Battle of Somerset

The battle of Somerset (or Dutton's Hill) was a battle fought on March 31, 1863 during the American Civil War. General John Pegram led a Confederate cavalry raid into central Kentucky which was defeated by Union forces under General Quincy A. Gillmore.

For the January 8, 1862 battle, see Battle of Mill Springs.
Battle of Somerset
Part of the American Civil War
DateMarch 31, 1863
Location
Somerset, Kentucky
Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union) CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Quincy A. Gillmore John Pegram
Strength
1,300 2,800
Casualties and losses
10 killed
25 wounded		 290 total

Background

In early 1863 Brigadier General John Pegram led a cavalry raid into Kentucky in the vicinity of Lexington. Brigadier General Quincy A. Gillmore sought permission from Department of the Ohio commander, Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, to move against Pegram. Although Gillmore had gained a reputation in artillery and engineering service, Burnside nevertheless authorized Gillmore to lead a mixed force of cavalry and mounted infantry.[1]

Battle

By the time the Union forces responded, Pegram's cavalry had rounded up several hundred head of cattle. Gillmore's force caught up with Pegram outside Somerset on March 31. Gillmore drove Pegram's skirmishers up Dutton's Hill where the Confederates made a stand. Making no headway at first, Union artillery was brought forward. The 45th Ohio Infantry made a successful charge against the hill forcing the Confederates to retreat.[2]

Results

Pegram retreated south of the Cumberland River leaving behind horses and much of his confiscated cattle. The defeat brought a significant amount of tension between Pegram and his subordinates.[3]

Gillmore's first independent field command was a success, though he continued to express interest in artillery and coastal service. General-in-Chief Henry W. Halleck transferred Gillmore to South Carolina for a proposed campaign against Charleston, South Carolina.[4]

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See also

Battle of Dutton's Hill Monument

References
  1. Lloyd's Battle History of the Great Rebellion page 205
  2. Lloyd's Battle History of the Great Rebellion page 206
  3. Official Records, Series 1, vol 23, Part 1 (Tullahoma Campaign), p. 314
  4. Encyclopedia of the American Civil War: A Political, Social, and Military History page 840

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