the corn fields and woodlands, it being now too dark to distinguish them when a few paces distant. I am unable to state positively the number of prisoners taken by my command, owing to the fact that they were captured principally after dark, and during the same night were turned over to General Preston Smith, in obedience to your orders, but am confident they could not fall short of 3,500. I captured also nine pieces of artillery, a large number of small-arms, and wagons loaded with army supplies. Among the prisoners captured was Brigadier-General Manson and a number of field and staff officers.

On the morning of the 31st I moved to the Kentucky River and drove the rear guard of the enemy from the opposite bank.

September 1 I moved on and encamped near Lexington, and on the 2nd moved around Lexington and encamped near Georgestown; on the 3rd we moved on to Frankfort and hoisted the battle flag of the First Louisiana Cavalry (in default of a Confederate flag) on the capitol of the State, while the rear guard of the enemy (now about 8,000 strong) were quiet spectators from the opposite hills. The same evening I detailed all my command with horses in condition to travel (450 in number) to pursue the enemy and harass his rear.

The next morning, September 4, about sunrise they came upon the enemy near Shelbyville, and drove them into and through the town and then crossed over the railroad and destroyed the bridges in obedience to your orders, and returned to camp near Frankfort. The 6th and 7th remained in camp near Frankfort.

The evening of the 8th left Frankfort and reached this place at 9 o'clock this morning.

My loss since leaving Kingston is 1 officer and 6 privates killed, 21 wounded, and 9 taken prisoners.

Since reaching London I have captured near 4,000 prisoners (including those turned over to General Smith and those paroled by me), about 375 wagons, mostly lade with provisions and army stores, near 1,500 mules, and a large number of horses. It has been impossible to keep an account of the wagons, &c., captured by my command, owing to the rapidity of my movement.

I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the soldierly conduct of my command; they have endured unusual privations and fatigue without murmur.

I cannot compliment the commanders of the regiments composing this brigade too highly for the assistance rendered me.

I would mention that the first 106 miles of our march, over a rough and barren country, was made in forty-two hours, having been delayed one day on account of getting my horses shod.

The statement of the property captured at Frankfort was handed in at your headquarters by me in person on Saturday last.

My forces have been materially reduced by the numerous details which I found it necessary to make in order to remove wagons and stock to the rear, and I shall use my utmost endeavors to concentrate my command at as early a day as possible.

Hoping that the results achieved by the Kirby Smith Brigade may prove satisfactory to you, general, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. SCOTT,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Major General E. KIRBY SMITH,

Commanding Army of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.