General Buell, December 30, 1861

GENERAL:

In the fight just beyond SRE due we lost 8 killed and 8, perhaps 13, captured.

‘ Over 400 rebel cavalry surprised 168 of Jackson’s cavalry the day before yesterday, as they were returning from a scout to South Carrollton. The rebels attacked and drove in the vanguard, following them rapidly.

Major Murray behaved with great gallantry, and, with the aid of other officers, who will be mentioned when I get ‘an official report, repelled the charge, being seconded handsomely by about 45 men. These men resisted the whole body of the enemy for ten minutes, and, from the accounts I have from many reliable ‘witnesses, would have repulsed them, but at this critical moment some dastard unknown

Lo Om XYE) ~~ ACTION AT SACRAMENTO, KY.

shouted “Retreat to Sacramento!” Most of the men fled, of course, without stopping at Sacramento. In this retreat we sustained some loss.

to-day. Captain Davis, of Jackson’s regiment, was captured. He was conspicuous in the fight for bravery. We do not know the extent of the enemy’s loss. Meriwether (either a major or a lieutenant-colonel) was killed and certainly 4 men.. The rebels took away three wagon loads of dead and wounded.

Although outnumbered and partially surprised, I think my men had the best of the fight. I rode out to Sacramento yesterday and found Jackson burying the dead—6 of our men. We have 5 or 6 men so badly wounded that we could not bring them in. They are in good quarters and will be well cared for. The enemy here have every advantage of us. The Union men are generally inactive, while the secessionists are full of activity.

The rebel eavalry reached Greenville Friday morning, and Friday night the seouting party under Major Murray rode to South Carrollton. The rebels were beyond a doubt apprised of Murray’s expedition, and the first intimation I had of their presence was from the fight at Sacramento. Heretofore I have always been promptly notified of their arrival at Greenville. If I had received the information this time I might have captured the entire command. The rebels are thoroughly and well armed, and Jackson’s men are badly armed, and, what is worse, have no confidence in their pistols. I know that you will remedy this as soon as possible.

Most

respectfully, T. L. CRITTENDEN,