The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1863-08-20
For the Lancaster Gazette.
A MORGAN SCARE.
BASIL, Ono. August 8, 1863.


Editors Gazette: There resides in
Liberty township family, who few
days ago, became greatly alarmed on
hearing the news that Morgan, with
his force, was making rapid strides for
Lancaster, Ohio. l do not deem it
necessary to give any names, but should
any one be led to judge correctly, from
anything I may say as to who the par
ties were, hope that they will feel
like sympathizing with them, and in
form them that Morgan is captured and
that all danger is past. The party l
have reference to is composed of three
old maids, a man and wife of pretty
good stature, with two young men liv-
ing with them. On hearing that Nor
gan was within few miles of Lancas-
ter, they became greatly alarmed, and
made all necessary arrangements to
make their escape, taking with them
such valuables as they thought Nor
gan would be most likely to take from
them, and which they did not like to
be deprived Of. The property remov-
ed, l was informed, consisted Of three
head of horses, two dogs, coverlets, and
blankets, and pipe, (the latter article
being much used in the family.) No
doubt smoking excites their nerves,
and makes them feel strong, or at least
smell strong, for they do great deal
lit. The two young men, as l under
stand were sent off with the horses,
and the family went on foot through
the woods and across the fields, so that
they would not be SO likely to come in
contact with the guerrillas; all this be-
ing done in the night time, so that the
darkness would conceal them from the
approaching foe. Their money was
nut into a small wooden box and car
ried to the woods where it was buried,
until they thought it would be safe for
them to return. While they were on
the retreat, striving to make good their
escape, the pipe was kept constantly in
use, passing from one to the other, each
one cautioning the other to hold his
hand over the pipe to conceal the light
The conversation that took place, or
the plans suggested by each one as the
best mode for making good their es-
cape, no doubt would be interesting to
know. When they arrived at the
place sought for, (Which was in the
dead hour of night,) they cried out
more war news!" alarming certain
amily. The gentleman Of the house
thinking that a party had come to rob
and murder him, sprang from his bed
and hurried to the door with hatchet in
hand in order to repel the invading
party. But no accident happened nol
were any lives lost, While the one
party was going to defend himselfwitt
the batchet and to secure his means
the other party was only seeking
refuge from the guerrillas. So it al
passed off without there being any
bridges burned or lives lost, Johr
Morgan is confined in prison, and ii
now staying at one place more thar
usual, and the party alarmed is nov
at home doing well. I hope they go
back safely with all their provision
trains, pipe, &C., go ,~, ..,....
Ihope they got home safe and SOUND
with good appetite for eating ant
smoking. But if they have met witt
any serious loss I hope that uncle San
will make full reparation. I hope theil
scare will not prove fatal but have
good effect. Morgan should ask theil
pardon, and they should become better
union people. A CITIZEN.