Carroll County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 9 of 19)

There has been a collision at St. Louis, as is known to all between the seceded party and the national government which resulted in the capture of the seceded party by the government forces; in view of this event and other acts growing out of the secession of the southern states, the president calling help from our state, the state, through her executive, refused to obey the call, and we do not indorse the governor's act in the refusal, for we, with all our heart, disapprove of secession, both as being constitutional and as a remedy for existing evils. We hold ourselves loyal to whom loyalty is due, for we have not been instrumental in bringing about the present warfare, and now stand ready and willing, at all times, to do anything in our power to stop it.

1. Resolved, That we will not voluntarily join either extreme party, for in so doing we would at once terminate our grand mission of peacemakers between the two extreme parties.

4. Resolved, That we as a body agree to use all means in our power to suppress all mob law or got up parties for the purpose of marring the f>eace of civil community.

5. Resolved, That we will hold ourselves subject to the laws and constitution of the United States, and therefore enroll our names in token of the same.

6. Resolved, That we disapprove of the county court granting the secession organization of Carroll county, Missouri, any money out of the county treasury, and that we will hold the court accountable for the same, unless they had first placed the case before the people of the county, and let the poll books govern them in such case.

The above preamble and resolutions were read to a large congregation, which seemingly was aroused to a feeling sense of great enthusiasm. It was moved that the question and vote be taken on each resolution separate and carried almost unanimously. Then it was agreed on by motion, and seconded, that we meet on the next Tuesday afternoon, in order to enroll our names. Then adjourned until Tuesday, the 28th of May, 1861.

Met on the 28th, according to arrangement, and after two or three short addresses, we proceeded to enroll our names in token of our pledge to the same.

After enrolling the names, then, by motion, it was agreed on to meet me 4th of June, at two o'clock in the afternoon, at Baleyville, at C. Misand then adjourned.

The published report of the Burr Oak meeting closed with the followinvitation: "Union men, one and all, come and see whether or not "e be in the faith."

One of the largest neighborhood meetings ever held in Carroll county convened at Winfrey's Grove, at the place known as the Rosebud Schoolhouse, about seven miles south-east of Carrollton, on Saturday, the 1st June, to deliberate on the present aspect of the times. Notwithstanding the rain was pouring down, the crowd came in from all quarters, each man seeming determined to stand forth before the world as a defender of the old banner of Washington and Jackson, and to sustain the Union by which "nobody has ever oeen hurt." Several of the old pioneers of the county were there. Mep who reclaimed this county from the wild wilderness and have made it the garden of the State , were there, with their sons and ^andsons, all warm, ardent, determined and resolved' to oppose Secessionism, Abolitionism, or any other fanaticism that threatens the liberties of the people.

When such men as Judge Hardwick, Turpin Thomas and Joseph Adkins, one of the heaviest slaveholders in the county - men, who have borne the hardships of the wilderness to improve the country and extend the area of civilization, while many of the present enemies of their country's flag were mewling and puking in the nursery; when men like these forget the infirmities of age, and ride through the storm and drenching rain to encourage their fellow men to stand by their flag and their Constitution, we hope their example will be followed throughout the entire State.

The meeting was called to order by Samuel Winfrey, Esq. Whereupon Thomas Hardwick , was chosen Chairman, and Turpin Thomas, Joseph Adkins, and John Gray, Vice Presidents, and Geo. W. Tatham, Secretary.

The following committee was then appointed by the Chair to draft the ^resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting: Samuel Winfrey, E. H. Thomas, George Buckhart, James Gosnell and B. E. Kirgan.

After the reading of the resolutions, Mr. John B. Hale*, who had been invited to attend the meeting, and whose arrival through the drenching rain had been cheered by his multitude of warm friends, delivered a most excellent address. Among the many interesting topics, he notice^!, in an especial manner, a certain fact, well known to every enlightened politician, who is posted in the history of the past, that the slavery question was not in any way connected with the secession of South Carolina. In her attempt at nullification or secession in'32, the slavery question was never made the issue; it was then the Tariff^ and the Tariff alone, that was the ground of her complaint! Gen. Jackson then wrote a letter to a friend in Georgia exposing the designs and machinations of South Carolina, in which he then predicted that the next tirne South Carolina would try to break up the Union, she would use, as a pretext, the slavery question. The real object of the Gulf States appears to be the creation of a great aristocratic Confederac}', wherein wealthy men, who own immense tracts of land, can control their tenantry and^ the poor white men who are dependant on them. Mr. Hale next noticed the Military Bill, at some ler^th, and closed his remarks amid the cheers of the meeting.

Whereas, a crisis has now arrived that the people, the working people, by whose labors the state is supported in peace or war, should throw off the shackles of party, and cease to lend ear to the exciting declamations of small politicians, but come out openly and declare their views to their fellow citizens. We therefore adopt the following resolutions as expressive of our views:

Resolved^ That instead of secession being a remedy for any real of fanciful evils Missouri is now sufrering,it would bea certain mode of plunging us into all the horrors of civil war, and we believe, that as Providence is promising us abundant crops, our duty to our God and our country, to our children and our neighbors, can be better performed by Missourians thronging to the harvest field and cutting down their crops than to the battle field to cut down their fellow -citizens.

Resolved^ That we are proud of our state convention, recognizing in its deliberations a spirit of calmness and conservatism, which has earned for Missouri a higher reputation than any deliberative body that ever sat within her borders, and our delegate, Robt. D. Ray, deserves our highest commendation.

Resolved^ That the late military bill passed by the legislature is, and ought to be, a dead letter, a disgrace to the statute book, and only to be preserved as a curiosity, commemorative of the folly and excitement of the night in which it passed. We believe that the plea of a "big scare " is not sufficient justification of any who voted for it.

Resolved^ That we most cordially disapprove the attempt made to burthen the people of this county with a useless debt of ten thousand, dollars, while other and wealthier counties refused to give a dime.

Resolved^ That neutrality is the only policy Missouri should adopt, and Gens. Price and Harney deserve the warm regard of the people for their humane arrangement to preserve the public peace, and in these two gentlemen the adage is fully verified, that humanity is inseparable trom bravery.

That while we pledge our lives and property to maintain all the institutions of Missouri, and especially her slave institution, we equally pledge to one another our aid and protection in the enjoyment of the sacred and unalienable right of opinion and speech, leaving the latter only to the restrictions of law, we heartily condemn all persecutions for opinions sake, holding that every law-abiding citizen of Missouri, whether born in the north or south, or in Europe, is bound to be protected in the enjoyment of his opinions by his fellow citizens here.

Resolved^ That we believe Missouri's interests are peculiar to herself, and she ought not to be influenced or controlled the least by the action of any other state north or south, and we repudiate that puerile sentimentality which causes some to think nothing is done right here unless it accords With the action of the state from whence they come. We believe there IS intelligence enough among the people of this state to carve out their Own destiny without blindly following any other state, and particularly so while Missouri is diflerentl}' circumstanced from any other state in America.

Resolved^ That as Missouri is destined to become the great thorougfare tor Asiatic and European trade, and being possessed of untold mineral wealth, far surpassing the gold of California in value, we believe her inter- ests are too great to justify any hurried action, but prudence requires that she should take time and, in view of developing circumstances, adopt the policy her interests may require; for in a few years her population will be mostly native born, who will have none of those childish and disturbing sympathies with other states which so much influence the opinions and actions of many of the present day, who sympathize with their far off native state.

Resolved^ That we condemn as dastardly the attempt by some to introduce a spirit of terrorism to awe Union men, by denouncing all who are not secessionists as abolitionists. This charge of abolitionism has often been falsely brought against our best men to injure them, but the people are now too well posted to heed such false accusations. Many of our talented and most solvent men are actively engaged in opposing secession, for instance, Rollins, Stewart, Hall, Henderson, Thomas Allen, Judge Dunn, Judge Leonard, and hundreds of others, who are an honor to any cause.

Resolved^ That the misapplication of our state school money by the legislature meets with the decided disapprobation of the people, who regard it as a sacred fund to protect their children from the invasion of ignorance.

Resolved^ That as we do not know and have never heard of a single instance of a man in Missouri being injured by^the Union, we see no reason for dissolving a Union by which, so far, nobody has been hurt.

Resolved^ That as Missouri has prospered in the Union, we shall remain there till our h'onor and interests demand a separation, then we will, like our fathers, resort to revolution and discard the subterfuge of secession, t Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, signed by its officers, be published in the Carrollton democrat, and that the editor of the Missouri Republican be respectfully requested to copy them for the Republican. The meeting then adjourned.

The stars and stripes were raised in the county and people again began to do them honor. The fight at Boon ville, June 10, in which Gen. Lyon defeated Col. Marmaduke, dispirited the secessionists and correspondingly encouraged the Union men - indeed it has been averred that it created many of latter class, as the victory of the state Guards and confederates at Wilson's Creek created many secessionists. Meetings were called and held, at which speeches were made and resolutions adopted of a strong Union character.

The chairman, having stated the object of the meeting, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to report resolutions expressive of

John B. Hale, of Carrollton, being present, by invitation, for the purpose of making a Union speech, came forward and took the stand, from which the Stars and Stripes were unfurled, and stated that he was prepared to make a Union speech if the meeting desired it, but that since he had arrived here it had been suggested to him, that probably the meeting had better be adjourned until the people could be better satisfied in regard to the events transpiring in our State since this meeting was called, which course, he thought, would be nothing but proper, but stated that he was not prepared to take back a single sentiment uttered by him in defense of this glorious Union.

Messrs. Moberly and Harris,, of Brunswick, also Wm. M. Eads, our Representative, and J. S. Logan, of De Witt, being present, were called upon, and all made remarks about to the same effect, that as the Union sentiment was by far the greatest in our community and county, we could afford to be magnanimous, and that caution and prudence should characterize our proceedings at present, and that nothing should be done to excite our neighbors who hold views in opposition to ours. But all referred in the most feeling- manner to the f^ag of our country, and said they would never be guilty of treason to that flag.

Mr. Pattison, our county school commissioner, being present, was then called for, and delivered an address, showdng that the causes of the excitement were only imaginary, and that no real cause for it exists in our Slate, and enquired, What would have been thought of a meeting like the present, whicn, twelve months ago, would have considered prudence necessary in expressing their devotion to their country and its flag?

The vote was then taken whether Mr. Hale should deliver a speech or not, when it was decided that the meeting wished to hear him. Whereupon he again took the stand and delivered such a speech as only a Union-loving man can deliver.

Mr. Eads then came forward and spoke for a short time, reviewing our national troubles, and showing that he has always been a Union, man and opposed to secession, and that it would cost the state of Missouri fifteen millions of dollars to keep only twenty thousand soldiers in the field for twelve months, for which she is wholly unprepared, and, we believe, satisfying every one present as to his. course in voting for that obnoxious, thing called a military bill, passed by our legislature not long since.

Resolved, That as events have transpired since this meeting was called, the particulars of which we have not yet fully learned^ we shall, when we adjourn, agree to meet again when notified by the president of this meeting, and in the meantime we recommend to our fellow citizens to avoid all excitement, and aim to maintain a law abiding spirit among the people. It Was further

The following report of a Union meeting held at Coloma, Morris township, was furnished the Carrollton Democrat.^ and appeared in that paper, June 29th, 1861:

At a meeting held at Coloma by the Union citizens of Morris Township, Carroll county, Mo., on the 22d June, 1861, W. H, Pilaster was appointed Chairman, and D. R. Bartlett, Secretary.

t3y order of the Chairman a committee of five was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting, to- wit: George Nance, Sr., Dr. J. M. Rogers, Ambrose Hanley, Thomas Mathes, Robt. B. Claspill.

While the Committee was drawing resolutions the meeting was addressed by K. Scott, who made a very intelligent speech, after which the following resolutions were read and adopted:

1. Resolved^ That the action of the Missouri Legislature, in enacting what is known as the Military Bill, and in appropriating the State School funds, and the funds for the support of the Lunatic Asylum to military purposes, meets with our unqualified condemnation.

2. Resolved^ That we will not organize under the Military law of the State, believing, as we do, said law is unconstitutional, subversive of democratic goveniment, and dangerous to the liberties of the people.

3. Resolved^ That, in our opinion, the exigency of the times imperatively demands of all lovers of the Union, American liberty, and democratic institutions, throughout this State to form themselves into Volunteer Companies for the suppression of all lawless acts of violence, and to preserve to all citizens of this State Constitutional protection, irrespective of political opinion.

On the 24th of June a portion of the union citizens of Morris township held a meeting at Mandeville. After short and appropriate addresses by Jno. B. Hale and Wm. M. Eads, Mr. McFerren was called to the Chair, and W. Smithpeeter appointed secretary, and the following resolutions passed :

1. Resolved, That we, as a bodjs agree to use all means in our pow'er to suppress all mob law, or get up parties for the purpose of marring the peace of civil community.

Guards in the county, for the purpose of self protection and securing arms, and that we would suggest to-morrow week as the time for a general meeting at Carrollton.

Preparing To Fight

It will be seen that the union men of the county, as well as the secessionists, were preparing for the fight that everybody saw was coming. The secessionists were on the move, and nearly every day small or large squads left the county for Price's army, then in southwestern Missouri. Many union men, especially from the neighborhood of DeWitt, went up to the various federal posts along the line of the Hannibal and St. Joe railroad, and took service under the "old flag."

By and by, after . Carthage and Wilson's Creek had given the state guard boys an idea of what war and soldering meant, and an idea of the kind of war in which they had enlisted to fight, some of them got tired and came home. Some of them never went back; bthers, being harrasssed by the federal militia thereafter, and for other reasons, re-enlisted as the opportunity offered, and they felt inclined. The idea that one southern man could whip five northern men, or that one northern man was equal to three southern men, was demonstrated very early in the war, to be an erroneous one. The people made up their minds pretty soon that the contest would be earnest, bloody, lengthy and doubtful.

Miscellaneous Incidents

On the 28th of June, the Carrollton Democrat^ M. O'Gorman's paper, suspended publication, the following card appearing in the last issue, a half sheet:

Owing to the fact that we are without the necessary help to carry on the Democrat^ (all the printers in this region having gone to the "wars,") and also to the great difficulty in collecting funds at this time, sufficient to carry on the business of the office, we have come to the conclusion to suspend publication, save a small sheet for legal advertisements, until the times become more favorable. Our suspension, we hope, will be but temporary. The news, now-a-days, is of so lying a character, and so much calculated to excite and inflame, that it had better be altogether dispensed with.

About the 20th of June, Judge Dunn held a special term of court at Carrollton, for the trial of James Reirdon, charged with the murder of Wm. Walker, the previous year. The trial was conducted, for the defence, by Messrs. Jno. B. Hale and Wellington Gordon, and on the part ofthe state, by D. C. Allen, of Liberty, the prosecuting attorney. After ^ full investigation, the prisoner was found "not guilty."

The county officers continued to exercise their functions under the new provisional government which had been established upon the flight of Cov. Jackson and Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds, although they did not take the oath to the so-called " Gamble government, " until some time later. Some of them still recognized Jackson as the chief executive of the state.

Gov. Jackson, shortly after the battle of Lexington called the legislature to meet at Neosho, Newton county, on the 21st of October. Out of 133 members of the house of representatives thirty-nine obeyed this call; and out of thirty -three senators ten were present. Charles H. Hardin, then senator from Callaway, started from his home in obedience to the governor's call and coming to Carrollton interviewed Representative Eads. After much consulation the two concluded to go to Neosho and if an ordinance of secession should be presented resolved to vote against it. At a point in Henry county Mr. Eads was taken sick and returned home. Hardin went on and was the only senator that voted against the passage of the secession ordinance when that instrument was adopted by the " Claib. Jackson legislature," Oct. 28, 1861.

The news of the battle of Wilson's Creek, or Oak Hill, Aug. 10, 1861, was received by the secessionists of this county with great joy, mingled with universal regret at the death of the brave and gallant Capt. Chas. E. Blackwell, who fell early in the engagement leading on his men. At the time of his death Capt. Blackwell was but twenty-one years of age, but by reason of his ability, talent and courage had been chosen captain of his company over men years his senior. He had been a cadet at West Point for some months. He was a son of Mr. A. C. Blackwell, so frequently named in this work.

The Carroll county men greatly distinguished themselves by their courage and effective work in the battle of Wilson's Creek and contributed no little to the brilliant confederate victory there attained.

On the 12th of September Gen. Price's army moved up to the Missouri river and besieged 2,800 Federals under Col. James A. Mulligan at Lexington. The siege really lasted eight days, although the Federal works were not entirely invested and there was no severe fighting during the first five. The cannon could be plainly heard in this county, and at night during the last three days of the fight the roar of musketry was audible. Along the river these sounds were especially distinct. A dance was in progress in the bottom on the evening of the 19th, the day previous to Mulligan's surrender, and the dancers, young men and maidens, at the close of a "set" would repair to the open air and listen to the booming of the cannon and the rattle of musketry at Lexington, fifteen miles away.

A number of the citizens of the county were witnesses of the closing scenes of the fight, and not a few went over and "took a hand." War was being brought to their very doors, and they went out to meet it. This class, of course, rendered what service they did in aid of the southern cause.

As has been stated, some union men from DeWitt had made their way to the federal troops, on the Hannibal & St. Joe railroad, and joined them. It was known that many more were only waiting the advent of the federal forces to themselves enroll under the stars and stripes.

Early in October, a squad of those who had enlisted in the union army returned to their homes on a furlough, granted by their officers at Laclede. The squad, numbering about ten men, was in charge of one Jeff Harry. A few days after their return home, about tlyrty secessionists, under command of Capt. Logan Ballew, made a descent upon these soldiers, captured and disarmed them, and released them upon parole.

News of this affair reaching Laclede, the commanding federal officer at that post, a Col. Morgan, sent an expedition down into Carroll county. The invading force consisted of two companies of the Missouri cavalry, commanded by Captains Wesley R. Love and Frederick C. Loring, two companies of infantry, and two pieces of artillery, making in all a force of about 400 men. The whole force was under command of Col. Morgan, then of the Eighteenth Missouri infantry.

On the 17th of October, this force encamped at Mr. Owens' farm, in the northeastern part of the county. The next morning the march was resumed, the command going south towards DeWitt. News of the approach of the federals had reached Capt. Ballew, and his scouts were watching them. He had under his command about 100 men, but it is said that all of them were not with him. Learning his enemies' dekination, he determined to ambush them, at the crossing of Big Hurricane creek, in the southeast quarter of section 35, township 55, range 22. For this purpose he selected forty-seven of his men, all of whom were armed with double-barreled shot-guns loaded with buckshot, and some had revolvers. Mr. Stephen Hancock had joined Ballew, with about twentyfive men, but, as he states, he disapproved of the ambushing scheme, as he considered it cowardly and guerrilla-like, and not in accordance with the true principles of warfare, and accordingly he drew oft' his little force, and left Ballew to himself, after urging him three times not to "bushwhack" the federals, but to " fight fair."

Ballew posted his men so that they would command the ford and both Jts approaches, and had them well concealed. On came the federals, suspicious, but not altogether conscious of their danger. Love's company was in front.

and terrible volley was poured into the unsuspecting troopers, and the hurricane ford was full of wounded, bleeding men, and frantic, struggling horses, while screams and groans and shouts rent the hitherto peaceful air. There was very great confusion, and fright, and terror, to be sure. Ballew's men fired another volley or so, and then mounting their horses, which had been completely and securely concealed near by, rode away from the scene, with not a man killed or wounded.

The buckshot from the 47 shotguns wounded 14 of Love's men, some of them desperately, all of them badly, but strange to say, and very luckily, withal, none of them mortally. The bugler of the company was mistaken for an officer, and fared very sadly. Part of the forces were kept behind to care for the wounded, who were taken to the neighboring houses at first, and afterwards removed to Laclede. Several horses were also disabled in the melee and a few killed.

. The federals at first fell back. Loring's company. Col. Morgan's infantry, two companies of the 18th Missouri, and the artillery, formed in battle line, expecting the attack to be resumed. The cannon fired a few shots, and a skirmish line was advanced, but the enemy had fled. Just before arriving at Hurricane ford, the federals met Mr. Ambrose Callaway, an old and respected citizen of Hurricane township, whom they questioned as to the whereabouts of Ballew's men. He denied any knowledge of them, but stated that he had seen a force which he believed to be them, moving rapidly away from the south side of Hurricane creek. This force, doubtless, was Hancock's, but Mr. CaUaway did not know them. After they had been fired on, the federals returned, overtook Callaway and killed him. Full particulars of the latter incident are given elsewhere.'

The federal forces soon rallied and resumed their march to DeWitt, which place they reached without further incident. At DeWitt they made prisoners of two men. Price Merrick and Frank Ball, the latter the postmaster, whom they carried away to Laclede. Upon leaving DeWitt, the next day, one James Reirdon, one of Love's men, accidentally shot and killed himself while mounting his horse. Reirdon was from this county, and had been tried and acquitted, a few months before, of the charge of murdering his brother-in-law, one Wm. Walker. It is also said that it was he who killed Mr. Callaway. Mr. Wm. Allen, at present in Carrollton, states that Reirdon fired the shot in obedience to the orders of Col. Morgan.

Ballew's command scattered considerably, and all escaped in safety. Some made their way to the. army of Gen. Price; others stayed in the country.

Nothing ,vas talked of in the county but the "Hurricane fight," for some days after its occurrence, and the talk was usually of the wildest sort. It was reported that the number of federals killed was at least 20; that the wounded were twice as many; that the .federals were preparing to come down, "like a wolf on the fold," and avenge their defeat by kill- in{( men, women and children, etc., etc. But as time passed the expected ravagers and spoilers came not, and other events transpired that engaged the attention of the people.

It is asserted that in September, nearly a month before the Hurricane fight, a skirmish took place on section 3, township 55, range 23, in what is now Stokes Mound township. The fight occurred on the farm, and indeed at the residence of Davis Perry Todd, since dead. The property is now owned by a Mr. Conger. A Capt. Peery, of Livingston county, had rendezvoused at Todd's residence, preparatory to joining the state guards at Lexington . Capt. Love came down from Laclede with his company, and drove Peery and his men away. Several shots were exchanged, but only one man, a member of Peery's company, was hurt, he being shot through the hand. Peery's men at^first were in Todd's barn and about his premises, but retreated to the woods. Mr. A. J. Carson, of this county, one of Peery's men, died two days after, it is said from excitement occasioned by the fight, added to a low state of health. It was this Capt. Peery, who was killed by the militia north of Carrollton in the fall of 1864.

The Union Troops Occupy Carrollton

|n August, 1861, the state convention declared the offices of governor, lieutenant-governor, and secretary of state vacant, and appointed Hamilton R. Gamble, governor; Willard P. Hall, lieutenant-governor, and Mordecai Oliver, secretary of state in the room of Jackson, Reynolds, and Massey, proceeded to vacate the offices of all the other state and county officials who should fail or decline to take the " convention oath," or oath of allegiance to the United States and to the state government under Gov. Gamble.

In Carroll county the county officers signified their willingness to take the convention oath, if they could be protected from the secessionists who were manifesting very hostile dispositions. Accordingly, word was sent to Col. Tindall, of the 23d Missouri infantry, then at Chillicothe. Col. Tindall, thereupon sent down a company of men of his regiment, commanded by Capt. R. A. DeBolt, afterward member of congress from the 10th district and judge of the 11th circuit. The company numbered about 100 uien, and with their blue uniforms and bright muskets presented quite a contrast to the confederate soldiers that had been seen in the county. The company reached Carrollton about the 1st of December. It formed and marched around the square, at different times, and extraordinary efforts were made to obtain recruits. Accompanying Capt. DeBolt was Capt. R.

Brown, who had a squad already, but wished to fill out his company. He was soon enabled to do so. (See rosier of company "K," 23d Missouri volunteers.) The sight of the flag, the guns, and drums and bayonets, and the lif?ht .work and good pay promised, may have induced some to volunteer, but the most, if not all of the Carroll county recruits enlisted from a sense of duty, and were union men from principle. In those days it required considerable courage for a man to avow himself a decided union man or a decided secessionist.

Capt. Brown recruited his company, Capt. DeBolt drilled his, the county officials took the convention oath, and time passed. Many of the people of southern sympathies considered the secession ordinance passed by the Neosho legislature as valid and binding upon them, and, therefore, held Missouri to be no longer a member of the old federal union, but one of the " Confederate States of America." Of this class many prepared to go south to fight for the cause which they considered just.

The next morning after Brown and DeBolt came to Carrollton, Gen. Ben. M. Prentiss, at the head of a brigade composed of an Ohio and an Illinois regiment and some Missourians, marching through Carroll county from west to east, reached Carrollton. Here they camped where the Catholic church now stands and on the adjacent grounds, remaining two nights and one day. When they left it is said that about a ton of chicken feathers covered the camp ground, mingled with a great quantity of hog hair and bristles.

Before leaving, Gen. Prentiss assembled the citizens on the square and made them a speech full of reproaches for their past misdeeds, and of warnings and threats against them should they transgress in the future. Gen. Prentiss, when in the service, was of an imperious, haughty, domineering disposition, and his conduct was not at all times above criticism and reproach. His speech at Carrollton may have been intended for good, but it did hone, having the effect to exasperate instead of conciliate those of confederate sympathies.

By order of Gen. Prentiss, five hundred sacks of flour belonging to Mr. Hiram Wilcoxson, then proprietor of the Wild Moss mills, were .siezed by Quartermasler Strachan, the latter afterwards notorious for his connection with the infamous Palmyra massacre. Mr. Wilcoxson had been especially active against the federal authority in the beginning of the troubles, but had taken the oath of allegiance to the Gamble government, and it is believed was religiously observing it, but his flour was taken all the same, and he never was paid for it.

southwest Missouri. Capt. Frank S. Robinson, of Saline, had been sent up in the region about ' Miami to recruit, and very soon several hundred men were organized and ready to join him. Word had been 'sent to the confederates in Carroll to "muster the clans," and preparations to that effect were speedily and quietly made. About 175 men crossed the river and joined the designated rendezvous, at the Grand Pass church, in Saline county. The forces from Carroll comprised Capt. Logan Ballew's company, Capt. M. Floyd's company, and a number of men that were not organized into companies. The men for the time furnished their own arms and equipments or went without - many had no arms.

At the Grand Pass Church the Confederate recruits were organized into a regiment of which Robinson was elected colonel and Col. Alexander lieutenant-colonel. Col. Robinson, now a citizen of Carrollton, states that this regiment numbered 780 men in all, the greater portion of whom were from Saline county. -

On the 16th of December, 1861, this regiment commenced its march south, and on that same night reached Blackwater creek, in Johnson county, and encamped in a horse-shoe bend of the creek. Worn out with their long day's march of near forty miles, the whole regiment slept, sentinels, pickets and all; and two prisoners whom they had captured, escaped, and, it is supposed, carried the news of their whereabouts to Gen. Jefi'. C. Davis, who with two or three thousand Federal troops, was cruising about to intercept just such gatherings of men as this.

The next day, in the forenoon, Robinson's pickets were driven in by a detachment of Merrill's Horse,* a body of Federal cavalry, who came in on the Knob Noster road. Gen. Davis, with his 2000 infantry, followed Merrill rapidly up, and the Confederates soon found themselves surrounded by a force much larger and better armed everyway. However, the regiment was immediately drawn up in line and delivered two volleys, which the Federals returned, killing one man, and then retired about 400 yards. Gen. Davis then sent under a white flag, a communication stating his force and position and demanding an unconditional surrender. Comparatively unarmed,. and wholly undisciplined as they were, to fight with any hope of success, was out of the question, and the whole regiment surrendered - except those, who by scattering, each man for himself^ escaped and returned home, and those, who, in the same manner, succeeded in reaching Col. Clarkson's command, sent up by Gen. Price, to convey through this regiment and a body of men who had crossed the nver at Lexington. Many of the very best and most substantial citizens of this and Saline counties were in this Blackwater capture. The prisoners, in all, 585, were marched to Sedalia, and there put upon a train and sent to St. Louis, where they were incarcerated in the old McDowell college. Here, and afterwards at Alton, Illinois, they were held until they all gradually took the prescribed oath, and were released, except about 100 of them, who were regularly exchanged in the summer or fall of 1862 and entered the Confederate army.

Upon the authority of a certain Federal officer, who was engaged in the capture of Robinson's command, it may be stated that the Federals had information of the raising of the regiment and its designs long before it left Saline county.

Col. Robinson states that when the demand for surrender was made, he called his officers together and held a consultation. All were in favor of surrendering on terms, except one captain, who, when questioned, admitted that he had but two rounds of ammunition for his men. There was plenty of powder in the command, but no lead or caps. Col. R. also states that a major of the second Iowa cavalry informed him that the two volleys delivered by the Confederates killed and wounded 37 men.

Election For Member Of Congress

The last event of public importance to transpire in the county in 1861, was the special election for member of Congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by the expulsion of Hon. John B. Clark. There were but two candidates presented for the suffrages of the voters of Carroll county, Hon. Wm. A. Hall, of Randolph county, and M. C. Hawkins. No votes were cast in this county for Mr. Hawkins, the votes being all thrown for Hall. Every man- who refused to take the convention oath was disfranchised, and, iis there were many men of this class in the county, only a light vote was polled. Mr. A. Hall was a union democrat. At the regular election he was again chosen.

Nothing of a very remarkable nature occurred in the county in the winter of 1862, save that prices of all kinds of merchandise advanced rapidly and largely. The people, some of them at least, went back to the practices of the early pioneers, as regarded fare and apparel. For coffee rye was used instead of Rio and sorghum took the place of refined sugars and syrups. Flax and cotton had been raised, and were being used in the preparation of fabrics. Mr. Barrier, of Carrollton, in the early spring, was kept busy manufacturing flax spinning wheels. Mrs. Shirley, north of Big Creek, and other ladies raised, carded, and spun considerable quantities of cotton.

The union ladies made a beautiful flag for the court house, another for Capt. Loves* company, purchased one for the 3d Missouri, and a large banner waved from a pole 100 feet in height on the public square. A storm on the 2d of April destroyed the last named flag. The same storm blew down the reformer church in Carrollton.

On the 24th of April, Mr. Burton Godsey, a soldier of the war of 1812, died at his home, six miles north of Carrollton. He was 80 years of age.

Numerous bodies of federal troops visited the county from time to time occasioning great alarm among the citizens of confederate sympathies. Upon this subject the Carrollton Democrat of May 17 was moved to say that a volume of history in the form of a collection of facts ought to some day be published containing incidents ludicrous and laughable for the entertainment and instruction of posterity. Said the Democrat'.

Among this collection of items it would be interesting to narrate the ludicrous incidents wherein people, raised in the United States, were so little acquainted with the United States troops that when a body of the military drew near a neighborhood, scores of alarmed people would be busy at night hiding their bacon under straw and hay stacks, burying their spoons, bed clothes, trynks, clothing, etc. Sometimes a false alarm would be raised that the federals were coming and a sudden stampede would be made to the hazel brush or to some neighlioring house, in the night, where, after the agreed countersign being given, the trembling fugitive was admitted. - After a few days familiarity with the federals,. and fear became assuaged, the bacon was resurrected from the hay stack, the spoons and clothing were brought back, and all became quiet. * * ^ Many such incidents have happened in this county already. Our sece^ sion friends have acted ver}' funnily at times. Their conduct has been like that of the old crones of 1800, who, when it was known that Jefferson was elected President, in great consternation, hid their bibhs^ lest the infidel President would send soldiers to seize them. Such a book as that we have indicated should be made up of incidents collected from all parts of the county and state. Millions might be made from its publication.

About the 1st of May Col. J. A. Poindexter returned from the confederate army to his home in Randolph county on recruiting service. He was known to the federals as a brave, dashing officer, and they manifested much uneasiness upon learning that he was in the country. The confederates had confidence in him, and it was believed that many of them would rally to him - and they did.

It was said at the time that Col. Poindexter came directly from Memphis, Tennessee, by boat to St. Louis, from thence to Renick,on the North Missouri Railroad. Being in disguise, he represented himself as a Mr.

Judge Austin A. King, ex-Governor of the State, held his courts in this judicial circuit this spring, and transacted considerable business which had long lain unattended to, courts having been irregularly or rarely held, and not well attended. A correspondent of the St. Louis Republican^ writing May 8, from Richmond, said:

This circuit is composed of the counties of Ray, Carroll, Caldwell, Clinton and Clay. The presiding Judge, Hon. Austin A. King, has just finished holding the Spring term of the Courts m these counties. The good behavior of the people and their desires to have the law enforced in their respective counties, augurs well for the future peace and harmony of this section of our State. The Judge required every Attorney to take the oath of loyalty prescribed by the Convention, and not one refused to do so. but all cheerfulh* renewed their covenants with their country Every Grand and Petit Juror was req^uired to take the same, oath, and it is remarkable that not one refused or expressed an unwillingness to do so Lawyers, juries clerks and people, all seemed delighted that the safe guards of the law were again being thrown around their lives and proper^.

In two of the counties there were no Sheriffs or Coroners, but thejudge -was determined to hold courts, and at once appointed elisors and court was held. °

The dockets in each county, both criminal and civil were disposed of in a firm impartial and satisfactory manner. Grand juries did their business well and thoroughly. Cases of robbery, larceny, burglary, arson and murder wei e ferretted out and the criminals indicted. Many a poor deluded wretch and many a confirmed scoundrel, who imagined all laws broken up, will find themselves tapped on the shoulder by an officer of the law to be held to answer to the indictments found.

Early in the spring many threats were made in our circuit that our venerable Judge should not hold courts. But crime, disorder and lawlessness disappeared wherever he went. A bold and fearless man and a staunch patriot as he is known to be, Judge King has inaugurated law and order among us once more. Such men as he are the bulwarks of society.

In the better days of our State, and for many years he presided as our, Circuit Judge with honor and dignity to himself and to the satisfaction of the people: but in speaking of his recent term of court holding he said; "J never witnessed, in all my experience of holding courts, a greater disposition among the people to submit to the laws and sec them enforced^' Is this not cheering when spoken of a small section of our State, where a few months since thousands of men were crazed and infuriated, ready and longing to shake friendly hands over the mangled and bloody corpse of law and order.

On the 10th of May a flag was presented to the battalion of the Third Missouri cavalry, M. S. M., to which the companies of Capts. Mayo and McMurtry belonged. The presentation speeches were made by Misses Lucy B. Folger (now Mrs. W. S. Shirley) and Mollie J. Patti-

Hurricane. - Leland Barnes, Marcus Stephenson, C. M. A. Chaney and James Rippetoe failed to take the oath. John W. Staten was appointed in the room of Chaney.

Sugar Tree Bottom. - David Evans, David Hudson and Sylvester Fuller failed at first . to take the oath, and Evans and Hudson were re-appointed.

Morris- - N. M. Frizel,J. W. Smith and Daniel Sherley failed taking the oath. R. A. Taylor filed his oath in due time. The vacancies of Frizel. and Shirley were filled by Thomas Roney and R. P. Scott.

About the 20th of June a Federal soldier named Langley, supposed to have been a member of Capt. McMurtry's company, was shot and killed in the bottom by some confederates as was supposed.

The home guards of the county, composed for the most part of union citizens, who armed and equipped themselves, performed considerable service this suminer, in scouting after bushwhackers, re-capturing stolen horses, etc. They served without compensation. No regularly enlisted Union troops were stationed in the county, whereat there was great complaint, as the county had already furnished several hundred men for the federal army, who were doing duty in other portions of the state and country. In the latter part of July, however, troops were sent into the county, and the people were not happy!

On the 4th of July the people, to the number of about 1,200, celebrated independence day at Carrollton. A bountiful dinner was served. The . stars and stripes waved everywhere, even from the large iced cakes on the table. John B. Hale and Dr. Logan delivered the addresses. Miss Nellie White read an address, and Miss Mollie J. Pattison recited an "Ode to Washington and Liberty."

In the latter part of the month of July Capt. John L. Mirick, under commission from the confederate authorities in Arkansas, made his way ' into Carroll county for the purpose of recruiting for the confederate service. By strategem he passed the federal lines, embarking at Memphis, Tennessee, passing through St. Louis and up the Missouri river, landing at DeWitt. From here he went to the residence of Mr. John Campbell, in Hurricane township, where he began his mission. In a few days he

Meantime, in the Missouri river bottom, Capt. Bob Austin was organizing a company of confederates, destined for service in this county. Ballew and Mirick determined to combine their forces with Austin's. Accordingly they left their camp on Big Creek, and proceeded toward Sugar Tree Bottom. About noon they reached Carrollton, but their stay in the town was short. While there, a dozen men visited the office of the Carrollton Democrat^ then on Virginia street, a few doors east of the public square, broke the press and "pied" the "forms," and threw all of. the cases of type into, the street but one. Mr. O'Gorman and Mr. O. J. Kerby/ were the proprietors of the office at the time. Mr. Kerby hired the small boys of the town to pick up the type, after the confederates left, and for some weeks thereafter, was engaged in sorting them, and placing them in their "respective boxes." . When the papei was re-issued the following January from these same types, an assessment was made upon certain disloyal citizens of the county, pursuant to the orders of Gen. Scofield, and Mr. Kirby was paid lor about half of the damage done him.

The same evening Mirick and Ballew formed a junction with Austin. Many of the latter's men declared they would not fight outside of the county, and as Mirick and Ballew were recraiting ior the. coii/ederate -service, and had already sworn in their men, there was some embarrassment. Matters were at last settled, by the entire command agreeing to join Col. J. A. Poindexter, who was at this time known to be on the borders of Randolph county, with a considerable force.

A few days before this Maj. Biggers, of the 6th Missouri cavalry, state militia, in command at Richmond, had sent two of his men into the Sugar Tree Bottom to distribute printed copies of an order from Gov. Gamble, and the federal military authorities of the state, requinng all able bodied male citizens of suitable age to enroll in the enrolled militia of the state, recently required to be organized. As these two men were on their way down the bottom, nearly south of where Norborne now stands, one John Hatton, a confederate, bushwhacked them, using a double-barrel shot-gun. One militiaman was killed and the other badly wounded.

Word of Hatton's exploit reached Richmond, and Biggers instantly dispatched two companies of his regiment under Capt. Daniel H. David, of Company B, to the scene. This force went down, burned Hatton's house and that of Alphonso Fuller, on whose farm Tlatton' lived, and stirred up the country considerably. . Then they retired to Col. Dobbin's farm, where they were attacked by Mirick and Ballew. Desultory skirmishing was kept up for about a whole day, but with no important or disastrous results. David sent to Richmond for reinforcemets, and Major

The next morning the confederates, learning that the federals had been re-enforced, retreated in the direction of Poindexter, or toward the northern part of Chariton county. They passed through Carrollton without stopping, being closely pursued by the federals. In Ridge township the advance of the federals came up with the rear of the confederates, and a skirmish Qnsued. Three or four other encounters were had, in which two confedrates were killed. One of these was named Erp. The federals claimed they lost none in killed or wounded.

The federal pursuit was so harassing and was pushed so vigorously that Ballew and Mirick feared for the result should they attempt to cross Grand river with the 300 federals upon their heels. Accordingly Mirick resolved to check them. Choosing about forty of his best men he formed them across the road, and opened upon his pursuers when they came within firing distance. It had been agreed that while Mirick should hold the federals in check Ballew was to get well across the river and take the road directly , east to Poindexter's camp. The crossing was to be attempted at Compton's Ferry, in what is now Compton township.

Mirick fought his men so well that the federals gave up as a bad job the attempt to dislodge him by a direct attack, and sought to outflank. A few federals who had gotten into a corn field quite in his rear opened fire, and disclosed this move, which was checkmated by a half retreat and a spirited attack upon the flanking party. The federals thereupon fell back and directly took up their march back to Carrollton. Capt. David told Col. Hale and some others whom he met coming to his assistance that there were about one thousand rebels in his front, all well

As soon as the federals would permit him, Mirick crossed to the east bank of the Grand river, and found to his astonishment that Ballew had gone up the stream instead of toward the east and Poindexter. He did not stop to learn the reason for this move of his comrade, but kept straight on himself to Poindexter, whom he joined in a day or two.

Shooting Of Austin And Walden

citizen, Mr. Arch. Austin, who was taken while lying asleep under a tree in his own dooryard in the river 'bottom. What he was charged 'vith is not known. It is said that he was very violent in his denunciation of the Federal government and of the Federals themselves - so violent that many think he could not have been perfectly sane.* Two other prisoners were taken from Mirick and Ballew. Their names were Wah den and Wallace. The next morning these three were, by order of Capt. David, sentenced to be shot. They were led out and placed in line and at the crack of the carbines all three fell. Only two of the men were hit, however. Austin and Walden were killed, but Wallace was not hurt, the bullet passing through his hat and barely grazing the top of his head. He was stunned and lay insensible for some time, and was much surprised, upon coming' to his senses, at his situation, lying by his dea4 comrades and himself comparatively unhurt. His captors and would-be executioners had gone, and he lost no time in getting away and keeping away from the dreaded Penick's men. Afterward he surrended himself to Col. Hale and was released on bond; but before the war closed he again entered the Confederate Army, and lived to return to his home in the northern part of this county or southern part of Livingston. Austin's body was brought home by his friends and buried.

As before stated the Confederate force under Capt. Minick after it crossed Grand River, proceeded straight toihe command of Col. Poindexter, which was retreating from a strong force of Federals commanded by Col. Oden Guitar, of the 9th Cavalry, M. S. M. At Compton's Ferry the two contending forces came together. Accounts of what followed differ, Switzler's History of Missouri, (ed. 1379, p. 415,) says:

Continuing the pursuit, he (Col. Guitar) overtook Porter at 9 o'cldck on Monday night, at Compton's Ferry, on Grand River, in Carroll county. A portion of Porter's men had crossed before his arrival, but a large number, with all their baggage, horses, wagons, etc., were yet to cross. Guitar ordered his troops, portions of his own regiment, and portions of Merrill's Horse under Major C. B. Hunt, to charge, which thev did, at the same time opening upon the demoralized and fleeing guerrillas with two pieces of artillery. The effect was terrible. Many in their eagerness to escape threw away their guns and plunged on their horses into the river, but many of the horses became unmanageable and returned to the -shore from whence they started. Some were drowned. A large number of prisoners, all their baggage, together with a great number of horses, mules, guns, and wagons, were captured. Poindexter continued hurriedly in a northern direction, crossing the Hannibal & St. Joseph railroad at Utica on Tuesday morning. Near here he was intercepted and driven back by Gen. B. F. Loan. In his retreat south Guitar met him, on the 13th, at Yellow Creek, in Chariton county, again routing him and scattering and breaking up his band. Guitar then returned with his command to Jefferson City.

The official report of the services of the 9th cavalry, M. S. M., says that Poindexter " at Little Compton, the crossing of Grand river, lost some one hundred men in killed, wounded and drowned in crossing the river." rates were killed or even wounded at the crossing of Compton's Ferry, and if any prisoners or horses were taken they were but few. He further states that no wagons could have been captured by the federals, since Poindexter's men had no wagons or but little " baggage," as intimated by Switzler. He says further, that the entire federal account is largely overdrawn.

Maj. Mirick's account is that Col. Porter was not present with the confederates on the occasion referred to, the force being led by Col. Poindexter; that upon reaching Grand river a strong rear guard was sent back to check the federals until the main body could get safely across; that this was done with but little difficulty, and even this rear guard got over the water in security; that after the portion of- the command to which he was attached had gotten a mile av/ay from the ferry, on the Carroll side, it was remembered that some powder had been left behind in a skiff used for crossing, and he and others went back for it; that at this time it was pitchy dark ; that w'hile Brooks Hancock was getting the powder from the boat the federal battery across the stream fired a round or two across into the Carroll side, with no other effect than to cause him and his companions to move a little livelier than common in getting away; that not a federal crossed the stream, and that it was a fortunate escape for Poindexter and his men while at the same time it was a very narrow one.

Opposed to Maj. Mirick's statement is the testimony of Dr. Brown, Wm. Creel, Thos. Ballew, (the latter a brotlier of Capt. Logan Ballew), and others who were citizens of the neighborhood at the time, and who state that they themselves assisted in the burial of from eight to eleven dead confederates, whose bodies were taken from the river a few days after the fight, by the citizens, there being no soldiers of either side in the neighborhood. Dr. Brown states that he assisted in the hurial of eight. Mr. Ballew says he helped bury eleven. Other citizens say that seventeen bodies in all were recovered, counting three skeletons found some weeks after the fight. Some of the bodies taken out of the river had bullet holes in them.

Mr. Ballew states that he was in Gen. Guitar's camp the morning after the fight, saw the wagons, etc., which he had captured, and afterward read his report of the affair, which he considered accurate and correct in the main. Gen. Guitar writes that he can fully substantiate his report. He says he captured five wagons, 300 or 350 guns - rifles, shot guns, etc. ^60 horses, etc. These statements are given in justice to Gen. Guitar, and for the purpose of giving both sides a hearing. The reader may have some difficulty in reconciling Maj. Mirick's statements with the averments of Gen. Guitar and the citizens, but no more than has the writer, who has tried to tell but one story of the .Compton's Ferry affair, but has signally failed.

Poindexter continued his retreat up Grand River, crossed the Hannibal & St. Joe in sight of Chillicothe, found a large federal force in his front, and again turned south. A few days afterward the Carroll county men, to the number of 25 or 30, under Capt. Mirick, left him, and crossing the Missouri at Arrow Rock, made their way to the confederate army in Arkansas.

Col. Poindexter was afterward captured by the federals, indicted for treason and rebellion, and kept a prisoner for some months. While in Gratiot street prison, St. Louis, he addressed a letter to those of confederate sympathies in Northern Missouri, warning them of the perils and dangers of "bushwhacking," and advising everybody to support the Gamble government in its efforts to maintain law and order.

Organization Of The Enrolled Missouri Militia

In the early part of August, 1862, the organization of the enrolled Missouri militia began at Carrollton and in Carroll county. John B. Hale was appointed Colonel of what was known as the 65th enrolled Missouri militia, or E. M. M. The regiment consisted/of ten companies and was composed of men from Carroll and Livingston. The officers were commissioned at different periods in the fall of this year.

A great many members of the enrolled militia were not in hearty sympathy with the federal or union cause, and only joined it to escape the annoyance to which they were subjected from certain federals, on account of being considered "rebels." They opposed bushwhacking and wanted peace and order restored in the county, but probably they would have been better pleased if Grant had surrendered to Lee at Appomattox Court House. It must not be supposed, however, that anything near a majority of the militia were confederates at heart, for the most of the members were in truth and fact ardent Union men.

Other officers of the 65th, from Carroll county, were 'Majors Jesse J. Wall, F. M. Bradford and George Deigel; Adjutant, O. J. Kerby; Surgeon, Chas. Heidel; and Captains Wm. H. Henderson, Wakefield Stanley, Thomas S. Carey, Wm. M. Eads, David Neithercutt and D. C. Henning. There was another company from this county in the 35th E. M. M., Col. W. S. Moberly. This company was organized about De .Witt, and was commanded by Capt. D. A. Calvert.

On the return of Capt. David from the pursuit of Minick and Ballew, he went into camp or garrison at Carrollton. He was appointed commander of the post and of the district comprised in the county of Carroll, and remained here some two months.

war, so he said, and in 1862 had enlisted in the federal service as captain of company B, 5th cavalry M. S. M., of the old organization, under Col. Wm.- B. Penick, of St. Joe. The regiment gained for itself much unfavorable notoriety. It was known and is still spoken of as "Penick's thieves." After being in service about one year, it was mustered out at St. Joseph, "in view of the interest of the public service," as the order of the commander-in-chief stated, and it is stated that this was because of the reputation of the command for lawless insubordination, and conduct unworthy of soldiers generally.

Capt. David arrested a great number of the citizens of the county on charge of disloyalty. Many of these he released upon their giving bonds for their loyal behavior in the future; some he released without bonds, as his whim or caprice was, and a few he carried away with him. He was a blustering, drunken, profane, ill-manered, brutal character, and his administration of affairs gave no great satisfaction to anybody. His men committed many excesses in the country, and their memory to this day is greatly execrated. ' "Penick's men" and the "Grundy county militia" are declared to have been the worst behaved federal troops that ever were in the county. They are charged with every crime in the calendar, from petit larceny to murder.

It is said that when a citizen was brought before him, David usually greeted him with a volley of oaths and epithets which he would continue to utter until the prisoner would sometimes be terrified out of his wits. But many a shrewd "secesh" obtained better treatment by bribing the shoulder-strapped roysterer with a drink or so of whisky.

Davi(J did but little fighting or even genuine scouting. On one occasion the bushwhackers were reported to be in the bottom, and David, at the head of his command, started to investigate. On his way he had to pass by the residence of Mr. Trundle. The latter was largely engaged in hemp raising, and had a number hands whom he called to and from their labors with a large farm bell. As David, at the head of his command, approached the Trundle residence, it chanced that the bell rang to summon the slaves to work. The valorous federal thought this a bushwhackers' signal for the assemblage of the clan, or at least a warning of some dire import, and so he halted. It took but a few moments of consideration for him to decide. "There are probably a thousand of them," he said, "and it is not safe to attack them without re-enforcements." And so saying he turned back to Carrollton.

Upon the departure of David he took with, him Esq. Blackwell and other reputable citizens, who were not in arms against the Federal government, neither had they given " aid and comfort to the enemy," but all the same they were carried away to Independence, and not released for some days. After Penick's men left, the militia took charge of the post, and the county, and in the latter part of October, Col. John B. Hale in command. Col. Hale's administration gave very general satisfaction. He was an old citizen of the county himself, knew all of its people, and sympathized with their personal troubles. He had no enemies to punish, and did not signalize his career with any acts of violence yet to be deplored.

Carey's company, or " the militia from the Gourd," did not like rebels or their friends, and were much complained of. They kept up their scouting however, very fairly, upon the whole, and prevented the formation of squads of recruits for the Confederate service, as is alleged at this day.

There were some alarms given of the approach of a large Confederate force into the county .at one time in November, and Jim Rider, a Confederate leader, bold and adventurous, but not scrupulously honest, and with a fondness for horse-flesh, kept up an interest in his movements as he passed through the county at various times and on different routes. Rider was afterward captured but made his escape. He was dreaded by many of the Union citizens of the county, and by some of the Confederates.

During the summer Rider made a dash into Carrollton, at the head of a small squad, and before he could be prevented robbed the store of a Mr. Best, and then made his escape unmolested and without difficulty.

Skirmish Near Rock Ford

In October, Capt. Logan Ballew' was heard of over on Grand River, with a force of Confederates estimated to number from six to sixty. Capt. Eads, at the head of his company of militia, was sent after them. He went to the north-east corner of De Witt township, and to Ballew's premises, where he encamped one night, and was joined by a company of Grundy county militia. The next morning, the camp of the Confederates was found, but Ballew and his men had fled; a man or two were seen in rapid retreat. From the indications, it seemed that Ballew was trying to get into Chariton county by way of the Rock Ford. Eads galloped to the ford in order to intercept the Confederates, and on his arrival found that they had not yet come up. Accordingly he sent Lieut. Jacobs with thirty men to get in the rear of Ballew and drive him into the trap set for him at the Rock Ford.

Jacobs soon found that the Confederates Ifad already crossed Grand River at a point below Rock Ford, and were already on the Chariton county side and moving rapidly toward the north. Being joined by the Grundy county militia, Jacobs followed in close pursuit. Ballew, with whom at this time, Jim Rider is said to have been, dismounted his men, sixteen in number, and ambushed them under the bank of the Grand River. When the Federals came up, the Confederates opened fire, killing Judge Toleston, of Grundy county, and wounding a militiaman. Jacobs* men returned the fire, mortally wounding a young man named Noah Woolsey son of Stephen Woolsey, of this county, and severely injuring another. A charge being made, nine Confederates w'ere taken prisoners, and the 16 horses belonging to the band were captured. Ballew and Rider, (if the latter was present), escaped.

The body of young Woolsey was carried by his father to the Rock Ford, and there buried. It is said that Mr. Woolsey placed the body of his son in front of him as he rode along on horseback, and in this way removed it to its last resting place. This is only one of the many dreadful incidents of the civil war in Missouri.

The Grundy county militia rode aw'ay into Chariton county, and Jacobs returned to the main body at the Rock ford, where he found that Capt. Eads had been taken suddenly and violently sick, and was unable to discharge the duties of his position. Accordingly, Jacobs himself took command of the company and led it away.

By the last of this year the Union authorit}' was well established in the county, and the Union sentiment largely predominated. The confederate sympathizers had but little to encourage them. News constantly came of the Union victories and confederate defeats, and there was not much of promise in the future. At the desperate battle of Corinth, -Miss, Oct 4, 1862, there fell on the confederate side Col. Jas. A. Pritchard and other Carroll county men, and when this news reached the county there was general sorrow, even among the Union men, while the confederates were especially depressed.

On January 17, the Carrollton Democrat was re-issued, the office having been destroyed by Capt. Mirick's men the previous July. A. J. Kerby was the new proprietor and editor, he having purchased the interest of James O'Gorman. The new edition was a folio containing six columns to the page. The first issue contained a poetical (?) history of the destruction of the office and its resurrection, reciting among other things, how -

At Carrollton Company F, 65th E. M. M. was on duty. It was out several times after Rider, who was captured by the Saline county militia in January. About the same time Capt. Logan H. Ballew was taken prisoner down near Brunswick, and carried to Glasgow.

The news of the fight at Springfield, January 8, and the defeat of the confederates under Marmaduke and Shelby was read with much interest by the people, since a number of Carroll county men were in the fight on both sides. The companies of Captains McMurtry, Mayo, and King of the Third cavalry, M. S. M., were present on the Union, or federal side, and the Carroll county men in Shelby's regiment represented the confederates. It was at first reported that among the confederates killed were John Buffington, Ben Bowdry, Frank Bottoms, and Sharp, but this report was incorrect except as to Buffington, who was kille;d.

Owing to the disturbed condition of affairs prices of real estate in the county rapidly declined. In March, R. D. Ray offered 960 acres of land in the county at one dollar per acre, the property all being in one body.

On the 17th of March Mrs. Penelope Curl, know as Granny Curl, died at Harmon Boothe's at the.age of 89. She had been a resident of the state for thirty-four years, and at her death left exactly 100 grand children.

On the 5th of April Col. John B. Hale, of the 65th E. M. M., was commissioned colonel of the Second provisional regiment of enrolled nailitia and commenced the work of organizing the new regiment soon after with headquarters first, at Carrollton and afterward at Richmond. His orders were to first call for volunteers from the 44th, 30th', 65th, 41st, 48th, 33d, and 57th regiments E. M. M., and if in four weeks he should not succeed in procuring enough men to fill up the new regiment he was to make forced details of a sufficient number.

In this month the militia arrested Capt. C. M. Morrison charged with having served six months as Captain in the rebel army; Willis E. Williams, "treasonable correspondence;" Balden Hutchison, reported as deserting a Kansas regiment and afterwards connecting himself with bushwackers and horse thieves; Joel E. Anderson, "disloyal expressions." All the prisoners were sent to St. Joseph for trial.

Judge Thomas Minnis, a citizen of the county since 1820, a soldier of the war of 1812, and a county officer in various capacities for several years, died April 27, aged 71.

Capt. Calvert's company of the 2d Provisional Regiment, numbering 80 men, were stationed- at Carrollton about the middle of May. The company encamped in the court house square. The men were all uniformed in blue and were supplied with U. S. tents. Capt. S. B. Wait was appointed provost marshal and he and David Gilbert and B. F. Bradford composed a military board of commission to examine into offenses against the United States committed by citizens of the county. Capt. W. M. Eads was appointed Enrolling officer.

On the 21st of May the steamer Magenta sank in the Missouri, about one mile below DeWitt. ' The boat struck a snag. There was quite a quantity of freight lost, but no lives.

Union meetings were held in Carrollton in May addressed by Judge Ryland of Lexington and Dr. Logan ofDe Witt. The meetings indicated that a large majority of the county's people were "unconditionally for the Union."

Thk Guerrillas

By the spring of 1863 there were in considerable force in this portion of Missouri bands of armed men called " The Guerrillas " or the " Bushwack* ers." There was a difference between the guerrilla and the bushwacker. Every guerrilla was a bushwacker, but every bushwacker was not a guerrilla. The guerrillas fought, murdered, and plundered. The bushwackers often only fought. A bushwacker concealed himself and when in ambush fired upon his enemy, or in other ways took advantage of him to slay him, but did not always rob him. The guerrilla did all that the bushwacker did and more. He sometimes fought openly, but seldom fairly; shot down without mercy and in the presence of his family- many a harmless 'citizen scalped, cut oft the heads and otherwise horribly mutilated the bodies of his victims; and plundered and robbed and burned without scruple.

There were guerrillas and bushwackers on both sides during the civil, war, but only the Confederates were avowedly so. The Federals who practiced bushwacking and robbing and murdering were regularly organized, mustered into service, properly officered, armed and uniformed, and had no warrant for the outrages they perpetrated. The Confederate guerrillas were commanded by leaders of their own selection who had no commissions from the regular Confederate authorities, and from whom they received neither arms, uniform, pay or encouragement. They clothed themselves, for the most part, in blue, the uniform of their enemies, in order that they might the more readily deceive them. They armed themselves as best they could, and paid themselves by plunder.

The confederate guerrillas were not at all destitute of physical courage. They would fight desperately and bravely, and often worsted and defeated bodies. of the militia outnumbering ,lhemr . They often acted in the most cowardly manner, however, and were, uniformly murderous and merciless. Their life was a hard one. Usually they camped in the woods and in other secluded places, and what sleep they had was obtained in the open ^ir> sometimes upon the ground, and frequently in their saddles as they

Tode along. They ate when they could. From loss"of sleep and fatigue their faculties were more or less benumbed, and from nature they were and when they were in real danger they seldom realized the fact. Their leaders were selected because of their insensibility to fear more than from any other quality.

It is sometimes attempted to make heroes of these guerrillas. Apologies are offered for their conduct, by asserting that they fought for revenge. In some instances this may be true, but invariably, their vengeance fell upon the wholly innocent. A false statement' is current, that Quantrell, the chief leader of the confederate guerrillas in Missouri, fought to avenge the murder of a brother by the Free State men of Kansas, five years before the breaking out of the civil war! But Quantrell himself, was a Free State man up to the fall of 1860, and the blood of at least two pro-slavery men of Missouri was bn his hands before- he^proclaimed'himself anything but a " Kansas Jayhawker." Bill Anderson, it is said, fought to avenge the death of a sister who was killed at Kansas 'City, by the falling of a house in which she was confined as a confederate spy and an aider of confederates; but Anderson was a guerrilla months before this happened, and it is difficult to see how he could glut his vengeance by the plunder of court houses, the robbery of watches and other property from people who had never heard that he had a sister, and the murder of those who would have sympathized with him in his bereavement, had they known of it. George Todd was a guerrilla by instinct; Dave Poole was a drunken ruffian before the war began. Other leaders may or may not have had wrongs to redress, but they never sought satisfaction on the alleged perpetrators.

On the other hand there were many federals whose conduct was as atrocious as that of the confederate guerrillas. Jennison's Kansans, Penicks* men and various members of the Missouri milifia plundered, burned, and murdered upon the shallowest pretexts, and often without any excuse. They^ too, claimed to act in retaliation. Each side accused the other of inaugurating the guerrilla warfare of plunder and murder. The truth is, both began it. The bad men of both sides were so, not because they were confederates or because they were federals, but because they were scoundrels and villains by nature and inclination.

- The memory of the atrocities committed by^ the evil of both sides in Carroll county, during the civil war is fading away, except as some unscrupulous writer seeks by all sorts of exaggeration, misrepresentation, and falsehood to depict the guerrilla as a hero, or the jayhawker as a patriot. He who is deceived thereby is either an admirer of villainy or is not wise. The good, true soldiers of both sides, the men who fought fairly- and never foully on many a field for what they deemed to' be right, and are now living, are the true heroes of the war, and any attempt to class them witli the atrocious, murdering, thieving, robbing, house-burning guerrillas and jayhawkers is simply infamous. The regular confederates who wore the jjray despise the guerrillas and execrate their memory as dark stains upon the cause for which they, the true confederates, so gallantly strove, and the union soldiers who followed the stars and stripes as heartily detest the jayhawking miscreants who disgraced the uniform they wore and the cause they pretended to serve.

In 1862 guerrilla warfare was inaugurated in Jackson, Cass, Lafayette and other counties in western Missouri. The Kansas jayhawkers, the " Red Legs," Penick's men, and some militia were on the one side, and Quantrell's, Todd's, Haller's, and other bands "retaliated." As soon as the leaves put out in the spring of 1863 the guerrillas began to swarm in Jackson, Lafayette, and Clay. In the latter part of May they fired on^the steamer "Spread Eagle," a few miles above Waverly, wounding a lady passenger, but doing no other damage. The same band passed down the river to Miami, where they plundered stores and citizens.

Up to this time eight confederates had been killed in this county, and the following federals: Anderson, killed by Hatton; a soldier from Col. King's 4:th Missouri, in Sugar Tree Bottom; a Mr. Crockett, and one other.

On the night of the 26th of May, about twenty-five men claiming to belong to the "24th Missouri State Militia."* went to the residence of Mr. Peyton Lane, in Morris township. Four of them went in and inquired for Mr. Lane and his two sons, who were in bed. They ordered them to get up, informing them that they must go to Richmond. With Mr. L. and his sons the party left, going in a southwesterly direction. Soon after the family heard the report of several guns, and, suspecting wrong, the next morning they made search. About three-fourths of a mile from the house they found the two young men, and a little further on the body of Mr. Lane, all dead, having been shot through the head and body several times. Mr. Lane had been a member of the Missouri State Guard under Gen. Price, but had returned home after the Lexington fight and taken the oath of allegiance to the federal government. He was a soldier in the Mexican war, and was one of the most prominent and wealthy men in his community. The family were regarded as " southern sympathizers," although no specific offense was ever alleged against them.

The county was now under complete military rule and subjection to the federal authority. Very strenuous orders w'ere issued by the com- -tianding officers, of 'which the following was one:

Headquarters Northwestern District of Missouri, ) Provost Marshal's Office, St. Joseph, May 21, 1863. J To S. B. Waite., Assistant Provost Marshal, Carroll County:

Sir - You are hereby required and directed to carry into effect, within your jurisdiction, the following order of the Colonel commanding the district:

Sir - You will direct your assistants to arrest the most prominent and influential rebels and sympathizers with the rebellion in their respective districts. -

III. General reputation of the accused as to his sentiments and character, and as to whether he is or is not a dangerous man in his neighborhood. Women who are violent and dangerous secessionists must be arrested as well as men.

IV. You will not arrest persons who were at one time disloyal, but have been permitted to remain among us on taking the oath of allegiance and giving bond, provided they have since observed their obligations in the- best faith. The slightest departure from good faith in this matteracts or words that would not be noticed if committed or spoken by Union men - will be sufficient to cause the arrest of such persons.

Active loyalty is required: at the hands of all citizens. Those whose best claim to the protection of the United States government is that they "have done nothing," are rebels. It is the duty or every man to do something to uphold his government.

In clear cases of disloyalty, and in those only, the prisoners and the proofs will be sent forward to you. Their cases will be disposed of here.

For the proper enforcement of the federal authority, as well as for the protection of the citizens, and the maintenance of order, the following was issued by Col. Hale, commander of the Seventh military district, on the 11th of May:

I. Citizens in the town of Carrollton, Mo., will be required to treat the members of the militia with civility and proper respect; and whenever found guilty of using insulting or abusive language towards a soldier, will be -severely dealt with under the law.

III. Any soldier or citizen found drunk in the streets or guilty of disorderly conduct in camp, or in the streets, will be arrested by the officer of the day, and handed over to the proper authorities.

About the first of July the steamer "Emma" was robbed of $1,100 by by the bushwhackers at Waverly. Some of the bushwhackers, it was said, lived in this county.

A grand celebration of Independence day was held at Carrollton. It was estimated that 4,000 of all classes and all shades of opinion, participated, and great good order and decorum were observed by both the citizens and the soldiers. Capt. Calvert's company, which had been encamped in the court house yard, moved out, and the exercises were there held. Ex-Gov. Austin A. King and Col. Hale were the orators. Rev. Goodson was the chaplain of the occasion and Dr. J. S. Logan read the declaration. A table 300 feet long contained a bountiful and elegant dinner, contributed by all the citizens, and composed in part of roast pigs, turkeys, chickens, hams, pies, cakes, confectioneries, etc. A large United States flag was raised and heartily cheered, and the occasion was long remembered with pleasure. The people laid aside their politics, passions, and prejudices for one day, and great good resulted therefrom.

A grand jubilee was held in Carrollton on the receipt of the news of the capture of Vicksburg, and ' the defeaft of the confederates at Gettysburg, by Gens. Meade and Hancock. The houses were illuminated, and there was a procession with singing, cheering, and much spirited behavior generally.

Provost-Marshal Waite, in his eagerness to have the stars and stripes respected and recognized, issued the following order, which created no little comment generally, and considerable dissatisfaction, among the confederate population e.specially. The order caused no "secesh" to love the flag, however gaily and beautifully it floated over his premises:

I- It is ordered that on Saturday, the 4th day of July next, the NATIONAL FLAG be displayed from the most conspicuous point of every public building in Carroll county; also business men, such as merchants, mechanics, etc., will display the same frorn roofs or upper windows of their SHOPS or places of business.

II- After the 4th of July next, flags will be used in the following manner, to-vvit; Displayed from churches everyday meeting is held in the same; in unfavorable weather, over the pulpit or desk inside; from school rooms (either public or private) at least one day in each week, the balance of the time, placed in the most conspicuous place in the school room; business men as often as inclined, but weather permitting, every Saturday.

In the latter part of July the bushwhackers fired- on a man and a boy near Tenney's grove, breaking the man's thigh and wounding his horse. The hoy returned the fire, wounding one of the bushwhackers. A day or two before this news had been received of the escape of Jim Ryder from Gratiot street prison, St. Louis, and many believed that he was concerned in the affair.

About the 1st of August, Maj. Crainer took command of the post at Carrollton, and made a conservative speech to the citizens. He sent a garrison to DeWitt under Lieut. Kendrick, and also addressed the people of that place. He was in command but a short time, when he was sent to Hamilton.

A number of young men left the county early in August, and crossed the river en route to the confederate army. Efforts were made to stop them, but without avail. The garrison at Carrollton, at this time, consisted of Capt. Calvert's company and a portion of Capt. Fields' company% from Grundy county, under Lieut. Moore.

The people so often had their residences searched for fire-arms, and the arms themselves taken from them, that they were in the habit of hiding them very carefully. On the 15th of September, Miss Missouri Settles^ daughter of ' Daniel Settles, living near Baum's Mill, was killed by the accidental discharge of a hidden gun. The gun had been previously secreted between two beds, and while the young lady was adjusting or " making " them, from some cause the gun fired, the contents taking efi'ect near the left eye, producing instant death. Miss Settles was about 18 years of age.

About the 1st of Septeniber, Wm. Greenstreet shot and killed Harrison Tolly. The two men lived in the bottom. It was claimed that the^e had been a feud between the two; that Tolly had threatened to kill Greenstreet, and that these threats coming to the knowledge of Greenstreet, he deliberately took his gun and shot Tolly on his own premises. Greenstreet immediately came to Carrollton, surrendered him.self, and was afterward tried and acquitted.

The September term of the circuit court was duly held, ex-Gov. King on the bench. D. P. Whitmer was the circuit attorney. A number of attorneys were present from abroad. A grand jury was impaneled, and considerable other business transacted.

At a " union " meeting at Carrollton, on the 23d, Capt. D. P. Whitmer, of Ray county, circuit attorney, was nominated for circuit judge. Hon-

Geo. W. Dunn, also of Ray county, was already announced as a candidate. The friends of Cols. John B. Hale and Walter King had called on them to enter the field, but they had declined.

About the 1st of October, the steamer "Marcella" was captured by about 60 guerrillas nearly opposite Shanghai. The boat and passengers were robbed, and three federal militiamen were taken off the boat and murdered. Another soldier was fired upon, but escaped. Some of the guerrillas were said to be from near Shanghai and Hardin.

On the 12th of October, Col. Jo. O. Shelby, at the head of about 1,200 men, while on the famous "Shelby Raid" into Missouri, was met by about 1,400 militia under Gen. E. B. Brown, at Marshall, Saline county, and defeated with a loss of about 30 men. Several of his men became tired of service and deserted him. Five of them, whose homes were in the vicinity of Waverly, came over and surrendered themselves to the federals at Carrollton and were sent to Chillicothe. One of Shelby's men named G. A. Hill, was killed in Morris township, under the following circumstances: Hill and three other men were traveling north, and when near Daniel McDaniel's house, on Turkey Creek, Hill rode up to the house and enquired the road to Mr. Steel's. Upon being interrogated he acknowledged that he was one of Shelby's men, but staled that he and his companions had resolved to abandon the service, and were going to their homes, in Livingston county. McDaniel and a Mr. McAtee took him prisoner, and found two revolvers upon his person. The captors stated that McAtee took charge of the prisoner, and that McDaniel and his son started after the other three men, who had halted about 200 yards away, and who, seeing their comrade under arrest, fled. In the meantime so McAtee and McDaniel stated, the prisoner attempted to wrest the gun from McAtee, and in the melee McDaniel, who had returned, shot and killed Hill. This version of the affair was not accepted by some of the confederates, who charged that the prisoner was wilfully put to death by McDaniel.

November Election, 1863

At the general election for 1863, but two tickets were voted for, both claiming to be "union;" One ticket headed by Barton Bates, W. V. N. Ray, and J. D. S. Dryden for supreme judges, was called the conservative ticket, the other- headed by H. A. Clover, Arnold Krekel, and David Wagner w^as denominated the "radical" or "charcoal" ticket. The latter was supported by all of the immediate emancipationists in the state.

There being large numbers of the military under arms in the state apprehension, was felt that in many quarters they would attempt to influence the election bv the intimidation of voters, etc. To prevent any action of this kind being taken, the commander of the department in

The right of the people to peaceably assemble for all lawful purposes, and the right to freely express their will at the polls according to law, are essential in civil liberty.

Any commissioned officer who shall incite or encourage any interference with any lawful assemblage of the people, of who shall fail to do his utmost to prevent such interference, shall be dismissed the service; an any officer, soldier or civilian, who shall, by violence, threats or otherwise actually interfere with any such lawful assemblage of the people, shall be punished by imprisonment or otherwise, at the discretion of a court marpal or military commission.

Any officer, soldier, civilian, who shall attempt to intimidate any qualified voter in the exercise of his right to vote, or who shall attempt to prevent any qualified voter, from going to the polls or voting, shall be punished by imprisonment or otherwise, at the discretion of a court marshal or military commission.

Special attention is called to the 6th article of war, which will be applied to commissioned officers of Missouri militia not in active service, as well as to officers and soldiers in actual service.

This order of Gen. Schofield's was supplemented by the following from Col. Hale, then commanding the military district including Carroll county:

I. The officers of the enrolled Missouri militia, of Carroll county, Missouri, detailed for duty at the different voting precincts on Tuesday, November 3, 1863, in Carroll county, according to general order from the headquart ers of the department of Missouri will be governed by the following instructions:

It will be their duty to maintain order and quiet at the polls, and to sustain the judges of the election in the discharge of their duties. No officer or soldier will undertake to decide who are or are not entitled to vote. The judges of the election alone will decide who are. entitled to vote, and the officer in command will carry out their decision.

II. Any person or persons whatever who shall atfempt to prevent any citizen from voting by intimidation, threats or otherwise, or who shall create any disturbance at the polls, will be immediately arrested and sent under strong guard to the district provost marshal at Chillicothe, Missouri for trial.

IV. From and after Friday, the 30th inst, no intoxicating liquors of any sort will be sold or given away for any purpose in Carroll county until the day after the election, except on the written certificate of a physician, that it is necessary for medicinal purposes, and any person violating this order will also be arrested and sent to district headquarters.

V. This order is intended to secure order and quiet on election day, and to ensure a fair election. The colonel commanding asks the co-oper* ation of all good citizens in its enforcement.

About the middle of December, one Corporal S. H. Harrison, 7th Minnesota infantry, arrived in Carrollton authorized to recruit negroes for the federal army. In a few days seventy-five or eighty able-bodied negroes had been accepted and marched away to Utica, singing their favorite airs which they had formerly sung at their corn huskings and dances.

When the recruiting of negroes was first authorized in Missouri "loyal" owners w'ere to be compensated for all losses they might sustain thereby. Certificates of a proper character were given by Corporal Harrison to the said owners, but as time passed these certificates proved to be of not much value. Every able-bodied negro that enlisted, it was declared, should "forever thereafter be free."

During the months of November and December there was considerable lawlessness in the county. The houses of Messrs. Burton, Dillard, Satterfield, and Hall, in Sugar Tree Bottom Township, as well as many other houses in different parts of the eounty were robbed and plundered, the robbers taking money, clothing, household articles, etc. Smokehouses were frequently raided. The men perpetrating these outrages were sometimes the Grundy county militia, sometimes some of the county militia, often scouting parties of Federals, and sometimes bushwhackers.

The War

In the midst of the civil war raging in the country in 1864 there was a whisky war in Carroll county. The ladies of DeWitt organized and ntade a raid on the places were liquors were sold and knocked in the heads of all the barrels of whisky, and in fact destroyed all of the inioxicaing beverages they could find.