Today in History:

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

Page 765 Chapter XXVIII. MORGAN'S FIRST KENTUCKY RAID.

Colonel Metcalfe was ordered to move forward with all his force on Paris, and started about 4 o'clock. I was again detailed to take command of all the infantry and support the batteries. Thirty-five of my men were reported as unable to travel, and by my order were sent by the surgeon to the Lexington hospital. We moved on toward Paris, and at dark encamped 5 miles from the town. During the night our pickets were driven in three time,and, as the infantry with the artillery held the advance, I formed them all in line of battle at the road.

On the morning of the 19th we again took up our line of march, Brigadier-General Smith in command. Our advance continually drove in the rebel scouts, killing 7 and taking 8 prisoners. Arriving at the entrance to Paris, our column was halted. The center, composed of the Ohio troops and the artillery, was 1 mile from the town. We were informed that an attack was expected and the men stood by their guns one hour and a half, when we learned to our chagrin that Morgan had retreated toward Winchester.

It is but justice to the Ohio troops to inform you that they were eager and ready for the fight. Two companies of the Cincinnati police took off their coats, and under their chief, Colonel Dudley, were anxious to meet the enemy. The detachment of Captain Whittlesey's Cincinnati company deserve commendation for their gallantry, while the troops from Camp Dennison, under Captain Ayres, were prompt and efficient, and had opportunity offered would have earned for themselves a creditable reputation.

After the retreat of the enemy we encamped for twenty-four hours. On the morning of the 20th we were ordered to move, the rear guard being assigned to my command. I found it impossible for the troops sent out with me to follow on to Winchester. I therefore left them at Pris, under command of Captain Ayres, with instructions to remain until further orders from me after I arrived had at Winchester.

Receiving orders from General Smith to proceed to Lexington, I moved my command the next day (the 21st) and reached Lexington at night. I rode over with Dr. Bush to Paris that night that the men left in charge of Captain Ayres had gone to Cincinnati the morning previous. I returned to Lexington the same night and found Colonel McCook with your orders. After instructing the lieutenant in charge of the sick at Lexington to report to Colonel McCook the condition of then men I obtained leave return home and arrived here this morning.

I have been thus particular in explaining to you how I became detached from my particular command, which was intrusted to me by your orders, and to do justice as near as I can to the Ohio troops under my charge.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

J. V. GUTHRIE,

Commanding.

General GEORGE B. WRIGHT, Quartermaster-General, Ohio.


Numbers 9.

Report of Lieutenant Colonel Sidney Burbank, Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, commanding at Cincinnati, Ohio.

CITY OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, July 19, 1862.

SIR: The movements in Kentucky of Morgan's forces have assumed


Page 765 Chapter XXVIII. MORGAN'S FIRST KENTUCKY RAID.