A correspondent of the
Atlanta Confederacy writes the following account of a narrow escape from the
Yankees, made by the dashing
Morgan, and vouches for its truth.
We see statements of the same affair in other papers:
While
Gen. Morgan's command was at
Gallatin he received information that a large division of the Abolition army was approaching
Nashville by the way of
Tyree Springs.
He accordingly selected three hundred men from the brigade for the purpose of ambushing them and capturing their wagon train.
He arrived at the road just as the head of the
Yankee column was approaching, and, selecting a good position, succeeded in pouring a very destructive fire into them.
The General arranged his men on the side of the road, and placing himself at the head of the line instructed them to retain their fire until he gave the signal, which was to be the firing of his own pistol.
The signal was given, and immediately three hundred double-barrelled guns were discharged right into the midst of the
Yankee horde.
The effect can be imagined better than described.
The whole column recoiled in great confusion, and it was some time before the enemy could regain their equilibrium.
Our men had time to reload and discharge another volley before their artillery could be brought to bear on us. When we were compelled to retire, the
General made a circuit to the rear, and placing his man in another good position, instructed them to await the approach of the next brigade, while he rode on with one of his officers towards
Louisville to ascertain how far it was behind.
In this ride he captured about a dozen prisoners, most of whom were officers.
He was so much entertained by this amusement, that he was gone longer than he was aware.
In the meantime the enemy finding out that our men had taken a position in their rear sent back two regiments of cavalry and drove them from their position.
The General not being aware of this rode back to where he had left his men, but what was his surprise when he found himself in front of about two thousand ‘"blue coats."’ The Abolition officer immediately rode forward and ordered him to halt, and demanded the signal.
The General replied ‘"What do you mean, sir, by demanding a signal of an officer of my rank.
I'll teach you, sir, how to insult a Government officer, by demanding signals when you should be attending to other matters of greater importance."’
He then ordered them to open the way for a column of infantry which he was going back to bring up. The officer touched his hat, and immediately gave way, while
Morgan rode through their column As he would ride along he would address the stragglers, ordering them to ‘"move up."’ that they were no better than deserters, and only wanted
Morgan to catch them.
They would touch their hats and move up briskly.
In the meantime the prisoners who were following the
General were convulsed with laughter thinking no doubt that he was their prisoner, and they would see the fun cut before giving him up. If this was their calculation they were sadly deceived, for the
General coming to a place in the lawn where the fence was low, put spurs to his horse, and bidding his captured officer good day was soon out of sight.
What must have been their reflection when they beheld him disappear from their sight.
I have no doubt they regarded him as a spirit.
This is every word true.
I have merely stated the facts.
You can dress them up.