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No. 2

Report of Capt. John H. Morgan, Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate).

Murfreesborough, Tenn., March 10, 1862.
Sir: With a view of determining the enemy's position and his move. ments Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, myself, 10 Rangers, and 15 of my squadron left here on the 7th instant at 2 p. m. and proceeded in the direction of Nashville; marching 18 miles, and avoiding the pike, we encamped for the night.

Early on the morning of the 8th, having procured suitable guides, we resumed our march and entered the Federal lines. At about half a mile from a cavalry camp, which we were compelled to pass in full view, we captured 5 men, belonging to the Thirteenth Ohio, Colonel Smith; their arms, Enfield rifles, were also secured. Passing the cavalry camp we continued our march in the direction of Nashville. Having obtained a suitable position in the woods opposite the Lunatic Asylum, where we had a good view of the pike, operations commenced. Seeing a train with its guard approaching, Colonel Wood, myself, and 4 men, wearing United States overcoats, rode down to the pike, stopped the train, and made 23 prisoners. The horses and mules were cut from the wagons and the prisoners mounted and sent back to the party in the woods. This continued until we had accumulated 98 prisoners, among them General Dumont's aide and several other officers. Returning in three parties, with the prisoners, one party, consisting of 60 prisoners and 10 guards. commanded by one of my lieutenants (Owens), was [7] attacked and pursued by the Fourth Regiment Ohio Cavalry. After a pursuit of 15 miles, during which the prisoners were abandoned, the lieutenant succeeded in reaching the river with his party, and, plunging in from a steep bank, swam across, the river arresting the progress of the enemy. During the pursuit many shots were fired by the enemy, but without effect. Two of the prisoners who resisted (officers) were shot. Four of the lieutenant's men, who were in danger of being overtaken, turned off in the woods, and as yet have not made their appearance.

Colonel Wood, with 14 men and 28 prisoners, succeeded in crossing the country and reaching our pickets near Murfreesborough the same night, having passed within a mile of the enemy's cavalry.

Returning alone in the direction of Murfreesborough I encountered a picket of 6 men, who surrendered to me on being summoned, and delivered up their arms. Being joined by a man of my command (Mr. Spalding), with 4 additional prisoners, the next morning we joined Colonel Wood's party and returned to Murfreesborough. We have 38 prisoners, who have been sent forward.

We have a large number of horses and mules, sabers, pistols, saddles, harness, &c., which I shall distribute to the men of my command here who need them.

There are no indications of an advance on the part of the enemy. Their force is about 65,000. Their advance (a regiment of cavalry) is about 8 miles this side of Nashville, on the Murfreesborough pike. A sergeant among the prisoners, who seems to be an intelligent man, can give you some interesting details.

I shall report to you in person on Tuesday. Colonel Wood desires me to say he will return this evening or to-morrow.

John H. Morgan, Captain, Commanding Post. Major-General Hardee, Commanding First Division, Shelbyille, Tenn.

[Indorsement.]

Huntsville, Ala., March 15, 1862.
Respectfully forwarded. The within gives accounts of another gallant act performed by this valuable officer. The Government ought at once to make some recognition of his services. I respectfully, but urgently, recommend that he be appointed a colonel in the Confederate service.

W. J. Hardee, Major-General.

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