Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 35.djvu/283

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The Eleventh Kentucky Cavalry.
269

long. I have written to Colonel Morrison for reinforcements. Do not know whether I will get them or not. I have only about 600 men and Colonel Scott's two bull pups." The second dispatch was from "twelve miles from Monticello, on Jimtown Road Sundown," and was as follows: "I hasten to inform you that the enemy have driven me to this point. Early this morning Colonel Morrison moved up from Albany to my relief, with Pegram's Brigade. They ambushed him, and have taken all his artillery except the two bull pups I had with me. His forces are much demoralized. I shall move with all dispatch to Livingston."

On May 2 he was in camp near the Obie River, twelve miles from Livingston, to which point the Federal troops, some 5,000 strong, had driven him with his 600 men, and the Federals were then camped within twelve miles of him. On the next day they had come up to within four miles of him, and were pressing him hard. General Morgan then sent Colonel Adam R. Johnson's Regiment (10th Kentucky Cavalry) to Colonel Chenault's relief, and a few days later General Bragg sent Palmer's Brigade also, and all these constituted so strong a force as to save the situation.

One of the hottest little fights that Morgan's command ever engaged in was that at Greasy Creek (sometimes called "Horse-Shoe Bend") in Wayne County, on May 8 and 9, 1863. On account of the fact that the nth Kentucky Cavalry bore the brunt of this battle, as well as for the reason that Colonel Chenault's report on it is the only one of his official reports I have been able to find, it is here given in full, viz:

In the Field, May 12, 1863.

SIR, In accordance with your order, I have the honor to report that on Saturday last I moved my regiment from Wolf River early in the morning, in the direction of Greasy Creek, on the Cumberland. When near Mr. Alcorn's, some eight miles from the river, I received orders from you to come at a double quick. I did so, and found that you had engaged the enemy. They having divided their forces, and moving on two different roads, I immediately ordered Lieutenant J. T. Tucker, with four companies of my regiment, to support you, and with the rest I pressed upon the enemy on the main Greasy Creek Road.