ORs: (CS) Report of Colonel Wharton - October 3, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 902-3

HEADQUARTERS FIRsT CAVALRY BRIGADE,
High Grove, Ky.,
October 3, 1862—7 p. m.

Maj. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding Army of the Mississippi:

GENERAL:
The enemy pressed me late this evening from the position I held. Without they march to-night they will encamp to-night at a small creek 3 1/2 miles from here in the direction of Louisville. I have annoyed them to such an extent to-day that they only advanced 3 miles. This morning about 8 a. m. they sent in a flag of truce with communications for General Bragg. The officer remained voluntarily with my advance for several hours awaiting a reply. During this time they fired upon my vedettes and moved a brigade on their right flank through the woods, emerging into this pike 200 yards in front of my position and 14 miles in the rear of my advance and this columnadvancing on the pike. I could have opened on them with terrible ef effect with small arms as well as grape, but I immediately sent the [illegible] flag of truce, telling him that there was a flag of truce 1 1/2 miles in his front. He withdrew his forces into a gorge not 300 yards from where my cannon was planted and men formed for battle. The entire division moved during the pendency of the truce, and a brigade moving 1 1/2 miles in the rear of my advance forces I addressed a communication to the general comnianding in reference to this violation of military etiquette and law, and I inclose you Major-General Thomas’ answer, which is false in three particulars, and does not touch the fact of his moving his army. No one detained his officer.

The enemy are now about 4 miles from our infantry. I think it highly probable that the forces on the Taylorsville and Shepherdsville roads will join their columns by two roads leading into this pike from these two places about one mile from here toward Louisville. I go in a few moments to visit the general in command of our advance infantry and advise him of what I know. I am told by Major Smith that a lieutenant and 15 men, who were with him in advance, have not returned. The major says the enemy captured them while the truce was pending. I shall demand them in the morning.

I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. A. WHARTON,
Colonel, Commanding First Cavalry Brigade.