The following article is transcribed from the New York Times, dated October 29, 1862:

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THE BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE.; GEN. BRAGG'S OFFICIAL REPORT.

 

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2,

BRYANSVILLE, Ky., Oct. 12, 1862.

 

SIR: Finding the enemy pressing heavily in his rear, near Perryville, Maj.-Gen. HARDEE, of POLK'S command, was obliged to hold and check him at that point. Having arrived at Harrodsburgh from Frankfort,I determined to give him battle there, and accordingly concentrated three divisions of my old command the army of the Mississippi,now under Maj.Gen. POLK, CHEATHAM'S, BUCKNER'S and ANDERSON'S and directed Gen. POLK, to take command on the 7th, and attack the enemy next morning. WITHER's Division had gone the day before to support SMITH. Hearing, on the night of the 7th, that the force in front of SMITH had rapidly retreated, I moved early next morning, to be present at the operations of POLK's forces. The two armies were formed confronting each other on opposite sides of the town of Perryville. After consulting the General, and reconnoitering the ground and examining his disposition, I declined to assume the command, but suggested some changes and modifications of his arrangements, which he promptly adopted. The action opened at 12 1/2 o'clock P.M., between the skirmishers and artillery on both sides. Finding the enemy indisposed to advance upon us, and knowing he was receiving heavy reinforcements, I deemed it best to assail him vigorously, and so directed. The engagement became general soon thereafter, and was continued furiously from that time to dark, our troops never faltering and never failing in their efforts. For the time engaged it was the severest and most desperately contested engagement within my knowledge. Fearfully outnumbered, our troops did not hesitate to engage at any odds; and though checked at times, they eventually carried every position, and drove the enemy about two miles. But for the intervention of night we should have completed the work. We had captured fifteen pieces of artillery by the most daring charges, killed one and wounded two Brigadier-Generals, and a very large number of inferior officers and men, estimated at no less than four thousand, and captured four hundred prisoners, including three staff officers, with servants, carriage and baggage of Maj.-Gen. MCCOOK. The ground was literally covered with his dead and wounded. In such a contest our own loss was necessarily severe, probably not less than 2,500 killed wounded and missing. Included in the wounded are Brig.-Gens. WOOD, CLEBURN and BROWN -- gallant and noble soldiers -- whose loss will he severely felt by their commands. To Maj.-Gen. POLK, commanding the forces, Maj.-Gen. HARDEE, commanding the left wing, two divisions, and Maj.-Gens. CHEATHAM, BUCKNER and ANDERSON, commanding divisions, is mainly due the brilliant achievements of this memorable field. Nobler troops were never more gallantly led. The country owes them a debt of gratitude which I am sure will be acknowledged. Ascertaining that the enemy was heavily reinforced during the night, I withdrew my force early the next morning to Harrodsburg, and thence to this point. Major-Gen. Smith arrived at Harrodsburgh with most of his forces, and WITHERS' Division the next day, 10th, and yesterday I withdrew the whole to this point, the enemy following slowly, but not pressing. I am, Sir, very respectf'y, your obed'nt servant, BRAXTON BRAGG, General Commanding. To Adjutant-General, Richmond, Va.

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