The Journal was not only beginning to feel the strain but was losing ground.

In this emergency Hatcher came to the rescue.

I was just back from London and was doing noticeable work on the Nashville Banner.
"Here is your man," said Hatcher to Mr.Prentice and Mr.Henderson, the owners of the Journal; and I was invited to come to Louisville.
After I had looked over the field and inspected the Journal's books I was satisfied that a union with the Courier was the wisest solution of the newspaper situation, and told them so.

Meanwhile Mr.Haldeman, whom I had known in the Confederacy, sent for me.

He offered me the same terms for part ownership and sole editorship of the Courier, which the Journal people had offered me.