Northwest ConspiracyNorthwest Conspiracy

Raids on Indiana and Panic Raids on Indiana and Panic from withinfrom within

Governor MortonGovernor Morton

Born August 4, 1823(1823-08-04)Wayne County, Indiana, USA Died November 1, 1877 (aged 54)Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Political party Republican Spouse(s) Lucinda Burbank Morton Alma mater Miami UniversityCincinnati College

13th 13th Lieutenant Governor of IndianaLieutenant Governor of Indiana In officeIn officeJanuary 14, 1861 – January 16, 1861 January 14, 1861 – January 16, 1861 Governor Governor Henry Smith LaneHenry Smith Lane

Replaces Lane when he is appointed Replaces Lane when he is appointed SenatorSenator

14th 14th Governor of IndianaGovernor of Indiana In office In officeJanuary 16, 1861 – January 23, 1867 January 16, 1861 – January 23, 1867 LieutenantLieutenant John R. Cravens (John R. Cravens (actingacting))

Conflict with the General Conflict with the General AssemblyAssembly

Morton was able to keep the state Morton was able to keep the state united during the first phase of the united during the first phase of the war, but once war, but once emancipationemancipation became became an issue in 1862 the Republicans an issue in 1862 the Republicans suffered a major defeat in the mid-suffered a major defeat in the mid-term elections, and he lost the term elections, and he lost the support of the strong Democrat support of the strong Democrat majority in the legislature. majority in the legislature.

Secret enemies had succeeded, “by the most Secret enemies had succeeded, “by the most unscrupulous means”, in securing the unscrupulous means”, in securing the election, on what was familiarly known as the election, on what was familiarly known as the "butternut ticket," of a Legislature principally "butternut ticket," of a Legislature principally composed of men determinedly opposed to composed of men determinedly opposed to the prosecution of the war, and who had the prosecution of the war, and who had deliberately sought seats in that body for the deliberately sought seats in that body for the purpose of thwarting all loyal effort, and purpose of thwarting all loyal effort, and encouraging the cause of rebellion. These encouraging the cause of rebellion. These men, from the first, evinced a fixed men, from the first, evinced a fixed determination to insult the executive of the determination to insult the executive of the State, deprive him of all power, and seize in State, deprive him of all power, and seize in their own hands the entire control of every their own hands the entire control of every department of the State government. department of the State government.

Before the new legislature had met, Before the new legislature had met, Morton began circulating reports that Morton began circulating reports that they intended to secede from the they intended to secede from the Union, instigate riots, and were Union, instigate riots, and were harboring southern spies. The harboring southern spies. The atmosphere created by the accusations atmosphere created by the accusations only worsened tensions between the only worsened tensions between the two parties and guaranteed a two parties and guaranteed a confrontation, which was probably confrontation, which was probably already inevitablealready inevitable

Morton had already made several Morton had already made several unconstitutional moves, including the unconstitutional moves, including the establishment of the state arsenal and the establishment of the state arsenal and the Democrats decided to attempt to reign him Democrats decided to attempt to reign him in. When the legislature sought to remove in. When the legislature sought to remove the state militia from his command and the state militia from his command and transfer it to a state board of Democratic transfer it to a state board of Democratic commissioners, Morton immediately broke commissioners, Morton immediately broke up the General Assembly. He feared that up the General Assembly. He feared that once in control of militia, the Democrats once in control of militia, the Democrats may attempt to overthrow him and secede may attempt to overthrow him and secede from then Union. from then Union.

The depression of the public mind The depression of the public mind during the winter of 1861-62, seemed during the winter of 1861-62, seemed only to rouse Governor Morton to still only to rouse Governor Morton to still greater resolutions and endeavorsgreater resolutions and endeavors

There was considerable rage among There was considerable rage among the Democrats, who launched a vicious the Democrats, who launched a vicious attack on Morton who responded by attack on Morton who responded by accusing them of treason.accusing them of treason.

About the commencement of the year, a wide-About the commencement of the year, a wide-spread and formidable western conspiracy, in aid spread and formidable western conspiracy, in aid of the Southern Rebellion, was discovered to exist of the Southern Rebellion, was discovered to exist in most of the loyal States, known, in some in most of the loyal States, known, in some places, as the "Star in the West," in others, as the places, as the "Star in the West," in others, as the " Self Protecting Brothers," " Sons of Liberty," " Self Protecting Brothers," " Sons of Liberty," etc., but most generally, as " The Order of etc., but most generally, as " The Order of American Knights," in affiliation with the southern American Knights," in affiliation with the southern society of " Knights of the Golden Circle." The society of " Knights of the Golden Circle." The order became quite popular in the southern order became quite popular in the southern counties of Indiana, and its members were counties of Indiana, and its members were especially virulent in denunciation of the especially virulent in denunciation of the administration, the "abolition war," and Governor administration, the "abolition war," and Governor Morton.Morton.

Democratic accusationsDemocratic accusations Against him they especially charged that he Against him they especially charged that he

was instrumental in procuring the imposition, was instrumental in procuring the imposition, by Congress, of oppressive taxation; and, by Congress, of oppressive taxation; and, also, corruption in the appointment of the first also, corruption in the appointment of the first State quartermaster-general; they had the State quartermaster-general; they had the “meanness” to accuse Governor Morton of “meanness” to accuse Governor Morton of appropriating, secretly, to his own use, the appropriating, secretly, to his own use, the county and personal donations made to county and personal donations made to soldiers in camp ; although, the governor, as soldiers in camp ; although, the governor, as was well known, had borrowed on his own was well known, had borrowed on his own responsibility $600,000, with which he had responsibility $600,000, with which he had paid bounties to regiments, which had paid bounties to regiments, which had refused to obey marching orders, unless they refused to obey marching orders, unless they received the money.received the money.

Following the suppression of the General Assembly in Following the suppression of the General Assembly in 1862, Morton asked General 1862, Morton asked General Henry B. CarringtonHenry B. Carrington for for assistance organizing the state's levies for service. assistance organizing the state's levies for service. Morton established an intelligence network headed Morton established an intelligence network headed by Carrington to deal with rebel sympathizers, the by Carrington to deal with rebel sympathizers, the Knights of the Golden CircleKnights of the Golden Circle, Democrats, and anyone , Democrats, and anyone opposed the Union war effort. While Carrington opposed the Union war effort. While Carrington succeeded in keeping the state secure, his succeeded in keeping the state secure, his operatives also carried out arbitrary arrests, operatives also carried out arbitrary arrests, suppressed freedom of speech and freedom of suppressed freedom of speech and freedom of association, and generally maintained a repressive association, and generally maintained a repressive control of southern-sympathetic minority His control of southern-sympathetic minority His intelligence sources were recruited from disgruntled intelligence sources were recruited from disgruntled officials and unsolicited informers who gathered officials and unsolicited informers who gathered hearsay and unreliable information generally more hearsay and unreliable information generally more valuable for political than military uses. valuable for political than military uses.

The Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) was a pre–The Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) was a pre–Civil War, pro-Southern secret society founded in Civil War, pro-Southern secret society founded in Ohio in 1854 by George W. L. Bickley, a Ohio in 1854 by George W. L. Bickley, a VirginianVirginian, , who soon moved the who soon moved the KGCKGC to the South. Members to the South. Members were known as Copperheads. Wishing to extend were known as Copperheads. Wishing to extend slavery into Mexico and to form a country that slavery into Mexico and to form a country that surrounded the Gulf of Mexico, a "golden circle," surrounded the Gulf of Mexico, a "golden circle," they opposed abolition and fought for they opposed abolition and fought for secessionsecession. . KGC was reorganized in 1863 as the Order of KGC was reorganized in 1863 as the Order of American Knights, and again in 1864 as the Order American Knights, and again in 1864 as the Order of the Sons of Liberty. Republicans tried to of the Sons of Liberty. Republicans tried to discredit Democrats by associating them with the discredit Democrats by associating them with the KGC; their efforts failed, making themselves look KGC; their efforts failed, making themselves look bad instead. bad instead.

   The American Civil War had been ravaging the United The American Civil War had been ravaging the United States for three years in 1863, and there was already States for three years in 1863, and there was already widespread opposition to it, much of it in the Old Northwest, widespread opposition to it, much of it in the Old Northwest, the area compromising of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and the area compromising of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. It had much sympathy for the Sons of Liberty- a Kentucky. It had much sympathy for the Sons of Liberty- a pro-Confederate organization operating in Kentucky. There pro-Confederate organization operating in Kentucky. There was no man, more opposed to the War, and the Lincoln was no man, more opposed to the War, and the Lincoln Administration as a whole than Ohio Congressman Clement Administration as a whole than Ohio Congressman Clement Vallandigham (D-OH).Vallandigham (D-OH).

    President Lincoln was so troubled by the President Lincoln was so troubled by the increasing opposition to this War in Ohio that he increasing opposition to this War in Ohio that he ordered General Ambrose Burnside to take ordered General Ambrose Burnside to take command of the Military District of Ohio, Burnside command of the Military District of Ohio, Burnside was a rabid-anti Copperhead, and issued General was a rabid-anti Copperhead, and issued General Order 38, making sympathy for the Confederate Order 38, making sympathy for the Confederate States illegal. That did not Stop Congressman States illegal. That did not Stop Congressman Vallandigham. Vallandigham made an impassioned Vallandigham. Vallandigham made an impassioned speech, to many thousands of Ohio Democrats in speech, to many thousands of Ohio Democrats in Cleveland, Ohio. He denounced the War as a war to Cleveland, Ohio. He denounced the War as a war to "free Southern blacks, but enslave Southern "free Southern blacks, but enslave Southern Whites", and called for Abraham Lincoln's Whites", and called for Abraham Lincoln's impeachment. That was the last straw for Burnside, impeachment. That was the last straw for Burnside, and Vallandigham was arrested by Federal Soldiers and Vallandigham was arrested by Federal Soldiers

Vallandigham was personally against Vallandigham was personally against Slavery, but viewed it as a right to Slavery, but viewed it as a right to the South. That belief was the South. That belief was widespread around the Northwest.  widespread around the Northwest. 

He had been sentenced to Prison for two He had been sentenced to Prison for two years, but instead decided to banish him to years, but instead decided to banish him to Confederate Tennessee. Vallandigham did Confederate Tennessee. Vallandigham did not stay long, the Confederacy had stashed not stay long, the Confederacy had stashed him to Canada on a steamer, where him to Canada on a steamer, where Vallandigham declared his intention to run Vallandigham declared his intention to run for Governor of Ohio. Ohio Democrats, for Governor of Ohio. Ohio Democrats, outraged at Vallandigham's treatment by outraged at Vallandigham's treatment by Lincoln, easily nominated him for Governor.Lincoln, easily nominated him for Governor.

  The Democratic Party set its Convention destination to be The Democratic Party set its Convention destination to be Chicago, Illinois. George McClellan seemed to be the only nominee Chicago, Illinois. George McClellan seemed to be the only nominee all factions could seem to agree on. But one surprise guest shook all factions could seem to agree on. But one surprise guest shook it up- Clement Vallandigham, the Democratic Governor of Ohio. it up- Clement Vallandigham, the Democratic Governor of Ohio. Vallandigham took the stage, declaring his candidacy, and giving Vallandigham took the stage, declaring his candidacy, and giving an impassioned speech against the War, and Lincoln. He even an impassioned speech against the War, and Lincoln. He even went as far to say that if Lincoln did not negotiate with the went as far to say that if Lincoln did not negotiate with the Confederacy, Ohio should leave the Union as well. When Lincoln Confederacy, Ohio should leave the Union as well. When Lincoln took word of this, he took drastic measures. Twenty Pinkerton took word of this, he took drastic measures. Twenty Pinkerton Agents were dispatched to arrest the Ohio Governor. Agents were dispatched to arrest the Ohio Governor.

Morton and Carrington worked to forestall the Morton and Carrington worked to forestall the Order’s activities in that state and Kentucky. Their Order’s activities in that state and Kentucky. Their star spy was Felix G. Stidger of Kentucky who star spy was Felix G. Stidger of Kentucky who managed to get himself named Grand Secretary of managed to get himself named Grand Secretary of the Order for Kentucky and worked closely with the the Order for Kentucky and worked closely with the leaders of both states. Stidger reports that Dr. leaders of both states. Stidger reports that Dr. William A. Bowles, a “General” of the Order for William A. Bowles, a “General” of the Order for Indiana, disclosed to him the goals of the conspiracyIndiana, disclosed to him the goals of the conspiracy

He told me that the forces of Indiana and Ohio would He told me that the forces of Indiana and Ohio would concentrate in Kentucky, and make Kentucky their concentrate in Kentucky, and make Kentucky their battle-ground, and that the forces of Illinois would battle-ground, and that the forces of Illinois would proceed to St. Louis, and cooperate with those of proceed to St. Louis, and cooperate with those of Missouri; that Illinois would furnish 50,000 men, Missouri; that Illinois would furnish 50,000 men, Missouri 30,000 men, and that the rebel General Missouri 30,000 men, and that the rebel General Sterling Price would invade Missouri with 20,000 Sterling Price would invade Missouri with 20,000 troops, and that with the 100,000 men they could troops, and that with the 100,000 men they could occupy and permanently hold Missouri. . .occupy and permanently hold Missouri. . .

NORTHWEST NORTHWEST CONSPIRACY.CONSPIRACY.

Military reversals in 1863–1864 led Military reversals in 1863–1864 led Confederates to promote insurrection in the Confederates to promote insurrection in the Northwest. The plan relied on the Sons of Northwest. The plan relied on the Sons of Liberty and other Northern sympathizers Liberty and other Northern sympathizers and called for the liberation of Confederate and called for the liberation of Confederate prisoners from northern prison camps. prisoners from northern prison camps. Insurrectionists would use weapons from Insurrectionists would use weapons from federal arsenals to arm themselves and federal arsenals to arm themselves and overthrow the governments of Ohio, overthrow the governments of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. With a Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. With a Northwestern confederacy allied with the Northwestern confederacy allied with the pre-existing Confederate states, a pre-existing Confederate states, a dismembered North would be forced to dismembered North would be forced to surrender. surrender.

Stidger’s work would result in the breaking up Stidger’s work would result in the breaking up of the Order in Indiana and Kentucky, with most of the Order in Indiana and Kentucky, with most of the leaders arrested in August of 1864. of the leaders arrested in August of 1864. Several, including Bowles, would be sentenced Several, including Bowles, would be sentenced to death by a military commission in to death by a military commission in Indianapolis later that year, but would escape Indianapolis later that year, but would escape the hangman by presidential intervention. the hangman by presidential intervention. Tucker’s “head of land operations”, Dick Barret, Tucker’s “head of land operations”, Dick Barret, would be listed as one of the co-conspirators in would be listed as one of the co-conspirators in the charges against Harrison H. Dodd of the charges against Harrison H. Dodd of Indiana, Grand Commander of the Order for that Indiana, Grand Commander of the Order for that state. Dodd did not require presidential state. Dodd did not require presidential clemency, however, as he escaped from custody clemency, however, as he escaped from custody and fled to Canada during the trial.and fled to Canada during the trial.

Pro Lincoln Copperhead Pro Lincoln Copperhead CartoonCartoon

Call to ArmsCall to Arms

"So boys answer when we call; "So boys answer when we call; make our legions strong.make our legions strong.     Knights of the Golden Circle      Knights of the Golden Circle come and join the Rebel throng.come and join the Rebel throng.     We'll raise the banner high      We'll raise the banner high once more and give the rebel once more and give the rebel yell;yell;      Come follow us to victory or       Come follow us to victory or march with us through hell."march with us through hell."

MORGAN'S RAIDERS!MORGAN'S RAIDERS!  They're headed this way!They're headed this way!  Hide the Horses!   Women & Hide the Horses!   Women &

Children, too!Children, too!  Men, gather your weapons!Men, gather your weapons!

Those words of warning Those words of warning spread throughout spread throughout southern Indiana and as southern Indiana and as far north as Indianapolis far north as Indianapolis in the heat of early July in the heat of early July 1863.  The Civil War was 1863.  The Civil War was headed north into Indiana headed north into Indiana under the command of under the command of General John Hunt General John Hunt Morgan and his band of Morgan and his band of 2,000 cavalrymen.  They 2,000 cavalrymen.  They were known as Morgan's were known as Morgan's Raiders! Raiders!

Morgan’s Raiders route

The Raid BeginsThe Raid Begins

Morgan had sent spy Morgan had sent spy Thomas HinesThomas Hines and a party and a party of 25 Confederates (posing as a Union patrol) on of 25 Confederates (posing as a Union patrol) on a a secret mission into Indianasecret mission into Indiana in June to determine in June to determine if the local Copperheads would support or join if the local Copperheads would support or join Morgan's impending raid. After visiting the local Morgan's impending raid. After visiting the local Copperhead leader, Dr. William A. Bowles, Hines Copperhead leader, Dr. William A. Bowles, Hines learned that no desired support would be learned that no desired support would be forthcoming. He and his scouts were soon forthcoming. He and his scouts were soon identified as actually being Confederates, and, in identified as actually being Confederates, and, in a small skirmish near Leavenworth, Indiana, a small skirmish near Leavenworth, Indiana, Hines had to abandon his men as he swam across Hines had to abandon his men as he swam across the Ohio River under gunfire. He wandered the Ohio River under gunfire. He wandered around Kentucky for a week seeking information around Kentucky for a week seeking information on Morgan's whereabouts.on Morgan's whereabouts.

Hines RaidHines Raid

By now reduced to 1,800 men, Morgan's main By now reduced to 1,800 men, Morgan's main

column had arrived on the morning of July 8 at column had arrived on the morning of July 8 at Brandenburg, KentuckyBrandenburg, Kentucky, a small town along the Ohio , a small town along the Ohio River, where Hines rejoined them. Here, the raiders River, where Hines rejoined them. Here, the raiders seized two seized two steamboatssteamboats, the , the John B. McCombsJohn B. McCombs and and the the Alice DeanAlice Dean. Morgan, against Bragg's strict . Morgan, against Bragg's strict orders, transported his command across the river to orders, transported his command across the river to Indiana, landing just east of Indiana, landing just east of MauckportMauckport. A small . A small company of Indiana company of Indiana home guardshome guards contested the contested the crossing with an crossing with an artillery pieceartillery piece, as did a , as did a riverboatriverboat carrying a six-pounder. Morgan chased off the local carrying a six-pounder. Morgan chased off the local defenders, capturing a sizeable portion as well as defenders, capturing a sizeable portion as well as their guns. After burning the their guns. After burning the Alice DeanAlice Dean and sending and sending the the John B. McCombsJohn B. McCombs downriver with instructions not downriver with instructions not to pursue him, Morgan headed away from the river.to pursue him, Morgan headed away from the river.

Captured steamboatsCaptured steamboats

GovernorGovernor Oliver P. MortonOliver P. Morton worked feverishly to worked feverishly to organize Indiana's defense, calling for able-bodied organize Indiana's defense, calling for able-bodied men to take up arms and form militia companies. men to take up arms and form militia companies. Thousands responded and organized themselves into Thousands responded and organized themselves into companies and regiments. companies and regiments. Col.Col. Lewis Jordan took Lewis Jordan took command of the 450 members of the command of the 450 members of the Harrison CountyHarrison County Home Guard (Sixth Regiment, Home Guard (Sixth Regiment, Indiana Legion), consisting of poorly trained civilians Indiana Legion), consisting of poorly trained civilians with a motley collection of arms. His goal was to with a motley collection of arms. His goal was to delay Morgan long enough for Union reinforcements delay Morgan long enough for Union reinforcements to arrive.to arrive.

Maj. Gen.Maj. Gen. Ambrose BurnsideAmbrose Burnside, commander of the , commander of the Department of the OhioDepartment of the Ohio with headquarters in with headquarters in Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, Ohio, quickly organized local Federal , quickly organized local Federal troops and home militia to cut off Morgan's routes troops and home militia to cut off Morgan's routes back to the South. Morgan headed northward on back to the South. Morgan headed northward on Mauckport Road, with another brother, Col. Richard Mauckport Road, with another brother, Col. Richard Morgan, leading the forward elements. On July 9, one Morgan, leading the forward elements. On July 9, one mile south of mile south of CorydonCorydon, the , the county seatcounty seat of Harrison of Harrison County, his advance guard encountered Jordan's County, his advance guard encountered Jordan's small force, drawn in a battle line behind a hastily small force, drawn in a battle line behind a hastily thrown up thrown up barricadebarricade of logs. of logs.

Battle of CorydonBattle of Corydon Unaware of the size of the invading army, four Unaware of the size of the invading army, four

companies of the 6th and 8th Regiments of the companies of the 6th and 8th Regiments of the Legion, totaling about one hundred men, Legion, totaling about one hundred men, attempted to prevent the attempted to prevent the ConfederatesConfederates from from crossing the crossing the Ohio RiverOhio River into Indiana, but were into Indiana, but were overcome by superior artillery fire, killing two of overcome by superior artillery fire, killing two of the defenders. The units retreated northward the defenders. The units retreated northward where they met with the main body of the 6th where they met with the main body of the 6th Regiment under the command of Col. Lewis Regiment under the command of Col. Lewis Jordan. Along with the townspeople, they Jordan. Along with the townspeople, they constructed breastworks that formed a defensive constructed breastworks that formed a defensive line south of Corydon. Despite promises of line south of Corydon. Despite promises of reinforcements from regional Legion commanders reinforcements from regional Legion commanders in in New AlbanyNew Albany, only about 450 men (consisting , only about 450 men (consisting almost entirely of locals) were defending the town. almost entirely of locals) were defending the town.

Nearing CorydonNearing Corydon As the raiders approached from the south, the As the raiders approached from the south, the

advance elements formed a battle line and advance elements formed a battle line and launched a launched a frontal attackfrontal attack and an unsuccessful and an unsuccessful flanking movementflanking movement against the east side of against the east side of the Legion's works. Reinforcements and the Legion's works. Reinforcements and artillery soon arrived with the main body of artillery soon arrived with the main body of Confederate troops, giving the attackers a Confederate troops, giving the attackers a strong numerical superiority. With the support strong numerical superiority. With the support of the artillery, a of the artillery, a pincer movementpincer movement caused caused the Legion to abandon their position to avoid the Legion to abandon their position to avoid being surrounded. A large part of the Legion being surrounded. A large part of the Legion were captured as they attempted to escape were captured as they attempted to escape from the town, while Col. Jordon and others from the town, while Col. Jordon and others regrouped downtown regrouped downtown

Battle setBattle set

SurrenderSurrender

Confederates then seized the Confederates then seized the Legion's commissary supplies on the Legion's commissary supplies on the edge of town, and fired two warning edge of town, and fired two warning shots into the downtown from their shots into the downtown from their artillery, convincing Jordan that artillery, convincing Jordan that continued resistance was futile and continued resistance was futile and leading him to surrender his force leading him to surrender his force and Corydon. and Corydon.

Although the short battle cost the Although the short battle cost the cavalry twice as many casualties as cavalry twice as many casualties as the outnumbered militia units, the the outnumbered militia units, the battle resulted in a Confederate battle resulted in a Confederate victory, which enabled victory, which enabled Brig. Gen.Brig. Gen. John Hunt MorganJohn Hunt Morgan to secure supplies to secure supplies and money before continuing his raid and money before continuing his raid through Indiana and into through Indiana and into OhioOhio. .

Morgan's soldiers then traveled east Morgan's soldiers then traveled east and reached Vienna on July 10, where and reached Vienna on July 10, where they burned a railroad bridge and they burned a railroad bridge and depot, and tapped a telegraph line. depot, and tapped a telegraph line. After spending the night in Lexington, After spending the night in Lexington, they headed to the northeast, they headed to the northeast, terrorizing the small towns along the terrorizing the small towns along the way, including Vernon, Dupont, New way, including Vernon, Dupont, New Pekin, Salem, and Versailles.Pekin, Salem, and Versailles.

Leaving Corydon

In Versailles a group of freebooters In Versailles a group of freebooters invaded the local Masonic Lodge and invaded the local Masonic Lodge and lifted the Lodge's silver coin jewelry. lifted the Lodge's silver coin jewelry. Morgan, himself a Mason, ordered Morgan, himself a Mason, ordered the jewels returned, punishing the the jewels returned, punishing the thievery of his own men.thievery of his own men.

On July 11, while crossing Blue River On July 11, while crossing Blue River near New Pekin, Confederate Capt. near New Pekin, Confederate Capt. William J. Davis and some of his men William J. Davis and some of his men were captured by 73rd Indiana were captured by 73rd Indiana Infantry and a detachment of the 5th Infantry and a detachment of the 5th U.S. Regulars. Davis and several U.S. Regulars. Davis and several other soldiers were taken to New other soldiers were taken to New Albany and secured in the county jail.Albany and secured in the county jail.

Entering Salem the next day, Morgan Entering Salem the next day, Morgan immediately took possession of the town immediately took possession of the town and placed guards over the stores and and placed guards over the stores and streets. His cavalrymen burned the large streets. His cavalrymen burned the large brick depot, along with all the railcars on brick depot, along with all the railcars on the track and the railroad bridges on each the track and the railroad bridges on each side of town. They demanded taxes from side of town. They demanded taxes from area flour and grist mills. After looting area flour and grist mills. After looting stores and taking about $500, they stores and taking about $500, they departed in the afternoon. Morgan finally departed in the afternoon. Morgan finally left Indiana at left Indiana at HarrisonHarrison, closely pursued by , closely pursued by Federal cavalryFederal cavalry

Morgan's raid almost ended on July 19, Morgan's raid almost ended on July 19, 1863, at 1863, at Buffington IslandBuffington Island, , OhioOhio, when , when approximately 700 of his men were approximately 700 of his men were captured while trying to cross the captured while trying to cross the Ohio RiverOhio River into into West VirginiaWest Virginia. (Intercepted . (Intercepted by Union gunboats, less than 200 of his men by Union gunboats, less than 200 of his men succeeded in crossing.) Most of Morgan's succeeded in crossing.) Most of Morgan's men captured that day spent the rest of the men captured that day spent the rest of the war in the infamous war in the infamous Camp DouglasCamp Douglas Prisoner of WarPrisoner of War camp in camp in ChicagoChicago, which had , which had a very high death rate. On July 26, near a very high death rate. On July 26, near SalinevilleSalineville, Ohio, Ohio Morgan and his exhausted, Morgan and his exhausted, hungry and saddlesore soldiers were finally hungry and saddlesore soldiers were finally forced to surrender. forced to surrender.

On November 27, Morgan and six of his On November 27, Morgan and six of his officers, most notably officers, most notably Thomas HinesThomas Hines, , escaped from their cells in the escaped from their cells in the Ohio PenitentiaryOhio Penitentiary by digging a tunnel from by digging a tunnel from Hines' cell into the inner yard and then Hines' cell into the inner yard and then ascending a wall with a rope made from ascending a wall with a rope made from bunk coverlets and a bent poker iron. bunk coverlets and a bent poker iron. Morgan and three of his officers, shortly Morgan and three of his officers, shortly after midnight, boarded a train from the after midnight, boarded a train from the nearby Columbus train station and arrived nearby Columbus train station and arrived in Cincinnati that morning. in Cincinnati that morning.

Morgan and Hines jumped from the Morgan and Hines jumped from the train before reaching the depot, and train before reaching the depot, and escaped into Kentucky by hiring a escaped into Kentucky by hiring a skiff to take them across the Ohio skiff to take them across the Ohio River. Through the assistance of River. Through the assistance of sympathizers, they eventually made sympathizers, they eventually made it to safety to the South it to safety to the South

Final raids for MorganFinal raids for Morgan After his return from Ohio, Morgan was never After his return from Ohio, Morgan was never

again trusted by General Bragg. On August again trusted by General Bragg. On August 22, 1864, Morgan was placed in command of 22, 1864, Morgan was placed in command of the Trans-Allegheny Department, embracing the Trans-Allegheny Department, embracing at the time the Confederate forces in eastern at the time the Confederate forces in eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia.Tennessee and southwestern Virginia.

However the men he was assigned were in However the men he was assigned were in no way comparable to those he had lost. no way comparable to those he had lost. Morgan once again began raiding into Morgan once again began raiding into Kentucky, but his men lacked discipline and Kentucky, but his men lacked discipline and he was either not willing or able to control he was either not willing or able to control them, leading to open pillaging as well as them, leading to open pillaging as well as high casualtieshigh casualties

He began to organize a raid aimed at He began to organize a raid aimed at Knoxville, TennesseeKnoxville, Tennessee..

On September 4, 1864, he was surprised On September 4, 1864, he was surprised and killed while attempting to escape and killed while attempting to escape capture during a Union raid on capture during a Union raid on Greeneville, TennesseeGreeneville, Tennessee. His men always . His men always believed that he had been murdered to believed that he had been murdered to prevent a second escape from prison, but prevent a second escape from prison, but it seems he was simply shot because he it seems he was simply shot because he refused to halt.refused to halt.

Though Morgan's Raid was Though Morgan's Raid was breathlessly followed by the Northern breathlessly followed by the Northern and Southern press and caused the and Southern press and caused the Union leadership considerable Union leadership considerable concern, it is now regarded as little concern, it is now regarded as little more than a showy but ultimately more than a showy but ultimately futile sidelight to the war. futile sidelight to the war.

Morgan's Raid netted few positive Morgan's Raid netted few positive results for the Southern military. It did results for the Southern military. It did provide some hope to Confederate provide some hope to Confederate civilians that their military could still civilians that their military could still succeed following the Northern victories succeed following the Northern victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in early July at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in early July 1863. It also caused a great deal of fear 1863. It also caused a great deal of fear among Indiana and Ohio residents and among Indiana and Ohio residents and cost several of these people some cost several of these people some personal property that the raiders had personal property that the raiders had seized. seized.

While the Confederates succeeded in instilling fear While the Confederates succeeded in instilling fear in the civilian population, the raid inspired many of in the civilian population, the raid inspired many of these people to fight even harder to defeat the these people to fight even harder to defeat the Confederacy. Despite the Raiders' best efforts, Union Confederacy. Despite the Raiders' best efforts, Union forces had amassed nearly 110,000 Union militia in forces had amassed nearly 110,000 Union militia in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio; dozens of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio; dozens of United States NavyUnited States Navy gunboatsgunboats along the along the OhioOhio; and ; and strong Federal cavalry forces, which doomed the strong Federal cavalry forces, which doomed the raid from the beginning In addition, the Confederate raid from the beginning In addition, the Confederate military lost an entire division of veteran military lost an entire division of veteran cavalrymen. Morgan also failed to destroy any cavalrymen. Morgan also failed to destroy any railroad tracks, bridges, or supply depots. The raid railroad tracks, bridges, or supply depots. The raid caused no significant harm to the transportation and caused no significant harm to the transportation and communication infrastructure of the North. The raid communication infrastructure of the North. The raid had as many negative effects as positive ones for had as many negative effects as positive ones for the Confederacy. the Confederacy.

ConclusionConclusion

The Northwest conspiracy failed The Northwest conspiracy failed because Copperheads refused to because Copperheads refused to take arms against the federal take arms against the federal government and because government and because Copperhead violence would Copperhead violence would endanger Democratic prospects in endanger Democratic prospects in the campaign of 1864. Though many the campaign of 1864. Though many sympathized with the confederacy it sympathized with the confederacy it was too big a risk.was too big a risk.