Had it not been, the enemy would have seized Paducah and fortified it, to our very great annoyance.
When the National troops entered the town the citizens were taken by surprise.

I never after saw such consternation depicted on the faces of the people.

Men, women and children came out of their doors looking pale and frightened at the presence of the invader.

They were expecting rebel troops that day.

In fact, nearly four thousand men from Columbus were at that time within ten or fifteen miles of Paducah on their way to occupy the place.