J. Spradlin's Farm.
Middle Creek.
Kentucky.
January 10th, 1862.
01:00 P.M.
General Price Sir!
It is my pleasure to make to You, a Report of the current situation at Middle Creek, as per Orders.
Brigadier General Marshall, encamped his Men overnight in the environs of Spradlin's Farm, located at the confluence the Lost Fork and the Left Fork streams. From hence the waters flow forth East by North East, as Middle Creek.
At 08.00 A.M. Marshall deployed his Forces to the East of Spradlin's Farm, utilising the rough Terrain of Piney Point and an unnamed Hill, South and North of the East Road, respectively, as cover.
As Noon approached, Marshall and his Command, had neither sight nor rumour of the expected Federal Forces deemed to be approaching Spradlin's Farm.
The 8th Company, of the 1st Kentucky Regiment were dispatched along the East Road to reconnoitre and sight the Enemy. A short time after half past the Hour, two unidentified Companies of Union Cavalry were sighted approaching 8th Co. at Full Gallop.
The opposing Forces appeared to be entering in to an Engagement due South of Graveyard Point, where the East Road loops North and then South again, thus avoiding an unnecessary double-fording of Middle Creek and Spur's Look Branch.
The Confederates braced themselves for close quarter combat with the charging Federals. At the last moment - daunted no doubt by the sight of our brave Troopers unflinchingly standing their Ground - the Yankees about faced and fled down into the Gully which cradles the East Road at this point.
Note was quickly taken of Garfield's advancing Infantry and Artillery, with close Cavalry support. It would appear He is disposed towards a cautious Advance, rather than a bold, headlong Challenge for control of Middle Creek.
A Company of Federal Cavalry was also observed at this time, to be assuming an observational position upon Spur's Look - the Heights above the East bank of Spur's Look Branch. From Hence, they can safely observe much of the slopes facing down onto the East Road as it approaches Spradlin's Farm.
Any Confederate Forces manoeuvring in these areas, will require to proceed with Caution, as Their movements will be known to the Enemy, well in advance of any Engagement.
An hour has passed since this Confrontation began to build and there has been no Engagement between the two Contingents and no Casualties to either side.
Brigadier General Marshall is resolute in his determination, that the Federals will not gain control of Middle Creek and the East Road, past Spradlin's Farm.
Confederate Morale is High, the Men are well supplied and positioned. They are also eager to Engage. There is a small worry that Our Artillery ammunition may be defective - the oncoming Conflict will test this Worry for Good or Ill.
Regardless of this minor doubt, I am Sir fully confident of a Major Victory for Our Glorious Cause, at Middle Creek, Kentucky.
I remain Sir,
A Staunch Defender of States Rights,
And Your Obedient Servant.
By my Hand,
Patrick G.M. Carroll
(Colonel)
A.o.G.
Colonel Patrick G.M.Carroll,
Commanding
II Corps,
Army of Georgia.
"Spartan Southrons"
C.S.A.
" When My Country takes it's rightful place, amongst the Nations of the World, then and only then, let My Epitaph be written. "
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