Kentucky, as you must know, was supposed to be neutral at that time. But secesh sympathy was strong and all over the state irregular guerrilla bands were forming to fight for Jeff Davis. The news of this emboldened that fool to dispatch his troops to seize the bluffs at Columbus. This galvanized those of uncertain opinion. There was rage at the violation of our supposed neutrality. As you will know, Kentucky voted then to join the Union cause and our orders came to march south.
