I have the honor to report for the information of the colonel commanding that, in accordance with instructions from Brigadier-General Herron, I took up my line of march from this post in the direction of Yellville on October 12, at 6 p.m. I took with me a detachment of 125 men from the Second Battalion, Fourteenth Regiment Missouri State Militia, stationed at this post, and 100 men of the Enrolled Militia, stationed at Lawrence's Mill, and proceeded to the White River, opposite Yellville, by rapid marches, where our progress was arrested by the sudden rise of the river, which prevented our advance to Yellville. My intention was to surprise the force at that place, and by a vigorous onset get possession of the town, burn the supplies collected there for the army of McBride, secure all the property possible for the use of our army, and then fail back to Ozark by forced marches. Finding it impossible to ford the White River, I then turned my course down the river to Talbot's Ferry, in order to cross on the ferry and advance on Yellville. I found the woods swarming with secesh scouts, posted on all the hills, watching our movements, and couriers flying in every direction, giving intelligence of our approach and collecting forces. They had been warned of our advance several times before, and were rapidly collecting to oppose our little band.
     We encamped on the night of the 15th within 10 miles of the ferry, at Pierson's Ford, posted pickets on all the approaches to our camp, and sent out large patrols on the main road. I was apprised during the early part of the night, from a prisoner brought in by the pickets and from some females, that a force was expected from Yellville that night to surprise us. I immediately ordered a detachment of 50 men to proceed to the ferry and prevent the crossing of any force and to arrest all persons coming in their way.
     On the morning of the 16th I moved my force to Talbot's Barrens, 8 miles east of this ferry, to await the return of my spy from Yellville, before I dare cross the river with my small force. Here I learned that Colonel Shaler, with 2,000 infantry, 1,000 cavalry, and four pieces of artillery, was approaching Yellville by forced marches, and was then within one day's march of our camp. McBride had resigned and left Colonel Shaler in command of his division, and he was moving from Pocahontas to Yellville. On learning this information I concluded it would be imprudent to place the White River between me and this post, which was then impassable except by ferries and having an overwhelming force moving rapidly up to cut off our retreat. Wecollected about 50 head of horses, 5 wagons and teams, and a considerable amount of other property useful to the army, and commenced our retreat about 8 p.m. on the 16th instant. I placed our train of horses, mules, and wagons in the advance, with sufficient guard for its protection, and kept my main force between it and the advancing enemy. The most perfect order was maintained. Every man was at his post, and everything was in readiness to give the enemy the warmest reception possible.
     About 2 o'clock in the morning our rear guard, consisting of 25 men, under command of Lieutenant Mooney, Company D, Fourteenth Regiment Missouri State Militia, was attacked by a battalion of Colonel Shaler's command, who in the darkness had gained a position between the rear guard and our main force. Lieutenant Mooney, seeing he was cut off from the column, ordered a charge, which was made with such impetuosity and gallantry by his little band that he succeeded in carving his way through their lines without the loss of a man, though the lieutenant himself was severely wounded. In the mêlée some of our men were dismounted, but all succeeded in riding out a horse; if not their own, an enemy's.
     The enemy lost a considerable number in the engagement, but the exact number could not be ascertained. I think, from the reports of all, that not less than 10 men were killed and double the number wounded.
     We were not pursued farther, and were allowed to bring our plunder unmolested back to Ozark, where we arrived on the 19th instant.
     We captured about 25 stand of arms and the same number of prisoners, including Maj. J. W. Methvin, of the First Regiment McBride's brigade.
     I am, lieutenant, with much respect, your obedient servant,