Numbers 4. Report of Colonel J. A. J. Lightburn, Fourth West Virginia Infantry, commanding District of the Kanawha.

GAULEY BRIDGE, VA.,

September 4, 1862-3 p. m.

Rebels now in Ripley, Jackson County, with cannon and baggage. Came through Buskhannon and Weston. Colonel Rathbone, at Spencer, Roane County, surrendered without firing a gun. Heavy force reported at Union, destined for this valley. I am making defensive preparations, and will fight them as long as I have a man. Should have more troops here.

J. A. J. LIGHTBURN,

Colonel, Commanding District.

Colonel GEORGE D. RUBBLES,

Chief of Staff.

AUGUST 23, 1862.-Affair at Smithfield, Va.

REPORTS.

Numbers 1.-Colonel Dixon S. Miles, Second U. S. Infantry, commanding Railroad Brigade, &c.

Numbers 2.-Lieutenant Robert H. Milling, Cole's Battalion Maryland Cavalry.

Numbers 1. Report of Colonel Diwon S. Miles, Second U. S. Infantry, commanding Railroad Brigade, &c.

HARPER'S FERRY, VA., August 25, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to inclose a report of Lieutenant Milling, of Maryland Cavalry, of the loss of 17 of his men while on picket at Smithfield, Va., on the 23rd instant.

This officer was esteemed trustworthy and attentive, and he was particularly charged to be vigilant and on the alert against surprise. His report is unsatisfactory, and he deserves signal punishment. I would advise his name to be stricken from the rolls of the army.

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

D. S. MILES,

Colonel Second Infantry, Commanding.

Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Baltimore, August 28, 1862.

Respectfully forwarded, with the remarks of Colonel Miles, and recommend that First Lieutenant R. H. Milling be dismissed the service.

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major-General.