Attack on Murfreesboro—Defeat and Capture of Two Federal Regiments.

Nashville Daily Union
July 15, 1862
p. 2, c. 2

The news of the last forty-eight hours has been of an exciting nature. A Confederate force consisting, it is reported, of the First, Second, and Third Georgia Regiments, First Kentucky Regiment and a Regiment of Texan Rangers, under Cols. Forrest and Warner, attacked Murfreesboro on Sunday morning before daybreak, surprising the Ninth Michigan Regiment and capturing them after several hours of hard fighting. Col. Duffield was shot through the body and mortally wounded. The Third Minnesota, commanded by Col. Lester, were strongly entrenched with Hewett's Kentucky Battery, and fought desperately until their ammunition was expended, when they surrendered, having lost one-third of their men, it is rumored, though this is doubtless greatly exaggerated. General T. T. Crittenden, of Indiana, was taken prisoner. Col. Forrest sent in a flag of truce to the Third Minnesota, demanding their surrender, which was declined. After some hard fighting, the Minnesota sent out a flag of truce and surrendered. Preparations are making here in anticipation of an attack, and reinforcements are coming in from various directions. It is to be desired that the city be spared a renewal of the horrors of war, but if it must needs be, the hearts and hands of our gallant officers and soldiers are ready and eager for the contest.

Article transcribed by Vicki Betts.