Today in History:

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

Page 263 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

communication was so cut off that I had no opportunity of exchanging opinions with them.

Question. When Bragg crossed the Tennessee River did you know at that time that he had but three days' supply?

Not till some days afterward.

Question. Do you remember about how long afterward you obtained the information?

Five or six days.

Question. Do you know anything of the letter of Governor Harris detailing the programme having been intercepted by our forces?

I never heard of such a thing.

Question. How did you arrive at the estimate of 60,000 men of Bragg's forces crossing the Tennessee River?

By a man who counted them as they passed along the Grassy Cove road, and also by a statement of the assistant ferry-man at Chattanooga.

Question. What data did your informant give you by which you made the estimate of 60,000?

He counted the regiments, gave me the number of regiments and number of brigades and divisions, and gave me the strength of several regiments of the different States.

Question. What did he state as the number of regiments and the average number of men to the regiment?

I am unable to tell you the number of regiments in detail; he did not give me a memorandum in writing, but the strength of the regiments. Those from Virginia, from Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama averaged from 300 to 350 men; some from Tennessee were as low as 200; some brigades were composed of five regiments. The regiments from Georgia would sometimes exceed 700; they ranged from 500 to 700 and 800. There were several Florida regiments that were very strong.

Question. What was the name of your informant?

Carter.

Question. At the time Bragg was in the Sequatchie Valley by which road did you consider it certain that he would debouch from the valley?

I am unable, sir, to answer that question. I presumed that he would march by way of Pikeville to Sparta, because it was a better road for his artillery and transportation.

Question. Are the Anderson and Therman road and the Grassy Cove road equally practicable for an army as the road by way of Pikeville and Sparta?

Yes, sir.

Question. At the time that General McCook lay at Altamont and General Thomas at McMinnville, suppose the Army of the Ohio had been concentrated in the vicinity of Sparta to oppose Bragg, which road would he then have traveled? Would he have given battle to this army in position or traveled by some other road?

He would have traveled by some other road.

Question. Which road would he have taken?

That would depend upon where he wished to go. When he left Sparta he had not decided where he would go. It was not until he reached that point Governor Harris understood from him that he determined to cross into Kentucky. Till he reached Sparta or the vicinity Governor Harris was under the impression that he would go to Nashville, and he frequently asserted that it was understood that he marched on to Nashville.


Page 263 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.