HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
McCullough's Spring, Mo., November 27, 1862.

 Capt. WILLIAM HYDE CLARK,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d and 3d Divs, Moody Spring, Mo.:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the brigadier-general commanding Second and Third Divisions, that the troops sent under Captain Brawner, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, to re-enforce Colonel Philips' command at Newtonia, have returned to this division.

Captain Brawner reports that Quantrill came within about 8 miles of Newtonia, having then about 1,000 men, with whom he intended attacking Colonel Philips, but learning of the prospect of having a greater force to contend against, he disbanded his main force, with the understanding that they should meet again on Sauk Creek, whither he had gone with some 200 of his men. I send you a messenger from Berryville, Ark., with information of an engagement between Captains Mack and Youngblood, First Arkansas Cavalry, and some 300 Home Guards (rebels). He brings the rumor that Hindman's command was ordered to Texas, the rebels anticipating work in that quarter. If this be true, it explains previous reports of that force having crossed the Arkansas River at Van Buren.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 CLARK WRIGHT,

 Colonel, Commanding Second Division.