In the preparation of these sketches I have relied greatly upon Dr. John Allen Wyeth’s “Life of General Forrest,” one of the most entertaining war books ever published; General Basil W. Duke’s “Morgan and His Men”; Major H. B. McClelland’s “Life and Campaigns of Major General J. E. B. Stuart”; “Hampton and His Cavalry,” by Colonel Edward L. Wells; “Shelby and His Men,” by Major John N. Edwards; “Campaigns of Wheeler and His Cavalry,” edited by W. C. Dodson, and published under the auspices of Wheeler’s Confederate Cavalry Association; “Confederate Military History”; Captain John W. Morton’s “Artillery of N. B. Forrest’s Cavalry,” and the compilations of official records of the Union and Confederate Armies, published by the United States Government.

This last work is one of the most remarkable of its kind ever issued by any government. It contains all despatches, letters and reports of every kind, bearing upon the conduct of the war. It tells, day by day, in the words of the actors, the events which were taking place in the four years’ struggle. In these contemporary writings, those who were carrying on this mighty struggle speak for themselves, and they furnish the historian with the most truthful and accurate accounts of what those who were engaged in the bitter war were doing or thought they were doing each day.

Governor Joseph D. Sayers and General W. T. Hart, of Texas, have been most generous in giving me data concerning items dealing with Texas troops. Dr. John A. Lewis of the 9th Kentucky Cavalry and Major A. E. Richards, Second in Mosby’s Command, and General Theodore S. Garnett of Virginia and Colonel J. Will Hall of Missouri have laboriously and thoroughly perused copy and made many valuable suggestions. Captain H. H. Mathews of Breathed’s Battery, Stuart’s Artillery, sent accounts of many things that were new concerning the campaigns of Stuart.

The principal agency used by General Hampton in securing information for the cattle raid of September, 1864, was Colonel George D. Shadburn. His courage, intelligence and energy secured the most important facts necessary for the movements of General Hampton’s forces, and in the pursuit his valor and intrepidity won the highest commendation of his commander. Colonel Shadburn still survives, and lives in San Francisco, California.

Captain O. F. Redd of Lexington, Kentucky, sent valuable data about the campaigns of Shelby and Marmaduke. I am particularly indebted to Rev. R. Excell Fry of Gadsden, Alabama, for investigations and report about Forrest’s pursuit of Streight. Mr. W. P. Lay of Gadsden, Alabama, has rendered the South his debtor for investigating important matters concerning Forrest’s pursuit and capture of Streight. He secured from John H. Wisdom the facts of his great ride from Gadsden to Rome, in his effort to head off Colonel Streight. Without his help, it would have been impossible to have secured the facts of the wonderful performance of this patriotic Alabamian. Colonel Henry George and General H. A. Tyler have furnished me much new matter in regard to the Battle of Bryce’s Cross Roads.

In no case have I completed a chapter without referring it to one or more soldiers who participated in the events undertaken to be described. To General Basil W. Duke, Colonel William A. Milton and General John B. Castleman, and to Governor James B. McCreary I acknowledge my obligation, for not only facts but timely suggestions.

The preparation of this book has been a work of love. It has cost immense labor and much of ease and time. But for the industry and patience of my secretary, Miss Mary McNamara, I could not have prepared the manuscript or made the investigation necessary to write this book. I am deeply indebted to Mr. Logan N. Rock and Mr. S. G. Tate, my associates in the practice of law, and to George T. and Mrs. Settle for proofreading and correction.

INDEX

Transcriber’s Notes