and soon another to the right and his infantry was seen advancing in line, and it became evident that the engagement would become general. An infantry regiment coming to the support of the battery, I withdrew my command to a position to the left of the one first occupied, holding the interval between the Springfield and Perryville and the Mackville and Perryville roads. In an hour the engagement had become general, the enemy attacking the extreme left of General McCook and General Gilbert's left [on my right]. I sent a regiment to operate on the extreme left of General McCook and opened fire with my howitzer on the advancing line of the enemy. These howitzers were in position on the right of General McCook and remained there until nearly dark, effectively checking the enemy. Observing that our lines to the left were gradually giving way, I moved my command to the left. Arriving on the ground, I found that a portion of General Schoepf's division, of General Gilbert's army, had come up and checked the enemy's advance. Night came on and the battle ended.

The Second Michigan in this action well sustained the good reputation it had previously earned. The Ninth Pennsylvania sustained a fire from three batteries for forty-five minutes without any disorder in its ranks. The Ninth Kentucky, although a new regiment, which had not been in action before, behaved admirably.

Too much praise cannot be awarded Captain Hotchkiss and his men for their brave and effective services. To Mr. E. McKinney, chaplain of the Ninth Pennsylvania, volunteer aide, and to the members of my staff, Captain Newlin, Seventh Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Farrell, Ninth Pennsylvania, and Lieut. J. M. Bacon, Fourth Kentucky, I am much indebted for their gallant action and valuable services.

I am, colonel very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. GAY,

Inspector and Chief of Cavalry.

Col. J. B. FRY,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Ohio.

No. 4.

Report of Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook, U. S. Army, commanding First Army Corps.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Camp, near Crab Orchard, Ky., October, 18, 1862.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with written instructions from you, dated October 7,8 p.m., and reaching me at my camp at Mackville, Ky., at 2.30 a.m. on the morning of the 8th instant, I marched at 5 a.m. on the Perryville road. I had but a portion of my corps with me-Rousseau's and Jackson's divisions-the Second Division, under General Sill, having been detached to march upon Frankfort, Ky. The Tenth Division [General Jackson's] was entitled to the advance, but it being composed entirely of new troops, I ordered General Rousseau's division to take the lead. General Rousseau was ordered to march with great caution, I having heard previously that the enemy were in force at Harrodsburg; also your letter informing me that the enemy would resist your advance into Perryville; also that you intended to attack them that day. Hearing artillery in the morning, our march was hastened. Mackville is equidistant from Perryville and Harrodsburg-distance, 10 miles.