April 3, 1862.-skirmish near Monterey, Tenn.
Reports.
No. 1.-Col. William H. H. Taylor, Fifth Ohio Cavalry. No. 2.-Brig. Gen. James R. Chalmers, C. S. Army.No. 1.-report of Col. William H. H. Taylor, Fifth Ohio Cavalry.
Hdqrs. Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Third Brig., First Div., Army West Tennessee, April 3, 1862.
General: I respectfully beg to report that, in obedience to your orders, I proceeded from this camp at midnight with about 400 men of this regiment in the direction of Corinth.
Being without guides, and the night so dark, after having marched some 4 miles we halted until near daybreak.
About a mile and a half beyond the house of Mr. Chambers we came upon the enemy's pickets, 9 in number, upon whom the advance guard immediately charged, wounding 1 rebel and making another prisoner.
The prisoner's name is Lammon, and a private in the First Alabama Cavalry.
We chased the rebels some distance in the direction of Greer's, and after obtaining a guide discovered that 15 of the enemy's cavalry were posted within a mile and a half of Greer's house.
Marching in that direction, we met a gentleman calling himself Dr. Parker, whom we had seen two hours previously at the house of Chambers, when, after asking his services as a guide, pleaded ignorance of the surrounding country and want of a horse, while after our departure he had saddled his horse and ridden some 3 miles, and upon the evidence of a woman living near the picket post he certainly had given information to the rebels of our approach.
I accordingly arrested him, and have brought him to camp for your examination.
Finding no trace of the fugitive rebels, I ordered my command back to camp, arriving here at 9 a. m. I learned that at Monterey the rebels have three regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and a battery of artillery.
They are also in force with cavalry on the other side of Lick Creek.
I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
W. I. H. Taylor, Colonel Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Brig. Gen. William T. Sherman, Commanding First Division, Army of West Tennessee.
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No. 2.-report of Brig. Gen. James R. Chalmers, C. S. Army.
Headquarters advance, April 3, 1862.
Major: Colonel Clanton has just reported verbally to me that the enemy's pickets attacked his advance pickets about daylight this morning, and he fears that 2 of his men were captured, though he was not able to state accurately the facts.
As soon as I am accurately informed I will report to you.
Your order to prepare for movement has been received and given to the troops.
Our commissary stores have not arrived, but are expected hourly.
We have on hand one day's rations ready cooked.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,