word from Colonel Garrard, commanding reconnaissance on Morristown road, since Major Cutting left. Artillery firing reported in the direction of Morristown late this evening. I have just ordered 100 men to go out to forks of road, one-half mile of ford on Morristown road, and to send patrol to the ford to learn something from the reconnaissance. Colonel Adams reports that the enemy in considerable force, after he withdrew, came out and occupied the ground he held during the skirmishing. A prisoner from this command, Fourteenth Illinois, who escaped from the enemy last night, says that he marched 21 miles day before yesterday and 9 miles yesterday; that he left the rear of the enemy's infantry last night 3 miles this side of Rogersville; that their train was in front and their cavalry in the rear; that their encampment extended 8 miles. Immediately on hearing from reconnaissance on Morristown road I will report.

I am, general, yours, &c.,

SHACKELFORD,

Brigadier-General.

Major-General PARKE,

Commanding Forces.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Bean's Station, December 10, 1863.

GENERAL: I have just received a report from the brigade sent out on the Morristown road under Colonel Garrard. He found rebel brigade, under General William E. Jones, at Morristown, occupying the fortifications built by our forces, engaged him, and drove him out of the works and out of the town. The brigade will come back and encamp at the river to-night. We lost several men, but the enemy's loss is reputed much heavier than ours.

I am, general, yours, truly,

SHACKELFORD,

Brigadier-General.

Major-General PARKE,

Commanding Forces.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Bean's Station, December 11, 1863-9.25 a.m.

GENERAL: The engagement of Colonel Garrard's brigade with Jones at Morristown on last evening was a gallant affair. The enemy held every advantage in the ground, yet out men dashed into their midst and drove them from the fortifications and the town. Between 40 and 50 rebels are reported killed and wounded. Our loss, 6 wounded, none killed. It is thought that the rebels who went via Morristown will move on across the mountains into North Carolina. Colonel Garrard had the pleasure of defeating the same or a part of the same command that defeated him at Rogersville. Nothing heard from the enemy this morning.

Yours, &c.,

SHACKELFORD,

Brigadier-General.

Major-General PARKE,

Commanding Forces.