[CHAP. XXVIII.

ion and a skillful handling of his artillery, the whole of the enemy's line, reaching to Cheatham's left, was driven in confusion near a mile to the rear, and night put an end to farther pursuit. The gallantry of these troops and of their able and skillful commanders in that desperate struggle was in keeping with that of their comrades of the right wing, and the part they bore in the bloody conflict of the field of Perryville entitles them to a distinguished place in the records of that eventful day.

For further details I beg leave to refer to the reports of wing, division, brigade, and regimental commanders, herewith transmitted.

To Major-General Hardee and Cheatham I feel under obligations for the judgment and skill manifested in conducting the operations of their respective commands and for the energy and vigor with which they directed their movements. Few instances are on record where such successes have been obtained against such disparity of numbers.

My thanks are due also to the division and brigade commanders and their subordinates for the fidelity and gallantry with which they supervised and directed the operations of their commands; also to the soldiers for the zeal and alacrity with which they obeyed the orders of their several commanders and the active energy and dauntless courage with which they moved to the performance of the most difficult and perilous enterprises. No troops on any field have ever exhibited higher qualities of the soldier, as no troops at any time have ever had higher motives to inspire them with a contempt for danger and of death.

I am indebted likewise to Colonels Wheeler and Wharton, commanding the cavalry brigades, for their vigilance and activity in protecting our flanks and for the vigorous assaults made by them upon the enemy's lines. Of Colonel Wharton's charge on the enemy's left flank I have already spoken. Colonel Wheeler and the brave officers and men under his command exhibited the same dauntless energy and courage for which they have become distinguished. He kept a very large force of the enemy at bay and made a most brilliant charge, driving the enemy before him and capturing a battery. For particulars of the operations of the commands of these deservedly distinguished officers I beg leave to refer you to their reports, herewith transmitted.

To my staff, general and personal, I am under obligations for the promptitude and zeal with which they discharged the duties of their several offices.

I desire to return thanks to Almighty God for the persistent energy, determination, and courage with which. He has inspired the hearts of our troops in the prosecution of this unrighteous war and for shielding our heads in the day of battle.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. POLK,

Major-General, Commanding.

Colonel GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure.]

List of Casualties in the Army of the Mississippi at the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862.

Killed Wounded Missing Total.

Right wing (commanded by

Major-General Cheatham) 268 1,131 67 1,466

Left wing (commanded by

Major-General Hardee) 242 1,504 184 1,930

Grand total 510 2,635 251 3,396