Today in History:

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

Page 734 KY., M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA.

[CHAP. XXVIII.

LOUISVILLE, July 12, 1862.

It is certain Morgan cannot be caught without cavalry. He will lay waste large parts of the State. He is aiming at Lexington. I have no force to take him. If Buell would save Kentucky it must be done instantly. I know of what I speak. If I had the necessary troops I could hold everything straight. Morgan has some accessions-several hundreds; these can be stopped by proper force. What will you do?

J. T. BOYLE.

Captain OLIVER D. GREENE.

LOUISVILLE, KY., July 12, 1862.

Morgan is reported at Danville and Harrodsburg. His force is too large to be driven back with my force of infantry. Colonel Bruce telegraphs me that a rebel Captain Meriwether has several hundred, and threatening Bowling Green. He raised these men in counties south of Green River. It will be necessary to move a force into Kentucky.

What will you do for us?

J. T. BOYLE,

Brigadier-General.

Major-General HALLECK.

LOUISVILLE, July 12, 1862.

Rebel Morgan issued proclamation at Glasgow on the 10th. Part of his force was attacked last night near Lebanon by my men and number of his men wounded and force routed. They retreated toward Greensburg. I have ordered attack of Morgan's main force to-day. I am in great want of the 1,800 cavalry arms and equipments. I trust they will be hastened forward. Send agent with the arms, otherwise they will be stopped in some depot on the route.

J. T. BOYLE,

Brigadier-General.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HUNTSVILLE, July 12, 1862.

After the favorable reports just sent you General Boyle now says

Morgan passed around and escaped and burned Lebanon; is moving on Danville and toward Lexington.

I have no cavalry and but little force. The whole State will be in arms if General Buell does not send a force to put it down. Morgan is devastating with fire and sword.

This is excited language, but the facts make it evident that Kentucky cannot be left without troops to guard against such incursions and their consequences. I shall have to use some of my force for that purpose. There should be at least five more regiments of cavalry in those two States.

D. C. BUELL,

Major-General.

General HALLECK.


Page 734 KY., M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA.