The Morgan Raid 
 
                                                                                 
                                                                               
      In July 1863, there occurred an affair that created more excitement in 
      Southern Indiana than any other period has known.  This was the raid of 
      the confederate general, John H. Morgan, through the southeastern portions 
      of the state into Ohio.  He crossed the Ohio River, at Corydon, this 
      state, and began his short raid that spread more terror among the 
      inhabitants than any other occurrence of the kind during the war.  He 
      proceeded northward to Paoli, in Orange County, then to Salem, the county 
      seat of Washington County.  From that place his next town of importance 
      was Vernon, in Jennings County, whence he directed his course toward 
      Lawrenceburg.  When the news arrived that Morgan had invaded Indiana soil, 
      there was not a town in the south central part of the state in which the 
      people did not conclude they were the direct object of attack.  
      Consternation spread with alarming rapidity.  Johnson County organized a 
      regiment to assist in repelling the invaders.  There were six companies, 
      comprising nearly 400 men, most of whom belonged to the Legion.  

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker