Belfast. Was there at 12 m. While there the Florence Miller passed down. Colonel Bradford sent a note requesting me to stay, as he expected an attack before night. About an hour the Florence Miller came back, blowing her whistle. I then started down the river, and when I met her I understood them to stay that the rebels were crossing the river at Chilo. I hurried down and found that it was a party of scouts that went out from Augusta yesterday and were returning. I hurried back as soon as possible, and found that the rebels had attacked Augusta with artillery, compelling Colonel Bradford to surrender, burning the town, the Belfast and Florence Miller going up the river.

Had it not have been for the blowing of the Miller's whistle and the misunderstanding of information I would have been there and assisted the Belfast. I have returned to watch the part of the river assigned to me.

Yours, truly,

A. D. WILSON,

Master.

Capt. JOHN A. DUBLE.

I understood that the rebels are 1,000 strong, with three pieces of artillery.

The Belfast and Miller are above Augusta, and I do not think can run by the guns planted on the hill back of town. I went within one mile of town, and did not think I could do any good attacking them, as Colonel Bradford and men were prisoners.

A. D. WILSON.

No. 3.

Report of Joseph Doniphan, of skirmish at Augusta.

AUGUSTA, KY., [September 28, 1862].

SIR: On Saturday, about 12 o'clock m., Colonel Bradford received intelligence of the approach of between 400 and 500 rebels, under command of Basil Duke. The colonel immediately prepared to defend the town, his force consisting of about 100 Home Guards and militia, and the gunboat Belfast, Captain Sedam commanding.

About 1 o'clock the gunboat Allen Collyer moored alongside the Belfast, and Colonel Bradford dispatched a messenger to the Collyer, requesting her to remain, as we would certainly be attacked by 2 o'clock.

A few moments later the Florence Miller, carrying a gun, came along and anchored in front of our town.

Colonel Bradford then posted his men in the houses along Front street and up Pine street to Second. The enemy in the mean time had reached the hill back of the town and were rapidly surrounding us. Hardly had our forces gotten their positions when the rebels with two small pieces of artillery appeared on the hill. The Belfast threw a shell, and so well was it aimed that it struck within 30 feet of the enemy's gun, killing 2 or 3 of the rebels, and causing them to change the position of their gun. The enemy then opened fire, throwing shell with little or no accuracy, and the Belfast fired two more shots with good effect.

Up to this time the forces in the houses were not engaged; but, to the surprise and sorrow of our people, the Belfast weighed anchor and abandoned us to our fate. The Florence Miller, without firing a gun, did