History of Morgan's Cavalry

The writer presents to the reading public the narrative of an arduous and adventurous military career, which, commencing at a period but little subsequent to the outbreak of the late civil war, continued through the four eventful years.

He has endeavored to make the work a correct and graphic representation of the kind of warfare of which MORGAN was the author, and in which his men won so much celebrity. Strict accuracy has been attempted in the description of the military operations of which the book is a record, and it is hoped that the incidents related of personal daring and adventure will be read with some interest.

The author regrets that, for reasons easily understood, the book is far less complete than he desired to make it. The very activity of the service performed by MORGAN'S CAVALRY prevented the preservation of data which would be very valuable, and a full account of many important operations is therefore impossible. Limited space, also, forbids the mention of many brave deeds. If many gallant and deserving men were noticed as they deserve, the book could not be readily finished.

To the friends whose contributions assisted the work, the author returns his warmest thanks.

To Mr. MEADE WOODSON, to whom he is indebted for the maps which so perfectly illustrate his narrative, he is especially grateful.

He regrets, too, that many of his old comrades have altogether failed to render him aid, confidently expected, and which would have been very valuable. B.W.D.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

History of Morgan's Cavalry--Why written--First enlistments--Popularity of Morgan--Misrepresentation of the press--New uses of cavalry. 9

CHAPTER II.

Early life of General Morgan--His qualities as a commander--His personal qualities. 18

CHAPTER III.

Political condition of Kentucky in 1861--Bewilderment of the people--Camp Dick Robinson--First entrance of Confederate troops. 31

CHAPTER IV.

Military situation in the West--Advance to Bowlinggreen--Scarcity of arms--Organization of the army--Want of discipline--Qualities which compensated for its absence. 57

CHAPTER V.

Morgan leaves Lexington--Roger W. Hanson--Service on Green River--Scouting--Our first skirmish--Narrow escape--Terry's Rangers. 88

CHAPTER VI.

Retreat from Bowlinggreen--Evacuation of Nashville--Our Fourth Ohio acquaintances--Scouting near Nashville--Morgan holds Murfreesboro'--Dash on Mitchell--Night attack--Capture of Gallatin--Stampede of our pickets--Promotion of Morgan--Concentration at Corinth. 110

CHAPTER VII.

Battle of Shiloh--Death of Sidney Johnson--Result of the battle--Expedition into Tennessee--Cotton turning and telegraphing--Defeat at Lebanon--Expedition to Cave City in Kentucky. 138

CHAPTER VIII.

Reorganization at Chattanooga--First raid into Kentucky--Fight at Tompkinsville--Capture of Lebanon--Telegraphic strategy--Morgan master of the situation--Fight at Cynthiana--Evade the pursuing troops. 169

CHAPTER IX.

Capture of Gallatin--Active service near Nashville--Fights at Gallatin and Cairo--Destruction of the railroad--Sojourn at Hartsville--The videttes--Kentuckians running from the draft--"The Vidette." 208

CHAPTER X.

Again on the march for Kentucky--Bushwhacking experience--The Confederate army enters the State--Service in front of Covington--Efforts to embarrass the retreat of the Federal General Morgan--Fight at Augusta--Retreat of the army from Kentucky--Morgan captures Lexington. 229