Battle of Perryville

Confederate Tactical Assaults

Cheatham's artillery bombardment began at 12:30 p.m. but he did not immediately order infantry forward. Union troops continued filing into line extending their flank north beyond intended avenue of attack. Cheatham moved division into Walker's Bend assuming redirected attack would strike Union open flank. Unfortunately cavalry reconnaissance withdrew before McCook placed artillery battery under Lieutenant Charles Parsons and brigade of Brigadier General William R. Terrill onto Open Knob prominent hill northern end battlefield. Brigade of Daniel S. Donelson crossed Chaplin River climbing bluffs west bank beginning attack around 2 p.m. Two regiments detached leaving only three for assault. Cheatham shouted Give them hell boys while Polk seconded cheer giving it to them boys give them what General Cheatham says! Brigade found performing frontal assault center Union position instead striking expected open flank. 16th Tennessee Infantry under Colonel John H. Savage raced ahead attempting reach artillery battery Captain Samuel J. Harris. Savage held Donelson disdain considering him drunkard limited military ability often paid little attention orders from commander. He considered Donelson's order attacking Harris's battery death sentence against himself. As movement west depression came crossfire from 33rd Ohio Infantry eight guns Parsons' artillery on Open Knob north. Cheatham ordered George E. Maney brigade forward dealing with Parsons though Donelson's brigade could not withstand fire withdrawing starting point 2:30 p.m. about 20% casualties. Savage's regiment lost 219 men 370 total strength. Maney's attack continued west reverse slope Open Knob through cornfield across Benton Road after which steep ridge occupied 2,200 men Union 28th Brigade Col. John C. Starkweather twelve guns. Those guns made Open Knob untenable position. Starkweather placed 21st Wisconsin cornfield time Maney attacking Parsons' position. Inexperienced men 21st some never fired weapons before regiment formed less month earlier could see little through 10- to 15-foot tall cornstalks.

Strategic Aftermath And Withdrawal

At 9 p.m. Bragg met subordinates Crawford House giving orders begin withdrawal after midnight leaving picket line place army joined Kirby Smith. As army marched toward Harrodsburg forced leave 900 wounded men behind. Bragg united forces Smith Harrodsburg Union Confederate armies now comparable size skirmished one another next week neither attacked. Bragg soon realized new infantry recruits sought from Kentucky would not forthcoming although many Kentuckians willing join Confederate cavalry. Furthermore concluded lacked logistical support needed remain state made way southeast Knoxville Tennessee through Cumberland Gap. Quickly called Confederate capital Richmond Virginia explain Jefferson Davis charges brought officers about how conducted campaign demanding replaced head army. Although Davis decided leave general command relationship subordinates severely damaged. Upon rejoining army ordered movement Murfreesboro Tennessee. Buell conducted half-hearted pursuit Bragg returning Nashville rather pushing East Tennessee Lincoln administration wished. Pent-up dissatisfaction Buell's performance resulted reorganization Western departments October 24 new Department Cumberland formed under Major General William S. Rosecrans. Buell's Army Ohio assigned redesignated XIV Corps. After Battle Stones River Murfreesboro late December another strategic defeat Braxton Bragg received more familiar name Army Cumberland. Buell ordered appear commission investigating conduct during campaign remained military limbo year and a half career essentially ruined resigned service May 1864. Following battle Union maintained control Kentucky rest war historian James M. McPherson considers Perryville part great turning point war battles Antietam Perryville threw back Confederate invasions forestalled European mediation recognition Confederacy perhaps prevented Democratic victory northern elections 1862 inhibited government ability carry on war set stage Emancipation Proclamation enlarged scope purpose conflict.

When did the Battle of Perryville take place?

The Battle of Perryville took place on October 8 and 9, 1862. Union forces under Major General Don Carlos Buell engaged Confederate troops led by General Braxton Bragg during these two days.

Who commanded the Union Army at the Battle of Perryville?

Major General Don Carlos Buell commanded the Union Army of the Ohio at the Battle of Perryville. He was supported by second-in-command Major General George H. Thomas and corps commanders Alexander M. McCook, Thomas L. Crittenden, and Charles Champion Gilbert.

What were the casualty figures for the Battle of Perryville?

Union casualties totaled 4,276 including 894 killed, 2,911 wounded, and 471 captured or missing. Confederate casualties reached 3,401 comprising 532 killed, 2,641 wounded, and 228 captured or missing.

Why did General Braxton Bragg withdraw from Kentucky after the battle?

General Braxton Bragg withdrew because he realized new infantry recruits from Kentucky would not arrive and lacked sufficient logistical support to remain in the state. He moved his army southeast toward Knoxville through Cumberland Gap instead of holding Kentucky.

How many soldiers participated in the Battle of Perryville?

The combined forces involved over 50,000 men with Union troops numbering approximately 55,000 and Confederate forces totaling around 40,000 to 45,000 men during the engagement.

Battle of Perryville.

Battlefield Geography And Conditions

Union Army Deployment And Command

Confederate Tactical Assaults

Casualties And Human Cost