Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 35.djvu/282

268 few days. From this place Colonel Chenault wrote (April 24) to General Morgan: "I have the honor to report to you that we are yet on this side of the Cumberland, and safe from the Yanks. Colonel Morrison moved on Sunday without giving me any notice, and left the front unprotected. I immediately sent out pickets and found that the enemy had crossed the river, but found the ford too deep for artillery, and consequently recrossed before my pickets reached the river. I learn from Colonel Morrison that there are three regiments of Yanks at Burkesville, and that they are scattered all along down the river. I sent a scout across the river night before last; they went eight miles, but found no enemy. I will give you all the news we get. My impression is that the enemy intends to cross the river soon."

On April 28 he again wrote to General Morgan, from Monticello : "I have just returned from Mill Springs. The enemy have crossed at Morrins', and I have been skirmishing with them all day. I have just received a note from Major McCreary that they have crossed at Green's Creek, and he is skirmishing with them in that direction. We will fall back to the forks of the road, at Mr. Schull's, tonight, and await their movements. General, if possible, help us."

On April 29 General Pegram reported to General Joe Wheeler that he had "assumed command of the regiments of Colonels Cluke and Chenault whilst they remain in Clinton and Wayne Counties." On the same day Colonel Chenault reported to General Morgan, from camp on Jimtown Road, eight miles from Monticello: "As previously reported, the enemy crossed the Cumberland in force yesterday at two points. We skirmished wjth them until dark last night; lost no men except four sick and four pickets. I will fall back to a point near Albany where they cann6t flank me from Burkesville, as I learn from Colonel Morrison that there was heavy cannonading at Celina on the 25th. He is still at Albany. Major R. S. Bulloch is with me, with Cluke's Regiment."

On May 1 Colonel Chenault sent two dispatches to General Morgan, who was then at Sparta, Tenn. The first was from Monticello: "The enemy are on this side of the river, and pressing hard upon me three regiments of infantry and one of cavalry. Without help I shall not be able to hold this point