Today in History:

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

Page 758 KY. M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.

of my men at the depot and started in a southeasterly direction through Redmon's pasture, where we met a body of the enemy, who had crossed from the Millersburg road. They were secreted behind fences, trees, and hay-cocks. We at once engaged them and soon routed them. Upon turning around I discovered that the enemy had pursued us from town, and were on our rear not more than 40 paces distant. I ordered my handful of men to cross the hill-side and fight them from behind the fences, which they did, and held them in check until nearly surrounded by a body of cavalry at least ten times their number. I then ordered my men to retreat beyond a fence in a southeasterly direction to avoid a cavalry charge. Here a part of my men became exhausted, some falling by the wayside to await their fate, their ammunition all expended, when I informed the little Spartan band we could do more; to save themselves and I would do likewise, if possible, and bade them good-by.

Each and every man of this noble little squad fought with desperation and the coolness of veterans. Among them were James F. Ware, John R. Smith, William Kimbrough, Lieutenant William M. Dayton, Company I, Eighteenth Kentucky Volunteers; Lieutenant W. C. Sleet, Company E. Eighteenth Kentucky; Silas Howe, sergeant, Company E, Eighteenth Kentucky; Albert Roper, sergeant, Company I, Eighteenth Kentucky; Captain J. J. Wright, of Cincinnati, and others not now remembered to any one of whom too much praise cannot be awarded.

Captain Lafe Wilson fell near the depot, and continued to discharge his revolver as long as life lasted. His last words were, "Never surrender, boysJanuary

Captain J. B. McClintock fell severely wounded while urging his men to the charge.

Captain S. G. rogers, Company I, Eighteenth Kentucky, was wounded while gallantly resisting the foe.

I cannot particularize further; it is enough to say that all my men fought like heroes and veterans in the face of a greatly superior force, as is evidenced by the slaughter that ensued, having held them in check for nearly three hours against a most galling fire, which was poured in upon us from every side. I think it beyond doubt one of the most sanguinary conflicts of the war, considering the numbers engaged.

Rev. George Morrison, of this place, rendered me very important service before and during the engagement in conveying orders to the different commands under me.

It is quite difficult to ascertain the number in killed and wounded on their side, as the enemy had possession of the field, and our men, all being prisoners, had no opportunity to make examination until paroled, at which time the enemy had buried their dead and sent off most of their wounded.

I herewith append a list* of Federals killed and wounded, furnished my by Dr. W. T. McNees, assistant surgeon of Seventh Kentucky Cavalry.

I can give no accurate account of the rebel dead, Morgan having taken off eight burial-cases from this place and his men having been seen hauling off their dead toward Georgetown, the Magee road, and Millersburg road after the fight. Two of their wounded died at Winchester and two beyond that place. Since Morgan 13 of his dead have been taken from the river near Cynthiana, where they war thrown for concealment. Morgan himself admitted at Paris a loss here of 24

---------------

*Nominal list omitted shows 17 killed and 34 wounded.

---------------


Page 758 KY. M. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. Chapter XXVIII.