Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-06-24
For the Chronicle.
A Reconnaissance.
SOMERSET, KY. June

1IsSSrS. Ed,t0rS:-On the 9Th instant g
) o'clock, P NJ, force of about 6Cu
men, companies from the various regi,
ments of cavalry and mounted infantry
under command of Colonel Kautz, o
this regiment, left this place, crossed tn,
Cumberland river and rested until abou
o'clock the next morning, then made a
| forward movement toward Monticello
Captured the pickets and met the enemy
miles this side of Monticello. Then
rear guard were concealed in the woods
at one side of the road on the top a hill,
the main column being over the hill
All at once they came out, crossed the
road and formed into line of battle, with
colors flying proudly. Our brave boys
crossed into the fields. formed into line
of battle, and a brisk fight of about twen-
ty minutes ensued. Three of our men
were slightly wounded. Two rebels were
killed and one mortally wounded. One
Of our wounded men marked the man that
hit him and killed him in return. Here we
captured eight prisoners. The rebels re-
treated in disorder, and we followed four
miles beyond Monticello. Having ac-
complished the intended demonstration,
we returned, intending to reach camp
that night. The rebels were HOO strong.
In Monticello we captured 100 rounds of
artillery ammunition.
About five o'clock in the evening, our
rear guard of 200 men were attacked by
600 rebels who were fresh troops, our ad-
vance being three miles ahead. The Col
onel told me to go up with an order to
countermarch, which / did in double
quick. Our small number engaged the
enemy for an hour or more, and drove
them back one mile through the woods,
where they entrenched themselves be-
hind long stone fence, which gave them
quite an advantage l rode forward to
find the Colonel and inquire what he de-
sired of the reinforcements that came up.
| found him coming out of the woods
near the stone fence, with the butt end
Of cigar in his mouth. Said he: "Tell
those men TO come up here with a rush
and yell" The rebels were now COM
ing over the wall to make a charge. As
turned my horse, a tremendous fire
came from the enemy, and he took me
down to the men full as fast as I think it
safe to ride. have often heard the re-
port of guns, but never before have heard
the music of bullets. But up went our
brave boys to within 90 feet of the enc
my and the rebels gave way, retreating in
great disorder and confusion. 1t was
then getting dark in the woods, and the
rebels left us in possession of the field
Soon we took up our march homeward,
and are now in the old apple orchard
camp.
Surgeon j. T. Smith who remained at
Captain Vests, TO care for our wounded, |
has just returned. He says a rebel Off
Ger informed him that they sent flag of |
truce to the battle ground in the night, |
but found we had left At daylight DIR. |
Smith went to seek for our missing men,
and found three poor fellows, one dead
and two struggling between life and
Heath all night. We thought we had
Ill when we left, but these were not
'ound. The rebels had picked their
pockets and taken their boots. The Sur
seon says the rebel officers gathered
lround him and were very anxious TO
ak, and treated him very well, and so
they should, for he was as kind to their
wounded as he was to our own. One fel-
ow said to him that they would fight till
he last man was dead, before they would
ubmit to be made equaltO tie negro. They
confess they never met as plucky men as
,urs.
l have just returned from General Car
er's headquarters. While there infor-
nation was received from a reliable
ource that Colonel Ashley was wounded
u the foot, and that they acknowledge a
oss of sixty, which you may safely dou-
lie. Colonel Pegram passed through
lonticello yesterday without a hat
here are other items of information that
am not at liberty TO name.
Our losses are seven killed, thirty-four
and the wounds are generally
light. None were taken prisoners from
Is, but we captured twenty from them.
I left here the morning of the 10th TO
vertake the regiment, and returned for
having travelled seventy miles
nd witnessed two hours fighting.
l might say more but pressing duties
nd mercy to the printer compel me to
top. So, good night.
Z. T. BROWN.
P. s. | must add that no one from
Warren or vicinity was injured, and that
hey are all well.