CHAP.XII.] IVY MOUNTAIN AND PACHYTENE, KY.

Numbers 2. Report of Colonel Joshua W. Sill, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry.

PACHYTENE, November 10, [1861].

SIR: I have the honor to report that my command occupied this place yesterday afternoon about 4 o'clock. Colonel Metcalf's mounted force, in advance, exchanged shots with a party, probably a reconnoitering one, who had just crossed the river. They retreated. I threw out Metcalf's and Hurt's force, deployed as skirmishers, on the hill-side- flanking the road, which debouched at the ford. They found the enemy's camp deserted, and the main street of the village occupied by mounted men, making off by the Shelby road. A few rounds of shell were sent after them, and Metcalf's men mounted their horses and took possession of the town. The remainder of the force crossed on a raft bridge. I learned that the enemy were occupied all of yesterday leaving. General Williams was here when the skirmishers opened fire. I now occupy his headquarters. The only casualty that I know of was 1 man killed on this side. On the route was encountered a party of mounted men twice. The first time our fire killed a hours and wounded 2 men. Night before last a reconnoitering party of 10, sent out by Colonel Metcalf, encountered Captain Shawn's cavalry, of about 150, and, it is reported, wounded Captain Shawn. His party went back in great haste. There are many particulars I will speak of when I meet you.

Troops are very hungry. All that we can get is beef. There is a mill near here, which we will set in motion to-day, and get plenty of corn meal.

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

J. W. SILL, Colonel, Commanding.

General W. NELSON.

Numbers 3. Reports of Colonel John S. Williams, C. S. Army.

PACHYTENE, KY., November 9, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 6th instant. In reply, I have to say that no one can regret as deeply as myself the necessity of evacuating Prestonburg, but I was forced to do so from the unarmed and unorganized condition of my troops. The enemy has pressed me so hard that I have not even had time to complete the muster rolls of the companies. At Prestonburg we had not two rounds of ammunition, and the enemy was advancing in three columns, in front and upon both flanks. I fell back to Pachytene to meet my ammunition. On yesterday I was compelled to make a fight to protect our retreat. The engagement was sanguinary, lasting about four hours. Our loss, I believe, was 10 killed and 7 or 8 wounded. The enemy's loss was heavy-could not have been less than 150 killed and a large number wounded, for the road was strewn with men and horses. We had only about 300 men. The enemy had not less than 1,500-most probably 2,000-with six pieces of artillery. They were at first checked, but on account of their great superiority of numbers they were able to outflank us, and our force was compelled to fall back. The enemy did not pursue. They are also