Our town was the theatre of great excitement yesterday evening, upon the arrival of a messenger from
Hillsboro, stating that a company of rebels, (three hundred strong,) under command of
Captain Holliday, of
Nicholas County, were advancing upon
Hillsboro, for the purpose, it is supposed, of burning the place, and also of attacking this place.
Lieutenant Sadler and
Sergeant Dudley were despatched immediately, at the head of fifty Home Guards, to intercept them.
We found the enemy encamped about two miles beyond
Hillsboro, in a barn belonging to
Colonel Davis, a leading traitor in this county.
Our men opened fire upon them, causing them to fly in all directions.
The engagement lasted about twenty minutes, in which they lost eleven killed, twenty-nine wounded, and twenty-two prisoners. We took, also, one hundred and twenty-seven
Enfield rifles, besides a large number of sabres, pistols,
bowie knives, and cavalry accoutrements.
Our loss was three killed and two wounded, as follows:
James B. Davis,
Julius Herrick,
Charles Burnes, killed; and
Thomas B. Smith, (banker,)
S. Saloman, wounded.
The prisoners were brought to this place and forwarded to Camp Kenton, under guard.
The
Maysville Home Guards were ordered to assist us, but they arrived too late.
Yours, &c.,
P. S.--I was present.
J. G. B.