the 10th and after the surrender of Colonel Johnson and his forces, he having stated that the Home Guards would fire upon us from the houses if we entered the town, you will recollect how nobly the three companies of my battalion, at the still hour of the night, marched through to receive their fire, Lieutenant Speer in front, Captain McMillin next, and Captain Hamilton this; but the fire came not, the women waved their handkerchiefs, and the pace was ours, as witnessed by the shout that rent the air; and then, without rest, having been in the saddle twenty-four hours, how cheerfully we posted off 5 miles in the country, in compliance with the order to burn the bridge,which we did, capturing the guard. Captain Huffman and his company rejoined us at Mackville on the night of the 11th, and next morning I was ordered forward to take possession of Harrodsburg.

The Home Guards had assembled at this place to drive us back, but before we came in sight they fled precipitately to the Kentucky Cliffs to re-enforce Joshua Bell, who was collecting all the Home Guard at the bridge on the Danville and Lexington road, and the aforesaid militia general (Bell) wa exhorting his assemblage to deeds of heroism and valor When a party of 65 Home Guards came from Lancaster to reenforce them. They came shouting and waving their hats. Bell's pickets fled, and reported Morgan coming with his forces at full gallop.

Their heroic leader then announced that they could not possibly make a stand there and every man must take care of himself, and they all fled in the direction of Lexington, some on horseback, some on foot. The author of this, Mike Crisman, made several miles on foot and fainted by the wayside. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth." The excitement and dread at Harrodsburg on the part of the Unionists was intense. Strange that any person in Kentucky could be deluded by the lies of George D. Prentice to believe that the Southern people, noted for their chivalry, liberty, and sympathy, could guilty of the baseness ascribed to us by those base hirelings of the North. But now have they been shown better by actions which speak louder than words. A few words, guaranteeing respect to person and property, quieted their fears, and all united in preparing us a repast. But the ladies, God bless them, true and loyal to their native South, are bright examples of patriotism and fidelity to our country, our institutions, and the liberties vouchsafed to us by the struggles of our forefathers.

From Harrodsburg, per order, I proceeded toward Paris, intending to avoid the pickets at Lexington (having only 92 men with me), but accidentally coming upon them I feigned an attack, and crossing several roads and frightening in the pickets, they reported a large rebel force coming in from different roads. The greatest excitement prevailed, and with cannon and huge proclamations they prepared for defense, compelling every man of whatever sentiment to take up arm. I did right, and passing in by Payne's Depot, on the Frankfort road, I halted my company at the residence of John Payne, near Georgetown, for dinner. Mrs. Payne, not knowing any better, sent word to her husband in town that a body of Union cavalry were there. He immediately called upon the provost-marshal to accompany him home. He could not, go but sends his deputy, Alexander Long. Soon another messenger arrived in the person of Olive Gaines, with an order to me to take my forces over the Frankfort road and cut off Morgan's forces, for the rebels were certainly coming that way. I answered all right, and administered the oath of secrecy and non-interference to the two messengers, with others that had assembled there by accident. I then