The Pardon of Henry L. Stone

After the end of the Civil War, many veterans were returning home. Under the terms of surrender for the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House on April 10, 1865, General Ulysses S. Grant stipulated that "each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside". 

On May 5 the parole was extended so that soldiers from the eleven Confederate states, plus West Virginia, would be allowed to return home on their paroles. This did not include Confederates who claimed homes in the District of Columbia and in States that never passed the Ordinance of Secession, such as Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri, who "have forfeited them and can only return thereto by complying with the Amnesty Proclamation of the president and obtaining special permission from the War Department."

Source: Library of Congress (link)

On May 29, 1865, Andrew Johnson issued an Amnesty Proclamation that extended to all Confederates and included the restoration of all rights of property, with the exception of slaves. The only condition required was taking of the oath of allegiance. 

However, 14 classes of persons were still excluded from the benefits of the proclamation who had to make special application to the President of the United States for pardon and were required to take the oath of allegiance. By June 5, 1866, 12,652 pardons were issued but those granted in Kentucky under Johnson's exemptions numbered only 11. This included the pardon for Henry L. Stone.

Henry L. Stone, ca. 1906

Henry Lane Stone was born in Bath County, Kentucky, on January 17, 1842, to Samuel and Sallie (Lane) Stone. His father Samuel Stone served Kentucky and its people in many capacities, including in the Kentucky state militia (1816–1846), as Bath County state representative (1824–1836), and as magistrate and then sheriff in Bath County (1823–1841). In 1851, the family removed to Indiana. Henry L. Stone attended Kentucky and Indiana public schools and later studied law. 

When the Civil War erupted, the Stone family was politically divided. Henry's mother and his two brothers Valentine H. Stone and Richard French Stone supported the Union while Samuel and Henry favored the Confederacy. In 1862, Henry L. Stone left his home in Indiana and joined the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry (CS). At the end of the war, Henry was ready to settle down and move on with his life. 

As he did not meet all the criteria for a general pardon, he made special application to President Andrew Johnson on September 26, 1865. What follows is a transcript of his application. 

Hon. Andrew Johnson

          President of the U.S.: 

                              Sir, 

                                  Being

one of that class, excepted in your proclamation of amnesty, who left their homes within the jurisdiction and prosecution of the United States and went beyond their military lines, to aid the Rebellion, I hereby most respectfully present you a petition for pardon. The following is a full and true statement of the circumstances of my case. 

I left Greencastle, Indiana, my home at the time, on the 18th of Sept., 1862, with the design of joining Gen. Bragg's forces, who were then occupying the State of Kentucky; passed Cincinnati, O., when it was under martial law; tried to procure a pass there from the Provost Marshal, but failed; walked up the Ohio River, twenty miles; took a boat for Augusta, Ky.; from the latter point I went on foot to Cynthiana, Ky., where I found a force of Confederate cavalry; I here took an oath not to reveal any information to the U.S. authorities; by so doing received a pass to go to Mt. Sterling; from hence I went to Sharpsburg, in Bath Co. Ky., where on the 7th of Oct., 1862, I was enlisted, by Geo. M. Coleman, a Confederate Capt. of Cav., into the Confederate States Army. On the 10th of Nov., 1862, I was with the rest of my command at Knoxville, Tenn., mustered into the service, under Gen. John H. Morgan; I was a Sergeant Major of the 2nd Battalion, Maj. Robert G. Stoner, commanding, in Gen. Morgan's Brigade of Cav. for four months; at the expiration of this time, my Bat. and the 1st Bat. in said Brig., were consolidated, making a Reg., known afterwards as the 9th Ky. Cav. and I was appointed an Ordinance Sergt. in said Reg.; this position I held till I was captured by the U.S. forces at Buffington Island, O., on the 19th of July, 1863. I was placed as a prisoner in Camp Morton, on the 21st of July, 1863; was confined there one month; was then taken to Camp Douglas; escaped from that prison and was recaptured, on the 20th of Aug, 1863; was turned into said prison again; escaped finally, on the 16th of Oct., 1863; made my way to Ky. on the route to rejoin the Confederate Army; was captured and released, near Cynthiana, Ky., having successfully passed myself of as a citizen of Indiana; on the 15th of Nov., 1863, was again re-captured, near Sharpsburg, Bath Co., Ky.; was placed in confinement in the jail-dungeon, at Mt. Sterling, Ky., for nineteen days, when I was started under guard to Lexington, Ky., via Winchester; at the latter place, I again escaped the U.S. authorities, making my fourth escape; finding no means of getting South, I went to Canada; staid there from the 4th of Dec., 1863, to the 20th of Apr., 1864; when I left Canada, to go to the Confederacy; arrived in Ky.; remained in that State six weeks, when I took up my journey South, through Eastern Ky.; reported to Gen. John H. Morgan, at Abingdon, Va., on the 28th of June, 1864; continued in his command till his death, on the 4th of Sept., 1864; then was in Gen. B. W. Duke's Brig. till the 2d of Oct. following, at which time I re-joined the 9th Ky. Cav. as a private soldier; in which capacity I served in Gen. John S. Williams's Brig., Gen. Wheeler's Corps, Gen. J. E. Johnston's Dept., till the 9th of May, 1865; when I surrendered(under my Dept. General's order of surrender), at Augusta, Ga., to the U. S. forces then and there stationed in command of Brevet. Brig. Gen. Upton; received a parole from W. W. Woods, Gen. Upton's A.A. G. and Maj. of the 4th Iowa Cav; on this parole I returned to Ky., where I have remained since my arrival, abiding by the laws of the land., and strictly observing the provisions of my parole.

There are no circumstances, which you, Sir, would consider mitigating, except those which exist in the composition of my nature, or result from my early political training. Being born and raised in the State of Kentucky, I naturally clung to her as the home of my childhood, "my own, my native land." I considered her one of the Rebellion States, when the Confederate forces pitched their tents upon her Blue Grass pastures; I was carried off into the rebellious ranks by a spirit of enthusiasm; the name of John Morgan, and the accounts of his dashing exploits as a Cavalry Chief did much to entice me from the notorious life of a law student in Greencastle, Indiana; I longed to play a part in the great national contest; I did not wish to sit idle by, and let the greatest war of modern ages pass away upon the records of history, without indulging my military aspirations; I did not assist the authorities of the U.S. is perhaps owing to an inborn prejudice in favor of the South and her institutions. My present condition is: exile from a happy home, and the best parents; alone in the world, with an empty purse; and nothing to depend upon in future but my own exertions. Your pardon, Sir, would greatly alleviate my situation.

With hope that my application may meet with approval at your hands, I am, Most Honored Sir, your humble St.

Henry L. Stone

Bath Co. KY.,

Sep. 25th, 1865.

Stone's required oath of allegiance accompanied the application.

Letter by US Senator and former Indiana governor, H. S. Lane,
endorsing his nephew's application for pardon

Stone was granted a pardon on December 9, 1865. In 1866, he began practicing law in Owingsville, Kentucky and served in several firms throughout the state before becoming city attorney of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1896. In 1905, he became general council of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and served in this position until 1921. His wife was Pamela Lane Boune, with whom he had a daughter and a son. Stone died on May 31, 1922, in Louisville. 

Links of Interest

Henry L. Stone Civil War diary - Kentucky Historical Society

"Morgan's Men:" A Narrative of Personal Experiences, by Henry L. Stone

Morgan's Men Escape from Prison, by Henry L. Stone - Confederate Veteran, Vol. 14, No. 4 (April 1906), p. 188-191

Lane–Elston Family Papers, 1775–1936, box 3, folder 13 - Indiana Historical Society

Hoosier Confederate: The Civil War Experiences of Henry Lane Stone from Putnam County - INDepth Stories, Indiana Historical Society

Even Cataloging a Bandana Leads to Exciting Discoveries. - The Kentucky Historical Society Chronicle, Summer/Fall 2012, p. 6

Henry Lane Stone - Find A Grave Memorial page

Transcribed and researched by Marlitta H. Perkins, March 2022. Copyright © 2022, 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.

Mt. Sterling - An Important Military Base During the Civil War

Downtown Mt. Sterling Situated in Montgomery County, KY, on the state road leading from Pound Gap to central Kentucky, Mount Sterling was long considered the gateway between the Appalachian Mountains and the Bluegrass and became a prosperous commercial center. In 1856, the town, with a population of about 1,500 inhabitants, boasted a large brick court-house, 3 or 4 churches, a newspaper office (Mt. Sterling Whig), an academy, 1 bank (Farmer's Bank), and the Highland Institute; also about 25 stores, and numerous mechanics' shops. The area had a large trade in live-stock and hemp, and the products of this rich grain region. During the Civil War, Mount Sterling's strategic location and rich resources did not escape the attention of the military commanders, both Union and Confederate. The town served as base for the Union Army operating in the Eastern Kentucky mountain counties, as well as a supply depot. Between October 1863 and May 1864, the US military forces, consisting of troops belonging to the 21st MA Infantry and troops under Asst. Quartermaster J. M. Mattingly, 37th KY Infantry, took possession of and occupied a two-story brick house, a frame building, log house and shed, all situated on Main Street, the property of John Lindsey & Son, manufacturers of furniture and coffins. The buildings were utilized as an office and depot for QM stores and commissary supplies, and as quarters for the troops. The Ascension Protestant Episcopal Church, a well-constructed and well-finished brick building, as well as the grounds, were also occupied by the military and the church used for "Camping and hospital purposes." The Montgomery County Courthouse was utilized as headquarters. Mount Sterling served as a point of safety for Union refugees from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky who had been driven from their homes by rebel forces and guerrillas. However, Union possession of Mount Sterling was contested several times by the Confederates, and the courthouse changed hands at least twelve times during the Civil War. It was eventually burned in 1863 by confederate forces. Mt. Sterling, ca. 1863. Union troops are camped around the Court House Below is a chronicle of events as they occured, compiled from official records, newspaper accounts, letters and diaries, &c. It is not complete by any means but provides a good overview of the Civil War in Mount Sterling. Oct. 11, 1861 - The Mt. Sterling (Ky.) Whig, of the 11th, had the following particulars in reference to the "rebel" encampment near Prestonsburg, Floyd county, which has been christened "Camp Dixie." ... Judge Moore, of this town, and the Ballards, who murdered Capt. Jeffries by laying in ambush in this county two weeks ago, were in camp as "big as life." December 22, 1861 - CS General Humphrey Marshall wrote from the Big Sandy valley, "I sent forward a detachment of mounted men as far as West Liberty, in Morgan County, and covered the march of about 50 unarmed recruits to my camp, collecting at the same time a drove of about 130 hogs, and making contracts for about 30,000 weight of bacon for my command. The Union men stampeded in every direction, for it was reported that I had an army pouring from the hills and numbering at least 10,000. Some of my men were thrown out in advance of West Liberty, and actually went down to Mount Sterling, within 20 miles of Paris. The Union men were absconding even from Mount Sterling." Dec. 23, 1861 - US Colonel James A. Garfield reported, "I have now ... three squadrons of Kentucky cavalry and one regiment of Ohio infantry moving in the same direction by the way of Paris and Mount Sterling." (The 1st KY Cav (Wolford's) and 40th OVI were moving on Prestonsburg) May 1862 - The Mt. Sterling Whig gave the particulars of the assault upon Mt. Sterling ... "by about thirty-five or forty cavalry belonging to Marshall's rebel brigade, under charge of a rebel captain, said by some to be a son of Gen. Marshall himself. They marched into town by the Paris-pike, went to U. S. Commissioner Apperson's office and demanded J. A. Bradshaw, late Sheriff of Powell county, who that day was on trial for treason before the Commissioner. Bradshaw was taken, with his gun and accoutrements, the rebels gave three cheers for Jeff. Davis, cursed the National flag which Robert W. Mayhugh keeps all the time floating in front of his house, and marched over the Spencer road, taking with them Aleck Voris's horse. The rebels are rendezvoused, to the number of three or four hundred strong, at McCormick's, some twenty miles above Mt Sterling, on the State road, for what purpose only themselves know." July 1862 - The Mt. Sterling (Ky.) Express has been suppressed for favoring rebellion. July 20, 1862 - Union cavalry struck a guerrilla band between Mount Sterling and Owensville, Ky., and scattered them, taking their cannon and horses. July 29, 1862 - A Skirmish took place at Mount Sterling, Ky., between a number of the citizens of that place and a force of about two hundred and forty rebel guerrillas, resulting in a complete rout of the latter, with a loss of about seventy-five of their number in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The Memphis Daily Appeal reported, "At sunrise, 240 mounted guerrillas, mostly armed, principally from Boone county, KY., arrived at North Middleton. A Union man sent from there notified the inhabitants of Mount Sterling of the design of these guerrillas to attack the latter place. In the afternoon seven of these guerrillas went into Mount Sterling to demand its surrender. The Mount Sterling Home Guards, thirty strong, under Captain Evans, provost marshal, killed the whole seven. The remainder of the rebels, coming up, were fired at from the houses on the road. Six more were killed and some twenty mortally wounded. The rebels, retreating some miles.. August/September 1862 - Confederate Invasion of Kentucky. CS General Humphrey Marshall marched from Pound Gap by way of Mount Sterling to join Kirby Smith. His force were estimated at from 8,000 to 15,000. About 300 rebel troops were reported at Mount Sterling and 100 at Winchester. August 25, 1862 – Seven men of the Bath County (Ky.) home guards, under Captain Warren, surprised and captured near Mount Sterling, Ky., eighteen rebel guerrillas with their horses and arms. Sept. 10. 1862 - Hon. Richard Apperson, from Mount Sterling, reports Humphrey Marshall, there, with 4,000 troops, including cavalry and artillery, arresting citizens, searching houses, &c. September 21, 1862 - CS General Humphrey Marshall's troops ordered to Mt. Sterling by E. Kirby Smith. Command 3,000 strong. Marshall dined with Mrs. McGowan, a daughter of Hon. Garrett Davis, a resident of Mount Sterling ... She counted his pieces of artillery. Sept. 24, 1862 - CS General Heth ordered to Mt. Sterling from Georgetown. He arrived at Mt. Sterling on Sept. 25, 1862 CS General Leadbetter ordered to Mt. Sterling CS General Churchill's division to move to Mt. Sterling from Paris. Sept. 25, 1862 - CS General E. Kirby Smith reports, "The whole command, comprising Generals Heth's and Churchill's divisions (four brigades) should arrive at or near Mount Sterling this evening or to-night. Sept. 29, 1862 - According to Union reports, "Reynolds', Churchill's, Heth's, and Leadbetter's brigades and Kirby Smith himself have united with Humphrey Marshall at Mount Sterling. There are now more than 16,000 men and thirty pieces of artillery there. John Morgan sent there day before yesterday for 4,000 re-enforcements to enable him to hold some point--what point I did not learn. They are said to be fortifying Mount Sterling." Oct. 2, 1862 - CS General Marshall ordered to Paris. Oct. 15, 1862 - Col. Wm. Henry Wadsworth's troops (KY State troops) capture, near Mount Sterling, about 50 of Gen. Humphrey Marshall's Confederate pickets. Oct. 17, 1862 - Humphrey Marshall's troops near Mt. Sterling at Ticktown on their way from from Camp Dick Robinson. Oct. 18, 1862 - Col. Wadsworth captured 17 of Marshall's men at Mt. Sterling. Oct. 21, 1862 - Col. Wadsworth wrote, "You ordered Colonel Wisner, of the Twenty-second Michigan, to go with me at once to Mount Sterling, and we started off that night, our forces consisting of that regiment and one section of artillery, my lads, and one piece and two companies of the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, under Major Doniphan. We reached Mount Sterling Tuesday evening." Oct. 24, 1862 - Col. Wadsworth noted, "went on to Mount Sterling again to endeavor to protect my district with 382 recruits, not in the service of the United States, against Humphrey Marshall's horsemen. Marshall, with his train and artillery, and such of his infantry as did not desert, has easily escaped, without any pursuit except such as I have detailed, through Prestonburg and on his way to Abingdon, Va. I should say 1,000 or 1,200 of his men had deserted him. I captured 150 and 50 horses, besides muskets, pistols, &c. His horsemen remain behind in Kentucky to plunder and ruin the people... These bands yonder around and beyond Mount Sterling still ruin the people. Smith, Bragg, and Marshall retreat beyond pursuit and no help comes...Unless you order a force of mounted men, supported by some infantry, to clear out the region beyond Mount Sterling and Owingsville all this part of the State will be infested and plundered all fall and winter...Troops at Mount Sterling, Owingsville, and West Liberty will protect and relieve a third of this State." November 6, 1862 - 14th KY Cavalry (US), Companies "A," "B," "C" and "D" organized at Mt. Sterling. Ky., and mustered in November 6, 1862. February 12, 1863 - 400 Union Home Guards stationed at Mt. Sterling. February 23, 1863 - "A Body of seven hundred rebel guerrilla cavalry, under the leadership of Colonel Leroy Cluke, made a thieving expedition into Kentucky. They first went to Winchester, thence to Mount Sterling, Straw Hill, and Hazel Green, robbing and destroying property of every description. A large amount of government property was destroyed at Paris, in order to prevent it from falling into the hands of the rebels. They were pursued by a detachment of National troops, under the command of Colonel B. P. Runkle, but the rebels, though superior in numbers to the Union force, preferred the business of robbing to that of fighting, and continued to retreat from place to place, until they finally got away with a large amount of property, and a great number of horses." March 2, 1863 - Skirmish, Slate Creek near Mount Sterling between forces under Cluke and the 10th KY Cavalry and 7th OH Cavalry. "A force of three hundred and fifty Yankees posted at Mount Sterling, Kentucky, were routed ... by a regiment of Morgan's cavalry, under Col. Cluke. Fifty of them were captured, together with all their commissary stores, arms, etc." March 4, 1863 – "Reliable information from Eastern Kentucky states that there is a rebel camp of about nine hundred men near Mt. Sterling. It is being strengthened by predatory bands, which bring in horses, forage, clothing, &c., stolen from the people. – Their avowed intention is to make an attempt on Lexington and Paris very soon." March 19, 1863 - skirmish at Mt. Sterling. Union troops: 2d OH Cavalry, Cos. I, K, L. M. The regiment had 19 men taken prisoner: 5 from Co. I, 6 from Co. L, 4 from Co. M, and 4 from Co. K. March 22, 1863 - Confederate cavalry under Colonel R. S. Cluke, reinforced by Jack May, attacked the Mount Sterling with eight hundred men and capture the town. Special dispatch from Paris, dated March 22, 1863: "The rebel Col. Cuke surrounded Mount Sterling Ky., at 2 o'clock this morning. Our force, amounting to 200 fought them from the houses for four hours, but were finally compelled to surrender. It is believed that Cluke intends to attack Paris to night." Battle of Mt. Sterling Historical Marker March 27, 1863 - Cluke's guerrillas still hover around Mount Sterling. Over 200 of his men have been captured since Sunday. March 30, 1863 - On the 30th of March, Col. Cluke, of Gen. John Morgan's command, attacked the enemy at Mount Sterling. Their pickets were soon driven in, and their whole force took refuge in the houses of the town, from which they opened fire on our men--Col. Cluke, in order to dislodge them — being with out artillery — found it necessary to fire one or two buildings, which communicated to other, until a whole square was consumed. The enemy to the number of three hundred, finding further resistance useless, surrendered unconditionally. Col. C. then retired with his prisoners, intending to join the command of Gen. Pegram at Camp Dick Robison. At McCormick's, twenty-one miles south of Mount Sterling, he was reinforced by Gen. Marshall, when no changed his course, and went back to the latter place, of which he held possession at the last accounts. April 3, 1863 - The 21st MA Infantry, 35th MA Infantry, 21st NY Infantry, and 51st NY Infantry arrived at Mt. Sterling. 13/14 April, 1863 - The 21st MA Infantry, and 51st NY Infantry left camp at midnight and went to Sharpsburg, in hopes of capturing a force of guerrillas but none were found. Noted a member of the 51st NY," A number of citizens were arrested on suspicion of being sympathizers with the Rebels. The horses which were pressed, were brought to camp. The citizens were released, and the horses returned, excepting in one or two cases where they were bought." Wrote a member of the 21st MA Infantry, "I felt heartily ashamed of being connected with the affair, particularily with the disregard of the humane principle that allegiance and protection go together." The expedition returned at 9 p.m., April 14, 1863. April 17, 1863 - The 35th MA Infantry, 21st NY Infantry, and 51st NY Infantry were withdrawn and moved to Winchester, KY. Noted a member of the 51st NY, "On our leaving ... the inhabitants, and especially the female portion, were quite loth to lose us. As it was, we left in the shades of morning, on account, I suppose, of the parting between the ladies and the members of the regiment being likely to cause delay, thereby not reaching Winchester, Ky., in due time." April 28/29, 1863 - Captain Peter Everett threatened Mount Sterling with several hundred men but came no nearer than Owingsville, some twenty miles away to the eastward. June 11, 1863 - CS Captain Peter Everett made a successful excursion into Kentucky, with a body of three hundred rebels, and attacked a portion of the Fourteenth Kentucky cavalry at Slate Creek, east of Mount Sterling, Ky. "A severe engagement, lasting three hours, ensued, when the Nationals retreated, fighting as they withdrew." Union people fled to Lexington from Mount Sterling and Winchester. June 12, 1863 - The 8th and 9th Michigan Cavalry arrived with a battery and, under command of Col. De Courcy, went in pursuit of the rebels. After a chase of fifty miles, Colonel de Courcy's command came up with the enemy and scattered them, killing and wounding a number, and taking a good many prisoners. July 6, 1863 - The 21st MA Infantry, "bade good-bye to their kind friends in Mount Sterling". Oct. 25, 1863 - "Persons from Kentucky report the execution of Lieut. Harvey C. Conner, of Col. Adam Johnson's regiment, by the Yankees, at Mount Sterling, on the 25th ult." Early November 1863 – Great excitement in Mount Sterling as two guerrillas are executed without a trial by Union forces. December 2, 1863 - Court House in Mt. Sterling burned by CS Cavalry under Peter Everett. Clerk's records were saved but the circuit court records were destroyed. From a correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, Dec. 3, 1863: Last night at half past 2 o'clock, Major Chenowith, with Capt. Everett and Capt. Young, entered the town of Mount Sterling, broke open many storehouses, and burned the beautiful court-house to the ground, and committed many other depredations, all of which I shall not pretend to mention this time. The 40th regiment lay one and a half miles from ← Mount Sterling in perfect quietude.-- After the court-house had been burned, and the town generally plundered, the 40th regiment made its appearance, but not until they were informed, as I understood, by Mr. Samuel Williams, that the rebels were burning the town." Capt. P.M. Everett reported, "that he had burned $700,000 worth of stores at Mount Sterling and Jackson, captured 250 horses, and killed, wounded, and captured 100 of the enemy without losing a man of his detachment. He has his prisoners with him. The enemy, about 1,200 strong, followed him through Pound Gap." It was later claimed that Everett burned the court house because the Union Army had confined "therein those persons who wore the gray, he heard of the shooting of a prisoner. Without the town of Mt. Sterling were encamped a great body of Union soldiers, but, fearing nothing, he with his band of sixty swept into the town and with torch fired the court house, freed the soldiers and dashed away again without being captured." Lock and key from the old Montgomery County jail. Everett's men set fire to the building on Dec. 2, 1863, but citizens and Union soldiers were able to extinguish the flames after the raiders had left town. Dec. 4, 1863 - Gen. J. T. Boyle wrote, "Colonel True notified me his pickets were driven in last night at Mount Sterling, on the Perryville road; that the enemy [numbered] 800. He had taken to the houses. I ordered him out of the houses to fight; that enemy could burn town. Enemy not exceeding 200, and that he could and must whip them. Don't believe there are 200. He telegraphed General Fry that it was reported that 3,000 of Longstreet's had come in. Colonel Gallup is at Paintsville. The whole story a rebel lie to scare Colonel True." February, 1864 – "Four or five guerrillas were brought in yesterday from Mt. Sterling. They were sent in by Col. John Brown of the 45th Mounted Infantry stationed at Mt. Sterling, and had been captured by some of the 45th while in the act of putting a rope round the neck of a Union man for the purpose of hanging him." February 25, 1864 - Union Home Guard Captain Henry C. Hurst reported from Mount Sterling, "There are about 10,000 soldiers here and they still keep coming in daily. Two regiments came in yesterday. I understand that there will be about five Brigades when they all get here. I don't know the intention of this move. They keep a regular scout in the mountains and they are cleaning things out to a considerable extent ... They bring prisoners in almost every day and many others come in and take the oath of allegiance." June 8, 1864 – CS John Hunt Morgan with 600 of his men captured Mt. Sterling. and 150US soldiers. CSA forces under Gen. John H. Morgan, while on his last raid through Kentucky, attacked the Union camp at Mount Sterling under Capt. Edward Barlow and captured the town. Morgan's forces took 380 prisoners and material. Interview with a gentleman who was with Morgan's command, "They next made a dash on Mount Sterling, and captured four hundred of the enemy and large supplies of military and medical stores." Leaving a force here under Col. H. L. Giltner, Morgan moved west with his 2nd Brigade. Later, at night, several of Morgan's men went to the house of J. O. Miller, cashier of the Farmer's Bank, took the vault key from him and robbed the bank of $60,000. The money was never recovered. June 9, 1864 – US troops under General Stephen G. Burbridge, who were in pursuit of John Hunt Morgan's forces, attacked the Confederates under Col. R. M. Martin who were camped on Camargo Pike. CS Col. H. L. Giltner brought a force from Levee Road, but both were driven through Mount Sterling. The Confederates mounted a counter attack, but were repulsed and successfully driven out of town by Burbridge. Heavy losses were sustained on both sides. Union loss, 35 killed, 150 wounded. Total, 185. Union regiments involved: KENTUCKY--Battery "C" Light Arty.; 1st, 2d, 37th, 39th, 40th, 47th and 52d Infantry. MICHIGAN--11th Cavalry. OHIO--12th Cavalry. Oct. 10, 1864 - Union man James P. Holderby wrote from Mount Sterling, "This town is filled with mountain men who have been driven from their homes by Guerrillas. Some of them are buying property and will make this their permanent home ... It was certainly lucky for the mountain people that this place has been held by the Union Army." Oct. 17, 1864 - Burbridge's troops arrived at Mount Sterling on their return from the Saltville Expedition in Virginia. December 2, 1864 – A small force of guerrillas make a raid on Mount Sterling, Ky., capturing some prisoners and seizing stores, &c., from the citizens of the place. January 9 - February 15, 1865 - Scouts about Mount Sterling by the 11th Michigan Cavalry. January 19, 1865 - Col. S. B. Brown, 11th Michigan Cavalry, telegraphed from Mount Sterling, "Information received, deemed here reliable, that Peter Everett, with 200 or 300 men, contemplates attacking the railroad trains near Paris, for the purpose of taking the paymaster who they are informed is to pay the troops at Mount Sterling. They are reported to go down Licking and cross by Millersburg. We are in a bad fix now, seven rounds of cartridges to a man; not horses enough to mount ten besides the pickets. I sent 100 dismounted men to Flat Rock on the 17th instant. They discovered nothing in that vicinity. Can five or ten boxes of Spencer cartridges be forwarded to me from Lexington, to supply me until I obtain a supply on my requisition? The attack is to be made this afternoon or to-morrow." March 3, 1865 - A report from Frankfort, KY, "about six thousand mounted Confederates are in the vicinity of Mount Sterling, Kentucky." April 1865 – Commanding officer, US Forces, at Mt. Sterling to superiors, "We have seven guerrillas, some of them very bad men. If they could be hung at this place it might do some good." April 25, 1865 - Union dispatch from Mount Sterling, "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." US Gen. Hobson telegraphed his superior officer, "They want to come into Mount Sterling with flag. I have forbidden it, and directed to keep out strong pickets, and also no citizens to communicate. What terms will you allow them? Answer immediately." It was later reported that, "105 officers and 1,000 men of Morgan's old command recently surrendered to our forces, at Mt. Sterling." Bell House Union regiments stationed at Mount Sterling during the Civil War THIELMAN'S INDEPENDENT CAVALRY BATTALION (Ill.) Ordered to Mt. Sterling, Ky., February, 1864. 92nd Ill. REGIMENT INFANTRY. Moved to Mt. Sterling, Ky., November 1, 1862 until November 16, 1862. 112th Ill. REGIMENT INFANTRY. Duty at Mt. Sterling February 22 - April 6, 1864. 5th REGIMENT IND CAVALRY (90th REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS). March to Mt. Sterling, Ky., February 17-26, 1864. Duty at Mt. Sterling, Paris and Nicholasville, Ky., till May 1, 1864. 6th REGIMENT IND CAVALRY (71st REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS). Duty at Mt. Sterling and Nicholasville, Ky., till April 1864. 1st KY REGIMENT CAVALRY Moved to Mt. Sterling, Ky., February 17-26, 1864, and duty there reorganizing till April 1864. Ordered to Mt. Sterling, Ky., September 1864. 6th KY REGIMENT CAVALRY. 1st Battalion ordered to Mt. Sterling, Ky., December 9, 1862. Regiment concentrated at Lebanon, Ky., December, 1862. 10th KY REGIMENT CAVALRY. Duty about Mt. Sterling, Ky., and in the District of Central Kentucky, scouting and operating against guerrillas and protecting that part of the State, till September, 1863. Operations against Cluke's forces February 18 - March 5, 1863. Slate Creek, near Mt. Sterling, and Stoner's Bridge, February 24. Slate Creek, near Mt. Sterling, March 2. Operations against Pegram March 22-April 1. Mt. Sterling March 22. Operations against Everett's Raid in Eastern Kentucky June 13-23. Operations against Scott's forces July 25 - August 6. Duty at Mt. Sterling till September. (2nd Battalion served detached in District Eastern Kentucky. Expedition from Beaver Creek into Southwest Virginia July 3-11, 1863) Regiment mustered out September 17, 1863. 11th KY REGIMENT CAVALRY Moved to Mt. Sterling, Ky., February 3-12, and duty there till April, 1864. 12th KY REGIMENT CAVALRY Moved to Lebanon, Ky., February 3-12. At Mt. Sterling till April 1864 13th KY REGIMENT CAVALRY Ordered to Mt. Sterling September 16, 1864. Burbridge's Expedition into Southwest Virginia September 20-October 17, 1864. Saltsville, Va., October 2, 1864. At Mt. Sterling, Lexington and Crab Orchard, Ky., till December 17, 1864 14th KY REGIMENT CAVALRY. Companies "A," "B," "C" and "D" organized at Mt. Sterling. Ky., and mustered in November 6, 1862. SERVICE--Assigned to duty scouting in mountains of Eastern Kentucky and operating against guerrillas till January, 1864. Mt. Sterling March 22, 1863. Slate Creek, near Mt. Sterling, June 11, 1863. BATTERY "C" KY LIGHT ARTILLERY. At Mt. Sterling, Ky., till May 1864. Operations against Morgan May 31-June 30, 1864. Action at Mt. Sterling June 9, 1864. Mt. Sterling, District of Kentucky, to February, 1865. 1st KY REGIMENT INFANTRY Operations against Morgan's Invasion of Kentucky May 31-June 18, 1864. Mt. Sterling June 9. Mustered out June 18, 1864. 2nd REGIMENT KY INFANTRY. Operations against Morgan in Kentucky till June 19, 1864. Mt. Sterling June 9. Mustered out June 19, 1864. 11th REGIMENT KY INFANTRY Moved to Mt. Sterling, Ky., February, 1864. 18th REGIMENT KY INFANTRY. Operations in Kentucky against Morgan July 4-28, 1862. Mt. Sterling, July 29, 1862. 27th REGIMENT KY INFANTRY Ordered to Mt. Sterling, Ky., February, 1864. 37th REGIMENT KY MOUNTED INFANTRY. Operations against Morgan May 31-June 20, 1864. Mt. Sterling, June 9, 1864. 39th REGIMENT KY INFANTRY. Operations against Morgan May 31-June 20, 1864. Mt. Sterling June 9, 1864. 40th REGIMENT KY INFANTRY. Actions at Mt. Sterling December 3 and 10, 1863. Operations against Morgan May 31-June 20, 1864. Mt. Sterling June 9, 1864. 45th REGIMENT KY MOUNTED INFANTRY. At Mt. Sterling, Ky., and cover front from Cumberland Gap to Louisa till March, 1864. Operations against Morgan May 31-June 20, 1864. Mt. Sterling June 9, 1864. 47th REGIMENT KY MOUNTED INFANTRY. Operations against Morgan May 31-June 20, 1864. Mt. Sterling, June 9, 1864. 52nd REGIMENT KY MOUNTED INFANTRY Operations against Morgan May 31-June 20, 1864. Mt. Sterling, June 9, 1864. 21st REGIMENT Massachussetts INFANTRY At Mt. Sterling from April 3, 1863 until July 6, 1863. "The regiment was treated very kindly by the inhabitants; and a strong mutual feeling of respect and affection grew up between our men and the citizens. It has been well said that the 21st gained one of its greatest victories during those three pleasant inactive months at Mount Sterling; for they taught a people, many of whom had been born into a bitter prejudice against "Yankees," to regard Massachussetts troops with confidence, respect, and love. Twice, when it had been ordered away, it was retained on petitions to the commanding general signed by the inhabitants unanimously." 35th REGIMENT Massachussetts INFANTRY. Moved to Mt. Sterling April 3, 1863 and remained until May 6, 1863. 8th REGIMENT Michigan CAVALRY Moved to Hickman's Bridge, Ky., June 1-4, 1863 and to Mt. Sterling, Ky. Attached to 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army Corps, to July, 1863. March to Mt. Sterling, Ky., February 6-24, 1864 and duty there till June 3, 1864. 9th REGIMENT Michigan CAVALRY Moved to Hickman's Bridge, Ky., June 1-4, 1863 and to Mr. Sterling, Ky. Attached to 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, to August, 1863. Operations against Morgan May 31 - June 20, 1864 (Detachment). Mt. Sterling June 9, 1864. 11th REGIMENT Michigan CAVALRY. Pursuit of Morgan May 25-June 20, 1864. Mt. Sterling June 9, 1864. Operations against guerrillas near Mt. Sterling till November 17, 1864. Jan. 9-Feb. 15, 1865, Scouts about Mount Sterling. BATTERY "L" 1st REGIMENT Michigan LIGHT ARTILLERY. Moved to Camp Nelson, Ky., June 4; thence to Mt. Sterling, Ky., June 12. Attached to Artillery, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, Dept. of the Ohio, to September, 1863. Reconnoissance from Mr. Sterling, Ky., Bridge June 16. Moved to Lebanon, Ky., July 4. 21st NY REGIMENT INFANTRY At Mt. Sterling from April 3, 1863 until July 6, 1863. 51st NY REGIMENT INFANTRY--"SHEPARD RIFLES. Moved to Mt. Sterling, Ky., April 3, 1863 until May 6, 1863. 2nd REGIMENT OH CAVALRY Mt. Sterling, Ky., March 19, 1863 (3rd Battalion). Owensville March 31, 1863. 7th REGIMENT OH CAVALRY--"RIVER REGIMENT." Regiment participated in operations in Central Kentucky against Cluke's forces February 18 - March 5, 1863. Slate Creek near Mt. Sterling, February 24 and March 2. 12th REGIMENT OH CAVALRY Operations against Morgan's Invasion of Kentucky May 31-June 20, 1864. Action at Mt. Sterling, Ky., June 9. BATTERY "D" 1st REGIMENT OH LIGHT ARTILLERY Moved to Mt. Sterling, Ky., October 1-10, 1861. Attached to Nelson's Command, Mt. Sterling, Ky., to December, 1861. 44th REGIMENT OH INFANTRY Operations in Central Kentucky against Cluke's forces February 18 - March 5, 1863. Action at Slate Creek, near Mr. Sterling, February 24. Stoner's Bridge February 24, 1863. 45th REGIMENT OH INFANTRY At Cumberland Gap till February 8, 1864. At Mt. Sterling, Ky., till April 6, 1864, when dismounted. 185th REGIMENT OH INFANTRY Skirmish in Bath County, Ky., March 26, 1865. Garrisoned Mt. Sterling, Shelbyville, LaGrange, Greensboro, Cumberland Gap, etc. (1865) INDEPENDENT BATTERY "D" PA LIGHT ARTILLERY.("DURRELL'S.") At Paris, Mt. Sterling, Richmond, Lancaster, Crab Orchard and Stanford, Ky., till June 1863. 51st REGIMENT PA INFANTRY Moved to Mount Sterling April 3, 1863, until May 6, 1863. 1st BATTALION TN LIGHT ARTILLERY, BATTERY "E." Duty in District of North Central Kentucky, at Booneville, Camp Nelson, Flemingsburg, Mt. Sterling and Paris, December, 1863, to April, 1864 Links of Interest Montgomery County Historical Society Visit the Civil War exhibit "Cross Roads of Conflict" Historical Downtown Mt. Sterling Walking Tour Map Map includes pictures and information about various sites. Patten-Everett House Home of Samuel and Henrietta Everett, Captain Peter M. Everett's parents. Researched, compiled and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, July 2011. This specific article is under full copyright. Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved.