NOVEMBER 8-9, 1861.--Engagement at Ivy Mountain and skirmish at Piketon, Ky.
No. 2. -- Report of Col. Joshua W. Sill, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry.
PIKETON, November 10, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to report that my command occupied this place yesterday afternoon about 4 o'clock. Colonel Metcalf's mounted force, in advance, exchanged shots with a party, probably a reconnoitering one, who had just crossed the river. They retreated. I threw out Metcalf's and Hurt's force, deployed as skirmishers, on the hill-side flanking the road, which debouched at the ford. They found the enemy's camp deserted, and the main street of the village occupied by mounted men, making off by the Shelby road. A few rounds of shell were sent after them, and Metcalf's men mounted their horses and took possession of the town. The remainder of the force crossed on a raft bridge. I learned that the enemy were occupied all of yesterday leaving. General Williams was here when the skirmishers opened fire. I now occupy his headquarters. The only casualty that I know of was 1 man killed on this side. On the route we encountered a party of mounted men twice. The first time our fire killed a horse and wounded 2 men. Night before last a reconnoitering party of 10, sent out by Colonel Metcalf, encountered Captain Shawhan's cavalry, of about 150, and, it is reported, wounded Captain Shawn. His party went back in great haste. There are many particulars I will speak of when I meet you.
Troops are very hungry. All that we can get is beef. There is a mill near here, which we will set in motion to-day, and get plenty of corn meal.
I am, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant,
J. W. SILL,
Colonel, Commanding.
General W. NELSON.