Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1884-09-26


oncampcd in q grove near by. If this
place could be captured and large
robol force interposed between Nash
vile and Murfreesboro Gen. Rosecrans'
entire army would be in danger OF do
struction. A strong force of rebel cav
airy and artillery under Gen. Van Dorm
was stationed about fifteen miles from
Fort Granger. Anxious to distinguish
himself, and realizing the Importance
of the capture of Fort Granger, Col.
Williams induced Lieut. Peter to
Join him in entering the Union
lines and obtaining such inform
alton as their army needed. Their
scheme was boldly conceived and boldly
carried out, Arrayed in United States
uniforms, and mounted on fine horses,
their pockets filed with forged orders,
letters and passes, they rode up to the
gate Of Fort Granger at late hour in
the afternoon OF June 8, 1868, and de-
manded admission. The order they pre-
scented from the War Department was
drawn up in due form, and protested to
relieve "Col. Lawrence W. Anton, cav
airy, United States army, and Acting
Special Inspector General" from duty
along the line of the Potomac, and or
dered him to "minutely inspect" the
Department of the Ohio and the De-
partment Of the Cumberland, Gin ao-
cordance with special inspectors instruc-
tons" furnished from the office Of the
Adjutant General. "Maj. George Dun
lop, Assistant Quartermaster," was also
relieved from duty and ordered to report
TO "Col. Auton." They also presented
a forged letter from Gen. James A. Gar
field, reading as follows;
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE
CUMBERLAND, MURFREEsBoRo, Tonn.,
May 80, 1863.
COLONEL: The Major General commanding
Iesircs me to say TO you that lie desires, if you
can spare tie time at present, that you will
inspect his outposts before drawing up your
report for the War Department at Washington
City.
All commanding officers OF outposts will aid
Won in this matter TO the best OF their ability
This General desires me 10 give his respects
to you. remain, very respectfully, your obodi-
ent servant, J. A. GARFIELD,
Volunteer Chiof-of STAFF and Assistant Adiu-
tant General
Col. L. W. Anton, Cavalry Special Inspector
General.
A forged pass from Gen. Garfield was
Endorsed on the envelope containing the
order. There were some intormalities
in the above document, but Col. Baird
did not detect them. Their story to him
was-to account for their scarcity of
baggage-that they had been surprised
by rebels while dining, and that their
ordcrlies, overcoats and baggage had
been captured, and they had barely es-
capped with their lives. Col. Williams
actually borrowed $50 OF Col. Baird, as
they were very anxious to go to Nash
vile that night. As they were leaving
the fort Col. Watkins passed them, and,
catching glimpse of Williams side
face, felt sure that he had seen him be-
fore. He inquired of Col. Baird who
they were. Inspecting officers of the
United States army on visit" was the
answer "There must be some mis-
take" said Col. Watkins; "one of them
was al old army officer, now in the SER
vice of the G. 8. A." At once Col. Wat
kins and an orderly started in pursuit,
nd overlook the pair about 900 yards
from the fort. Quietly and pleasantly
Col. Watkins asked them to return, as
Col. Baird desired to send o message TO
Nashville. For one moment, with his
hand on his pistol, Col. Williams thought
OF escaping. His over-confdence senled
his fate, and, believing himself perfectly
safe, he consented to return to the fort
On the way back Col. Watkins suggested
that they go to his tent where Col. Baird
would come to them. This was agreed
to, and, having entered, guard instant
ly, but without their knowledge, sur
rounded them. After time they be-
came nervous at the non-appearanco OF
Col. Daird-who was busy telegraphing
to headquarters to ascertain something
about them-and one OF them looked out
of the tent. To his amazement he
found it surrounded by guards. An
explanation being demanded, they were
informed that they were detained
temporarily until certain inquiries could
be made at headquarters. They stormed
and raved greatly, and threatened to
denounce Coils. Watkins and Baird to
the Secretary OF War for tho outrage
they were porpetrating in delaying olIi-
GERS on special duty from Washington,
but the cool demeanor Of Col. Watkins
was proof against all such demonstra-
tons. While this conversation was in
progress Col. Baird entered. "Let me
see your papers again, please" said he
10 Col. Williams. The papers, letters
and orders WIRE glanced over and re-
turned. Turning to Lieut.. Peter, he
said "Lct us see your sword, please"
Realizing the peril Of their situation,
and becoming greatly alarmed, they
both protested against what they called
ON insult, but finding resistance useless
they submitted the sword was drawn
by Col. Baird from it's scabbnrd, and
upon its blade the tell-tale words were
etched, "Lieut. w. G.. Peter, Q. s. A."
"Let me look at your cap, please
Col. Baird said again. The cap was re-
moved, the white flannel havelock lifted,
and again the same character appeared