The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-10-03
Letter from Kentucky.

To the Editor of The Caledonion
"Under which king, Barronius ?"is ques-
ton now undergoing a practical solution in
Kentucky. The hordes of JEFF Davis have
re-invaded the State, planted themselves in
the fairest and most fertile portions, includ-
ing its capital, and stubbornly defy the gov
eminent defenders to GUST them from their
position. From Lexington as central point
they send out scouting parties, to scour the
country, gather in recruits, and replenish
their equiries with spirited horses. A week
or two ago they sent 800 cavalry, under Col
Gains, sen of former preacher of this State,
to this (Mason) county. There being no
force here to oppose their progress, they had
it all their own way. They obtained tie sur
render of Maysvile, but without entering the
city, marched from village to village about
the county, soliciting recruits, stealing horses.
and finally at the end of three or four days
returned with their ill-gotten gains to Lex
ington. They obtained nearly 800 recruits
from this county. They staid ore night in
Lewisburg, 40 or 80 of them sleeping in and
about my house, compelling my wife to get
then supper and breakfast. The officers
were gentlemanly and civil, but the soldiers
were as rough and ragged set of fellows as
ever shot gun at a Union soldier One
company of them were Texan Rangers, and
were as near naked as folks get to be unless
in swimming. While they were parading
through the county, a strong Union force was
gathering at Aberdeen, opposite Maysville,
who crossed over to give them battle, but
they had left the county, having accomplished
their object.
At the same time squads Of secesh soldiers
visited other counties, for the purpose Of re-
cruiting. Hundreds of young men were in
duced to join them, many Of whom having
become disguised with their mode of life,
have returned to their ONES. AS they come
in the Union officers arrest them and put
them under heavy bonds not to aid the rebel
lion, but to deport themselves as loyal citi-
zens. Moreover, arrests arc being daily made
of such persons as gave aid and comfort to
the rebels during their raid, some Of whom
are forwarded with despatch to Camp Chase,
and others released upon taking the oath and
giving bonds.
There is an extreme bitterness between the
adherents Of the two parties here, and the
state OF society is CT course anything bu, a
greeable. All business is suspended, no tray
Ell is allowed without pass, and whoever
dares to violate the rule is very roughly deal,
with.
The situation in Kentucky is not very IA
vorable. Bragg has just got the surrender
of Mumfordsville with 1000 or 5000 Union
troops, thus getting in between Buell. and
Louisville. If Buell. advances he will have
to fight against the very Notifications he E.
rected year ago, while The rebels were hold
ing Bowling Green. The fortunes of war
have just reversed positions. Kirby Smith,
who has been threatening Cincinnati for some
time, is now marching to reinforce Bragg,
preparatory, it is believed, for an advance up
on Louisville. At this latter city there is
large force collecting, and thousands of ne
groes are engaged in throwing up fortifca-
tons. What the result of the contest will
be nobody knows, but every Union man is
confident Of ultimately driving the rebel in
vaders from the Stale.
The news from Maryland is encouraging,
although the latest accounts would indicate
that another battle will have to be fought be-
fore Maryland is freed from Southern rule
The rebels are stalking all upon the present
movement, and are fighting with despera-
ton never read Of in history. They think if
they can whip out the drilled armies before
the new recruits are disciplined and brought
into the field, they will have an EASY time in
annihilating the latter.
The government should act with vigor and
decision at the present juncture, and all will
yet be well.
The Ohio river is unusually low, and what
with this and the rebel raid to Maysville and
other points on the Ohio, the boats of late
have been very irregular ones, and mails
qnite unfrequent.
The weather is extremely dry and warm.