Today in History:

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

Page 556 KY.,M. AND E. TENN.,N. ALA.,AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.

for marching, 3 o'clock in the morning. I believe these instructions in other respects were literally carried out, except that I think I do not think General Thomas reported in person on the morning of the 8th at General Buell's headquarters; of that I can't be positive, but my recollection is that he was with me or in my sight until late in the day or night.

Question. These instructions were issued at 7 p. m. At what time ought they to have reached you?

I cannot state, for I do not know where General Buell was when those instructions were written. I do not know the distance from his headquarters to our camp. I last saw General Buell on the road from Springfield to Perryville, at the fork in the road where we turn off to go to Louisville. At that point General Buell would perhaps be 8 or 10 miles from Haysville, which would make it 13 or 14 miles that the order would have to come, and if the order came from that point it would not probably take more than two or two and a half hours, and if from near Perryville not more than two hours.

Question. At what time in the morning of the 8th of October was your corps in line of battle near Perryville?

My First Division I think was in line of battle between 10 and 11 o'clock, from 12 to 1 the Second Division get into line of battle, and somewhere between 3 and 4 o'clock I think the entire corps was in line of battle. I cannot be positive, but that is my best impression. Certainly between 9 and not later than 4 o'clock my divisions all got into line of battle.

Question. State, as near as you can recollect, at what hour General Gilbert's corps was in line of battle.

I cannot state when General Gilbert was in line of battle. I did not see his corps at all during the day.

Question. You will please inform the Commission the direction of your line of battle at that time with reference to General Gilbert and Perryville?

My corps was in line of battle and at right angles with the road by which we marched, the road leading from Haysville to Perryville, with Perryville directly in front, perhaps 2 1/2 to 3 miles distant. General Gilbert was on my left, and I understand General McCook was on the left of General Gilbert.

Question. By whose orders, general, was your line of battle formed, and did it make part of the general plan?

I do not certainly remember whether I got my instructions from General Thomas on the field or from General Buell. I supposed of course it was a part of the general plan, though my instructions only required me to ascertain where General Gilbert's right was and to form my line so that my left should join Gilbert's right.

Question. Were not your forces suffering for want of water, then guarded by the enemy, and how long could you have stood in line of battle without making the attack for the purpose of relieving them?

My own forces had an abundant supply of water the night before. They had been ordered to supply themselves and fill their canteens. I do not think my own forces suffered particularly for want of water that day. I do not know how long we could have staid there without water; not a great while certainly.

Question. At the time General Gilbert notified you by order of General Buell that a reconnaissance was about to be made that might bring on a general engagement, as General Thomas was present and in command, how do you account for this order being sent to you?

Orders were frequently addressed either to General Thomas or to myself, frequently to both. I do not know why General Gilbert sent this to me. Possibly it was sent to me because an aide-de-camp of mine was there, and it might have come with an orderly of my own who accompanied this aide. However, I suppose General Gilbert would not have considered it material at all whether he directed the order to General Thomas or to me. General Thomas saw the order as soon as I read it.

Question. How do you account for General Gilbert's note dated 4


Page 556 KY.,M. AND E. TENN.,N. ALA.,AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.