Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-10-27
HEADQUARTERS DEPARrsENr No 8
"LN 4NU. n,
Is, NAntSYillp XIV OF 1OIh

EN1 Nv H.
B'yantsville, KY, Oct. 18th.
SIR-Finding the enemy pressing heav;jv
in his rear, near ~Perryville, Major General
Hardee, of Polk command, was OBLIGED To
halt and cheek him at that point. Having
arrived at Harrodsburg from Frankfort. I de-
termined to give him battle there, and accor-
dinghy concentrated three divisions Of nv
old communicative army of the Mississippi
now under Major General Polk-Cheat-
hams, Buckner's and A~nderson's-and di-
rected General Polk to take the command on
the 7th, and attack the enemy next morning.
WitherS division had gone the dav before to
support Smith. Hearing on the night of the
18th, that the force in front Of Smith had rap>
idly retreated, [ 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
Perryville. After consulting the General
aid accommodating the ground and examin-
ing his positions, | declined to assume the
command, but suggested some changes and
notifications of his arrangements, which he
promptly adopted. The action opened at
III p. M, between the skirInishers and ar
tillcry on both sides. Finding the enemy
indisposed 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
thereafter, ard was continued furiously from
that time to dark, our troops never faltering
and never failing in their efforts.
For the time engaged it was the ~severest
and most desperately contested engagement
within my knowledge. Fearfully outnum
bered, our troops did not hesitate to 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 ff
teen pieces of artillery by the most daring
charges, killed one and wounded two Briga-
der Gene ais, and a very large number o.
inferior officers aud men, estimated at no less
than 1000, and captured 400 prisoners, in
Guiding three staff officers, with servants
carriage and baggage of Major General Nc
Cook.
The ground was literally covered with his
dead and wounded. In such a contest oul
W loss was necessarily severe, probably
not less than $500 killed, wounded and miss
ing. Included in the wounded are Brigadie
Generals Wood, Cleburn and Brown, gallan
and noble soldiers, whose loss will be Sc
verely felt by their commands. To Majo
General Polk, commanding the forces, Majo
General Hardee, commanding the left wing
two divisions, and Major Generals Choathan
Buckner and Anderson, commanding div
sions, is mainly due the brilliant achieve
ments of this memorable field. Nobler troop
were never more calamity led. The countr
owes them a debt of gratitude, which al
sure will be acknowledged.
Ascertaining that the enemy was heavil
reinforced during the night, Withdrew m
force early next morning to Harrodsburg an
thence to this point. Major General Smit
arrived at Harrodsburg with most of h
forces and Withers' division the next da.
10th, and yesterday l withdrew the whole
this point-the enemy following slowly b,
not pressing US. | am sir, very respectful.
your obeGient servant,
(Signed.) BRAxToN BRAGG,
General Commanding.
To Adjutant General, Richmond, Va.