HISTORY OF THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.

875

FIRST KENTUCKY CAVALRY.

CHAPTER I.

organization of  the  regiment   subsequent  changes   erroneous designation by number explained.

In the biography of Brig.-Gen. Ben Hardin Helm, his relation to the family of President Lincoln is given, with a brief account of his visit to Washington after the inauguration, when the matter of his again taking service in the United States Army was discussed. When a major's commission was afterward forwarded to him, in accordance with Mr. Lincoln's promise, such a radical change in the aspect of affairs had taken place, and so evident was it that his acceptance would involve the using of his sword, directly or indirectly, for the coercion of the South, and against those of his own people in Kentucky who shared his feeling of opposition to this policy, he rejected it, though the inducement was held out to him that he would be sent to the frontier, and spared the necessity of engaging in fratricidal strife. This was specious, and with a base nature it would have availed. He felt that partiality for the old army which characterizes the better class of those who have been trained for it and seen service therein. Add to this that his connection with the President made it highly probable that successive promotions might come by favor rather than through long and arduous service, and it is easy to be perceived that here was a touchstone that would detect any latent selfishness and sordid ambition. Any one, however, who knew his race and lineage, and that no degeneracy marked the individual, could have forecast the issue. Without vulgar parade he resented the bare suggestion that he could act contrary to the views expressed to Mr. Lincoln. He promptly offered his services to the newly organized Southern government, and soon thereafter began the enlistment of volunteers for his favorite arm of the service.

Such was the man by whose influence and exertions the First Regiment of Kentucky Cavalry was recruited, organized, and fitted for its work.   His example was like the chieftain's of whom it was said that

" One blast upon his bugle-horn Was worth a thousand men."