The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-10-28
THE BATTLE OF PERRYvILLE.
Gen. Bragg's Official Report.


The following is copy of Major Genera
Brages official report of the battle of Perryville
KY:
Headquarters Department No. 2,
Bryantsville, KY, October IL, 1862.
SIR-Finding the enemy pressing heavily in
his rear, near Perryville, Major-General Hardee
of Folks command, was obliged to halt and check
him at that point. Having arrived at II arrodsburg
from Frankfort, determined to give him battle
there and accordingly concentrated three divisions
of my command-the army of the Mississippi, now
Maior-G eneral PGlk-Cheathams Buckuer's and
Anderson sand directed Gen. Polk to take the
command on the 7th, and attack the enemy next
morning. Withers' division had gone the day
before to support Smith. Hearing, on the night
of the 7th, that the force in front of Smith had
rapidly retreated l moved early next morning,
to be present at the operations of Folks forces
The two armies were formed confronting each
other on opposite sides of the town of Pcrryville
After consulting the General, and accommodating
the ground and examining his dispositions, | de-
clined to assume the command, but suggested
some changes and notifications of his arrange
ments, which he promptly adopted The action
opened at 124 =. NJ, between the skirmishers
and artillery ON both sides. Finding the enemy
indsposed to advance upon US, and knowing he
was receiving heavy reinforcements, deemed it
best to assail him vigorously, and so directed.
The engagement became general soon there
after, and was continued furiously from that time
to dark our troops never faltering and fail
ing in their efforts. For the time engaged it was
the severest and most desperately contested en-
gagement within my knowledge. Fearfully out
numbered, our troops did not hesitate 20 engage
at any odds, and though checked at times, they
eventually carried every position, and drove the
enemy about two miles. But for the Intervention
of night, we should have completed the work.
We had captured fifteen pieces of artillery by the
most daring charges, killed one and wounded two
Brigadier Generals, and very large number of
inferior officers and men, estimated at no less than
1000, and captured 400 prisoners, including
three Staff officers, with servants, carriage, and
baggage of Major G eneral McCook.
The ground was literally covered with his dead
and wounded In such a contest our own loss
was necessarily severe, probably not less than
$500 killed, wounded and missing Included in
the wounded are Brigader- enerals Wood, Gle
burn aud Brown-gaant and noble soldiers
whose loss will be severely felt by their COM
mands. To Major General Polk, commanding the
forces; Major General Hardee, commanding the
left wing, two divisions; and Major Generals
Chcatham, Buckner and Anderson, commanding
divisions, is mainly due the brilliant achievements
Of thi. memorable field. Nobler troops were
never more calamity led. The country owes them
debt of gratitude, which ] am sure will be
acknowledged.
Asceraining that the enemy was heavily REIN
forced during the night. withdrew my force carly
the next morning to HarrodSburg and thence to
this point. Major Gen. Smith arrived at Har-
rodsburg with most Of his forces and Withers'
division the next day, 10th, and yesterday with
drew the whole to this pout-thc enemy following
slowly, but not pressing
l am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
BRAXTON BRAGG, Gen. Com e
To Adj"fomt General, Richmond, Va.