Today in History:

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

Page 941 Chapter XXVIII. RICHMOND, KY.

the outskirts of Richmond, having collected their whole force for a last and final struggle. Here I took position on the right of the enemy's line. Soon my skirmishers engaged those of the enemy, which was soon followed by a general engagement of my forces. I was driving back the enemy's right wing when I heard firing on my right, showing that General Cleburne had engaged the enemy on their left. The engagement then became general along the entire line. For a time the contest was sharp and the rattle of musketry almost deafening, but again and for the third and last time the enemy fled in great confusion through the streets of Richmond as night closed upon our victorious arms.

I captured in this engagement a large amount of ordnance and ordnance stores, together with 400 or 500 prisoners.

I cannot speak too highly of the gallantry and coolness displayed by Colonels McNair and McCray throughout the entire day, and I have to thank them for the promptness and skill with which they executed all orders.

Of the two batteries in my division the one commanded by Captain [James P.] Douglas [Texas] was ordered the evening previous to report to General Cleburne for orders. The other, commanded by Captain Humphreys, was with my division the whole day, and it gives me great pleasure to say that his pieces were handled with surprising skill and ability and did great execution in the ranks of the enemy.

My loss during the entire day in killed, wounded, and missing was 225.

Before closing I must particularly mention for their daring, bravery, and gallant bearing on the battle-field the following members of my staff: Captain B. S. Johnson, adjutant-general; Captain B. F. Blackburn, inspector-general; Captain John Rennick, volunteer aide; Captain [Elcon] Jones, Signal Corps, and Lieutenant J. M. Rose, ordnance officer. These officers were ever seen bearing orders through the thickest of the fight and at times in the front of battle, cheering on my men to victory.

My division surgeon, Dr. C. H. Smith, in addition to his professional services upon the field to the wounded, rendered me many valuable services.

The officers and men of my entire division always met the enemy with unflinching gallantry and were the proud victors of every battle-field; and for the privations, hardships, and almost unequaled marches, all of which they have borne without a murmur, they deserve the thanks of their country.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

T. J. CHURCHILL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Third Div., Army of Kentucky.

Major General E. KIRBY SMITH.


No. 19.

Report of Colonel T. H. McCray, Thirty-first Arkansas Infantry, commanding First Brigade.

CAMP NEAR CYNTHIANA, KY., Sept. 6, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the troops of this brigade, consisting of the Tenth Texas Regiment, dismounted cavalry, commanded by Colonel C. R. Earp; the Eleventh Texas Regiment, dismounted


Page 941 Chapter XXVIII. RICHMOND, KY.