85                                  HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.

           The Knights of the Golden Circle had their meeting at three o'clock the next morning, and the couriers were sent through fields and by-ways to the country (the main roads we had well picketed that night,) to drum up all the cavalry and forces to rout us and take us all prisoners Sabbath night. They made the boast that to-morrow our enjoyment would turn to sorrow. About four o'clock Sabbath evening Colonel Marsh with his cavalry, and General Logan with four regiments and three brass bands came marching into the city and saluted the flag waving over the court house. The people almost wilted down in despair, and some were heard to remark, "They got us now; no use to oppose."

           Unionism here was entirely suppressed. Occasionally now we find some to speak out, and some go as far as to discuss the question of Unionism with each other. The Reign of Terror has been exercised here during the past year. The city is classed the fourth in the State; was the first to raise the secession flag in the State, and has since been the most active in the support of the Southern army and the Confederacy. In wealth, it is without a parallel; in respect to its population, all are wealthy planters owning large tracts of land and many slaves. In respect to beauty, I have seen none to surpass it. The city is buried in a dense forest of shade trees, and the dwellings are large and costly, having large and ornamented yards in front.

          All the troops are now encamped outside the main city, except three companies, who are encamped in the court house yard for present purposes, and act as the police of the city. One of these companies is our own Company E, Seventy-Eighth. We have searched all suspicious houses, and have captured over one thousand hogsheads of sugar and much flour and corn laid away for the rebel army. We have captured a large amount of small arms; also took possession of the armory and many Quartermaster stores. Every day we are making accessions to our captured property.

          This is the first place we have been where scrip was current. The boys happened to have gathered considerable of it in various expeditions, saving it to take home with them. The citizens refused our paper money; would not touch it. The boys, therefore, have been doing good business with their Confederate script, many of them boarding at the hotels, paying fifty cents a meal, getting a Confederate bill changed and receiving Ohio and Kentucky money in change. Some have gone into the business of buying it from the colored population for the gold and silver at a trifle, and pass it off at the groceries for full value. One of Company E, yesterday, started with five dollars, and came out in the evening with thirteen dollars current Ohio money. This is only one instance. They all have now more money than they brought with them, after spending freely. But the matter is now changing; the people take the scrip with reluctance, but take greenbacks with readiness. An order will be issued to-morrow prohibiting the circulation of all Confederate money. The people do not yet know it. It will create quite a sensation, and will come hard upon many for a few days. Gold and silver are among the things that are past; none of it has been seen in the city in months, and is looked upon as an article of curiosity.

          In a few days the road will be opened to Columbus, Kentucky, when communications with the North will be more direct and immediate. The boys are in the highest enjoyment, an say the past week has paid them for all their hardship heretofore.

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