[245] The attack was made just after sunrise, but instead of surprising the Yankees, they were found strongly posted on the top of a steep hill, and in perfect line of battle. Our line was formed under the fire of the enemy, but it was done with great precision and perfect accuracy. After our boys had commenced the forward movement there was no delay or hesitancy. The abolitionists were driven from their position, then through their camps, then their battery of fine Parrott guns captured, and finally hemmed in on the riverbank, where they surrendered. The fight lasted for one hour and twenty minutes; but in that brief period the firing was rapid and the contest severe. Many gallant spirits fell on our side, but we heaped the field with thrice the number of Yankee slain. Cobb's battery sustained an important part in the fight, and lost severely. Lieut. Gracey was, as he is on all similar occasions, conspicuous for his gallantry and good conduct. It was the ninth engagement in which he has participated, and out of all he has escaped unharmed, save at Shiloh. David Watts, a private of this battery, who was killed, was an intelligent and promising young man, the son of the well-known merchant of Paducah. The town of Hartsville and some four hundred of the enemy were captured by Colonel Bennett's command. To John Blazer, of company C, Ninth Kentucky regiment, belongs the honor of capturing the battery flag of the enemy. It is a beautiful piece of silk bunting, with the letter B upon it. The Ninth regiment also had the flag of the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois regiment. The Second regiment brought off the colors of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio, which, before reaching town, were, by order of Major James W. Hewitt, reversed, the Union down — a signal of distress. But the most remarkable fact connected with the expedition was the endurance of the infantry troops. They marched, on a bitter night, over fifty miles, fought a splendid battle, captured twice their numbers, crossed the Cumberland River twice, and yet there was no complaints heard and straggling witnessed. The losses of the cavalry regiments engaged were trifling.
--Rebel Banner, December 11.
