Today in History:

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

Page 461 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

Question. Did you see any of these rebel emissaries yourself?

Do you mean emissaries from Breckinridge?

Question. Yes, or from other generals?

I frequently saw men during the occupation of the country by rebels about Lexington, who were coming from the South, from Bragg to Kirby Smith, from Marshall to Kirby Smith. a good many of them had been formerly citizens of Kentucky with whom I was personally acquainted.

Question. Prior to the time of the occupation of the vicinity of Lexington by the rebel forces and during the time that Lexington was supposed to be within the Union lines did you see any persons in that vicinity whom you knew to be from the rebel lines?

I do not think I did. I have no recollection of seeing any. i heard of them, but I had no conversation with any and I don't think I saw any.

Question. When Keene Richards visited Lexington was he an officer in the rebel service?

He was said to be on Breckinridge's staff; in what capacity I do not know.

Question. Did you derive any information from the dress he wore at the time he came?

He was said to be on breckinridge's staff; in what capacity I do not know.

Question. Did you derive any information from the dress he wore at the time he came?

I did not.

Question. Was it a military or citizen's dress he wore?

I had no information on the subject.

Question. Do you know whether any Union men at Lexington at the time these rebel emissaries made their visits to the vicinity of Lexington took measures to send information to the commanders of the Union forces of hose visits?

I do not know.

Question. Is it your opinion that any union man in Lexington would notify the commander of the Union forces if he knew of the visits of the rebel spies or rebel officers in disguise to his vicinity?

In my opinion there some gentlemen in Lexington who stood so well in the opinion of the commanders of the Union forces that they could with propriety have done so and I suppose did; but I have no knowledge on the subject.

Question. Had you such information of the strength of the forces under Kirby Smith as would enable you to give a decided opinion of it?

I have not. I have it variously estimated, but cannot speak with any certainty myself as to its strength.

Question. Was the whole of his column supposed to be at Lexington at any time?

I think not. His advance passed through Lexington and beyond before other portions of his column reached the neighborhood.

Question. What is the estimate of intelligent men of that part of the country as to the strength of Kirby Smith's column?

I should say not far from 15,000 is the estimate of the most intelligent men I have spoken to of it.

General BUELL. Although the rebel forces may not have been actually at Lexington-


Page 461 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.