Today in History:

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

Page 104 KY.,M.AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.

Question. You stated in some part of your testimony that General Buell told you his whole plan for the concentration of the Army of the Ohio?

We gave me a synopsis of that plan.

Question. What was it?

Murfreesborough was the point, moving in converging lines, so that every division was in supporting distance of each other from day to day, which I think was the most perfect plan that could have been desired.

Question. You stated that you were not satisfied with the scattering of General Buell's army on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad?

Any man of judgment would say it would have taken 50,000 men to keep that railroad in running order. I never heard General Buell express his opinions about these things, but I never considered him responsible for that nor do I think his army ever did, and the facts so prove. General Buell's written instructions induced me to believe that he intended to attack the enemy at Perryville. His instructions were that on account of the want of water the enemy would oppose his entrance into that town.

The PRESIDENT. Were any special given you with respect to that attack?

None, except those I presented to the Commission, that I was to take my position there and ascertain what was in my front and not allow my troops to scatter and to form my line with my right resting on Gilbert near Bottom's house.

By General TYLER:

Question. You stated that the assault commenced at 2 o'clock?

Yes,sir; about 2.

Question. Was there any movement of the enemy that induced you to believe the attack would be made?

I rode to the farthest point and reconnoitered. The enemy were concealed in the dry channels of Chaplin River and in mass there, and it was difficult to see anything unless you went down to the bluff and looked over. These facts I learned afterward, of course, by dear experience.

Question. You say you reported the attack on your lines at half past three?

I sent an aide-de-camp. My aide returned to the field afterward but brought no orders. My orders were communicated to me by Major Wright, I think was, on General Buell's staff, who arrived on the field that evening about half an hour before dark.

Question. What were the orders?

That in case I was compelled to fall back to fall back on the Springfield road, in anticipation of support. When Major Wright was in conversation these brigades appeared. Captain Hoblitzell was marching at the head and reported that he had a brigade marching to my support.

By General DANA:

Question. What was the strength and position of the forces with which you marched toward the Anderson road?

Two brigades of infantry and three batteries of artillery. General Crittenden accompanied my command to the point where the Higginbottom turnpike ascends the mountain.

Question. About what strength?

About 4,000 would cover the entire force.

By the PRESIDENT:

Question. What was the strength and position of Bragg's forces marching toward the road?


Page 104 KY.,M.AND E.TENN.,N.ALA., AND SW.VA. Chapter XXVIII.