[Telegram.]

CAIRO, ILL., August 26, 1862-9:30 p.m.
(Received 27th, 10:30 a.m.)

Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy.

The combined naval and military operation planned between General Curtis and myself before leaving Helena has returned to the latter place, having accomplished its work with great success.

The rebel transport Fairplay has been captured, containing 1,200 new Enfield rifles, 4,000 new muskets, with accouterments complete, a large quantity of fix ammunition, 4 field guns, mountain howitzers, and small arms. Colonel Woods landed and captured the encampment of the Thirty-first Louisiana Regiment, with arms, the enemy flying before him.

He captured another camp with tents, baggage, provisions, burning the depot and eight cars, and destroying the telegraph. The combined expedition proceeded up the Yazoo, where it captured a battery consisting of 64-pounder, 42-pounder, and 32-pounder guns, and 24- and 12-pounder field pieces, with 7,000 pounds of powder, 1,000 shell, shot, and grape. Colonel Woods dispersed the rebel forces in several places. Will send further particulars by mail to-morrow.

C. H. DAVIS,
Commodore.