I k.,. ' „ ::•:-. LIBRARY OF THE COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF MASSACH U S ETTS MILITARY ORDER OFTHE LOYAL LEGION OF THE U N ITED STATES CADET ARMORY, BOSTON THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL ENDOWED BY THE DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETIES E579 •M8U 0.2 UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00013476231 This book is due at the LOUIS R. WILSON LIBRARY on the last date stamped under "Date Due." If not on hold it may be renewed by bringing it to the library. DATE DUE RET. DATE DUE RET. mm 2001 p** '■ ; - — _ -Bit 2-0 6 H ft Y l 8 z cQ& j\PR22'9S h —- H- ■m 1 2 20W) Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill http://archive.org/details/howitwasfouryearmorg GEN. N. B. FORREST. HOW IT WAS; -A/ FOUR YEARS AMONG THE REBELS. BY MRS. IRBY MORGAN, Nashville, Tenn. Printed for the Author. Publishing House Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Barbee & Smith, Agents, Nashville, Tenn. 1892. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1K92, By Mks. Irbv Morgan, In the Office of the Lihrarian of Congress, at Washington. DEDICATED TO THE CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS. (3) INTRODUCTORY WORDS. This book gives an inside view of things during the war by a truthful, patriotic, great-hearted woman, whose keen observa- tion and kindly soul are reflected in its pages. It is refreshing, after the deluge of dry official reports of campaigns and battles and the unhappy contentions of so many surviving heroes as to where to locate the glory of victory and the shame of defeat, to hear a woman's voice telling the story of that awful time in her own way, which is very straightforward, circumstantial, and realistic. I mean realistic not in the nude and vulgar real- ism of a class of modern novels equally inane and indecent, but realistic in the sense that events are narrated with simple truth- fulness. There is no partisan coloring or melodramatic flourish. Mrs. Morgan tells what she saw and heard during those " Four Years with the Rebels " in a colloquial style that suits the theme and charms the reader. Mrs. Morgan is a Southern woman, and the throb of her womanly heart is in every line. The splendid courage of the soldiers of the Confederacy finds part of its explanation in the intense devotion, unfailing fortitude, and sublime self-sacrifice of the women of the South. The sons and husbands of such women could not be cowards. Even in a case in which cow- ardice might be in the blood or the nerves, the inspiration of woman's sympathy and the traditions of a people where courage is hereditary, and among whom true chivalry yet lingers in this materialistic and sordid age, the constitutionally timid were swept into the current and carried forward on the crest of the fiery waves of war. It is worthy of notice that Mrs. Morgan, writing more than a (5) 6 HOW IT WAS. quarter of a century after the war, expresses no doubt of the righteousness of the Southern cause. Whatever maybe said of the people of the South, and whatever may be the ultimate ver- dict of the world, it is uttering nonsense to say that their hearts were not in the struggle. Men do not die and women do not suffer, as the men and women of the South died and suffered, for a cause that is not dear to them. Had not the hearts of the men and women of the South been in the cause, the Confederacy would have collapsed with its first serious reverse. The leaders of the South did not drag the Southern people into the war any more than did the leaders of the North drag the Northern peo- ple into it. They had been drifting into its vortex for two gen- erations, and what had been long dreaded and foretold came in 1861. Reconstruction has been effected, and reconciliation has been so greatly advanced that hopeful patriots of all sections indulge the expectation that the time is not far off when the last note of sectional discord will be hushed, and the last sectional politician will be buried deep with his face downward. But it may be said here, as it has been said before, that if it is insisted that, as a condition of perfect reconciliation, the Southern people shall acknowledge that the boys in gray fought and died for a cause they believed to be wrong, the trumpet of the last judgment will sound before they will make the shameful concession. They were defeated, but they made a good fight for what they believed to be a just cause. They died for their convictions, and no Southern man or woman will seek to fix upon their memories the blot of insincerity. Neither will any true man or woman of the North seek thus to smirch the memory of our dead heroes. The women of the two sections who still mourn for their dead who sleep where they fell may clasp hands in a sacrament of sorrow and forgive on both sides, but they cannot forget. Within the bounds of Mrs. Morgan's personal acquaintance in INTRODUCTORY WORDS. 7 Nashville and elsewhere she is well esteemed as a lady of the highest social respectability and Christian virtues. Beyond that circle is the general public, to whom I commend these pages with these " Introductory Words," with the belief that they will greatly enjoy their perusal, and with the hope that, having yielded to the urgent request of her family and friends in giv- ing this book to the press, the author may be rewarded by a large measure of success. O. P. Fitzgerald. March 4, 1892. HOW IT WAS. CHAPTER I. THE people of Nashville for weeks before the fall of Fort Sumter were greatly excited, as the whole country was watching and waiting com- ma- events. Fort Sumter fell; and no one can describe the excitement but one who witnessed it; and every one commenced planning and trying to do something to aid the South. Drums were beating, fifes playing, the boys com- ing in troops to enlist for the war, and anxious fa- thers and mothers could be met at every point. All were earnest and anxious, as few had antici- pated the result of the wrangling the country had had for years; and now war was upon us, and we totally unprepared for it. All the old guns and muskets to be found were brought into requisition, and many consulted as to how to use them, how they could be remodeled, etc., and we of the South were in a dilemma what to do; but we went on the presumption, "where (?) IO HOW IT WAS. there's a will there's a way," to get us out of diffi- culty, and the result proved it. Mr. V. K. Stevenson and others formed a com- pany to gather war materials, and my husband, Mr. Irby Morgan, was selected by him to go to New Orleans, Louisville, and other points to get sulphur and other material for making caps. Col. Samuel D. Morgan took great interest in the cap factory, and it was a success, for in a short time they were making thousands. Mr. Morgan brought home two of the first perfect caps, and requested me to keep them as souvenirs of the war. The caps that were used at Manassas and Bull Run were made in our cap factory of the material bought by my husband. After this facto- ry had proved a success, Mr. Morgan and others were sent to hunt wool to make clothes for our soldiers, and he went to Texas and other points and bought four hundred and fifty thousand pounds and had it shipped to Nashville, and from here he took it to factories in Mississippi, Ala- bama, Georgia, and East Tennessee to be made in Confederate gray. He went to the factories and got the cloth, and the last he procured Gen. Rody had to send an escort to guard the wagons, and he delivered to the department in Atlanta five hundred thousand yards of Confederate gray HOW IT WAS. II which he had had made at a cost of seventy-five cents a yard, when it was selling in the market at five dollars a yard. After he returned from Texas, then our work began. Col. Terry's gallant command from Texas came through the marshes of Louisiana, in water and mud almost waist deep, and most of them took se- vere colds, and by the time they got to Nashville a number were sick. To add to their troubles, the measles broke out among them. Hospitals were hurriedly fitted up, and they were soon crowded. The citizens were greatly distressed, and the ladies went in troops to see them, to take delicacies, and to do all to alleviate their sufferings. Miss Jane Thomas, Mrs. Felicia Porter, and many others were untiring in their attentions ; but the hospitals were so crowded and uncomfortable that a number decided to take them to their homes and nurse them. A great many were young, petted darlings at home, and of course they were wretched. I took Capt. Rice, a grand old man who lived on Trinity River on a large farm; also Frank Roan, Capt. Hunter, and Frank Kibbe, all four from Texas, and Levi Jones, of East Tennessee. All were very ill with measles and terrible coughs, and we sent for our family physician and did all we could for them, sitting up and nursing for two 12 HOW IT WAS. months. I hired a nurse and got the boys from the store to help sit up with them. Capt. Hunter was' delirious for two weeks, and Capt. Rice as ill as could be to live, and we watched and waited as tenderly as possible. After two months Capt. Hunter got strong enough to join his command, so did Frank Roan and Kibber; that left me with Levi Jones and Capt. Rice. Dr. Atchison told me he thought Capt. Rice would die. I was much distressed, for I had become greatly attached to the old man. I went to him and said: "Captain, you are very sick; I fear you will not get well." He said, with a great deal of earnestness and quiet dignity: " Madam, I am an old man. I have plenty at home, a large farm, negroes, no wife nor children, and the boys were all leaving, and I loved them and could not stand to see them go without me, and I thought a country that had done so much for me I ought to fight for it." I said: "My dear old friend, you must try to think of a better land, to which you are fast hastening. Look to God for help. We have done all we can for you ; now beg God to help you to be ready to meet him." He said: " I have always been charitable, have ever been kind to my negroes, and old Mas- ter will deal kindly with me. I have no fears." And just as the glorious sun rose the old man's HOW IT WAS. 13 spirit took its flight, I hope to a better world. We buried him at Mt. Olivet. All were gone now but Levi. He seemed de- lighted with his surroundings; would come into my room and would sit for hours with the children and myself and tell me about his mother, sisters, and brothers, and wish he was at home with them. He said he wished he was at home so he could go to the singing school. He was tired of the war. He reverted to the singing school again and again, and said they made the prettiest music he ever heard, indeed they were powerful singers. One day I said I thought the fresh air would do him good: " I will have the carriage ready, and I want you to take a ride." He was delighted, and ob- served that he thought it would do him " a power of good." As he crossed the bridge he saw his first steamboat; and he was charmed, and told me when he got home that he thought " it was such a good idea, houses floatin' on water, and a feller could fish all the way down." He got to looking well and ate heartily, and I said: " Levi, I expect soon they will call on you to join your command." He said: "Yes; I am looking any day to be sent for, but I am powerful weak." He screwed up his courage enough to appoint a time to join his regiment, but when the fatal day arrived he came 14 HOW IT WAS. to my room with a handkerchief bound around his jaws. I asked him what was the matter. He said his tooth was killing him it was aching so bad. I got him camphor, laudanum, and warm cloths to apply, and he sat with his head bent down in his hands and rocked and moaned and, as I thought, oblivious to all surroundings; but all of a sudden he looked up with his keen, black eyes, and said: "When I go home, I am going to send you a bar- rel of apples and sweet taters." I thanked him, and said he was very kind; and then he would rock and moan again, seeming in great agony. After being silent for some time, he raised his head again and said: "Miss Morgan, California must be a great country. Sweet taters grows thar on trees, and weighs sixty pounds." I told him I thought it wonderful. He was just nineteen, and could I have done so, I would have sent him home to his mother to be happy. After his toothache was cured he could find no other excuse, so final- ly, with great reluctance, he joined his command. CHAPTER II. THE next startling event was the battle of Ball's Bluff, in which Col. Erasmus Burt, brother-in- law of Mr. Morgan, lost his life. He was Auditor of the State of Mississippi, and raised a splendid reg- iment around Jackson, sons of the best and most influential families, and went to Virginia to the seat of action. They had a terrific fight there, and Col. Burt killed Col. Baker, of Oregon, and a whole regiment of Federals fired on him, and as Col. Burt fell, mortally wounded, his regiment yelled and charged like demons, killed and drove into the Potomac two thousand seven hundred men, and it was called at the time by the Federal papers: " The Ball's Bluff Disaster." Col. Burt was promoted for his bravery, but it came too late, as he died the next day. This was early in the war, and a company was detailed to escort his re- mains to Jackson. He was beloved by all, for he was a brave soldier and a Christian gentleman. He left a widow and eight children with no pro- tector, so Mr. Morgan moved them to Alabama near relatives. (15) 1 6 HOW IT WAS. One day it was announced that Gen. Beauregard and Father Ryan would give a talk on the war, at Masonic Hall, so we went to hear them. This was soon after the battles of Bull Run and Manassas, and they had a great deal that was encouraging to say. After the lecture was over we went up to the platform and were introduced to them, and ex- pressed pleasure at hearing them give so encourag- ing accounts of our prospects. Gen. Beauregard spoke of the battles of Manassas and Bull Run, and said the Federals were so demoralized that if we had been prepared to pursue them we could have gone to Washington and dictated terms of peace. He asked my husband if he was related to Gen. John T. Morgan, and he told him he was his brother. He said we ought to be proud of him, for at a crit- ical time in the battle he, by his strategy, helped to turn the tide in our favor. We told him that Nash- ville had made the caps that fought those battles. I never will forget Father Ryan's noble countenance, so full of love and gentleness. He had long hair, a handsome face, and every inch a man and poet, and his love for our South land beamed forth in every look and trembled in ever word he uttered. They had been fighting at Fort Donelson for days, and we would hear very distressing accounts from them : our boys in water knee-deep, and such HOW IT WAS. 17 terrific fighting it was fearful to contemplate, and such overwhelming numbers to contend with. But almost every day we would hear of deeds of valor and bravery, and we felt that our noble boys could not be whipped. They were outnumbered and had to succumb, and only those know, who went through these exciting times, what the news of the fall of Fort Donelson meant. The next report was that the army was falling back and would make a stand at Nashville. Some said they would fight in Edgefield; others, that they would fall back and fight on the other side of the river. By the next morning the streets were filled with soldiers, wagons, army stores, and ar- tillery wagons being prepared to send South, and the excitement was at fever heat, and pandemoni- um seemed to reign. The next news was from an old friend, Mrs. Stubbs, who said Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston was at her home; had come there to rest, and everything was being done for his comfort. I prepared a waiter of delicacies, and was soon on my way to her house. When I arrived, she insist- ed on my seeing him, but I said I wouldn't think of intruding. She took the waiter to him, and in a little while came back with a message from the general that he would like to see me. She took lb HOW IT WAS. my arm, and almost before I knew it I was in Gen. Johnston's presence. He expressed great re- gret at having to fall back. I told him I hoped he would not think it presumption, but I was anx- ious to know if he intended making a stand at Nashville. " My husband intends to take us South if the army does fall back; but if it is not proper to answer, don't hesitate to decline. I am anxious to know, for we will have to make some few prepara- bef ore leaving home." He said: " You had better get ready and start in the morning." I looked at that noble face and massive head, and saw sorrow and care depicted there, and I have never forgot- ten him. That careworn face is fresh in my memo- ry. I have met Mrs. Stubbs many times since the war, and she loved to dwell on the time Gen. Johnston was at her house, and she, as many oth- ers would have done, considered it a great honor to entertain so brave a man. I went home, and soon after saw Drs. McTyeire and Summers, knowing they were as anxious as we to get away with their families. But by night the rumor was all over town that the army would make a stand, and every one who could shoulder a musket must help to defend Nashville to the last ditch. My husband thought it best for us to go, and he would stay and fight if necessary. So we started to HOW IT WAS. 19 Fayetteville. Before leaving, I called up my two faithful servants, husband and wife, Henry and Martha Brown by name, told them to take the keys, use wood, coal, and contents of the larder, and take good care of the house and everything in it: and faithfully they performed their part. They buried my China, packed at night my car- pets to my mother in Nashville, carried my furni- ture, piece at a time, to the houses of different friends, and stayed as long as they were allowed. The Federals wanted to make a hospital of the house, when our friends, Mr. Dick White and fam- ily, moved in and kept it for us till the close of the war. Martha and Henry went to Washington with President Johnson's family, Martha as maid in the " White House," and Henry as a trusted servant; but he died a few months after going there. I mention all this to show the fidelity of the old serv- ants. They had been with us many years, and " Mammy Martha " was dearly beloved by us all. I packed my trunk, took my nurse Ella, and chil- dren, and my little son, ten years old, to drive the barouche, and we started to old friends in Fayette- ville, leaving Mr. Morgan there to await coming de- velopments. We traveled with sad hearts, thinking of the dear ones left behind who could not follow us. Events soon showed that instead of making a 20 HOW IT WAS. stand the army was retreating, and the roads were filled with every kind of vehicle of which the imag- ination could conceive. Artillery wagons, ambu- lances, furniture wagons, carts, and every kind of conveyance to which a horse could be hitched. They were driving, lashing, yelling, and galloping, and my little children and myself in the midst of them. We got to Murfreesboro after dark, but found that the army had beaten us there and all the hotels were filled. There we were in the crowded street, not knowing where to go or what to do, when I heard my old hackman's voice, Frank Eakin, for he had waited on me in that ca- pacity for many years whenever a hack was need- ed. Never did a voice sound so sweet! for I was much fatigued, and more worried in mind than body. He ran up and said: "Is that you, Miss Julia?" And I said: " Yes; what is left of me." He said : "I will take you out to Miss Julia Eakin's [Miss Julia Spence, now], and Miss Myra Eakin is there — just come all the way from New York — got there this evening." So I gladly followed Uncle Frank until we got to Mrs. David Spence's house, and there received a hearty welcome, and we all sat up till late that night, bemoaning the fortunes of war. Early in the morning old Frank had everything in readiness, trunks securely HOW IT WAS. 21 strapped, harness adjusted, etc., and many direc- tions to my son how to drive to prevent an acci- dent. Then, after Mrs. Spence had prepared us a sumptuous lunch, we bade them good-bye, thanking God for having such kind friends raised up to us in our hour of need. CHAPTER III. WE rode on and on, and I thought our journey would never end. The children would say they heard cannonading, and I would imagine a thousand things were happening, and Mr. Morgan among them, and I felt wretchedly. Just as we rode into Shelbyville the children exclaimed: " There comes papa, on a horse, riding as fast as he can ! " I strained my eyes to see, but the dust was so bad that objects directly in front could hardly be distinguished; but sure enough, their keen eyes were not mistaken, for on he came at a rapid gait to catch up with us, and we were all so delighted we forgot how tired we were; and the children's tongues let loose, and such a Babel of voices you never heard, all trying to talk at once, telling our hairbreadth escapes from being run over by so many wagons. We spent the night in Shelbyville, and next day started to Fayetteville to stay with an old friend, Dr. Robert McKinney. Mr. Mor- gan went on to Atlanta to attend to government business. When we arrived at Fayetteville, we found a (22) HOW IT WAS. 23 large portion of Johnston's army there, and they continued to come for several days. We met at the doctor's house Gen. John C. Breckinridge, an old friend of the family; Gen. Forrest; Dr. Kelley (or rather Col. David Kelley), then on Gen. Forrest's staff; and Gen. Bowen and wife, of Gen. Price's army of Missouri. We heard the fight at Fort Donelson discussed from every point, and I came to the conclusion that our soldiers had done enough to stop and not fire another gun. I heard Gen. Forrest tell of the execution of our sharp- shooters, and after the battle he said he counted six- ty killed in one place, and called on Col. Kelley to know if that was the number. He said their exe- cution was wonderful and fearful to contemplate, the number killed was so great. Gen. Bowen was a splendid specimen of manhood, and his wife was charming. They spent a week at the doctor's, and we had a pleasant time going to see the sol- diers drill. Soon the army left for Corinth and Shiloh. I learned that Gen. Bowen was killed at Shiloh, and his wife returned to Missouri. Before Mr. Morgan left he gave me a box of gold containing $12,000, and told me to take good care of it: we might need it. T told Mrs. McKinne}^, and we discussed the danger of keeping it in the house, for we felt very anxious about it, as there 24 HOW IT WAS. were servants going in and out all the time. We thought and planned as to the safest disposition that could be made of it. There was a large rose- bush directly under the window of her bedroom ; so we decided to dig up the rose, divide it, and send a piece of it to a neighbor who was anxious to have some of it, and while the servant went to de- liver the rose to our friend we slipped the box in the hole and planted back what was left of the rose, gave it a good pounding and profuse watering, and it scarcely wilted, it was so well managed. We remained in Fayetteville six weeks, then Mr. Morgan came and took us to Lookout Moun- tain to Mr. Aldehoff's Seminary, where we board- ed and sent the children to school. Several Nash- ville girls were here at the seminary. We had a delightful time roaming over the mountains, for the scenery was magnificent; and every after- noon I would take my children and a troop of boys and girls — for both sexes attended the school — and we would walk for miles, feasting our eyes on the beautiful mountain azaleas, holly, and laurel, and many lovely wild flowers which were rare to us, and we would all go back with our hands and aprons full of the sweet blooms. The air was so cool and bracing it seemed we would never tire of these excursions. I was so HOW IT WAS. 25 charmed with the beautiful flowers and shrubs, and so confident we would whip the Yankees and get home by fall or spring at the least, and acting on the presumption, I got some of the mountain women to go with me to select plants to take back to Nashville. I walked, looked, and admired, and tied a piece of white string on one, red and black on others, so I would know them when I got ready to take them up. I planned that I would take up enough native soil to insure success when I re- moved them, and I was so delighted with the idea of procuring so many novelties I would walk for miles hunting them. But alas! the time never came for them to be transplanted, for after that too much of stern reality occurred to fill the heart and mind, and made me forget the beautiful wild flow- ers. In our strolls we would often come in con- tact with the residents, and would have long chats with them. They seemed well satisfied with their surroundings. Most of them had been reared there, knew but little of the outside world, and were contented and happy. I asked them how they lived, as most of the men were in the army; and they told me they dug calamus, ginseng, and angelica, and gathered huckleberries, black- berries, and dewberries, raised chickens and hogs, and they got on finely- They were kind-hearted, 26 HOW IT WAS. polite, and credulous to a degree that astonished me, and seemed ready to believe all the marvelous tales that could be conceived of. I felt so sorry for them, seeing how ignorant they were ; and then I thought they were happier than we were, with no aspirations in life, and thankful for what they had. One day the children came in and told me that Gen. John H. Morgan's command had just come and were encamped just down the hill; and in a day or two Gens. John H. Morgan and Basil Duke, hearing we were there, came up to see us. Mr. Aldehoff and wife treated them so kindly that they were delighted with their visit. Mrs. Aldehoff was a descendant of Gov. Sevier, and a splendid woman, and her husband a most enthusiastic Southerner. The boys soon heard we were related to Gen. Morgan, and they came in numbers to see us; and as I had learned most of the patriotic war songs, I would play, and the children and soldier boys would gather around and would make the welkin ring with " Dixie," "Bonny Blue Flag,"" Maryland," "She Comes, She Comes." She did not come, but, to judge from the singing, we were very happy in the anticipation. Among the boys was one named Hughes Hopkins, a son of a Presbyterian minister, and the brightest, jolliest fellow I ever met. He HOW IT WAS. 27 formed quite an attachment for the children, and would come up nearly every day to see us. He was highly educated, could quote poetry by the hour, and he was so entertaining we all loved to hear him. One day he was telling us some of his trials on the Potomac, and he said that they were very hungry and had their skillets frying bacon, and were waiting for it to get done when the Federals opened fire on them, and a head of a soldier was blown in their skillet and spoiled all their sop« I told him it was horrible in him to speak so lightly of death. H; laughed and said that it was the evil of war, and a fellow gets hardened and used to anything. The time came for them to move, and he came to say good-bye. He had a splendid form, straight as an arrow, had a pleasant though homely face, and on one cheek was a long scar. He extended his hand, and said: " Good-bye, madam. You have been kind to me, and I thank you, and if I never meet you again, for I may be killed [I felt like crying, his voice was so pathetic], have me decently buried, and please, ma'am, furnish money to have masses said for my soul. I think T will make a pretty corpse.'" I asked what his good father would say to hear him talk so, and he gave a hearty laugh, raised his hat, and bounded down 28 HOW IT WAS. the hill like a deer. That was the last I ever saw of him. I do not know whether the poor fellow was killed or not. I was kept very busy with my children, for my faithful nurse I brought with me was taken sick. She was the only daughter of Peggy Lapsley, of Nashville. Her mother came to me the morning I left home, and asked me to take her South, as I could do a better part by her than she could. She relieved me of a great deal of care with my chil- dren, day and night. Ella was a bright mulatto, very handsome and intelligent, and I felt in my exile she was more than a servant to me. She almost felt like one of my family, for they were devoted to her, she was so tender and gentle to the little ones. She grew worse day by day, and the physician from Chattanooga pronounced her very ill, and he feared I would have to lose her. She became so nervous that the noise of the children worried her, and I thought it best to have her moved to the house of a poor white family who lived near the seminary, and for a sum of money the mother and daughter promised to devote all their time to her, wait on her faithfully, and sit up with her. I prepared all her meals, had them sent to her, and went every day and stayed with her as much as possible, and would go after sup- HOW IT WAS. 29 per to see if she had every attention. The school children and mountain woman, seeing our dis- tress, became greatly interested in her, and often after school the children would gather flowers and take them to her. And she was always so grateful. She lived six weeks, and as she was growing weaker she said: " Miss Julia, I want to ask a favor of you. I know I am going to die, and I feel perfectly resigned, but I hate to leave you and the children." I asked what favor it was she wished, for I would do anything for her. She said: "Please take all my little trinkets to my mother — breastpin, locket, and some of my hair — and tell her to meet me in heaven." I promised to do all she asked, and wanted to know if that was all. She said: " No, there is one thing more. Miss Julia, I hate to ask you, but I want you to shroud me. I don't want strangers to do it." I told her I would do an}^thing for her, as she had been faithful and true to me and mine, and that I would stay by her till the end. She died two days later, and I got a nice coffin and shroud and laid her out tenderly, and as she was lowered in the grave I felt that one of my best friends had left me. We had her buried on the mountain, and the school children came in a procession and covered her grave with flowers. We had a fence built 30 HOW IT WAS. around her grave, and as long as we stayed there her "rave was bright with fresh flowers. When I got back to Nashville, I sent for her mother to deliver Ella's treasures to her, but learned that she too had passed to her eternal home, dying near the same time her child did. I go through all this detail to show the devotion of Southerners to their slaves. The children were anxious to see the sun rise on the mountain, for we had heard what a mag- nificent sight it was, so we got up quite a party and started early, and we were repaid, for a more glorious sight was never beheld. We were so high above the surrounding country that we ap- peared, in the dreamy, misty morning, as if we were in fairyland, with the floating, feathery clouds around us. After the sun threw his light in all directions the fleecy clouds began to dispel and the grand old Tennessee appeared like a silver band winding its course placidly along, and cars looked like tiny carriages. As I looked on this grand river I felt like shouting and praising God and saying, " Thou, O Lord, art worthy to receive glory and honor," for such magnificence in scenery I never beheld. We had been on the mountain six months, and had spent the time very pleasantly. We had made many friends among the HOW IT WAS. 31 boys and girls, who were from the best families of East Tennessee and different sections of the country. But the time came for us to leave, as the Federals were thundering their artillery all around Chattanooga, and the reverberations on the mountains were terrific. CHAPTER IV. MR. MORGAN came up to Chattanooga and carried us down to Marietta, Ga., and pro- cured board at the Kennesaw Hotel, and sent to Alabama for his old father and sister and family, consisting of Mrs. Col. Burt and six children. Her two oldest sons had gone into the army. He got a farm close to town, bought three negro boys for her, and had his old father to manage the place. We brought her two daughters in town to go to school with our girls, and they all started to Mr. Benedict, an Episcopal minister, who had a fine school in Marietta. My husband had finished his government business and had joined the army, going with his brother's command, Gen. John T. Morgan's, the Fifty-first Alabama Regiment, as a private. Gen. Clemens and Hon. George W. Jones, two old friends, came to me and told me that it was a shame for Mr. Morgan to go, as he was over forty-five ; he could be so much more useful at other points, as good business men were badly needed, and he could do more for the cause by staying in Atlanta than by enlisting as a private. (32) HOW IT WAS. 33 They and other friends wrote to Richmond to his brother-in-law, Judge William P. Chilton, Mem- ber of Congress, and Meredith P. Gentry, to state the case ; and the next mail brought back a com- mission as quartermaster of a division, with head- quarters at Atlanta. I was delighted, and sent it to him ; but it was returned posthaste to Richmond, he declining to accept it. I was at a crowded hotel, but I got Mr. White, the proprietor, to give me a private table in the dining room for my family and a few friends, among them Mary Gentry, daughter of Meredith P. Gentry, Mr. Fred Shepherd, of Nashville, and Mr. Sandy Shepherd, from Memphis. The latter gentleman was there looking after the interest of his bank. We sent to Charleston and bought a sack of Java, and I got my nurse, Nancy, to make us good coffee on my stove in my room. We fared better than most of them at the hotel tables, for they had parched wheat and rye for coffee : and old friends coming and going soon learned where to get a cup of pure coffee, and Nancy was often kept busy to supply the demand. Judge Caruth- ers, Judge Marchbanks, Gov. Neil S. Brown, my old teacher, Dr. C. D. Elliot, and many others got their cup as long as it lasted. Dr. Elliot would say: "Julia, my child, I am going up to the front 34 HOW IT WAS. to look after the bo} r s, and must have my coffee to take with me; my supply is out." His knapsack was always filled for him, and he would go off with a glad heart to try and comfort the soldier boys. He was as much devoted to them as he was to his old Nashville Academy pupils, and that was saying a great deal, for he had been a faithful teacher and friend to hundreds of girls scattered all over the South. Nancy was my courier, always on the alert to £et startling news. After the battle of Murfrees- boro she came up early one morning and told me the house v/as filled with wounded soldiers. Their destiny was Atlanta, as they had hospitals there and none at Marietta at that time. The poor fellows had heard that a great many Nashville refugees were there, and as the train stopped they slipped off in the dark and came to the hotel and sent word to us that they wanted to see the Nashville ladies; but just at the time most of them had left. I got up though, and as soon as I dressed I went down to see them. I went from room to room, and found twenty-seven poor fellows — some terribly wounded — shot in the legs and arms, and one had his eye put out. Different parts of the brave boys' bodies felt the effects of the Yankee bullets. I went in one room, and found Dr. Lowe, from HOW IT WAS. 35 Shelby County, shot through the eye, the ball coming out of the back of his neck, and it was strange that it did not kill him. His hair was very long, all bloody, and dried to his face, and all caked with blood around his eye, or the socket, as the eye was gone. I felt sick at heart, but went to work with my nurse to assist me. I had warm water brought, and with a soft cloth bathed the bloody hair until I could remove it from the wounded part, got a pair of scissors, and soon made the poor fellow more comfortable by cutting off his long, matted hair, and a more grateful man I never saw. He was in a fearful condition, but as I looked at the poor, sightless eye and pleased face I felt repaid for my efforts; and he told me he felt more comfortable and so thankful to me. I did not take time to hunt help, but went from room to room. The wounded men were all dirty, hun- gry, and bloody. My heart would give a big bound as I looked eagerly into each face, thinking maybe some of our Nashville boys were among them. I found Capt. Jackson, from the Hermitage, Ca'pt. Lynn and Mr. Herran, from near Memphis, and others, whose names, after the lapse of so many years, I have forgotten, but all in the same condi- tion : dirty, bloody, and hungry. As fare was high at the hotel, and most of the poor fellows were with- 36 HOW IT WAS. out money, I sent Nancy out, bought light bread, butter, and eggs, and had strong coffee made in my room, and we went to work cooking, and in a little while had enough prepared for them to eat to satiety. The next thing to be done was to get them some clothes. I started and hunted up all the Nashville ladies at the other hotel, and those boarding in town, and also called on the ladies of Marietta to help us. I had a hundred yards of pressed flannel my husband had bought to use in case of an emergency, as goods were getting very scarce; but when such scenes of distress were brought to me, my first impulse was to help relieve, so I got the ladies together and we cut out and made up as long as the cloth held out, and what I lacked others furnished. Hurrying and sewing for several days, we got all supplied with flannel shirts, drawers, and undershirts, and as "cleanliness is next to godliness," they felt nearer heaven in clean beds, and new underclothes, and good women around them ministering to their wants, than they had in some time before. In the meantime we sent for Drs. Steward and Setz, and they did all they could for their comfort. Mr. White, the proprietor, came to me and said: "I am a poor man and am not able to feed them, but will let them stay until places can be provided for now it was. 37 them." I told him I would see to their being fed, and I did; and had them well fed, too. I put on my bonnet and started out to hunt homes in pri- vate families for them, and I had good success. Mrs. Gen. Hansel took four; Mrs. Col. Atkinson, four; Mrs. Brumby, three; Mrs. Dennead, three; and so on until all had comfortable homes provid- ed, and I felt happy to know that they would be so well cared for. Most of the ladies sent their car- riages for them, and thev went with thankful hearts. As they were the first wounded soldiers who had stopped in Marietta, they all fared sump- tuously, and Dr. Setz and dear old Dr. Steward visited them regularly and did all in their power to alleviate their sufferings. Some of the boys were extremely ill from their wounds, as e^sipelas set in. I got a home for two country boys who were badly wounded, with an old lady and gentleman who had no children. Two days after, the old lady sent for me to come to see her on important busi- ness. I hurried down, called for her, and she said : " You must move those boys from my house, I can't stand them." I asked what on the earth was the matter. She told me her place and all she had was about to walk off with, as the soldiers called them, " gravbacks." The neat housekeep- was in despair. Allusion to these pests is not very 38 HOW IT WAS. delicate, but they were common in the army, where so many were crowded together they could not help getting them on their clothing. It made no differ- ence how neat and cleanly they were, they were all in the same category, liable to the "pests." 1 said: "Please don't move them; one has hi Hartsville, August 22, 1862. $ To Gen. Cooper, Adjutant General, Richmond. General: I beg to comfirm my dispatch of the 20th inst., announcing the result of yesterday's expedition. My command consisted of my own regiment (seven hundred strong) and a squadron of Texas Rangers, numbering about one hundred men, that returned that day worn-out to Gallatin. At 11 o'clock p.m. I received information from one of my friendly scouts that the enemy's cavalry was encamped on the roadside between Castalian Springs and Hartsville, a distance of only twelve miles from my camp. Judging from the fact that they had halted by the roadside, I concluded that they intended to march at night or possibly early in the morning, and I made my preparations ac- cordingly, dispatching scouts upon whom I could depend to bring me positive information as to the enemy's movements. At daybreak my column was on the move, and as the advanced guard reached the head of the town my pickets came galloping in, followed by my principal scout, who reported that he was closely pursued by a large body of cavalry. Not wishing, on account of the inhabitants, to make THE VIDETTE. 1 97 Gallatin the scene of our contest, I advanced my column, and was greeted on reaching the Harts- ville pike by a heavy fire from that direction. I dismounted two leading companies to fight, and threw them into the woods on the left of the road. The enemy increased the fire, and I gradually had my whole command engaged. The fight began at 6:30 o'clock and was main- tained without much advantage on either side — the enemy having, perhaps, rather the best of it at first — until about 8:30 o'clock, when they began to fall back, and my men to redouble their efforts. At 9:30 o'clock I had driven them four miles, and was preparing for a final charge, when a flag of truce was brought proposing an armistice, in order to bury their dead. My reply was, that I could entertain no proposition except unconditional sur- render. I learned then that the troops were commanded by Brig. Gen. Johnson. During the parley, the enemy had formed into line of battle, and were evidently ready to defend themselves from any fresh attack. I divided my forces into three divisions, leading one myself in the direction which I thought Gen. Johnson had taken. Maj. Morgan had five com- panies under his orders on my left. Lieut. Col. I98 HOW IT WAS. Duke, on my right, had three companies and his advanced guard. Some delay was occasioned by the nonarrival of my gallant Texas Rangers, who formed part of the body under my own immediate orders. They had been separated from their horses during the preceding fight, and had not been able to recover them in time to come to the front. On their ar- rival, we marched on in the direction of the ene- my, and Col. Duke's Division coming within sight, advanced at a canter and opened fire. Gen. Johnson's forces, being on a good pike, retreated for some time faster than my men, who were on difficult ground, could follow; but after a pursuit of some two miles they were overtaken and com- pelled to fight. They were dismounted and formed behind their horses. The position that they had selected was a very good one, especially as they considerably outnumbered Col. Duke's force, which was the only one opposed to them, Maj Morgan and my own attachment in the eager- ness of pursuit having taken too far to the left. Col. Duke reports that on perceiving that the enemy had halted, he formed his three companies and the advanced guard into columns of squad- rons, reserving the regular distances betwixt each so as to be able to form into line at command and THE V1DETTE. I99 attack. This was done with admirable precision and coolness by his men, and nothing could ex- ceed their gallantry. The enemy was formed under the brow of a hill, and my men were drawn up above them, so that their fire told with effect on my line, whilst that of the attacking party went over their heads. After a very sharp engagement of about fifteen minutes they broke and ran. Gen. Johnson, his adjutant general, Capt. Turner, Maj. Winfrey, and a number of privates were captured, but the main body escaped to the hills through the woods and high corn, making for the Cumberland River. Thus ended an action in which my command, not exceeding seven hundred men (one whole com- pany being in the rear with prisoners), succeeded in defeating a brigade of twelve hundred chosen cavalry sent by Gen. Buell expressly to take me or drive me out of Tennessee, killing and wounding some one hundred and eighty, and taking two hundred prisoners, including the brigadier general commanding, and the greater part of the regimental officers. My loss in both actions amounted to five killed, eighteen wounded, and two missing. Amongst the wounded was Capt, Huffman, who had his 200 HOW IT WAS. arm shattered by a ball whilst leading gallantly on his brave Texas Rangers, a small body of men commanded by Maj. Gano, of whom I cannot speak too highly, as they have distinguished them- selves ever since they joined my command, not only by their bravery, but by their good, soldier- like conduct. To all my officers and men my best acknowl- edgments are due. Nothing but hard fiVhtinsr carried them through. To my personal staff I am deeply indebted. Col. St. Leger Grenfell, acting adjutant general, ably supported me; Capt. Llewellen, my quarter- master, and Capt. Green Roberts, who acted as my aide-de-camp, were most active and fearless in carrying my orders, and the captains of companies were cool and collected in the performance of them. Lieut. Col. Duke led on his regiment, if possi- ble, with more than his usual gallantry, and con- tributed by the confidence with which he has in- spired his men to insure the success of the day. Lieut. Col. Duke makes particular mention of the cool and determined manner in which Lieut. Rogers, commanding advanced guard, Capts. Hutchinson, Castle, and Lieut. White, respectively commanding the three companies composing his THE VIDETTE. 201 division, behaved ; in fact, the conduct of both of- ficers and men deserves the highest praise. I received every assistance from the patriotism and zeal of the neighboring citizens, amongst whom Maj. Duffey and Capt. R. A. Bennet were preeminent. I have also to report that I have received a dis- patch from Gen. Forrest stating that he has en- camped within eight miles of me with a reinforce- ment of eight hundred men, but no artillery. The want of this arm cripples my movements and pre- vents my advance with that certainty of effect which a battery would afford. Recruits are daily and hourly arriving. The population seems at last to be thoroughly aroused, and to be determined on resistance. I hope shortly, general, to be able to report further successes ; and rest assured that no exer- tion on my part shall be wanting, and that no sac- rifices on that of my officers and men will prevent our giving as good an account of the enemy as our small numbers will admit of. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, general, your most obedient servant, John H. Morgan, Colonel Commanding Cavalry, C. S. A. P. S. — This morning I received positive infor- 202 HOW IT WAS. mation as to Gen. Nelson's intentions and move- ments. He is retreating from Nashville to reen- force Bowling Green, at the head of fifteen hundred infantry, two hundred cavalry, and twelve cannon. It is evident that the intention of the Federals is to attempt the defense of the line at Bowling Green and Lebanon. J. H. M. Notices. Quartermaster's Department, } Locke's Hotel, Aug. 19, 1S62. £ All persons having claims against the quarter- master are notified to present them for settlement immediately. D. H. Llewellyn, Quartermaster, C. S. A. Headquarters Morgan's Brigade, ) Hartsville, August 22, 1S62. $ All persons having property in their possession captured from the enemy will deliver it to me at Locke's hotel. D. H. Llewellyn, Assistant Quartermaster, C. S. A. Proclamation. Headquarters Morgan's Brigade, ) Hartsville, August 22, 1S62. ) Soldiers: Your gallant bearing during the last THE VIDETTE. 203 two days will not only be inscribed in the history of the country and the annals of this war, but is engraven deeply in my heart. Your zeal and devotion on the 20th at the at- tack of the trestlework at Saundersville, and of the Springfield Junction stockade, your heroism during the two hard fights of yesterday have placed you high on the list of those patriots who are now in arms for our Southern rights. All communication cut off betwixt Gallatin and Nashville, a body of three hundred infantry totally cut up or taken prisoners, the liberation of those kind friends arrested by our revengeful foes for no other reason than their compassionate care of our sick and wounded, would have been laurels suffi- cient for your brows. But soldiers, the utter an- nihilation of Gen. Johnson's brigade, composed of twenty-four picked companies of regulars, and sent on purpose to take us, raises your reputation as soldiers, and strikes fear into the craven hearts of your enemies. Gen. Johnson and his staff, with two hundred men, taken prisoners, sixty-four killed and one hundred wounded, attests the re- sistance made, and bears testimony to your valor. But our victories have not been achieved with- out loss. We have to mourn some brave and dear comrades. Their names will remain in our 2C>4 HOW IT WAS. breasts; their fame outlives them. They died in defense of a good cause. They died, like gallant soldiers, with their front to the foe. Officers and men, your conduct makes me proud to command you. Fight always as you fought yesterday, and you are invincible. John II. Morgan, Colonel Commanding Cavalry. The End.