The Kentucky Campaign: The Battle Of Bardstown
Bragg pushed on with Buell and his army not far behind. After a bloody battle in Munfordville, Bragg would accept Union Officer John Wilder’s surrender. The Kentucky Campaign was well on its way and for the most part successful. Although Bragg was celebrating his win, he was grand need of logistical support and under no circumstances able to turn and confront Buell’s Army of the Ohio. Therefore, he rallied his army and pushed on to Bardstown to assembly with MG Smith and the newly formed Confederate Army of Kentucky. While in Bardstown, General Bragg was disappointed to learn of the lack of volunteers from the Bluegrass State. He was in hopes of strengthening his army by 20,000. His dream remained alive with the swearing in of a Confederate governor of Kentucky, Richard
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Hawes.
Nevertheless, as they celebrated in Bardstown, Buell was fast at work deploying his forces to destroy Bragg and his dreams of controlling Kentucky. Bragg learned on Buells movement and became concerned of Buell’s intentions. As Bragg discussed possible courses of action with newly elected Governor Hawes and MG Smith, Sills and Dumont’s Union divisions were on the front steps of the Capital in Frankfort. Without much deliberation Bragg concurred with his wing commanders to withdrawn from Bardstown and link up with Smith’s army in Harrodsburg. While Bragg and Smiths forces united in Perryville, Bragg was quick to detach a division to Frankfort. This left Bragg’s army extremely smaller than Buell’s army would have been at full strength. Little did Bragg know Buell’s focus all along was Bragg’s army moving to Perryville. October 7, 1862 each side retired to their respective camps. Both sides were fully aware of the need to find a
good water source. An all-Arkansas outfit commanded by Brigadier General (BG) St. John R. Liddell deployed his unit to Bottom Hill just a mile west of Perryville. He soon realized higher ground was available (Peters Hill) and a bonus was that Doctor’s Creek ran along Peters Hill western edge. In the west of town, General Sheridan and his Federal forces camped within close proximity of the enemy. Sheridan was also aware of Doctor’s Creek and the need of a good water source for his men. Immediately Sheridan order Col Daniel McCook and his newly formed 36th Brigade the mission of securing Peters Hill to include Doctors Creek. By moonlight in the early morning hours on October 8, 1862, The Battle of Perryville begins by opposing forces trying to find water. McCook’s Union forces caught the 7th Arkansas men off guard and pushed the back to Bottom Hill. The Federals now controlled the high ground and the water.
Hawes.
Nevertheless, as they celebrated in Bardstown, Buell was fast at work deploying his forces to destroy Bragg and his dreams of controlling Kentucky. Bragg learned on Buells movement and became concerned of Buell’s intentions. As Bragg discussed possible courses of action with newly elected Governor Hawes and MG Smith, Sills and Dumont’s Union divisions were on the front steps of the Capital in Frankfort. Without much deliberation Bragg concurred with his wing commanders to withdrawn from Bardstown and link up with Smith’s army in Harrodsburg. While Bragg and Smiths forces united in Perryville, Bragg was quick to detach a division to Frankfort. This left Bragg’s army extremely smaller than Buell’s army would have been at full strength. Little did Bragg know Buell’s focus all along was Bragg’s army moving to Perryville. October 7, 1862 each side retired to their respective camps. Both sides were fully aware of the need to find a
good water source. An all-Arkansas outfit commanded by Brigadier General (BG) St. John R. Liddell deployed his unit to Bottom Hill just a mile west of Perryville. He soon realized higher ground was available (Peters Hill) and a bonus was that Doctor’s Creek ran along Peters Hill western edge. In the west of town, General Sheridan and his Federal forces camped within close proximity of the enemy. Sheridan was also aware of Doctor’s Creek and the need of a good water source for his men. Immediately Sheridan order Col Daniel McCook and his newly formed 36th Brigade the mission of securing Peters Hill to include Doctors Creek. By moonlight in the early morning hours on October 8, 1862, The Battle of Perryville begins by opposing forces trying to find water. McCook’s Union forces caught the 7th Arkansas men off guard and pushed the back to Bottom Hill. The Federals now controlled the high ground and the water.