Today in History:

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

Page 115 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

Question. Suppose our army compelled to fall back by an attack on its left, by what roads could it have retreated?

By the Springfield road.

Question. Any other road?

Yes, sir; it might have fallen back on the Lebanon road.

Question. I contend there was no question as to the result of a contest between my army and the rebel army; but supposing the chances to have been equal, which risked most - the rebel army, by exposing itself to be driven from the Harrodsburg pike by an attack on its left, or my army, by supposing it to be driven from the Mackville road?

I think the rebel army would be the most exposed.

Question. Would not the rebel army have been driven into an impracticable country, in which it must have been destroyed?

Yes, sir; I do not think it could have existed there had it been driven into that rough country; that is, Chaplin Hills. It could not have existed there, I think.

Question. But suppose in such an attack the left of the rebel army had not been turned, by what roads could it then have retreated?

Harrodsburg and Danville.

Question. Do you think, the, it was judicious to endeavor to cut off the enemy from the Danville road by attacking its left strongly?

I think it would have been a good movement.

Question. What orders were given on the night of the 8th in reference to the movements of the enemy on the morning of the 9th; that is, was an attack ordered upon the enemy's position?

On the night of the 8th of October I was at General Buell's headquarters about 12 or 1 o'clock. I met General Thomas there. I understood there was to be an attack in the morning. General Buell asked me the question if I would be ready to attack. I replied that my men were very weary and exhausted, but that we could go to work, and I understood that an attack was to be made from an order given to General Thomas. I did not see General Gilbert there, who command the other corps. I was very tired at the time myself and very sleepy. I had slept but very little the night before - about an hour.

Question. What part were you to take in the operations of the following day?

I was to act as a reserve.

Question. At what hour was the attack to be made?

At 6 o'clock in the morning.

Question. When the advance the following morning discovered that the enemy had retired, what position was your corps to take?

My corps was to take a position, the left resting on the Dicksville road or near it, to join on to Gilbert's left.

Question. Can you state where the was to have been?

No, sir. I know nothing about it. I went forward and selected my own position and found out where his left was - the other side of Chaplin River.

Question. Did you take that position the next day?

That is a point in my mind which I do not exactly remember. I think it was the second day, on the morning of the 9th, General Gay made a reconnaissance in my front, the order for which I gave the judge-advocate.

Question. Do you remember anything that prevented you from taking that position.


Page 115 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.