CHAP.XII.] SKIRMISH AT SARATOGA, KY., ETC.

Volunteers; 120 Tennessee cavalry, under Captains Hamilton and Biffle, and one piece of artillery, under the command of Lieutenant -------, and arrived at the camp of the enemy the next morning about 5 o'clock. Our advance guard was fired upon by the enemy's pickets, and a general skirmish ensued, when the entire force under my command charged upon the camp, routing the enemy, capturing 14 prisoners, 3 of whom were released upon a parole of honor by me; the others were delivered to you. A number of the enemy were wounded and several reported killed.

All the officers and men under my command acted bravely. We returned to Cave City on the 15th without the loss or injury of a man.

The following contraband articles and property were captured, to wit: 1 gray horse, 11 muskets, 3 rifles, a small lot of ammunition, 3 drums, a lot of knives, &c., besides other articles that have never come into my possession. All of the above articles, &c., are subject to your order.

Respectfully submitted.

R. D. ALLISON, Colonel, Commanding.

Major-General HARDEE.

OCTOBER 26, 1861.-Expedition to Eddyville and skirmish at Saratoga, Ky.

REPORTS, ETC.

Numbers 1.-Brigadier General C. F. Smith, U. S. Army.

Numbers 2.-Major J. J. Phillips, Ninth Illinois Infantry.

Numbers 3.-Lieutenant S. L. Phelps, U. S. Navy.

Numbers 4.-Cox and Read, telegraph operators, to Major-General Polk, C. S. Army.

Numbers 1. Report of Brigadier General C. F. Smith, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Paducah, Ky., October 31, 1861.

SIR: Learning that a boy of rebel cavalry were stationed at Sartoga, a small village about 4 miles from Eddyville, on the Cumberland River, and were harassing the loyal inhabitants, I detached on the steamer Lake Erie three companies of the Ninth Illinois Regiment (some 300 men), under command of Major Phillips, of the same regiment, to capture or destroy them. The U. S. gunboat Conestoga, Lieutenant S. L. Phelps commanding, accompanied the detachment and rendered efficient assistance. The party landed a few miles below Eddyville, and after a toilsome march of some 12 miles, the ground being broken and rugged, made a partial surprise of the enemy, about 160 in number, who were in line and dismounted. Major Phillips advanced upon them at a double-quick step, and after firing a volley charged with the bayonet, when the enemy broke and fled. The result was the killing of some 7 of the rebels, including their captain (Wilcox), and wounding others as they made off, besides killing a number of valuable horses. Three of our party were severely though not dangerously wounded.

Major Phillips reports the capture of 20-odd prisoners, 30 horses, 8 mules, 2 wagons, with harness, saddles, bridles, &c., 30 muskets, several rifles and shot-guns.

The expedition seems to have been conducted with good judgment,