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CORINTH, December 13, 1862.
I have just received a dispatch from Colonel Sweeny, in command of the forces sent out. He struck the outpost of the enemy at Cherokee, 300 strong, under Colonel Warren, pursued them 5 miles, fighting all the way, when they met Colonel Roddey with 1,400, who, after a sharp engagement fell back to Little Bear Creek, 4 miles this side of Tuscumbia, from which they were driven, after burning their stores, camp equipage, and bridges: Roddey had here four cannon and some infantry from Bragg's army. We captured 32 prisoners, a number of horses, arms, &c. The reconnaissance was a success. The artillery and infantry had just arrived there from Decatur, and strengthened the reports of his crossing a force at that point. On the arrival of Colonel Sweeny I shall know about how strong. A report comes to night that 16,000 infantry have gone to Pemberton by way of Meridian. It went down the Chattanooga and Meridian road. This is given by refugees from Alabama, who arrived here to-day from Walker County. It does not agree with what I have heretofore heard, except that was one of the roads on which forage and provisions were being collected.
G. M. DODGE.
Major-General GRANT.
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GLENDALE, MISS., December 13, 1862---5 p.m.
GENERAL: I have just arrived here. The expedition has been entirely successful. I surprised the outpost of the enemy, consisting of 300 men, under Colonel Warren, at Cherokee, and pursued them 5 miles, fighting all the time, when they were re-enforced by the main body, 1,400 strong, under Colonel Roddey, who, after a sharp engagement, took to flight and fell back on Little Bear Creek, a very strong position, 4 miles from Tuscumbia, from which they were driven, after burning the bridge and all their stores and camp equipage. We captured 32 prisoners, a great number of horses, and small-arms. Roddey had four pieces of artillery, three rifled cannon and one smooth-bore. I will make a full report when I return to Corinth.
T. W. SWEENY,
Colonel, Commanding Expedition.
Brig. Gen. GRENVILLE M. DODGE.
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COLUMBUS, MISS., December 14, 1862.
CAPTAIN: The following dispatch has just been received:
OKOLONA, MISS., December 14, 1862.
Federal force attacked and routed Roddey's cavalry day before yesterday at Tuscumbia. Reported to-day Federal force near Saltillo.
C. R. BARTEAU,
Colonel Cavalry.
JOHN ADAMS,
Colonel, C. S. Army, Commanding Post.
Capt. ROY MASON HOGE,
Assistant Adjutant General.
OR V17, P1, pp. 541/2