HEADQUARTERS,
Monticello, Ky., April 19, 1863.
General [MORGAN]:
SIR: I hasten to give you all the news we have. There is a rumor here that our forces have been attacked at Big Creek Gap; whether true or not I don't know. Captain [Joseph] Chenault has just got in from a scout across the river; he crossed at Creeksburg, went to Jamestown, recrossed at Rowena; found no enemy nor heard of any. Colonel [J. J.] Morrison has moved his command to Albany, which leaves us a very long and heavy picket duty to perform--from the mouth of South Fork to Burkesville; but, with the assistance of Major Bullitt, I hope to be able to hold them in check. Captain Chenault was within a short distance of Burkesville; heard of no force there. Three regiments at Columbia. Colonel Morrison commands Pegram's brigade, and, as stated above, has fallen back to Albany. There is, beyond a doubt, a large force on the north side of the river, with their headquarters at Danville. What their movements will be I am unable to ascertain.
I remain, general, yours, most respectfully,
D. W. CHENAULT,
Colonel.
P. S.--From various reports, I should not be surprised if the enemy were moving on East Tennessee. I shall hold myself in readiness to move at a moment's notice.
Source: O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIII/1 [S# 34]
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APRIL 26-MAY 12, 1863.--Expedition to Monticello, Ky., and operations in Southeastern Kentucky.
No. 15.--Reports of Col. D. W. Chenault, Eleventh Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate).
IN CAMP ON JIMTOWN ROAD,
Eight miles from Monticello, April 29, 1863--6 a.m.
As previously reported, the enemy crossed the Cumberland in force yesterday at two points. We skirmished with them until dark last night; lost no men, except 4 sick and 4 pickets. I will fall back to a point near Albany, where they cannot flank me from Burkesville, as I learn from Colonel [J. J.] Morrison that there was heavy cannonading at Celina on 28th. He is still at Albany. Major [R. S.] Bullock is with me, with Colonel [R. S.] Cluke's regiment.
Yours, in haste,
General JOHN H. MORGAN.
MONTICELLO, KY., May 1, 1863.
GENERAL: The enemy are on this side of the river, and pressing hard upon me--three regiments of infantry and one of cavalry. Without help I shall not be able to hold this paint long. I have written Colonel [J. J.] Morrison for re-enforcements. Do not know whether I will get them or not.
In haste, general, yours, &c.,
[P.S.]--I have only about 600 men and [John S.] Scott's two bull pups.
TWELVE MILES FROM MONTICELLO,
On Jimtown Road, May 1, 1863--Sundown.
GENERAL: I hasten to inform you that the enemy have driven me to this point. Early this morning Colonel [J. J.] Morrison moved up from Albany to my relief with [John] Pegram's brigade. They ambushed him, and have taken all his artillery, except the two bull pups I had with me. His forces are very much demoralized.(*) I shall move with all dispatch on to Livingston.
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Brig. Gen. JOHN H. MORGAN,
Sparta, Tenn.
CAMP NEAR OBEY'S RIVER,
Fifteen miles from Livingston, May 2, 1863--At night.
GENERAL: My scouts have just returned. They report that the enemy followed us last night across the mountain and are encamped 4 miles from Albany, not over 12 or 15 miles from my camp. I do not know what their strength is, but am of opinion that they have about 5,000 in all. I am confident they intend invading East Tennessee.
Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
Colonel, Commanding
General WHEELER.
IN THE FIELD, May 12, 1863.
SIR: In accordance with your order, I have to report that on Saturday last I moved my regiment from Wolf River early in the morning in the direction of Greasy Creek, on the Cumberland. When near Mr. Alcorn's, some 8 miles from the river, I received orders from you to come up at a double-quick. I did so, and found that you had engaged the enemy, they having divided their forces and moving on two different roads. I immediately ordered Lieutenant-Colonel [J. T.] Tucker, with four companies of my regiment, to support you, and with the rest I pressed upon the enemy on the main Greasy Creek road. I drove the enemy some 3 miles, nor, however, without the loss of one of my most gallant and efficient officers (Capt. Joseph Chenault, of Company B), who was shot through the body, and died almost without breathing again. Capt. A. J. Brunet, of Company C, was also shot through the foot about the same time. This was all my loss on this part of the field. That portion of my command that was sent to your assistance sustained some loss. Corporal [John] McClog was killed, and Orderly Sergeant [B. F.] McCoy was shot through the body and thigh, and had his leg amputated.
Early on the following morning I received an order to move, with four of my companies, to the front, and engage the enemy, which order was executed by Major [James B.] McCreary, who moved down and engaged the enemy about 8 a.m. The remainder of my regiment was ordered in line to the extreme right of the whole command. About this time the enemy opened upon us with their artillery. My men, although they had been under fire eight or ten hours without water or anything to eat, stood firm, and when overpowered and compelled to fall back, did so in good order; and when the command was given to rally and charge, did so with the most perfect coolness and gallantry, and were among the first to charge the enemy, and pursued them in advance of the whole column, until called in by General [John H.] Morgan near the river.
My loss was 1 man killed in Sunday's action and 4 wounded. My loss in both days' action foots up 3 killed and 6 wounded. I have to regret the wounding of Captain [T. B.] Collins, of Company F, who acted most gallantly during the entire day, refusing to leave the field (although shot through the fleshy part of the thigh) until the conflict was closed.
I cannot close this report without expressing my thanks to Colonel Tucker and Major McCreary, who rendered most efficient service. To Adjutant [William L.] Hickman I am also under lasting obligations. In fact, where all did their duty it is impossible to distinguish, and therefore return my thanks to all.
I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. W. CHENAULT.
Capt. S. P. CUNNINGHAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade.
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