WITH ALL OF THIS going on around Nashville, Governor Johnson grew panicky and interpreted the raids as an attempt to capture the capital.

The governor constantly pleaded with Buell for reinforcements and immediately began the systematic fortification of the city. Under the direction of Captain James St. Clair Morton, construction of defenses was started in early August. 

At first centering his activity on St. Cloud Hill, a favorite picnic area before the war, Morton cut down ancient oaks and made them part of the fortifications. 

Across Franklin Pike, construction began on Forts Casino and Morton, and all the streets leading into the city were closed with barricades of trenches and breastworks. Realizing the defensive possibilities of Capitol Hill, Morton eased Governor Johnson's fears by turning the handsome statehouse into a strong fortification. 

A cedar-log stockade, augmented by barricades of cotton bales and earthen parapets, surrounded the building. 

Morton stationed fifteen heavy guns to command the entire area around the capitol and garrisoned several companies of infantry and artillery in the building itself.