Our arms have recently won a victory at
Woodbury, Butler County, decided in its character, and significant in the fact that it was a contest between
Kentuckians and the invaders.
On Saturday night, the 26th ultimo,
Colonel Burbridge, of the infantry at Camp Silas Miller, (
Colonel Jackson being absent,) received a despatch from
Colonel McHenry, at
Hartford, stating that he anticipated an attack upon that point, and asking for reinforcements.
Colonel Burbridge, with one hundred and twenty-five of his infantry, one hundred of
Jackson's cavalry, and two six-pounders and one artillery squad under
Captain Somerby, left here Sunday morning at nine o'clock, and encamped at
Hartford that night.
Next morning, being joined by eighty men of
Colonel McHenry's command, under
Captain Morton, they took up the line of march for Bora's Ferry, on
Green River, which they reached before night, and sent out scouts to ascertain the strength and position of the enemy on the other side of the river, who returned about one o'clock with the desired information.
Captain Morton, of
McHenry's regiment, and
Lieutenant Ashford, of
Jackson's cavalry, were ordered across the river, it then being the intention to throw the whole force over and attack the enemy in the rear; but, the facilities for crossing being so limited, it was discovered this could not be done with sufficient despatch.
So this project was abandoned, and the main force, under
Colonel Burbridge, proceeded to
Woodbury, on this side the river, by a circuitous and mountainous route, on nothing but a cracker breakfast.
Colonel McHenry, with one hundred and twenty-five men, learning, there was a scouting party in the vicinity of
Morgantown for the purpose of committing depredations on the property of Union men, advanced and engaged and routed them near
Morgantown, with a loss of one of his men.
Captain Netter, with twenty men of
Colonel B.'s regiment, came down for the support of
McHenry, and a short distance beyond
Morgantown engaged a body of the enemy, sixty or seventy strong, who were returning to renew the attack on
McHenry, and completely routed them, killing six, and losing not a man of his brave little band.
Colonel McH., hearing the engagement, hastened to his support.
This occurred on the south side of the river — on the
enemy's side.
In the mean time
Colonel B. was advancing to
Woodbury, on this side of the river, and, reaching a point opposite the town, detailed
Lieutenants Roberts and
Ashford, of
Jackson's cavalry, with ten men, as an advance guard.
They appeared in view of the enemy's pickets, who were in possession of the ferry on the opposite side of the river.
These were fired upon, many of them killed, the balance routed, and the ferry captured.
The main body by this time came up, and saw the enemy formed in line of battle on a hill on the south side of the river — a position that commanded all the surrounding country.
They were engaged by our sharpshooters, armed with
Colt's revolving rifles, and at the same time one of our six-pounders, under
Captain Somerby, was brought to bear upon them, sending destruction into their ranks, while
Captain Belt, with eighty-five infantry,
Lieutenant Crosby, with twenty, supported by
Captain Porter, of
Butler County, with twenty-five gallant Home Guards, were ordered over the river with one piece.
of artillery to take the enemy's position by storm.
This crossing was effected with one small boat, under the fire of the enemy.
They charged up the hill in a most gallant and soldierly style, completely routing the enemy, destroyed their camp and equipage, (for the want of transportation to bring them away,) blew up their magazines, burned their wagons, and brought away various trophies in the way of fine pistols, guns, &c. The enemy lost between fifty and seventy killed, without a man lost on our side.
The enemy fled precipitately in the direction of
Bowling Green.
At this juncture a messenger arrived from
McHenry's camp, stating he was about to be surrounded by a superior force, when
Colonel Burbridge's forces, infantry, artillery, and cavalry, took up their line of march on the other side, at double quick, after having marched
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fifty miles with nothing to eat, and fell back upon
Colonel McHenry's forces near
Morgantown.
Hearing their approach in the night, and thinking them the enemy, he fell back a short distance and took a position for battle; but the mistake was soon explained.
The force that had not crossed the river at
Woodbury, consisting of cavalry under
Captain Breathitt, were ordered back by the route they came, and joined the main force near
Cromwell.
Captain Belt,
Captain Breathitt,
Captain Somerby,
Lieutenant Crosby,
Lieutenant Roberts,
Lieutenants Ashford and
Porter, acted with courage and coolness during the entire engagement.
It is due to all the soldiers and officers to state that they acted the part of veterans.
Colonel Pegram, of
Owensboro, and a near relative of the distinguished Confederate officer of the same name, voluntarily tendered his services as aid to
Colonel Burbridge, and rendered most efficient service in the attack upon the pickets, in capturing the ferry, crossing the men and artillery over, and charging up the hill to the enemy's encampment.
He was constantly exposed to the greatest danger, evinced the skill and coolness of an experienced general; and I am happy to say his services are most highly appreciated by the officers in command.
Minnie.
