fast. Dogs howled, horses neighed, cattle
lowed, and every living creature was sending
forth some distressful and pitiful noise.

Still on we galloped, very often hotly
chasing detachments of the enemy and riding
them down without a sigh of regret. When
within seven or eight miles of the Jefferson-
ville and Indianapolis Railroad we com-
menced descending from the hills into the
valley, meeting parties of from ten to fifty
citizens with axes on their way to the high-
lands to obstruct our line of march by block-
ading the road with trees. Such orders had
been telegraphed to them by Governor Mor-



Kelion Franklin Peddicord 135

ton, which news "Lightning" had previously
intercepted, and was one reason for our rapid
marching. The poor citizens suffered that
day in mind, and also, I expect, in pocket,
their new axes being sadly treated, so much
so that I doubt if they ever found the edge
again. We got the edge off them without
any difficulty.

Company B formed the head of the column
on this day, and when within six miles of the
railroad was detached with orders to hasten
to Vienna. Putting spurs to our steeds we
passed the videttes at a brisk canter. En
route we met several parties of wood chop-
pers, hurrying to the blockading-ground.

Passing Company B off as Washington
County Home Guards, we urged them for-
ward by telling them that Morgan had passed
through Salem. In a very few moments we
had charged into Vienna, accompanied by our
operator. We found all the inhabitants in
the streets at two hundred yards distance.
This looked suspicious, for many of them
were in Yankee uniforms, which signified to
us that it was a solid line of battle. But this
was no time to hesitate. Our instructions
were to take the town, and into town we went,
pell mell, feeling very much like a man who



i 3 6 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

expected to be shot at; but we were agreeably
disappointed, as it happened. There were
many soldiers, but all unarmed.

The women were soon crying, begging, and
imploring us to spare their children. The
boys heard this with amazement, and asked
the women if they thought we were bar-
barians that they should think we could hurt
women and children. The men assured them
that not a hair of their heads would be in-
jured, nor would they wound their feelings in
any way. Quieting them as best we could,
we ordered all in their houses excepting the
men. These a sergeant with a guard took
charge of.

Another sergeant was sent after the U. S.
operator, who was found at the house by the
side of his Dulcinea, little dreaming that
Morgan's men had possession of his office.
When Sergeant T. inquired for him he arose,
saying he was the gentleman asked for. The
sergeant informed him that he had business
for him to attend to in his office. On their
walk down to the depot he eyed the sergeant
closely. The sergeant noticed this, and asked
him if he did not think he knew him. He
replied, "I am not sure, but I think you are
one of Morgan's men."



Kelion Franklin Peddicord 137

He was quite certain of that fact a little
later, after he had been turned over to "Rebel
Lightning," who had some trouble in getting
the necessary signal known to the operators.
But on seeing a navy pistol presented he was
more communicative.

On "Lightning" receiving the necessary
news a courier was dispatched post haste to
the General, and soon after another. The
track was also destroyed on both sides of the
town, and when the General arrived all orders
had been executed, destroying what U. S.
stores had been found there, and burning the
depot and railroad bridges.

The command moved on to Lexington that
night, where, arriving about midnight, we fed
and rested until moining. The "home pro-
tection" stationed there left on our approach.

At an early hour the next morning several
companies of the enemy's forces marched into
town, without knowing who was there.
None of our troops was in the town at the
time, but General Morgan, with a small body-
guard, the rest of his men being encamped
near by feeding. Both parties were struck
with surprise, and for some moments all was
confusion. However, the General did not



138 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

long hesitate before he sent a courier to us to
come to his assistance.

Mounting our horses we soon galloped to
his relief, though too late to have a tilt with
the Northmen, for before we could report
they had suddenly disappeared. With such
an opportunity, what simpletons they were not
to attempt a capture and perhaps be able to
carry off our General. Had they been men
of nerve they might have accomplished that
which would have secured them a brilliant
place in Yankee history. Yet they lacked the
pluck.

Receiving our instructions the Fourteenth
moved off in the direction of Vernon, the
county-seat of Jennings County, through
which runs the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad,
and also a railroad running from Columbus,
a point on the Jeffersonville and Indianapolis
Railroad, to Madison on the Ohio.

Vernon was reached in the afternoon,
where a large force had collected. We
deeply impressed them with the idea that we
intended to give them battle, but this was
only done to draw their attention from cer-
tain military supplies, railroad and railroad
bridges, the depot, etc., that we designed de-
stroying.



Kelion Franklin Peddicord 139

We then continued our march to Versailles,
making sad havoc with all railroads and
public property, and at the same time our
detachments were operating on each flank, by
which the Yankees were deceived as to our
whereabouts, reporting us very often at as
many as twenty towns almost at once.
When we reached Versailles the inhabitants
made a grand mistake in taking us for Federal
soldiers, and not until we were leaving did
they learn that we were Rebels. One old
lady declared she knew it, had known it all
the time. But I am afraid not, if I am to be
guided by her actions and from the bountiful
way she provided our men with such a variety
of nice edibles.

One mile from town a force in ambush
fired on the advance, and then ran, we after
them full-tilt, giving them fits every jump
until the road was entirely clear.

The many towns between Versailles and
Hamilton, Ohio, could not be mentioned
under several pages, and besides I cannot call
them all to mind. Yet I do remember that
every town, day, and hour had its stirring
adventures. The command was almost worn
out, and dead for want of sleep and rest.
Yet on and on we marched. Soon Hamilton,



I4 o Kelion Franklin Peddicord

Big Miami River, the canal and railroad were
in sight, and while descending the hill a mag-
nificent view was before us. The valley
beyond possessed a great variety of beautiful
scenery; the town itself was very handsome
and beautiful; and the canal, river, and rail-
road gave the finishing touch to as grand a
picture as nature affords. We remained but
u short time in Hamilton, yet long enough to
exchange some of our wearied horses for some
fresher ones. Then passing through we
halted to feed beyond the city limits.

Soon the column was moving, and during
the night's march passed within seven miles
of the Queen City, where a detachment, pre-
viously instructed, drove their outpost in,
causing unbounded excitement in "Pork-
opolis." It was without doubt the darkest
of all nights. The troops were almost ex-
hausted for want of sleep. Many of them
during the night, while asleep, wandered off
on some of the many side roads, notwith-
standing the officers' vigilance to keep all
awake by riding from the head of their com-
panies to the rear and back again, and con-
stantly urging them, if they loved their coun-
try's cause, to keep each other awake.
Oftentimes I have seen on that raid both man



KH ion Franklin Peddicord 141

and horse nodding together, and at such times
the horse staggering like one intoxicated.
The Little Miami and railroad to Columbus
were crossed before the day appeared.

During the next day Camp Dennison was
threatened but not attacked. Several hun-
dred wagons were found near by and burnt,
as well as a large quantity of other stores.
With the advance Company B was again the
first, and early in the morning was detached
to cut the railroad.

On reaching the scene of operations a de-
tail was advanced toward Dennison, who met
the enemy's outpost near a bridge, and, after
a sharp and well-fought skirmish, drove the
Yankees away, capturing several of their
horses fully equipped.

We had scarcely time to put two large ties
into a cattle gap like; the letter X and to cut
the telegraph wire, before we saw a train of
passenger cars coming like a whirlwind
around a curve. They certainly had seen
our main column and were trying to get away.
At the first intimation of her approach we
disappeared into a cornfield immediately
alongside. The train shot past like a blazing
meteor, and the next thing we saw was a
dense cloud of steam above which flew large



142 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

timbers. Our next sight startled our nerves,
for there lay the monster floundering in the
field like a fish out of water, with nothing but
the tender attached. Her coupling must
have broken, for the passenger carriages and
express were still on the track, several yards
ahead. Over three hundred raw recruits
were on board, bound for Camp Dennison.
They came tumbling and rolling out in every
way imaginable.

Company B was in line ready for action,
when we discovered they were unarmed, ex-
cept for a few having side-arms. All sub-
mitted without a single shot, and were sent
under guard to the General.

Examining and closely inspecting the prize,
orders were received to set her on fire. Just
before leaving a locomotive came down from
Dennison to see what had caused the train's
delay; but when the engineer discovered our
men galloping to his rear to intercept his re-
treat, he put his engine back at her utmost
speed and escaped capture.

There were but two persons hurt at the
above break up, and they were the engineer
and the fireman. The former was a little
scalded and the latter had a bone fractured.
Permission was given to several of his friends



Kelion Franklin Peddicord 143

to carry him to the nearest house and liberty
granted them to take care of him.

Soon we were again at the head of the ad-
vance, after an hour's absence, perhaps. Our
main force passed to the left of Georgetown
several miles, but the advance, according to
instructions, made a flank march and went
to the county-seat of Brown County, where
we halted to dine, feed, and see the "Lion."
We overtook the command at ten o'clock that
night and took our position in front.

The next day we crossed the canal leading
from Portsmouth to Cleveland, and the
Scioto River, marching through Jackson
about midday, dispersing a large force of
Ohio militia who were guarding the railroad
to Ironton and burning depot buildings, rail-
road and other property belonging to the so-
called "Uncle Sam."

At four in the evening we entered the town
of Chester in Meigs County, after great dif-
ficulty. Every bridge had been destroyed
in our front, and at every pass and ravine the
road was blockaded and defended by troops
in concealment, but we never failed to dis-
lodge and drive them confusedly away. A
large number of "blockaders" were captured
and, accompanied by a guard, were compelled



I44 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

to clear away the obstructions that many of
them had assisted in making. Poor fellows,
they felt their time had come, so badly were
they frightened. They would no more halt
when we were after them than they could fly.
Oftentimes the boys would dismount and go
in pursuit of these bushwhackers and com-
mand them to halt, but on they ran, like
some one that had escaped from the deaf and
dumb asylum, never stopping until the boys
laid violent hands upon them, holding them
fast by main force. Even then they would
strive hard to get away, just as some wild
animals would do. At times it was difficult
to keep the boys from shooting them down
for such actions.

Halting in Chester for the arrival of the
General and forces, we had a delightful time,
certain delicacies having been prepared by the
ladies for their gallant and patriotic defend-
ers.

On General Morgan's arrival we moved
on to the river at a double quick, never rein-
ing our horses until dark, and then we were
on the bank of the Ohio. We soon captured
the picket of the forces guarding the ford,
which consisted of three hundred militia
from Marietta, with three field-pieces, and



Kellon Franklin Peddlcord 145

though strongly entrenched they left the coun-
try as soon as they heard of our arrival, leav-
ing their guns in our charge.

Our brigade and artillery did not come up
until midnight. It was then extremely dark
and foggy, and knowing that we undoubtedly
would have to swim a part of the way, at
least, across the river, and that it would be
extremely difficult to get our battery over
it, it was thought advisable to delay until
daylight and fair play. I am now confident
that had we attempted it very many of our
men would have been drowned. Every one
was broken down with fatigue, and thus the
delay.

Twice during the night I was ordered with
twenty of Company B to cross the river in
search of flatboats, but failed to secure any.
If we had not been under orders, how easily
we could have escaped the coming disaster,
and yet we never suspected that such would
be our fate.

When daylight appeared couriers from
every part of the field were seen flying to
headquarters. One reported that the rear
was attacked, the next our right, and another,
our left, and soon the engagement was gen-



I4 6 Kelion Franklin Pcddicord

eral and hotly contested. Duke, with two
regiments, drove General Judah's forces
back, but being struck in the flank by another
force, he retreated. The enemy, so much
our superior in numbers, we being reduced to
not more than fifteen hundred, if that, had all
the advantages, assisted by small gun-boats
that had succeeded in getting above the shoals
by a rise in the river. Several Yankee offi-
cers informed me afterward that over sixty
thousand regular troops, not mentioning
militia, home guards, bushwhackers, and
armed citizens, were opposed to us on that
day. However, until noon, we lost little of
our position ; but it was very evident that we
would have to yield finally, or run for it.

Seeing this, the General knew he would
have to sacrifice a part of his force to save
the other. While a portion was holding the
Yankees in check, under a terrible fire of shot
and shell, our General made his escape up
the river with the remainder. And for the
first time a white flag, the sign of surrender,
was seen in charge of an officer going to the
enemy's lines.

On sight of the flag the old scouts begged
me to lead them out; but this I could not do,
except by the permission of my superior offi-



Kelion Franklin Peddicord 147

cer, and when I asked the Colonel he refused
me that liberty, saying it would be impossible
or at a great sacrifice of men. I replied on
behalf of the scouts that all were ready and
willing to run that risk, particularly when
imprisonment with all its horrors was staring
us in the face. Still, the Colonel would not
consent. Had we attempted without his will,
and succeeded in cutting our way out, and he
been captured, it would have been called a
glorious deed. On the other hand, if he had,
through some mysterious way, been extri-
cated, our leaving without orders of our su-
perior would have been branded as desertion.
But the fight was over, and we prisoners of
war.

I will not continue my sketch further. You
are well posted as to events which have trans-
pired since the igtb day of July, 1863, the
day of our capture. I have written only a
very limited account of what happened, and
in a humble way; but if it pleases as well as
interests her for whom it was designed, I will
be richly and amply rewarded for this feeble
struggle.

I will say in conclusion, my dear sister, that
this unadorned outline was written and in-
tended for your eyes alone, free from com-



148 Kclion Franklin Peddicord

ment, for the memory of comrades gone is
sacredly dear.

Very affectionately yours,

FRANK.

N. B. Not being with General Morgan
after the i9th of July, it would be impossible
to relate his further adventures.

FRANK.

Completed December 23rd, 1865,
expressly

for a
Christmas Present.



CHAPTER III

PRISON LIFE

We continue the story of K. F. Peddicord's
life from memoranda written by him at in-
tervals, and think it proper to introduce some
letters written by him while in prison after
the Ohio raid.

After the capture the prisoners were taken
by boats to Cincinnati, Ohio. While march-
ing through the streets of the city en route to
prison, guarded on all sides by policemen on
foot, policemen mounted, and infantry, ar-
tillery and cavalry flankers, one of the boys
quietly stepped out in the dense crowd. Hav-
ing citizen's dress he escaped notice, and to
make matters more secure he walked forward
and spoke to one of his company, with,
"Hello, Jim! Where was you captured?"
Jim understood the situation. The guard or-
dered, "Stand back there!" and their friend
fell back into the multitude and proudly went
to liberty again. On went the column to the
Female Prison, where they were confined
four days. The prisoners were then moved



150 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

to Johnson's Island, where they were kept
eight days. Soon after this the field and
staff officers (68) were put in the penitentiary
at Columbus, Ohio, and the line officers
(119) were taken to Allegheny City and put
in the Western Penitentiary of Pennsylvania,
where they remained eight months. The
men were sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago,
Illinois.

The next move in the spring of 1864 was
to Point Lookout, Maryland, via Baltimore
and Chesapeake Bay. One of the prisoners,
Lawrence Peyton, was killed there in a most
cowardly manner by Sergeant Young of the
Sixth New Hampshire.

From Point Lookout the prisoners were
taken by ocean steamer to Fort Delaware, lo-
cated on Pea Patch Island in Delaware Bay,
where they were confined until June, 1865.
The following letters are of interest in this
connection :

"Division 27, Officers' Barracks,
"Fort Delaware, Del., December 7, 1864.
"My dearest Sister Lily:

"Again was I made glad, this evening,
upon the receipt of your kind letter of the



Kelion Franklin Peddicord 151

I st. Having postponed several days in hopes
of getting a letter before writing, at last I was
successful, and the realization has made me
again cheerful. For, to tell you the truth, I
was quite sad. There is nothing so depress-
ing to one's spirits as the absence or non-
arrival of letters from one's friends, which
you will please bear in mind.

"But what added most to my discomfort
was not hearing from , for in his let-
ter of the 1 4th of November he wrote me
that he would send me a check soon. I an-
swered immediately upon receipt, it being the
1 9th, but have received no answer or check,
although I have not yet given up all hopes.
With a little assistance of that kind, now and
then, we expect to live through the winter,
and without it it would indeed be hard living,
as prisoner's fare is not very flattering.

"I have several times been reduced to that
predicament. This has been the case particu-
larly for the last three or four weeks, since
I preferred to pay a few small debts with the
five dollars you sent, rather than purchase
what I really needed. I miss my coffee most,
and therefore I am often hungry, and when
once hungry, without some assistance you will
always be so, when restricted to a certain



152 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

amount of rations. But enough of this;
neither space nor restrictions will permit me
to say more. I am trusting something may
be done.

"Write soon and often, and tell me some-
thing of Mummy now and then. Glad to
find your last letter some longer, but you can
still do much better. Love to all.
"I am, my dear sister,

"Truly your affectionate brother,

"K. F. PEDDICORD."

"Officers' Quarters, Division 27,
"Fort Delaware, Del., December 25, 1864.

"(A ring inclosed.)
"Dear Sister India:

"Your kind letter of the i8th came gliding
into my sad and lonely quarters last evening,
with a mild and gentle sympathy that steals
away their sadness and loneliness ere I am
aware. A retrospect of bygone brings to
mind, this morning, many pleasing incidents
which cause me for a time to forget my pres-
ent situation. While musing o'er those
happy days I can but sigh and say, 'Would I
were a boy again !'



Kelion Franklin Feddicord 153

"Could our friends have been silent spec-
tators last evening they would doubtless have
been surprised and much amused at our en-
tertainment in this division. We cleaned up
and dressed urj early, and at 6 o'clock two
sets of boys, in their best to represent 'la-
dies,' hats off or a nice smoking-cap on to
designate them, were tripping lively steps to
the music of two violins. After dancing, we
had songs, and all wound up before 'lights
out' (9 o'clock) with a rat supper. For if
you must know, there are many here who
eat them whenever they can get them, and
that is frequently.

"While the ball was going on in this
(Kentucky) division, prayer-meeting was on
in the next. Thus it goes in life. I did not
dance; there is no poetry to me in dancing
with a man. I thought, while looking on, if
the girls could see us, they would say, 'Well,
those boys have learned to live without us.
They do their own washing, cooking, sewing
and dancing.'

"I wrote to you on the 2Oth, in answer to
yours containing ten dollars. I also wrote
you the 23d, and enclosed a ring, which, if
received, and I have my doubts, take an
old toothbrush, soap and water, and clean



154 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

it, then rub it with buckskin. I send in this
the plain one, just finished; it will not quite
go on my third finger. I thought that too
large. If it doesn't suit you, I'll make an-
other. A friend gave me the one I sent you
on the 23d. It is beautiful, I think. Don't
you think so?

"Remember me to friends. Love to all.
Write me often and longer. The weather
looks charming to-day, but not like Christ-
mas of old.

"With much love,

"Your affectionate brother,

"K. F. PEDDICORD/'

"Officers' Barracks, Division 27,

"Fort Delaware, 4th January, 1865.
"Dear Sister:

"Glad to acknowledge receipt of your kind
letter of the 26th (the answer to mine of
1 6th), but better pleased to find enclosed
five dollars ($5). However, that expression
conveys but a feeble idea of my feelings and
of the heartfelt thanks to you for your sis-
terly kindness and attention. It put new life
into me. I trust that my three or four letters
subsequent to the i6th have all safely reached



Kelion Franklin Peddicord 155

you, together with two rings enclosed at dif-
ferent times, and I also hope with the rings
you are well pleased. Give one to Sam. If
they are not what you wanted, tell me, and
I'll try again. I sent Cousin Bell one for a
Christmas gift.

"I received yesterday per express a box
containing pair of pants, shoes, 2 pairs of
socks, hair brush, looking-glass, handkerchief,
twelve sheets of letter paper, package of en-
velopes, small blank book and pencil, soap,
two books, 'India' and 'Prince Regent,'
two towels, all of which I am much pleased
with. Had the flannel shirts been put in they
would have done more good than shoes.
I have just had my boots half-soled, and I
think they will nearly last me this winter.

"When I went outside to get the package
I did not bring the shoes, for the custom is to
exchange your old clothes for the new ones.
Therefore, I did not trade my boots off,
though they are old and they are the best for
winter and such snow as we have now. I re-
ceived a letter dated 26th from Lily yester-
day, as quite well, and had received a letter
from you, then safe at P . I also re-
ceived one from home of the 2ist, written by
Jennie. All well. Jennie was about going



156 Kelion Franklin Peddicord

to Tennessee. I received one from M ,

same date, and very sweet, written a few
moments after kissing my mother's eldest,
who was never better. The rogue read my
last and sent his love, etc. Give my best to
all kind friends.

"With much love to Sam, Ernest, Minnie,
and your dearest self, I am
"Yours indeed,

"K. F. PEDDICORD.

"I am well, but at this moment very cold