Today in History:

1040 Series I Volume XVI-I Serial 22 - Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign Part I

Page 1040 KY.,M.AND E.TENN.,N.ALA.,AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.

During my presence on this ground no enemy was seen, save some rebel cavalry on the opposite hills, across the river, who I suppose were threatening my train in the rear. A few well-directed shots from Stone's First Kentucky Battery, posted to the left and rear of this position, put them to flight. Not being apprehensive of an attack, I left this position and moved toward the right of the line. This was about 1.30 p.m. in the day.

At 2 p.m. an attack was made by the enemy on the skirmishers of the regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, to support the line; also the Second Ohio Volunteers to support the Thirty-third.

My line of battle at this moment was formed as follows: The right of Rousseau's division rested near a barn on the right of the Perrysville and Mackville road, extending to the left, on a commanding ridge, through a corn field [the corn cut and shucked], to the skirt of woods occupied by the Second and Thirty-Ohio Volunteers. The right of Terrill's brigade, of Jackson's division, resting on some woods running along to the left, on the commanding ground overlooking a portion of Chaplin River to the north, his left forming a crotchet to the rear, in order to occupy the high ground on his left and rear. Starkweather's brigade and Stone's and Bush's batteries, of Rousseau's division, were posted to the left and rear of Jackson's left, on high, commanding ground. Webster's brigade, of Jackson's division, was posted to the left of Russell's house, and in the rear of the center of Rousseau's line, on the right.

The attack on my line now became general. My attention was directed principally to the left, where the attack was most fiercely made.

I had no apprehension about my right, as it rested near Gilbert's left. A fierce attack being made on Terrill's brigade, General Jackson being killed at the first fire, this brigade in a few moments gave way in confusion, General Terrill doing everything in the power of a man to steady them.

At this juncture, at 2.30 p.m., seeing that I was assailed by at least three times my numbers, I dispatched my aide-de-camp, First Lieut. L. M. Hosea, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry, to General Sheridan, commanding Gilbert's left division, to request him to book to my right and see that it was not turned.

At 3 p.m. I dispatched Capt. Horace N. Fisher, of my staff, to the nearest commander of troops for assistance. He first met General Schoepf, marching at the head of his division, and reported my condition to him. General Schoepf expressed a desire to come up, replying that he was moving to the front for some purpose, and requested Captain Fisher to see General Gilbert, who was riding with the column. Captain Fisher then reported to General Gilbert that my entire command was engaged and the reserves were all in line and the safety of my corps was compromised. General Gilbert referred this officer to General Buell, to whom this officer reported at 3.30 p.m.

I also dispatched another aide, Capt. W. T. Hoblitzell, to General Schoepf, commanding of the nearest troops in the rear to inform him of my condition and ask for troops.

I remained in rear of my left center until I saw the enemy's right completely routed and driven back by the gallant brigade of Starkweather, so admirably posted for the work they performed so well. I then galloped to the right of the line, but only in time to see it turned by a large force of the enemy. I then ordered Colonel Webster, of the


Page 1040 KY.,M.AND E.TENN.,N.ALA.,AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.