CHAPTER IX.
THE DUEL.
IN August, 1862, Cumberland Gap, the gateway between Eastern Kentucky andEast Tennessee, was held by a Federal force of over ten thousand,commanded by General George W. Morgan. It was this force which confrontedGeneral Kirby Smith as he set out to invade Kentucky.
The place being too strong to carry by assault, General Smith left a forcein front of the Gap to menace it, made a flank movement with the rest ofhis army, passed through Roger's Gap unopposed, and without paying anyattention to the force at Cumberland Gap, pushed on with all speed forCentral Kentucky.
At the same time General Bragg made his long-expected advance fromChattanooga, completely deceiving Buell, who first concentrated his armyat Altamont and then at MacMinnville. Bragg marched unopposed up theSequatchie Valley to Sparta. General George H. Thomas had advised Buell tooccupy Sparta, but the advice was rejected. Buell could not, or would not,see that Kentucky was Bragg's objective point. He now believed thatNashville or Murfreesboro was the point of danger, and he concentrated hisarmy at the latter place.
From Sparta General Bragg had marched to Carthage, crossed the CumberlandRiver, and was well on his way to Kentucky before Buell waked up. Braggwas then three days ahead of him. If Bragg had marched straight forLouisville, there would have been no troops to oppose him until he reachedthat place, and Louisville would have fallen. But he stopped to takeMumfordsville, and the delay was fatal. It gave Buell the opportunity toovertake him.
When the forward movement began, Colonel John H. Morgan was ordered toEastern Kentucky to watch the force at Cumberland Gap and prevent it fromfalling on the rear of the army of General Smith. Smith moved rapidly, andon August 29 fought the battle of Richmond, where a Federal force of seventhousand was almost annihilated, only about eight hundred escaping.
By the movements of Smith and Bragg the Federal force at Cumberland Gapwas cut off. For that army the situation was a grave one. In their frontwas General Stevenson with a force too small to attack, but large enoughto keep them from advancing. In their rear were the Confederate armies.They were short of food; starvation stared them in the face. It was eithersurrender or a retreat through the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.
General George W. Morgan called a council of his officers, and it wasdecided to evacuate the Gap and attempt the retreat. The Gap was evacuatedon the night of the 17th of September. All government property which couldnot be carried away was given to the flames. The rough mountain road hadbeen mined, and the mines were exploded to prevent Stevenson fromfollowing. But as Stevenson's force was infantry, it would be of littleavail in following the retreating Federals.
A toilsome march of two hundred and twenty miles over rough mountainousroads lay between the Federals and the Ohio River. To the credit ofGeneral G. W. Morgan be it said, he conducted the retreat with consummateskill. It was expected that a Confederate force in Eastern Kentucky underGeneral Humphrey Marshall would try to cut the Federals off; but Marshallnever appeared, and it was left to the brigade of John H. Morgan to dowhat they could to oppose the retreat. One cavalry brigade could not stopthe progress of ten thousand well-disciplined troops. Day after day Morganhung 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 atGreenupsburg 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 anylonger, without taking any rest he turned the head of his column towardCentral Kentucky, for he knew he would be needed there.
Calhoun could hardly believe his eyes when he saw the change a few weekshad effected. All Central Kentucky had been swept clear of the Federals.Panic-stricken they had fled back to Louisville and Cincinnati, and werecowering in their trenches. Indiana and Ohio were in an agony of fear. Thegovernors were frantically calling on the people to arise _en masse_ andsave their states from invasion.
When the command reached Danville, Calhoun was nearly beside himself withjoy. Over the courthouse floated the Stars and Bars of the South. It wasthe first time Calhoun had ever seen there the flag he loved so well. Witha proud hurrah he dashed up to the door of his father's residence; therewas no one to molest him or make him afraid. From the house of everyfriend 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 wasin Frankfort, helping to form a provisional government for the state. Manyof the more sanguine of the Southern element of the state alreadyconsidered it safe in the Confederacy.
Although his father was not at home, Calhoun received a most joyfulwelcome. "Bress de chile, if he isn't bac' again," cried Aunt Chloe.
"Yes, Chloe," said Calhoun, as he shook her honest black hand, "and now besure 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, willbe here to dine."
But what Morgan's command learned was anything but satisfactory. KirbySmith had advanced to within six miles of Covington, there halted, and atlast fallen back. Bragg, instead of marching direct to Louisville, hadturned aside to Bardstown, allowing Buell's army to enter the city ofLouisville unopposed. There Buell had been joined by twenty thousand freshtroops. Clothing and refitting his men, he had turned, and was nowmarching on Bardstown. A great battle might be fought any day. In fact, itwas reported that Bragg had already abandoned Bardstown and was marchingin the direction of Danville or Harrodsburg.
"I don't like it at all," said Morgan. "Our generals have already let thegolden opportunity pass. But there is still hope. With the armies of Braggand Smith united, they should be strong enough to give battle and crushBuell."
So good was the dinner and so animated the discussion, that it was late inthe afternoon when they arose from the table. As they came out Morgansuddenly stopped and said, "Hark!"
Away in the northwest, in the direction of Perryville, the dull heavybooming of cannon was heard. They listened and the dull roar, like distantthunder, was continuous.
"A battle is being fought," they said, in low tones; "May God favor theright!"
At Perryville the forces of Buell and Bragg had met, and were engaged indeadly strife. Until nightfall the heavy dull roar was heard, and then itdied away. Which army had been victorious? They could not tell.
After the battle of Perryville, Buell, fully expecting that Bragg wouldfight a decisive battle for the possession of the state, remained inactivefor three days for the purpose of concentrating his army. It was fatal toall his hopes, for Bragg had already decided to leave the state, and heutilized the three days in getting away with his immense trains. He hadbeen grievously disappointed in the hope that his army would be largelyrecruited, and that at least twenty thousand Kentuckians would flock tohis 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 hadbeen a magnificent success. A loss of at least twenty thousand had beeninflicted on the Federal armies, while the loss of the Confederate armyhad not been over one-third of that number. In addition to that, theimmense stores gathered and taken South were of inestimable value to thearmy. But in the chagrin and disappointment over Bragg's retreat thesethings were lost sight of and the Confederate general was most bitterlydenounced.
Calhoun went wild when he heard that the state was to be given up withouta decisive battle, that all that had been gained was to go for naught; andhis feelings were shared by all Morgan's men.
"It won't prevent us from visiting the state once in a while," saidMo
rgan, with a grim smile.
As for Judge Pennington, he was so disgusted that although his whole heartwas with the South, he gave up all idea of forming a state governmentloyal 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 nothinghere."
One of the first things that Calhoun did after he reached Danville was tosee Jennie Freeman and thank her for her timely warning. "It was kind ofyou, Jennie," he said, "for I know that you hate the cause for which I amfighting."
"My conscience has hurt me awfully ever since," replied Jennie, with atoss 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 behanged. The Union forces don't hang prisoners. They would only have shutyou 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 behanged."
"Oh, Jennie, Jennie! what a bloodthirsty creature you have grown! Butwhere is your father?"
"Thank the Lord, where the old flag yet floats--in Louisville. He will staythere until that rag comes down," and she pointed to the Confederate flagfloating over the courthouse.
"Poor girl, never to see her father again," exclaimed Calhoun, in tones ofcompassion.
"What do you mean?" she asked, turning pale. A sudden fear had come overher; had anything befallen her father?
Calhoun saw her mistake. Laughing, he said, "I only meant that flag wouldnever come down."
"Is that all?" she replied, saucily; "you all will be scurrying south likeso 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, youneedn't call on me for help."
"Well, Jennie, don't let's quarrel. Perhaps I can return the favor you didme, by helping you some day."
The opportunity came sooner than he expected. The next day Jennie venturedout to visit a sick friend. On her return she had to pass a couple ofConfederate officers, one of whom was intoxicated. The other appeared tobe reasoning with him, and trying to get him to go to his quarters.
As Jennie was hurrying past them, the one who was intoxicated staggeredtoward her, and leering at her, exclaimed, "How--how do, pretty one? Giveme a--a kiss!"
Jennie turned to flee, but he caught her roughly by the arm. Just as hedid so, he was struck a terrific blow in the face, which sent him rollingin the gutter.
"Take my arm, Jennie," said Calhoun, for it was he who struck the blow, "Iwill see you safe home."
The trembling girl took his arm, saying: "Oh, Calhoun, how glad I am youcame! 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 isConway. We left him back in Tennessee wounded. But he was able to followBragg's army, and he joined us only yesterday. By the way, it was FredShackelford who shot him. He shot him when he got Prince back. Conway wasriding 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 hadheard had come from Confederate sources.
"Well, Jennie, here you are at home. I feel ashamed. It is the first timeI ever knew one of Morgan's men to insult a woman."
"I hope that miserable Conway will give you no trouble," said Jennie, asthey parted.
"No fears on that score," lightly replied Calhoun, as he bade hergood-bye.
But Calhoun well knew there would be trouble. No Kentucky officer wouldforgive a blow, no matter what the provocation was under which it wasgiven.
The blow which Conway received had the effect of sobering him, but hepresented a pitiable sight. His face was covered with blood, and one eyewas nearly closed. When he knew it was Calhoun that had struck him, hisrage was fearful. Nothing but blood would wipe out the insult. For aKentucky gentleman not to resent a blow meant disgrace and dishonor; hewould 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 theblow. There was but one thing for him to do, and that was to challengeCalhoun.
That night Calhoun was waited upon by Captain Mathews, who in the name ofConway demanded an abject apology. This, of course, was refused, and aformal challenge was delivered. Calhoun at once accepted it, and referredMathews to his friend Lieutenant Matson.
"Look here, Pennington," said Mathews, "I do not want you to think Iuphold Conway in what he did. I am no saint, but I never insulted a woman.Conway would not have done it if he had not been drunk. I was just goingto the lady's rescue when you struck the blow. There was no need ofknocking Conway down. I understand the girl is a Lincolnite, but thatmakes no difference, Conway is right in demanding satisfaction."
"And I am willing to give it to him," answered Calhoun. "The only thing Iask is that the affair be arranged quickly. Let it be to-morrow morning atsunrise. And, Captain, understand that I bear you no grudge. I consideryour action perfectly honorable."
Mathews bowed and withdrew. He and Matson quickly arranged thepreliminaries. The meeting was to take place at sunrise, in a secludedspot near Danville; the weapons were pistols, the distance fifteen paces.Only one shot was to be allowed. The affair had to be managed with theutmost secrecy; above all things, it had to be kept from the ears ofMorgan. But it was whispered from one to another until half the officersknew of it. None blamed Calhoun, yet none could see how Conway could avoidgiving 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 ofmy business," replied the officer, turning away.
Calhoun was known as the best pistol shot in the brigade, and Conway wasno mean marksman. Everyone thought it would be a bloody affair. Many wereaware of the enmity which Conway held toward Calhoun, and knew he wouldkill him if he could. Meanwhile Jennie slept unconscious of the dangerCalhoun 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 itsgolden light. The meeting was in a place which Calhoun well knew. Howoften he had played there when a boy! It was an open glade in the midst ofa grove of mighty forest trees. The trees had taken on the beautiful huesof autumn, and they flamed with red and gold and orange.
At least twenty had assembled to witness the duel. A surgeon stood nearwith an open case of instruments at his feet. Many glanced at it, butturned their eyes away quickly. It was too suggestive.
The principals were placed in position. A hush came over the little groupof spectators. Even the breeze seemed no longer to whisper lovingly amongthe trees, but took upon itself the wail of a dirge, and a shower ofleaves, red as blood, fell around the contestants.
"Are you ready, gentlemen?" asked Mathews.
"Ready!" answered Calhoun.
"Ready!" said Conway.
"One--two--three--fire!"
Conway's pistol blazed, and Calhoun felt a slight twinge of pain. The ballhad 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 theair.
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 farceof this meeting."
"It was the condition that but one shot should be allowed," remonstratedMathews.
"The condition has not been fulfilled," angrily replied Conway; "I demandanother shot."
In the mean time Matson had gone up to Calhoun, and seeing the holethrough 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 shouldhave 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 beheard.
"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 thanchallenge me. I have given him the satisfaction he demanded. If he insistson continuing the duel, I shall conclude it is his desire to kill methrough personal malice, not on account of his injured honor, whichaccording to the code has been satisfied. This time there will be nofiring in the air. Give him the second shot, if he desires it."
"No! No!" cried a dozen voices.
Mathews went up to Conway, and speaking in a low tone, said: "You fool, doyou want to be killed? Pennington will kill you as sure as fate, if youinsist on the second shot. Now you are out of it honorably."
Conway mumbled something, and Mathews turning around, said: "Gentlemen, myprincipal acknowledges himself satisfied. It is with pleasure that Icompliment both of the principals in this affair. They have conductedthemselves like true Kentucky gentlemen, and I trust they will part assuch."
"Shake hands, gentlemen, shake hands," cried their friends, crowdingaround them.
Calhoun gave his freely, but Conway extended his coldly. There was a lookin his eye which foreboded future trouble.
Such a meeting could not be kept secret, and it soon came to the ears ofMorgan. Both of the principals, as well as the seconds were summoned intohis 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 theprincipals had fallen, the other would have been summarily dealt with.Both of you," looking at Conway and Calhoun, "were to blame. LieutenantPennington should not have struck the blow: no gentleman will tamelysubmit to the indignity of a blow. As for you, Captain Conway, I amsurprised that you, one of my officers, should insult a lady. If thisoffence is ever repeated, intoxication will be no plea in its extenuation.Heretofore it has been our proud boast that where Morgan's men are thereany lady, be she for North or South, is as safe as in her own home. Let ussee that it will always be so."
The men who heard burst into a wild cheer. Each of them was a knight touphold 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 withbecoming humility. To his fellow-officers his plea was intoxication, andin the stirring times which followed, his offence was forgotten.
Scouts came dashing into the city with the startling intelligence that alarge Federal force was advancing on the place. It was not long before abattle was being waged through the streets. Before an overwhelming forceof infantry Morgan had to fall back.
Bragg was in full retreat, and to Morgan fell the lot of guarding therear. As they were falling back from Camp Dick Robinson, Calhoun met aMajor Hockoday, who to him was the bearer of sad news. The Major said thatthat morning his men pursued a Federal scout who had ventured inside theirlines. In his effort to escape he had fallen over the cliff of Dick River,and been killed. "And I am sorry to say," added the Major, "that thatscout was your cousin, Captain Fred Shackelford."
"Are you sure?" asked Calhoun, in a trembling voice.
"Perfectly sure. I knew him too well to be mistaken. For the sake of hisfather, I sent word to the overseer of the General's plantation so thatthe body could be found, and given Christian burial."
"Thank you," replied Calhoun, as he turned away with swimming eyes. Allhis old love for his cousin had returned. There was little heart inCalhoun for battle that day. It was weeks before he learned that Fred wasnot dead.
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