The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1862-12-19
The Battle of Huntsville.
from the Rebel Banner, 18th inst.


The more that we learn of the battle OF
Sunday last, the greater is our astonish.
ment at the wonderful success that atten.
ded this daring exploit 1t is another
evidence of the superior sagacity and mil
itary skill of Gen. Morgan. who projected
the expedition and carried it to a success
full issue. His plans were well matured,
and though there were delays of an un-
ayoidable character every detail was
promptly and faithfully executed. There
has been, we dare say. no feat of arms so
brilliant or so completely triumphant in
the Western Department as this; indeed,
we doubt if the annals of the war can pre-
sent another instance of equal daring.
The forces engaged in this affair or our
side were the Ninth and second Ken
lucky infantry, commanded by Col. Thos.
II. Hunt, numbering six hundred and
eighty men, and the cavalry regiments OF
Chenault. Cluke, Bennett and Huffman,
with Cobb's Kentucky Battery. All told.
our forces was about thirteen hundred
The enemy was the Thirty-NInth brigade
of Dumont's division, composed OF three
regiments. one battalion, squadron OF
cavalry and section of artillery. 1t was
commanded by Col. Abraham b. Moore
of Perue, Lasalle county, Illinois, whose
commission, we are authorized 10 say 10
now in possession of Corporal Wheeian'
Co. K. Cd Kentucky.
The attack was made just after sunrise;
but instead of surprising the Yankees
they were found strongly posted on the
top of steep hill, and in perfect line OF bat
tie. Our line was formed under the hre
of the enemy. but it was done with great
precision and perfect steadiness. After
essr boys had commenced the forward
cy. Tie AboIitionists were driven from
their position, then through their camps,
their battery of fine Parrot guns captured,
and finally hemmed in on the river bank,
where they surrendered. The fight last
ed for one hour and twenty minutes; but
in that brief period the firing was rapid
spirits fell on our side, butwe heaped the
held with thrice the number of Yankee
slain
Cobb's battery sustained an important
part in the fight, and lost severely
Lieut.. Gracy was, as he is on all similar oc
caslons, conspicuous for his gallantry and
good conduct 1t was the ninth engage
ment in which he has participated, ano
out of all he has escaped unframed, save
at Shiloh. David Watts, a private o.
this battery, who was killed, was an intel
hgent and promising young man, the sor
OF the we'll known merchant of Paducah
The town of Huntsville and some foul
hundred of the enemy were captured by
Col. Benefits command.
TO John Blazer, of Company C. Ninth
Kentucky regiment, belongs the honor
of capturing the battery flag Of the enc
my. 1t is a beautiful piece of silk bunt
ing, with the letter upon it.
The ninth regiment also has the flag o.
the lO4th Illinois regiment
The second regiment. brought off the
colors of the LOG Ohio. which before reach
ing town were, by order of Major James
W. Hewett, reversed, the Union down
a signal Of distress.
But the most remarkable fact connect
ed with the expedition was the endurance
ofthe infantry troops. They marched or
bitter night over fifty miles, fought 6
splendid battle, captured twice theil
number, crossed the Cum berland river
twice. and yet there was no complaint
heard and no struggling witnessed.