Abstract from Field Return of the right wing, Army of the Mississippi, for October 3, 1862.

Present for duty.

Command. Officers. Enlisted men. Effective

total

present.

INFANTRY

Cheatham's 591 4,746 5,070

division

Withers' 428 4,700 5,214

division*

Total 1,019 9,440 10,284

ARTILLERY.

Cheatham's 16 372 378

division

Withers' division 11 307 310

Total 27 679 649

Grand total 1,046 10,125 10,979

Command. Total present Total present

and absent.

INFANTRY

Cheatham's 6,123 9,106

division

Withers' 6,363 11,305

division*

Total 12,495 20,411

ARTILLERY.

Cheatham's 417 517

division

Withers' division 349 447

Total 766 946

Grand total 13,261 21,375

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*Jackson's (Third) brigade not reported, as it was on detached service.

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HEADQUARTERS,
Bardstown, Ky., October 3, 1862-2,30 a. m.

Colonel WHEELER, Commanding Cavalry:

COLONEL: Send an additional force on the Shepherdsville road. A division of the enemy it is said occupied that place yesterday. Send as much cavalry as you can spare. There ought to be 250 at least on that road. It is also reported that the enemy has occupied Taylorsville.

With high respect, your obedient servant,

W. J. HARDEE,

Major-General.

TWO MILES SOUTH OF SALT RIVER,

October 3, 1862-12 m.

Major-General POLK,

Commanding Army of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: My scout has just returned from within one mile of Taylorsville. The represent a large force of the enemy at that place, said to be under the command of General Rousseau. The scout informs me that the enemy discharged a great number of guns this morning, probably those that got wet this morning. The bearer of the flag of truce is awaiting a reply. I am told that the enemy themselves of the flank of truce to cross a portion of their infantry over Salt River. I have sent to investigate this. I received a dispatch from General Johnson, commanding the advance infantry force on Shepherdsville road this morning; everything indicates an advance of the enemy to give you battle. I find upon investigation that I am very short of artillery and Enfield-rifle ammunition. I send my ordnance sergeant to you for instructions.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNumbers A. WHARTON,

Commanding First Cavalry Brigade.