The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-09-10

he would hear of two bodies of them, like
ly to give him trouble if united, he would
march between them, soaring both.
After two days and nights hard
marching, Morgan reached Green River on
Monday evening, Sept. 80. He received
an enthusiastic welcome from the Confed-
crate troops stationed there, most of whom
were KentIckians, and many of them
knew him well. Col. Roger W. Hanson,
the officer in command, was himself from
Lexington, and was Morgan's warm per-
sOnal friend. There were at Green River,
encamped on the southern side of the
stream, at this date, the I'd Ky, Hanson's
own regiment 600 or 700 strong; Byrne's
Battery, and four companies of Tennessee
cavalry. Col. Thos. Hunt an uncle of
Capt. Morgan, was also there with two
companies of a regiment he was then or
ganizing, Capt Wickliffe soon joining it.
Of the stragglers who had come out with
Morgan some went one way and some an
other-not more than 10 remaining with
him."
SCOUTING.
Capt. Morgan, although not yet regu-
larry mustered into the Confederate SER
vice, began at once the active and daring
operations which laid the foundation of
diately into general notice. The cavalry
already at Green River had done no SER
vice other than picket duty. Morgan's
nature demanded the stimulus of adven-
ture, monotOnous work devoid of excite
ment being distasteful to him. He, more
over, intuitiveiy understood them, and de-
clared the fact, since so completely demon
strated, that cavalry can be employed to
far better advantage, if kept well out to
the front or upon the TANKS of the army
to which it belongs, and close upon the
enemy, than by exacting of it the sort of
duty that can just as well be performed by
infantry.
The advanced forces of the Federals
were, at that time, stationed at Elizabeth
town, and were soon pushed to Nolin
Creek, distant about q miles from Mum
louisville. Morgan had at first not more
than 20 mounted men Of his own COM
pany, but with them and some volunteers
from the other cavalry, who were inspired
by his example, did much active scouting,
watching and reporting everything of i'm
portance that happened upon the front.
These excursions" were undertaken four
or five times every week. and would
usually occupy "a hours. The scouting
party would start out about nightfall, and
before reaching the lines of the enemy,
IL
the countrymen who were in Federal pay
and who at sight of Morgan's men would
make fast time going to the encampment
of their friends, hotly pursued by the
foremost rough riders. They at first at
tempted to do this courier duty ON horse
back, but finding that Morgans troopers
were exceptionally we'll mounted and dar-
ing riders, and that when so closely
pressed as to be forced to abandon their
horses and take to the brush the animals
were lost to them forever, they betook
themselves to less expensive mode of
conveying information. Being feet of foot
and knowing the paths through the thick
cts and over the hills perfectly, it was diff
fcult to follow and almost impos-
sible to catch them. Morgan's men
also had many friends among the coun-
try people living near the Federal camps,
and many wefethe secret conferences held
with them in the shade of the woods, they
imparting valuable information, almost in
variablly, however, with the emphatic ad-
Duration, For the love of God. boys, you
must never breathe our namesi''
Personating Federal officer, Capt
Morgan on several occasions ventured in
close proximity to the enemys camps
Daring and resourceful, the various ruses
he adopted enabled him not only to acquire
desired information but to crafty an mate
spirit of adventure as well. Once when
he and Lieut.. Duke were leading a small
band of scouts they found themselves in
imminent danger of being captured. En-
countering a citizen who was scouting
for the Union" they represented them
selves as being Federals, and induced the
local scout to guide them out of the
wilderness and dangerous environment to
place Of safety