From: KyArchives [archives@genrecords.org] Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 2:36 PM To: Ky-Footsteps Subject: Chapter.Xxi.Navigation.Of.The.Ohio.Placed.Under.Military.Control.1887.He nderson.HISTORY-Books Chapter Xxi Navigation Of The Ohio Placed Under Military Control 1887 Henderson County KyArchives History Books Book Title: History Of Henderson County, KY CHAPTER XXI NAVIGATION OF THE OHIO PLACED UNDER MILITARY CONTROL - CONTRABANDING-BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON-JOHN W. FOSTER TAKES POSSESSION OF THE TOWN-GUN BOATS APPEAR-JIM. POOLE KILLED -MEMORIES OF THE WAR, ETC.-1862. ON the twenty-fourth day of January the river was higher than it had ever been known since 1847-it stood fifty-seven feet four inches at Cincinnati. January 17, gold was commanding 7 to 8 per cent, premium, and forty days afterwards it had risen to 20. The navigation of the Ohio River, by order of General Buell, was placed under the supervision of the Government. Boats were allowed to land only at certain points specified; all passengers were required to hold passes from the Federal authorities, and all freight was allowed to go forward only under a permit. Contrabanding was carried on to a large extent, but mostly by those who professed loyalty to the government. It was no uncommon occurrence any day, to see trains of wagons on the road between Henderson and Clarksville, Tennessee, ladened with groceries, drugs and munitions of war for the Confederated South. Quinine and amunition was smuggled in every way. June 1, General Jerry T. Boyle was appointed Military Commandant of Kentucky, with headquarters at Louisville, and soon inaugurated a system of military arrests and imprisonment in the military prisons of that city and elsewhere. Many citizens of Henderson and Henderson County were seized for some alleged disloyalty and incarcerated in his dirty prison houses. Fortunately many of the best and leading men of Henderson were ardent supporters of the Union, and enjoyed the confidence of the Government, and, through their influence, military arrests were not so frequent as at other places, nor were the confinement days of those arrested prolonged if their union friends could prevent it. "BATTLE YEAR." This was the great battle year, and many men from Henderson had enlisted in both armies. On the fourteenth and fifteenth days of February the desperate battle of Fort Donelson was fought, and in this battle were many from Henderson. There was a full company of Confederates, and, perhaps, as many Federals, from Henderson engaged in that conflict. There were two brothers from Henderson, one serving in the ranks of the Confederacy and one in the ranks of the Union, again there were three brothers in the same battle, one in the Confederate and two in the Union army. There were classmates, and former bosom friends arrayed against each other, and this made those wicked days more sad and terrible to comtemplate. Henderson of course was aroused, and on Thursday afternoon, when the great guns of the Confederate water batteries and the mortars on board of the Federal gunboats were engaging each other in a frightful artillery duel, the thundering roar was distinctly heard in this county, though perhaps an hundred miles away. The intense uneasiness manifested by relatives and friends at home concerning those engaged at Donelson was not relieved until the news of the battle and surrender had been received. Cyrus Steele, of the Twenty-fifth Kentucky Federal, who fought opposite to his brother, Ollie, of the Confederates, was mortally wounded and died a short time afterwards. Lieutenant John G. Holloway, Jr., was badly wounded in the hand. 1863. At the meeting of the 1862-63 terms of the General Assembly, an act was approved, apportioning the State into nine Congressional Districts. District No. 2 was composed of Christian, Hopkins, Daviess, Muhlenburg, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Hancock, Breckenridge, Grayson, Butler and Edmondson, JUDGE MILTON YOUNG, One of the noblest men of his day, died of heart disease, on the train, between Louisville and Frankfort, while en route to represent Henderson County in the General Assembly of the State. Henderson was now occupied by Federal troops, under the command of Colonel John W. Foster. The Sixty-fifth Indiana Mounted Infantry, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Johnson, was stationed in what was then known as Alves's Grove, now one of the prettiest improved portions of the city. This regiment was engaged scouting and campaigning through this and adjoining counties, and oftentimes came in contact with the regular Confederates and guerrillas. During its term of service, many Confederate soldiers voluntarily surrendered and took the oath of allegiance, while many more were captured and many killed. Hosts of political prisoners were arrested and confined in the Court House-Foster's military prison. Terms of surrender were made easy, and very many soldiers, and others who were suspected of being soldiers, took advantage of the opportunity to make friends with the Government. Horses were captured and stolen in large numbers, and sold on the streets afterwards. Money was required of many men who surrendered, and there are a number of knowing ones who charge, openly, that the Commandant of the Post, Colonel Foster, pocketed the bulk of the proceeds, as perquisites of his office. Colonel Foster was, by no means, popular with those who differed with him politically, yet it was an acknowledged fact, that he was keen-witted in all he undertook, and a most excellent executive officer. On the twenty-sixth day of April, Jeptha M. Dodd, former editor of the Reporter, and Postmaster under Buchanan's administration, with thirty-four others, was sent to Camp Chase, in Ohio, upon the charge of having been Confederate soldiers. During that time, Colonel Foster generally had in his prison from twenty-five to forty prisoners all the while, some of whom he would cause to be released when all doubt in his mind was removed, but most generally sent them on for further examination. The prison would hardly be emptied before there were others brought in to take their places. FOSTER'S NEGRO ORDER. May 20, Foster issued his first order concerning the negro race. It was as follows: "All negroes coming into the district of Western Kentucky from States south of Tennessee, and all negroes who have been employed in the service of rebels in arms, are declared captives of war. It is ordered by the commanding general that all such negroes in the Counties of Hancock, Daviess, McLean, Henderson, Union, Crittenden, Livingston, Lyon. Caldwell, Webster and Hopkins be collected at Henderson and furnished quarters and subsistence. Chaplain James F. St. Clair, Sixty-fifth Regiment, is charged with the execution of this order." In May, orders were issued from the War Department, authorizing General Boyle and the Governor to recruit men for the Federal service. The terms offered recruits were exceeding liberal, and as a consequence, many Kentuckians enlisted. During that month a company of horse thieves passed through the county, claiming to hold authority from the Federal Government for pressing horses for service in Gen. Rosencranz' Army. Many horses were taken, and bogus vouchers given. June 18, the following order was issued from Post Headquarters: "Merchants and other persons in this city, who shall sell goods or commodities of any description whatever, to the amount of ten dollars, without obtaining a permit for the same from the Provost Marshal, shall forfeit the same and be held under arrest. This order was rigidly enforced, and those who now read it, may judge of the annoyance and vexations merchants in those days had to undergo. Each county was expected to furnish its quota of men for military service, and if they declined to volunteer, then the required number had to be made up by what was known as the draft. July 14, the enrollment of Henderson County was completed by C. M. Pennell, and the county divided into two Militia Districts. The dividing line commenced at the intersection of Water and Second Streets, ran out to Canoe Creek, thence with that creek to the Knoblick Road, thence with said road to Webster County. The names of the enrolled were to be placed in a wheel and tickets drawn therefrom, until the quota was made up. Whenever a name was drawn, the person answering to that name was drafted, and could furnish a substitute, escape to Canada or the South, join the army and serve in the hospital, or fight, just as he should elect-but one or the other had to be done. Owensboro was the headquarters of the conscript fathers, or draft officers, and during that time the town was literally overrun with men afflicted in more ways than had ever been known to the medical profession before, or has ever been known since. Many Henderson County men were drafted, but none ever did service. Some furnished substitutes, while others could not be found. To make a long story short, it was perhaps the most exciting and uneasy time ever witnessed in this section of the State. At the August election this year, Henderson Precinct polled only one hundred and eighty-two votes. The polls were controlled by the soldiery, and most men preferred to relinquish the right of suffrage, rather than submit to the dictates of an insolent, ignorant set of men, who were moved and governed by sharpers of the dominant party. August 30, the remains of Captain James A. McClain, one of the most gallant and noble young men of the age, who was drowned near Buffington Island, in the Ohio River, while endeavoring to escape with others of Morgan's command, were received in Henderson and buried. 1864. This eventful year was ushered in with "the cold Friday," which is still remembered by the inhabitants of the Ohio Valley country. It was said that the first day of January, 1864, made its appearance under conditions identical with those of "cold Friday." The mercury on the afternoon of December, 1863, stood 45°. A snow storm followed during the night, and gradually subsided as the cold wind increased, blowing a hurricane from the west, and on the morning of the first of January, the volume of cold had sent the mercury, in the open air, from 45° above zero, to more than 20° below. During this winter, coal sold at twenty-five cents per bushel, and was not abundant at that price. In addition to Foster's Regiment, Major Shook and Lieutenant Yarber, with their little cavalry commands, were stationed on Court Hill. This annoyance, to say nothing of the filth, associated with it, induced County Clerk Y. E. Allison, to remove the county records to the second story of the brick adjoining Vogel's confectionary, on the southwest corner of Main and Third Streets. During the summer Colonel Foster converted the Public Square into a horse pound, where he had stables erected sufficient to accommodate several hundred head of horses. August 4, the first negro troops landed at the town. About four o'clock Saturday morning, April 11, an incendiary stole the key to room No. 22, of the Hord House, then the Hancock House, kept by William P. Fisher, and set fire to the bedding in the room. The devouring element commenced its work, and gathered strength in volume as it raged on, until near daybreak, having burned through the floor into room No. 5. Mrs. Hancock, who was occupying an adjoining room, came near being suffocated. The fire was discovered by Marshal W. W. Catlin, and through the heroic efforts of him and others, the flames were extinguished. During this month negro thieves were numerous, and frequently forced the slaves to the opposite side of the river. "GUNBOATS APPEAR." On the ninth day of April, while the tobacco stemmeries were working a full force of colored hands, five gunboats and one transport steamer, anchored in front of the city. The colored people were soon apprised of it, and were fearfully alarmed, lest they were to be pressed into military service and carried away. As a general thing they were averse to going. Many appealed to their owners and employers, as to what they should do, and were told to do as they pleased. On this advice they scattered, many of them taking to the woods. Hundreds of them were seen stalking rapidly through the hot sun, in the endeavor to avoid being forced away from kind masters and good homes, to imperil their lives for a cause they knew but little of, and cared less. Seeing the gunboats, and knowing of the villainy of one Colonel Cunningham, in his piratical negro-stealing expedition into Union County only a few weeks before, slave owners were forced to the unpleasant conviction that force was to be used by the government to rob and plunder them. The commander of the fleet on landing was informed of the true state of affairs, whereupon he addressed the following communication to the Mayor of the city: "U. S GUNBOAT 'MOOSE.' HENDERSON, KY., June 9 1864. "There seems to be a general impression that the gunboats are cruising up and down the river running off negroes and the like, consequently when a gunboat makes her appearance, all the citizens are thrown into a state of excitement and run their negroes back into the country. I would inform the people that the gunboats are on no such mission, nor will any vessel or officer under my command, touch, interfere with, or molest the persons or property of peaceful citizens in any way whatever. I trust, in future, this fear and excitement will be dispelled, for I can assure you, that on the part of the navy, you need have no fear of molestation, so long as you remain loyal to the Government of the United States. LEROY FITCH, Lieutenant Commander, Commanding the Tenth District Mississippi Squadron. MAYOR'S RESPONSE. " HENDERSON, June 9, 1864: " Leroy Fitch, Lieutenant Commander, etc.: "SIR-I have received yours of this date, and think the assurances it contains will have a most happy effect in this community. "Very Respectfully, D. BANKS, .Mayor." "REBEL SOLDIERY ENTER THE CITY." The following from the Henderson "News," of June 21, furnishes another evidence of the afflictions Henderson was heir to: "On last Saturday night. June 18, about eleven o'clock, a force of twenty-five mounted rebels, under command of Captain January, entered the city and proceeded to the store of G. A. Mayer, Son's, and demanded an entrance. Mr. G. A. Mayer, who resides over the store, knowing resistance to be useless, sent down the key by his little daughter. The rebels then entered the store and appropriated eight shotguns and a lot of spurs, pocket-knives, cartridges, etc. After satisfying themselves with plunder, they went to Khloninger's grocery and obtained food, liquor, etc , and then departed from the city. During their stay, three of the number proceeded on foot, to the Union House, northeast side of Second, between Main and Water Streets, and kept by Martin Schneider There was no one in the bar room, save Mr. Schneider, his barkeeper and Colonel Jim. Poole, of the Kentucky Militia Two of the three invaders stationed themselves on each side of Poole and one behind him. Poole was at the bar drinking and laughing. One of the rebels coolly asked him if he was Colonel Jim. Poole, to which he answered, " I am" Then, sir, said his interrogator, "You are my prisoner." Poole stepped back against the counter, and drawing his revolver, answered, "I reckon not." Almost immediately three shots were fired. Pool's pistol did not explode the first time, and one minute had hardly expired, ere from nine to twelve shots were rapidly exchanged. The three rebels then hastily retreated, Poole advancing until near the door, when he sunk on one knee. Mr. Schneider ran forward and caught him in his arms, asked: "Jim., are you killed?" Poole answered, "I believe so-they have got me this time"-and immediately expired. Next morning Coroner John C. Stapp held an inquest." Henderson News,July 12: "On last Wednesday evening, July 6, about 6:30 o'clock, a gang of twenty-one or twenty-two guerrillas invaded the city, and the following is a list of their heroic 'military necessity' exploits. On inoffensive non-combattants, watches, rings, &c., from Wm. Steele. $300 00 Goods stolen from D. Hart's store 15 00 " " " P Hoffman's store 4 50 " " " Bernard Baum's store 15 00 " " " N. Heyman's store 30 00 " " " N. Schlesenger's store 28 00 " " " F. Morris & Co., store 15 00 Total $407 50 "In addition to the above, these delectable warriors went to the packet steamer General Hallock, and the clerk being absent, removed the iron safe out of the office into the cabin, and attempted to break it open. The clerk returned, and opened it for them, when they secured a roll of greenbacks and made off. A gunboat hove in sight, and the chivalrous jewelry thieves scampered away in a hurry. The whole posse forced themselves that night on Mr. John Hicks, seven miles from town, where they behaved in a most disgraceful manner. "CAPTAIN DICK YATES." "On Saturday July 7, Captain Dick Yates, with a rebel force, paid a visit to the farm of Esq. John E. McCallister, six and one-half miles from the city, and demanded three of his horses, one being a fine favorite stallion. Mr. McCallister declined giving up his property, and seized his double-barrel shotgun. Two of the party threw themselves upon him in order to wrench the gun from his hands. In the scuffle Mr. McCallister was thrown violently, his body striking on the stock of his gun breaking two of his ribs. "They then tied him in bed where he remained until the arrival of his sister, Mrs Ben Talbott, in the night, when at the peril of her own life, she untied the ropes which bound her brother." By this time Henderson County was completely overrun by guerrilla bands; there were no Federal troops in the county, so of course, they were at liberty to do as they pleased. Over one-half of the dry goods held for sale in the city, were removed to Evansville, or Louisville, for safe keeping, and the following firms closed their houses: William S. Holloway & Co., James E Rankin, Morris & Co., H. Schlesinger, A. E. Gerhardt, B. Baum and J. C. Allen. All of the horses of any value were sent to Evansville for safe keeping. Henderson, commercially speaking, was as dead as a post, and one could walk six squares during the middle of the day without meeting, and, perhaps, without seeing a human. Of course this condition of affairs did not long exist, and was all brought about by the shooting of Mr. James E. Rankin, by guerrillas, and the subsequent shooting of two young men sent here from Louisville -in retaliation. "On Friday, twenty-seventh, the News says: 'Eight guerillas captured the Owensboro and Henderson mail carrier at Hebardsville, broke open the mail sack, took what there was of value in it, and then helped themselves to what goods they wanted from the stores of that place. They crossed Green River at Calhoon's Ferry, and when three miles from Green River, they stopped Mr. W. C. Priest and robbed him of twelve dollars. They next plundered a grocery store near by belonging to a Mr. Long. From this point a portion of the gang returned to Curdsville, where they robbed the citizens of two hundred and fifty dollars in money. At Hebardsville they robbed Messrs Trice & Hatchitt of five hundred dollars in greenbacks and a horse worth eighty dollars. On that same day twenty or more of another party passed through the lower edge of Henderson.'" On the morning of the twenty-seventh the large flouring and grist mill of Mr. James Hatchitt, near his residence on the Owensboro road, seven or eight miles out, was burned to the ground. There was a considerable amount of wheat in the building, and altogether the loss was estimated at twenty-five thousand dollars. On the same morning a frame cottage residence at the lower end of Main street, and near the Catholic Cemetery, occupied by Major William R. Kinney, was set fire to by an incendiary and burned. Thursday, August 4, Major Walker Taylor and Adjutant Chinn, of Colonel Lee Sypert's command, came into the city bearing a flag of truce, which they displayed from the rear end of Clark's factory to the gunboat "Brilliant," then commanded by Captain Charles G. Perkins, and lying in the Ohio immediately in front of the city. Captain Perkins sent out a boat, and in a short time the two rebel officers were ushered into the Captain's headquarters. A consultation was held and protracted until Friday evening, when the two officers, accompanied by Lieutenant Herron, of the "Brilliant," were ordered by Captain Perkins to report to Lieutenant Commander Fitch, then lying off the Port of Evansville. The true intent of this meeting was not known outside of the immediate circle interested. On Friday evening, about seven o'clock, the whole town was thrown into an intense state of excitement by the arrival and disembarkation of one hundred and sixty negro soldiers, commanded by white officers. Such a sight had never been witnessed before, and not knowing the object of their visit, or apprehending their approach, every citizen was more or less alarmed. These troops took possession of the Court House. Apprehension of an early attack from the rebels was entertained by every one, and on short notice the archives of both clerks' offices were removed from the building. At ten o'clock next morning all of the drays and wagons of the city were pressed into service to remove the plunder, including picks and shovels, from the Court House, to a high and isolated bluff on the river bank, directly in front of the present bridge office, at the intersection of Water and Fourth Streets. The soldiers were provided with picks and shovels and set to work throwing up earth works and fortifying the bluff against any attack from the rebels. Here they were engaged until the evening when the officer in command received orders from Louisville to evacuate and proceed to Owensboro. The steamer "Echo," coming up, was made to land and take aboard this sable command and their picks and shovels. It is due to say, that the officers and men of this command were more pleased with the order removing them, than were the citizens, for it was generally believed that an attack would have been made by a large force that night, and, perhaps, half of the colored troops slaughtered. It was said, and subsequent history affirmed the belief, that Governor Dixon, Mayor Banks, and Mr. W. B. Woodruff were instrumental in having these troops removed. So certain was it that an attack was to be made Saturday night, very many of the citizens had left for the country during the day. Judge Y. E. Allison notified the public that he had removed the county records to the "City Bank" building, on Main Street, then standing where Johnson's barber shop is now located. The steamer "Echo," which came up the river and carried away the colored troops, had on board the following gentlemen, who had been seized by the Federal military as hostages for some Union men who had been captured by the guerillas . Caswell D. Bennett, afterwards Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of this district, and Judge William P. Fowler, Judge of this Judicial Circuit during the war. The regular election for sheriff was held on the first day of August. The vote of Henderson District amounted to only five hundred and eighty-five votes, distributed as follows: William G. Norment, one hundred and twelve; Henry C. Kerr, one hundred and eighty-one, and William S. Hicks, two hundred and ninety-two. This was the first fair election held for some time, but nevertheless there was a very small vote polled. About this time the Reporter suspended publication, as a sort of military necessity. On Saturday, the thirteenth, Colonel Adam R. Johnson with his command arrived within three miles of the city, and great fear was entertained lest he would come in and the citizens be the losers thereby, for the gunboat "Brilliant" was lying directly in front, anchored broadside, with her guns bearing upon the defenseless place. A committee of citizens waited upon Captain Perkins, of the "Brilliant," to ascertain if it was his design to fire upon the city. Captain Perkins stated that he had no desire to imperil the city by fire, and thereby render houseless the women, children and non-combatants, but that he had imperative orders to fire upon it if it was occupied by rebel troops. The committee then went forthwith to see Colonel Adam R. Johnson, but he was absent from his camp. A communication was left, and on Monday morning the following reply was received: "HEADQUARTERS DEP'T. SOUTHERN KY. ) August 13, 1864. ) "To the Citizens of Henderson, Ky.: "I am just in receipt of a communication to the effect that the Federal commander of the gunboat had notified the citizens of Henderson 'if any of my men came into Henderson that he would shell the town,' and requesting me not to send any of my command to town. This request I cannot comply with. So long as Henderson remains ungarrisoned I shall send my men into the town whenever I deem the interest of the Government requires it. The shelling by the Federal commander will be uncalled for, unless an attack be made upon the gunboat. Whenever depredations are committed by men under my authority you may rest assured I shall have them severely punished. "Respectfully, A. R. JOHNSON. Colonel Comm'g. C. S. forces Southern Ky. " P. S.-I do not expect to occupy the place or use it as a garrison. " A. R. J " Colonel Johnson did not come into Henderson, but on that morning sent in a flag of truce, carried by Officer Thomas Watson, of Henderson County, who held a consultation with Captain Perkins and Lieutenant Little, of the "Brilliant," at the Hancock House, in reference to two of the robbers who were with the invading party at the time Mr. James E. Rankin was shot. Colonel Johnson had captured these two men, calling themselves Captain R. Yates and Captain Jones, and now offered to surrender them to the civil authorities. They were subsequently surrendered to D. N. Walden, Sheriff of Henderson County, who took them before Judge C. W. Hutchen, who opened his court to give them a preliminary hearing upon the charge of robbery and also as accessories to the shooting of Mr. Rankin. Captain Perkins, in command of ten marines, came into court and demanded the men in the name of the United States, when Judge Hutchen very good naturedly complied by directing the sheriff to turn them over. The men were then marched to the river in charge of the marines and taken aboard of the gunboat. A few days afterwards Captain Perkins forwarded them to headquarters at Louisville where they were imprisoned and subsequently shot. The News of August 16 said: "Our city is nearly depopulated, particularly of the young men subject to conscription or draft. As for ourself, we intend to remain until the last day of grace, believing that prudent council and patient endeavor can yet save Henderson from the flames." "Colonel Adam R. Johnson's conscript order was soon to be rigidly enforced, that is, it was so said; and every man of conscript age who was unwilling to leave his home for the war in either army, was dodging around as best he could to avoid the conscript officers. COLONEL JOHNSON'S PROCLAMATION. "Citizens of Kentucky: " The alternative is now presented to you of entering either the Federal or Confederate army. " All persons between the ages of seventeen and forty-five, who are not lawfully exempt, will be required to go into service at once. You must now see that after the sacrifice of all that freemen should hold dear, to avoid the evil and save our property, that the one has not been rendered secure, and you have not saved yourself from the other, even by the sacrifice of principle and honor. "Your country has been overrun by lawless bands, whose depredations are only equalled by the outrages of large bands of the Federal army, who neither feel nor have any respect for the submissionists, and you are plundered, robbed and murdered with impunity. How long do you intend this to continue? To what depth of degradation and shame are you to be reduced before you will cut loose the bond of slavery and assert your rights as freemen? Men of Kentucky, are you willing to see your families reduced to the level of your slaves? Mothers, can you realize an affiliation of your daughters with the African? Young men, can you expect to have any claim to manhood? Can you hope to share the smile or claim the love of the bright-eyed daughters of this famed land of beauty, while those gentle beings are subjected to the insults of Yankee hirelings and negro troops? If not, then speedily seize the only way to bring you true liberty and honor. Too long have you listened to the siren song of the traitors of the country. Already too much has been sacrificed to no advantage. Your only hope of peace is in the success of the Southern armies. Not alone your liberties, but your lives, are involved in this issue. The moderate Union man, the Democrat of the North, as well as the Southern soldier, will all owe their lives and liberties to this result. "I appeal to you again, as I did two years ago, to rally and strike a blow for the freedom of your country. "COLONEL A. R. JOHNSON, "Commanding Confederate forces in Southern Kentucky." The whole country surrounding Henderson was in a tumult of excitement, and intense anxiety was impressed upon every non-combatant countenance. On the seventeenth Generals Hughes and Hovey, with six hundred of the Thirty-sixth and three hundred of General Willich's brigade, all re-enlisted Indiana soldiers, with four twelve-pounders, left Evansville for Union County to intercept the rebel chieftain, and, if possible, to drive him from the country. Arriving at Mt. Vernon, the command was reinforced by a large force of Warrick and Posey County Home Guards, with three more cannon. Most of these troops were finely mounted, many of them on horses, which had been sent to Evansville from Henderson for safe keeping, and, by the by, never returned to their owners. After marching through Union County, this body of wonderful troopers came into Henderson Saturday morning the dirtiest looking set that had been seen, bringing with them a perfect army of cattle which they had "captured" several captured buggies and their drivers, a great many captured teams and their drivers, a number of horses, fifty-seven negroes, TWO rebel prisoners, six or seven CITIZEN prisoners and ONE wounded HOME GUARD as relics of the raid. The Generals fixed their headquarters at the Hancock House, while the soldiers took possession, with the cattle and other evidences of military ardor, of the public square. A number of these scattered over the city committing petty thefts and otherwise insulting citizens. The horses (many of them owned in Henderson) were quartered at the various livery stables and fed, while the citizens, with their accustomed hospitality, invited the tired soldiers to dine at their tables. In the evening all of the soldiery, with the exception of one hundred veterans of the Thirty-sixth Indiana, left by steamers for Evansville. Those remaining took possession of the Court House. Next morning they were recalled to Evansville. Previous to their departure, however, Colonel Moon, with sixty corps d'Afrique, arrived for the purpose of putting down the rebellion, but more especially to recruit the colored men. Moon and his lesser satellites took possession of the bluff on the river bank, which had been partially fortified by a previous company. Colonel Moon remained two days, and during the time forwarded to Owensboro ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-FOUR colored Henderson recruits. By this time, Colonel Johnson's conscript program had been defeated, but the county had been relieved of one hundred and twenty-five or fifty thousand dollars worth of slave and other property. A party of guerrillas went to the residence of C. Sechtig, on the hill in the upper end of the city, and in his absence forced his wife to give up a shot-gun and other weapons offensive and defensive. The gunboat "Brilliant" let drop four or five shells in that immediate neighborhood, when the guerrillas retreated in great haste. While all of this military activity was being witnessed and sadly felt in the city, the county was not let alone, but was paying an undue penalty to marauding bands of guerrillas and furnishing its quota of stolen slaves to ruthless, unauthorized recruiting officers and thieves of the Federals. On September 2 a band of fifteen men entered the town of Spottsville and boarded the steamer "Cottage" while she lay in the lock. They plundered the boat and passengers of jewelry, money and other valuables, and left with an estimated capture of twenty-five hundred dollars. RAID ON THE FARMERS' BANK. On Saturday morning, September 10, at 11 o'clock, twenty-one mounted desperadoes dashed into the City of Henderson and drove directly to the Farmers' Bank, then located in the elegant brick now owned by the Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Second and Elm Streets. Ten of the number entered the building with drawn pistols and went behind the counter, taking Colonel Leonard H. Lyne, Cashier, completely by surprise. They demanded the funds of the bank, when Colonel Lyne told them they had been removed, but their leader said: "You know your duty-do it," whereupon five of the robbers entered the vault and five remained outside. Colonel Lyne went into the vault with the five, so as to preserve some valuable papers. The robbers soon after came out laden with bags and parcels amounting to eight thousand four hundred and thirty dollars, all being on special deposit except the first item. The following statement is taken from the Henderson News of September 13: Postal Currency, Property of the Bank $ 277 00 John H. Lambert, gold and paper 3,000 00 James T. Norment, greenbacks 2,000 00 Larkin White, Kentucky money 1,735 00 John E. M'Callister, greenbacks 500 00 L. R. Kerr, in gold 328 00 Hull Higginson, in gold 300 00 Sol. S. Sizemore, in silver 90 00 M. F. Galloway, greenbacks 200 00 Total $8,430 00 On leaving the Bank they visited various business houses and perpetrated the following robberies: From J. B, Tisserand, dry goods $150 00 " George L. Dixon, boots, etc 175 00 " F. Millet, dry goods 50 00 " William Wakefield 5 00 " Hancock House 10 00 Total $390 00 Having plundered to their hearts' content, they retired with their ill-gotten gain and the ill will of every citizen. Shortly after their departure, squads of men collected on the street, and many of them gave vent to their displeasure in forcible language. The Court House bell was rung, and rich and poor, large and small, collected in the building, and every man and boy who could find a musket, shot-gun, or pistol, brought them forward. A meeting was organized, by calling Hon. Grant Green to the chair, and Prof. Henry B. Parsons to do the duty of Secretary. A committee, consisting of the following named gentleman, George M. Priest, George L. Dixon, Jesse Robinson, C. T. Sanderfur, Rev. Joel Lambert and Jenks W. Williams was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the feeling of the meeting. The following was reported: "Resolved, That a volunteer force be immediately called for, and organized, to follow, for the purpose of killing and capturing the band of robbers who were in this city this day, and that any citizen for that purpose, is directed to sieze and use such horses and arms as may be necessary-the same to be returned as soon as practicable, and further, that a meeting for the purpose of forming a "Home Guard" be called to assemble at this place on Monday evening. GEO. M. PRIEST, Chairman." Hearing that the highwaymen were yet lingering on the outskirts of the city, all of the citizens who had arms organized themselves into an impromptu company and marched a mile and a half out, but the marauders were not to be found. The men returned and were dismissed, but reappeared at the Court House at seven o'clock, where a large concourse assembled, and one hundred registered their names in the police force. During the day the Mayor had convened the Common Council in special session, when the following resolution was offered and unanimously adopted by the following vote: Ladd, Jenkins, Held, Tunstall, Hart and Nunn. WHEREAS, Certain lawless bands having of late made sundry raids upon our city, and this day having fully demonstrated the importance of united action on the part of the citizens; therefore, Resolved, That every able-bodied white male citizen of Henderson be ordered and required to report himself in public meeting at the Court House on Monday, September 12, 1864, at four o'clock P. M., for the purpose of organizing ourselves for our mutual protection. That the meeting appoint officers and adopt all such regulations as may be deemed necessary. That the citizens be required to close their business houses at tour o'clock that evening, and that every person refusing or neglecting to report, as above stated, shall be ordered to leave the city forthwith, under the penalty to be adopted hereafter." In obedience to this resolution of the Council, His Honor, D. Banks, Mayor, caused the following proclamation to be issued and circulated through the city on Saturday afternoon: PROCLAMATION. "In pursuance of a proclamation adopted by the City Council on Saturday, September 10, 1864, I hereby order every able-bodied white male citizen of Henderson, Ky., capable of bearing arms, to report himself at the Court House on Monday, September 12, 1864, at four o'clock P. M., for the purpose of organizing for the city's protection. I also order the business houses to be closed at the hour of four o'clock on that evening; and any person hereinbefore mentioned refusing or neglecting to report at the time and place stated above, will be ordered to leave the city forthwith under the penalties to be adopted hereafter. D. BANKS, Mayor." At the Saturday evening meeting of citizens, the Mayor's proclamation was adopted as the unanimous sentiment of the meeting. In order that the object of this meeting might not be misconstrued, President Grant Green addressed the assemblage to the following purport: "Citizens were requested to organize simply as a police force for mutual protection of life and property from the repeated inroads of strolling robbers. It was not asked that they should participate in the unhappy war. We are all civilians and non-combatants in the mighty struggle going on in our beloved land, but we are law-abiding and capable of preserving our lives and our property from vagrant marauders and strolling bands of irresponsible scoundrels, come from what quarter they may. All citizens, rich and poor, old and young, are interested and invited to arm as best they can so as to be ready hereafter to prevent a recurrence of those black deeds of infamy which had darkened the fair name of Henderson abroad. One sentiment pervades our entire community-murder and robbery of our private citizens will no more be tolerated. "We solemnly warn armed robbers, whose only incentive is personal gain, whose only patriotism is self, to keep aloof from Henderson. We are resolved to be outraged no more." During the enrollment of men, Bernard Bibo, who had been a faithful soldier in the home guard service at the beginning of the war, and who had once more shouldered his gun in the defense of his home, was lying on the green sward in front of the Court House, attempted to draw his gun toward him, when it exploded and emptied a full load of buckshot in the upper part of his arm, necessitating immediate amputation. This was performed by Dr. J. A. Hodge, assisted by Dr. Ben Letcher. As an evidence of Bibo's worth and the sympathy felt for him, a handsome subscription was made by the citizens and paid him. Oh Sunday night two companies of negro troops arrived and took possession of the Court House. This then superseded the necessity of any further effort at a citizen organization, and hence the initiatory steps toward that object were for the time laid by. On Sunday morning, Jack Coleman and Dan Byrnes, of Union County, sought out Mr. John B. Millet, of this city, who was visiting St. Vincent Chapel in Union County, and refunded to him what had been given to them as their share of the bank robbery, $225.75 each, expressing at the same time, their deep contrition for the robbery, and stated that they had no intention when entering Henderson, to engage in any such dirty business. On Monday morning a portion of this clan returned to the outskirts of the city and relieved C. A. Rudy of a very fine horse. On the twenty-fourth day of September, one hundred negro soldiers were sent to Corydon on a recruiting expedition, when returning were attacked by twenty rebels in ambush, and strange to say, very little, if any damage was done. Arriving at the cross-roads, or what is now known as Geneva, one of the soldiers was discovered to be suffering with what was determined to be the smallpox, and left at a house near that place. The next day, or perhaps a few hours after their departure for Henderson, a party of rebels appeared upon the ground, secured the small-pox patient, and without the services of a clergyman, took him to the neighboring woods and there hung him. The sequel to this will be told in the after part of this brief history of the war. On Friday night three hundred rebels, under Major Sims and Captains Jones and Duvall, camped upon the farm of Ex-Sheriff, William S. Hicks, six miles out on the Knoblick Road, and the next morning one hundred and twenty-five of them came into Henderson. Dinner was prepared for them by order, of the Commander in Charge at the Hancock House, which they ate while sitting in their saddles. Captain Jones ordered a few blankets from William Holloway & Co., but before they could pay for them, the gunboat, "Moose," hove to in front of the city, and the command fled to the woods. Commander Fitch sent a half dozen or more shells in the direction they went, but without unhorsing a man. October 25, Captain O. B. Steele had one, Hawkins, shot for robbing a Mr. Hicks near Corydon. On Sunday morning, November 6, a party of rebels under the command of Jake Bennett, came into the city and fired a few shots at the negro soldiers who were on parade below and in front of the Hancock House. Dr. J. A. Hodge was met by one of this gang and relieved of a very fine watch. Since this gigantic and most unfortunate military struggle was first commenced, the citizens of Henderson, Union and Webster Counties had especially been made to feel the iron hoof of war upon their property and persons. It would fill a large volume printed in small type to tell of all the confiscations, pressings, military necessity, secret thefts, audacious robberies, and indiscriminate plunderings which were carried on in these counties during the dark and gloomy years of war. Both sides treated horses, saddles, arms and food from the beginning as public property. Submitted by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY, BY EDMUND L. STARLING, COMPRISING HISTORY OF COUNTY AND CITY, PRECINCTS, EDUCATION, CHURCHES, SECRET SOCIETIES, LEADING ENTERPRISES, SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS, AND BIOGRAPHIES OF THE LIVING AND DEAD. ILLUSTRATED. HENDERSON, KY, 1887. This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/kyfiles/