AKA "The Great Raid of 1863"
John Morgan, General in the Confederate States of America
embarked on a very swift advance of troops from Tennessee to Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio
During the American Civil War in June 1863.
Despite breaking his orders to remain in Kentucky, the real objective was believed at the time
to cause the Union forces the need to divert troops to the area from an advance of other
Confederate forces to the north.
But Morgan had acted alone. Following and destroying the railroad lines, raiding stores
as he traveled faster than the news at the time. His troop strength gradually diminishing
in Ohio. By this time he was only looking for safe passage to friendly territory.
Troop strength became critical in the battle at Salineville, Ohio, July 26, 1863 being pursed by
Union Calvary Brigidier General James Shackleford and had Surrendered
to Major George W. Rou with Union forces at West Point, Ohio.
Major Rue had said that General Morgan, had firstsurrendered to one of his own prisoners,
Ohio Militia captain named Burbridge, who then paroled Morgan and his fellow officers.
Such an act would have allowed them freedom to return home as noncombatants.
But Rue disregarded that "surrender" to his previous prisoner
and insisted that Morgan formally surrender to the Union forces.
This did not just mark his capture,
but the end point of the most northern advance of Confederate Forces into Union Territory.
The Wellsville Historical Society holds what they claim to be
Gen. John Morgan's Confederate Sword at the River Museum
Along with other Material about the final battles.
Please visit the information found at the following for more details.
(photo of Historical Marker and Map coming soon)
Wikipedia
Wellsville River Museum
