Weekly Gazette
Elgin, Illinois
Oct. 15, 1862

PERRYVILLE, Ky., VIA BARDSTOWN.
OCTOBER 10, 1862

To Major General Halleck, General in Chief,

I have already advised you of the movements of the army under my command from Louisville. More or less skirmishing has occurred daily with the enemy's cavalry since then. It was supposed the enemy would give battle at Bardstown. My troops reached that point on the 4th inst., driving out the enemy's rear guard of cavalry and artillery.

The main body retired towards Springfield, whither the pursuit was continued. We sent a corps under Gen. Gilbert on the direct road from Springfield to Perryville, which arrived on the 7th inst., within two miles of the town, where the enemy was found to be in force. The left column under Gen. McCook, came upon the Knoxville road about 10 o'clock yesterday, the 8th inst. It was ordered into position to attack, and a strong reconnaissance directed. At 4 o'clock I received a request from Gen. McCook for reinforcements and learned that the left had been severely engaged for several hours, and that the right and left of that corps were being turned and severely pressed. Reinforcements mediately sent forward from the center. Orders were also sent from the right column under Gen. Crittenden, which was advancing by the Lebanon Road to Push forward and attack the enemy's left, but it was for it to------- position to secure any decisive result. The action continued till dark. Some fighting also occurred on the centre.