AUGUST 1-3, 1864. - Pursuit of Confederates from Athens, Tenn., into North Carolina, and skirmishes (1st) at Athens, Tenn., and (2d) near Murphy, N. C.

REPORTS.

Numbers 1. - Lieutenant Colonel Michael L. Patterson, Fourth Tennessee Infantry, commanding THIRD Brigade, Fourth DIVISION, Twenty-THIRD Army Corps, of skirmish at Athens, Tenn.

Numbers 2. - Captain Joshua S. Preble, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, of the pursuit of the Confederates and skirmish near Murhpy, N. C.

Numbers 3. - Captain Samuel Bivens, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, of the pursuit of the Confederates and skirmish near Murphy, N. C.

Numbers 1. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Michael L. Patterson, Fourth Tennessee Infantry, commanding THIRD Brigade, Fourth DIVISION, Twenty-THIRD Army Corps, of skirmish at Athens, Tenn.

HDQRS. THIRD Brigadier, FOURTH DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS,
Loudon, Tenn., August 1, 1864.

GENERAL: The rebels about FIFTY strong attacked our forces at Athens this morning at 8 o'clock and fought some time, our forces killing 2, wounding 3, and taking 1 prisoner, and then the rebels retreated southward from that place. I sent a squad of ninety men, commanded by Captain Bivens, by this morning's train, by direction of Captain Ammen, assistant adjutant-general.

The following is a telegram I have just received:

ATHENS, August 1, 1864.

The rebels were here FIFTY strong; eight men fought them, killing 2 and wounding 1, who says they are Captain Holland's men, Georgia. We mounted seventy-five of our men, under command of Captains Bivens and Preble, and started in pursuit at 1 o'clock. I am in command of reserve. The rebels left at 11 a. m.

B. C. MILLER,

Lieutenant, First Ohio Heavy Artillery Volunteers.

Train passed Athens at 6 o'clock this evening; will be at Lenoir's probably ere this can reach you. I will send it ahead as soon as it arrives here.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. L. PATTERSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Brigadier General J. AMMEN,

Commanding Fourth DIVISION, Twenty-THIRD Army Corps.

Numbers 2. Report of Captain Joshua S. Preble, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, of the pursuit of the Confederates and skirmish near Murphy, N. C.

HDQRS. CO. L. FIRST Ohio VOL. HEAVY ARTILLERY,
Loudon, Tenn., August 5, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 1st day of August, in accordance with instructions from Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson, commanding post at Loudon, Tenn., I repaired (with Captain Bivens, commanding