TRAITOR KNIGHTS—ORGANIZATION OF REBEL SYMPATHIZERS ININDIANA AND ILLINOIS—SIGNS AND SECRETS—GEN. ANDERSON'STOUR OF INVESTIGATION —THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.“O, Conspiracy, shame'stThou to show thy dangerous brow by night,When folks are most free? O then, by day,Where will thou find a cavern dark enoughTo mask thy monstrous visage?Seek none, conspiracy.”—Shakespeare
“Several days elapsed before Gen. Anderson felt that he could undertake the journey contemplated. Finally he concluded that he would make the effort. He thought it best for him to pass into Illinois first, as he would not be known in that State. After arranging his matters and leaving word for Jackson to remain at my house, (on his return from Washington, should he succeed in obtaining the desired appointment,) until he returned from his tour of investigation, he started.
“The first stopping place of the General was at Colestown, in Charles County. There he remained several days, and found the most bitter feeling existing between the political parties. He passed very easily among the anti-war people for a Southerner and rebel. He made the acquaintance of one Maj. Cornell, who was home on leave of absence. The General, finding him a very intelligent and apparently an honorable, high-minded gentleman, explained to him that he was not a rebel, but on a mission for the Government. This made him all right with the loyal element, that could be privately communicated with and trusted.
“He had noticed a gentleman, rather fine-looking, with the movements and general appearance of a Southerner. He managed to get a good look in his face, and recognized him as Mr. Jas. Walters, of Arkansas. He spoke to him. The recognition was mutual; the General invited him to his room, and there the knowledge of the Golden Circle was at once manifested. Neither disclosed at first anything about himself, but finally the General told Walters that he was up here North for his health, and to spy out the situation and report the same. They soon became very confidential, and Walters unbosomed himself to the General. He told him that he was traveling under the guise of a real-estate agent, selecting land for some large and wealthy firm, but in reality he was organizing the Knights of the Golden Circle; that he had organized, some ten miles southeast of the town, a lodge of sixty members. He gave all the names. In Colestown he had another lodge, seventy strong, with Col. O. B. Dickens as Chief of the Order for that Congressional district.
“During that evening he showed the General his lists and gave him the names of men to go to in Vernon County, Jeffersonville, Fayetteville, Franklin, Perryville, Fultonville and many other places in the state.
“Chicago being the main headquarters, he directed him (if he should go there) to Morrison Buckner, John Walls, N. Judy Cornington, C. H. Eagle, and many other prominent men who belonged to the organization and were in direct communication with Windsor, Canada, where a portion of the main directors and managers were stationed, and from whence they were sending out organizers for the West. Walters told him that Indianapolis, Ind., was one of the 'Head Centers,' and that Dodgers, Bowlens, Millington, Dorsing and Byron were the Chiefs, with several so-called Agitators, and that Mr. Strider was Supreme Counsel; that the organization was spreading rapidly; that in Ohio, at Dayburg, was the Head Center; that along the great river there were very many lodges and quite a number of members, but that it had not been so long at work in Ohio as in Illinois and Indiana. Also, that the Supreme Commander lived in Dayburg, O.; his name was given as Valamburg; that in Kentucky and Missouri nearly all the people were joining the order and sending men as fast as they could to the rebel army, and at the proper time, when things were ripe for the people to rise, one of the most popular officers in the rebel army, who lived in Missouri, would be sent there with enough troops to protect himself until the Knights could join him.
“He went on to say that Col. Burnett, of St. Louis, was Supreme Commander for Missouri, and Marmalade was Chief Agitator; John Morganson was Supreme Commander in Kentucky; that he was gathering men from there all the time; that he was not only Supreme Commander of Kentucky, but appointed to make excursions and raids into Ohio and Indiana, whenever the organization should be considered strong enough to protect him. This, he said, was considered one of the measures to be resorted to in order to frighten the property-holders of the North, and thereby drive them into a peace-policy; that if the North could be once thoroughly alarmed about the safety of their property, the anti-war party would then carry an election, and that would secure the recognition of the Southern Confederacy; that a perfect understanding of this kind existed with the leaders of the Confederacy and the leaders of the anti-war party North. He told the General that this organization was first started in New York city by a man by the name of McMasterson and some gentlemen from Richmond, who had passed through the lines and gone there for this purpose; that there were at that time 100,000 Knights in the State of New York; 80,000 in Ohio; 75,000 in Indiana, and 50,000 in Illinois.
“He said it was thought that it would require about one year yet to get the organization perfected and in good working order; that they had to work very cautiously, and would have considerable trouble getting the right kind of arms into their hands. There was no trouble, he said, in having them all armed with pistols; 'for,' said Walters, 'these Yankees are so fond of money that you can buy arms anywhere, if on hand. You can get them made at some of the private arsenals, if you could assure them against discovery. The intention, however, is to get all things ready by the time of the next Presidential election, and if we do not whip them before that time we will resort to such methods as will insure the election of one of our friends, or one who believes that we can never be subjugated.'
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Drinking to the Success of Treason 118
“The General responded to what he had said, and remarked that it did seem that if those plans could be carried out that success must certainly follow.
“'Yes,' said Walters; 'we must not and cannot fail. I tell you, when these money-loving Yanks see their towns and cities threatened, prisoners turned loose, maddened by confinement, and commence applying the torch, you will hear peace! peace! for God's sake, give us peace! This will be the cry, sir! Mind what I say!'
“Col. Walters by this time had disclosed the fact that he was a colonel in the rebel army; he had pulled at his flask frequently, and was growing quite eloquent. Gen. Anderson could not drink, and his looks gave him a good excuse for not doing so. Finally Walters said:
“'Anderson, how did you get here, anyhow? The last time I saw you was at Vicksburg, four years ago, attending court.'
“'Well,' said the General, 'I might have asked you the same question.'
“'Now, don't play Yankee on me in answering my question by asking me another.'
“'Well, said the General, 'I was in Kentucky, and when I crossed the river no one asked me any questions. I looked so ill and emaciated that they thought I told them the truth when I said I wanted a change of climate—and then, I am also playing the Union role, you know.'
“'Is it not very curious,' said Walters; 'I have traveled all over this country, and no one has asked me a question as to where I came from or what I am doing. In our country we would both have been in prison or hung before this as spies. Don't you think so?'
“'We would have been in great danger,' said the General
“'Danger! Thunder!' said Walters; 'we would have pulled hemp before this.'
“It was then getting quite late, and the General began to excuse himself on account of his health, and they finally spoke of meeting again sometime, and bade each other good night. The General retired after arranging to leave on the train in the morning for Chicago. Leaving Coles-town at an early hour, he arrived in Chicago that evening and put up at the Richmond House. In the course of the next day, by proper management, he got acquainted with Walls, Morrison Buckner and Mr. Eagle. This hotel seemed to be the common meeting-place for this class of men. The subject of the war was discussed very freely by all of them. They seemed to be very much exasperated about the course of the Administration, denouncing its acts as revolutionary, arbitrary and unconstitutional. Eagle seemed to be rather a good-natured fellow—dealt measurably in jokes, as I took it. He said that he did not owe allegiance to any country, as he understood it; that his father was French, his mother was German, and he was born on English waters under the Italian flag; and that he should claim protection from all until his nativity could be settled.
“The General said he rather took a liking to him. He finally explained to the General, however, that he was from the South, but left there because his health was not good enough to go into the Confederate army, and he knew if he staid he would have been compelled to do so. In Chicago there was no danger of having to go into either army; that a man could stay and help the rebels more than if he we were South, and if they wanted him in the army he could hire some fool to go and get shot in his place for a hundred dollars. He said that there was another advantage—that the people went so fast that they forgot which side you were on in a month, and that you did not have to live there always to become a citizen. You could go to Congress after you had been there a week, if you only knew how to handle the 'boys.'
“'The General said that he was really amused at the fellow, but very soon the Grand Head Center of the State came in and he was introduced to Mr. N. Judy Cornington.
“'The General gave him the sign, which was at once recognized, and the wink went round that the General was a brother. They conversed freely about the condition of the country; the ultimate result of the war; what must be done to bring about peace; how the Administration must be changed and peaceful commercial relations established with the South, and the Southern Confederacy recognized. To all this the General responded:
“'Yes; but suppose these things that you mention do not bring about the result. What then?'
“'What then?' you ask, 'We will then resort to any and every means, no matter what, for success. We are now in the same condition as the rebels South. Should they fail we will have to go South, or forever be under the ban of treason. You do not suppose that these people who support the Union will ever trust any of us or any of our party again, should our friends South fail, do you?'
“'Well, what of it?' asked Mr. Buckner. 'I do not now, nor do I expect hereafter to ask these people for anything. I am actuated by principle purely, without reference to the future. Let the future take care of itself.'
“'Yes, that is well enough, Mr. Buckner,' said Corning-ton, 'as a sentiment just now; but some day we will feel differently, and our people, who are now taking desperate chances, will want to have something to say. You do not suppose that all these brave men who are now in the rebel army, and their friends North, are going to allow these Abolitionists to run this Government, even if we should not succeed.'
“'Do you think that these people North will care (after this thing is over) anything about who shall be in power,' said Mr. Eagle. 'I tell you, Mr. Cornington, that they will soon forget all about it. You show them where the least taxes are and the most money to be made, and they will throw patriotism to the dogs. Why, if the rebellion fails, I expect to see Jeff. Davis' Cabinet, or part of them, running this Government, with him behind them directing things. Yes, sir; no matter what occurs, we only have to let these people go on making money, and we will look after the politics. They will not take time to do it.'
“'Why, gentlemen, I expect to run the politics of this State yet. I intend to make money now, and when the thing blows over I will then have leisure. I do not care for the amount of money these Northern men want. When we Southern men get enough to have a small income to live on, we turn our attention to politics; and there is no trouble to run things if you only attend to it. These rich fellows think all you have to do is to have plenty of money, and if you want anything done in politics, buy it. There is where they make their great mistake. You must work the boys—give them a show along with you. The people all have their ambitions—some great, some not so great, but all want a show. There are some men here in this city who think they can buy the whole State. But they are mistaken; when they try it they will discover their error. They will find the fellows that play politics play the game well,' and so rattled on this man Eagle. The General said that when he got started he was like a wound-up clock—you either had to let it run down or smash it.
“'Well,' said Cornington, 'Eagle, you seem to take rather a rosy view of things. I do not look at matters quite in the same light that you do. I want to see success assured; then matters may assume the shape you say. But I fear if we fail the result will be otherwise.'
“Said Eagle: 'I tell you, sir, that no matter what happens, the brains and courage and aggressiveness of the Southern people will control this country, Union or no Union, and you will see it yet, if we live. But that belief must not prevent us from doing our duty manfully. We must hang together and terrify the Northern people.'
“'Yes,' said Cornington, 'as was said by one of our fathers in the Revolution, “we must hang together, or we will hang separately.”' This caused Eagle to laugh.
“'Oh I' said he, 'those old fellows were frightened into success, and you must know that to alarm the North about their money and property being in danger is the only road to success. You can't scare them about their lives. Our people are mistaken on that point. They care much less for their lives than for their “oil.”'
“The General, after getting all the information he could as to the extent of the organization, their designs and intended future operations, which corresponded with what he had learned from Walters, promised to see them again, and left that night for Dayburg, Ohio. On arriving there he tried every way to obtain an interview with the Supreme Commander of the Golden Circle of the United States, but in vain. His attempts were all thwarted in one way or another. The Commander (Valamburg) must have had some fears in reference to strangers.
“For three days the General tried to get a chance to see him, but could not. He met, however, three men,—Pat Burke, Tim Collins and John Stetson,—with whom he formed a slight acquaintance, and, on giving them the signs and passwords of the Circle, was taken into their confidence. They took him riding into the country and showed him several large barns where they were in the habit of holding their meetings, and gave him full information as to their prospects in reference to future operations. The three men were Agitators or, in other words, Organizers.
“John Stetson had been in Dayburg about three months; was a Colonel in the rebel army; had been a prisoner at Camp Chase, but in some mysterious way was permitted to escape by putting on different clothes from his own, which in some manner were smuggled in to him. He had shaven off his whiskers and made a close crop of his hair, and was so changed in his appearance that no one would have suspected that he was the same man. He was known in prison, and so entered on the records, as Col. Jacob Reed, 13th Ky. (Confederate) infantry. This man Stetson, alias 'Reed,' was very communicative; told the General that if they did not succeed in working up sufficient feeling in the Northern States to change the course of the Administration that they would have to resort to other and more severe methods—such as raiding in the North, destroying property, burning cities, etc.; that the Confederacy must be successful; that they were now in for it, and there must be no faltering; that there must be no sickly sentiment about the means to be adopted hereafter; that fire and flood and desolation were perfectly legitimate if necessity should ever demand the use of different means from the present. He said that they could raid from Kentucky and Missouri; that New York, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Chicago had been agreed upon as the cities for destruction, if the time should ever come for such action; that their friends in those cities could make themselves whole from the wreck—at least, all that they particularly cared for; so far as the property-holders who pretended to be their friends were concerned, they did not care for them,—that they would not help them any, and only wanted to fill their pockets out of the general misfortunes of the Southern people.
“After the General had traveled around considerably with these men as their friend and guest, he wished them success and health, bade them a hearty good-bye, and left for Indianapolis to see the Governor, not wishing to try experiments there, where he had been in camp so long. When he arrived and had time to visit the Executive, he found him greatly perplexed at what he had ascertained about the secret treasonable organization in the State of Indiana. He asked the General a great many questions about his recovery, his promotion, etc., and finally said:
“'I want you to help keep up the reputation of our State in the army.'
“Gen. Anderson replied:
“'I hope, Governor, you will never have any cause for complaint in that direction.'
“'No,' said the Governor; 'I hope I shall not! But,' said he, 'it begins to look as though we might have trouble at home. These Golden Circles are bound to give us trouble, and I fear very soon,'
“'Yes,' said the General, 'they are getting pretty numerous, and very bold and exasperating at the same time. How many do you suppose there are in this State, Governor?
“'I suppose there must be twenty or thirty thousand-enough for a pretty good army. If they had any bold man to lead them, they could release our prisoners here and destroy our city.'
“Seeing that the Governor exhibited some alarm, the General was afraid to tell him then how many there actually were in the State. But very soon his Adjutant-General came in, and in conversation raised the figures to some forty or fifty thousand. The Governor looked surprised, and the General thought that he might then disclose the facts as to numbers, and told the Governor that he had found out means of ascertaining, and that their claim for Indiana was 75,000. This seemed to startle him. He at once asked his Adjutant-General how many regiments there were now in camp near the city, and was informed that there were four, with a great many recruits in the camp of instruction. He made many inquiries of the General as to how he obtained his information. Gen. Anderson told him that he had obtained it in various ways; that some of his friends had joined the organization and, not believing in it, had posted him, under the seal of confidence.
“'Do you believe them?' inquired the Governor.
“'I most certainly do,' responded the General.
“The General then gave him the names of Strider, Bowen, Bowlens, Millington, Dorsing and Byron as the leaders—Organizers, Agitators, Commanders, etc.—for the State of Indiana. The Governor was surprised at hearing some of the names, and said he had no doubt of Strider being at the bottom of it, but that he would not be caught; that when the trying time should come, if ever, he would turn up as counsel, and in that way would get out of it, and thereby seal the mouths of the criminals.
“He advised the Governor to keep a watch on some of these men, and he would soon discover them; that they had not been long enough at this thing to understand the necessary precaution. None had yet been caught and punished, and they were not looking to the serious consequences to themselves should they be exposed.
“He also asked the Governor to apprise the President of the United States of the condition of these matters in the State, but at the same time not to mention his name as the source of information. He bade the Governor good-by and left for Camp Chase, Ohio, having, while in Indianapolis, determined to return to Ohio and investigate the prisoners at Camp Chase. When he arrived there, having no authority, he could not converse with the prisoners alone; but, becoming acquainted with the Colonel commanding the Camp, and explaining in confidence who he was and his mission, he was allowed free access to the camp and to the prisoners. He soon picked out a young man from Virginia—his appearance would indicate his age to be about eighteen years. He told the General that he lived in the extreme south-western part of what is now old Virginia. His name was Ridenbergen. He said to the General that he had no cause to fight against the United States, but that he was in now and proposed to fight it out. The General having played the Southern dodge and sympathy with the rebellion in such a way as to satisfy him, and also having given the sign of the Circle, which this young Virginian seemed to well understand, there was no longer any necessity for withholding anything in reference to their condition, expectations of succor, release, etc. He told the General that John Stetson, alias Col. Jacob Reed, of Dayburg, had been there frequently; that only a few of them recognized him; of course no one 'peached,' as they knew he was working for their benefit.
“He said our commander of the prison was not very observing; that quite a number had escaped, and nothing was known or said about it; that others answered for them, reported them sick, or gave some other excuse which was always taken; that Stetson had brought in the rituals of the Golden Circle, and that all of them who were intelligent enough to understand it, were posted, and that some of the guards belonged and were constantly making the signs to the Confederate officers inside. He had no doubt that sooner or later they would be released. He had the same idea about how they would ultimately succeed. This idea pervaded the minds of all with whom he had spoken on the subject. Many leading men in Ohio were in accord with all that they contemplated with reference to their release and the future success of the Confederacy.
“He also said that the party in Ohio who were in sympathy with the rebellion were quite outspoken, and were under the lead of a very able and bold man. The General inquired of whom he had reference, and he said Valamburg, of Dayburg.
“'Yes,' the General responded, 'I have heard of him frequently; but is he a military man?'
“'No,' replied Ridenbergen; 'but we have them in the State in many places, from the Confederate army, just waiting the sound of the bugle. But the fears I have are as to the time. It takes so long to get everything ready—our people have to move so cautiously.'
“'Have you heard that we are organizing for raids from Canada at some future time?'
“'Oh, yes; that is understood. Many of our best and brightest men are over there, at different points, preparing for it; but that is to be done only when we must strike in Northern cities for the purpose of terrifying the Northern property-holders; we must strike then where the greatest amount of wealth is concentrated.'
“The General then said to him:
“'Mr. Ridenbergen, you are a young man. I hope to hear good things of you in the future,' and bade him good-bye.
“The General arrived at Allentown the next day. After the family greetings, kisses from his wife and little daughter, and a 'How ar' you, Marsa Tom?' from Ham and a 'Bress de good Laud, heah you is agin!' from Aunt Martha were over, the General related his trip to me in minute detail, and told me that matters were much worse than he had any suspicion of prior to his investigations. In speaking of those he had seen, and his many talks with members of the Knights of the Golden Circle, his utter contempt for them, and especially for many leading men who claimed to be loyal to the Union, but did not like the unconstitutional manner of prosecuting the war, he remarked:
“'There was but one of all of them that I have seen for whom I have any sympathy or respect, and he is the young Virginian, Mr. Ridenbergen. I rather liked the frankness of this young man. I am satisfied that at heart he is not a rebel, but is young, and, after engaging in the rebellion, will go as far as any one to make it a successful cause.'
“Just then Jackson came from the train and entered the house.
“'My! how well you are looking, Gen. Anderson, compared with your appearance when I left. You must have been to some water-cure or have used some kind of elixir of life,' was his first greeting.
“'No, sir,' replied the General; 'I have been marching, and it has brought me out wonderfully.'
“'Yes, it has. Well, Jennie, I saw David, Dr. James and Henry. They are all well and “spilin'” for a fight. David thinks that his brigade can thrash the whole rebel army.'
“Little Jennie rushed to her Uncle Jackson, saying:
“'Did you see my good papa?'
“'Yes, dear, I saw him, and he sent you a thousand kisses and asked all about you.'
“Turning away, he said, 'Poor David, his heart is broken over the loss of his little Sarah.'
“Gen. Anderson said, 'Sit down, and tell us all about your visit. Were you successful?'
“'Oh, yes; I am a full-fledged Captain in the 18th U. S. Inf., and assigned, by order of the Secretary of War, as Aide-de-camp to Brig.-Gen. Thomas Anderson, the hero.'
“'Stop, stop,' said the General; 'you must not commence that too soon. The taffy part must be left off if you are to be on my staff.'
“'My dear,' said his wife, 'he can say that about you to me; for it's the truth. Capt. Jackson, I will not get mad at you for speaking in a complimentary manner about my husband.'
“'Hereafter I will repeat all the good things which I may have to say about him to you; but you will tell him, and then he will get mad at me.'
“'No, he will not be mad; don't you know what peculiar animals men are?'
“'Well, yes; they are rather peculiar,' said Jackson. 'They like compliments when not deserving; but when deserving they then dislike them. Is that not about the way with most men? I notice women are somewhat differently constituted? Are they not?'
“'Yes, indeed; they always like compliments. Do they not, my dear?' addressing her husband.
“'I have usually found it so,' replied the General. His wife ran into the house, and laughingly said:
“'Well, I guess Tom has been trying his compliments on some one else. Has he not, aunty?' addressing Aunt Martha.
“'God lub you' sole, chile, dese men, you can't tell nuffin 'bout dem, sho'; but Massa Tom be all rite, I 'spect; I knows him; no fear 'bout him; de good Laud spar' him for good work, sho'.'
“I asked the General to write out a full statement of all he had reported to me. He did so that night, and the following day I mailed it to the President with a private note accompanying.
“During the day Jackson entertained us with his visit to Washington, to the army, and the pleasant time he passed in camp with his brothers. He said that there was something wrong in that army; that the machinery did not seem to work very smoothly, but that never having been a soldier, perhaps he could not form a correct opinion. The sequel told the tale, however.”
“Well, Uncle Daniel, this Golden Circle discovery was most extraordinary,” said Dr. Adams.
“Yes. It grew into greater proportions later on, however.”
“I feel an interest in knowing what became of that young Virginian whom Gen. Anderson met at Camp Chase; his name I forget, but have it written down.”
“Yes; you mean Mr. Ridenbergen?”
“Yes.”
“I have learned that he went through the war on the rebel side unharmed, after the war married in Pennsylvania, and is now one of the most prominent men in Virginia. He espoused the advanced policy of the men who saved the Union, and is now one of the leading opponents of the unreconstructed in that State.”
Uncle Daniel becoming very weak and exhausted, by an agreement with us, the continuance of his story was postponed until another time.
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BATTLE OF PAGELAND—A VICTORY TURNED INTO A DEFEAT BYTREACHERY—DEATH OF GEN. LYON—ON THE TRAIL OF THE KNIGHTSOF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.“Sorrow breaks seasons, and reposing hours,Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.”—Shakespeare
“During the two weeks intervening, Dr. Adams was engaged in carefully writing from his very full shorthand notes the relation of facts as given by Uncle Daniel. At the appointed time all were again present, eager for a continuance of this interesting and remarkable history of events only a short time past, and yet almost forgotten. When all were seated Uncle Daniel began:
“The time between the sending of my report to the President of Gen. Anderson's trip and his answer, with further instructions, was considerable. Finally, I received a letter from the Secretary of War, who seemed very much gratified about the information that had been gathered, as also at the manner in which it had been obtained. He requested that I send or go myself to Canada and ascertain such further facts as I could in reference to the conspiracy and the movements of the conspirators. Gen. Anderson, my son Jackson, and myself held a consultation as to my going. They thought the undertaking too hazardous for me to attempt, and finally Jackson proposed that he would go himself, saying that it would be at least two months before Gen. Anderson could again take the field for active operations; in the meantime he (Jackson) could be profitably employed in this business for the Government. This was agreed upon as the better course to pursue. Jackson was at once given all the secrets of the Circle as far as the General knew them. He studied the passwords, signs, and their instructions until the General pronounced him sufficiently well informed for a first class conspirator. And as soon as he could get himself in readiness he started for Montreal, C. E., by way of New York. During all this time the Circle had been busily at work, and the excitement was increasing all over the country.
“The alarm for fear of the enemy in our rear was producing such a condition of things as to endanger the safety of the people every where in the West, and at this time much encouragement was given to our enemies at home by the many failures of our armies in the East. The army, as before stated, had been put under a new commander, Gen. Pike, and the displeasure created among the ranking officers was easily to be seen by their language and manner towards him. This feeling was constantly fed by disparaging articles in the opposition press. The enemy in arms could easily see that this was a golden opportunity, and they availed themselves of it. They commenced a movement which indicated an advance against our forces. Gen. Wall, of the rebel army, had by rapid marches put himself between Gen. Pike and his base. This forced a movement on the part of our troops to the rear, and necessitated an immediate attack upon Gen. Wall in order to drive him back from the threatening position he occupied. The troops were moved rapidly back in the direction of Cow Creek, where it was intended by Gen. Pike to assault him.
“The army was at last all collected in easy supporting distance, and Pike moved out with Gen. Horn's corps and assaulted Gen. Dawn's division of Wall's army. The contest was a spirited one, and lasted until well in the night. Dawn finally retreated. During the night all arrangements were made for an advance. The next morning the General-in-chief of the rebel armies was moving by forced marches in order to join Wall prior to any serious engagement, and Pike was determined to attack Wall before the main army of the enemy could arrive; but, to his utter astonishment, his forces under Farlin, ordered to join him from the base of supplies, were not in motion as yet, as he ascertained; and so with Fitzgibbon, who had been repeatedly urged to come with all dispatch. This left Pike in such a condition that he must delay his attack, which delay might bring great disaster to his army. Pike sent his staff officers to notify those Generals of his desires and intentions, which was done; but all manner of excuses were given for the delay. Finally, the next day, when part of his forces had arrived, Fitzgibbon coming up leisurely with his corps of magnificent soldiers, he was forced to commence the battle in the absence of Farlin and his corps. He moved out, putting his cavalry on the right flank, near Siddon Springs, threatening the left of Wall's army, who were formed in line of battle at or near a small town called Pageland. Rackett holding Pike's right, Shunk in the center, and Brig-Gen. David Lyon on the left of Shunk, his left resting on the edge of a grove of thick timber. The extreme left of the command was held by Gen. Fitzgibbon's corps. It was understood that Fitzgibbon would attack the enemy during the engagement on his right flank, and in that way measurably destroy him. The troops being thus disposed they were ordered to advance. The battle soon commenced by slight cavalry skirmishing on our right. Our cavalry having met the cavalry of the enemy, he, discovering our movements and positions, moved out to meet us. The firing and cracking of carbines increased, until finally musketry was distinguishable on the line fronting our cavalry. They soon asked for support, which was sent, and the enemy driven back. At this time skirmishing opened in several places on our infantry line, and continued until our whole line was formed and advanced. The enemy having advantage in position, did not advance to meet our forces, but held themselves in readiness to receive any attack that our troops should make upon them, Wall intending to save his men as much as possible, and to hold out until the main rebel army should arrive. Finally an assault was ordered all along the Une, and Wall was driven back to a deep depression in the ground, behind which, on the rising slope beyond, he reformed his line. Our forces pressed forward and assailed his left with great energy. Wall gradually gave way and was being easily driven back, when all at once a dash was made from the position to which they had been forced. This onslaught was so vigorous and irresistible that our forces had to give way and fall back to the main line. Gen. Rackett, seeing this dash of the enemy, at once said:
“'These are fresh troops. They are re-enforcing from some other part of the line.'
“This being communicated to the commanding General, he said they must have weakened the center. In order to test this he ordered an assault to be made at once upon their center. In this opinion he was correct. The assault upon the enemy's center dislodged him and drove him in much confusion back to another position. Our left then moved forward rapidly with the same result, and the battle was going well and very satisfactorily. Our right being then re-enforced, the enemy was driven from his line at every point. Gen. Pike believing that he had the enemy in a position where he could easily beat him, if his other forces would come up promptly, sent to the rear to find Farlin, but he could not be found. He said to one of his staff officers:
“'Does not this look as if I was betrayed?'
“The staff officer, now dead, replied:
“'General, this is what I have feared for some time. The movements of the enemy look as though they were only fighting for time. You see how easily they are forced back—in numbers engaged more than equal to ours.'
“'What of Fitzgibbon on the left? I have not heard a gun in that direction.'
“'Nor will you,' replied the officer.
“'But he has orders to attack at once. He must attack very soon, I am sure. How can he see and hear a battle like this without engaging?'
“The officer made no reply. The General thought he would ascertain, and ordered his staff officer to proceed to the line of Gen. Lyon, and ask him to feel out from his left for Fitzgibbon, and to open communication with him. This order being executed, Gen. Lyon reported that he could not find any force to his left, but at the same time reported that there was much noise and dust in his front on the main road, and he feared re-enforcements for the enemy.
“Just then Gen. Mcintosh reported with his command, which had been marching from Fitzgibbon's rear for some time in order to reach the battlefield. As soon as he had reported Gen. Pike directed that, as soon as his command could rest, so as to be in condition to move forward, he desired him to move up in support of Gen. Lyon; as he feared re-enforcements were moving to his (Lyon's) front.
“Just about this, time Fitzgibbon had discovered much dust rising in the direction of the south. He called the attention of some of his officers to it, and proposed a retreat. But his command did not think a retreat without losing a man or testing the enemy would look quite soldierly, and the retreat was abandoned for the present; but in a few moments an immense flock of wild pigeons (having been by some means disturbed,) came down like a great cloud, and the roaring sound they produced in their flight so startled Gen. Fitzgibbon that he thought a large corps of cavalry were charging upon him. Thereupon he immediately ordered his men under cover and to prepare for retiring, at the same time announcing that our forces were evidently beaten. Gen. Mcintosh moved forward and at once engaged the enemy, and the battle became general.
“The enemy, then evidently being re-enforced, made several desperate but unsuccessful assaults upon our center; but soon fresh troops were thrown in its support, and our lost ground regained. Our right at this time pressed forward, and at once were hotly engaged. Our artillery now opened from the different positions occupied by our batteries. The enemy's batteries promptly replied. Our cav airy were ordered to try and penetrate to the rear of the enemy. Here was a contest between cavalry. Carbines cracked and rattled almost like the heavy musketry of infantry. Many a horse was seen going at full speed over the field riderless. Many a cavalryman fell. At last a charge with sabers drawn was ordered. The sight, as described to me, was one of grandeur to behold. On to the charge they went, each saber flashing in the sunlight. Crash went saber against saber. Sparks flew as if from heated steel. 'Forward?' was heard on both sides. Flashes of sparks and ringing sounds from the steel as saber came against saber. Arms were gashed, hands and faces were cut, heads were cleft, and sabers pierced the bodies of the troopers on either side.
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Henry Lyon is Captured 135
“Back went the rebel cavalry and on against them our men were thrown, until infantry came to the enemy's support, accompanied by a battery of artillery. A deadly fire from both was poured into the ranks of our horsemen. Our lines staggered, then recovered again, but could not withstand both the infantry and artillery. They were compelled to fall back. Many were unhorsed and quite a number captured. Among them was my son Henry, of the Michigan Cavalry. His horse was killed, and his own back injured in the fall, so that he could not make good his escape. (He was sent to the rear. I heard nothing from him for months—only knew that he was taken prisoner.) But the command again rallied and held their line on the flank of our infantry. The artillery on the left of our line were having a regular duel with several batteries of the enemy. Our center was being sorely pressed again. Column after column assaulted and checked our advance. Gen. Pike was very anxious about his support, and repeatedly sent to find Farlin, but the same report was made each time, 'Not in sight; cannot be found.' At last a report came that Farlin was some twenty miles away, and moving very leisurely.
“'My God!' exclaimed Gen. Pike, 'my army is sacrificed. These men will not support me. The battle is to be lost, and perhaps all depends upon the issue here to-day. To win this battle makes our success sure; to lose it may be the loss of all.'
“He called an officer and said, 'Take this written order to Fitzgibbon. He must attack at once.'
“Fitzgibbon was found beneath the shade of a broad oak. He had not fired a gun; his men were panting for a chance to enter the contest. As the officer passed along they cried out, 'Why not put us into the fight?' How is the battle going?' 'Are we driving them?' 'The rebs are being re-enforced; we can see troops coming down by Pageland.' (The town was in full view from where they were impatiently waiting for the command 'Forward!')
“Gen. Fitzgibbon paid no attention to the order, except to say, 'Pike doesn't know what he is doing.'
“The officer said, on returning, Fitzgibbon's men were lying by their arms, (which were stacked,) and could be put into use instantly. The General could not believe that the attack would not be made by Fitzgibbon. The battle now was at white heat—infantry, artillery and cavalry were all engaged. The lines swayed, sometimes the rebels were gaining slight advantage, and then the forces on our side. Gen. David Lyon's command was now all engaged.
“He drove the enemy through the woods where his left first rested. He was handling his troops well. The commanding General came along where he was engaged and complimented him very highly for the manner in which he was succeeding on his part of the line. He then asked David (Gen. Lyon) if he could hear any firing on his left. Gen. Lyon answered him in the negative.
“'Is it possible? Are you not mistaken? It seems to me that I can hear it.9
“'No, Gen. Pike,' said Gen. Lyon; 'you imagine so; for I assure you I have watched and listened for some movement on my left. There has been none whatever.'
“Gen. Shunk came up just at that moment and said:
“'Gen. Pike, Gen. Rackett is killed.'
“'Is that so? He was one of my most faithful Generals.'
“He sent an officer back to see that the next officer in rank should take command at once.
“Gen. Shunk said to Gen. Pike:
“'I fear that re-enforcements for the enemy are coming up. I have just captured some prisoners, who say they have marched fifteen miles to-day, and were put into the battle as soon as they arrived. They also say that the commander of the rebel armies is not more than ten miles away with at least 20,000 men.'
“'Yes, that may be so; but if Fitzgibbon will attack on the left, as I have ordered him positively to do, and Gen. Farlin comes up—who is not farther away than the rebel troops—we will be their equal in numbers.'
“'Do you think Farlin is trying to get here, General?'
“'Why, he knows we are engaged. He is an old soldier and ought to do his duty.'
“'True enough; but if he did not know his duty, and was not an old soldier, he might come sooner than he will, knowing it. I do not like to say so, General, but I have my suspicions that Farlin and Fitzgibbon do not wish you to win this battle.'
“The conversation was here broken off. The enemy having made a desperate assault on Shunk's command, he rode quickly away. By this time the battle was terrific, and the slaughter terrible on both sides. The field was beginning to look more like a slaughter-pen than anything else to which it could be compared. Men were being brought to the rear on stretchers, and also carried by their comrades without stretchers; in fact, you know it was a very common thing for several men to take hold of one to help him to the rear when sometimes the soldier had but a scratch..
“Gen. Horn, who had been in reserve up to this time, came up with his command and supported Gen. Mcintosh, who was now hard pressed. When Gen. Horn entered the field he could be heard far away, having a stentorian voice. He advanced rapidly and drove the right of Wall back far from his main line; but here, in close supporting distance, lay Longpath, with his fresh troops. He waited until Horn's line was clear in advance of the main line, and at once set upon him with great ferocity, driving him back on Mcintosh, that portion of our line giving way for the moment. Gen. Lyon's command was then furiously attacked by fresh troops. They stood the shock, but had finally to give way. Pike witnessed this terrible fighting, and said again, 'Can it be possible that Farlin will not get here in time to save this battle?' He again rode up to Gen. Lyon and asked if he still heard nothing on his left. The General answered 'No.' He then directed him to send a courier through and communicate with Fitzgibbon. By this time the heaviest fighting was on the right and center, the firing having slackened on the left. The courier was gone but a short time, when he returned and reported the enemy marching down a road to our left and forming at right angles with our line. This was easily understood, and as soon as possible our left was changed to face the troops so forming on and across our flank. New troops were thrown in at this point, to enable proper resistance to be made, their attack on our angle being made as a diversion.
“This attack now having been repulsed, the enemy were driven back, and quite a number of prisoners captured; the soldiers became much elated and commenced cheering, which was taken up all along the line. On our left our officers took it that Farlin had arrived, or that Fitzgibbon had sent word that he was going to attack at once and relieve the situation, the position of the troops facing our left being such that he could attack them in the rear. But all were doomed to be disappointed. The rebels forming on our left were troops just arriving and under the immediate command of the General-in-chief of the rebel army. They were soon in position, and their skirmishers moving through the woods in the direction of our refused left. The situation was critical indeed. The commanding General ordered all the artillery that could be brought into battery to be placed in position on this flank. The line then held by Wall on his left could not be abandoned, nor could he draw from his center, as he was being pressed all along that part of the line. But on they came through the woods. None but infantry could get through without great delay. They opened fire. Our line gave way, and fell back to the support of the batteries. Finally the batteries all opened, and like the roar of mighty thunders was the noise. The earth shook as though an earthquake was disturbing it. Fire was vomited forth as though it were from the mouth of some burning volcano. Destruction and death were dealt out unsparingly to the enemy. They started to charge the batteries, and with that hideous yell that they seemed only to employ or understand, on they came. But finally, when they could stand against the torrent of shot and shell no longer, they broke to the rear in great confusion.
“Gen. Pike saw the success, and exclaimed: 'If my other troops would only come up, or Gen. Fitzgibbon attack, the day would soon be ours.'
“But he was doomed to further disappointment. They did not come up, neither did they attack. The rebel General soon took in the whole situation. He put his artillery in battery on a hill to the right of our refused line, so as to concentrate his fire on the flank of our batteries and force them to change position. This being done he opened some eighteen guns. This forced a change in the position of our batteries, and there and then commenced, one of the most destructive artillery duels that was ever witnessed. Battery horses were killed on both sides, gunners blown to pieces by shell, officers and men mangled, Gen. Mosely, on the rebel side, had his head shot off, and a Colonel and two Captains were blown to pieces on our side. While this duel was going on the rebel General was reforming his men for another infantry attack on our left. At this moment Gen. Pike said to Gen. Lyon:
“'General, I hear guns over to our left.'
“Gen. Lyon listened, and answered:
“'Well, General, I believe you are correct. I think I heard a gun.'
“Pike then believed that Fitzgibbon had made an attack, and would compel the enemy to withdraw their forces directly on our left. But he was mistaken. No attack was made except the one by the rebels. Very soon afterwards they had completed their line, and, knowing the value of a flank attack, again assaulted in the same manner as before. They came this time with more caution than before, but with a stronger force. They opened fire on both sides about the same time. The battle was now renewed all along the line—cavalry, infantry and artillery. The Unes wavered occasionally on both sides. The left of our line gave way at first, but rallied again. Gen. Lyon rode up and down his line, cheering his men. He led them again and again against the seeming adamantine wall of rebels, and finally forced them back slowly, holding all the ground gained. By this time our center was penetrated and broken. Our troops could not be rallied for some time. The rebels seeing our confusion took advantage of it, and with the intrepidity of so many demons made another attack on all parts of the line and forced our whole line some distance to the rear. It looked for an hour as though all was lost. At one time our lines seemed to be melting away and becoming disorganized. They were rallied again, however, and formed a new line about a mile in the rear of our first. Both armies were exhausted. Fresh troops then to our aid would have settled the fortunes of the day in our favor But they did not come. Gen. Pike thought that whoever made the first attack would be successful, and ordered our line forward. They moved cautiously, but steadily, attacking and driving the enemy back. He kept falling back until he occupied his first line and we ours. Our left, however, was soon struck by a division of fresh troops, and was driven back some distance through the woods with great loss. My dear son, Gen. Lyon, here, while rallying his men, was shot through the heart and instantly killed.”
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