Brigadier-General SCHOFIELD, Saint Louis, Mo.

JULY 18, 1862.- Skirmish near Memphis, Mo.

Report of Major John Y. Clopper, Second Missouri Cavalry.

CAMP NEAR PIERCE'S MILL, July 19, 1862.

SIR: I beg leave to report that I yesterday encountered Porter's forces, conjoined with Dunn's, at 12 m., and fought and routed them after a desperate and severe fight of three hours. They had an ambush well planned and drew my advance guard into it, in which my men suffered severely. My killed and wounded amounted to 83 to 83 men, 15 of which belonged to my battalion Merrill's Horse; the balance, 38, to Major Roger's battalion, Eleventh Missouri State Militia. Among the wounded of my officers are Captain Harker, slightly, Lieutenant Gregory, Lieutenant Potter, and Lieutenant Robinson. I cannot find adequate terms to express the heroic manner in which my command stood the galling and destructive fire poured upon them by the concealed assassins.

I have not time to make an official or detailed report of the action; will do so upon the first favorable opportunity. Colonel McNeil joined me last night with 67 men. The enemy's force if variously estimated at from 400 to 700. I have now halted for the purpose of burying the dead and taking care of the sick. Will pursue the enemy at 11 a. m. this date. They are whipped and in full flight. The forced marches I have been compelled to make and the bad condition of the roads and constant rainy weather have had the effect of exhausting my horses and men.

The enemy were well concealed in dense underbrush, and I must give them credit for fighting well. They will not meet me on fair ground.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN Y. CLOPPER,

Major, Commanding Battalion Merrill's Horse.

OR V 13, Ser. 19 pp. 163/4