No. 2.

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

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY OF KENTUCKY,

No. 2. Richmond, Ky., August 26, 1862.

On Saturday, the 23rd instant, the Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, under Colonel Metcalfe, together with a battalion of Houk's Third Tennessee Regiment, under Lieutentant-Colonel Chiles, attacked the enemy, on Big Hill in Rockcastle County. Colonel Metcalfe led the attack with much galantry, but had the mortification to find that not more than 100 of his regiment followed him; the remainder, at the first cannon-shot, turned tail and fled like a pack of cowards, and are now dispersed over a half dozen counties, some fleeing as far as Paris.

All provost-marshals are hereby ordered to arrest and commit to jail any of this regiment, officers or men, who may be found, under any pretense, to be in their neighborhoods, and report their names and rank to the adjutant-general at these headquarters, and to hold them subject to orders.

The conduct of the Tennessee battalion, under Lieutentant-Colonel Chiles. presents a refreshing contrast to the foregoing. They met the enemy bravely, checked his advance, rescued Colonel Metcalfe, abandoned by his own regiment, and, though too few to retrieve the action, at least saved the honor of our arms. Lieutentant-Colonel Chiles will accept the thanks of the major-general, and convey to his officers and soldiers his high appreciation of their galantry and good conduct.

By order of Major-General Nelson, commanding:

J. MILLS KENDRICK,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

No. 3.

Reports of Colonel John S. Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry, commanding Brigade, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS KIRBY SMITH'S BRIGADE,
Big Hill, Madison County, Ky., August 24, 1862.

GENERAL: After leaving you I moved the evening of the 21st with the remaining portion of my command toward Mount Vernon to sustain Colonel Morrison, who had been sent two days previous with instructions to occupy Mount Vernon and Crab Orchard. The latter place he failed to occupy, General Smith, with his brigade, having taken possession several hours previous to his arrival. Finding the forces of General Smith too strong to be dispersed, I concluded to drive in his pickets and engage his attention until I could remove all the wagons along my route, hoping by that time to be re-enforced by Colonel Starnes. Having accomplished my objects, and the re-enforcements failing to arrive, I determined to cross over to the Richmond road and move against that place.

On the morning of the 23rd instant I left Mount Vernon and took a mountain path that led me into the London and Richmond road. About 3 o'clock in the evening I came within the vicinity of their pickets and learned that Colonel Metcalfe was posted in a strong position on Big Hill with 800 or 900 cavalry and 300 or 400 infantry. My force now numbered about 650, but notwithstanding his advantage