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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Provost Marshals Office

Mt. Sterling Ky March 20th 1863

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

Sanford Allen

The penalty for violating this parole is death.

Attest

Saml McKee  Capt.

+ Provost Marshal

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

Sanford Allen Parole

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

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

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

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

Sharpsburg Bath Co. Ky. June 22d 1863

Col. R. S. Cluke             }

Commanding forces       }

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

Col.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharpsburg June 23. 1863

Genl Hartsuff

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

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

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

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

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

Will he be permitted to do it. Please answer

Very respectfully yours

Joshua Barnes

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

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

Col. R. S. Cluke

Comdg 7th

Dear Sir

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

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

Wm. Little

June 22, 1863

William Little letter to Cluke

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

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

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

Cincinnati Commercial, July 8, 1863

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

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

The 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.

Scouting Eastern Kentucky - A Letter from the 6th Indiana Cavalry

Mt. Sterling, situated in Montgomery County, Kentucky, on the state road leading from Pound Gap to central Kentucky, was long considered the gateway between the Appalachian Mountains and the Bluegrass. The town's strategic location made it an ideal base for Union Army operations. A number of cavalry units were station in Mt. Sterling throughout the war who went on scouting expedition into the mountainous areas of Eastern Kentucky. Some of these units had just been mustered into the service and therefore lacked experience in operating in such a difficult terrain. However, what the men may have lacked in experience, they managed to make up with enthusiasm which, more often than not, produced results.

United States Cavalry Scouts
"The soldier in our Civil War - a pictorial history of the conflict, 1861-1865"

One of these units was the 6th Indiana Cavalry. The regiment was organized at Indianapolis on February 23, 1863, from the 71st Indiana Infantry. The regiment left Indiana for Kentucky on August 26, 1863 and were stationed at Mt. Sterling from September 2, 1863 until the beginning of November 1863. 

A soldier of the 6th Indiana Cavalry, only known by his initials L. S. J., sent a rather detailed account of one of their scouting expeditions to the Indianapolis Daily Journal which is given in full below. 

LETTER FROM THE 6TH INDIANA CAVALRY.

HD. QUS. 2D BATTALION, 6TH IND. CAVALRY,

MOUNT STERLING, KY, Sept. 15, 1863

ED. JOURNAL: As there appears to be but few correspondents from this section of the country, I propose giving a few items relative to the events as they have transpired since our arrival at the above-mentioned place. -

There might be a great deal written of things that have transpired here. I presume there is no place East or West where the horrors of war have been felt more than here. -

It's true there have been no large armies in the country disputing their right of possession, as there has been in many places, but it has been the scene of something more terrible. It has been infested by prowling bands of guerrillas, murderers and incendiaries, who have been preying upon the helpless and old, almost at their leisure. No one knows the suffering of mind and body of the people through here, except those who live here. The life of no one is safe. No man's property is his, for on any night it may be taken from him by a band of desperadoes. -

The headquarters of the 71st Regiment has been here since the 2d inst. The duties of the regiment have been rather hard, but I think not altogether devoid of benefit.

A detachment of 250 men, consisting of companies F, I, D and G, commanded by Lieut. Col. Matson, left camp on the 10th to make a scout some thirty or forty miles from here, where there was reported to be a force of guerrillas pillaging the country. Being the first trip of the kind since "drawing" our horses, it was interesting in the extreme. The first night's travel - it being dark when the battalion left - was ten miles, which tested the endurance of some men effectually. Next morning there was considerable complaining of soreness of bones, which, however, soon wore off as the blood began to circulate.

Next morning, about 8 P.M., found us in Owingsville, a small town on a very large hill. It is rather a nice little place, having some very nice buildings in it and pretty well provided with nice shade trees. The appearance of the "blue coats" seemed to be a great relief to inhabitants, and fair women and brave men were seen from every window and corner. I will here mention that the countenances of the people through this portion of Kentucky are a very poor index to their real sentiments and feelings. The most contemptible of rebels, the guerrilla, will meet you and talk as though they were as true and loyal to their country as those they were talking to. But too much by the way of digression -

About thirty miles farther down on the Licking river we heard of the approach of 700 to 800 rebels. The truthfulness of the report seemed to be indisputable, as it had been brought by those who were fleeing before them for dear life. It is always an easy matter to tell when a force is coming into Kentucky - from the droves of cattle, horses and mules that are taken beyond the Ohio river for safe keeping. Our colonel was not long deciding what to do. The order was given to move on them at once, although their reported force was about three to our one. But we were sorry to learn as we advanced that their force gradually diminished, until there remained nothing but a small band of guerrillas. That night we encamped where they had been that day. 

Next day, scouting parties, consisting of companies F and I, started in different directions, as they had learned the guerrillas had gone. Some ten miles from camp, at a little place by the name of Morehead, in the direction company F was going, it was found that ten guerrillas had just passed before the arrival of the company. In Morehead they had entered several houses, taking what suited them, and passed ahead to West Liberty to do likewise. At Morehead, they had taken from an old man $21, the last cent of money he had. They had learned of his selling a little tobacco a few days before, and, like the eagle in search of its prey, they came upon him, and, holding a revolver at his head, made him tell where his money was. They had taken a horse, also, from a man living close to town, which, however, was recaptured from them a short time after they had taken it.

From this place they were pursued as fast as horses could go until they were overtaken some eight miles east. It appears they knew nothing of our approach, and had been sauntering along at their leisure, stopping here and there as they thought they might get something of value. The advance guard, consisting of seven men, soon came up to them. The guerrillas did not know of their presence until the crack of the carbine, which they fear so much, told them of their danger. They were completely surprised, and in ten minutes they were fleeing to the mountains. They had but little time to shoot if they had felt so disposed. As they numbered one third more than those that charged upon them, they might have resisted successfully if they had tried. But it is not their intention to fight - it is for profit and gain.

The result was one prisoner, who was made to come to by a shot in the arm, and two horses, besides hats and numerous specimens of other articles which they had taken in their route. Company I was also successful in their scout, and (and) treated them with due respect. They had heard of some thirty or forty of these fellows some twenty miles distant, making their way towards West Liberty, which seems to be a favorite resort for all guerrillas in this part of Kentucky. They were formed on Little Sandy, the band commanded by a Lieutenant named Bumgardner. When they were overtaken they were coolly partaking of a dinner which they had forced a Union man to provide for them. They were like the former squad "unconscious of their danger." The pursuing party could be seen from the house where they were near half a mile off. As soon as the advance saw them they lost no time in coming up with them, and before the guerrillas could get their horses the shot was coming thick and fast into them. Like all of their kind they flew in every direction, taking to the mountains and secreting themselves like young partridges.

The charge resulted in taking six prisoners, killing two and wounding two or three who will die, besides capturing eight horses. To say the least of this charge, it was rather a bold dash, and the certainty of success was decidedly against them, but the Hoosier boys are known even down in these mountain fastness, their yell and crack of their guns are ominous of something dangerous. It is the general opinion these guerrillas will infest these mountains and hollows a long while before they can be gotten out. It is such a poor country it would be impossible to quarter a force sufficient to keep them out. This is the nearest point where troops can be kept and provided for, which is some 40 miles from where these desperadoes visit so often. Col. Biddle has not yet got here; he has gone with a small detachment to Tennessee. The 71st does not anticipate any danger in the future, all it asks is a fair chance and its name will be as unsullied as any regiment that has left Indiana.

L. S. J.

Links of Interest

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

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

Was there a "Battle of Hillsboro" on October 8, 1861? A critical analysis

The Battle at Hillsboro took place in Fleming County, Kentucky on October 8, 1861. Or did it?

Dyer's Compendium lists the engagement as follows:

Oct. 8: Skirmish, Hillsborough

KENTUCKY--Flemingsburg Home Guard. Union loss, 3 killed, 2 wounded. Total, 5.

It is also mentioned in various publications, beginning in 1863.

• The National Almanac and Annual Record, 1863, p. 61
• The Rebellion Record: Sept. '61-Jany. '62 (A Diary of American Events, with Documents, Narratives ... Etc, Volume 3 (1866), by Frank Moore; G.P. Putnam,  p. 171
• The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion (1861-65): pt. 1. Surgical history; United States. Surgeon-General's Office, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1870, p. 38 (XXXVIII)
• Manual of the Civil War and Key to the Grand Army of the Republic and Kindred Societies, by J. Worth Carnahan, U.S. Army and Navy Historical Association, 1899, p. 150 
• Chronological and Alphabetical Record of the Engagements of the Great Civil War with the Casualties on Both Sides and Full and Exhaustive Statistics and Tables of the Army and Navy, Military Prisons, National Cemeteries, Etc., Etc., Caxton Press, 1904,  p. 105 
• The Union Army: Cyclopedia of battles; Federal Publishing Company, 1908, p. 499

The Hillsboro engagement is also listed on the website of the National Park Service, on their Kentucky Battles page, using Dyer's Compendium as their source.

However, there seem to be doubts whether the "Battle of Hillsboro" actually took place at all. It began with a letter penned by John G. Baxter, a business man from Louisville who manufactured stoves and tinware. 

John G. Baxter
Portrait by George Dury, 1871
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

Baxter's letter appeared in the Cincinnati Commercial on October 11, 1861: 

FLEMINGSBURG, OCT. 9, 1861.

"EDS. COM. Our town was the theatre of great excitement, yesterday evening, upon the arrival of a messenger from Hillsboro stating that a company of rebels (300 strong) under command of Capt. Holliday, of Nicholas county, were advancing upon Hillsboro, for the purpose, it is supposed, of burning the place and also of attacking this place. Lieut. Sadler and Sergeant Dudley were dispatched immediately, at the head of 50 Home Guards, to intercept them. We found the enemy encamped about two miles beyond Hillsboro, in a barn belonging to Col. Davis, a leading traitor in this county. Our men opened fire upon them, causing them to fly in all directions. The engagement lasted about twenty minutes, in which they lost eleven killed, twenty-nine wounded, and twenty-two prisoners. We took, also, 127 Enfield rifles, besides a large number of sabres, pistols, bowie-knives, and cavalry accoutrements. Our loss was three killed and two wounded, as follows: James B. Davis, Julius Herrick, Charles Burnes, killed; and Thomas B. Smith, (banker,) S. Saloman, wounded. The prisoners were brought to this place and forwarded to Camp Kenton, under guard. The Maysville Home Guards were ordered to assist us, but they arrived too late.

Yours, &c.,

John G. Baxter.

P.S. - I was present. J. G. B."

Cincinnati Daily Press
October 11, 1861

News of the Hillsboro engagement quickly spread across the country. Numerous newspapers re-published the letter, including the Tri-Weekly Kentucky Yeoman, Cincinnati Daily Press, Chicago Daily Tribune, New York Times and New York Herald as well as the Richmond Daily Dispatch. It also appeared in newspapers in Nevada, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Only days later, the Maysville Eagle responded to the letter, denying its validity. "The Cincinnati Commercial of Friday contains a letter giving an account of an imaginary fight near Hillsboro, Fleming county. No information concerning such a skirmish has reached this place, and the editor has been sadly hoaxed."

On November 15, 1861, the Cincinnati Daily Press noted that "The reported Union victory near Hillsboro, in Fleming County, an account of which we copied from the Commercial a few days ago, is contradicted by persons who left Flemingsburg two days after the engagement is said to have taken place." 

A correspondence from Frankfort, Kentucky, dated October 13, 1861, informed the readers of the St. Louis Daily Missouri Republican on October 15, 1861, of the Hillsboro fight. What followed was in essence a copy of Baxter's letter, as "told by a man who was in the battle."

 The Daily Missouri Republican
October 15, 1861

On October 18, 1861, the Louisville Daily Democrat republished the article from the St. Louis paper and noted, "A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial wrote a few days ago of a skirmish at or near Hillsboro, Fleming county, Kentucky. The Maysville Eagle contradicted it, but we find it so circumstantially reasserted in the Frankfort correspondence of the St. Louis Republican, under date of the 13th, that we presume there must be some truth in it."

Yet another account appeared on October 29, 1861 in the Philadelphia Press. It is noteworthy because it seems to be an individual report and not based on Baxter's letter. It was written a week after the Hillsboro engagement. Within days after the Hillsboro fight, Gen. William "Bull" Nelson had left Camp Kenton in Mason County and was on the move against the Confederates at Prestonsburg. His troops began arriving at Flemingsburg on October 16 and departed on October 18, 1861. During their stay, the story about the fight at Hillsboro was shared with them. 

The correspondent of the Philadelphia Press, either a soldier or one of the civilians who were accompanying Nelson's troops, noted that Flemingsburg's "leading citizens favor the cause of the Union most heartily, and the yeomanry of the county are devoted to the cause of the country. They have in the county a Home Guard of full five hundred, who crushed out Secession wherever it exists or crops out. A Sergeant Dudley, son of a celebrated hotel keeper in Flemingsburg, recently, at the head of sixty of these Home Guards, put hors du combat a large number of Secessionists from Nicholas, an adjoining county, completely dispersing the entire band of two hundred who "had come over the border" to overawe the Union sentiment of "Old Fleming." 

The fact that we have two separate accounts of the incident lends enough credibility to the thought that some type of engagement actually did take place at Hillsboro on October 8, 1861. It also warrants a closer examination of the reports in hopes of gaining additional insights, despite the scarcity of records for the early days of the Civil War which make it difficult to ascertain the exact truth. 

According to Baxter's account, the Confederates encamped "about two miles beyond Hillsboro, in a barn belonging to Col. Davis, a leading traitor in this county." Col. Davis was Francis Reno Davis (1805-1874), a wealthy land owner who, with his wife Evaline Markwell and children, operated a 450 acre farm on Locust Creek. Also living on Davis' farm was his 42 year old male slave who did not share quarters with the Davis family but had a house to himself. Although we do not know the exact location of the barn, Davis' house, which is still standing today, is located a little over a mile north of Hillsboro.

The Francis R. Davis home

In 1861, Davis owned 19 horses, 21 cattle, 1 jack, 55 hogs, and a large number of sheep. The farm produced 12 tons of hay, 1000 bushels corn, and 450 bushels wheat, aside from Irish and sweet potatoes, beans and peas and 300 pounds of butter. A large grove of sugar maple trees on the hill in back of the house, now known as Sugar Camp Hill, produced 200 pounds of maple syrup in 1860.  Davis' farm was certainly large enough to sustain a military force for at least a few days and would have been an ideal location for a camp.

View of the Davis Farm

Francis R. Davis, who Baxter referred to as "rebel traitor," may have been a Southern sympathizer, contrary to his brother Elias P. Davis who lived in Carter County and was a staunch Union supporter. In 1862, Francis' son Elias G. Davis (1833-1912) supplied the Confederate Army with shoes. The following year, he joined Co. B, 10th Kentucky Cavalry (Diamond's) as private. Son William Davis is thought to have served in the 2nd Battalion, Kentucky Mounted Rifles, Company B, as corporal. He enlisted in October of 1862 in Fleming County. 

Receipt for 19 pairs of shoes received from Elias G. Davis
Dated October 10, 1862

A closer look at the Confederate losses leaves doubts as to the truth of Baxter's account. He claimed that the rebels suffered "eleven killed, twenty-nine wounded, and twenty-two prisoners." Although it is difficult to verify the number of deaths or wounded, if any, this doesn't necessarily apply to the number of prisoners. As a rule, captured prisoners were taken to the nearest Union camp to be processed and then sent off to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio. In this case, the prisoners would have been sent to Camp Kenton at Maysville in neighboring Mason County, as was claimed in Baxter's letter. From Maysville, captured prisoners were forwarded by steamboat to Cincinnati and lodged in the City Barracks (also referred to as Asylum City Barracks) on Elm Street. After a few days at the barracks, the prisoners made the trip by train to Camp Chase. Unfortunately, no 1861 records for the City Barracks have survived. However, the Cincinnati newspapers kept track of newly "Secesh" prisoners, coming and going, especially if there was a larger number of them - but there is no record of 22 prisoners captured at Hillsboro. 

On October 10, 1861, 7 prisoners arrived at Cincinnati from Maysville, in charge of Deputy US Marshal Davis and assisted by a detachment of the Mason County Home Guards. None of the prisoners had been taken at Hillsboro. On October 21, 1861, 14 prisoners were held at the City Barracks, 11 of which had been sent from Maysville but had no connection to the Hillsboro engagement. Camp Chase records confirm the arrival of the 14 prisoners. The records do not mention any prisoners at Camp Chase who had been captured at Hillsboro on October 8, 1861. 

The Confederate commander was Captain John Buckner Holladay (1824-1897), a Mexican War veteran who had served as 2. Lieutenant in Co. E, 3rd Kentucky Volunteers. He was a State Representative from 1851-1853. In 1860, he was the Sheriff of Nicholas County and lived near Carlisle with his mother-in-law's family. After the war, he was elected sheriff of Bourbon County and served as mayor of Paris, Kentucky.

According to Baxter, Holladay had about 300 men in his command at Hillsboro and sustained an aggregate loss of 62 men. Assuming there were desertions after the fight, it would still place Holladay's force at around 200. 

Considering the Philadelphia Press account instead, Holladay had about 200 men under his command when he made his foray into Fleming County. Taking the losses given and possible desertions into account, it would place Holliday's force at around 100 men. 

Two weeks after the engagement at Hillsboro, Holladay proceeded with his men to Prestonsburg to enroll into the Confederate service. He served as Captain in Co. D, 1st Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles. Holladay noted later in a letter to Confederate authorities that he had 103 men in his command, all organized and ready for the service, when he took up the line of march to Prestonsburg on October 22, 1861. 

Letter written by Captain Holladay
August 26, 1862

When we examine the losses on the Union side, the facts are much clearer...and Baxter's claims do not hold water. He stated that the Fleming Home Guards lost "three killed and two wounded, as follows: James B. Davis, Julius Herrick, Charles Burnes, killed; and Thomas B. Smith, (banker,) S. Saloman, wounded." However, neither Davis, Herrick or Burnes were killed. 

The "Killed"

James B. Davis was born about 1834, the son of John W. Davis and Ann Cunningham. Davis was still very much alive on July 1, 1863 when he was enumerated in the Kentucky Civil War Draft Registration, 9th Congressional District, 7th sub-district. He was 29 years old, married and worked as a stage driver. 

Julius Herrick was born on May 17, 1836 in Randolph, Vermont, the son of Lorenzo D. Herrick and Zilpha A Haskins. He graduated from Yale in 1856. Herrick moved to Kentucky and was listed on July 1, 1863 in the Kentucky Draft Registration, 9th Congressional District, 7th sub-district. He was 27 years old and by profession a lawyer. On February 5, 1864, Herrick married Nancy Mary Jane "Nannie" Baxter, daughter of William Baxter and Jemima Johnson, in Fleming County, Kentucky. She was a personal acquaintance of James J. Andrews, of Andrews' Raiders fame, and was mentioned in his letter dated June 6, 1862, from Chattanooga prison two days before his execution. Julius Herrick died on September 14, 1914 at Chicago, Illinois.

Charles Burnes (aka Charles Henry Burns), the son of Alvin Burns, was born on November 5, 1839, in Nicholas County, Kentucky. On April 24, 1865, he was listed as a merchant in Flemingsburg, age 25. In 1866, his father lived at Tilton, 5 1/2 miles south of Flemingsburg. By 1870, Alvin Burns, with son Charles, had removed to Fox Springs, a popular mid-19th Century watering hole with a large hotel and surrounding cottages, about 9 miles from Flemingsburg. Charles was listed in 1870 Fleming County census. He died at Knoxville, Tennessee on September 30, 1894.

The "Wounded"

Although there is no way to ascertain whether these men were wounded or not, I will list them here, regardless. 

Thomas B. Smith was born about 1819 in Kentucky. In 1850, he lived in Bath County and was a druggist. On July 1, 1863 he was listed in the Kentucky Civil War Draft Registration Records, 9th Congressional District, 7th sub-district. Smith was 44 years old and listed banker as his profession. He died shortly after the end of the war, on October 11, 1865 and is interred in the Flemingsburg Cemetery. 

Solomon Soloman was born about 1828 in Prussia (some records say Poland). In 1860, he lived with the Sanford family near Elizaville. His occupation was silversmith. He married Eliza M. Kelly on June 2, 1868 in Bourbon County, Kentucky. In September 1875, Soloman was a storekeeper in Paris, Kentucky. He died on January 17, 1898 at Chicago, Illinois.

The Union Officers

Lieutenant Sadler went into the military service shortly after the Hillsboro engagement. William Clay Sadler, born November 24, 1836, at Flemingsburg, enrolled in Company H, 16th KY Inf. at Camp Kenton on October 12, 1861. Sadler held the rank as sergeant but was later promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant. He was married to Martha Jane Dudley, Sergeant Dudley's first cousin.

The exact identity of Sergeant Dudley has not been determined but we know that he was one of the sons of James Dudley and his wife Eliza Shumate. In 1850, Dudley was listed as an inn keeper in Flemingsburg. Their sons were Peyton Shumate (1825-1910), William Floyd (1826-1907), James Henry (1831-1905) and Newton Steele Dudley (1841-1923). However, in 1861, both Peyton S. and William F. Dudley were not living in Kentucky, leaving James H. and N. Steele Dudley as possibilities. 

After her husband's death in 1858, Eliza Dudley, the "celebrated hotel keeper," continued to run the family's inn.* The place was known as the "Dudley House" which was situated at the northwest corner of Water Street and Main Cross in Flemingsburg, right in the center of town. The hotel was  commodious, and  featured twenty rooms, a kitchen, a smoke house, an ice house, two stables and a garden. A separate building housed 11 slaves. The hotel also served liquor to patrons. Eliza employed her son Newton Steele as barkeeper until he enlisted as 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th Kentucky Cavalry (US) at Flemingsburg on August 2, 1862. Brother James Henry was in charge of the stables. 

Sale of the Dudley House in 1866 after Eliza Dudley's death
Cynthiana News, July 19, 1866

Weapons

Baxter's account also claims that the Flemingsburg Home Guards captured 127 Enfield rifles, and a large number of sabres, pistols, bowie knives, and cavalry equipments from the Confederates. It seems highly unlikely that Confederate recruits who were not mustered into the service were in possession of 127 Enfield Rifles in October of 1861. Early in the war, arms of any type were in short supply and typically, Confederate recruits were furnished a variety of weapons, including outdated flintlock muskets and Belgian rifles. Many soldiers brought their own personal weapons, such as hunting rifles and shotguns. 

Some Confederates solved the problem of arming themselves by "confiscating" guns from the enemy before going to camp. The Lincoln Guns of the Home Guards were especially desired. On May 18, 1861, an attempt to stop and possibly capture a shipment of Lincoln Guns that were destined for Nicholas County basically failed. While Colonel Metcalfe was on his way from Maysville, by turnpike, with the arms for Nicholas county, a meeting was called at Carlisle at which a committee was appointed to go down the turnpike and meet Colonel Metcalfe. This committee met the colonel with the wagon containing the guns a little north of the Blue Licks Springs, and delivered their message that the guns must not be brought to Carlisle, and that seventy-five men were banded together to come to the turnpike bridge at Blue Licks, and prevent them from being taken beyond it. Colonel Metcalfe had with him, besides the driver, only two other men, citizens of his county. Metcalfe, however, said in response to the bearers of the message, "in language made emphatic by an oath, that they might go back and tell the men who had sent them, that seventy-five of them might come to the bridge, but that seventy-five would never go back to Carlisle; and with that he told his driver to drive on. Nobody met him at the bridge, and that night the guns were received by men awaiting the colonel's arrival, at his residence, on the turnpike, about two miles from Carlisle." 

Even though desired by Confederates during the early days of the war, Lincoln Guns were mostly converted flintlocks such as the 1816 and 1835 Springfield and Harper's Ferry muskets, not rifles such as Enfields. Some 380,000 flintlock muskets were altered to percussion at the national arsenals between 1848-1857. 

The first Enfield rifles to reach Confederate soil since the start of the war arrived in Savannah, Georgia, on September 18, 1861. These highly sought after weapons were distributed to regiments in the field, not to potential recruits who were not mustered into the service yet such as Captain Halliday's men. It is highly unlikely that they were in possession of 127 Enfield Rifles. 

In conclusion, we know with absolute certainty that key details in Baxter's letter were completely exaggerated or untrue which makes the rest of his letter circumspect. There were no Union deaths nor are there any records that support the claim that any Confederates were taken prisoner. As a matter of fact, the Union  authorities in Maysville claimed they had no idea about the fight much less any prisoners to report. Their wounded and killed, in absence of any records, can not be ascertained. It may also be noted that none of the men who served in Holladay's company and later filed for a Confederate pension mentioned the Hillsboro engagement. There could be several reasons - the engagement did not take place, the pensioner was not present or it was not mentioned because it took place before their formal enlistment in the Confederate Army. 

The account of the Battle of Hillsboro published in the Philadelphia Press appears to be the most authentic and believable version of events that day and lends credence to the possibility that an engagement, in fact, did take place. It sets the Confederate force at more realistic strength, even though perhaps somewhat inflated, it does not boast of a large number of weapons captured nor does it give a false list of Union or Confederate casualties and prisoners. 

One credible scenario would be that Holladay and his men came into Fleming County, perhaps to recruit, and took up camp on Davis' farm. When word was received at Flemingsburg, the Home Guard company under Dudley mobilized, went to Hillsboro and disbursed the camp. The general panic that Holladay's presence most likely caused in town may have contributed to the rumors and speculations that the Confederates planned to burn Hillsboro or Flemingsburg or rob the Flemingsburg bank. 

However, no reports exist of any kind of depredations committed at or near Hillsboro even though Holladay's men were encamped on Davis' farm within a mile of the town. The Flemingsburg Home Guard company under Dudley proceeded to Hillsboro and quickly disbursed the camp. The whole affair lasted no longer than 20 minutes.  

It appears that details of the engagement at Hillsboro were shared with Nelson's Union soldiers, including the correspondent of the Philadelphia Press, while in Flemingsburg at the "Dudley House." This, if anything, makes the possibility of an engagement at Hillsboro on October 8, 1861, most convincing. The details may have been related by Sergeant Dudley himself, either Newton Steel, as he was pouring a drink to the men or by James Henry Dudley as he was tending to their horses. 

Lastly, it is not clear why Baxter, who was a resident of Louisville, would have been present at the engagement as he claimed. He had no family ties to Fleming County but there may have been a business connection. More importantly, it should not be overlooked that Baxter was a business man who also had political aspirations. In the April 1862 elections, he ran on the Union ticket for Common Council, 7th Ward, in Louisville. After the Civil war, Baxter was elected mayor of the city and served two terms. 

His letter may have been purely a propaganda piece to show support of the Union cause, taking a small skirmish between Holladay and the Fleming Home Guards and inflating it, in order to motivate Union men to step up and enlist. It was published during a critical time when the Union was in need of some encouraging news from the "front," however small, in light of the ever growing threat of the Confederate recruiting camp at Prestonsburg, not to mention the Union's recent defeat at Barboursville and the push of Confederate forces under Zollicoffer at Cumberland Gap. 

John J. Crittenden was in the mountain counties making speeches and urging the people to rush to arms, and "strike till the last armed foe expires." Senator Garrett Davis, who was tasked by Lincoln to aid in the work of securing men, traveled through various Eastern Kentucky counties with a chest full of money, with authority from the Government to enroll men in the Military Service and to advance them one month's pay, amounting to $13.00, to be used by them in the support of their families. 

During this time, General William Nelson was assembling a force at Camp Kenton for his campaign against Williams' forces in the Big Sandy Valley. At the beginning of October 1861, Nelson issued a call in the Maysville Eagle, "Fighting men are wanted - men whose hearts are made of heroic stuff - men strong of frame and great of soul." On October 14, 1861, he placed a second call in the Maysville Eagle which was aimed specifically at the Home Guards of the Ninth and Ashland Districts. "Let every man that has a Government musket be on hand." His command included not only fully mustered volunteer regiments but also raw recruits, home guard companies as well as a group of civilians. Nelson subsequently led a successful campaign against Williams' Confederates, including  Captain John B. Holladay's company, which resulted in a Union victory at Ivy Mountain on November 8, 1861 and secured the Big Sandy Valley for the Union.  Baxter's letter thus may have served its intended purpose and in a small way contributed to Nelson's success.

* Hotel keeping ran in Eliza Dudley's family. Her father Peyton Shumate, Esq. owned a hotel in Carlisle, Nicholas County and her sister Amanda Tureman owned and managed the famous "Lee House" in Maysville which is still in existence today. In later years the Dudley House became known as the Holliday House and the Merchant's Hotel. Today it is the site of the Fleming County Justice Center.

Researched, compiled and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, February 2022. This specific article is under full copyright. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Civil War in Bath County from a Civilian Perspective - Mary E. Sudduth's letter to General Quincy A. Gilmore

On January 28, 1863, 150 men from Humphrey Marshall's command descended upon Olympian Springs (aka Mudlick Springs) and surrounded the house of Hiram Jenkins. The main perpetrator Thomas Greenwade, who was actively recruiting a company for Marshall's command, had an on-going conflict with Jenkins which he intended to settle that night. Greenwade killed Jenkins and mortally wounded his son. He also killed 19 year old Thomas Yarber, a paroled soldier of the 2nd OVI who had the misfortune to be at Jenkins' house that night. His parents Randolph and Annie Yarber lived near Olympian Springs.

Prompted by these murders, Mary Ellen Sudduth, the widow of Major James Sudduth of Bath County whose husband had been killed in a similar fashion just three months earlier, wrote a letter to Brig. General Quincy A. Gilmore, pleading for protection from the incursions of the Confederates. Gilmore was division commander of  the Army of Kentucky under Major General Gordon Granger.

Owingsville Jan 30th 1863

Brigadier Genl Gilmore

                    Sir 

                        Although a perfect stranger to you I take the Liberty of addressing a few lines to you to let you know the the fix (sic) the Union Men are in in this Section of Country. Day before yesterday there was a Party of a bout (sic) 150 come to the Neighborhood of Mudlick Springs and surrounded the House of a good and true Union man Mr Jenkins (and suppose you there are not many of that kind here but what there is have to suffer many inconveniences) knocked at his Door and as he opened it shot him down and Thomas Greenwade one of the most notorious characters run up to him and stabbed him through his heart in the presence of his family. There was his Son and another Gentleman in the house they shot his son twice one shot going through his Neck and the Other through his Arm near the Shoulder breaking his Arm all to pieces. Mr Yarber attempted to get out of the Way by running they shot him and as soon as he fell they stabbed him to the heart his Son was not dead last Night but it was said to be impossible for him to live. They chased a Union Man living near the town who made his escape only by outriding them and swimming Slate Creek who came to town and let the Union Men know so as to get out of the way which they did and some of the Rebels here gave them notice that they were all gone which prevented them from coming to town. 

It is the case constantly now that the good Union Men by these I mean those that have used the last exertion to crush the Rebellion in any way have to have their homes every Week to keep out of the way of them and indeed I do not consider that the loyal Females are at all safe under such circumstances. We have the worst set of Rebels here I know there has been a good many Arrests made and nearly every Man sent back Although they have been in the Confederate Army and are now entertaining Squads of Rebels as they pass in from the Army. 

On the 18th of October they surrounded the house where my Husband had staid all Night and Murdered him in the most Brutal and cruel Manner. He had been absent from home 8 Weeks with a good many neighbors who returned on the 16 of Oct and the Evening after he returned he went to Licking for the purpose of establishing a Camp to recruit Men to defend this Section and on his way home staid all night with a friend and before 7 oclock in the Morning he was Murdered by a Detachment of Camerons Cavalry under Command of Col Triggs. They were camped at Tictown a distance of 20 Miles from here when the Union Men came from Maysville but they knew nothing of it. - and the Rebel Citizens here sent for them to come writing to Triggs as he said that there had 400 Men come under the Command of my lamented Husband Maj Sudduth that they were well armed and he could get them all and their Arms. I think if some of the Citizens here were made to suffer we could be more quiet and live in some peace. They were so eager for my Husband that they detached a Company to go out on Licking for him but he had left there before they arrived and they followed on and another Party went out of town and met at the House. He was informed by a little boy of the House that there were some Soldiers coming but not knowing there were any Rebels in the County he went out of the house expecting to see some of his own Men. Seeing he was completely overpowered he surrendered to them when one fired and broke his leg all to pieces & at the same Moment another fired and struck his hip inflicting a terrible wound and then a third fired but the ball missed him. In that condition he raised to his Elbow and Shot the Man who broke his leg killing him just as he was in the act of shooting him again. Then a fellow named Jardus caught him by the Throat and choked him till Miller put a Pistol to his head and shot him Threatening to shoot the Ladies about the house if they interfered. You therefore see what I have had to suffer from them. 

Maj Sudduth was an uncompromising Union Man and has done many things in his power to keep the Rebels out of this part of the State. He went as a private with Genl Nelson and Col Cranor & Letcher to Piketon and Middle Creek guiding the Armies through the Mountains bearing his own expenses and receiving no pay from the Government. There is a Man in our town who said that the Rebels would hurt no one here but Maj. Sudduth and he would have to die or be taken Prisoner, this can be proven by two respectable Gentlemen, would it not be sufficient to have him arrested for and sent off. Jenkins was a poor Man and has left a large family. It seems hard that the loyal people should suffer so much and the Rebels permitted to return to and from the Confederate Army at leisure and boast that there will be nothing done with them. Cant you do something for us in the way of sending us some troops to clean out the Mountains. 

Greenwade says there are several men in Owingsville he intends to kill, and sent the Sheriff and if he attempted to ride East of Owingsville he would kill him. Genl Granger offered $1000 for the Murderers of Maj Sudduth and Jenkins was very vigilant intending to get them if it was possible for which he has lost his life. An answer to this will be most kindly received hoping that you will remove some of the Rebels from among us.

Hoping to hear from you soon I am most

Respectfully your Friend

Mary E. Sudduth

Refer you to Col. Warren who knows my

Husband and myself.

Mary Ellen Sudduth letter to Gen. Gilmore

Unfortunately, on February 1, 1863, the Confederates returned to Bath County and  descended upon Owingsville with a force of 250 men.  John Miller, the Jailer of Bath county, was barely able to escape and fled to Mt. Sterling. He then went to Lexington and gave an account of the incident to the local newspaper.

HUMPHREY MARSAHLL'S DOINGS IN NORTH-EASTERN KENTUCKY.—We have stated heretofore that several of the counties of Northeastern Kentucky were overrun by rebel guerillas. Mr. John Miller, the Jailer of Bath county, Ky., arrived in Lexington on Friday. He informs the Observer and Reporter that great trouble and suffering exists in Owingsville and vicinity, owing to the depredations which in the last week or so have been perpetrated by Humphrey Marshall's command. Their camp is but twenty-one miles from Owingsville, in the mountains, and whenever their necessities require it, they make a descent upon the town and vicinity—supply themselves with such articles as they want, so far as they can be found, and return. Mr. Miller states that about two hundred and fifty of these men entered Owingsville at a late hour on Sunday night, the 1st inst., stripped two boot and shoe stores completely—even taking baby shoes—then entered a dry goods house, from which they took all the cotton cloth, women's shoes, and other articles. They then gathered all the quilts in the neighborhood and all the sacks that could be found for the purpose of carrying off their plunder. They also took about one hundred of the best horses in the vicinity. 

These bands are growing worse and more savage in their deportment daily; and it is now almost impossible for a Union man to live in Owingsville or vicinity. About the first of last week they murdered three men, two by the name of Jenkins—father and son —and a paroled soldier of the Second Ohio regiment by the name of Yarber. After shooting these men, to make sure of their death they stabbed them through the body with bowie knives. 

Nearly all the Union men of Owingsville have had to fly for safety. Mr. Miller left himself, barefooted, with others, on a cold night, in the same condition, and in consequence had his feet frosted. He left a number of the refugees at Mount Sterling. The guerillas had a few days since a son of Colonel Sudduth who was recently brutally murdered, as a captive, but luckily he made his escape. Mr. Gill, the proprietor of the Olympian Springs, had to fly for his life. 

The robberies perpetrated by the guerillas so far have been confined to Union men. He thinks if a small force could be sent to Olympian Springs these marauders could be checked or kept back in their mountain passes. So many men have joined the army from that section of the country that there are not now enough left to form a Home Guard that would be of any service. 

Continued Reading

The Life and Death of James L. Sudduth

Researched, compiled and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, January 2022. This specific article is under full copyright. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Flemingsburg Welcomes the 33rd OVI, October 16, 1861

 At the beginning of October 1861, General William "Bull" Nelson began assembling troops at the newly established Camp Kenton in Mason County, near Maysville, Kentucky. His objective was to move against the Confederates who were assembling in a camp near Prestonsburg, Floyd County, Kentucky. Nelson left Camp Kenton on October 16, 1861, to join up with additional troops and consolidate his force at Olympian Springs. Accompanying Nelson was the 33rd OVI from Portsmouth, Ohio, commanded by Colonel Joshua W. Sill. 

Colonel Joshua W. Sill, 33d OVI

The following letter was published in the Cincinnati Daily Commercial, October 21, 1861.

FROM THE THIRTY-THIRD OHIO REGIMENT.

How Well the Ohio Soldiers are Received by the Union Men of Kentucky.

Flemingsburg, KY., Oct. 17, 1861.

EDS. COM.: - We left the Fair Ground where we had been since Monday night, near Maysville, yesterday at 3 P. M. , and arrived here at 8; and such a welcome awaited us as no soldiers ever had before. God bless the people of Flemingsburg! The whole town turned out to greet us - houses illuminated, handkerchiefs waving, voices cheering - a perfect ovation. The ladies prepared a supper for us with their own fair hands, and waited on us in every possible way to make us comfortable and glad. We not only had the substantials in the way of eatables, but delicacies of every kind - fruit, sweetmeats, cakes, &c.

Talk about Union people in Ohio, the Kentuckians beat us all. We have seen nothing like this since we have been in the service, and many of us are three months men, re-enlisted, and have been on duty in Virginia, Eastern and Western.

No wonder "Secesh" wanted to hold such a State, and no wonder that we have resolved at any cost to sustain such a loyal and generous people.

In the morning we received the same care and attention. The ladies vied with each other in bestowing upon us their smiles, and what some of us perhaps liked equally well their hot coffee, rolls, beefsteaks, broiled and friend chicken, &c., &.

Wasn't this some for soldiers? Who wouldn't enlist to defend such homes as these? This is much nicer of a town than I had supposed; has an air of comfort as well as business; and the country hence to Maysville is certainly the finest I have yet seen. I tell you it was a nice sight to see those beautiful ladies going to and fro like ministering angels, as they are - mothers and daughters - even the children - with their refreshments to our jaded boys. One such welcome and scene as this, will repay countless privations that may await us. Every door was thrown open to us; every hand was open to receive and welcome us. Can such a people perish? Never, never!

We leave for Mt. Sterling in a few moments; our gallant Col. Sill having just received orders to march there instead of "Olympian Springs," as we had supposed. We leave behind us here four of our men sick; they will be in good hands.

If anything of special interest turns up, I will try in my feeble way to advise you.

It has been raining in torrents all the morning, and still continues.

33d SCRIBE.

Before their departure from Flemingsburg, the 33rd OVI addressed the citizens of Flemingsburg and vicinity, thanking them for the hospitality shown to them.  It was published in the Fleming Star and re-printed in the Louisville Courier Journal, October 31, 1861.

(From the Fleming Star).

TO THE CITIZENS OF FLEMINGSBURG AND VICINITY.

The undersigned officers of the Thirty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteers United States Army, take this means of expressing their heartfelt thanks to you for the warm and enthusiastic reception that the regiment has met at your hands. They have often heard of the hospitality and loyalty of Kentucky; but war had wrought such changes amongst our countrymen that it was feared that the first march of a regiment of Ohioans would be viewed with distrust by her citizens. But our reception last evening, and the substantial cheer our soldiers received at the hands of your fair ladies, have dissipated all such fears, and we now feel that we are fighting not only for a great principle, but by the side of those who properly appreciate our motives, and who will not let us suffer for sympathy. A heart-warm adieu! 

(Signed)  J. W. SILL. Col. 33d O. V.

               O. F. MOORE, Lieut. Col.

               J. V. ROBINSON, Jr. Maj.

               E. E. COLBURN, Qr. Master

               J. M. KENDRICK, Adj.

               J. D. MUBRY  }

               A. J. PHELPS } Med. Staff

October 17, 1861

Counties of Mason, Fleming, Bath and Montgomery
Lloyd's Official Map of Kentucky, 1862
Library of Congress

Additional Sources

33rd Ohio Infantry, Ohio in the Civil War, compiled by Larry Stevens

Joshua W. Sill Biography

For a detailed look at General William "Bull" Nelson's 1861 Eastern Kentucky Campaign

The Most Brilliant Little Victory, by Marlitta H. Perkins (epub)

The Most Brilliant Little Victory, by Marlitta H. Perkins (print)

Transcribed by Marlitta H. Perkins, December 2021. 
Marlitta H. Perkins © 2021. All Rights Reserved