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.

Civil War Burials - Johnson County, Kentucky

 On July 17, 1862, Congress passed an act that those who gave their lives in defense of the Republic should rest forever within the guarded confines of a national cemetery. Immediately following the end of the Civil War in 1865, the Quartermaster Department, being tasked to care for the Army's dead, initiated plans plans to locate and exhume human remains from battlefields and other temporary graves to concentrate them in national cemeteries. General Orders No. 40, issued July 3, 1865, sought lists of interments registered during the war, but only documentation for less than 30 percent of the dead was produced; it then became necessary to review casualty reports. As a result, General Orders No. 65, issued on October 30, 1865, requested the locations of cemeteries and gave recommendations for their preservation.

A joint resolution of Congress, approved April 13, 1866, authorized and required the Secretary of War “to take immediate measures to preserve from desecration the graves of soldiers of the United States who fell in battle or died of disease in the field and in hospitals during the war of the rebellion.” National cemeteries were officially established with the Act to Establish and to Protect National Cemeteries, approved February 22, 1867.

The work of the Quartermaster Department proved to be enormously challenging, especially in regard to making identifications. The vast majority of the graves were marked with temporary wooden headboards which were either decaying, had fallen to the ground  or were completely destroyed. Efforts were made to locate witnesses who could point out the graves and/or identify the soldiers and the circumstances of their deaths. However, only 58% of the disinterred and reburied soldiers were identified. Despite the difficulties encountered the work went forward so rapidly between 1866 and 1870, that the Cemeterial Division had disinterred the remains of nearly 300,000 war dead and laid them to rest in 73 newly created national cemeteries. In September 1871, Assistant Quartermaster J. D. Bingham submitted a report to Quartermaster General Meigs, listing seventy-four national cemeteries containing the remains of 303,536 Union soldiers. Bingham reported that 2,295 Union dead had been removed to the nearest national cemetery that year, and that he believed few, if any, remains were unaccounted for.

While working in the Big Sandy Valley, the Quartermaster Department located four burial sites in Johnson County. The remains of the Union soldiers were taken to New Albany National Cemetery in New Albany, Indiana. The largest site by far was what is known today as the Old Town Cemetry, located on Church Street in Paintsville.

According to records, the majority of soldiers who died in Paintsville served during J. A. Garfield’s Eastern Kentucky Campaign of 1861/1862. The continuous mix of rain, snow and sleet quickly turned the camps into swamps. Crowded living conditions, with 12-15 men cramped into one company tent, quickly aided the spread of disease. Many tents lacked stoves which forced the men to stand around campfires in knee deep mud in order to keep warm. The weather also hampered the food supply and the men had to live on half rations. In consequence, disease became rampant and reduced the ranks drastically. Only the most urgent cases were admitted to the hospital because of lack of sufficient room. Regiments mostly affected were the 14th Kentucky Infantry and 42nd OVI. 

Old Town Cemetery, Paintsville (23 Union burials plus 1 Confederate grave)

 Described as a “public graveyard in an old cultivated field.” The graves in the soldiers’ burial lot were in poor condition and the headboards mostly non-existent (mainly because they were made from wooden boards and deteriorated quickly). With the exception of two graves, none of the twenty-three burials were identifiable and were logged as “unknown.” In addition, the Quartermaster’s burial register also noted a “rebel grave” as well as two citizens graves which were located among the Union burials.

Sketch of cemetery found in the US QM Burial Register

14th Kentucky Infantry (13 deaths)

The highest casualty rate at Paintsville was sustained by the 14th Kentucky Infantry who lost thirteen men. Much can be attributed to the fact that the regiment was ordered to remain in Paintsville until the end of March when Garfield’s campaign ended, in order to guard the stores of the brigade while the remainder of Garfield’s troops moved up the Big Sandy River to Piketon on February 9/10, 1862.

James W. Rose, Co. B - January 18, 1862, wound in the thigh received in Battle of Middle Creek

Jeremiah Fitch, Co. I -  January 22, 1862, typhoid fever

James B. Arthur, Co. C - Camp Buell, Febuary 6, 1862, disease

John Taylor, Co. H - February 7/15, 1862, camp fever

John Keen, Co. F - Camp Buell, February 10, 1862, typhoid fever

Samuel Vermillion, Co. H - February 10, 1862, camp fever

Ambrose Jones, Co. C - February 15, 1862, disease

George Bruner, Co. F - Camp Buell, February 17, 1862, typhoid fever

Lindsey Lambert, Co. C -  February 25, 1862, disease

Isaac Johnson, Co. B - March 3, 1862, congestion of the lungs

Solomon Quillan, Co. K - March 6, 1862, fever

Henry Adkins, Co. C - March 16, 1862, disease

Robert P. Elam, Co. I - Camp Buell, March 24, 1862, accidental discharge of musket

42nd OVI (10 deaths)

William Gardner and Frederick C. Coffin were the first two burials in the regiment which took place on January 14, 1862. Captain Henry noted, “Today the wounded boys of Companies F and G, two of them, were buried. The ceremony was impressive and many looked sad when they saw the escort march up that hill to the graves.” Another comrade stated that they were buried “in the evening with military honors. A very solemn scene.”

 Corporal William Gardner, Co. G - January 12, 1862, wounds received in Battle of Middle Creek. Gardner’s body was buried under a cedar tree. His headboard bore the following inscription: In Memory of Crpl Wm Gardner who was wounded in the battle of Middle Creek and died Jany 12-1862, aged 24 years ~ Co “G” 42# Regt  OV U.S.A

(USVA, grave # 1234, Section B; Find A Grave Memorial ID 3283781)

Frederick C. Coffin, Co. C/F - January 13, 1862, wounds received in Battle of Middle Creek

Frederick C. Coffin had succumbed to his wounds while being transported by boat on the Big Sandy River from Prestonsburg to Paintsville. A head board was not located for his grave. Therefore, he is one of the unknown soldiers in the cemetery.

John Beachley, Co. H - January 22, 1862, measles.

According to a comrade, on January 23, 1862,  “at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Beachley was buried with military honors.” His grave had no headboard.

Reuben Blunt/ Blunot/Blanot, Co. E - January 28, 1862, drowned in the Big Sandy River near Paintsville, by falling overboard a steamboat. His grave is one of two that were positively identified.

(USVA, grave # 1237, Plot Section B; Find A Grave Memorial ID 168793811)

Five more deaths were recorded in the 42nd OVI:

Corporal Julian W. Smith, d. Jan. 29, 1862, hospital, Paintsville

Milton Flint, Co. E - February 1, 1862, hospital

Luke Flint, Co. E - February 7, 1862, hospital

George Sexton, Co. E - February 7, 1862, hospital, disease

Milo A. Hobert, Co. K - February 28, 1862, typhoid fever

1st Kentucky Cavalry (4 deaths)

Wm. John Noland (Andrew J. Nolan), Co. F - January 10, 1862, typhoid fever

Robert F. Raborn (Raybourne), Co. L - January 14, 1862, fever

Moses Teater, Co. G - January 15, 1862, disease

Wm. A. Branch, Co. L -  January 26, 1862, fever (his horse died Feb 10, 1862)

40th OVI Soldiers who died at Paintsville (3 deaths)

James M. Radenbaugh, Co. E - 1862, buried soldiers’ burial lot in Paintsville

Jefferson Postle, Co. C - February 7, 1862, disease, buried soldiers’ burial lot in Paintsville

Charles C. Henderson, Co. A - January 1862, disease (may have died at Ashland; records are inconclusive)

2nd WV Cavalry (2 deaths)

Amos McKee, Co. B - January 8, 1862, kia, body taken home

Albert Leonard, Co. C - January 8, 1862, kia, body taken home

Union Deaths in Paintsville 1862 to 1865

McLaughlin’s Squadron (1 death)

James Bunting, Co. B - Sept. 4, 1862

In December of 1863, sickness raged through the ranks of the soldiers in the District of Eastern Kentucky. For the month of December 1863, the returns to headquarters show 911 aggregate present while the total aggregate present and absent show 1,901 men, a difference of 990 soldiers. A typhoid outbreak among the troops stationed at Paintsville claimed several victims, mostly new recruits, who may have been buried at the Old Town Cemetery.

14th Kentucky Infantry (3 deaths)

Thomas Marshall, Co. F - Dec. 2, 1863, of typhoid fever

Henry C. Power, Co. F - Dec. 8, 1863, typhoid fever

Emanuel J. Hickem, Co. F - Dec. 17, 1863, typhoid fever

45th Kentucky Infantry (1 death)

James Burchett, Co. C - December 4, 1863/Jan. 4, 1864, of typhoid fever. According to the late local historian Janet Horn, James Burchett is still buried in the cemetery although there is no stone marking his grave. No notation is found in the Quartermaster Department’s burial register that a body was left behind in this cemetery. However, there is a slight possibility that his grave may have been overlooked when the bodies were taken up. James Burchett was the 16 year old son of Leonard Burchett and Lydia Osborn who lived in Flatgap, Johnson County, Kentucky. His father served three weeks each in the 5th Kentucky Infantry (CS) and Fields’ Company of Partisan Rangers (CS) during the Civil War.

39th Kentucky Infantry (2 deaths)

Isaac Vicars, Co. C - KIA, April 13, 1864, gun shot wound, a “rebel ball passing through his body.” He was killed during the “Battle of Paintsville.”

Jason Bennett, Co. K - December 13/8, 1864, pneumonia fever, hospital

6th US Colored Cavalry (1 death)

Joseph Nelson, Co. C, d. December 20, 1864, in hospital in Paintsville

Final analysis of the burials in the Old Town Cemetery

During the Civil War, a total of 40 US soldiers died in Paintsville, Kentucky. However, the US Quartermaster burial register document 23 Union graves, two of which were positively identified. The bodies of two men were taken home soon after their death and were probably never buried in the Old Town Cemetery. What remains are 36 casualties yet only 21 graves. Since the remaining 21 burials were marked as unknown, it begs the question who of the 36 men not identified in the register were still in the cemetery, had been taken home or were perhaps buried at an unknown location? It is possible, even though unlikely, that some burials in the cemetery were overlooked by the Quartermaster  Department or that they failed to locate other burial sites in or near Paintsville. Unless more documentation surfaces, these questions may never be answered.

Aside from the Old Town Cemetery, the US Quartermaster Department located three additional burial sites in Johnson County.

Old family cemetery opposite Big Paint Creek (2 burials)

This cemetery contained the graves of two soldiers. The cemetery is described as an “old family grave yard” which was located “600 feet from Bend of River opposite Big Paint Creek.”

Sketch of cemetery found in the US QM Burial Register

Unknown soldier

His grave was enclosed by a fence.  His remains were not taken up by the Quartermaster  Department.

William A. Lackey, Co. I, 39th Kentucky Infantry

Drowned in Big Paint Creek, April 20, 1864. Lackey was on picket duty and after being  relieved, he was returning to camp on the northside of Paint Creek which was much swollen. In attempting to cross, he became disengaged from his horse in deep water and was drowned. The Adjutant was present at the time and assisted in getting his body from the water.

Lackey was buried in his clothes. William N. Randolph, Co. A, 39h KY, Commissary Sergeant, attended the burial and later helped the Quartermaster Department to locate Lackey’s grave and identify him. Lackey's grave was located opposite of the fenced-in unknown soldiers’ grave, and 15 feet south of a Beech tree. A stone with the initials W. A. L. carved into it, was placed at the head of grave.

USVA, grave # 1241, Section B; Find A Grave Memorial ID 3284789

Burial site on George W. Auxier's land, Big Sandy River & Little Paint Creek (1 burial)

“Located on Big Sandy River on left hand side, coming from Piketon, 250 yards below Little Paint Creek, 600 feet from the river and 12 feet west of a small white walnut tree on George W. Auxier's land, on a bluff on the opposite side of River from Auxier's house.”

Sketch of cemetery found in the US QM Burial Register

George Washington Auxier was the son of Nathaniel Auxier and Hester Ann Mayo.

Corporal Keanas F. Lacy, Co. C, 39th Kentucky Infantry 

Keanas F. Lacy drowned in Middle Creek, on March 16, 1864. Stone at head and foot of grave, no marks on them. The grave and soldier was identified by Lindsey Maners (possibly Linsey Manard (wife Martha) from Pike County, Kentucky) who helped bury him. He was buried without a coffin. Lacy was wearing cavalry pants, spurs and “two good boots.”

(USVA, grave #1216, Section B; Find A Grave Memorial ID 3284786)

Jefferson Conley Farm, Little Paint Creek (1 burial)

“Located at Little Paint Creek, six miles south of Paintsville, on Jefferson Conley's farm, 3/4 of a mile west from Mr. Conley's house, on the outside of a fence in bank and 22 feet east from where a branch puts into Little Paint Creek and 35 feet to middle of State Road where it crosses Little Paint Creek and 3/4 of a mile west of bend in River, opposite J. Conley's house.”

Sketch of cemetery found in the US QM Burial Register

Unknown US Colored soldier (possibly 5th or 6th US Colored Cavalry)

Unknown soldier, who “froze to death in December 1864 while returning from raid to Saltville, Va.” He was buried by a citizen. This soldier was possibly a member of the 5th or 6th US Colored Cavalry who participated in Stoneman’s Raid into Southwest Virginia, which lasted from December 10 to December 29, 1864.

Of the 27 remains located in Johnson County, which excludes the unknown Confederate burial, 26 were taken to New Albany National Cemetery in Indiana. One soldier was left in his original grave, by request of family or friends. Most of the men were re-interred in Sections A and B, with the exception of the US colored soldier who were laid to rest in Section C. 

Links of Interest

Roll of honor; names of soldiers who died in defense of the American union, interred in the national [and other] cemeteries. 27 volumes. (Available on Hathi Trust Digital Library)

Burial Ledgers. The National Cemetery Administration, Washington, D.C. (Original records transferred to NARA: Burial Registers, compiled 1867-2006, documenting the period 1831-2006. ARC ID: 5928352. Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773–2007, Record Group 15. National Archives at Washington, D.C. (Available on Ancestry.com) 

Nationwide Gravesite Locator
National Cemetery Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs

New Albany National Cemetery
New Albany, Indiana

Researched, compiled and written by Marlitta H. Perkins. Originally published in 2018 by the Johnson County Kentucky Historical Society. Published on-line April 2022. This specific article is under full copyright. Copyright © 2018, 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Union Burials in Eastern Kentucky - Lawrence County

This is the second post in a series dealing with Union burials in Eastern Kentucky. It focuses on burials in Lawrence County.

Throughout the years I have received numerous inquiries regarding the burial sites of Union soldiers who died in Eastern Kentucky during the Civil War. Contrary to popular (or logical) assumption the majority of these men are not resting in Kentucky soil but were taken to Indiana to be re-interred in the New Albany National Cemetery. For a detailed explanation, please read my introduction here.

Legend
NANC = New Albany National Cemetery
Sec. = Section
# ABC/XYZ = old/new site number in New Albany National Cemetery

Note: Burial numbers without any additional information indicate unknown soldiers.

Gordon Burgess Farm

Buried in Citizens Graveyard on Gordon Burges farm, 3 miles below Peach Orchard opposite George's Creek on a ridge 1/3 mile north of Big Sandy River. Died on George's Creek but taken to opposite side of River for burial. 350 yards north East of Mr. Burges House and 60 yds North of Sycamore tree ~ Head lying west.
Two brothers, belonged to the same Regiment and Company and died the same month. Were identified by Mr. Burges who was present at burial.

# 2369 James White, Private, Co. I, 39th KY, d. January 1, 1863. ~ NANC, Sec. B, # 992/1245

# 2370 P. White, Private, Co. I, 39th KY, d. January 6, 1863. ~ NANC, Sec. B, # 993/1246

John Borders Farm

(no map)

In citizens Graveyard on Squire John Border's land 2 Miles from Peach Orchard up the river. 1/3 mile from Big Sandy River. 140 paces East of road leading from Peach Orchard to Rock Castle Creek, on side Hill, 19 1/2 paces south of Dead white oak tree and 26 paces North of Beech tree.

# 2366 Joseph Adkins, Private, Co. E, 39th KY, d. April 5, 1863. Died at John Borders' house April 5, 1863 ~ information received from Mr. Borders. ~ NANC Sec. B, # 989/1242

J. W. Hawes Farm

Buried 2 Miles west of Louisa on J. W. Hawes' farm in an old field among some citizens graves, his child is buried on right side facing west, graves marked "C" in plat are Citizens. Apple tree 15 yards N. E. of grave.

# 2457 George Willis, Private, Co. F, 39th KY Inf., d. January 12, 1865. Was murdered at his house by some robbers ~ 1 mile North West from where he was buried. His family has since moved to Ohio ~ was identified by citizens who helped to bury him. ~ His child was buried on the right side of Willis' grave, facing west.
According to his service records, he was "Killed by Rebels."  Lieutenant Augustus Kendrick, Co. F, 39th Kentucky Infantry, stated that the command was just returning from a raid on Saltville, Virginia, and that while on the march, Willis was furloughed to come by his home. He was killed by "Gurillas" on the night of January 12, 1865. Colonel George W. Gallup (14th Kentucky Infantry) who, at the time, was commander of the Military District of Eastern Kentucky, stated that George Willis was killed in the line of duty. His house was approximately 1/2 mile from camp but still within the vidette line. Gallup, with a detachment of cavalry, went in pursuit of the guilty parties who were subsequently captured. ~ NANC Sec. A, # 16/16.

Peach Orchard

Peach Orchard, Lawrence Co. Ky. 20 miles above Louisa on East side of river ~ 900 feet North East of Peach Orchard, 12 feet South of Oak tree.

# 2367 Wm. Cavens, Private, Co. C, 14th Ky Inf. Head stone marked "W. C." was identified by Citizen who was present at funeral ~ NANC Sec. B, # 990/1243

86 feet South of above ~
# 2368 Recorded as John S. Sipples, Corporal, 39th KY Inf., d. Feb. 7, 1863. Head stone marked "E. J. S." ~ was identified by a Citizen who took care of him until death and was present at funeral. (According to regimental records, this was Florentine John Sipples, Corporal, 39th KY Inf., d. Feb. 7, 1863, Peach Orchard)  ~ NANC Sec. B, # 991/1244



Helpful Sources and Links

Union Burials in Eastern Kentucky - Louisa

Roll of honor; names of soldiers who died in defense of the American union, interred in the national [and other] cemeteries. 27 volumes. (Available on Hathi Trust Digital Library)

Burial Ledgers. The National Cemetery Administration, Washington, D.C. (Original records transferred to NARA: Burial Registers, compiled 1867-2006, documenting the period 1831-2006. ARC ID: 5928352. Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773–2007, Record Group 15. National Archives at Washington, D.C. (Available on Ancestry.com) 

Nationwide Gravesite Locator
National Cemetery Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs

New Albany National Cemetery
New Albany, Indiana


Article researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, February 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication without express written notice by the author is strictly prohibited. 

Marlitta H. Perkins © 2018. All Rights Reserved

The Cold Snap of 1864

Winter in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky

As temperatures have plummeted this winter to near-record lows, with much of the nation in the grip of polar air masses that have brought snow as far as Florida and Alabama, the question emerges - how unusual is this weather, really? Are there any historic parallels? Look no further than the cold snap of 1864 which was very similar to our current weather in many respects.

The Big Sandy River in Eastern Kentucky froze over in December of 1863 and remained so for nearly three months, until late February 1864. Snow covered the ground and the temperatures hovered right at zero degrees or lower. Things turned worse on New Years Eve 1863 and culminated on Friday, January 1, 1864, a day remembered by all who were old enough at that time, as the "The Cold New Year."

The Louisville Weekly Journal reported on December 31, 1863, that the “weather glasses in our city gave unfailing premonitions of the remarkable change in the weather which accompanied the close of the old year and the opening of the new. At noon on Thursday, the barometer indicated 29.62, when it commenced falling rapidly, accompanied by a rain storm, and the wind a little north of west. At four in the afternoon the temperature was forty-seven degrees above zero, when it commenced steadily and rapidly falling.”

At dusk, the rain changed into snow and the winds began blowing violently. Within five hours, the temperatures dropped thirty-five degrees. At nine o’clock P.M., the thermometers registered twelve degrees above zero which dropped to one degree above zero within ninety minutes.

The severe cold weather arrived at Portsmouth, Ohio, several hours later. New Years Eve was a dark drizzling day and it remained quite warm until 9 P.M. At this time, it was still fifty-three degrees and raining. Things started to change quickly at 9:30 P.M. when the wind started blowing hard from the Northeast. By 10:30 P.M., the thermometer showed twenty degrees and kept falling throughout the night.

The weather deteriorated even further on New Years Day. At 7 o’clock A.M., it was eight degrees above zero, at 2 P.M., four degrees above and at 9 P.M., one degree above. It was reported that heavy winds were blowing all day. In comparison, it was clear and cold at Cincinnati at 8 o’clock in the morning and the mercury stood at seven degrees below zero

One journalist noted, “The New Year was ushered in with a wind that blew almost a hurricane, and reminded one of the stormy nights when witches are said in old nursery legends to be abroad in their work of mischief. The cold was intense, penetrating everywhere, freezing every thing, not guarded by artificial heat, that could be frozen, and exceeding in degree the cold on any New Year's Day ever known by 'the oldest inhabitant'."

The severe cold weather extended throughout the West and Northwest. Two break men on the Oil Creek railroad, in Western Pennsylvania, were frozen to death while standing at their posts!

In Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and Northern Illinois and Indiana, the cold was still more intense. At Milwaukee, on the 1st and 2nd, the thermometer ranged from thirty to forty degrees below zero, and several persons were frozen to death. At Galena, Ill., thermometer twenty-five to thirty-three below; at Madison, Wis., thirty-four to thirty-nine below; at Dubuque, thirty below; at Oshkosh, Wis., thirty-eight below; at Rockford, Ill., thirty below; Fort Wayne, Ind., twenty-eight below. Between Springfield and Virginia, a stage-driver was frozen to death on his box. The Mississippi River was frozen over at St. Louis, which people crossed on the ice.

Even the Southern States were affected by the “General Freeze Up.” In Richmond, Virginia, the papers reported that, “Matters and things in general concluded to "wait" on Saturday morning, in view of the sudden descent of the temperature below zero. The water froze up in railroad tanks and locomotive boilers, water wheels refused to "circumnavigate", machine shops ceased their clatter, old clocks stopped at "witching hours", hydrants negatived the reservoirs, the town pumps were in demand, the boards of the floors creaked and weather boarding snapped, frosty network frescoed every window pane, and the universal "ugh" that escaped from every mouth went with icy chilliness to the soul of sympathetic nature.”

At Memphis, Tennessee, the thermometer was reported on New Year's Day at ten degrees below zero. Even Georgia was not spared from the cold weather. The Atlanta Intelligencer reported temperatures of twelve degrees at 10 P.M. on January 1^st, 1864, and eight degrees the following morning at 7 A.M. “This is the coldest weather we have experienced within forty years, in this country, with a single exception - the cold Saturday (in 1834), when the Mercury fell below zero. It is with difficulty, therefore, that we can write. Not only has our ink frozen, but with the best of fires that we can command, our fingers become numb before a paragraph can be written.”

The severe weather was especially hard on the soldiers. The newspapers reported that, “at Fort Halleck, Columbus, on the Mississippi, above Memphis, on New Year's eve, many of the negro soldiers were badly frozen; and at Island No. 10, ten negroes were frozen to death, and more were expected to die. On the same night, at the same place, eight men of the 52nd Indiana Infantry “were out on a skiff, and being unable to make the shore, were cast on a sand-bar, where three of the party were frozen to death before they could be rescued, two others died the next day, and the others were not expected to live.” The soldiers at Camp Indianapolis also suffered considerably on New Years Eve when a number had their ears and feet frozen.

According to news from Louisville, three Union soldiers were frozen to death at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, on the night of January 2, 1864. At Camp Yates, Springfield, Illinois, several soldiers met the same fate, as well as two soldiers at Camp Chase, Ohio.

Similar hardships were also endured by soldiers who were stationed in Eastern Kentucky where the temperatures dropped well below zero. According to local citizens, the beginning days of January 1864 saw the coldest weather and most abrupt change to be recorded in this section for many years. 

On New Years Day, a soldier from the 5^th Independent Battalion OH Cavalry recorded the following from winter quarters at Poplar Plains, “Turned awfully cold last night, a strong wind began blowing from the northwest about nine o'clock and by midnight everything was frozen up. We left our tents and hovered around blazing fires. Our pickets were all brought in except the one that was sheltered towards Poplar Plains. It is reported to-day that seven men of the 40th Kentucky Infantry were found frozen on their posts east of here. Such intense cold I never felt before.” Another member of the unit wrote, “The night of December 31, 1863, we passed through the cold that ushered in "the cold New Years." The thermometer dropped to 25 degrees below zero, and with difficulty the troops were saved from freezing ... Two soldiers on duty were frozen to death at Mount Sterling below us, and all in all the experience was one not soon to be forgotten.”

Snow covered road, Eastern Kentucky

On New Years Day, the 45th Kentucky Mounted Infantry began to arrive at Mt. Sterling from Paris. “Some of these men were badly frosted and had to lie by at farmhouses,” noted an eye witness, “and it was several days before they all got in, and as they were without tents they were quartered where ever shelter could be found for them, till the cold had abated somewhat, and tents could be procured...”

In an effort to stay warm, the 14^th Kentucky Infantry, one of the regiments stationed at Louisa, KY, detailed one of the soldiers as coal digger in the quartermaster department during the months of December 1863 and January 1864.

The cold weather continued unabated. A report from St. Louis noted that, “The weather continues very cold here, the mercury ranging from 5 degrees below to 15 degrees above zero. About one foot of snow lies on the ground, and the sleighing is splendid. Heavily laden wagons cross the river on ice, and there are no indications of a speedy break-up. The weather has been intensely cold throughout the State. Many persons and a large amount of stock have been frozen to death.”

On January 8, 1864, Portsmouth recorded ten inches of snow and the thermometer had not risen above twenty degrees. The Ohio River was full of floating ice and finally closed up firmly on Jan. 13, 1864. It remained ice-bound which prevented the steamboats from running thus limiting the delivery of supplies to citizens and soldiers alike. The soldiers' families were impacted as well and those who had not been able to put up enough food for the winter were in dire straits. In order to alleviate some of the suffering, Catlettsburg merchant William H. Geiger donated two steers and one beef to the poor soldiers' wives and families.

The Ohio River at Greenup with floating ice, January 2014
Photograph courtesy of Nancy Wright Bays

As the frozen Big Sandy River prevented steamboats from supplying the Union post at Louisa with stores, the quartermaster department soon was running low on provisions. Therefore, a detachment of the 39^th KY Mounted Infantry was ordered to proceed to Catlettsburg on January 9, 1864.  An attack by the enemy was not expected since the weather was extremely cold.  However, as the men were marching along the west bank of the Big Sandy River, they were quietly followed on the other side of the river by a detachment of about 150 men of the 16th Virginia Cavalry, under the command of Colonel Milton J. Ferguson.

By nightfall, the 39^th Kentucky detachment had reached Turman's Ferry at the mouth of Bear Creek, a prominent point on the Big Sandy River about 14 miles above Catlettsburg. Just below, at the present-day site of the Cavanaugh M. E. Church, stood an old log schoolhouse, which the men selected as their sleeping quarters. Still completely unsuspecting of any danger, no pickets were posted, “and the officers were asleep in the neighboring farm houses." 

The 16^th Virginia Cavalry, under the cover of night, crossed the Big Sandy River on the ice and quietly approached the quarters of the unsuspecting Union soldiers. The Confederates wasted no time and opened fire on the sleeping men. One of the lieutenants was killed in the fight, nine men taken prisoners, including one lieutenant, and the rest, “were driven out into the snow with weather at about zero or lower." The 16^th Virginia Cavalry re-crossed the icy river and vanished as quickly as they had appeared. A Union force from Catlettsburg was later sent out to pursue the Confederates but came back empty handed. Some of the men who had taken to the woods, "became frozen, especially their feet, and suffered greatly." On January 11, 1864, "A part of the wounded left behind arrived at the Ashland Hospital, not only badly wounded, but frostbitten.” The majority of them required amputations. According to Catlettsburg post commander Major Rhys Thomas, twenty men had to be sent to the hospital.  

Snowy  Creek in Eastern Kentucky

In closing, the eloquent remarks of the editor of the Daily Ohio Statesman seem fitting. “The New Year has come in, our brother journalists say, like a Lion - more, we should think, like a Russian or Norwegian Bear. A little snow would have probably moderated the intensity of this Arctic weather; but that was not vouchsafed us. Is this rugged birth of the New Year figurative of the hardships of the mass of people - the laboring poor - will have to endure during its existence, or does it prefigure that, though it freezes us with its cold frowns at its commencement, it will comfort and gladden us with sunny smiles before its close? Let us all hope, and so labor, that we may have cause to remember and bless the year 1864.”

The same thoughts and blessings go out to everyone for the year 2014, as we look outside our windows, shivering from yet another winter storm.

Article researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, January/February 2014. 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. © 2014. All Rights Reserved.

April 1865 - Confederate Surrender at Mt. Sterling

April of 1865 proved to be one of the most pivotal months of the American Civil War. A series of key events changed the course of history and ultimately led to the end of hostilities between the North and the South.

On April 2, 1865, US General Grant's forces began their advance and broke through Lee's lines at Petersburg who subsequently evacuated the city. The following day, Richmond, the Confederate capital, fell and Union troops entered the city and raised the Stars and Stripes.

Less than a week later, on April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia near Appomattox Court House, Virginia. This devastating news reached the soldiers of Morgan’s former command near Christiansburg, Virginia, while on the march toward Richmond. After the initial shock and disbelief, it was impossible to ignore the overwhelming evidence of Lee’s surrender any longer. According to Edward O. Guerrant, on April 12, 1865, while at Christiansburg, “the commanding officers (Generals Echols, Cosby, Duke, and Wharton, and the Colonels Giltner, Preston, and Trigg), held a consultation, and determined to leave it optional with the Commands whether they would be disbanded or endeavor to reach the forces of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina. The Infantry Commands (the large portion of which had already left) were all disbanded, furloughed for sixty days, in case any future occasion should arise for their services. Gen. Echols, with Generals Duke and Vaughn, with the larger part of their Commands, determined to make an attempt to reach Gen. Johnston's army.”

Col. Diamond and Captains Barrett, Scott, Rogers, and Willis, and Lieut. Freeman with some 75 or 100 men determined to proceed South with Echols who met up with Jefferson Davis and his cabinet at Charlottesville, NC, thereafter forming his cavalry escort. Gen. Cosby’s and Col. Giltner’s commands, as well as a portion of Duke's, determined to move into the mountains of Eastern Kentucky instead of North Carolina. Cosby turned the command of his soldiers over to Giltner who divided the troops in order to subsist them while on the march. Cosby’s and Duke’s men were sent through Pound Gap, whereas Giltner took his men down the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. The two divisions met at Prestonsburg and slowly made their way in direction of Hazel Green.

While in the Big Sandy Valley, Giltner’s men received word of President Lincoln’s assassination. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theater, Washington, D. C, by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln died the following day of his wounds. Knowing how unreliable grapevine news tended to be, the news of Lincoln’s death was generally not credited by Giltner’s men. When they reached Salyersville, Magoffin Co., about April 23, 1865, more devastating news awaited them. On April 17, 1865, Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston had entered into peace talks with Sherman near Durham in North Carolina. With Lee’s surrender and Johnston’s pending capitulation, no alternative was left for Giltner but to follow their example and secure the most favorable terms possible for his men.

On April 23, 1865, a letter was addressed to the commanding officer of the Department of Kentucky. Major Thomas J. Chenoweth, 13th KY Cavalry, was the officer detailed to carry the letter and was sent in advance under Flag of Truce to Mt. Sterling, the nearest post of United States Forces, with the authority to negotiate terms of surrender.

Headquarters Confederate States Force
Salyersville, Ky., April (23), 1865

To the Officer Commanding Department of Kentucky.

Sir:
A combination of unfortunate events have separated us from the Confederate Army, we are perhaps driven to the necessity of surrendering ourselves prisoners of war. The object of this communication is to ascertain the terms of such a surrender. We have waged an honorable warfare, and we will have honorable terms or none. We speak by authority of the men under our command. The officer bearing this letter is instructed to await your reply three days.

Very respectfully,

Henry L. Giltner, Col. Com'dg. Brig. Ky. Cavalry

J. Tucker, Col. Com'dg. Brig. Ky. Cavalry

Thomas Johnson, Major Com'dg. Ky. Cavalry

Chenoweth arrived at the outskirts of Mt. Sterling on April 25, 1865 where he was received by post commander Major Horatio N. Benjamin, 185th OVI. Benjamin immediately telegraphed Brig. General Edward H. Hobson, commanding 1st Division, Department of Kentucky. *

I have a flag of truce. The object of the flag is to ascertain the terms of surrender.-They claim to have waged an honorable warfare and will have honorable terms or none. Said to be about 1,000 to 1,500 men. The officer in command of flag is Major Chenoweth, and the dispatches signed H. L. Giltner, colonel, commanding division. Answer immediately.

H. N. BENJAMIN,
Major, Commanding.

Major Horatio N. Benjamin, 185th OVI
Courtesy: Larry Stevens, author of
Ohio In The Civil War

Hobson, in turn, forbade Chenoweth to enter Mt. Sterling with the flag. He also instructed Benjamin to keep out strong pickets and to discourage communications between the citizens and Chenoweth.

Brig. General Edward H. Hobson

Negotiations at Mt. Sterling spanned over two days. The delay allowed Hobson to confer with Captain J. Bates Dickson, Assistant Adjutant-General on the staff of Maj. Gen. J. M. Palmer, commanding Department of Kentucky, about acceptable terms of surrender. It also enabled Hobson, without exciting suspicion, to dispatch Union troops (the 39th KY Mtd. Infantry and part of the 14th KY Infantry) from Paintsville, and the Sandy Valley on to West Liberty road, in order to get behind the main body of Giltner’s troops, so as to prevent their retreat if the negotiation did not succeed, as well as strengthen the defenses at Mt. Sterling which was only garrisoned by two companies of the 185th OVI and a detachment of the 53rd KY Infantry. On April 26, 1865, the following dispatch was sent to Colonel David A. Mims, post commander at Louisa:

There are about 1,500 rebels near Mount Sterling negotiating for surrender and from their exorbitant terms it does not promise success. Move Thirty-ninth Kentucky (mounted men) between West Liberty and Mount Sterling at once, and if they do not surrender we will whip them into terms.

By order of Brigadier-General Hobson:

J. S. BUTLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

According to Captain J. S. Butler, General Hobson’s assistant adjutant-general, the Confederates, “tried to extort broad terms because of our weak force at Mount Sterling…” Outlines of conditions asked for:

To be received and treated as prisoners of war; to retain all private property, horses, side-arms, &c.; to be paroled until exchanged; to take no oath of allegiance to the United States Government, or to take up arms in its defense or against any foreign; to imprison officers of any grade or otherwise subject them to insult or violence; to guarantee our safety of life and property while in Federal limits, and give us a safe-conduct beyond them to any neutral power whenever desired. We propose to be subject to all civil laws and military regulations established for the government of prisoners of war. Whenever the Confederate Government shall no longer claim an existence, we propose to return to our allegiance to the United States Government or remove to some other country, to which we claim a safe transit.

Needless to say, these demands, being much more liberal than what had been allowed Generals Lee and Johnston, were rejected by Hobson. On April 26, 1865, the following terms of surrender were handed to Major Chenoweth:

Surrender of men to be paroled. All public property and horses and arms to be given up. Officers can retain their side arms when they are paroled.

Major Benjamin telegraphed Butler that, “Flag will not accept your proposition, unless they are allowed to retain their horses.”

After much negotiating Benjamin informed Butler that, “The flag will accept the following terms: Surrender of officers and men, to be paroled; all public property to be turned over to Government; officers and men to retain their horses and the officers their sidearms. The flag claims their horses to be private property.” In regard to the surrender of officers' horses the negotiations seemed to have reached an impasse. On April 27, 1865, Chenoweth was handed the final terms of surrender.

H. L. Giltner
Colonel Com'dg. Div. C.S.A.

You will be allowed the following terms to surrender your Command: Surrender of men to be paroled. All public property and horses and arms to be given up. Officers can retain their side arms when they are paroled. They must wear citizen dress while in Kentucky. They will be treated kindly. These terms will be given and none other.

By order of Brig. Gen. Hobson

H. N. Benjamin, Maj., 185th Reg't. O.V.I.
Com'dg.

Subsequently, Major Benjamin informed Capt. J. S. Butler by telegraph:

The major commanding the flag says he cannot accept the terms, but will take a copy of the terms and submit it to Colonel Giltner, commanding division, C. S. Army. Shall I send an officer and escort through with them? They wish to start in the morning. Please give me instructions.

H. N. BENJAMIN,
Major, Commanding.


LEXINGTON, April 27, 1865.

Maj. H. N. BENJAMIN,
Mount Sterling, Ky.:

Send a flag of truce and twenty-five men under good officer to escort rebel flag not farther than West Liberty or Hazel Green, if the rebels should be that far. Let the officer be intelligent and prudent enough to learn near the force they have. In the meantime more troops are being sent you.

By order of Brigadier-General Hobson:

J. S. BUTLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

Butler felt confident that “By the time they reject the terms proposed there will be enough troops to alter the whole thing, and we will get many deserters before they can get away, with or without a fight ... We have given them very liberal terms, and they will be bound to accept them or lose half their men.”

On April 28, 1865, Chenoweth and his men left Mt. Sterling, accompanied by a flag of truce and an escort commanded by Captain Benj. T. Nix and Lieut. H. S. Rawls. The same day, Captain Nix sent a courier back to Mt. Sterling, who stated that, according to citizens reports, some 300 of Giltner's forces were within eighteen miles of Mt. Sterling and had fallen back. It was also reported that Giltner, with his command, was falling back to Salyersville, to disband to try and save their horses.

The flag of truce finally caught up with Giltner at McCormick’s in Bath Co. KY, where he was handed a copy of the terms offered. Giltner gave in on the issue of the horses and accepted the terms, but insisted on reassurances that officers were to be paroled immediately after their surrender.

The following post script was added to the terms of surrender:

McCormack's, Bath Co. Ky.
29th April, 1865

All officers are included in the terms of capitulation, promising an immediate parole to all the men.

H. L. Rawls
Benj. T. Nix
Commanding escort of flag of truce


Col. Giltner’s official response to the surrender terms offered was as follows:

Headquarters Cavalry Commands,
McCormack's, Bath Co., Ky.
29th April, 1865

Major H. N. Benjamin
Com'dg. U. S. Forces at Mt. Sterling.

With the assurance of Capt. Benj. T. Nix and Lieut. H. S. Rawls, U.S.A. accompanying escort of the Flag of Truce, of the immediate parole of all officers, I am compelled to accept the terms of capitulation tendered by Brig. Gen. Hobson. I shall reach Mount Sterling by 3 p.m. tomorrow the 30th inst.

Most respectfully,
Your humble servant,
H. L. Giltner, Col. Com'dg. &tc.

Thus Giltner and his men prepared for their last march and proceeded to Mt. Sterling, “amid the tears of nature and of men, the saddest funeral procession that ever trod the soil of Kentucky.”

On April 30, 1865, on the hill South of Mt. Sterling, overlooking the town, the last Confederate corps on Kentucky soil laid down their arms and received their parole. The Louisville Journal noted, “The men looked as though they had seen hard service, and such a thing as a complete uniform was a circumstance. No doubt these poor fellows are heartily glad to be relieved from a hard campaign, short rations and hardships, and once more allowed to remain quietly at home after so long a period of danger and exposure.”

Capt. J. S. Butler, who was vested with full power by Hobson, “as the representative of the brigadier-general commanding in all matters connected with the surrender and paroling of the division of Confederate troops commanded by Col. H. L. Giltner” immediately went to work of paroling Giltner’s men. Butler noted, “They accepted terms and would have given more if it had been requested. I have papers signed and am now busy paroling officers; seventy-three done. About 105 officers and 800 to 1,000 men, Giltner in command. I cropped his wings first one.”

In regard to the horses, some of Giltner’s men were able to make arrangements as was the case with Captain Adcock and his horse “Billie Roan.” Adcock gave a woman $30 to bring the faithful steed through the lines, and thence he was brought home by other parties--at a cost of $65. In later years, when he was 27 years old, “Billie Roan” attended a Confederate veteran reunion and received more honors than any of the men. “He was caparisoned and ribboned on the parade ground and attracted much attention.” Captain Sebring, Co. C, 10th KY Cavalry, was not so fortunate. Upon signing his parole, Major Benjamin kept Sebring’s horse, saddle and bridle.

Captain W. T. Havens parole

(Parole)

Mount Sterling, April 30, 1865

I, Capt. W. T. Havens, Co. E, 3d Ky. Cav., solemnly swear that I will not take up arms against the United States, or give information to the enemies thereof until I am regularly exchanged as a prisoner of war.

W. T. Havens, Capt.,
Co. E, 3d Ky. Batt. Cav.

Subscribed and sworn before me this 30th day of April, 1865

H. N. Benjamin, Maj.
185 O. V. I., Com'd U. S. F.


(Reverse)

Cap. W. T. Havens "E" 3d Ky. is paroled until regularly exchanged.

By order of Brig. Gen. E. H. Hobson

J. S. Butler
Asst. Adj. Gen.


Meanwhile, on April 27, 1865, a small part of Giltner’s Brigade, the remnants of the Col. Benjamin Caudill's regiment (also known as 13th KY Cavalry), surrendered to Colonel David A. Mims at Louisa, KY. He reported:

LOUISA, KY., April 27, 1865.
Capt. J. S. BUTLER:

The Tenth Kentucky (rebel), of Colonel Giltner's command, has surrendered to me at this place. Terms, release upon the amnesty oath.

D. A. MIMS,
Colonel, Commanding.


The following is a copy of the Oath of Allegiance the soldiers had to sign at Louisa before their release.

Headquarters U. S. Forces
1st Division, Department of Kentucky

Office Provost Marshal
Louisa, Ky., April 30 1865.

United States of America } SS.
State of Kentucky }

I,____ do solemnly swear, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth Faithfully support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union thereunder; and that I will, in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all acts of Congress passed during the existing rebellion with reference to slaves, so long and so far as not repealed, modified, or hold void by Congress or by decision of the Supreme Court; and that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all proclamations of the President made during the existing rebellion having reference to slaves, so long and so far as not modified or declared void by decision of the Supreme Court: So help me God.

____ (signature of paroled man)


Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day of April A.D. 1865.

J. W. Allison
LIEUT. and PROVOST MARSHAL.

The above named has ____ complexion, ____ hair, ____ eyes, and is ___ feet, ___ inches high, ___ years of age.

Last Military Organization:

James W. Adams, 13th KY Cavalry, Oath of Allegiance

  Thus ended the service of John Hunt Morgan’s old command – it was no more but a memory. After the war, Edward O. Guerrant reflected on the surrender, adopting a somewhat idealistic view characteristic of the “Lost Cause.” “They had fought a good fight, and kept the faith, and though the crown of victory did not encircle their brow, the triumph of the deathless principle they defended so heroically, will ultimately crown them conquerors – with an imperishable fame.”

Reunion Ribbon, 4th KY Cavalry
with image of Col. Henry L. Giltner
Courtesy: Kraig McNutt, author of
The Battle of Franklin


Notes
*By a twist of fate, it was Brig. Gen. Edward H. Hobson who negotiated the terms of surrender of Giltner’s division, which, in essence, was General John Hunt Morgan’s old command. During Morgan's Raid in July 1863, Hobson was involved in the pursuit and capture of Morgan and his men, after inflicting a severe defeat upon the raiders at the Battle of Buffington Island, Ohio. Ironically, Hobson and about 750 men of the 171st Ohio Infantry were captured by Morgan near Cynthiana, KY, in June 1864. Hobson was able to negotiate his release.

Links of Interest
General Edward H. Hobson’s Frock Coat, c. 1863
Image provided by "A State Divided: Exploring the Civil War Through Images"




Article researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, October 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication without express written notice by the author is strictly prohibited. © 2012. All Rights Reserved.