Hills or Perryville. Here, on the next day, the 8th of October,
was fought the desperate battle of Perryville.

The 36th brigade was on the left of the division and had moved forward
early in the morning, accompanied by Barnett's 2nd Illinois battery,
and occupied its position. The 85th Illinois, Colonel Moore, was
deployed upon the right, and the 52nd Ohio on the left. The 125th
Illinois, Colonel Harmon, was held as a reserve, and the 86th Illinois
was on the picket line. At an early hour the rebel skirmishers opened a
sharp fire on the 86th, and although this was the first fight in which,
it was ever engaged, it advanced steadily upon them and drove them back
in confusion with severe loss. Irritated at the loss of their position,
the rebels massed upon the right and left, and commenced a furious fire
from their batteries upon the brigade.

The firing continued for an hour, but the brigade resolutely held its
ground. About this time Barnett's battery took position and silenced
their guns. In the meantime, the 125th Illinois came to the support of
the battery, and did its work splendidly, and the rebels retired,
leaving the brigade in possession of the ground it had won.

A cavalry force now advanced in the direction the rebels were
retreating, and were soon furiously attacked. The situation became
critical. The cavalry was hard pressed, but with the assistance of the
2nd Missouri regiment, together with the 2nd Michigan and 15th
Missouri, the enemy was completely routed at this point, making no
other effort until 3 o'clock P.M., when General Bragg, in person, led
his host against this position. After the most desperate fighting this
last effort proved abortive.

From the commencement of this battle it grew fiercer and fiercer as the
day advanced, and the sun of that day went down in blood. This was the
first contest in which the 36th brigade was called upon to take a part,
and though it was not as active as many others, it did promptly all
that was required. Colonel McCook paid it high compliment for the
soldierly manner in which it did its duty. The loss of the Eighty-sixth
in this engagement was one killed and thirteen wounded. The battle of
Perryville was evenly contested by the opposing forces, neither side
having gained material advantage, though if there was a balance due
either party, it was in favor of the Federals.

On the morning after the battle our brigade moved forward to the main
portion of the battl