such as to show them that such is not the case. | three o'clock Tuesday afternoon of last week, We are quartered in the Court House, hotels, and from a point thirty-six miles this side of West one or two private houses. It has been some Liberty, for a march upon that town, intending time since the men have enjoyed the luxury of to surprise it at daylight the following morn sleeping under a roof, and after their long marching. It was reported that the rebels, several "tired nature's sweet restorer" did not need much wooing, even if the bed was nothing but a blanket spread on the floor.

The result of the skirmish may be stated as follows: Rebel loss-ten killed, five wounded, six prisoners. We captured six or eight horses, two donkeys, several beeves and hogs, four squirrel rifles, two shotguns, knives, blankets, coats, &c. Our loss-one lieutenant wounded. Although not on such a magnificent scale as the "reviews" at Washington, I think that in an humble way a considerable amount of good has been done. We have taken possession of the town and entirely dispersed the force, now insignificant, but that would soon have grown to be formidable. The prestige of, secessionism in this part of the country has been lost. Some six or eight Union men held as prisoners have been released, and all who have held patriotic opinions have had freedom of speech restored to them. All our officers conducted themselves well. Although not a tactician, I do not see how the affair could have been better managed than it was by Colonel Harris, who manifested throughout the skirmish great coolness and personal bravery.

Our company is on picket guard to-day, and I have scribbled this during my leisure moments, while sitting on the ground, using a tin plate as a writing desk; and as I left my "writing fixings" and paper at our last camp, I took the liberty of "drawing" a few leaves from an old account book belonging to a departed secessionist; and, as you see by the appearance of the manuscript, the pencil I am using is not equal to Faber's best quality.

Our adjutant says he will have this conveyed to you at the earliest possible moment, which may be soon and may be several days.

G. E. M.

The Cincinnati Commercial of Oct. 27th, presents the subjoined account:

Capt. James Laughlin, of Company B, First O. V. C., returned yesterday from the expedition to Western Kentucky. He had been detailed to act as an escort for Capt. Konkles' battery, and his orders were to see the battery safe into General Nelson's command, and then to return, unless wanted for special service for a day or two. Capt. Laughlin has expected to serve as the body guard of Gen. Mitchell, under the anticipation that Gen. M. would take command of the column advancing to Eastern Tennessee. These facts will account for the presence of Captain Laughlin in the action of West Liberty and his return.

Col. Len. Harris with his regiment, Second Ohio, two gran Konkles' Ol tery, and avalry.

hundred strong, were advantageously posted in the neighborhood of West Liberty, which is situated on the head waters of the Licking River, is the county seat of Morgan County, and thirty-five miles from Prestonburg, the headquarters of the rebels in Eastern Kentucky. The gallant boys of the Ohio Second pressed forward with great spirit and vigor, but a heavy rain came up and fell for six hours without intermission, making the roads so bad as to cause detention. The men_toiled forward steadily all night, wading the Licking Riverthe water up to their belts-three times. At eight o'clock Wednesday morning they had marched thirty-six miles, and the bushwhackers of the enemy, posted on a rocky hillside and in a corn-field, opened fire upon the advance, doing no injury, as they were in manifest trepidation. Col. Harris saw that the fight was to be a mere skirmish, and that the first thing to be done was to clean the enemy out of the bushes. Giving directions to the artillery (one gun had been left behind, owing to the wretched condition of the roads, and there was but one on the spot) to send a few shells into the town, and a suspicious neck of the woods, the colonel gave his horse in charge of a servant, and went into the bushes with his flank companies, which were armed with Enfield rifles. They had a very exciting hunt after the rebels, who were popped over in all directions and driven like a flock of frightened animals through the bushes and fields. The captain says Col. Harris and his men returned from this rebel hunt covered all over with burrs and Spanish needles. Not one of the boys was so much as scratched by an enemy's ball, though they had killed seventeen rebels, most of whom were men living in that vicinity. There was no mistake about the killing, for coffins have been the articles most in demand since that time known citizens of the town were killed, and in the little town of West Liberty. Three wellanother, the leading secesh of the place, was seen running away, his right arm dangling as if it had been shattered by a rifle ball. In the first onset, one platoon of Captain Laughlin's Cavalry had been sharply engaged with a party of the enemy, posted on a steep and rocky hill. One rebel was shot there and another wounded. Lieut. Sam. W. Fordyse, of the cavalry, was struck by a rifle ball in the left leg, the ball glancing from the bone, inflicting a painful wound. The rebels were terrified at the bombshells sent screeching through the woods, and fled as if they had discovered the devil snddenly on a dark night. There was a party of cavalry-a motley array-drawn up near the Court House. A shell howled up the street and exploded near them. The captain shouted, Disperse!" and there was a wild scamper.

One fellow, well mounted and armed with a | he learned from a Mr. Henderson that the rebgood rifle, lingered behind, and fired with de-els were encamped on a hill near a small place liberate aim at Col. Harris, as the latter rode called Mud Run, some nine or ten miles further into the town. He, luckily, missed his aim. down the road. The whole party immediately The moment he fired he put his horse to the set out for that place. After a fatiguing march top of his speed to make his escape, but a vol- of over three hours' duration, through a drenchley was fired after him, and he fell headlong. ing rain, and just as the gallant little band of On coming up with him, he was found stretch- Hoosiers were rounding a turn in the road, they ed in the road insensible. A close examination suddenly came upon a party of rebels about of his person disclosed the fact that, though one hundred and fifty strong, who immediately his clothes had been cut in several places by fired upon our boys that were in the advance, balls, the only wound was a bullet hole through which consisted of Lieutenant Grayson, Serhis right hand. The fellow was secured. The geant J. W. Taylor, Corporal W. H. McCann, town was deserted by its inhabitants, only a Private Newton, and Orderly Sergeant T. J. few negroes remaining behind. The people Dunlap, who were some two hundred yards in had been taught that the Union soldiers would advance of the little band. At the first fire be guilty of most awful atrocities. Several Sergeant Taylor fell, Lieutenant Grayson rewomen made their appearance on Thursday, ceived a slight wound in the arm, and Sergeant trembling with cold and fear, and said that Dunlap received a slight wound in the left arm. they had remained in the woods all night after The rebels now made a desperate charge upon the fight. They were afraid they would be ill- the gallant lieutenant and his brave comrades, used if they were in the power of the Union but they were met by the brave sons of Indiana soldiers, and were greatly surprised and grat- just in time to save their gallant leader and his ified to learn that they had been mistaken. party. Our boys came up with a tremendous The poor creatures had been told by the secesh yell, which led the enemy to believe it was the that the Abolition troops rejoiced to kill South- advance of a larger force. Lieutenant Grayson, ern babies and were in the habit of carrying although wounded and bleeding profusely, gave little children about on their bayonets in the the command, "At 'em, boys! Give them the towns which they took; and this was actually steel, boys!" &c., &c. The brave Indianians believed. made a desperate charge, which caused the enemy to retreat in great disorder, leaving three dead and five wounded. The rebels continued their flight for several miles. Our boys continued in hot pursuit, capturing a large number of horses, wagons, &c., and about five hundred pounds of powder. Our boys, worn out and fatigued, gave up the chase, well satisfied with their night's work. After burying the dead and leaving the wounded well cared for by the citizens near the scene of action, they returned to camp with their captured property. The wounded are all doing well. Sergeant Taylor, who fell at the beginning of the action, was shot in the right leg, just above the knee. His wound, although very bad, fortunately is not fatal; he will be able to be out in a short time. Lieutenant Grayson's wound was but slight; he is on duty at this time. Sergeant Dunlap is on duty again. There were several of the Indiana boys slightly wounded, but none fatally.

Friday morning, when Capt. Laughlin left, the people at West Liberty were more reconciled. They had received a lesson. Col. Harris was expecting orders to join Gen. Nelson, to take part in the expedition to Prestonburg. Gen. Nelson was at Hazel Green with two regiments of Ohio troops, and Colonel Metcalf's | Kentuckians, and there was another regiment of Ohians at Mount Sterling, pressing forward. Colonel Harris was within thirty-five miles of Prestonburg, and Gen. Nelson ten or fifteen miles south of Col. Harris, and about the same distance from Prestonburg. It was reported that the rebels were about three thousand strong at that place, and without artillery, though it was undertsood that six pieces for them were on the way through the mountains of Virginia. Col. Harris' regiment were in excellent health and spirits, and anxious to stir up something more exciting in the way of a fight.

Doc. 104.

FIGHT NEAR HODGESVILLE, KY.,

66
CINCINNATI GAZETTE" ACCOUNT.

\ CAMP INDIANA, October 25.

EARLY on the evening of the 23d instant, a company of fifty picked men, under command of Lieutenant Grayson, of the Indiana Sixth, left camp for the purpose of reconnoitring in the vicinity of Hodgesville, where it was reported a party of rebels had made repeated visits, committing depredations on the Union citizens of that place. Arriving at Hodgesville

Perhaps you have heard of this affair before this by telegraph, but knowing more about it than any one else, I send you the full particulars, as near as I can recollect. The boys are anxious to meet General Buckner and the rest of his cowardly rebels. W. G. M.

Doc. 105.

THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GENERAL MCCLERNAND, GENERAL POLK, ETC.

A CORRESPONDENT at Cairo furnishes the following interesting correspondence relative to

The prisoners alluded to are A. A. Wood-reached Columbus at two P. M., parted company I left Cairo at twenty minutes past twelve, ward, Lewis Young, and Edward A. Penny with General Polk on the steamboat Charm at six all taken by a party of United States troops in the affair at Charleston, Mo., on the 20th of August last.

seventh Illinois regiment, responding to the | overture made by me to General Grant some days since, on the subject of an exchange of prisoners; and although your mode of accomplishing it waives the recognition of our claims as belligerents, I am not disposed to insist on an unimportant technicality when the interests of humanity are at stake.

I accept the release of the three prisoners tendered me, being, as your note implies, all of those of the Confederate army in your posses

sion.

session.

This successful charge against such very large odds is a noble example to the army. Our advance will occupy Springfield to-night.

J. C. FREMONT, Major-General Commanding.

ZAGONYT'S DESPATCH.

NEAR BOLIVAR-TEN A. м., 26тH.

GENERAL: I respectfully report that yesterday, at four P. M., I met at Springfield about They gave me a very warm reception, but your guard with one feeling made a charge, and in less than three minutes the enemy was completely routed. We cleared the city of every

two thousand rebels formed in line of battle.

force.

In return, I have pleasure in offering you the sixteen of those of the Federal army in my posHoping that, in the prosecution of the unhap-rebel and retired, it being near night and not py conflict in which we are engaged, we shall feeling able to keep the place with so small a never lose sight of the claims of generosity on those who direct the operations of the armies of our respective Governments, I have the honor to be, respectfully, yours, LEONIDAS POLK, Major-General Commanding.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL BRAYMAN TO ADJUTANT-GENERAL

M'KEEVER,

BRIGADE HEAD-QUARTERS,
CAMP CAIRO, Oct. 24, 1861.

Capt. Chauncy McKeever, Assistant Adjutant-
General, St. Louis, Mo.:
SIR: I am instructed by Brigadier-General
McClernand, commanding at this post, to en-
close-

1. Copy of his communication to the officer commanding the hostile forces at Columbus, Ky., accompanied by return of the persons therein named.

2. Copy of reply of Major-General Polk, accompanied by sixteen persons.

3. List of the persons thus received. 4. Copy of instructions given Colonel N. B. Buford, Twenty-seventh regiment Illinois Vol

unteers.

ZAGONYI'S CHARGE AT SPRINGFIELD,
OCTOBER 25, 1861.

FREMONT'S REPORT.

HEAD-QUARTERS IN THE FIELD, NEAR HAMANSVILLE, Mo., Oct. 26, 1861. Capt. McKeever, Assistant Adjutant-General: Yesterday afternoon Major Zagonyi, at the head of my guard, made a most brilliant charge upon a body of the enemy, thrown up in line of battle at their camp in Springfield, two thousand or two thousand two hundred strong. He completely routed them, cleared them from the town, hoisted the National flag on the Court House, and retired upon a reinforcement which he has already joined. Our loss is not great.

in the charge. I have seen charges, but such Major White's command did not participate brilliant bravery I have never seen and did not expect. Their war cry, "Fremont and the Union," broke forth like thunder.

CHARLES ZAGONYI, Major Commanding Body Guard. ZAGONYI'S REPORT.

Colonel J. H. Eaton, Assistant Adjutant-Gen

eral, Springfield, Missouri:

SIR: According to the order of Major-General Fremont, I left the camp south of the Pomme de Terre River on Thursday the 24th instant, at half-past eight o'clock P. M., and proceeded toward Springfield. About eight miles from that place I captured five men belonging to picket guard, and foraging parties. A sixth escaped and gave the alarm to the rebels. I reached Springfield, a distance of fifty-one miles, at three P. M. on the 25th. Knowing that the enemy was apprised of our coming, I made a detour of five miles to attack from another side, but instead of finding the enemy in their old camp I came suddenly upon them, drawn up in line of battle, as I emerged from a wood near the Mount Vernon road. The place was too confined for me to form my men. I had to pass two hundred and fifty yards down a lane and take down a rail fence at the end of it, form in their camp, and make the first charge. My men belonging to the Body Guard amounted to one hundred and fifty, and were exposed from the moment we entered the lane to a murderous cross fire. Our first charge was completely successful. Half of my command charged upon the infantry and the remainder upon the cavalry, breaking their line at every point. The infantry retired into a thick wood where it was impossible to follow them. The cavalry fled in all directions through the town. I rallied and charged through the streets in all directions about twenty times, clearing the town and neighborhood, returning at last to the Court House, where I raised the flag of one of my companies, liberated the prisoners and united my men, which now amounted to seventy, the rest being scattered or lost. As it was nearly dark, I retired, in order not to run the risk of

sacrificing the rest of my men, who were exhausted with the labors of the march and the battle. Twenty men, with a corporal, who were without horses, took possession of the ; town, collected the wounded and placed them in the hospital, picked up the dead, ordered out the Home Guard, and preserved order throughout the next day.

On the 27th, at five o'clock A. M., I arrived again in the city, and from the statement of citizens, scouts, and prisoners, (the latter being Union soldiers placed in front of the enemy's ranks to be shot at,) I ascertained that the rebel strength, arrayed to receive our first charge, was two thousand one hundred men. They had concentrated all the forces in the city to receive us.

From the beginning to the end the Body Guard behaved with the utmost bravery and coolness. I have seen batties and cavalry charges before, but I never imagined that a body of men could endure and accomplish so mach in the face of such a fearful disadvantage. At the cry of Fremont and Union," which was raised at every charge, they dashed forward repeatedly in perfect order and with resistless energy. Many of my officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates had three or even four horses killed under them, capturing new ones from the enemy. I cannot mention any names without doing great injustice to my command. Many performed acts of heroismn; not one but did his whole duty. Our loss is as follows: Killed-corporals, six; privates, nine. Total, fifteen. Wounded officers, four; noncommissioned officers, seven; privates, sixteen. Total, twenty-seven. Missing-sergeant, one; corporal, one; privates, eight. Total, ten. Total loss, fifty-two.

MAJOR WHITE'S REPORT

SPRINGFIELD, October 20, 1401, MAJOR-GENERAL FREMONT: On the 24th rat after my return with my command, one biadred and fifty-four strong, from Lexington, I reported to you, and by your orders reported for further orders to General Sigel, at his Lendquarters. General Figd ordered me to recr Goitre in the vicinity of Springfield, and, if I deemed it advisable, to attack the rebel for said to be encamped in that neighborhood. I immediately pushed my command forward, and on the evening of the 24th was overtaken by Major Charles Zagonyi and his command, and under orders from you reported my commend to him. We proceeded together and tel at daybreak for an hour's rest, as I was then suffering from a severe illness contracted on my Lexington expedition, and was then too weak to mount my horse. Major Zagonși g gested that I should rema'n for a short i me at a farm-house on the road, and then overtake the command. I did-so, and after a short rest proceeded on to Springfield with an escort of a lieutenant and five men. I pushed on very fast, and was surprised that I did not overtake my men, but was still more so when I was ande derly surrounded near the borders of Spritz field by two companies of rebel cavalry, and captured, with my escort. I broke my sword, but was forced to surrender my papers and other effects. I have since learned that Major Zeri left the main road at a point distant from Springfield, and, as he left no one to inform me of the fact, I of course had run unawares within the rebels' lines. The rebels conducted me to their camp, and a crowd of excited soldiers AGTrounded my little party, cocking their poves, and preparing to murder us. Twore he offere interfered, and guarded us from them. The rebels, having heard of the approach of our force, made preparations for defence by throwing a force of four hundred riflemen in ambeh in the woods bordering the road that skirted their camp, forming five hundred cavalry on the open field on which they camped, and amtrak. ing the balance of their forces in a comboid and thicket at their rear. Their forces edə

The loss of the enemy in killed alone, from the statements of citizens, scouts, and prisoners, was at least one hundred and six; how many wounded have since died I have no means of knowing, as they removed them in the night with wagon". Twenty-three of these dead were buried by the Body Guard. We took twenty-seven prisoners, four thousand and forty dollars in gold, and about sixty stand of arms, Major White's command left me at the beginning of the action, and before my first charge, and I saw no more of them until the next day at ten o'clock. Captain Naughton and Lieutenant Connelly, who followed part way down the lane, were both wounded, the latter mortally) whereupon this company turned and fol-sisted of Colonel Johnston's cavalry regiert, lowed the others too, in spite of the efforts of Colonel Schable's infantry, and independent the sergeant. Major White himself was made corps of infantry under Colonel Torner. Ter a prisoner before the battle, and placed with whole force, twelve hundred strong, was ere others in the enemy's front rank, but escaped manded by Colonel Frazer. An hour after my uninjured. capture our forces arrived, and the attack was In conclusion, I beg to urge the necessity of commenced by a brilliant charge by Major ZaDew clothing and arms for my command. Forty- gonyi. His brave men were exposed to a tit five horses are killed or unfitted for use. Uni-rific fire from the rebel ambush, but stood the forms, haversacks, and extra clothes carried in the haversacks, are so riddled with bullets as

fire nobly. My squadron of cavalry, ther command of my senior captain, Captain Ci arves