[CHAP. XXVIII.

of Nash was also killed. Osborne is left at Williamstown; he was unable to travel to this place in consequence of his wounds. From the best information I can get the rebel force was between 30 and 40. The Home Guards numbered 22 men and officers. The rebels had chosen an excellent place, and had prepared themselves by cutting the bushes out of their way from the trees along the road, behind which they stood to protect themselves from the fire of the Home Guards. I was much discouraged when I arrived on the ground at the prospect of capturing or finding any of the parties. The country is remarkably bushy and hilly. I threw the men out as skirmishers in every direction and scoured the country. I found their camp about 2 miles northwest of Lusby's Mill. The wounded man Osborne was in the camp.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

J. J. LANDRAM,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

General J. T. BOYLE.

JULY 3, 1862.-Skirmish near Russellville, Ala.

REPORTS.

Numbers 1.-Major General George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.

Numbers 2.-Colonel Minor Milliken, First Ohio Cavalry.

Numbers 3.-Lieutenant Leonard Erwin, First Ohio Cavalry.

Reports of Major General George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DISTRICT OF THE OHIO,
Tuscumbia, Ala., July 3, 1862.

Lieutenant Erwin, First Ohio Cavalry, just arrived from Russellville, reports two companies of his regiment, scouting toward Russellville, were attacked this morning by a force of the enemy's cavalry (four companies) and driven back. Captain Emery and 4 men were killed. Four of the enemy were known to be killed and one sergeant captured. I can get no information from the prisoner which is reliable. From the report of the lieutenant I think Captain Emery must have acted imprudently in not withdrawing in time. The force of cavalry I have is too small for so extended a line as that from Iuka to Decatur. A regiment of cavalry stationed at Iuka could, by patrolling in the direction of Fulton's as far south as the Frankfort and Russellville roads, drive the enemy's scouts from that section, as would leave only the country from Frankfort to Decatur to be watched by my cavalry, which work could be accomplished more effectually than with the present disposition of the troops.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers.

Major-General HALLECK, Corinth, Miss.

TUSCUMBIA, July 4, 1862.

The part sent out yesterday went as far as Russellville. The commanding officer reports that Captain Emery was not killed, but dangerously wounded. The citizens report that the enemy retreated in great