Rebels reports and Narratives.
General Bragg's report.
General Bragg's order.
Murfreesboro “rebel banner” account.
The more that we learn of the battle of Sun day last, the greater is our astonishment at the wonderful success that attended this daring exploit. It is another evidence of the superior sagacity and military skill of General Morgan, who projected the expedition and carried it to a successful issue. His plans were well matured, and though there were delays of an unavoidable character, every detail was promptly and faithfully executed. There has been, we dare say, no feat of arms so brilliant or so completely triumphant in the Western department as this; indeed, we doubt if the annals of the war can present another instance of equal daring.The forces engaged in the affair on our side were the Ninth and Second Kentucky infantry, commanded by Col. Thomas H. Hunt, numbering six hundred and eighty men, and the cavalry regiments of Chenault, Cluke, Bennett, and Huffman, with Cobb's Kentucky battery. All told, our forces were about one thousand three hundred. The enemy was the Thirty-ninth brigade of Dumont's division, composed of three regiments, one battalion, a squadron of cavalry, and section of artillery. It was commanded by Col. Abraham B. Moore, of Peru, Lasalle County, Illinois, whose commission, we are authorized to say, is now in possession of Corporal Whelan, company K, Second Kentucky. [245]
The attack was made just after sunrise, but instead of surprising the Yankees, they were found strongly posted on the top of a steep hill, and in perfect line of battle. Our line was formed under the fire of the enemy, but it was done with great precision and perfect accuracy. After our boys had commenced the forward movement there was no delay or hesitancy. The abolitionists were driven from their position, then through their camps, then their battery of fine Parrott guns captured, and finally hemmed in on the riverbank, where they surrendered. The fight lasted for one hour and twenty minutes; but in that brief period the firing was rapid and the contest severe. Many gallant spirits fell on our side, but we heaped the field with thrice the number of Yankee slain.
Cobb's battery sustained an important part in the fight, and lost severely. Lieut. Gracey was, as he is on all similar occasions, conspicuous for his gallantry and good conduct. It was the ninth engagement in which he has participated, and out of all he has escaped unharmed, save at Shiloh. David Watts, a private of this battery, who was killed, was an intelligent and promising young man, the son of the well-known merchant of Paducah.
The town of Hartsville and some four hundred of the enemy were captured by Colonel Bennett's command.
To John Blazer, of company C, Ninth Kentucky regiment, belongs the honor of capturing the battery flag of the enemy. It is a beautiful piece of silk bunting, with the letter B upon it.
The Ninth regiment also had the flag of the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois regiment.
The Second regiment brought off the colors of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio, which, before reaching town, were, by order of Major James W. Hewitt, reversed, the Union down — a signal of distress.
But the most remarkable fact connected with the expedition was the endurance of the infantry troops. They marched, on a bitter night, over fifty miles, fought a splendid battle, captured twice their numbers, crossed the Cumberland River twice, and yet there was no complaints heard and straggling witnessed. The losses of the cavalry regiments engaged were trifling.
