Mt. Sterling, situated in Montgomery County, Kentucky, on the state road leading from Pound Gap to central Kentucky, was long considered the gateway between the Appalachian Mountains and the Bluegrass. The town's strategic location made it an ideal base for Union Army operations. A number of cavalry units were station in Mt. Sterling throughout the war who went on scouting expedition into the mountainous areas of Eastern Kentucky. Some of these units had just been mustered into the service and therefore lacked experience in operating in such a difficult terrain. However, what the men may have lacked in experience, they managed to make up with enthusiasm which, more often than not, produced results.
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A soldier of the 6th Indiana Cavalry, only known by his initials L. S. J., sent a rather detailed account of one of their scouting expeditions to the Indianapolis Daily Journal which is given in full below.
LETTER FROM THE 6TH INDIANA CAVALRY.
HD. QUS. 2D BATTALION, 6TH IND. CAVALRY,
MOUNT STERLING, KY, Sept. 15, 1863
ED. JOURNAL: As there appears to be but few correspondents from this section of the country, I propose giving a few items relative to the events as they have transpired since our arrival at the above-mentioned place. -
There might be a great deal written of things that have transpired here. I presume there is no place East or West where the horrors of war have been felt more than here. -
It's true there have been no large armies in the country disputing their right of possession, as there has been in many places, but it has been the scene of something more terrible. It has been infested by prowling bands of guerrillas, murderers and incendiaries, who have been preying upon the helpless and old, almost at their leisure. No one knows the suffering of mind and body of the people through here, except those who live here. The life of no one is safe. No man's property is his, for on any night it may be taken from him by a band of desperadoes. -
The headquarters of the 71st Regiment has been here since the 2d inst. The duties of the regiment have been rather hard, but I think not altogether devoid of benefit.
A detachment of 250 men, consisting of companies F, I, D and G, commanded by Lieut. Col. Matson, left camp on the 10th to make a scout some thirty or forty miles from here, where there was reported to be a force of guerrillas pillaging the country. Being the first trip of the kind since "drawing" our horses, it was interesting in the extreme. The first night's travel - it being dark when the battalion left - was ten miles, which tested the endurance of some men effectually. Next morning there was considerable complaining of soreness of bones, which, however, soon wore off as the blood began to circulate.
Next morning, about 8 P.M., found us in Owingsville, a small town on a very large hill. It is rather a nice little place, having some very nice buildings in it and pretty well provided with nice shade trees. The appearance of the "blue coats" seemed to be a great relief to inhabitants, and fair women and brave men were seen from every window and corner. I will here mention that the countenances of the people through this portion of Kentucky are a very poor index to their real sentiments and feelings. The most contemptible of rebels, the guerrilla, will meet you and talk as though they were as true and loyal to their country as those they were talking to. But too much by the way of digression -
About thirty miles farther down on the Licking river we heard of the approach of 700 to 800 rebels. The truthfulness of the report seemed to be indisputable, as it had been brought by those who were fleeing before them for dear life. It is always an easy matter to tell when a force is coming into Kentucky - from the droves of cattle, horses and mules that are taken beyond the Ohio river for safe keeping. Our colonel was not long deciding what to do. The order was given to move on them at once, although their reported force was about three to our one. But we were sorry to learn as we advanced that their force gradually diminished, until there remained nothing but a small band of guerrillas. That night we encamped where they had been that day.
Next day, scouting parties, consisting of companies F and I, started in different directions, as they had learned the guerrillas had gone. Some ten miles from camp, at a little place by the name of Morehead, in the direction company F was going, it was found that ten guerrillas had just passed before the arrival of the company. In Morehead they had entered several houses, taking what suited them, and passed ahead to West Liberty to do likewise. At Morehead, they had taken from an old man $21, the last cent of money he had. They had learned of his selling a little tobacco a few days before, and, like the eagle in search of its prey, they came upon him, and, holding a revolver at his head, made him tell where his money was. They had taken a horse, also, from a man living close to town, which, however, was recaptured from them a short time after they had taken it.
From this place they were pursued as fast as horses could go until they were overtaken some eight miles east. It appears they knew nothing of our approach, and had been sauntering along at their leisure, stopping here and there as they thought they might get something of value. The advance guard, consisting of seven men, soon came up to them. The guerrillas did not know of their presence until the crack of the carbine, which they fear so much, told them of their danger. They were completely surprised, and in ten minutes they were fleeing to the mountains. They had but little time to shoot if they had felt so disposed. As they numbered one third more than those that charged upon them, they might have resisted successfully if they had tried. But it is not their intention to fight - it is for profit and gain.
The result was one prisoner, who was made to come to by a shot in the arm, and two horses, besides hats and numerous specimens of other articles which they had taken in their route. Company I was also successful in their scout, and (and) treated them with due respect. They had heard of some thirty or forty of these fellows some twenty miles distant, making their way towards West Liberty, which seems to be a favorite resort for all guerrillas in this part of Kentucky. They were formed on Little Sandy, the band commanded by a Lieutenant named Bumgardner. When they were overtaken they were coolly partaking of a dinner which they had forced a Union man to provide for them. They were like the former squad "unconscious of their danger." The pursuing party could be seen from the house where they were near half a mile off. As soon as the advance saw them they lost no time in coming up with them, and before the guerrillas could get their horses the shot was coming thick and fast into them. Like all of their kind they flew in every direction, taking to the mountains and secreting themselves like young partridges.
The charge resulted in taking six prisoners, killing two and wounding two or three who will die, besides capturing eight horses. To say the least of this charge, it was rather a bold dash, and the certainty of success was decidedly against them, but the Hoosier boys are known even down in these mountain fastness, their yell and crack of their guns are ominous of something dangerous. It is the general opinion these guerrillas will infest these mountains and hollows a long while before they can be gotten out. It is such a poor country it would be impossible to quarter a force sufficient to keep them out. This is the nearest point where troops can be kept and provided for, which is some 40 miles from where these desperadoes visit so often. Col. Biddle has not yet got here; he has gone with a small detachment to Tennessee. The 71st does not anticipate any danger in the future, all it asks is a fair chance and its name will be as unsullied as any regiment that has left Indiana.
L. S. J.
My intuition told me this may have been the case in eastern Kentucky. Bands of guerrillas robbing and pillaging their own people for self gain. They probably sympathized with the confederacy. But they probably didn't share the profits with the confederacy.
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