No. 4.

Reports of General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding Department No. 2.

MUNFORDVILLE, KY., September 17, 1862.

(Received September 26.)

The garrison at this place surrendered last night without our firing a gun. We get 4,000 prisoners, 4,000 small-arms, pieces of artillery, and munitions of war in large quantities. My junction with Kirby Smith is complete. Buell still at Bowling Green.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT NO.2, Munfordville, Ky., September 17, 1862.

SIR: Since my last dispatch this army has moved on steadily in the accomplishment of its secondary object, a junction with Major General E. K. Smith. Waiting two days in Glasgow to collect a supply of breadstuffs, an advance brigade thrown in this direction to cut the railroad and observe the enemy was indiscreetly advanced by its commander to the attack of a superior force here strongly fortified. After a most desperate fight they were repulsed with a loss of about 300 in killed and wounded. As soon as I heard of this misfortune my whole command was put in motion, and in less than twenty-four hours we had the place (some 25 and 35 miles distant by the routes taken) completely surrounded, and in a few hours an unconditional surrender of the whole garrison was made without our firing a gun. We received some 4,000 prisoners, and equal number of small-arms, 10 pieces of artillery, and munitions. The prisoners will be paroled and sent to General Buell at Bowling Green, the nearest point of the enemy's lines. My position must be exceedingly embarrassing to Buell and his army. They dare not attack me, and yet no other escape seems to be open to them.

My admiration of and love for my army cannot be expressed. To its patient toil and admirable discipline am I indebted for all the success which has attended this perilous undertaking. The men are much jaded and somewhat destitute, but cheerful and confident without a murmur.

We move soon on a combined expedition with General Smith.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,

General Commanding.

The ADJUTANT-GENERAL C. S. ARMY.

EXHIBITS RELATING TO SURRENDER OF MUNFORDVILLE, KY.

HEADQUARTERS CONFEDERATE STATES TROOPS, Near Munfordville, Ky., September 16, 1862.

To the OFFICER COMMANDING U. S. FORCES,

Near Munfordville, Ky.:

SIR: Surrounded by an overwhelming force, your successful resistance