Twp nearly identical and completely successful saber charges were made by this regiment here, the first on Jan. 31, 1863, and the second on Mar. 4, 1863. Confederates routed in the first attack belonged to the 8th Confederate Cavalry. Victims of the second attack were officers and men of Russell's 4th Alabama Cavalry.
Minty's report of Jan. 31, 1863 --
At Versailles I learned from citizens that a force of 400 cavalry was stationed at Rover. After allowing sufficient time for Colonel Cook to approach Unionville, I moved on Rover, and about 1½ miles from that place I struck the enemy's pickets, which were driven in sharply by Major [L.] Wolfley, Third Kentucky Cavalry, commanding the advance guard. About one-half a mile from Rover I discovered the enemy in line. I ordered the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry to charge, which they did in most gallant style, led by Captain [W. H.] Jennings. After a short, but sharp, conflict the enemy broke, and was driven I mile beyond Rover. I captured 6 officers and 43 enlisted men, beside 49 wounded, all of whom, except one, were wounded with sabers.
Minty's report of Mar. 4, 1863 --
The general ordered me to drive the enemy out of Rover. A mile and a half from that place I met their pickets, and drove them in sharply. At Rover I found about 400 men, who appeared determined to make a stand. I detached the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, with orders to gain the [Shelbyville] pike, between them and Unionville. The enemy, perceiving my design, commenced a retreat. I followed closely with the Seventh Pennsylvania and Fourth U.S. Cavalry, and, finding that the Fourth Michigan had failed in cutting them off, I gave the order to draw sabers and charge.At Unionville I found a regular camp, and about 600 rebel cavalry, whom we drove before us at a gallop to within 5 miles of Shelbyville, where we ran into the infantry pickets, 5 of whom were captured.
The Seventh Pennsylvania had the good fortune to be in the advance, and were the only men engaged, with the exception of a few of the Fourth Michigan. We captured 51 prisoners (13 of whom were severely wounded, having received saber cuts about their heads), 17 wagons, 42 mules, 31 Sibley tents, 2 wagon-loads of bacon, meal, &c. Our only casualty was I man of the Seventh Pennsylvania slightly wounded in the foot.
I fell back to Eagleville, taking the captured property with me, and was there joined by General Sheridan next morning.
Col. Tucker, who sent infantry supports to relieve Russell's routed command, reported as follows --
I may be transcending the line of my duty, but as it is a matter of considerable interest to the forces picketing on this road, I would respectfully call your attention to the fact that a large portion (almost half) of Colonel Russell's command are without arms, and that in case of an attack they are only an incumbrance and calculated to demoralize the others.