The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-07-09
THAT FAMOUS RETREAT.
The 9th Ky. Cav. Had Hand I'm the Fight
ing at Richmond and Thereafter.

Ing at htChnonQ ana InereatteT'
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: In your
Issue of June II appears an interesting letter
from G.. w. Bowers, Co. II. 9th Pa. Cav,
giving his recollection of the retreat from
Richmond, KY, in 1862
As I remember it the 9th Ky. Cav. aud
the 9th Pa. Cav. were at Crab Orchard, KY,
on the day of the fight at Richmond. l re-
member distinctly that my company was on
picket or on q scout. / was IN charge OF
party hauling hay, and about noon orders
came to us at a haystack near town to report
to our companies at once. We did so, ex-
cept the few vino belonged to our company,
and held the place of the company i'll the
column.
We started on trot march to Richmond,
about Is miles distant. We had gone but a
short distance when we heard firing, and the
farther we went the more distinct it became,
until we got within three or four miles OF
Richmond, when the firing ceased.
We NOV ed on until dark when we reached
the edge of town, and Adj't Hitter and Ed.
Stewart, of Co c, rode into town. They met
regiment going into camp and asked what
ii was, and were told it was a Georgia reg-
ment. They asked for some Tennessee regi-
ment, and rode off and came back to us.
We Immediately left the pike and about
dayl ght came to the Lexington pike. /
could see but six cavalrymen. We pushed
on toward Lexington, our numbers increas-
ing all the time. When we reached the
Kentucky River there were about $50 of us.
We stopped at n tavern there for breakfast.
We discovered force of rebels following
us. We lost our appettes Immediately, and
crossing the river, met about 500 more cav
airy, and all moved toward Lexington.
Just before we reached the town we met
the 9Sth Ohio. The Colonel was afoot, and
wanted us TO 90 back with him. We de-
clined the invitation. They got to the
Kentucky River, where the Johnnies were
waiting for them, opened fire on them, and
used two or three pieces of artillery. The
9Sih made good time getting back.
The whole OF our company was with the
regiment at Lexington. We were on pick t
until 8 or 10 o'clock next night, when we
were called in to cover the retreat to Louis
vile. We got no rations or rest until we
reached Frankfort, where we drew ratiOns
and had part Of nights rest. Next day
we moved early, and reached Shelbyville in
The afternoon, where | was only IS miles
from home, and some of our company were
at home. The citizens treated us royalty.
We remained all night and next morning
our battalion (the 2d) was ordered south
and east, and to return through Shelbytille
AS we came into town the Johnnies were on
the east, forming in the college grounds.
We passed within 200 yards of them. They
did not fire, and we returned the courtesy
by simply reviewing their line.
When we reached the Louisville pike, we
overlook our regiment, halted them, and
sent forward and had the 9th Pa. turned
back. Our battalion was ordered south
again, with instructions TO 20 about one
mile farther east. We went on a brisk trot
march. Just as we turned south to the
pike, the boys inftown got into a racket
with the Johnnies We took a double-quick
gait. Our boys had moved on the enemy
prematurely. Those who were not killed
or captured got away just before we reached
the pike. We resumed our march to Louis
vile aud the Johnhies resumed their place
as our rear-guard3 and kept us pretty well
closed up, giving US no rest
After reaching louisville, was detailed
to take command of 20 men from the 9th
Ky. Cav. and 9th Pa. Cav, who were to act as
escort for Gen. Boyle.I We remained with
HIM until he was relieved by Gen. Gilbert,
with Gilbert until Gen. Nelson took COM
mand, and with Nelson until his death.
The escort being no longer needed, we went
TO our several commands.
Very soon we started on the Perryville
march. Our regiment was divided at Tay-
lorville, one-half going with Gen. Sill 10
Frankfort and the other with McCoOk to
Perryville. The 9th KY, Cd Mich, and 9th
Pa Cav. led the advance. Our regiment was
in the advance Oct 7, when it was q con-
tinnal skirmish all day. At small place
called Poitsville, the enemy refused to
drive our battalion, dismOunted aud de-
poyed rs skirmishers We got near hill,
when the enemy opened on us with mus
kerry aud four pieces of artillery.
Some OF our boys rushed fOrwar d to get
the shelter of the hill. The rest of Us got
back to our horses. A Lieutenant and IL
men OF our company were captured near the
hill. When we moved on in force the enemy
had moved also. We soon overlook them,
and had no rest until the fight was opened
next morning, when we were ordered to the
right of our force, where we remained until
evening; then moved to the big spring the
Johnnies had held all day. The 9th Pa.
was good regiment, but they did not put
down the rebellion by themselyes.-H. NJ.
FORD, First Sergeant, Go. I, 9th KY. Cav,
McCune Kan