they either destroyed or carried away, and accomplished their design in partially destroying the bridge over Salt River.

I am satisfied had the enemy no artillery we could have held the position until we could have been re-enforced, although they outnumbered us more than three to one, we having the advantage of our stockade.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

S. R. TINKER,

Captain Company C, Fifty-fourth Regiment Indiana Vols.

Captain McDOWELL.

SEPTEMBER 10, 1862.-Operations at Rogers' and Big Creek Gaps, Tenn.

Report of Brigadier General George W. Morgan, U. S. Army.*

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATED FORCES, Maysville, Ky.,
September 18, 1862.

MAJOR:The inclosed dispatches were received this evening from General Morgan, inclosed in a horse-collar. I forward them forthwith.

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

H. B. WILSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Major McLEAN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Cumberland Gap, September 11, 1862.

GENERAL: I have already had the honor of reporting to you the success of expeditions against Baptist and Rogers' Gap since our investment by the enemy, and I now report that on yesterday Rogers' Gap was blockaded by Lieutenant Colonel [M. L.] Phillips at the head of 200 picked men from the First and Second Tennessee Volunteers, and that big Creek Gap was blockaded by Colonel Cooper at the head of 400 picket men taken from Spears' brigade. Colonel Cooper likewise attacked a body of McAfee's Kentucky cavalry on their march through Big Creek Gap to join General Smith, and Colonel McAfee and 95 officers and soldiers were made prisoners, while 10 or 12 of the enemy were left dead upon the field; among them was one of the aides-de-camp of Major-General Smith and 2 captains. Colonel Cooper also brings in 98 horses and equipments.

I ordered the expeditions so that both Gaps should be blockaded at the same time and that each party should cover the other's flank.

It is a remarkable fact that in these affairs we did not lose a single man, while and lost 230 prisoners. These were completed surprises.

Inclosed I send you the general order of Major-General Bragg to his army. You will observe that he crossed the Tennessee River on the 24th ultimo.

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*See also Morgan's report of evacuation of Cumberland Gap, etc., September 17-October 3, 1862; and McCown to Cooper, Part II, p.814.

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