Today in History:

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

Page 194 KY., M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.

did not get into Perryville before the time you mentioned and what delayed its movements?

The division of General Smith had some skirmishing on the morning of the 9th with the enemy's cavalry. That was the only delay of which I know. After this cavalry was driven off the troops then marched into Perryville as rapidly as the ground would permit. A portion of the troops marched by the road and the other across the fields and pasture.

Question. How much of the time was occupied with this skirmishing?

The troops must have been engaged skirmishing through the woods half past six till probably 9. I do not remember to have noted the time particularly, but the troops moved as soon as I arrived there.

Question. Did you know of a portion of General Wood's division being very near the town early in the morning?

I did not know it.

Question. Did you know of their being recalled and why?

No, I did not.

Question. At what time and on what occasion did you recommend that the army should take position at Danville?

That was on the 10th, I think; the day after we left Perryville and marched to Mr. Harlan's farm, I think on the Salt River or a branch of it. My recollection is that I suggested that Crittenden's corps should be sent to Danville and that the whole army should be sent, its after movements to be regulated by what we might discover the enemy to be about.

Question. How far, in fact, was Crittenden's corps from Danville?

I think about 5 miles, as well as I can remember.

Question. Was one division encamped at Fry's Spring?

Yes, sir.

Question. Was it known then what the position of the enemy was certainly?

It was not certainly known.

Question. Was it known until the evening of the 12th that the enemy had certainly crossed Dick's River, and in moving from Harrodsburg might he not have gone toward the Kentucky River without his destination being certainly known until it was traced up?

I do not think it was certainly known that he had crossed Dick's River until the 12th, but from the information which we got from the citizens of the country I was under the impression that he would cross there, and that was the reason why I recommended to General Buell to place Crittenden's corps in Danville. He could have crossed the Kentucky River from Harrodsburg and either have gone to Camp Dick Robinson or to Lexington. I presume that that was one reason why General Buell was influenced not to send Crittenden's corps to Danville on the 11th.

Question. Considering the character of the enterprise the enemy has undertaken, do you think it unreasonable to suppose that he might go into the interior of Kentucky or that he might move on the Frankfurt road and thence across to Louisville?

I don't think it is unreasonable to suppose that he might have gone to Central Kentucky, thence to cross Dick's River, and attempt to hold that part of the State, at least long enough for them to have completed preparations to get out of the State, but I do not think that he would attempt to march on Louisville without retiring from Perryville.

Question. Was there anything in the condition of Bragg's army or in its relative strength to justify the assumption that he was fleeing ignominiously, and that no enterprising service was to be expected from him?


Page 194 KY., M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.