GRAYSVILLE, August 16, 1864.

Major MOE,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

Rebels in force in Parker's Gap. They have run our scouts into this post. They are from 600 to 700 strong. I have sent scouts out to feel the enemy.

S. CRANE,

Captain, Commanding.

BLOCK- HOUSE, GRAYSVILLE, August 16, 1864- 7 p. m.

Major MOE,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

We are attacked here, but still hold the bridge. Scouts report heavy force of the enemy. Answer.

S. CRANE,

Captain, Commanding.

CLEVELAND, August 16, 1864.

Brigadier- General AMMEN:

The enemy which were within a mile of this place last night have turned toward Charleston. They are 2,500 strong, with cavalry and artillery.

H. G. GIBSON,

Colonel Second Ohio Heavy Artillery.

LOUDON, August 16, 1864.

Captain W. P. AMMEN,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

The following just received from Cleveland:

Lieutenant Colonel M. L. PATTERSON:

Twenty- five hundred rebels, said to be under Kirby Smith, encamped near here last night, and went toward Charleston this morning; did not attack; are now at least 400 at Benton, driving up stock.

H. G. GIBSON,

Colonel.

I have sent out scouts in direction of Sweet Water, also ordered scouts to be sent out from Kingston in the direction of Charleston.

M. L. PATTERSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

LOUDON, August 16, 1864.

Captain W. P. AMMEN,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

Dispatch received from department provost- marshal at Athens states the rebels are crossing the river at Columbus coming from Benton. Colonel Ewing, commanding at Charleston, sends for me to send men to Athens. He fears that place will be attacked before morning. I dispatched him that I had not the men to spare.

M. L. PATTERSON,

Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding.

35 R R- VOL XXXVIII, PT V