Today in History:

102 Series I Volume XVI-I Serial 22 - Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign Part I

Page 102 KY.,M. AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.

NASHVILLE, December 10, 1862.

Commission met pursuant to adjournment. All the members present; also the judge-advocate and General Buell.

Examination of General McCOOK continued.

By the JUDGE-ADVOCATE:

Question. In connection with you statement in regard to the Army of the Ohio being stretched out so much on the railroad, state, if you please, at what places the several portions were at the time Bragg commenced moving from Chattanooga.

At the time General Bragg commenced moving, my own division, and General Crittenden's, the Fifth Division, were on the march from Battle Creek to Pelham; General Shoepf's, the First Division of the Army of the Ohio, was stationed at Pelham; General Thomas, in command of the Fourth and Sixth Division, and General Nelson and Wood were at McMinnville; General Hazen, with one brigade of Nelson's division, was stationed at Murfreesborough; Rousseau's (Third) division was marching from Hunstville.

Question. Can you state what forces you had in all?

I think that our army when concentrated would have been about 45,000 men. The cavalry were posted at different points through the country and there were detached regiments stationed along the railroads to defend bridges. There were some few troops at Nashville, the number I do not know, under the command of General Dumont and Colonel Miller.

Question. Did you know the destination of our army at the time you crossed the Cumberland River?

I was under the impression I was going to Kentucky, because I was under the impression that Bragg had gone there. I will also state in connection with this that General Buell is the most uncommunicative general I have seen or heard of. I never know from time to time where the other division of the army were posted, or when on the march from Louisville to the battle to attack Bragg at Perryville I never knew where my brother commanders were or could be found at any time.

Question. In reference to that Perryville fight, what was your force there.

My own force, including those guarding trains and everything, was about 13,000 men, but my actual in battle was not more than about 10,000.

Question. You said in your narrative that you had a conversation with General Buell after the Perryville fight; did you give all that conversation?

I gave what I believed to be the substance of the conversation. I went to General Buel, and, picking up the map, explained the position of my lines. General Thomas was present, and also Captain Beverly D. Williams, of my staff, who heard the conversation. I told General Buell I had had a very severe fight. He said he was surprised to hear of it and that he had not heard of it till 5 o'clock. He then talked with me at intervals. He was engaged in conversation with General Thomas as to whether we should attack the enemy in the morning or not. I explained to General Buell the position of my lines. I told him I had two batteries that had fought gallant by during the day in a very perilous situation. I told him the manner in which Rousseau had retired his line on the left; that the enemy lit fires around him and in front of him; that the pickets were only about 40 yards apart; that there was a regiment of cavalry on the left threatening any movements that might be made, and that from appearances I believed I was surrounded. I asked General Buell for the loan of two brigades for two hours at furthest, to hold a certain position while I changed my lines to cover the movements. He told me I could not have them; the positively refused to give them to me. I then asked him if I could have one brigade. He told me I should not have another man. I was at that time very much vexed and provoked. I felt that I should have had the relief. I confidently believed that I should be attacked at daylight and I told General Buell so. It was evident to my mind that the enemy had come on to a chosen field to attack our army, and I supposed the battle would be renewed in the morning and attack if they were not attacked themselves. General Buell replied that he did not think he could be attacked.


Page 102 KY.,M. AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.