AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, 1861.-Operations in Southeastern Missouri, including expeditions to Jackson, Charleston, and Belmont, and skirmishes at Hickman and Columbus, Ky.

REPORTS, ETC.

Numbers 1.-Major General John C. Fremont, U. S. Army, commanding Western Department, with instructions to Generals Grant, McClernand, and Prentiss.

Numbers 2.-Brigadier General U. S. Grant, U. S. Army, of operations from August 29 to September 5, with correspondence and orders.

Numbers 3.-Colonel Richard J. Oglesby, Eighth Illinois Infantry, of expeditions to Belmont and Charleston.

Numbers 4.-Colonel G. Waagner, Chief of Artillery, of expedition to Belmont.

Numbers 5.-Commander John Rodgers, U. S. Navy, of engagements at Hickman and Columbus, Ky., September 4.

Numbers 6.-Brigadier General M. Jeff. Thompson, Missouri State Guard (Confederate), of operations, August 30 to September 5.

Numbers 1. Reports of Major General J. C. Fremont, U. S. Army, comdg. Western Department, with instructions to Generals Grant, McClernand, and Prentiss.

HEADQUARTERS, September 4, 1861.

Troops returned from a combined movement upon Charleston and Belmont report enemy fallen back upon Madrid from Sikeston. Exchanged shots with a rebel gunboat and battery on Kentucky shore at Hickman. Were fired upon from Columbus with small-arms and replied with big guns. None of our people injured.

J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.

Adjutant-General THOMAS, War Dep't, Washington City.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
September 5, 1861.

The enemy in Southeast Missouri has retreated to New Madrid. I think he intends to throw his main force into West Kentucky. He will immediately occupy Hickman, Columbus, the ground opposite Cairo, and Paducah. Commander Rodgers reports danger of Cairo. The governor of Indiana has been getting ready ten regiments for this service. Four were to have started this afternoon, but were detained by orders from Washington. Will you allow them to come forward?

J. C. FREMONT,

Major-General, Commanding.

To the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
Saint Louis, August 28, 1861.

Brigadier-General GRANT, Present:

You are instructed to proceed forthwith to Cape Girardeau and assume command of the forces at that place. A report having reached these headquarters that 4,000 rebels are fortifying Benton, Mo., and that 1,500 more are encamped behind the hills 2 miles below Com-