deavor to get the train through to Decatur, knowing that if the attack was made upon that place my command could render efficient service there and my force being sufficient in my judgment to protect the train. After proceeding about 1 mile I formed my command in line of battle and proceeded in advance of the train a short distance, when the enemy, numbering some 300 infantry and cavalry, emerged from the woods, and I immediately advanced to meet them, firing a few shots to ascertain their distance, when the entire force, infantry and cavalry, fell back. I pursued them on double-quick for nearly half a mile, but finding it impossible to overtake them, I returned to the train and ordered the engineer to move forward.

A short distance in advance of the encampment of Captain Goben we found the cross-ties of the railroad of about 100 yards on fire and the wooden culvert over a small ravine burned. I put my men to work immediately, and in a short time had so far repaired the road as to allow the passage of the train. This work was considerably retarded from the fact that the iron rails had been much drawn and warped by the burning of the ties upon which they had been placed. While engaged in these repairs Lieutenant Harman, of the Thirty-first Ohio, with his command, was surprised, and, after a gallant fight, repulsed, falling back upon me. The lieutenant received two wounds while contesting the field with the rebels, and had 1 man killed and 12 wounded. He represented the attacking force as numbering from 300 to 400, and as his dead and wounded had been left upon the field, I proceeded with him to the place where the battle occurred with all possible dispatch. Arriving there, we discovered some 40 or 50 cavalry near, all of whom fled when they discovered we were advancing upon them. Placing his dead, wounded, camp equipage, and command aboard the train, we proceeded to Decatur, where we arrived without further accident.

Hoping that this plain statement of facts and my conduct in regard to the affair will meet your approval, I am, respectfully,

JAMES H. BOYL,

Captain Company C, Tenth Indiana Volunteers.

Colonel KISE.

[Indorsement.]

I herewith forward the report of Captain Boyl for your consideration and disposal. It contains a full report of the action of Companies C and B, of the Tenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, in the late affair near Courtland, Ala.

W. C. KISE,

Colonel, Commanding Tenth Indiana Volunteers.

Brigadier-General FRY.

Numbers 3.

Report of Colonel John M. Harlan, Tenth Kentucky Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH KENTUCKY REGIMENT, Winchester, Tenn., August 8, 1862.

SIR: I seize the earliest moment since my regiment joined the brigade from detached service at Eastport, Miss., to advise you officially of the capture by the Confederate forces, on July 25, of Companies A and H,