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

Page 161 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

liance was to be placed upon the report I do not know; but I am certain I did not hear it stated then when i heard this report that any movement had taken place toward Kentucky; and my understanding of the movement toward Gallatin of my division, and what I understood was to be followed up by other divisions, was induced in part by this report. While at Gallatin, as I have already stated, reports came in that the rebel force that had crossed at Carthage would probably come to Gallatin. It was understood to be Cheatham's division. This information came from a well-known loyal man, and it was this opinion which induced me to employ the spy I have referred to in my preceding answer. The information I have referred to above as having been heard in General Buell's quarters came in directly through some lady who had been in that part of the country and had, I believe, brought the information to her husband.

Question. Supposing it to have been known that the rebel force which had crossed at Carthage was moving northward, was it probable that Bowling Green would be its destination, without having any positive information as to its destination?

Yes, sir; there is nothing in the topography of the country, nothing in the nature of the roads or communication, which would preclude the idea that Bowling Green would be its destination.

Question. Was there anything to entice the enemy to that point as a subordinate or minor operation?

Yes, sir; there was an important bridge over Barren River at Bowling Green which is one of the most important line in the line of railway between Louisville and Nashville. There had been at Bowling Green, at that time, to the best of my recollection, but a small garrison, which could not have made much resistance against a considerable force.

Question. Were there any supplies at that point which would have been important to the Army of the Ohio?

I was informed by General Buell in Nashville on the 6th and 7th of September that there were about a million of rations at Bowling Green. With the exception of one article, breadstuffs, there was a large quantity of supplies.

Question. What is the distance from Carthage and Gainnesborough to Glasgow?

I think the distance to be about 50 miles and from Carthage to Glasgow about 50.

Question. After information of the fact that Bragg's army had marched over the Cumberland River toward Glasgow was it possible to concentrate the Army of the Ohio at that point in advance of them?

I do not think it was possible.

Question. Do you know when the division preceding the rear division of the Army of the Ohio arrived at Bowling Green?

My recollection is that it was on Sunday, the 14th of September, of Monday, the 15th, but on this point I cannot now be positive.

Question. What was about the strength of the Army of the Ohio at that time and at that point?

There were six divisions concentrated at bowling Green about that time. I have no positive knowledge of the amount of cavalry force there, but I suppose the in-

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Page 161 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.