NOVEMBER --, 1863.-Skirmishes on the Cumberland River, Ky.

Report of Brigadier General Edward H. Hobson, U. S. Army.

MUNFORDVILLE, KY., December 4, 1863.

My scouting parties on Cumberland have captured 15 rebels, and killed the notorious thief and rebel, Captain Belbo. My scouting parties are in all the border counties, doing good execution. Will send force to Clinton County to-morrow.

E. H. HOBSON,

Brigadier-General.

Captain SEMPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Louisville.

NOVEMBER 30, 1863.-Skirmish at Yankeetown, Tennessee

Report of Lieutenant James P. Brownlow, First Tennessee Cavalry.*

HEADQUARTERS FIRST TENNESSEE CAVALRY, Sparta, Tennessee, December 1, 1863.

COLONEL: Colonel Hughs' command, consisting of Murray's, Hampton's, [Hamilton's?] Bledsoe's, Ferguson's, Daugherty's, and other bands, attacked Lieutenant Bowman while scouting, on yesterday, and after skirmishing for some time, drove him across the river within 2 miles of this place, killing 4, wounding 1, and capturing 5. I went immediately to his assistance, and drove the enemy (numbering 500) 8 miles, killing 9, and wounding between 15 and 20.

I would take no prisoners. One of the Ninth Pennsylvania was mortally wounded (died this morning), and Captain McCahan wounded in the ankle.

Eighteen scouts, of the Second Michigan, got leave last evening. Send Doctor Green to this place. On account of the heavy picket duty, I would like to have one more company, unless the brigade is coming soon.

Very respectfully,
JAS. P. BROWNLOW,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Colonel A. P. CAMPBELL,

Commanding First Brigade.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 3, 1863.-Scouts to New Madrid Bend, Tennessee

Report of Captain Rufus S. Benson, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Island Numbers 10, Tennessee, December 4, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report that, on the morning of November 30, 1863, I sent into New Madrid Bend a party of 40 men, under the command of O. A. Lesh, first lieutenant Company H, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, with instructions to conscript all able-bodied men

---------------

*See also Hughs' report of skirmish at Monticello, Ky., p. 575, and itinerary of the Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, p. 436.

---------------