Numbers 12.

Report of Major R. M. Gano, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Battalion.

HONORED SIR: I have the pleasure of reporting to you the action of the battalion under my command in the recent expedition to Kentucky This report is intended to embrace only the action of the battalion while separated from the other troops under you command. The battalion was composed of four companies-the two Texas companies under my command, known as the Texas Squadron, Company A (commanded by Lieutenant Speer), and Company B (commanded by Captain Huffman), and two Tennessee companies, viz: Company C (commanded by Captain McMillin) and Company D (by Captain Hamilton). Having left Knoxville on the morning of July 4, we reached Walden's Ridge on the evening of the 5th where the bushwhackers fired upon our foraging party mortally wounding Mr. J. N. O'Brien, of Company A, of the Texas Squadron. He lived twenty-four hours, suffered much, was a model soldier, a fond husband, affectionate father, and a worthy man in al the relations of life. Cut down in the prime of life, he died in a noble cause-the defense of his country from the invader.

We reached Tompkinsville on the morning of the 9th about surprise. I was then ordered to the right of the town, on the Old Mill road, to attack from that point and cut off all retreat from that quarter. I proceeded as directed and drove in the pickets, giving the alarm in the enemy's camp. When we came in sight of the enemy they were forming on horseback, apparently with the intention of attacking us, not dreaming of the reception prepared before breakfast for them. I arranged my command to receive them, but only had the opportunity of firing a few long-range guns at them as the well-aimed shell from your howitzers drove them back from their position, and I then thought from their movements that they would retreat on the Burkesville road, and I immediately ordered Captain Huffman through the woods upon our right with two companies to intercept them there, but the rapid and well-aimed fire from the Georgians, under Colonel Hunt, from one point and of your regiment from another, drove the enemy into such a hasty retreat that they passed out through a wood-land trail some half mile or more, and then, falling into the Burkesville road, put their horses to their utmost speed. The Texans, so famous for horsemanship, started in pursuit, and a portion of the squadron on faster horses soon came up with some 75 of the enemy, under Major Jordan and two lieutenants, trying to cover their hasty retreat. They did not surrender to our demand, but fired back at us, wounding Thomas Huffhines. Then commenced a running fight, 75 Yankess against about a dozen Texans, and many an invader bit the dust; among the number 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 2 corporals. We captured Major Jordan, 1 lieutenant, 1 segregant, and 4 privates.

Our casualties were in this running fight 2 wounded, viz: T. Huffhines, a flesh wound in the thigh, and J. Loose, a saber cut on the head, severing the outer table of the skull; neither dangerous. The enemy lost 9 killed, 7 captured. Number of wounded unknown.

At Bear Wallow, on the 9th, Captain Huffman's company was detailed from my command upon an expedition under Captain Jack Allen. For their movements I refer you to his report.*

After the bushwhacking from New Market to Lebanon on the night of

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*No found.

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