Nelson's division, which formerly included the Seventeenth Kentucky, is now serving in H.G.Wright's New Department of the Ohio. While going to the aid of General Cruft, who had led the Seventeenth through the Battle of Fort Donelson, Nelson suffered a major defeat near Richmond, Kentucky. As this division included some of the most experienced troops in the new department, Wright is rightfully concerned and sends this telegram to his commander.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0464
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, August 31, 1862.
Major General H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:
Nelson has been badly beaten, I fear, in an encounter with the enemy near Richmond, Ky.; his force being, as he says, hopelessly broken and scattered. He is in Lexington, Ky., wounded, and I leave for that place in a couple of hours to see what can be done. He gives me no particulars. My orders were to make the Kentucky river the line of defense, and his orders in pursuance seem to have been disregarded. At any rate his force has been routed.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
This blog chronicles the life of the 17th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in the American Civil War on the 150th aniversary of their service. Follow these volunteers through several major battles while experiencing both the pace and duration of the conflict. The posts may be read chronologically by accessing the archives and selecting them individually, beginning with the Preface.
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