iHtUtarg Ulnu^mmtB in 3(nbtana ^^^^ BY HENRY B. CARRINGTON, U.S.A. Then commandinti the District of Indiana and the Indiana Legion '^■^J^*jf0-K^i For Mie by DB WOLPB. PISKB & CO. 365 Washington 5t. Bostoa, MaM. IOWA\ Chicago m "Rvihi jftJi 2^^ I NEB? .St J< .VfLLINOISy '" MISS< ^ Jefferson ^Af/ssouri' isKliiiiis. ••;. 1 New Mibany. . •( jEvansvilleJii,/ _-JlJ(iervitiC.llM TCSuisville. . '•Perryv',\t KANSAS. J I • ooiivar v^ w ; y X ^Ci^ ^ IND.TER: J^al.ne.. \ \\ife^^^^£)^NJU^ MRKAN5AS. fe'-^^'.AtiMeniihi^fi^^^^^ ^;^H.-,\ '^' / \ \ \\\ it • CorriV>h,'...77~;>0;„^-i;-_^ I JV/'/isjii;; • •-' — ^ ^ ••.Ueoatur • T'|'%^ ""■, Ycllv -/ • Dallas. I / — V-HN—/ A .v4 iTol Military Zones OF The Civil War. BY Military Railroads. IILITARY MOFEINTS IN INDIANA IN 1864 DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT THE MILITARY HISTORY OF INDIANA AND CORRECT SEVERAL ERRORS IN RELATION TO THE RAIDS OF FORREST, MORGAN AND JOHNSON IN 1864, BY REFERENCE TO OMIT- TED OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, OR- DERS, TELEGRAMS, ETC., OF THAT PERIOD BY HENRY B, CARRINGTON, U. S. A. THEN COMMANDING THE DISTRICT OF INDIANA AND THE INDIANA LEGION 1909 THE ADAM JOHNSON RAID, 1864. Introductory Note. During 1864 Kentucky was Infested by irresponsible guerilla bands and John Morgan actually laid seige to Frankfort. The military force in Indiana was hardly enough to guard prisoners of war, (nearly 6000 in number) the hospitals and arsenal, and to keep the peace. Except a few veteran regiments awaiting re-organization or discharge, every available man was sent to the front, while six new regiments of infantry to form a division under Gen. Hovey's command, and Ave regiments of cavalry were being organized with all possible rapidity. Even the cavalry was sent forward, without horses, so great was tha urgency of the Southern campaign. During 1862 and the opening of 1863, new regiments had absorbed both officers and men of the State Militia, known as the "Indiana Legion," and when John Morgan made his madcap raid through Southern Indiana in July, 1863, he was worsted chiefly by Minute Men, and a few companies of the Legion, combined for the emergency. Returning to Indiana July 9th, by order of the Secretary of War, to report to Gov. Morton for special duty, he placed me in command of the State Militia; first, to assign all assembling volunteers into companies and temporary regiments for duty under the District Commander, and on the 14th to resume general command and re-organize the entire "Indiana Legion" upon a war basis. At the end of ten months the Legion mustered 18,000 rifles, 11 four-i:un batteries and 15 mounted companies, equipped for active service, as the spring campaign opened. Upon advices from Washington that an incursion by Forrest was anticipated. Gov Morton hastened to that city, consulted the War Department, and on March 31st telegraphed me from the St. Nicholas hotel, New York City, as follows : "I want you to take prompt measures to put Evansville and the border in a state of defense, so as to be able to resist any attack from Forrest " On the same date, I replied as follows : "Your telegram had been anticipated. I telegraphed and wrote you fully to Washington yesterday; lean put 10,000 men on the border in 3(5 hours, with 40 pieces of artillery. I sent troops to Mattoon yesterday. " On March 30th, on sudden appeal from Gen. Burbridge, Ken- tucky, for help, I replied: "I can place 5000 well armed and equipped men in Evansville in 24 hours, with 16 pieces of artillery, and will co-operate with you." On April 24th, Gov. Morton again telegraphed from New York: "Get out an address over your own signature to the people of the state, and calling upon tl>e Legion particularly! You and Noble (Adjt. Gen.) must designate places of rendezvous and make the necessary requisition for tents, equipments, etc. Push everything night and day." On April 26th, Gov. Morton, again in New York, telegraphed : "Order out ^11 Legion Companies, and have question of enlistment for 100 days presented to them. By order of the Governor," signed, W. k. Ilolloway, A. D. C, Secretary. It was through such matntatned and systematic preparation that upon the first warning from Gen. Hughes of the Legion, and Capt. Tombler, my Post Commander at EvansviUe, I was able to start the 46th Indiana, then at Indianapolis, and under my immediate com- mand, the very next morning (Sunday) by express train for Evans- ville, and to follow it with the 32nd and a carload of 500 saddles and horse equipments, in case ''impressed mounts" were needed, all in time to disperse Johnson's plunderers without resistance or loss. Col. Bringhurst went in command, with specific orders to all offi- cers, military and civil, laying the river shores from Evansville to Louisville itself under martial law. I also requested Bvt. Maj.-Gen. A. P. Hovey, then at home on leave at Mt. Vernon, the very centre of threatened danger, to command this mixed force of Volunteers and Legion Companies and pursue Johnson wherever to be found. Gen. Paine (then at Smithfield, Ky.,) telegraphed me to land my forces at Uniontown, Ky., where he would join them with 2000 men and "push forward." Gen. Hovey reached Uniontown first, and, strictly following his orders, ndvanced without waiting for Paine, scattered Johnson's command, and upon the arrival of Paine, returned to Evansville. He made full report to myself as District Commander, from Morganfield, Ky , Johnson's old headquarters, of the full success of his mission, and that "he had levied an assessment upon the disloyal citizens of Union County, Ky., in the sum of thirty-two thousand, two hundred and fifty ($32,250) dollars to cover damages sustained by the government." This report, now on file at the War Department, was received too late for the last "Annual Addenda' to Vol. XXXIX, War Records. But on September 8, 1S64, General Hovey, having succeeded to command of the District, addressed a letter to Adjt. Gen. L. Thomas, Washington, D. C, that "by the aid of General Hughes and his own exertion, he had on the morning of the 17th of August (the day of the expedition) at Mount Vernon, Indiana, the 46th regiment Indiana Volunteers, Colonel Bringhurst commanding," adding also, the other troops that made up his entire command; but made no reference to any aid from District Headquarters, or his having been intrusted with the command by the forethought of the District commander who was glad to give him desirable active service, so near his home, while absent from his own division, then before Atlanta. This letter appears however on pages 4657, Vol. XXXIX, Part I, War Records, and as Document No 82, in Vol. i, of Adjutant Gen. Terrill's "Indiana War Series." My own Official Report, of Johnson's first offensive acts, and the despatcn of 46th Indiana to Evansville, on the 14th of August, followed bv the 32d Indiana on the 15th of August, appears on page 259. Vol. XXXIX, Part II, War Records, and as document 77, Page 273, 5th paragraph from bottom of page, of Vol I, Terrill's "In- diana War Series" where full credit is given, as follows : — "General Hovey, then at Mount Vernon awaiting orders, consented to accom- pany the expedition, which was successful in scattering the hostile force without loss." In the same volume, last quoted, pages 109-110. special credit is given to "services rendered during the Morgan Raid of 1863, and the succeeding ten months of organizing the Indiana Legion under the Governor's orders." HENRY B. CARRINGTON, Brig. Gen. U. S. A., Retired. COLONEL ADAM JOHNSON'S CONFEDERATE FORCES THREATEN INDIANA AND ILLINOIS, AUGUST, 1864. Johnson's -weak demonstration with his hungry, half-armed plun- derers proved to be but an exaggerated local disturbance with no other serious signiflcance than to suggest to men bearing ihe heat of the pressing Atlantic campaign that their base of supplies might be in peril and lessen their chances for speedy and final victory. Associated Incidents from Official Documents. Gen. John Morgan's previous attempt to capture Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky, and its arsenal, had failed, through support derived from Indiana. Gov. Morton of that State, under whose direction, by special order of the War Department, Gen. H. B. Carrington, U.S. Vols., was serving as District Commander, re- quested and Gen. Heiutzelman, Department Commander, concurred that the Iiidiaua Military headquarters should be simultaneously at Indianapolis and Louisville, during the critical conditions of the river border towns, in 1864. During the previous June, Geii. Carriugton, by request of Gen. Heintzehnan, had occupied Louis- ville, with Indiana troops, and placed the city under martial law. As early as March 30th, the Legion along the border had been con- stantly kept on the alert by telegrams similar to that sent to Col. W. E. HoUiugswoith, Evansville, Indiana, as follows : "Quietly notify Mann at Mount Vernon; Bates at Newburgh ; Parker at Rockport, and Fournier at Cannelton, to have arms inspected and in readiness for border service. Same as to artillery." Signed by Henry B. Carriugton, Brig. -Gen. By mutual arrangement, Gen. Burbridge, just placed in com- mand of the entire State of Kentucky, as a district, and Gen. Carrington, commanding the district of Indiana as well as the Indiana State Legion by special order of Gov. Morton, consented that each District Commander might conduct operations along the Ohio Kiver, re^'ardless of the river state boundary, whenever an emergency required that discretion. * (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 237, War Records.) The long threatened raid of Adam Johnson in western Kentucky was imminent. Its development and failure are noted in the following official documents : July 25, 1864. Geo. Burbridge addressed Gen. Carrington, in part, as follows: "I sincerely thank you for the complimentary terms of your congratulations. I find it exceedingly difficult to adopt any plans at present to entirely rid Kentackyof her enemies; but I can make their number less. Gen. Sherman's colony will soon receive an accession from 'Union as it was, and the Con- stitution as it is now' of Kentucky. If you will keep Indiana and Illinois from attacking him in the rear, I will endeavor soon to rid Kentucky of traitors and treason." July 26. Gen. Carrington telegraphed Department Head- quarters: "The 43d and 46th Indiana Vols, are gathering here. *Ul8contlnued after change of Department Commander, all serviceable governmcni horses being taken from District Headquarters and sent to the flelil. See correspon lence of Gov. IMorton with Gens. Hooker and Hovey and order of Gen. Elalleck. (Vol. XLV., Part II, War Records.) Gov. Morton very anxious that they reoiain. Guerillas crossed into Indiana stealina; arms and horses." (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 206, War Records.) July 28. Gen. Carrington telegraphs headquarters : "Conamittee from Henderson, Ky., report all Union citizens and families fled to Evansville, Indiana. Burbridge will arrive in morning to consult Gov. Morton. Would like to meet Gen. Heintzelraan, if possible, here, (Indianapolis.; The border in a very precarious situation. (Vol. XIXXIX, Part 11, Page 209 ) July 30. Gen. Carrington telegraphs that Gen. Burbridge, now here, demanded the arrest of Judge Bullitt, then at Indianapolis, and asked instructions, with the information that Gov. Morton had published the official report as to the Secret Societies placed in his hands the previous June. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 211, War Records.) Julv 31. (Jen. Heintzelman authorizes said arrest on requisition of Gen. Burbridge. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 215, War Records.) The arrest took place as Bullett reached Louisville the day following. Aug. 1st, 1864. Gen. Burbrid^ie writes Gen. Halleck, "I cannot conclude (his report) without acknowledging with sincere tnanks my obligations to Gens. Carrington and Heintzelman for the prompt assistance rendered to my defenceless district in its hour of need." (Vol. XXXIX, Part I, Page 26, War Records.) Aug. 7. Gov. Morton, under then existing conditions, when ex- pecting Gen. Carrington would soon leave for the field, telegraphed Secretary Stanton (in part,) "As matters stand here, it would be very unfortunate to remove Gen. Carrinirton, and I hope it will not be done." (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 232, War Records.) Aug. 9. Col. Edward Torabler, commanding post at Evansville, Indiana, telegraphs Gen. Carrington, commanding district of Indiana, as follows: "I have reliable information of a rebel force of 1000 men, under command of Col. Adam Johnson, near Morgan- field, Union County, Ky. I fear an attack on this city and am making arrangements accordingly." Aug. 9. Gen. Carrington advises Gen. Heintzelman of impending invasion from Kentucky and that he "had sent one of his coo- fldential agents to Kentucky to visit the camps of the four border detachments of rebels, under Jesse, Seifurt, Taylor and Johnson, to learn whether they proposed to act in concert with their friends in Indiana and Illinois, so as to anticipate their action, which conld not be ignored." The agent so sent was one Stidger, who was in full confidence with the rebel leaders, and supposed to be loyal to their cause. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 236-238.) Aug. 10. Gen. Carrington advises Gen. Burbridge that Gen. Heintzelman has no troops to spare, but he will call out Indiana Militia to act with other troops under his command. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 239, War Records.) Aug. 13. Gen. Carrington assumes control of River Border, under the following order, distributed to all post commanders and other officials, civil and military, which went into full force on the morning of the 15th of August as the special instructions to Maj.- Gen. Hughes and the officers of the troops sent to the front. Headquartrrs District of Indiana, Northern Department, Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 13, 1864. (Saturday) General Orders! No. 16. / Tlie daily demonstrations by guerilla parties upon th*^ border, and the constant smugglin'r of arms and ammunition by the rebels, requiring immediate attention, the foUowina: instructions are enjoined upon all commandants of posts and all patrolling parties alon;i the Ohio river. 1. No armed citiEens, whether for hunting purposes, or other- wise, will cross the Ohio River into Kentuclty without a proper permit, and all attempting to do so will be arrested and reported at these headquarters, for examination and trial. 2. All armed men crossing from Kentucky into Indiana, unless United States soldiers, under a commissioned officer, and in the line of duty, will be arrested and reported at the nearest Post for examinati )n, or trial; and any guerrilas so crossing, and disguised in Federal uniform, will be summarily dealt with by military Commission, 3. All person, or persons, so crossing and engaged in plunder- ing, horse stealing, or other offenses against the public peace, and all persons whomsoever, crossing by fords or sliiffs, who do not give satisfactory account of themselves, will be arrested and reported to the nearest Post Commander. 4. All rebel deserters who have been sent north of the Ohio River, upon taking the Oath of Allegiance, and who violate the same, by avowed sympathy with the rebel cause, or otherwise, will be arrested and sent to these headquarters. 5. Hereafter all such persons will report their names, antece- dent history and proposed residence, to the nearest Provos*". Marshal General at Indianapolis, and offenses afterwards committed by them will be dealt with as before indicated above. 6. Commandents of Posts are directed, and Provost Marshals, Sheriff's, Officers of the State Legion, and Justices of the Peace, are authorized and requested, to carry into immediate and vigorous effect, the provisions of this order, furnishing, in each case, the names and residences of witnesses, and an abstract of facts. 7. Paragraphs 4, 5 and 6, being of general import, will be regarded throughout the District. 8. Commandants of troops on the border will co-operate fully with United States forces south of the Ohio River, and will unite with them in pursuing and exterminating the guerilla bands that infest its shores. By order of BRIG. GEN. CARRINGTON, Fergus "Walker, Capt. & A. A. G. Aug. 15. Gen. Carrington advises Gen. Burbridge that Johnson seized 3 steamers; that Gen. Hobson must move lively; that he has started veteran regiments for Evansville and Mount Vernon, Ind., with orders to mount themselves, and has laid an embargo upon all river travel between Evansville and Louisville. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II. Page 254, War Records ) Aug. 16. Gen. Carrington reports fully to Gen. Heintzelmau, and in part, as follows: "On Saturday, Col. Johnson seized three '8 stearners loaded with goveroraent cattle and crossed a portion of his command into Illinois between Shawneetown and Mount Vernon, Indiana. "Sunday followina I sent the Forty-sixth Indiana by the first train, and upon the dispatches of Gen. James Hughes, command- ing the militia of southwestern Indiana, I made requisition upon Gov. Morton for 2500 militia, and sent the Forty-sixth Indiana to Evansville and Mount Vernon. "On the 15t-h I sent the Thirty-second Indiana, (just returned from the field) having still ten days to serve; interdicted all communications with the Kentucity shore, between Evansville and Louisville, withont permission of the commandants of those posts, and shall send the Forty-ninth Indiana as soon as rendezvoused, if the danger continues. "Meanwhile, I advised Gov. Yates, Gens. Burbridge and Ewing. Gen. Hobson has moved from the line of the Louisville & Nash- ville railroad. Gen. Paine starts today from Faducah. For two days no steamers have passed up the river without being fired upon ; but the main purpose is to crush these organized bodies and talie care of the guerillas afterwards. "The Forty-sixth started by steamer from Mount Vernon under convoy of a small gunboat to rescue the steamers. I have just re- ceived a telegram that there was heavy firing near Mount Vernon yesterday, and that the steamers were turned over to their ovvners for $1000 of ransum money. This may be premature, but is from Gen. Hughes. I have no official report from Col. Briughurst, commanding the Fortv-sixth Indiana, since he left Mount Vernon." (Vol. XXXIX, Part I'l, Page 259, War Records.) Aug. 16. Gen. Heintzelman telegraphs Gen. Halleck as to Johnson's movements; "Gen. Carriugton is assembling and send- ing in pursuit all available troops, and Gen. Burbridge has been telegraphed to co-operate." (Vol. XXXIX, Part I, Page 462 War Records.) Aug 16. Gen. Carringtun advises Gen. Heintzelman that on that day, which had been suggested by the Sons of Liberty to seize the arsenals and release Confederate prisoners of war, a'l country approaches were successfully patrolled and that the country for fifty miles around was under watch; that no surprise could be effected, l)ut tliat no relaxation of vigilance would occur. In the same dispatch the leading members of the disloyal o'-der were announced by name. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Pages 259- 260.) Aug. 17, the following telegram was received at 8 o'clocli in the morning. Evansville, Ind , Aug. 17, 1864. Buig.-Qkn. Carringtox, Indianapolis, Ind , Johnnson's main camp is in Crittenden county. Ky. A detachment of eight hundred of his men are camped four (4) miles from Caseyville, Ky. Gen. Hovey sends word to Gen. Hughes that he will cross the river at Uniontown, Ky., this morning at ten nO^ o'clock. He has under his command the thirty-second (32d) and forty-sixth (46th) Indiana Vols., a four (4) gun battery from this place, and four (4) full companies of cavalry. I have stopped all communications with the Kentucky shore for the present. Gen. Ewing has telegraphed the Com- missary of Subsistence at this post to forward rations for eight hundred (800) men to Calhoim on Green x'iver. I will send the boat out this afternoon "with a strong guard. Edward Tombler, Capt. Comdg, Post. 117. B. 366 & 357 Col. Aug. 17. Gen. Paine telegraphs to Gen. Carrington from Smith- fleld, Ky., as follows: "I will be at Uniontown tomorrow at 12. Send your forces to that place. I will have two thousand men. Gen. Prentiss will be at Shawneetown with two thousand men. I will push forward !" "35. 160&360. Col." Signed, E. A. Paine, B.G. Aug. 17, Gen. Paine sends a corresponding dispatch to Gen. Ewin«. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 263. War Records.) Aug. 17, Gen. Heintzelman telegraphs to Gen. Carrington from Columbus. Ohio, as follows: " Briii.-Gen. Carrington, Indianapolis, Ind. "The Thirty-seventh Iowa, kown as 'Grey Beards' have been ordered to report at Indianapolis. They will be subject to your orders." (29. D, 204. Pd.) Signed, S. H. Lathrop, Lt. Col. Ausr. 19. Gen. Carrington teleJ escape, had been discovered. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 293, War Records.) Aug. 24. Gen. Carrington advises Gen. Helntzelman of the seizure of the headquarters of the Disloyal Order of the "Sons of Liberty," togetlier with arms, ammunition, documents &c., and of tlie fliuht from his arre.>st of the Commander of the Order. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 295, War Records.) Aug. 24. Gen. Carrinpton advised Gen. Helntzelman that the Fortv-ninth Indiana had left for Lexiuiiton, Kv., where Gen. Bnrbridge had need of troops; also that an examination of Camp Morton disclosed 2000 of the prisoners as sworn to participate in r.n outbreak. (Vol XXXIX, Part II, Page 296, War Records.) 11 Aug. 25. Gen. Carrington, having no authority to arrest and try by Military Commission, citizens of the State where the Federal Courts were open, Gov. Morton, knowing the views of Gen. Halleck In the matter, which views Gen. Hovey warmly advocated, approved of Gen. Hovey's taking command of the district proper. Up to that critical date, Gov. Morton, contrary to current statements, had opposed military arrests, and on the 29th of May, 1863, Gen. Burnside telegraphed President Lincoln that "a messenger from Gov. Morton had called In reference to the arrest by the military authorities of a citizen of Indiana." On the same date, President Lincoln's answering telegram advises Gen. Burnside that "the cabinet regretted the necessity of arresting, for Instance, "Valandingham; some perhaps doubting that there was a real necessity for it, but, being done, all are for seeing you through with it." (Page 717, "Vol. V., Series II. War Eecords.) And on the 1st of June, (page 723 of same Vol., and the accompanying pages) Secretary Stanton advises Gen. Burnside of the views of the President and himself of the desired remedy for a state of things existing In Indiana, of which Gov. Morton made special complaint, and asked immediate relief. Aug. 29. Gen. Hughes, being at Indianapolis, sent a personal appeal to President Lincoln, asking that portions of Kentucky be attached to the district of Indiana under command of Gen. Hovey, and the district be made independent of Gen. Heintzelman's command. (Vol. XXXIX, Part II, Page 324, War Records.) Gen. Hovey's orders to the command of the district bore date Aug. 25, but his instructions were not received until the 29th, on which date Gen. Carrington resumed service under Gov. Morton, as well as in command of Draft Rendezvous, recruiting service and all state camps, until March 27, 1865, when, by order of the War Department, No. 147, Gen. Carrington was ordered to report to Maj.-Gen. Thomas, Army of the Cumberland; and Gen. Hovey, "in addition to his duties as district commander, is assigned the command of the Draft Rendezvous, Prisoner's camp, and other camps in and around Indianapolis." (Vol. XLIX, Part II, Page 97.) Sept. 8. Gen. Hovey addressed a letter to the adjutant-general of the army, Washington, direct, and not through Gen. Heintzel- man's headquarters, describing the expedition Into Kentucky, introduced as follows : "Headquarters District ok Indiana, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 8, 1864. Gen. L. TnoMAS, Adjt.-Gen. Washington, D. C. Being at Mount Vernon, Ind., awaiting commands under a verbal order of the Secretary of War, and having received reliable information that Cols. Johnsou and Selfurt of the Confederate army were collecting a large force In Union and Henderson counties, Ky., numbering from 1000 to 2000, for the purpose of crossing the Ohio river and destroying the towns on the Indiana border, I wrote to Maj.-Gen. Hughes of the Indiana legion, then at Eransville, Ind., directing the defense of the border, stating that if sufficient force could be raised, I would cross the river and attack the camps reported at or near Morgan- field, Ky., hoping to surprise and capture a large number of the forces thus engaged in conscription and plunder. By the aid of Gen. Hughes and my own exertion I had, on the morning of the 17th of August, A.D., 1864, at Mount Vernon, 12 Indiana, the 46th re