Today in History:

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

Page 295 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

Cross-examination by General DANA:

Question. Who formed your line of battle that day; who marked it out?

General McCook's adjutant, Captain Campbell, met General Jackson and myself while on the road, and said he was ordered by General McCook to show us our position. He showed us our position for two brigades-the one was on one side of the road and the other on the other-not putting us in any line of battle, but ordering us to rest. After getting to this point, and during my absence to bring up the last brigade, the brigade that had been put at rest on the right of the road was moved forward to the left of the road and its battery opened. Who formed that line I do not know. The line of the other brigade was not perfect. The ground was very rolling, and General Jackson was killed before it all got up.

Question. Did you see General McCook on that morning?

I did, sir.

Question. About what time?

I saw him on the hill on which Parsons' battery was established. He was then looking on and admiring some artillery practice to our left by Starkweather's battery, up a large open ravine, that was firing on some cavalry. It was there I first saw General McCook that day. He ordered Parsons' battery to be placed on this hill, which was done; but I am not aware of his giving other orders concerning the position of the infantry.

Question. Were you present at an interview between General McCook, General Jackson, and General Terrill on that morning?

I saw, sir.

Question. Did you hear any instructions given to those two generals by General McCook?

The instructions given were not in any special interview between these generals, but in the presence of some 15 or 20 officers. I remember distinctly the orders being given for the battery to be brought up, and I also remember General Jackson sending Captain Starling and one of his aides to bring up the infantry, but I remember no order from General McCook.

Question. Did General McCook point out or indicate the line of battle to these generals?

Not to my knowledge, sir. During my absence down the road Harris' battery was placed on the right of our line and between that battery and Parsons' the line was formed, consisting of two brigades, but by whose orders I do not know.

Question. Did General Jackson or General Terrill, or either of them, state to General McCook that they understood the positions they were to occupy and the direction of the line of battle?

I cannot say, sir.

Question. Did General McCook leave the ground only that time that you know of?

He left almost immediately after I heard him given the instructions for the placing of his battery, with his staff.

Question. Did you hear him make any remarks that would indicate where he was going and for what-purpose?

None that I remember now.

Question. Do you know whether General McCook sent any message to headquarters, during the time the engagement was going on, notifying General Buell of the condition of things on the left?

I do not, sir.

Question. Do you know of any reason why General McCook should not have sent any message with that information?

I do not, sir.


Page 295 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.