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The Cumberland Gap Campaign
June 19, 1861
Report of Gen. George W. Morgan to Secretary of War E. M. Stanton
Upon Occupation of Cumberland Gap
Web Author's Notes:
Below is the report of Gen. George Morgan to Secretary of War Stanton describing the occupation of Cumberland Gap on June 18, 1862:

Hdqrs. Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio, Cumberland Gap,
June 19, 1862.

The enemy evacuated this American Gibraltar this morning at 10 o'clock, and De Courcy's brigade took possession at 3 this afternoon. The enemy destroyed a considerable amount of his stores, and precipitated several cannon over the cliffs, spiking others, and carried a few away. I believe, however, that seven have been found in position. The tents were left standing, but cut into slits. He had not time to destroy or take a portion of his stores and they have been taken possession of by the proper officers. The Stars and Stripes were raised by De Courcy, and a national salute was fired in honor of the capture of this stronghold of treason. Each brigade, in the order of its arrival, will on successive days plant its flag at sunset upon the pinnacle of the mountain, accompanied by a national salute. In my hurried dispatches of this morning I neglected speaking in terms of just praise of the valuable services of Lieutenant Fisher and his brother officers of the Signal Corps, and also of the energy and devotion of Lieutenant-Colonel Munday and his handful of cavalry; but every officer and every soldier has nobly discharged his duty.

George W. Morgan, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

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