Today in History:

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

Page 245 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

Question. Were there any movements of the enemy in front, while you were there, that indicated preparation for an attack?

Firing was going on all the time we were there, but not very heavy. There was nothing there at that time that would indicate an immediate and strong attack. When we passed between the enemy's line and our own there was no firing between the two until we discovered we were between the two lines by the enemy's rising up in a small number, apparently not more than 200 or 300.

Question. Were the enemy to be seen in force anywhere?

Not from where we were. We went on the top of the high hills and we could not see the enemy in any large force.

Question. Was a reconnaissance being made by the cavalry while you were there?

It was; Captain Gay was there in charge of cavalry. Just as we left the Perryville road to go off to the right Captain Gay went off to the left with a heavy cavalry force, and I think with a section of artillery.

Question. Where were you during the balance of the day?

At or near General Buell's headquarters.

Question. How far was that from the ground on which General McCook's corps fought that day?

I think about 3 miles.

Question. Did you hear any firing which indicated to your mind that a battle was going on any time during the day?

We heard artillery fire, but not very heavy; nothing to indicate that anything more than skirmishing was taking place; about the same as occurred the day previous, when Captain Gay was engaged with the enemy near the same place.

Question. Did you hear any musketry?

I do not remember hearing any musketry after I returned to camp.

Question. At what hour in the day you first become aware that a serious fight had taken place on the left?

I think between 4 and 5 o'clock I received the first intimation of it.

Question. Did you go to the scene of the fight that night; if so, with what orders and for what purpose and what did you see there?

I went to the ground occupied by our left on that day about 9 or 10 o'clock. The same night I had orders to collect what I could of General Jackson's division, find out who the senior officer was that was left in that division, and get them into position. I found a very small part of this division; got together what I could under Colonel Hall. I went there with General Rousseau; found General McCook there just in the rear of the line. He spoke to me about moving two batteries back which were apparently very near the enemy. There was a large fire just in front of these guns, at which place it was reported to General McCook that the enemy were putting up a heavy battery to enfilade this battery of his. I asked him if he felt sure that the enemy was putting up a battery there. He said there was very little doubt about it. He said he thought they had better be moving back, and asked if it was not my opinion, and I said it was. He then told General Rousseau that he had better move back. General McCook then went to General Buell's headquarters (this was between 11 and 12), word having brought to General McCook that General Buell wished to see him. Soon afterward this line was moved back. The left of the line was moved very little and the right was thrown back some 300 or 400 yards. In going and returning I noticed that there was a large gap between General McCook's right and General Gilbert's left not occupied by troops. The troops before this movement were in front of the Perryville and Mackville road; afterward they were thrown to the rear.

Question. Did General Rousseau proceed to make this change without further orders from General McCook?

So far as I know he did. He may have received other orders, but not to my knowledge.


Page 245 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.