Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, June 14, 1863.—We have had a very quiet day. It really seemed like Sunday at home.
I heard of Hinson this afternoon with his gang four miles from here, near the Fort Henry road. I sent Colonel McConnell with nine companies to drive him out. The troops take different routes. I have but little hope of overhauling him with infantry.
The river is falling rapidly. There are several boats here, which I propose to send up in the morning, and they are probably the last that will go up this season.
Companies E, C and H are out with Colonel McConnell. Captain Knilans is in very poor health and has today applied for a leave of absence.
We are pushing the works here as fast as possible, and I think I shall get everything in good shape by the first of August ; and I have strong hopes that I shall then be able to obtain a leave of absence.
