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

on Thursday, the seventeenth instant, about three o'clock P. M., I was attacked at this place by the forces under command of Col. John H. Morgan, comprising three regiments, composed of Kentuckians, Tennesseeans, Georgians, Mississippians, Texans, and South-Carolinians, estimated variously at from fifteen hundred to three thousand men; reported by Capt. Austin, his Adjutant-General, at twenty-two hundred strong and two pieces of artillery.

The force under my command was composed of about fifteen men of the Eighteenth Kentucky volunteers, and the following Home Guards: about sixty men under Capt. J. B. McClintock, and from fifty to sixty men under Captain Lafe Wilson, from Cynthiana and vicinity; Capt. John S. Arthur, of Newport, fifty men; Capt. J. J. Wright, of Cincinnati, forty men; Capt. Pepper, of Bracken County, thirty-five men; seventy-five men of the Seventh Kentucky cavalry, (raw recruits,) under Major William O. Smith, and one brass twelve-pounder and a small artillery squad, under Capt. W. H. Glass, of Cincinnati; amounting in the aggregate to about three hundred and forty men, the majority of them poorly armed, and nearly all totally undisciplined. After my pickets were driven in, and before I had time to dispose my little force, the enemy commenced shelling the town, without notice to me to remove the women and children. I immediately ordered Capt. Glass to occupy the public square with his artillery, from which point he could command most of the roads entering the town, and Capt. Arthur's company to support it. I also at the same time directed a portion of my force to take position on the Magee Hill road, south of town, and soon hearing considerable firing in that quarter, presumed they were approaching in that direction in heavy force.

I then posted a portion of my force on the river-bank, on the west side of town, near the Licking bridge, from which direction Morgan's main force seemed to be approaching, with instructions to hold the bridge at all hazards. At this time I ordered Capt. Glass to put his piece in position so as to command Morgan's battery, and if possible, to silence it, which was done at the second discharge. I then discovered that the town was circumvented and we were completely surrounded by a superior force, the enemy approaching by every road, street and by-path, and deployed as skirmishers through every field, completely encircling [291] us. I ordered Captain Glass to put his gun in position to command the Millersburgh road, and give the enemy grape and canister, which was done with good effect. By this time my little band was engaged at every point. The fighting on both sides was terrific. The enemy, having possession of the streets, were pouring a galling fire upon us from the shelter of houses, fences, etc., and the artillery squad, being subject to a cross-fire, were compelled to abandon their piece.

My men at the bridge were, after a most desperate conflict, driven back by very superior numbers, and a cavalry charge made through the streets by Morgan's forces. At this time I rallied a part of my forces at the railroad depot, at which point our boys gave them a warm reception, emptying several saddles. I then again went for the purpose of rallying the artillery squad, so as to place it on the hill near the residence of M. L. Broadwell, from which position we could have commanded the town, and several roads leading to it, but was unable to find either men or gun, the streets in every direction being in possession of the rebels. My men were exhausted and out of ammunition, but I rallied them, and at the depot distributed it to them. The firing at the time having nearly ceased, I rode along the railroad to Rankins's Hotel to ascertain what position the enemy was taking, and from what direction they were coming in heaviest force. Here I met an officer of the rebel band, aid to Col. Morgan, (a son of the late Beverly L. Clark,) who demanded my surrender. I replied, “I never surrender,” and instantly discharged three shots at him, two of which took effect in his breast.

He fell from his horse, and I thought him dead, but he is still living, and will probably recover, notwithstanding two balls passed through his body. Captain Rogers also discharged a shot at him which took effect. I then rallied part of my force, about forty in number, and determined to make a charge upon the enemy at the Licking bridge, and take their battery, which had been brought to that point and was being used with fatal effect upon my little band of patriot heroes. The force, sustaining their artillery, outnumbered ours more than ten to one, and were all the while under cover of houses, etc. Besides this, a force of the rebels, at least three hundred strong, were pouring an incessant and deadly fire upon my little band from the rear, about a hundred and twenty-five yards distant.

It was here that Jacob Carver, company E, Eighteenth Kentucky, fell, severely wounded — as brave a man as ever pulled trigger — and I received a slight wound in the ankle. It was here, too, that the lamented Thomas Ware, United States Commissioner for this county, one of the oldest citizens of Cynthiana, was instantly killed, nobly and bravely doing his duty as a patriot. Here, too, was killed Jesse Current, young Thomas Rankins, Captain Lafe Wilson, young Hartburn of Cincinnati, and others; besides many, including F. L. St. Thomas, John Scott, Captain McClintock, John McClintock, Thomas Barry of Cincinnati, and Thos. J. Vimont, who fell severely wounded. In consequence of the terrific storm of balls, and as but few of my men were left, among whom were Wm. W. Trimble and J. S. Frizell, who was also wounded, of this place, others not remembered, I ordered a retreat.

In the mean time Major William O. Smith had command of the Seventh Kentucky cavalry, and was posted north of the town to hold the Claysville road, and prevent the enemy from gaining the streets from that direction, where he made a gallant resistance near the Episcopal Church, until overpowered by superior numbers, and forced to fall back toward the Reform Church, and thence to the Court-House, where he and his command were compelled to surrender. At this time more than three fourths of my men were killed, wounded and prisoners, and I determined to cut my way through the enemy and escape with the remainder, if possible. I rallied together from twenty to twenty-five of my men at the depot, and started in a south-east direction through Redmon's pasture, where we met a body of the enemy who had crossed from the Millersburgh road. They were secreted behind fences, trees and hay-cocks. We at once engaged them, and soon routed them. Upon turning round I discovered that the enemy had pursued us from town, and were on our rear, not more than forty paces distant. I ordered my handful of men to cross the hill-side, and fight them from behind the fences, which they did, and held them in check until nearly surrounded by a body of cavalry, at least ten times their number. I then ordered my men to retreat beyond a fence in a south-easterly direction, to avoid a cavalry charge. Here a part of the men became exhausted, some falling by the way-side to await their fate, their ammunition all expended, when I informed the little Spartan band we could do no more; to save themselves, and I would do likewise, if possible, and bade them good-by.

Each and every man of this noble little squad fought with desperation and the coolness of veterans. Among them were James F. Ware, Jno. R. Smith, Wm. Kimbrough, Lieutenant Wm. L. Dayton, company I, Eighteenth Kentucky; Lieutenant Sleet, company E, Eighteenth Kentucky; Silas Howe, company E, Eighteenth Kentucky; albert Roper, company I, Eighteenth Kentucky; Captain J. J. Wright of Cincinnati, and others, not now remembered, to any one of whom too much praise cannot be awarded. Captain Lafe Wilson fell near the depot and continued to discharge his revolver as long as life lasted. His last words were: “Never surrender, boys.”

Captain J. B. McClintock fell severely wounded while urging his men to the charge. Captain S. G. Rogers, Company I, Eighteenth Kentucky, was wounded while gallantly resisting the foe. I cannot particularize further; it is enough to say that all my men fought like heroes and veterans in the face of a greatly superior force, as is evidenced by the slaughter that ensued, having held them in check for nearly three hours, from a most galling fire, which was poured in upon us from [292] every side. I think it beyond doubt one of the most sanguinary conflicts of the war, considering the numbers engaged.

Rev. George Morrison, of this place, rendered me very important service, before and after the engagement, in conveying orders to the different commands under me.

It is quite difficult to ascertain the number in killed and wounded on their side, as the enemy had possession of the field, and our men all being prisoners, had no opportunity to make examination, until paroled, at which time the enemy had buried their dead, and sent off most of their wounded.

I herewith append a list of Federals killed and wounded, furnished me by Dr. W. T. McNees, Assistant-Surgeon of the Seventh Kentucky cavalry.

killed.--Thomas Ware, U. S. Commissioner, Cynthiana Home Guards; Thomas Rankin, Harrison Co. Home Guards; Capt. Lafe Wilson, do.; Jesse Current, do.; Wm. Robinson, do.; Nathan Kennedy, Home Guards; James Atchison, do.; Simpson Eaton, do.; Wm. Stewart, do.; Lafayette Reading, Co. E, Eighteenth Kentucky volunteers; Wm. Preston, Co. I, do.; John Crawford, Seventh Kentucky cavalry; Jerry Lawson, do.; Samuel Plunkett, do.; Lewis Wolff, Newport, Ky., Home Guards; Wm. S. Shipman, do.; Thomas Hartburn, Cincinnati, Pendleton Guards.

wounded.--Capt. S. G. Rogers, Co. I, Eighteenth Kentucky, slightly; Thos. S. Duval, Home Guards, arm amputated; Hector Reed, Home Guards, left side; J. W. Minor, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, left lung; Jacob Carver, Co. E, Eighteenth Kentucky, thigh amputated; John Scott, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, thigh; Chas. Tait, Thirty-fourth Ohio, both thighs; Rev. Geo. Morrison, Home Guards, ankle, very slight; Wm. Sanders, Newport Home Guards, right thigh; James Little, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right lung; Christian Ledren, Home Guards, shoulders and ankle; Wm. J. Hill, Home Guards, right thigh; A. J. Powers, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right leg; Robert Rose, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, left hip; Montgomery W. Rankins, Home Guards, chest, since died; John W. Adams, Home Guards, left side; Wm. Hinman, Co. E, Eighteenth Kentucky, left thigh; Milton A. Hall, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right side; Captain Jos. B. McClintock, Home Guards, leg and arms; John McClintock, do., right hip; Alfred McCauley, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, back; Thomas Barry, Cincinnati artillery, right thigh; L. A. Funk, heel; Capt. W. H. Bradley, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, left leg; L. C. Rankin, Home Guards, left shoulder, slight; Rev. Carter Page, do., leg, very slight; James S. Frizell, do., side, very slight; J. F. L. St. Thomas, do., chest and face; Jas. F. Dickey, do., shoulders and thighs; Thos. Jefferson Vimont, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right thigh; B. T. Amos, do., left arm; John H. Orr, do., right arm; Wm. Pussly, Co. I, Eighteenth Kentucky, abdomen; Wm. Nourse, Home Guards, side.

I can give no accurate account of the rebel dead, Morgan having taken off eight burial-cases from this place, and his men having been seen hauling off their dead toward Georgetown, the Magee road, and Millersburgh road after the fight.

Two of their wounded died at Winchester, and two beyond that place. Since Morgan left, thirteen of his dead have been taken from the river near Cynthiana, where they were thrown for concealment. Morgan himself admitted, at Paris, a loss here of twenty-four killed and seventy-eight wounded, and that of seventeen engagements, participated in by him since the beginning of the war, the affair at Cynthiana was much the fiercest and most desperate.

I append also a list of rebel wounded left in Cynthiana:

Geo. W. Clarke, Simpson Co., Ky., chest and arm, dangerous; T. N. Pitts, Georgia, arm; W. L. Richardson, Tennessee, side and arm; W. C. Borin, Logan Co., Ky., shoulder; George T. Arnold, Paris, Ky., right thigh and shoulder, dangerous; Vesy Price, lungs, dangerous; J. H. Estes, Georgia, thigh; A. Kinchlow, Glasgow, Ky., chest, dangerous; James Moore, Louisiana, thigh;----Calhoun, South--Carolina, thigh;----Casey, thigh; James Smith, chest; Ladoga Cornelli, Grant Co., Ky., thigh; Henry Elden, Lexington, Ky., arm.

Nine of their wounded are also at Paris, besides a number left along the road between this place and Richmond, Ky., to which point we pursued the enemy by command of Gen. G. Clay Smith.

We are under great obligations to the companies from Cincinnati, Newport and Bracken county, Ky., under Capts. Wright, Arthur and Pepper, for their invaluable aid, who distinguished themselves on that occasion, and fought like heroes.

The friends and relatives of the wounded of both sides are greatly indebted to Surgeon W. T. McNees, of the Seventh Kentucky cavalry, Doctors J. C. Fraser, A. Adams, W. O. Smith, J. A. Kirkpatrick, John A. Lair, and----McLeod, for their unremitting attention to the wounded, and to the ladies of Cynthiana unbounded praise is due, for their untiring ministrations upon the wounded, etc.

I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant,

gentlemen: On Sunday, the thirteenth inst., I received an order from you, under which I proceeded to raise a company for a ten days trip to defend Lexington. On Tuesday, the fifteenth instant, the Pendleton Guards and Bates's Light Guards were consolidated and placed under my command; Messrs. Williams and McGrew of the Bates's Light Guards acting Lieutenants. At the Fourteenth Ward Armory the company was armed with cheap muskets, also received a blouse and cap for each man. No time was given to organize or make a roll; but the company [293] was marched at once to the Covington and Lexington depot, and put on a train for Paris. I was placed by Col. Jones under command of Capt. Whittlesey, senior Captain, with directions to obey his orders. By his orders my company was detailed and left along the railroad to guard bridges in squads of seven, five, and ten men. I was placed at bridge near Kizer's station, twelve miles beyond Cynthiana, with fifteen men, the last of my company, at four A. M., Wednesday. Captain Whittlesey went on to Paris, from whence he said he would send us rations and orders by two o'clock P. M., none of which reached us.

At five o'clock P. M., a Lieutenant in charge of Stoner bridge sent an earnest request for assistance. His messenger reported the bridge attacked by cavalry, and two men killed. The bridge was three miles beyond us. We went over the stone-ballasted railroad on the double-quick, and found the cavalry had made a feint, but did not attack. Marched back to Kizer's station at seven o'clock P. M., and found a special train and order from Col. Landrum to the Lieutenant-Colonel of the Eighteenth Kentucky, to report at once at Cynthiana, as they expected an attack that evening. This order also recalled all bridge-guards beyond Cynthiana. I gathered some twenty-six of my men on the way down, and arrived at Cynthiana at nine o'clock P. M. We were quartered in the Academy.

On Thursday, the seventeenth instant, some of our bridge-guards this side of Cynthiana came in to buy provisions, and at two o'clock we mustered, including some of Capt. Whittlesey's men and new recruits, about forty men. We then made a roll of the company, there were so many of them together for the first time. There were still some fifteen men on bridge duty this side of Cynthiana.

While engaged in writing a report to Colonel Jones, was ordered to call out my company for battle, at which call three fourths of my men were in line for the first time. The Adjutant led us on the double-quick to the battle-field, about two miles from our quarters. We took position on a hill commanding a pike leading into town, with orders to guard that road. I here gave the men their first drill, for many of them the first drill they ever had. While thus engaged, it might have been about fifteen or twenty minutes after our arrival, a body of cavalry rode directly toward us, and approached to within about three hundred feet. Not knowing but that they might possibly be Union forces falling back on the town, we ordered a halt, at which they wheeled to retreat. I gave the order to fire, which my boys quickly obeyed. This was the opening volley of the battle, killing three men and two horses. The enemy then fell back, and we saw no more of them.

In a very little while we received an order from Col. Landrum to come and defend a bridge leading into town by another road. We double-quicked back to town, the aid leading us toward the bridge directly through the depot. This building was crowded with people, soldiers, citizens, Home Guards, etc., who were firing on the bridge, distant from it perhaps about eight hundred feet. This bridge was already occupied by Morgan's battery of two guns, which were throwing shot and shell on the depot and buildings adjacent. With difficulty we forced a passage through the depot; owing to the crowd and confusion our men got separated, and when we emerged on the other side less than half the company were with us. Those who remained in the depot formed in squads, and fought on their own hook. We advanced toward the bridge, about a square, in the face of a shower of grape and canister and musket-balls, and took position with a fragment of a company which was stationed behind a cooper's shop, which commanded the bridge at a different angle from the depot. We fought here about thirty minutes, our boys loading and firing as fast as they could, when we received an order to fall back and form behind the depot. Here we found Colonel Landrum endeavoring to form the men. There were around me at this time about twelve of my own company, some Home Guards, and some of Metcalfe's cavalry on foot, making about thirty men. The Colonel collected several similar squads, making in all perhaps one hundred and fifty men. We took a position on a hill right over the town, from which we were quickly shelled, and retreated across the country, the cavalry in hot pursuit. We made a stand at every fence. The Colonel behaved with the greatest possible coolness and gallantry. As he was the only one on horseback, he was the centre of mark for all the enemy's balls, and he was continually rising in his stirrups as if to make himself more conspicuous to their aim, but he seemed to bear a charmed life. He several times cried out, “The enemy are retreating,” and did every thing he could to encourage the men and to keep them together. In spite of his efforts, we found we had less and less men at every stand. At last we formed behind a haystack for a final effort, mustering at this time less than forty men, all told. I should judge we were by this time one and a half or two miles from the depot. On our flank now were seen approaching a body of horsemen, first perceived by the Colonel, from his being on horseback. He cried out: “There are our men, boys; these are Union forces; we have help at last.” A general shout went up, and the firing went on with renewed vigor. A terrific volley of musketry right in the midst of our diminished ranks, revealed our fatal mistake. Five of our men dropped at this fire. The rest fell back to the nearest fence.

Utterly exhausted, I found I could no longer keep with them. I dragged myself along in their rear, loading my gun as I went. I had about half crossed the field when four men rode down on me. When about one hundred (100) feet distant, I took deliberate aim, fired and missed, and threw down my empty gun. I think this was about two hours from the time the first shot was fired. I expected, of course, to be shot instantly, [294] but was met instead with unexpected good treatment and kindness. It seemed to be the policy of Morgan to treat his prisoners with conciliation and forbearance. Some few of his men who were rough with their captives, were sharply reprimanded by their officers, and in no case did I hear of any ill-treatment of prisoners. One of their orderlies, McMullen by name, was especially attentive to our wounded, and refused any compensation.

The prisoners were gradually collected, marched into town, and lodged in the upper room of the Court-House. Our parole was made out, and we signed it that night. The next morning, supperless and breakfastless, we were marched on the road to Falmouth, about six miles. Our guards here left us, and we made the best of our way to that place, twenty-one miles distant. We arrived, in straggling parties, that night and the next morning. Here we found most of our bridge-guards, who, hearing we were there, left their bridges and came there to meet us. We got a train at ten o'clock Saturday night, and arrived at Cincinnati next morning at four.

The young men of my company, though inexperienced and untried in this kind of thing — some of them having their first drill and their first battle in the same hour — yet fought with a courage and determination that could not be surpassed. In many instances separated from their officers, and from each other, each one fought desperately on his own account, until overpowered by numbers. The two lieutenants collected about eighteen men at the depot, threw themselves in a brick house, which they defended to the last extremity. There was not an instance of flinching or cowardice in any boy in the company.

When we left Covington we were informed by the authorities that sent us, that ample provision would be forwarded for our company; also serviceable arms supplied us. Instead of this, what little sleep our boys had was taken on the bare ground, without shelter or even a blanket to cover them. As for food, they had none, only what they bought or begged. On our arrival at Cynthiana, we were well cared for by Col. Landrum, Acting Commissary Ware, and the citizens generally, who all seemed anxious to show kindness to Cincinnati men. The guns we took with us proved to be nearly worthless. This difficulty was also remedied by Col. Landrum, who gave us some twenty good muskets. These, of course, fell into Morgan's possession, together with our equipments and private baggage. Although these private possessions might not be very valuable, still some of their owners could ill stand their loss.

Some thirty odd of our number were required to give their parole. We would respectfully ask of this committee, that these paroled men be placed at once on a proper footing with the Government, as, if they should be drafted and again be taken, they would be liable to be hung at once. And surely the Government has no right to send a man out to fight with a rope round his neck. We would also respectfully ask of this Committee, to whom we are to look for payment of our services.

Yours respectfully,

Having been left by Colonel Leonidas Metcalfe in command of his camp, near this place, as Major of the First Battalion, and having been present and in command of his men at the fight on the seventeenth, I deem it proper to make a brief statement of facts over my own signature, in regard to the battle. At about two o'clock P. M., on the seventeenth, an order was made for one hundred cavalry to proceed to Leesburgh and remain all night, reporting any facts regarding the approach of the enemy, and to return next morning to this place. The order was scarcely made before the men were formed to start, when Colonel Landrum sent an aid to me, countermanding the order, and requiring my immediate presence at his headquarters. He informed me that reliable information had come to him, that Morgan was coming on us that evening in large force, and to dismiss my men, with orders to rest on their arms, and to be prompt in assembling at the beating of the long roll. I executed his order, and in less than an hour afterward, our pickets from the McGee road came dashing in, giving the alarm that they had been fired on, and one was missing from them.

The long roll was beaten, and lines of companies formed as well as possible, and about four hundred infantry and raw recruits of Metcalfe's cavalry formed and were posted along the river bank above and below the bridge on the south side of tho river. I was ordered by Colonel Landrum to post a company above the bridge, one or two companies at discretion — and from consultation with Captain W. B. Dunn of the Second Kentucky, who was present and acting as an aid to myself, I ordered a company of Home Guards to proceed to the top of McGee's hill and engage the enemy, which they did, and repulsed them with severe loss. In the mean time I ordered the remaining company to proceed at double-quick to the Williamsburgh pike, as an alarm came that Morgan's cavalry were coming down that way. This company was ordered by myself to check that approach, but owing to the fact that Glass's gun was playing on them from Main street, it became too hazardous for them to go up the hill, and I ordered those mounted men to cross the street in the face of the fire and go with me, and more dismounted to fall back and sustain the company that was returning from McGee's Hill. I then proceeded to the south part of the town, where I found about sixty mounted men of the Seventh Kentucky in a state of confusion. I formed them with those brought forward, and made an attack on the rebels that were stationed at the Episcopal Church, but they being in superior force and hid behind fences, our raw men could not stand the fire, and were compelled to fall back to the Reformed Church. [295]

I will here state that these men were badly armed. Many had none, and some had carbines that at the first fire got out of order and became perfectly worthless. I then dismounted all the men who had muskets or guns that would shoot, taking a gun myself, let my horse go, and we kept up a street-fight at different points for more than half an hour, until we were surrounded at the crossing of Main and Pleasant streets. I, with others, was forced to throw down my gun, some escaping in different directions.

We were then marched to Mr. Cuson's building on Main street, and kept guarded until the fighting ceased in the north-west part of the town. We were then marched across the bridge as prisoners. We there witnessed the falling of the flagpole, and also the different parties through Desha's corn-field picking up Morgan's. dead and wounded.

I was kept as a prisoner the next day after all the Union men and soldiers were released; and had it not been for some of the prominent men opposed to me in sentiments, I have no doubt but that some miscreants here would have had me shot or hung. I was first placed in a tent and strongly guarded, and no one permitted to speak to me. When Morgan was ready to start, a horse was brought to the tent, and I ordered to mount and start with the guard. I asked a gentlemanly-looking man standing by, who appeared to be an officer, to present my compliments to Colonel Morgan, and ask for me the privilege of an interview with my family. On his return, it was granted; and whilst I was at a friend's with my family, there was a meeting of citizens in regard to my case, and I was finally released on parole of honor as a prisoner of war.

In conclusion, I would say that the men under my command fought well, considering the quality of their arms and being perfectly raw recruits. Great praise is due Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Landrum for his coolness and bravery.

The following-named officers of Colonel Metcalfe's regiment acted well and did credit to themselves, to wit: Captain Robert Scott of Harrison, Captain W. W. Bradly of Berry's Station, Captain Benjamin Robins of Falmouth, Captain Sharp of Bath County.

Respectfully,

Having seen so many exaggerated reports of our defence against the band of thieves headed by John Morgan, who made an attack upon our little band of patriots last Thursday, with a force of six to one, I feel somewhat disposed to make a few corrections. As I was present during the entire “battle,” I feel that I am pretty well posted.

There was a simultaneous attack from every street and lane leading into the town. We were fired upon with shot and shell on the west, and musketry from the north, east and south. Our forces were under command of Lieut.-Col. J. J. Landrum and Major William O. Smith, who showed energy and courage.

Among those who manifested bravery and determination, were Col. Landrum, Major Smith, Capt. Robert Scott, Capt. W. S. Wilson, and Capt. McClintock.

Up to this time we have found twenty-seven Federals dead and nineteen rebels.

The next day succeeding the battle, Morgan, with his band of yelling hounds, left this place, bound southward to Paris, bearing away the majority of his wounded. He left eighteen in care of our surgeons, several of them supposed to be mortally wounded.

I send our list of wounded:

Captain Rogers, Eighteenth Kentucky, leg, slightly.

T. S. Duvall, arm amputated.

H. Reed, Home Guard, left side.

J. W. Minor, Home Guard, left lung.

J. Carver, thigh amputated.

Geo. Scott, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, wounded, thigh.

Charles Tate, Thirty-fourth Ohio, both thighs.

Rev. Mr. Morrison, Home Guard, ankle.

William Sanders, Home Guard, right thigh.

James Little, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right lung.

Christian Ledger, Home Guard, shoulder and ankle.

W. J. Hill, Home Guard, right thigh.

A. J. Powers, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right leg.

R. Rose, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, left hip.

John W. Adams, left side.

Wm. Hinman, Eighteenth Kentucky, left thigh.

Milton A. Hall, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right side.

Joseph McClintock, Home Guard, leg and arm.

John McClintock, Home Guard, right hip.

Alfred McCauley, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, back.

Thomas Barry, Home Guard, right thigh.

L. A. Funk, Ohio, heel.

Lewis Terry, Home Guard, leg, twice.

G. Land, Home Guard, foot.

Capt. Bradley, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, leg.

Leroy Rankin, Home Guard, left shoulder.

Rev. Carter Page, Home Guard, leg.

James S. Frizell, Home Guard, side, slightly.

Mr. St. Thomas, Home Guard, chest and face.

James Dickey, Home Guard, both sides and shoulder.

T. J. Vemont, Home Guard, both thighs.

B. T. Amos, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, left arm.

James H. Orr, Seventh Kentucky cavalry, right arm.

Mr. Purcell, Eighteenth Kentucky, abdomen.

William Nourse, Home Guard, side, slightly.

I am glad to say to the friends of the wounded, that we are well prepared to afford relief to all who are in our care. We have received marked attention and assistance at the hands of Drs. [296] John Kirkpatrick, W. O. Smith, McCloud, and others, to whom we feel very thankful.

Very respectfully, etc.,

The Pleasant Ridge, and the Cherry Grove Home Guards, of Bracken County, Ky., having received orders from Gen. Fennel, at five P. M. on Tuesday, forty-two men immediately started for Falmouth, under command of Capt. W. A. Pepper, and there received a despatch to report to Lieut.-Col. Landrum, Cynthiana, where we arrived at nine A. M., Wednesday. At four P. M., Thursday, July seventeenth, our pickets were driven in by Morgan's advance-guard. Orders to form were given, and instantly obeyed, and positions assigned to each company; our company, under Capt. Pepper, occupying the extreme right. The enemy soon hove in sight in front of the town, and on the opposite side of the river planted his cannon at about eight hundred yards distant, add commenced shelling the town. Capt. Glass immediately returned the compliment, evidently with good effect, his bronze twelve-pounder showing its mark at every shot.

The Union forces fought bravely, but in less than twenty minutes the town was entirely surrounded, and after having done all that skill and bravery could do, were borne down by numbers, and compelled to surrender. Some few succeeded in cutting their way through the rebel lines and escaped. The balance were killed, wounded or captured. Captain Pepper's company of Bracken Home Guards lost three killed, and two wounded very severely. The killed: Second Lieut. Henry Myer, Fourth Sergeant George Walker, and private P. B. Boughner. Wounded: C. Ledrer and William Hill.

We suffered severely from shots by the citizens from their windows.

Capt. Pepper was calm during the action, encouraging his men by word and example. The entire Union loss, eighteen killed and about forty wounded.

The prisoners were paroled, and after being kept twenty-four hours without food, were sent home.

The Bracken boys are anxious to dance at the next party the renegade Morgan gives.

The action lasted two and a half hours. Rebel loss, seventy killed and many badly wounded.

Capt. Pepper awards to every man under his command that praise due to veteran warriors, for the gallantry displayed, and the promptness with which they discharged their various duties.