stroyed the telegraph line, three pieces of trestle work and a bridge, burned a depot, and took 133 prisoners (8 commissioned officers).

My loss was 3 killed and 5 wounded; the enemy same number killed and 6 wounded. From the statements of the officers I am satisfied that not more than 12 of the command made their escape.

My command was composed of portions of Webb's Louisiana Squadron, Barteau's Independent Battalion, McCulloch's Missouri Battalion, Captains Hill's, Sanders', Roddey's, and Newsom's companies. The officers and men behaved with coolness and gallantry, and I can proudly say gave entire satisfaction to myself, and gave evidence of what our cavalry can do if they are used with energy and boldness.

My thanks are due to Captain Hyams, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant D. J. Armstrong, aide-de-camp, and to Colonel T. J. Foster, volunteer aide-de-camp for the prompt manner in which my orders were delivered and for their gallant example in leading troops to the charge. Captain Roddey and Dr. Jones have my thanks for rendering me invaluable assistance, as it was from their information I based my plan that succeeded so well.

I would respectfully request that the balance of my brigade be sent to me, as I am satisfied that with it I can hold the valley of the Tennessee from Decatur to Tuscumbia, and prevent any communication by railroad or telegraph. This country is peculiarly adapted for cavalry service of this kind. Forage in abundance can be procured; subsistence, except sugar, coffee, and salt, can be purchased.

I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant,

FRANK C. ARMSTRONG,

Brigadier-General.

Major SNEAD.

HDQRS. CAVALRY BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE WEST, Moulton, Ala., July 26, 1862.

MAJOR: I send, under Major Smith (McCulloch's battalion), 8 Federal officers taken at Courtland on the 25th instant. The non-commissioned officers and privates I have paroled, numbering 125. I could not feed them and had not the men to spare to guard them to headquarters of department. I brought them this place last night and will send them into Tuscumbia to-morrow. General Thomas' division has crossed at Florence and ordered to Huntsville. General Buell was at the latter place a few days ago. General Rosecrans' division is now or will be to-night at Tuscumbia. The railroad has been destroyed by my command, and I am fully under the impression that there are to-day no troops between Tuscumbia and Decatur. With the remainder of my brigade I can stop all communication on this side of the river between the two points. I can easily forage my command, and can also procure subsistence, excepting sugar, coffee, and salt. Corn meal and beef I can get in abundance. I hope the general will send every available man of my brigade immediately forward via Russellville and Mount Hope. After leaving Fulton forage sufficient can be obtained along the whole route. Major Smith would be a suitable officer to bring them up. I would request that your order my brigade commissary and quartermaster to procure funds and join me. The horses sent to Aberdeen might remain a few weeks longer. Instruct the officer who may bring the command to me to push up to Russellville rapidly and