Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Captain Pinney's Fifth Wisconsin battery was placed in position, under the orders of Gen. McCook, and for nearly three hours, almost unsupported, defended itself against the terrible numbers and charges of the enemy, piling the ground in front of his guns with their slain.

Gooding's brigade continued in position till darkness rendered their position (the enemy being concealed) much too exposed; they withdrew to their position on the road, fatigued, terribly depleted in numbers, mourning the loss of so many brave comrades, but still preserving their organization intact, and anxious for the next day's opportunity to go again into the fight.

Col. Gooding's brigade operated more directly under the command of Gen. McCook, and, I presume, his report will contain a more detailed account of its position and operations.

The casualties in my command were as follows: Thirtieth brigade: killed, 121; wounded, 314; prisoners, 35; missing, 29; total, 499. Thirty-first brigade: wounded, 10. Thirty-second brigade: killed, wounded, etc., none; grand total, 509.

I have already spoken of the gallant conduct and skilful management of Col. Carlin, commanding the Thirty-first brigade, but cannot refrain from again calling your attention to the eminent services and brave actions of this modest and efficient officer in this engagement. By his courage and skill the enemy's centre, a strong position, was broken and the rebels thrown into confusion.

Col. Gooding did his whole duty as the commander of one of the very best brigades in the service of the Government, and Indiana may feel proud of his conduct in the bloody conflict.

I cannot refrain from expressing my gratitude to my staff, including Lieut. Pratt, A. A.A. G., Lieut. Lines, A. D.C., Lieut. Rankin, of the Second Kansas regiment; Lieut. Andrews, of the Forty-second Illinois volunteers, and Lieutenant Wood, of the Signal Corps, for the able, gallant, and heroic manner in which they discharged their respective duties during the engagement, always ready and willing to take any risk or make any sacrifice for the good of their country's cause.

Surgeon Hazlet, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois; Lieut.-Col. Keith, Twenty-second Indiana; Lieut. Johnson, Fifty-eighth Illinois; Lieut. Tolbert, Lieut. Ridler, and Captain R. K. Smith, of the Twenty-second Indiana; Lieut. Blean and Lieut. Eels, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, died gallantly defending the honor of their country's flag.

On the morning of the ninth, a force of rebel cavalry was seen winding from the enemy's left, and evidently proceeding toward the Harrods-burgh turnpike. I directed Hotchkiss's battery to fire upon them, which was done with good effect, the enemy rapidly retreating.

I then advanced with my division to this point, seeing on every side indications of the enemy's precipitate retreat. I discovered about one thousand five hundred small arms, which I have turned over to Lieut. Horton, ordnance-officer, staff of Major-General Gilbert.

I am, Captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

On the seventh instant the Third corps moved along the turnpike from Springfield toward Perryville On approaching within five miles of the latter place it became apparent that the enemy were there in force. The head of the column was at once halted, and the leading division (Mitchell's) was drawn up in line of battle across the road. The Eleventh division (Sheridan's) was shortly after brought up and passed to the front, and established on some heights to the right of the road, and not far from Doctor's Creek. The First division (Schoepff's) was established in reserve. By the time these dispositions were effected it was dark.

During the night I directed Gen. Sheridan to pass Doctor's Creek, take up a position, and hold it, as that stream contained the nearest water in sufficient quantity for my command. This movement brought McCook's brigade of Sheridan's division to within two and a half miles of the place, and early in the morning the enemy testified his dissatisfaction at our presence there by an attempt to dislodge the brigade. But he was repulsed handsomely. Toward the middle of the day the indications pointed toward a general engagement, and I ordered Gen. Mitchell to establish himself on the right of Sheridan, and directed both commanders to call up their respective commands and establish them on the heights between Doctor's Creek and Perryville. When on that line, Sheridan's left rested on the road, and Mitchell's right stretched off toward the Lebanon and Perryville turnpike, on which Crittenden's corps was hourly expected. Schoepff's division was moved along the road to the crossing of Doctor's Creek, where the leading brigade was established.

Pending these movements the arrival of the First corps--Major-General McCook's — was announced on my left, and the sound of artillery indicated that its appearance had attracted the serious attention of the enemy. I also received an officer from Major-Gen. Crittenden, who had been despatched to seek out my lines, that he might make the junction with me. I gave him the position, and being near the General's headquarters, I repaired to them, and made a report in person of the disposition of my forces and of the operations of the day, and then returned to my headquarters near the crossing of Doctor's Creek. On my way thither I was met by a messenger from Major-General McCook, to the effect that his corps was upon the point of being compromised,