Elated at the bloodless Confederate victory over Fort Craig in Munfordville, Kentucky, on this date in 1862, Gen. Braxton Bragg called for a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Unfortunately for the Confederacy, the delay at Munfordville would allow 30,000 Federal troops to dig in at Louisville.
By the afternoon of the 19th, Bragg had made up his mind to join his force with Gen. Kirby Smith near Louisville. In an attempt to uncover Buell's position, Bragg sent Buckner's division, in which my great grandfather was serving, to the front to feel out the enemy. Buckner will report nothing of importance on his front, so Bragg will continue with his plans to meet up with Kirby Smith's army and face Buell another day.
Bragg sent his supply trains on to Bardstown. On the morning of the 20th, he began moving his Army of Mississippi north to Nolin, then moved off the Louisville pike onto the Bardstown road. His hesitation at Munfordville cost him 3 days, enough time for the enemy at Louisville to prepare.
Sources: The Third Battalion Mississippi Infantry and the 45th Mississippi Regiment: A Civil War History, David Williamson; Army of the Heartland: The Army of Tennessee, 1861-1862, Thomas Lawrence Connelly
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