The Escape of Captain Hines
By Mrs. Alice McArthur Rand in 1906, Published in the
Confederate Veteran Magazine Vo. XXVII, page 23, published in 1919
Almost every reader, and almost every student of the history of the War between the States, is familiar with the daring escape and extraordinary efforts at recapture of Captain Thomas Henry Hines, of Morgan's command. Almost as familiar is the king's ransom of fifty thousand dollars' reward offered for his recapture, and in the language of the placards and secret missives sent broadcast over the Ohio Valley, this reward would be paid for Captain Hines dead or alive.
Captain Hines escaped from the penitentiary at Columbus and after he succeeded in reaching Richmond Va. was entrusted with the carrying into execution of one of the most daring and audacious plans for the liberation of Confederate prisoners ever conceived or contemplated. He was to make his way to Canada, organize the refugees in that country, arm and equip them, and make a dash upon Camp Douglas, and with the reinforcements he would gather there the released prisoners, attack Camp Morton and release the Confederates there. With this army he was to make a plunge to join Bragg in the Southland by rushing his men across the Ohio into Kentucky.
The plan was exposed by a man name Langhorn and then came quick action by the Federal Government. Secret service men were placed upon the trail of Captain Hines, spies in every imaginable disguise were scattered throughout the Ohio Valley, and a reward of fifty thousand was offered. Aware of the discovery of the plot, Captain Hines was run down by the secret service men and the house in which he was sheltered in Chicago was searched, with a soldier in blue at every window, door and other exit, a loaded musket in hand, each and all intent upon receiving the immense reward.
A Southern woman was dangerously ill in the house. Two rows of springs were removed from the mattress of her bed, and placing himself in lieu thereof, Captain Hines escaped detection. He hurriedly left Chicago and made his way to Cincinnati, there finding safety for a time under the protection of S P Thomas, whose famous flatiron residence was located at Fourth, Lawrence and Ludlow. It was at the Thomas home that we first became acquainted with Captain Hines and our friendship, lasting until his death, was sincerity itself.
We remember well, surrounded as he was by brave and daring men, with an enormous price set for his capture, his love for his schoolgirl sweetheart was ever present; his telegraphing for her and their romantic marriage in Covington, Ky. While their honeymoon was still exceedingly brief, the Federals again secured scent of his trail and traced him to the Thomas home; twice the house was searched, but the most careful and painstaking efforts failed to find him secreted in a false neck in a clothing press. On one occasion the detectives came into the house, and Captain Hines barely had time to reach his hiding place so ingeniously constructed. The young wife was sitting close to her endangered husband, and both subsequently told me they could hear the heartbeat of the other. It may have been fear that caused the palpitation of the heart of Nannie, but fear and Hines were Strangers.
Realizing the danger and imminence of capture in the Thomas home, plans were made for him to go to the residence of my father, J M McArthur, located in Jamestown, now Dayton, Ky. the rendezvous of many a Confederate in making his way between the lines. It was arranged for my brother Charles to meet Captain Hines at the old Barlow Hotel in Newport, but fortunately, the latter discovered that secret service men were following him, and he made his way alone to Dayton.
Later my brother, Peter and Captain Hines, under the name of Dr. Nelson, left for the southern part of Campbell County, where James Caldwell was to meet them. The following conversation took place during their progress through the Kentucky highlands: "Dr. Nelson, we are likely to be challenged, as the Federals have a camp out here," suggested my brother. "Well, how many will challenge us? said Dr. Nelson, who true identity, through oversight had not been know. "Scarcely more than two will be on guard," was the answer. "You are armed and so am I; you take the one closer to you and I will take the other one," said the doctor. "I do not anticipate such drastic action," said Pete, "and the men may be acquaintances of mine, but if that is the plan, here goes."
Scarcely had they gone a quarter of a mile when from out of the black darkness came the stern, ringing challenge, "Halt!" Both men drew rein and sat like statutes. "Who goes there?" said the same voice. "O, a couple of fellows who have been courting," laconically replied my brother. "What's your name?" Giving the name of a well-known abolitionist, Pete and the Captain were permitted to pass.
Arriving at Grants Lick, my brother proceeded to the home of James Caldwell to get him to continued the trip according to previous plans. He returned to his companion and said: "Doctor, Jim says he cannot go, for they are waiting for Captain Hines." "Well, I am Captain Hines." "The devil you are!" was the surprised reply of Pete.
Captain Hines was back with us several times afterward; once Peter piloted him on one of his perilous trips, when he had on a curly blond wig. Pete thought it rather conspicuous and felt somewhat shaky until they reached their destination. While he was recruiting in Owen County I took him to the home of Judge Gus Boyd, near Florence, with a load of arms and ammunition. Later I drove James A Thomas, of Mobile Ala. (Hines's right hand man) out to the same place with more arms.
I think the greatest compliment ever paid me
was that by Captain and Nannie Hines in naming their eldest child for me.
She is Mrs. Alice Hines Walcut, of Frankfurt Ky. Their son will was named
for my youngest brother, who was a great pet with them. Mrs. Hines spent
the greater part of her time with us until she joined her husband in Canada
after the surrender. Captain Hines was with us when President Lincoln was
assassinated, which he deplored very much.