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

[588] arm shattered by a ball whilst leading gallantly on his brave Texan Rangers, a small body of men commanded by Major Gano, of whom I cannot speak too highly, as they have distinguished themselves ever since they joined my command, not only by their bravery, but their good soldier-like conduct.

To all my officers and men my best acknowledgments are due; nothing but hard fighting carried them through.

To my personal staff I am deeply indebted. Col. St. Leger Granfell, Acting Adjutant-General, ably supported me; Captain Lewellen, my Quartermaster, and Capt. Green Roberts, who acted as my Aids-de-Camp, were most active and fearless in carrying my orders, and the captains of companies cool and collected in the performance of them.

Lieut.-Col. Duke led on his regiment, if possible, with more than his usual gallantry, and contributed, by the confidence with which he has inspired his men, to insure the success of the day.

Lieut.-Col. Duke makes particular mention of the cool and determined manner in which Lieut. Rogers, commanding advanced guard, Captains Hutchinson, Castle, and Lieut. White, respectively commanding the three companies composing his division, behaved; in fact the conduct of both officers and men deserve the highest praise.

I received every assistance from the patriotism and zeal of the neighboring citizens, amongst whom Major Duffey and Captain R. A. Bennett were preeminent.

I have also to report that I have received a despatch from Gen. Forrest, stating that he has encamped within eight miles of me, with a reenforcement of eight hundred men, but no artillery. The want of this arm cripples my movements and prevents my advance with that certainty of effect which a battery would afford.

Recruits are daily and hourly arriving. The population seems at last to be thoroughly aroused, and to be determined on resistance.

I hope shortly, General, to be able to report further successes, and rest assured that no exertions on my part shall be wanting; no sacrifices on that of my officers and men will prevent our giving as good an account of the enemy as our small numbers will admit of.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, General, your most obed't servant,

P. S.--This morning I received positive. information as to Gen. Nelson's intentions and movements. He is retreating from Nashville to reenforce Bowling Green, at the head of one thousand five hundred infantry, two hundred cavalry, and twelve cannon. It is evidently the intention of the Federals to attempt the defence of the line at Bowling Green and Lebanon.

soldiers: Your gallant bearing during the last two days will not only be inscribed in the history of the country and the annals of this war, but is engraven deeply in my heart.

Your zeal and devotion on the twentieth, at the attack of the trestle-work at Saundersville, and of the Springfield Junction stockade, your heroism during the two hard fights of yesterday, have placed you high on the list of those patriots who are now in arms for our Southern rights.

All communication cut off betwixt Gallatin and Nashville, a body of three hundred infantry totally cut off or taken prisoners, the liberation of those kind friends arrested by our revengeful foes, for no other reason than their compassionate care of our sick and wounded, would have been laurels sufficient for your brows. But, soldiers, the utter annihilation of General Johnson's brigade, composed of twenty-four picked companies of regulars, and sent on purpose to take us, raises your reputation as soldiers, and strikes fear into the craven hearts of your enemies. Gen. Johnson and his staff, with two hundred men, taken prisoners, sixty-four killed and one hundred wounded, attests the resistance made, and bears testimony to your valor.

But our victories have not been achieved without loss. We have to mourn some brave and dear comrades. Their names will remain in our breasts — their fame outlives them. They died in defence of a good cause; they died, like gallant soldiers, with their front to the foe.

Officers and men, your conduct makes me proud to command you. Fight always as you fought yesterday, and you are invincible.