[Inclosure No. 2.]

CAIRO, October 3, 1863. [Received 6.45 p.m.]

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.:

Six engines here, sent from Memphis to Nashville, by order of General Hurlbut.

W. F. LYNCH,

Colonel Fifty-eighth Illinois, Commanding.

[Inclosure No. 3.]

WASHINGTON, October 4, 1863-10.20 a.m.

ColonelW. F. LYNCH:

The locomotives will remain at Cairo till further orders.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,
Memphis, Tenn., October 5, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel H. BINMORE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: I have the honor herewith to transmit statements of a prisoner captured at Olive Branch, Miss., on Saturday.

He belongs to Ballentine's cavalry, Cosby's brigade, Jackson's division. He left Clinton, Miss., September 25, 1863. Jackson commands Cosby's and Whitfield's brigades. General Cosby drew rations for 1,700 men; General Whitfield drew for about 900 men.

Jackson's total strength, 2,600 men. His headquarters were at Canton, when he left on Monday, September 28; heard he had a fight; Jackson repulsed the Federals. General Ross' brigade moved from Lexington to Oxford on 26th. His brigade comprises his old regiment and Colonel Pinson's regiment; the former 500 strong, and the latter 700. General Chalmers' headquarters were at Oxford, Miss., his force unknown. General Joe Johnston was at Grenada on Tuesday, 29th ultimo. Heard nothing about Johnston was at Grenada on Tuesday, 29th ultimo. Heard nothing about Jackson coming up the road. Men belonging to Chalmers' command told him that there was to be an attack made on Memphis.

Refugees who left Oxford on the 28th ultimo state that General Chalmers was there when they left; his force estimated at 1,500. Ross' brigade hade not arrived. Heard Johnston was expected with 6,000 infantry from Jackson, Miss., with all the cavalry that could be mustered for an attack on Memphis.

Inclosed please find papers* found on his person.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES P. METCALF,

Lieutenant, and Actg. Asst. Insp. General, Third Brigade Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tenn., October 5, 1863.

Brig. General T. W. SWEENY, La Grange, Tenn.:

In the present state of affairs all our cavalry is required for active duty. By pushing them to the front, as ordered, lighter details will

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*Not found.

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