id. After listening to their plans
of how they would try to capture him, Morgan had Ellsworth send the
following dispatch to the provost marshal at Louisville:

Nashville, Tenn., July 10, 1862.

General Forrest, commanding brigade, attacked Murfreesboro, routing our
forces, and is now moving on Nashville. Morgan is reported to be between
Scottsville and Gallatin, and will act in concert with Forrest, it is
believed. Inform general commanding.

STANLEY MATHEWS,
Provost Marshal.

Morgan sent this dispatch to lead the Federal authorities to believe that
he was returning from Kentucky. But the strange part of it is that Forrest
did on that very day attack and capture Murfreesboro, and of this fact
Morgan was entirely ignorant.

Leaving the telegraph and railroad intact, so as to have the Federals
remain in ignorance of what he had done and where he was, Morgan rejoined
his command and set out for Lebanon, a ride of over forty miles. The place
fell, almost without struggle. Dashing in at the head of his scouts,
Calhoun took possession of the telegraph office. This was at three o'clock
in the morning. Unsuspicious of danger the regular telegraph operator was
at home asleep, and Ellsworth was once more installed at the instrument.

It seemed that the day before Colonel Johnson, commanding the place, had
telegraphed for reinforcements, saying he feared an attack. The first
dispatch that Ellsworth received was:

"What news? Any more skirmishing?"

To which Ellsworth answered: "No, we drove what few cavalry there were
away."

The next was: "Has the train arrived yet?"

"No. How many troops on train?" asked Ellsworth.

"About five hundred," was the answer.

This was what Morgan wanted to know, and he at once dispatched a column to
intercept the train. But the train scented danger, and backed with all
speed toward Louisville.

At Lebanon immense stores fell into Morgan's hands. Two large warehouses
filled to overflowing with clothing, rations, and the munitions of war
were given to the flames. Five thousand stand of arms were among the
trophies; Morgan picked out the best of these to arm his men.

The destruction of Federal property being complete, Morgan started north,
going through Springfield and Mackville to Harrodsburg. Here he met with a
most