— Ch. 1 · Strategic Kentucky Campaign —
Battle of Richmond.
~3 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
In the summer of 1862, two Confederate armies moved on separate paths into Kentucky. They hoped to put back into power the shadow Confederate government that had lost control over most of the state in early 1862. Their goals included threatening Union cities along the Ohio River and recruiting men to join the Confederate Army. Major General Edmund Kirby Smith led the first army, known as the Army of Kentucky. He departed Knoxville on August 13. His ideas provided the initiative for this offensive operation. A second force under General Braxton Bragg followed a roughly parallel track to the west. Bragg left Chattanooga on August 27.
Commanders And Forces
Brigadier General Patrick Cleburne led Smith's advance forces during the campaign. Colonel John S. Scott commanded the cavalry unit positioned out front. On the opposing side, Brigadier General Mahlon D. Manson directed Union troops in the area. He ordered a brigade to march toward Rogersville, Kentucky. Manson arrayed his four regiments south of Mt Zion church. He prepared them for an attack while waiting for further orders from his superior officer. That officer was Major General William Nelson, often called Bull Nelson. Nelson eventually arrived to take command of the entire Union defense effort.