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.

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

June 2022 marks the 159th Anniversary of Everett's 1863 summer raid into the Eastern part of Kentucky. It was primarily designed to procure supplies such as horses and weapons, as well as gathering intelligence, while at the same time tying up mounted federal and state troops assigned to hunt them down. Just two weeks earlier, Everett had struck Flemingsburg and carried off about $500 worth of merchandise and some horses. This time his eye was on a much bigger prize - Maysville - a prosperous community in Mason County and an important port on the Ohio River. 

On June 1, 1863, Captain Peter M. Everett was in Abingdon, Virginia, finalizing his preparations for his upcoming raid. His force was relatively small and numbered between 200 to 250 men. It consisted of detachments from companies B, C, D, E & F, 1st and 2nd Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles. Elements of Clay's Battalion were also present. Officers serving under him were Captain George W. Jackson, Co. B, 2nd Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles and Captain James White, Co. F, 1st. Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles. Also accompanying Everett was Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn, who served as volunteer aid on General William Preston's staff. After the war, he served as member of the United States House of Representatives and U.S. Senator, as well as Governor of the Panama Canal Zone.

Joseph C. S. Blackburn, Library of Congress

Others who may have been participants on this raid were Robert J. Breckinridge, Jr., a cousin of General John C. Breckinridge as well as Colonel Ezekiel Clay. Like Everett, the majority of his men knew the country well they would be traversing. Most of them had been recruited in Morgan, Wolfe, Bath, Fleming, Montgomery, Mason and Rowan Counties. Their local knowledge would serve them well during the raid. 

Everett left Southwest Virginia on June 2, 1863. Everett's timing for the raid could not have been better. There was a larger than average Union presence in the Big Sandy Valley since the beginning of June 1863. However, the troops were busy organizing for an expedition into Western Virginia. Burnside had ordered General Julius White, commander of the Eastern Kentucky Military District, to move with his troops at about the same time as Colonel Sanders' expedition into Tennessee. General S. P. Carter was directed to cross the Cumberland and move in the direction of Monticello, designed to draw the attention of the enemy from Colonel Sanders' movements - all of which were precursors to Burnside's upcoming Knoxville campaign. The heightened activity of General White's troops in preparing for the upcoming expedition seemed to have worked to Everett's advantage. His column managed to escape the watchful eyes of Union authorities. He quietly slipped through Pound Gap and into Eastern Kentucky virtually undetected. Everett's force remained under the radar for more than a week. It is entirely possible that his men utilized their time by visiting with family and friends along the way. 

There was no sign of their presence until Friday, June 12, 1863, when two men of Everett's party, Benjamin F. Cassidy (also appears as B. Q. Cassada in records) and David F. Steele, were captured in Magoffin County, Kentucky. Later that day, it was reported that three hundred rebels under Peter Everett had taken possession of Owingsville. That same evening at Mt. Sterling, First Lieutenant Mason C. Miller, Company B, 14th Kentucky Cavalry, received orders to detail 35 men from Company A, and 20 men from Company B, to be ready to move by 7 o'clock the following morning. Accordingly, on Saturday morning, Lieutenant Miller and Second Lieutenant William P. Schooler, Company A, left town with their men and started for West Liberty, 50 miles east of Mt. Sterling. 

Lieutenant Miller reported, "After marching some 10 miles in the direction of Mud Lick Springs (aka Olympian Springs) I met with James Crouch some four miles from the place, and inquired of him if he had seen or heard of any rebels. He informed me that he had met 15 or 20 going towards the Springs. We then struck out in a brisk trot, hoping that we would capture the party." 

State Road, about 4 miles from Olympian Springs

The men James Crouch had encountered were in all likelihood Everett's advance guard. His forces had arrived at Olympian Springs around noon where he permitted his men "to wind and feed the horses." The command rested up for about an hour. As a precaution, he positioned an advance guard of 30 "pistol men" on the state road leading from Olympian Springs to Mt. Sterling, about 1 1/2 miles from his position.

Olympian Springs

As the 14th Kentucky Cavalry was traveling up Mudlick Hill toward Olympian Springs, the road "was cut in the side of a slate hill for 75 yards, the bluff overlooking it on the left, and a grove of small pines was on the right." 

State Road at Mudlick Hill 

Everett's advance guard were hidden on both sides of the road in shape of a U. As a precaution, Lieutenant Miller had sent out 20 men under command of Lieutenant Schooler "and of these he had four men out as videttes, and when these came in range of the Rebels they were fired on." The vedettes fell back on Schooler who reported back to Miller and received orders to charge. Schooler's men advanced as ordered. When well in the trap, they were fired on with fatal effect. Aaron Sarver and Milton Anderson of Co. B and Owry Steele of Co. D were killed outright. As soon as Miller heard the shots, he left his position and ordered his men "in double quick to the spot."

Back at Olympian Springs, Everett's men were in the process of remounting when they heard the brisk firing from the direction of Mudlick Hill. He immediately ordered his men to charge the enemy. "Little Pete, as we called him, rode to the front on his big gray horse and gave the command: 'Charge! go for them, boys.' The charge was made, Capt. Everett, J. C. S. Blackburn, Tom Furman, Jasen Mark, John Wright, Sam Crook, and a dozen other fiery warriors on fiery steeds led the van." 

According to Lieutenant Miller, "we kept up a sharp firing for a few minutes, when I saw the enemy increase rapidly both on my right and left." Miller ordered a retreat, but not until he had received a bullet in his shoulder, and was the last one getting out of the trap. "Seeing that they had a superior force to that of mine, and a great advantage in the ground, I ordered my little party to fall back, which they did, fighting as they went, some seven or eight miles. As soon as I ordered my men to fall back they charged upon me with 150 mounted men, who were on their horses in ambush." 

Lieutenant Schooler fell into the hands of the enemy and was shot in the thigh after surrendering. He was paroled by Joe Blackburn. Several others were wounded and captured as were others whose horses were killed under them. Not over half a mile from the scene of the conflict the horse of Ben Willoughby fell under him and stunned him into unconsciousness, Tom Greenwade came upon him, and not being on friendly terms with him personally, dismounted, took Willoughby's sword from its scabbard and killed him with it. Knowing the fate of some of his comrades, Lieutenant Miller tried to avoid capture at all cost. "After I found I was wounded I was determined that I would not fall into their hands, although I was very weak from the loss of blood. I hung on to my saddle and luckily was not captured." 

Everett continued to pursue the Federals towards Mt. Sterling. The Confederates claimed that, "For five miles the road was strewn with dead and wounded Yankees, twenty or thirty were killed and wounded, and as many captured." Meanwhile, a fleet courier had been sent back to camp at Mt. Sterling to report the attack. Major R. T. Williams, 14th Kentucky Cavalry, immediately gathered a few men and hurried out to reinforce Miller's men. He met the Rebels beyond Howard's Mill where a short but fierce fight ensued. "Williams and a Rebel named James T. Rogers had a hand to hand duel with pistols, both emptying their weapons. Williams was wounded in the left shoulder, and when he had shot all the loads out of his pistol he threw it at Rogers and turned and rode off. Geo. Connoy of Co. B was killed here, and a young man of Co. D named Ulery was shot through the bowels after he had surrendered, and was taken to his home near Owingsville where he died a day or so later." 

Williams' men soon broke and scattered, and could not again be rallied. It was reported that "Major Williams behaved with great gallantry, and was exceedingly mortified at his failure to rally his men when they broke." The Federals fell back to Mt. Sterling, and were pursued by the rebels to near Robert Harvey Gatewood's place, within a few miles of the town. (Gatewood's wife Mary A. Stoner was a sister of Lt. Colonel Robert Stoner, 9th Kentucky Cavalry (CSA). Her sister Minerva Tribble Stoner was married to Gen. Richard S. "Dick" Williams, brother of CSA General John S. "Cerro Gordo" Williams.) 

Major Robert T. Williams' men came into Mount Sterling "on the run, with 'a thousand guerrillas' close behind them, advancing on the town, and 'If you don't surrender they'll take no prisoners.'" One local at Mt. Sterling noted, "we were fortunate to have in our town Colonel John DeCourcy, who was immediately ordered to take command of the troops here, consisting of a small portion of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry and the 21st Massachusetts, which order inspired a feeling of safety, that we have not felt heretofore when threatened by these desperate gangs." Accordingly, DeCourcy took charge and gave orders for the 21st Massachusetts to be ready to move. The regiment consisted of seasoned veterans who had fought in several of the largest battles of the Civil War, including the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Fredericksburg. Everett did not pose much of a threat to them. One of the 21st Massachusetts soldiers noted, "The people were fearfully excited; as they had been under Union care so long, they dreaded the rebel raiders more than ever before." When the alarm was given, Lt. Col. George P. Hawkes called out his men and they marched down Main Street with their band playing Yankee Doodle. "Prayers and blessings went with the sturdy 21st as they marched out to cover the town," noted one participant. "They divided on the Owingsville and Spencer roads and waited Everett's coming, but he never came. The guerrillas ... had no idea of having a real fight, and, as the regiment moved forward, their advance, which had shown itself on the hills about a mile east of the town, disappeared." 

Everett had initially contemplated a demand to surrender but in the end, thought better of it. "He would have taken the town, but it was filled with infantry." His friend Edward O. Guerrant later noted, "Infantry & art'y being at Mt. Sterling & a demand to surrender not having the desired effect, he thought proper to withdraw." 

Casualties 

The Confederates claimed that 23 men of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry were killed & 25 captured & 3 or 4 wounded (or 27 prisoners). 

Union sources acknowledged 9 men killed, 3 mortally wounded, and 12 prisoners captured and paroled. 

Regimental records of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry are, unfortunately, incomplete. Therefore, it is difficult to establish the exact number of losses the regiment sustained on June 13, 1863. The following list is based on regimental records when available, casualty lists published in newspapers, pension records and personal recollections. 

KIA (7) 

Jones Webber, Co. A, killed + 

John (D.) Rankins, Co. A, killed ?? (no mention of death in records) 

David Henderson, Co. A, wounded in action June 13, 1863, Mud Lick, died from wounds June 17, 1863. 

Aaron Sarver, Co. B, killed + 

Sgt. George W. Cannoy, Co. C, killed + 

Owry Steel, Co. D, killed in action June 13, 1863, Mud Lick. 

Milton Anderson, Co. B, killed + (Lt. Miller claimed he was killed after surrendering; wounds; widow's pension) 

Killed/Mortally wounded after surrender (2) 

Benjamin Willoby/Willoughby, Co. B, killed + (was killed after he surrendered; widow's Pension file) Thomas Ulery, Co. D, wounded after he surrendered, June 13, 1863, Mud Lick; died June 15, 1863 from wounds. 

Men who were reported mortally wounded but survived (4) 

Lt. W. P. Schooler, Co. A, shot in the thigh after surrendering 

James W. Woods, Co. A 

John Kimes, Co. A 

Sidney Kerr, Co. A, captured and paroled; reported at Camp Chase July 10, 1863; reported in Columbus, Ohio July 31, 1863 and sent to regiment the same day via Cincinnati. 

Reported wounded 

Major Robert T. Williams, (shot in shoulder, wound not noted in records, survived) Lt. (Mason C.) Miller, Co. A, wounded in action June 13, 1863, Mud Lick, shot in shoulder, survived. 

Missing in action 

William B. Vaughn, Co. A 

Harry Hamilton, Co. A 

Dennis Hanrahan, Co. A 

Reportedly, the paroles of the Federal prisoners were all signed by William Cabell Breckenridge. However, they were most likely signed by Robert J. Breckinridge, Jr.  Several paroles also had Joseph C. S. Blackburn's signature. 

Confederate losses were minimal. Everett had two horses shot under him, and James T. Rogers and Joseph C. S. Blackburn one horse each. 

By late afternoon, Everett's forces had completely vanished. As DeCoury had no means available at Mt. Sterling to pursue the rebels any further, Everett made an easy escape. He passed unopposed through Owingsville, Wyoming, Hillsboro, Poplar Plains and entered Flemingsburg at 11 o'clock that night. 

View of Flemingsburg

In the usual fashion, Everett's men stole a large number of horses, and a considerable amount of other property, but in other respects, according to reports, behaved very well. At the time of Everett's raid, 28 year old Captain Edwin W. Sutherland, former commander of the famous ram "Queen of the West," was staying in Flemingsburg, recovering from an illness. He was cared for by his wife Eudora, who the Louisville Journal characterized as "his better-half - the secession widow of Mississippi." Sutherland had made a name for himself by running the blockade of the rebel batteries at Vicksburg just four months earlier. However, Sutherland's marriage in early 1863 to Eudora Harris, the young and beautiful widow of Skipwith's Landing, Mississippi, in presence of Admiral Porter who gave the bride away, made headlines all across the US. Still a red-hot rebel, Eudora "waved her handkerchief for Jeff. Davis and his horse-thieving followers," despite Everett capturing and paroling her husband. 

At one point during their stay, Everett's men were greatly alarmed by the report that the 10th Kentucky Cavalry was en route to Flemingsburg but it was soon discovered that it was a false alarm. They finally took their leave from town at 3 o'clock in the morning and quietly disappeared into the night. 

Further Reading 

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

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

Vicksburg River Romance or Plantation Widow’s Dowry - Captain James Sutherland's Marriage to Eudora Harris. 

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

Colonel Roy S. Cluke and the Arrests of Dr. Joshua Barnes & George W. Deatley

The Civil War had a profound effect on the lives of civilians who resided in areas of conflict and were often caught between the contending armies. In the countryside, soldiers destroyed and appropriated property, seized food, or burned fences. In towns, private homes, schools, churches, and court houses were appropriated for military use. These difficult circumstances kept the population on constant alert. Civilians were also subject to arrest by the military, sometimes on the suspicion of being a spy or other clandestine activities, but also for political reasons. 

One such arrest was reported in the Louisville Courier-Journal on March 24, 1863.  It noted the arrest of Dr. Joshua Barnes of Bath County, Kentucky, by rebels under the command of Colonel Roy S. Cluke, 8th Kentucky Cavalry (CSA).

Dr. Joshua Barnes, born about 1804 in Kentucky, was the son of Joseph Barnes and Phoebe Stockton. The family moved to Bath County in the early 1820s and settled in Sharpsburg. Joshua Barnes was a physician by trade. In 1850, he owned seventeen enslaved persons. By 1860, the number had increased to twenty-six. In 1862, Barnes was elected on the Union ticket to fill the place of Van Buren Young in the Kentucky House of Representatives and was sworn into office on August 16, 1862. 

In February of 1863, Colonel Roy S. Cluke embarked on a raid through Kentucky with 750 men and horses from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His activities kept Union authorities scrambling for more than six weeks. Despite being vigorously chased, Cluke managed to outrun and outflank his pursuers until he left the state at the end of March 1863.

On February 18, 1863, Cluke's forces arrived at the banks of the Cumberland River. From there, he made his way to Somerset, Mount Vernon, and Richmond. On February 22, 1863, Cluke's force passed through Winchester, where he divided his command. Lt. Colonel Robert Stoner, 9th Kentucky Cavalry, CSA, was ordered to Mt. Sterling. Thus began a cat and mouse game between Cluke and the Federal forces in the course of which Mt. Sterling changed hands several times. 

Source: "Confederate Veteran Association of Kentucky"
Fifth Edition, Lexington, 1895, page 62

On February 23, 1863, part of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry, under Major R. T. Williams, was at Mt. Sterling, numbering only one hundred and seventy-five effective men, the rest of the battalion being off on a scout in Rowan county. Hearing about the approach of Confederate forces, Major Williams started with his scanty command toward Winchester until he learned the superior force of the enemy and that they had two pieces of cannon. He fell back to a strong position and posted his men for a fight. Before sunset, Major Williams received orders from Lexington to fall back to Paris and destroy all the stores he could not carry with him. Tents and camp equipage were packed in haste and the column started, most of the commissary stored having been distributed among the citizens. A very small amount of Quartermaster's stores were burned. When the Major had gone about two miles the rebels came up and attacked his train, capturing twelve or fifteen of the wagons and teams.  

Stoner's men subsequently occupied Mt. Sterling. By the following day, Cluke's entire command was concentrated in town. The men were busying themselves collecting horses, equipment and food. The Confederates remained for one day and left on the morning of February 25, 1863, having received word that a brigade under the command of Colonel Benjamin P. Runkle was moving their way.  

Cluke may have left Mount Sterling but he had no intentions of leaving the area. He had taken up a strong position on Slate Creek, abt. 13 miles from Mt. Sterling. On February 26, Runkle moved on Cluke with cavalry, infantry and artillery, but hearing of the Federals' approach, Cluke vacated his position and retreated up the east fork of Slate Creek towards Owingsville.

Runkle was fully prepared to pursue Cluke to Owingsville. However, upon his return to Mt. Sterling, he found that he had received orders to move his force immediately to Lexington. Runkle noted, "I did not believe this order to be genuine, and, being informed that the couriers were suspicious personages, and unable to give an intelligible account of themselves, I believed it to be a Morganish trick; but knowing the penalty of disobeying a genuine order, I did, to the regret of my whole command, obey, and moved toward Paris.  I did this because Paris was the nearest telegraphic point, and but 5 miles out of the way. At Paris I could settle the genuineness of the order." 

No sooner had Runkle's brigade departed Mt. Sterling on February 26, 1863, when Cluke made another appearance in town. A small force of three hundred and fifty Union soldiers had been left behind as garrison. Fifty of them were captured, together with all their commissary stores, arms, etc. This time, Cluke and his command were able to remain in town quite unmolested for several days while Runkle was off searching for rebels near Winchester.

At sunrise on the 2nd of March, 1863, Runkle's brigade once again moved toward Mt. Sterling. Around 10 o'clock, they encountered Cluke's pickets which were posted about 3 miles outside the city limits. 200 rebels were still in town.  Runkle's men drove the pickets through the middle of Mt. Sterling and then went in hot pursuit of the fleeing Confederates.

By all appearances it looked like Cluke decided to make a stand in the vicinity of Howard's Mills, roughly seven miles from Mt. Sterling. Colonel Runkle advanced to attack. "I discovered on my nearer approach that they had no intention of fighting, and that to cross the creek would only be to weary my horses, some of which were utterly used up. I therefore ordered Captain Marsh to open upon them with shell. Upon his getting the range and dropping a shell in their ranks, they immediately retired."

At this point, Cluke was heading with his force into Bath County on the road leading to the Olympian Springs. Union authorities suspected that Cluke's destination was Hazel Green. However, on March 7, a large rebel force was reported near Owingsville. General Q. A. Gillmore noted "to account for any rebel force in Bath is that Cluke did not go out via Hazle Green, but has been perdu in the hills for some days." 

At least part of Cluke's men had gone to Hazel Green where they had a brush with Federal forces from Irvine on March 9, 1863. The remainder of Cluke's command were encamped at Ficklin's tan yard which was located on the main road from Mt. Sterling to Olympian Springs near Peeled Oak in Bath County.

It was during this time, that elements of Cluke's force made their way to Sharpsburg and arrested Dr. Joshua Barnes on March 13, 1863. Also taken prisoner that day was 51 year old George W. Deatley, a farm hand, who boarded with the family of Alvin Stephens. By March 14, 1863, most of Cluke's command was concentrated at Hazel Green. Barnes later related to Dr. Peters of Lexington, that while in Cluke's camp, "he had a good deal of conversation with a very intelligent rebel soldier." On March 15, 1863, he was released on parole.

Union authorities responded in kind to the news of Barnes' and Deatley's arrests and promptly arrested two prominent men of Sharpsburg as hostages.

53 year old Sanford Allen was a wealthy merchant and banker. He formerly served as Postmaster of Sharpsburg, from 1834 to 1837. Allen was also involved in land speculation in Iowa between 1854 and 1859. Additionally, he owned real estate in Wisconsin. In 1860, he was listed as a slave holder and owned 12 enslaved persons. Allen was arrested on March 16, 1863, and reported at the Provost Marshal's Office at Mt. Sterling on March 20, 1863.

Provost Marshals Office

Mt. Sterling Ky March 20th 1863

I Sanford Allen of Bath County Kentucky being one of the Persons arrested by the United States forces on the 16th instant as hostage for Joshua Barnes of Bath County Ky, do hereby solemnly swear that I will not take up arms against the United States Government, that I will not aid or abet the Confederate Government, or do anything prejudicial (?) to the United States Government, that in Case said Joshua Barnes is not unconditionally released on or before the 10th of May 1863 from his parole taken before Col Cluke C. S. A. on the 15th Instant, I will report myself at Camp Chase in the State of Ohio on or before the 18th of May 1863

Sanford Allen

The penalty for violating this parole is death.

Attest

Saml McKee  Capt.

+ Provost Marshal

(As an interesting side note...just two days after Captain Samuel McKee, 14th Kentucky Cavalry (US), signed Allen's parole, he, too, would find himself Cluke's prisoner when the Confederates took Mt. Sterling for the third time on March 22, 1863. It nearly cost McKee his life.)

Sanford Allen Parole

The second hostage was 75 year old George W. Stoner, the father of Lt. Colonel Robert Stoner, 9th Kentucky Cavalry (CSA), who was an active participant in Cluke's raid and had taken Mt. Sterling on Feb. 23, 1863. He was a wealthy land and slave owner who was listed with 19 enslaved persons in 1860. After his arrest, Stoner was taken to Lexington and briefly imprisoned. He was released and paroled on March 19, 1863, with instructions to report at Camp Chase in the State of Ohio, on the 15th day of May 1863.

During the Civil War both the North and South used a system of parole to deal with prisoners of war. Instead of keeping them imprisoned, captured persons were released on parole on their promise not to take up arms again, or not to take up arms until they had been exchanged for an imprisoned person on the other side. Paroled prisoners were required to report to parole camps where they remained until traded to the other side. 

In this case, both hostages were subject to report to Camp Chase unless Barnes was released unconditionally from his parole. Barnes received a letter by Cluke, releasing him from his parole, provided he would obtain the unconditional release of Sanford Allen and George W. Stoner from their paroles. Additionally, Cluke pointed out that Dr. Barnes was subject to report to his head quarters in the south, in case either Allen or Stoner should be re-arrested by the Federal forces. These conditions were unacceptable not only to the Union authorities but to all parties involved.  Meanwhile, the hostages received an extension to report at Camp Chase until June 20, 1863, in order to allow time to work the matter out with Cluke. Several communications were sent to Cluke via Allen's neighbor William Little but no progress was made. Therefore, the hostages received a second extension until July 20, 1863.

On June 22, 1863, Stoner addressed another letter to Cluke while Barnes took up the matter with General Hartsuff. 

Sharpsburg Bath Co. Ky. June 22d 1863

Col. R. S. Cluke             }

Commanding forces       }

In Morgan's Div. C.S.A. }

Col.

You will remember that when you was in Kentucky last spring, Dr. Joshua Barnes of Bath County was arrested by your Command, and paroled by you on the 15th day of March 1863  And that I was arrested by the Federal forces, and carried to Lexington, and imprisoned as hostage for the said Dr. Barnes; And on the 19th day of March 1863 I was released from prison, and paroled to report at Camp Chase in the State of Ohio, on the 15th day of May 1863, unless the said Dr. Barnes should be unconditionally released from his parole given by you on the 15th day of Mch., 1863; Subsequently you sent a communication to Dr. Barnes, releasing him from his parole, provided he would obtain the unconditional release of myself and Sanford Allen (who had also been held as hostage for him) from our paroles; In this release, however, you held Dr. Barnes subject to report to your head quarters in the south, in case I should be rearrested by the Federal forces; 

The doctor, and the Federal authorities object to the condition in his release, holding him as a hostage for me in the future; And I have no desire that he should be held responsible for me; and hope it may be compatible with your feelings and purposes to grant the said Dr. Barnes a clear release from all the conditions of his parole; only requiring that I as his hostage receive a clear release from my parole; The time set forth in my parole, and also that of Sanford Allen, to report to Camp Chase has expired, But the Federal authorities at Lexington have granted an extension of time to report, so that we may have opportunity to communicate with you, in order to obtain the Doctor's release; Thus securing our own release. We have made several (underlined) ineffectual efforts to reach your Hd. Qrs. with communications from the Federals, sent by Mr. Wm. Little; But have been disappointed thus far in all our indeavors (sic).

I merely name this to show to you the trouble we have had, and are still likely to have until Dr. Barnes is released from his parole. 

If you should receive this, I hope you will send the release without delay, by flag of truce through the lines; so that it may be forwarded to me at Mt. Sterling, or to DR. J. Barnes at Sharpsburg; The time for me to report at Camp Chase has been extended to the 20th of July 1863, Rsply &c G. W. Stoner

Written across the letter is the following" I concur in the within statement  Sanford Allen"

George W. Stoner Letter to Cluke, pages 1 & 2

Sharpsburg June 23. 1863

Genl Hartsuff

Please find enclosed the requests for Messrs. Stoner & Allen to Col Cluke in relation to my release from Parole. also the request for the release of G. W. Deadley from his Parole

which please forward and as soon as possible and on return remit to me at your earliest convenience.

I send the Parole of Mr. S. Allen which please enclude as Mr. Stoners and remit to me

There is in this County a returned Soldier from the CSA whose time expired some months since and he has been dodgeing from place to place from fear of being arrested - He wishes to Give

himself up; take the Oath and live as a Loyal citizen - can & will give Bond for his future good conduct.

Will he be permitted to do it. Please answer

Very respectfully yours

Joshua Barnes

Dr. Joshua Barnes letter to Gen. Hartsuff, pages 1 & 2

Last but not least, George W. Stoner's neighbor William Little also wrote a letter on behalf of George W. Deatley.

Col. R. S. Cluke

Comdg 7th

Dear Sir

It is desired by your friends here that You send a release to Mr. G. W. Deadley from his parole - He was, it is said, only a citizen, and is considered harmless. It is said that unless he is released, that there will be arrests made, and Citizens held as hostages for him, or his release.

He was arrested and paroled with Dr. Joshua Barnes and at the same time & place. You have nothing to loose by releasing him, and it is hoped, you will do so and send a release from him with that of Dr. J. Barnes.  Resply, Yours &c.

Wm. Little

June 22, 1863

William Little letter to Cluke

It is doubtful whether Stoner's and Little's letters ever reached Cluke. At the time they were written, Cluke was accompanying Morgan on his now famous Ohio Raid which had begun on June 11, 1863 in Sparta, Tennessee. Subsequently, Morgan as well as Cluke, were captured at Salineville, Ohio, on July 26, 1863. Cluke never made it out of prison and died of disease on January 1, 1864, at Johnson's Island, Ohio. 

It appears that the matter of parole for all involved was finally resolved. A search of Camp Chase records did not reveal the names of Stoner or Allen on any of their prison registers. 

Dr. Joshua Barnes went on to serve his constituents and the people of the Commonwealth. He was re-elected in 1863 and served until 1865. 

Cincinnati Commercial, July 8, 1863

In January of 1865, Barnes, as chairman of the House Committee, was part of a delegation appointed to go Washington to meet with President Lincoln and Secretary of War Stanton. The purpose of the meeting was to report on the deplorable conditions in the state of Kentucky and offering solutions to deal with the violence perpetrated by guerrillas. Undoubtedly, this visit also contributed to General Stephen Gano Burbridge's removal as commander of the Military District of Kentucky who was known for his reign of terror, which earned him the nickname "Butcher Burbridge."  

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

The Life and Times of Moses Cawood

For the Moses Cawood family of Owsley County, Kentucky, the Civil War was, like for so many others, a time of struggles, hardships and tragedy. During the summer of 1864, Moses Cawood met an untimely death. Up to this day, many rumors surround his demise as well as other incidents involving the Cawood family.

Moses Cawood was the son of John Cawood and Nancy Bailey Turner, who had moved from Virginia to the Martins Fork area of Harlan County, Kentucky, by 1815. Moses was born in 1820, the second-oldest child of nine, and spent his youth and young adulthood in Harlan County. In 1840, although still single, Moses had established his own household but soon thereafter married Emily Ann Maddy, dau. of William Maddy and Elizabeth Posey. Over the next ten years, five children were born to the couple, namely Nancy, also called "Nannie" (b. 1840), Drucilla (b. abt. 1843), John (b. abt. 1844), William T. (b. 1845) and Cornelia (b. July 1849). In order to support his growing family, Moses became a merchant and operated a successful store in Harlan County. He was also commissioned as sheriff in 1844, a position he held for several years.

Sometime after 1850, his father died which may have prompted Moses to pull up stakes in Harlan County. He closed his store and move to Owsley County, Kentucky, leaving his mother and siblings behind. Moses bought a large plantation three miles north of Boonville, at the mouth of Cow Creek, on the South Fork of the Kentucky River. Industrious as ever, Moses bid on and obtained two mail contracts in 1858: Route No. 9588 - from Harlan C. H. to Brashearsville and back, every two weeks, as well as Route No. 9599 - from Manchester to Harlan C. H. and back, once a week.

By 1860, four more children had been added to the Cawood family - Henry B. (b. 1852), Jane M. (b. 1854), Emily E. (b. 1858) and Belle E. (b. abt. 1860). At this time, Moses Cawood's real estate was valued at $10,000 and his personal property at $17,000, which included 11 slaves. By any standards, he was one of the wealthiest men in Owsley County. His next door neighbor was William B. Eversole, a member of the Eversole family from Perry County, Kentucky.

When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Moses Cawood's sympathies were with the Confederate cause and although he never officially joined either side, there seems to be little doubt about his loyalty to the South. According to Union Captain Bill Strong, Moses was "a notorious rebel." His large plantation made Moses a natural target for Unionists. A man named Captain Henry Davis and his companion, Lieutenant Jim Cole, payed Moses Cawood's plantation a visit on more than one occasion, taking supplies and horses, presumably for use by the Union Army. Reportedly, Davis had bragged that he was going to kill Moses, a threat that needed to be taken seriously, given Davis' past history. He was a known killer who, on March 10, 1859, stabbed a wealthy farmer named Lewellen Bush to death. The incident took place at Compton, present-day Wolfe County, Kentucky, during the election to decide on the county seat for the newly formed county. The motive of the killing remained unknown and Davis escaped without ever being convicted of the crime. Upon closer examination, no military service records have been discovered for either Davis or Cole but in all likelihood both men were leaders of a local pro-Union home guard company.

Despite his Southern leanings, Moses Cawood managed to keep friendly relations with 2. Lieutenant Wiley Amis of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry (US). Amis kept Moses informed by letter in regard to Union military operations in the neighborhood, which, undoubtedly, offered at least a certain degree of protection to Moses and other Confederates who were living in the area. Amis' letters were delivered to Cawood by the wife of neighbor William B. Eversole, who by now, was a Union captain in the 14th KY Cavalry.

Lieutenant Wiley Amis, 14th Kentucky Cavalry (US)

However, between March 8 and 12, 1863, Amis' indiscretion was exposed. When Major John C. Eversole, Captain William B. Eversole's uncle, discovered one of the letters and realized who it was directed to, he broke it open and read it. In the letter Amis informed Cawood that the Union men under command of Major Smith and Major Eversole, of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry, "were fixing up a scout to come to this country; that they were shoeing their horses." He also advised Cawood, "to look out, that they, the Union forces, would be on in a few days." It is not a matter of record how Major Eversole responded to Amis' letter and if Amis was ever reprimanded for "helping out" his Confederate neighbor. Cawood was not the only recipient of letters by Amis who also kept up a regular correspondence with Red Ned Strong, a lieutenant in the rebel army.

In March of 1863, the 64th Virginia Infantry, under command of Col. Campbell Bascom Slemp, had driven the enemy from the area and encamped at Harlan Court House, described by Edward O. Guarrant as "a little, old, people forsaken village with half dozen houses just at the junction of Clover & Martins Forks of Cumberland River." They were later joined by troops under General Humphrey Marshall on April 17, 1863. Records show that two of Moses Cawood's brothers, John and Stephen, supplied the troops with corn. More importantly, it may have been here in Harlan County, perhaps while on a visit with her relatives, that Moses Cawood's daughter Nannie met Colonel Slemp. If so, fate would have it that their paths would cross again very soon.

Receipt for 93 bushels of corn sold by John Cawood
to the Confederate Army, April 19, 1863

Receipt for seven bushels of corn sold by Stephen Kaywood
to the Confederate Army, May 4, 1863

About July 1863, the Cawood plantation was once again visited by Captain Henry Davis and Lieutenant Cole. Forewarned by Moses' son William who had encountered the men on the road to Booneville, the Cawoods were able to secure the house and were prepared for a fight. Soon, Davis and Cole rode up to their dwelling and kept knocking on the front door. Emily Cawood finally opened the door and allowed them to enter. After some small talk, it appeared that Davis and Cole were on a friendly visit. Letting his guard down, Moses Cawood came down the stairs from where he was hiding, thinking that everything was alright but he was soon to discover his mistake. Davis and Cole informed him that they were taking him back to Booneville. Moses was led from the house and placed on a horse. While in the process of leaving, a shot rang out from a window killing Davis instantly, whereby Lt. Cole left in a hurry.

Moses and his two sons William and John were tried and acquitted in Magistrates Court. Lieutenant Cole testified at the trial that he never saw the shooter and only knew that a single shot rang out from a window killing Capt. Davis. There has been much speculation as to who the shooter was, some believe it was John who was very sick and bed ridden at the time, some suspected Moses' wife Emily, some thought it may have been Wall, one of the Cawood slaves. The general concensus, however, was that it was Moses' daughter Nannie, who was known to be able to handle a gun like an expert. At any rate, Nannie never denied the deed although she never admitted to it, either.

Perhaps triggered by the recent events, Moses' son John went to Virginia in August 1863 and joined the Confederate army. He soon had a commission in his pocket as a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. K, 13th KY Cavalry.

Within weeks after the Davis killing, a young confederate courier by the name of George Brittain Lyttle appeared on the Cawood plantation. While on his way to Breathitt County to deliver a dispatch to John Hargis, a leading businessman and avid Southern sympathizer, he encountered a detachment of the 14th Kentucky Cavalry near Booneville. Lyttle managed to escape on foot after his horse was shot from under him. He was most heartily welcomed by the Cawood family.

Nannie Cawood immediately realized that this was her chance to leave Owsley County and put the whole sordid Davis affair behind her. Perhaps tired of hearing gossip and malicious stories about her, or fearing having to face indictment for Davis's death or vengeance at the hands of Davis' relatives or Union sympathizers, Nannie decided to join Lyttle on his way back to Cumberland Gap. Ellen Jett, John Cawood's fiancee, accompanied Nancy on her trip in order to be reunited with John.

Under cover of darkness, with his two female charges in tow, Lyttle rode off in direction of Cumberland Gap. By daybreak the small party arrived at the house of Colonel Daniel Garrard, near Manchester in Clay County, Kentucky. His son was Union Brigadier General Theophilus T. Garrard, but Daniel was a staunch Confederate and well-known to Union authorities. Noted Major W. D. Hamilton in a letter to Brigadier General Willcox just three months earlier, "his house is the regular information depot for the rebel army in this county. The old gentleman is 80 years old; has one son a Brigadier General in our army, and another State Treasurer of Kentucky."

After resting for one day, the little group started again by nightfall and crossed into the Confederate lines the following morning. Here they were welcomed by General John W. Frazer, post commander at Cumberland Gap. After a short rest, Nannie Cawood and Ellen Jett continued their voyage up Powell Valley to the home of Gen. Chadwell Brittain who lived in Lee County, Virginia and was a relative of Nannie Cawood.

Only a short while later, after being surrounded by a brigade of Union troops under Col. John F. DeCourcy, General John W. Frazer surrendered his troops at Cumberland Gap, on Sep. 9, 1863. Roughly 600 men, led by Colonel Slemp, avoided capture by the Federals and secretly moved out of the Gap, going eastward. They made their way along the north side of the mountain, on the Kentucky side, until they reached a point opposite Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia, where they encountered a pursuing force of Federal cavalry. After a spirited skirmish, the Federal cavalry returned to Cumberland Gap. Somewhere along the escape route, quite possibly in Lee County, Nannie Cawood joined Colonel Slemp and continued with the Confederates on their retreat. They stopped by the plantation of a Mrs. Gose in Russell County, Virginia, to ask directions while still on the run.

Colonel Bascom Slemp, 64th Virginia Infantry (CS)
Photograph courtesy Sherry Baker Frazier

The couple was married less than a year later, on June 8, 1864, at the home of Capt. Jocelyn in Jonesville, Virginia. Back in Kentucky, John Hunt Morgan was conducting a raid in the state which culminated in the Battle of Cynthiana on June 11 and 12, 1864 and ended in a Union victory. Many Confederates were killed and captured, while the remaining troops escaped and were making their way back to Southwest Virginia through the Eastern Kentucky mountains. Giltner's men struck the South Fork of the Kentucky River near Proctor and followed the stream deep into the mountains. On June 16, 1864, William Clark, Provost Marshall of Owsley Co., while recruiting Blacks for military service on Red Bird in Clay County, was captured by part of Giltner's men. Clark who was the father of Colonel Andrew H. Clark, 47th Kentucky Infantry [US], was held prisoner for a time and then shot and killed.

On June 21, 1864, when news of his father's death reached Colonel Andrew Clark at Camp Nelson, he immediately sent a dispatch to Lexington to Captain H. Bates Dickson, Assistant Adjutant General.

The rebels captured my father on the 16th instant, who was provost-marshal of Owsley County, Ky. After keeping him a prisoner for some time they murdered him in the most brutal manner. Will you allow me to take my regiment and go to the mountains to avenge the blood of my father?
A. H. Clark,
Colonel Forty-seventh Kentucky Volunteers, Cmdg. Post.

Clark's commanding officer, General S. G. Burbridge would not return until the following day to make a decision in regard to Clark's request, however, Captain Dickson, replied, "If you desire to go at once to visit your mother come here and I will arrange it for you."

It is unclear whether Burbridge gave Clark permission to take his regiment into the mountains or not. According to eyewitnesses, Clark arrived in Owsley County with only roughly one hundred soldiers. Regardless of the number, within three weeks Moses Cawood was dead. Former Union soldier James W. Sebastian noted in a letter to Major Elisha B. Treadway, Three Forks Battalion, dated July 14, 1864, that the ”most alarming occurrence was the sudden appearance of Col. Clark with a Company of men for the purpose, as all thought of wreaking vengeance on somebody for the murder of his father. And Keywood was killed."

According to family legend, Moses Cawood was escorted across the river from his home at Fish Trap, tied to tree and shot by firing squad. He died in the arms of his wife. Others believe that he was hung. For years, locals would point out the tree where Moses Cawood met his demise. Reportedly, Colonel Clark carried with him a list of ten prominent men who he wanted executed in retribution for his father's murder. Clark's actions were very much in line with the now infamous General Order No. 59 that General S. G. Burbridge would be issuing on July 16, 1864, giving military authorities the power to arrest, or publicly execute, guerrillas for atrocities perpetrated upon Union men. His order signified a shift by Union authorities to a more hard line policy, only topped by General Order No. 8, issued by Burbridge on October 26, 1864, which in essence, raised the black flag on guerrillas. Officers were not permitted to give quarters to any suspected guerrilla, but were expected to kill them without the benefit of a fair trial, under threat of court martial.

In the case of Moses Cawood, who was a rebel sympathizer but by no means a guerrilla, Clark stretched his authority paper thin, yet undoubtedly felt justified in his actions. According to Sebastian, "Besides putting old Mose out of the way, Clark did one thing worthy of note, which I believe gave general satisfaction to all loyal and brave men by securing and carving away the notorious old thief harbored, Zack Wells."

One year later, tragedy would strike the Cawood family again, after Nannie's brother Lieutenant John Cawood was discharged from the service at the end of the war. On June 6, 1865, while on his way home to the plantation, he was robbed and murdered by bushwackers.

Fortunately, Moses' widow Emily Cawood's financial situation was stable enough that allowed her to continue living comfortably on the plantation which she maintained with the help of her sons William and Bascom Henry. Former slaves Nancy Cawood and her children remained with Emily, as did Enoch and Emily Cawood and their children who lived on the plantation in a separate household.

As the years passed, life went on for the Cawood family and assumed a degree of normalcy again. Moses' and Emily's children married into many prominent and local families - the Hamptons, Roses, Crawfords, Jetts and Minters. Moses Cawood was gone but certainly has not been forgotten, even today -151 years later.


Article compiled, researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, May 2015. Images are the author's property, unless noted otherwise. Unauthorized use and/or duplication, including images, without express written notice by the author is strictly prohibited. 
© 2015. All Rights Reserved.


Further reading

A Civil War Story, by Winfred C. (Ace) Tipton, January 2004

Andrew H. Clark and the Civil War in Kentucky, by James L. Clark