Lieutenant S. F. Lee, commanding 26 men of Company F, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, reports that when within about 2 miles of Trinity he became aware that three companies of the enemy were moving to intercept the train. On advancing farther he learned that there were six companies one-quarter of a mile from him taking dinner. Here he took 2 prisoners (surgeons) and 3 horses and then turned toward Trinity. Half a mile above Trinity he found the train off the track. He dispatched a messenger to Fox Creek, requesting re-enforcements, the whole force at the train being 20 infantry and 26 cavalry. They formed a line to defend the train, and remained in line about an hour before the enemy advanced. Lieutenant Lee then dismounted his men, leaving one man to hold four horses, and placed his men behind the embankment of the road, when the enemy, advancing to within gun-shot, commenced firing. He says:

We returned the fire, which caused our horses to break loose, and the enemy closed rapidly upon both flanks, and I saw, if we remained, we would be cut off. I therefore ordered my men to fall back, but too late for all to escape. There are 1 commissioned officer and 18 men missing. I learn that 4 were wounded.

Lieutenant Voris, in command of 27 men, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, reports that he had patrolled the road to Fort Rose, and started back for Decatur at 10.30 a. m. Had got as far as Bolding's farm when he met the messenger from Company F, informing him of the condition of the train and threatened attack. He says:

I proceeded through the woods and fields until within about one-half mile of the railroad, where I met Lieutenant Lee, in full retreat. The timber and brush was so thick I could not form my men in line, so I fell back one-half mile, where I endeavored to form a line in a small open space. Before one-half the men were in line the enemy were upon us, breaking my ranks and scattering the men in every direction. I succeeded in getting them together at the Decatur road.

His loss is stated at 1 man dangerously wounded and 2 missing.

Major Nelson says that although Lieutenant Voris is quite a young man there is no braver officer. He is reported to have killed 2 of the enemy with his own hand.

It is possible that more might have been done, but our force being so small, the train off the track, and the enemy appearing in such greatly superior numbers, compelled our men, for their own safety, to abandon the train to its fate.

Major Koehler's report, since received, is the same in substance. Reports from other sources reflect great discredit upon the cavalry, but the faults of others are more easily seen than our own, hence the probable cause of discrepancy. I understand that many reported missing have since returned.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. K. MIZNER,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Lieutenant Colonel H. G. KENNETT,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Mississippi.

Numbers 2.

Report of Major General Sterling Price, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Tupelo, Miss., August 31, 1862.

GENERAL: I have just received from Captain [P. D.] Roddey a