LEXINGTON, MO., August 12, 1862.

Brigadier-General TOTTEN:

Two hundred and forty men that I sent yesterday to Independence, under Major Bredett, have just returned, and report that Independence was attacked by 1,500 men, under a Colonel Hughes and Quantrill, and after four hours' hard fighting Lieutenant-Colonel Buel surrendered. It is reported that the rebels are marching on this place. Major McKee has not yet arrived. I shall telegraph Colonel Catherwood to send me two or three companies. I am very anxious in regard to Major Linder, of Harrisonville, with his two companies. He must be on the march to Independence.

DANL. HUSTON, Jr.,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

LEXINGTON, MO., August 12, 1862.

General TOTTEN:

Are there any other men except Catherwood's on the way to this post? Cannot 200 arms ge sent me by Catherwood's men? I have heard that Buel's men are all paroled.

DANL. HUSTON, Jr.,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

LEXINGTON, August 12, 1862.

General TOTTEN:

"Warner" has not arrived. Colonel Newgent, with his command, except 45 men, who took the dispatch the Major Linder, ordering him to Independence. I have 750 men, all told, at this post. Major McKee has not been heard from. Have sent an express for him. I would like to have Catherwood send all the men he can spare. There are 200 enrolled militia included in the 750. The enemy are reported 1,500 strong and constantly increasing in number. Major Bredett with his command, 200 strong, got within 8 miles of Independence, when he heard of the surrender and returned. I have just heard that Colonel Buel was surprised at 5 o'clock in the morning. It is a report, however.

DANL. HUSTON, Jr.,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

LEXINGTON, August 12, 1862.

General TOTTEN:

I have just received information from Independence. Colonel Buel was taken in the bank building after it had ben set on fire. Our men fought them four hours. Captain Thomas, Missouri State Militia, was taken out and murdered after the surrender.

DANL. HUSTON, Jr.,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

The above is all the official information we have received in relation to the above.

General Schofield has been informed of all the particulars in the case.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. TOTTEN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

Lieutenant Colonel C. W. MARSH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo.

Numbers 2. Report of Lieutenant Colonel James T. Buel, Seventh Missouri Cavalry.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., August 17, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the military post of Independence, Mo., was attacked on the morning of August 11, at daybreak, by the rebel forces under command of Colonel J. T. Hughes, numbering, from the estimate of officers of my command, from 700 to 800 men. These