Capt. John Morgan.

Houston Tri-Weekly Telegraph
April 5, 1862
p. 1, c. 3

Decidedly the most remarkable scout the present war has produced, has been Capt. John Morgan, of Kentucky. His exploits have an air of romance that would do credit to Marion himself. We have selected a few of the latest from the correspondence of the Picayune and other sources: . . .

The following is his official report of his expedition, March 8th.

Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 19th, 1862.

Sir:--With a view of determining the enemy's position and his movements, Lieut. col. R. C. Wood, of Adams's Mississippi Cavalry, myself, ten Texas Rangers of Terry's late command, and fifteen of my squadron, left here on the 7th inst., at 2 P.M., and proceeded in the direction of Nashville. Marching eighteen miles, and avoiding the Pike, we encamped for the night. Early on the morning of the 8th, having procured suitable guides, we resumed our march and entered the Federal lines. At half a mile from a cavalry camp, which we were compelled to pass in full view, we captured five men belonging to the 13th Ohio, Col. Smith. Their arms—Enfield rifles—were also secured. Passing the cavalry camp, we continued our march in the direction of Nashville. Having obtained a suitable position in the woods, opposite the Lunatic Asylum, where we had a good view of the Pike, operations commenced. Seeing a wagon train with its guard approaching, Col. Wood, myself, and four men, (wearing United States overcoats) rode down to the Pike, stopped the train, and made twenty-three prisoners. The horses and mules were cut from the wagons, and the prisoners mounted and sent back to the party in the woods. This continued until we had accumulated ninety-eight prisoners among them Gen. Dumont's Aid, and several other officers.

Returning in three parties with the prisoners, one party, consisting of sixty prisoners and ten guards, commanded by Lieut. Owens, of my command, was attacked and pursued by the 4th regiment of Ohio cavalry. After a pursuit of fifteen miles, during which the prisoners were abandoned, Lieut. Owens succeeded in reaching the river with his party, and plunging in from a steep bank, swam the river with their horses and made their escape—the river arresting the progress of the enemy. During the pursuit many shots were fired by the enemy, but without effect. Two of the prisoners who resisted officers were shot. Four of Lieut. Owens's men, who were in danger of being overtaken, turned off in the woods, and as yet have not made their appearance. Col. Wood, with fourteen men and twenty-eight prisoners, succeeded in crossing the country reaching our pickets near Murfreesboro' the same night, having passed within a mile of the enemy's cavalry.

Returning, alone, in the direction of Murfreesboro', I encountered a picket of sic men, who surrendered to me, on being summoned, and delivered up their arms. Being joined by a man of my command, Mr. Spalding, with four additional prisoners, the next morning we joined Col. Wood's party and returned to Murfreesboro'. We have thirty-eight prisoners, who have been sent forward.

We have a large number of horses and mules, sabres, pistols, saddles, harness, &c., which I shall distribute to the men of the command here, who need them.

There is no indications of an advance on the part of the enemy. Their force is about 65,000. Their advance, a regiment of cavalry, is eight miles this side of Nashville, on the Murfreesboro' pike. A sergeant among the prisoners, who seems to be an intelligent man, can give son some interesting details.

John H. Morgan, Captain,
Commanding Post.

To Maj. Gen. Hardee, Com. 1st Division.

Article provided by Vicki Betts.