October 8, 1862, Nashville Dispatch (Tennessee)
The city was thrown into an unusual state of excitement yesterday morning, by the current rumor that a number of Confederate prisoners had been brought into town. It was generally known that a large force had left about midnight on Monday, taking the Murfreesboro pike and as it was supposed the Confederates were in force at Lavergne, a fight was of course expected. From what one can hear from parties who are likely to know the truth, the following statement is probably mainly correct: The force which left here about midnight was so divided and disposed of as to get around the Confederate pickets, whom they made prisoners this side of the Lunatic Asylum, say about five miles from town. Sending them to the rear, the Federal troops proceeded slowly and quietly as possible, until they reached a Confederate camp, which they speedily surrounded, and captured the entire force. They then went on to within half a mile of Lavergne, where they encountered about 2,000 Confederates. Without loss of time a shell was thrown into the Confederate camp, which penetrated the magazine and caused its explosion, killing and wounding a large number of Confederates. A brisk fight ensued, which ended in the complete rout of Gen. Anderson’s command, he himself escaping, it is said, on a locomotive. Between forty and fifty Confederates were killed and wounded, and 240 taken prisoners, including some citizens.
The Federals captured all the rebel camp equipage, and a large lot of guns and ammunition; also, a number of horses and other articles. Three cars were captured, and after the contents were secured, they were burned.
All the prisoners have arrived in town, and are located in the Penitentiary and the work-house. The Federal loss was twenty-five or thirty killed and wounded.
Several of the soldiers brought in trophies from the battle field, among them a very handsome regimental flag.