Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 11.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[179] who blindfolded them, and reported them to Captain Mills, at the north end of the bridge; they were conducted to my headquarters. I repaired thither from the fort, and the rebel officer announced himself as Adjutant Freeman, of Colonel Giltner's Fourth Kentucky Confederate cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Pryor commanding, and verbally demanded the unconditional surrender of the town and forces. Of course I did not recognize this irregular manner, but promptly refusing the demand, directed my staff to escort them out of the lines. Everything remained quiet until eight o'clock, when the enemy were reported in the cemetery, a few of them being visible. I directed Captain Henry Brown, in charge of the gun at the arsenal, to open fire on them, which he did, driving them to safe cover. At nine o'clock a second flag of truce made its appearance in South Frankfort, and Lieutenant Yoder Brown was despatched to receive it, with instruction not to allow the bearers to come across the bridge. In connection with Captain Mills, I rode to headquarters, and Lieutenant Brown presented the following communication:

headquarters Confederate forces South Frankfort, Ky., June 11, 1864.
To the Commandant United States Forces, Frankfort, Ky.:

sir: As commander of the Confederate forces on this side of the river, and under instructions from my superior, I demand the unconditional surrender of your forces, with this statement, that all will be treated as prisoners of war and private property respected. But, if a useless and stubborn resistance is made, we will not answer for the consequences in an assault.

I am, sir, respectfully,

M. T. Pryor, Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding Fourth Kentucky Cavalry.

This demand I referred to you, as I considered it a question of vital interest to the city and State, and which was returned to me with instructions from his Excellency the Governor, that he would not surrender, and that no more white flags must be sent in for the purpose of making such a demand.

Under these instructions I made the following reply:

headquarters United States, forces, Frankfort, Ky., June 11, 1864.
Lieutenant-Colonel Pryor, Commanding Fourth Kentucky Confederate Cavalry, South Frankfort, Ky.:

sir: Your note demanding the unconditional surrender of the forces under my command at this place has been received.

In reply, I will say, that I will not surrender.

I am, sir, respectfully,

Geo. W. Monroe, Colonel Twenty-second Kentucky regiment, commanding.

Immediately after this the enemy commenced a sharp and rapid fire of musketry upon our forces stationed at the wooden bridge and the arsenal, which was kept up at intervals during the whole day, as late as five o'clock P. M., when they withdrew, taking the county road to the right of the Louisville pike. Two guns from the fort opened upon them and continued shelling until the enemy had gotten out of sight.

The casualties of the day's fight was one wounded, Mr. John M. Todd, shot in the hand at the bridge.

Apprehending no further danger from that quarter, but rather that the enemy would concentrate and attack again on this side of the river, every preparation was made to give him a warm reception, both at the fort and in town. Sunday morning, however, found all quiet, and being satisfied that the siege was abandoned, our little band was permitted to rest, having for forty-eight hours been vigilant and active at the post of duty. About five o'clock in the afternoon the Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry (Colonel Jordan commanding) arrived, and, reinforced by this fine body of men, made me feel that we were safe.

To you, General, and to our worthy Governor, too much praise cannot be awarded, for your fearless stand at the outset, and your unflinching determination to defend the city; and to your constant supervision of matters throughout must be attributed in a vast degree the success I am now able to report to you. Being at home on furlough, and finding you, once my senior in command of the old Twenty-second Kentucky infantry, as General commanding the State forces, I accepted the position you were pleased to assign me much more willingly than I would have done under different circumstances.

To those citizens of the town and county, especially to the noble boys of Peak's Mill precinct, who promptly responded to the call of the commanding officer in the hour of peril and danger, all honor and praise is due. To the gallant youth of the town (for such they were), who so faithfully discharged the duties assigned them, is due the thanks of every loyal citizen. Never did veteran soldiers conduct themselves more nobly than did the little band that defended the capital.

To Captain Sanford Goins, Sergeant Johnson, Mr. Bayliss, of West Point, Mr. J. B. Gibson, of Cincinnati, and Captain Henry Brown, I am under especial obligations for efficient services in manning the artillery.

To General John H. Harlan acknowledgements are rendered for his exceedingly valuable services on frequent occasions.

To my staff--Captain J. M. Mills, A. A. A. G.; Lieutenants J. M. Hewitt, Jr., and Yoder Brown, Mr. W. A. Gaines, volunteer Aide, and Lieutenant Ramsey, Seventh Kentucky cavalry--I tender my sincere thanks for the promptness and correct manner with which they delivered