foot of a hill on Beech Fork Creek. Before reaching this point I sent several messengers to Colonel Powell to move up as rapidly as possible. On reaching the point above designated I halted the command, had the artillery put in position so as to command that of the enemy, and again sent a messenger to Colonel Powell by my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant E. M. Scott. Receiving no answer, and as it was then getting late in the day, I ordered the artillery to open fire, and after a very brisk, well-directed, and effective fire for a half or three-quarters of an hour, by direction of General Buckner I moved the infantry forward on the enemy's right at and near a very strong position on a hill. After a short but spirited contest we dislodged and drove them before us. They fled in great disorder, panic, and confusion, throwing their arms and equipments away as they fled. We followed them about a mile, the Washington Artillery coming up and halting at two positions, as directed, where they again opened fire with great accuracy and effect.

Finding my brigade in the advance and entirely, unsupported on the right or left except by General Cleburne's brigade, which was in our rear to the right, and inactive from being out of ammunition, as I was informed, I halted my command under a very heavy and rapid fire from this points, when I was soon opened upon from the left and rather to the rear by a well-directed battery of artillery. Using my glass, I discerned the enemy moving their forces and forming line of battle at a distance of 600 or 800 yards to my left. Deeming this position untenable I ordered the brigade to fall back, which they did in perfect order. I communicated this intention to General Cleburne, with my reasons for doing it. After passing the first hill which we drove the enemy from I met General Hardee, who ordered the command to return and take position on that hill. This was promptly executed, and the Washington Artillery again opened fire with great force and effect and continued it until 7.30 o'clock p.m. My brigade remained at this position until 2 o'clock a.m. of the 9th instant, when, the balance of the command having moved in obedience to General Buckner's orders, I moved in, bringing up the rear, and reached our position near Perryville about 3.30 o'clock a.m.

The killed, wounded, and missing from my brigade amounted to 152, of whom 6 are known to be killed, 78 wounded, and 68 missing. Fortunately we had no officers killed that I am aware of. Lieutenant Philip Sayne, whilst coming up in the rear in charge of the ammunition train, was captured by the enemy, with the train and its guard, consisting of 12 or 15 men, and at the same time and place Lieutenant Thomas M. Blair, of the Washington Artillery, with 14 men and 2 caissons, returning for ammunition, were captured by the enemy.

My aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Edward M. Scott, whom I sent with a message to Colonel Powell, commanding the Third Brigade, is missing; supposed to be captured by the enemy.

All the officers and men of my command behaved with coolness and gallantry, and whilst it would be invidious to make special mention of any names, yet I feel that it is due to mention Major J. E. Austin, of the Battalion of Sharpshooters; Major Charles Guillet, Twentieth; Captain H. Brummerstadt, Lieutenant E. P. Guillet, adjutant; Lieutenant Schaedel, of the Twentieth Louisiana; Captain M. O. Tracy, of the Thirteenth Louisiana, and Lieutenant McCall, of the C. S. Army, and Major R. G. Higgins, volunteer aide-de-camp, as having been conspicuous for their gallantry and courage. Lieutenant Eichholz and Lieutenant Stewart, of the Twentieth Louisiana, were both severely wounded.

The Washington Artillery did most essential and valuable service