Ohio, declared martial law through the southern part of
his state, and called on Morton to do the same for Indiana. But Morton,
cooler, more careful, and looking farther ahead as to what might be the
effect of such a measure, wisely refused to do so.

From Corydon Morgan rode north to Salem. The Federals now thought for sure
that Indianapolis was his objective point, but from Salem he turned
northeast and swept through the state, touching or passing through in his
route the counties of Jackson, Scott, Jennings, Jefferson, Ripley, and
Dearborn, passing into Ohio, in the northwest corner of Hamilton County,
almost within sight of the great city of Cincinnati. Turning north, he
entered Butler County. Here, as in Indiana, he met only the scowling faces
of enemies.

"And here is where they worship Vallandigham!" exclaimed Calhoun,
passionately. "Here is where they told me almost every man belonged to the
Knights of the Golden Circle, and that the whole county would welcome us.
Here is where even the Democratic party meet in open convention, pass
resolutions in favor of the South, denounce Lincoln as a monster and
tyrant, and demand that the war cease at once and the South go free,
saying they will support no man for office who in the least way favors the
war. And now not a word of welcome, not a single hand reached out in aid.
Oh! the cowards! the cowards!"(3)

Morgan made no bitter reply, but said. "You warned us, Lieutenant, how it
would be. I have expected no aid since the first day we entered Indiana.
But with God's help we shall yet escape from our foes. Oh, if my gallant
men were across the Ohio once more! It is only that river which stands in
between us and safety. There is now no hope of securing a steamboat. But
at Buffington Island the river is shoal, and can be forded. If we can
reach Buffington Island before our enemies, we can laugh at our pursuers."

And for Buffington Island Morgan headed, threatening each place along the
way, to keep the Federals guessing where he would attempt to cross. Like a
whirlwind he swept through the counties of Warren, Clermont, Brown, Adams,
Pike, Jackson, Gallia, Meigs, brushing aside like so many flies the
militia which tried to impede his progress.

The goal was nearly reached. Hobson was half a day behind, still trailing,
still following like a bloodhound. The Confederates knew of no force in
front except militia. Safety was before them. The river once passed,
Morgan would