American Life Histories
Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project
1936-1940

Contents

Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Louisiana
Missouri
South Carolina
Utah
Washington

Check for local history books about your town

or search Amazon.com
from here
 

Search Now:

Morgan's Raid
Memories of Mr. J.C. Lanham

Mr. Lanham is an old gentleman now living in Madison, at the time of Morgan's Raid he was living seven miles east of the actual march. However, as he told me, near enough for the community to be greatly excited especially as there were a number of Southern sympathizers among the group.

Many thought Morgan was taking the horses and firearms in order to equip Confederate prisoners held at Indianapolis. Some feared if he should reach the capital, that Indiana would be doomed. No favors were shown to the sympathizers.

One of Mr. Lanham's favorite incidents is that of "Woody" Copeland who lived on the Michigan road. Mr. Copeland had fine horses and a few firearms. The raiders came by and relieved him of his valuable stocks and one gun, overlooking an old musket in the search. Mr. Copeland was so excited that he sent after them to tell that they had omitted a musket. Morgan sent back for the weapon and continued on his way.

Hobson was so hot on his trail that Morgan made his escape into Ohio then across into Kentucky where he could be more comfortable.

At this time Madison was filled with home guards but they put up no opposition to the Rebel Raiders. (A)

Grace Monroe
Dist. 4, Jefferson County
Reference (A): Mr. J. C. Lanham, Madison, Indiana

Text from: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, WPA Federal Writers' Project Collection