report of an engagement which he had with the enemy on the 22nd instant at Trinity, near Decatur. He states that the enemy's loss in killed and wounded cannot be less than 30; that he captured 37 prisoners, 4 of whom, being wounded, were released on their verbal parole; that he took 5 horses and their equipments, 37 stand of small-arms, and $407 in specie, together with some clothing and sutler's stores. He also destroyed a locomotive and train of cars.

Captain Roddey asks permission to increase his command to a regiment, which he says he can easily raise for the war. I submit the matter to the decision of the general commanding, and respectfully suggest that the four companies of Forrest's cavalry, commanded by Captain [W. C.] Bacot, which were lately near Guntersville, might be placed under Captain Roddey. These companies were detached by the general commanding some six or eight weeks ago under orders which were not communicated to me, and I do not know therefore whether they are still under my command or not. The headquarters of their regiment are here. It might be well to disband this regiment and to attach the four Alabama companies to an Alabama regiment under Captain Roddey and to consolidate the Tennessee companies here into another regiment.

Yours, very respectfully,

STERLING PRICE,

Major-General, Commanding.

Brigadier General THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff, Chattanooga, Tenn.

AUGUST 23, 1862.-Action at Big Hill, Ky.

REPORTS, ETC.

No. 1.-Major General Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army.

No. 2.-General Orders, No. 2, Headquarters Army of Kentucky.

No. 3.-Colonel John S. Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry, commanding Brigade, C. S. Army.

No. 1.

Report of Major General Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army.

LEXINGTON, KY., August 24, 1862.

GENERAL: I regret to report that the enemy moved against Colonel Metcalfe yesterday afternoon. The colonel led his men to attack them on the Big Hill, but they broke and fled, leaving him and his lieutenant-colonel alone on the field. A small body of the Third Tennessee stood and fought, but were driven back to Richmond, after rescuing Metcalfe and Oden. Then enemy advanced and demanded surrender of Richmond. Metcalfe refused to surrender. Link's brigade reached the place in time and is now ready to defend it. Link has three regiments and three field pieces. The conduct of Metcalfe's men was most disgraceful. He refuses to command them any longer. He thinks his loss about 50. I am arresting his runaways as they come to town. Link will whip the rebels if they attack him.

LEW. WALLACE,

Major-General.

Major-General WRIGHT.