we had only made about six miles, owing to the large number of trees to be removed; at this point, where our progress was very slow, we discovered a long line of the enemy filing along the edge of the woods, and taking position on the creek below us, and about one mile ahead of our advance.

Shortly after, they opened fire on the gunboats from batteries behind the cavalry and infantry.

The boats not only replied to the batteries, which they soon silenced, but poured a destructive fire into their lines.

Heavy skirmishing was also heard in our front, supposed to be by three companies from the Sixth and Eighth Missouri, whose position, taken the previous night to guard the creek, was beyond the point reached by the enemy, and consequently liable to be cut off or captured.

Captain Owen, of the Louisville, the leading boat, made every effort to go through the obstructions and aid in the rescuing of the men.