The course of ex-Confederates since the war closed deserves, as a
rule, the highest commendation. As far as my observation extends,
good soldiers in time of war make good citizens in time of peace. The
toils and hardships of army life fit and prepare them for the battles
of civil life. The success of ex-Confederates as civilians has been
commensurate with their success as soldiers. Kentucky has selected from
Morgan’s men some of her highest legislative, judicial and executive
officers. From our ranks this and other States have been furnished
mechanics, farmers, merchants, bankers, teachers, physicians, lawyers,
and ministers of the gospel. There was hardly a neighborhood in
Kentucky in which there did not reside after the war closed one or more
ex-Confederate soldiers, while many became useful and honored citizens
of other States. Coming out of the army, most of them ragged and poor,
some of them crippled for life, with no Government pension to depend
upon, they went to work for a living, and their labors have not gone
unrewarded.