GENERAL: Lieutenant Beeler, Cruft's quartermaster, has just returned from his command, which he left at the cross-roads at 6.330 this evening, shortly after it reached that point. He says Cruft had a pretty sharp skirmish with the rebels, in which he wounded several of them and took them prisoners; one officer. Only 2 of our men hurt. He has taken 11 prisoners. Cruft holds the road, and if there is anything back it will have to fight its way through.

Yours, truly,

W. S. SMITH,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Fourth Division.

CAMP WILD CAT, October 18, 1862-8 a.m.

SIR: Captain Wheeler, of our First Kentucky Infantry, captured near Crab Orchard, has just returned, bringing a citizen with him. They inform me that the accounts received yesterday with reference to the enemy's force in my front are correct. A force of one or two divisions has taken a strong position near Little Rockcastle River, to cover the retirement of their main army trains, artillery, &c. They report a very heavy force on the Madison road, and say that it is moving off toward Manchester. There is a practicable road leading over from the Madison road into the one upon which we are located, intersecting it 3 miles to my rear. Please have it closely watched.

We have no forage at all and our poor animals are suffering terribly.

Please inform me of the disposition of our forces to my rear and upon my flanks, that I may know what scouting is necessary. I should have some cavalry for scouting purposes.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

W. S. SMITH,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Fourth Division.

Major-General CRITTENDEN.

P. S.-A colored man from Widow Baugh's, 1 mile from the point of intersection of the Winding Glade road with the Madison road and 10 miles from London, has just come in, stating that the rear of the rebel forces on the Madison road is stated by the rebels to be at Big Hill. Their troops are passing toward Manchester. He says that he heard one of their officers ordered to Goose Creek headquarters, and heard them say that that was the headquarters of their army. I send this for what it is worth.

[Indorsement.]

OCTOBER 18, 1862-9.20 a.m.

I was within 3 miles of General Smith's position when I received this. Will let General Van Cleve move up to the intersection of the Winding Glade road with this. General Van Cleve is now on the road and within 2 miles of me. Unless I get further information I will let General Wood come up to the place General Thomas and myself stopped at yesterday, which will be to within 3 miles of General Van Cleve.

By order of General Crittenden:

R. LODER,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.