Letter

H. B. Lyon to Davidson, February 17, 1862

Dover, Tenn., February 17, 1862.

Sir: In our engagement with the Federal troops on Thursday, the 13th instant, the Eighth Kentucky Regiment was behind our intrenchments and withstood the fire of a battery of at times four and two guns, stationed immediately in its front, at about 700 yards distance from the regiment, for about six hours. The firing was often terrific, and the regiment lost 2 killed and 10 wounded. The men were also exposed to the fire of the enemy’s sharpshooters, but received no injury {rom it. – On the 14th instant the regiment was behind our intrenchments, and was fired upon only by the enemy’s sharpshooters, by which only 1 man was slightly wounded.

On the 15th instant the regiment engaged the enemy in the woods on the left. flank and in front of our intrenchments; fought gallantly, assisting to whip and drive back the enemy ; sustaining the loss of 17 men killed, 46 oíficers and men wounded, and 1 man missing, and returned to the intrenchments about 12 o’clock m., from which time until night it was exposed to the fire of the enemy’s sharpshooters, but losing no men from their fire.

No officers and men could have acted more gallantly than did those of the Eighth Kentucky Regiment at all times during the three days’ fight. Among the most daring on the 15th on the field I must mention Maj. R. W. Henry, who had his horse shot under him, and was conspicuous for his bravery in all parts of the field where there was danger. Among the captains, lieutenants, and men I cannot discriminate; the actions of all were very gallant and highly commendable at all times.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Eighth Kentucky Regiment.
Colonel DAVIDSON,
Commanding Brigade.

t
No. 68.
Report of Col. John Gregg, Seventh Teras Infantry.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabama, S.W. Virginia, 1861–62. Location: Dover, Tenn.. Summary: H. B. Lyon reports to Davidson the Eighth Kentucky Regiment's sustained engagement, casualties, and defensive actions against Federal troops and sharpshooters near Dover, Tennessee in February 1862.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 View original source ↗