tained a white handkerchief from some one and started it through the lines of my regiment. It was here that I rode in front my regiment and told my men that they were about to be surrendered; and, said I, "Indianians, never surrender; follow me!" and moved off with all of my men who had heard the order. We found the enemy on our fight and left. On our retreat luckily we found a negro, whom I pressed, and who guided me to a ford, and we were enabled to cross the Cumberland River. Having crossed in safety, I posted Captain Ross and 5 men as pickets, to watch and report the movement of the enemy. I had proceeded about 5 miles when Captain Ross reported a portion of the rebels had crossed and were in pursuit. I ordered the "Trot-March," but soon learned that it was a portion of my own men, with Captains Johnson, Kessler, Adjutant Woolley, and Lieutenant Beck, Barnett, and Barnes, who, occupying a position at the left of my line, did not hear my order to follow. I ordered a halt and waited until they came up; then moved to Stone River and encamped for the night.

Along the whole line of retreat evidences of the disgraceful conduct of the Fifth Kentucky appeared. Enfield rifles, pistols, sabers, saddlebags, canteens, curry-combs, brushes, and hats had been thrown away and abandoned in helter-skelter style. Perfect disorder must have prevailed during this cattle-like scamper.

With my command I arrived at Nashville on the morning following at 8 o'clock a. m., when I learned that the Fifth Kentucky and other portions of General Johnson's command had been swift enough to reach Nashville on the evening before.

Although the result of the engagement was an unfortunate one, yet I am happy to report the uniform good conduct of the Second Indiana Cavalry.

Further evidence of the gallantry of my command appears by reference to the printed report of Adjutant Woolley, to which your attention is most respectfully called.*

I have not space to enumerate individual acts. Suffice to say that the highest compliments which I could pay to any one is due to all.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. R. STEWART,

Lieutenant-Colonel Second Indiana Cavalry.

Colonel E. M. McCOOK.

Numbers 4.

Report of Captain Levi Chilson, Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, of action August 21.

NASHVILLE, TENN., August 26, 1862.

SIR: I herewith send you a report of the casualties in the First Squadron of Fourth Kentucky Cavalry in the battle at Gallatin, Tenn., on the 21st instant.

Company A, commanded by Captain Levi Chilson, went in the fight with Lieutenant William D. Hooker and 28 men: Wounded, officers, 1; killed, enlisted men, 2; wounded, enlisted men, 2; missing, 3; total, 7.

Company C went into the fight with First Lieutenant Sylvester W. Raplee

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* Not found.

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