MAY 16, 1863.

The work on the road has proceeded slowly from the damage done by the rebels; besides, Colonel Foster's troops have been engaged more or less for two days. The enemy has kept up a lively artillery fire on the track most of the time. Yesterday they advanced upon his position within canister range, not suspecting his amount of artillery, and were driven back with such loss. One of Davis' caissons is riddled with bullets; 1 horse killed, 9 slightly wounded. Our loss is very slight. Have deemed it best to press the work, making that the object rather than engaging the enemy at that distance. Colonel Foster has managed thus far with great judgment.

JOHN J. PECK,

Major-General.

Major General JOHN A. DIX.

MAY 18, 1863.

In the skirmish of Saturday General Jenkins' loss was 17 killed and about 30 or 40 wounded; ours none, or very slight.

JOHN J. PECK,

Major-General.

General DIX.

MAY 15, 1863.-Capture of the Steamers Emily and Arrow.

REPORTS.

Numbers 1.-Captain Francis E. Porter Eighth Massachusetts Infantry.

Numbers 2.-Captain W. Dewees Roberts, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.

Numbers 1. Report of Captain Francis E. Porter, Eighth Massachusetts Infantry.

GENERAL: I have just learned that the steamer Emily and Arrow were captured by guerrillas, at Currituck Canal, on Friday.

Yours, respectfully,

F. E. PORTER,

Captain Commanding Post.

Brigadier General H. W. WESSELLS.

[Indorsement.]

DISTRICT OF ALBEMARLE,

Plymouth, N. C., May 17, 1863-7 p. m.

Respectfully referred to Headquarters Department of North Carolina.

Two gunboats from Captain Flusser's squadron will start in two hours for Roanoke and Currituck, using the North Shore as a tender. One hundred and fifty infantry will embark in the boats, to attempt the recapture or destruction of the Arrow and Emily. I am not in possession of the details. The gunboats are the Commodore Perry and Valley City.

H. W. WESSELLS,

Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding.