seventh Kentucky, at Frankfort, under Captain Cockrill. Inclosed I have the honor to transmit a dispatch* (copy) form Supt. S. Gill for your information.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. BUTLER,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

LOUISA, KY., December 9, 1864.

Captain J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Received the order. Scouts sent out. No force this side the mountain except Prentice. Sent force after him. Scout gone to Pound Gap and head of Kentucky River.

GEORGE W. GALLUP,

Colonel, Commanding.

LEXINGTON, KY., December 9, 1864.

Colonel GEORGE W. GALLUP,

Commanding U. S. Forces, Louisa, Ky.:

Scouts coming into Mount Sterling to-day from six miles of Jackson report 300 rebels there, 100 more at Compton, and 150 at Beaver; also that rebels are concentrating at Salyersville. Has not the scout mistaken your force for rebels? Answer immediately.

By order of Brigadier-General McLean:

J. S. BUTLER,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

MOUNT STERLING, December 9, 1864.

Captain J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The scout sent to the mountains has returned, reporting they went within six miles of Jackson. Ben. Connell is there with 300 men; another force at Compton of about 150; a third at Beaver of 150. The scout has traveled from beyond Hazle Green since yesterday, marching all night. The lieutenant also reports a force at Salyersville, and that they are concentrating there.

JOHN J. SEWELL,

Lieutenant and Post Adjutant.

LEXINGTON, KY., December 9, 1864.

Major GEORGE J. WEST,

Mount Sterling, Ky.:

The officer in command of scout must be mistaken, for the following dispatch was received from Colonel Gallup, Louisa, Ky.:

I have two companies at Collierville (supposed to be Salyersville), three companies at Paintville, and scouts above.

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*Not found.

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9 R R-VOL XLV, PT II