Today in History:

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

Page 937 Chapter XXVIII. RICHMOND, KY.

own campaign by the troops under Major General E. Kirby Smith at Richmond, Ky., on the 30th ultimo. The enemy, under Major-General Nelson, was completely routed, with the commander wounded, one general killed, and one captured, with 3,000 other prisoners. Not the least important of the fruits secured was the whole of the enemy's artillery, small-arms, and transportation.

II. Comrades, our campaign opens most auspiciously and promises complete success. Your general is happy and proud to witness the tone and conduct of his army. Contented and cheerful under privations and strictly regardful of the rights of citizens, you have achieved a victory over yourselves which insures success against every foe. The enemy is in full retreat, with consternation and demoralization devastating his ranks. To secure the full fruits of this condition we must press on vigorously and unceasingly. You will be called on to make greater sacrifices still, to suffer other, perhaps greater, privations, but your generals will share them and a grateful people will reward you. Alabamians, your State is redeemed. An arrogant foe no longer treads her soil. Tennesseans, the restoration of your capital and State government is almost accomplished without firing a gun. You return to your invaded homes conquerors and heroes. Kentuckians, the first great blow has been struck for your freedom. The manacles will soon fall from your limbs, when we know you will arise and strike for your freedom, your women, and your altars. Soldiers from the Gulf, South Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas, we share the happiness of our more fortunate brothers, and will press on with them, rejoicing in the hope that a brighter future is in store for the fruitful fields, happy homes, and fair daughters of our own sunny South.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General, Commanding.


No. 17.

Reports of Colonel John S. Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Brigade, including operations from August 13-September 11.*


HDQRS. KIRBY SMITH'S Brigadier, August 17, 1862.

COLONEL: I reached London at 8 o'clock this morning, after a ride of 160 miles in seventy hours. I failed to surprise the telegraph office at Somerset and found the force at this place in position to fight me when I arrived. We soon cleared the town, took 75 prisoners, killed and wounded about 50. Lost 1 lieutenant and a private killed; 3 or 4 wounded. Captured 40 or 50 wagons, 175 mules, camp and garrison equipage, some ammunition, about 50 guns, very small commissary stores. My men have been skirmishing to-day between this and Barboursville.

Bearer is instructed to tell you my whereabouts to-night. Kentuckians will not fight us much this trip. There is quite a large camp at Dick Robinson. Do have Starnes sent to me, for I must go to the blue-grass region for forage.

Yours, respectfully, &c.,
J. S. SCOTT,

Commanding.

Colonel PEGRAM,

Chief of Staff, Dept. of E. Tenn.

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*See August 17-22, 1862. Operations near Cumberland Gap, Tenn. Report of Brigadier General W. Morgan, U. S. Army.

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Page 937 Chapter XXVIII. RICHMOND, KY.