Today, when one hears or reads the words "runway" or "runways," they are normally associated with airports, airplanes and a means of rapid transportation.

In the 19th century and the Civil War, the rivers were runways for steamboats and a good dry road (granted, these were few, far and in between, but they did exist) was often considered a route or runway because it could be used to move military supplies and troops fairly quickly.

There were other secret runways or trails that the scouts and spies on both sides and the Confederate "foxes" (guerrillas) used in Missouri that enabled them to move about quickly during the day and night and to appear to vanish into thin air when being closely chased by the Union "hounds."

The following two dispatches are located on pages 377 and 379 of Volume 22, Part II of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion. The first dispatch was written by a civilian (possibly a Union spy) who traveled by steamboat on the Missouri River and the second mentions that the Bushwhackers are using the western tier counties of Missouri as their "Regular Runway."

"Lexington, Missouri, July 15, 1863.

To: Brigadier General Ewing:

Dear General: I left Kansas City yesterday morning on the (Steamboat) Ogden. Arrived here at 5 o'clock the same day and the first news I learned was the murder of four Union men and one girl and nine wounded by the Bushwhackers, numbering 40. This sad affair took place in Freedom township, in the German settlement, some 15 miles from the city. After they executed their hellish purposes, they went in the direction of the Mound, about nine miles from town and dispersed in small bands of from five to 10 some going toward the Sni and in various directions (this is what good guerrillas did and do). This band is headed by one W.T. Anderson (Bloody Bill Anderson), who formerly lived in this place. They captured one of the militiamen and paroled him to report to Colonel McFerran and to no other, to be exchanged for one notorious William Ogden, said to be at this time a prisoner in Kansas. Failing to comply, his life is to be the forfeit. Colonel Childs was taken by them and led to the brush to be hanged. Through the intercession of former friends, his life was spared, on conditions. Those conditions the colonel was not at liberty to confide to your correspondent. The noted Bushwhacker Dave Pool had Colonel Childs prisoner. This pool has declared that he intended killing 50 Union men, in retaliation for the killing of Colonel Parker.

On my way up to your city, we passed about 15 or 20 Bushwhackers, on a point of timber land, a few miles above Sibley (bottom land), about 7 a.m. they appeared to be preparing breakfast! The boat was not within range. Had she been, no doubt we would have received a volley from their fire-arms. We saw none coming down (river). The friends are pleased to learn that you will soon be down.

Truly Your Friend,

Sam Breitenbaugh."

"Headquarters District of the Frontier,

Fort Scott, Ks., July 16, 1863.

Colonel: Pursuant to General Blunt's instructions, a supply train of about 200 wagons leaves Saturday for Fort Gibson, (Indian Territory: now Oklahoma, escorted by four companies (approx. 400 soldiers) and two mountain howitzers, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry and a battalion (200 men) of the 13th Kansas Infantry. A return train of 200 wagons arrived yesterday, escorted by five companies of the 6th Kansas Cavalry and one company of the 14th Kansas Cavalry. I have issued the requisite orders to have this train refitted and prepared to move back (return to Ft. Gibson) on the 28th instant with the same escort, to which will be added the remaining battalion of the 13th Kansas Infantry and if necessary, the remaining section or one gun of the 2nd Kansas Battery.

The Bushwhackers made a raid last night to within five miles of this post, committing private depredations to a considerable extent. There appears to be a general rendezvous for these forces near the junction of the Maramiton with the Osage (River), in North Vernon County, Missouri; and in general the western tier of counties in Missouri seems (to be) their regular runway! I shall endeavor to have a small force of troops sent up to the locality indicated, to remain for a short time.

I am colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H.Z. Curtis,

Major and Assistant Adjutant General."

It did not matter whether the "Union hounds" chased the "Confederate foxes" with a small or large force of troops, most of the "foxes" always seemed to disappear by way of one or more of their regular runways. However, the hunt and chase were always on!