Don Carlos Buell to Lorenzo Thomas, February 9, 1862

Louisville, Ky., February 9, 1862.

Sim: I have the honor to transmit General Thomas’ report of the battle of Mill Springs, and to commend the services of his troops to the approbation of the General-in-Chief for their fortitude under discomforts and difficulties and their gallantry in battle. The question of rewards to meritorious persons will naturally present itself in this connection. It is one which will require to be treated with very great caution. Itis one which produces jealousies and dissatisfaction in aregular army, and, composed as ours is, may lead to a most injurious condition of things. I would suggest that rewards for services in battle be conferred excluSively by brevets, leaving the full promotion (to the grade of brigadier) to flow exclusively from fituess for the office as shown by service. The advantage of this rule, in fact the necessity for it, is, I think, obvious. ]

I commend the general in command for the fidelity and ability with which he executed my instructions.

I would call attention to the following brigade and regimental commanders who were actively engaged in the battle:

Col. R. L. MeCook, Ninth Ohio, commanded the Third Brigade. He was distinguished for efficiency and gallantry on the field, and, though severely wounded early in the action, continued in his command until the engagement closed.

Col. M. D. Manson, Tenth Indiana, commanded the Second Brigade, and behaved gallantly on the field.

Col. S. S. Fry commanded the Fourth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers, was wounded, and was distinguished for gallantry and efficiency on the field.

Colonel Van Cleve commanded the Second Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, and was distinguished for gallantry and efficiency on the field.

Lieutenant-Colonel Kise commanded the Tenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was distinguished for gallantry and efficiency on the field.

Major Kammerling commanded the Ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and was distinguished for gallantry and efficiency on the field.

For the part taken in the action by the different regiments and batteries and the subordinate officers I would refer to the report of General Thomas and the officers in command under him.

No other reports in relation to the battle have been received.

A box of captured flags will be forwarded by express.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.