Martial Law

Major General Stephen G. Burbridge, or as Confederates called him, “Butcher of Kentucky”, took command of the state of Kentucky in response to the growing problem of guerrilla campaigns.  President Lincoln had ordered martial law and Burbridge carried it out with some extremely brutal tactics.  One such tactic as a part of Burbridge’s plan to put down the guerrillas included public executions numerous people.  These people were charged with treason and other high crimes.  Some charges were unsubstantiated.

While in Special Collections, I came across an order from the Head-Quarters Military Command, for martial law in Lexington starting June 8, 1864.  This Special Order No. 1 explains to the citizens of Lexington that they are under martial law.  It also gives them two rules that they must abide by.  The first rule is that all bars and drinking establishments will be closed at 8:00 p.m. every night.  The second rule explains that all citizens must be in their homes a 9:00 p.m. and anyone caught outside after that will be arrested and put in a military prison.  A native a Lexington, Colonel Robert Wickliffe Cooper, signed the special order.  He was the commander of the 4^th Kentucky Cavalry.  The day after this document was signed, Cooper successfully defended Lexington from an attack led by a man named John Hunt Morgan who was a Confederate Brigadier General.

Special Collections is a fascinating place.  Reading history captivates me, but being able to hold it in your hands is a completely different story.  It is easy to find out about the presidentially ordered martial law in the state of Kentucky during the Civil War.  But I wouldn’t have known about the specifics of Lexington if it had not been for the documents located in Special Collections.  A primary source such as this is invaluable.