. 7, 1858

The Kouns House also served as a meeting place for politicians and lawyers who came by river to Greenup during the session of the circuit court. Much of the community’s social life was centered around the Kouns House. Citizens attended banquets and dances and, until 1867, Masonic balls were hosted here. After being in business for close to 150 years, the building was finally torn down in the 1970s.

Image from Greenup Women's Club:  
"Come With Us and Re-Discover Historic, Old Greenup, Kentucky"
Courtesy Bill Hughes, Greenup County Library

In 1845, Kouns and his wife donated the parcel of land where the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was built.

Ever the businessman, John C. Kouns became involved in the iron industry, together with his brother Jacob. In 1834, the Kouns brothers built Oakland Furnace, a stone stacked charcoal furnace, with air blast machinery powered by steam. It was located on Chadwicks Creek, two miles west of US 23 at KY Rt. 538, in present-day Boyd County, Kentucky.  In 1838, Oakland Furnace produced 600 tons of iron which was shipped in pigs by river boat. Oakland Furnace stopped production by 1849.

In 1857, the Kouns-Winn family owned the franchise of a steam ferry that operated between Greenupsburg and Haverhill, Ohio, with Major Kouns and Joshua Oakers as ferry keepers.

Major Kouns was also a slave holder. He resisted to free them until the very last days of slavery - four adults and three children - when federal law effectively forced slave holders to emancipate their slaves on December 6, 1865.

Aside from his business interests, Major Kouns held various public offices. From 1828-1831, and again from 1850-1857, John C. Kouns represented Greenup County in the Kentucky State Legislature. From 1836 to 1837, he served as Greenup County Sheriff.

Given his family’s background and prominent standing in the community, William S. Kouns grew up in rather favored circumstances. His parents had the means to provide their children with a good education. It can be reasonably assumed that he and his siblings received their basic education at Greenup Classical Academy which was located only a few blocks from their home, at the corner of Harrison & Perry in Greenupsburg. Kouns subsequently attended Louisville Medical Institute from where he graduated in 1841.  

Illinois State Journal, Oct. 8, 1841

A catalogue of the graduates of the Louisville Medical Institute and Medical Department of the University of Louisville from 1838 to 1853

After his graduation, Kouns married Caroline A. VanBibber on October 21, 1841 and settled in Greenupsburg. In 1847, the Kentucky State Register listed Dr. William S. Kouns as one of three physicians in town. 

In order to accommodate his growing family, Dr. Kouns built a house on Laurel Street in 1856. The weather-boarded residence which is still in existence, is especially notable for its octagonal shape. It is thought that Dr. Kouns' idea to built an octagonal house may have been inspired by Orson S. Fowler's “A House for All or the Gravel Wall and the Octagonal Mode of Building”, published first in 1848. This type of home was advertised as being more healthful for its inhabitants through opportunities for increased sunlight and ventilation. Such attributes may have appealed to Dr. Kouns.

Dr. William Kouns House

Shortly before the beginning of the Civil War, Kentucky reorganized the Commonwealth’s militia. In 1860 and early 1861, officers were appointed and a variety of units were organized across Kentucky. In January of 1861, Dr. William S. Kouns answered the call and began raising members for a state guard company. By January 24th, 32 volunteers had signed up.  By February 5th, Kouns’ company had grown to 42 members. The goal was to organize officially on February 22, 1861, however, the company was not commissioned until March 16, 1861.  Kouns was elected Captain, and his officers were James L. Warring, 1st Lieutenant; J. Henry Blake, 2nd Lieutenant; and John P. Twyford, Brevet 2nd Lieutenant.

The next step was to obtain arms for the company. Discussing his plans with Wm. C. Ireland and Kentucky state senator Henry M. Rust, Kouns implored both men to seek the governor’s assistance.

“We want 50 of the latest and best Rifles of the longest range, “he wrote, “and one six or eight or twelve pounder cannon.”  

He pointed out that, “a combination of Rifles and Artillery is what our company prefer … all are oppossed to Muskats and old US Rifles.” 

Kouns strongly felt that a well-armed company was necessary, “to put us at an Equal footing with any enemy that may oppose us, “and to protect Greenupsburg, the county seat, and its records." 

He was also of the opinion that if the Ohio River was to become the boundary line during the war, "it may be necessary to fend off bands of Robbers and other lawless gangs from either side of the river for we will not be secure from the hungry furnace hands that will be thrown out of employment in the iron region.”

As the war progressed, it became apparent that the majority of Kentucky’s state guard companies were aligning themselves with the South. It did not take long before members of Kouns’ company became aware of their captain’s southern sympathies - a view that was not shared by all. On May 7, 1861, 2nd Lieutenant J. Henry Blake noted, 

“He has made himself obnoxious by his Secession advocacy defending it above board & openly & then again his character has Never been fair & without reproach.  The facts are these, had he one Spark of Manliness about him he would resign a position, that can Never prove Satisfactory pleasant or profitable again.” 

He added, “I make this statement not to reflect upon Dr Kouns as he is a Bro Mason - only to organize for our defence a Company that will do some good  feeling confident the Doctors Never Will - I want a Co too of good Sound true Union Men that Wont flinch when the day of trial comes… Im Satisfied An Underhand game is being played with our Company to bind Myself with a Secesionparty in Any way. I firmly will oppose it Even to the Sacrifice of My life. I wish to serve My Country in Any Capacity if found Worthy & only My Country. No other flag will I fight Under …”

Blake, whose father John Blake was the former owner of Hecla Furnace in Lawrence County, Ohio,  subsequently resigned and served as 1st Lieutenant in the newly formed Greenup County Home Guard company commanded by Captain Louis D. Rose.

It was not until June 6, 1861, when Kouns’ men finally received a shipment of 60 muskets. On August 3, it was noted that the Greenup State Guards, “had an unusual large number of their members in Greenupsburg drilling and nearly all of them left their muskets in the Captains Store.” 

Three weeks after the final statewide elections in which Unionists won control of the state legislature, Kouns’ State Guard company went into camp on James L. Waring’s farm which was situated along the Ohio River, below Little Sandy River. From August 26 to August 30, 1861, the men drilled and received instructions such as the use of firearms. 

On September 2, 1861, the former Southern Rights Party, now styled the Peace Party, held a “mass meeting” in Greenupsburg during court days. The meeting took place in the court house and was chaired by Dr. Kouns’ father. The objective was to elect delegates for an upcoming convention. However, it may have also been a last attempt to sway public opinion in favor of Secession as well as an opportunity to sign up potential recruits for Confederate service.

Just two days later, on September 4, 1861, Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk ordered a Confederate invasion of Columbus, Kentucky which violated the state’s neutrality status and therefore, sealed the fate of Kentucky's future. In response, Union troops seized Paducah and Smithland. On September 7, 1861, the Kentucky Legislature voted 77 - 20 to hoist the US flag over the Capitol. On September 18, 1861, Kentucky’s neutrality officially ended when the State Legislature passed an act to create a military force in Kentucky.  Almost simultaneously, a Confederate recruiting camp was established on the May farm, just north of Prestonsburg in Floyd County, Kentucky, which would soon draw thousands of potential recruits from all parts of Kentucky.

For Secessionists the writing was on the wall - the time to act was now.  During the night of September 29, 1861, a group of "some 25 men" reportedly assembled "clandestinely” in the vicinity of Greenupsburg.  By all indications these were mostly members of Kouns’ State Guard company. A plan was forged to proceed to Grayson, Carter County, for the purpose of seizing the arms of the local Home Guards and then making off to the Confederate camp at Prestonsburg. The intended place of rendezvous was Landsdowne Hall, which was situated about one mile west of Grayson. The owner, Dr. Andrew Jackson Landsdowne, was described as “a leading disunion spirit” who aided the South by providing food and shelter to prospective recruits for the Confederate Army who were on their way to Prestonsburg.

Before departing Greenup, Kouns addressed a letter to Governor Beriah Magoffin, handing in his resignation as State Guard Captain.

Greenupsburgh Ky

Sept 30/ 61

Hon Baria Magoffin

Gov: of the State of Ky

Sir the Company of the State Guards that I had had the Honor to Command has been reduced to but (17) seventeen Members some have Vol: in the Federal Army & Some have gone to parts unknown. I have Caused the Arms to be given up to the County Judges for safe keeping. I now ask to resign My Comission in Said Company & the Company to be disbanded

W. S. Kouns

However, the best laid plans often go awry. While Kouns’ group was making their way from Greenup to Grayson on September 30, 1861, they were promptly spotted by some local citizens who sent for help. Colonel Sebastian Eifort, commander of the Carter County Home Guards, received timely information of their designs and deemed the evidence sufficient for active measures. Captain McGuire’s company was called out and assembled in arms. Additionally, Eifort sent word to Captain William C. Stewart of the Jefferson Home Guards in Lewis County, asking for relief. It was not long before Stewart was on hand, “with a band of devoted men.”

McGuire’s and Stewart’s companies proceeded to Landsdowne Hall where Kouns’ men had arrived earlier and were now partaking of dinner. Soon the house was surrounded and during the ensuing fight, two men were killed, one wounded, four escaped and the rest were captured. The majority of the prisoners were citizens of Greenup County. Daniel Martin, who was severely wounded in the neck and, believing that he was in a dying condition, confessed that his party were on their way to a secession camp at Prestonsburg under command of John S. Williams …”further, that a plan had been agreed upon by the secessionists in the eastern part of the State, including the counties of Mason, Fleming,  Lewis, Bath, Rowan, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, and others, to assemble near Prestonburg, organize and drill, to be met there by reinforcements from Virginia, and move with a large force to seize Maysville.”

Cincinnati Daily Press, Oct. 4, 1861

It may be noted, that at least three of the men who were present at Landsdowne’s that night - Benjamin J. McComas, William A. Womack and John McCoy - had attended the Greenup County peace party meeting on September 2, 1861. Unlike Womack and McCoy, who were captured, McComas escaped and joined the Confederate Army at Prestonsburg.

The incident caused a panic among Union citizens along the Ohio River. When word of the affair reached Maysville, William H. Wadsworth rallied 1000 men who were ready to embark on a steamboat when word reached them that relief was not needed. At Greenup it was reported, that, "a secession army had taken possession of Grayson on that morning...and that they were marching for the Ohio river, "in force" - supposed to be bound for Ashland or Greenupsburg...to seize arms, steal horses &tc &tc and arrest and carry off prominent Union men." About 200 Home Guard & Union men assembled in Greenupsburg, put out pickets and took Kouns’ State Guard Guns which were still located in his store and distributed them.

Just like Benjamin J. McComas, Kouns managed to evade capture and, according to plan, made his way to Prestonsburg. He enlisted in Co. E, 5th KY Mounted Infantry as 1st Lieutenant and was sworn into the Confederate service on October 24, 1861.

Compiled Service Records, 5th KY Mounted Infantry (CS)

William S. Kouns participated in the Battle at Ivy Mountain on November 8, 1861, during which Senator Henry M. Rust was mortally wounded. After the battle, Kouns followed Colonel John S. Williams’ troops into Virginia where he remained until the beginning of December 1861. “I was then with the Confederate army,” Kouns stated, “left it since and returned home under the proclamation of General Nelson.” 

Kouns’ return to Greenupsburg on December 5, 1861, did not go unnoticed. A Union soldier at Camp Swigert noted, “The camp has been somewhat in a fever today, occasioned by the above circumstances connected with the sudden return of a notorious secession lieutenant (Dr. Kouns), who left this county some months ago to join the rebel army.” Kouns was immediately taken into custody but soon released upon taking the oath of allegiance. 

Two weeks later, about December 19, 1861, Col. Lindsey of the 22^nd Kentucky Infantry ordered Kouns to be arrested and brought into camp. According to the charges, Kouns, “was connected with a nefarious scheme to take possession of some State Guard guns and ship them south some time ago.” Kouns remained under arrest until December 22, 1861, when he was sent under guard by steamboat down the Ohio River to Louisville, “where, doubtless, he will have fair justice meeted out to him...”

Dr. Kouns’ incarceration did not last very long - by February 6, 1862, he had returned home to Greenupsburg, and was giving a deposition in William C. Ireland’s office in regard to Judge William, H. “Harry” Burns, judge of the 11th District. His statement was to be used before the General Assembly of Kentucky, in a proceeding to remove Burns from office for disloyalty. Kouns acknowledged that he knew Burns and that he, “never saw him in the Confederate army until after the fight at West Liberty and that at Ivy Mountain. After that I saw him in the Confederate army. He was acting as quartermaster, doing such business as pertains to that office, and I suppose that he held the office, though he was called Judge Burns, and not by military title. I first saw him, as stated, in Virginia with the army, and afterwards I traveled with him in the Confederate army, he acting in the capacity I have stated.”

Thereafter, for all intent and purposes, Dr. William Kouns’ direct involvement in military matters during the Civil War seemed to have ended. However, his political views remained unchanged. When Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, it caused a great deal of indignation among Kentuckians. In an attempt to take advantage of the situation, a movement was soon underway to reorganize the secession party of Kentucky under the name of Democracy. It basically continued the same tactics the Peace Party pursued during late summer of 1861. Highly critical of President Lincoln’s policies, it sought to overturn Union majorities. A state convention, which was not supported by the Democratic Legislature of Kentucky, was called for, to be held on February 18, 1863, at Frankfort for the purpose of, "preparing the Kentucky Mind for revolt against the Union."

Various meetings were held throughout the state in order to elect delegates for the upcoming convention. The Democracy of Greenup held their meeting on February 14, 1863, at the county courthouse, presided over by Judge James Bryan.  Dr. William S. Kouns as well as his father Major John C. Kouns were among the attendees who were subsequently appointed as delegates to represent Greenup County. 

Four days later, the convention assembled in Frankfort at the Metropolitan Hall, having been refused the use of the legislative hall. Soon a federal force under command of Colonel Samuel A. Gilbert, 44th OVI, appeared and surrounded the building. Gilbert then read Military Order No. 3, to the effect that information had been received that a large number of rebel spies and emissaries were present. Names were taken, further business arrested, and the convention dispersed.   

On February 22, 1864, Greenup County Judge John Seaton noted that Kouns, “was a Capt. of a Company State Guards before he left - was Rebel capt. or officer a short time - under bonds in Covington and a rank rebel now & forever.”

Nothing further was seen or heard from Dr. Kouns for the remainder of the Civil War. By all appearances, he had turned, once more, to more ordinary pursuits. The U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists from 1864 to 1866 show that he was operating a drugstore. It was situated in a frame building on Harrison Street, next to the bank, across the street from the county clerk’s office and courthouse in Greenupsburg.  

1864 IRS Tax Assessment List, Kentucky, Div. 20, Dist. 4

In 1870, a meeting was held in the Greenupsburg Methodist church, addressing the evils of dancing and playing cards. As a result, Dr. William S. Kouns and family withdrew their membership. They converted to Catholicism and built an altar in their home, where a priest from Ironton, Ohio, was holding services for the family. On December 16, 1888, Dr. William S. Kouns passed away in his 71st year. His remains were interred at Riverview Cemetery in Greenup, Kentucky. 

 

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, September/October 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

A Peace Party Meeting at Greenupsburg, September 2, 1861

In 1861, three special elections took place in which the people of Kentucky voted overwhelmingly against a Convention, against Secession, against a dissolution of the Union. Even when the Southern Rights party embraced "Union and neutrality" as their new stance in order to garner support before the last election on August 5, 1861, they were decisively rejected by the voters who elected a large majority of Union men to her legislature, taking control of both the house and the senate. 

In the days following, the Secessionists under the guise of "Southern Peace Party" made a last ditch effort to turn the tide and induce Kentuckians to join their cause by stirring up anti-government and anti-Lincoln sentiment and raising the specter of  war on Kentucky soil. 

"They have appealed to the ballot-box three several times, directly in the Congressional elections, and still more directly in the State elections just passed, and they have been overwhelmingly beaten; Do they now acquiesce and agree to abide the decision of Kentucky? No elections are on hand; no further appeal to the ballot box can be made for two years to come, and yet we have a renewed agitation - barbeques, pic-nics, and the most inflammatory appeals to the people, and daily threats of war." 

According to Unionists, these public peace meetings were designed to "inflame the public mind with violent harrangues," scaring people with "LINCOLN's Congress, LINCOLN's war, LINCOLN's tyranny." However, the public was not fooled. "They had just as well accept the truth, that they can't scare anybody ... they pretend to be afraid of what they call Lincoln's troops - Kentuckians, who have as much interest in this State as they have, and equal rights with them, and no purpose to disturb them, if they only obey the law and behave themselves."    

"We are tired of this profession of neutrality, whilst giving reasons for revolution. To make Secession speeches, and publish Secession arguments, and then profess to be for peace and neutrality, is disreputable."

"They may change names as often as they please, but they are the same party - Southern Rights Peace party, or Secesssion party, it is all the same; they are for resisting the Federal Government and plunging into rebellion, no matter how."

"...a party that labored to induce Kentucky to secede, and invite war upon her own soil, and then cried out for peace...accompanied with a threat to resist law. Take off the mask, and be what you really are, and what you aim to make Kentucky - a rebel against the Federal Government."

One such peace party meeting took place during court days in Greenupsburg, on September 2, 1861 - two days before Confederate troops invaded Kentucky and occupied Columbus, violating the state's neutrality. In response, Union troops captured Paducah and Smithland. These events sealed the fate of secessionists in the state and brought Kentucky firmly into the fold of the Union.  On September 18, 1861, the Kentucky Legislature formally declared an end to neutrality and passed an act to create a military force in Kentucky. This prompted Secessionist lawmakers to leave Frankfort four days later. On September 25, 1861, a second act was passed, calling for 40,000 troops for 3 year service. Union enlistments began at once and within a month, 20,000 men were enrolled. Before the end of 1861, the call had been met.

Meanwhile, by mid-September 1861, the Confederates had established a recruiting camp on the May farm, just north of Prestonsburg, in Floyd County, Kentucky.

Following the Greenupsburg peace party meeting, the following members joined the Confederate Army

John P. Twyford, 4th KY Mounted Infantry, Corporal, enl. Sept. 14, 1861

Benjamin J. McComas, 5th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, 2nd Lieutenant, enl. Oct. 20, 1861

Joseph Martin, 5th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Private, enl. Nov. 11, 1861

At least three members, Benjamin J. McComas, William A. Womack and John McCoy, were involved in a plan to seize the weapons of the Grayson Home Guards in Carter County, on September 30, 1861. This led to a skirmish at Landsdowne Hall in which Womack and McCoy were captured. McComas escaped and joined the Confederate Army at Prestonsburg. 

 

 

Everett's June 1863 Raid - A Detailed Account - Part 3

On the morning of June 16, 1863, Everett's men left the Mt. Carmel area and were once again on the move. As they were passing through Fleming by way of Hillsboro, they discovered that the Federals were in their rear in heavy force. The 10th Kentucky Cavalry, under Major Foley, had reached Flemingsburg sometime during the night or early morning. Finding that Everett was long gone, Foley pushed on to overtake them. The distance separating the two forces may have been less than 10 miles. It was just a matter of time before 10th Kentucky Cavalry would catch up with the rebels. 

From Hillsboro, Everett continued on to Poplar Plains and then turned eastward toward Plummers Mill on Fox Creek. The eastern part of Fleming County, which included the communities of Muses Mills, Plummers Landing and Plummers Mill, was predominantly Union. Alarmed at Everett's approach, the people on Fox Creek sent a messenger to Lewis County Home Guard Captain William Curtis, who lived near Crum on Kinniconick Creek, stating that a raid of horse thieves were committing depredations in their vicinity. Captain Curtis with what few men he could hastily collect, started at once for Plummers Mill. However, they did not expect to meet a numerous well armed foe but a few marauders who were said to infest that neighborhood.  

When Captain Curtis arrived, he met Major Thomas H. Hamrick and his company. Hamrick was a seasoned veteran who had previously served as Captain and then as Major in the 23rd Kentucky Infantry but had to resign because of health reasons. Sufficiently recovered, he was actively recruiting a new company for the regular volunteer Service of the United States and carrying a commission as Lieutenant in the 45th Kentucky Mounted Infantry for that purpose in his pocket. Captain Curtis, Major Hamrick and his men were walking up Fox Creek when they heard shots being fired about a mile distant. 

Plummers Mill

A party of Captain James B. Evan's Home Guards had launched an attack on Everett's force near Evan's home. The Home Guards fell upon their flank and fired into their column as it passed the defiles leading to the gaps in the mountains toward which the Rebels were retreating. Testimony by Captain Charles Nute as well as Chaplain James P. Hendrick, both 10th Kentucky Cavalry, suggests the attack was meant to delay Everett in order to assist the 10th Kentucky Cavalry in capturing the rebels. Curtis, Hamrick and their men soon arrived at the scene of the fight and joined in. 

In their attempt to check and annoy the rebels, Evans, Hamrick, Curtis and a home guard named William Gardner were separated from their comrades. They were pursued by a squad of rebel cavalry and overtaken. All four of them drew off to one side of the road to let the rebels pass, but their advance guard rode up to Hamrick, and, according to Confederate reports, Hamrick was "killed in a hand to hand rencontre with Capt. Jackson." Chaplain Hendrick stated that Hamrick, "notwithstanding his repeated declaration that he surrendered, they murdered him and his companions." All four men were shot and killed on the spot. Curtis' obituary noted that "they were suddenly overtaken by a relentless foe and fell in discharge of their duties." 

The Home Guards finally abandoned the field which they could not hold against such superior numbers. Some of them took to the bushes and tried to escape, including two of Evans' sons. Frank Evans’ horse was injured and he fell or jumped from it and rolled into Stockton’s Creek and made his escape. Frank’s brother Nelson and Eddie Young broke from the main group of Home Guards and also made their escape riding toward Belle Grove. In the fight, several on each side were wounded, including Lieutenant William. L. "Lin" Flood, 2nd Battalion, Kentucky Mounted Rifles, who received a gunshot wound through the neck. Everett's men then burned the store of James Wayman Lansdown near by before leaving the area for good. They crossed into Rowan County and moved in direction of Morehead. 

Meanwhile, DeCourcy's forces had left Mt. Sterling at daylight in search of Everett. The column, led by Colonel De Courcy in person, consisted of the 8th and 9th Michigan Cavalry, Company C of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry under command of Captain Seldon F. Bowman, plus the two sections of artillery from Battery "L" 1st Michigan Light Artillery and 1st Independent East Tennessee Battery. The men moved through through Olympian Springs, "traveling as rapidly as wearied horses and intense heat would permit." 

The rebels arrived near Tripletts Bridge in the early afternoon. Up until now, Everett was able to escape the grasp of Union authorities. One of his men noted, "Well, it required generalship to elude them, but Capt. Pete Everett was equal to the occasion." Why Everett decided to halt his forces here for four hours is anyone's guess. If he would have pushed on, after allowing his men some rest, chances are that he would have easily escaped. Instead, he decided to bring on an engagement with his pursuers and ambush them. It appears that he misjudged his opponents and expected them to be Home Guards who he had no trouble defeating on previous occasions. 

Site of the covered Triplett's Bridge burned by Everett in 1863
This truss bridge, built in 1921, is closed to traffic now
Image from Bridgehunter.com

While Everett was resting his men, DeCourcy's column reached Licking River near Salt Lick. The men were feeding their horses and eating their lunch when scouts arrived and reported that Everett was moving in the direction of Tripletts Bridge.  Major Gallagher commanding 1st battalion, 9th Michigan Cavalry, asked permission to move up the river with a small force to cut off their retreat. This was granted, but the force was immediately recalled. Soon after the 9th were ordered to report to an officer near the river for orders, which was promptly done, and after near an hour's waiting, were ordered up the river. Moving at once Gallagher's men arrived at the junction of the two roads, where the rebels had moved through earlier. "Had Major G. been allowed to proceed with the force we had, or had we not been delayed waiting for orders at the river, the rebels would have been completely surrounded and their escape rendered impossible," noted one of the 9th Michigan men. DeCourcy's main force was on the move as well. "The bugles sounded 'Boots and Saddles,' and in a few moments our command was mounted and moving forward at a charge, which we continued for about four miles before we came in sight of the enemy." 

Meanwhile, near Tripletts Bridge, the dust covered column of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry was nearing the hill where Everett had two companies posted on the hill-side in the bushes, "intending when they came up to bushwhack the 10th Kentucky Cavalry to pieces." One of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry men noted, "But they were mistaken in their game. The two companies in front, companies E and F, on being fired upon, charged right and left, clearing the hill at one sweep, capturing all their horses and some eight or ten prisoners." It took all of ten minutes to drive the rebels from their lurking-places. "The rest fell back on the bridge, the Tenth following close on them." A firing across the creek was kept up for fifteen minutes more and the Rebels were beaten back. When Company C, 10th Kentucky Cavalry, charged Everett at the bridge with drawn sabers, he suddenly found his way in front intercepted when DeCourcy's column appeared. Completely taken by surprise, and seeing he was about to be trapped, Everett's men piled much of their stolen goods in the covered bridge and then set it on fire in order to effect their retreat.

Everett then quickly formed his men in line of battle in the road at the base of a large hill that was covered with timber. Unfortunately, DeCourcy's men mistook the rebels, who were concealed from view by the side of the mountain, for Home Guards, and the 10th Kentucky Cavalry, who were still across the creek, for the enemy.  One of the Michigan soldiers stated that, "a Kentucky officer who, after a close observation, pronounced the 10th a rebel force. They had no flag, and covered with the dust of a long march, and being in the position the rebels were supposed to occupy, were easily mistaken for a rebel force."  Another story claimed that Everett himself dashed up to a party of Federal soldier, posing as a home guard, "and told them that Everett was close behind. Not suspecting the trick, they opened with cannon on the Federal cavalry pursuing Everett, and while this royal fight was taking place between these loyal men, Everett slipped off." 

Whatever the unfortunate circumstances, the 1st Independent East Tennessee Battery opened with two mountain howitzers on the 10th Kentucky Cavalry. This was followed by several volleys from the Eighth and Ninth Michigan cavalry. One of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry men described the firing as "terrific" which was kept up for 10 minutes  A 9th Michigan Cavalry soldier disputed the account and noted, "The unfortunate firing (a few volleys from our Spencer rifles) upon the 10th Kentucky, which your correspondent describes as terrific, was from one, or at most, two squadrons, of the 8th Michigan cavalry, only,  fortunately doing no execution, except to horses." The 10th Kentucky Cavalry made signs to inform them and stop the firing, "but they 'couldn't see it' and the Tenth were compelled to fall back behind the hill." The men remained under friendly fire until "the 10th hoisted their Chaplain's vest as a flag of truce, and the mistake was discovered." Fortunately, nobody was hurt and only two horses were killed.

As soon as the firing on the 10th Kentucky Cavalry stopped, Decourcy's men discovered that a portion of Everett's command had been cut off by the burning of the bridge. "The 8th Michigan Cavalry being in nearest proximity to the bridge, Company B was dismounted and sent across the creek about one mile below. They came upon a company of Rebs and captured a captain with most of his men." The 8th Michigan captured Everett's rear guard, Captain James White, of Company F, 1st Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles, plus a number of his men. 

Company I, 8th Michigan Cavalry, "under command of First Lieutenant W. Lowrie, also made a mounted charge on the enemy, and then our entire line moved forward." However, at that point, most of the rebels had escaped, "leaving almost all their horses, all their plunder, all their arms strewn over the country in every direction." Everett had taken full advantage of the initial confusion. The sudden appearance of the column in their rear compelled him to give up at once all idea of defending themselves. In his report Everett noted, that "seeing that it was impossible to overcome the superiority of their numbers, and exposed to the fire of artillery, which was so posted as to command the position which I held, I drew off my forces." He later stated that, "He always felt it to be one of the most painful incidents in his life, that he could not stay and witness this pounding between loyal men." His men took refuge in the dense woods which lay on their right, giving them an opportunity to escape under the cover of the mountain. Filing off under the bluff, they escaped up a ravine. Years later, one of Everett's men recalled that, "Several hundred of the enemies' cavalry closed in on our rear and front. What did we do? We followed Pete Everett across a steep mountain, with the loss of very few men and horses, and returned to Virginia." By taking a difficult route across a neighboring mountain, he escaped the forces that were closing in upon him. 

A lot of Everett's plunder was still strewn about. One of the soldiers noted, "About two thousand dollars' worth of property of every description was picked up on the field by our boys." All the stolen horses were captured and taken to Mt. Sterling. "The citizens of Mason and Fleming counties who had lost horses were notified to come forward and prove property and it would be returned to them. For several days it was a busy scene at the corral in Mt. Sterling."

Casualties

Union

Casualties on the Federal side were comparatively light. All were members of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry. "We lost, singular to say, but one man killed — William West, company C — and two wounded — Joseph Blair and James Hicks — all of the same company. West was shot in the forehead by a Minie ball, and fell fighting bravely."

Confederate

According to The Maysville Eagle, the following 36 prisoners were captured at Triplett's Bridge: Jas. White, Capt. 1st Bat. Ky. Mtd. Rifles; J. S. Pittman, 1st Lieut.; W. F. McCormick, Sergt.; Wm. F. Everett, Sergt.; J. N. Shrout, Corporal; G. W. Ellington; H. D. Talbat; Pascal Mason; J. T. Meadows; G. N. Lyons; Z. R. Alexander; Jas. Clarke; C. A. Barnett; S. S. Moore; Nicholas Hadden, Jr.; L. N. Kinney; E. Pergram; J. E. Bellville; E. Munson; Jas. A. Conner; Thos. Campbell; Francis Summitt; Eli Robinson; Ed. Clifton; J. F. Taylor; Merrill S. Goodpasture; Warren Clayton; Jarrett Montjoy; Ed. Thompson; Wm. C. Hedges; Jarvis Smith; M. Myers; 

Wounded - George W. Rogers; Albert West and Wm. L. Flood, 1st Lieutenant."

Killed - Robt. R. Larkins (shot and dead)

Reportedly, those killed and wounded by the howitzers were left to the care of the citizens.

Additional names of Everett's men who participated in the Tripletts Bridge engagement were provided on a muster roll of Everett's company that was later captured in Salyersville. However, several men who were listed as captured or missing in action at Tripletts Bridge were actually arrested at a later date.

Edmond Roberts - captured June 25, 1863, Kentucky

S. B. Smith - captured July 3, 1863, Bath Co. KY

John E. Young - captured July 3, 1863, Bath Co. KY

William T. Payne - captured July 3, 1863, Bath Co. KY

Wallace Kemper - captured July 18, 1863, Mt. Sterling, KY

W. C. Smith, 2nd Corporal - captured Farmington, TN, Oct. 7, 1863

Thomas Moss, blacksmith - not captured, no further information  

Henderson Cornett, blacksmith - not captured, no further information

Night coming on, "the only means left was to send a regiment around to one of the gaps to cut them off." The next morning, instead of pursuing Everett in force, Colonel DeCourcy decided to return with his men to Mt. Sterling. He left a detachment of the 9th Michigan Cavalry behind, consisting of companies A and F, to scour the mountains and ravines for fugitive rebels (in some reports it is stated that it was the 8th Michigan Cavalry who was assigned this task). 

Before DeCourcy's departure, Dr. John P. Talbot, Asst. Surgeon of the 1st Kentucky Mounted Battalion, came into his line under a flag of truce. His intention was to "attend to the Rebel Wounded." One of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry soldiers stated that "The rebel surgeon came in with their wounded and gave himself up." Talbot also reported, "that Pete Everett, the commander, was killed in the charge by company C." However, it was generally "thought improbable, as other accounts represent him as being among the first to run, leaving behind his bottle of whisky and his Bible, in which was a ribbon, upon which was embroidered the words 'Thou shalt not steal;' probably by one of Peter's relatives who was acquainted with his ruling propensity."

In the afternoon of June 17, Sturgis telegraphed Burnside, obviously unaware that DeCourcy was on his way back to Mt. Sterling.:

LEXINGTON, June 17, 1863--4 p.m.

GENERAL: Colonel De Courcy fell in with Everett's command at sundown yesterday, at Triplett's Bridge, Rowan County; had a brisk engagement, and the rebels dispersed to the bushes. He is in hot pursuit. De Courcy reports rebel loss 12 prisoners and 30 horses. Courier reports 8 rebels killed, 20 taken prisoners, and 100 horses captured. We had 2 wounded.

 S. D. STURGIS, 

Brigadier-General.

 General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE. 

DeCourcy's main force arrived at Mt. Sterling the same evening. The following morning, June 18, 1863, at daylight, the 9th Michigan detachment returned from their search for Everett. "Some 20 prisoners, with a much larger number of horses, rifles, saddles, &c., were brought in by them as a result of their tour. They arrived ... a weary but jolly band, ready for another mountain scout whenever it pleases the "higher powers" to call them out."

Most of the prisoners captured at Triplett's Bridge were sent to the military prison at Lexington in charge of Captain S. Wells, of Company F, 8th Michigan Cavalry (bef. June 23, 1863). Several men were temporarily retained in Maysville. Two prisoners, James A. Conner and Nicholas Hadden, were kept under guard for the murder of James L. Sudduth in Bath County during the fall of 1862. The Maysville Eagle reported that "Jas. A. Connor ... has been heavily ironed and confined in a separate cell." Brig. General Sturgis wrote the Provost Marshal to retain Connor and Hadden and "that he intended to make them tell all that was engaged in it.."

Connor, along with Wm. F. Everett and Geo. W. Rogers, was also subject of lawsuits filed by Hon. W. H. Wadsworth on behalf of Messrs. Dessar and Culbertson, for damages sustained at their hands during Everett's raid on Maysville. "Everett was recognized by Dessar as one of the leading spirits in robbing his store, and even had on one of the stolen suits when being examined on the subject. Attachments had been issued upon their property to the amount of $8,000." 

On June 26, 1863, the Frankfort Tri-Weekly Commonwealth reported that a portion of Everett's men, numbering 49, were taken from Paris to Covington on Tuesday, June 23, 1863. They were in charge of a squad of soldiers belonging to the 14th KY Cavalry, under command of Major Williams. On June 24, 1863, 31 of the prisoners were transferred from Lexington. Many of Everett's men ended up at Camp Chase, Johnson's Island and Point Lookout. A number of them died or lingered in prison until 1865. 

Lists of prisoners from Lexington, including Everett's men

After the engagement at Tripletts Bridge, Everett and the remainder of his force continued to move through the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and arrived "by easy marches (not being followed at all)" at their camp at the Old Russell Court House on June 22, 1863. The following day, while at Lebanon, Virginia, Edward O. Guerrant found "Pete Everett's 'raiders' just returned from Kentucky, broken down & very much scattered." Everett, still in camp, wrote his report of the raid.

Old Russell Court House

CAMP OLD RUSSELL COURT-HOUSE, VA.,

June 23, 1863.

GENERAL: I have the honor to state that I arrived at this point on yesterday evening with my command. While in Kentucky I fought the Fourteenth Kentucky Regiment of Cavalry near Mount Sterling, killing 21 men, wounding 0, and capturing 17 prisoners. I proceeded to Flemingsburg, at which point I captured and paroled a captain in U.S. Navy. Thence I went to Maysville, where I captured 50 United States horses, some 330 guns, and 25 pistols. Among the guns were some 150 new Enfield rifles belonging to a company in progress of formation. I also captured at Maysville one piece of artillery (a 12-pounder) belonging formerly to General Zollicoffer, which I spiked and left. The small-arms were broken up, and the Government horses supplied the place of broken-down horses in my command. On returning from Maysville I dispersed an organization of Home Guards, under Col. Charles Marshall, at Mount Carmel. Said organization numbered about 170 men. At Fox Spring engaged a company of Home Guards, under Maj. Pennebaker, of Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, killing Major Pennebaker, Capts. -- Evans and -- Curtis, and 1 private. Some 15 miles from the last-named place I encountered a force variously estimated at from 800 to 1,500 men, under command of Brigadier-General De Courcy. Said force consisted of mounted infantry, cavalry, and one full battery of artillery, and attacked me both in front and rear simultaneously. The fight lasted for a short time, when, seeing that it was impossible to overcome the superiority of their numbers, and exposed to the fire of artillery, which was so posted as to command the position which I held, I drew off my forces and came by easy marches (not being followed at all) to this place. Up to the engagement last mentioned I had never lost a single man killed or captured.

Lieut. [William L.] Flood and Private Wells were slightly wounded in fight with Major Pennebaker. I know of 27 Federals killed, who fell into our hands, exclusive of the last engagement, and Captain Blackburn has near 30 paroles which he will hand you. My own loss was confined entirely to the engagement De Courcy was commanding, and I cannot now state it with accuracy, as stragglers are coming in, and I sent back a detachment, under Lieutenants [Alexander H.] Darnell and [George W.] L'Aile, to gather up those who might reach the mountains and bring them on out; also to take charge of those whose horses had given out. I do not think my loss in killed, wounded, and missing will much exceed 30 men; but this will appear from regular report of the expedition, which I will prepare and forward to you in a few days.

I am now moving my command to Lebanon, where forage and subsistence can be had, and would respectfully suggest the necessity of rest to both horses and men, if the condition of things is such as to permit.

I am, general, yours, most respectfully,

 P. M. EVERETT, 

Captain, Commanding Detachment.

P. S.--Two infantry regiments at Louisa and two cavalry regiments, numbering about 1,900 men. 

List of Federal forces in Kentucky.

At Mount Sterling, Fourteenth Regiment Kentucky Cavalry, 300, and Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry, 400; Lexington, one Massachusetts [regiment] infantry, 600; Paris, one [regiment] Michigan infantry, 400; Big Hill, two regiments cavalry, 400 each. The rest of infantry has left Kentucky by way of Louisville, supposed for Vicksburg.

[INDORSEMENT.]

Knoxville, July 16, 1863.

In transmitting this report, it affords me pleasure to commend to the department the gallantry of Captain Everett. The enterprise was very successful. In addition to the horses captured, the detachment was enabled to capture a sufficient number of fine arms to replace the arms previously in possession of the men.

Respectfully,

 S. B. BUCKNER, 

Major-General, Commanding.

Southern papers praised Everett as "Mosby Rivaled." 

"Capt. P. M. Everett, who, it will be remembered, unaided and alone, treed and captured five live Yankees in the mountains of Kentucky a few months since, returned to this place a day or two ago from another successful dash through the enemy's lines in Kentucky. With a squadron of 200 men, and during an absence of 20 days, he reconnoitered thoroughly the enemy's position, inflicted considerable damage upon the vandals, and- watered his horses in the Ohio at Maysville. His tour being principally one of observation, his stay, of course, was not protracted so long as he might have desired. During the progress of his march he encountered the Yankees at four different points ... It will thus be seen, that while we have had a body of Yankees prowling through our lines, we have also had a detachment manoeuvering in theirs."

Northern papers marked the end of Everett's raid with headlines such as "The Maysville Raiders Brought to Grief - The Whole Party Cut to Pieces and Captured." On June 29, 1863, Brig. Gen. Sturgis issued the following congratulatory order to Col. John F. DeCourcy and his men. 

General Orders,}

No. 1          } Hdqrs. 1st Division, 23d Army Corps, Hickman's Bridge, Ky., June 29, 1863. 

I. The general commanding tenders his hearty thanks and congratulation to Col. John [F.] De Courcy; and the officers and men under his command, namely, the Eighth and Ninth Regiments Michigan Cavalry, under Colonel Stockton; the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Maltby, and a detachment of the Fourteenth Kentucky Cavalry, under Captain Bowman, with sections of the Eighth Michigan and Tenth Kentucky Batteries, for their conduct and bravery in carrying out the instructions received from these headquarters, thus cutting off the retreat of a party of rebels who had made a raid on Maysville, Ky., inflicting upon them a loss of 30 in killed and wounded, and capturing 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 37 privates, together with 100 horses and a like number of arms and accouterments, with a fair prospect of yet taking the entire remaining force. Colonel De Courcy has shown, in this affair, rare tact, skill, and energy, and in his report mentions with special commendation the long and rapid march made by the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Maltby, who, he says, displayed energy and talent in carrying out his orders. Major Foley, also of the same regiment, is entitled to high praise for his effective co-operation. Captain Bowman, Fourteenth Kentucky Cavalry, likewise gave every satisfaction to his commanding officer. Lieut. and Adj George C. Parker, Twenty-first Massachusetts Infantry, as acting assistant adjutant-general, Capt. John S. Williams, Fourth Kentucky Infantry, and Capt. Isaac W. Adams, as acting aide-de; camp, were of great assistance, and seemed never more satisfied than when sent to points of danger. The general commanding takes special pleasure in placing upon record this tribute of praise, and expresses his entire conviction that all the troops of his command will, in the hour of trial, prove themselves equally true and trustworthy. 

By order of Brigadier-General Sturgis:

Wm. S. King

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General

A soldier of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry remarked, "To conclude, I think that guerrillaing has very near played out in this section of the country, especially as long as a man remains in the Tenth." However, Everett was not done "playing." Only five months later, Union authorities in Kentucky would have their hands full with Everett once again.

Further Reading 

Everett's June 1863 Raid - A Detailed Account - Part 1

Everett's June 1863 Raid - A Detailed Account - Part 2

Freestone Road Bridge Constructed in 1921 at the site of the original covered Triplett's Bridge. This bridge is now defunct and closed to traffic)

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, June 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.