OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

river and very precipitous and thickly covered with timber and under-growth, and the road, which is but 7 feet wide, is cut along the side of it about 25 feet above the river, which is close under the road. The ridge descends in a rapid curve and very sharp to the creek, or rather gorge where it makes a complete elbow. Behind this ridge, and all along the mountain side, the enemy, 700 strong, lay in ambush, and id not fire until the head of Colonel Marshall's battalion, himself leading, was up to the elbow. The skirmish was very sharp. The mountain-side was blue with puffs of smoke, and not an enemy to be seen. The first discharge killed 4 and wounded 13 of Marshall's men. I ordered the Kentuckians to charge. Colonel Harris, whose regiment was immediately behind me, led his men up the mountain-side most gallantly, and deployed them along the face of it. Colonel Norton, whose regiment was immediately behind me, led his men up the mountain side most gallantly, and deployed them along the face f it and along the crest, and went at them. Two pieces of artillery were got in position in the road and opened upon them. Owing to the steepness of the mountain all this required time. On the opposite side of the river, which is here narrow, deep, and swift, there were also rebels, who annoyed us. In an hour and twenty minutes the rebels were----and fled, leaving a number of killed and wounded on the ground and 6 prisoners unhurt. As I marched immediately in pursuit, I do not report what their loss was. I am toll to-day that 32 dead were found. Among the wounded in our hands is H. M. Rust, late State senator from Greenup County, Kentucky. Our loss is 6 killed and 24 wounded. If I had here any cavalry I would have taken or slain the whole of them; as it was, the enemy retreated, cutting down trees across the narrow road and burning or cutting all the bridges, which are numerous. I bivouacked 4 miles beyond the Ivy Creek. It rained, and the men waded through mud and in a heavy rain all the day of the 9th, the march being heavy and slow on account of the trees across the roads and the necessity of repairing the bridges. Last night we again bivouacked in the November rain and entered this place this morning at 9 a. m., where I found Colonel Sill, who had arrived the night previously and fired on the enemy as they were retreating. I inclose Colonel Sill's report.

Very respectfully,

W. NELSON, Brigadier-General.

Captain GREENE, Asst. Adjt. General , Louisville, Ky.:

I inclose also copy of a letter from Benjamin,Secretary of War at Richmond, to Colonel J. S. Williams. I have to mention that Captain Berryhill, Second Ohio, was wounded severely whilst leading the column up the mountain-side.

[Inclosure.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, October 28, 1861.

DEAR SIR: The bearer, Mr. Lewis, is on special service for the Government. He will make to you a communication about young Clay, in relation to which you will use your discretion.

I am anxiously awaiting your muster rolls.

I sent a company of artillery with its battery yesterday, and shall send a regiment of armed Virginians to Prestonburg in a few days.

Yours, &c.,

J. P. BENJAMIN.

Colonel JOHN S. WILLIAMS, Prestonburg, Ky.