CHAP.XII.] SKIRMISH AT SARATOGA, KY., ETC.
was unsuspected by the rebels until we wheeled in column in platoon in the lane in full view, 600 yards distant from their camp, at about 7 o'clock a. m. They, to the number of about 160 men, dismounted, immediately formed in line, awaiting our attack until we advanced within 200 yards of their line. We, then first coming in sight, having charged on them at the double-quick, they commenced an irregular fire when we were at the distance of 300 yards, but at our approach broke for their horses, though many took shelter behind fences, trees, or houses. We charged to within 50 yards, halted, delivered a volley, and then charged bayonet, driving them from the houses and from their place of cover, and they then fled in every direction-some on foot, others on horseback. An occasional firing was kept up for half an hour or more. Six of their men were left dead and 1 mortally wounded. Several others were sent to ride off clinging to their horses, and were wounded.
We took as prisoners Lieutenant J. F. Gibson, A. N. Bosarth, Eli Drenan, D. W. Gore, W. W. Hampton, Morton Rucker, Samuel Pearce, Joseph Parsons, George M. Coffer, James H. Roberts, Washington Rucker, Leroy Watson, R. F. Frezell, Robert L. Beck, George E. Crumbough, Joseph I. Hall, James S. Scott, E. Yion, James Glass, Andrew Duncan, and William Jinkins. We also captured at the camp of the rebels about 30 horses, 10 mules, about 40 saddles, about 30 bridles, 8 mule harness, 2 wagons, about 30 muskets, several rifles, and several shot-guns. We also took as prisoners near the place of action James Stom, James N. Glasgow, and G. W. Hyatt, who live near our line of march, to prevent their giving information and because of their avowal of sympathy with the rebels. C. F. Jenkins, a notorious secessionist, was arrested near, and he had a son in the encampment. We also found with them several negroes, viz, Carlies, Onell, Willis, Melton, Ben, Jo, and Watson, all of whom and which we now have here.
Our wounded were Captain Kueffner, of Company B, slightly wounded with a buck-shot; Corporal Gribling, of Company B, severely with a buck-shot, and Private Gatewood, of Company K, who was serving in Company H, severely wounded with a rifle ball. Among the killed of the rebels was Captain Wilcox, who commanded the company.
Too much praise cannot be given the men for the spirit and energy with which they made the difficult and laborious march, as well as their coolness and bravery during the fight, and where praise as alike due to all it is difficult to discriminate. The commanding officer of the detachment is under great obligations to Captain Phelps, of the gunboat Conestoga, for his assistance in faciliting the landing of the troops and captured property and prisoners.
We arrived from Eddyville on the steamer Lake Erie and gunboat Conestoga, with prisoners and captured property, at Paducah at 8 o'clock p. m. of the 26th instant.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JESSEE J. PHILLIPS, Major Ninth Illinois Volunteers.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mersy, Commanding Ninth Illinois Volunteers.
