OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

miles from Hartford, and near Cromwell, on the river above mentioned, and sent out our scouts to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy, thinking to attack them before daylight Tuesday morning. Our scouts, however to return in time to carry into effect our original plan.

A small portion of Captain Breathitt's company of cavalry, under Colonel McHenry, with his force crossed the river and proceeded to Morgantown, where they encountered the enemy's pickets, and in the engagement Colonel McHenry lost 1 man, but wounded several of the pickets, all of whom, however, made their escape.

In the mean time I had ordered Captain Netter to join my command at Cromwell, but failing to make the junction, he crossed the river at and passed Morgantown in the direction of the enemy's retreat, and about 1 mile distant from the town came upon the enemy's pickets, who had been re-enforced to 60 strong, and with 20 men made battle, killing 6 of the enemy, without the loss of a single man.

In the mean time I moved the main body of my force over a mountainous and by a circuitous route, some 20 or 30 miles up the river to Woodbury, and there found the enemy encamped upon a summit commanding the surrounding neighborhood. They immediately formed in line of battle, but were soon thrown into consternation and dismay by a few rounds from one of Somerby's 6-pounders. In the mean time a detachment was below after the ferry flat, the only means of transport across the river, and it was on the opposite side and in possession of the rebel pickets. They were engaged by Lieutenant Ashly, and those that were not killed were driven back and the ferry captured, and soon brought into action Captain Belt, with 85 infantry, supported by captain Shacklett, with 25 men; and Captain Porter, with the same number of Home Guards, was ordered over the river with one piece of artillery, under the immediate fire of the enemy. Our small-arms in the mean time were playing upon the enemy destructively.

The effort was and entire success. Captain Belt took position on and occupied the enemy's battle ground (they having fallen back), which overlooked their encampments. A few shells were sent into their tents, and then charged by Captain Belt with bayonets, the enemy scattering in confusion and consternation, leaving behind them something like 50 killed, while others were wounded. A number of small-arms and shot-guns were [found?], and 4 or 5 horses were the trophies taken, with 2 prisoners, whom I send too you by the bearer of this letter. Their tents, baggage train, magazines, &c., were destroyed.

Learning that they had been re-enforced and were about to cut off McHenry's retreat, we took up our line of march in double-quick and proceeded to join McHenry, 1 1/2 miles west of Morgantown, and made a stand for the enemy, but finding it was not their intention to attack us we fell back, crossed our forces over the river, and encamped [at] Cromwell's Ferry.

It is due here to mention that we were joined by 150 Home Guards, who came to the rescue nobly, but disappeared at the approach of danger. Our men, from the greatest to the least, behaved nobly and fought bravely. It would be an idle pastime to eulogize their conduct and bravery. The rebels engaged were Mississippians, Alabamians, and Georgians.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. G. BURBRIDGE, Colonel, Commanding Kentucky Volunteers.

Brigadier-General SHERMAN, Louisville, Ky.