CUMBERLAND GAP, TENN., August 23,

Via Lexington, Ky., August 27, 1862-8.30 p. m.

On the 17th instant Colonel Houk, Third Tennessee, with part of five companies, amounting to 180 men, was attacked at London [Ky.], by a large force of cavalry. After a gallant resistance of an hour's duration, in which the enemy lost one lieutenant-colonel and a number of soldier, Colonel Houk retreated to the mountain ridges, and after five days of privations and dangers reached this stronghold. Among the prisoners sent in by the rebels on the 20th instant are two soldiers, not paroled, who estimate the enemy's force at Barboursville and Flat Lick at 15,000 men. Rebel soldiers said that when their heavy guns arrived they would attack us, and others claimed that we were already prisoners. On yesterday I sent a flag of truce, with 11 prisoners, to Pogue's, near Flat Lick, but the officers in charge have not yet returned. A forage train of 100 wagons, protected by the guns of the fort, and a convoy of three regiments of infantry and a section of artillery, went up the Virginia road 3 miles to get fodder for the mules. The forage was obtained and there was a slight skirmish, during which 6 or 8 of the enemy were killed and a number wounded. We captured 8 horses, 12 swords, 15 rifles, and 8 barrels of salt, which had been smuggled through the mountains. The enemy's force, as seen, consisted of one regiment of infantry and a body of cavalry. On last evening he concentrated his forces 5 miles in front. I believe that he has now but two brigades in our front and that the other three have gone into Kentucky. Our troops have been on half rations for six days, but they are in high spirits and feel confident of victory. Should the enemy attack, Nashville is certain to be attacked. Bragg and Hardee are at Chattanooga.

GEORGE W. MORGAN.

Brigadier-General.

Major-General HALLECK,* General-in-Chief.

AUGUST 17, 1862.-Skirmish near Mammoth Cave, Ky.

Report of Captain W. E. Wortham, Rock Creek (Kentucky) Home Guards.

LITCHFIELD, KY., August 26, 1862.

DEAR SIR: On the 17th instant a party, composed of small squads from five different Home Guards, after pursuing a company of guerrillas about 40 miles, came upon them near Mammoth Cave, in this State, killed and captured the entire gang, numbering 66, together with their horses, there being 43 horses. After restoring to the owners the horses which had been stolen, upon proof of the fact, under the order of General Boyle, the 43 horses have been divided among the men who captured them, 9 of said horses falling to the company under my command.

My company has been in service eleven months, and has done good service in guarding roads, capturing contrabands of war, &c., all of which has heretofore been turned over to the Government, we paying our own expenses up to the time of the last capture and have never received any compensation whatever. My men are poor men, some of them having no horse to ride upon a scout and not able to buy. We have no arms but the common musket.

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* Same report to Generals Buell and Wright.

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