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

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

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

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

Plummers Mill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casualties

Union

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

Confederate

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

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

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

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

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

Edmond Roberts - captured June 25, 1863, Kentucky

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas Moss, blacksmith - not captured, no further information  

Henderson Cornett, blacksmith - not captured, no further information

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

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

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

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

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

 S. D. STURGIS, 

Brigadier-General.

 General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE. 

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

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

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

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

Lists of prisoners from Lexington, including Everett's men

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

Old Russell Court House

CAMP OLD RUSSELL COURT-HOUSE, VA.,

June 23, 1863.

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

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

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

I am, general, yours, most respectfully,

 P. M. EVERETT, 

Captain, Commanding Detachment.

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

List of Federal forces in Kentucky.

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

[INDORSEMENT.]

Knoxville, July 16, 1863.

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

Respectfully,

 S. B. BUCKNER, 

Major-General, Commanding.

Southern papers praised Everett as "Mosby Rivaled." 

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

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

General Orders,}

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

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

By order of Brigadier-General Sturgis:

Wm. S. King

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General

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

Further Reading 

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

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

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

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

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

After receiving reports of the skirmishes between the 14th Kentucky Cavalry and Everett at Olympian Springs and Howard's Mill, Major-General Ambrose E. Burnside, commander of the Department of the Ohio, telegraphed Union authorities at Maysville and Catlettsburg, warning them of impending danger by Everett's forces. 

JUNE 14, 1863

Colonel BRADFORD* or 

Captain [J. C.] BIERBOWER,** 

Maysville, Ky.: 

A force of the enemy is reported near Mount Sterling, and may attempt an attack on Maysville. Let Captain Bierbower's men be on the alert. Telegraph me all you may learn of their movements. 

 A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. 

 * Colonel Dr. Joshua Taylor Bradford 

** James C. Bierbower, Lt. Co. H, 10th KY Cav. 

JUNE 14, 1863

Commanding Officer, Louisa, Ky., via Catlettsburg: 

It is reported that a considerable force of the enemy is now near Mount Sterling, and may attempt to go out by way of Grayson. Be on the alert, and do not allow any of your forces to be surprised. 

 A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. 

Burnside also sent the following telegram to Brigadier General Samuel D. Sturgis, his chief of cavalry, in Lexington. 

JUNE 14, 1863. 

Brigadier-General STURGIS, Lexington, Ky.: 

Send word to Colonel [S. R.] Mott and Colonel Pierce to notify their railroad guards, &c., to be constantly on the alert, and watch against any surprise. The movement of General White from Louisa, which I spoke to you of, will render it impossible to send cavalry from there to intercept the enemy. Colonel De Courcy must manage them himself. 

 A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. 

Colonel John Fitzroy DeCourcy
Image from Emerging Civil War

Colonel John F. DeCourcy did not have to be asked twice. At first it was feared that Everett would attack Mt. Sterling. As the threat did not materialize, the next course of action was to find and capture him and his men, if possible. In his usual energetic fashion, Colonel DeCourcy went to work immediately in securing reinforcements. By eleven o'clock p.m. on June 13, 1863, the first troops were on their way. The 8th and 9th Michigan Cavalry broke camp at Hickman Bridge and took up their line of march for Mt. Sterling, "marching night and day, and only halting to rest and feed our animals.." They were accompanied by two six-pounders from Battery "L" 1st Michigan Light Artillery (aka 11th Battery, Michigan Artillery), Captain Charles J. Thompson, commanding. A second section of artillery was mobilized at Camp Nelson and ordered to Mt. Sterling. It consisted of two mountain howitzers from the 1st Independent East Tennessee Battery (aka 1st Battalion Tennessee Light Artillery, Battery B) under the command of Captain Robert Clay Crawford. The following day, June 14, 1863, two battalions of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry left Richmond, Kentucky, and embarked on their ride to Mt. Sterling. 

While preparations were underway at Mt. Sterling, Everett allowed his men some desperately needed rest after his tour de force of over sixty miles during the previous day. As June 14th dawned, his force prepared for their next strike ... Maysville. Handsome, delightful, attractive - that's how Maysville was described in Lippincott's Pronouncing Gazetteer of 1859. The town was an important place of business in north-east Kentucky. It boasted 2 steam-cotton factories, 2 iron foundries, 5 rope-walks, 12 manufactories of ploughs, and 5 manufactories of coaches and wagons. The elegant brick buildings that lined the river front and the well paved streets reflected the wealth of the town and its 7000 citizens. Maysville also had 2 banks, 2 large seminaries besides the public schools, and printing-offices that published 4 newspapers. In regard to business and population, Maysville ranked fourth in Kentucky. A raid on the town promised a large return. 

Although Flemingsburg and Maysville are less than 20 miles apart, Everett's force did not make an appearance until the evening of June 14, 1863. On their way to Maysville, Everett's men were "stealing all the horses they could find on the way and everything else that could be of any service to them." 

Despite proper advance warning, Union authorities were inexplicably ill prepared when Everett's men dashed into town at sundown. "At about seven o'clock they rode boldly and yelling into Maysville, occupying the city so suddenly that it was some time before the people knew who they were. If they had dropped from the clouds, the great mass of the citizens could not have been more completely surprised, as the most of them would have sworn that there was not an armed party of rebels within a hundred miles, and they were entirely unprepared to receive such unwelcome guests," noted one of the citizens. Another eye witness stated that, "They came in on a full charge, weapons drawn and shouting loudly. They reported that they did this, expecting a fight, having understood, they said, that the town was fortified and garrisoned by a strong force." However, Everett "found only a garrison of 50 men defending the place. - These were soon disposed of." 

River Front and Steamboat Landing at Maysville
Floodwall Mural

Everett's forces immediately took possession of all the streets and picketed the roads leading out of town to prevent anyone from leaving the city to give the alarm. A guard was placed around both banks - Bank of Kentucky and Farmer's Bank - "by order of Robert J. Breckenridge." 

Several citizens were arrested and put under guard for a short time but released without further infliction. It was noted that, "Their officers made special inquiries after Mr. Wadsworth and other citizens, whom they had intended to carry off with them as hostages for certain gentlemen who had incurred rebel ill will, but luckily the most of them had made a timely disappearance. They succeeded in capturing Captain Clarke, our efficient Provost Marshal, whom they insisted upon paroling; but upon his positively refusing to make any pledges, at the solicitation of citizens of secession proclivities they released him unconditionally. We are indebted for their clemency in this respect to the fact that the secession residents impressed upon them the idea that twelve of themselves would be held as hostages for every Union man whom they forced from their homes." 

Under the impression that the upper wharf boat and a small propeller lying alongside (having been used in carrying and storing government supplies) were public property, the rebels immediately, "made a break for the wharf-boat and propeller belonging to James Love with the intention of burning both of them, but they were persuaded to desist by some of the secession citizens whose remonstrances kept them from many deeds of violence, the prevailing argument always being that such acts would render uncomfortable the position of their own friends who had heretofore been treated with forebearance." James Love, who was a Government Agent, made a very narrow escape by throwing two rifles into the river and jumping down into the hold of his screw-propeller. 

Despite the presence of rebels in their midst, "the citizens went about the city as usual until 11 o'clock, after which hour no one was permitted to appear on the streets." Everett's men "camped in the streets, sleeping on the pavements, their bridle reins on their arms, and feeding their horses on curbstones." Everett determined to remain overnight, "where himself and command were received with many manifestations of hospitality - more especially by the ladies." 

Mechanics' Row, Maysville
Located near the First Presbyterian Church and City Hall

Locals noted how "They appeared to have a surprising knowledge of men, places and antecedent local facts, which is to be accounted for by the fact, that quite a number of them had been born and raised here." Late in the night Everett's men began robbing some of the stores, "which were pointed out to them by John Sparks, a young man who was raised in the place, and who has been acting the sneak and spy for some time past." They entered several stores "to get shoes, clothing, arms, &c., to which they helped themselves to a considerable extent, paying for some in greenbacks, for some in confederate paper, and taking off a good deal without paying any thing." 

Ad for Blum & Heckinger, June 1863

Joseph B. Dessar, clothing store, clothes and hats valued at $2000-$4000; they also broke into his private room and stole his gold spectacles and shirt buttons 

Blum & Heckinger, clothing store, shoes and boots valued at $1,200-$2,500 

Anderson & Andrews, hardware store, articles valued at $400-$$500 

Burgess & Son, dry goods store, merchandise valued at $500-$600 

Milton Culbertson's livery stable, completely stripping the stable plus taking the horses, valued at $2,500 

Jackson & Wilson, livery stable, two horses valued at $200 

Mr. White, shoe store, articles valued at $60

Ad for M. R. Burgess & Son, June 1863

George Arthur of a horse, valued at $125 

Burgess of a horse, valued at $250 

Dr. McGranaghan of a horse, valued at $250 

Dick Dawson of one horse

Hamilton Gray's, of articles to the value of $700 

Thomas K. Ball faired better than others. He owned and operated a livery stable on Third Street, between Plum and Limestone. Ball managed to remove nine horses to prevent their loss at the hands of Everett's men. They were taken across the Ohio River to near Aberdeen, in Adams County, Ohio, in care of Benjamin F. Wiles. 

It was estimated that the rebels seized some twenty horses, in addition to some thirty Government horses from a company that was being raised in town, making in all more than fifty horses. 

The rebels also confiscated valuable fire arms from private citizens, including all the fine Colt rifles they could find which were highly sought after. One citizen reported that, "One chivalrous young gentleman, Joseph Frank by name, (a graduate of Bethany College, and a son of a citizen of substance, also a secessionist, who keeps and owns a stove and tin store,) visited the house of Mr. Harvey Franklin, a Union man, in his absence, and placing a pistol at the head of Mrs. Franklin, demanded her husband's revolving rifle. She delivered it up to the noble youth, who handed it over to the enemies of his country." Her husband escaped capture by swimming the river a little below the town. 

They demanded of the Postmaster the money in his hands due the United States, for which he was receipted. John M. Stockton, postmaster of Maysville from 1861-1883, was a brother-in-law of General William "Bull" Nelson (wife Matilda S. Nelson). "A young ruffian rejoicing in the name of Joseph Clay Styles Blackburn, an aid to General Preston, robbed the Postmaster of $70 in money, and also of the fine revolver presented to General Nelson by Colonel Colt. He also cursed and otherwise abused Mr. Stockton while that gentleman was in the custody of his men."

"Early Monday morning, they broke into the city hall where they found a six-pounder cannon (Everett claimed that it was a 12-pounder) which was spiked." Also destroyed were all the Home Guard muskets, 30 in number, which were broken up on the street in front of the building.

City Hall, Maysville

It was estimated that Everett robbed the citizens of $16,000 in goods and money, and destroyed and took away Government property to the amount of $4000. The Maysville Bulletin noted, "We have heard the accounts so variously estimated, that we forbear to state them, the more especially as we learn that a Committee is investigating the matter, with the view of relieving the sufferers by the avails of a subscription which is commendably going forward for that purpose." Everett reported that he, "captured 50 United States horses, some 330 guns, and 25 pistols. Among the guns were some 150 new Enfield rifles belonging to a company in progress of formation. I also captured at Maysville one piece of artillery (a 12-pounder) belonging formerly to General Zollicoffer, which I spiked and left. The small-arms were broken up, and the Government horses supplied the place of broken-down horses in my command." According to the Richmond Enquirer, Everett, "mustered into the Confederate service, at Uncle Sam's expense, 50 horses, saddles, sabres and pistols."

As the sun was slowly rising over "La Belle Rivière" on Monday morning, June 15, 1863, a sort of desultory firing commenced from Aberdeen, across the Ohio River. Some of the musket balls struck houses, but doing no other damage. A single round from a few rebel muskets put a stop to this. After receiving news from some "trusty friends" that Burnside's "whole army" was on their tracks, Everett decided it was time to leave Maysville. Between 7 and 8 o'clock, having secured the captured horses and the rest of the booty, the rebels broke for the mountains and marched out of the city eastward, taking the Orangeburg/Mt. Carmel pike. When they had reached the upper end of East Maysville, they were fired upon from the other side of the river, to which they responded by a few shots, without halting, no damage being done on either side. Some ten rebels remained in town for several hours, and were "swaggering around the streets, defy(ing) any one to harm them, saying, if they do, they will bring in six or seven hundred of their soldiers, who are not very far out."

At 10 o'clock in the morning, the steamboat Ingomar landed at Maysville. One of the passengers noted, "We were told by parties on the bank a few miles above the town that the secesh were in Maysville. We went ahead, nevertheless ... The Union citizens are perfectly helpless, having neither arms or organization. They have news there that 700 rebels will be in town yet to-day, who are coming down the Flemingsburg Pike. We brought away the wharf-boat and landed it, for safety, a few miles below, on the Ohio side. There is much excitement in town. Large numbers of women and children were gathered on the banks when we left."

After being informed of the debacle at Maysville, Burnside believed that there may be a chance Everett would attempt to move out of Eastern Kentucky by way of Big Sandy. Accordingly, he alerted the commanding officer at Louisa.

JUNE, 15, 1863.

Commanding Officer,  Louisa, Ky., via Catlettsburg:

The rebel force has moved off from Maysville, in your direction, 200 or 300 strong. Be on the alert, and attend to them, if possible.

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General.

According to local reports, Everett's forces were sighted at Mt. Gilead late the same evening. He then passed the neighborhood of Mt. Carmel, "which they robbed and plundered according to their usual custom." Everett claimed that it was here that he encountered another party of Home Guards. "On returning from Maysville I dispersed an organization of Home Guards, under Col. Charles Marshall, at Mount Carmel. Said organization numbered about 170 men." No other report of this engagement seems to have survived and no further details are known.  

 

Meanwhile at Mt. Sterling, Colonel DeCourcy's preparations were well under way. During the night of June 14, 1863, the 8th and 9th Michigan Cavalry arrived, accompanied by the two six-pounders of the 11th Michigan Battery. It is not known when the mountain howitzers of the 1st Independent East Tennessee Battery joined the troops at Mt. Sterling. The last portion of DeCourcy's reinforcements, the 10th Kentucky Cavalry, entered the town during the early morning hours of Monday, June 15, 1863. Having made a long march of sixty-four miles within 24 hours, and being without provisions for horses or men, it was necessary to spend Monday in preparations for the trip to the mountains. In the evening, DeCourcy dispatched the 10th Kentucky Cavalry in direction of Flemingsburg and Maysville, with instructions "to discover the whereabouts of the enemy, and if he had returned from Maysville to follow and endeavor to push him toward Morehead." The remainder of DeCourcy's force would soon follow. 

Further Reading

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

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

John Fitzroy DeCourcy - Soldier's Profile 

From the excellent website of the 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Homepage

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