CHAP.XII.] ACTION AT ROCKCASTLE HILLS, KY., ETC.

pencil note of the events of the day. The enemy has not since presented himself. I sent out scouts this morning to ascertain his whereabouts. These scouts have since returned, and report that the enemy have fully retreated in the direction of London.

Our loss yesterday is ascertained to be 4 killed and 18 wounded. On examination of the battle ground I set the enemy's loss down at 30 killed, with a large wounded list, the latter taken by them off the field (as I learn from an intelligent citizen in the vicinity), except 3, which were brought into our camp and properly cared for; one sine died. Our wounded are doing well.

These prisoners, all examined separately by myself, gave the same statement relative to the strength of the enemy, viz, about 7,000.

The enemy fought well, approaching to within about 50 yards of our muskets with shouts and cheers, which were promptly responded to by our men, under the immediate command of Colonels Coburn and Wolford.

I yesterday asked for artillery ammunition and caps for rifles, to which I would now add a further supply of musket cartridges and caps.

The troops now en route for this camp will be held on the opposite side of the river for the present. I can hold my position with my present force against an equal or superior number, should the enemy again attack.

I will await further orders before following the enemy.

In the pocket of one of the wounded prisoners was found a letter to the commander of a Tennessee (secession) regiment, urging him to send forward his regiment to the relief of General Zollicoffer.

Respectfully submitted.

A. SCHOEPE, Brigadier-General.

Brigadier General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding First Kentucky Brigade, Camp Dick Robinson.

P. S.-I have just learned from a citizen on the route of the retreating enemy that they acknowledge a loss of 100 killed.

HDQRS. CAMP WILDCAT, October 23, 1861.

GENERAL: I have reliable information that the enemy have retreated to Laurel Bridge, 9 miles south of London, and are moving southward. I have conversed with intelligent persons from the vicinity of London, these to Cumberland Gap, and am of the opinion that I can advance to that point (Cumberland Gap) and scatter the forces of Zollicofer en route, and by turning the Gap get and hold possession of it, and perhaps the great railroad from Richmond, Va., and Manassas to Memphis and the South. Shall I do it? Should such movement meet your approval, I would suggest that all the re-enforcements which can possibly be spared from Camp Diock Robinson be sent forward, a depot of supplies (on a small scale) be established at Crab Orchard, and a smiler one at Wild Cat (my present position), upon which I could fall back in case of an emergency. I am credibly informed that supplies can be obtained for my present (or larger) force between this point and Cumberland Gap. HonorableMr. Maynard, of Tennessee, is of this opinion. I shall await your orders.

I have the honor to be, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPE, Brigadier-General.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Brigade, &c.