Morgan's Raid and the Local Militia 1863

Officers involved in combating the 1863 raid north of the Ohio River by Col. John Hunt Morgan each filed reports that detailed their activities in response to Morgan's movements. Col. Sam B. Sering, who led the Jefferson County militia units, spelled out his

Operations of the Indiana Legion and Minute Men. Report of Major Gen. John L. Mansfield, headquarters, Indiana Legion, Indianapolis, Dec. 27, 1864.

On the 5th July orders were received from headquarters to hold my command at Madison — that Morgan was moving in this direction, and calling upon us to use every effort to check his progress and to prevent him crossing the river at this point. The citizens and minute men responded promptly to the call of the Governor, and every preparation made to defend this point and prevent the enemy from crossing into Kentucky.

On Friday the 6th July, Gov. Morton informed me by telegraph, that Morgan had crossed the Jeffersonville Railroad at Vienna, and was moving in the direction of Madison, through Lexington, Scott county, at the same time he informed us that reinforcements would be sent to this point as rapidly as possible. The same evening, the Legion from Johnson and Bartholomew counties arrived, numbering some 400 men. Early next morning we were further reinforced by a regiment of the Legion from Switzerland county, numbering 500 men, also, one section of artillery from the same county — thus furnishing us a force of about 2,000 men, Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery.

A company of Cavalry had been dispatched on Friday evening, in the direction of Vienna with instructions to proceed until they met Morgan's force and to ascertain the direction of his march. Early Saturday morning a messenger from our cavalry, informed us that Morgan's force rested at Lexington, Scott county, some 18 miles west from this place. The troops were immediately called into line, and after making the necessary details for duty along the river and in the city, we at once proceeded on the road leading to Lexington and South Hanover.

After proceeding some 5 miles on this road we took a strong position on the hills covering the turnpike road to Lexington, and also the road to South Hanover, with about 1,800 Infantry and 4 pieces Artillery. This position was greatly strengthened by obstructions thrown across the roads, and by falling trees in the immediate vicinity, which afforded a good shelter in case of an action. These precautionary and valuable preparations were made by the citizens under the immediate direction of Hon. D. C. Branham.

Getting our small force into the best possible position we waited for the appearance of the enemy, who we presumed would attempt to pass through our lines on the turnpike road leading to the river. Until late in the afternoon, we were much annoyed by uncertain and contradictory reports from our scouts in front. Morgan's forces were reported on every road leading in this direction, and until late in the afternoon we were not advised that his main column was moving to the north of us, and thus threatening to enter the city from the north side.

Ascertaining that his whole force had gone in that direction; at 12 o'clock Saturday night, we got our force into column and marched in the direction of North Madison, distant 6 miles. The night being exceedingly dark, we did not reach that point until daylight Sunday morning.

Soon after arriving at this point, our scouts came in and reported Megan's forces again on the roads leading to North Madison. Our troops were immediately thrown into line of battle, and every preparation made to give them a warm reception. Later in the day it was ascertained that the enemy was moving in the direction of Versailles, Ripley county, but fearing that he might suddenly change his direction, our troops were kept in line, resting on their arms, until Monday morning, when learning that the enemy was moving east, we went into camp at North Madison where we remained until the 16th July, when the troops were dismissed from service by order of Gov. Morton.'