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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,
Surgeon Lair's letter.
Cynthiana, Ky., July 22, 1862.
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. 