CHAPTER XV
The Occupation of Nashville.—1862
THE quietude that reigned in Kentucky was suddenly
broken in the latter part of January, 1862, by the
collision between General Thomas and General Zollicoffer
in what is known as the “battle of Mill Springs,” though
it hardly deserved the name. Zollicoffer, having
established himself on the north bank of the Cumberland River,
on the road from the Gap to the central part of the State,
caused a good deal of annoyance and suffering by sending
raiding parties in different directions, as well as by
repeated advances and retreats with his main body, which
were met by counter-movements by the Federal brigade
of General Schoepf, charged by General Thomas to watch
the enemy. To put an end to these inflictions, Buell finally
authorized Thomas to advance with his division toward
the Cumberland. He reached a point ten miles from the
rebel encampment on January 18, with part of his forces.
The enemy was apprised of his approach, and decided to
attack him before all his command had come up. The
encounter took place on the following day. Zollicoffer having
been killed early in the fight, the rebels lost their
cohesion, and were beaten back after a struggle of several
hours. They retreated in disorder to their fortified camp
at Mill Springs. The Unionists followed them closely
and surrounded their position during the night. In the
morning it was discovered that the enemy had crossed the
Cumberland in the darkness, leaving behind them twelve
pieces of artillery, small arms, supplies, and their wounded.
It was a very creditable victory for the Union cause, as the
rebel strength was one-third greater than General Thom-
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