The National tribune., 1901-04-25

Gen. GiIlem, commanding probably
5000 Federal cavalry, with artillery, was
at Bulls Gap, about 1S miles west of
Greenville. From the junction Of the
Greenville was about one mile.
Morgan's troops were disposed as fol-
lows: Giltner's Brigade, Capt. J, e.
Cantrill's detachment, and Capt. Pete
Everett, commanding a small remnant OF
Gen. Geo. B. Hodges Brigade, all Ken
tuckians, Giltner in advance, were on the
Rogersyille Road, about two miles from
Greenville Bradford's Tenpesseans were
on the Bulls Gap Road, probably two
miles from the town, and Capt. Walters,
with a detachment of the 18th Ga, about
80 men, occupied a position out on the
WarreHsburg Road beyond the junction OF
that road and the Newport Road, Gen.
Morgan supposing him to be guarding the
latter road. Cassell's battalion of Ken
tuckians and the artillery were on sub
urban hill east of the town.
Gen. Morgan established his headquar-
ters at the home of q friend, Mrs. Will
Jams, in Greenville. Surrounding the
which there were a few trees and much
shrubbery. Adjoining the yard was an
extensive garden, within which was a
small, untrimmed vineyard, the whole
partly inclosed. by high plank fence.
Subsequently Gen. Morgan was criti-
cisco IOT uDNlI2 eSIdDllSueO LIS
in the town, away from his command. In
one sense the criticism was just. The Of
fcer commanding in the field should be
with his men when in the presence of the
enemy. History is replete with instances
where Generals have come to grief by dis
regarding that law.
In Gen. Morgan's case there were ex-
tenuating circumstances. In point of fact
he was not away from his command. Sur
rounded by his battalions, his position in
the town was apparently safe. No hu-
man foresight could have foreseen what
actually happened, nor dreamed of the
combination of circumstances leading to a
tragedy. Morgan was ignorant Of the un-
picketed Newport Road.
The town, the home Of Andrew john
son, was intensely loyal to the Union.
Very few of the inhabitants were friendly
20 the Confederates. ! know of my per-
sonal knowledge that Gen. Morgan seem
against surprise. In The line of duty /
had business with Capt. Withers, the Ad-
Sutant-General, which detained me in
town until nearly dark. On my way out
TO Giltner's / met the General and his
Quartermaster, Maj. Gassett, about a
mile from town. They were riding rap
Idly and / was not going very slow. The
pleasant greeting Gen. Morgan gave me
Is a sweet memory now. It was the last
time / ever saw his handsome, smiling
face. / then little dreamed of the trag-
edy of the morrow. The thought oc-
CURED TO me, however, that the General
was taking unusual precautions, it being
customary for general officers TO order Ger
tain roads picketed and to rely upon the
reports of subordinates that "all Is WELL"
When / reached my brigade I made
comment concerning the Generals move
ments. Whereupon / was told that he
had not only visited brigade headuuar-
farc hr1f hot ha had riIdaT oy,t bn
station Of the videts. do not know, but
! always have thought that it being dark
when he returned TO town he failed TO
visit the roads on the left, and felt Sc
cure, Capt. Walters doubtless reporting
that the roads In that direction were
Newport Road, even II its existence were
known TO Gen. Morgan, would not have
been considered important, as it scarcely
extended toward Gen. Gillem's position.
A woman did it all.
THE WOMAN IN THE CASE.
Mrs. Lucy Williams, a young woman,
daughter-in-law Of Gen. Morgan's hostess,
and sister-in-iaw of Maj. Williams, who
was temporarily serving on the Generals
staff, was unfriendly to the Confederates,
q fact of which the General was unaware,
and even had he known she was an en-
emy he probably would have thought her
powerless to do him harm.
The General, being q guest OF the fam
ny, treated her courteously, as be did ell
women, and she made herself exceeding
ly agreeable to the General and TO mem
bers Of his staff, who were also guests
of her mother-in-law. Ostensibly friend
ly, the young woman was n notable flair
Greek bringing gifts" She had time and
opportunity to ascertain our strength, the
location Of the several battalions, and the
fatal fact of the unpicketed Newport
Road. She was certainly q remarkable
woman-prompt, decisive and courageous
Resolving to betray the Confederate chief.
tain, she had willing male and female CO,
sdJutors at her command. Probably some
one Of her emissaries had informed her
Of the unguarded Newport Road. Being
brave and energetic, II Is possible that
Ehe had ascertained the fact in person.
Quietly, without remark, and unques.
tioned, she withdrew from the house early
In ths evening-aftsr supper. The night
Gas very dark aas there was almost Q