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Cavalry. They had not gone more than 5 miles from the camp when they encountered a body of rebels variously estimated from 300 to 1,000. A lively skirmish ensued. Our men were driven back, but in good order, to within about 3 miles of the camp, when the re-enforcements I sent forward reached them and checked the rebel advance and maintained their ground, fighting until dark set in.

The skirmish commenced about 10 a. m., but I did not hear of it until about 4, although Lieutenant Chapman, commanding scout, promptly dispatched me by two couriers, who from some cause or other failed to reach me.

Our loss is 2 killed and 5 or 6 wounded. Among the latter was Captain Newport, Company E, Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, in the groin. I fear the wound will prove mortal.

From all the information I can gather to-day from scouts and citizens, there was a considerable force of the enemy hovering around me in the front and right last night. The roads indicate that they were traveled. The farm fencing was torn down, and corn taken from the fields, &c., which citizens say was done last night.

I consider my position up here rather hazardous unless the IronWorks road to my right is well guarded and scouted. I respectfully ask you, if you have the mounted force, to guard me from that quarter.

Colonel Davis, Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, reports the loss of the enemy heavier, if anything, than ours.

Write me by return courier and give me any instructions you may think necessary. I shall feel the enemy to-morrow and try and find out his number and intentions.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. P. LOVE,

Colonel, Comdg. Third Brig., First Div., Cavalry Corps. [Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD.]

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, Cumberland Gap, Tenn., January 29, 1864-9 a. m.

Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER:

GENERAL: The above dispatch (this is a copy) I received last night at 12 m. I shall report on the subject hereafter.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. T. GARRARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding District of the Clinch.

CLOUD'S HOUSE, January 29, 1864-10 a. m.

GENERAL: I am skirmishing with the enemy. They are in force in front advancing in two columns, one of infantry about 4,000 strong, and a force of 3,000 advancing on my right down the IronWorks road.

I have started my trains back and will fall back slowly. I would like to have support of at least one regiment at the forks of the road. I expect to come there to-night.

[Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD.]

S. P. LOVE, Colonel, Commanding.

ROBERT ELY'S HOUSE,

January 29, 1864-1.30 p. m.

GENERAL: I have fallen back 5 miles from Ball's Bridge, skirmishing nearly all the way with the enemy. I am now in line of battle with the cavalry. The dismounted men are at McPherson's at the stone house. My train is all safe inside your picket-lines. The enemy is still advancing in force with artillery and wagon trains; it is so reported to me by the skirmishers in front. They advance in two columns, about two regiments of cavalry and three of infantry; infantry on the flank and cavalry in the center. Their line of skirmishers (infantry) number 2 to 1 of my cavalry.

This is no sensation dispatch, but true. Officers commanding the mounted force so report.

I shall remain where I am, unless driven from it, until night, and then fall back and camp at Weinman's Mill.

I fear a flank movement on the Iron-Works road, as they are reported moving by the flank in that direction. I would have made a stand at the bridge, but a citizen scout reported 1,200 cavalry on that road, and I thought it prudent to fall back this far to secure my train and rear.

I have had 1 man killed to-day, and Captain Newport, who was wounded yesterday, died about one hour ago.

S. P. LOVE,

Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade, Cavalry Corps.

[Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD.]

JANUARY 28-February 8, 1864.-Expedition from Gallatin to Cumberland Mountains, Tenn.

Report of Col. Henry K. McConnell, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,

Fort Thomas, Tenn., February 10, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the troops under my command in the expedition from January 28 to February 7, 1864, to the Cumberland Mountains:

As the forces were under command of yourself in person until we passed Carthage, it is not necessary for me to say anything until from that point.

In obedience to your orders, I crossed the Cumberland River at the mouth of Caney Fork River, on the morning of the 30th January, with the detachment of the Seventy-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the battalion of Tennessee troops, under command of Major Garrett, and pushed directly to Flynn's Lick, the Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry going directly up the Cumberland and the Tennessee troops by the way of Chestnut Mound, with orders to concentrate at Flynn's Lick at 10 a. m. of the 31st.

In our advance on this place we had numerous running skirmishes with detached squads of Hamilton's marauders, killing and capturing about 20. We found Flynn's Lick occupied by Hamilton with about 40 men, who ran upon sight of our advance. Learning from citizens that Hamilton had said he would fight us at that place, I selected 30 men, and leaving the balance of the command 2 miles

out, I went into Flynn's Lick in some hope that with this small force he might risk an engagement, but he dashed away as soon as we came in full view. At this point we awaited orders from you.

On the morning of the 2d instant, as per your orders, I started in pursuit of Hamilton and Hughs, who were in the direction of Livingston, Tenn. I followed until the 5th instant, which found us at Old Miner's. There I separated the detachments, and gave orders to sweep the country between the road on which we had come and the Cumberland River back to Flynn's Lick. While at Livingston I received a communication from Colonel Stokes, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, in which he informed me that he would move from Cookville up the Calfkiller River to Sparta, and cover that country. The net results, so far as I have received valid information, are 102 prisoners, 33 killed, 8 wounded, making a total loss of 143 to the horde of robbers that infest that country.

Finding Old Columbus, 3 miles above Gainesborough and between the Cumberland and Roaring Rivers, to be the veriest den of thieves and murderers, I removed the women and children and burned it. I have no means of knowing the number of mules and horses taken. It was considerable, but the quality and condition of the stock was so inferior that its only importance to us was to get them out of the hands of the enemy.

I have the honor to respectfully suggest that the country between Carthage and the Cumberland Mountains through which we passed is bordering upon famine. Families without regard to politics are eaten out and plundered by those common enemies of mankind (rangers) until even those formerly wealthy are utterly reduced, and many of the poorer are now actually starving. The people are sick of their folly and of the evil they have contracted and brought upon themselves. They are asking for counsel. They are anxious to have such gentlemen as Hon. Mr. Campbell and Mr. Stokes (I use these names because they used them), to whom they formerly listened, but whose counsels they learned to despise, to come and direct them, make speeches to them and form a nucleus around which they may gather. In Jackson, Fentress, and Overton Counties rebels go to Glasgow and other towns in Kentucky, where they purchase goods, contraband and otherwise, using but little restraint. We completely broke up for the time being the bands of Hughs, Hamilton, and Doherty.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
H. K. MCCONNELL,

Brig. Gen. E. A. PAINE,

Colonel, Commanding.

Commanding Post.

JANUARY 29, 1864.-Firing on steamer Sir William Wallace, Mississippi

River.

Report of Lieut. Col. Edwin Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry.

HDQRS. TWENTY-FIRST MISSOURI VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,

Vicksburg, Miss., February 1, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the arrival of my command at this place. During the passage and when abreast of

Islands Nos. 70 and 71 we were fired upon by guerrillas, who were concealed behind a breast-work, constructed of logs. They fired probably 100 shots and fled. The fire was returned as promptly as possible. The forces seen were supposed to be from 50 to 75 men. I thought it policy not to leave the boat, the willows and brush being very thick.

Our loss was 1 man killed, 2 mortally wounded (who died the next morning), and 4 severely wounded. Twenty-seven shots struck the boat.

EDWIN MOORE,

Lieut. Col. Twenty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Lieut. JAMES B. COMSTOCK,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 23, 1864.-Expedition from Vicksburg, Miss., to Waterproof, La., and skirmishes.

Report of Capt. Joseph M. Anderson, Eightieth Ohio Infantry.

VICKSBURG, MISS.,
March 4, 1863.

SIR: In compliance with the Special Orders, No. 27, dated Vicksburg, Miss., January 27, 1864, I herewith inclose a full report of the late expedition to Waterproof, parish of Tensas, La., under my command. A weekly report would have been made to you, as the above order states, had it not been reported to me that your office was removed to the field. Whereupon regular weekly reports have been sent to General McArthur, of which I now send you a consolidated report.

First. After arriving at Waterproof, La., on the afternoon of the 29th January, 1864, I sent a small scouting party out some 8 miles, capturing on the plantation of Mr. Tullis 2 mules and 1 doublebarrel shotgun; also capturing at the residence of L. V. Reeves (rebel senator) on the same night 2 prisoners, 2 navy revolvers, and 2 horses belonging to same; same night captured Stephen Cuney (rebel spy) and horse.

Second. Captured on the 31st day of January, 1864, on the plantation and at the residence of Eli Bowman, 3 horses, 2 saddles, 2 cartridge-boxes, 50 pounds shot, 2 bowie knives, 2 small pistols. I recaptured Union mail, $296 in silver, $500 in gold, and 1 U. S. musket.

Third. Captured on the 1st day of February, 1864, on the plantation of William A. Beck, 1 horse; same date on Mr. Hay's plantatation, 2 mules; same date on the plantation of Mr. Shields, 7 mules; same date on the plantation of F. Roys, 1 horse and 5 mules; same date from off the plantation of Mr. Leach, 3 mules; also the same date taken from refugee negro recruits, 14 mules, and recruited 40 recruits, besides 150 contrabands from off rebel plantations.

Fourth. Captured off the plantation of Mr. Belsinger, on the 4th of February, 1864, 6 mules and 1 horse.

Fifth. Captured on the 6th day of February, 1864, off P. H. Dieffenwierth's plantation, 4 mules.

Sixth. Captured on the 7th day of February, 1864, off J. A. Watson's plantation,, 2 mules, 220 bales of cotton, 63 of which was claimed by negro servants.

Seventh. Captured on the 8th day of February, 1864, off William Watson's plantation, 6 mules.

Eighth. Captured on the 9th day of February, 1864, off the Gibson plantation, 4 mules; same date, off T. Holmes' plantation, 6 mules. Ninth. Captured on the 11th day of February, 1864, off A. J. Gibson's plantation, 2 mules, 1 brown horse, and 2 double-barrel shot

guns.

Tenth. Captured on the 12th day of February, 1864, off E. H. Cole's plantation, 1 horse and 1 small mule; also 1 small rifle.

Eleventh. Captured on the 13th day of February, 1864 (after skirmishing with 15 of the enemy), 1 prisoner, an acting assistant adjutant-general of Colonel Harrison's command, and 1 horse belonging to the same.

Twelfth. Captured at different times from refugee negro recruits 25 mules. Captured on the 7th day of February, 1864, off Gibson's plantation, 39 head of beef-cattle.

REMARKS.

First. As regards Mr. Bowman's case, who is a right-hand man of the rebel Colonel Harrison, the gold and silver was found in a small box in the garret with the U. S. mail in the same box, having muslin sewed around it; also, 6 new mess chests, found on same place. Said gold and silver was deposited on board gun-boat No. 9, to await General McArthur's orders. The said Bowman has been in the habit of leaving his house every day for some time, and returning home late at night, and therefore have every evidence of his being a leading guerrilla.

Second. The other property belonged to parties not having protection papers of any kind, and believe them to be rank rebels.

Third. Twenty-nine head of the mules was shipped on or about the 3d day of February, 1864, and turned over to the quartermaster at this post.

Fourth. The cattle and all of the mules and horses, with the exception of those which were in use on the day of the engagement (13th February), were either turned loose by some party not as yet satisfactorily proven, or broke away from their confinement.

Fifth. On February 13, learning that the rebels had crossed Tensas River and advancing on me, evidently for the purpose of crossing some 1,500 head of cattle over to the Mississippi shore, while a portion of their troops would engage me, I immediately sent out a mounted party of 28 men, in charge of Lieutenant Keislar, of the Eleventh Louisiana Volunteers, African descent, and William L. Jarvis, of the Seventy-second Illinois, to make a reconnaissance. When about 8 miles back they were fired on by rebel pickets, among whom 3 citizens were recognized, 2 of whom (Watson and Weast) had taken the oath of allegiance. My scouts drove them back, capturing several prisoners, when some 300 rebel cavalry suddenly dashed upon them. My scouts retreated in good order for camp. When within 2 miles of camp the cavalry overtook my troops, and a handto-hand fight ensued. Our loss was 11 killed, the (rebels) enemy losing 15. A re-enforcement was sent out by me of two companies of infantry and one piece of artillery. The enemy immediately fell

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