Arkansas true Democrat., 1862-01-09
Report of General Hindman.
HEADQUARTERs ADVANCE GUARD,
.. A., NY,


 CAVE CIrY, December l9, 1861, SIR: Ats o'clock A. M on the l7th in stant, I moved towards " jacksonville for the purpose of breaking up the railroad from the vicinity of that place southward, my force consisting of HOO infantry, and four pieces of artillery.
 When within two and half miles of Woodsonville, concealed from the enemy's view, l halted the column and ordered for- ward Col. Terry'S Rangers, to occupy. the nights On my right, left and front, and Mai. PhileI's cavalry to watch the cross ings of Green river still further 10 my left These orders having been executed, and no force of tue enemy or pickets seen, l ad- yanced the column till the right reached the railroad This brought ne within three quarters of a mile of the river and the en- emv, but still concealed, except a small body of cavalry on the extreme left. Here I company of rangers was detached 10 ob- serve the enemy from Rowlctt's knob, which was to my right, across the railroad. A strip of timber borlered the river parallel to the line held by my cavalry. Fields were between a body of the cnemy'S infan try, as skirmishers moved through the tim Der, by their right, on my left. They were fired upon by . small body of my cavalry and retired The firing ceased for about half all hour, and l went in person to se- lect 8 suitable place for camp, leaving Col. Terry incommand, with instructions to de coy the enemy mp the hill where l could use my infantry and artillery with effect and be out range of the enemys' batteries.
 Before returning to the column, the fire from the skirmishers recommenccd. The enemy appeared in force upon my right and center. Col. Terry, at the head of seventy five rangers, charged about three hundred, routed and drove them back, but fell mortally wounded. A body of the enemy, of about the same size, attacked the rangers, under Capt. Terrell, upon the light of the turnpike, and were repulsed with heavy loss The enemy now began crossing by regiments, and moving about on my right and left Hanks. Three com panies of Col. Marmaduke's list Ark. battalion were thrown out as skirmishers on my left, engaged the enemy's right, and drove them to the river. now ordered forward Capt Smiths battery and the 2i Arkansas regiment to support it, holding the 9th Arkansas regiment in resefve.- The artillery opened fire upon the enemy in the field adjacent to the railroad, and drove them to the bank of the river Firing now ceased on both sides. The en- emy made nc further attempt to advance, but knowing that he had already crossed the riverin force more than double my own, and had the means of crossing additional forces, I withdrew my command, by way of the turnpike, two miles and half and took position to meet the enemy, if dispos- ed to advance There being no indications of such an intention, l returned to my camp here, reaching this place at o'clock, P. Nj.
 Nv loss in this affair was as follows. killed--Col. Terry and three men of his regiment
 |. Dangerously wouaded--Lieut. Morris and three men Texas rangerS)
 Slightly wounded--Capt Walker and three men (Texas rangers), and two men of the lst Arkansas battalion.
 l estimate the enemy's loss ct seventy five killed and left on the ground; wound ed-unknown. I have eight prisoners; others taken were too badly wounded to be moved, and were left at. citizens houses.
 The troops under my command, who were engaged, displayed courage in excess. The others were as steady as veterans.
 Respectfully,
 T. c. HlNDMAS, Brig Gen.