  In August, 1862, Cumberland Gap, the gateway between Eastern Kentucky and East Tennessee, was held by a Federal force of over ten thousand, commanded by General George W. Morgan. It was this force which confronted General Kirby Smith as he set out to invade Kentucky. The place being too strong to carry by assault, General Smith left a force in front of the Gap to menace it, made a flank movement with the rest of his army, passed through Roger’s Gap unopposed, and without paying any attention to the force at Cumberland Gap, pushed on with all speed for Central Kentucky. At the same time General Bragg made his long-expected advance from Chattanooga, completely deceiving Buell, who first concentrated his army at Altamont and then at MacMinnville. Bragg marched unopposed up the Sequatchie Valley to Sparta. General George H. Thomas had advised Buell to occupy Sparta, but the advice was rejected. Buell could not, or would not, see that Kentucky was Bragg’s objective point. He now believed that Nashville or Murfreesboro was the point of danger, and he concentrated his army at the latter place. From Sparta General Bragg had marched to [pg 127] When the forward movement began, Colonel John H. Morgan was ordered to Eastern Kentucky to watch the force at Cumberland Gap and prevent it from falling on the rear of the army of General Smith. Smith moved rapidly, and on August 29 fought the battle of Richmond, where a Federal force of seven thousand was almost annihilated, only about eight hundred escaping. By the movements of Smith and Bragg the Federal force at Cumberland Gap was cut off. For that army the situation was a grave one. In their front was General Stevenson with a force too small to attack, but large enough to keep them from advancing. In their rear were the Confederate armies. They were short of food; starvation stared them in the face. It was either surrender or a retreat through the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. General George W. Morgan called a council of his officers, and it was decided to evacuate the Gap and attempt the retreat. The Gap was evacuated on the night of the 17th of September. All government property which could not be carried away [pg 128] A toilsome march of two hundred and twenty miles over rough mountainous roads lay between the Federals and the Ohio River. To the credit of General G. W. Morgan be it said, he conducted the retreat with consummate skill. It was expected that a Confederate force in Eastern Kentucky under General Humphrey Marshall would try to cut the Federals off; but Marshall never appeared, and it was left to the brigade of John H. Morgan to do what they could to oppose the retreat. One cavalry brigade could not stop the progress of ten thousand well-disciplined troops. Day after day Morgan hung on the Federal flanks and rear, taking advantage of every opening, and making their way a weary one. After a toilsome march of sixteen days, the Federal force, footsore and completely exhausted, reached the Ohio at Greenupsburg on the Ohio River, and was safe. During these sixteen days, Calhoun was almost continually in the saddle, the foremost to strike, the last to retreat. When the pursuit was ended, his little band of scouts had seventy-five prisoners to their credit. When Morgan saw that it was useless to follow the retreating army any longer, without taking any rest he turned the head of his column toward [pg 129] Calhoun could hardly believe his eyes when he saw the change a few weeks had effected. All Central Kentucky had been swept clear of the Federals. Panic-stricken they had fled back to Louisville and Cincinnati, and were cowering in their trenches. Indiana and Ohio were in an agony of fear. The governors were frantically calling on the people to arise en masse and save their states from invasion. When the command reached Danville, Calhoun was nearly beside himself with joy. Over the courthouse floated the Stars and Bars of the South. It was the first time Calhoun had ever seen there the flag he loved so well. With a proud hurrah he dashed up to the door of his father’s residence; there was no one to molest him or make him afraid. From the house of every friend of the South hung a Confederate flag. “Redeemed! Kentucky redeemed at last!” shouted Calhoun, as he dismounted. But he was disappointed in not finding his father at home. The Judge was in Frankfort, helping to form a provisional government for the state. Many of the more sanguine of the Southern element of the state already considered it safe in the Confederacy. Although his father was not at home, Calhoun received a most joyful welcome. “Bress de chile, if he isn’t bac’ again,” cried Aunt Chloe. [pg 130]“Yes, Chloe,” said Calhoun, as he shook her honest black hand, “and now be sure and get up one of your best dinners, I can eat it in peace this time. And, Chloe, cook enough for a dozen; Colonel Morgan, with his staff, will be here to dine.” But what Morgan’s command learned was anything but satisfactory. Kirby Smith had advanced to within six miles of Covington, there halted, and at last fallen back. Bragg, instead of marching direct to Louisville, had turned aside to Bardstown, allowing Buell’s army to enter the city of Louisville unopposed. There Buell had been joined by twenty thousand fresh troops. Clothing and refitting his men, he had turned, and was now marching on Bardstown. A great battle might be fought any day. In fact, it was reported that Bragg had already abandoned Bardstown and was marching in the direction of Danville or Harrodsburg. “I don’t like it at all,” said Morgan. “Our generals have already let the golden opportunity pass. But there is still hope. With the armies of Bragg and Smith united, they should be strong enough to give battle and crush Buell.” So good was the dinner and so animated the discussion, that it was late in the afternoon when they arose from the table. As they came out Morgan suddenly stopped and said, “Hark!” Away in the northwest, in the direction of Perryville, the dull heavy booming of cannon was heard. They listened and the dull roar, like distant thunder, was continuous. [pg 131]“A battle is being fought,” they said, in low tones; “May God favor the right!” At Perryville the forces of Buell and Bragg had met, and were engaged in deadly strife. Until nightfall the heavy dull roar was heard, and then it died away. Which army had been victorious? They could not tell. After the battle of Perryville, Buell, fully expecting that Bragg would fight a decisive battle for the possession of the state, remained inactive for three days for the purpose of concentrating his army. It was fatal to all his hopes, for Bragg had already decided to leave the state, and he utilized the three days in getting away with his immense trains. He had been grievously disappointed in the hope that his army would be largely recruited, and that at least twenty thousand Kentuckians would flock to his standard. But Kentucky had already been well drained of men, furnishing troops by thousands for both sides. From one point of view, the invasion of Kentucky by the Confederates had been a magnificent success. A loss of at least twenty thousand had been inflicted on the Federal armies, while the loss of the Confederate army had not been over one-third of that number. In addition to that, the immense stores gathered and taken South were of inestimable value to the army. But in the chagrin and disappointment over Bragg’s retreat these things were lost sight of and the Confederate general was most bitterly denounced. [pg 132]Calhoun went wild when he heard that the state was to be given up without a decisive battle, that all that had been gained was to go for naught; and his feelings were shared by all Morgan’s men. “It won’t prevent us from visiting the state once in a while,” said Morgan, with a grim smile. As for Judge Pennington, he was so disgusted that although his whole heart was with the South, he gave up all idea of forming a state government loyal to the Confederacy, and remained quiet during the rest of the war. “The armies will have to settle it,” he would say; “we can do nothing here.” One of the first things that Calhoun did after he reached Danville was to see Jennie Freeman and thank her for her timely warning. “It was kind of you, Jennie,” he said, “for I know that you hate the cause for which I am fighting.” “My conscience has hurt me awfully ever since,” replied Jennie, with a toss of her head; “and then I believe you told me an awful fib.” “Why, how is that, Jennie?” asked Calhoun. “You worked on my sympathy, and said if you were caught you would be hanged. The Union forces don’t hang prisoners. They would only have shut you up, and that is what you deserve.” “But, Jennie, I was in disguise; they would have hanged me as a spy.” “Don’t believe it, but I sometimes think half of you Rebels ought to be hanged.” “Oh, Jennie, Jennie! what a bloodthirsty [pg 133] “Thank the Lord, where the old flag yet floats—in Louisville. He will stay there until that rag comes down,” and she pointed to the Confederate flag floating over the courthouse. “Poor girl, never to see her father again,” exclaimed Calhoun, in tones of compassion. “What do you mean?” she asked, turning pale. A sudden fear had come over her; had anything befallen her father? Calhoun saw her mistake. Laughing, he said, “I only meant that flag would never come down.” “Is that all?” she replied, saucily; “you all will be scurrying south like so many rabbits in less than a week.” “Give us ten days.” “No, not an hour more than a week. And mind, if you get caught, you needn’t call on me for help.” “Well, Jennie, don’t let’s quarrel. Perhaps I can return the favor you did me, by helping you some day.” The opportunity came sooner than he expected. The next day Jennie ventured out to visit a sick friend. On her return she had to pass a couple of Confederate officers, one of whom was intoxicated. The other appeared to be reasoning with him, and trying to get him to go to his quarters. As Jennie was hurrying past them, the one who was intoxicated staggered toward her, and leering [pg 134] Jennie turned to flee, but he caught her roughly by the arm. Just as he did so, he was struck a terrific blow in the face, which sent him rolling in the gutter. “Take my arm, Jennie,” said Calhoun, for it was he who struck the blow, “I will see you safe home.” The trembling girl took his arm, saying: “Oh, Calhoun, how glad I am you came! How can I thank you enough! Do you know that dreadful man?” “Yes, I am sorry to say he is a captain in Morgan’s command. His name is Conway. We left him back in Tennessee wounded. But he was able to follow Bragg’s army, and he joined us only yesterday. By the way, it was Fred Shackelford who shot him. He shot him when he got Prince back. Conway was riding Blenheim.” “Oh, Fred told me all about that. Wasn’t that just splendid in him, getting his horse back!” “Where is Fred now?” asked Calhoun. “I don’t know. Did you know General Nelson was shot?” “Shot? Nelson shot?” cried Calhoun. “Where? How?” Jennie had to tell him what little she knew about it. All that she had heard had come from Confederate sources. “Well, Jennie, here you are at home. I feel [pg 135] “I hope that miserable Conway will give you no trouble,” said Jennie, as they parted. “No fears on that score,” lightly replied Calhoun, as he bade her good-bye. But Calhoun well knew there would be trouble. No Kentucky officer would forgive a blow, no matter what the provocation was under which it was given. The blow which Conway received had the effect of sobering him, but he presented a pitiable sight. His face was covered with blood, and one eye was nearly closed. When he knew it was Calhoun that had struck him, his rage was fearful. Nothing but blood would wipe out the insult. For a Kentucky gentleman not to resent a blow meant disgrace and dishonor; he would be looked upon as a contemptible coward. But Conway was no coward. He knew he was in fault, but that would not wipe out the disgrace of the blow. There was but one thing for him to do, and that was to challenge Calhoun. That night Calhoun was waited upon by Captain Mathews, who in the name of Conway demanded an abject apology. This, of course, was refused, and a formal challenge was delivered. Calhoun at once accepted it, and referred Mathews to his friend Lieutenant Matson. “Look here, Pennington,” said Mathews, “I do not want you to think I uphold Conway in what he did. I am no saint, but I never insulted a woman. [pg 136] “And I am willing to give it to him,” answered Calhoun. “The only thing I ask is that the affair be arranged quickly. Let it be to-morrow morning at sunrise. And, Captain, understand that I bear you no grudge. I consider your action perfectly honorable.” Mathews bowed and withdrew. He and Matson quickly arranged the preliminaries. The meeting was to take place at sunrise, in a secluded spot near Danville; the weapons were pistols, the distance fifteen paces. Only one shot was to be allowed. The affair had to be managed with the utmost secrecy; above all things, it had to be kept from the ears of Morgan. But it was whispered from one to another until half the officers knew of it. None blamed Calhoun, yet none could see how Conway could avoid giving the challenge. “Both are dead men,” said an officer, with a grave shake of the head. “Morgan ought to be told; he would stop it.” “Tell Morgan if you dare!” cried half a dozen voices. “Oh, I am not going to tell; if they wish to kill each other it’s none of my business,” replied the officer, turning away. [pg 137]Calhoun was known as the best pistol shot in the brigade, and Conway was no mean marksman. Everyone thought it would be a bloody affair. Many were aware of the enmity which Conway held toward Calhoun, and knew he would kill him if he could. Meanwhile Jennie slept unconscious of the danger Calhoun was in for her sake. It was a beautiful autumn morning when they met. The sun was just rising, touching woods, and fields, and the spires of the distant town with its golden light. The meeting was in a place which Calhoun well knew. How often he had played there when a boy! It was an open glade in the midst of a grove of mighty forest trees. The trees had taken on the beautiful hues of autumn, and they flamed with red and gold and orange. At least twenty had assembled to witness the duel. A surgeon stood near with an open case of instruments at his feet. Many glanced at it, but turned their eyes away quickly. It was too suggestive. The principals were placed in position. A hush came over the little group of spectators. Even the breeze seemed no longer to whisper lovingly among the trees, but took upon itself the wail of a dirge, and a shower of leaves, red as blood, fell around the contestants. “Are you ready, gentlemen?” asked Mathews. “Ready!” answered Calhoun. “Ready!” said Conway. “One—two—three—fire!” [pg 138]Conway’s pistol blazed, and Calhoun felt a slight twinge of pain. The ball had grazed his left side, near the heart, and drawn a few drops of blood. For a moment Calhoun stood, then coolly raised his pistol and fired in the air. The spectators raised a shout of applause; but Conway was white with rage. “I demand another shot,” he shouted, “Pennington’s action has made a farce of this meeting.” “It was the condition that but one shot should be allowed,” remonstrated Mathews. “The condition has not been fulfilled,” angrily replied Conway; “I demand another shot.” In the mean time Matson had gone up to Calhoun, and seeing the hole through his clothing, exclaimed. “My God! are you shot, Lieutenant?” “A mere scratch; it’s nothing,” answered Calhoun. An examination showed it to be so, but blood had been drawn. This should have satisfied Conway, but it did not; he still insisted on a second shot. This the seconds were about to refuse absolutely, when Calhoun asked to be heard. “Although Captain Conway richly deserved the blow I gave him,” he said, “yet as a gentleman and an officer I felt he could do no less than challenge me. I have given him the satisfaction he demanded. If he insists on continuing the duel, I shall conclude it is his desire to kill me through personal malice, not on account of his injured honor, which according to the code has been satisfied. [pg 139] “No! No!” cried a dozen voices. Mathews went up to Conway, and speaking in a low tone, said: “You fool, do you want to be killed? Pennington will kill you as sure as fate, if you insist on the second shot. Now you are out of it honorably.” Conway mumbled something, and Mathews turning around, said: “Gentlemen, my principal acknowledges himself satisfied. It is with pleasure that I compliment both of the principals in this affair. They have conducted themselves like true Kentucky gentlemen, and I trust they will part as such.” “Shake hands, gentlemen, shake hands,” cried their friends, crowding around them. Calhoun gave his freely, but Conway extended his coldly. There was a look in his eye which foreboded future trouble. Such a meeting could not be kept secret, and it soon came to the ears of Morgan. Both of the principals, as well as the seconds were summoned into his presence. He listened to all the details in silence, and then said: “It is well that this affair resulted as it did. If either one of the principals had fallen, the other would have been summarily dealt with. Both of you,” looking at Conway and Calhoun, “were to blame. Lieutenant Pennington should not have struck the blow: no gentleman will tamely submit [pg 140] The men who heard burst into a wild cheer. Each of them was a knight to uphold the honor of woman. As Captain Conway listened to the reprimand, his red face became redder. His heart was full of anger, but he was diplomat enough to listen with becoming humility. To his fellow-officers his plea was intoxication, and in the stirring times which followed, his offence was forgotten. Scouts came dashing into the city with the startling intelligence that a large Federal force was advancing on the place. It was not long before a battle was being waged through the streets. Before an overwhelming force of infantry Morgan had to fall back. Bragg was in full retreat, and to Morgan fell the lot of guarding the rear. “Are you sure?” asked Calhoun, in a trembling voice. “Perfectly sure. I knew him too well to be mistaken. For the sake of his father, I sent word to the overseer of the General’s plantation so that the body could be found, and given Christian burial.” “Thank you,” replied Calhoun, as he turned away with swimming eyes. All his old love for his cousin had returned. There was little heart in Calhoun for battle that day. It was weeks before he learned that Fred was not dead. |
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