Category Archives: John Hunt Morgan

August 14, 1862: Morgan headed for Nashville

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Allen Gathman

While Bragg might be approaching Nashville with infantry, there was a continuing worry that Morgan would raid Union positions again with his cavalry. A “loyal citizen” reports his plans. Official Record NASHVILLE, August 14, 1862. Colonel J. B. FRY, Chief … Continue reading →

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July 28, 1862: Morgan reports on his raid

Posted on July 28, 2012 by Allen Gathman

John Hunt Morgan returned from his Kentucky raid on July 28, 1862. He had made a complete circuit of Lexington, Kentucky, destroying railroads and intercepting or cutting telegraph lines as he went. His efforts forced Buell to pull troops from … Continue reading →

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July 27, 1862: Securing Murfreesboro

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Don Carlos Buell *************************************************************** Morgan, having achieved his goals with the raid into Kentucky, was starting to head back southward. Buell ordered Nelson to pursue him, but here he tempers that order by directing him to leave a brigade at … Continue reading →

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July 23, 1862: If you can spare any cavalry, Buell needs them

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Morgan’s raid into Tennessee and Kentucky continues to bear fruit, as Buell appeals to Halleck to send more troops. Official Record HUNTSVILLE, ALA., July 23, 1862-1.30 a.m. General HALLECK, or General THOMAS, Adjutant-General: I cannot err in repeating to you … Continue reading →

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July 22, 1862: Buell reports Morgan’s raid

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Allen Gathman

After over two weeks of depredations by Morgan’s and Forrest’s cavalry in Tennessee and Kentucky, Buell was getting frustrated. He couldn’t move on Chattanooga, and he was trying desperately to track down the enemy forces while simultaneously beefing up garrisons … Continue reading →

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July 21, 1862: Wires cut mid-message in Tennessee

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Buell’s headquarters were at Huntsville, AL; on July 21, 1862, they received a report from the telegraph operator in nearby Decatur, AL that a message from Nashville had been interrupted. Since the message was reporting that Nathan Bedford Forrest was … Continue reading →

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July 20, 1862: Reinforcing Murfreesboro

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Allen Gathman

William Sooy Smith As we saw earlier, Sooy Smith reported the capture of Murfreesboro by Forrest’s cavalry, and offered his troops. Here his superior officer, “Bull” Nelson, confirms the report, and Smith reports sending reinforcements to retake the town. Of … Continue reading →

Posted in John Hunt Morgan, Murfreesboro, Nathan Bedford Forrest, Tennessee, William "Bull" Nelson, William Sooy Smith | 1 Comment

July 17, 1862: Morgan’s raiders at Robert J. Breckinridge’s farm

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Robert Jefferson Breckinridge William C.P. Breckinridge Reverend Robert Jefferson Breckinridge was the uncle of John Cabell Breckinridge. Unlike his nephew, R.J. Breckinridge was a Unionist and an abolitionist, and had been instrumental in the efforts to keep Kentucky in the … Continue reading →

Posted in John Hunt Morgan, Kentucky, Rober Jefferson Breckinridge | 1 Comment

July 14, 1862: Forrest takes Murfreesboro, TN

Posted on July 14, 2012 by Allen Gathman

William Sooy Smith ******************************************************************************************* Nathan Bedford Forrest, as part of Morgan’s raid, attacked the federal garrison at Murfreesboro and captured much of the Ninth Michigan infantry, taking the town after a couple of days’ fighting. William Sooy Smith reports here, … Continue reading →

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July 14, 1862: Even if it delays Chattanooga

Posted on July 14, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Morgan’s depredations in Tennessee and Kentucky were by now serious enough that Buell, rather than pressing east to Chattanooga, needed to ask Halleck for reinforcements. Halleck responds authorizing Buell to stop Morgan even if it delays the attack on Chattanooga … Continue reading →

Posted in Arkansas, Chattanooga, Don Carlos Buell, Henry Halleck, John Hunt Morgan, Kentucky, Tennessee | Leave a comment