General: At your request I make the following report of the part taken by the Eighth Virginia Cavalry at Rogersville, on the 6th instant:

After a forced march of twenty-four hours my regiment arrived at and crossed the Holston River, near Rogersville. At this point I was ordered across the country on a by-road to the Carter's Valley road, at a point some 8 miles above the town, and there await the arrival of Colonel Giltner. I had not waited but a few minutes when I was informed by you that Colonel Giltner was moving on the road between me and the river. At this juncture, being informed by you that there was a company of cavalry on picket some 4 miles in advance of me, I threw forward Company E, of this regiment, with instructions when they arrived at the enemy's picket to charge down upon them, and not permit any of them to reach Rogersville to give the alarm. This order was carried out to the letter, not one the enemy being permitted to enter the town. Company E, led by Capt. H. C. Everett, having captured some 40 of them, dispersed the remainder of them in the woods.

Meeting with no further obstruction, my command was moved, by your direction, immediately in rear of the enemy, on road leading to a ferry below Rogersville. While moving my command through the woods (the undergrowth is very dense at this point) I found myself within 20 yards of the wagon train of the enemy, which had been sent to the rear, their pickets being already in from the front by Colonel Giltner. Finding the enemy's wagon train about to move, I ordered my command to charge the guard, composed of about 75 or 80 men, which they did, capturing the whole of the wagon and nearly all of the guard. I then immediately moved on with my regiment, and soon found myself closely engaged with the main force of the enemy. I immediately posted my command behind a fence on a wooded hill-side, in easy range of the enemy's camp, where we remained under a heavy fire about fifteen minutes.

The enemy were about to charge my position when Colonel Giltner commenced the action in front, which appeared to disconcert the enemy so much that, although they made an effort in considerable force to dislodge me, they were quickly repulsed and driven back on their former position. Colonel Giltner attacking vigorously about this time, the enemy threw down their arms and fled in every direction, large numbers of them surrendering on the field. Others were captured in squads through the neighborhood; a few of them, however, made their escape across the river.

My command succeeded in capturing in this affair upwards of 300 prisoners, 9 wagons and teams loaded with quartermaster stores, 7 of which we succeeded in bringing with us. We also captured a large number of small arms, saddles and about 90 horses and mules, in addition to the mules that were attached to the wagons.

The company was moved, by your direction, on the Carter's Valley road back to Blountville, where we arrived safely on the 8th instant, bringing with us, besides captured property above mentioned, some 800 prisoners.

Our loss in this affair is 1 killed and 2 or 3 slightly wounded.

I am, general, with the highest respect, your obedient servant.

J. M. Corns,

Colonel, Commanding Eighth Virginia Cavalry.