Lieut. Col. John Lucas
Seventh Kentucky Infantry

On the morning of the 16th of May, 1863, being in command of the Seventh Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, I was ordered to move forward with said regiment to the front of the First Brigade, which was then on the road leading from Raymond, Miss., to Edwards Depot, on the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad, about ----- miles from Raymond. In obedience to said order, I advanced with my regiment as prescribed, preceded by one company of the Third Illinois Cavalry, and throwing forward a few vedettes and Companies A and F, of my regiment, as skirmishers, advanced about 2 miles, where the cavalry finding the enemy's pickets, we halted, and after a short reconnaissance resumed the advance, and proceeded about 1½ miles farther on said road, where we found the enemy in force. My regiment took position on the right of said road, first throwing Companies A, F, and D forward as skirmishers, and afterward the remainder of the regiment moved forward, and, driving the enemy's skirmishers from their position, the regiment was ordered by General Garrard to fall back and resume its original position in line of battle. Sending forward Company G as picket, remained in position until -- o'clock, when I was ordered with my regiment to advance with the brigade, and engaged the enemy, and after a short and very severe engagement, was ordered to fall back a short distance, and were not engaged any more during the day, as the enemy commenced a precipitate retreat to Black River Bridge.

On the evening of the 16th, we proceeded to Edwards Depot, where we halted for the night (having followed in rear of General Benton's brigade). Before leaving Champion's Hill for Edwards Depot, I was ordered not to get my regiment into line, from the fact that General Garrard had received orders to follow in the rear of General Benton's brigade. I heard the order delivered to General Garrard, and think it was by one of General McClernand's aides.

On the morning of the 17th May, 1863, we resumed the pursuit to near Black River Bridge; took position on the left of the brigade. I then sent Companies A and B forward as skirmishers, and advanced upon the enemy's right, where they were strongly intrenched. My regiment was on the extreme left of the First Brigade, and advanced over an extensive open plain for nearly 1 mile. This plain is intercepted by a slough, which is about 500 or 600 yards from the enemy's works. My regiment entered the intrenchments about 150 yards to the left of the enemy's artillery, without opposition. The intrenchments are located below and near Black River Bridge, running nearly north and south.

The loss of my regiment in the actions of Champion's Hill and Black River Bridge is as follows: CHAMPION'S HILL. Killed: Commissioned officers 1 Enlisted men 2 Wounded: Enlisted men 14 Missing: Enlisted men 5 Total loss 22 Died since of wounds 2 No loss at Black River Bridge whatever.

JOHN LUCAS, Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Seventh Kentucky Infantry.

Brig. Gen T. T. GARRARD.