The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-01-14


report of the fight near Green River, Kentucky,
in which Colonel Terry was killed :va. ~.,.s
7 Headquarters Advance Guard, g. A, a9
Cave City, KY, Dec. l9, 1861. &
Sir: At s o'clock A. NJ, on the 18th inst, |
moved towards Woodsonville for the purpose, of
breaking up the railroad from the vicinity of that
place southward-my force consisted of l i 90 in
infantry aud four pieces of artillery, p, e.. gse
When within t8o and a half miles OF Wood
sonville, concealed from the enemys view, |
halted the column and ordered forward Col.
Terry's Rangers to occupy the heights at my right
Lett and front; and Major Phfers cavalry to
watch the crossings of Green river, still further
to my left These orders having been executed
and no force Of the enemy or pickets seen, | ad-
vauced the column till the right reached the rail
road. This brought me, within three quarters of
mile Of the river and the enemy bat still con-
cealed, except small body of cavalry upon the
extreme left. Here a company of Rangers was
detached to observe the enetuy from Rowlett's
Knob, which was to my right across the railroad
A strip Of timber bordered the river parallel the
line held by my cavalry. Fields were between
body Of the enemy's infantry, as skirmishers
moved through the timber by their ght my
left. They were fred upon by small body of my
cavalry and retired. The firing ceased for about
half an hour, and went in person to select a
suitable place for camp, leaving Col. Terry in
command, with instructions to decoy the enemy
up the hill, where could my infantry and
artillery with effect and be out Of the range of the
encmy's batteries. - =" % e
Before returning to the column the fire from the
skrmishers re commenced. The enemy appeared
in force upon my right and centre. sa Col. Terry,
at the head Of IS Rangers charged about 800,
routed and drove them back, but fell mortally
wounded body of the enemy, about the same
size, attacked the Rangers, under Capt Farrell
upon the right of the turnpike and were repused
with heavy loss. The enemy now began cross
ing by regiments, and moving about my right
and left fanks. Three companies of Colonel
Marmadukes { First Arkansas) battalion were
thrown out skirmishers my left, engaged the
enemy's right, and drove them to the river.
now ordered for~srd Captain Swift's battery and
the Second Arkansas regiment to support it, hold
ing the Sixth Arkansas regiment in reserve The
artillery opened Ere upon the enemy IN the field
adjacent to the railroad, and drove them to the
bank of the river. Firing now ceased on both
sides. The enemy made no further attempt to
advance, but knowing that he had already crossed
the river In force more than double to my own,
and had the means Of crossing additional forces l
withdrew my command, by way of the turnpike,
two miles and half, and took position to meet
the enemy, if disposed to advance There being
no indications of such an intentIon, returned to
my camp here, reaching this place at O'Clock,
P. NJ My loss in this affair follows:
Kiled-Col. Terry and three men of his reg-
ment. Dangerously wounded-Capt Walker and
three men (Texas Rangers and two men of First
Arkansas battalion.
I estimate the enemy's less at IS killed and left
on the ground; wounded unknown | have eight
prisoners-others were taken too badly wounded
to be removed and were left at citizens houses
The troops under my command who were en-
gagged displayed coura ge in excess. The others
we're as steady as veterans. - ~ ...s
Respectfully,