HEADQUARTERS MORGAN'S DIVISION,
Sparta, April 23, 1863. (Received April 26, 3 a.m.)
Col GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT,
Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Army of Tennessee:
COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose copy of a dispatch from Colonel Chenault, at Monticello, received on the morning of the 21st, copy of which was forwarded by train the same morning from McMinnville.
I also received a dispatch at 8 a.m. 21st instant, from Major Bullitt, commanding regiment on Woodbury road, 12 miles from McMinnville, stating that the enemy was advancing in foe-- cavalry, infantry, and artillery--on the Woodbury road. I immediately ordered him to hold his position as long as possible, and, in the event of the enemy pressing him, to fall back slowly toward McMinnville, reporting to me by courier every half hour the movements of the enemy. I also sent out a small scout to gain all possible information, who reported from time to time that a large force of the enemy's cavalry was advancing on the Petty Gap road, and another large force of infantry advancing at the same time on the Woodbury road. I sent a courier to order back the train from Tullahoma, not being able to telegraph, the operator informing me that the line was not working.
At 2 p.m. I received a dispatch from Colonel Bullitt, stating that the enemy had fallen back a short distance on the Woodbury road. At about the same time one of my scouts came in, reporting that the enemy was then within a mile or two of town, driving my vedettes and pickets in before them.
The enemy destroyed the railroad depot, factory, two railroad bridges, together with the train that was on this side of Morrison's, besides some two or three other buildings at McMinnville. They left McMinnville about 12 o'clock on the 22d, proceeding in the direction of Smithville and from thence to Liberty, the force being estimated at from 3.000 to 5,000 strong, consisting of cavalry and mounted infantry and seven pieces of artillery.
About 12,000 infantry crossed from Woodbury road to Blue's, near Mechanicsville. From there they joined the cavalry who had been at McMinnville, and moved down Snow Hill upon Liberty. I had sent courier after courier giving information to the forces at Liberty of approach of the enemy.
I have also received information from Celina, stating that the enemy, between 1,200 and 1,500 strong, crossed the river at that point on the 19th instant, shelled and burned the town, together with the churches, not even giving the citizens any warning of their intention. Major Hamilton had to fall back some 4 or 5 miles, but, being re-enforced by Colonel Johnson's regiment, attacked and drove the enemy back across the river.
I understand that General Wheeler is now crossing Caney Fork at Lancaster with his forces. A small detachment of my forces are now occupying McMinnville. General Wheeler will probably be at this point to-morrow. Knowing that it is very important that all information from this direction should reach you at once, I send this without its going through the regular channel.
I have just received a dispatch from Colonel Chenault, at Monticello, who states that there is no immediate danger from that direction, as the enemy are reported moving toward Bowling Green, Ky.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN H. MORGAN,
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