xt79057crs4j https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt79057crs4j/data/mets.xml Johnson, Adam Rankin, 1834- 1904  books b92973782j632009 English G. G. Fetter Company : Louisville, Ky. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Confederate States of America. Army. Kentucky Partisan Rangers. --History Morgan s Ohio Raid, 1863. The Partisan rangers of the Confederate States army text The Partisan rangers of the Confederate States army 1904 2009 true xt79057crs4j section xt79057crs4j 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   The Partisan Rangers

OF THE

CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY

EDITED BY WILLIAM J. DAVIS

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: GEO.   G.   FETTER   COM PAN Y 1904 
    
   PREFACE.

* * *

My motive in publishing this work has been two-fold:

First, to pay merited tribute to the Kentucky boys, who, most of them gently born and nurtured, left home, family, friends, fortune behind them, and, enlisting in my command, fought for the Cause of the South. I do not dwell on these sacrifices; it is enough to say that the young Kentuckians cheerfully bore every privation and freely offered their lives in defense of principles they held to be right and for the sake of the cause they loved. This story of their services is my tribute to their memories. May it not also be regarded as a minor contribution to the history of the war between the States ?

Secondly, to aid the women of the South, who, under the name of United Daughters of the Confederacy, have organized local so-cities, or Chapters, in the several States, to care for the poor, to nurse the sick, to relieve the distressed, to help the aged and infirm among the survivors of the Lost Cause, to bury them when they die, and to mark their graves. Another purpose of these noble women is to place in the hands of their children and their children's children truthful histories, so that the memory of the Confederate soldier shall not perish, but be rightfully held in honor.

I have long wanted to help this work. I therefore propose to donate to each chapter one-third of the proceeds of the sales of this book made by it, and to the National Association "U. D. C." one-third of the proceeds of all other sales.  I wish I could give more.

I feel that 1 should not close this prefatory note without rendering thanks to the friends who have encouraged me and who have assisted me in the preparation of this book, especially_Jp__Colonel_ James W. Bowles and Major Frank Amplias Owen, whose kindness and courtesy have been great. 
    
   CONTENTS.

PART I.

Chapter I.   Boyhood and Youth...................................1

Parentage   outdoor life   business training   surveying in Texas    typical frontiersmen   Yellow Wolf   at Kickapoo Creek   "Joe Smith"    a useful lesson   Indians   a twelve-year-old boy   old Bob Cavaness    Elijah Helm.

Cnafter II.   The Texas Frontier..................................9

Indians on the Overland Mail Route   Johnson's Station   the water-hole   reprisals   the squaw   buckshot versus arrows   "forting up"    Lieutenant-Governor Lubbock   outwitting an old chief   Neil Helm    Van Horn's Well   Escondia Springs   surveying under difficulties.

Chapter III.    Indian Hostilities.................................18

Buffalo Gap   the Tonkawa   the Comanche brave   the battle of Antelope Hills   Peta Nacona   Cynthia Ann Parker   "Old Rip"   Po-hebits Quasho, or "Iron Jacket"   Chief Placido.

Chapter IV.   The Surveyors.....................................26

On the divide   the "Big Pool"   Van Dorn, Ross and Majors    the Wichita fight   the Mustang Water-hole   Charlie Ranner   Ross's expedition   death of Peta Nacona   news of Lincoln's election   marriage with Miss Josephine Eastland   the superintendent "settles"    a training school.

Chapter V.   Forrest's Scouts....................................3$

Meeting with Forrest   Bob Martin, the scout   a pell-mell fight    Forrest in action   "What became of the Yank?" 
   vi

CONTENTS.

Chapter VI.   Skirmishes and Captchks..........................'I

Capture of Colonel Jim Jackson's cavalry horses   the McFarland girls   two "nice young men"   the requisition   the joke on Field    General Crittenden's good humor   Mrs. McFarland has her inning.

Chapter VII.  At the Old Home...................................-18

At Henderson   military headquarters   brothers in the Federal army   Colonel Holloway   suspicion   pursuit   combat   en route to church   "You must leave this town to-night"   the sergeant's horse    return to Forrest.

Chapter VIII.   In Federal Camps................................5:!

A fortunate horse-trade   within the enemy's lines   information leads to enemy's repulse   behind the Federal general's tent again    the three scouts   fight with the gunboats   a successful ruse   third scout into the Federal camp   preparing for battle.

Chapter IX.   Fort DoNELSON.....................................63

The battle of Fort Donelson   Forrest's part   Hanson's brigade    Generals Buckner, Pillow and Floyd   encounter with a Federal lieutenant   Martin asleep   talk of surrender   Forrest determines to escape   his scouts find the way   discussion at headquarters   justice to Buckner   Floyd's guide   panic at Nashville   Forrest restores order.

Chapter X.   After the Battle or Siiir.ou.........................73

With dispatches to Texas   at the Burnet home   return to active service   Bob Martin's prisoners   a renegade Southerner   an "Indian thicket"   "too shrewd" to be entrapped   on Van Dorn's staff   fight at Farmington   Bob Martin's feat.

Chapter XI.   The Message in Cipher............................82

General Breckinridge sends for "the two young scouts"   a lesson in "cipher"   scouting for Breckinridge   the railroad cut   the mission       John C. Breckinridge   the sick Confederate   a smallpox stampede    Federal pickets   David R. Burbank   the message delivered   "too young for a leader"   stay-at-home Confederates   an army of three    the Federal major and the Kentucky girl.

Chapter XII.   A Band of Three.................................95

"Three hundred guerillas" attack Henderson   "Bloody war on the Border"   resolutions   a mild communication   Bob Martin as envoy    Jiramie Quinn on duty   the amende honorable   recruits   the blacklist   an army of seven attack Madisonville   occupation of Henderson_

flying the Confederate flag. 
   CONTENTS'.

vii

Chaptkh XIII.   The Capture of Newburg........................154

An army of twenty-seven   the stovepipe battery   surrender and capture   a colonel of home-guards   gunboats pursue   home-guards as avengers   repulse of gunboats   "Stovepipe Johnson"   effect of the expedition.

Chapter XIV.   The Breckinridge Guards.........................109

The army of three becomes a battalion   Indiana home-guards invade Kentucky   are happy to get back safe   proclamation to Ken-tuckians.

Chapter XV.   The Rangers' Flag...............................112

Capture of Hopkinsville   capture of Clarksville   citizens rejoice    Miss Tennie Moore   presentation of the flag   the old black mammy    results of expeditions   Federal forces kept from the front.

Chapter XVI.   The Partisan Rangers...........................116

Capture of Madisonville   an unprincipled Union officer   battle of Geiger's Lake   one of Martin's feats   Federal discomfiture   artillery mules in action   improved prospects   the '.'River Robber"   the band of three becomes a regiment   "The Partisan Rangers of the Confederate Army."

Chapter XVII.   Bragg Dallies in Kentucky.....................i23

En route to Richmond   a Tennessee host   "Stovepipe Johnson"    too many counsellors   a Federal passport   in Buell's camp   meeting with Forrest   a change of plan   Kentucky ablaze   the turning point of the war in the West   evacuation of Kentucky.

Chapter XVIII.   The President of the Confederacy. v>...........127

In Richmond   synopsis of first report   the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry   promotions, appointments and commissions   Jefferson Davis    a thorn in the side   Bragg sets a trap.

Chapter XIX.   Entrapped by Bragg.............................133

Morgan's Christmas raid   feint against Lebanon   mission to Texas    capture of wagons   another of Martin's feats   crossing the Mississippi   General Albert Sidney Johnston's wound   reorganization of the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry   mutual compliments   St. Leger Grenfell    Morgan's division of cavalry   Basil W. Duke: his ability and reputation; unanimous desire that he command first brigade; second in rank to Morgan; "the ablest officer of his age"   command of the second brigade   skirmishes   another of Martin's feats; his wound    Major G. Wash Owen. 
   Viii CONTENTS'.

Chapter XX.   The Indiana and Ohio Raids......................R2

Across the Cumberland   skirmishes   defeat at Green river bridge

   capture of Lebanon-demonstration by Major Davis   across the

Ohio   agreement broken   encounters with home-guards   Cincinnati flanked   General Zachary Taylor's nephews   "the danger line passed;"   "troubles are over"   disastrous mistake   ammunition exhausted and men worn out   struggle in the Ohio   rescue of Neil Helm    Federal soldiers forbear   three hundred escape.

Chapter XXI.  Morgan's Men Reorganized........................lol

In Richmond   Kentucky representatives   Shall Morgan's men be dismounted?   E. M. Bruce and Adjutant-General Cooper   Colonel William Preston Johnston befriends the command   President Davis   the camp at Morristown   bushwhackers   Morgan's men at Chickamauga    Bragg's enmity and Forrest's friendship   Bragg's failure after victory       Forrest makes a speech   renewed efforts to dismount Morgan's cavalry   "the old man" again checkmated   in camp at Decatur   Morgan escapes from prison and resumes command   ordered to Richmond   an important work.

Chapter XXII.   TnE Forlorn Hope...............................162

The "thin gray line"   Kentuckians in council   secrets of State    en route to Kentucky   department of western Kentucky   Burbridge. routed by Breckinridge   proclamation to Kentuckians   a Federal officer's review of Confederate movements in Kentucky   promotions and commissions   rapid recruiting   the Sons of Liberty   plans frustrated   battle of Grubbs Crossroads   wounded and put hors du combat   daring feats   Colonel Chenoweth takes command.

Chapter XXIII.   The Rangers' Last Campaign...................176

Narrative of Colonel Chenoweth: recapitulation   grief over the body of his wounded commander   General Johnson's loss of sight and imprisonment   an incident at Grubbs Crossroads   Waller O. Bullock    atrocities of the Federal General Payne; his "foul memory;" Federal General Meredith's opinion   after the battle of Grubbs Crossroads    personal adventures   Dr. Mathewson and his family   General H. B. Lyon commands the department   fight with a negro regiment   a guerilla band   Adam Johnson's brigade as reorganized   guerillas outlawed; Bob Gillaspie   a grand ball at Hopkinsville   encounter with Federal troops   Lyon and McCook   a winter raid   cut off by a gunboat   a Confederate colonel mixes with Federal cavalry in pursuit of his own men   General Lyon's daring escape   news of Lee's surrender    surrender to General Meredith; his courtesy and kindness   enemies become friends. 
   CONTENTS'.

ix

Chapter XXIV.   Latter Days....................................197

Personal narrative resumed: hospitable amenities; kindness of friends and relatives during convalescence   imprisonment   exchange   application for re-assignment to duty; interviews with the President and the Secretary of War; their remonstrances; orders issued   rejoin wife and old friends   death of Neil Helm   journey to Mississippi   welcomed by remnant of old command; preparations for return to Kentucky; news of Lee's surrender; "all is over"   journey to New Orleans   sudden trip to Kentucky   kind offers   return to Texas   the greatest and best man of the Confederacy   Davis and Lincoln.

Chapter XXV.   The New Home.................................203

Bad conditions   "reconstruction" and confusion   Honey Creek Cove   the old Dancer home   the poisoned arrows of the Comanches    murder of Dancer   an oath of vengeance   the Brazeal boys   the new home.

Chapter XXVI.   Indian Raids...................................20(!

Adventures of Miller and Morrow   raid on Honey Creek Cove    Pickett's adventure   struggle for existence   courage and endurance of Mrs. Friend   Indian captives   misplaced sympathy; "philanthropists" encourage crime   the Shegogs and the Menascos   Indian thieves and white marauders   minute men   story of the Dillard brothers.

Chapter XXVIT.   Indian Raids (continued).........................

On the ridge of Burnet county   escape of Mrs. Johnson and friends    the Whitlocks   story of Brit, the famous negro   the frontier in arms; no aid from the government; misrepresentations of sutlers and Indian agents; correspondence with officials   the Kiowa chiefs, Sattanta, Big Tree and Satank   trial of Indians by a civil court; the only instance   the Reconstruction Administration; its failure and overthrow   Indians beaten; troubles ended.

Chapter XXVIII.   Peace.........................................224

Return to Burnet   a land office and a "country store"   build a school-house   establish a newspaper   physical resources of Burnet county; granite and marble quarries opened   Marble Falls; its growth and development   public spirit of its citizens   rich and well-watered valleys; water-power: building-stones; factories   "The Little Gem City"   happiness and peace. 
   X

CONTENTS.

PART II,

Field Oificers of the Partisan Rangers.........................-20

General Adam R. Johnson   General Adam R. Johnson's command    Colonel E. G. Hall   Major G. Wash Owen   Colonel Leonidas Arm-stead Sypert   Major J. Walker Taylor   Colonel Charles Napier   Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Soery.

Company Officers of the Rangers...............................274

Samuel Burk Taylor   Lucas William Trafton   Jacob Bennett   Sam Garret Wall   John Hamilton Wall   Paul J. Marrs   Bartlett Louis Gooch   Frank Amplias Owen   [Mrs. Frank Amplias Owen]   William Currens Dimmit   James Waller   Milam M. Sisk   W. D. Brown    Thomas M. Brooks   Polk Laffoon   Alfred Richeson   John D. Fields    Ben F. Perkins   William Hollis   Al Fowler   W. B. Albright   John B. Dortch   Philip Jones   Oscar L. Barbour   James McClain   Neil Helm.

Brigade Staff....................................................307

Roster of the Rangers.........................................308

Incidents and Adventures   

Captain William Brank McLean..................................343

An Outline History of the Partisan Rangers, by F. A. Owen........344

The Flag of the Partisan Rangers, by Mrs. J. J. Massie...........353

Morgan and his Men, by General Basil W. Duke..................358

Morgan's Escape from Imprisonment, by Capt. L. D. Hockersmith.. 3G3 A Partisan Ranger Marries an Ohio Girl, by Capt. John G. Roach.. .385 A Private's Recollection of Morgan and his Men, by Dr. W. Williams........................................................387

Escape from Camp Morton, by F. A. Owen.......................395

Prison Life at Camp Douglas, by T. B. Clore......................408

Prison Life at Camp Douglas, by J. M. Lynn......................411

The Battle of Blue's Pond, by Ben F. Perkins.....................413 
   CONTENTS.

The Dade Hill Yankee Stampede, by Ben F. Perkins..............

The Old Gray Leggins, by Ben F. Perkins........................

Lieut. Jos. W. Bell: a Daring Escape, by John A. Steele...........

War Reminiscences, by J. S. Waller.............................

Reminiscences of Brig. General Samuel W. Price, U. S. A.........

The Sons of Liberty, by T. M. Freeman..........................

After the Great Raid, by Josiah B. Gathright.....................

Mrs. Adam R. Johnson, by Colonel James W. Bowles..............

General Adam R. Johnson, by Governor Lubbock..................

General Adam R. Johnson, by Colonel Miller......................

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Albright, Capt. W. B..................

Barney Sisk Hill.....................

Barret, John H......".................

Bennett, Captain Jake................

Berry, George........................

Brooks, Captain John.................

Brooks, Thomas M., and Grandson...

Burbank, D. R......................

Carico, Miss Lide...................

Chapman, Captain John S...........

Chenoweth, Colonel James Q........

Christy, Captain John H.............

Clore, Sergeant T. B................

College, Marble Falls, Texas.........

Cotton Factory, Marble Falls, Texas.. Court House, Madisonville, Kentucky

Davis, Major William J..............

Dimmett, Captain Wm...............

Duke, Brigadier-General Basil W....

Fields, John D., M. D................

First Fight of Brenckinridge Guards.

Fisher, Captain L. D................

Fowler, Captain Al..................

Freeman, Capt. T. M................

Gathright, Lieut. Jos. B............. 
   CONTENTS.

Gooch, Bartlett..................................................320

Gooch, Thomas..................................................310

Hamby, John H., and Wife......................................318

Hamby, Merriwether, Allen, etc..................................328

Hockersmith, Captain L. D......................................362

Holloway, Colonel Jas. H........................................252

Hotel, Newburg, Indiana.........................................104

Johnson, Brigadier-General Adam R.....................Frontispiece

Johnson, Brigadier-General Adam R..............................228

Johnson, Mrs. Adam R..........................................226

Johnson, W. S. (brother of General Johnson)..................... 48

Laffoon, Lieutenant Polk........................................290

McLean, Captain William Brank.................................342

Martin, Colonel Robert M....................................... 40

Massie, Mrs. J. J................................................112

Mathews, Philip B.............................................. 36

Moore, Doctor................................................... 10

Moore, Wm. H..................................................314

Morgan, Brigadier-General John H.............................. 132

Owen, Major Frank Amplias.....................................344

Owen, Mrs. Frank Amplias......................................284

Owen, Lieutenant-Colonel G. Wash...............................116

Porter, Dr. George..............................................338

Prow, Captain John..................'...........................316

Public School, Burnet, Texas..................................208

Ray, Captain Andrew...........................................306

Redford, Dr. Benjamin..........................................304

Residence of General Johnson....................................204

Residence of General Johnson....................................212

Richeson, Captain Alfred.........................................292

Rocky Rest, first home of General Johnson.......................220

Scobee, Rev. J. S................................................256

Stovepipe Battery at Capture of Newburg........................108

Sypert, Colonel L. A............................................262

Taylor, Captain J. N.............................................326

Taylor, Captain Sam B..........................................274

Wall, Captain Sam G............................................278

Weak, Joseph (Confidential Scout)...............................264

Williams, Wm., M. D.............................................386

Woodson, or Browning Springs..................................120 
   PART I.

lemoirs of General Adam R. Johnson

AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL NARRATIVE. 
    
   CHAPTER I.

boyhood  and youth.

Adam Rankin Johnson was bom in the town of Henderson, Kentucky, on February 8, 1834.  He is the son of Thomas Jefferson Johnson, M. D., and Juliet Spencer Rankin, daughter of Dr. Adam' Rankin, who settled in Henderson county during the early part of j the year 1800. Dr. Johnson removed from Frankfort to Henderson I in 1823, and, four years thereafter, on the fifteenth day of February, 1827, married Miss Rankin. Dr. Johnson was a man of strong mind and positive character, and during his early life enjoyed a prominence few young physicians of his day attained.  Mrs. Johnson was one of the noblest of women, and was beloved by every one who knew her. Dr. and Mrs. Johnson lived to a ripe old age and reared a large family, all of whom succeeded in life and became prosperous.

At the age of eight years, I was allowed the use of a gun and spent many happy hours roaming the forests and fields of Henderson county, where game was still plentiful.  In course of time, I became an expert shot and was considered one of the best hunters in that     country. 1 also learned to swim well.

In this outdoor life I acquired health, strength and activity and the habits of close observation and prompt action. Probably more than a third of my days up to the age of twenty had been spent in the open country, while evening hours were devoted to reading history, biography and tales of romance and adventure.

At the age of twelve years I went into the drug store of Ira Delano. He was fond of society and soon left the business to my care.   The responsibility thus thrown on me was thought to

i 
   2

THE PARTISAN RANGERS.

be a misfortune at the time, but I have since learned to regard it as a blessing, for I had to make extraordinary exertion to learn the business. Having become familiar with it in all its details, I virtually controlled it for three years.

At sixteen, I accepted a position in Burbank's factory and was put in charge of about eighty hands. Here, too, the responsibilities were serious, but, by close application, 1 succeeded in accomplishing the best results that had ever been attained, making the best "average," as it was called. To properly handle the men under my charge, I had to study human nature, and in this school I learned to control men, which experience, in after years, served me in many a desperate strait, and, indeed, on many occasions thereafter, acting on intuitive perceptions, I trusted my life to total strangers; nor was I ever deceived. In this association with Mr. Burbank, I derived another advantage, though unforeseen. This gentleman was a warm personal and political friend of John C. Breckinridge; they visited and entertained each other at their respective homes and were congenial spirits. As will be seen in the course of this narrative, my association with Mr. Burbank strengthened the opinion of General Breckinridge that I was the right man to convey an important secret message to Mr. Burbank and his friends during the Civil War. Thus do single threads unite to form the woof of our lives.

When twenty years old, I went to Texas and settled in Burnet county, then called Hamilton Valley, in the western part of the State. Texas at that time had a population of only a few hundred thousand people; now there are three million and three hundred thousand.

The Indians had not yet been driven from this part of the State and were still resisting the advance of the white man, but with little success.

Soon after my arrival, I became acquainted with a party of surveyors and attached myself to them, thinking it the best opportunity I would find in a new, sparsely-settled country to make a living, and reflecting that increasing immigration would bring many men into the community, and that perhaps the majority of these would acquire ownership of land which a surveyor would have to lay off.

I found the red men roaming over the plains in large numbers, industriously endeavoring to live without manual labor, for they rode hundreds of miles to steal a few head of stock, when, with millions 
   BOYHOOD AND YOUTH.

3

of acres free to them, northward or westward, they could with more ease and no danger raise all the cattle they needed.

I devoted myself chiefly to the business of surveying lands for the ensuing five years, and enjoyed the friendship and had the hearty co-operation of neighboring settlers. Among these neighbors and friends were three old soldiers who had fought with General Sam Houston at the battle of San Jacinto   Captain W. H. Magill, Logan Van Deveer and Noah Smithwick. The first two were from Kentucky and were very kind to me. These old soldiers were typical frontiersmen and great bear hunters. Their stories of war and hunting profoundly impressed me.

Once while hunting a bear they had wounded, they followed him until, coming upon him suddenly in the bush, where they had heard the almost human scream of agony from one of their dogs, the intrepid Van Deveer, impelled by the desire to rescue his dog as well as to kill the bear, impetuously rushed in, brandishing a long, keen knife which he drove into the heart of the bear just in time to save his faithful dog, which was almost crushed between the powerful arms of his enraged and relentless adversary.

At another time, these men had a contract with the Government to feed a large body of Comanche Indians, whose hunger must be appeased to prevent them from attacking the settlement. The Indians, nevertheless, became dissatisfied and, led by a fierce and truculent chief, had plotted to murder the white men in charge of the cattle. At daybreak they surrounded the camp and were in the very act of attacking the herd when Van Deveer, who was coming from the fort, dashed on horseback up through the crowd of savages to the spot where Yellow Wolf, their chief, was standing, alone. Dismounting hastily, Van Deveer seized him by the throat and, flashing his big knife before the startled Indian's eyes, exclaimed fiercely: "You old yellow scoundrel, I'll cut your throat, if you don't make your Indians put up their bows and arrows."

The Indian chief, astounded and overawed by the boldness and impetuosity of a single white man in the face of his band of braves, surrendered at discretion and quickly obeyed his command, and thus the guards and cattle were saved. Indians admire bravery in a foe as well as in a friend, and despise cowardice, and as long as any cf these redskins lived, when they chanced to meet a citizen of Burnet county, they were sure to ask: " You know him, Logan Van Deveer ? Him heap, big brave   skeer Yellow Wolf!" 
   4

THE PARTISAN RANGERS.

It was not long before I found it necessary to protect myself against an attack of these treacherous marauders. Once, while surveying along a creek that I had named "Yellow Wolf," after the old chief, and near Fort Chadbourne, with four companions, 1 was nearly surrounded in the night and attacked by a band of Indians. Drawing the horses into the thicket where we had been camping, and instructing the little force to keep up a continual firing, I crept through the tall grass, and, winding my way to the rear of what seemed a large body of men, opened fire upon them, at which they were so surprised and disconcerted that they made off hurriedly, fearing that they in their turn were about to be surrounded.

Soon after the occurrence of this incident, camping at Kickapoo creek with four men, we heard a large flock of wild turkeys flying past. Here was a great temptation for men whose meat was salt pork, and Neil Helm and I together followed them up the bottom for some distance, but then separated for the better search. Ere long, I saw a fine, large gobbler and brought him down at the first shot, and then ran forward and placed my foot on the neck of the fluttering bird; but, having learned to be ever on guard, took the precaution to reload my gun before dispatching the game'. Just as I had finished renewing my charge, I saw dimly in the dark some one approaching. I slipped behind a tree, " Indian fashion," and called out for Helm, who answered on the outer edge of the creek bottom. Fearing that the Indians were gathering around my friend, I seized the turkey and, slipping into a ravine, made my way to the outskirts of the timber and gave a signal for Helm, who, recognizing the call, soon came rushing up, exclaiming that he had just caught a glimpse of the biggest Indian he had ever seen. Right in front of our camp was a low island, covered with high grass and cat's tail flag. One of the men who was on guard opposite the lower end of this island saw an Indian and promptly fired at him. Another was seen at the upper end, and, apprehensive that the savages were trying to surround our little party, I set fire to the heavy dry grass and reeds, whereupon they vamosed and troubled us no more.

Having a wagon heavily loaded with provisions for some of our men on the plains, we pushed forward and late the next evening encamped on Antelope creek. Selecting a small but dense thicket, we drew the wagon in so that we could tie the horses to the wheels farthest from the road, and all, being greatly fatigued, soon fell asleep.  I was accustomed to sleep in my clothes, revolver buckled 
   BOYHOOD AND YOUTH.

5

around my waist and gun by my side, so as to be prepared for any sudden emergency. About four o'clock next morning, I was awakened by a fierce but low growl of my little dog, as if it were meant for a signal of danger. This little dog was my constant companion, following me everywhere, and always sleeping at my feet; he had an instinctive knowledge of the approach of Indians, even at a considerable distance. My horse, "Joe Smith," famous afterward on the frontier as well for his intelligence, courage and docility as for fleetness of foot, snorted and showed signs of uneasiness. I therefore concluded that Indians were in the neighborhood. Quieting them and awaking my comrades gently, I whispered: " Get ready quick; I think the Indians are near." Then, seizing my gun, I sprang into the thicket. The Indians becoming alarmed at the growling of the dog and the noise, though slight, of our preparation for action, and presuming the whole party had discovered them, rushed out of the thicket through which they had been creeping up on the sleeping party and jumped into the dry bed of the creek and, to my surprise, suddenly disappeared from view. But for the intelligent, watchful dog, seconded by my no less faithful horse, they might have murdered us all in our beds. The Indian is of uncleanly habit and never bathes; his filthy body emits a rank, strong odor, and both dog and horse had smelt them afar and had given me timely warning of their approach.

An examination of this spot the next morning showed the whitish creek-bed against which the shadowy forms of the Indians had appeared for a moment in distinct relief, but the opposite bank, although low, was covered with a carpet of short, thick grass, and on this they had thrown themselves, lying still and, like all the hunted wild things of field and forest, secure in the knowledge that they would escape observation. Later on, during the night, they had silently slipped away. I learned a lesson from this experience which was most useful in my career in this frontier war and as scout and partisan ranger in the Civil War; it was this: In an uncertain light and with the protection of a suitable background, there was little chance of detection or recognition; if the enemy could thus elude me, so also I could deceive them by this and similar devices; and when afterward I had occasion to put this idea in practice, I always acted promptly and confidently, ever holding the conviction that the ruse resorted to, whatever it was, would succeed. And I may say here, in anticipation, that in no instance did this feeling of confidence 
   THE PARTISAN RANGERS.

desert me, nor did I at any time fail to accomplish the desired result.

The red men had by this time learned to respect the courage and strategy of the pale-faces in Burnet county and, unless they could secretly and furtively get as great an advantage in position as in numbers, would generally retreat to await a more favorable opportunity of slaying their antagonists without much risk to their own persons. Trained intelligence, coolness and courage make a combination that is nearly always superior to savage craftiness, ferocity and numbers, as has been frequently demonstrated.

We were soon on the march and moved rapidly forward, fearing bad news ahead. We reached the Overland Mail Route before night and found that the redskins had