Sojourn Chronicles

I’m back on the trail of General John Hunt Morgan, in order to attend dedication ceremonies at Portland Ohio, and the site of the Battle of Buffington Island. July 19th, 1863, the Union Army finally caught up with the main body of Morgan’s Confederate troops and surrounded them. Nearly half were capture. Morgan Escaped.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. That’s a tale for tomorrow, on the anniversary.

I started out at Camp Dennison near Miamiville, OH. Camp Dennison was a Union Hospital and encampment. Morgan attacked it, but was repelled by 600 convalescing soldiers.

He was also turned back on a bridge across the Little Miami River defended by other Union troops at Miamiville. Mogan finally crossed the river, made his way to Branch Hill and moved southeasterly on the Branch Hill-Guinea Pike. He did not stop for a rest until he reached Williamsburg. Morgan and his 1900 men, on horseback with a few wagons and four pieces of artillery, covered 95 miles in 35 hours.

In Williamsburg, Morgan is being hotly pursued. He follows the Appalachian Highway. Today’s route is a modern Ohio SR 32.

On the other side of Jackson, the route follows SR 124 through scenic back roads towards Pomeroy.

Pomeroy citizens and Home Guard effectively repelled Morgan northward. Morgan moved his troops to Chester, and was delayed because his guide disappeared No one could be found who could lead Morgan through the hills to Portland and a crossing at Buffington Island. This delay caused Morgan to arrive in Portland after dark. He decided to wait until morning to try to cross. This set of circumstances set the stage for the Battle of Buffington Island when the Union Troops finally caught up.

Below is the memorial on the Ohio Historical Society site, Battle of Buffington Island.

Tomorrow, escape from Buffington Island.

Today’s ride, with all the side trips, was a total of 278 miles.

DBrent