Today in History:

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

Page 210 KY., M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.

forward. I told General Buckner that I did not think they could take me by assault of infantry; they had been trying that twice on that day, Tuesday. Buckner said he had attempted twice to take us by assault, but when they came through the strip of woods they could not form in line, and that they had determined to shell us out by concentrating a fire in which we could not live for an hour. I told them if they had that force there it would be useless for me to contend against them, but if they had that force there was no reason why I should not see it, and that I would undoubtedly surrender if I saw it; that I did not suppose they could afford to waste as much ammunition as would be required to reduce me upon a mere quibble. General Buckner then went with me to see the batteries. Lieutenant Bullitt, acting adjutant of the post, went on the north side and I on the south side. I counted forty-six guns on the south side; he counted twenty-six on the north side, so he reported to me; fifty-four of which were in position. This was Tuesday, about midnight. If was 2 o'clock when the articles of surrender were signed.

Question. How much of the time during the defense of Munfordville did your men live on half rations?

I think only two days.

Question. Supposing you had put your men on the smallest amount of food possible how long would your provisions have lasted?

Probably fifteen days. It was not a lack of provisions that compelled the surrender.

Question. About what time Tuesday evening or afternoon did the council and yourself come to the conclusion that if their force was an overwhelming one you must surrender?

About 4 o'clock. This was while Colonel Dunham was in command that that council was held; before he was put under arrest.

Question. About what time were you satisfied that the time had come to surrender, from the overwhelming force around you?

About midnight. From all I could see of the force surrounding us and the nature of it I was satisfied before sundown that unless re-enforcements reached us I could not hold out. But for fear there was any mistake about the force there I determine I would know something more about it; and not to be deceived I would draw their fire, and sustain their whole fire before I would risk being deceived in the matter. I had fully determined I would not surrender except to an overwhelming force.

Question. About what time did you tell their flag of truce bearer you would not surrender except to an overwhelming force and that you would inspect it yourself?

That was about 7 o'clock in the evening. It was 5 o'clock I received a summons from General Bragg, and the parleying was continued all the evening.

Question. About what time did the scout Miller bring you the information that you could expect no help from General Buell?

It was about half past five, a short time after I received a summons to surrender; not more than half an hour.

Question. Was there a strong disposition to surrender among the officers when they held the council in the afternoon in case the force was overwhelming.

I was present, and for fear there might be a disposition of that kind among them I suggested that I would not surrender under any circumstances and to no force unless I knew what it was, and it was adopted by all the officers present unanimously. This was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

Question. Did you apprehend that it is no longer the duty of an officer to hold a garrison when he finds that he is surrounded by an overwhelming force and that the prospects of relief are remote?

I think that when everything looks as though there was no chance of success it would be folly to murder the men. This is the way I looked upon it at the time. The rebels had positions commanding us on every side, and my information as regards relief was such that I could not expect any not expect any in time so save us.


Page 210 KY., M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.