No. 2.-reports of Col. J. S. Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry.
Athens, Ala., May 1, 1862.
General: I attacked the enemy this morning at this place and drove them within 6 miles of Huntsville.
They left their tents standing, a considerable quantity of their commissary stores, all camp equipage, and about 150 stand of arms; also some ammunition.
They numbered eleven companies.
General Mitchel was present, but made his escape by cars.
My force was 112 mounted men and my mountainhowitzer battery.
My boys took few prisoners, their shots proving singularly fatal.
My loss, I regret to say, was 1 man killed, from Company C, and 3 severely wounded.
The enemy's loss must have been 200 killed and wounded.
My officers and men behaved so well that I can make no particular mention.
Yours, very respectfully,
P. S.-I cannot, however, close without particular mention of the gallantry of Captain Leake, commanding Company C, and Lieut. W. E. Holmes, commanding howitzer battery.[Indorsement.]
The two officers therein named, besides Colonel Scott, shall be mentioned
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in order for gallantry and meritorious service; also the boy who took Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, United States engineer.
G. T. Beauregard, General, Commanding.
Elk River, Ala., May 2, 1862.
General: Since I dispatched you yesterday I have burned the Limestone Bridge, between Decatur and Huntsville.
1 caught two provision trains at the bridge and burned about 20 cars.
We killed and wounded there 34 of the enemy.
This morning, about 10 o'clock, the enemy's cavalry, about 400 strong, attacked me at Elk River after I had half my command over the river.
We repulsed them with the loss of 2 men killed on our side and at least 35 on theirs.
I lost on the trip 4 men killed, 5 wounded, and 12 horses.
I am out of ammunition and my horses are very much jaded.
I will cross to-night on the south side of the river and rest my men and horses for a few days in the neighborhood of Courtland.
I send you 20 prisoners-2 captains.
Yours, very respectfully,
