TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 10 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1884 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page 1 4, THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY BYT. LIEUT. COL. ROBERT N. SCOTT, THIRD U. S. ARTILLERY, AND F1JBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JUNE 16, 1880. SERIES IVOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. PART 11.CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WA STIINGTOK: GOVERNMENT rILINTING OFFICE. 1884 Table of Contents Page 2 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4June 10, 1862 1-642 ~CORNELL UNIVERS~TY~ N LIBRAR Page 3 PART 11.VOL. X. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS iN KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIR- GINIA FROM MARCH 4 TO JUNE 10, 1862. UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. SAINT Louis, March 4, 1802. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Fort Henry: You will place Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith in command of expedition, and remain yourself at Fort Henry. Why do you not obey my orders to report strength and positions of your command ~ 11. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQR~. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 4. Nashville, Tenu., March 4, 1862. * * * * * * * II. The postmasters of the several brigades are hereby detailed for special duty in this city with Col. A. H. Markiand, mail agent Post- Office Department, for ten days.* * * * * * * By command of General Buell: JAMES B. FRY, Assistant Adjutant- General, Chief of Staff. [Addenda.] P. 0. DEPT., APPOINTMENT OFFiCE, Feb. 20, 1862. A. II. MARKLAND, Esq. Special Agent Post-Office Department, Fort Dond8on, near Dover, Tenn.: DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 1~th instant is received, and your action in the premises approved of by the Department. I take the occasion to express my gratification oii your reappointment, and to add miy testimony to the efficiency, energy, and zeal manifested in the dis- charge of the important duties devolved upon you. In view of the advance of the army into Tennessee it is deemed im. portant that the mail service shall keep lace, to a reasdnable extent, with its movements, in order to afford the ficilities necessary to its efficiency, as well as to the communications between it and the Head- quarters at Washingtoii and elsewhere. It is desirable, therefore, that the necessary service for the present be re-established on the more important routes; say between the county seats and convenient to the * By Special Orders, No. 30, Headquarters District of West Tennessee, March 20, 1862, Orlando H. Ross was appointed special niail agent to tak~ charge of, forward, and receive all mails on the Tennessee River Page 4 4 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. different permanent posts of the operating army. in doing this the service need not, in all cases, be put up to its former frequency and expense until it shall be considered necessary by the Department to return to the old schedules. On railroads it may be made daily when daily trains are run. On other principal routes weekly, or twice or three times a week, according to their importance. Where old con- tractors are loyal they may resume at rates not exceeding the pro rata of their former contracts, often perhaps less. In the discretion given you to re-estabhsh post-offices and al)poiIlt postmasters due care should be taken to reopen the service on routes and offices only so far as our occupation will be permanent and the mails permanently secure, and to appoint only such persons as are known to be unconditional Union men. and who are willing to take the necessary oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States, and, to save delay, a package of blank letters of appointments, bonds, and affidavits, will accompany this letter, in order that the per- sons appointed may execute the same with good and sufficient security, and enter at once upon the duties of the office. These letters must be countersigned by you before delivery. In all cases in which you may act you will report immediately to the Depart- ment for its ratification and approval. Your former instructions will guide you except so far as limited by this letter. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. KASSON, First Assistant Postmaster- General. Contract officer approves. GEG. W. MOLE LLAN, Second Assistant Postmaster- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Donelson, March 5, 1862. (Received March 9.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, jib.: Your dispatch of yesterday is just received. Troops will be sent, under command of Major-General Smith, as directed. I had prepared a dift~rent plan, intending General Smith to command the forces which would go to Paris and Humboldt, while I would command the exi)e- dition upon Eastport, Coriiith, and Jackson in person. Information received this morning, however, would have changed my plan, even if your orders had not done it. Forces going to Eastport must go pre- pared to meet a force of 20,000 men. This will take all my available troops after garrisoning Clarksville, Forts Donelson and Henry. By your instructions I do not know whether I am to abandon Clarks- ville entirely or not. There are some stores there and heavy ordnance that must be disposed of before the place can be abandoned. I am not aware of ever having disobeyed any order from headquar- terscertainly never intended such a thing. I have reported almost daily the condition of my command and reported every position occu- pied. I have not, however, been able to get returns from all the troops, from which to consolidate a return for department headquarters. All have come in except from General Smiths command at Clarksville five small regiments of infantry and two companies of artillery. The general has probably been unable to get his in consequence of being ordered to Nashville by General Biiell. General Smith has been relieve Page 5 Cu& ~. XXII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 5 by General Buell, and was ordered immediately to the Tennessee by me. As soon as I was notified that General Smith had been ordered to Nashville I reported tbe fact, and sent a copy. of Buells order. My reports have nearly all been made to General Cullum, chief of staff, and it may be that many of them were not thought of sufficient importance to ftrward more than a telegraphic synopsis of The Tennessee is now so high that there are but few points on the river where troops can be embarked. Fort Henry is nnder water. The water is about 6 feet deep inside the fort. The continuous rains have made it almost impossible to get from Fort Donelson to the Tennessee. It is now very difficult to get across the country. I will leave at Fort Donelson four regiments of infantry, all of them very small, having suffered severely at Donel~on, and from sickness since. I will leave two regiments at Clarksville until further directions are received. I have forty-six infantry regiments, three cavalry regiments, and eight independent companies, and ten batteries of light artillery. The aver- age available strength of regiments fit for the field is about 50t) men. In conclusion, I will say that you may rely on my carrying ont your instructions in every particular to the very best of my ability. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 5, 1862. Col. R. J. OGLESBY, Gomdg. First Brigade, First Division: You will immediately order forward all the forces of every arm not belonging to your immediate brigade to the Tennessee River, above Fort Henry, and to the same point started for by General MeClernands forces. You will direct them to move out the Ridge road (the same as a portion of our forces marched to Fort Donelson) to the Iron Furnace, between here and Fort Donelson, and from thence follow on the same track over which General MeClernand moved. They will move with the camp and garrison equipage, officers bag- gage, and transportation, as limited in General Orders, No. 17, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, and three days rations. They will move immediately and with all possible dispatch. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.So as to materially lighten the loads .on their teams, you will direct that a portion of their baggage be loaded on the steamer New Uncle Sam, which you will order around to this place as soon as the baggage is received on board. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 5, 1862. Maj. Gen. C. F. SMITH, Commanding U. 8. Forces, ClarI:sville, Tenn.: By directions just received from headquarters of department you ar Page 6 6 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXJL to take command of the expedition which I designed commanding in person. You will repair to Fort Henry with as little delay as practi- cable. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Port Henry, March 5, 1862. Maj. Gen. C. F. SMITH, Port Donelson, bun.: By direction of Major-General Halleck, you will take command of the entire expedition and carry ont the instructions of the department commander, while I am directed to remain ~t Fort Henry. I am now having arrangements made for embarking troops as rapidly as possible, but with the present stage of water it must take several days to em- bark them. I have sent orders to-day for three regiments from Clarksville and all the troops at Donelson except Oglesbys brigade. I will be here when you arrive and give you all the information I am in possession of. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Port Henry, March 5, 1862. Maj. Gen. C. F. SMITH, Port Henry, Tenn.: By directions from headquarters Department of the Missouri you have been assigned to the command of the expedition up the Tennessee River. For instructions, see inclosed letter from Major-General llalleck.* Information that seems to be reliable places the rebel forces at East. port and Corinth at 20,000 inemi, with rolling stock between the two places sufficient to throw all the troops to either place in a short time. If this should prove true, I can hardly say what course should be pursued to carry out the instructions. A general engagement is to be avoided, while the bridges are to be destroyed, if possible. The idea probably is there must be no defeat, and rather than risk one it would be better to retreat. I will remain at Fort Henry and throw forward all the troops that can be provided with transportation. The commissary of subsistence is directed to take along 300,000 rations, and all the forage here is to go. It will probably be necessary to procure forage on the road. Allow me to congratulate you on your richly-deserved promotion, and to assure you that no one can feel more pleasure than myself. U. S. GRANT Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Port Henry, Metreh 5, 1862. Brig. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Commanding U. & Forces, Port Henry, Teun.: You will please embark on board transports at once all the troops, No inclosure found. Reference is probably to Halleck to Grant, Vol. VII, p. 674 Page 7 CHAP. XXII.] 7 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. including one battery of light artillery at this place, excepting those cWsignated for garrison duty. Jnstead of 150,000, as per directions this morning, you will place on board steamers to proceed up river 300,000 rations. Land transportation will be limited as per General Orders, No. 17. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. IRAWLiNS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 5, 1862. Major-General GRANT, Fort Henry: It is exceedingly important that there should be no delay in destroy- ing the bridge at Corinth or Bear Creek. Dont delay the matter a mo- ment. If successful, the expedition will not return to Paris, but will encamp at Savannah, unless threatened by superior numbers. Prepare everything to re-enforce him there. Dismount the water batteries at Henry and Donelson, and remove all stores, except for a small garrison at Donelson. Travelers can pass to Nashville, but no one will be per- mitted to land at the forts, except in extreme eases. None must be allowed to go up the Tennessee. See to this. What we do there must not be communicated to the public. II. W. HALLECK, Major-General. CAIRo, March 5, 1862. General HALLECK: General Cullum says Pope has been re-enforced with 5,000 men. I can send 5,000 from Paducab. Shall they be sent to Pope or General smith 7 General Cullum estimates General Popes forces at 18,000 men. That number must be all he wants, only there should be an attack or even demonstration on Island No. 10 at once. W. T. SHERMAN, - Brigadier- General. CAIRO, March 5, 1862. General IIAI1LEcK: I learn the gunboats are not prepared to attack Island No. 10. Could not the same end be attained by shelling the island with ten of the mor- tar boats, with one gunboat to commandsay 5,000 infantry at hand. [?] General Cullum insists that General Pope is sufficiently re-enforced; that two regiments and one battalion of cavalry is enough for Columbus. -This leaves the Paducah force of ten regiments ready for orders. I will have them ready to embark at short notice for the Tennessee or the Mississippi, as you or General Cullum may order. W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General Page 8 8 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Cairo, Iii., March 5, 1862. Flag-Officer ANDREW II. FOOTE, U. S. N., Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters: SIR: I have returned from up the Tennessee, having left Pittsburg (the place of our late engagement) last night. The enemy has not re- newed his attempt to fortify. I watched the point closely, and yester- day landed (under flag of truce), which was allowed to go a mile from the river before being stopped by their pickets. No sign of a renewed attempt could be discovered. In my report of the engagement I stated that I felt confident the enemy had suffered severely. I can now re- port that on the morning after the engagement (Sunday) 9 dead bodies and 100 wounded, many of them mortally, were counted in their camp, which had been removed the evening of the engagement 3 miles back from the river. Some tents where they were carrying badly-wounded men they would not allow any one to visit; they were still bringing in wounded. There is no doubt of the Correctness of the above. It was reported that they buried 15 the evening of the engagement. I think I can safely put their loss down at 20 killed and 100 wounded. Their force engaged on that day was 1,000 infantry (Louisiana), 500 cavalry (Mississippi) besides a ~battery of six pieces of field artillery. Two guns (32-pounders) were on the ground, but not mounted. I have reliable information that the enemy have now at Corinth, Miss., 18 miles from the Tennessee River (Pittsburg), junction of Mobile and Ohio and Memphis and Charleston Railroad, 15,000 to 20,000 troops. At Henderson Station, 18 miles from Coffee Landing, Tennessee River, and 25 miles by railroad from Corinth, some 10,000 or 12,000, and bodies of troops arriving every day, mostly from Columbus, and some from Louisiana. At Bear Creek Bridge, 7 miles back of Eastport, Miss., they have from 8,000 to 10,OOQ and are fortifying. At Chickasaw, Ala., I understand they are erecting heavy batteries. (This last not very reliable.) Information received last night near Savannah, Teun., from a relia- ble source, indicates that General Johnston, with all his force, is falling back from Murfreesborough to Decatur, Al a., the place where the Mem- l)his and Charleston Railroad now crosses the Tennessee River, and the junction of the railroad leading from Nashville to that place, show- ing that they are preparing to send large re-enforcements to Bear Creek. The results of the recent elections in Hardin and McNairy Counties, South Tennessee, will prove to you that the Union sentiment is very strong throughout that section of the State. The former gave 500 ma- jority for the Union candidate out of a poll of 1,000 votes. The latter gave 200 majority Union out of a poll of 1,800 votes. The constant cry from them to me is, Send us arms and a sufficient force to protect us in organizing, and we will drive the secessionists out of Tennessee our- selves. I enlisted a few more men. Captain Phillips recruited sev- eral for his company. I have captured J. B. Kendrick, of Captain Fitzgeralds company of Tennessee Volunteers, who represented him- self as a colonel of militia of the State of Tennessee, and Clay Ken- drick, private in Captain Fitzgeralds company, Colonel Crews~ regi- ment Tennessee Volunteers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. GWIN, Lieutenant, Comdg. Div. of Gunboats on Tennessee Rtver Page 9 CHAP. XXII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 9 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 47. Washington, March 5, 1862. * * * * * * Brig. Gen. S. P. Sturgis, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty in the Department of the Ohio, and will report to Brigadier-General Buell. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General McClellan: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. LOUISVILLE, March 5, 1862. General D. C. BUELL: Have just received report from Garfield, 24th ultimo. Arrived at Piketon on 22d. That night river rose 60 feet and destroyed nearly all his stores. Has with him Twenty-second Kentucky, Fortieth and Forty- second Ohio. On his approach to Piketon, Humphrey Marshall retreated from Whitesburg through Sounding Gap, and has fortified on the Cum- berland Ridge; said to be in considerable force. Garfield will push for- ward as soon as he can retrieve his los.ses. His scouts have been out 18 miles without finding an enemy. I send a copy of his letter by to- days mail. OLIVER D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH BRIGADE, Camp Brown low, March 5, 1862. Capt. DANIEL GARRARD, Twenty-second Kentucky Volunteers: DEAR SIR: You will proceed to-morrow morning with the force placed under your command, by the shortest route, to the point where the main road to the Pound Gap intersects the Elkhorn Creek. You will proceed thence down the Elkliorn to its mouth, scouting the valley thoroughly, and thence return to this l)lace. The object of your expedition is to capture or drive out a predatory band of rebels under the command of Captain Menifee, who is also acting as scout for Marshall. You are ordered to take possession of all arms of active secessionists in the vicinity through which you pass, and also capture and bring to these headquarters all who are found in arms or actively aiding the rebellion. I particularly desire you to gather all the information in your power of the whereabouts of General Marshall or any force in the vicinity of Pound Gal). You are specially charged to keep your men from com- mitting any outrages upon the persons or property of citizens. Make thorough work of it, and return within four days. On your feturn you will make a full report to me in writing. Very truly, yours, ~-. A. GARFIELD, Colonel, Comnwn ding Brigade. FORT HENRY, March 6, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: All the transports here will be loaded and off to-day if the gunboat Page 10 10 KY., TEN)~., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXII. arrive to convoy them. One gunboat has gone to Savannah. The transports here will not take all the troops now in readiness to move. Your instructions contemplated my commanding expedition in person. Dispatch yesterday changed it. U S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Missouui, & 4nt Louis, March 6, 1862. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War, Cairo: Your letters were sent to Nashville several days ago. It is reported that Beauregard has 20,000 men at Corinth, and is fortifying. If so, he will make a Manassas of it. It is his best point to cover Memphis and Chattanooga. What a mistake that Buell did not send forces to move with us up the Tennessee, so as to seize that point. Smith has gone to do it, 1)ut I fear it is too late and that he is too weak. I can- not make Buell understand the importance of strategic points till it is too late. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAIRO, ILL., March 6, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: If you telegraph Buell that you want a column of 10,000 or 20,000 men by river or land to co-operate, he will undoubtedly send them. I know he wishes to aid any important movement. Lieutenant Gwin, re- turned from Tennessee River, says they have 15,000 to 20,000 men at Corinth, 10,000 more at Henderson, 25 miles distant, and receiving re- enforcements constantly from Columbus and Louisiana. At Bear Creek Bridge, near Eastport, a force of 8,000 men are reported. Great care must be exercised in approaching their present position, as facilities for re-enforcing the enemys column are very great. Can I do anything to aid you ~ If so, command me. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 6, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Your views accord with my own generally, but some slight modifi- cations seem to me necessary; at least there are details about which we ought to be able to consult freely. Can we not meet at Louisville in a day or so I I think it very important. The concentration of my troops and transportation cannot be complete for some days. We have had two formidable rivers to cross, and have forced ourselves here with- out transportation or baggage. The thing which I think of vital im- portance is that you seize amid hold the bridge at Florence in force. Johnston is now a~ Shelbyville, some 50 miles south of this. I hope you will arrange for our meeting at Louisville. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- General Page 11 CHAP. XXII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 11 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 6, 1862. General BUELL, Nashville, lenin.: I cannot possibly leave here at the present time. Events are press- ing on so rapidly that I must be all the time in telegraphic communica- tion with Curtis, Grant, Pope, and Commodore Foote. We must con- suit by telegraph. News down the Tennessee that Beauregard has 20,000 men at Corinth and is rapidly fortifying it. Smith will not 1)robably be strong enough to attack it. It is a great misfortune to lose that point. I shall re-enforce Smith as rapidly as possible. If you could send a division by water around into the rfellnessee it would re- quire only a small amount of transportation, as it would receive all its supplies by the river. II. W. HALLECK, Major-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 6, 1862. General MCCLELLAN: I am ashamed to speak again of the difficulty of crossing [an army~ over two formidable rivers. Our troops came up faster than we could cross them, and we have forced ourselves here without transportation or baggage. This we could do when we could depend upon getting sup- plies at the end of our march, but not when we mnst carry them along. Johnston is at Shelbyville, some 25 miles south of Mnrfreesborough. The talk in his camp is that at Fayetteville, 20 miles farther south, they were to meet Beauregard, with 25,000 from Yirginia and South Carolina, and then return against ~ashville. Garfield started after Marshall, but on the 22d, at Piketon, lost his supplies by high water, and had to stop for more. Marshall returned from Whitesburg throngh Sounding Gap when Garfield advanced, and has fortified, it is said, on the Cumberland Ridge. It is important that Halleck and I should meet. I have proposed to do so at Louisville. We can both get there in twelve hours. Can von meet us there? If yes, name a time. I have been concerned to hear that it is proposed to organize a pro- visional government for Tennessee. I think it would be injudicious at this time. It may not be necessary at all. D. C. BUELL. FORT HENRY, March 6, 1862. Major.General HALLECK: Union City is said to be garrisoned by rebels. I will keep a lookout to prevent surprise from that direction while the garrison is weak here. U. S. GRXNT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 6, 1862. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Cairo: If it be true, as reported, that there is a strong rebel force at Union City, it seems to me that the garrison is not safe. Could not a gunboa Page 12 12 KL, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL anchor in position below so as to command the railroad l The opera- tions of the enemy in the vicinity of Columbus should be closely watched and care taken to prevent a surprise. II. W. HALLECK. Major- General. PADUCAH, Ky., March 6, 1862. Maj. Gen. II. W HALLEcK: General Grant right. j have just learned that a large force of rebels have collected at Eastport or at the bridge near there and also at Corinth. Force estimated at 20,000; engaged fortifying at 1)0th places. Now he says has boats enough for whole grand command. I will send for General Smith to Savannah all the Padncah garrison. When am I to go ~ I l)refer General Smiths column. W. T. SHERMAN, Brigcdier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, & tint Louis, March 6, 1862. Brigadier-General SHERMAN, Pa ducah, Ky.: Major-General GRANT, P07-I Henry, Teun.: General Sherman may join General smiths column. General Smith must advance with great caution. If the enemy is in force at Corinth or Eastport, our landing must be below. I agree with General Grant that water batteries at Fort Donelson should be dismounted and cap- tured field artillery sent to Paducah or Cairo. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. PADUCAH, Ky., March 6, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Captain Rawlins, General Grants adjutant-general, says General Grant is at Fort Henry with about 12,000 effective men. At a point above, sixteen regiments, four broken regiments at Fort Donel~on, two regiments at Clarksville, but will be at Fort Henry to-day. Plenty of boats at Fort Henry. I send up six more steamers to-day, loaded with troops, an(1 will have as many more to-morrow. Three regiments are coming around from Clarksville to Fort Henry by water. There are ten batteries with General Grants army now. There is one battery here; shall Isend it up also? W. T. SHEIIMAK, Brigadier- General. CAIRO, March 6, 186212 m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: March 4, the enemy had 20,000 men at Corinth, Miss.; 10,000 at Hen- derson, 25 miles from Coriiith; and 8,000 at Bear River Bridge, near Alabama line, and were daily receiving re-enforcements from Columbus, from Louisiana, and from other points. They will probably make de- Ci(led stand there, and require a large army well managed to beat them Page 13 CHAP. XXII.] 13 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. The Potomac column twenty days ago would have secured all that country and completely crushed secession in the West. Will General McClellan meet Westeru generals for consultation? Halleck is now moving up Tennessee, but I think that his own force is inadequate for work before them. Matters for Mississippi River movement progress- ing well. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH BRIGADE, Camp Browniow, March 6, 186~. Lientenant-Governor FISK, lirankfort, Ky.: DEAR SIR: I desire to submit through you to the honorable General Assembly of Kentucky the consideration of the condition of the Union men of the Sandy Valley. They have been robbed of all their means of defense by the rebel army which has lately been driveii from thia l)ortion of the State. There is now no organize(l force of the enemy in Eastern Kentucky, and if the Union men could be furnished with arms. and the militia thoroughly reorganized the whole region could be easily protected in future. 1 believe there is no further danger of an invasion from beyond the borders of the State, but there will be for a long time hereafter constant danger to the citizens from small bands of reckless men, who have no other object than to rob and plunder. I earnestly commend this matter to the attention of your honorable bodies, hoping that immediate steps may be taken to shield this un- happy people from the terrorism which has reigned for the last three months. I am happy to assure you that the Union sentiment is rapidly growing among the people, and I believe they can now be safely trusted with their own defense and the maintenance of the Federal authormtme~ in their midst. Hoping that arrangements may be made for their l)rotectioli when the troops under my command are withdrawn, I am, very truly, your obediemit servant, ~. A. GARFIELD, Colonet, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 6, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Port Henry, Tenn.: I inclose herewith a copy of a letter addressed to Jndgc Davis, presi- dent of the Western lnvestigating Commission. Judge Davis says the writer is a man of integrity and perfectly reliable. The want of order amid discipline and the numerous irregularities in your command since the capture of Fort Donelson are matters of gen- eral notoriety, and have attracted the serious attention of the authori- ties at Washington Unless these things are immediately corrected I am directed to relieve you of the commimnand. H. W., HALLECK, Major- General Page 14 14 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAL. XXIL [Inclosure.] CAIRo, ilfarch 2, 1862. Hon. DAVID DAVIs, Saint Louis: DEAR SIR: As you are engaged in the business of investigating army contracts and frauds practwed on the Government, it may not be out of place for me to state a fen facts as they have been told to me, and that by parties most interested. At the taking of Fort Henry there was a large amount of sugar, coffee, and rice captured, besides a lot of horses, wagons, and other property. Now I would like to know who is to take charge of the property captured from the enemy. In the case above mentioned the property went into the hands of the quartermaster of one of the Illinois regiments, and he turned it over to the sutlers (the sugar, coffee, and rice), and the sutlers repacked the goods in barrels, with different marks, so as to deceive the steamboatmen a to Cairo, and from there to Bloomington, Ill. , nd shipped theni asked one of the siit lers what the sugar, coffee, and rice cost them, and he said the coffee cost 8 cents per pound, the sugar 4 cents per pound, and the rice about 2 cents per pound; and when I asked him how they came to get them so cheap, he said that they (the sutlers) were to run it off and divide the profits with the quartermaster. One of the sutlers bought a jackass, but who from I am not informed, for $7. They say if he can get him home he will be worth $500 or $600. The sutlers were here when they heard of the surrender of Fort Donelson, and they were in a great hurry to get up there, for fear the property would all be gone before they got there. If you can have the patience to read a little further I will try to ex- plain how it is all done. Col. John Cook, of Springfield, has command of a brigade, and when there is any property captured he puts his own regiment in the lead, and therefore the property goes into the hands of his quartermaster, and the Government is none the better for it. They say if Cook can get a brigadiers commissionand they think he will they can make $6,000 or $8,000 by just such operations as the sugar, coffee, and rice operation. When they come to ship this sugar, coffee, and rice to Cairo, Colonel Cook gives them a free pass for them and their goods to Cairo, and Cook takes the pass to a Mr. G. W. Graham and gets him to indorse it, though I dont think Graham knew what they were doing; and, further, they tell me that Cook has no part of the profits, but is very clever and accommo(lating to his friends, one of whom is a personal friend of Cooks, and lives at Springfield, Ill. These same sutlers are selling whisky at the most extravagant prices ever heard of$l.50 per bottle, which is about $9 per gallon. There have been lots of property carried off by individuals, such as dirks, pistols, guns of e very description, rides, don ble-barreled shot guns, Sharps rifles, & c. If all the property captured from the enemy could be taken care of and sold for what it would bring it would put several thousand (iolla1~s into the Treasury, where it is so much needed. There are a great mrmanv other little things I would like to mention, but I fear your l)atience will be exhausted before you get through reading so long a letter and otso little interest. Hoping things will all come right in the end, I remain, respectfully, yours Page 15 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 15 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Missouui, A3aint Louis, March 6, 1862. Major-General GRANT, Port Henry, Tenn.: General McClellan directs that you report to me daily the number and positions of the forces under your command. Your neglect of repeated orders to report the strength of your command has created great dissatisfaction and seriously interfered with military plans. Your going to Nashville without authority, and when your presence with your troops was of the utmost importance, was a matter of very serious com- plaint at Washington, so much so that I was advised to arrest you on your return.* H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Nashville, March 6, 1862. Hon. J. R. UNDERWOOD, Chairman Military Gommittee, Prankfort, Ky.: DEAR SIR: I have had the honor to receive your communication of the 1st instant on the subject of fugitive slaves in the camps of the army. It has come to my knowledge that slaves sometimes make their way improperly into our lines, and in some instances they may be enticed there; but I think the number has been magnified by report. Several applications have been made to me by persons whose servants have been found in our camps, and in every instance that I know of the master has recovered his servant and taken him away. I need hardly remind you that there will always be found some law- less and mischievous persons in every army; but I assure you that the mass of this army is law-abiding, and that it is neither its disposition nor its policy to violate law or the rights of individuals in any par- ticular. With great respect, your obedient servant, [D. C. BUELL,] Brigadier-General, Commanding Department. FORT HENRY, March 7, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, AS~aint Louis, Mo.: Your dispatch of yesterday just received. I did all I could to get you returns of the strength of my command. Every move I made was reported daily to your chief of staff who must have failed to keep you properly posted. I have done my very best to obey orders and to carry out the interests of the service. If my course is not satisfactory, remove me at once. I do not wish to impede in any way the success of our arms. I have averaged writing more than once a day since leaving Cairo to keep you informed of my position, and it is no fault of mine if von have not received my letters. My going to Nashville was strictly intended for the good of the service, and not to gratify any desire of my own. Believing sincerely that I must have enemies between yOu and my- self, who are trying to impair my usefulness, I respectfully ask to be relieved from further duty in the department. U. S. GRANT, ilfajor-General. * See Series i, vol. vii, pp. 679, 680, 682, 683 Page 16 16 KY, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., ANI) SW. VA. [CUAP. XXII. SAINT Louis, March 7, 1862. Major-General MCCLELLAN: I am in immediate communication with General Buell by telegraph. I cannot leave here to meet him till Fort Henry, New Madrid, and Ironton are connected by telegraph. Have strong parties at work to effect this. Curtis is again calling for re-enforceinents and has drawn in his reserves, thus exposing his depot, which is threatened. I must be in reach to aid him by telegram. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERs DEPARTMENT OF THE MI55OURJ, Saint Louis, March 7, 1862. THOMAs A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War, Cairo: I telegraphed to General Buell to re-enforce me as strongly as pos- sible at or near Savannah. Their line of def~nse is now an oblique one, extending from Island No. 10 to Decatur or Chattanooga. Hav- ing destroyed the railroad and bridges in his rear, Johnston cannot return to Nashville. We must again pierce his center at Savannah or Florence. Buell should move immediately, and not come in too late, as he did at Donelson. I wish a demonstration on Island No. 10 a~ soon as possible, to try the effect of the niortar boats. The gunboats should not seriously expose themselves. If the place is strong, it must be turned in the same manner as Bowling Green and Columbus. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNE5SEE, Fort Henry, March 7, 1862. General S. A. HURLEUT, Commanding Fourth Division: Embark your forces on the transports, now awaiting you, as rapidly as possible. The number of transports furnished being inadequate to the number of troops to be shipped, you will place as many on each boat as can be taken, having due regard to the health and comfort of the men. Any transports that may remain after getting your force aboard will be sent back to Fort Henry to take on the troops there. There will be a supply of provisions and forage with the fleet to issue on the route, but all troops should start out with at least five days rations issued, three of which would be better cooked. There is also a supply of ammunition on one of the transports for future issue, should it be required. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, 862. Col. 11. J. OGLESEY, Fort Henry, March 7 1 Commanding U. S. Forces, Fort Donelson, Teun.: Dismount all the guns in the fortifications, and ship them to Cairo, if practicable. If not practicable to ship, at least dismount the guns Page 17 CHAP. XXII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC UNION. 17 Send to Cairo as rapidly as possible all public and captured property not required for the service. Citizens may be permitted to pass up and down the river, but should be excluded as far as practicable from the post. I will order over here in a few days all but one regiment of your command. U. S. GRANT, Major-General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE; No. 19. Fort Henry, Tenn., March 7, 1862. 1. In pursuance of directions from headquarters Department of ~the Missouri, Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith is assigned to the command of the ex- pedition now about moving np the Tennessee River. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, commanding: [JNO. A. ItAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EJO-UTEENTH BRIG-ADE, Piketon, Ky., March 7, 1862. Capt. J. B. FRY, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: We have in a great measure recovered from the effects of the great flood in this valley, though the exposure it occasioned has largely increased our sick list. Since my arrival here I have sent out several sconting parties and opened communication with several men beyond the mountains, and am now able to report fully in regard to the situation of this part of Kentucky. As my advance reached this place the remnant of Marshalls force leftWhitesburg and passed hurriedly through the Pound Gap. I have captured a few stragglers, and deserters are daily coming in; but with the exception of here and there a band of robbers, which will be caught or dispersed in a few days, there is no enemy in Eastern Kentucky. I am also able to give you full information of the position of Mar- shalls brigade; his cavalry force has gone to Blountsville, Tenn., and is in a very demoralized condition their horses are nearly worthless. Colonel Triggs Virginia regiment is encamped on Coffee Creek, in the vicinity of Lebanon, about 20 miles from Abingdon, Va. Colonel Moores (Virginia) regiment is on Clinch River, 10 miles this side of Lebanon. Colonel Williams (Kentucky) regiment, which came down this valley 1,500 strong, is reduced to about 700, by battle,~sickness, and deserters, and is on the southern border of Wise County, Virginia. About 2~ miles beyond the Gap two whole companies, refusing to leave Kentucky, deserted and dispersed when the regiment passed through the Gap. At the same time the battery of artillery which was stationed at the Gap was removed to the vicinity of Abingdon. Another battery had already gone as far as Lebanon with Colonel Trigg. There are still stationed at the Gap five companies of Virginia State Militia, under a Major Thompson. General Marshall and staff are at Gladesville, where he seems to have but little interest in the army and almost no control over it. He has lost a large number of his wagons, 2 R RYOL x, PT I Page 18 18 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. and in his retreat has ruined and lost a large share of his horses and .mules. There does not appear to be the least disposition on the part of the teneiny to return to this county. On the contrary, they seem to be 4naking their way toward the railroad, and it is currently rumored that -they are to be sent into Tennessee. The devastated condition of this valley precludes the probability of its being agaiu entered from that direction. The army just driven from us swept it completely of the means of subsisting an army. My forag- ing parties have not been able to find a dozen beeves in a circuit of 15 miles from this place. Again, it would take several weeks labor to re- ,pair the damages done to the roads by the late rains, so as to make them passable for wagons from the Gap to this place and to Prestonburg. The Fortieth and Forty second Ohio, the Twenty-second Kentucky, and McLaughlins squadron of cavalry are here. The Fourteenth Ken- tucky is at Paintsville. Part of the Sixteenth Kentucky is at Louisa, ~.and the remainder at Catlettsburg. I thought it best not to move the Fourteenth Kentucky and Sixteenth Kentucky up the river until I should learn the intentions of General Buell in regard to the future movements of the brigade. I believe I have reached the limit of my instruction, and I respectfully await further orders. There has been a marked change in favor of the Union among the eitizens of Buchanan, Wise, Scott, and other counties. At the foot of the Cnmberland Mountains, within the last few weeks, several public meetings have been held to express their attachment to the Union, and in one instance a deputation was sent to me inviting me to come among them with the brigade, and promising their cordial support. Many m-ebel families are removing south of the railroads. Very truly, your obedient servant, J. A. GAI~FIELD, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MIssouRI, Saint Louis, ilfarch 8, 1862. Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Nashville, Tenn.: I have encouraged steamers here to take goods to Nashville. This will enable you to use them when they arrive there withoul~ exposing my plan by sending them up empty. If you determine to send any troops to the Tennessee, please let me know when and how many. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SAINT Louis, March 8, 1862. General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Paducah: The steamer Graham, if cleared here according to my orders, must be permitted to proceed to Nashville with her cargo. If surveyor of port interferes, arrest him. If he is acting under orders of W. P. Mellen, tell him that I have directed said Mellen to countermand them. Arrest -any civil officer that attempts to interfere with my orders. H. W~ HALLECK, Major- General Page 19 eHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 19 WAR DEPARTMENT, March 8, 1862. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis: The President directs me to inform you that the act of Congress, July 13, 1861, prohibits commercial intercourse with States proclaimed to be in rebellion (which includes all south of Kentucky and Missouri), except under license of the President and under rules and regulations pre- scribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. By the Presidents direction the Secretary has lately made such rules and regulations, copies of which are this day sent you by mail. The President desires you to enforce no rules inconsistent with them, and if any such have been made, that you will rescind them. Please acknowledge receipt of this instruction. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [The same to General D. C. Buell.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 8, 1862. S. P. CHASE, Secretary of Treasury, Washington: Th~ order opening the navigation of the Cujuberland is not a com- mercial measure, but a military ruse, to get steamers into that river without disclosing the real object. The conduct of Mr. W. P. Mellen in attempting to thwart an important military movement in order to exhibit his own authority is very objectionable. If he continues to interfere, I must ask for his removal. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 8, 1862. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington: The opening of trade to Nashville was a military ruse, to get steam- boats up the Cumberland for the movement of troops, without the enemys suspecting the object. If sent up empty, the object could not have been concealed. The regulations made with this intent will of course give way to those sent by the Secretary of the Treasury. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 8, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Information which I belh~ve to be reliable, states that Island No. 10 has been abandoned; part of the force gone to New Madrid, where are four gunboats, and part to Jackson. No force of any consequence at Memphis. Cotton sent to the interior and sugar and other stores down the river. Cannonading at New Madrid on the arrival of our troops, in which the town was wholly or partially destroyed. Force at New Madrid not great. Five thousand was stated, but may be mOre. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- General Page 20 20 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 8, 1862. Brig. Gen. I). C. BUELL, Nashville, Tenn.: You are mistaken about Island No. 10. It has not been abandoned. We have invested New Madrid and made lodgment at Point Pleasant. The enemy has six gunboats at New Madrid. They have annoyed us, but have done very little harm. Do you purpose to send any troops te the Tennessee, and, if so, how many and when? My own movements are delayed for this information. Answer as soon as possible. H. W. HALLECK, iIlajor- Generat. PADUCAH, March 8, 1862. General CULLUM: General Halleck by celegrapli authorizes me to join Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith. I have sent up the Tennessee eleven regiments and one battery and enough boats to transport 20,000 men. Do you know any reason why I should delay longer here? I propose to go up to-night and leave Colonel Noble in command with two regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry. W. T. SHERMAN. WAR DEPARTMENT, March 8, 1862. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War, Nashville: Your telegram, received to~day, gives great satisfaction. General Buell will be nominated a major-general to-morrow. Andrew Johnson will be appointed Military Governor of Tennessee, with the rank of brigadier, and district marshals, attorneys, and a district judge will be nominated. Authority to raise regiments of loyal Tennesseeans will be granted to all suitable persons. Arms and ammunition for the Volun- teers will be forwarded. You will remain at Nashville with General Buell or wherever you can be most useful, advising me daily of the state of operations. The President is much pleased with the cautious vigor of General Buell, and relies upon that to guard, above all things~ against any mishap by premature and unsupported movements, and expects cordial concert of action between him and General Halleck. EDWIN M. STANTON Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI Saint Louis, ililiarch 8, 186210.30 a. m. Major-General MCCLELLAN, Washington: Strange to say, I have not yet received any returns whatever from General Grant, showing the number and position of his forces. I ordered, on the 1st of March, one week ago, the movement up the Tennessee te destroy bridges, & c. I can get no official information of how many have gone or where they now are. Popes army haviiig accomplished its main object by turning Columbus on the right, and all the countr Page 21 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 21 about New Madrid being overflowed, I have ordered his main body to be withdrawn and sent up the Tennessee. We must pierce the center of the enemys new line somewhere below Florence. As Savannah is near the railroad and between Corinth and Henderson, I have directed the lauding to be made at that place, unless General Smith, from loca1~ information, should deem some other point preferable. I have sent in- trenching tools, and shall push forward re-enforcements as rapidly as possible. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. SAINT Louis, March 8, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Fort Henry: You are mistaken. There is no enemy between you and me. There is no letter of yours stating the number and p~sition of your command since capture of Fort Donelson. General McClellan has asked for it repeatedly with reference to ulterior movements, but I could not give him the information. He is out of all patience waiting for it. Answer by telegraph in general terms. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. FORT HENRY, March 9, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Your dispatch of yesterday is just received. I will do all in my power to advance the expedition now started. You had a better chance of know- ing my strength whilst surrounding Fort Donelson than I had. Troops were reporting daily, by your order, and immediately assigned to bri- gades. There were no orders received from you until the 28th Febru- ary to make out returns, and I made every effort to get them in as early as possible. I have always been ready to move anywhere, regardless of consequences to myself, but with a disposition to take the best care of the troops under my command. I renew my application to be re- ~ieved from further duty. Returns have been sent. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 9, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Infantry present and for duty, 35,147; cavalry, 3,169; artillery, 12 batteriesaggregate number of pieces, 54; men, 1,231. Location: Infantry embarked on expedition, 25,206; at landing above Fort Henry, awaiting transportation, 5,740; Clarksville, 1,173; Fort iDonelson, 2,328, 1,216 of whom are under marching orders for the Tennessee as soon as transportation can be had. At Fort Henry, 700; cavalry, 1,900, embarked on expedition. One regiment, poorly armed, at Fort Henry, and two companies at Fort IDonelson. Artillery all embarked on expe- dition except one battery of two guns at Fort Donelson. This includes General Shermans division of 7,829 infantry and one battery. A return of the forces and location was mailed to you from Paducali on the 6th instant. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 22 22 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, ,S1aint Louis, March 9, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Fort Henr3J: Your letter of the 5th instant, just received, contains the first and only information of your actual forces. If you have reported them before I have not seen them. General McClellan has repeatedly or-- dered me to report to him daily the numbers and positions of your forces. This I could not do, and the fault certainly was not mine, for- I telegraphed to you time and again for the information, but could get. no answer. This certainly indicated a great want of order and system in your command, the blame of which was partially thrown on me, and perhaps jnstly, as it is the duty of every commander to compel those under him to obey orders and enforce discipline. Dont let such neglect occlir again, for it is equally discreditable to you and to me. I really- felt ashamed to telegraph back to Wasliington time and again that I was unable to give the strength of your command. But to business. I think the guns and stores at Clarksville should be brought down to Paducah. We require no garrison there. Frag- inentary regiments equivalent to one regiment will be sufficient tob garrison l~?ort Donelson. The same for Fort Henry. All other troops~ should be sent up the Tennessee as rapidly as possible. As soon as- these things are arranged y6u will hold yourself in readiness to take tlie command. There will probably be some desperate fighting in that vicinity, and we must be prepared. See that stores, ainmunition~ intrenching tools, & c., are forwarded. Messengers should be sent at least twice a day to the telegraph line, to keep me informed of everything. I ant required to report te Washington at least once a day the condition of affairs. Your district was the only one heretofore from which I could not obtain the required~ information. I shall organize and send you re-enforcements as rapidly as possible, and when I get them under way I shall join you myself. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SAINT LOUIS, March 9, 18628 p. m. Major.General MCCLELL~AN, Washington: From General Grants letter of the 5th instant, just received, I learmi that his force consists of forty-six regiments of infantry, three regi- ments of cavalry, and ten batteries of light artillery. This is the first and only information on this subject I have received from him. The regiments, he says, will not average more than 500 men each. You will perceive from this that without Buells aid I am too weak for opera- lions on the Tennessee. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 9, 1862. Major-General HALLEOX: I did not get your dispatch of the 6th nutil yesterday; that of the 8th the same evening. I suggest the following: I can move from one side of the river to the other at pleasure, and if w~ attempt to operate on both sides without the same facility of transit we are liablb to b Page 23 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 23 beaten in detail. The point I previously suggested, is the only one from which we can operate centrally. That secured, we can act accord- ing to circumstances either way. If you occnpy that point I will re- enforce you by water or join you by land; otherwise I may detach toG little to serve you, or else so much as to endanger Middle Tennessee,. the importance of which I need not allude to. If we could meet, L think we could better understam~d each other. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- GeneraL HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH BRIGADE, Cumberland Ford, March 9, 1862.. Capt. J. B. FRY,, Assistant Adjutant- General, Chief of Staff: CAPTAIN: Within the last week upwards of 1,000 East Tennesseean~. have arrived in this vicinity, the great mass of whom have entered the service. In a very short time we shall have three new regiments.. Supplies of all kinds are needed for them. Two thousand men can be armed with Tennessee rifles, now on hand, but unfortunately, and most unaccountably, no ammunition for them has been received. Two hundred thousand cartridges were, as I was advised by Lieutenant, Edson, sent to Lebanon, with orders to have them forwarded to Lon- don about the middle of January, but what disposition was made of them by Captain Nigh I am at loss to say. I report the fact with the hope that the case may be investigated. There has been criminal care- lessness somewhere in connection with the matter, and as this com- mand has been seriously affected by it, I trust that the fault may b& traced to its proper source. Respectfully, S. P. CARTER, Acting Brigadier- General.. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 9. Nashville, Tenn., March 9, 1862. I. Brigadier-General Crittenden and the Fourteenth Brigade are relieved from further duty with the Fourth Division. II. The Eleventh Brigade, General Boyle, is assigned to the Fifth Division, Brigadier-General Crittenden commanding. III. The batteries of the Fourth Division will be Konkles, Harris~,. and Coxs. IV. The batteries of the Fifth Divisioii will be Mendenhalls (regu- lars) and Bartletts. V. The batteries of the Sixth Division will be Cochrans, ,Cockerill~s~ and Shultzs, under Major Race, First Ohio Artillery. * * * * * * * By command of Brigadier-General Buell: [JAMES B. FRY,] Assistant Adjutant- Genera Page 24 24 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AN]) SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, No. 1. Paducak, March 9, 1862. The organization of brigades at Paducah will remain substantially the same on the present expedition, viz: First Brigade, Colonel Hicks commanding: Fortieth Illinois Volunteers, Col. S. G. Hicks. Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Worthington. Mortons Indiana battery. Second Brigade, Colonel Stuart commanding: Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, Col. D. Stuart. Seventy-first Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Mason. Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, Col. T. K. Smith. Third Brigade, Colonel Huldebrand commandino-: Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Huldebrand. Fiftyaseveuth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Mungen. Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Appler. Fourth Briga4e, Colonel Buckland commanding: Seventy-second Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Buckland. Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Sullivan. Seventieth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Cockerill. The Fifth Ohio Cavalry will not be brigaded. Morning field reports will be required daily from each brigade, and, if possible, before 10 a. m. The several brigades will move on boats in the order of rank as above, and the boats of each brigade will move together. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman, coinmandiiig First Division: J. II. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT LouIS, March 10, 18629 a. m. Major-General MCCLELLAN, Washington: Telegram of 9th, just received, gives General Grants forces 35,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry, and fifty-four pieces of artillery. General Pope has made a lodgment below Point Pleasant, thus turning island No. 10. Unless stronger than supposed, it cannot hold out a long time. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, iS~aint Louis, March 10, 18627 p. in. Major-General MCCLELLAN, Washington: Reserves intended to support General Curtis will now be drawn in as rapidly as possible and sent to the Tennessee. I propose going there in a few days. That is now the great strategic line of the Western campaign, and I am surprised that General Buell should hesitate to re-enforce me. He was too late at Fort Donelson, as Hunter has been in Arkansas. I am obliged to make my calculations independent of both. Believe me, general, you make a serious mistake iii having three independent commands in the West. There never will and never can be any co-operation at the critical moment; all military history proves it. You will regret your decision against me on this point. Your friendship for individuals has influenced your judgment. Be it so. Page 25 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 25 shall soon fight a great battle on the Tennessee unsupported, as it seems, but if successful it will settle the campaign in the West. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. FORT HENRY, iLlfareh 10, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Third Iowa Infantry just arrived. Effective strength, 676. Ordered to join General Smith. Advance of expedition started last evening. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. FORT HENRY, March 10, 1862. lVIiaj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: To-morrow is the day when all persons of proper age are to be en- rolled in this State in the rebel army. Troops are now in Paris to enforce the order of Governor Harris. I am concentrating the small force nuder my command on the west bank of the river, to defeat their object as far as lays in my power. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. CINCINNATI, March 10, 1862. General BUELL: Any suggestion that General Buell may think proper to make in re- gard to the time or manner of my reaching Nashville will be thankfully received. I hope you have consulted with our Union friends. Answer to Louisville. I will be there to-morrow. ANDREW JOHNSON. NASHVILLE, March 10, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: My advanced division is at Columbia. The heavy rains and the destruction of bridges by the enemy will of course retard our progress somewhat. I am told the communication with Island No. 10 is kept up across the bend of the river, only 3 miles over. Am without money; are both in credit and efficiency suffering in consequence. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 10, 186211 a. m. General D. C. BUELL, Nashville: My forces are moving up the Tennessee as rapidly as we can obtain transportation. Florence was the point originally designated, but on account of enemys forces at Corinth and Humboldt it is deemed best to land at Savannah and establish depot. The transports will serve as ferries. The selection is left to C. F. Smith, who commands the advance Page 26 26 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. General Pope has turned Island No. 10 at Point Pleasant, but enemy shows no disposition to evacuate. G~ieral Curtis is asking for re-en- forcements in Arkansas. I must send him some troops intended for the Tennessee. You do not say whether we are to expect any re-en- forcements from Nashville. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAIRo, March 10, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Fort Henry: Send back steamers as soon as they can be spared. No transports here and very few in Saint Louis. G. W. CULLUM, Brigadier- General, & c. FORT HENRY, March 1Q, 1862. Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Cairo, Ill.: No steamers will be detained here. As fast as they return from above I will send them to report to you. U. S. G.IRALNT, Major- General. SAINT LOUIS, March 10, 1862. Hon. M. S. LATHAM U. S. Senate, Washington: Mv DEAR SIR: My attention has often been called to the injustice of the distinction in our laws in regard to captures made by the Army and Navy. The law of April 23, 1800, and subsequent laws direct the manner of distributing the proceeds of prizes on condemnation among the naval captors as a reward for bravery and a stimulus. But the act of April 10, 1806, article 58, governing the Army, requires that all public stores taken in the enemys camp, towns, forts, or maga- zines, whether artillery, ammunition, clothing, forage, or provisions, shall be secured for the service of the United States -~ but no provis- ion is made, as in the case of capture by naval forces, for any prize distribution among the army captors. This works a great injustice, and there is no reason for the distimiction. For example: Land bat- teries cut off and capture a valuable vessel and cargo in a bay or river, no reward is given; but if the Navy does the same, they get the l)rize- money. Again, such vessel is cal)tured by joint operation of land and naval forces; the latter get the prize money anZL the former get nothing. This is certainly unjust and wrong. Moreover, it has a most i1~jnrious influence upon the discipline of our troops. Knowing whPn they make a~ capture that they are to receive nothing for the captured property, each one goes to pillaging, and concealing whatever he can fbr his own use. If, as in all other countries, our military captors shared in the prize, each individual would be interested in protecting and preserving all captured property. As an example of the effects of the present system I will refer to the capture of Fort Donelson. As no one was interested in the property captured or caused to be accountable for it, large quantities were destroyed or carried away. This army was for some days almost a Page 27 CHAP. XXII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 21 much demoralized by this plundering as was that of Bull Run by th& defeat. There is but one effectual way of putting an end to this system of plunder and pillage, which has such a baneful influence on the morals~ and discipline of the Army; it is to pass a bill putting the Army and Navy on an equality in regard to prize-money. It should be don& speedily. Officers and men will not take proper care of captured prop- erty unless they are interested in its preservation. It may be alleged, in opposition to such a bill, that in England there is no statute for military captures as there is for prizes at sea. Such is the fact; but there military captures belong to the Crown, and they are distributed according to regulation established by the Crown. No statute is therefore required to pass for this purpose, as in the case of prizes condemned iu admiralty. If desired, I will assist in the preparation of a bill. You are at liberty to show this letter to the Military Committees of the two Houses or to others. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SAINT Louis, March 10, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Fort Henry: The hard-fought battle and signal victory by General Curtis in the Southwest relieves the reserves intended for his support. They will be sent to you immediately. Transports with cavalry and artillery can each take an infantry regiment from Fort Henry np the Tennessee.. Arrange for them as they arrive, and be ready yourself to take the gen- eral command. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. NASHVILLE, March 10, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: The possession and absolute security of the country north of the Tennessee, with Nashville as a center, is of vital importance, both in ~ political and military point of view. Under no circumstances should it be jeopardized. It enables us, with the Tennessee as a base, to operate east, west, or south. All our arrangements should look to a centralization of our forces for that object. We cannot tell now what direction to take when we get our troops within reach of the enemy. You cannot well tell what force you may meet to the west. Still less~ can I tell what may come in the direction of Stevenson. With this. view the establishment of your force on this bank of the river as high up as possible is evidently judicious, and with the same view it would be unnecessary and inadvisable to change the line on which I propose to advance. I can join you almost if not quite as soon as by water, in better condition, and with more security to your operations and mine. I believe you cannot be too promptly nor too strongly established on the Tennessee. I sl~ll advance in a few days, as soon as our trans portation is ready. ~. C~ BUELL, Brigadier- General Page 28 28 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH BRIGADE, Camp Browniow, Piketon, Ky., March 10, 1862. Brig. Gen. W. S. HOSECRANS Commanding Department of Western Virginia: GENERAL: Yours of the 19th ultimo is received.* In reply I have to say I am now at this place, with three regiments of infantry and one squadron of cavalry. I have one regiment at Paintsville and one at Uatlettsburg. There are two companies of Colonel Lightburns regi- inent at Louisa, which I am about to relieve. I have about two months rations here and at Paintsville, about five weeks of which are at this point. I can rely on steamboat transportation to this point for nearly a month yet; after which a fleet of push boats can be used. On my approach to this place the remnant of Marshalls force l)assed through the Pound Gap. He is n~w at Gladesville, though most of his brigade is beyond, in the vicinity of Lebanon. There are five companies of Yirginia State troops at the Gap. The rebel artillery has been re- moved from the Gap, and I think Marshall does not intend to make a stand this side of Moccasin Gap, which is about 20 miles this side of Abingdon. I have just received a dispatch from Colonel Carter, commanding Twelfth Brigade, at Cumberland Ford. His brigade. consisting of five regiments infantry, 500 cavalry, and a battery, is now within 6 miles of Cumberland Gap, where the enemy, 5,000 strong, is fortified. He urges co-operation, and suggests a movement on my part through the Pound Gap to attack the 5,000 rebels in their rear. Hoping to hear your plans soon, I am, very truly, yours, J. A. GARFIELD, Colonel, (Jommanding Brigade. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, No. 2. Steamer Continental, March 10, 1862. The point of rendezvous of this expedition will be Savannah, Teun. Capt. W. T. Brink, having reported in pursuance of orders from head- quarters District of West Tennessee, is announced as chief of ordnance of the expedition. By order of Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. PRESIDENTS WAR ORDER, ~ EXECUTIVE MANSION, No. 3. Washington, March 11, 1862. Major-General McClellan having personally taken the field as the bead of the Army of the Potomac until otherwise ordered he isre- hieved from the command of the other military departments, he retain- ing command of the Department of the Potomac. Ordered further, that the two departments now nn(Ier the respective commands of Generals Halleck and Hunter, together with so much of that under General Buell as lies west of a north and south line indefi- nitely drawn through Knoxville, Tenn., be consolidated and designated * Not found Page 29 CBAP. XXII.] 29 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC UNION. the Department of the Mississippi, and that until otherwise ordered Major-General Halleck have command of 8aid department. Ordered also, that the country west of the Department of the Poto- mac and east of the Department of the Mississippi be a military department, to be called the Mountain Department, and that, the same be commanded by Major-General Fr6mont. That all the commanders of departments, after the receipt of th~i~ order by theni respectively, report severally and directly to the Secre- tary of War, and that prompt, full, and frequent reports will be ex- pected of all and each of them. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. FORT HENRY, March 11, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Your dispatch of yesterday is just received. The transports sent here have not been able to take all the troops, coal being much wanted. I shall run down to Paducah to-night. There is but one steamer de- tained here, and she is being used in transporting troops to the west bank of the river. The people of Tennessee are much in want of protection to-day against the Governors conscription orders. I wish we were in condi- tion to afford them the protection they require. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST YENTIESSEE, Fort Henry, March 11, 1862. General. C. F. SMITH, Commanding Expedition to Upper Tennessee: Send back steamers as rapidly as possible, to enable me to forward balance of troops. General Halleck telegraphs me this morning that since the signal success of General Curtis in the Southwest the troop& held as a reserve for him will be sent to me, and when they arrive I may take the general direction. 1 think it exceedingly doubtful whether I shall accept; certainly not until the object of the expedition is accomplished. U. S. GRANT, Major-General, Commanding. FORT HENRY, TENN., March 11, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: I just learn there is a disposition to carry on a guerrilla warfare in Kentucky north of this point. It has assumed small proportions a~ yet, but may become more formidable. I would advise sending a few companies of cavalry to Eddyville, with instructions to go interior to Hopkinsville. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 30 30 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TUNNESSEE, Fort Henry, March ii, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Yours of the 6th instant, inclosing an anonymous letter to Hon. Da. vid Davis, speaking of frands committed against Government, is just received. I refer you to my orders to snppress marauding as the only reply necessaty. There is such a disposition to find fault with me that I again ask to be relieved from further duty until I can be placed right in the estimation of those higher in authority. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 11, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Nashville, Teun.: It is reported that secessionists about Hopkinsville and other places are endeavoring to organize guerrilla parties. As I shall withdraw the garrison from Clarksville, I suggest its occupation by a regiment of cavalry, which could throw out parties to Hopkinsville and other places to prevent any such formations. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis March 11 1862. Major-General GRANT, FortJlenry, Tenn.: General Buell has been notified of the guerrilla organizations in Ken- tucky, and also that I purposed to withdraw the garrison from Clarks- ville. As the country north of the Cumberland belongs to his depart- ment we cannot interfere without his request. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEIDQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, AI arch 11, 1862. Col. W. W, LOWE, Commanding ~ Horse: The reports of E. Y. Shelly and Lieut. N. N. Wheeler are just re- ceived. From their fullness they are most satisfactory, and you may say to those gentlemen that when subordinates take such pains to state a full condition of affairs their course will always meet with a most hearty approval from their commander, no matter who he may be. You will move toward Paris, Teun., with your forces, as soon as pos- sible, and protect the citizens as far as possible from conscription. I will not probably be here to say just when you should return, so that in this matter you will have to use your own discretion. In your ab- sence it may be necessary to get forage from citizens. In all such cases receipts will be given for the. amount taken, and the forage accounted for as if obtained in the regular way. U. ~. GRANT, M~jor- General, Commanding Page 31 CRAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 31 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 11, 1862. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Cairo, Ill.: Siege guns from here will be sent as soon as possible. Those at Padneali, & c., should be made ready for General Grant. Transports which have left here are not full can take more troops at Cairo, Padn- eah, or Fort Henry. Everything available must be sent up the Ten- nessee. Commerce will be broken up, and everything transferred to Birds Point. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Nashville, March 11, 1862. Brig. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: It has been represented to me that there are several fugi- tive slaves in your camp; that the owners of some of them, Dr. Stoep- well and Mr. Thomas, of Kentucky, were prevented yesterday from re- covering themin one case the servant being taken from his owner and himself maltreated and injured by some of yonr men. It is stated also that once before these servants, or some of them, were turned out of your lines by your orders, and that, nevertheless, they have since been en- couraged or permitted to return without your authority. If nothing more, it is necessary that the discipline of your command shall be vindicated. You will therefore cause the negroes, if still in your camp, to be arrested and held until 12 oclock to-morrow. If in that time the owners or their agents shall call for them they will be allowed to take them away, and, if necessary, will be protected from harm or molestation. If they do not call for them, you will release and expel the negroes from your camp, and in future no fugitive slave will be allowed to enter or remain in your lines. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. C. BUELL,] Brigadier-General, Commanding Department. HEADQUARTERS EXPEDiTIONARY CORPS,. Steamer Continental, March 12, 1862. To Commanders of Brigades: The object of our expedition is to cut the Charleston and Memphis Railroad at a point between Corinth and Inka. I propose to run up the river nearly to Eastport and Chickasaw, which is fortified; then to drop back to Tylers Landing, above the month of Yellow Creek; there to disembark the whole command, march back about 7 miles on the road to luka, then halt, and send the cavalry to the railroad, about 7 miles off, destroy it, and then return to the boats. The object is not to en- gage the enemy in force, but to break their communications. Commanders of brigades will advise the colonels of regiments of this pl~n, and see that the men march in silence and order. Muskets should be loaded, and in case a boat is fired on, it should be landed and the enemy punished. W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General Page 32 32 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, No. 6. Steamer Continental, March 12, 1862. To insure regularity and efficiency of supplies each brigade will ap- point an officer to act as brigade commissary. This officer will ascer- tain the approximate strength of his command, and will draw from the depot at least ten days supplies in bulk, receipting therefor. Each regi- mental commissary will make a regimental return of provisions, ap- proved by the commander of the brigade, upon which the issue will be. made, to be distributed to the several companies. Brigade command- ers will be held responsible that their brigades have on hand at all times not less than three days provisions in possession of the regiments or companies. To facilitate issues, as long as the command is on board of steamboats the boats of the same brigade and also of the division, when practicable, must lie together; therefore the brigade commanders boat must lead, and when he makes a landing the succeeding boats must follow him. In like manner should be appointed to each brigade by the com- mander thereof a brigade quartermaster, who will supply the regiments of his brigade with wood, straw, and forage, and have charge of any wagons or horses that may be captured or taken for the use of the army. When forage can be purchased the brigade quartermaster will receipt for the forage, specifying the brigade and division for which it is designed, with the price agree(l on. He will account for the forage on his quarterly return, specifying from whom it was received. If the owner of forage be unwilling to sell, and in the opinion of the command- lug officer then present it be necessary for the use of the army, then the brigade quartermaster will take it and leave a receipt, to be settled by the chief quartermaster or to form the basis of claim against the Govern- xuent at the close of the war. In all cases brigade quartermasters will take up on their returns all forage, & c., thus taken, and issue in the same manner as other public stores. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT LOUIS, March 13, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Fort Henry: You cannot be relieved from your command. There is no good rea- son for it. I am certain that all which the authorities at Washington ask is that you enforce discipline and punish the disorderly. The power is in your hands; use it, and you will be sustained by all above you. Instead of relieving you, I wish you as soon as your new army is in the field to assume the immediate command and lead it on to new victories. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 13, 1862. Maj. Gen. U: S. GRANT, Fort Henry, ffenn.: Dont bring on any genera] engagement at Paris. If enemy appears in force, our troops must fall bacl~. It is not the proper point to attack Page 33 CHAP. xxii.: CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. When you go up the river to assume the general command direct th& officer at Fort Henry to report all troops that pass. Inform me as early as possible where General Smith has landed. Some of the pontoon boats at Paducah should be towed up the Tennessee for depot of com.~ missary stores. - H. W. HALLECK, Major- Generat. FORT HENRY, March 13, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEcK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Just arrived, and ordered to proceed up the Tennessee River and there report to Major-General Smith, commanding expedition: ~l?hir- teenth Iowa, effective strength 848; Fifth Ohio Battery, effective strength 149, with four 6-pounder rifled and two 6-pounder smooth guns; Minnesota Battery, Captain Munch, four 6-pounder rifled guns and two 12-pounder howitzers, effective strength 140. I also have learned unofficially that the Twentieth Ohio, sent from Fort IDonelson as an escort to prisoners, proceeded up the Tennessee. They did not report to me. I suppose their orders were to report to General Smith. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississrppi, Saint Louis, March 13, 1862. Major-General BUELL, .Nashvifle, flenn.: The new arrangement of departments* will not interfere with your command. You will continue in command of the same army and dis- trict of country as heretofore, so far as I am concerned. In order to have perfect co-operation, please to inform me at your earliest conven- ience the strength and position (in general terms) of your command; also what you know about the strength and position of the enemy. I hope to be able to meet you for consultation at some point early next week. Curtis victory in Arkansas has relieved me of much anxiety. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 13, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Your dispatch receiv& L I will write at length iu regard to the force under my command. All information goes to show that the enemy is concentrating along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad at the great southern bend of the Tennessee. Decatur seems to be the main point, but they also occupy Huntsville, Corinth, and several intermediate points, besides Jackson and Humboldt. The movements going on make it difficult to estimate their strength at any point. There is n& doubt that considerable re-enforcements are coming up from the South. The Southern papers announce that Pensacola has been almost evacu- 3 R RYOL x, PT II *See the Presidents War Order, No. 3, of March 11, p. 28 Page 34 34 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL ated, and so of Mobile. Bragg, you probably know, is at Memphis. The force there is small, say three regiments, and no fortifications. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 13, 1862. Major-General llAx~LEcK: I The river is falling rapidly, and it is very important to begin to re- move the obstructions placed in it. Diving boats are required. Eads ahd Nelson, of Saint Louis, are the only persons that have them. One of them should be at work without a days delay. The Louisville road will not be in condition to supply us for some time. I). C. BUELL, Major- General. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, No. 7. f Steamer Continental, March 13, 1862. I. When the gunboats leave, followed by the Con~nental, the division will move in the order heretofore named (see Orders, No.3, of March 10), keeping well together, and leaving an interval of at least 300 yards be- tween brigades. Should a boat fall out, the others will proceed, leav- ing a space for her to return. 11. Every colonel of a regiment will be held responsible that his com- mand is supplied with forty rounds of ammuni~on in the cartridge boxes; that the able-bodied men are prepared to march with blankets and two days rations iii their haversacks, without wagons or any trans- portation, and that 20 men of each regiment carry axes slung on their persons, and that axes be distributed to the leading companies. On all marches, halts, or in action, officers and men must keep their places at all times, and in the event of not receiving orders each regiment must follow its leader. III. In case a landing is made, it may be ordered by the rear, in which case the brigade will march left in front, and regiments will dis- embark and march by the left fia~nk. Officers and men must be cau- tioned to obey orders without question. The objects to be accomplished are special and different from what they expect, but are a part of a ~grand design, devi~ed by the same mind that planned the victories of J?orts Henry and Donelson, and led to the evacuation of Columbus and iN~shville without a blow. Commanders of brigades and colonels of regiments will alone be ad- wised of the plan and object of the expedition. The commanding general enjoins silence at all times, that orders may ~be heard. Nothing so soon produces disordeD and defeat as the habit Lof talking in the ranks, shouting, and noise. Orders cannot be heard; defeat and ruin follow. Silence and celerity of movements are the best means to secure success and victory. If any officer or soldier leaves the ranks without the permission of his captain, or if they engage in or permit acts of pillage and plunder, they will surely be punished. - The laws of Congress make pillage pun- ishable by death, but the disgrace which attends the practice attaches itself to the cause, and prevents that respect with which it should be tour aim to impress our enemies now, who must be~ome our friends be- fore ~peace scan be hoped for Page 35 CHAP. XXIL.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.UNION 35 This order must be read to each company of each regiment, and that immediately. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT HENRY, March 14, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Loui8, Mo.: The first word received from G~neral Smith to-day. He has debarked at Savannah. Sent me no report, but his landing there would indicate fortifications and the enemy in force above. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. FORT HENRY, March 14, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. H.ALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Report and field return from General Smith just received. A bat- tery of a dozen pieces or more found at Eastport. The general thinks Corinth will have to be let alone for the present, but will learn more and report probably by next steamer. An expedition is organizing from Pittsburg in the direction of Corinth, but east of it. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 14, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: I have been waiting for reports of sub-commanders at the battle of Fort Donelson to make some recommendations of officers for advai~ce- ment for meritorious ser$ces. These reports are not yet in, and as the troops under my command are actively engaged, may not be for some time. I therefore take this occasioli to make some recommendations of officers who in my opinion should not be neglected. I would partic- ularly mention the names of Col. J. D. Webster, First Illinois Artillery; Morgan L. Smith, Eighth Missouri Volunteers; W. H. L. Wallace, Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, and John A. Logan, Thirty-first Illinois Volunteers. The two former are old soldiers and men of decided merit. The two latter are from civil pursuits, but I have no hesitation in fully indorsing them as in every way qualified for the position of brigadier- general, and think they have fally earned the position on the field of battle. There are others who maybe equally meritorious, but I do not happen to know so well their services. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 36 36 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 14, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, A9aint LOui8, Mo. After your letter inclosing COPY of anonymous letter, upon which severe censure was based, I felt as though it would be impossible for me to serve longer without a court of inquiry. Your telegram of yes. terday, however, places such a different phase upon my position that I will again assume command, and give every effort to the success of our cause. Under the worst circumstances I would do the same. I have just received the first word from General Smith since he left. The troops were debarked at Savannah; why I do not know. There are eight regiments here awaiting transportation yet. I had expected the return of transports from above to take them before this. The supply of commissary stores sent forward is abundant, but of forage rather short. Under my directions Captain Baxter, assistant quartermaster, is using every effort to keep up the supply. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. P. S.Since writing the above yours of the 9th instant is received. I certainly received but one telegraphic dispateh up to the 28th of February to furnish report of my strength. I had done my best, how- ever, previous to that to get in field returns, in order that consolidated returns might be made out to send you. Now I am not in communi- cation with General Smiths command to report fully as I should like to do, but all that I can learn directly or indirectly you shall be made acquainted with. I feel a doubt about when I should proceed up the river. General Smiths landing at Savannah indicates that fortifica- tions have been encountered above that point and the enemy in force. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. FORT HENRY, March 14, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The garrison at Clarksville has been entirely broken up and fort dis-~ mantled. Two small regiments, numbering less than 700 effective men in the aggregate, are left at Donelson. Forts Henry and Heiman are garrisonedFifty-second Indiana and ~ Horse. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 14, 1862. Colonel OGLESBY, Commanding First Brigade, First Division: You will immediately embark your command on board the steamer Henry Chotean, ordered to report to you at Metal Landing. See that as many are put on board as she can carry, having regard for health, and, when embarked, proceed up the Tennessee until you overtake the expedition com~nanded by Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith, to whom you will report. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWIiINS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 37 CRAP. XXIJ.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 37 SAINT Louis, March 14, 1862. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington: General Bragg is at Memphis, and large re-enforcements are arriving from the South by railroad, to sustain General A. S. Johnston and pre- vent us from reaching Memphis. If an attack on Mobile is intended, now is the time. The capture of that place would assist us very much here. Moreover, gunboats could then ascend the Alabama River and open its commerce. II. W. HALLECK, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Nashville, March 14, 1862 Major-General HALLEUK, U. S. A., Commanding Department of the Mississippi: GENERAL: The aggregate force in the Department of the Ohio, in eluding eight regiments which are still with General Grant, is about 101,737; that is, 85,979 infantry, 11,073 cavalry, and 3,948 artillery twenty-four batteries. There are about 30,500 sick and absent, including the regiments with General Grant, leaving an effective force of about 71,233, exclusive of those eight regiments. It is organized into six divisions and twenty- three brigades, besides some six detached regiments that are employed as guards to bridges, depots, & c., and is employed as follows: A column of five regiments of infantry, five companies of cavalry, and one field battery, with General Carter, is now at Cumberland Ford, where it has been and is still detained by high water and the difficulty of sup- plying it over so long a line of bad road. It had orders to advance on 4Jumberland Gap, seize and hold it at least, and for its further progress be governed by circumstances in East Tennessee. A column, composed of five regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry, has been operating during the winter against Humphrey Marshall, in the valley of the Big Sandy and on the headwaters of the Kentucky River. Marshall has been defeated and driven out of the State, and I have ordered all of that force, except two regiments of in- fantry and two companies of cavalry, stationed at Prestonburg, to Bardstown. I anticipate that it may be desirable or necessary to em- ploy it by the time it can arrive in strengthening the column against Cumberland Gap, so that it can penetrate East Tennessee. There is one regiment in Somerset; I leave it for the prese~it with the same view; one regiment on the Lexington and Covington Railroad, which passes through a troublesome pppulation, and is important to us in sup- plying the Cumberland Gap column. It will be necessary to keep the regiment on that duty for the present. Three regiments of infantry on the road from here to Louisville. I shall put a regiment of cavalry at Springfield, with small detachments at certain points on the railroads at and this side of Bowling Green. The whole of the remaining force I am concentrating at this point to operate against the enemy in front. It will consist of about 55,000 men of all arms present for duty, organized into eighteen brigades and six divisions; at present the effective force is about 50,000. When you consider the importance of this State and its exposure to invasion by the various railroad routes, you will see that the force i Page 38 38 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. not too great. This, I think, will be more manifest to you when we meet and I can explain certain topographical details, which you may not have had the means of gaining information about. The plan which I propose for this force is, in general terms, to strike at the points occu- pied by the enemy on the Memphis and Charleston road. The first step in this plan will be to advance in two columns, one through Mur. freesborough, Shelbyville, and Fayetteville, the other through Columbia. The enemys line should be cut west of Decatur, not farther west than Corinth, I should say, but it cannot very well be determined at thi8 time at what point the river should be crossed. Florence is the most desirable, if we can secure the bridge, or we may use the point held by Smith. The line east of Decatur must at the same time be looked to. I state the matter in general terms. The details I hope to have an opportunity to consult you about in a few days. My telegraph last night gives all the information I have in regard to the position of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- General, Oommanding. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 14, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: We see in the new arrangement of military departments Tennesse& west of Knoxville falls under Halleck; east of Knoxville, under Fr6. mont.* We entreat that the State be not divided. Place it all under Halleck. This is most important. For Gods sake do not divide East Tennessee into two military departments. We have suffered enough already from a conflict of military authorities. ANDREW JOHNSON. HORACE MAYNARD. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississrri, Saint Louis, March 14, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Nashville: A diving-boat will be sent up the Cumberland as soon as possible. The enemy has a large force at Island No. 10, and holds on with great tenacity. The position is turned, and will soon be attacked. lamsatisfiedthat the enemys present line of defense extends from Decatur to Island No. 10. We must attack it in the center, say at Corinth or Jackson. General Smith has established himself at Savan- nah. I think all your available force not required to defend Nashville should be sent up the Tennessee. This seems to be the best line of operations, as it leads directly to the enemys center, and is easily sup. plied. Give me your views. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. * See Presidents order of March 11, p. 28; Stanton to Johnson, March 22, p. 57; and Stanton to Buell, March 23, p. 59 Page 39 CHAP. XXII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 39 NASHVILLE, TENN., March 15, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Your dispatch of yesterday received this morning. Undoubtedly we should use the river to get supplies, but I am decidedly of opinion that my force should strike it by marching. It can move in less time, in better condition, and with more security to our operations than by the river. It will have also the advantage of driving out the scattered force of the enemy this side of the river, and operate powerfully on the minds of the people. I had designed to commence moving to-morrow.. We will have to repair our road somewhat as we go. It is important to choose the point of crossing so that it shall be safe, and yet not too far from the enemy; if, then, we could by a possibility effect it by sur- prise or at all at Florence, getting in between Decatur and Corinth, it would leave the enemy advantages for the point of attack, and when- ever that may be we will be fully sure to meet the principal force of the enemy, and if we threaten him I am confident the island and New Madrid will be abandoned. I hope I can certainly see you in regard to those points. Parson Brewulow has just arrived from Knoxville. Kirby Smith is there, with eighteen regimeifts from Manassas, and has seven more at Cumberland Gap. D. C. BUELL. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 15, 1862. Capt. N. H. MCLEAN, Saint Louis, Mo.: A steamer has just returned from above, but I have nothing official, but learn from Major McDowell that General Sherman, with his divis- ion, has left Savannah for some point higher up the river. The Union sentiment seems to be strong in the southern part of the State. Al- ready 60 men had organized themselves into a company to serve the United States and a number had enlisted in the ranks of our rednced regiments. I will have consolidated returns ready to mail to-morrow morning, and will then leave for the scene of action, or where the troops are. Our supply of rations and ammunition is good. The amount of coal and forage consnmed is so grQat, that these articles should be sent in great quantities. The unusual stage of water for the last few weeks has washed away all the wood for steamboat purposes, so that coal must be relied on entirely. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. FORT HENRY, March 15, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Before leaving Donelson I directed all artillery except heavy guns shipped to Saint Louis. I understand, however, it was stopped at Paducah. Here there is but one howitzer. it was spiked before the fort fell. At Clarksville there were two 24-pounder guns and four of heavy caliber. I ordered the garrison from there to ship everything and come up the Tennessee themselves. Three times I have commun Page 40 40 KY., TENN~, N. MISS., N. ALA.J AND SW. VA. [Cnir. XXIL cated, but learn this evening my instructions were not received. I will try again immediately. U. S. GRANT, Major. General. FORT HENRY, March 15, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Loui8: An expedition under General Wallace has cut one.half mile of trestle work north of Purdy. Cheatham, with a force estimated at about 18,000 (probably will not exceed 12,000), is to the left of Wallace. The whole estimated strength of the enemy from the point referred to to Eastport and near the east is estimated at 50,000 to 60,000. I am much exercised to know if it will be prudent to leave the garrison intended for this place mostly at Fort Heiman. The latter point commands the river effectually, even with light artillery, and is accessible by good roads from the interior. A small garrison would be perfectly secure at Henry, and might not be at the other. U. S. GRANT, Major.General. FORT HENRY, March 15, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Loui8, Mo.: In my telegram yesterday I stated that Clarksville was abandoned by our forces. I ordered the abandonment four days ago, but have not yet heard from the troops there. Mules and harness, are arriving fast from Cincinnati, but as yet no ~wagons. It is now raining, and has been continuously for forty-eight hours. Weather cold and roads impassa. ble. General Wallace has destroyed a long piece of trestle work be. tween Eastport and Corinth. Rebel force at Corinth, Eastport, and points east represented at from 50,000 to 60,000. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 15, 1862. Col. RICRARD J. OGLESBY, Commanding First Brigade, First Division: You will immediately embark your command on board steamer Belle Memphis, ordered to report to you at Metal Landing. See that as many are put on board as she can carry, having regard for health, and when embarked proceed up the Tewnessee until you overtake the expedition commanded by Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith, to whom you will report. You will also see that no negroes are permitted to be carried off by any of your command, if there are any with you, who were captured at Fort Donelson. The orders are that they be turned over to the quarter. masters department. If not so captured, leave them on the shore. This order must be strictly complied with. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 41 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNLON. 41 GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 21. Port Henry, March 15, 1862. The necessity of order and regularity about headquarters, especially in keeping the records, makes it necessary to assign particular duties to each member, of the staff. The following are the duties assigned to each: Capt. J. A. Bawlins, assistant adjutant-general, assisted by Capt. W. H. Iltowley, aide-de-camp, will have special charge of the books of records, consolidating returns, and forwarding all documents to their proper destination. Capt. W. S. Hillyer, aide-de-camp, will see that returns are furnished by all division and other commanders, whose duties it may be to fur- nish said returns, direct to these headquarters. Capt. Clark B. Lagow, aide-dc-camp, and Col. John Riggin, jr., will act upon applications for passes, both of persons and property, and also have a care to the amount of supplies on hand, both of commissary stores and articles of daily consumption in the quartermasters depart- ment such as coal, forage, & c. Col. J. D. Webster, chief of staff and engineers, will be the adviser of the general commanding, and will give his attention to any portion of duties that may not receive proper attention. Capt. J. P. Hawkins, inspecting commissary for the Department of the Missouri, having been ordered to report to these headquarters for duty, is hereby assigned in the same capacity for this district. He will also have a general superintendence over the quartermasters depart- ment for the entire military district, and as such will be obeyed and respected by all commanders, assistant and regimental quartermasters, commissaries, and acting commissaries of subsistence. JNO. A. RAWLLKS, Assistant Adjutant- General. FQRT HENRY, March 16, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Yesterday I telegraphed General Buell. I am authorized by Flag- Officer Foote to request that you send up the Tennessee River the gun- boat Carondelet. Her services are much needed on this river. Would it not be well to have an iron-clad boat on this river~l The river is now very high and rising. ~. ~. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Saint Louis, March 16, 1862. General GRANT, Fort Henry: As the enemy is evidently in strong force, my instructions not to ad- vance so as to bring on an engagement must be strictly obeyed. Gen- eral Smith must hold his position without exposing himself by detach- ments nutil we can strongly re-enforce him. General Buell is moving in his direction, and I hope in a few days to send 10,000 or 15,000 more from Missouri. We must strike no blow until we are strong enough to admit no doubt of the result. If you deem Fort Heiman best for defense, occupy it instead of Fort Henry. You must decide upon all details from your better local information. What captured field pieces have you7 H. W. HALLECK, Major-General Page 42 42 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, & tint Louis, March 16, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Nashville: Move your forces by land to the Tennessee as rapidly as possible. Our troops have destroyed the railroad at Purdy, but find 4~he enemy in strong force at Eastport and Corinth, reported 60,000. Grants army is concentrating at Savannah. You must direct your march on that point, so that the enemy cannot get between us. He still holds on t& Island No. 10. We bombarded him yesterday and renew it again to- day. The detention of your boats at Paducah is without my orders. It will not be repeated. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Saint Louis, March 17, 186~. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Fort Henry: I inclose you a letter and a slip from a newspaper as a sample of what I am almost daily receiving in relation to the general plunder of public property which it is alleged took place at Fort Donelson. iRepre- sentations of these robberies by our soldiers and the general neglect of the officers were made to Washington, and I have been called on time and again to have the officers and men arrested and punished. Of course I would act only through you, and as you had full power to order courts, I deemed it your dutyto bring these plunderers to justice. Offi- cers of companies, regiments, brigades, and divisions should be held strictly accountable for the conduct of their men, and where they fail to prevent such misconduct they should be arrested and tried for neg- lect of duty. In justice to myself as well as to you I inclose herewith copies of a letter received from the Adjutant-General in relation to the matter and of my answer.* I have been directed hereafter, when any plunder of this kind occurs, to arrest every officer in command of the troops engaged in it. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, Teun., March 17, 1862. Capt. N. H. MCLEAN, Saint Louis, Mo.: I have the honor of reporting my arrival but a few minutes since at this place. Just as I arrived a report was received from General Sher- man, which I herewith inclose. t A man employed by General Smith as scout also came in, reporting the enemy very strong from Chickasaw to Corinth. Their number was estimated at 150 000 about one-third of them being at Corinth. General Johnston, wit~h his force, is said to be with them. The number is of course very much exaggerated, and ~ohn~ton being there was very much against my expectations. ~ Inclosures were Thomas to Halleck, March tO, and Hallecks reply of March 15. See Series I, Vol. VII, pp. 683, 684. t See Part I, p. 22, of this volume Page 43 CHAP. XXII.]~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 43 This country isso overflowed that but few roads can.be traveled, and all are most impassable for artillery. A few dry days, however, would remedy this, and it is certainly time to look for a change of weather. I shall order all the forces here, except McClernands division, to Pitts- burg, and send back steamers as rapidly as possible. It is with great difficulty that quartermasters at Paducali and Cairo can be impressed with the magnitude of our wants in coal and forage. We are now short in both these articles. Corn can be procured here for a few days, but not for a long period. I would respectfully sug- gest to the general commanding the importance of having funds in the hands of the quartermaster to pay the people for such supplies as we get from them. All the troops of my command, except those left to garrison Forta Henry and Donelson, two regiments at Clarksville yet to arrive, and McClernands division, will be at Pittsburg. The accompanying report of General Sherman, with the above statement, shows the present dis- tribution of my forces. The Fifty-second Illinois, Col. T. W. Sweeny commanding, has just arrived. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OP WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, Tenn., March ~17, 1862. Gen9ral WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding U. S. Forces, Pittsburg, Tenn.: I have just arrived, and although sick for the last two weeks, begin to feel better at the thought of again being along with the troops. I have ordered all troops here to report to you inxmediately, except Mc- Clernands division. Among those to report you will find a number of regiments not of my command formerly, and consequently not yet bri- gaded Organize them into brigades, and attach them to divisions as you deem best. Inclosed is a list* of all such regiments, some of which must be with you already. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. SAINT Louis, March 17, 1862. General BUELL, Nashville: Can you not extend telegraph line from Nashville to Mount Pleas- ant, and thence to Savannah I Do you want any material or workmen for that purpose? How far have your advance guards progressed? It is important that you put yourself in communication with our forces at Savannah as soon as possible. Cannot your cavalry open the road from Mount Pleasant by Waynesborough I The enemy is making a desperate resistance at Island No. 10. He has a very large force there, and no time should be lost in cutting it off from Johnston and Mem- phis. Pope has got complete command of the river below, with twenty five heavy guns in battery. Push forward your troops as rapidly aa possible, so that we can cut their railroad communication. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. found Page 44 44 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. . [CHAP. XXII NASHVILLE, TENN., March 17, 1862. Major.General HALLECK: I have information, which seems reliable, that Beauregard moved last Thursday from Corinth and Jackson to some other point not namedprobably Savannahto operate against Smith, in anticipation of his crossing. A part of the force was to strike the river below Savannah, to cut off transportation. The force moving toward Savan- nah is said to number 26,000. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier. General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF T~IE Mississippi, Saint Louis, March 17, 1862. General D. C. BUELL .Ya8hvilZe, flenn.: I fully understand these movements. Move on, as ordered to.day, to re-enforce Smith. Savannah is now the strategic point. Dont fail to carry out my instructions. I know that I am right. H. W. HALLECK, Major.General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF~ THE MiSsiSSippi, Saint Louis, March 18, 1862. General BUELL, Nashville: No wounded prisoners of war have been sent by me to Louisville. Who sent any there and where were they sent from? Please answer my telegram of yesterday. Enemy has evacuated Island No. 10, but has heavy batteries on main- land and seems disposed to stand a siege. H. W. HALLECK Major- Ge~eral. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mi~Sissirri, Saint Louis, March 18, 1862. General BUELL, Nashville: If one or both of the gunboats in the Cumberland can be spared they should be sent to the Tennessee. I have ordered four into the Tennessee to convoy transports, but have just learned that only two were sent, Commodore Foo be having taken all the others down the Mississippi. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. NASHVILLE, March 18, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I understand that General Smith is on this side. of the river. If it is so, he had better commence the telegraph line to meet us. D. C. BUELL Page 45 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 NASHVILLE, March 18, 1862. General HALLECK: Your dispatch of the 16th is only just received. It came by the Louisville line, which was interrupted. I, however, answere(i this morn- ing in substance. D. 0. BUEI~L. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 18, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Loui8, Mo.: Your dispatch of the 16th is just received and replied to by tele- graph from Fort Henry. I arrived here last evening, and found that Generals Sherman and Hurlbuts divisions were at Pittsburg, partially debarked; General Wallace at Crumps Landing, 6 miles below, same side of the river; General Mc0lernands division at this place, encamped, and General Smiths, with unattached regiments, on board transports, also here. I immediately ordered all troops, except McClernands com- mand, to Pittsburg, aud to debark there at once and discharge the steamers, to report at Paducah for further orders. All your instructions will be carried out to the best of my ability. There is no doubt a large force is being concentrated at Corinth and on the line of the railroad. Troops of cavalry are all over the State impressing men into the service, most of whom would rather serve with us. Refugees are com- ing in here and other points on the river for protection. Some enlist and others ask for transportation to a safe retreat North. I have not been here long enough to form much idea of the actual strength of the rebels, but feel satisfied that they do not number 40,000 armed effective men at this time. I shall go to-morrow to Crumps Landing and Pittsburg, and if I think any change of position for any of the troops needed I will make the change. Having full faith, however, in the judgment of General Smith, who located the present points of debarkation, I do not expect any change will be made. There are no intermediate points where a steamer can land at the present stage of water. This is an elevated piece of ground, probably 40 feet above the present water level. The opposite side is covered with water to the depth of 6 or 8 feet. on the bank and much more farther back, extending far beyond where field artillery would reach. I will send with this a copy of my instructions to Colonel Lowe on leaving Fort Henry.* Over fifty pieces of light artillery were captured at Forts Henry and Donelson, all of which were ordered shipped at Saint Louis; afterward, I understand, were stopped at Paducah. There has been so much absolute theft, however, in spite of all my exertions to prevent it, that I cannot say that all reached their destination. Many steamers are commanded in whole or in part by secessionists, so that there is no certainty of honest shipments being made. I instructed, however, that invoices be sent and receipts required from steamers, to give all the security possible. I have found that there was much truth in the report that captured Seo p. 30 Page 46 46 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL 8tores were carried off from Fort Henry improperly. I will make you a report, probably to-morrow. U. S. GRANT, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Saint Louis, March 18, 1862. General GRANT or COMMANDING OFFICER at Fort Henry: Transports in ascending the Tennessee River should in all cases be convoyed by a gunboat. It is reported that the enemy has moved from Corinth, to cut off our transports below Savannah. If so, General Smith should immediately destroy railroad connection at Corinth. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Nashville, March 18, 1862. General MCCOOK, Commanding Division: GENERAL: Move steadily forward with your division on the road to Savannah. Ford the streams where they are fordable, and when it is necessary to make permanent repairs in the road, such as building bridges over streams which are liable to frequent interruptions by high water, leave only a sufficient working party and guard for that purpose. As fast as your supply wagons are exhausted send them back for supplies, say about twenty at a time, in charge of an officer and escort. The railroad will probably be in condition to-morrow to forward ~np- plies as far as Franklin, and in a few days more to Columbia. You will meet supplies at Savannah. Use all possible industry and energy so as to move forward steadily and as rapidly as you can without forcing your march or straggling. Send forward at once to communicate with General Smith and learn his situation. It will be best to send an intelligent and discreet mes- senger, so as to avoid the necessity of sending written intelligence, that might be cut off and reach the enemy. The messengers must be on their guard against that. They should try to go through in twenty-four hours. Let them observe the amount of forage on the road. Report to me daily by express. Colonel Millikens regiment cannot be transferred to your division, but will remain at Columbia under your order while you remain there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL Brigadier- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 23. Savannah, March 18, 1862. Troops now being in the field, encampments will conform as near as possible to Army Regulations. Where soldiers are required to live in tents the same will be required of all regimental officers. Brigade commanders will not be allowed t Page 47 CiI~u?. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 47 occupy houses at the expense of the United States on any account, nor at all, unless they should occupy grounds Contiguous to their brigades. A better state of discipline than has heretofore been maintained with much of this command is demanded and will be enforced. Division commanders will see that the above order is published to their respective commands and that the same is strictly enforced. By order of Maj. Gen U. S. Grant: JNO. A. BAWLIKS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, General D. ~. BUELL & vannah, March 19, 1862. Commanding Army in the Field; Feeling a little anxious to learn your whereabouts and as much as possible of your present movements, I send two scouts, Breckinridge and Carson, to you. Any information you will send by them I will be glad to learn. I am massing troops at Pittsburg, Tenn. There is every reason to suppose that the rebels have a large force at Corinth, Miss., and many at other points on the road toward Decatur. U. S. GRANT, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Nashville, March 19, 1862. Brig. Gen. ANDREW JOHNSON, Military Governor: SR: I~.have the honor to acknowledge the receipt ofyour communi- cation of this date, inquiring Upon whom and to what extent you can rely for the military force necessary to ex- ecute such order or orders as you in the discharge of yonr duties may deem expedient, prudent, and proper to make. The troops under my command will be instructed to comply with the requisitions which you may in my absence make upon them for the en- forcement of your authority as Military Governor within their respective limits. For this city, your requisitions made directly to the provost-marshal will be executed by him without further reference. This, no doubt, will cover all the objects you will have in view, and therefore it may be unnecessary to add that any requisitions which would involve the move- ment of troops must of course be dependent on the plan of military operations against the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Nashville, March 19, 1862. To the Board on Property: The power to declare the confiscation of private property rests with the civil tribunals under the laws of Congress. Page 48 48 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. The duty of the board of officers organized to investigate the claims of individuals to property seized by military authority is confined to questions of fact; that is, whether the property so claimed was properly the property of the rebel Government af the time of seizure, and as such liable to military seizure. All transfers of rebel property in and about this city after its evacuation by the rebel army was com- menced, that is, after the 15th of last month, will be regarded as fraud. ulent and void, designed to avoid seizure, and the property will be treated as a legitimate prize under the laws of war, as though such transfer had not been made. This decision will govern the board in its future proceedings, and also in a revision of the proceedings in some cases already reported on. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 19, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I detained only one gunboat, and released her some da.ys ago at General Grants request. I dont know of any other boat, but will see. A gunboat will probably be necessary in the Cumberland very fre- quently, if not constantly. D. C. BUELL. NASHVILLE, March 19, 1862. Major.General HALLECK: Your dispateh of to-day just received. I have received no dispatches from you which I have not answered. That of the 13th was.answered both by telegraph and mail. The operator tells me he has repeated my dispatches to-night. Our progress has been retarded by heavy rains and high water. I have now three divisions at Columbia, or near there, working with all industry on bridges. The endeavor to save the bridges by a forced march of cavalry succeeded with some of them, but failed with one at Columbia and 4 miles this side. They were in flames when the troops arrived. I may be delayed there for four or five days, but beyond that I do not expect any interruption, and the march will be pursued with all possible dispatch. I shall go forward myself in two or three days, as soon as I can leave. The telegraph line is being carried forward, but it should at the same time be extended out from Savannah to meet us. Large supplies of forage should be thrown up the river. We can obtain none in the country. D. C. BUELL. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 19, 1862. Capt. N. II. MCLEAN, Saint Louis, Mo.: I have just returned from Pittsburg and Crumps Landing. I find these two positions are the only ones where a landing can be wel Page 49 CHAP. XXfl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 49 effected on the west bank of the river, as far as I saw, and learn that there is no other point from there to Eastport, Miss. This, of course, only applies to the present stage of water. From information to Gen- eral Sherman, received while J~ was there, the enemy cannot be over 20,0(10 strong at Corinth, but has troops scattered at all stations and important points. Some heavy artillery arrived at Corinth on Monday, but the informant saw no sign of fortifications. Buell seems to be the party most expected by the rebels. They esti- mate his strength all the way from 20,000 to 150,000. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SAVANNAH, March 19, 186211 p. in. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: General Smith received orders to have a gunboat ply between rail- road bridge and here constantly. He did not deem it prudent, how- ever, the Dunbar being at Duck Creek and possibly another gunboat afloat farther ul). One of the gunboats in this river is now below. Immediate preparations will be made to execute your perfectly-feasi- ble or(ler. I will go in person, leaving General McClernand in coni- mand here. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIST. OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 24. Savannah, March 19, 1862. Hereafter issues of subsistence Stores to the troops of a division will be made by the division commissary on consolidated returns presented by each regimental commissary. Brigade commissaries are forbidden, except in cases of extreme necessity. Whenever the duties of the regimental quartermaster are arduous, it is recommended that regi- mental commanders detail a suitable commissioned officer to act as corn missary. The troops often suffer by reason of the regimental quartermaster being overworked, obliging him to give up almost entirely the com- missary business to the commissary sergeant, who, not being a com- missioned officer, cannot properly perform the duties. The division commissaries will see that the regimental commissaries are attentive to their duties, and that their department is conducted in a manner to insure the greatest possible comfort and health of the troops. They will particularly see that proper supplies are kept on hand for hospital use. Supplies needed in hospital are frequently not supplied to regimental hospitals on account of the incapacity or indifference of some of the regimental commissaries. In such cases it is requested that surgeons make a report of the case. While making arrangements for or during a fight commissaries and quartermasters will on no account leave their appropriate duties to engage in the fight, but will remain with their supplies and wagon trains, and enforce the presence of those belonging to and detached for these departments. It is highly necessary that all commanders enforce 4 U UVOL X~ PT I Page 50 50 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XIII. the observance of this, as the labor of these staff departments com- mences when the battle has beeii fought. All property of the, enemy captured iii battle must be properly secured and guarded for this pur- pose as soon as the action is over. Briga4e commauders will detail a strong detail, nuder charge of e,ominissioned officers, who will report to the quartermaster of the brigade, under whose direction the property will be collected and stored near division headquarters or at some other suitable place that may be designated. While it is being collected brigade gaards will be detailed to pre- vent pillage, and all commanders will use their utmost endeavor to restrain those under them from the improper appropriation of cap- tured property. For one person to take possession for himself what has been gained by the united bravery and exertion of all is nothing less than pilfering. Whenever orders are issued from these headquarters, division com- manders will make out and transmit a copy to each of their brigade commanders, who will publish it to the regimental commanders, to be read at next parade or roll call. Each commander will furnish his staff officers with a copy of all orders that may in an~y manner iuterest their departlibent. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. HAWLIKS, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS, No. 15. Pittsburg, March 19, 1862. The First Division will occupy the front of this camp. The First Brigade will occupy the bridge on the Purdy road about abreast of the Shiloh Chapel. II. The Second Brigade will camp on the Hamburg road, where the Purdy road comes in, near Colonel Stuarts headquarters. III. The Third Brigade will camp on the left of the Corinth road, its right near the Shiloh Chapel. iF. The Fourth Brigade will encamp on the right center, its left reach- ing to Shiloh Chapel. V. Each brigade must encamp looking west, so that when the regi- ments are on their regimental parades the brigades will be in line of battle. The interval between regiments must not exceed 22 paces. Convenience of water may be considered, but must not control the position of the camp. VI. The cavalry and artillery need not be in line, but will be sta- tioned as the nature of the ground may admit. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT Louis, March 20, 1862. Major-General GRANT, Savannah, Tens..: Your telegrams of yesterday just received. I do not fully under- stand you. By all means keep your forces together until you connec Page 51 CHAP. XXfl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 51 with General Buell, who is now at Columbia, and will move on Waynes- borough with three divisions. Dont let the enemy draw you into an engagement now. Wait till you are properly fo~ tiled and receive orders. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 20, 1862. Capt. N. H. MCLEAN, Saint Louis, Mo.: Last night at 11 oclock dispatch of Major-General Halleck, stating that the enemy would probably attempt to cut off the river navigation, was received and immediately replied to, to go from Fort Henry by telegraph. Some time ago I directed General Smith to let one of the gunboats ply between Fort Henry and this place to keep the river open, but the general did not think it prudent to spare one at that time. One boat went down yesterday and returned to-day, and will go back again this evening. Owing to the high stage of water, there are but few points on the river where light artillery could be taken to annoy our transports. I will go ~vi th the expedition to Corinth in person should no orders received hereafter prevent it. Owing to the limited space where a landing can be effected, it will take some days yet to debark the troops now there. I was in hopes of starting out the 22d, but now think the 23d or 24th will be as early as I can get off. There is no enemy on this side of the river much before reaching Florence. I sent yesterday two scouts to find General Buell. They will probably be back to- morrow. A deserter from the rebel army just in says that Bethel is deserted, and the troops from there gone to Corinth; some troops at Jackson and Humboldt, and, in fact, small parties all along the railroad. He represents the panic as very great among the trooI)s, but few of them wanting to fight. I will take no risk at Corinth under the instructions I now have, if a battle on anything like equal, terms seems to be inevitable, 1 shall find it out in time to make a movement upon some other point of the railroad, or at !-~ast seem to fill the object of the expedition without a battle, and thus save the demoralizing effect of a retreat upon the troops. I am very much in hopes of receiving further instructions by mail. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mis~issir~i, Saint Louis, March 20, 1862. General D. C. BUELL, Washville, Teun.: Your telegrams of the 18th and 19th just received. Telegraph party sent to Savannah to work to Waynesborough. Heavy draft on me for troops for New Mexico will divert some intended for Tennessee. This renders it more important that you communicate with General Smith as soOn as possible. Commissary stores and forage will meet you a Page 52 52 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL Savannah. General Curtis is still asking for re-enforcements in Ar- kansas. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 20, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Your dispatch of to-day is received. The streams retard us, but I shall lose no time that can be avoided in reaching General Smith. Communications are to go to him to-morrow from Columbia. I some time ago recommended the construction of gunboats of greater breadth of beam, so as to draw no more than 3 feet, for the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. They may soon become of vital importance. D. C. BUELL. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 20, 1862. Gen. JOHN A. iVICOLERNAND, Commanding First Division: Make immediate prej)arations for shipping two brigades of your command to Pittsburg. Teun. The other brigade will lollow as soon as sufficient new arrivals of troops for a proper garrison here will admit of their leaving, probably quite as soon as they could be landed were everything ready now. U. S. GRANT Major. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 20, 1862. Maj. Gen. C. F. SMITH, Gommanding, Pittsburg, Tenn.: Hold all the com~nand at Pittsburg subject to marching orders at any time. Troops will march with three days rations in haversacks and seven in wagons. Each wagon will take five days~ forage of grain for the teams that draw it, an(l a forage train will accompany with the same number of days allowance for all other animals. Baggage will be cut down, to make the transportation on hand carry the supplies indicated. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 20, 1862. Brig. Gen. LEW. WALLACE: You will hold the troops nuder your command in readiness to march at a moment~s notice (not probably, however, before day after to- morrow). They will provide themselves with three days~ rations in haversacks and seven in wagons. All tents and personal baggage Page 53 CnAu~ XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 53 except what the men can carry, will be left behind. No portion of rations drawn for this purpose are to be consumed before marching. In the mean time let the work of debarkation go on as rapidly as possible. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: WM. H. ROWLEY, Aide-dc-Camp. HRADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Pittsburg Lauding, March 20, 1862. Captain MCMICHAEL, Assistant Adjutaut-General, present: SIR: I have this momeiit returned from the front, where I learned that a wagoner got beyond the lines, lost one of his mules, left his wagon, and got back to Shilob Meeting House, where he reported to C6lonel Hildebrand that he had seen the scouts of the enemy. Colonel Hildebrand dispatched Colonel Mung~n, of the Ohio Fifty- seventh, with a command of about 300 men, by the Corinth road, to a point about a mile and a half beyond the point where the night skir- mish took l)lace. Here Colonel Mungen discovered about 60 of the enemys cavalry, who made show of fight, but, on discovering his force, they retired over the ridge to the south and disappeared. Colonel Mungen followed their tracks and picked up a revolver and a pair of cavalry saddle-bags. This l)lace is some 9 miles this side of the point to which I had extended my reconnaissance, and I have no doubt they will make desperate efforts to penetrate our lines to ascertain our approximate force. I allow no citizen or soldier to pass our outer line, and as but few live within our lines, I think they are utterly at a loss. I inclose you a letter, received this afternoon, from Colonel McDowell,* Sixth Iowa Infantry, commanding First Brigade of my division, who has also discovered the presence of the enemys pickets to his left front, not very far from the place where Colonel Mungeu saw theni. Colonel Taylors Fifth Ohio Cavalry (eight companies) is now in the advance, and will be ready to execute anything you may order. In relation to the hundred bales of cotton, I think I should take it, ship it, subject to the claim of the rightftil owner. If he be in open rebellion, then of course it is forfeited. I have instructed Colonel McDowell to watch it, and bring it in as soon as he can spare trans~or- tation from the work of removal now going on. I am, & c., your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding First Division. HEADQUARTERS, Pittsburg Landing, March 20, 1862. Colonel LAUMAN, Gommanding Second Division: SIR: General Smith is on board the Hiawatha, unwell, and requests that I should give the necessary directions for encamping the troops as they arrive. * Not foun& Page 54 54 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. I direct that you select a line for the entire division parallel to the river (Tennessee), or nearly so, about one mile distant from the river~ and encamp by brigades, so that they can promptly form line of battle, and move out as such by the road leading into the interior, as may hereafter be designated as our line of operations. No regiment should camp within 50 yards of the road, so as to have room for the teams to select more ground for the road. The brigades of Buckland and Huldebrand, occupying a point of this ground, will move to-day some 2 miles farther to the front. sam, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Onio, Nanhville, March 20, 18~2.. Brig. Gen. E. DUMONT, U. S. V., Gommai4ding at iYa8hville, Tenn.: Sin: Special Orders, No. , of this date, assign you to the command of the troops in and about this city and on the lines of communication of the army. It is unnecessary to tell you that the position involves great respon- sibilities and a mass of detail that cannot be conveyed by written in- structions. You are to see that the discipline of the troops under your control is preserved and their instruction carried on zealously and constant ly, and that the duties assigned to them are faithfully executed; that the lines of communication of the army are kept open; that the telegraph lines are kept in order; that mails and supplies are regularly and promptly sent forward; that trains are provided with suitable escorts, either by troops coming from the army with them or by troops under your command; that the bridges and roads are properly guarded and kept in good order; that the sick and wounded are properly housed and cared for; that convalescents and stragglers in the city are sent to the barracks, there organized into companies and battalions, regularly supplied, disciplined, and drilled, and forwarded to their proper regi- ments in convenient detachments from time to time, and that re-enforce- ments are in like manner fitted out with transportation and supplies and forwarded when called for. You will see that the public property is properly guarded and preserved; that officers and soldiers are n~t allowed to hang about the city; that the most rigid discipline is en- forced in every corps and camp; that the rights of citizens are not unnecessarily encroached upon, and that depredators are instantly ar- rested and brought to punishment. These various objects, all important to the well being of the troops and the success of the military operations, will demand of you and those under your control the utmost energy, system, and assiduity. Captain Fry, chief of staff, will furnish you with a memorandum of the troops under your command and of their positions. If circumstances should render any change in these arrangements necessary, you will make them yourself, if they are urgent, and report your actions or rec- ommendations to the chief of staff. I wish also that you should endeavor, by employing spies and by such other means as may present themselves, to gain all the information you can concerning the enemy, particularly in those quarters that ar Page 55 CHAP. xxii.; CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .IJNION. 55 most removed from my observation, and communicate the same to me and to those commanders who may be in a position to be particularly affected by it. You will of coarse appreciate the importance of weigh- lug all such information carefully and of using great caution in th~ selection of spies, so that you may arrive as nearly as possible at th6 true state of the case, and that the enemy may uot profit by the indis- cretion or treachery of our own agents. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- General, Comm artdi74g. SAVANNAH, March 21, 1862. (Via FORT HENRY, March 23.) Maj., Gen. H. W. HALLECK, ~Saint Louis, Mo.: It will be impossible to move with any celerity, taking artillery. Corinth cannot be taken without meeting a large force, say 30,O(JO. A general engagement would be inevitable; therefore I will wait a few days for further instructions. I have just returned from Pittsburg. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, 8avannah, March 21, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, 8aint Louis, Mo.: I have just returned from Pittsburg. The roads back are next to impassable for artillery or baggage wagons. I have certain informa- tion that thirteen trains of cars arrivedat Corinth on the 19th, with twenty cars to each train, all loaded with troops. This would indicate that Corinth cannot be taken without a general engagement, which, from your instructions, is to be avoided. ~his, taken in connection with the impassable state of the roads, has determined me not tomove for the present without further orders. The temper of the rebel troops is such that there is but little doubt but that Corinth will fall much more easily than Donelson did when we do mox e. All accounts agree in saying that the great mass of the rank and file are heartily tired. One thing I learn, however, is against us: Mostof the impressed troops from this State are being sent to the sea-coast and older soldiers front there. 1 do not think as yet any steps are being taken to interfere with the navigation of the river. Bands of cavalry are prowling all over West Tennessee, collecting men who have been drafted into the service and such supplies as they can get. Some 9 or 10 men made their escape from the cars at Bethel, and came in here yesterday. From them I learn there are about 400 men at Union City, two regiments of infantry and probably some cavalry at Humboldt, a force not estimated at Jackson, and small forces at variouM points on the road. Paris and Bethel are deserted. They think the force at Union City i8 anxious to be captured Page 56 56 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXXI. I have just learned to-day that your dispatches to me after the taking of Fort Donelson reached Fort Henrysome of them, at leastbut were never sent to me. What has become of the operator, then, at Fort Henry? I dont know. At present a soldier detailed from the ranks is filling the station. I have received no mail matter from below for several days, though boats are arriving constantly. My returns for the 20th will be ready to mail to-morrow. U. S. GRANT, Major- Gei& eral. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Saint Louis, March 21, 1862. General STRONG, Cairo: You will send the Second Michigan Battery, if ready, to General Grant by first opportunity. A special order has been issued putting Mound City and Birds Point F mand. , ort bit and Paducali, under your corn- H. W. HALLECK, Major- (Jeneral. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 21, 1862. Adjutant-General THOMAS, Washington, D. C.: The following is the force in the whole of the late Department ~of the Ohio, as nearly as caii be ascertained at present: Ninety-two regi- ments of infantry, 60,882 for duty; 79,334 aggregate present and absent. Eleven regiments, one battalion, and seven attached companies cavalry, 9,222 for duty; 11,496 aggregate present and absent. Twenty-eight held and two siege batteries, 3,368 for duty; 3,953 aggregate present and absent. The above figures include battalions of the Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Eighteenth, and Nineteenth Regular Infantry and two companies of regular cavalry. Will r~ort more particularly by letter. The data are found in great detail in last department return, except that eight regiments were detached for operations against Fort Donelson, and kave not been returned. D. C. BUELL, Alajor- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, NASHVILLE, March 219.50 a. m. Secretary of War: I desire to be informed upon whom and to what extent I can rely for the military forces necessary to execute such order or orders as in the discharge of my official duties I may deem expedient, prudent, and proper to make. I am putting the State machinery in motion as fast as possible. All is working well. A great reaction is going on. Tho State will be overwhelmingly Union as soon as rebel soldiers are driven ~eyon(I her border. Please answer immediately. ANDREW JOHNSON Page 57 CUAr. XXJI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 57 SAVANNAH, March 22, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The acting medical director reports that medical supplies of every description are out. A sufficient quantity for 10,000 sick should be sent. Alternate days of raiii and sunshine, pleasant and very cool weather, is telling unfavorably upon the health of this command. Requisitions have been made but not responded to. (Jan two hos- pital boats be sent here? U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SAVANNAa, March 22, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Your dispatch of the 20th just received. Troops from l~ere, except one regiment, all sent to Pittsburg. No movement making except to advance General Shermans division, to prevent rebels from fortifying Pea Ridge. Weather here cold, with some snow. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SAINT Louis, March 22, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Savannah (via Fort Henry): Several regiments of infantry and batteries will leave to-day and to- morrow for the Tennessee. I have several artillery companies without horses or batteries. I propose to fit out one or more heavy siege bat- teries, to be drawn by oxen. (Jan you supply oxen for this purpose if I send the batteries? H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, March 22, 1862. Hon. ANDREW JOHNSON, Na~hviUe: The telegram from yourself and Mr. Maynard in respect to ~ department was received and communicated to the President, who re- gards the existing arrangement as a paramount necesslty.* EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis: Washington, March 22, 1862. Andrew Johnson, as you are aware, was appointed Military Governor of Teui~essee, to take the necessary steps tor a State organization. It is the desire of the President that he should have adequate military sup- l)ort, and he has been directed to make application to you. You will please place at his disposal an adequate force, with instructions to the But see Stanton to Buell, March 23, pp. 59, 65 Page 58 58 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. officer iu command to report to him and execute his orders. Important results are hoped from the measure, and it is important \that the officer in command should be a discreet person, who would act efficiently and harmoniously with Governor Johnson. Will you please communicate with the Governor, and advise the Department of your action in the premises? EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, March 22, 1862. lion. ANDREW JOHNSON, Governor of Tennessee, Nashville: Instructions have been given General ilalleck to place an adequate military force under your command and to communicate with you in respect to military aid. This Department would be glad to have fre- quent and full reports of your operations and prospects by mail, and will afford promptly any aid you may desire. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [MARCH 23, 1862.For Halleck to Secretary of War, in reference to instructions to Grant, see Series I, Vol. VIII, p. 633.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, ]iashville, March 23, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding at Savannah: GENERAL: I received your letter of the 19th this morning. I some days ago directed my advance to open communication with you. My advance is at Columbia. Our progress has been retarded by high water andthe absence of bridges, almost every one on the road, how- ever small, having been destroyed by the enemy. I shall be at Colum- bia myself by the time the bridge there is ready for crossing, probably three or four days yet. The information I get indicates that Johnston is withdrawing the principal part of his force from Decatur and concentrating at Tuscum- bia. I find there is still a gunboat here. If needed she can be sent to you, though if you had not immediate use for her it might be well to let her remain until you have. I do not deem it safe to give detailed information in this way in re- gard to my force, dispositions, & c. I shall soon be able to communi- cate more fully on that point. Please inform me whether the bridge at Florence has been destroyed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 59 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 59 INASHYILLE, TENN., March 23, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I had a communication through from General Grant to-day, dated the 19th, at Savannah. It contains no information of importance. We have not yet completed the bridge at Columbia. I shall be occupied here till that is done. I will write to-night in regard to the disposition I am making of the forces un(ler my command. II did not know of but one gunboat on the Cuinberland, which I supposed had already gone to the rfeihlessee I find there is still one here. I have so informed General Grant, that she can go up if he needs her. The information from the enemy is that Johnston is probably moving the principal part of his force to Tuscumbia. There is no force of consequence at Chatta- nooga. I hear of artillery going into East Tennessee from Georgi~. This may be for defense or attack. Is the bridge at Florence destroyed I B. C. BUELL. WAR DEPARTMENT, March 23, 1862. Major-General BURLL, Nashville: General Fr~mont asks to have General Garfield directed to report to him. I refused to give the direction, because it may delay or frustrate judicious movements in progress under your direction. I do not intend to place Garfield under Etemonts orders unless you deem it expedient, but I desire to know xvhat instructions have been given General Gar- field and the number and composition of his force and what operations he is to conduct. Please inform me immediately. EDWIN M. STANTON, & cretary of TVar. NASHVILLE, March 23, 186210 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretarij of War: I think it imperatively necessary that not a man, and particularly no good officer, shall be withdrawn from the operations against the enemy~s line along the East and West Tennessee Railroad. Nothing can be more iml)ortant. General Garfield recently completed the expulsion of Marshalls force from Eastern Kentucky, in accordance with instruc- tions, and I ordered him with all the force I considered it prudent to withdraw from that region, to Bardstown, iii anticipation that it might become necessary to strengthen the Cumberland Gap column. That necessity has almost become certain, as the rebel force has already been considerably increased in East Tennessee, whether with an off~nsive or defensive object is not yet apparent. My expectation is to put him in command of that column, with all the spare force I can gather in Ken- tucky. lt will themi have probably ten regiments, two batteries, and five companies of cavalry, sufficiemit to hold a lal-ge force in check or penetrate against a weak one, as the case may be. General Garfield is now on his way from the Big Sandy with three regiments, two having been left at Piketon. My report to the Adjutant-General, now on the way, explains this. The operations against Cumberland Gap cannot wisely be separated from those of Middle Tennessee. B. C. BUELL, Major- General Page 60 60 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Oiiio, Nashville, March 23, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Gommanding Department of the Mississippi: GENERAL: If the enemy should contemplate an advance upon Xash- yule and our position in Middle Tennessee under certain circumstances. a thing which offers very strong inducementsthere are three routes by which it could be attempted: First, by the direct route across from Knoxville; second, by the Chattanooga Railroad; third, bythe Decatur Railroad. There are circumstances which render all of them so encouraging to huin that I deem it hut prudent to take precautions against them, and yet it cannot be done properly without using more troops than I think you can spare from offensive operations between the Tennessee and Mississippi. My arrangements, therefore, hazard something here in order to afford the assistance that will be no doubt needed on the other side of the Tennessee. I am throwing one division forward to Fayetteville, with one brigade at Murfeesborough to sul)port it if necessary, keep open its communi- cations, and at the same time observe Nashville and the approach from Knoxville; another briga(le at Franklin, from which point it can con- veniently be diverted to the first oldects, if necessary, or be used on~ the route through Columbia; and another division at and in front of Columbia, either to act with the first division or toward Savannah, according to circumstances. This, with the necessary bridge and depot guards, will employ a force of about 25,000 nen, leaving four divisions, of about 35,000 men or less, for Savannah, with which I ~vill go myself. I shall start from here day after to-morrow, leaving General Dumont in couiinand of the small force immediately about the city and on our lines of commu- nication. I gather that a considerable force is collectiiig in East Tennessee, probably already twenty-five or thirty regiments at least, whether for an offensive or defensive object is not yet apparent. I think it sLiffi- cient, however, to require an increase of the force in front of Cumnber- land Gap, and I shall, send them all the spare force I can collect in Kentucky. making in that column some ten regiments, two batteries, and some fixe companies of cavalry. That will, tor the present at leasb be sufficient to hold a considerable force in check there or penetrate the gap against a weak one, as the case may be. 1 shall place a good officer there. I hae also intimation, not very well defined yet, of the collection of a considerable force and a large amount of rolling stock about Atlanta. If they should be verified, it is a thing that niust be watched. Floyd has gone to Knoxville, leaving Chattanooga with a guard of not more than a few companies. This, in connection with my previous repJrt, will enable you to judge of the propriety of my arrangements. We are working somewhat in the dark as regards Middle and East Tennessee at least, for we do not know yet what is being done with the Virginia army. I am trying to get into such shape that we can concentrate wherever it may be necessary. I have ordered a pontooii bridge for the Tennessee River, to be carried on a light stern-wheel steamer. It will be ready in ten days, and the steamer and bridge will cost about $12,000. We ought to have tw Page 61 CflAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 61 such. I have seen something of the difficulty and delay in ferrying a large force, with its trains. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Brigadier- (general, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Camp Sltiloh, March 23, 1862. Colonel HILDEERAND Sin: You will march the effective men of your brigade out on the Corinth road, the same we l)assed over a few days since, in the same order and equipped in the same manner, and reach the point of our camp by 8 a. m. Let the cavalry bring up the rear, out of sight of any enemys picket you may encounter. Have out an advance guard and hankers, but march pretty brisk. On reaching the point where we slept, stack arms and await my orders. Do not let the men leave their places in the ranks without the leave of a colonel, and then only for a necessary purpose. If you encounter scouts, do not pursue, but keep steadily on the road. I will meet you there. Take your two guides along. Colonel Stuarts brigade will march on th~ ridge to the left. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Camp Shiloh, March 23, 1862. Col. DAVID STUART: Sin: You will march on the Ridge road toward Corinth to-morrow morning, with the battery and well men of your command, with three days rations in haversacks; blankets, India-rubber blankets, and 40 rounds of ammunition. Keep the Ridge road, and reach the point of the Corinth road where it crosses Lick Creek, and halt till I order you farther. I want to reconnoiter Pea Ridge beyond. Start early, so as to reach the point indicated by 8 a. m. Colonel llildebr~nd will be on the lower road, and will reach the point where we camped a few nights since at the same honr.-8 a. ni. Leave behind all sick men or such as are at all disabled, with some officers to command the camp during your absence. Take your guide along, and be sure you are on the right road. The point of rendez- vous is a shoemakers named Heath, where we left a wounded man on our first expedition. I am, & c., W. T. SHBRMAX, Brigadier-General, Commanding Divi4ot& Page 62 62 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah March 93 1 Maj. Gen. C. F. SMITH, . 862. Gommanding U. S. Forces, Pittsburg, Tenn.: Carry out your idea of occupying and partially fortifying Pea Ridge. I do not hear one word from Saint Louis. I am clearly of the opinion that the enemy are gathering strength at Corinth quite as rapi(lly as we are here, and the Sooner we attack the easier will be the task of taking the place. If Ruggles is in command, it would assuredly be a good time to attack. I have made no change yet in the command; so soon as sufficient troops arrive to form another brigade I will do so, and assign artillery and cavalry to divisions, and leave them subject to the control of division commanders. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Gornmandi~g. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 24, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.:. Your letter inclosing correspondence between yourself and Adjutant- General Thomas is just received. In regard to the plundering at Fort 1)onelson,it is very mach overestimated by disappointed persons, who failed in getting off the trophies they had gathered. My orders of the time show that I did all in my power to prevent marauding. To exe- cute these orders I kept a company on duty searching boats about leav- ing and to bring off all captured property found. My great difficulty was with the rnsh of citizeus,. particularly the Sanitary Committee, who infested Donelson after its fall. They thought it an exceedingly hard case that patriotic gentlemen like themselves, who had gone to tender their services to the sick and wounded, could ii ot carry off what they pleased. Most of the wounded had reached hospitals before these gentlemen left Cairo. Qne of these men (a Dr. Fowler, of Springfield) swore vengeance against me for this very act of preventing trophies being carried off. How many more did the same thing I cant tell. My going to Nashville I did not regard particularly as going beyond my (listrict. After the fall of Donelson from information I had I knew that the way was clear to Clarksv~lle and Nashville. Accord- ingly I wrote to you, directed to your chief of staff, as was all my correspondence from the time of leaving Fort Henry until I learned you were not hearing from me, that by Friday following the fall of Donelson I should occupy Clarksville, and by Saturday week following should be in Nashville, if not l)revented by orders from headquarters of the department. During all this time not one word was received from you, and I accordingly occupied Clarksville on the (lay indicated, and two days after the time I was to occupy Nashville General Nelson reported to me, with a division of BuelPs army, they being already on transports; and knowing that Buells column should have arrived oppo- site Nashville the day before, and having no use for these troops myself, I ordered them immediately to Nashville. It is perfectly l)lain to me that designing enemies are the cause of all the publications that appear and are the means of getting extracts sent to you. It is also a little remarkable that the Adjutant-General should learn of my presence i Page 63 CnAP. XXII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 Nashville before it was known in Saint Louis, where I reported that I was going before starting. I do not feel that I have neglected a single duty. My reports to you have averaged at least one a day since leaving Cairo, and there has been scarcely a day that I have not either written or telegraphed to headquarters. I most fully appreciate your justness, general, in the part you have taken, and you may rely upon me to the utmost of my capacity for carrying out all your orders. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Saint Louis, March 24, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Savannah, Teun.: Your telegram of the 22d, in relation to medical stores was referred to. medical director, who replies that your acting medical director is not a commissioned officer, and that such requisitions could not be filled. If you have appointed a citizen to such a position you will im- mediately discharge him, and have your requisitions hereafter made by a proper officer. The medical officer at Cairo is now forwarding the proper supl)lics up the Tennessee. I call your attention to gross irregu- larities in your district in regard to the disposition of the sick and wounded. A telegram from New Albany to-day says that 200 sick and wounded of General Wallaces division had just been landed in that place, and that there were no hospital arrangements there. By whose order were these sent to New Albany? I ordered them to be sent to Cincinnati, where preparations were made to receive them. Again, large numbers of sick and wounded, which were ordered to be sent to Cincinnati, were sent to Saint Louis, where the hospitals are fill to overflowing, and no room for the sick and wounded from Curtis army. It is impossible for me to have proper provision for the sick and wounded when no re- gard is paid to my orders and where each one assumes to act upon his wn authority. Again, colonels of regiments in your command have been giving furloughs on surgeons certificates for sixty and ninety days, and in many cases to men who were not sick at all. Of 180 who arrived here a few days ago a medical board decided that more than three-quar- ters were fit for duty and should be returned to their regiments. There seems to be collusion between the officers and men to give sick leaves to well and hearty men who wish to visit their homes. This should be immne- diately stopped, and furloughs should be given only by yourself; and after a proper examination by a trustworthy medical officer. If this abuse of the furlough system is not promptly checked half of the army will be on furlough. II. W. HALLECK, Major- Gene~-al. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 24, 1862. Maj. M. SMITH, Forty-fifth illinois Volunteers, (Jommanding E~pedition: You will proceed with the force under your command to ~ Landing, 2 miles back of which it is understood that a large quantit Page 64 64 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. of Government (Southern Confederacy) bacon is stored. You will get it and return. Nichols Landing is 10 miles below Clifton. Mr. H. Gibbs, of Clifton, will accompany you to that place, and furnish a guide there, who will show you where the bacon is. You will avoid all delay, but remain until your expedition has completed the object for which it is sent. Private property i~ on no account to be molested nor citizens annoyed. The troops under your command should be impressed with the idea that the neighborhood where they are going is almost entirely Union. It was a citizen of the country, or rather a delegation of citizens, who gave the information of the bacon being where it is and of its owner- ship. No large bodies of troops are supposed to be near where you are going, but small bodies of cavalry are known to be there. You will therefore keep your men from straggling, and at all times keep a guard at the boat to prevent accident there. You are to be particularly cautious against engaging an enemy of your own or superior numbers. You are not going to fight the enemy, but for a dilkrent object, where nothing could be gained by a small victory, which would cost us a single man. Should the enemy there- fore appear in sufficient force to make a stand, return, and a larger num- ber of men will be sent. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SAINT Louis, March 24, 1862. General BUELL, Nashville: It is reported that Jackson and Humboldt have be~n evacuated, and that the enemy has concentrated his forces at Corinth, with the intention to give battle. A battle should be avoided for the present and until we can concentrate a larger army against him; but, if possible without a very serious engagement, the railroad at Jackson and Humboldt should be cut. Please send copy of this to General Grant, as he can be reached sooner from Columbia than from Fort Henry. H. W. HALLECK. NASHVILLE, March 24, 1862. General HALLECK: Your dispatch of to-day this moment received. I will instantly search for the dispatches, and repeat my answers if they were received. For fear not, please have them rQpeated. I have answered every dispatch received from you. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier-General. NASHVILLE, March 24, 186212.30 p. m. Major-General HALLECK: Intercepted letters from Corinth dated 18th and 19th. The estimate of force there varies from 25,000 to 40,000. Re-enforcements arriving constantly. Expect to have 80,000 or 100,000 men. Have a larg Page 65 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 amount of rolling stock; can concentrate rapidly. Expect a battle at Corinth. I wrote you in detail last night in regard to my disposition. I start to-morrow. Expect the bridge at Colunbia to be ready, or iiearly so, by the time I get there, and shall tiieii move forxVard rapi(hly. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. WAR 1)EPARTMENT, March 24, [1862.] Major-General BUELL, iYashrillc: 1 have (lirected General Hosecrans not to interfere with Garfield and to suspeiid any orders he has giveii, because I desire Garfield to carry cut your insLructions. I cannot think General liosecrans has given any orders. EDWIN M. STANTON, kSecretary of War. HEADQUARTERS, Camp Shiloh, 3 miles back of Pittsburg Landing, ill arch 24, 1862. General W. K. STRONG: M~ DEAR GENERAL: I am on the point of mounting my horse to start on a strong reconnaissance to Pea Ridge, half way to Corinth the new Maimassas of this region; aIl(I before starting must express to you my thanks for your very kind letter received a few days since. Most assure(lly our cause has received a trelnell(loIls lift since we paced the l)iazza at I3enton Barracks, and ilalleck has beemi the directing genius. I wish Iiium all honor and glory ; and in my heart I yield to whomsoever has merit and talents to devote to so worthy a cause. We all play our I)arts, and whilst I have iii my heart a memory for many, very many, kiiid anti courteous acts of families in Louisiana, I dream that I may still one day sit by their firesides, and hear them admit their rebellion vas the result of bad counsels and want of information. 1 hope we may meet in Memphis. Here we are on its latitude, and von have its longitude. 1)raw our l)arallelS, and we breakthst at the Gayosa, whither let us God speed, and then rejoice once more at the jrogress of our cause. Believe me, with great respect, your obedient servant, W. T. ShERMAN, Bmgadier- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH BRIGADE, Piketon, Ky., March 24, 1862. Brig. Gemi. S. P. CARTER: ~ENERAL: Yours of the 2Otl~ instant is just received. I have just received orders to go (lOwn tIme Ohio to Louisville, and thence to Bards- towr~, with three regiments. I shall leave here in two or three (lays. I sha.lQ, however, leave an a(lequate force here to j)rotect the frontier. Ott the 16th instant I attacke(l an(l drove from the Pound Gap 500, who were fortified tliere.~ I had thus opened the way into Virginia in exl)ectation of orders to march to your assistance. From a number of letters found in the rebel camp at the Pound Gap I am led to believe the force a~t Cumnberland is not so large as I had S R HVOL X. PT 1 Page 66 66 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL supposed. I hope General McClellans advance may soon draw your enemy back. Very respectfully, yours, J. A. GARFIELD, Brigadier. General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, March 25, 1862. General HALLEOX: The only dispatch of the 13th I can find was in regard to the strength of my command. It was answered at once, and the answer repeated. It was also answered by letter, and I now send a copy of the letter by mail. The dispatch of the 18th was in regard to gunboats; that also was answered immediately. I have learned since that there still remained one gunboat here. I have given directions this evening for her to re- port to General Grant. If other dispatches of the 13th and 18th are sent please have them repeated. I leave here to-morrow. D. C. BUELL, Brigadier-General. SAVANNAH, March 25, 1862 (via Fort Henry). Major-General IIALLEOK: Oxen can be got here, though we may be obliged to go far in the country for the number that will be required. There are surplus mules enough here to partly supply a siege battery. Sixteenth Wisconsin, Fifty.third Indiana, and Michigan battery arrived. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERs DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi & sint Louis, March 26, 18621 p. m. General BUELL, Nashville: Your letter of the 14th is this moment received. It is perfectly sat- isfactory. We agree in every respect as to plan of campaign, except perhaps the column on the diverging line to Stevenson. 1 doubt its expediency. If made very strong, it divides your forces too much. It seems to me better to threaten Decatur by way of Pulaski. Your col- umns would then be near enough together to co-operate. I am inclined to believe the enemy will make his stand at or near Corinth. I~ so,~ your eastern column would be too distant to render us any assist~~nce. I propose to join you as soon as you reach the Tennessee. I thilAk all your available forces, not necessary to hold your positions on th~ rail- roads, should be concentrated on the Tennessee, iu the vicinity of Sa. vannali or Eastport. H. W. HALLECK, Major. General Page 67 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 67 SAVANNAH, March 26, 1862. (Via PADUCAH, March 27.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: My scouts are just in with a letter from General Buell. The three divisions coming this way are yet, on east side of Duck River, detained bridge building. Rebel cavalry are scattered through from here to Nashville gathering supplies. Through some citizens I learn that a large quantity of pork for the Southern army is in store 40 miles below here. I have boat and detail now getting it. No news from Corinth. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 36. Savannah, Tenn., March 26, 1862. 1. Brig. Gen. B. M. Prentiss having reported for duty in this military district, he is assigned to the commaiid of the unattached troops at Pittsburg, Teun. As fast as troops arrive they will be brigaded and brigades formed into a division, which will be known as the Sixth Divis- ion, and commanded by General Prentiss. * * * * * * * 6. Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith, the senior officer at Pittsbnrg, is hereby ap- pointed to command that post during the continuance of headqnarters of the district at this place or until pro~)erly relieved. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. * HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH BRIGADE, Pilwton. Ky., March 26, 1862. Col. JONATHAN CRANOR, Commanding Fortieth Ohio Volunteers: DEAR SIR: By Special Orders, No. 69, from the general commanding the Department of the Ohio, you are placed in command of that por- tion of the Eighteenth Brigade which is for the present left in the valley of the Big Sandy. The forces under your command will be the Fortieth Ohio, Colonel Cranor commanding; Sixteenth Kentucky, Col. C. A. Marshall; First Squadron Ohio Cavalry, Maj. William Mc- Laughlin. You will remain at this post until April 9, 1862, unless different orders should be sooner given. At that date, or as soon thereafter as the state of the weather will permit, you will move your whole force, together with camp equipage and stores, and take l)ost at Preston- burg, Ky. Except for very urgent reasons you will allow no soldier or officer to be quartered in any house or other building. You are charged with the duty of keeping up regimental lines and guards in accordance with Brigade General Orders, No. 12, and also to keep up such picket, grand guard, and police as shall be sufficient for the ample protection of your command from enemies without and disorder within. You wilJ see that company and battalion drills are regularly kept up throughoul the whole command. You are particularly charged with protection of the rights and per Page 68 68 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N ALA., AND SW. VA. lenA?. XXII. Sons of citizens. Nothing but a rigorous discipline and severe punish- ment of those who commit outrages can prevent our army from falling into disgrace. You will use every effort to put down the band of rob- bers and uiarauders which infest this country. I have offered rewards for some of the most notorious of the leaders. In retard to citizens who have beeii disloyal I (lesire to have the policy continued which I have heretofore elI(leavored to preserve. While all force and rebellion agaiiist the Government must 1)roIni)tly be put (lowil, it must also be remelnbere(i that the people in this valley are to live together as fellow-citizeiis and neighbors after the war is over. All that we can (10 to inaugurate peace and concor(l among them while the army is here should be done. The Peol)le in this valley are, in the main, very ignorant, an(l com- pletely under the control of their party lea(leI s. if those leaders in the different precincts can be paced under bonds for their future loy- alty and peaceable conduct, and will take the oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States, they will l)robably be efficient in keeping the country quiet and loyal. You will also see that intoxicating liquors are not sold to the soldiers. Commandants of regiments left iii the valley will send consolidated morning reports to me at Bardstowu, Ky., until further orders. I desire you to report to me frequently concerning the condition of the valley and of your command. Very truly, yours, J. A. GAHFIELD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Onio No.12. Nashville, Teun., March 26, 1862. * * * * * * IV. The troops at or iii the vicinity of Cumberland Gap, under coin- man(l of Acting Brigadier-Getieral Carter, together with the troops tinder Brigadier-General Garfield now on the march to Bardstowii, Ky. (the Thirty-third ln(hiana Volunteers, the Nineteenth Kentucky Volunteers, awl Fosters Wisconsin battery), will constitute the Seventh Division of the Army of the Ohio, under command of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Volunteers. General Morgan is authorized to make such disposition of regiments in his division in the promotion [formation] of brigades as will be for the best interests of the service. V. Brig. Gen. James A. Gartield, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person, without delay, to the general commanding this army, at his headquarters in the field. * * * * * * * By command of Brig. Gen. Buell: JAMES B. FRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, March 26, 1862. To the PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, New Albany: This Department desires the immediate aid of your association in the following particulars Page 69 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION~ 69 1st. That you would appoint three of its active members most familiar with steamboat and engine building, who would act in con- cert with this Department and under its direction, and from patriotic motives devote some time and attention for thirty days in purchasing and preparing such means of defense on the Western waters against iron-clad boats as the engineers of this Department may devise. 2d. Designate one of your most capable and substantial citizens who would accept the temporary appointment of assistant qnartermaster, alI(l in that official capacity make such contracts, audit and adjust such accounts, as the Department would authorize iii the above, busi- ness. My ob~ject is to bring the energdic, patriotic spirit, and enlight- cited practical judgment of your city to aid the Government in a matter of great moment, where hours must count an(l dollars not be squan- dered. Please let inc know as quickly as possible whether the desire of the Department can be effected, and furnish me with the name of the committee and the person designated to act as assistant quartermaster. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., March 26, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Colonel Symington has been ordered to ship immediately for Cairo and Columbus the following guns, which are all the large gnus at Pittsburg, to wit: Three lOinch coluinbiads, latest pattern; forty-two 10-inch shell gnus; one 42-pounder rifled gull; four 32-pounder bar- bette carriages. Instruct the quartermaster at Cairo which of these guns shall be landed at that l)laCe and which shall go on to Columbus. Improvise timber carriages for those which have not carriages with them. illinois Central Railroad can assist you with skillful carpenters, as heretofore. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., March 27, 1862. CHARLES ELLET, Jr.: SIR: You will please proceed immediately to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and New Albany and take measures to provide steam rams for defense against iron-clad vessels on the Western waters. Instructions will be forwarded you by mail to Pittsburgh, in contbrnuity with which you will guide your ~)roceedings, an(l from time to time receive such other in- structions as may be required. All contracts and purchases will be made by a special quartermaster, to be appointed to act with you, and all expenditures will be made by him an(l under his direction. You will be compensated for yonr service at the rate of pay allowed by law for similar service, to wit, $1() I)~~ (lay and mileage at the rate of 10 cents per mile. Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 70 70 KY., TENN., N. MISS, N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAr. XXIl. HEADQUARTERS, Saint Louis, Mo., March 27, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Thirteen trains, twenty cars each, recently arrived at Corinth from the South, loaded with troops. Defeated Tennessee troops not deemed trustworthy are taken back to the sea-coast to supply their places. Shell guns and 32-pounders sent from Pittsburg will be of no use against iron-clad steamers. Roads still impassable in the vicinity of Savannah. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, Tenn., March 27, 1862. Capt. N. H. MCLEAN, Saint Louis, Mo.: The steamer John Raine, sent with two companies of infantry and 40 cavalry to Nichols Landing after the balance of Confederate pork left there, has returned, bringing in with them from 100,000 to 120,000 pounds that was found. The pork is in good order, and has been dis- tributed between the different division commissaries, with directions to issue it on the first returns sent in. The telegraph wire ordered here has arrived, and has been put up to-day through town and some ways iuto the country. I have ordered up three companies of Curtis Horse from Fort Henry to guard the line as it is being laid. I have no news yet of any portion of General Buells command being this side of Columbia. I visited the different divisions at Pittsburg to-day. The health of the troops is materially improving under the influence of a genial sun which has blessed us for a few days past. News having arrived of the promotion of General MeClernand to the ratik of major-general, without the date of promo- tion of either him or General Smith being known, makes it necessary for me to move my headquarters from this place to Pittsbnrg. I will not go up, however, until something further is heard from ~ command and until full directions are given for their transfer from this place. I would respectfully request that Captain Waterhouses battery be. sent from Cairo to this place. I make the request at time suggestion of Colonel Webster, who says the battery requires drilling, which they cannot have at Cairo, where they now are, and here would be a good place for it. The Eighth Independent Battery Ohio Volunteers, Capt. Louis Markgraf, has just arrived, and will proceed to Pittsburg iu the morning. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CAMP NEAR COLUMBIA, TENN., (Via Nashville), March 27, 18629 a. m. Major-General HALLECK: I arrived here yesterday. The progress of the bridge over the Duck River has been much slower than I expected, but the difficulties hav Page 71 CHAP. XXII.] 71 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UN1ON. also been greater than I supposed. I find that the bridge cannot be ready for crossing until Monday. I shall then move rapidly forward. My messenger returned last night from General Grant, with a communi- cation dated the 24th and verbal information that be is cutting a road. No information of interest. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DIST. OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 27. Savannah, March 27, 1862. The constant changes caused by arrivals of new troops and their assignment to brigades and consequent changes in brigades themselves renders it impossible to keep the hospital fund account as usually kept. It is ordered, therefore, that hereafter, until further orders, hospitals will draw from the division commissaries only such stores as may be needed for the use of the sick, and the articles left with the commissary will be purchased by him on vouchers similar to those used for the purchase of company savings. The purchase money will be paid to the divisionsurgeon,who will receipt for it on the voucher, and expend it in the purchase of needful articles for the sick, rendering his accounts therefor at the end of each quarter to the Surgeon-General of the Army. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TEE OHIO, Camp near Columbia, March 27, 1862. Brig. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Commanding Third Division, Murfreesborough: GENERAL: I have already informed you in conversation of certain dispositions which aftk~ct your part in the campaign just commencing. These dispositions for the present, you will remember, l)lace your divis- ion mainly at Fayetteville; Duffields brigade, with a battery and bat- talion of cavalry, at Murfreesborough, with a detachment at Lebanon; ~egleys brigade, with a battery and battalion of cavalry, at Frank- lin; and a division at or in front of Columbia, to act t~ the left in con- junction with you, or to the right, according to circumstances. These arrangements have in view convenience either to advance against certain positions of the enemy or to oppose any offensive move on his part. Excepting your own division, the troops are not strictly under your command, but they will become so, unless otherwise ordered in case any advance of the enemy toward Nashville renders their concentration or united action necessary, and they will be so instructed. Besides the troops above enumerated there will be a regiment near the city, on the Murfreesborongh foadq a regiment at Franklin, and one at Columbia, with about a regiment of cavalry distributed at different points as guards to depots and roads. It is not necessary to point out to you how this force can be concen- trated either for an advance or for defense, if necessary. It can by marches of from 25 to 35 miles over good turnpikes concentrate at She Page 72 72 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. byville or at Columbia or Pulaski; or, still farther in advance, at Huntsville or Decatur. These points are of more or less iml)ortance in consequence of the routes they command, and some of them are on streamsDuck River and Elk Riverwhich in high water would have some strength as defensive lines, tho~~gh in the dry seasons they are fordable at many l)oints. Fayetteville is also important, as affording by the branch iailroad from Decherd a good (lel)Ot for operations against any position south of it on your line. 1 (10 not think it necessary to (10 more than suggest these general features to you. You will understand well how to take advantage of them or guard against them, accordiiig to circumstances. Move one of your brigades, with a battery and the principal part of you: cavalry, at once to Shelbyville, to which ])oint it is desirable to coniplete your railroad tral)sportation. As 50011 as the bridges you are at work omi are so far advanced that you can leave theni, carry forward the j)rincipal l)art of your (livision to that J)omt, and throw a brigade aimd strong force of cavalry forward to Fayetteville. From this position the railroa(l at or beyond Decherd must be carefully watched, and so must all the routes in front of you. Endeavor, in connection with these movements, to secure some of the stock on the roads north of Decherd by a rapid movement of cavalry through Manchester to that point. inform yourself by all possible means of the position, movements, and strength of the enemy. Preserve thorough discipline and instruction in your command, and keep it in readiness at all times for any service. Purchase your sup- plies in the country as far as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Major- General, Comm an ding. WAShINGTON, March 28 1862. Colonel SYMINGTON, U. S. Ar8enal. Pittsburgh: General Hahleck desires that the 32-pounders and the 10-inch shell guns be not shipped down the river. You will therefore not ship them, but will forward the other large guns. EDWIN N. STANTON. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Saint Louis, March 28,1862. General STRONG or Lieutenant LYFORD, Cairo: The columbiads and rifled guns, with carriages and ammunition, now at Fort Donelson, will be immediately removed to Columbus, and mounted in position best for iron-clad gunboats; also heavy guns, if any, to be removed to same place. Several columnbiads and rifled guns are on the ~vay from Pittsburg to Cairo. They will be sent to Colum- bus and mounted. Colonel Callender is prej)aring carriages for them. This must be done without delay. The quartermaster will afford all facilities. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General Page 73 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 73 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 28, 1802. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Your letter of tlie 24th instant is just received. Surgeon Hewitt is my acting medical director, and is the senior surgeon within this district, according to the Army Register. I never ordered any sick to New Albany, nor have I received or(lers to sen(l any to Cincinnati. Jn the al)sence of orders on the subject, sick and wounded men have been sent down the river to be disposed of~ They could be sent from Paducali to any other point. I ordered no sick to Saint Louis. The medical director may have done so, however. In regard to colonels or others than myself giving furloughs, all my orders on that subject are most stringent. Steamboats also are foibidden to carry soldiers or citizens without a pass approved by my Or(lCr. This army is mostly new to me, and it is impossible that I should correct all irregularities or know of them at once, especially as I receive such feeble support from many of the officers. A few (lays ago a soldier who was about leaving on a furlough given by his colonel was stopped here and sent back and or(lerS given for the arrest of the colonel. I find great difficulty in getting my orders disseminated, though all in my power has been done to insure it. The sick here have been entirely out of sonic important medicines for a week, although requisitions purposely made and properly signed by a comumissioned acting medical director were forxvarded in time to procure them. U. S. GRANT, Mqjor- GeneraL HEADQUARTERS DISTRicT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, ]Iiarch 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, saint Louis Mo.: Since the receipt of your letter this morning I have caused boats leaving here to be visited and all persons leavimw on themn to be ic- quired to show their l)asses. This course led to the (liscovery that a number of persoms were going North without my authority, omi leaves and passes given, in one in- stance, by a brigadier-general, in one by a captain, and all the others by regimneiital comumanders. As this course of procedure is in violation of my orders, I havc ordered the arrest of all the l)arties, aLl(l will pre- frr charges against tlmemn. I acknowledge the justness of your rebuke in this respect, although I thought all proper measures had l)een takemi to l)revent such abuse, and will see that no such violation occurs in future. As I slmall I)refer the charges myself in these cases, it will b~ neces- sary to for~vard the charges to you to order time court. I forward here- with the namues of oftmcem-s l)roposed to compose the court, should you deem lit to order One. I would respectfully recommend however that these officers be released with a reprimnan(i, which will probably do muore good tlman to try them by court-martial. News received here from a Uniomm man who has been a prisoner at Corinth sho~vs that the rebels have been evacuatino Island No. 10 fo Page 74 74 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND ~W. VA. [CHAr. XXII. the last eight days and concentrating at Corinth. I give this for what it is worth. One of the gunboats makes daily trips as far down the river as Perryville, the point on the river where there is the most prob. ability of a battery being established to annoy our transports. The conduct of the Twenty-first Missouri on their way up here has been reported to me as infamous. A constant fire was kept up all the way on the trip, and in some instances the citizens on shore were fired at. I caused charges to be l)referred against the colonel, and the court is now in session trying him. U. S. GRANT, Major. Ueneral. HEADQUARTERS, Forts Henry and Heiman, March 28, 1862. ASSISTANT ADJIJTANT.GENERAL, Headquarters District of West Tennessee, & ivannah: SIR: I have the hoiior to report the arrival at this [post] of a gentle- man who left Memphis on the morning of the 26th instant. He brings some information with reference to the position and movements of the rebel troops that may b~ of service to the general commanding. He says that there were not more than eight regular regiments in the vi- cinity of Island No. 10, and that the people of Memphis had no hopes of being able to hold the place any length [of time]; in fact, they looked for the city itself to be taken in the course of a week or ten days. From all the information lie could gather he comes to the conclusion that they are bringing all their energies to the concentration of a larger force at Corinth, where they expect to make a desperate stand. They are even bringing to that point some forces from Virginia. Beaure- gard is in comniand. Since my last communication the scouting parties of my regiment have captured 15 additional prisoners. Among them are lieutenants. Citizens continue to arrive here daily from the interior to avoid imupris. oumnent. It is likely to prove very unhealthy, now that the water is fblling rapidly, inside the post of Fort Henry. I should like permis- sion to move the comni)anies now there to the Fort ileiman side, send- ing over daily a sufficient guard. Several citizens here wish to ship tobacco and other articles down the river. From whom can the license be obtained? Will you be kind enough to furnish me with a copy of Department General Orders, No. 3, series (ii, with accompanying orders based thereon from district headquarters? I am, sir, your obedient servant, XV. W. LOWE, Colonel, Commanding. CAMP NEAR COLUMBIA TENN March 28,1862. Major-General HALLEOK: I have received your dispatch of the 26th. The failure of a telegram twice repeated, and of my letter of the 14th, giving information in re- gard to the strength and disposition of my command, is so remarkable, that I think it deserving of investigation, and I telegraphed to the post- office agent and the assistant manager of the telegraph on the subject Page 75 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 75 I mailed another copy of my detailed report to you on the 25th, and have given the same information to the Secretary of War. Shall I re- peat it to you by telegraph ~ It may be advisable not to do so. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. CAMP NEAR COLUMBIA, TENN., March 281.30 p. m. (Via NASHVILLE, March 28, 1862 .~ Major-General HALLECK: I have received your dispatch of the 26th. My letter of the 23d ex- plains more in detail the dispositions I have made. I have stu(lied pretty much every contingency, and have kept the object of concentra- tion, wherever necessary, constantly in view. Fayetteville is on as good a line for Decatur as Columbia is, and at the same time guards the route to Nashville from the East. 1). C. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Gamp near Columbia, March 28, 1862. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. MORGAN, U. S. Volunteers: GENERAL: I have assigned you to the command of the column in front of Cumberland Gap, with an increase of force, which will be or- ganized into a division of three brigades. Three regiments of this force have just returned from active servic~ in Eastern Kentucky, and are now at Bardstown. They will require some fitting up with clothing and equipments to make them efficient. Go first to Louisville and inspect them, and see them put in prepara- tion for active service; then join the force at Cuinberland Ford as soon as possible; take command; inform yonrself of the strength, position, and plans of the enemy; get your command there in condition for effi- cient service, and call up your re-enforcements in such order as you may think~ advisable. The additional battery is at Louisville, one regiment is at Somerset, and one at Lexington. The conduct of disorderly and mischievous men may make it necessary to retain that regiment at - Lexington; at least a portion of it must be kept there to guard your depot. Most of your stores will be drawn from there; but you may sometimes find it conven- ient to draw from Nichola~ville or Louisville through Lebanon. The original orders to this column were to take Cumberlaud Gap, and for its further progress be governed by circumstances in East Ten- nessee. The strength of the enemy there, it is pretty well ascertained, has since been increased, but the object is the same, and you are of course expected to pursue it with zeal and discretion, or hold the en- emy in check if your force should be insufficient to advance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Major- General, ~Jommanding Page 76 76 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIEADQTJARTERS DISTRICT OF THE Ouio, No. 1. Nashville, Tenn., March 28,1862. * * * * * * * 11. The Sixtli Division, Brigadier-Gene~al Wood commanding, will put itself en route on the Columbia turnpike to-morrow, the 29th in- stant. Colonel Barnett, with the reserve artillery, will report at once to Brigadier-General Wood, aiid will accolnl)any the Sixth I)ivision. 111. The Seventh Brigade, Brigadier-General ~egley commanding, will move to-morrow, the 29th instant, at sunrise, to take its position as indicated iii Special Orders, No. 8, from these headquarters, of 22d in- stant. IV. The Twenty-third Brigade, Colonel Duffield comninandimig, will march to-morrow, the 29th instant, to take its l)osition as indicated in speciaL Orders, No. 8, from these headquarters, March 22. * * * * * * * By command of Brigadier-General Buell: OLlYER D. GREENE, Assis(ant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 28, 1862. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Esq., Mononqahela louse, Pitt Umiless for imperative reasons, do imot confine your work to one local- ity. Give a portiomi to Cincinnati and New Albamiy, so as to avoid the imputation of local favoritism, and also to bring out the whole me- clinuical energy of the Ohio Valley. Proceed as speedily as you cait to Cincinnati. The Board of Trade there are ready to act energetically whh you. Confer with Mr. Butler, the president of the board, at Ciii- cinnati, witJim whom I am in communication. Itel)ort daily to me. EDWTIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. NASHVILLE, March 29, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: This place as I conceive, has almost been left defenseless by General Buell. There are a few regiments left iii detached positions without one single piece of artillery. There are one or two Legilnents at Camp Chase, Ohio, and one at Lexington, Ky., that might be forwarded to this point. In addition to the forces here there should be one brPade complete. In this ol)inion Brigadier-General Dumont, left in command, most fully concurs. ANI)RE W JOHNSON. CAIRO, ILL., March 29, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: / Columbus must be fortified, to provide for mfny mishap at points below. Ten heavy colnmnbiads and ten I)ahlgren rifles should be sen Page 77 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 77 to Cairo immediately. General Jialleck has ordered all the heavy gnus from Donelson and Fort Henry, but they are not enough to make the position strong against land and water attack. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTME~T OF THE Mississippi, mt Louis, March 29, 1862. General BUELL, Cot autbia: There is no danger of the enemys moving in the (lirectioll of Nash~ yule from Decatur or Stevenson. I wish he would. I wish you t~ concentrate everything 1)0551b]e against the enemys center. Dont fail in this, as itis all-iml)ortant to have an overwhelming force there. You will find l)rovisio~~s and forage. H. W. 1-JALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS 1)EPARTMENT OF TIlE Mississippi, Saint Louis, March 29, 1862. General BUELL, Columbia: It seems from all accounts that the enemy is massing his forces in the vicinity of Corinth. You will concentrate all your available troops at Savannah, or Pittsburg, 12 miles above. Large re-enforcements are being sent to General Grant. We must be ready to attack the enemy as soon as the roads are passable. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. COLUMBIA, TEXN., March 29, 1862 (via Nashville). Major-General HALLECK: Your dispatch of the 28th received. We will waste no time. I rely on finding provisions and forage at the river. Am taking only enongh to last us that far. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. WAR I)EPARTXtENT, Washington, March 29, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Saint Lou is: Steam-rains are rapidly being prepared under the direction of En- gineer Ellet at Pittsburg, and he proceeds imme(liately to Cincinnati to fit up some there. They are the most powerful steamboats, with upper cabins removed, bows filled in with heavy timber. It is not proposed to wait for putting on iron. This is the mnoffe in which the Merrimac will be met. Can you not have something of the kind speedily prepared at Saint Louis also ~l EDWIN M. STANTON Secretary of War Page 78 78 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. PITTSBURGH, March 29, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: DEAR SIR: I wish to give you my views as briefly as possible. It is said that the eneniy have eleven gunboats below Island No. 10, and, as I understand, they are supposed to have others, fitted up as rams, ascending the Mississippi, one of which has reached Memphis. I propose to strengthen the hulls of some of the swift, strong, coal tow-boatswhich I am told can only be obtained hereand fit them up, as speedily as possible, to be used as extempore rams, to go down to Island No. 10, or any other stronghold of the rebels, and at a proper time, during the contest, when the rebel gunboats seem to be in a favorable position, run down before the batteries and drive our rams at fall headway into the rebel boatsdoing what I can, by preliminary preparations, to save the men if our own boats should be sunk. These boats, the rivermen here say, will all make 18 or 20 miles an hour down the Mississippi. It will be very (liffidult to hit them at that speed, and I will try to protect the engines and boilers against any ordinary shot. It is not impossible that I can so strengthen our own hulls as to sink any Mississippi boat we can hit fairly and yet save our own. 1 seek good boats, and do not intend to make alterations which will injure them materially for future use, if they are not lost in the service. If successful in sinking the rebel gunboats at Island ~o. 10, I would proceed down the river and lay our boats up under General Popes guns. I shall need a few strong and swift tow-boats of a smaller class, and these would then be used as pickets, to watch the approach of the rams or other hostile boats below New Madrid. I may need, also, one or two large old boats, to shelter our rams in running under the enemys batteries. This is about my plan to meet the present condition of things, though the conditions may change materially before I am ready. To carry out the plan we ought to have at least as many boats as there are boats to be run down. Indeed we ought to have more. No boat can stop to strike twice, and some may not hit their adversaries fairly or may get the worst of it. The men must take service with a full knowledge of the dangerous nature of the dutythe enemys fire being the least of the dangers. I would like to be authorized to assure them that their names will be reported to the Secretary of War, who will recommend them, if they do well, to the President and Congress. I think this will be valued more than specific rewards. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. ELLET, JR Page 79 Ca& ~. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 79 Ab8traCt from field return of the Second Division of United States forces, commanded by Maj. Gen. Charles F. Smith, March 29, 1862. Present for Artillery. duty. a ___________ ____ ~v .,~ .a ~ 0 0 ~ .~, 0 0 8 Troops. ~ ~ ~ 0 0 ~0 0 0 Oo ~0 ~ ~00 00 u 0 0 0 . o 0 0 a o a 0 ~ 0 ~ p, p, 0 p, 0 o ~ .~ .~ 0 0 ~ ~ 0 - ,o First Brigade, Colonel Lau- 135 2, 756 2, 891 3, 561 4 2 6 man commanding. Second Brigade, Colonel Mc- 124 2,734 2, 858 3, 623 2 4 6 Arthur commanding. Third Brigade Colonel Sweeny 88 1, 872 1, 960 2, 232 commanding Major Cavenders three bat- 8 170 178 213 6 6 12 teries. Grand total 355 7,532 7,887 9,629 6 6 4 2 6 24 WASHINGTON, March 30, 1862. Maj. Gen. HALLECK, Saint Louis: This Department has just received information that Nashville has almost been left defenseless by General Buell. Governor Johnson and General Dumont, in command, are of opinion that the force is inade- quate to the security of that eity, and that there should be one complete brigade in addition to the force now there. It is said that regiments are left in detached positions without a single piece of artillery, and that there are two regiments at Cami~ Chase and one at Lexington that might be ordered to Nashville. You can appreciate the consequence of any disaster at Nashville, and are requested t6 take immediate meas- ures to secure it against all danger. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. COLUMBIA TEN N., March 30 1862 Major-General HALLECIC, Saint Louis: (Via Nashvillei i~. in.) Your dispatch of the 29th received. Please refer ~o my letter of the 23d and inform me what part of the arrangement explained in it I shall alter or what force you will spare in front of Nashville. My present arrangement is to strike the Tennessee with four divisions certainly, and, if necessary, take also the division from this route, making live divisions. I have not apprehended an advance upon Nashville in great force, but a dash with 15,000 men I think it proper to guard against. D. C. BUELL. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Saint Louis, March 30, 1862. General D. C. BUELL, Columbia, Tenn.: Yours of to-day just received. Only one letter from you has been received this month, dated 14th. No letter of the 23d. No inform Page 80 80 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., ANI) SXV. VA. [ChAr. XXII. tion whatever as to number of your troops advancing on the Tennessee. Your report says 90,000 troops south of the Cumberland, but I have Iio information as to their disposition. Of course Nashville must be prop- erly secured. This under no circumstances must be neglected. There must l)e some (lefect in mail arrangements. Yours hif the 14th receivecL~ 26th and 23d not yet received. Please number your telegrams and give hour of starting. H. XV. IIALLECK, ]iI~jOP- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST T1~YNESSEE, & tv(Uthctlt, March .30, 1862. Capt. N. II. MCLEAN, ASU*flt Louis, iWo.: Some half (lozen deserters from Corinth caine into Pitt~bni to-day. One represents the imumber of trool)s there at seventy hxe xe~imemrts, and the others say the whole number is usually repi c~ 1rted at 80,000 men. They describe the discontent as being vely great among the trooi)s arid rat~ms short. Many mimen will desert it in OpJ)Ortunity occurs. The rebels are buriming cottoii au(l gins, without me ar(.l to the l)roclivities of owners on the Liiioii (luestioii. I perrrntte(1 SOflie 40 bales to be shipped to Louisville to-(lav on account (if owners, 17 of ~vhiclm are tile l)roperty of a secessioiiist. rflleJ.e 18 110 evidence, how- ever, ot his having giveii aid ali(l coililort to the enemy, and he now l)le(lges himself itot to do so. Tile imiajority belomigs to a Mr. Cherry, a l)roImIrIieIit citizemi, a ml one who has taken a liroinimient stand for the Union Ilomn the start. The secessionists have already burned some 60 bales fbi hirii, and will likely burn much mimore, a5 the greater part of it is some 8 miles west of the ri-ver a1l(i l)ehow here. Under tile iristruc- tions I have, F could not give all the protection to this 51)ecies of prop- erty that seems needful. TIme health of this command is materially improving under a genial sun and influence of good water. I would respectfully ask for instruc- tions as to privilege to be allowed citizens in shipping their l)rod mice North. If I have done wrong in this matter the necessary correctiomi caii be made, as this will or should reach Saint Louis before the cot- ton arrives at Louisville. The cotton was shipped on the steamer John Itaine. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CAlRo 4arch 30, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I wrote you last evening, but no mail leaves until to-morrow morn- ing. Your orders respecting the fortifications at Columbus going on expeditiously under the immediate charge of Lieutenant Lyford, who has gone dowim to Columbus to-day to commence prehimimiary work there. Good deal of heaving about of the emieuiy in the rear of Colum- bus and Hickman. Their force at Union City suj)j)osed to be ;~ 000 or 4,000. Have ordered a battalion ot cavalry to go by lamid to-day front Paducah across to Columbus. have instructed Colonel Buford to keep his force on hand, rea(ly fbi any emergency. rrhjere should be another regiment of infantry at Columbus well armed. Time ouc now there i Page 81 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 81 poorly armed and badly disciplined. I have sent General Pope this morning two more light-draught steamers, making seven boats in all now there for his use, besides three or four barges. Everything li& has ordered has been promptly supplied. Colonel Scott caine up this morning from No. 10; no news. Heavy cannonading heard in the neighborhood of New Madrid. WM. K. STRONG, Brigadier- General. [MARCH 30, 1862.For Hallecks summary of the strength of his command, see Series I, Vol. VIII, p. 649.] WAR DEPARTMENT, March 30, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Columbia: It is necessary, to determine operations here, that this Department should know: 1st. What operations are designed for Morgans (late Garfields) and the force in that command. 2d. Whether you intend to occupy any, and what, point on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, and at what time that object will be accomplished. Please answer with out delay. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, March 31, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Columbia: I am anxiously waiting your answer to my questions of yesterday. Disposition of forces here is depending upon your contemplated move- ments. Time is urgent. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. COLUMBIA, TENN., March 31, 186211 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The force assigned to General Morgan consists of ten regiments of infantry, two batteries, and five companies of cavalry, besides two reg- iments of Tennesseeans, now about organized and received by General Carter. Further re-enforcem~nts will no doubt be obtained in the same way. He has orders to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy; to advance upon him, and penetrate East Tennessee if his force is suffi- cient, and, if not, to hold the enemy in check, and take advantage of the first opportunity. The superior facilities of the enemy for re-en- forcing in East Tennessee render it impossible to give more positive in- structions with the force we have in Kentucky. Tworegiments of in- fantry and two companies of cavalry at are intended to guard 6 R RYOL X~ PT I Page 82 82 KY.,~ TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXTT. against incursions from Virginia into Eastern Kentucky. Morgans force is the ouiy one at present whose operations look to the occupation of the Tennessee and Virginia Railroad. The movements of the enemy, and in fact the plans of General ilalleck, require every man that can be had for Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee River. D. 0. BUELL, General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Saint Louis, Mo., March 31, 1862. 1~Iaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding on Tennessce River: The question of rank between Generals Smith and Mc0lernand has been referred to the Secretary of War, and will probably be answered to-morrow. I know nothing about it, except that General McClellan directed me to place General Smith in command of the expedition until you were ordered to join it. I hope to get most of the troops fitted out and forwarded so as to reach you about the time Buells main force gets within supporting dis- tance. Give me more information about enemys number and positions. Your scouts and spies ought by this time to have given you some- thing approximating to the facts of the case. A pontoon train will probably be shipped to-morrow or the day after. A number of regi- ments have been sent without the usual means of transportation. It is supposed that you may be able to supply them there from those sent from Cincizinati. If not, they will serve to guard the depot till trans- portation can be sent from here. We have completely exhausted pres- ent supply. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 31, 1862. Capt. N. II. MCLEAN, Saint Loui8, Mo.: Two soldiers from the head of General McCooks column came in this evening, bearing General Hallecks dispatch of the 24th instant,* but no other message. Some of the command crossed Duck River on the 29th, and established guards 8 miles out that night. This is the sum and substance of information collected from the messengers sent. The telegraph will probably be through from here to Columbia this week. This is what the superintendent says. The armored gunboat from Nashville arrived here this evening. I have ordered her, with the two others, up the Tennessee to-morrow, to take and destroy the bat- teries established near Chickasaw. General Sherman accompanies, with one regiment of infantry, two companies of cavalry, and one section of artillery. General Shermans instructions are not to engage any force that would likely make a stand against him, but if the batteries are unsupported by other than artillery troops, to take or destroy them. U. S. GRANT, Miajor-General. * To Buell Page 83 CHAr. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 83 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, March 31, 1862. General MCCOOK, Commanding Advance Forces: The two cavalrymen sent by you have arrived. I have been looking for your column anxiously for several days, so as to report it to head- quarters of the department, and thinking some move may depend on your arrival. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 31, 1862. General HALLECK, Saint Louis: Have you control of any point or points on the Memphis and Charles- ton Railroad, and what are your designs with respect to that roads EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SAINT Lotus, Mo., March 31, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: We have possession of no point on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. My present purpose is to attack it somewhere in the vicinity of Corinth. H. W. HALLECK, Major. General. PITTSBURGH, March 31, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of Way: I made but little progress Sunday, but am doing much better to-day. Mechanics are scarce. I have no reply from you to my letter of Sat- urday. Your last instructions to the special quartermaster limit me to one more boat here, and I do not wish to exhaust my authority until one of the best boats arrives. My plan is to run by the enemys bat- teries and sink their transports and gunboats below wherever we can find them. With all my care the machinery will be much exposed to the enemys shot. Some of the boats will probably be crippled. I ought to have enough for the work and for contingencies. Respectfully, CHAS. ELLET, JR. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 31, 1862. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa.: Your letter just received. Your plan is approved. I do not mean to impose any improper limit, but wish the work not confined to one locality, but distributed, so as to get the utmost possible vigor, and therefore recommend immediate inspection at Cincinnati and New Albany, where an immense amount of mechanical industry may work at the same time with the force at Pittsburgh. You need not conside Page 84 84 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL yourself restricted to one more boat at Pittsburgh, but I wish to know by telegraph what extent is proposed beyond that before contracts are made. The crew is of great importance. I will give honorable reward, and also prize.money, for successful courage, in large and liberal measure. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., .ADJT. GENL.S OFFICE, No. 69. f Washington, March 31, 1862. * * * * * * 2. Brig. Gen. Henry M. Jndah will repair to Saint Louis; Mo., and report to Major.General Halleck for duty in the Department of the Mississippi. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENN., No. 30. Savannah, March 31, 1862. The headquarters of the District of West Tennessee is hereby changed to Pittsburg. An office will be continued at Savannah, where all official communications may be left by troops having easier access with that point than Pittsburg. By command of Major-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. Extract from return of the D~partment of the Mis8i88ippi, Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck com- manding, for March, 1562. Present for ~ duty. u ;~ p, e Troops. a bIJ ~ ~ a 0 ~ .~ ~ District of West Tennessee (Grant) . . 11 11 ii First Division (McClernand) 343 6, 564 8, 152 10,780 Second Division (C. F. Smith) 408 8,311 10,618 13,068 Third Division (Lew. Wallace) 312 7, 222 8, 960 10, 556 Fourth Division (Huribut) 268 6,231 8, 013 9,821 Fifth Division (Sherman) 378 8, 150 10, 620 11,968 Sixth Division (McKean) 174 3, 744 4, 914 5,491 Savannah 91 1, 992 2, 381 2, 893 Fort Donelson. 39 673 969 1, 770 Fort Henry (39 1,390 1,698 1, 40 Total 2, 093 44, 277 56, 336 68, 178 District of Cairo (Strong): Cairo, fli 24 298 560 1, 000 Paducali, Ky 144 3,021 3,900 5,418 Columbus, Ky 34 691 949 1, 111 Hickman, Ky 19 415 509 540 Total - 2-21 4,425 5, 918 8, 068 Grand total 2, 314 48, 702 62, 254 76, 241 * District of the Ohio not reported in the original return Page 85 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 Abefract from return of the Third Division, Army of the Ohio, Brig. Gen. 0. AL Mitcl& eI commanding, for the month of March, 1862. Present for ~ -~ duty. ~ ~. ~ 0 Troops. 0 o.~ ~ ~ o5 5 ~ ~ Eighth Brigade 93 2,253 2,676 3,428 1~inth Brigade 92 1,531 2.679 3,484 -~ Seventeenth Brigade 91 2,259 2,812 3,618 Total Infantry 276 6,043 8,167 10,530 Artillery (three batteries) 12 331 366 429 Engineers (two companies) 4 130 153 197 Cavalry (one regiment) 32 569 734 901 Total 324 7, 073 9,420 12,057 18 Organization of the Third Divi8ion, Army of the Ohio, March 31, 1862k Brig. Gen. ORMSBY M. MITCHEL commanding. Eighth Brigade. Col. JOHN B. TURCHIN. 19th illinois, Col. J. B. Turchin. 24th Illinois, Col. G. Mihalotzy. 37th Indiana, Licut. Col. C. Gazlay. 18th Ohio, Col. T. B. Stanley. Seventeenth Brigade. Col. WILLIAM H. LYTLE. 42d Indiana, Col. J. G. Jones. 15th Kentucky, Col. C. Pope. 3d Ohio, Col. J. Beatty. 10th Ohio, Col. W. H. Lytle. Ninth Brigade. Col. JOSHUA W. Sn~L. 3d Ohio, Col. L. A. Harris. 21st Ohio, Col. J. S. Norton. 33d Ohio, Col. J. W. Sill. 10th Wisconsin, Col. A. R. Chapin. Artillery. Capt. CYRUS 0. LOoMIS. 5th Indiana, battery, Capt. P. Simonson. 1st Michigan, battery A, Capt. C. 0. Loomls. 1st Ohio, Battery E, Capt. W. P. Edgar- ton. Miscellaneou8. 1st Michigan Engineers (two companies), Capt. J. B. Yates. 4th Ohio Cavalry, Col. John Kennett. COLUMBIA, TENN., April 1, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis: My advance is two days march from here. I shall be with it in two days. The rear starts to-morrow. I expect to concentrate at Savannah Sunday or Monday. The telegraph will keep np with ns, but I appre.. hend some difficulty in keeping it open; the enemys cavalry will have somewhat easy access to it from Florence. I would suggest the em- ployment of a fleet steamer, to be used as an express boat. Our mail cannot come securely by any other route than the river. D. C. BUELL, Major-General. CH.& r. XXII. Page 86 86 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Gino, .4pril 1, 1862. General J. S. KEGLEY, Commanding at Columbia: GENERAL: Your command extends to all troops in and about this place and Mount Pleasant. Post two regiments of infantry, two pieces of artillery, and two com- panies of cavalry near Mount Pleasant under your most reliable officer; one company at the bridges at this place to guard and keep them in order; one company in the town as a provost guard, and one company where the cars come to the river. Establish the rest of your command about 2 miles out,between the Mount Pleasant and Pulaski roads. The convalescents at the barracks will be organized into companies and battalions under officers and non- commissioned officers; will be required to drill from one to three hours a day, according to their condition; perform regular guard duty and ob- serve all the requirements of a regular garrison; and will be employed for defense in case of an attack. No officer or soldier will, under any circumstances, be allowed to enter the town or leave their camp ground or barracks except on duty, and any one so offending will immediately be arrested and tried. Keep out strong advance guards and observe the strictest vigilance and precaution against an attack. Inform yourself carefully of every movement of the enemy. If threatened by a greatly superior force, con- centrate your whole force at this place to meet an attack, and if you are still not strong enough to resist it, advise General Mitchel and Gen- eral Dumont of your situation. Enforce the strictest discipline and attention to duty in every part of your command. I shall hope to hear of no depredations upon the per- sons and property of citizens and if any occur, I shall expect to hear that they have been dealt with in the most prompt and rigorous man- ner. The efficiency and discipline of your command cannot otherwise be preserved. Your position is a very important one, and will require the utmost vigilance and discretion. Send back to Nashville in the cars all the sick that can be moved and are not likely to be fit for duty soon. The convalescents are to be sent forward to their regiments when called for or when a force is required to move over the road for any purpose. Keep open the communica- tion with the advance both by courier and by telegraph. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. C. BUELL Major- General, Comman~fling. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, saint Louis, April 2, 1862. General ID. C. BUELL: Your letter of 23d March just received. Something wrong in maik It is said that there are troops still at Camp Chase; if so, why not bring them to Nashville? Your disposition for defense of that place seems judicious. I leave the matter entirely to your own judgment. I have sent twenty pontoons to General Grant. Willsend more if required. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General Page 87 Citir. XXIL) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 87 HEADQUARTERS SHERMANS DIvISION, April 2, 1862. Colonel STUART, Commanding Second Brigade: SIR: I wish you to Mend Colonel Smiths regiment to-night, under cover of darkness, along up Lick Creek to the vicinity of ~reers; to keep well under cover, and to take prisoners all they encounter, especially all who would give notice of them being there. Let them be careful tG take a good guide, and not return by the road they go. I will order out a cavalry force, whose direction will drive any of th& enemys pickets down in that direction. They must keep close and not Mtraggle and be at Greers at daylight; if nothing happens, to return after the sun is an hour high. Send me word back when they return. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SHERMANS DIVISION, April 2, 1862. Colonel TAYLOR: SIR: I want you to start about midnight as strong a party as you can mount to go out the Corinth road about 6 miles, and there turn to th~ left or south, to drive any of the enemys pickets toward (ireers. Dont cross Lick Creek unless in pursuit. I send an infantry regiment, under cover of night~to Greers to catch any party, they may find. Bring in every suspicious person. Order the officer in charge to re- turn, unless he encounters some party, when the sun is an hour high. The moyements must be rapid. I send an aide to explain. I am, & c., ~. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. GENERAL ORDERS~ IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 33. Savannah, April 2, 1862. The artillery and cavalry of this command will hereafter form a part of divisions and not be attached to brigades. The following assign- ments are hereby made: To the First Division, Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand commanding, four independent companies of cavalry, one battalion of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, Schwartzs, McAllisters, Burrows, and Dressers batteries. To the Second Division, Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith commanding, two com- panies regular cavalry, two companies of Second Illinois Cavalry, and third battalion of Fifth Ohio Cavalry, Willards battery, and three Missouri batteries under Major Cavender. To the Third Division, Maj. Gen. L. Wallace commanding, Bulliss, Thompsons, Stones, and Markgrafs batteries, and the third battalion of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry. To the Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. S. A. llurlbut commanding, Manns, Myers, and Ross batteries, and the first and second battalions - Fifth Ohio Cavalry Page 88 88 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. To the Fifth livision, Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman commanding, Tay- lors, Waterhouses, and Boutons batteries, and two battalions of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. To the Sixth Division, Brig. Gen. B. M. Prentiss commanding, the Fifth Ohio, Powells and Munchs batteries, and t~vo battalions of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry. Al] transfers and changes necessary to comply with this order will be immediately made. By command of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: / JNO. A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE No. 43. Savannah, Teun., April 2, 1862. * * * * * * * 5. The following assignments of brigadier-generals is hereby made: Brig. Gen. IR. J. Oglesby to command the Third Brigade, First Division. Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace is assigned to the Second Division, and will be assigned to a brigade by Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith, commanding the division. Brig. Gen. J. G. Lauman will report to Brig. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, corn- inanding Fourth Division, and be assigned by him to a brigade. As a general rule brigadier-generals should be assigned to brigades eommanded by the junior commanders within the division to which they are attached. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. ItAWLINS,] A sststant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SHERMANS DIVISION, No. 16. Camp Shiloh, April 2, 1862. For the purpose of review and inspection the division will form as follows: 1. McDowells First Brigade along the Purdy and Hamburg road, facing southwest. Battery unlimbered, looking toward Pnrdy and nearly in front of McDowells headquarters. The infantry in line, right resting near the battery. 2. Bucklands brigade (Fourth) along the same Hamburg and Purdy road, right next McDowells left. Battery in advance, unlimbered, in battery looking toward Corinth. 3. Hildebrands (Third) on the left of Bucklands, on the same road, Purdy and Hamburg; right near left of Buckland; cavalry in column of companies on the drill ground. Head of column facing the Purdy road. 4. Stuarts on the same road,~ facing southwest. Battery on extreme left unlimbered, in battery looking down the road toward Hamburg. Brigades will not attempt to dress on each other, but form a general line on the east of the road, looking toward Corinth or the enemy. Each regiment will be correctly alligned on its colors, ranks opened, arms stacked, and brigades will take arms, and after presenting arms will stand at the shoulder while General Grant passes the lines. Colors - will salute him as he passes, and bands play as he passes each regi- inents front Page 89 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 In the same brigade there should be an interval of twenty-two paces between regiments. Between brigades there should be an interval of about fifty yards, depending on the ground. Colonels and field officers in front of their regiments mounted, and brigadiers in front of their brigades near the center. The Purdy and Hamburg road herein indicated as the line of battle is the plain road which leads from McDowells to Stuarts brigade. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR COLUMBIA, April 3, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Dispatch of yesterday received. The troops at Camp Chase are only fragments, and scarcely more than enough to guard prisoners. I am taking along the division which I designed to have provisionally in front of Columbia. I am not altogether satisfied to do it, but have dimin- ished the force nearer Nashville to remedy it. D. C. BUELL. CAMP SEVEN MILES SOUTH OF COLUMBIA, April 3, 18629 p. m. Major-General HALLECK: My troops all on the march. I move ahead to join the leading divis- ion, now 40 miles from Columbia. General Sturgis is in Nashville. I have telegraphed him to report to you in Saint Louis. If General Stanley is sent to me I shall be pleased to have him. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE OHIO, No. 5. Nashville, Tenn., April 3, 1862. * * * * * * * V. Unless it conflicts with special instructions he may have received or may hereafter receive from the Postmaster-General, Col. A. H. Mark- land, special agent Post-Office Department, will continue with and take general supervision of the mails for the Army of the Ohio until further orders. By command of Major-General Buell: [OLIVER D. GREENE,] Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, April 3, 1862. General WILLIAM NELSON, Gommanding Fourth Division, Buells Army: Your advance has arrived here. All difficulties in our neighborhood will be remedied before your arrival. ~. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding Page 90 90 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS SHERMANS DIVISION, Capt. JOHN A. EAWLINS, Camp Shilok, April 3, 1862. Assistant Adjutant-General, Steamboat Tigress: SIR: I inclose herewith report of Colonel Taylor of his scout last uight,* and send, in charge of a guard, with one of my aides, Captain Taylor, the two prisonersone prisoner of the First Alabama Cavalry, and the other a citizen, Dr. Parkes. Colonel Taylor is a most ii~telli- gent officer, and is fully impressed with General Grants views relative to the unjust arrest of citizens. My or(lers to him were to molest no citizen, farmer, or mechanic whom he found at home or engaged in hi~ usual legitimate pursuits. But this Dr. Parkes he found at a farm- house on his way out, and afterward found him beyond, with attending circumstances to show he had given the other pickets warning whom I expected near Greers. My plan was to post in ambush Colonel Smiths regiment of Zonaves at Greers, on Lick Creek. They started at 8 oclock p. m. last night, with two excellent guides. The cavalry of Colonel Taylor was to take the Corinth road and turn toward Greers. He executed his orders, capturing one of the enemys pickets, whom I send forthwith for General Grant to question, as he is pretty intelli- gent. The Dr. Parkes I also advise should be held prisoner for having given important information to the enemy. I have yet no reports from Colonel Smith, and expect him back mo- Inentarily, when I will communicate the result of his scout. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, ~Jornmanc1ing Division. HEADQUARTERS DIVISION Colonel BUCKLAND, Camp Shiloh, April 3, 1862. Commanding Fourth Brigade: SIR: You may march your entire brigade to-day forward on the Corinth road about 3 miles, by way of drill and instruction. When you reach the hill, send companies as skirmishers to the right and left a mile or so. Do not molest people quietly at their usual occupation as farmers, mechanics, but all persons armed, uniformed, or suspicious bring in as prisoners. Keep your men together, unless detached as companies, and allow no firing unless you encounter an enemy. I am, & c., your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, JOHN A. RAWLINS, Crumps Landing, April 4, 1862. Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General: The news of the re-enforcement of the rebel troops at Purdy is con- firmed. There are now eight regiments of infantry and 1,200 cavalry * See Part I, p. ~6 Page 91 CHAP. XXII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 at that town, with an equal if not larger body at Bethel, 4 miles back of it. The object of the movement is not known. As a measure of pre- caution I would respectfully ask the general to hasten down to me th& batteries newly assigned to my division, to wit, Stones and Markgrafs. Be pleased also to send me such blanks of every description as you can conveniently spare. LEW. WALLACE, General, Third Division. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 4, 1862. Brig. Gen. W. H. L. WALLACE, Commanding Second Division: Please send out order immediately to have Stones and Markgrafs batteries join Maj. Gen. L. Wallaces command at Crumps Landing at an early hour to-morrow. These are new batteries, that have been sent up recently, and I do~ not know where they have been temporarily assigned. It is believed that the enemy are re-enforcing at Purdy, and it may be necessary to re-enforce General Wallace to avoid his being attacked by a superior force. Should you find danger of this sort, re-enforce him at once with. your entire division. U. S. GRANT,. Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 4, 1862. General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Fifth Division: Information just received would indicate that the enemy are sending in a force to Purdy, and it may be with a view to attack General Wal- lace at Crumps Landing. I have directed General W. H. L. Wallace, commanding Second Division temporarily, to re-enforce General L. Wallace in case of an attack with his entire division, although I look for nothing of the kind, but it is best to be prepared. I would direct, therefore, that you advise your advance guards to~ keep a sharp lookout for any movement in that direction, and should such a thing be attempted, give all the support of your division and. General Hurlbuts, if necessary. I will return to Pittsburg at an early hour to-morrow, and will ride out to your camp. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP THREE MILES WEST OF WAYNESBOROUGH, April 4, 1862. General GRANT, Savannah: I shall be in Savannah myself to-morrow with one, perhaps two, divisions. Can I meet you there? Have you any information for me that should affect my movements? What of your enemy and you Page 92 92 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL relative positions; what force at Florence or Corinth? We will require forage as soon as we arrive and provisions in two or three days after. Has a steamer arrived with a bridge for me? D. C. BUELL, Commanding. ORDERS, IHDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, ARMY IN THE FIELD, No. 19. April 4,1862. I. In case of alarm, night or day, regiments and brigades should form promptly on their parade grounds and await orders. Of course, if attacked, the immediate commanders present muMt give the necessary orders for defense. II. In case of an attack on the advance pickets they should fire and fall back on the guard posted between them and the main brigade guard. This guard should hold their ground, and, if necessary, be re-enforced from the nearest regiment by the brigadier; but in no event should a brigadier go beyond his advance pickets without orders of the division commander. By being thus drawn forward we lose the advantage of position and artillery. The brigade commander should remain with his brigade and direct its movements. III. The regiment to~day went out in gray flannel shirts, which at a distance of 100 yards resemble the secession uniform. Commanders of regiments must never leave their camps for action unless their men wear the blue coat, jacket, or blouse. IV. Detachments should be made as seldom as possible, and then ehiefiy to guard points along a plain road. There is more danger in sending a single company off to the right or left of a marching column than in receiving the fire of a regiment. These conclusions were illus- trated by the events of to.day. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, A8sistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS No. 18. } FIFTH DIV., ARMY IN THE FIELD, April 4, 1862. In pursuance to Orders, No. 33, Headquarters District of West Ten. nessee, April 2, 1862, the following changes are made in this division: 1. All batteries and detachments of cavalry now attached to this division or hereafter to be attached will not be reported with bri- gades, but will make separate morning reports direct to division head. quarters. 2. Colonel Taylor, commanding Fifth Ohio Cavalry, now attached to this division, having been transferred to the Fourth Division, will report his command to Brigadier-General Hurlbut. 3. Capt. Emil Munch, Minnesota battery, having been assigned to the Sixth Division, will report forthwith to Brigadier-General Prentiss. 4. Capt. Stone, commanding battery in the Second Brigade, will report forthwith to his immediate commander, Major Cavender, and through him to Major-General Smith, commanding Second Division. Taylors and Waterhouses batteries, Mortons indiana battery, and two battalions of Fourth Illinois Cavalry, having been assigned to this division, will constitute separate commands, under the charge of th Page 93 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION 93 senior officers respectively, who will report in person daily and receive orders from the division commander. Captain Taylor is announced as chief of artillery of this division. He will make an immediate personal inspection of the artillery of this command and report its condition for service, and make such sugges- tions as his judgment and experience may suggest to increase the efficiency of this command. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, A8si8tant Adjutant- GeneraL HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, April 5, 1862. Maj. Gen. D C. BUELL Near Wayne8borough: Your dispatch just received. I will be here to meet you to-morrow. The enemy at and near Corinth are probably from 60,000 to 80,000. Information not reliable. Have abundance of rations here and some forage. More arriving daily. Pontoon bridge arrived to-day. U. S GRANT, Major-General. SAINT LOUIS, April 5, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I will order the Seventeenth Iowa immediately into the field. Want every man we can get. We have in front of us a large part of the Manassas army. It is probable that the great battle of the war will be fought in Southwest Tennessee. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. PITTSBURG LANDING TENN., lpril 5, 1862. General GRANT: SIR: All is quiet along my lines now. We are in the act of ex- changing cavalry, according to your order. The enemy has cavalry in our front, and I think there are two regiments of infantry and one battery of artillery about 2 miles out. I will send you 10 prisoners of war and a report of last nights affair in a few minutes. Yours, W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. PITTSBURG LANDING, April 5, 1862. General GRANT: Your note is just received. I have no doubt that nothing will occur *Not found Page 94 94 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL to-day more than some picket firing. The enemy is saucy, but got the worst of it yesterday, and will not press our pickets far. I will not be -drawn out far unless with certainty of advantage, and I do not appre- hend anything like an attack on our position. Yours, W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. SAVANNAH, April 5, 1862. 2Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: The main force of the enemy is at Corinth, with troops at different points east; also at Bethel, Jackson, and Humboldt are small garrisons. The numbers at these places seem to constantly change. The number of the enemy at Corinth and within supporting distance -of it cannot be far from 80,000 men. Information obtained through deserters place their force West at 200,000. One division of Buells column arrived yesterday. General Buell will be here himself to-day. Some skirmishing took place with our outguards and the enemys yes. terday and day before. U.S. GRANT, Major- General. SAVANNAH, April 5, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEOX, Saint Louis, Mo.: General Nelson, of Buells column, has just arrived. The other two -divisions will arrive to-morrow and next day. Some skirmishing took place last night between our advance and the enemy, resulting in 4 wounded and 4 or 5 men and 2 officers of ~nr side taken prisoners. Enemy lost several killed and S prisoners taken. U. S. GRANT, Major. General. SAINT LouIs, April 5, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The rank of major-general is granted Buell, Pope, McClernand, C. F. Smith, and Wallace. General Buells force will concentrate at Waynesborough. You will act in concert, but he will exercise his sep. arate command, unless the enemy should attack you. in that case you -are authorized to take the general command. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. REATh~UARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI Saint Louis, April 5, 1862. General D. C. BUELL: You are right about concentrating at Waynesborough. Future move Page 95 ChAP. XXIII 95 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. ments must depend upon those of the enemy. I shall not be able to leave here till the first of next week. I will write to you to-day, via Fort Henry and Savannah. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, April 6, 1862. General WILLIAM NELSON, Commanding Division: An attack haying been made on our forces, you will move your entire command to the river opposite Pittsburg. You can obtain a guide easily in the village. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 6, 1862. COMMANDING OFFICER ADVANCE FORCES (BUELLS ARMY), Near Pittsburg: The attack on my forces has been very spirited from early this morn- ing. The appearance of fresh troops in the field now would have a powerful effect, both by inspiring our men and disheartening the enemy. If you will get upon the field, leaving all your baggage & n the east bank of the river, it will be more to our advantage, and po88i- bly save the day to us. The rebel forces are estimated at over 100,OOQ men. My headquarters will be in the log building on the top of the hill, where you will be furnished a staff officer to guide you to your place on the field. U. S. GRANT, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Savannah, April 6, 1862. Brig. Gen. T. J. WooD, Commanding Division U. S. Forces in Field: You will move your command with the utmost dispatch to the river at this point, where steamboats will be in waiting to transport you to Pittsburg. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: WM. S. HJLLYER, Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 6, 1862. General NELSON, Savannah, Tenn.: I am directed by Major-General Grant to say to you that you will hurry up your command as fast as possible. The boats will be in read Page 96 96 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXII. iiess to transport all troops of your command across the river. All looks, well, but it is necessary for you to push forward as fast as pos- sible. CLARK B. LAGOW, Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY or THE April 6, 1862. General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Division: SIR: Hurry forward your troops. Bring your ammunition and three days~ rations. Leave your baggage, and leave the brigade now escort- ing your train to protect it, and leave guards at all the principal bridges. By order of General Buell: CHAS. L. FJTZHUGH, Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Savannah, April 6, 1862. General THOMAS, Commanding Division: SIR: Instead of leaving your train, push forward with your troops and train as rapidly as the condition of the roads will permit. By order of General Buell: CHAS. L. FITZHUGH, Aide-de. Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 7, 1862. Brigadier-General THOMAS: You will move your command with the utmost dispatch to the land- ing at Savannah, where steamboats will be in waiting to transport you to this place. Let your cavalry proceed overland to a point on the river opposite Pittsburg, and leave your transportation and baggage, & c., to follow you to Savannah. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: WM. S. HJLLYER, Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 7, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Commanding: When I left the field this evening my intention was to occupy the most advanced position possible for the night with the infantry en- gaged through the day, and follow up our success with cavalry and fresh troops expected to arrive during my last absence on the field. The great fatigue of our men, they having been engaged in two days fight and sn1~ject to a march yesterday and fight to-day, would preclude the idea of making any advance to-night without the arrival of the expected re-enforcements. My plan, therefore, will be to feel on in th Page 97 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 97 morning with all the troops on the outer lines until our cavalry force can be organized (one regiment of your army will finish crossing soon) and a sufficient artillery and infautry support to follow them are ready for a move. Under the instructions which I have previously received, and a dis- l)atch also of to-day from Major-General Halleck, it will not themi do to advance beyond Pea Ridge, or some point which we can reach and return in a day. General ilalleck will probably be here himself to- morrow. Instructions have been sent to the different division com- manders not included in your command to be ready in the morning either to find if an enemy was in front or to advance. U. S. GRANT, ilfajor- General, Commanding. UEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 8, 1862. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding First Divmsmon: I have instructed Taylors cavalry to push out the road toward Corinth, to ascertain if the enemy have retreated; and, if so, to return the information to you and General Sherman. Should they be retreat. ing, I want all the cavalry belonging to the entire command to follow them, supported by three or four brigades of infantry. It will not, after the rain of last night, be practicable to move artillery. You will Piruish one of the brigades. By command of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 8, 1862. General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Fifth Division: I have instructed Taylors cavalry to push out the road toward Corinth, to ascertain if the enemy have retreated; and, if so, return the information to yourself amid General MeClernand, who would support him with sufficient infantry (the roads will not be practicable for artil- lery) to enable him to push the reconnaissance into the Bad [Bark 0?] road between here and Corinth. By command of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. BAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 8, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL: In making the reconnaissance ordered for this morning none of the cavalry belonging to your command was directed to take part. I have R IlVOL X, PT I Page 98 98 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXLI. directed that if the enemy are found retreating, information will be at once sent to Generals MeClernand and Sherman, who will immediately advance with a portion of their force in support of the reconnaissance. It will not be practicable to move artillery. If the enemy are retreat- ing, and can be made to hasten across the low lands between here and Pea Ridge, they will probably be forced to abandon their artillery and baggage. Will you be good enough to order your cavalry to follow on the Corinth road and give two or three of your fresh brigades to fol- low in support. P. S.Information has just reached me that the enemy have re- treated. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SAINT LOUIS, April 8, 18621 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: General Pope has crossed the river. Captured all enemys works, including Island No. 10, which is now in our possession, and also the enemys large floating (14-gun) battery. Our victory is complete. No details yet received. I leave to join you to-morrow. Send this to General Buell. H. W. HALLECK, (Similar dispatch to Buell.) Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTYIENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Saint Loui8, April 8, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Waskington: SIR: My telegram of to-day will have informed you of the capture of Island No. 10 and the enemys batteries in that vicinity. This opens the Mississippi River to Randolph, and General Pope is of opinion that he can land and take that place, and then proceed to Memphis. Whether this plan will be adopted, or whether General Popes maiu force will be transferred to the Tennessee River, cannot be decided till I can obtain better information as to the enemys strength in the viciu- ity of Corinth. General Grants dispatches [do not] give me any satis- factory information. I am now of opinion that General Pope, by mov- ing on Memphis, will produce a powerful diversion in favor of our attack on Corinth, and I shall therefore have transports prepared to move General Popes army down the river, changing its destinatiou to the Tennessee, if I find it necessary on my arrival there. Van Dorns force at last account was at Yellville, moving on Jackson- port or Pocahontas, and Prices army was marching from Dover in same direction. General Curtis was following ott their flank in direction of Salem, Ark. General Steele has been halted at Pitmans Ferry, and directed to hold himself in readiness to co-operate with Curtis. Their joint forces are about 30,000. Those of the enemy are estimated at from 35,000 to 40,000. Many of their troops have been pressed into service and are not very willing to fight. I therefore think that, with the ~troops scattered through the diffexent counties, Missouri may be regarded as safe, or at least not seriously threatened. If we take Me Page 99 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 99 plus, I can throw a force across the river from that place and threaten Jacksonport by the old military road. I have made all necessary prepa- rations for putting in the field the expeditions to New Mexico and Fort Laramie, and General Sturgis has been directed to have the trains pre- pared as early as possible. General Denver is assigned to the Indian Territory, and will provide for the defense of tIme friendly Indians. As the telegraph line will soon be completed from Nashville to Savan- nah, I shall be in communication with nearly every important point in the department. Should we take Memphis, I purpose to remove my headquarters to that place as soon as the telegraph line can be ex- tended. In the mean time the office of the adjutant-general of the de- partment will remain in Saint Louis. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 9, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis: I have no instructions to give you. Go ahead, and all success attend you. An order of thanks to you has been issued. Send frequent re- ports of your operations and full details of recent success. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Saint Louis, April 9, 186211 a. m. General GRANT, Savannah, Ienn.: Received your dispatch of the 7th about battle at Pittsburg last night. Dispatched a hospital boat early this morning and will have more on the way to-day. Preparations are making at Cincinnati to ac- commodate some 10,000 sick and wounded. I leave immediately to join you with considerable re-enforcements. Avoid another battle, if you can, till all arrive. We then shall be able to beat them without fail. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. PITTSBURG, TENN., April 9, 1862. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: GENERAL: There is little doubt but that the enemy intend concen- trating upon the railroad at and near Corinth all the force possible, leaving many points heretofore guarded entirely without troops. I learn this through Southern papers and from a spy who was in Corinth after the rebel army left. They have sent steamers up White River to bring down Van Dorns and Prices commands. They are also bringing forces from the East. Prisoners also confirm this information. I do not like to suggest, but it appears to me that it would be demor- alizing upon our troops here to be forced to retire upon the opposit Page 100 100 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXTh bank of the river and unsafe to remain on this many weeks without large re-enforcements. The attack on Sunday was made, according to the best evidence I have, by one hundred and sixty-two regiments. Of these many were lost by killed, wounded, and desertion. They are at present very badly crippled, and cannot recover under two or three weeks. Of this matter you may be better able to judge than I am. There was one act of the rebels on the battle-field on Sunday which cannot be justified. I have the evidence of officers who say, and could not be deceived, that a brigade dressed in black, and with the Union flag unfurled, passed through an open field in front of one of our bat- teries, thereby regaining a position that could not otherwise have been attained without loss of life. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U S. GRANT, Major- General. P. S.I inclose herewith invoice of ordnance and ordnance stores shipped from Fort Henry, together with notes explaining the condition of it. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 35. Pittsburg, April 9, 1862. 1. All persons are prohibited from passing beyond the pickets with- out special authority from these headquarters, or on duty, as hereinafter specially provided. 2. Officers so offending will be arrested and charges preferred against them. Enlisted men will be confined and charged with desertion. 3. Citizens attempting to pass in or out without proper authority will be arrested and sent before the provost-marshal Col office near the Landing. . David E. Wood 4. Pickets or outguards of cavalry will be stationed on all the ap- proaches to camps, under the supervision of division commanders, each guarding their own front and one-half of the space on each side. 5. A cavalry iorce will be sent out each day from each division for purpose of executing paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of this order. 6. As soon as possible sanitary regulations will be made by different division and brigade commanders, and, if necessary, camps may be moved either to the front or rear, but not to change the effectiveness of the present line. 7. All firing by the troops is positively prohibited in camp. Where it is necessary to discharge fire-arms,it will be done under proper reg- ulations, made by division commanders, and such men as arc to dis- charge their pieces will be marched in an orderly ni anner to the front of the outguar(Is for that purpose and back to their camps. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. ItAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DISTRIcT om~ WEST TENNESSEE, No. 49. f Pittsburg, Tenn., April 9, 1862. 1. Brig. Gen. John INlcArthur will assume temporary command of the Second Division of this army. 2. Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith is hereby temporarily appointed to the co Page 101 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 101 mand of the post of Savannah. If deemed advisable, troops arriving may be detained in sufficient numbers to relieve the present garrison of their now too heavy fatigue dnties. * * * * * * * 10. Brig. Gen. John Cook will report for duty to Brig. Gen. B. M. Prentiss, commanding Sixth Division, who will assign him to a brigade. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 10, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Pittsburg, Tenn.: In the emergency of Sunday an order was sent to General Thomas, of your command,. to leave his transportation to follow, and to move his effective force with dispatch to Savannah. Part of his command could not comply with the order, and as the emergency has passed, it would be well to have the order of Sunday countermanded so ftmr as they are concerned, so that the force now on the way should move with trans- portation. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 50. Pittsburg, Teun., April 10, 1862. * * * * * * * 7. Brig. Gen. T. J. McKean is hereby assigned to the Sixth Division of the army in the field, and will assume command of the same accord- ingly. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. IIAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. NASHVILLE, April 11, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I forwarded some time since a statement of Brigadier-General Spears in regard to military operations at Cumberland Ford. I hope the Sec- retary will place General Spears at once in command of Tennessee troops at that place. This ought to be done. Lieutenant Carter, of the Navy, has been acting as general, as I conceive without proper authority. The Tennesseeans there and others on the way wish to return under the leadership of General Spears. Will the Secretary telegraph me his action~l Things are moving on right in Tennessee. ANDREW JOHNSON Page 102 102 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 51. Pittsburg, Teun., April 11, 1862. 1. Brig. Gen. John A. Logan will report for duty to Brigadier-General Sherman, commanding Fifth Division, army in the field, who will assign him a brigade. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 12, 1862. General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: I am just instructed by General ilalleck to detail two regiments to go on board a steamer this evening to proceed up the river to Florence and destroy a portion of the bridge there and return, and, if practica- ble, cut the bridge over Bear Creek. The two gunboats will accompany. You can select regiments from your command to execute this work. U.S. GRANT, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS,) IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 52. Pittsburft, Tenn., April 12, 1862. * * * * * * * 2. The commanding officers of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa Vol- unteers will report at once to Brigadier-General McKean, commanding Sixth Division, army in the field, for orders. * * * * * * * 7. Special Orders, No 51, current series, from these headquarters, directing Brig. Gen. John A. Logan to report to Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman, is revoked, and he will report to Maj. Gen. John A. MeCler- nand, commanding First Division, army in the field, who will assign him to the command of a brigade. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant-General. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION, No. 20. Camp Shiloh. April 12, 1862. Each brigade of this division will detail daily three companies, one from each regiment of their brigade, as a grand guard. These guards will be so posted as to cover their brigade fronts. II. The ca~ alry of the division will furnish daily a picket of 1 officer and 25 men, to be always posted well in advance of the infantry guards, the officer to receive his orders from the commanding general before being posted. III. The First Brigade will keep a strong guard at the Purdy Bridge Page 103 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 103 over Owl Creek, with pickets extending forward as far as prudence will admit. LV. The Fourth Brigade will post a guard of at least one company about a mile in front, with pickets half a mile farther in the woods south of Owl Creek, and near the large field where the Confederate hospital was situated. V. The Third Brigade will keep a guard of at least one company at the Lee place, with pickets out along the maiu Coriuth road as far as the hospital and beyond. VI. The Second Brigade will keep a guard near the extremity of the open ground to their left front, with pickets out connecting with those of the Third Brigade. Vii. All false alarms must be avoided. In case the enemys cavalry approach, the pickets should take shelter, fire on the cavalry, and drive them back. If threatened by superior force or by the enemys nifan- try, then fall back slowly, taking advantage of all shelter, on the main guard. The main guard should send word back to their respective brigade commanders and hold their ground, to give time for the forma- tion of the main line of defense. VIII. in case of a renewal of attack by the enemy our front line of defense must be held at all hazards, and no regiment should fall back without orders from the division commander. Supports of infantry and artillery close at hand, and will always be brought up from the rear as fast as necessary. IX. The commanding officer of each brigade guard will permit no person, citizen or soldier to pass their lines, out or in, without the writ- ten authority of some superior, unless it be cavalry pickets and escorts sent out for some specific purposes. All soldiers or citizens attempting to pass the lines, out or in, must be kept as prison ers, and sent in under escort to their brigade commanders. A writte or of each brigade guard must be made and sent by the brigadiers to these headquarters. X. The muskets of the men must be kept clean and unloaded. The advance guard and pickets will load on being posted, and discharge the muskets by volley on being relieved, about 10 a. in., and at no other time. XI. Each brigade commander will examine carefully his immediate front~, fell trees to afford his men a barricade, and clear away all under- brush for 200 yards in front, so as to uncover an approaching enemy. With these precautions we can hold our camp against any amount of force that can be brought against us. The experience of the last battle must convince the wavering that in organization is safety, and any offi- cer or soldier who is out of his place in the ranks is worse than an open enemy, and must be shot. Colonels of regiments must see that their file closers are instructed on this point, and that they execute summary punishment on any miscreant that dares break his ranks. XII. Men must not leave the ranks to remove the wouiided. The wounded will be looked to as soon after the cessation as the colonel may order, and any man who leaves his ranks on the plea of sheltering or relieving the wounded while his company or regiment is engaged must be treated as a fugitive and summarily punished. The safety of this army and the only chance of success is in our keeping our bri- gades and regiments compact and in good order, and any colonel who allows his regiment to fall into disorder from any pretext whatever shall be disgraced. XIII. Each regiment will keep on hand cartridges at the rate of 100 per man, 40 always in the cartridge boxes, and from 40 to 60 near a Page 104 104 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. liandior in the pockets and haversacks of the men. Also more care must be given to instruct the men never to fire witliont seeing the en- emy. When the smoke hangs low or bushes intervene the men must be cautioned to fire low. All discharges of muskets at the moon or tops of trees are not only wasted, but they deceive the generals, who have-a right to judge of the execution by the fire of their men. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. II. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Nashville, April 12, 1562p. m. General LOIIENZO THoMAS, Adjutant- General: Communications with Generals Halleck and Buell being extremely nncertain, 1 have the honor to forward the following dispatch for the information of the War Department, dated Headquarters Third Divis- ion, Humitsville, Ala., April 11, to Capt. J. B. Fry, assistant adjutant- general, chief of staff: After aforcedmarch of incredible difficulty, leaving Fayetteville yesterday at L noon, my advanced guard, consisting of Turchins brigade, Kennetts cavalry, and Simoli- sons battery, entered Huntsville this morning at 6 oclock. The city was taken com- pletely by surprise, no one having considered the march practicable in the time. We have captured ubont ~2OO prisoners, fifteen locotnotive~, a large amount of passenger and box and platform cars, the teIe~raph apparatus and office, and two Southern mails. We have at lengtb succeeded in cutting the great artery of railway cominuni- cation l)etween the Southern States. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- Geee,u 1, Comma iiding. OLIVER D. GREENE. Assistant Adjutant- General. WASIJD~GTON, April 12, 186211.30 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON. Secretari, of War: A telegram reeeive(1 from Mr. Bruch, assistant snperinten dent United States Military Telegraph, dated Nashville, 12th, states that Huntsville, Ala., was occupied yesterday by General Mitchel without much resist- ance. Two hundied prisoners taken, fifteen locomo ives, and a large amount of roll- ing stock. The Savannah line got 0. K. to Columbia this morning. It had been cut in several places and wire destroyed. Tlie line is ow inn~rrupted south of Columbia. We are doing our best to keep it up, but the roads are nearly impassable south of Co- lumbia, and the wire is cut down as fast as we put it up. A. STAGER. WASHINGTON, April 12, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: In reply to my inquiry as to further information from Pittsburg Land- ing, Mr. Stevens, operator at Cincinnati, says: General Hahleck gave orders to General Grant some days previous to the battle tha Page 105 CHAD. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 105 in case he was attacked not to pursue the enemy. Consequently pursuit was not kept up for any distance. General ilalleck having left Saint Louis no information is sent to that point. General ilalleck has arrived at Pittsburg by this time, and we ought to hear from him soon. A. STAGER. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MississiPPi, Saint Louis, April 13, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Savannah: I have reliable information from Pocahontas that all the rebel forces in Arkansas are moving to Memphis. Van Dorn is already there~ Price was at Des Arc, 75 miles below Jacksonport by water, about to embark. I think it certain that the whole rebel force in Arkansas has gone to re-enforce Beauregard. The rebels report Buell and 6,000 men of our troops captured. FREDK STEELE, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRs. DEPT. OF THE MississiPpi, No. 16. t Pittsburg, Teun., April 13, 1862. 1. The major-general commanding the department thanks Major- General Grant and Major-General Buell and the officers and men of their resl)ectiVe commands for the bravery and endurance with [which] they sustained the general attacks of the enemy on the 6th, and for the heroic manner in which on the 7th instant they defeated and routed the entire rebel army. The soldiers of the great West have added new laurels to those which they had already won on numerous fields. 2. While congratulating the troops on their glorious snccess, the commanding general desires to impress upon all officers as well as men the necessity of greater discipline and order. These are as essential to the success as to the health of the army, and without them we can- not long expect to be victorious; but with them we can march forward to new fields of honor and glory, till this wicked rebellion is completely em shed out and peace restored to our country. 3. Major-Generals Grant and Buell will retain the immediate corn- mand of their respective armies in the field. By command of Major-General ilalleck: N. II. MCLEAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Pittsburg, Tenn., April 14, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding District and Army in the Field: Immediate and active measures must be taken to put your command in condition to resist another attack by the enemy. Fractions of bat- teries will be united temporarily under competent officers, supplied with ammunition, and placed in position for service. Division sand brigades should, where necessary, be reorganized and put in position, and all stragglers returned to their companies amid regiments. Your army i Page 106 106 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. not now in condition to resist an attack. It must be made so without delay. Staff officers must be sent out to obtain returns from division commanders and assist in supplying all deficiencies. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. NEW MADRID, April 14, 1862. J. C. KELTo~: General Pope received message about Van Dorn and Price. Do you want his army to join General ilallecks on the Tennessee Oj His men are all afloat. He can be at Pittsburg Landing in five days. Fort Pillow strongly fortified. Enemy will make a decided stand. May re- quire two weeks to turn position and reduce the works. AnsWer imme- diately. I wait for reply. THOMAS A. SCOTT, A8sistant secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 54. Pittsburg, Teun., April 14, 1862. * * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, baying reported for duty to Major- General Grant, is hereby assigned to the command of the Second Divis- ion of the army in the field. By order of Major-General Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLJNS,] Assi8tant Adjutant-General. CAIRO, ILL., April 14, 1862. H. A. WISE, Navy Department: Will inform you when to send the men. I have been directed by flag-officer to arm and equip and man the steam rams building at Cin- cinnati and Pittsburgh when they are ready. We have no official infor- mation thus far respecting them, and cannot act understandingly until that is furnished. Yesterday at 7 a. m. squadron under way and ex- pected to arrive off Fort Pillow in four hours. Five rebel gunboats in sight. Unofficial information says squadron opened fire on them, when they retreated. A. M. PENNOCK, For Flag- Officer Foote. NEW MADRID, April 15, 186210 p. in., Hon. E. M. STANTON, (Via Gairo11 ix in). Secretary of War: I left New Madrid at 12 oclock Saturday night with General Pope. Arrived within 4 miLes of Fort Pillow Sunday, 2, p. m. At 8 oclock Sunday morning six rebel gunboats appeared 40 miles above Pillow. Our boats fired upon them and they retreated in great haste. The enem Page 107 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 107 have a strong position at the fort, with heavy batteries on the river. Commodore Foote cannot reduce them without incurring the risk of losing most of his boats. Our mortars will be placed to-day and open fire. I believe the enemy have about 10,000 men in their workswhich extend 5 milesfujlly intrenched, for the attack, and will contest as they did at No. 10. The country on the Tennessee shore is overflowed and impassable for 40 miles above the fort, leaving no chance to turn their position with land forces on that side. The Arkansas shore xviii be examined to-day and some means found by General Pope to get around the enemy, which will probably require a canal and two weeks time. General Pope may be ordered up Tennessee River by General ilalleck. His men are all afloat, and could join General Halleck within five days froni time notice was received. We have positive information that Yan Dorn had reached Memphis, and General Price was loading his forces 50 miles below Jacksonport, on the Arkansas Riverboth on their way to re-enforce Beauregard. General Halleck has been advised of this, and may need General Popes army to join him immediately, unless you have sent forces west from the Potomac. I arrived here at 9 oclock by steamer to give you information and with dispatches for General ilalleck. He cannot be reached by telegraph. If General Pope finds, after careful examination, that he cannot capture Fort Pillow within ten days, had he not better re-enforce General Halleck imme- diately, and let Commodore Foote continue to blockade below until forces can be returned and the position be turned by General Halleck beating Beauregard and marching upon Memphis from Corinth? Will you ad- vise upon this subject and immediately? I will remain at New Madrid for answer. Your message of yesterday received. All my time has been fully occupied, and I believe with benefit to operations here. My clerk has been very ill. Started him East Friday last. I will endeavor to write you to-morrow evening from the fleet. THOMAS A. SCOTT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MmssisswPi, Saint Louis, April 15, 1862. General HALLECK, Commanding, Savannah, Teun.: Thomas A. Scott, Assistant Secretary of War, telegraphs from New Madrid, April 14, 11 p. in., that General Popes army is all afloat. He asks if he shall re-enforce you. Can be at Pittsburg Landing in five days. Fort Pillow strongly fortified. The enemy will make a decided stand. May require two weeks to turn the position and reduce the works. I answered that you had intimated no change in General Popes (les- tination, and said 1 thought you relied on the re-enforcements General Buell could give you. ~. C. KELTOX, Assistant Adjutant- General. PITTSBIJRG LANDING, April 15, 1862. Major-General POPE, Mississippi River: Move with your army to this place, leaving troops enough with Coin Page 108 108 KY., TENN, N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXU. modore Foote to land and hold Fort Pillow should the enemys forces withdraw. Ii. W. HALLECK, Major- General. PITTSBURG LANDING, April 15, 1862. Flag-Officer FOOTE, Mississippi River: I have ordered General Popes army to this place, but I think you had best continue the bombardment of Fort Pillow, and if the enemy should abandon it, take possession or go down the river, as you may deem best. General Pope will leave forces enough to occupy any fortifications that may be taken. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 55. f Pittsburg, Tenn., April 15, 1862. * * * * * * * 4. That part of Special Orders, No. 43, current series, from these headquarters, assigning Brig. Gen. 11. J. Oglesby to command of Third Brigade, First Division, is revoked, and he will report to Brig. Gen. A. Davies, commanding Second Division, army in the field, who will assign him to command of a brigade. 5. General L. Wallace is hereby directed to move the forces of his command now at Crumps Landing, together with their garrison and camp equipage, to Pittsburg, to rejoin their division. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. IIAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. PITTSBURG LANDING, April 16, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, iSecretary of War: General Mitchel has taken Huntsville and Decatur, and by last ad. vices was moving on Tuscumbia. Intercepted dispatches from Beaure- gard to Richmond request that Pembertons army be Sent to re-enforce him at Corinth. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Vol. RODNEY MASON, Pittsburg, April 16, 1862. Gommanding & venty-first Ohio Volunteers: You will proceed with your command to Fort Donelson, Tenn., and relieve Colonel Fouke and his command of the g~rrison duty of that place. In the command of said place, you will prevent all maraudin Page 109 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 1o~ and destroying of private property. The citizens are not to be molested by our troops. Make severe examples of company commanders whose companies are guilty of such conduct. If necessary, ship them to head- quarters, with charges, and request that they be mustered out of serv- ice. You will make,, or cause to be made, requisitions upon the quar- termaster and commissary at Paducah, Ky., for such supplies as you may need for your command, being careful to have at least fifteen days rations and eight days forage on hand at all times. You will see that the telegraph line at Dover is properly guarded and that all public property is taken care of. Colonel Fouke will turn over to you any instructions he m~iy have re- ceived relative to the duties of post commander for your future gui- dance. And your particular attention is called to general orders from headquarters of the department, No. 3, series of 1861,* and to accom- ~anying orders from these headquarters.t All information you may obtain that in your judgment would be bene- licial to be known at these headquarters you will immediately forward~ Six companies of your command will be stationed at Clarksville for the purpose of garrisoniag that place, to be governed by same instruc- tions as above. By order of Major-General Grant: JNO. A. JIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT HENRY, April 17, 1862. J. C. KELTON: Yesterday a detachment of my command, under Maj. Shacifer de Boernstein, captured near Paris Confederate army supplies valued at $15,000, consisting of corn, wheat, oats, flour, sugar, butter, and mo- lasses. W. W. LOWE, Colonel, Commanding Curtis Horse. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIST. OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 39. Pittsburg, April 17, 1862. Constant guards must be kept around the different camps of this command, and no officer or soldier permitted to leave his brigade grounds without the authority of brigade commanders, except on duty. Special pains will be taken to instruct sentinels in their duty. Offi- ccis will not be permitted to visit the steamboat landing except on duty. Most of the conimand being deficient in drill and discipline, division commanders will see that as many hours per day as is consistent with the health of the men be devoted to drill, and that company com- manders excuse no soldier from any part of his duties. By command of Major-General Grant: JNO. A. lIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. * See Series I, Vol. VIII, p. 370. Probably a file of the district orders Page 110 110 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE OHIO, Nashville, April 17, 1862. Col. E. C. WILLIAMS, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Springfield, Tenn.: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you designate four companies from your regiment to proceed, under command of the most competent field officer, to the northern border of Tennessee (more especially to Clinton County), to patrol and protect that section of country from roving bands of marauding troops, horse thieves, and outlaws, which lie is informed infest it, acting on both sides. All such parties, whether acting under the name of Union or rebel, will be equally considered enemies to the peace 6f the country and will be treated accordingly. You will designate the companies with reference to the necessity for troops at the points at which they are now stationed, the rapidity with which they can be assembled, and their peculiar fitness for the trustworthy duty on which they are sent. Furnish the commanding officer with a copy of this letter, which will enable him to draw supplies from any commissary department within his reach. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser~vant, OLIVER D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 17, 1862. General ANDREW JOHNSON, Governor of Tennessee: The President having delivered to me your telegram of the 12th to be answered, I would state that the troops at Cumberla~d Gap, beiiig within General ilallecks department, it is not deemed proper for the War Department to change the command, which is now held by Gen- eral Morgan. Carter has been nominated and is now before the Senate for confirmna- tion as brigadier. Campbells regiment has been ordered to Nashville to report to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. NASHVILLE, April 17, 1862, (Received Washington, April 18, 1862, 1.40 a. in.) LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General: Your dispatch has been received. A line running north and south through Knoxville, which is, as I understand, according to the orders recently made by the War Department, the western boundary of Gemi- eral Fr6monts department. Cumberland Gap, and the forces in that viemuity were east of that line, and I supposed the disposition of the forces would be under his control or that of the War Department. The intention was simply to give General Spears the command of a brigade, embracing the Tennessee regiments, without reference to who should command all the forces constituting the expedition into Eas Page 111 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 111 Tennessee. This would not interfere with the command of General Morgan or any general command. The whole force there has been [under] an acting brigadier-general by the name of Carter, who is a lieutenant in the Navy, and was sent to that region of country on spe- cial duty. Spears was made a brigadier-general in fact, and contributed more men in the first instance to the organization of Tennessee troops than any other man, and ought to have the command of them as brigadier npon their advance into Tennessee. The regiments desire it should be so. Justice demands it. He is a brave and patriotic man, and will lead them successfully. The acting general (Carter) has been in the way from the beginning, and it would be mnch better for him to return to the naval service than to remain where he is. We need no more brigadier-gen- erals [at] present, and there should be no more made, especially for the East Tennessee expedition. Generals Morgan and Spears are suiffi- cient; more will be in the way. For fear I am mistaken I have tele- graphed General Halleck onthis subject. Hope General Thomas will at once bring this subject before the Sec- retary of War and forward to me an immediate reply. This matter should be at once attended to. All is working well in this part of Tennessee, beyond my most san- gnine expectations. As soon as we drive the rebel troops beyond the border of the State, Tennessee will be for the Union 70,000 votes. ANDREW JOHNSON. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, HuntsviUe, April 17, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: On Friday, the 11th, I entered Huntsville, capturing a large number of engines and cars. On Saturday expeditions were dispatched by rail east and west, seizing Stevenson and Decatur. Decatur was at once occupied. On Sunday we advanced cautiously upon Tuscumbia and Florence, and found the enemy had burned the railroad bridges. These were repaired and reconstructed. Ou Monday night 1 threw forward a strong force by rail to within 15 miles of Tuscumbia, and ordered them to advance prudently, in the hope of opening our communication directly with General Buell. From deserters we learn that the enemy had burned just in advance of us the bridge at Florence across the Tennessee and railway bridge between Tuscumbia and Corinth, thus manifesting their alarm at our approach. My point of operations extended from Steven- son to Tuscumbia. My entire effective force on that line scarcely ex- ceeds 7,000 men. One of my regiments is at Fayetteville, another at Shelbyville, protecting my line of communication and supplies. Had I sufficient force I would deem it my duty to advance promptly upon Tuscumbia and throw myself in the rear of the enemy to Jacinto, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. I send this directly to the Secretary of War, as I am uncertain whether any of my dispatches reached General Buell. None of them have been answered. I deem the line I occupy one of vast importance, and a heavier force is required for its defense and protection. Very respectfully, ~. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General, Commanding Third Division Page 112 112 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., ANI) SXV. VA. ~CUAP. XXII. CAino, April 18, 1862. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General: I am here with my whole force on our route to the Tennessee River. I have left all of our wagons, some 450, and mules, not having means for transporting them at New Madrid. Please hurry a sufficient num- ber of boats down to New Madrid for the purpose of forwarding them to the Tennessee River, as I cannot leave the river without them, and there are also corps of the army there that need them. There are no accommodations nor surgeons at New Madrid for the establishment of hospitals. The sick, some 1,500 or 1,600, are now in farm-houses and such accommodations as could be found. There are houses and sur- geons enough in Saint Louis for hospitals, and, iu accordance with Gen- eral ilallecks order, the sick will be sent up there. Please send down three boats for their transportation. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding PITTsnuThz~, PA., April 19, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: My dispatch from Cincinnati of the 17th, asking authority for Mr. Butler to purchase the Monarch for $14,000 and send her to New Albany to be prel)ared for service, has not yet been answered. Please inform me whether the authority has been granted. I now report that three boats at Pittsburgh and one and possibly two at Cincinnati will be ready as soon as I can man them. I respectfully request authority for the committee here to purchase 100,000 bushels of coal and the barges to carry it, so that I may take thirty days supply with me down the Mississippi. The contract for this coal should be made forthwith; also authority to me to engage the crews and to promise them fair current Mississippi River wages in their several de- partments, with stipulated allowances for extraordinary dangers and enterprise. The engagement will be very short. What we do with these rams will probably be accomplished within a month after starting the first boat. Success requires that the steamers should be run below the batteries, after which they will be isolated, unable to return, and compelled to command the Mississippi or be sunk or taken. I think if I can get my boats safely below Memphis I can command the river. A months wages is no adequate compensation for the volunteer crew. I propose therefore that, in addition to their current wages, they all be allowed an extra months pay for every fortified rebel position they pass. below; also, as you have suggested, prize-money, if they capture prizes in accordance with existing regulations; but as the arrangements of this expedition are not f~ivorable to taking and holding prizes, but are cakulated essentially to destroy the enemy~s floating war property and cripple his means of transportation, that for all services of this character which may be rendered such coml)ensatiou shall be allowed as in the judgment of the Secretary of War is equitable. If these suggestions are not approved, I ask to be instructed as soon as possible on these points. I propose to furnish each steamer with a military guard of 12 to 20 men, under a lieutenant, with an officer of higher grade in command of the whole, in addition to the ordinary crew of the boat, to do guard dut Page 113 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 113 at all times and assist in the defense of the boats when necessary. This military guard should of course he composed of volunteers drawn from the Army. If this suggestion is approved I would ask permission to nominate the officer who would select and command the guard. The total force on board all the seven steamers and two picket tenders will be, including guards and crew, about 350 men. I wish to have in the fleet two small but swift coal tow-boats as tenders and pickets, which can be purchased here for ab~ut $10,000 each, and I would be obliged to you, if the suggestion is approved, to authorize their purchase by the committee. I propose to provision the boats, as is customary on river steamers, at the owners (in this case the Governments) expense. 1 ask to be relieved of all financial cares, and to be furnished with a clerk to make the needful purchases and keep the accounts. After the expedi- tion sets out a volunteer surgeon and assistant (if competent men can be had) would be desirable. I will designate the few arms that are needed in a subsequent dispatch. Respectfully asking for an early answer, CHAS. ELLET, JR. CAIRo, April 19, 1862. Hon. B. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: On the evening of the 16th General Pope received an order from Gen. eral Halleck to move his army immediately to Pittsburg Landing, leav- ing with gunboats force enough to garrison Fort Pillow, if evacuated by the enemy. Our fleet, left Fort Pillow next morning at daylight, and will all pass Cairo during this night. Two regiments were left with gunboats. I report fully by mail, and wrn go up Tennessee, reporting daily by telegraph and mail, if possible. THOMAS A. SCOTT. CAiRo, April 19, 1862. Hon. B. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have reason to know that Commodore Foote has written to the Secretary of the Navy, stating the condition of his wounded limb, with an opinion from three surgeons. As a change may be effected, please have it deferred until you receive a report by mail from me in regard to reorganization. THOMAS A. SCOTT. CAiRo, April 19, 1862. Hon. B. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Before leaving the fleet Commodore Foote desired me to ascertain whether steamers were being converted into rams or gunboats at Pitts- burgh, Cincinnati, and Saint Louis; also the number at each place and the time they will be ready. If he is to provide commanders and crews he must be getting ready. Please telegraph me at Cairo. THOMAS A. SCOTT. 8 R RVOL x. PT I Page 114 114 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. ICHAP. XXLI. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Field of ~hiloh, April 19, 1862. Brig. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: A steamer starts for Tuscumbia this morning with pro- visions for Colonel Turchins brigade, a communication having come from him last night asking for them. 1 did not expect that you would attempt to occupy Tuscumbia in force. The destruction of the Florence bridge deprives that position of its main advantage and of its security also, leaving you only the railroad to fall back upon. The principal effect of occupying it now is perhaps to give the enemy some uneasiness; but then he will soon learn whether you are dangerous to him, and may be able to concert measures to counteract you. If you feel assured that your forces are not jeopardized by their present position, it is desirable now to hold the position as an outpost. I telegraphed, to you several days ago in regard to the importance of destroying the bridge over the Tennessee River beyond Stevenson and also the Decatur bridge as soon as you should leave it. By that means you could be withdrawn almost entirely from that line. I hope you will be able to accomplish the former without great difficulty or delay. What are your difficulties in the way of your communication with Nashville by the Chattanooga road I Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Major. General, Commanding. SEVENTH DIVISION, Cumberland Ford, April 19, 1862. (Received Nashville, April 22, 1862.) Capt. OLIVER D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant.General: There are 3,600 effective troops at the Gap. Deserters from Morgans regiments come in constantly. The Gap is defended by seventeen gulls, varying from 64 to 6 pounders. I was close enough to count their guiw, tents, and huts on this face of the mountain. Their position is strong, but can be taken. I need large cannon; I will take the Gap if you will give them to me. I wish to dismount their 64-pounder. It occupies the key-point to the entire position, and once in my possession, the Gap is ours. The enemy depends with too much confidence upon his gun~. Kirby Smith is now at Knoxville, with 4,000 men. He went toward Chattanooga, but has returned. East Tennessee is in an uproar. Yesterday 1,000 fugitives tried to come over, but were attacked and 100 taken prisoners. They will be impressed. Yesterday Stevenson sent from Cumberland Gap two can- nons and a small force of infantry to prevent their coming over. Ourwscouts are in the neighborhood of Woodsons and Big Creek Gaps, and I have ordered Colonels Cooper and Shelley to Powells Valley, with orders to try and bring over the refugees. I trust that you will give me the 20-pounders. YQu cannot understand the enemys position with- out having seen it. I have two regiments at Boston. Five prisoners captured near Clinton were brought in yesterday. GEORGE W. MORGAN Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding Page 115 CHAP. XXIL.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115 APRIL 2, 1862. General BUELL, Pittsburg Landing: The above dispatch just received. The 20-pounders were sent him by Lieutenant Edson the next day after I sent you the former dispatch from General Morgan. I ordered them sent with all possible dispatch. I leave to-morrow morning with prisoners, and if I find Lieutenant Edson has a heavy rifled gun which can probably reach General Morgan in time to tie of service will order it on. OLIVER D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvIsIoN, Huntsville, Ala., April 19 (via Philadelphia, April 21, 1862). Hon. SAlMON P. CHAsE: Your letter of the 6th just received.* I had supposed that the slaves of masters in arms against the Government were confiscated. I now hold Memphis and Charleston Railroad from Tuscumbia to Stevenson. I spared the Tennessee bridges near Stevenson in th~ hope I might be permitted to march on Chattanooga and Knoxville, but am now ordered to burn the bridges. I do not comprehend the order, but must obey it as early as I can. This entire line ought to be occupied, in my opinion, and yet I fear it will be abandoned. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General. PITTSBURG, TENN., April 20, 1862. Major-General BUELL, R& dquarters Camp: I think Tuscumbia should be held as an outpost, if Mitchel has the means of withdrawing its garrison in case of an attack. I agree with you that his main force should be kept north of the river. H. W. HALLEOK. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI, On board ,S~teamboat W. Graham, April 20, 1862. Major-General POPE, Commanding District: SIR: The day you left my scouting parties in the direction of the Lanier farm were fired upon by the enemys pickets. Subsequent to that none of their pickets have been discovered advanced over 400 yards from the river, and that only at the same farm. In the buildings of that farm are encamped from one to three regiments (rebel), supported by a gunboat at month of bayou. The river has risen so much that most of that farm is under water. At the present stage of water, with the necessary means, within four days a channel for stern-wheel boats and tugs can be made fromnearly opposite where the Perry lay to the mouth * Not found Page 116 116 KY., TENN., N. MISS.7 N. ALA., AND SW. VA. ICHAP. XXII. of bayou at the Lanier farm. The water next the levee at this end of the bayou is 3 feet 2 inches deep and 3* feet lower than the river level, giving a depth here, if the levee were cut, of about 6~ feet, which in- ereases down the bayou to from 7 to 10 feet. Herewith find rough diagrams of the rebel batteries below and of the direction of the larger levee from the Craighead farm down to opposite their gunboats, below which my pickets have yet been unable to reach in the levee. These diagrams probably convey to you no new information, yet I thought proper to forward them. The firing of the mortar boats ceased yesterday morning from some reason of which 1 am not advised, although from the reports of the rebel deserters it appears to have been quite effective. They report that Battery No. 1 of the diagram is inundated and useless and the guns about being removed. Could you have remained, I am confident that Fort Pillow would have been in your possession to-day or to-morrow. Lanier has burned the most of his cotton and his mills, and The gun- boat now lying there appears to be taking what remains on board. Part of Mr. Taylors cotton that was on the levee and exposed to destruction from the high waters has been taken on board this boat and awaits reshipment above. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. N. FITCH, (Jolonel, Commanding Brigade. PITTSBURG LANDING, April 21, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Just arrived with General Popes army. They will land early to.mor- row. All quiet here to-night. Roads in terrible condition. THOMAS A. SCOTT Assistant Secretary of War. The operator adds that it has rained incessantly for four days. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 41. Pittsburg Landing, April 21, 1862. Companies and regiments having a variety of caliber of arms will exchange and transfer from one company to another, so as to secure but one caliber in a company. This is highly essential to convenience in issuing ammunition. Where necessary, arms may be returned to the ordnance officer on the steamer Rockett and an exchange effected there. This matter should receive the immediate attention of division com- manders. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLIKS, Assistant Adjntant-GeneraL W~ DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 21, 1862. Major.General MITCHEL (via lfashville): Your dispatch to Mr. Chase* has been shown to this Department, and. Seep. 115 Page 117 CHAP. XXII.1 CORRESPOND~NCE, ETC.UNION. 117 inqhiry has been made of General Halleck as to the meaning of his order. You will please report daily to the Secretary of War. Much interest- is felt in your operations. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. PITTSBURG LANDING, April 22, 1862. Hon. A. LINCOLN: No orders, to my knowledge, have been given to General Mitchel to destroy railroad bridges. On the contrary, he has saved some which were fired by the enemy. We shall be ready to move as soon as our transportation arrives. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. PITTSIJURG LANDING, April 22, 1862. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Commanding, Hamburg, Tenn.: GENERAL: I inclose herewith a sketch of the country between the Tennessee River and Corinth, giving approximately the position of the roads and streams, the distances, & c.* It is proposed that your army take position on the Farxnington road, its right connecting with Gen- eral Buell on Lick Creek and its left covered by Chester Creek. As soon as your troops are in position and properly supplied you will re- pair and construct roads in advance for a forward movement. Your heavy artillery should be established for the protection of your depot, and pickets should be thrown out well in advance, to give notice of any movements of the enemy. The fords of Lick Creek should be examined and arrangements made for sending couriers to General Buells head- quarters, from which place information can be telegraphed to me. As you advance direct communication will be established from you to these headquarters by telegraph. By these means I hope that you will keep me fully informed of everything that takes place on your line. In or- der that there should be a concert of action between the three armies, a constant communication must be maintained with these headquarters. General Grants army will form the right wing, General Buells the center, and yours the left. General Grants right will rest on Owl Creek, and Gener-al Buells left on Lick Creek until he advances to the crossings. Further instructions will be given before a general advance is made. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OP THE Mississippi, Pittsburg, April 23, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, & c.: You will advance with your command to-morrow and take position Not found Page 118 118 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. on the right, in front of Shilok Church,. your right resting on Owl Creek. You will guard the bridge and fords over this creek and send out cavalry to reconnoiter the road to Purdy. Strong guards will he kept up in frontof your new position. H. W. HALLFAJK, Major.GeneraL NASHVILLE, April 23, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: There are two Tennessee regiments complete and in service at Curn. berland Ford; four others nearly complete. There is one being formed at that place and rapidly filling up, contrary to the expectations of everybody. As soon as order can be received there will be a report made to the Department. Colonel Campbells regiment has just reached here. Decided reaction is going on in the public mind. All will come out right. ANDREW JOHNSON. HEADQrJARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Field of Shiloh, April 23, 1862. Brig. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Commanding Third Division, Huntsville, Alo~.: GENERAL: I received your dispatch of the 20th last night. Thia morning I received a communication from Colonel Turchin, dated yes- terday, in regard to his position. The officer who brought it repeated pretty much the information conveyed in your dispatch, but said that the advance of the enemy from the direction of Stevenson was ascer- tained certainly. Whether this will throw you on the defensive will of course depend on circumstances, the force of the enemy, & c., of which I have no knowledge now. I hope it will not because that might involve the necessity of your falling back to She~lbyville. If it should, you will of course destroy the enemys communications as much as possible, the Decatur bridge without fail, and all others of conse- quence, rolling stock, & c. I hope it may not be true, though it is a thing that has always entered into my calculations as being not improb~ able, and hence the importance of destroying the Bridgeport Bridge. The railroad would hardly be a proper line of communication for us against Chattanooga at any rate. If the reported advance on you be not true, and you find yourself able to hold your present line, it may be desirable to preserve the Decatur bridge, with an outpost at Tuscumbia, as you have already arranged; but you will of course take good care that no part of your force is jeop- ardized. If you have to fall back, perhaps Shelbyville will be the proper posi- tion for you to assume ultimately, and the enemy must not be allowed te advance farther. In that case you will call together all the force that can possibly be spared from the roads and the neighborhood of Nash- ville. There will soon be three more regiments froni Ohio and one from Louisville. These should be put on the roads and the older regiments called to the field. I have ordered two regiments from Columbia t~ Shelbyville to start to.day. The cavalry (two regiments) between C Page 119 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 119 lumbia and Savannah should not be removed from there if it can be avoided, and the force near Murfreesborough should only be reduced when the enemy has fully developed his plans. It will not be advisable to re-enforce you from here unless the dan- ger should be very great. At present the gunboats can cover commu- nication with you while you occupy Tuscumbia, but if the water falls they cannot get above Eastport. Lighter boats can go if the enemy does not prevent them. Communicate with me daily by some means. It will always be possible to do or suggest something for you if you be- come very much straightened. Use one of the telegraph ciphers in the absence of any other. General Morgan reports on the 19th that Kirby Smith had been at Chattanooga, but had returned to Knoxville, where there were 4,000 or 5,000 troops; 3,000 or 4,000 at Cumberland Gap, which he will very soon attack. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. C. BUELL, Major- General, Commandiug. FLAG-STEAMER BE~TON, Off Fort Pillow, April 23, 1862. Quartermaster-General N. C. MEIGS, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I inclose a letter just received from Commander Porter, in Saint Louis, who makes application for funds immediately, as being necessary to the prompt and economical equipment and readiness of the Essex for sea service or to join the flotilla. At this distance from Saint Louis and Cairo, and in my state of health, which is very feeble, resulting from the great inflammation in my left foot and leg, arising from my wound at Fort Donelson, pre- venting my stepping on the ground for the last sixty-four days, and keeping my whole system in a febrile state, with weakness and loss of appetite, greatly debilitating me, I have been unable almost to attend to the pressing duties of the flotilla here. I have therefore done compara- tively nothing toward expediting the fitting out of the Essex, especially as Commander Porter is in communication with the XV ar Department, and has authority to fit out the rams for the flotilla, but as an increased force at the earliest possible moment is essential to us toward counter- acting the large number of gunboats now nearly completed by the rebels, I hope that means may be devised to dispatch with all possible haste the completion of such gunboats to re-enforce us as the Depart- ment may have directed. Unfortunately for us, a few days after our arrival here, and when General Pope and myself had made such arrangements which, humanly speaking, must have resulted in the capture of Fort Pillow, he (General Pope) was suddenly ordered to leave with his army of 20,000 men to re-enforce General ilalleck near Corinth. He immediately left with his army, leaving but two regiments of infantry, without proper imple- ments for mounting . guns and opening bayous to blockade the river below, while the gunboats, or a part of them, could be placed in a com- manding position below the forts and the remaining gun and mortar boats attack the rebels above. As it is, we have been doing, although not very successfully thus far, all in our power to accomplish good re- suits with our feeble means Page 120 120 KY., TENN., N. MI8~., N. ALA., AND 8W. VA. [CHAP. X~ As you are aware, our gunboats are not well adapted to fighting down- stream, for want of steam power and other causes, while the exposed state of the river above in case of defeat would prove extremely dis- astrous. The fall of this stronghold was predicated upon the fall of Memphis or our having a large land force to co-operate with us, and now we are left without means hardly commensurate with the work we are expected to aceomplish; we have not troops enough to occupy, even if we take, this place. I have to-day, as well as previously, informed the Secretary of the Navy of the state of things here, and from the most reliable authority I can command the rebels have at least 6,000 men in their fortifications and eleven gunboats. The latter we keep mostly below the forts with our mortars. It is reported that the heavy iron-clad steamer Louisiana is daily expected, with several other gunboats, from New Orleans. We are as well prepared as possible, with our means, for an attack, offen- sive or defensive, and I shall do all in my power to secure the great object of the expedition. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Thg-Offieer. P. 8.In a picket skirmish yesterday the rebels lost 1 killed and 1 or 2 wounded; no loss on our side. [Thcloeure.J SAINT Louis, ApriL 20, 1862. Flag-Officer ANDREW H. FOOTE: SIR: The Essex will be off the dock on Tuesday next. I have only received in money a little over $3,000, and in consequence of delays, under your order to postpone the work for a time, my expenses have increased. At the time you required my estimates, and the delay caused by the time required to furnish them, I could have purchased timber for $27 per thousand, but in the mean time this material was bought up for private purposes, and I was therefore compelled to pay a higher price; and, besides this, the want of funds placed me completely at the mercy of the dock company, as I was compelled to take their materials very much against my own inclination. I purchased the Alec Scott for the sum of $8,500. The hull of this vessellhad examined before making the purchase. Her machinery, with some little repairs, as well as boilers, are good enough. Besides, she is fast, and has a spacious hold. I expect her here next week, when I will at once get to work on her. I have already opened negotiations for another, which will be closed in a day or two. The War Depart- ment informs me the funds will be supplied here. If you want the services of the Essex, funds must be at once supplied to complete her. At present we must pay for labor or stop the work; if so, she will be a serious loss to the squadron. The materials are all here. We now only want money for labor. This is indispensable. I have done all in my power to push the work, and no doubt the mental anxiety which I have undergone has retarded my recovery, but at pres- ent I am improviog rapidly and am out of the hands of the doctor. You are well aware I do not seek personal aggrandizement, but only aim to be useful to the Government, and hence when I complain it is not on my own account, but it is that the affairs of the vessel that I command or am attending to should progress rapidly and be mad Page 121 Ow. XXI1.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 121 useful to the country. For myself I have nothing to ask, but for the benefit of the public service everything. Grant me only that which will add to the efficiency of the vessel, which will enal)le me to join the squadron at an early date and be of service, and it is all that I de- sire. I have had two spies among the rebels. One has reported to me at this place; the other, by the name of Tres~e1, was sick at Island No. 10 when captured. 1 hear he is at Cairo; if so, he may be able to give you some valuable information. I sent you a tracing of Fort Pillow and its surroundings. I have a person who is getting information among the prisoners here, and will send you such information as may be of service. Last, not least, may I again beg of you to have forwarded $5,000 or $6,000 at once. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commander. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MississIr~i, Pitt8burg, April 24, 18629.30 a. in. Maj. Gen. U S. GRANT, Commanding, & c.: Owl Creek, opposite General Wallaces position, will be bridged, and a strong reconnoitering party sent out on the Purdy road to feel the enemy and ascertain his position and force in that direction, and especially on the road to Cramps Landing. H. W. HALLECK, Aijaijor-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE MIssIssrPPr, No. 38. Hamburg, April 24, 1862. The following organizations of brigades and divisions is established for this army: First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. E. A. Paine, to consist of. First Brigade, Brig. Gen. John M. Palmer: The Forty-second, Twen- ty-seventh, Fifty-first, and Twenty-second Illinois; Houghtalings battery. Second Brigade, Col. James D. Morgan: The Tenth and Sixteenth Illinois, Tenth and Fourteenth Michigan, Yates Sharpshooters; iles- cooks battery. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. D. S. Stanley, to consist of First Brigade, Col. John Groesbeck: The Twenty-ninth, Twenty-sev- enth, Forty-third, and Sixty-third Ohio; Dees Michigan battery. Second Brigade: Infantry hereafter to be designated; F Company, Second Artillery. Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Solinyler Hamilton, to con- sist of First Brigade, Brig. Gen. J B. Plummer: The Twenty-sixth illinois, Eighth Wisconsin, Forty-seventh Ihhihois, and Eleventh Missouri; Spoors Iowa battery of artillery. Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. N. B. Buford: The Fifth Iowa, Fifty-ninth Indiana. Tenth Iowa, Twenty-sixth Missouri; Sands Ohio battery Page 122 122 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL The First and Second Divisions will constitute the battle corps, and the Third Division the reserve of this army. Cavalry Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Gordon Granger,to con- sist of First Brigade, Col. W. P. Kellogg: The Seventh Illinois and Third Michigan. Second Brigade. Col. W. L. Elliott: Second Iowa and Second Mich- igan. Division commanders will take immediate steps to have their com- mands, both of artillery and infantry, filly supplied with ammunition., keep their men within the limits of their camps, and will be prepared to move forward at short warning. As directed heretofore. division commanders will report in person to the major-general commanding this army at 9 oclock every morning, as will also the chief of artillery, the chief quartermaster, and chief commissary on duty at these headquarters. Adjutants-general, chief qnartermasters, and chief commissaries of divisions will report at 9.30 oclock every morning to the chiefs of their respective departments at these headquarters. Division commanders will be held responsible for the condition of their transportation, and will see that it is at all times in the best con- dition for service. Habitually the order of march and encampment will be in two lines, as follows: Paines division on the right, with his Second Brigade in rear and opposite the intervals of the First. Stanleys division on the left, dis- posed in like manner, so that the First Brigade of the First and Second Divisions shall constitute the first line, the Second Brigades of those divisions the second line, and in this order this army will be ei~gaged in battle, modified of course by circumstances of ground. The Third Division, with the reserve artillery, will take position in the rear, and as nearly opposite the center of the two divisions which precede it as possible. As nearly as practicable the cavalry division will occupy by brigade a position on the right and left of the reserve. When ground is unfavorable for this purpose the mass of the cavalry will march and encamp in rear of the reserve. Such details of cavalry as may be necessary to accompany the ad- vance of the army or division will be designated hereafter. The com- mander of the cavalry division will detail immediately 20 orderlies, to report to each of the division commanders. These three detach - ments, of 20 men each, will be commanded by a commissioned officer,. or by some discreet and trustworthy non-commissioned officer, and will carry with them their rations, cooking utensils, camp equipage, and baggage. The baggage trains of divisions will follow in rear of their respective division, in the order of rank of the brigade commander; in all cases the ammunition wagon being at the head of the train. The two 20-pounder and the four 30-pounder Parrott guns and the four 24-pounder guns will constitute the heavy siege artillery, to be commanded by Capt. George A. Williams, First Regular Infantry, and manned by the companies of that regiment. Captain Williams will report immediately to these headquarters. By order of General Pope: SPEED BUTLER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 123 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE Mississi~~i, No. 40. f Hamburg, April 24, 1862. This whole command will move forward to-morrow morning. The front will occupy a position 2 miles in advance of the point now occu- pied by Colonel Morgans brigade. The First Division will occupy the right of the Corinth road; the Second Division the left, leaving the road free. The reserve will encamp 1 mile in rear of the second line. For the present the heavy batteries, with the exception of the section of 20- pounder Parrotts, will remain at this place, will throw up intrench- ments, and place the guns in battery so as to cover the store-houses. The section of 20-pounder Parrotts will accompany the reserve. The cavalry not already sent forward will, in its march and encamp- ment, conform to General Orders, No. 38, from these headquarters. Capt. G. A. Williams, First Infantry, will remain in command at this place for the present, and will afford every assistance with his command in getting the quartermaster and commissary subsistence stores under shelter. Captain Taylor will go forward with the general commanding, leav- ing some officer in charge of his depot. No tents nor baggage, except knapsacks of men, will be carried. Two days cooked rations will be carried in the haversacks and at least three days in the regimental wagons. One wagon of each regiment will be assigned to carry ammunition. The cartridge boxes will be filled, and 50 rounds extra for each man will be carried in the wagons designated for the purpose by regimental commanders. Division commanders must see carefully to the execution of each paragraph of this order, as no excuse for any deficiency will be received after the movement is commenced. For the present and until the arrival of the Second Brigade of Stan- leys division the brigade of General Plummer will be attached and will form his second line. The tents will be left standing, with a small guard from each regi- ment in charge. Any officer or soldier thus left in charge who shall leave his post or neglect his charge will be subjected to the severest punishment the laws allow. The whole of the tents, baggage, and sup- plies will be brought forward as soon as the wagons reach here, not later than day after to-morrow. These headquarters will for the present remain at this place. By order of General Pope: SPEED BUTLER, Assistant Adjutant-General. PITTSBURGH, [PA.,] April 24, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: In accordance with the authority given in your dispateh of yesterday the committee have purchased two small and swift boats for tenders one for $9,000 and the other for $11,000; also 80,000 bushels of coal, in eight barges, all to be. (telivered by Wednesday next. The high water has caused some delay, but it is now falling rapidly, and the boats in preparation here, which are too long for the locks, must be run down below the falls at au early day. Respectfully, CHAS. ELLET, JR Page 124 124 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CTfAI~. XXIL HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISIoN, Hon. B. M. STANTON, Huntsville, April 24, 1862. & cretary of War: Your telegram directing me to report daily is received. My front now extends from Tuscumbia to Stevenson. The bridge, destroyed by me between Stevenson and Bridgeport still intervenes between my troops and the enemy. The heavy rains and high waters have thus far prevented me from destroying the Tennessee bridge, as ordered. I have constructed the telegraph line, and am now in connection with Bellefonte. My cavalry scouts are in Stevenson. I have nothing from General Halleck or General Buell later than the 16th, though two trans. ports, with supplies for my division, and a gunboat reached Tuscumbia on the 22d. The transports were unloaded, and left before I could com- municate with them. I learn from my outposts at Tuscumbia that the enemy 15 concentrating troops at luka and at points west of.that place. They burned the bridges between Tuscumbia and Juka, and cannot, therefore, surprise me with any large force at Tuscumbia; but it is utterly impossible for me, with so small a force, to saMy protect and defend so extended a line. I have now held my position for two whole weeks. For safety I have been compelled to keep all my force on the north side of the Tennessee. The deep responsibility resting upon me, added to the fact that I am compelled to be in motion day and night, is too much for my physical health. I did hope that as soon as it was known we had driven the enemy from Tuscumbia and Florence those places would be promptly occupied by a large force from the main army. I deem them of great importance, as their occupation gives us the opportunity of striking a fatal blow at the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, in the enemys rear. But for the fact that I have sixteen engines, and cars in proportion, it would be madness to attempt to hold my positi0n a single day. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville A General D. C. BUELL: , pril 24, 1862. On the night of the 22d, by carrier and telegraph, I learned from Colonel Turchin, in command at Tuscumbia, that iO~,Ooo rations had arrived, and that the enemy was fortifying at Eastport, Bear Creek, or at least concentrating troops in that direction. I at once ordered Colonel Turchin to have our stores unloaded above Florence, on the north side of the river, in case there was any danger, but owing to an accident to the engine my dispatch did not reach him until after the departure of all the boats. I followed my messenger in person to the burnt bridge, 15 miles from Tuscumbia, and made all arrangements for moving these rations as rapidly as possible. The high water has prevented the re- construction of the bridge, and all our teams, for safety, are on this side of the river. I have ordered teams to be hired in the country, and on last night sent a strong force to aid in guarding the road from De- catur to the burnt bridge. I will go down myself to-day, and will not restrain my efforts to hold safely my front of operations, now extending over 120 miles. I had hoped that a heavy force would have been sent to Tuscumbia, which I deem a point of the utmost importance to occupy, as it give Page 125 ChAr. XXlI.~ 125 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNlON. u~ the command of the line to Decatur and affords us the opportunity of striking a blow at the ,enemys great line of Mobile and~ Ohio Rail- road. My intelligence from Bellefonte up to last evening gives no change. My cavalry scouts are in Stevenson, and report the Tennessee bridge to be guarded by about 1,000 infantry and cavalry. I am trying to seize a small steamer, said to be on the river somewhere below Bridge. port. If successful, I think the Tennessee bridge must fall into my hands. I hope to-day to be in telegraphic communication with Jones- borough; the line is now working to Bellefonte. We have just received our first message. I will push the line to Tuscumbia as rapidly as pos. amount of activity can protect in safety so long :i~~i~% 1: force. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville, Ala., April 25, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: On yesterday, the 24th instant, it became manifest the enemy was attempting to surround my advance guard at Tuscumbia. They were attracted probably by the hope of securing 100,000 rations, received by steamer the day before. By great activity we have saved our stores, and they are now on the north side of the river, coming into Huntsville by cars. I have ordered my troops to fall back to Jonesborough, on the hither side of the burned bridge, up to which point the cars run and telegraph communication is open. As the main army has failed to occupy Tuscumbia, and I am not led to expect re-enforcements, I have decided to withdraw my troops to the north side of the river, and, if necessary to our safety, to destroy the Decatur bridge. We can easily join the main army, if necessary, by a two days march from Athens to Florence. We hold Stevenson, and have information from Chattanooga to the 21st, at which time not more than 1,000 troops occupied the place~ The same person giving this information reports a regiment of infantry and one of cavalry at Bridgeport. Should the rains ever cease and the roads become practicable I will force the enemy to abandon Bridgeport, and will either hold or destroy the bridge, as may be ordered. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville, April 25, [1862]. Major-General BUELL: Your dispatches of the 19th and 23d have reached me over the wires from Jonesborough, opened by my order there, and telegraphed by Colonel Turchin, now at that l)lace. He reports the enemy under Gen- eral Price in force threatening Tuscumbia, and has fallen back to Jones- borough, and will probably retreat to Decatur. All caution and pru- dence has been exercised and without accident to the brigade. I only occupied Tuscumbia as an outpost, but will jeopardize [nothing]. Bri- gade is south of the river, and trains in readiness to move the troop Page 126 126 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXIL more rapidly than any enemy can advance. I have information fr~ Chattanooga up to the 20th. There was at that time only about 1 troops at the town, some 1,500 at the bridg& . The bridge I destroyed is still a wreck. The enemy tried to rebuild it to get over one or two old locomotives at. Stevenson, but the bridge gave way and the engin~ was lost. I will now withdraw the Eighth Bri. gade from the south side of the river. The bridge at Decatur is ready to fire. Colonel Turchin has sent up a small steamer ordered forward by me; with their boat and artillery, I hope to obtain possession of the Bridgeport Bridge. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier. General. WA1~ DEPARTMENT, Major.General HALLECK, April 25, 1862. Pittsburg Landing: The President desires that the following telegram, received from Governor Johnson, should be communicated to you for such action as you deem proper: NASHVILLE, April 24, 1862. Hon. HORACE MAYNARD: I have this moment been advised that the Third Minnesota Regiment, stationed here, and forces at Murfreesborough and Lebanon, have been ordered south by Buell. This is substantially surrendering the country to the rebeis. My understanding was that I was sent here to accomplish a certain purpose. If the means are withheld it is better to desist from any further efforts. You are well aware of General Buds course in regard to Tennessee from the beginning to the present moment. These forces ought to be detained where they are. I hope you will see the Secretary of War at once. The effect of. removing the troops is visible in the face of every secessionist. Secession was calming down and great reaction in favor of the Union was taking place. ANDREW JOHNSON. You will please acknowledge the receipt of this telegram, and state what order, if any, is made by you on the subject. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. ExEcuTivil OFFICE, Nashville, April 25, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Col. Lewis D. Campbells regiment, the Sixty.ninth Ohio, had hardly landed here before General Buell ordered it away. Your dis.. patch of the 17th said they were ordered to report to me. I have before pressed the propriety of a brigade in addition to the forces at this place, and do most earnestly hope that Campbells regiment will be permitted to remain at this place. Please send an immediate reply, as the regiment is ordered to leave to-morrow. ANDREW JOHNSON Page 127 CiAP. XXII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 127 HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD BRIGADE, Murfreesborough, April 25, 1862. Capt. OLIVER D. GREENE: I have received the following message from General Mitchel: HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville. Colonel DUFFIELD, MurfreC8borough: I must depend U~Ofl YOU to send forward troops immediately to hold Wartrace and Shelbyville. I have requested General Negiey to send a regiment to Shelbyville. My regiment must come forward, even if I give up Ifl~ line of supplies. I have received 100,000 rations by Tuscumbia. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier-General. Fonr squadrons of the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry now at Wartrace. The Forty-second Indiana, which is attached to General Mitchels di- vision, at Shelbyville; the Ninth Michigan, Eighth Kentucky, Fifth Squadron Seventh Pennsylvania, and First Squadron Fourth Ken- tucky, and Hewetts battery, here; detachments at Lebanon and Nash- ville ordered here, but no report of their departure yet received. Verbal orders from Captain Fry were to re-enforce Mitchel promptly if at- tacked. No orders to relieve him. What shall be done? DUFFIELD, Colonel. PITTSBURGH, [PA.,] April 2~i, 1862. Hon. E. N. STANTON: I think your instructions of to-day, just received, will serve to secure a crew of the right stamp. Personally I have two points to submit to you. I would prefer not to hold a military rank unless you deem it indispensable, and, in that case, even though it will be only a temporary appointment and for a special duty, I would much prefer that it should be a grade higher. To command the military guard and to stand sec- ond to myself in command of the fleet I would ask leave to name my brother, Capt. Alfred W. Ellet, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, now in Southern Missouri, a man of dauntless energy and devoted pa- triotism, who will carry this enterprise through if he survives and 1 am disabled. It would be well, I think, if this suggestion receives your assent, in communicating the commands of the Department to Captain Ellet to authorize him to bring a limited number of reliable men of his own selection from his regiment. The clause in your instructions requiring the concurrence of the naval commander of the Mississippi mi~it embarrass me much. That officer may not have confidence in my mode of warfare. My purpose has been not to remain with the gunboats or even to show my fleet there until ready to rush or pass the batteries, and drive my rams against the enemys armed vessels and transports wherever they can be found, relying much on the suddenness and audacity of the attack for its success. It is not my purpose either to stop voluntarily any- where and give the enemy below me time to prepare, but to push on with the current and the high flood as rapidly and as far as I can go. I fear that the naval commander might not concur in the propriety of such a movement, which is not in accordance with naval usage, and that he might compel me to lie idle above some fortified position until the flood abated and the opportunity to surprise the enemy in my ow Page 128 128 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. way would be lost. I truist you may think proper to reconsider this limitation of my authority and leave me free to act on my judgment, but of course with respectful deference to the opinion of the gallant officer in command of the Mississippi, by whose good advice I certainly shall not fail to profit. The work on the boats here has been much re- tarded by the flood, but they will all be ready as soon as I can engage their crews and get their outfits aboard. I will put a captain and en- gineers on the Mingo immediately. I wish to consult each captain in the choice of the crew for his own boat. I have no reason to doubt that the boats in preparation at the cities below will be ready as soon as I can proceed down the river from point to point and man and equip them. Respectfully, CHAS. ELLET, JR. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 25, 1862. General GEORGE W. MORGAN, (Yv5mberland Ford; Your telegram received. Medary has been ordered to join you. Please report to me your plan of operations, and keep me advised daily of your movements, if possible. I shall be glad to aid you in every- thing within my power. Send me by mail your instructions and plan of operations. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Pittsburg, April 26, 1862. Major.General BUELL, Army of the Ohio: GENERAL: I inclose a telegram just recei~red from Washington.* I have answered the Secretary that we require every available man on this line, and that to send troops back to Nashville to accommodate Governor Johnson would be releasing our grasp on the enemy~s throat in order to pare his toe-nails. However, I will leave the disposition of your troops east of the Tennessee River to your judgment. Yours, truly, H. W. HAJ~LECK, Major-Geasral. PITTSBURG LANDING, April 26, 1862. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Telegraph of yesterday is received. Will consult with General Buell to-day about Governor Johnsons dispatch. Troops cannot be detached from here on the eve of a great battle. We require every man we can get. We must act in mass or we shall be defeated. We cannot hunt * See Stanton to Halleck, April 25, p. 126 Page 129 CHAP. XX1I.1 129~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. up disloyalists at present. We are now at the enemys throat, and can~ not release our great grasp to pare his toe-nails. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 26, 1862. His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President: A few days since I dispatched to you some of the reasons why I de- sired the Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Campbell commanding, should be transferred to this place. I received a reply from Secretary Stanton stating that it had been done. Immediately upon the arrival of that regiment here it was ordered to another point, where it is not needed. I hope you will send an order at once, being the Commander- in-Chief, that the regiment remain at this place. Petty jealousies and contests between generals wholly incompetent to (liseharge the duties assigned them have contributed more to the defeat and enibarrassment of the Government than all other causes combined. If I can be sus- tained in carrying out the object of the administration in restoring Tennessee to her former status in the Union, and in not being depend- ent upon staff officers and brigadier-generals, it can be accomplished in less than three months. I want a reply from the President. I hope that you will send for Mr. Maynard, and consult with Mm as to how matters have been managed since I reached this place in connection with the military. ANDREW JOHNSON. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, April 26, 1862 Major-General HALLECK: The disposition I have made of troops in Middle Tennessee is abso- lutely necessary for its defense and to support Mitchel. I consider this a matter of far greater moment than the gratification of Governor John- son, whose views upon the matter are absurd. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. HAMBuRG, April 26, 1862. Major-General HALLECK One of the enemy (leserte(l from his advanced vedettes and delivered himself np to my cavalry pickets. He is an intelligent man. Says that the enemys force at Corinth and vicinity does not exceed 30,000, proba- bly much underestimated; that they ar~ much dispirited; that no con- siderable force is this side of Corinth; that lines of intrem~chments are completed about one mile this side of town; many heavy guns, but very few mounted; that only small force at Monterey, from which all pickets in this direction are sent out. Enemy is fortifying many places along railroad to Memphis. It is probable that enemys line of retreat will be toward Memphis. My two advanced divisions are camped 6 miles in advance of this 9 U RVOL X, PT I Page 130 130 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. place, center on Farmington road, right extending acress Corinth and Monterey road in the direction and somewhat in advance of Greers; pickets connect with Elliotts; order of encampment precisely as it was here. Reserve, Hamiltons division and artillery reserves, will occupy their ground, one mile in rear of center, early to-morrow. I move my headquarters to Bennetts, near right of my line, to-morrow. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg Landing, April 26, 1862. ~Irs. C. F. SMITH, No. 191 East Fourth Street, New York: It becomes my painful duty to announce to you the death of your lamented husband, Maj. Gen. Charles F. Smith. He died at 4 oclock p. m. yesterday, at Savannah, Tenn. In his death the nation has lost one of its most gallant and most able defenders. It was my fortune to have gone through West Point with the general (then captain and com- mander of cadets) and to have served with him in all his battles in Mexico and in this rebellion, and I can bear honest testimony to his great worth as a soldier and friend. Where an entire nation condoles with yon in your bereavement no one can do so with more heartfelt grief than myself. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 43. Shiloh, April 26, 1862. 1. Division commanders will detail daily 10 monuted men, nuder commissione(i officers, to patrol the entire grounds within the limits of the Army of the Tennessee, who will arrest personally all officers and men guilty of discharging fire-arms in violation of paragraph 2 of Gen- eral Orders, No. 38, current series, issued from these headquarters, and report them to their division commanders, who will canse enlisted men to be punished and officers to be tried before court-martial for such vio- lations. 2. All enlisted men and company officers (not on duty) without the lines of their respective divisions will be arrested and reported to their ~division commanders, who will see that they are properly punished and 4VeaIt with, and all citizens found without passes or permits approved by the general commanding department or general of an army corps will be arrested and delivered into the custody of the provost-marshal. 3. Division commanders will assign to said patrol guard such other duties as may be necessary to enforce obedience to existing orders. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 26, 1862. CHARLES EILLET, Jr., Esq., Pittsburgh, [Pa.]: In answer to your telegram of the 25th instant I proposed the rank of colonel of the staff because I thought it important, amid still think that Page 131 CHAr. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 you should have some legal authority to command; and I named the highest rank in my power to give without the action of the Senate, which would involve delay. If this is acceptable to you, your brother can be appointed lieutenant-colonel in the staff; as your second in com- mand, and he shall have the authority you request to take with him a limited number of reliable men from the regiment in which he is now serving. The peculiarity of the enterprise which you have undertaken induced the expression concurrence, instead of placing you distinctly under the comman(l of the naval commander. There ought not to be two commanders on the same element in war operations; but as the service you are engaged in is peculiar, the naval commander will be so advised, and will be desired not to exercise direct control over your movements unless they shall manifestly expose the general operations on the Mississippi to some unfavorable influence; which is not, however, anticipated. EDWIN M. STANTON. Secretary of War. PITTSBURGH, [PA.,] April 26, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have received your dispatch of to-day, and think I understand your views perfectly. I will accept the temporary appointment of colonel of the staff, and thaiik you for placing my brother by my side with the rank you propose. Let me request that he be instructed to return im- mediately to Saint Louis, with such limited number of officers and men as he may select to bring with him. Time is very pressing. I wish to go down the Mississippi on the present flood. Good men are scarce, but I am using every exertion to send off the Mingo on Tuesday and the Lioness on Wednesday, with the coal barges, if they are delivered. If there is any prescribed form of agreement which should be signed by the crews of the boats I will be glad to receive a copy of it. An officer has just arrived with instructions from Commodore Foote to obtain in- formation of what I am doing here, all of which I will give him. I would communicate directly with my brother if I knew to what officer at Saint Louis to address my dispatches. Respectfully, CHAS. ELLET, Ju. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 27, 1862. Gov. ANDREW JOHNSON, Nashville, Tenn.: Your dispatch of yesterday just received, as also, in due course, was your former one. The former one was sent to General ilalleck, and we have his answer, by which I have no doubt he (General ilalleck) is in communication with you before this. General ilalleck understands better than we can here, and he must be allowed to control in that quarter. If you are not in conimunication with llall~ck, telegraph him at once, freely and frankly. A. LINCOLN Page 132 132 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. NASHVILLE, April 27, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I have just received a dispatch from President Lincoln in answer to a dispatch in which I pressed the importance of a force at this point sufficient to exert not only a military but a moral power throughout Tennessee, which would be most satisfactory upon the public mind. I also pressed the proprie~ of the Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Campbell, being located at this place, and which was ordered by the Secretary of War. There were many reasons given for this request. The President informs me that the substance of this dispatch has been transmitted, and by this time it is expected you would be in communi- ti()n with me. if the dispatch has been received, I hope and trust that General Halleck will find it consistent with the public service to grant the request made. In regard to the amount of force to be left at this point, to be disposed of as circumstances may require, I simply ask that at least Colonel Campbells Sixty ninth Ohio Regiment may remain here, not only for reasons of public consideration, but for reasons peculiar to myself. The President requested that I should at once telegraph you thus freely. Plcase favor me with an early reply. I wish you com- plete success in the coming contest. Accept assurances of my high esteem and respect. ANDREW JOHNSON. PITTSBURG LANDING, April 27, 1869. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith died at 4p. m. on the 25th. His remains have been sent to Saint Louis, where they will be buried with military honors. He is a great loss to this army. I have not directed military honors to be paid to his memory here, but will wait your orders. Transportation is rapidly arriving, and as soon as the roads can be made passable we shall move. The enemy has been strongly re-enforced since the last battle. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 27, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Pittsburg Landing: This Department has learned with deep regret the decease of the patriotic and gallamit General C. F. Smith, and requests that military honors be paid to his memory. EDWIN M. STANTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 27, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Pittsburg Landing: Assistant Secretary Fox informs me that Commodore Farragut ha Page 133 CUAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 133 orders to push up to Memphis immediately from New Orleans, without waiting for anything. The capture of New Orleans is confirmed this evening by other intelligence. EDWIN M. STANTON. CUMBERLA~D FORD, April 27, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Thanks from my heart for the cordial encouragement of your tele- gram. With Gods protection you shall not be disappointed. Between the point of attack and the base of my supplies I have 90 miles of road, washed into deep chasms or belly-deep in mud. Seven hundred men are repairing the worst portions. The few officers of my staff labor with incessant and undying devotion. If without detriment to the service you can spare me an ordnance officer, I shall be glad. He will relieve me of details, which occupy time which should be otherwise devoted. On Monday an(I Tuesday next reconnaissance will be made of the enemys front and flanks. On Thursday I will send you rough dia- grams. I will write to you to-morrow. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier General Volunteers, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 27, 1862. General GEORGE W. MORGAN, Gumberland lord: Your telegram just received. We have noi a single ordnance officer, I regret to say, that can be sent immediately, but you shall have one as soon as possible. We have taken New Orleans, and hope soon to have Yorktown and Corinth. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville, April 27, [1862]. Major-General BUELL: Yours of the 22d received; the first which has reached me since the 16th. I have sent you a dispatch nearly every day; very full one left this morning. The Florence bridges burned. Our officers and soldiers have been to Florence, and this is certain. I had hoped and expected a large force to be sent to Tuscumbia from the main army. The enemy is threatening my advance guard. The ten days rations sent is a strong temptation. We have~ already removed the portion of them from Tuscumbia. The Eighth Brigade is encumbered with baggage of every kind, and I have sent a strong reserve to Jonesborough and have ordered cavalry scouts in every direction. Have just returned myself from the burned bridge. I again beg you to send us re-enforcements to Tuscumbia, unless you prefer to have us fall back and leave the south of the river entirely Page 134 134 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. Matters unchanged about Bridgeport. My cavalry are in Stevenson. Infantry at Bellefonte. Telegraphic communication with Bellefonte. Please answer about re-enforcements at Tuscumbia. Send the Tyl~er up river, if possible, to Decatur. I am ordered to report daily to the Secretary of War. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISiON, Huntsville, April 27, [1862]. Maj. Gen. B. C. BUELL: My troops are all withdrawn from the southern side of the Tennessee River. I am informed that the enemy, unable to provide forage at Corinth, is sending his cavalry in large bodies away from the army. They are said to be going to the mountain region of Tennessee, oppo- site Chattanooga, and will probably give as much trouble on the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railway. Decatur Bridge is destroyed. I have posted one regimentthe Eighteenth Ohioat Athens, and have sent a company of cavalry as scouts along the road to Florence. I will run a train regularly hereafter to Athens, and if a steamer be sent to the landing above Florence your communications will be brought forward by my cavalry. I have decided to attempt to occupy Steven- son in force. The backwater of the Tennessee now covers that entire region of country. To reach Stevenson requires the building of two bridges, each 300 feet. The first across Mud Creek, 7 miles from Ste- venson, was commenced on yesterday, at 4 oclock p. in., and at 4.2t~ this afternoon two regiments of infantry, one company of cavalry, and a piece of artillery had passed the bridge. It is a floating bridge, built upon cotton bales captured from the enemy. The other bridge will be built to-morrow, in case we find no enemy at Stevenson, from which place for two or three days our scouts have been excluded by the high stage of the water. 0. M. MITCHEL Brigadier- Gei~erai. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Pittsburg, April 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, d~c.: You will push forward one division on the Purdy road to Veatches or Stantonville, to hold the cross-road to Monterey, while the cavalry pushes forward and destroys the railroad near Bethel. The wing officers of the division will be directed to protect his flank from any movements from the direction of Monterey. The movement should be made as soon as possible. I have a telegram from the Secretary of War confirming the cal)ture of New Orleans by Commodore Farragut. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General Page 135 CIIAI. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 135k HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 28, 1862.. Maj. Gen. II. W HALLECK, Commanding Department of the Mississippi: The expedition ordered this morning from general headquarters to~ go out the Purdy road and destroy the railroad near Adams has started with three days rations in haversacks. The expedition con- sists of Major-General Wallaces entire brigade, with the exception of artillery. But one battery i8 taken. All the cavalry belonging to my forces fit for dnty and not otherwise employed accompany the expe- dition. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Commanding Third Division: Your note from Stantonville is just received (10 oclock p. m.).* The object of the expedition being to cnt off the railroad, and you, being with the command to do it, can tell better whether any change from the plan laid down should be made and will be at liberty to do so. Cut the road, if possible, but (10 not engage a force that you are not certain of succe8s over, and if possible aim engagement should be avoided altogether. U. S. GRANT, Miajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field, Shiloh, April 28, 1862. Brig. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, Fourth Division: You will move your entire command to-morrow morning, with three days rations and forage, to the point on the Corinth road where the hospital is located, and near the point where the skirmish of the 15th occurred. From that point pickets will be thrown out upon every approach to prevent surprise. Heavy details will be made to repair the roads and bridge the streams. Not to exceed two tents to each company will be taken along, nor more than one to the field and staff of each regiment. Brigade and division commanders will be limited in proportion. You will see that 100 rounds of cartridges per man are provided to all the regiments, and require your acting ordnance officer to supply an equal amount more to follow in wagons. You will be preceded by McClernands and Shermans divisions of the Army of the Tennessee, and supported by the other divisions, who will move with like instructions, McClernand being in advance, occupying the position where the skirmish of the 24th occurred, and Sherman occupying the position where the skirmish of the 15th occurred, and in advance of the position assigned to you. By order of Major-General Grant: WM. S. HJLLYER, Aide-de-Camp. SNot found Page 136 136 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Pittsburg, April 28, 1862. First Division: Move your camp to-morro~v forward to the point where General A. J. Smith had the skirmish on the 24th instant. You will recognize the place by a white frame house on the right of the Corinth road. This is a permanent move of your cami). On arrival throw out guard on all the approaches, and as soon as possible repair the roads in front of you as far as practicable aiid build bridges over the runs. Not to ex- ceed two tents to each company will be taken along, nor more than one to the field and staff of each regiment. Brigade and divisioii com- manders will be liniited in proportion. You will see that 100 rounds of cartridges per man are provided for all the regiments, and require your acting ordnance officer to supply an equal amount more to follow in wagons. Leave orders for your cavalry to follow as soon as they re- turn. Take with you all the sick that can be moved. The remainder may be left in hospital where they are, with pioper medical attendance. Shermans and Davies divisions will PdIow roll. U. S. GRANT, iI~jo~- Ceneral. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field Shiloh Brig. Gen. T. J. MCKEAN, , , April 28, 1862. Sixth Division: Move your entire command to-morrow morning, with three days rations and forage, to the point on the Corinth road where there is an open field, now occupied by our advance pickets. You will be preceded by the First, Fourth, and Fifth Divisions, occupying positions in a(I- vance of the road, and who move with like instructions. From that point pickets will be thrown out upon every aI)proach to prevent sur- prise. Heavy details will be made to repair the roads and bridge the streams. Not to exceed two tents to each company will be taken along, nor more than one to the field and staff of each regiment. Brigade and division commanders will be limited in proportion. You will see that 100 rounds of cartridges per man are provided for all the regi- ments, and require your acting ordnance officer to supply an equal amount more to follow in wagons. By order of Major-General Grant: WM. S. IIJLLYER, A ide-ile-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRiCT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 28, 1862. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Fifth Division: Move out in the morning on the Purdy road to Veatches or Stanton. vile, to the Support of General Wallace, who left this afternoon for the purpose of destroying the railroad at or near Bethel. Two brigades and one company of artillery will be sufficient to take, and one days rations, the men having breakfast before leaving. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 137 CHAP. XXII. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 137 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field, Shiloh, April 28, 1862. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Fifth Division: You will move your entire command to-morrow morning, with three days rations and forage, to the point on the Corinth road where the skirmish occurred on the 15th instant. From that point pickets will be thrown out upon every approach to prevent surprise. Heavy de- tails will be made to repair the roads and bridge the streams. Not to exceed two tents to each company will be taken along, nor more than one to the field and staff of each regiment. Brigade and division com- manders will be limited in proportion. You will see that 100 rounds of cartridges per man are provided to all the regiments, and require your acting ordnance officer to supply an equal amount more to follow in wagons. You will be preceded by General McClernands division, which will occupy the position where General A. J. Smith had a skirmish with the enemy on the 24th, and you will be supported by the other divisions of the Army of the Tennessee following with like instructions. Your cavalry will join your command as soon as they return from the expedition toward Purdy. By order of Major-General Grant: WM. S. HILLYER, A ide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Camp, April 28, 1862. General THOMAS, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The general has received your note of this morning,* and directs that you hold your division in readiness to move promptly for- ward to the front line of your vedettes, and if occasion requires check the enemy. Report any news during the morning. I am, sir, very respectfully, & c., JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville, April 27 (via Nashville, Tenn., April 28), 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: My forces are all withdrawn from the southern side of the Tennessee River. The bridge at Decatur is destroyed. My line now extends westward by rail to Athens and my cavalry outposts to Florence. Thus my communication with the main army remains unchanged, while I am relieved from any apprehensions on my right. On yester- day I commenced operations for occupying Stevenson in force. The whole country in that region flooded by backwater of Tennessee River. To advance requires the building of two bridges across Mud and Crow Creeks. The length of each, 300 feet. The first of the bridges was commence(l yesterday afternoon at 4 oclock. On this afternoon at 4.20 Not fbiuid Page 138 138 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA.7 AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII two regiments of infantry, one company of cavalry, and one piece of artillery had already crossed the bridge. It is a floating bridge, built on cotton bales captured from the enemy. The other bridge will be built in about the same time if we find no enemy at Stevensoii. The high waters have kept our scouts out of Stevenson for two or three days. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General. PITTSBURGH, PA., Hon. E. M. STANTON April 28, 1862. Secretary of War: Your several dispatches have been received and acted upon. No efforts are spared to get the gunboats under way. The Mingo will leave to-morrow noon; the Lioness to-morrow evening; both with coal barges. The Samson, I think, will start Wednesday. The tender Dick Fulton can overtake the tows before they reach Louisville. The other tender will wait for the sheltering barge, but I think will come up in time. Will the Department supply the clerk who is to act as paymaster or shall the committee appoint one? Can arrangements be made to enable the wives of the men to draw a part of their pay if they should be detained below? This I find to be important. I will instruct my brother to meet me at Cairo. He will assuredly come rapidly. CHAS. ELLET,Ju. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 28, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Pittsburg Landing: The steam-rams constructed by Col. Charles Ellet at Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are reported to be completed. The Mingo starts from Pitts- burgh to-morrow noon; the Lioness in the evening; the Samson will start Wednesday. Two others are at Cincinnati and one at New Albany. They are under command of Colonel Ellet, specially assigned to that duty. He will be subject to the orders of Commodore Foote, and will join him immediately. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, now in Arkansas, has been detailed to join his brother as second in command. I hope this arrangement will be acceptable to you. EDWIN M. STANTON. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, ~ liD QRS. l)EPT. OF THE M1551551PP1, No. 31. Pittsburg Landing, April 28, 1862. I. The troops on the Tennessee River will retain their present organ- ization of three distinct army corps, viz: The First, of the Tennessee, commanded by Major-General Grant, which will constitute the right wing; the Second, of the Ohio, commanded by Major-General Buell, which will constitute the center; and the Third, of the Mississippi, com- manded by Ma.jor-General Pope, which will constitute the left wing. The reserve will be formed of detachments ordered from the several army corps Page 139 CUAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 139 IL. Each general commanding an army corps will be charged with its organization, discipline, and preparation for service in the field, as well as police in camp. Having his own staff and chiefs of adminis- trative corps he will be held responsible that his troops are properly provided for throngli the qnartermaster, commissary, ordnance, and medical departments. The commanding general will interfere in these matters only in cases of negligence or abnse. ILL. Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith is chief of cavalry; Col. F. D. Callender, chief of ordnance; -Col. J. V. D. iDu Bois, chicf of artillery; and Brig. Gen. II. M. Judali, inspector general of the entire army. Sarg. Charles McDougall is chief medical director of the army in the field, and the medical directors of each army corps will report to and receive their orders from him. Maj. J. J. Key is provost-marshal-general in the field. IV. In advancing into the interior the amonnt of transportation must be reduced as much as possible. To this end the commanders of army corps will regulate the number of wagons to each division, bri- gade, and regiment according to its effective force, not more than two tents being allowed to any company, and a corresponding reduction being made for all officers of the staff. The usual allowance of wagons per regiment will be thirteen, one for each company, two for field offi- cers, staff; and surgeons, and one for extra ammunition. Where a regiment is greatly reduced the number of wagons will be diminished in proportion.. All surplus regimental transportation will be turned over to the quartermasters department for the general supply train. V. Care will be taken that each regiment and battery is fully sup- plied .with ammunition. In addition to the 40 rounds in the cartridge boxes, each man in going into a battle should carry upon his person 60 additional rounds, making 100 in all, a further supply being kept at a convenient distance in the rear. The chiefs of army corps and divis- ions will be held responsible for any want of ammunition, and the in spector-general and chief of artillery will report any neglect of prepa- ration in this respect. Wheii the cartridge boxes of the men are found unfilled, the commanding officer of the company will be arrested for mieglect of duty. VI. The commanding general is satisfied, from his own observation and from reports of others, that the sick list is greatly increased by the defective cooking of the soldiers food. A company officer will be de- tailed to inspect the food at each meal and to see that it is properly cooked, and field and general officers will give this subject their par- ticular attention. The soldiers health and comfort depends in a great measure upon the care and attention of his company and regimental officers, and those who neglect to provide arid care for their men are unworthy to command. Medical officers should also give particular attention to the condition of the soldiers food, and should instruct them in the manner of cooking it whenever they observe a want of knowledge in this respect. By order of Major-General Halleck: J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 46. In Field, ShiloI& , April 28, 1862. Lient. Col. D. C. Anthony, of Twenty-third Indiana Volunteers, i Page 140 140 KY., TENN., N. MiSS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. Xxii. hereby appointed provost-marshal-general of the Army of the Ten- nessee, and will at once enter upon his duties as snch, and relieve Colonel Wood, of the Fourteenth Wisconsin, now acting. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 29, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Gommanding Third Division: Pnsh on with your forces. I will re-enforce you with at least two brigades of infantry. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Pittsburg, April 29, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Commanding Third Division: Return to the railroad and do the work thoroughly. General McKean is on the road to support yon. Three divisions of my forces, several of 4i~eneral Buells, and some of Popes have been advanced to near Pea Ridge. You can be in but little daiiger of an attack from Monterey. The front is to be most guarded against. U.S. GRANT, Major- General. S. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, in Field, Shiioh, Tenn., April 29, 1862. Brig. Gen. T. J. MUKEAN, tZlommanding Sixth Division: You will return with your command without delay. Similar orders are sent to General Wallace. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: WM. S. HILLYER, Colonel and Aide-de4Jamp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field, Shiloh, Tenn., April 29, 1862. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Fifth Division: You will move your column as soon as practicable in the morning beyond McClernand, and occupy the position assigned to him by yesterdays orders. General MeClernand has been directed to remain where he is. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: WM. S. HLLLYER, Colonel and Aide-de-Camp Page 141 CHAP. XXIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 141 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field, Shiloh, Tenn., April 29, 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS A. DAVIES, Commanding Second Division: You will move on your column as soon as piacticable in the morning, passing beyond General McClernand and encamping in the rear of General Sherman. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: WM. S. HILLYER, Colonel and Aide-de-Camp. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 47. f Jim Field, Shiloh, April 29, 1862. Division provost-marshals will immediately collect and turn over t~ the chief quartermaster all horses which have been heretofore captured, and are now held by officers, soldiers, servants, or other persons. No officer not entitled to forage will be allowed to keep a private horse on any account whatever. Where officers not entitled to forage have horses which they claim as their own they will be required t~ make a certificate of the fact, stating when and how they obtained them, and if the evidence is satisfactory that the horses are their property a permit will be granted to ship or dispose of them. No horse or other property once captured and afterward sold will be considered private property, and to avoid possible error, when property has been pnrchased south of the Ohio River, evidence must be adduced to show that it was not captured. Division commanders will see that this order is promptly executed. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 49. In Field, Shiloh, April 29, 1862. 1. The execution of all orders, whether from these or general head- quarters, will be promptly reported. 2. Where sufficient time has elapsed to comply with an order, and no report is received, the diVision commander will be required to make a written explanation for the neglect. 3. Commanders of divisions will be held responsible for the good order and police of their camps and for the drill and discipline of their men. 4. Where acting ordnance officers are not appointed to divisions, they will be at once, and such officers will be required to have on hand at all times ammunition equal to at least 200 rounds per man, ii~cluding what may be in the hands of regimental commanders. 5. The execution of Special Field Orders, No. 21, from general head- quarters, will be reported, and all orders subsequent to that date. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 142 142 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XKIL GREEnS, April 29, 1862. Major-General IIALLECK: I am pushing this morning strong reconnaissance toward Farming. ton and toward Monterey, to see what is on my flank. JNO. POPE, Major-General. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO Gumberland Ford Hon. E. N. STANTON, ,April 29, 1862. 8ecretary of War: Reports of scouts are very contradictory. Five guns were withdrawn from Cumberland Gap and taken toward Knoxville three days ago, doubtless intended for Corinth. Two days before they were removed I arrested a woman, who had eluded our pickets and gained Cumber- land Gap to see her husband. She reports that at that time there were twenty-seven guns. Morgans disaffected battalion has been sent to Kingston and is replaced by a Georgia regiment. The enemy is build- ing boats on the Powell, llolston, and Clinch. I doubt the truth of this rumor, but should not be surprised if the enemy abandons Cum- berland Gap. On yesterday I sent out Carter and De Courcy, with con- siderable force, to enable my acting topographical engineers to make a thorough reconnaissancetake heights, distances, & c. Despite all obstacles my preparations are rapidly advancing. In forty-eight hours more a floating bridge will be completed over the Cumberland. The 20-pounders will reach here in seven or eight days, provided the rain does not continue. Late floods carried away bridges over little torrents. They are rebuilt. It rained all last night. I appreciate the importance of getting into East Tennessee, and will soon do so. I sent a letter to Kirby Smith, signed by General Carter, in order to ascertain his locality, but in reply he simply dated his letter Department of East Tennessee, April 19. I believe he is at Corinth. It is represented that the enemy has four regiments at Knoxville, two at Morristown and one at Clinton, and a force at Kingston, as well as small parties along the railroad. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. PITTSBURG, TENN., Hon. E. N. STANTON, . April 30, 18621 L a. m. Secretary of IVar: Movements continue. Roads hard. Require a great deal of work for heavy trains. Reconnaissance to Purdy was successful. They destroyed twQ bridges on Mobile and Ohio Railroad and captured one locomotive and train men. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary. NEAR GREERS, April 30, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Force sent in direction of Farmington just returned. Went within 2 miles, found trees felled across the road and one small bridge burned Page 143 CHAP. XXII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 The road from here to that point now in good order, and one brigade of Hamiltons division with section of artillery posted within 4 miles of Farmington. I advanced two divisions to the creek, 4 miles this side of Farmington, and followed next morning with the remainder of my force. Enemy has one regiment of infantry and some cavalry at Farm- ington, but is calling in all his outposts. Captured several prisoners who left Corinth to-day. There are one hundred regiments altogether, ~)robably 50,000 or 60,000 men. Very large number sick. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, April 30, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The advance toward Farmington was delayed yesterday by the de- struction of the bridge over Chambers [Chesteri Creek. Bridge will be finished this morning, and advance toward Corinth through Farm- ington made this morning. Will find out all possible about enemy this afternoon. Have ordered commander of expedition to destroy, if possi- ble, the railroad south of Farmington, to cut off forces at luka, 20 miles east. I propose to advance this camp to-morrow morning to the line of Chambers Creek, 4 miles this side of Farmington, and if opportunity presents, to attack and cut off forces from Inka if they attempt to re- treat to Corinth. Line of Chambers Creek strong. I can maintain it against any force sent from Corinth. Have you sketch of defense of Corinth sent last night ~? Ground west of Corinth swampy; east and south hard and dry. . POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, Camp No. ~, April 30, 1862. Maj. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order this morning to advance my division to the point designated in the order for General McClernand. I started at once, and two of my brigades, First and Fourth are on the ground where General Smith had the cavalry engagement April 25. A large open field is on the summit of the hill. In this I will group the artillery; on the space westward will place my First Brigade; on the space leading to Monterey the Fourth Brigade; on the north line of the field the Third Brigade, and on the road to the rear the Second Brigade. 1 have no cavalry as yet, and trust to you to order it forward as soon as it is able to rally from the hard ride to Purdy. No enemys pickets were seen on the road this morning, but Colonel McDowell reports that the pickets thrown forward from his brigade have seen a few on the road leading westward. From this point I can move on Monterey, and, by a road 6 miles ~vest, to a road leading south to Corinth. We must use many roads. If we attempt so much on single road we will be jammed by scattered teams. McClernand or Hurlbut should move to the point indicated in your order for me, viz, where the Ridge road crosses the main road from Savannah to Monterey, known as th Page 144 144 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL White House or Chamberlainsa kind of general center for cross- roads. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding P~fth Division. HEADQUAwrE~zs ARMY OF THE Oaio, In Camp, April 30, 1862. Maj. Gen. II. W. ILALLECK, Commanding Department of the llliississippi: GENERAL: I have received your letter of to-day and your Special Orders, No. 35. The bridge at Greers and the road to it, over some three-fourths of a mile of marsh, will be completed this evening; alsG the road over a marshy creek above Greers. It will take two days at least to complete this road over Lick Creek. If it is possible to haul the supplies, forage and all, in the present condition of the road though I think that somewhat doubtfulmy command will be ready te march. Your arrangement leaves me with three divisions, about 18,000 men One of the divisions is composed almost entirely of new regiments and another a good deal of similar material. If it would meet with your approbation, I should be glad to exchange a brigade for one in Thomas division. General Thomas has five divisions. You must excuse me for saying that, as it seems to me, you have saved the feelings of others very much to my injury. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Major- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, No. 35. f Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 30, 1862. I. Major-General Thomas division is hereby transferred from the Army of the Ohio to the Army of the Tennessee, and General Thoma& will take command of the right wing, which will consist of his own and the divisions of Brig. Geiis. XV. T. Sherman, T. W. Sherman, S .A. Hurl- but, and T. A. Davies. II. The divisions of Major General McClernand, Major-General Wal- lace, and one division from General Buells army corps, to be designated by him, together with the heavy artillery, will constitute the reserve, to be commanded b~r Major-General McClernand. III. Brigadier-General Hamiltons reserve division of Major-General~ Popes army will remain under General Pones direction until further orders.* IV. Major-General Grant will retain the general command of the District of West Tennessee, including the Army Corps of the Tennes- see, and reports will be made to him as heretofore, but in the present movements he will act as second in command under the major-general commanding the department. * * * * * * Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman is hereby assigned l~o the command of the * See tabular statement of the two wings and reserve, under date of May 13, p. 185 Page 145 CHAr. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNrON. 145 Sixth Division of General Grants army, now commanded by General MeKean. By order of Major-General Halleck: J. C. KELTOX, As8i8tant Adjutant-General. ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIFTH Dry., ARMY OF THE TENN., No.23. ~ Camp No. 1, April 30, 1862. The officers and men of this division must now bear in mind that we are in an enemys country; that at any moment we may be assailed, or be called upon to assail our enemy, or repair to the assistance of our friends. Officers and soldiers must stay in their regimental or com- pany camps. The habit of wandering must be stopped, and all must bear in mind that we are not here to satisfy our individual pleasure, but to maintain the honor and character of a great nation, of which we must have just cause to be proud. Arms will habitually be stacked in line of battle, a sentinel per com- pany over them. In rainy weather they will be taken inside the com- pany tents. Every soldier must clean his musket, and see that its vent is clear, each day early. He must then see to his shoes, to his clothing, his haversack, and canteen. Every soldier should at all times have some meat and bread in his haversack, water in his canteen, and cartridges on his person besides those in the cartridge boxes. Each brigadier must exercise his brigade at least once each day, and every colonel must drill his regiment daily, and every commander of a company must practice his men all the time at the manual; this not only gives instruction, but makes the men handy with their weapons. Our men want to obey their own will, but have sense enough to know that now one man, or ten, or a hundred can do nothing of service to fhe country. Results can only be produced by regiments or brigades; therefore officers and men must at all times be with their companies. Immediately on reaching camp each colonel or commander of a. regi- ment will select his spring or place for water, put a guard, and, if neces- sary, a chain of sentinels to it; and immediately on a halt tor camp each captain, under the direction of the colonel, will cause a sink to be pre- pared for his company. These are the first wants. Regimental guards of at least one company per regiment will be de- tailed daily to guard each regimental camp, and a brigade guard of one company per regiment will be detailed daily and posted, under the direc- tion of the brigadier or one of hi~ staff, as soon as the brigade halts. Regimental guards will be posted according to Regulations. (See Police Guards.) Brigade guards will be posted habitually on the ex- posed flank, viz, the right, as our division is the right wing of the grand army. These guards must have their belts and cartridge boxes on, and posted, according to the ground, at least 300 yards on the exposed flanks, with the sentinels thrown forward in groups like skirmishers. The enemy will doubtless endeavor to harass us and cause both real and false alarm. This can only be avoided by good guards and sentinels. The Army Regulations contain perfect instruction for guards and sentinels. Officers in command of guards will be held responsible with their lives and honors that these instructions are given to their sen- 10 R RVOL X~ PT I Page 146 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. IXIL 146 tinels, an(l the commanding general will call upon officers and sentinels frequently for their orders and instructions, and will not fail to notice the officers who instruct the men. To prevent straggling the following rules will be observed: On a march, each company will have two men, with their full equip- ments, with their company wagon; these men must be with the wagon, and never leave it except in case help is asked by some of the regi- mental train. All others must be with their companies. In camp, every soldier and company officer will be near his musket stack on the color line or in the company tent. No captain can send his men away. In case it is necessary to send a man away on business, the brigadier or colonel or one of their staff officers must give a written pass, explaining the object. This pass must be for the occasion, and may be in pencil. Soldiers found away from their camps may be arrested by any guard and put to work on roads, digging sinks, gathering wood, water, or any useful labor at once, and sent to his proper company at retreat ~. The three roll calls reveille,~~ ~ and tattoomust be strictly attended, and absentees punished as above. In flagrant cases regimental or brigade courtmartial will punish by fines and more severe punishment. In case of alarm, night or day, regiments [will] form on their parades promptly and wait for orders, but any one who occasions false alarms must be promptly punished. Soldiers of other divisions or brigades found loitering in our camp must be arrested, put to work until retreat, and then allowed to go to their own camps, and the commanding general will notify other division commanders that he will expect the same on their part. When soldiers or teamsters are noisy or mutinous or abusive, any officer on the spot must summarily prevent it, by tying them up, and using such other means as he may think proper. The commanding general believes all this will be unnecessary if com- pany officers will explain to their men the importance of this order. If persuasion wont do, the honor and safety of this army will justify the most extreme measures. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. II. HAMMOND, A88i8tant Adjutant-General. Ab8traet from retnrn of the Army of the Mi88i8sippi, Maj. Gon. John Pope commanding, for the month of April, 1862. Present for 4 a a duty. g a4.z ~ a ;~ Commmid& ~ ~ a b* bLu 5. a a 9 a a a a ~ 0 ~ ~ First (Paines) Division 272 5, 626 6, 541 7, 718 10 Second (Stanleys) Division 222 4,732 6,064 7,455 12 Third (Hamiltons) Division 173 3 ~ 4,247 5, 183 6 Cavalry (Grangers) Division 141 2, 519 3,235 4, 237 Artillery Brigade 14 337 351 351 14 Miscellaneous 15 569 1, 072 1, 529 Total 837 17,322 21, 510 26,473 4 Page 147 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 147 Organization of the Army of the Mississippi, Maj. Gen. John Pope com manding, April 30, 1862. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. E. A. PAINE. Fir8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. PALMER. 22d Illinois, Lient. Col. H. E. Hart. 27th Illinois, Lient. Col. F. A. Harrington. 42d Illinois, Col. G. W. Roberts. 51st Illinois, Col. G. W. Cumming. let Missouri Light Artillery, Battery G, Capt. H. Hescock. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES D. MORGAN, 10th Illinois. 10th Illinois, Lient. Col. J. Tillson. 16th Illinois, Col. R. F. Smith. 64th lllinois, Lieut. Col. D. E. Williams. 10th Michigan, Col. C. M. Lum. 14th Michigan, Col. R. P. Sinclair. 1st flhinois Light Artillery, Battery C, Capt~ C. Houghtaling. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DAVID S. STANLEY. .Fir8t Brigade. Col. Jom~ GROESBECK, 39th Ohio. 27th Ohio, Col. J. W. Fuller. 39th Ohio, Col. J. Groesbeck. 43d Ohio, Col. J. L. K. Smith. 63d Ohio, Col. J. W. Spraoue. 1st Michigan Light ArtilYery, Battery C, Capt. A. W. Dees. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery F, Capt. T. D. Maurice. 7th Illinois, Col. W. P. Kellogg. 2d Iowa, Col. W. L. Elliott. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. B. PLUMMER. 26th Illinois, Col. J. M. Loomis. 47th Illinois, Col. J. Bryner. 11th Missouri, Lient. Col. W. E. Pana- baker. 8th Wisconsin, Col. R. C. Murphy. 2d Iowa Battery, Capt. N. T. Spoor. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. (len. SCHTJYLER HAMILTON. Second Br.ga& . 48th Indiana, Col. N. Eddy. 80th Ohio, .Fir8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. N. B. BUFoRD. 59th Iniiana, Col. 3.1. Alexander. 5th Iowa, Col. W. H. Worthington. 10th Iowa, Col. N. PerezeL 26th Missouri, Col. G. B. Boomer. 11th Ohio Battery, Capt. F. C. Sands. CAVALRY DIVISION. Brig. (len. GORDON GRANGER. I 2d Michigan, Lieut. Col S. H. Gorhazn. I 3d Michigan, Col. J. K. Mizuer. ARTILLERY BRIGADE. Lient. CoL W. L. LOTHROP, 1st Missouri Light Artillery. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery I, Capt. C. M. Barnett. 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery M, Capt. A. M. Powell. Wisconsin Light Artillery, 5th Battery, Capt. 0. F. Pinney. UNATTACHED. Missouri Engineers, Col. J. W. BisselL 1st U. S. Infantry, Capt. G. A. Williams. 4th U. S. Cavalry, Capt. E~ W. Crittenden Page 148 148 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL Aletraot from return. of the Army of the Ohio, Afaj. Gen. D. C. Buefl comman4ing, for the month of April, 1862. Present for ~ duty. ~ 4) 4 -4 e ~ Command. 4. ~ ,~, ~ Remarks by compiler. ~C bI~~ O~ 4) na ~ 544) 4) 4) ~ bD ~ 0 ~ First Division: 1st Brigade 2d Brigade 3d Brigade Artillery Total Second Division: 4th Brigade. 5th Brigade. 6th Brigade. Artillery Cavalry Total Third Division: 8th Brigade. 9th Brigade 17th Brigade. Artillery Cavalry.... Engineers. Total Fourth Division: 10th Brigade. 19th Brigade 22d Brigade Artillery Cavalry Total a Fifth Division: Infantry Artillery. Cavalry Total Sixth Division: 15th Brigade Brigade Artillery Cavalry Total Seventh Division Unattached to divisions Grand total 111 104 116 11 2,071 2, 075 2, 520 313 2, 441 2, 433 3, 011 360 3, 592 3,510 3, 898 422 16 342 6,979 8,245 11,431 10 117 3,107 3,529 4,409 111 2,615 2,879 3,491 115 2,966 3,177 3,695 . 13 473 527 583 24 33 735 838 991 389 9, 896 10, 950 13, 169 24 == 100 2, 258 2, 649 3, 395 76 901 2,182 3,426 107 2,328 2,734 3,552 13 341 370 431 18 34 536 693 890 4 66 92 188 334 6, 430 8, 782 11, 882 18 65 1,591 1,863 2,703 . 55 1,205 1,764 2,62~ . 83 1,9~4 2,496 3,312 . 13 320 349 467 18 17 470 935 1, 180 233 5,510 7,407 10,284 18 142 2, 500 3, 005 4, 127 14 335 371 395 6 31 647 878 926 187 3,482 4,254 5,448 6 93 60 12 50 2,152 1, 191 328 939 215 4,610 109 1,809 2, 150 39, 057 2, 919 1, 506 358 1,055 5, 838 2, 632 48, 108. 3, 541 1,622 394 1,103 6, 660 2,970 61,844 82 From division return. From morning report of the District of the Ohio, April 30. In North Alabama. Di. vision return. From division return. From morning report, District of the Ohio. From morning report, District of the Ohio. At Cumberland Gap. No returns. From morning report, District of the Ohio. The original actually represents the condition of this command at earlier, and now unknown, dates. The Fourteenth Brigade, Fifth Division, consisting at Shiloli of the Eleventh and Twenty-sixth Kentucky and Thirteenth Ohio, not accounted for Page 149 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 149 Organization of the Army of the Ohio, Maj. Gen. D. C. Buefl eomman4- ing, April 30, 1862.* FIRST DIVISION.t Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS. JAr8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. A. SCIIOEPE. 12th Kentucky, CoL W. A. Hoskins. 17th Ohio, Col. J. M. Connell. 31st Ohio, Col. M. B. Walker. 38th Ohio, Col. E. H. Phelps. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. S. FRY. 10th Indiana, Maj. A. 0. Miller. 10th Kentucky, CoL J. M. Harlan. 4th Kentucky, Col. J. T. Croxton. 14th Ohio, Col. J. B. Steedman. Third Brigade. Col. R. L. MCCooK. 2d Minnesota, Col. James George. 9th Ohio, Lient. Col. G. Kammerling. 35th Ohio, Col. F. Van Derveer. lbth U. S., Lient. Col. 0. L. Shepherd. Unattached. 4th Michigan Battery, Capt. A. F. Bid- well. 1st Ohio, Battery C, Capt. D. Kenny, jr. 4th U. S. Artillery, Battery I, Capt. 0. A. Mack. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER McD. MCCooK. Fourth Brigade. Brig. Gen. L. H. RoussEAu. 6th Indiana, Col. T. T. Crittenden. 5th Kentucky, Col. H. M. Buckley. 1st Ohio, Col. B. F. Smith. 15th U. S. (battalion), Maj. J. H. King. 16th U. S. (battn), Capt. E. F. Townsend. 19th U. S. (battn), Maj. S. D. Carpenter. Fifth Brigade. Col. E. N. KIRK. 34th Illinois, Lient. Col. Amos Bosworth. 29th Indiana, Lient. Col. D. M. Dunn. 30th Indiana, Col. S. S. Bass. 77th Pennsylvania, Col. F. S. Stumbaugh. Sixth Brigade. Brig. Gen. R. W. JOHNSON. 32d Indiana, CoL August Willich. 39th Indiana, Col. T. J. Harrison. 15th Ohio, Col. M. B. Dickey. 49th Ohio, Col. W. H. Grison. Unattached. Kentucky Battery, Capt. D. C. Stone. Ohio Battery, Capt. W. F. Goodspeed. Pennsylvania Battery, Capt. C. F. Mueller. 5th U. S. Arty, Batty H, Capt. W. B. Terrill. Indiana Cavalry, Captain Gaddis. 2d Kentucky Cay., Col. Buckner Board. 1st Michigan Engineers (detachment), Col. W. P. Innes. THIRD DIVISIONA Maj. Gen. ORMSBY M. MITCHEL. Eighth Brigade. Col. J. B. TURCHIN, 19th Illinois. 19th Illinois, Col. J. B. Turchin. 24th Illinois, Col. G. Mihalotzy. 37th Indiana, Col. C. Gaziny. 18th Ohio, Col. T. R. Stanley. Ninth Brigade. Col. J. W. SILL, 33d Ohio. 2d Ohio, Col. L. A. Harris. 2lst Ohio, Col. J. S. Norton. 33d Ohio, Col. J. W. Sill. 10th Wisconsin, Col. A. B. Chapin. Seventeenth Brigade. Col. W. H. LYTLE, 10th Ohio. 42d Indiana, Col. J. G. Jones. 15th Kentucky, Col. C. Pope. 3d Ohio, Col. John Beatty. 10th Ohio, CoL W. H. Lytle. Unattached. Indiana Battery, Capt. P. Simouson. Michigan Battery, Capt. C. 0. Loomis. Ohio Battery, Capt. W. P. Edgarton. 4th Ohio Cavalry, Col. John Kennett. 1st Michigan Engineers(two companies), Capt. J. B. Yates. CHAP. XXII.] * See note on p. 148. Taken from monthly return of the division. The consolidated morning report of the District of the Ohio accounts for the first Ohio Cavalry, Lieutenant.Colonel Smith and a detachment of the First Michigan Engineers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hunter, as rn this division. ~ From monthly return of the division Page 150 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII FOURTH DIVISION.* Brig. Gen. Wiui~ NELSON. Tenth Brigade. Cot JACOB AMMEN, 24th Ohio. 36th Indiana, Col. William Grose. 17th Kentucky, Col. J. H. McHenry. 6th Ohio, Col. W. K. Bosley. 24th Ohio, Cot Jacob Anunen. Yineteenth Brigade. Col. WILLIAM B. HAZEN, 41st Ohio. 9th Indiana, Col. G. C. Moody. 6th Kentucky, Col. W. C. Whitaker. 27th Kentucky, Col. C. D. Pennebaker. 41st Ohio, Col. W. B. Hazen. FIFTH Brig. Gen. T. Eleventh Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. T. BOYLE. 9th Kentucky, Col. B. C. Grider. 13th Kentucky, Col. E. H. Hobson. 21st Kentucky, Col. E. L. Dudley. 19th Ohio, Col. Samuel Beatty. 59th Ohio, Col. J. P. Fyffe. Fifteenth Brigade. Col. M. S. HASCALL. 17th Indiana, Lient. Cot J. T. Wilder. 58th Indiana, Col. H. M. Carr. 13th Michigan, Col. M. Shoemaker. 26th Ohio, Cot E. P. Fyffe. Twenty-second Brigade. Cot S. D. BRucE, 20th Kentucky. 31st Indiana, Col. Charles Cruft. 1st Kentucky, Cot D. A. Enyart. 2d Kentucky, Col. T. D. Sedgewick. 20th Kentucky, Col. S. D. Bruce. Unattached. 7th Indiana Battery, Capt. S. J. Harris. 10th Indiana Battery, Capt. J. B. Cox. 1st Ohio Artillery, Battery D, Capt. A. J. Konkle. 2d Ind. Cay., Lient. Col. B. M. McCook. 3d Indiana Cavalry (one company). r?IvISIoN.t L. CRITTENDEN. Unattached. Indiana Battery, Capt. Fred. Bekr.t Michigan Battery, Capt. J. J. Dennis. Ohio Battery, Capt. Joseph Bartlett. 4th U. S. Artillery, Battery M, Capt. John Mendenhall. 4th U. S. Art., Bat. H, Lieut. C. C. Parsons. 3d Kentucky Cavalry, Cot J. S. Jackson. SIXTH DIVISION.t Brig. Gen. T. J. WOOD. Brigade. Brig. Gen. W. T. WA1U. 28th Kentucky, Col. W. P. Boone. 11th Michigan, Col. W. L. Stoughton. SEVENTH DIVISION4~ Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. MORGAN. Ttoenty-fosrth Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. P. CARTER. 49th Indiana, Lieut. Col. James Keigwin. 7th Kentucky, Cot T. T. Garrard. 1st Tennessee, Col. H. K. Byrd. 2d Tennessee, Cot J. P. T. Carter. Twenty-fifth Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. G. SPEARS. 3d Tennessee, Cot L. C. Honk. 4th Tennessee, Col. Robert Johnson. 5th Tennessee, Col. James T. Shelley. 6th Tennessee, Cot James A. Cooper. Twenty-sixth Brigade. Col. JOHN F. DE COUROY. 22d Kentucky, Col. D. W. Lindsey. 16th Ohio, Lieut. Col. G. W. Bailey. 42d Ohio, Col. L. A. Sheldon. Twenty-seventh Brigade. Brig. Gen. ABSALOM BMRD. 33d Indiana, Col. John Coburn. 14th Kentucky, Col. J. C. Cochran. 19th Kentucky, Cot W. J. Landram. 150 * From monthly return of the division. t From consolidated morning report of the District of the Ohio. * Killed at Shiloh. ~ Taken from General Morgans reports. No returns on file Page 151 CHAP. XXII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 151 Unattached. 7th Michigan Battery, Capt. C. H. Lauphere. 9th Ohio Battery, Capt. H. S. Wetmore. 1st Wisconsin Battery, Capt. J. T. Foster. 1st Kentucky Battalion Cavalry, Licut. Col. Reuben Munday. Engineer company, Capt. William Patterson. UNASSIGNED TO DIVISIONS. 18th Kentucky, Col. W. A. Warner. 4th Indiana Battery, Capt. A. K. Bush. 11th Indiana Battery, Capt. A. Sutermeister. 12th Indiana Battery, Capt. G. W. Sterling. Ohio Battery, Capt. C. Bradley. Wisconsin Battery, Capt. L. H. Drury. .M8traet from the retu~n8 of the 8everal division8, Army of the 2ennes8ee, Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant commaading, for .4pril, 1862. Present for ~ duty. p~ a Command. ~ Remarks by compiler. be ~ ~c ~ be First Division: 1st Brigade 2d Brigade. 3d Brigade.... Artillery Cavalry. Second Division: 1st Brigade 2d Brigade. 3d Brigade Artillery Cavalry Total Third Division: 1st Brigade.... 2d Brigade 3d Brigade Artillery Cavalry Total Fourth Division: Infantry Artillery Cavalry Total Fifth Division: 1st Brigade 2d Brigade 3d Brigade 4th Brigade Artillery Cavalry Total Sixth Division: 1st Brigade 2d Brigade 3d Brigade Artillery Cavalry..... Total 72 63 78 5 14 232 34 87 86 13 16 1,743 1, 167 1,538 135 225 4,808 863 1, 982 1,568 230 388 3,117 2, 987 3,082 219 432 9,837 1,349 2, S~5 2,414 304 569 236 5,029 7,521 66 1,856 2,222 2,727 92 1, 812 2,462 3, 339 99 2, 255 3, 193 3, 593 13 436 520 602 10 214 294 326 280 6, 573 8, 691 10, 587 221 5,156 6,628 8,817 10 263 308 358 29 609 721 788 260 6,028 7,657 9,963 63 1,215 1,684 2,352 39 786 1,040 1,569 74 1,441 2,054 2,438 62 1,556 2,085 2,647 12 447 580 712 23 420 646 797 273 5,865 8,089 10,515 73 1,982 2,803 3,485 35 957 1, 758 2,168 80 2,329 2,933 3,502 16 490 617 742 22 483 648 718 226 6, 241 8, 759 10, 612 From tabular statement of effective force, Apri 18. Aggrecate present and absent not stated. From return for April 25. Aggregate presentand absent not stated. From field return for April 30. From return for month of April. From return for month of ApriL From return for month of April. Grand total 1,507 34,544 50,554 Page 152 152 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. Organization of the Army of the Tennessee, Maj. Gen. U. ~. Grant com manding, April 30, 1862. FIRST DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. McCIaniN~D. Third Brigade. 17th Illinois, Maj. F. M. Smith. 29th Illinois, Col. C. M. Ferrell. 43d Illinois, Col. Adolph Engelmann. 49th Illinois, Maj. W. W. Bishop. Not brigaded. 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery D, Lient. G. S. Wood. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery B, Limit. G. L. Nispel. 4th Illinois Cavalry (battalion), Lient. Col. William McCullough. Independent Cavalry, Capt. Warren Stewart. Ftr8t Brigade. 8th Illinois, Capt. H. H. Sturgess. 18th illinois, Capt. S. B. Marks. 11th Iowa, Limit. Col. William Hall. 13th Iowa, Capt. T. H. Miller. Second Brigade. 11th Illinois, Lient. Col. T. E. G. Ransom. 20th Illinois, Capt. Orton Frisbie. 45th Illinois, Col. J. E. Smith. 48th Illinois, Maj. Manning Mayfield. SECOND DIVISION.t Brig. Gen. THOMAS A. DAVIES. Fir8t Brigade. Lient. Col. JAMES BAKER. 2d Iowa, Capt. R. H. Huston. 7th Iowa, Col. J. C. Parrott. 14th Iowa, Capt. H. W. Healy, 58th Illi- nois. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. RiCHARD J. OGLESBY. 9th Illinois, Col August Mersy. 12th Illinois, Col. A. L. Chetlain. 13th Missouri, Col. Crafts J. Wright. 14th Missouri, 81st Ohio, Col. Thomas Morton. Third Brigade. Col. S. D. BALDWIN. 7th Illinois, Col. A. J. Babcock. 50th Illinois, Capt. John W. Smith. 52d Illinois, Capt. E. A. Bowen. 57th Illinois, Lient. Col. F. J. Huribut. Not brigaded. 1st Missouri Light Artillery (battalion), Maj. Cavender. 2d Illinois Cavalry (one company), Capt. J. R. Hotaling. 5th Ohio Cavalry (battalion), Maj. C. S. Hayes. U. S. Cavalry (Companies C and I), Lieut. J. Powell. THIRD DIVISION. ~ Maj. Gen. LEWIS WALLACE. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. 11th Indiana, Col. George F. McGinnis. 23d Indiana, Col. W. L. Sanderson. 24th lndiana, Col. A. P. Hovey. 1st Nebraska, Lieut. Col. H. R. Livings- 8th Missouri, Lient. Col. James Peck. ton. ham. 58th Ohio, Lient. Col. F. F. Rempel. 68th Ohio, Col. S. H. Steedman. ~ From field return April 18; brigade commanders not indicated. From field return April 25; regimental commanders reported from regimental re- turns for April 30. ~ From field return; ucither brigade nor regimental commanders indicated; the latter supplied from regimental returns Page 153 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. TinaD DIvISIoNContinued. Third Brigade. 20th Ohio, Lient. Col. M. F. Force. 56th Ohio, Col. Peter Kinney. 76th Ohio, Maj. Willard Warner. 78th Ohio, Col. M. D. Leggett. 11th Illinois Cavalry (battalion), Not brigaded. 1st Illinois Artillery, Battery A, Lient. P. P. Wood. 1st Illinois Artillery, Battery F, Cogswells (illinois) battery, Capt. Will- iam Cogswell. 9th Indiana Battery, Capt. N. S. Thoxnp- son. 8th Ohio Battery,Lieut. J. W. Welishear, 9th Indiaha Battery. FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. G. LAUMAN. 28th Illinois, Col. A. K. Johnson. 32d Illinois, Maj. William Hunter. 41st Illinois, Col. I. C. Pugh. 53d Illinois, Col. W. H. W. Cushman. 52d Indiana, Capt. W. L. Guard. 3d Iowa, Capt. John B. Smith. [Second] Brigade. 14th Illinois, Col. Cyrus Hall. 15th Illinois, Col. T. J. Turner. 46th Illinois, Liout. Col. J. J. Jones. 25th Indiana, Maj. John W. Foster. 53d Indiana, Col. W. Q. Gresham. Not brigaded. Boltons (Illinois) battery. 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery C, Capt. Charles Mann. 15th Ohio Battery, Capt. Edward Spear. 5th Ohio Cavalry (two battalions), Col. W. H. H. Taylor. FIFTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN. First Brigade. Col. J. A. MCDOWELL. 40th Illinois, Liout. Col. J. W. Booth. 6th Iowa, Capt. M. M. Walden. 413th Ohio, Col. Thomas Worthington. Second Brigade. Col. DAVID STUART. 55th Illinois, Lient. Col. Oscar Malm- borg. 54th Ohio, Col. T. K. Smith. Third Brigade. Col. JESSE HILDEBRAND. 53d Ohio, Lient. Col. R. A. Fulton. 57th Ohio, Licut. Col. A. V. Rico. 77th Ohio, Lient. CoL Wills De Hass. Fourth Brigade. Col. H. P. BUCKLAND. 48th Ohio, Capt. H. S. Robbins. 70th Ohio, Col, J. H. Cockerill. 72d Ohio, Capt. C. G. Eaton. Artillery. Maj. EZRA TAYLOR. 1st Illinois: Battery B, Capt. S. E. Barrett. Battery E, Limit. J. A. Fitch. Battery H, Capt. Axel Silfversparre. Battery I, Capt. Edward Bouton. 6th Indiana Battery, Lient. William Mussmau. Caralry. 4th Illinois, Col. T. L. Dichey. Illinois Battalion, Zdaj. C. Thielemann. CHAP. XXII.] 15 Page 154 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XIII. SIXTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. THOMAS J. McKi~. F,,r8t Brigade. Col. J. L. Doa~. 21st Missouri, Lient. Col. H. M. Wood- yard. 25th Missouri, Lieut. Col. B. T. Van Horn. 16th Wisconsin, Maj. Thomas Reynolds. 17th Wisconsin, Lieutx Col. A. G. Malloy. Second Brigade. CoL J. M. OLIVER. 15th Michigan, Maj. Stephen Walsh. 18th Missouri, Lieut. CoL McDermott. 18th Wisconsin, Capt. C. H. Jackson. Third Brigade. CoL M. M. CRocKER. 11th Iowa, Lient. Col. William Hall. 13th Iowa, Capt. G. M. Van Hosen. 15th Iowa, Lient. Col. William Dewey. 16th Iowa, Lient. Col. A. H. Sanders. Artillery. Capt. A. HICKENLOOPER. 2d Illinois, Battery F, Lient. C. D. Bliss. 1st Minnesota Battery, Lieut. William Pfaender. 3d Ohio Battery, Capt. W. S. Williams. 5th Ohio Battery, Lient. L. C. Sawyer. 10th Ohio Battery, Capt. H. B. White. Cavalry. 11th Illinois, Col. Robert G. Ingersoll. PITTSBURG LANDING, May 1, 18627 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Everything progressing well. Weather clear and pleasant. General Halleck has organized his army. General Thomas is in command of the right wing. General Grant as second in command of the whole force, but under Halleck. General McOlernand is in command of re- served forces. THOMAS A. SCOTT, A8sistant Secretary of War. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 50. Pittsburg, Tenn., May 1, 1862. In compliance with Special Field Orders, No. 35, from general head. quarters, the undersigned takes command of the Army of the Tennes. see, including the reserve, under Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand. All reports of the right wing and the reserve will be consolidated at the headquarters of each respeQtively, and forwarded to these head- quarters. All orders heretofore in force will continue so until other- wise directed. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ No. 70. * HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE., In Field, Shiloh, Tenn., May 1, 1862. * * * * 3. Brig. Gen. Thomas J. McKeau is hereby relieved from the com 15 Page 155 CHAP. XXII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 155 mand of the Sixth Division, and will be assigned to the command of one of the brigades of the same division. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. BAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE Mississi~~i, No. 99. Camp near Corinth, Allay 1, 1862. Brig. Gen. Daniel Tyler, having reported for duty to these head- quarters, is assigned to the command of the First Brigade of the Second Division of this army, and will report to Brig. Gen. D. S. Stanley ac- cordingly. By order of General Pope: SPEED BUTLER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville, May 1, 1862. Hon. E. M~ STANTON: Early yesterday morning my troops crossed from the island to the main shore, and captured two 6-pounder c~wztnon and their ammunition. The inhabitants report the enemy to have retreated in great confusion. Were it possible, a dash would now draw them from Chattanooga. I dare not Venture with so small force. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General. HUNTSVILLE~ ALA., Via Louisville, May 1, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: On yesterday, the enemy having cut our wires and attacked during the night one of our brigades, I deemed it my duty to head in person the expedition against Bridgeport. I started by train of cars in the morning, followed by two additional regiments of infantry and two companies of cavalry. I found that our pickets had engaged the enemys pickets 4 miles from Bridgeport, and after a sharp engage- ment, in which we lost 1 man killed, drove them across a stream, whose railway bridge I had burned, with four regiments of infantry, two pieces of artillery, dragged by hand, and two companies of cavalry. At 3 p. m. we advanced to the burned bridge and opened our fire upon the enemys pickets on the other side, thus producing the impression that our advance would be by the railway. This accomplished, the en- tfre force was thrown across the country about a mile and put on the road leading from Stevenson to Bridgeport. The whole column now advanced at a very rapid pace. Our cavalry scouts attacked those of the enemy and forced them from the Bridgeport road. We thus suc- ceeded in making a complete surprise, deliberately forming our line of battle on the crest of a wooded hill, within 500 yards of the works con Page 156 156 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. structed to defend the bridge. At our first fire the guards broke and ran. They attempted to blow up the main bridge, but failed. They then attempted to fire the farther extremity, but volunteers at my call rushed forward in face of their fire and saved the bridge. From the island to the main shore we could not save it. It is of small moment, its length being only about 450 feet. Prisoners taken report five regi- ments of infantry and 1,800 cavalry stationed at the bridge. This campaign is ended, and I now occupy Huntsville in perfect se- curity, while all of Alabama north of Tennessee River floats no flag but that of the Union. If my recommendations pass to the hands of the Adjutant-General I deem them lost. 0. M. MITCHEL, Maijor-General, Commanding Third Division. WAR DEPARTMENT, May 1, 1862. Major-General MITCHEL, Huntsville: Your spirited operations afford great satisfaction to the President. The appointments you desire will surely be made to the utmost extent allowed by law, and without delay. News of the capture of Fort Macon by Buruside is just received. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO Cumberland Ford, May 1, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have not had time to write. The following extract contains the pith of my instructions from GeneralBuell: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Omo, Near Columbia [March 28]. The original orders to this column [General Carters column, now mine] were to take Cumberland Gap, and for its farther progress to be governed by eircumstance~ in East Tennessee. The strength of enemy there, it is pretty well ascertained, has since beet) increased, but the object is the same, and you are, of course, expected to pursue it with zeal and discretion, or hold the enemy in check if your force should be insu~cient to advance. I wish General Buells orders to be accompanied by my plan of at- tack, which, to be understood, should be accompanied by a diagram of the enemys position and of what will be mine. I propose to attack the enemy ou his right and front, and to turn his entire position by clearing the Baptist Gap of its obstructions and passing to his rear during the second night of the battle, and thus cut off his retreat. His force at Cumberland Gap is now 2,000 less than mine, and if Marshall joins him, as it is rumored, it will be l,Q00 stronger than mine; but 1 am deter- mined to attack in either event, and to do so successfully I must be pre- pared. Please direct Lieutenant Edson, ordnance officer at Louisville, to send me at once two 32-pounder Parrott guns, with 400 rounds of ammunition, and whatever else I may ask for. If he has no 32zpouud~ ers, let him send me two more 20-pounders. The enemy has thre Page 157 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 64-pounder howitzers, three 32 and two 24 pounders. Cumberland Gap is the strongest position I have ever seen except Gibraltar. Give me whatever I ask for and it shall be taken. I do not wish to annoy Gen- eral Buell as to the order to Lieutenant Edson. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIvIsION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Cumberland Ford, May 1, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON & cretary of War: Have separately examined the three deserters from Latrobes battery. They left Knoxville on Sunday, April 27. They differ but little in their statements, which are in substance that Kirby Smith, with a force of from 5,000 to 7,000 infantry and two batteries of artillery, occupies Knox- ville; that Cumberland Gap has been re-enforced by two regiments of infantry, Andersons Virginia battery, and 350 Cherokee Indians; and a man named White, said to be reliable, states that Humphrey Mar- shall, with a force variously estimated from 3,000 to 5,000 men, was at Jonesville, Va., 35 miles from Cumberland Gap, en route for that place~ I hope to know the truth or falsity of this report by the 3d instant. The four Tennessee regiments now organizing number 1,470 men. They are but partially armed. Including them, my eflectwe force is under 8,000. The two 20-pounder Parrotts will not reach here for twelve days, and within that time I hope to receive arms and ammuni- tion for the Tennessee troops. GEORGE ~. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field, ~3hiloh, May 2, 1862. General JOHN A. MCCLEIRNAND, commanding Reserve Army Corps: A note just received from General Halleck says that the enemy are moving toward Purdy, to operate on our flank. Have all the ap- proaches by way of Owl Creek well watched, and to-morrow early, or to-night if practicable, a strong r~econnoitering party toward Purdy. Cavalry alone will answer for this reconnaissance. I will direct Gen- eral Wallace to use extra vigilance on the two roads leading from here. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field, Shiloh, May 2, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Commanding Third Division: It being reported that the enemy are moving a strong force from Corinth toward Purdy, with a view of operating on our flank, you will cause extra vigilance in that direction and increase the guards. Page 158 158 KY., TENN, N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. have informed General McClernand that this order would be sent direct, to save time. Send out all your cavalry toward Purdy, to re- connoiter the country in that direction. IT. S. GRANT, Major. General. PITTSBURG Hon. E. M. STANTON, May 3, 18629 p. m. Secretary of War: Paines division made a reconnaissance to Farmington to-day. Found about 4,500 of the enemy. Drove them in handsome style, killing 30, wounding many, capturing some prisoners, their tents, camp equipage, & c. At dark our cavalry was in pursuit of their artillery and a bag- gage train beyond Farmington, in the direction of Corinth. I witnessed the fight. Our men behaved splendidly. An artillery reconnaissance went to Glendale this morning, and destroyed two trestle bridges and some track of the Memphis and Charleston Road. It has been a splendid days work for the left wing. Camp will be moved forward to Seven Mile Creek, within 1 mile of Farmington, to-morrow. Weather clear. Road becoming good. THOMAS A. SCOTT, As8istant Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, RESERVE CoRPS Captain ILOTORKISS, Purdy, May 3, 18b2. As8istant Adjutant-General: SIR: Say to the general that I reached this place last evening in advance of my regiments, one of which has since arrived, while the others are momentarily expected. My cavalry have been already sent forward to take possession of the llatchme Bridge. They left for that purpose last night at 10 oclock. Two citizens of Bolivar came in about midnight, sent to invite our forces to take possession of the town and protect it from the rebel cav- alry, who are marauding in small parties, burning cotton, of which there is said to be in the county about $1,200,000 worth. There is an intense anxiety to have it saved, if possible. The two citizens inform me that Grand Junction is unoccupied, and, save the marauding squads of cavalry, the entire army of Beauregart has gone southward, leaving no considerable body nearer than Holly Springs. Communicate, if you please, with the general commanding, and inform me whether or not I shall send to take possession of Grand Junction, if I ascertain it unoccupied. I shall push on for Boliver instantly upon the arrival of a brigade. My command was so scattered that the whole of it may not effect a junction at this place until toward evening. My compliments to the general. Very respectfully, LEW. WALLACE, General Third Divi8ion, Reserve Page 159 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 159 IIDQRS. RESERVE OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, May 3, 1862. Major-General LEW. WALLACE, Commanding, & c.: Your precautions against surprise and provision to meet any attack from Purdy are well conceived and satisfactory. A reconnaissance to-day toward Purdy having been ordered for the purpose of avoiding the probable failure of the different attachments of cavalry to unite at the same time and place, I have deemed it best for your cavalry to join the remainder of the cavalry of the Army of the Reserve at these headquarters at 8 oclock this morning. The cavalry will be supplied with one days rations. The bearer hereof will guide your cavalry here. By command of Major-General McCLernand: A. S. NORTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. RESERVE OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, May 3, 1862. Brig. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT: Owing to information received at these headquarters with reference to a supposed movement of a portion of the enemy~s forces toward Purdy with a design of throwing themselves between Pittsburg Land- ing and our troops advanced on the Corinth road, I have sent out a strong cavalry force to make a thorough reconnaissance in the vicinity. I would respectfully suggest that you send a regiment of infantry to the bridge across Owl Creek, northwest of your encampment, and in- struct them to remain there until sundown. I beg the pardon of both General Sherman and yourself for this in- formal mode of communicating with you. Yours, & c., JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, M~or- General, Commanding, By E. S. JONES, Aide. HDQRS. RESERVE OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, May 3,1862. General STEPHEN A. IIURLETJT, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: Accept my thanks for your prompt and obliging comph~ ance with my request. I am also in receipt of orders to move forward in the morning, and to keep within supporting distance of the right wing, of which your division is a part. I will start at 8 oclock. We will be close together. The information upon which my reconnaissance toward Purdy is based equally concerns both our commands. If you can have the regiment detached at the bridge until near sundown it would he well. If the result of the reconnaissance should disclose a movement threatening your position I will advise you. I send an orderly along to bring any communication you may wish to make. Yours, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding Page 160 160 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE Gino, Gumberland Ford, May 3, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: My scouts will be engaged on both sides of the Cuniberland Mount- ains at the same time. Heavy fogs, which sometimes last half a day, render signals useless. I want sent to Quartermaster Brown, at Lex- ington, 30 miles of telegraph field cordage, with reel, to be there by the 8th instant. I can have a special messenger at that place to receive it. Can I have it? GEORGE W. MORGAX, Brigadier- General, Commandtng. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, AR1~nr OF THE OHIO, Cumberland Ford, May 3, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: A contraband has just come in from the Gap. He reports the strength of the enemy at 6,500, and that in the affair of Monday Captain Phelps, of the Third Georgia Battalion (whose servant he was), and 5 privates were killed; also that he saw 8 wounded men. He says that 6 soldiers deserted with him, but on passing the enemys pickets they were fired upon and scattered, and he alone succeeded in getting in. No news of Humphrey Marshall. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. GEORGES HOUSE, May 4, 1862. General HALLECK: The reconnaissauces toward Farmington found the bridge over Cham- bers Creek destroyed about 5 miles this side of Farmington. Road very bad through the creek bottom, requiring to be corduroyed. Enemys pickets at Chambers Creek. They were on the same creek on the Cor- inth road yesterday. The reconnaissance on that road to-day has not yet returned. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Near Farmington, May 4, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: My command has advanced and occupies strong position 1~ miles this side of Farmington, with bad creek in front and an impenetra- ble jungle and swamp on our left. Enemy has massed considerable force on railroad south of Farmington, evidently fearful of our crossing Memphis and Charleston and intercepting Mobile and Ohio Railroad Page 161 CHAP. XXII.] CORRE8PONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 161 He has some sort of work there; will see what it is to-morrow and proba- bly dislodge him. I hope Buells force will keep pace on our right. I have a good many prisoners. What had I best do with them? JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, May 4, 1862. Col. L. D. CANEPBELL, Commanding, Franklin, Tenn.: I have just received a dispatch from General Negley from Columbia, saying that it has been reported all day that a large force is near that point, both east and west. He has notified the guards on the railroad within 10 miles of him. Do the same on your part. I will immediately order the Eleventh Michigan Regiment, Colonel Stoughton, to report to you at Franklin. STANLEY MATTHEWS, Colonel, Commanding. NASHVILLE, May 4, 1862. Brig. Gen. E. DUMoNT, Murfreesborough and Shelbyville: I have just received a telegram from General Negley, reporting a large force near Columbia, both east and west of him, and suggesting that re-enforcemeuts be sent immediately by rail to Franklin. 1 have adopted the snggestion, and ordered Colonel Stoughton there by special train to-night. STANLEY MATTHEWS, Colonel, Commanding. HUNTSVILLE, ALA., May 4, 1862, (Received War Dept., Washington, D. C., May 4, 18622.20.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: Your dispatch received.* A soldiers highest reward for service is to merit and receive the approbation of his superior officers. An expedition from Bridgeport crossed the river on May 1; advanced toward Chattanooga 12 miles; captured stores and a Southern mail carrier from railroad hands; that panic prevailed at Chattanooga; that the enemy are moving all property in the direction of Atlanta; that General Leadbetter had been chastised for cowardice at Bridgeport; not more than 2,000 troops at Chattanooga; they destroyed a saltpeter manufactory in a cave; returned safely with the captured property. Another expedition penetrated to Jasl)eI; found a strong Union feel- ing. On the same day a skirmish with the enemys cavalry at Athens. Our outposts were driven back, but on being re-enforced the enemy retreated in the direction of Florence. There are straggling bands of mounted men, partly citizens, scattered * Of May 1. 11 U UVOL X, PT I Page 162 162 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. along my entire line, threatening the bridges, one of which they suc- ceeded in destroying. As there is no [hope] of an immediate advance upon Chattanooga, I will now contract my line. Do I understand that my acting brigadiers will be l)romoted ~ 0. M. MLTCHEL, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Camp Taylor, IIant8ville, Ala., May 4, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington City: SIR: You will have heard before this reaches you of Colonel Morgans raid upon Pulaski, his capture of 15 officers (among them my son, Licut. E. M. Mitchel), and about 250 privates. When ordered forward from Murfreesborough, General Buell having advanced to Savannah, I was greatly surprised to find that I was not permitted to have command of my own lines of communication with Nashville. The troops under General Negley and those under Colonel Duffleld were not subject to my order. After reaching Huntsville I saw the necessity for change in the disposition of these troops, and urged it upon both commanding officers. I begged General Negley to throw forward a regiment to Pu- laski, which he did not do; General Buell directing to the contrary. Why Tuscumbia was not occupied in force during the ten days it was held by me, and which I urged as strongly as I dared, I am unable to divine. I informed General Buell two weeks since that the enemy, un- able to subsist their horses at Corinth, were sending off their cavalry, and would enter Tennessee in small bands and greatly annoy us by guerrilla warfare. While I was occupied with Bridgeport, Morgan crossed the Tennessee above Florence at the head of about 400 cavalry, and Scott with about 200 more. Scott attacked my ontl)osts at Athens, and has been driven back across Elk River defeated and scattered. On the same day Morgan entered Pulaski without resistance, and captured our returning sick as they came in unarmed in small numbers. Fortunately we have prisoners enough to effect an exchange, and for my son I hold Morgans brother, first lieutenant and aide-de-camp to General Crittenden. The chief difficulty growing out of the matter is the uncertainty with which my supply train moves and the alarm created among cotton buyers. I have taken the most active measures to prevent the crossiug of the river by any considerable force without my knowledge. I am eXl)osed on a river front of 120 miles. I have not under my command a cavalry force of more than 500 effective men. I am compelled there- fore to resort to means which nuder any other circumstances I would not use. The negroes are our only friends, and in two instances I owe my own safety to their faithfulness. I shall very soon have watchful guards among the slaves on the plantations bordering the river from Bridge- port to Florence, and all who communicate to me valuable information I have promised the protection of my Government. Should my course in this particular be disapproved, it would be im- possible for me tohold my position. I must abandon the line of railway, and Northern Alabama falls back in the hands of the enemy. No re-enforcements have been sent to me, and I am promised non Page 163 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 163 except a regiment of cavalry and a company of scouts, neither of which have reached me. I should esteem it a great military and political mis- fortune to be compelled to yield up one inch of the territory we have conquered. With a few more troops, or even with a better disposition of them, supporting me, between my line and Nashville, I can bid de- fiance to the enemy. If lie attempts to cross the river anywhere in force I shall learn the fact, and am able to prevent him. But I believe this is the first instance in the history of war where a general has been deprived of the command of his own lines of supply and communication. When the time comes for the appointment of a military governor of Alabama, which I hope is not far distant, I would venture to suggest the name of the lion. George W. Lane, of this city, who holds a commission of district judge nnder the President, who has never swerved from the path of strict duty and loyalty, and whose tattooed and faded flag still waves from the staff to which he nailed it on his house-top in sight of my camp. I know his appointuient would give great satisfaction to the citizens of Huntsville and Northern Alabama. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- Generat, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, .Huntsviile, May 4, 1862. Hon. B. M. STANTON: I have this day written you fully, embracing three topics of great importancethe absolute necessity of protecting slaves who furnish us valuable information; the fact that I am left without command of mimy line of communications, and the importance of holding Alabama north of the Tennessee. I have promise(i I)rotectioml to the slaves who have given me valuable assistance and information. My river front is 120 miles long, and it the Government disapprove what I have done, I must receive heavy re-enforcements or abandon my position. With the aid of the negroes in watching the river I feel myself sufficiently strong to defy the enemy. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General, Commanding Third Di cision. CUMBERLAND FORD, ]IIay 4, 1862. Hon. B. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: The field wire asked for is to extend from the center to the fiamik of my line of battle, and pOss1bl~r to the rear of the enemy. If time day were certain to be clear the wire would not be imecessary, but if there be fog, it will be to secure concert of action. The tortuous char~ter of the muountain defiles renders a great length iiecessary. The wire will also be useful in East Tennessee. If it cannot reach Lexington by the 8th, the 9th or 10th instant will do. Should the affair last no longer than a day and a half, the turning maneuver will not be made. I wish to be prepared for every event. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding Page 164 164 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL Hon. E. M. STANTON, MONTEREY, May 5, 1862. Secretary of War: Heavy rains for the last twenty hours. Roads bad. Movement pro- gressing slowly. Enemy still concentrating forces at Corinth. Nomi- nation of Sherman for major-general gives great satisfaction. It was nobly gained U~Ofl the field of Shiloli. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Near Earminyton, May 5, 1862. Major-General fIALLECK: Deserter from enemys lines just in; says he belongs to ilardees division, now east of Coriiith and quite near intrenehments; says that the troops are going into the works. Thinks they will not hold the whole army, mules and wagons, inside. No big gnus mounted south of Memphis and Charleston road, but that intrenebments extend from Mobile and Ohio road round by the east to Memphis and Charleston road west of town. South side of town open. Hardees whole division has been laying on its arms in line of battle inside the intrenchments ever since skirmish day before yesterday at Farmington. I am having a sketch of the ground east and south of Corinth made from his information, which I will send you. JNO - POPE, M4jor. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Near Farmington, May 5, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Another deserter just iii from Braggs command confirms everything said to you in my last telegram. Says that Mansfield Lovell is assigned to the defense of the Memphis side of Corinth, and is expected every moment with his forces. Says, as do all the other prisoners, that they are badly fed, and that there is much dissatisfaction in their army. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVIsIoN, Gamp No. 5, May 5, 1862. Our situation from the rain and road has become difficult, and it be- comes the duty of every officer and man to anticipate our danger and labor. Every ounce of food and forage must be regarded as precious as diamonds. Roads will be impassable and our bridges swept away. General Halleck and our superior officers will do all they can but their power is limited by nature. We must do our part in full. rNlen must at once be limited in bread and meat. All live stock in our lines must be driven in and used, and all grass, wheat, and everything fit for forag Page 165 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 165. gathered. Horses will be allowed to browse on bushes, and such as elm, cottonwood, and sassafras gathered for this use at once. Par- ticular attention must be given at once to our roads and defenses. Let every ax and spade be busy. At daybreak a party from each brigade will open a road by clearing the underbrush back to the Ridge road, following the highest ground back to the north and east. In front of the whole line underbrush must be cut to a distance of 300 yards, and heavy logs felled as a breastwork along the front of the artillery and camps; pickets, guards, and sentinels must be visited often, and the utmost vigilance maintained. Monterey is the key point. We cannot be assailed by artillery, be- cause the enemy cannot haul it up; but we may be assailed by hordes of infantry, night or day, and therefore vigilance must be kept at all times, and any neglect promptly punished. If any sentinel will not be wakefti] and intelligent, he iriust be made to work. Our right is the point of danger, and will receive the personal atten- tion of the general, but he can do nothing unless his orders are strictly observed; and these are, that all articles of l)rovisious and forage be put under guard and dealt out at half rations; that the guard to our front be l)repared with log breastworks and defenses, and underbrush cleared to our rear, to admit of prompt and easy communications, not to retreat on, but to afford means of assistance if necessary, and to move regiments from one point to another of our lines if need be. Orders heretofore issued cover the whole ground, and this is only meant to remind all of their importance. Maps will at once be pre- pared and sent to brigadiers, who should furnish colonels and subordi- nates with col)ies. By order of Brig. (len. W. T. Sherman: J. II. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, ililay 5, 1862. Major-General MITOnEL, Huntsville, Ala.: Your telegrams of the 3d and 4th have been received. No general in the field has deserved better of his country than yourself; and the De- partment rejoices to award credit to one who merits it so well. The De- partment is advised of nothing that you have done hut what is approved. The assistance of slaves is an element of military strength which, nuder proper regulations, you are fully justified in em~)loying for your security and the success of your operations. It has been freely employed by the enemy, and to abstain from its judicious use when it can be em- ployed with military advantage would be a failure to employ means to suppress the rebellion and restore the authority of the Government. Protection to those who furnish information or other assistance is a high duty. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Hunts rule, Ala., May 5, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The occupation of Huntsville and this railway line by my troop Page 166 166 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. seems to have produced among rebels the bitterest feeling. Armed citizens fire into the trains, cut the telegraph wires, attack the guards of bridges, cut off and destroy my couriers, while guerrilla bands of cav- alry attack whenever there is the slightest chance of success. I have arrested some l)rominent citizens along the line of the railway and in this city. I hold some prisoners (citizens) against whom the negroes will prove charges of unauthorized war. Am I to convict on the tes- timony of the blacks? Have I your authority to send notorious rebels to a Northern prison? May I offer the protection of the Government to the negroes who give valuable information? Is it not possible to give me re-enforcement~s to cross the Osage at Grates Ferry and march against Rome? That entire region is now comparatively unprotected and very much alarmed. 0. M. MITCHEL, ]Iiliajor-General, Commanding Third Division. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Cumberland Ford, May 5, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Last night the enemy attempted a surprise. I was forewarned by deserter and doubled my pickets.~ We were prepared to meet them both in front and rear. A cavalry skirmish took place, iii wh ichwe cal)tured one prisoner. Our scouts report that the enemy is retiring to the Gap. We are not in a condition to follow him. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. (Same to General Buell.) MONTEREY, Hon. E. M. STANTON, May 6, 18623 p. in. Secretary of War: Weather clear this momning Roads almost impassable. A number of deserters from Corinth came in yesterday. They report very large force well intrenched and ~ my that Beauregard is receiving re-enforce- ments every (lay. A tew d~ ~ ago forces began to arrive from South Carolina. General Lox ell is expected to-day with the forces he had at New Orleans, numbering about 3,000 effi~ctive men. It is now believed the rebels will leave Virgima a.n(l endeavor to save the Mississippi Valley by crushing omn Vm e~temn army. Beauregard, by concentrating troops from New Orleans, Mobile, Memphis, Fort Pillow, and interme- diate points, will certainly add 60,000 effective imien to the army he had ten days ago, and this without any force Iroin Virginia, South Carolina, or Georgia. The troops from those States all to come by rail, by way of Montgomery or Meridian or Mobile and Ohio road, thence to Corinth. With all these facts, as we believe them here, it becomes a grave ques- tion for you to consider as to whether a column of 40,000 or 50,000 men should not be sent from the East. I submit the case as now understood by all parties here. Halleck is proceeding with his advance movements, and will in a few days invest Corinth, then be governed by circum- stances. Halleck just got message about Yorktown. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary oJ War Page 167 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 167 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, May 6, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: General Paine writes that Major iRawalt, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, who is with the advanced pickets, reports that, from all indications now, the rebels are leaving Corinth. I will ascertain the facts as soon as II can. JiNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DivisioN, No. 50. Camp No. 3, May 6, 1862. The division will move to the right about 2 miles to-morrow in the present order of encampment. All the ammunition and tools must be taken along. The ammunition of each regiment will follow immediately in the rear; everything else in the division train. Each brigade train will be under the direction of the brigade quartermaster. Those bri- gades requiring provisions may send one-half of their wagons to the river, provided they can carry everything needful in the other half; such trains will also observe brigade organizations. The First Brigade will move at 8 a. m. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP TAYLOR, Huntsville, Ala., May 6, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War: No answer has been received to my request for authority to send two or three notorious rebels to a Northern prison. Judge Lane and Senator Clemens believe it necessary. Would it avail anything for General Clemens to appear in Washington as the representative of the citizens of Northern Alabama, his object being to learn nno1~cially in what way the existing controversy might be ended 0? He will come if you approve it. Since the driving out of the regular troops, guerrilla war- fare has been commenced, and advocated by the very mcii I wish to send to a Northern prison. The failure to occupy Tuscumbia, I fear, is to become a frightful source of trouble. Morgan is said to have crossed below Florence, and it is now said other cavalry, and even Prices infantry, are now crossing. I have not heard from General Buell or General Halleck in two weeks. No re-enforcements have reached me. If guerrilla warfare is to be waged, I must huve a large force of cavalry. Am I to expect soon any addition to my command 0? 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General, Commanding Page 168 168 KY., TENN, N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS, Cumberland Ford, May 6, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL: In pursuance of instructions from the honorable Secretary of War, I have from time to time notified him of the position of things in this line of operation, hence my suggestiou as to the Home Guard. A rebel cavalry force has been organized near Lexington with the avowed pnrpose of joining Humphrey Marshall. I have ordered the Home Gnard to be organized at various points, in order to keep open my communications. Kirby Smith is near Cumberland Gap, with 13,000 men, and threaten- ing my flank and rear, in the hope of dividing my force, which he would if in front. I have stationed Spears brigade so as to cover London. I do not believe that Smith will attack; if he does, I have no apprehension as to the result. I have two lines of telegraph to London, so that if one should be cnt the other will be serviceable. The morale of my command is rapidly improving. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Cumberland Ford, May 6, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The rebels are coming in the neighborhood of Lexington and a cavalry force is openly in the field. I have fears for the safety of a train of ammunition and guns coming this way, and have ordered Lieu- tenant-Colonel Mnnday, with his entire mounted force, to proceed by forced marches to meet them. Kirby Smith is now in the neighbor- hood of Cumberland Gap, with a force of 12,000 or 15,000 men. It is said that he contemplates an attack upon our position. We are pre- pared. I strongly and respectfully recoin mend that the Kentucky Home Guard be called into immediate service to the number of 5,000 men. Otherwise communication with Lexington may be cut off. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. FARMINGTON, May 7, 18629 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: News from Corinth this morning is to the effect that Beauregard has been ordered by Jeff. Davis to change his position, and that re-enforce- ments on their way to Corinth have been stopped. Their new point for concentration is nnknown. Reconnaissance in force will probably be made by General Pope this afternoon. I go with it, and will advise you from the field. All other movements progressing. Weather fine. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War Page 169 CHAP. XXIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 169 MONTEREY, May 7, 18628 p. in. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: No reconnaissance made this afternoon, as th~ other divisions of the army were not up to the advance here. Everything is ready for a movement on Corinth by the left wingGeneral Popes armyby 10 or 11 oclock to-morrow. Weather good. Roads improving. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. NEAR FARMINGTON, May 7, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Reports from the pickets assume such a form and come so continu- ously that the enemy is evacuating Corinth, that 1 think an examina- tion in force will be desirable. It is certain that as early as last Thurs- day trains were leaving on both roads of twenty and thirty cars each, loaded with snpplies, and since that time men have not been permitted to go to the depot. A great quantity of subsistence stores have beeu carried oIL 1 instructed General Paine to make as close an examnina- tion last night as l)ossible, without moving his command, but have had no report from him. If one of Buells divisions, say Nelsons, which is nearest to me, can l)e sent, with two days rations in haversacks, to occupy my camps, I will make a reconnaissance to-day with my whole force. Please advise immediately. J~NO. POPE, Major-General. MONTEREY, May 7, 1862. General POPE: General Buell is in line and General Sherman on the Purdy road. General Smiths cavalry reached the Ohio Railroad without opposition. Push forward a strong reconnaissance to-morrow toward Corinth or on the left, and drive in their outposts. Do you want any aid from Buel]] IL W. HALLECK, Major- General. NEAR FARMINeTTON, May 7, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I only want Buell to watch my right careftdly during the reconnais- sance, that no force may interpose betweeu us. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. FARMIN~TON, May 7, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Nelson is considerably in rear of my right, and his advanced pickets are not as far to the front as my encampment. He is also far to m Page 170 170 KY., TENN, N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXII. right, with Chambers Creek between us. From my right to his pick~ts on Chambers Creek is a full mile and a half; and the country between is high and rolling, with a road leading to Nichols Ford, of Seven Mile Creek. He must either cross Chambers Creek very early in the morn- ing and advance as far as Seven Mile Creek on my right, or he can neither give me assistance in case of need nor even watch my right. There is entirely too much interval bet~veen us. In view of my movement to-morrow, as flardees force is lying a mile and a half outside the intrenchments and along the railroad, a consid- erable force will be necessary to drive him, and my movement dill carry inc still farther from Nelson. If he cannot be moved across Chambers Creek early in the morning, I think perhaps my attack on flardee had better be postponed until he can do so. Unless Ha~dee is driven into the works no satisfactory reconnaissance can be made, and it will require my whole command to do so. Please let me know immediately what to expect. Command will be ready to-morrow morning at 7 oclock, with one days rations. My flag of truce has not yet returned. JNO. POPE, Major- Generat. WAR DEPARTMENT, General GEORGE WMORGAN, May 7, 1862. Gap: Your report of yestexday is received. It is presumed that you keep the general commanding the department advised of your position and of your wants, making use yourself of whatever discretionary power may be necessary for the security of your posirion, your troops, or your communications. General Halleck will be informed of the substance of your report. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of Wa?. WAR DEPARTMENT, General H. W. HALLECK, May 7, 1862. Near Corinth, Tenn.: General Morgan, by a telegram yesterday from Cumberland Ford, reports a cavalry rebel force openly in the field in the neighborhood of Lexington, and expresses some apprehension of danger to his communi- cating with that city. He asks that 5,000 troops of the Kentucky Home Guards be called into service. It is hoped that you may be able to meet his wants without an appeal to this resort. The subject is committed to yourself without special orders from this Depart- ment. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MONTEREY, TENN., Hon. E. M. STANTON, May 8, 186210 a. m. Secretary of War: Deserter in this morning, who left enemys line after daylight, says they are expecting attack on their right from this command, and the Page 171 CHAP. XXH.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 171 will undoubtedly remain at Corinth to give us battle. Re enforcenients are coming rapidly to them. Popes column will be ready to march in thirty minutes, and will reach the enemys line about noon. Weather clear. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. FARMINGTON, MISS., lucy 8, 18629 ~ m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Forces all back in camp. We had 3 men killed and several wounded; drove the enemy within their works at Corinth, and obtained some in- formation of value in regard to their defenses. I presume the several divisions of the army will move up close to Corinth to-morrow. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. MONTEREY, May 8, 18629.30 a. m. General BUELL: Be prepared tocover the retreat of General Popes reconnoitering party if it should be driven back and pursued. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. POPES HEADQUARTERS, May 8, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The enemys skirmishers have commenced to drive in our pickets be- yond Farmington, and from reports are approaching in some force. I will advise you further very soon. I presume it is only a demonstration on the town. I have a brigade and battery on the other side of the creek to support the pickets. JNO. POPE, Major- General. MONTEREY, May 8, 186211 a. m. General POPE: Avoid any general engagement. I can get no reply from General Buell, and he may not have received my orders to support you. Shermans movement on the right shows enemy to be in force. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General Page 172 172 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [Cni~. XXfl. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 8, 1862. ~Iajor-General HALLECK: I am not advancing to-day, but am working roads to my front, rear, and left. I am now in line in rear of Chambers Creek. Stanley on the left of the main Corinth, with my outposts and vedettes, within a half a mile of the enemy and 4~ miles of Corinth. I have thrown Nelson off to the left to support Popes reconnaissance, in accordance with your instructions. The ground everywhere is intersected by creeks ~nd marshy bottoms, over which corduroy roads have to be made forming perfect defiles. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. BUELLS [HEADQUARTERS], May 8, 1862. Major-General HALLEOK: I have been out all day, and only now received your dispatch. I find that Pope is reconnoitering with his whole force, 20,000 mcii, and has to march 7 miles. I will endeavor to cover his retreat if he should come to that, but it is proper to inform you that in doing so I must move some 3 miles to the left, and thus expose my camp and my right flank. I). C. BUELL, Major- General. NEAR FARMINGTON, May 8, 1862. General HALLECK: Deserter just in that left enemys lines about (layhght, near Farm- ington. He says they are expecting attack on their right, and have over 100,000 men at Corinth, receiving re-enforcements daily, and there is no intention of leaving, but will make a defense. Pope will be ready to move in about thirty minutes and reach their lines about noon. Have column ready for his support, if needed. I will advise you fre- quently from the field. We are exfending telegraph to Farmingt on. THOMAS A. SCOTT, A ssistant Secretary of War. FARMINGTON, May 8, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Slight skirmishing all afternoon. Oar forces have pressed forward, and are now within 1 mile of e nemys works. Heavy cavalry and in- fantry force on the left, beyond the railroad. The woods appear to be full of rebels; they will not fight much outside of their works. A steady artillery fire in front for the past twenty minutes and still continues. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War Page 173 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 17~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, May 8, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: We have pushed our reconnaissance ~o the enemys works, and th& position of his batteries on the east side pretty well defined. There are bodies of the enemy all along the railroad on the south side. It was too far for me to venture across the railroad, while support was so far distant and my flanks accessible by the three roads from Corinth. I will send you a sketch of the enemys batteries and the road early in the morning. There seems no doubt that he is in force at Corinth, though it is hard to teJI without assaulting the intrencinmeuts. I think my command ought to be advanced to this place, to clear th& railroad and make me secure on the left. I will write you at length. We have lost several men killed and wounded. The troops are retiring to camp, but a brigade will occupy Farming- ton. The enemy, it is evident, will not stand outside of his intrenchments~ All the roads are obstructed by felled trees. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. FARMINGTON, May 8, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I hardly know what to report to you, as my own opinion is not clear Judging from the very feeble resistance offered to our advance on any of the roads leading to Corinth and the ease with which close recon- naissance was made, 1 am inclined to think either the enemy is evacu- ating or that he desires to draw us in on this road. His resistance was~ very feeble. Few troops could be seen, and the imitrenchments were examined from a very near point. If lie be in force, I am too far away from Buell to make such an advance as to demonstrate the true state of the case. To-day I had to nse only one division in the close examina- tion; one brigade held in reserve while the other was advanced toward the railroad, so as to secure the left flank of the first. I must again say that my mind is not yet made up. I regret to report the loss of Major Applington, Seventh Illinois Cav-~ alry, killed to-day. I will write you my views to-night. JNO. POPE, Major- General.. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, May 8, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL: I intend to move forward upon Corinth by the Farmington road, rest- ing my left as near as possible upon the railroad. My reserve will occupy the high ground in front of Farmington. My wish is that Nelson cross Chambers Creek, with his infantry a Page 174 174 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA [CHAP. XXII. least, and advance as far as the right and front of my camp, so as to cover the road by wa.y of Nichols Ford. I shall leave in my camp one field battery and four 30-pounder Par. rotts, with proper supports. Will you please direct Nelson to report to me the exact position he takes up and to be ready in case of emergency, l~eeping behind Seven Mile Creek, unless a pressing necessity arises, of which I will notify him. JNO. POPE, Major- Gemera 1, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, May 8, 1862. General D. S. STANLEY: The general commanding directs that the secoiid brigade of your command bivouac to-night near the creek and on the side toward Farmington, throwing ont pickets, so as to inclose the town. They will be relieved in the morning. General Buford, officer of the day, will post the pickets, and will be there for that pnrpose. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. MORGAN, Aide-de Camp. CAMP TAYLOR, Huntsville, Al a., May 8, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Since the Morgan raid I hear of no enemy excepf small bands of armed citizens, who still continue their outrages along the railway line and elsewhere. I hold under arrest a few active rebels, who refuse to condemn their illegal warfare. I am confident some of them should be sent to a Northern pri~on, and in this the best citizens have agreed with me. Unless prohibited, I think the Hon. John Bell and the Hon. Jeremiah Clemens will start for Washington in a few days. My quarter- master absolutely requires money. We must pay for many things we have obtained in cash, and without some money it is absolutely impos- sible to keep the cars in motion on the road. Our empioy~s are good Union men, but very poor and very needy. The bridge destroyed on the day of Morgans attack will be finished probably to-morrow. Our line will then extend from near Stevenson to Elk Riverover a hundred miles. Cotton buyers are in the market, and 1 have agreed to transport their cotton by rail and wagon, charging for the Government the usual prices, using the empty supply train on its return. I trust this will meet the approbation of the Government. 0. M. MITCIIEL, Major- General, Corn manding. WAR DEPARTMENT, Brig. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, May 8, 1862. Huntsville, Ala.: Secretary of War absent for some days. You are authorized to send the two or three notorious rebels mentioned to Fort Warren, Bosto Page 175 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 Harbor, if in your judgment the public safety requires it. Influential gentlemen like General Clemens can render far more service at home at present than they conld by coming here. Be-enforcements cannot be sent until after General Halleck has fought the great battle with Beau- regard. Will the country you are in supply cavalry horses and forage ~ You can communicate with General ilalleck by telegraph by the way of Nashville. P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. MONTEREY, TflNN., May ~, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: It is not possible for me to re-enforce General Morgan at Lexington. Orders in regard to Home Guards should be sent to him direct from the War Department. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. [Indorsement.] Above dispatch received from Halleck need create no apprehension, as Morgan labors under chronic alarm. I do not deem it expedient to call out Kentucky Home Guards. General Hitchcock concurs in this opinion. P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, May 9, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I transmit inclosed some maps * exhibiting pretty fairly the condition of things in and about Corinth and also on my right as far as Nelsons division. I will send you as soon as it is possible the sketch showing the posi- tion and character of the enemys works and batteries on and near the roads leading from Farmington. You will see that the approaches from the east will be difficult, and that the difficulties probably increase as we proceed south across the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. I would suppose that the best position for Buells line would be the Purdy and Farmington road. How far beyond Bud this road would be useful in this respect I do not know. By establishing Buell from the forks of the road from Farmiugton to Nichols and from Farmingtou to Purdy his left would rest on Farmington, while my force would be established with the right resting on Farmiugton and the left on the railroad. We should thus be secure on the left flank, be near enough to operate without difficulty or delay, and occupy a line along which communications would be direct and easy. I submit it for your consid- eration. My command is all in rear of Seven Mile Creek except one brigade, * Not found Page 176 176 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. which is on the opposite side and one-half mile this side of Farmington, 80 as to support the pickets in advance of the town. This brigade is not camped, but bivouacked, and will be relieved every twenty-four hours. I am not likely to be taken at a disadvantage and trust you will not be uneasy about us. I am, general, very respectfally, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE Mississippi, May 9, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The enemy is felling timber on my left and rear about where a road conducts across Seven Mile Creek to the high lands toward the railroad. I have a strong cavalry picket, a regiment of infantry, and a section of artillery on the road about 3 miles from my left. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Gommanding. FARMINGTON, May 9, 1862. Major-General [JALLECK: The enemy has advanced in such heavy force that the infantry com- mand on opposite side of creek could not retain their position, and I did not wish to support them too strongly, as it would have brought on a general engagement. I have therefore withdrawn them to this side, and my whole command is in battle order. I have not heard from ~4elson nor Buell and have no idea where they are. The enemy may attempt to follow us; but, if so, w~ are able to hold our own for a long time. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NEAR FARMINGTON, May 9, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: All is quiet. Our pickets occupy the bridge across Seven Mile Creek which is half a mile in the swamp and near the farther side. My im pression is that the enemy has retired, but he may possibly be massing forces on our left, as the cars have been very busy last night and to-day as far as Glendale. I shall have early notice if it is so. JINO. POPE, Major- General, Gommanding. MONTEREY, May 9,1862. Generals BUELL, POPE, and NELSON: General Buell will move General Nelsons division to the support or the left wing. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General Page 177 CHAP. XXII. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 177 FARMINGTON, May 9, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The movements of the enemy to-day have shown them to be in great force. I think there were certainly 30,000 men in front to-day when our forces retired. This army is exposed on the right. There is 2~ or 3 miles between Popes right and Buells left. This gap ought to be closed by another division to-night, if possible, or by moving Buells division in this direction until they connect closely with Pope. The enemy will probably remain in our front to-night and mass forces for general attack to-morrow; if they do, a str0ng effort may be made by them to isolate this force. THOMAS A. SCOTT, As8istant Secretary of War. MONTEREY, May 9, 18628 p. m. General BUELL: You will make every effort to-morrow morning to close up the space between you and General Pope, and to protect his right in case of an attack. If General Wood is moved to the left, his position will be oc- cupied by General Thomas old division. II. W. HALLECK, Major-General. MONTEREY, TENN., May 9, 1862. THOMAS A. SCOTT, in Field: General Buell has been ordered to support Popes right to-morrow, and the space left by Buells right will be filled by one of Thomas di- visions. Dont let Pope go too far ahead; it is dangerous, and effects no good. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. POPES H~ADQUARTERS, May 9, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Eneiliy is forming pretty strong line of battle at Farmington, having driven in our pickets. Please march Nelsons division in this direction immediately and be ready JNO. POPE, Major- General. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 9, 1862. General HALLECK: I have sent two divisions over to support Popes right flank, informa- lion having come to me that our pickets have been driven in at Nichols Ford. If the enemy appears there in force I shall move my whole corn- mand there, as any success of the enemy which would intercept -my 12 R RYOL X, PT I Page 178 178 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. route across Chambers Creek, on the Farmington road, might be a se- rious matter. If I leave my position here it ought to be immediately occupied by three divisions. D. C. BUELL, Major. General. MONTEREY, May 9, 18629 p. m. General GEORGE H. Tno~rAs: If General Wood moves early to-morrow morning put General T. W. Sherman in his place, and have General McKean ready to move at a moments notice. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. FORT HENRY, May 9, 1862. Major-General HAIJLECK: Have just returned from pursuit of rebels. Was within few miles of them when I received your dispatcli. Would have been able to attack them next morning. They are receiving re-enforcements from direction of Humboldt, and intend to occupy this portion of the country to se- cure, forage and provisions for the army. Unless some assistance can be given I will be forced to leave the west side of the river. In con- nection with two regiments and a battery I can keep them in check and drive them to Jackson. Can I keep Fourth Minnesota Regiment a~ Shaeffer is probably dead; Capts. H. von Minden and Nott wounded; all in hand-to-hand conflict. Several killed and some captured. W. W. LOWE, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Camp Taylor, Huntsville, Ala., May 9, 1862. Hon. E. M. STM~T~N, (Received Washington, May 10.) Secretary of War: I have just received an order from General Buell placing the troops on the railways leading from Nashville to Decatur and to Chattanooga under my command. My trains are now moving to Bellefonte and to Elk River. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, ~Jamp Oumberland Ford, May 9, 186210 a. m. Hox~. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The following telegram to J. B. Temple, president of the State Mili- tary Board, has just been sent to me: General J. W. FINNELL: NASHVILLE, May 5, 1562. From all I can learn from Morgans captured men and servants, I am satisfied it was his purpose to go to Lexington. There lie was to meet a force of 1,500 from Ken Page 179 0114.?. XXII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON.. 179 tucky. His route to Lexington would be through Richmond. I feel confident it is true. He may be en route for Kentucky with a fragment to get his re-enforcements. G. CLAY SMITH, Colonel Fourth Regiment. I have advised the -organization of a force of 250 Home Guards at Lexington and twelve companies to be stationed at various points. I will now advise the organization of two regiments of mounted men. A smaller force would be of no service. Cavalry are necessary to protect my line of communication and to crush guerrilla parties. The rebel hatred to the Union is more intense than ever and one single reverse on our paDt and the rebels would take the field in force. I now cover London with Spears brigade. To further reduce my force would render active operations on my part impossible. Smiths forces are still around Cumberland Gap. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. MONTEREY, May 10, 1862. Major-General POPE: I have been through the right and center to General Nelson. J3uell moves two divisions to the left. Enemy reconnoitering on the right, apparently in force, evidently disposed to dispute the passage of Seven Mile Creek. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, May 10, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: All quiet in my front. My pickets occupy Farmington, as usual, the grand guards being in the hills beyond the creek. I can cross without difficulty any day. I had the whole country on my left, as far as the railroad, thoroughly scoured by cavalry to-day. No signs of any enemy or that he had been there recently. I am making several crossings of the creek at different places and can readily pass it any day you name. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi Near J1armington, May 10, iso2. Major-General HALLECK: Deserter from Louisiana regiment in skirmish yesterday just in. Rebel force 35,000, under Bragg, Van Dorn, Hardee, and Price, x~ith thirty-five pieces of artillery. Their purpose was to overwhelm my command and pursue to Tennessee River. We are supposed to num- ber 10,000. Their loss was heavy, both in officers and men. Our loss I will report as soon as I can get returns. The country is clear to Farm. ington and beyond. JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding Page 180 180 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL NEAR FARMINGTON, May 10, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The enemy withdrew to Corinth last night. The field of yesterday is clear this morning. Would it not be well to-day or to-morrow, while we have this good weather, to move the whole army forward to the road leading from the Memphis and Charleston Railroad to Purdy I That road would form a good front line of communication between all the divisions. It is on a ridge, and for the first 8 miles from Farming- ton is said to be a good, hard road. All our forces would be in strik- ing distance of Corinth and within supporting distance of each other. The roads in rear of columns could then be connected and repaired so ihat movements could be made with great facility. We must have pos- session of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad to prevent them from throwing heavy force in rear to cut off supply trains. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. HUNTSVILLE, ALA., May 10, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War; I have no answer to my dispatch asking leave to send to a Northern prison a few distinguished rebels now prisoners. Guerrilla warfare has been inaugurated along my entire line, and we are attacked nightly at bridges and outposts. I have just been placed in command of the troops stationed north of me up to Nashville, inclusive, but it will require some days to obtain proper returns and sufficient information to enable me to act wisely and prudently. Your last dispatch is an answer to mine of the 3d and 4th. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General, Commanding.- NASHVILLE, May 11, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I am compelled to repeat and call the attention of the Secretary of War to my former dispatches in regard to amount of military force which should have been left in and about this place, to be disposed of as circumstances might require. The very fact of the forces being withdrawn from this locality has inspired secession with insolence and confidence and Union men v~ith distrust as to the power and intention of the Government to protect and defend them. They have not arms; secessionists have. If there had been a military force left at this place su~cient to meet and suppress any uprising of disunionists, combined with returning troops from Com~inth and other points and that fact being well known and understood through the whole couiitry, there would have been no further difficulty and trouble in Tennessee. The whole moral power has been lost, and, in fact, we are here now almost in a helpless condition. Had my request been complied with, there would have been no Morgan raids through Middle Tennessee and Ken- tuckyno battles at Lebanon. This evening we hear of the captur Page 181 CHAr. XXII.] 181 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. of a train at Cave City, Ky. If these things had [not] occurred, on to- morrow we would have one of the largest Union meetings ever held in the State. As it is, I think there will be a very decided demonstration, which will do mach good. The people are in a condition when they are satisfied the Government will sustain them in their efforts to restore their former position in the Union. We are doing all we can, and think we have done much. May God crown your efforts to save the country with success. ANDREW JOHNSON. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MississI~PJ, Near Earmington, May 11, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Our cavalry is in Farmington, and has scoured the country for a milo and a half beyond the town toward Coriiith, without finding any sign of the enemy. He has evidently withdrawn his pickets from our front. I will reconnoiter to-morrow with cavalry. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, May 11, 1862. Maj. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Huntsville, Ala.: Your former telegram was answered, authorizing you to send dis- tinguished rebel prisoners to Fort Warren, Boston Harbor. General Wright, in Florida, has stopped the assassination of his sentinels by issuing orders to them to shoot without challenge everything they saw approaching them at night. Summary dealing with guerrillas indispen- sable to enable you to maintain such an extended line. By order of Secretary of War. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. CAMP, CUMBERLAND FORD, May 11, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: This morning John Morgan, with 500 men, captured and destroyed three coaches and forty-seven other cars at Cave City, between Louis- ville and Nashville. I would respectfully suggest that route should be guarded by a force of two regiments of cavalry and that a similar force should guard the road between this camp and Lexington. The president of the Military Board of Frankfort informs me that we cannot organize a cavalry force in the time designated. If therc are cavalry regiments in Indiana or Ohio they should be ordered immediately to Kentucky. This telegraph is also sent to General Buell, Governors Morton and Tod, and the president of the Military Board at Frankfort. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteers Page 182 182 KY., TE NN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL WAR DEPARTMENT. May 11, 1862. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Gumberland iiord, Ky.: Secretary of War absent. If Kentucky is as strongly secession as YOU represent, the calling out of a regiment or two of Home Guards is too weak a measure to meet the case. It would at best be but a pallia- tive, and would be more likely to increase than lessen your difficulties. If guerrillas were shot without challenge as enemies of mankind their bands would soon disperse, and the assassination of sentinels and teamsters and other barbarities practiced in irregular warfare would soon cease. P. II. WATSON, Assistant & crctary of War. HEADQUARTERS, Cumberland Ford, May Ii, 1862. Hon. P. H. WATSON Assistant & cretary of War: I did not say that Kentucky was strongly secession, but that the rebels were more bitter than ever. In a few days Morgan will have cut off my supplies from Lexington. My force is of infantry and artil- lery, entirely powerless against the rapid movements of partisan cavalry. Two regiments of cavalry would give security to trains, and that is all I desire. Two days ago I gave directions along the line to shoot any man found tampering with the wires, but Morgans guerrillas must be caught before they can be shot. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Monterey, May 12, 1862. Major-General GRANT, Gommanding, & c.: GENERAL: Your position, as second in command of the entire forces here in the field, rendered it proper that you should be relieved from the direct charge of either the right wing or the reserve, both of which are mainly composed of your forces. Orders for movements in the field will be sent direct from these headquarters to commanders of army corps, divisions, brigades, or even regiments, if deemed necessary, and you will have no more cause of complaint on that score than others have. I am very much surprised, general, that you should find any cause of complaint in the recent assignment of commands. You have pre- cisely the position to which your rank entitles you. Had I given you the right wing or reserve only it would have been a reduction rather than increase of command, and I could not give you both without placing you in the position you now occupy. You certainly will not suspect me of any intention to injure your feelings or reputation or to do you any iu~justice; if so, you will event Page 183 (~niP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 183 nally change your mind on this subject. For the last three months I have done everything in my power to ward off the attacks which were made upon you. If you believe me your friend you will not require ex- planations; if not, explanations on my part would be of little avail. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HIALLECK, - Miajor-General. MONTEREY, May 12, 1862. Major General POPE: The right wing will advance to a new position to-morrow. Dont change your position, but make all the fuss and demonstration you can to make the enemy believe you are about to attack him. This may serve as a diversion in favor of the movement on the right. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 78. In Field, near Monterey, Tenn., May 12, 1862. * * * * * * * 2. The following changes and assignments of forces in the Army of the Tennessee are hereby made, to wit: * * * * * * * Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith is assigned to the Fifth Division, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman commanding, and will at once report for duty to him. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 12, 1862. (Received May 14, 18629.45 a. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: There is great and immediate need of more cavalry in Kentucky and Tennessee. The warfare has already assumed a guerrilla character in Tennessee, and it is to be renewed in Kentucky by marauding bands organized in the State, assisted by a few rebel troops. Kentucky ought to have at least three more regiments and Tennessee two more, if they can be spared from the East. I would recommend that they be sent immediately. They cannot be had elsewhere. D. (3. BUELL. CUMEERLAND FORD, Hon. B. M. STANTON, May 12, 1862. Secretary of War: John H. Morgan is approaching Lebanon, en route for Richmond. He has captured Majors Helveti and Coffee, destroyed fifty cars an Page 184 184 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXII. one locomotive, and stolen $6,000 from an express agent. Colonel Dun- ham is said to be in pursuit of him. I have sent 300 infantry to occupy London and 300 more to escort a train of arms and ammunition. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding. FARMINGTON, Miss., May 13, 186211 a. in. eon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The officer in charge of the advance pickets last night reports that he heard distinctly the arrival of a number of trains at Corinth during the night, with re-enforcements. Such trains were greeted with im- mense cheering on arrival. The enemy are concentrating a powerful army. Halleck has here and on the way all the force under his com- mand, and I believe he ought to have more to insure success at Corinth. Our army is in good condition. The health is greatly improved since they left the river and have been encamped in this high and densely- wooded region. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary. S MONTEREY, May 13, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Push forward your reconnaissance to Seven Mile Creek from Nichols Ford west, preparatory to taking position as near to it as possible, and also to bridging it. Also select places for heavy batteries to cover orossings. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Near Farmington, May 13, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: In compliance with your directions, I displayed large force of cavalry and artillery this morning beyond Farmington, and in one direction advanced to the railroad and in the other toward Corinth, crossing the first creek 1~ miles below Farmington. Met no opposition toward railroad and only a few pickets in the other. Did the movement on the right encounter opposition? JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding Page 185 CluP. XXil.J Organization 55th Illinois. 2d Iowa. 7th Iowa. 8th Iowa. 12th Iowa. 14th Iowa. 185 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. of the Right Wing, Left Wing, and Reserve, in front of Corinth, Miss., May 13, 1862. RIGHT WING.Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS. SECOND DIVISION (Army of the Tennessee). Brig. Gen. THOMAS A. DAVIES. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. 9th Illinois. 12th Illinois. 13th Missouri. Missouri Sharpshooters., 81st Ohio. Third Brigade. 7th Illinois. 50th Illinois. 52d Illinois. 57th Illinois. Artillery. 2d Michigan Battery. 1st Missouri, Batteries D, H, I, and K. Cavalry. 2d Illinois (1 squadron). 5th Ohio (3d battalion). 4th U. S., Company I. FOURTH DIVISIOH (Army of the Tennessee). Brig. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. 28th Illinois. 32d illinois. 41st Illinois. 3d Iowa. Artillery. 2d Illinois, Batteries B and I. 1st Missouri, Battery C. 15th Ohio Battery. 14th Illinois. 15th illinois. 46th Illinois. 25th Indiana. Third Brigade. 53d Illinois. 52d Indiana. 53d Indiana. Cavalry. 5th Ohio (1st and 2d battalions). FIFrH DIVIsION (Army of the Tennessee). Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN. Fir8t Brigade. Third Brigade. 6th Iowa. 40th Illinois. 46th Ohio. Second Brigade. 55th Illinois. 54th Ohio. 14th Wisconsin. Artillery. 1st Illinois, Batteries B, E, H, and I. 4th Indiana Battery. 7th Ohio Battery. 53d Ohio. 57th Ohio. 77th Ohio. Fourth Brigade. 48th Ohio. 70th Ohio. 72d Ohio. Cavalry. 4th Illinois (2d and 3d battalions). Thielemanus (2 companies) Page 186 186 21st Missouri. 25th Missouri. 16th Wisconsin. 17th Wisconsin. KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL SixTh DIVISION (Army of the Tennessee). Brig. Gen. THOMAS J. MOKEAN. First Brigade. Second Brigade. 15th Michigan. 18th Missouri. 18th Wisconsin. Third Brigade. 11th Iowa. 13th Iowa. 15th Iowa. 16th Iowa. Artillery. 2d Illinois, Battery F. 1st Minnesota Batteryb Ohio Batteries, 3d, 5th, and 10th. Cavalry. 11th Illinois Cavalry (1st and 2d battal- ions). SEVENTH DIVISION (First Division, Army of the Ohio). Brig. (len. THOMAS W. SHERMAN. First Brigade. Second Brigade. 12th Kentucky. 4th Kentucky. 17th Ohio. 10th Kentucky. 31st Ohio. 10th Indiana. 38th Ohio. 14th Ohio. Third BrIgade. 2d Minnesota. 9th Ohio. 35th Ohio. 18th U. S. 1st Ohio. Artillery. 1st Michigan, Battery D. 4st Ohio Battery. 4th U. 5. (1 battery). LEFT WING.(Army of the Mississippi.)Maj. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. E. A. PAINE. First Brigade. 22d Illinois. 27th Illinois. 42d Illinois. 51st Illinois. 10th Illinois. 16th Illinois. 10th Michigan. 14th Michigan. Artillery. 1st Illinois, Battery C. 1st Missouri, Battery G. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DAVID S. STANLEY. First Brigade. 27th Ohio. 39th Ohio. 43d Ohio. *3d Ohio Second Brigade. 26th Illinois. 47th Illinois. 11th Missouri. 8th Wisconsin. Cavalry. Gen. JOHN POPE. Second Brigade Page 187 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Artillery. 2d Iowa Battery. 1st Michigan, Battery C. 2d U. S., Battery F. 48th Indiana. 59th Indiana. 5th Iowa. 7th Illinois. 2d Iowa. 2d Michigan. 3d Michigan. 17th Iowa. 4th Minnesota. Missonri Engineers. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. SCHUYLEF~ HAMILTON. 10th Iowa. 20th Missouri. 80th Ohio. 11th Ohio Battery. CAVALRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GORDON GRANGER. 1st Missouri Artillery, Battery M. 5th Wisconsin Battery. UNATTACHED TO DIVISIONS. 2d Missouri. 10th Missouri. 1st U. S. (6 companies). 4th U. S. Cavalry (3 companies). RESERVE.Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND FIRST DIVISION (Army of the Tennessee). Flr8t Brigade. 8th Illinois. 18th illinois. 30th Illinois. 31st Illinois. 12th Michigan. Artillery. 1st Illinois, Battery D. 2d Illinois, Battery E. 14th Indiana Battery. 14th Ohio Battery. Brig. Gen. HENRY M. JUDAH. Second Brigade. 11th lilinois. 20th Illinois. 45th Illinois. 48th Illinois. Third Brigade. 17th Illinois. 29th Illinois. 43d Illinois. 49th Illinois. 61st Illinois. I Cavalry. 4th Illinois (1st battalion). Carmi.chaels company. Dollins company. OHarnetts company. Stewarts company. * Brigades not indicated in original. 18 Page 188 188 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. THIRD DIvIsION (Army of the Tenne~see). Maj. Gen. LEWIS WALLACE. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. 11th Indiana. 23d Indiana. 24th Indiana. 1st Nebraska. 8th Missouri. 20th Ohio. 58th Ohio. Third Brigade. 56th Ohio. 68th Ohio. 76th Ohio. 78th Ohio. Artillerij. Cavab-y. 1st Illinois, Batteries A F 9th Indiana Battery. and M. 11th Illinois (3d battalion). 8th Ohio Battery. MONTEREY, May 13, 1862. Flag~Officer FOOTE: We have reliable information that nearly all the rebel troops have been withdrawn from Fort Pillow and Memphis, very small garrisons only being left at each place. Is it not possible to prepare the gun- boats with cotton or hay bulwarks and run past the enemys works to Memphis? He has a large fleet of river boats there, but no formidable gunboats. By doing this you would cut off the enemys supplieM from Arkansas and open a direct communication with the army of General Curtis. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HUNTSVILLE, May 13, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: I have just received an order from General Buell to send all prisoners of my division captured and paroled by [John H.] Morgan to Louisville for duty under the provost-marshal. Before receiving this order I had opened negotiations with General Beauregard and E. K. Smith for an exchange. I trust in this I was not passing the limit of my duty and hope I may be permitted to make the exchange. Have sold 270 bales of captured cotton, which is now going forward to market. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General. FARMINGTON, MISS., May 14, 186212 m. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: A scouting party, under the command of Capt. L. H. Marshall, aide to General Pope, left camp at 2 oclock this morning to reconnoite Page 189 CHAP. Xxiii 189 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. enemys works and position. Captain Marshall reports rebels in great force at Corinth and several miles south of the town on line of Mobile and Ohio road. He heard three heavy trains arrive and, after they stopped, marching music from the depot in the direction of the front lines of the enemy. He has no doubt they are re-enforced from the South. A spy sent out yesterday returned this morning, and reports the enemy very strong. He says the enemy lost 420 men killed and wounded in the skirmish of the 9th and the general officer killedand that by the last volley fired by the Twenty-sixth and Forty-second Illinois RegimentsWas General Sterling Price. All quiet in front. Weather clear and warm; road good. Our forces advancing with cau- tion to permanent position for operations against Corinth. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. CAMP oN CORINTH ROAD, May 14, 1862. General BUELL: Advance your forces to-morrow to Seven Mile Creek, extending from Nichols Ford to Corinth road. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 14, 1862. Major-General BUELL: No advance beyond Seven Mile Creek is intended to-morrow. The right will advance to t~iat line. General Pope will connect to Nichols Ford if it be necessary for you to support the right wing. Come over early in the morning to my headquarters, near Lentzs. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 14, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Direct T. W. Shermans, McKeans, and Davies divisions to advance to-morrow to vicinity of Seven Mile Creek, the left resting on Corinth road. W. T. Shermans division will not advance beyond Russells or will remain near its present position. One brigade of McClernaiid5 will occupy road from near the Locusts to Easels. The cavalry of McKeans, Davies, W. T. Shermans divisions will be in readiness at 7 oclock to report to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, at General W. T. Shermans headquarters. General Hurlbuts division will be ready to support the right in case of an attack. General McClernand5 cavalry will make a reconnaissance on his right in the direction of Purdy. General Wallace will push a recon- naissance in the direction of Purdy, and ai~o toward Veals and Stan- tonville. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 190 190 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 14, 1862. Major.General POPE: Mass your forces to-morrow on Seven Mile Creek, your right extend- ing to Nichols Ford, and to be ready to advance. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. NEAR FARMINGTON, May 14, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I have received your message to mass my command on Seven Mile Creek. Do you mean in front or behind it? You direct me to rest my right on Nichols Ford. Buells whole com- mand is between me and Nichols Ford. Is there not some mistake V JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP ON CORINTH RoAD, May 14, 1862. General POPE: General Buell is ordered to advance to rear of Seven Mile Creek, his left near Nichols Ford and his right on Corinth road. The right wing advances to same line, its right en lehelon toward Purdy railroad. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH MOAD, May 14, 18(2. General POPE: It is not intended to move you from present crossing of Seven Mile Creek, but to connect you with Buell on the right, as he may have to detach a portion of his forces to-morrow to support advance of right wing. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 14, 1862. Maj. Gen. Joir~ POPE: - Keep your camp as it is, and construct bridges across the Seven Mile Creek as soon as possible. There will be a general advance to that creek to-morrow. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, No. 107. f Adjt. Gen.s Office, Washington, May 14, 1862. * * * * * * 12. Brig. Gen. W. S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, will repair to Pittsbur Page 191 Qa& r. XXIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 191 Landing, Teun., and report in p~rso~i to Major-General Halleck for duty. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS Adjutant- deneral. ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTH Div., AR2~iY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 26. Camp before Corinth, May 14, 1862. Brig. Gen. J. W. Denver, having reported to these headquarters, is hereby assigned to the command of the Third Brigade. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, A88istant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, May 15, 1862 General HALLEOK: The reconnaissance to-day only extended along the Purdy and Farm- ington road from Drivers to Farmington and half mile or so beyond that road. The enemys outposts fell back to Widow Serratts. D. 0. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, May 15, 184~E. Major-General HALLECK: I can advance whenever it suits you, though perhaps better after t~- morrow, as it is now late; if not, immediately. I will have a further examination made of the ground beyond by scouts. I should depre- cate the necessity of intrenching. A man belonging to a picket guard which was left at Drivers, from Shermans division, has come into my camp, and, reports that the guard has been driven back by the enemy. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, Earmington, May 15, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Dispatch just received. Occasionally see a few mounted pickets of the enemy about a mile beyond Farmington toward Corinth. Have driven them in several times within a day or two, an4 find no force be- hind them for at least 2 miles west of Farmington. Sent a reconnais- sance to the railroad southwest of Farmington yesterday morning; found nobody. Everything quiet as the grave. Party followed rail- road toward Corinth. Have driven them in several times. Party found small trestle bridge on railroad toward Corinth. Burned it, and then walked in to *ithin 2 miles of town; heard enemys reveille. Nearly all the drums beat south of Memphis and Charleston road, in direction of Mobile and Ohio road Page 192 192 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL I hold firmly to the opinion that there will be no serious opposition met with. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Farminyton, May 15, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Negro servant of an officer of the Forty-sixth Ohio, who was captured by the enemy in late battle, escaped from Corinth at 2 p. m. yester- day and came into my camp last night; says that troops were ordered to cook five days rations in Corinth day before he left; that provisions, artillery carriages, & c., had been sent down the Mobile and Ohio road; that officers baggage was sent to the railroad depot in large quan- tities, to be ready to send off; that he heard the officers say that some movement was coming off, whether in advance or retreat he did not know; that there was great stir and running about in town yester- daymuch more than usual; that one regiment marched through town, with its baggage, going south; heard them say that they were driven out of their camp north of town. The negro evidently designs to tell the truth, but how far his informa- tion is valuable I dont know. He is now on his way to join his regi- ment on the right, and will stop and report to you. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. RESERVE OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, & amp, Locust Hill, May 15, 1862. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the officer and four orderlies required have been detailed, under instructions to report as directed in your communication. I also embrace the present opportunity to say, that having only two of the three divisions originally assigned to me, I am left to guard the line of Owl and Lick Creeks from the bridge near Pittsburg to the vicinity of Easels, some 16 miles. That in accomplishing this purpose two regiments have been detached from the First (General Logan), one of which is encamped at the Pittsburg and Cramps Landing Bridge, and the other at the Pittsburg and Purdy Bridge; that another regi- ment forms an outpost, established at a point about 14 miles northwest of the right of the First Division; that two others form an. outpost at the crossing of Muddy Creek about the same distance due west of the & wne division, and that a brigade of the same division was advanced to-daytotheevacuatedcampofGeneralSherman,ontheroadto Corinth, about a mile from this camp. Besides these large detachments a heavy infantry picket is advanced southwest and north of the same division A cavalry picket is ad- vanced in the same direction still farther, covering a line some 3 miles in length. Similar pickets are kept up by the Third Division (General Wallace), to guard the line of Owl Creek from a point near the Pittsburg an Page 193 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON 193 Purdy bridge to a point west of Monterey. General Wallaces division is encamped near Mickeys White House, northeast of Monterey. After this statement it is hardly necessary to add what is obvious, that the amount of duty performed by .these two divisions is very great, indeed exhausting, if not oppiessive. This is particularly true of the available cavalry attached to them, only amounting in all to 359 men. in proof of this assertion the fact may be cited that Gen- eral Wallaces cavalry has been unrelieved from duty for four days, while the same is substantially true in regard to General Logans cavalry. As an explanation of the very small available cavalry force (104) attached to General Wallaces division, I may state that two companies of his cavalry are detached for special duty near Pittsburg. These facts have been laid before Major-General Grant, and have been answered by an order to General Thomas to detach two squadrons of cavalry from his command under orders to report to me, but none have yet reported. Additional infantry and artillery, as well as cavalry, are needed to lighten the heavy burden of duty imposed on my command and to enable it to perform efficiently and well the trust committed to it. Yours, respectfully, JOHN A. MeCLEIRKAND, Major-General, Corn manding. d~c. HDQRS. RESERVE OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, May 15, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: My suggestion of yesterday, that a field battery would be acceptable, was casual; I can, do without it. Doubtless it is better that you should ~retain all your artillery. My command is very much divided, not to say dispersed. While a portion of General Wallaces division is encamped at Mickeys White House, three regiments of in- fantry and nearly all of his cavalry are detached to guard the line of Owl Creek below and upon fatigue. The First Division (General Logan) is at Locust Hill, but this morn- ing I shall advance one brigade of it to or near Easels. Other three regiments of it now form outposts, while the cavalry are continually employed in guarding an extended line. Besides advancing a brigade, as already mentioned, in prudence I shall have to post a regiment at an intermediate point, say at some camp of yesterday morning, probably in the position occupied by Mc- Dowell. It is desirable,therefore, that you should at least leave a force for the protection and support of the siege battery until one of my bri- gades reaches Easels. This disposition of the only division of the reserves near me (based in part upon the information contained in your letter) will leave the different detachments and camps of the First Division scant of artil- lery. Hence if you could leave two or four guns at Easels subject to the order of Brigadier-General Ross you would much oblige me, and at the same time promote the interest of the public service. Yours, & c., JOHN A. McCLERNAND, ~omrnanding, & e. 13 R RYOL X, PT I Page 194 194 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. ICHAP. XX1L ORDERS, . HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION, No. 25. Camp before Corinth, May 15, 1862. Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith having been assigned to this division, and the Eighth Missouri IRegimeut transferred in place of the Four- teenth Wisconsin on detached service, the following changes are made in the division, to be carried into effect at once: In consequence of the reduced strength of regiments, instead of four brigades there will be three brigades, of our regiments each. First Brigade, Brig. Geii. Morgan L. Smith commanding: Eighth Missouri Volunteers, Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteers. Second Brigade, Col. John A. McDowell commanding: Sixth Iowa Volunteers, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, Fortieth Illinois Volunteers, Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteers. Third Brigade, Col. R. P. Buckland commanding: Seventy-second Ohio Volunteers, Seventieth Ohio Volunteers, Forty-eighth Ohio Vol- unteers, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers. The batteries and cavalry will remain unattached, as heretofore and make rel)orts direct to headquarters; but Major Taylor will habitually keep one battery with each brigade, unless specially detached by gen- eral orders. The regiments hereby changed in their brigade organization will at once be conducted into line of their new brigade, their commanders reporting to their new brigadiers. The officers commanding brigades will forthwith acquaint themselves with the actual condition of their commands, as to numbers, arms, am- munition, transportation, & c., and any wants will be supplied on proper requisitions. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, A88istant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION, No. 27. Camp No. 6, near Corinth, May 15, 1862. Details for guards and pickets should be made at evening parade, and guard assembled at guard mounting at about 7 oclock, after break- fast. When in bivouac or camp the guards and sentinels should be posted at that hour. When on a march the guard should be assembled as soon as the com- mand halts and the camp is fixed, and the guards and sentinels should at once be posted. Officers commanding guard should study their ground carefully and well, and explain to the sentinels the points to be particularly watched, and the cover they should take if threatened or attacked. Guards should be carefully instructed, as the safety of all depends upon their fidelity and watchfulness. A field officer of the day will he detailed, who will receive Instruc- tions from the commanding general. He will see that our picket con- nects with those of the adjacent divisions and with each other. The picket guard will be monnte(l by brigade, and will consist of on Page 195 CHAP. XXII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 195 company per regiment, and when re-enforced by special details, those details should have credit for a regular tour. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington City, D. C., May 15, ~l862. Maj. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Huntsville, Ala.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 4th. instant to the Secretary of War has been received and considered. Not being able from illness to write you personally, he directs me to say that your action in the employment of negroes for the purpose in- dicated in your letter is fully approved by him. Your other sugges- tions will receive his attention at the earliest practicable moment. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant C. P. BUCKJNGHA~M, Assistant Adjutant-General. NEW ALBANY, IND., May 15, 1862. Hon. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War: Five of my boats ought to reach Cairo by to-morrow morning. These five are of the smaller class, and will be taken down to Fort Wright without delay by second in command, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, and be held there ready to take part in any movement against the enemy. The sixth will overtake the fleet in the Mississippi. The sev- enth, most powerful, boat will leave Madison to-day and ought to reach Fort Wright by Sunday, and I hope to be on board. The ninth, and last, will leave here Sn uday morning, and report at Fort Wright. The arms ordered by me have not been received. Please send a dispatch to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet at Cairo, authorizing him to make a requisition on the commander of that post, or any other source of supply riot too far distant, for 300 Navy revolvers and 300 breech-loading or other stuart rifles, to use between decks. If no surgeon is appointed for the fleet, please authorize Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet to engage Dr. James Roberts, of Carbondale, Ill., who is well recommended and willing to serve. But my rams shall not be detained for want of arms or doc- tors. CHAS. ELI~ET, JR. WAu DEPARTMENT, May 15, 1862. Lieutenant-Colonel ELLET, Cairo, ill.: You are authorized to make a requisition on the officer commanding at Cairo, ir any other officer withkr reach who can supply you, for 300 Navy revolvers and 300 breech-loading or other short rifles or carbines Page 196 196 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (ChiP. XXII. to use on vessels between decks, where long guns cannot be conven- iently handled. You are also authorized to engage Dr. James Rob- erts, of Carbondale, Ill., as surgeon to the fleet. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. FARMINGTON, May 16, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Several divisions moved forward to front line yesterday. Slight skirmishing between pickets all day. We killed a few and captured a few prisoners. Enemy still receiving re-enforcements. All quiet this morning. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. FARNIINGTON, May 16, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: All the divisions will be up to permanent line to-morrow evening, after which active operations may be expected. I will be located in Farmington village. Flag of trnce from Beauregard appeared at our line yesterday, in charge of Col. Jacob Thompson, late Secretary of the Interior, with 61 of our prisoners, released on parole. To-day an- other flag arrived by Col. John Pegram, with 114 more. Beauregard sends all our surgeons to-morrow for exchange. Halleck will return an equal number, and left paroles of those sent in by the enemy. One of our men in from Corinth to-night says the enemy are receiving re-en- forcements every day. A full and well-uniformed regiment of 1,000 men arrived this morning. All quiet in front. Weather clear and road good. Army in excellent condition. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, May 17, 1862. Major-General HALLEOK: General Buell was unwilling to move this morning until he exam- ined the ground he was to occupy, and I have been out with him ever since early this morning. Is it not too late to reach and occupy prop- erly the designated positions before dark ~ Unless you direct otherwise, the movement will be postponed till morning. I need the whole day to make myself secure. I think an order from you fixing the hour of moving, say 5 a. in., would be best for all. Please reply, as my command will be held ready to move until I hear from you. JNO. POPE, Major- General Page 197 CHAP. XXU.I CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.UNION. 197 CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 17, 18621 p. m. Major-General BUELL: You were ordered to move at 8 oclock this morning. The move- ments of the right wing were based upon that. I do not understand the reason for the delay. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, May 17, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The reason for the delay was, that after making the examination which was necessary there was not time to get the troops well on the ground. I did not know that any of the right was to move to-day, nor did I understand that it was deemed necessary nor even important that the move should be made to-day, as you left it to General Pope and myself to decide on the time. I supposed that you would approve of a modification which we thought necessary. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 17, 1862. Major-General BUELL: You are entirely mistaken in supposing that the time of moving was left to be decided by you and General Pope. The time was definitely fixed on to be 8 a. m. when you left, and my orders to the right wing were based on that fact. The proportion of the ground to be occupied by each between Drivers and Farmington was the only matter left to be settled between you and General Pope. I regret very much that you have made any change in the programme arranged last evening with- out giving me previous notice and your reasons, as it deranges my plans. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. ARMY OF THE OHIO, May 17, 1862. General HALLECK: General Pope informs me this moment that he has moved his com- mand. I shall therefore move mine at once. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. NEAR FARMINGTON, May 17, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: My whole command is on the road to Farmington. I trust I need not say that lam always ready to move,andonlydelayed th~mornin Page 198 198 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII because I understood yesterday that my movement depended upon General BueJi. JNO. POPE, illajor- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, Miss., May 17, 1862. Major.General BUELL, in Field: Your not moving this morning, as agreed upon, has caused great em- barrassment. General Thomas reports that his left has no support from you, and I have been obliged to draw back General Sherman on the right. Advise me as soon as possible of your position. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. SHERMANS CAMP, May 17, 1862. Major.General HALLECK: All very quiet with us to-day. Russells house and farm in posses- sion of a strong picket, with a full brigade in easy supporting distance. Our loss yesterday 8 killed and 31 wounded; 12 dead Confederates found on the field, and evidence of the removal of many wounded. I wis~h General Morgan L. Smith to have the credit of the fight yesterday; he will be relieved from picket at 4 p. in., when I will have him report officially and forward it. I had the Purdy road broken last night for a temporary purpose. From Russells we hear the drums of the enemy very distinctly, and cannot be more than 14 miles from camp. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION, May 17, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: We now hold Russells by Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smiths brigade and two regiments of General Denvers. The position is one of natural strength, but is entirely disconnected with our line a valley, all ambush, intervening between Russells least 2 miles of and nearest point of Hurlbuts line. Russells is only 14 miles from the enemys breast- works and 2 miles from here. I think Beauregard will attempt the capture of the brigade to-night, though in advancing we masked our forces as much as possible. We drove them entirely away, they leav- ing dead and wounded. We have lost 4 or 5 killed and a good many wounded. Shall I keep the brigade there I I fear it is too much ex- posed and separated from re-enforcements. W. T. SHERMAN~ Brigadier- General. SHERMANS HEADQUARTERS, ilJiay 17, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I dislike exceedingly to give up Russells; it has cost us pretty hard fighting and some lives and will cost more the next time, but the forc Page 199 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 199 there is exposed. If Pope and Buell will threaten the enemys right in the morning we can risk the holding to-night. I wish you would assume the responsibility. Cannot Thomas come over and we go out to-night? W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH RoAn, Miss., May 17, 1862. Major-General SHERMAN, in Field: Have sent a message to General Thomas to visit you to-night, and will direct Generals Buell and Pope to make a demonstration early to-morrow morning. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 17, 1862. Major-General SHERMAN, in Field: If you hold Russells to-night your whole division and Huributs should be kept under arms, ready to support you in case of an attack. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, Miss., May 17, 1862. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, in Field: General Buell, without reasonable excuse, has failed to occupy the position assigned him yesterday. You will therefor~ use your own discretion about holding Russells. If you deem it at Ul perilous, fall back, and it can be reoccupied to-morrow. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD; Miss., May 17, 18629 p. m. Major-Generals BUELL and POPE: Major-General Sherman has determined to hold his position at Rus- sells house, but as he expects an attack in force early to-morrow morning, he wishes an early demonstration on the center and left as a diversion. H. W. HALLECK, Major-GeneraL CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, Miss., May 17, [1862]. Major-General POPE, in Field: Are you in position? General Buells delay is very embarrassing. Right wing in positio~i, but apparently unsupported by the center Page 200 200 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL Enemy strongly resisted advance on the right. General W. T. Sher- man reports 44 killed and a large number wounded. Enemy driven back at every point, leaving his killed and wounded on the field. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. FARM1NGTON, May 17, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: My command is in position. My left refused with Hamilton en & helon and my batteries in position. I am throwing up breastworks for infantry, and consider myself secure. I regret the delay in this movement, but desire to be acquitted of the fault of any part of it. My whole command was ready to move at 7 a. in., with the heads of the columns on the road. Crittenden is closed upon my right. No resistance was met beyond that of pickets, but the alarm drums have been beating in Corinth for several hours. My pickets are a full mile toward Corinth. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Brig. Gen. E. A. PAINE: May 17, 1862. You will move immediately with your division, without tents or bag- gage, as heretofore directed, and occupy the ground on right of Farm- ington, pointed out to you by General Granger, who will mark out your line and the intrencliments you are to throw up. You will begin to work upon them as soon as your force is in line and continue the work rapidly. They must be so far completed to-night as to be capable of making a good defense in the morning. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE. Major- General, Gommanding. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 18, 18629 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: Whole army moved to permanent line this morning and breast- works thrown up during the night. Enemy made no resistance to forward movement, except to Major-General Shermans division, on extreme right. A severe skirmish ensued, lasting several hours. Our loss 44 killed and a number wounded. They were left on the fieht Loss of the enemy not yet ascertained, but it has been severe. Picket firing along the front is now quite brisk, and it is possible the enemy may attempt to advance. Did you get my letter referring to Master Thompsons absence and my return? I hope Master Thompson may agree to postpone his visits for a few weeks. I would like to see this work closed before leaving. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War Page 201 OHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 201 CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 18, 1865. Major-General BUELL, in Field: I have observed to-day that my instructions have not been carried out in two respects. First. Your army corps does not occupy the position assigned to it. Your right was directed to occupy Drivers and hold the road at that l)lace. As you did not take that position yesterday, General Thomas was obliged to secure it. He will be directed to move to the right at 10 a. m. to-morrow, and it is expected that you will occupy this place at that hour. Second. In making the advance all the army corps were directed to intrench themselves on the Farmington and Purdy road. I find in- trencliments on the right and left wings, but none on the center. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. BIJELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 18, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I certainly have intended to carry out your instructions, but where they have not been specific I have supposed that you expected me to exercise my own judgment. I did not know that any directions had been given to intrench. I supposed the flanks were doing so on their own judgment, and I considered that, though perhaps essential for them, you might not think it necessary for the center, especially if it held strong ground. Your dispatch stating that you desired to occupy the Purdy and Farmington road, inquiring when I could move, and adding that it would probably be necessary to intrench on that line, I did not under- stand as an order to intrench, or even as indicating that you had determined in your own mind in regard to it. The line I now occupy is at certain points, on account of their natural strength, in advance of the Purdy road. Shall I exercise my judgment in regard to the posi- tion of the line or will you send an officer to fix it definitely, as well as the character of the intrenchments ~l General Thomas has his camp somewhat to the left of the Corinth road, but the position of my troops is that with which I expected to rest the right of my line of battle on the road at Drivers. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Gnmberland Ford, May 18, 1862. Hon. E. AL. STANTON, Secretary of War: General Smith has ten regiments of infantry at Knoxville. Artillery force not known. At Jacksborough, 38 miles west of Cumberland Gap, General Bartou has seven regiments of infantry, 600 cavalry, and a battery of eight pieces, while General Stevenson has 4, 5OC infantry, twenty cannon, and 400 cavalry at Cumberland Gap. The force at Knoxville has been principally withdrawn from Chattanooga. Our artillery has this moment arrived. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 202 202 KY, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CuAi. XXII- CAMP o~ CORINTH ROAD, ~1!ay 19, 18629 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: A telegram from General Curtis in Arkansas says that our fleet came up the Mississippi and turned back. This is very much to be regretted. The fleet would have met with no serious opposition at Memphis and could have captured all the enemys transports and gunboats, thus opening the Mississippi and recovering Arkansas and Texas. Unfor- tunately I cannot reach either Memphis or Fort Pillow without a lopg and difficult march. Should we dilve the enemy from Corinth without a siege much time will be required to repair the railroads. If the Mis- sissippi could be opened to Memphis it would save months in marching by land, and I have urged our flotilla to risk running past Fort Pillow, which is garrisoned by less than 3,000 men, but the attempt is not made. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 19, 1862. Major General BUELL, in Field: Considering how much we have at stake, I do not think we ought to omit any measure of security. Our line is ~a very long one, and if the enemy should attempt to turn us, forces from the center must be de- tached. In that case intrenchments would be exceedingly important. You will use your own discretion as to the location. Perhaps the ground may be such as to require them on only a part of your front. Of this you will be the judge. Do all you can in the way of reconnoiter- ing the ground in your front. There are very important reasons, which I will explain verbally, why an attack should not be delayed many days. I therefore wish the line from Farmington to Russells made as secure as possible, so that we can proceed to press the enemy in front. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, May 19, 1862. Major-General BUELL: It is my purpose to-day to push my grand guards, of two regiments and a section of artillery each, to the first creek, about 14 miles in front of my lines, and cut out avenues to them, so that my heavy artillery I will have clear range. I cannot well move them forward unless your left division can do the same. Please advise me as soon as possible. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE ARMY CORPS, Camp near Corinth, May 19, 1862. General LEW. WALLACE, Commanding Third Division: A brigade of the First Division (General Judahs) attacked a small body of the enemy this morning at the intersection of the State-lin Page 203 CHAr. XXII.] 203 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. road with the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and routed it, killing 2 of the number. Since the enemy has been in great commotion, and General Sherman writes that Colonel MeiDowell informs him that he thinks the enemy contemplate a general attack. I think differently. Nevertheless, you will place and keep your command in readiness to meet any emergency. Yours, , JOHN A. MoCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Camp near Corinth, May 19, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding, dye.: GENERAL: All quiet yet. Make no communication in regard to the reported attack in my line or flank either to General Halleck or to General Grant until further advised by me. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In Field, near Corinth, May 19, 1862. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding Reserve Corps: Reconnoiter the movements of the enemy, and if you find that you are to be attacked by a superior force, make the best possible disposi- tion of the forces under your command. If your force is not deemed sufficient, inform me by telegraph, and also inform division commanders nearest you. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE CORPS, Army at Locust Hill, May 19, 1862. Maj. Gen. WiLLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding, ceo.: GENERAL: It is now half past 2 oclock p. in., and seems to be credibly reported by my pickets that the enemy are advancing in force upon my right. Yours, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Major- General, C~nnmanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, May 19, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Headquarters Padueah: The department has no mounted cavalry at its disposal, but horse Page 204 204 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. liLt are being purchased for two regiments as rapidly as possible, and new levies are being made, part of which are for Kentucky and Tenn~ssee. EDWIN N. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION Hon. E. M. STANTON, Camp Taylor, May 19, 1862. Secretary of War: My line of posts extend more than 400 miles. My own personal at- tention cannot be given to all the troops under my command. The most terrible outragesrobberies, rapes, arsons, and plundering are being committed by lawless brigands and vagabonds connected with the army, and I desire authority to punish all those found gailty of per- petrating these crimes with death by hanging. Wherever I am present in person all is quiet and orderly, but in some instances, in regiments remote from headquarters, I hear the most de- plorable accounts of excesses committed by soldiers. I beg authority to control these plunderers by visiting upon their crimes the punishment of death.* 0. M. MITCHEL, Major-General. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Cumberland Ford, May 19, 1862. Hon. E. N. STANTON, Secretary of War; The enemy occupies Cumberland Gap, 14 miles in my front, with twenty cannon and 4,500 infantry, several artillery companies, and a few hundred cavalry. He occupies Jacksborough, 40 miles on my right flank, with seven regiments of infantry, 600 cavalry, and eight pieces of cannon, while Kirby Smith occupies Knoxville, which in point of time is nearly equidistant from the two other points. I am constracting a road which will pierce the Cumberland Mount- ains 20 miles from Cumberland Gap and 19 miles from Jacksborough. It will require three days to reach Powells Valley, but once there, I can strike at Jacksborough or at the Gap in the rear. I incline to the former plan, but in either case I may be compelled to oppose a force numeri- cally much superior to mine. On the third day after I am on the march General Carter, with one battery and four regiments of infantry, will make a feint upon Cumberland Gap, driving in the picket, and remain- ing in a threatening position during that night and the following day. Brigadier-General Spears, with three regiments, is at the foot of Pine Mountain, 18 miles in front of Jacksborough. He will be ordered to pass through a narrow defile, and gain Bartons rear the moment he hears our cannon. My own command will consist of seven regiments of infantry, two batteries of artillery, two 20-pounders, and about 150 cavalrymaking an effective force of 4,450 men. I have not suipplies to advance with a large force. If General Mitchel were to draw Kirby Smith toward Chattanooga the problem would be of easy solution. The above dispatch has beeu sent to General Buell. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. * See also Mitchel to Stanton, July 19, po8t Page 205 CRAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 205 FARMINGToN, May 20, 18628 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Our forces have been within 4 miles of Corinth for two days past. Enemy not disposed to attack in force, but we have had brisk skirmish- ing yesterday and to-day. To-morrow some troops will be moved for- ward to reconnoiter position of enemy. Heavy rains this evening. Please reply to my message of Saturday. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, (amp on Corinth Road, May 20, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Army of the Te2~nessee: Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman will advance to-morrow morning from his present position to Russells house, his left extending southeast to the creek which crosses the road north of that point, and his right extend- ing north to near his present intrenchments. He will intrench himself in that position and move up and establish in battery a part of his heavy artillery. One brigade of General Judahs division will advance and occupy Major-General ~ present intrenchments, connecting by detach- ments with the Locusts and keeping up a strong reconnaissance in~ front toward the railroad. General Hurlbuts division will take posi- tion on the left of Major-General Sherman, extending toward Brig. Gen. T. W. Shermans present position. Brigadier-General Davies will advance and occupy the same line, a brigade of Brigadier-General MeKeans division filling up the space, if necessary. The main body of this latter division will occupy its present position as a reserve or second line of the right wing. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. This order has been telegraphed to Major-General Sherman. I inclose copies for Major-Generals Thomas and McClernand. It will be soon enough to forward the order to General McClernand early in the morn- ing. J. C. KELTOK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississi~~i, Farmington, May 20, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: One and a half miles in front of my right is the high ridge on the east side of the first creek toward Corinth. This point is the highest ground this side of Corinth, and will be within 14 miles of the enemys works. I can throw forward my right to occupy it, which will give me a line diagonal to the one now occupied. The operation will be secure if Buell moves forward his two left divisions to the same point. Ou Page 206 206 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHkP. XXII. heavy batteries can thep be established in good range. As yoa are aware, I have reconnoitered the ground in my front some time since to within half a mile of the enemys works. The reconnaissance will be made at 7 oclock in the morning, but I desire to know whether I had not better take intrenching tools and hold on. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. FARMINGTON, May 20, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The enemy advanced three regiments of infantry to within 14 miles of my left yesterday, as a support to their pickets in that direction. Fan Dorn and Price are massed south of the Memphis and Charleston road, within 24 miles of my left flank. I am building a lookout in front of my camp about 90 feet high, from which I can see into Corinth and note every movement of consequence. I can see the town now from the top of the trees. The lookout will be finished to-morrow. The reconnaissance, per order w by my right division. ill be made on the direct Corinth road JNO. POPE, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRs. ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, No. 118. 6~amp, Parminyton, May 20, 1862. The movement of the First Division of this army this morning was entirely unauthorized. Such movements tend to dispirit and harass the troops, and must result in the demoralization of the command. It is therefore ordered that no movement of this division be hereafter made without a written command from these headquarters, or the order of the major.general commanding, through one of his staff officers. This order will be read at the head of every regiment of the First Division of this army. By order of Major-General Pope: C. A. MORGAN, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HUNTSVILLE, May 20, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL: Our troops under General Negley entered Florence on the 16th. The expedition has been very successful. Our great deficiency in cavalry has permitted the enemy to escape. I ordered a force under the command of Colonel Lytle to march on the 18th on the road lead- ing to Winchester and Becherd, hoping to cut the enemy off inhis effort to reach the mountains. I could give to Colonel Lytle only 100 cavalry. The First Kentucky Regiment and the company of mounted scouts ordered to report to me for duty have not been heard from since the 2d in8tant. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major.General Page 207 CHAP. XXII.]. CORRE8PONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 207 FARMINOTON, May 21, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I wrote you some time ago about rolling stock. and organization for railroad, to supply the army from Columbus after the blow is struck at Corinth. You should at once direct; Colonel MeCallum to perfect all organization for that purpose, without its destination being known, to be ready for shipment to Columbus as soon as notified by General Halleck. I suppose the engines and cars may be taken from Louisville and Nashville road. N o movement toward repairing road can be made until we have possession of Corinth and the railroad, as enemy would effectually break the line and remove materials if they found we were putting it in order. Brisk firing in front this morning. There will not be a general engagement for some days, until Curtis army arrives, unless the enemy should show some weak point or be able to re-enforce beyond the additional forces we are now waiting for. Have you acted upon my letter in regard to Master Thompsons absence ~ THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 21, 1862. Major General HALLECK: My reconnoitering party met a strong line of the enemys skirmishers at the Widow Serratts house, and drove them back after some sharp skirmishing, in which we had some 25 men wounded, 3 of them how- ever by the premature explosion of one of our shells. The enemy re- tired to the opposite side of a large field on the left-hand side of the road and were pressed no farther, their force being sufficient to make it inexpedient to cross the open ground in front. The woods of the opposite side is quite thick, but thre~regiments were seen supporting their skirmishers. They exhibited no artillery. I directed our regi- ments to remain on the ground taken and return at dark. It is 700 yards beyond our outposts. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. $PECIAL HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, ORDERS, Field, near Corinth, Miss., May 21, 1862. * * * * * * * 3. Brig. Gen. John McArthur is assigned to duty in the Second Divis- ion, right wing, Army of the Tennessee, and will report to General Thomas A. Davies. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 22, 186211 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: All quiet this morning. Our forces from General Curtis are expected ~ arrive about the 27th. Tennessee River is getting low. Railwa Page 208 208 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. organization that I telegraphed about yesterday should be ready by 1st June. I leave for the East to-morrow unless otherwise ordered. Weather clear and warm. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assi8tant Secretary of War. BIJELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 22, 1862. Major-General HALLEUK: Besides the concurrent reports of several deserters to-day, that the enemy design to attack, the movements in my front may indicate the same thing. The force in front has been considerably increased, and this evening the enemy appeared on my left, flanking in an important outpost which I have on the Farmington and Corinth road in front of Crittenden. Some 6 or 7 men were wounded by their artillery at that point. Their position is in front of Popes right. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, Parmington, May 22, 1862. Major-General BUELL: I send a division from my right this morning to make reconnaissance beyond first creek. Please notify Nelson and Wood, that they may look out for the right of this division, which will rest on the direct road to Corinth. Brigadier-General Crittenden is also notified of the recon- naissance. JINO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. FARMINGTON, May 22, 1862. Major-General HALLEOK: The enemy advanced in some force on my left this morning. They drove in the cavalry vedettes, but did not advance upon the infantry pickets. I sent out a force to meet them, but they retired. I have sent a regiment and a half of cavalry to Yellow Creek this morning to look after the cavalry reported to be in that vicinity. I gave them orders to return by way of Hamburg and to destroy the bridge over Chambers Creek, on the Sulphur Spring road. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Farmington, May 22, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The cavalry force I sent to Yellow Creek has returned. It went as far as Tennessee River, passing between Yellow and Indian Creeks Page 209 CHAP. XXII.] 209 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. There was no enemy, nor had there been anywhere in that region. The country was almost impassable. The command then went to Inka and. returned along the railroad as far as Glendale. At Bnrnsville a few mounted pickets were seen and pursued for several miles in the direction of Jacinto, where there is a regiment of cavalry, under McNeill, formerly of the Rifles. The pickets were undoubtedly from that regiment. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, May 22, 1862. Maj. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Huntsville, Ala.: You are allowed to inflict the extreme penalty of military law upon persons guilty of the crimes specified in your telegram and upon those guilty of irregular or guerrilla warfare. EDWIN N. STANTON, Secretary of War. HUNTSVILLE, ALA., May 22, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: My position is not well defined. I have requested General Buell to inform [me] under what conditions I am to command the troops under General Negley and others in Tennessee. You order me report to you directly. Is my command independent, or am I to look for orders from General Buell ~? 0. M. MJTCHEL, Major- General. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Oumberland Ford, May 22, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The following dispatch has just been sent to Major-General Buell: Reliable scout has just come in. The enemy has withdrawn from Big Creek Gap, and will reach Cuinberland Gap to-day. A reliable letter from Clinton also informs me that the roads between Knoxville and Clinton are lined with troops coming this way. It is probable that the enemy is concentrating his entire force in East Tennessee upon my immediate front. The march of to-day will be executed as before ordered, but it may become imprudent to pass the monntains unless a strong diversion be made upon Cleveland or Chattanooga by General Mitchel. Will the interests of the service permit such a diversion to be made 0? GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteer8. / CAMP NEAR CORINTH, May 22, 18629 a. m. Hon. E. N. STANTON, Secretary of War: General Hallecks army has been greatly reduced 1y sickness. The enemy are in great force at Corinth, and have recently received re- 14 R RVOL X~ PT I Page 210 210 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL -enforcements. They evidently intend to make a desperate struggle at that point, and from all I can learn, their leaders have utmost confi. ~deuce in the result. They are constantly at work upon their intrench. inents, which are becoming of a formidable character. It is fearful to contemplate the consequences of a defeat at Corinth. In the opinion of many officers our forces are at present outnumbered. I would most ~earnestiy ask that, if it be possible, ten more [regiments] be at once detached from [other] points and sent here, and also that no time ~should be lost doing this, if it can be [done]. 0. P. MORTON, Governor of Indiana. ~PECIAIJ ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 114. f Washington, May 22, 1862. * * * * * * * 8. Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty in the Department of the Mississippi, and will report in person to Major.. General Halleck. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant.General. WAR DEPARTMENT, May 23, 1862. llIaj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Camp near Corinth: Your dispatch of 10 yesterday forenoon received.* Neither the Sani.. tary Commission nor the Governors of States have any authority from this Department to remove troops, under pretense of sickness or any other cause, without your authority. You are authorized to make and enforce any regulation you deem proper in respect to the sick or wounded, and to prevent any interference or conflict with your own regulations. Three regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and two batteries of artillery have been ordered from Kansas to join you. EDWIN M. STANTON. RUSSELLS HOUSE, May 23, 1862. Major.General HALLECK: This morning drove enemys pickets back 400 yards. Have now an open field to front and another to the right. Have sent three times to railroad to.day; all very quiet. My lines much strengthened, and all disposition made for any probable event. Only 1 man wounded to-day. W. T. SLIERMAN, Major. General. * See Hallecks reports, Part I, p. 666 Page 211 CHAr. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 211 SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 115. Washington, May 23, 1862. * * * * * * * 3. Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty in the Department of the Mississippi, and will report in person to Major-General Halleck. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 88. f In Field, near Corinth, Mi8s., May 23, 1862. * * * * * * * 2. Brig. Gen. John MeArthur is relieved from duty with the Second Division, Brig. Gen. T. A. Davies commanding, and assigned to the Sixth Division, Army of the Tennessee, Brigadier-General McKean commanding, to whom he will report at once. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. BAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, - Farmington, May 24, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The regiments had best move out at once, as fast as they arrive, to my old camp, on Seven Mile Creek, 3 miles in rear of Farmington. Can you tell me who is the senior officer with them and whether they have their transportation? They had best move out rapidly, bringing ten days rations, so as to clear the landing and the road for the others. The enemys pickets have almost disappeared from my front and have Ceased to fire for twenty-four hours. There have been no drums beat on my left for the same period and no running of trains from Corinth. I am sending out some companies of skirmishers and a couple of howitzers to-day on the road leading from my left to Corinth. You will therefore understand the cause of any artillery firing you may hear. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. FARMINGTON, May 24, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Affair this afternoon resulted in complete rout of three of enemys regiments, with loss of knapsacks, blankets, and haversacks. Several of enemy killed and wounded and 6 prisoners taken. The regiments iled in confusion across the creek. Our loss 4 wounded. J~O. POPE, Major-General Page 212 212 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL CAMP TAYLOR, May 24,1862. General D. C. BUELL: I have seen no enemy in Northern Alabama, excepting cavalry. I hear the most deplorable accounts of the condition of our cavalry throughout my entire command. The company of scouts ordered to report to me is now at Pulaski, in bad condition for service. A portion of the First Kentucky Cavalry, without proper arms, 350 in number, is at Shelbyville with but 65 fit for duty; men and horses are absolutely worn-out, and the Fourth Ohio and their horses nearly all unfit for servce. I make these statements as a matter of duty, and beg for cavalry re- enforcements, if possible. With one full regiment, well mounted and fully armed, added to what I have, I think I could drive the enemy corn. pletely out of this region. Your telegraphic order, placing the troops under my command, speaks of conditions of which I am yet ignorant. Am I authorized to direct the commanders to report to me directly? If not inconsistent, it would gratify me greatly to receive telegraphic news from you. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major. General. CAMP TAYLOR, May 24, 1862. General BUELL: Am I responsible for the defense of Louisville and Middle Tennessee as well as of Northern Alabama? If so, am I at liberty to take such steps in the posting of the troops placed under my command as I may deem necessary? Colonel Lytle is returning from Winchester, whence he has driven the enemy~s cavalry in confusion to the mountains. I am satisfied an organized effort is being made by the enemy to attack the posts upon which the defense of Nashville depends. The inhabitants on the line ~of Chattanooga and Nashville Railroad are extremely hostile. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, Huntsville, May 24, 1862. General GEORGE S. HUNTER and others, Committee, Athens: GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your report, dated Athens, May 3, 1862, presenting the affidavits of 45 in- dividuals, who claim to have suffered by the depredations committed by the officers and men of the Eighth Brigade, now under the com- mand of Col. J. B. Turchin. You report the aggregate losses of these 45 individuals to amount to the very large sum of *54.689.80. I greatly fear, gentlemen, you are laboring under a very serious mis- apprehension. I sincerely hope that no remarks of mine could have- led you to imagine that the Government of the United States would pay individuals for robberies suffered at the hands of individuals, act- ing not only without orders, but contrary to the most positive and re- peated orders. Whenever provisions or forage have been taken ,and the accounts, properly made out, are certified by the proper officer, these accounts will be paid promptly by the quartermaster. All other art Page 213 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 213 des have been taken without a shadow of authority, and those who are guilty are bnt robbers and plunderers, and mnst be treated as such. I cannot arraign before a court, civil or military, a brigade, and I most deeply regret that a portion at least of yonr time had not been occupied in searching for the testimony which would have fixed the charge of pillage and plunder upon some individual officer or soldier under my command. To this, the most important matter connected with this unfortunate affair, you do not appear thus far to have given the slightest attention. Trusting that a finished report from you may furnish the evidence which may convict before a court-martial those guilty of robbery and pillage, I remain, gentlemen, your very obedient servant, 0. N. MITCHEL, Major-General, Commanding U. ~. fLroop8 in North Alabama t~nd Middle fLenne88ee. HDQRS. SEVENTH DIvIsIoN, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Cumberland Ford, May 24, 1862. Hon. E. N. STANTON: Cumberland Gap has been re-enforced by a brigade of four regiments of infantry, one battery of artillery, and 400 cavalry, and a brigade has just arrived at Big Creek Gap from Knoxville. Kirby Smith is again at the former Gap, the defenses of which have been increased since our last armed reconnaissance. Two regiments from Virginia, probably forced back by the advance of Cox, have reached Knoxville, and the enemy has withdrawn the bulk of his forces from the neighborhood of 4Jhattanooga and Cumberland. I have taken steps to organize a par- tisan regiment, under Colonel Clift, commissioned by the Secretary of War, in Scott and Morgan Counties, Tennessee, in order to annoy the enemys rear. During the past three weeks there have been rumors of the intended invasion of Kirby Smith. Some of our friends in East Tennessee attach confidence to these reports. Three of my brigades threaten the enemys front. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General. HEADQTJARTER5 ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Farmington, May 26, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: A considerable force of the enemy is massed in front of (south of) our left, in the direction of the railroad. At least three regiments were seen on the Danville road. It is possible that the enemy means to attack my left in the morning. I shall be ready. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Farmington, May 26, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The firing you hear is from a strong force I have sent to drive the enemy across the first creek on the left-hand Corinth road. The enem Page 214 214 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL was in some force near the creek, but are retiring. There was a report of the advance of the enemy in some force on my left to-day, but it has not been verified. JNO. POPE Major- General, Comrnan~fling. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD May 26, 1862. General BUELL: If nothing has occurred to change the state of affairs in front, you will to-morrow establish your heavy batteries near Mrs. Serratts house and drive the enemys forces behind Bridge Creek. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE ARMY CORPS, Camp Locu8ts, May 26, 1862. Brig. Gen. U. S. GRANT, U. S. A.: GENERAL: Dr. Gordon, surgeon of the Thirtieth Illinois, who was taken prisoner at Belmont, reported to me to-day. He says he left Memphis on the 15th instant; that while at that place he met some of his professional classmates, then in the rebel service, who informed him that on that date the enemys force at Corinth numbered 146 000 includ- ing 10,000 men from Virginia. He says these forces were brou~ht from Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, among other places; and other details were given, which I cannot now recount, pro- spectively increasing their number to 200,000. He adds, however, that a considerable portion of the force at Corinth consists of new levies being in large part boys and old men. He says that his acquaintances giving him this information had, not- withstanding the preparations mentioned, despaired of the rebel causer and that a majority of the inhabitants of Memphis are favorably in- dined to our side. Having given you this statement, I forbear any comment upon it~ except to repeat an opinion some time since communicated, that the enemy will show himself in large force at Corinth if he should show himself there at all. Dr. Gordon says Memphis is almost totally devoid of permanent for- tifications, and that large quantities of sugar and cotton have been con- cealed near Fort Pickering, in anticipation of the capture of the city. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND Major- General, Comman~1ing. CUMBERLAND FORD, May 26, 1862. ion. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The public service is greatly suffering for want of two additional assistant quartermasters and one assistant commissary at Lexington Page 215 CUAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 215 Captain Brown is a good officer, but no one man can properly discharge one-third of the duties which devolve upon him. One a(lditioual assist- ant quartermaster and additional assistant commissary should also be sent to this camp, and tlie facilities for transportation should be in- creased at least one-half. We now depend entirely upon Lexington~. and at this moment I am prevented from making an important move ment from want of six days supplies. Had the enemy stores a forward movement could be risked, but late intelligence indicates that, with th& 0xception of Cumberland Gap, he is as hard pressed as we are. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. ABoVE FORT PILLOW, May 26, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I arrived at my fleet yesterday, leaving one of my boats at New Albany, ready to follow in twenty-four hours. The others are all here. I visited Commander Davis immediately, to obtain his views and offer co-operation. The commodore intimates unwillingness to assume any risk at this time, but will communicate with me again after further reflection touching my proposition to him to run below these batteries. and surprise the enemys fleet and transports before they can escape up the tributaries. To me the risk is greater to lie here with my small guard, and within an hours march of a strong encampment of the enemy, than to run by the battery and to make the attack. I shall, ir necessary, repeat the proposition the moment the Switzerland arrives- with the barges I have prepared to shelter the boats. I wish to take- advantage of the high water. Respectfully, CHAS. ELLET, JR., Colonel, Commanding.. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 27, 186% Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: What is the condition of affairs on your wing ~ Enemys pickets on the center driven to other side of Bridge Creek. Our batteries prepar- ing to open on the enemy. General Pope is of opinion that the move- ment of troops last night was south. This directly contradicts your- report. Popes left has advanced to-day to feel the enemy. Please answer.. H. W. HALLECK, Majoy-General.. MAY 27, 1862. General HALLECK: Everything remarkably quiet. Our pickets on our right converse across the Purdy railroad at Modlins and do not fire on each other. On our front the number and strength of enemys pickets increased. I cannot tell what the cars were doing last night. They seemed to com Page 216 216 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL from the south to a point this side of Corinth, back down, and depart on the Memphis road. They were plainly heard all night, and although I listened for hours, I confess I cannot give a reasonable guess at their movements. I am sure their pickets to the west of the Purdy road are there to defend the Memphis road. General Smiths cavalry reconnaissance, now out, must develop some- thing more accurate on this point. I have sent you a Mobile paper of the 22d by the hands of General Thomas, out of which you may get some intelligence. The gunboat fleet is at Vicksburg. My picket officers report hearing the march of troops, the sonnd of drums, & c., but very unreliable. We can only guess at what they were about last night. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 27, 1862. Maj. Gen. WRLWI T. SHERMAN: You will send a force to-morrow morning to drive the rebels from the house in your front on the Corinth road. Drive in the enemys pickets as far as you can and make a strong demonstration of attacking Cor- inth. You are authorized to call upon any adjacent division to assist you. There will be an advance on the left, and maybe some hard fighting. H. W. HALLECK, ]iliajor- General. FARMINGTON, May 27, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: You no doubt heard last night the signal guns and rockets of the enemy. From midnight to daylig~ht they were running trains rapidly, I think south, on the Mobile road. I think there were not more than six regiments and a battery on our left yesterday, and their only support to their pickets. I send to-day two regiments of cavalry to pass through Inka in the night and destroy a heavy covered bridge on the Mobile Rail- road 45 miles south of Corinth. One of my cavalry regiments returned from Iuka last night. I think this expedition will be a surprise, and will meet with little opposition so far from Corinth. They will be at the place by daylight to-morrow morning. As they will be ordered to re- turn by a different road, they will run no risk of ambush. JNO. POPE, Major- General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 27, 1862. Major-General POPE: Have you established batteries in front of Farmington? If so, give me their position with reference to Boxes house. I propose to move forward the left wing to-morrow morning. Are you ready? How about Rosecrans division? Will it be up and ready? H; W. HALLECK, Major- General Page 217 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 217 CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 27, 1862. Major-General PoPE: You will advance to-morrow morning on the left, or southern, road leading to Corinth, and establish batteries in proper distance of en- emys works. if possible, cross Bridge Creek and carry the enemy~s works at the Widow Phillips. As soon as your heavy batteries are m position, open your fire on the enemy; at the same time advance a strong force on the iDanville road to cover your left. If you think any modification of this order necessary, telegraph to-night. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. FARMINGTON, May 27, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I will send an officer to you to-night to lay before you my views of your order. I will be ready to execute it at an early hour to-morrow. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, May 27, 1862. Major-General HALLECIC: A white woman living near the railroad east of this place left Cor- inth night before last. She asserts positively that the enemy were leaving Corinth in the direction of Memphis, and it is fully believed by men whom we have as scouts and who know the woman well. I give you this for what it is worth. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississirri, Farmington, May 27, 1862. General GORDON GRANGER: You will send a brigade of cavalry to proceed by some secluded route to a point on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad at least 40 miles south of Corinth, with instructions to destroy the railroad bridges, trestle works, telegraph wires, & c., wherever it is practicable, and to render the rail- road useless, as far as possible. In your orders to the officer commanding the brigade you will give him the necessary instructions as to his movements, being careful that he is to return by a different route from that pursued in his forward movement. Respectfully, JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding Page 218 218 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. FARMINGTON, May 27, 1862. Major-General BUELL: 1 have just sent an officer to General Halleck to explain my views. I dont quite like the orders. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Gommauding. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 27, 1862. Major-General BUELL: You will make a forced reconnaissance on your front to-morrow morn- big to ascertain the position and strength of the enemys works. There will be a general advance on the right and left. Keep me fully advised of your movements. H. W. HALLECK. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 27, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL: All right. Feel the enemy on the other side; and, if possible, ascer- tain the position of his batteries. This may involve some risk, but we must ascertain in this way his strength and position. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. WASHINGTON, May 27, 1862. General J. T. BOYLE, Louisville, Ky.: You are relieved from the command of your brigade before Corinth, and are directed to report to the Military Board of Kentucky, to take command of the forces iu Kentucky. You will please acknowledge the receipt of this order. The Department, in making this order believes that your presence in Kentucky for the specified purposes wili be of more advantage to the service than if you were to return to your command before Corinth, on account of your intimate knowledge of the requirements of the service in your State and your experience and discretion. EDWIN M. STANTON. Secretary of War. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 27, 1862. General HALLECK: After some sharp skirmishing my troops have driven the enemy be- yond Bridge Creek, opposite my right and Shermans left. The enemy appear to be in some force on the high ground on the opposite side of Bridge Creek. D. C. BUELL, Major-General Page 219 CaiP. XXII.i CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 219~ IN THE FIELD, May 28, 1862. General HALLECK: We found nothing but the enemys skirmishers. My skirmishers are feeling their way toward Bridge Creek. Pope has had and is agaim having some sharp cannonading, but no musketry, I think. B. C. BlIJELL, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississirri, Farmington, May 28, 1862. Major-General BUELL: I shall move forward on the south, or left-hand, road from this plac& to Corinth. One division of 7,000 men will occupy this bank of Bridg& Creek, with its left resting on the road, its right extending toward Boxes. Two other divisions of equal strength will occupy the line en & helon, facing to the southwest; the other division occupying that part of my intrenchments which are refused, and the whole well closed, so~ that our left will present an unbroken line of battle, looking toward the railroad. My heavy batteries will be established on the high lands along th& creek in front of my first division. JKO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Farmington, May 28, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: My command is drawn up and will march in ten minutes. My heavy batteries will be ready to open by 3 p. m. I sent you a dispatch yesterday, stating that I had sent two regi- ments of cavalry to destroy railroad bridges, & c., 45 miles south of Corinth. They are to be there early this morning. They are com- manded by Colonel Elliott, and will undoubtedly perform the service at some portion of the road to-day. J~NO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 28, 1862. Major-General POPE: My understanding with you was that a battery was to be erected near Boxes when you advanced, but the time of erecting it was left unde- termined, I understood yesterday that works were being thrown up~ on that road, and supposed they were for yonr heavy guns. If an im- pression was given last night that you had not done as ordered it cer- tainly was not intended, and my remarks were entirely misunderstood. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General Page 220 220 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL BRIDGE CREEK, May 28, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: My command is in position after sharp skirmishing. Enemy driven back across creek. To our left and front, on the opposite side, is an intrenched position, with artillery, about 500 yards distant. My four 80-pounder Parrotts are in front and now being placed in battery; they will open in an hour, when, if practicable, I will carry and hold the enemys intrenched position. I think it is not a portion of their main works, but half a mile in advance. From prisoners, I am satisfied there 18 no battery or work on Widow Phillips place, which is on my right and front and half way between the two roads to Corinth. That is the one [1] and due Boxes JNO. POPE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS, May 28, 1862. General STANLEY: Feel in with your skirmishers toward the battery on your left, and ~ee what you can do with i~. I will send the sharpshooters from Paines right to turn it on its right. Have your columns ready to march, and if you deem it practicable, carry the nearest work. Leave at least one brigade to watch your right and rear, and if you need more, call on Morgan or General Paine, who are just in your rear. If by waiting for the 30-pounder Parrotts you can silence the battery, wait, and dont attempt to storm. Meantime put Colonel Bissell to work for the Parrotts and your own men to digging rifle pits. JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding. MAY 28, 1862. General PAD~E: Send your sharpshooters in the direction of the enemys battery which hac just fired and see what it is. Let them lay under cover and pick off the gunners. Stand ready to support Stanley, should he decide ~o Btorm it. JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding. RUSSELLS, May 28, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Have advanced and driven the enerny~s pickets, which were supported by a section of artillery. Occupy a high, commanding ridge, but cannot yet discover any earthworks of the enemy. Will advance still farther this p. m. W. T. SHERMAK, Major-General Page 221 Cuir. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 221 RUSSELLS, May 28, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: 1 occupy with two of my brigades, one of Huributs, and one of Mc- ~ a ridge running east and west, which has a road down t& the Mobile and Ohio road. The country to my right is a dense wood; in my front is an open field, extending to the left, in front of Davies. One of the enemys batteries is in sight, on the road near the black- amith shop; they have fired at us many shells, doing little execution. The enemy has a large force in my front and a line of battle extending across the railroad to the west. Troops come in from the west; I think Chewalla. They have made their appearance at Modlin, on Bowie Hill Cut- but there is a forceRoss brigadethere. I left three regi- ments in my intrenchments. This is a good place to fortify. Shall I intrench, or shall I simply picket the place strongly and reoccupy my works? Answer at once, as I must have daylight to lay off the lines. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. SHERMANS, May 28, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: At 7.30 I shall open on the enemys pickets at the house in my front two 20-pounder rifled guns. At 8 a. m. shall move one brigade down the main road, one bearing to the right of the fields, one of Hurlbnts from his left diagonally toward the blacksmith shop, and one of McCler. nands by the right along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. We, keeping abreast and fighting by head of columns, will try and reach Knights (the blacksmith). Shall I hold all ground I make or fall back on present intrenchments? I will have about 6,000 men, leaving the trenches guarded by detail.. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. CAMP ON CORINTH RoAn, May 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM, T. SHERMAN: Whether you will hold the ground you take or fall back to the intrench- ments must depend upon circumstances. Advance cautiously and not too far. It seems to me that Knights is too near the enemys works to hold. The main object of your move is to unmask the enemys bat- teries and ascertain their position, so that we may erect others against them. Keep this in view in making your advance, and if you find a good position before reaohing Knights, stop there. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: If not too late, hold your position. If, however, you consider the risk too great, fall back. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General Page 222 222 ~., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [Ca& ~. XXIL HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Camp on Corinth Road, May 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Army of the Tennessee: GE~a~RAL: If General MeCook should be attacked to-morrow morn- ing he must be re-enforced by General T. W. Shermans division, the remainder of McKeans division being brought into line. W. T. Sher- man and Hurlbut will probably be able to connect with MeKeans right to-morrow, which will leave Davies in reserve. The enemy will proba- lAy attack our & dvance in the morning. McClernand and Wallace have Tbeen ordered np. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. SEVEN MILES SOUTH OF SHELBYVILLE May 28, 186210 a. m. lion. E. N. STANTON: Returning to Huntsville from consultation last evening at Nashville with the principal officers. Views received. I respectfully request to be given a command in the Army of the Potomac, simply and solely because I am confident I can do there more effective service than here in Alabama. My advance beyond the Tennessee River seems impos- sible, and others are here abundantly qualified to do all that is required. 0. N. MITOJIEL, Major- General. WASHINGTON, May 28, 1862. Maj. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Seven Miles south of Shelbyville: Your telegram received. We would be very glad to have you on the Potomac, but the President thinks that at the present juncture it would not be advisable to remove you from a command where you have rendered such distinguished service and where your abilities cannot be supplied. EDWIN M. STANTON. BUELLS, May 29, 1862. General HALLECK: We have had some skirmishing, but generally it has been quiet in my front. My troops have not changed position. MeCooks right is with- out doubt within 1,000 yards of the enemys works. If you approve, I will to-morrow crowd the enemy back with a strong line of skirmish- ers and probably establish two or three divisions on McCooks line, on other side of creek. It seems to me it might be well for Pope to be Drepared to move up at the same time, but not to be ordered absolutely. D. 0. BUELL, Major- General Page 223 CHAP. XXIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 CAMP NEAR CORINTH, May 29, 1862. Major-General BUELL: General Pope is of opinion that if he advances at all he will bring on a general attack, as the enemy is now strongly massed in his front. II therefore think he had better hold his present position till we feel the enemy more on the right and center. W. T. Sherman is getting his heavy artillery into position. He will probably be able to open on the enemys works to-morrow forenoon. H. W. HALLECK, Major- Generat. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississir~I, Parmington, May 29, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: It is just reported to me that the enemy has evacuated the intrenched position he occupied yesterday on my left and front. I am pushing forward my skirmishers, and will telegraph again directly. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, May 29, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The intrenched works of the enemy have not been abandoned, although the guns have been withdrawn and are limbered up in the rear, sup- ported by a heavy infantry force. The work is just south of the Mem- phis and Charleston Railroad, which is much nearer than supposed. The railroad runs through a deep cut in front of the battery. Behind it and between the two railroads the forces of Van Dorn and Price are massed. 1 can bring on a battle immediately if you desire it. I will post my heavy Parrotts so as to play upon the work. I would suggest that my only farther advance under present circum- stances must be in the direction of the rai1road~ where I should meet Van Dorn and Price and a part at least of Hardees forces. I have not yet heard from the expedition down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The reconnaissance I sent out this morning developed the enemy in heavy force in front of Hamilton, on the right of the intrenched posi- tion of the enemy. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, May 29, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: I have just returned from Popes. His battery of 20-pounder Par- rotts opened about 10 oclock, and soon compelled the enemy to aba Page 224 224 KY., TENN.~ N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. don their advanced work. He is of opinion that Price, Van Dorn, and Hardee marched their forces against him last night. This seems proba- ble, but we must not trust to appearances. They may suddenly concen- trate against you. I do not believe they will attack our right, but it is best to be prepared. H. W. HALLECK, Major.General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 120. Washington, May 29, 1862. * * * * * * * 3. Brig. Gen. C. S. Hamilton, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty in the Department of the Mississippi, and will report in person to Ma- jor-General Halleck. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretarfof War: L. THOMAS. Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE Mississippi, No. ~i6. Farmington, May 29, 1862. The divisions of Paine and Stanley will constitute the right wing of this army, which will be commanded by Brig. Gen. W. S. liosecrans. The left wing will consist of Hamiltons division, to the command of which Brig. Gen. J. B. Pitimmer is assigned, and the division consisting of the brigades of Davies and Asboth, commanded by Brig. Gen. J. C. Davis. Brig. Gen. Schnyler Hamilton is assigned to the command of the left wing, and Brig. Gen. J. B. Plummer will report to him accord- ingly. The Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth fllinois Volunteers, nnder com- mand of Colonel Carlin, will be held in reserve, and will make their re- port directly to the major-general commanding. This order to go into operation immediately. By order of Maj. Gen. John Pope: SPEED BUTLER, A8sistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 94. f In Field, near Gorinth, Miss., May 29, 1& ~2. * * * * * * * 3. Brig. Gen. L. F. Ross is hereby relieved from duty with the First Division of the Reserve Army Corps, and will report for duty at once to Brig. Gen. T. J. McKean, commanding Sixth Division, Army of the Tennessee, who will assign him to the command of a brigade. * * * * * * * By order ef Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. BAWLIKS,] Assistant Adjutant- General Page 225 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 225. WASHINGTON, May 29, 186212 p. m. Maj. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL, Huntsville: There has been no attack yet made on Richmond. General McClellan gained a very decided success in a conflict at Hanover Court-House two days ago and destroyed the railroads leading into Richmond. General Banks was driven from Winchester on Sunday by Jackson, but with small loss. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862. General MORGAN, Cumberland Fdrd: State Executives are authorized upon the call of generals in the field to recruit their regiments to the maximum strength, but authority to recruit has not been conferred upon the generals. If, however, you can obtain recruits in Kentucky you may do so, there not being a loyal Executive in that State through whom you can act. Recruits from Tennessee may be had through Governor Johnson. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, May 30, 18621.20 a. m. Major-General ILfALLECK: The enemy is re-enforcing heavily, by trains, in my front and on my left. The cars are running constantly, and the cheering is immense every time they unload in front of me. I have no doubt, from all appearances, that I shall be attacked in heavy force at daylight. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, May 30, 18626 a. m. Major-General HALLECK: All very quiet since 4 oclock. Twenty-six trains left during the night. A succession of loud explosions, followed by dense black smoke in clouds. Everything indicates evacuation and retreat. I am pushing forward my skirmishers in several directions toward Corinth. Will telegraph you again in a few minutes. JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, May 30, 1S627.15 a. m. Major-General HALLECK: I am in possession of the enemys intrenched position, an embrasured 15 R RYOL X, PT I Page 226 226 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL work of seven guns. Four regiments are feeling their way into Cor- inth, and are now within three-quarters of a mile of the town. The whole country here seems to be fortified. JNO. POPE Major General, Commanding. PopEs ADVANCE, May 30, 18628.25 a. m. ~Iajor-General HALLECK: The enemy evacuated yesterday and last night. They marched down the Mobile Railroad. Their sick went in the cars toward Memphis. I am pushing into town; my skirmishers are now in the outskirts. JNO. POPE, Major. Generd. HEADQUARTERS, Corinth, May 30, 18628.40 a. m. Major-General HALLECK: My advance, the Thirty-ninth Ohio and Forty-second Illinois, entered the town and planted the United States flag on the court-house at 6.40 this morning. They were ~he first troops in the place. I am throwing my cavalry and artillery in pursuit. The enemy re- tired by the Mobile road. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. FARMING-TON, May 30, 186211.10 a. m. Major-General HALLECK: My command will move at once. Price and Van iDorn retreated to the northeast, whether toward Danville or farther east I cannot yet say. Our 20 pounder Parrotts enfiladed their camp yesterday, killing and wounding 80 men, as prisoners informed me. Nearly a hundred horses were found in their camp killed b~ our fire. I ordered Captain Williams yesterday afternoon to fire four shells from his 30-pounder Par- rott battery in the direction of the town. One of them destroyed a locomotive and killed the engineer withn a few yards of the depot. I have not heard from Elliott, though I am informed by prisoners that it was known yesterday afternoon in Corinth that the Mobile road had been destroyed 40 miles south. I shall be at my old headquarters until 4 oclock p. m. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTEIiS FOIJRTII DIVISION, In the Lines, May 30, 18625 a. m. The prisoner that accompanies this states that etiemy have gone, and the town appears to me to be on fire. He says that the infantry wa Page 227 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 withdrawn last night at 9 p. m. and that cavalry replaced them. I have ordered my line of pickets to advance and attack the cavalry, and if the enemy are gone Ill be the first in at Corinth. WM. NELSON, Brigadier- General. CORINTH, May 30, 186212.20 p. m. General BUELL: The rear guard of the enemy have halted and faced us about 3~ miles from here. It seems to me that in their retreat they have run on their main body and are compelled to halt. Shall I attack them? WM. NELSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS, Farrnington, May 30, 186212.45 p. m. Major-General HALLECK: The advance of my cavalry detachment came upon the extreme rear guard of the enemy 8 miles from Corinth, on the Mobile and Ohio road, in the act of burning the bridge. They were at once dispersed, with loss of 40 prisoners. The fire was put out. The cavalry is pushing oui. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, May 30, 1862. IiThjor-General POPE: Reports from Corinth respecting enemys movements are so conflict- ing, it is very difficult to fix definitely now our plans. Buell thinks a body of the enemy has moved west to attack our right flank. If we advance under these circumstances it will be best to move cautiously, leaving Buell to act either on the right or left, as circumstances may require. You will move south and east, feeling the enemy as you advance. Your provision trains should follow. The distance of your advance must be decided hereafter. Should you be attacked by Price and Van Dorn in force, Buell will act as a reserve. The entire pro- gramme may be changed to-morrow. I have ordered my horse, and will meet you at your headquarters. Carry forward the telegraph with you. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, May 30, 1862. Major-General POPE: The divisions of Generals Davies and T. W. Sherman will be im- mediately ordered to re-enforce you on the left. Push forward on the Danville road, and feel the enemy in that direction and farther south. Dont move your forces into Corinth; it is already occupied by us. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General Page 228 228 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAI~. Xlii HEADQUARTERS DEPARTM]INT OF THE Mississippi, Maj. Gen. ~. ~. GRANT, Camp near Corinth, May 30, 1862. Commanding Army of the Tennessee: GENERAL: There is every indication that the enemy will attack our left this morning, as troops have been moving in that direction for some time. It will be well to make preparation to send as many of the reserves as can be spared of the right wing in that direction as soon as an attack is made in force. At any rate, be prepared for an order to that effect. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major- Generat. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 30, 18621.30 a. m. Major-General BIJELL: There is every appearance that Pope will be attacked this morning. Be prepared to re-enforce him, if necessary. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. MAY 30, 1862. Captain KELTON, Headquarters: Please explain to me as early as possible the explosions at Corinth. The whole is now enveloped in dense smoke, yet the rebels are in my front. Cars ran all night with long trains. I have ordered Rosecrans forward and to my right. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, May 30, 1862. Major-General SHERMAN: I cannot explain. General Pope telegraphed me about 1 oclock thi& morning that the enemy opposite his left were receiving large re- enforcements, each train load as it landed being received with cheers. It is the impression that Corinth is to be given up, and a stand made in the angle between the two railroads. Advance your forces and feel the enemy strongly if still in your front. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. IN CAMP, ETC., May 30, 1862. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Commanding Reserve: GENERAL: I think Corinth is evacuated; General Pope thinks so~ too. Heavy trains, twenty-six of them, left last night. General Ross saw heavy smoke in the direction of Corinth at 5 this morning, i Page 229 Ca& P. XXIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 229 mediately followed by a long series of explosions, which you probably heard. Yours, very respectfully, II. M. JUDAII, Brigadier-General, Commanding First Division. BUELLS, May 30, 1862. General HALLECK: On reaching Corinth I learned that the rear guard of the enemy, which had halted a few miles from town, had resumed its march, burn- ing the bridges in i~s rear. The question, therefore, became of a delib- erate pursuit of the enemys retreating army, which I did not consider myself authorized to determine. Accordingly my troops are disposed of as directed in your orders of this morning. This will answer iii most respects. Your dispatch in regard to Colonel Jacksons report just received; but, nevertheless, I propose to send two regiments of cavalry on the Kossuth road. They may embarrass the enemy a little and discover something of his movements. D. C. BUELL, Major. GeneraL CAMP NEAR CORINTH, May 30, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Popes forces will advance to the southeast. I think one division is sufficient to occupy the intrenchments, if you keep yonr forces near by, ready to sustain it, to occupy on the right or left, as circumstances may require. A new arrangement may be made to-morrow. Be ready to-night to sustain Pope if he should meet with serious resistance. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. BUELLS, May 30, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Have just this moment received the following from Colonel Elliott: The enemy have come to bay about 5 miles from Corinth, on the Kossuth road. The road after the first 2 miles is strewn with knapsacks and guns. They set the bridge on fire which spans tlie creek, the Tuscumbia. The fire was put out by the cavalry and the bridge saved, so that the troops passed over. The enemy had artillery, cav- alry, and infantry. JACKSON. I am just starting over, but will await your instructions. D. C. BUELL, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING, Corinth, Miss., May 30, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The enemy commenced evacuating Tuesday night. Their main body retreated last night. General Smith, of Major-General Shermans di Page 230 230 Ifl., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXIt vision, reports that he is close upon their rear, composed of cavalry and artillery. A citizen of this place tells me that he understands they have retreated in three columnsone to Grand Junction, Columbus, and Okolona, Miss. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. ~. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING, Corinth, Miss., May 30, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Major-General Sherman occupies College Hill. The enemy are said to be forming at Kossuth to await our arrival. Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith is advanced on the Ripley road, on which it is said their heavy artillery and cavalry are retreating. This road also leads to Kossuth. I have ordered up Generals Hurlbut and Davies to the support of General Sherman. Would it not be well for General McClernand to advance and cover our right and rear ~I General Sherman is satisfied that they have retreated by various roads; on some in considerable confusion, but on the Ripley road they retired in good order, covered by a strong rear guard. I will wait here for your orders. Respectfully, & c., GEO. II. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Vols., Commanding. HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING ~Corinth, May 30, ~[862. Major~General HALLECK: GENERAL: I would respectfully suggest that General MeClernand be ordered to occupy Major-General Shermans old position at Russells with a brigade, throwing forward the bulk of his force to Chewalla. It is reported to me that the enemy retired in considerable force toward Memphis, and may be near Chewalla at this time. Respectfully, & c., GEO. II. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Vols., Commanding. Captain Hammond, of Major-General Shermans staff, has just re- ported that the enemy succeeded in destroying the bridge across the main fork of Tuscumbia Creek, supported by a strong rear guard. CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 30, 1862. Generals BUELL, POPE, and THOMAS: I (10 not wish Corinth occupied in force. General Pope will with- draw all his forces~ and occupy the high ground to the southeast of that place. General Buell will have a cavalry force in Corinth, and occupy the enemys intrenchments with one division, and hold his forces in the rear, ready to move either to the right or left. General Thomas forces, except his cavalry, will fall back to the enemys intrenchments, and hold the Corinth and Purdy road to Russells, and, with General McCler- nands reserve, will be prepared for any movement of the enemy on ou Page 231 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 231 right flank. At the same time scouts and reconnoitering parties will move on the roads leading out of Corinth, to ascertain and watch the enemys movements. General Pope, with his re-enforcements from the right wing, will proceed to feel the enemy on the left. B. W. HALLECK, Major- General. MAY 30, 18626 General HALLEcK, Headquarters: You already know my movements to-day. General Thomas gave me your orders to retire to this camp, saying that General Buell would occupy Corinth. I came back through Corinth with my last brigade, and finding there no part of Buells forces, I thought proper to leave a regimentthe Fifty-fourth Ohio, Col. T. Kilby ~3mithto guard the public property there. If General Buell is to occupy Corinth, he ought to do so at once and relieve my regiment. Will you please call his attention to this? I must picket strong to the right, and my line is very long. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. ABOVE FORT PILLOW, May 30, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Immediately on arriving here, five days ago, I called to see Commo- dore Davis, on the flagship Benton, and then suggested a joint move- ment to destroy the enemys fleet and command the Mississippi below Fort Pillow. The commodore promised to communicate with me again on that point after giving it further consideration. Not hearing from him, I renewed the suggestion in a note three days afterward and was promised a reply yesterday. Up to this time I have not received any. 1 shall inform him to-day of my readiness to move alone next Monday morning, unless in the mean time he shall conclude to allow one or more of his gunboats to participate. Delay will be fatal to the use- fulness of this fleet. Respectfully, CHAS. ELLET, JR., Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. WASHINGTON, May 31, 18626 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, Corinth, Miss.: Have you obtained any reliable information from deserters or pris- oners in regard to Beauregards movements? Has Beauregard himsell or any part of his army left for Virginia ~ If so, when did they leave Corinth? In the present state of affairs here information on this sub- ject is of the utmost importance. Please answer immediately. By order of Secretary of War: THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary Page 232 232 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL WASHINGTON, i}iay 31, 1862. *3-eneral HALLECK, Corinth: Do the abandoned works and camps at Corinth indicate a very large rebel force? Can they have begun the evacuation long enough since to have re.enforced Richmond by this time ~? Their attitude at Rich- mond has changed, and there have been rumors that Beauregard reached that city on Thursday week. For the Secretary of War: IMI. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster. General. CORINTH, May 31, 1862. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster. General: If Beauregard has been at Richmond others have forged his signa- ture, as 1 have received letters from him about exchange of prisoners, and nearly every day for this last fortnight. The evacuation of Corinth commenced on Wednesday and completed on Thursday night, but in great haste, as an immense amount of property was destroyed and abandoned. No troops have gone from here to Richmond, unless within the last few days. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 31, 1862. General HALLECK: Colonel Jackson reports: We found the enemy in force on the Kossuth road, in a strong position on the far side of the Tuscumbia. From a prisoner we learn and believe they have a brigade, six piece8 of artillery, and some scattered cavalry. There are three burnt bridges, which prevented me from using my command except in front and deploying as skirmishers. The casualties 1 killed and 3 badly wounded; a horse or two kill*-d. I can effect noth- ing here. Will remain until sunset and then return, unless otherwise instructed. Colonel Jackson does not state the distance, but I suppose it to be about 5 miles from Corinth. It is just beyond where the road was ob- structed by trees yesterday. I have directed him to return. B. C. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, May 31, 1862. Major-General BUELL: I have sent the steamer Robb to Florence, to ascertain if any of the enemy have retreated in that direction. I think General Mitche] should be directed to cross a small force at Decatur to repair railroad and tel. egraph line on this side, so as to open communication with us. I pro- pose to repair the road from Farmington in that direction. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, May 31, 1862. Major-General BUELL: It is now fully shown that the main body of the enemy is retreating south. The first thing now to be done is to open the railroad to Be Page 233 ChAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 233 catur. You will therefore immediately put your Engineer Regiment and such railroad officers and men as you may have on that duty, opening the road as rapidly as possible to Tuscumbia, to which point a force will be sent from Pittsburg. Send with them a sufficient force to supply guards for working parties. Supplies can be landed, as they advance, at Tylers, Eastport, & c. I shall immediately order working parties on the road toward Hum- boldt. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION~ May 31, 1862. General HALLECIC, Headqu~rter& : My engineer has examined the lines of the enemy in my front 2~ miles north of Corinth and extending across the railroad on both sides of it, and I have had a party of cavalry out on the Memphis Railroad 5 miles to Youngs Station, and around to Sam. Chambers, on the Mobile and Ohio road. Enemys cavalry pickets were not relieved, but on learning that Corinth was evacnated they scattered, each on his own hook. To-morrow will send you a sketch of the country lying in that angle of the rajlroad. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, May 31, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: By order of General Pope I took my brigade to Booneville, on Mobile and Ohio Railroad, yesterday, at 5 a. in.; destroyed as much of the track and as many switches as I conld and one small culvert; burned a large amount of commissary and quartermaster stores, three pieces of artil- lery; took about 30 mounted prisoners and about 600 infantry. Could not feed or bring in the latter. General Pope has left, and I cannot get any one to-night who can show me the road to his camp. I will go in the morning. At Booneville the enemy has about 2,500 sick. W. L. ELLIOTT, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION, No. 30. f Camp before Corinth, May 31, 1862. The general commanding Fifth Division, right wing, takes this occa- sion to express to the officers and men of this command his great satis- faction with them for the courage, steadiness, and great industry dis- played by them during the past month. Since leaving our memorable camp at Shiloh we have occupied and strongly intrenched seven distinct camps in a manner to excite the admiration and highest commendation of General Halleck. The division has occupied the right flank of the Grand Army, thereby being more exposed and calling for more hard work and larger guard details than from any other single division, and the commanding general reports that his officers and men have promptl Page 234 234 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL and cheerfully fulfilled their duty, and have sprung to the musket or spade, according to the occasion, and have just reason to claim a large share in the honors that are due to the whole army for the glorious vic- tory terminating at Corinth on yesterday, and it affords him great pleasure to bear full and willing testimony to the qualities of his com- mand that have achieved this victory, a victory none the less decisive because attended with comparatively little loss of life. But a few days ago a large and powerful army of rebels lay at Cor- inth, with outposts extending to our very camp at Shiloh. They held two railroads, extending north and south, east and west, across the whole extent of their country, with a vast number of locomotives and cars to bring to them speedily and certainly their re-enforcements and supplies. They called to their aid all their armies from every quarter, abandoning the sea-coast and the great river Mississippi, that they might overwhelm us with numbers ii~ the place of their own choosing. They had their chosen leaders, men of high reputation and courage, and they dared us to leave the cover of our iron-clad gunboats to come and fight them in their trenches and still more dangerous ambuscades of their Southern swamps and forests. Their whole country, from Rich- mond to Memphis and from Nashville to Mobile, rung with their taunts and boastings as to how they would immolate the Yankees if they dared to leave the Tennessee River. They boldly and defiantly chal- lenged us to meet them at Corinth. We accepted the challenge, and came slowly and without attempt at concealment to the very ground of their selection, and they have fled away. We yesterday marched un- opposed through the burning embers of their destroyed camps and property and pursued them to their swamps, until burning bridges plainly confessed they had fled, and not marched away for better ground. It is a victory as brilliant and important as any recorded in history, and every officer and soldier who has lent his aid has just reason to be proud of his part. No amount of sophistry or words from the leaders of the rebellion can succeed in giving the evacuation of Corinth under the circumstances any other title than that of a signal defeat, more humiliating to them and to their cause than if we had entered the place over the dead and mangled bodies of their soldiers. We are not here to kill and slay, but to vindicate the honor and just authority of that Government which has been bequeathed to us by our honored fathers, and to whom we would be recreant if we permitted their work to pass to our children weaned and spoiled by ambitious and wicked rebels. The commanding general, while thus claiming for his division their just share in the glorious result, must at the same time remind them that much yet remains to be done, and that all must still continue the same vigilance, patience, industry, and obedience till the enemy lays down his arms and publicly acknowledges for their supposed grievances they must obey the laws of their country, and not attempt its overthrow by threats, by cruelty, and by war. They must be made to feel and acknowledge the power of a ju~t and mighty nation. This result can only be accomplished by a cheerful and ready obedience to the orders and authority of our own leaders, in whom we now have just reason to feel the most implicit confidence. That the Fifth Division of the right wing will do this, and that in due time we will all go to our families and friends at home i commander, , ~s the earnest prayer and wish of your immediate W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Cornrnandin~v Page 235 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 23t~ HUNTSVILLE, ALA., May 31, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The telegraph reports the evacuation of Corinth. It is extremely important that I should receive at the earliest possible moment infor- mation touching the motives and future plans of the enemy. You doubtless fully appr& iate the difficulties by which I am surrounded,. while ignorant of the disposition the enemy is about to make of th& powerful forces recently concentrated at Corinth. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General, Commanding. Abstract from returns of the Armies of the Mississ~ppi and of the Tennessee and of the District of the Ohio for May 31 and June 1, 1862. Present for duty. -~ ~ a S a Command.. p, Remarks. a a .4.~ a ~ be Army of the Mississippi (Pope): Rihwing(Rosecrans) Left wing (Hamilton) Cavalry Division (Granger) Engineers (Bissell) Reserves (Carlin) Total Army of the Tennessee: Right wing (Thomas) 2d Division (Davies) 4th Division (Huribut) 5th Division (W. T. Sherman)... 6th Division (MeKean) 7th Division (T. W. Sherman).... Total Reserve Corps (McClernand): 1st Division (Judali) 3d Division (Wallace) Total Total Armies of the Tennessee and Mississippi. I5strict of the Ohio (Buell): 2d Division (McCook) 3d Division (Mlitchel) 4th Division (Nelson) 5th Division (Crittenden) 6th Division (Wood) 7th Division (Morgan) 7th Brigade (Negley) 23d Brigade (Lester) Dumonts command Cavalry (Jackson) . . . .. Artillery reserve (Barriett) Unattached artillery Unatlached cavalry Unattached infantry Total 525 527 114 6 71 10,356 10,317 2,408 105 1,736 13,050 12, 544 3,153 762 2, 033 16,018 15, 318 4, 135 865 2,228 1, 243 24, 922 31, 542 38, 564 283 5, 246 6, 745 10, 343 290 5, 629 7, 094 9, 861 144 6,060 7,867 ii, 873 255 5, 401 6, 939 10, 251 168 7, 066 8, 305 11, 306 1, 540 29, 402 36, 950 53, 634 319 5,537 7,159 11,355 264 5, 540 7, 029 9, 370 583 11,077 14,188 20, 7~25 3, 366 65,401 82,680 112,923 = == 370 7, 785 9, 225 11, 902 319 6, 072 8, 672 11, 687 299 6, 212 7, 641 10, 693 199 3,460 4,298 6,556 349 6, 2~2O 7, 458 10, 455 442 8, 240 10, 154 12, 730 114 2,927 3,320 4,223 110 2,411 2,853 3,367 95 1,683 2,019 .2,447 90 1,798 2,379 3,151 17 453 490 564 13 315 364 437 110 2,419 2, 841 3, 405 227 5,157 6,067 7,019 2,803 55, 152 67,781 88, 636 Near Corinth. Near Corinth. Near Corinth. Near Corinth. NorthAlabama, & Near Corinth. Do. Do. Cumberland Gap. Nashville. Near CorintI~. Grand total 6, 169 120, 523 150 461 201, 55 Page 236 236 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS, June 1, 1862. Major-General BTJELL: Locomotives and cars at Paducah ordered to be shipped to Florence. Hand cars ordered to be sent here. I am informed that no ferry.boat could be taken over Muscle Shoals above Florence. Qne might be found or constructed in Upper Tennessee, near Decatur. iRoad should be repaired as soon as possibl& from Columbia to De- catur. if General Mitchel can cross a locomotive and train at Decatur, it would very much facilitate our operations. I am daily expecting a railroad agent here from War Department to direct these matters. He was to report by 1st instant (to-day) without fail. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS, Near Corinth, June 1, 1862. General HALLECK: If not a good ferry-boat, at least a light-draught steamer can pass the shoals, which would be better than anything that can be made there. Such a steamer, used in connection with a couple of barges, would make a very efficient ferry. The work from Columbia will be heavy. The bridges over Duck and Elk Rivers are some 600 feet long, besides several other considerable ones. I have inquired of General Mitchel whether the Chattanooga road cannot be put in order with less labor. D. C. BUELL. HEADQUARTERS, Near Corinth, June 1, 1862. General HALLECK: My Engineer Regiment started this morning to commence work on the bridges near Corinth. General Woods division marches to-morrow morning. One brigade of it will halt, to furnish working parties and guards at the first bridges. The other two brigades will proceed at once to Bear Creek, to commence work there. It will take some time to bridge at Decatur, and an effi- cient ferry would perhaps answer every purpose. A commodious light-draught ferry-boat ought to be sent up at once. I have telegraphed General Mitchel to know whether he cannot trans. fer rolling stock across to Decatur. D. C. BUELL. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Gino, In Camp, June 1, 1862. l3rigadier.General Woo~, Commanding Sixth Division: In compliance with orders from General Halleck, the Memphis and Charleston Railroad from Corinth to Decatur is to b the troops of this command. e put in order by Your division is assigned to the duty and will march to-morrow morn Page 237 Cu& ~. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 237 itig, and will furnish the necessary working parties and guards. One brigade should be left to-morrow at camp on the railroad about 9 miles from Corinth, which will place it about half way between the first and second burnt bridges, and it can aid in the repair of both. The re- mainder of the division should continue its march to Bear Creek Bridge and halt there until the work at that point is completed. You should march with five or 8iX days supplies, or what you now have on hand, if more, and afterward draw from Eastport, on the Tennessee River. A equadron of cavalry will be ordered to report to you. You will at all times surround yourself by all military precautions against surprise,.and will post your command judiciously for defense, intrenching, if seriously threatened. It will be best for you to move your camp entire. Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith is detailed as superintendent of the work, s~ that your duties will be those only of military commander. You will of course answer promptly General Smiths requisition for fatigue parties, and will, without further detailed instructions, give all orders necessary to accomplish the speediest repair of the railroad and secure the Government interests. The regiment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics is engaged on the work for fatigue purposes, but everything else connected with the expedition comes of course under your general direction. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of & aff. CAlvn NEAR CORINTH, June 1, 1862. Major-General POPE: Colonel Elliotts operation was splendid, and he shall be rewarded. Press the enemy as hard as you deem it safe and advisable. Buell has moved a division toward luka, which will protect your flank. Other forces are moving forward to cover your right. If you want any re-enforcements, say so, and you shall have them. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, June 1, 1862. Major-General POPE: Since the destruction of the railroad by Colonel Elliott at Booneville I think the euemys retreat is very much embarrassed, and if you press him vigorously to-day you will greatly demoralize his force and capture some prisoners. ~. W. HALLECK, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, June 1, 1862. General GRANGER: As General [A. .~., Smith has gone to Jacinto, there is no occasion for T1 you to go in that direction. You w111 give every assistance in you Page 238 238 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA, AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL power to General iRosecrans to repair the bridge across Tuscumbia River in your front. Cross as soon as you possibly can to Danville with jyonr cavalry and artillery and follow the enemy toward Booneville. Report your progress to me frequenfly. JNO. POPE Major- General, Gommanding. OLD DANVILLE ROAD, June 1, 1862. IViajor-General HALLECK: The advance of Rosecrans command has passed iRienzi and will reach Booneville to-night. They are preceded by the cavalry. Prisoners .and deserters represent the enemy scattering in all directions. A large force has gone to Oxford, in La Fayette County, about 70 miles from Cor- inth. Their retreat is becoming very disorderly and confused. JNO. POPE Major- General, Commanding. NEAR DANVILLE, June 1, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Express just in from General Rosecrans. He thinks whole army of enemy is at Baldwyn, and asks to have his right supported by advanc- ing Thomas command toward Blackland within supporting distance. It is certain that there is a very heavy force of the enemy ~n front of Rosecrans; much too heavy for him to engage. He has taken up defen- sive position, and evidently apprehends the possibility of attack. I do not think this likely, but if you design to attack, it will be well to ad- vance both Buell and Thomas. I shall advance with my whole force in the morning unless I am otherwise ordered. Please advise me to-night what you propose, that I may give Rose crans his orders. JNO. POPE Major-General, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, On Danville Road, June 1, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: By noon to-morrow my command will be in position as follows: The cavalry in advance; General Rosecrans, with one division, near Baidwyn; his other division near Booneville. General Hamilton, with one division, at Rienzi; the other beyond Danville. General Sherman, with his own and Davies division, on Tuscambia Creek. If the enemy is in force at Baldwyn, which I do not anticipate, my command will be more than a match for him, and I will at once attack. I think it will not be advisable to push the pursuit beyond Baldwyn, because of the difficulty of supplying the command. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding Page 239 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 239 HEADQUARTERS, Danville Road, June 1, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: It is certain now that the point selected to unite all Beauregards forces was Baldwyn, 30 miles from Corinth, on Mobile and Ohio Railroad. A considerable force and supplies were assembled there on the 29th, but when Elliott destroyed the track and burned the cars at Booneville they retreated south, first destroying the stores collected there. All the roads on which enemy retreated from Corinth center at Baldwyn. I have several deserters who left there yesterday. The troops were pass- ing through in great confusion and disorder; scattered parties of 40 and 50 together were scattered through the woods, making their way south. JNO. POPE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MississirPi, June 1, 1862. General ROSECRANS, Commanding Right Wing: GENERAL: Your note and diagrams just received.* Hamilton moves forward early in the morning. I need not urge you to be careful about attacking until support is near. Send back early in the morning some orderlies as far as Danville, to point out the road to Hamilton and one to report to me for the same purpose. I will be up some time to-mor- row. Forward to me reports from the cavalry as soon as you receive them. Respectfully, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, June 1, 1862. General ROsECRANs: If there is to be much delay in getting the cavalry across Tuscumbia River, try and cross a part of your infantry and feel forward to Boone- ville. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, On Danville Road, June 1, 1862. Brigadier-General ROSECRANS, U. S. A.: As soon as you can get one division of your command across advance light, with two days rations, as far as Booneville, should the cavalry which precedes you find any considerable force there. I have ordered General Granger to cross as soon as possible with two cavalry regiments and a battery and pursue the enemy to Booneville. Hold your command in readiness,so that as soon as he reports any * Not found Page 240 240 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. considerable resistance you can advance to Booneville. Do not move forward until you hear from him. Respectfully, & c., JNO. POPE, Major.General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, June 1, 1862. Major.General STANLEY: The general commanding directs that you move forward with your command to-morrow morning at daylight, taking with you two days cooked rations, leaving behind all baggage and a sufficient guard for your camp. You will send forward a staff officer to announce your approach to General Rosecrans and proceed onward with your command to Boone- ville, and there await orders from General Rosecrans. If you find a brigade of General Paines division encamped on the other side of Tuscumbia River you will direct it to go forward and re- join its division. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE Major- General, Commanding. JUNE 1, 1862. General HALLEOX, Headquarters: Cavalry just back from the burnt cars, 4 miles west of Chewalla, re- port forty cars burned up and destroyed and four locomotives in pretty good order. Found a party of Curtis Horse with some engineers in possession, who will bring them to Corinth. W. T. SHERMAN, Major.General. JUNE 1, 1862. General HALLECK, Headquarters: My cavalry, sent off to-day, has just returned and reports officially. Proceeded by Modlins and Concord Church to Chewalla. Excellent road. At Chewalla learned that by some mistake the enemy had de- stroyed the bridge 4 miles west of Chewalla too soon and prevented four trains from passing; that the trains were burned and locomotives damaged and left on the road. I expect another party, subsequently sent out, will see the locomo- tives, and send me word if it be possible to save them, in which case I will do so. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS RESERVES, (lamp Glades, June 1, 1862. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commanding the Army of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Now, since the evacuation of Corinth has partially re- lieved you of the perplexing cares and responsibilities lately pressin Page 241 CHAP. XXII. COR1~ESPONDENCE, ETC.~UN1ON. 241 upon your attention, I trust I will be indulged in bringing to your notice a matter somewhat personal to myself. Since your reorganization of the forces of this department my posi- tion in the Army of the Tennessee has been one of actual inferiority, if not practical subordination, to that of other officers inferior to me in rank. A striking proof of this fact is to be found in the comparative smallness of my command, in its detached and separated condition, an4 its practical negation in the miscellaneous duties required of it of any distinctive character. Although next in rank to the immediate commander of the Army of the Tennessee, my command consists of only a portion of two small divisions, while that of a junior officer in the same army consists of five. Other circumstances importing the same verity might be adduced, but I forbear to dwell upon them, out of regard for your valuable tini~ and from a sense of personal humiliation in recounting them. Although not educated to the profession of arms, yet, having seen some service in the field in early life, I have seen still more recently, and trust that I have not proved myself unequal to others who, claim- ing the advantage of such an education, shared common trials with me in the progress of the war, or that I am unequal to them in public esti. Ination of individual character or capability. Entering the field with a commission spontaneously offered by the President, I brought with me a brigade, chiefly raised, armed, and equipped through my own personal efforts and influence. Since that period I have been unceasingly on duty, and have participated in the successive and successful battles on the Mississippi, the Tennessee, and the Cumberlan(l Rivers. ~I have hastily recalled these incidents in no spirit of egotism or vain- glory, but in justice to the humble part I have borne in the present unhappy drama and what I deem to be the rights and dignity of my rank. On the other hand, if an inferior rank had been assigned to me by those whose prerogative it is to dispense rank, having decided to accept it, I would have cordially submitted to all of its conditions and consequences. In that case not a murmur would have been heard from me. Animated by no other feelings than high regard and profound respect for you, both personally and officially, I hope you will receive this com- munication in that spirit of kindness, generosity, and forbearance which it is intended to evoke, and which, I trust, is due its frankness, sin- cerity, and the justice of the case it presents. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Gommanding. GENERAl. ORDERS,) HDQUS. ARMY OF THE Mississippi, No. 57. June 1, 1862. In consequence of the large additions recently made to this army, the following organization is necessary, and is announced for the informa- tion and action of the command: The divisions of Paine and Stanley will form the right wing, to be commanded by Brig. Gen. W. S. Rosecrans. The divisions of Sherman and Davies will form the center, to be com- manded by Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman. 16 H RYOL X~ PT i Page 242 242 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXII. The divisions of Plummer and J. C. Davis will form the left wing, to be commanded by Brig. Gen. Schuyler Hamilton. The division of General Asboth is detached from General Davis, and will form the reserve, reporting directly to these headquarters. The two regiments now under command of Col. W. P. Carlin, Thirty- eighth Illinois, will form part of the division of General Davis, to be re.enforced by two other regiments to be hereafter designated. The whole cavalry force of this army will be massed under the com- mand of Brig. Gen. G. Granger, and all cavalry now serving with the divisions which have recently joined will at once report to General Granger. Upon application of the commanders of the wings, center, and re- serve, a sufficient number of mounted orderlies will be detailed for their use and for that of division and brigade commanders. The following is announced as the staff of the major-general com- manding this army: Maj. Speed Bntler, assistant adjutant-general. Maj. C. A. Morgan, aide-de-camp. Capt. Louis H. Marshall, aide-dc-camp. Lieutenant-Colonel Kennett, inspector-general. Capt. J. W. Taylor, assistant quartermaster. Capt. J. A. Swaine, assistant commissary of subsistence. Lieut. J. W. Mott, acting assistant quartermaster. Licut. A. Jackson, ordnance officer. As heretofore directed, the commanders of wings, center, reserve, and cavalry will report in person to the major-general commanding at 9 oclock every morning, when their positions will enable them to do so; their adjutants-general, chief quartermasters, and chief commissaries to the chiefs of their departments respectively at these headquarters. Copies of all general orders heretofore issued for the interior dis& - pline and police of the army will be furnished to commanders of wings, center, reserve, and cavalry, and by them published to their respective commands. The returns of troops required in general orders will be addressed to the inspector-general at these headquarters. The battery of artillery now serving with the force under Colonel Carlin will report to General Asboth for duty. By order of Major-General Pope: SPEED BUTLER, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. WAsrnzNGToN, June 2, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Corinth: Your brilliant and successful achievement gives great joy over the whole land. Every one is anxious to hear the latest news, and I hope you will telegraph frequently. The President would be glad to have the news every hour. You can manage your railroad transportation better than it can be done from here. If yon will detail an officer from the quartermasters department, supplies will be furnished npon his requisition. I find this mode better than any railroad agencies. Gen- eral McClellan was attacked yesterday; had a hard battle, but drove the enemy back. He is not yet in Richmond, but we hope he soon will be. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 243 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 243 WASHINGTON, June 2, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Corinth: Your telegram to Mr. Scott, late Assistant Secretary, in respect to locomotives and cars, has been shown me. This day I telegraphed you that you might assign a quartermaster to that duty. I think you can manage it with more energy and more to your satisfaction under your own direction than it can be done here, and without the evils that have attended special agencies. The Quartermaster.General has instructions to answer all requisitions. EDWIN M. STANTON, & cretary of War. Maj. Gen. H. W. IIALLECK, WASHINGTON, June 2, 1862. Corinth, Miss.: On receiving your dispatch inquiring about locomotives and cars I proceeded to ascertain where the sujj~plies are and how they can soonest be made available, and find that General Mitchel has 16 engines and 130 cars, which can be run by rail to Tennessee River at Decatur, and there, by making an inclined way winding down the bank of the river, be run on board a flat-boat to be ferried across to the opposite bank, there to be run up another winding way to the level of the main track, whence there will be a clear course to Corinth by rebuilding two or three very small bridges. This can all be accomplished in the course of three days under the direction of an energetic man. This is supposed to be the most speedy and certain mode of getting a supply of rolling stock to Corinth. At Nashville, Tenn., there are 9 engines and 50 cars of all kinds, and on Louisville and Nashville Railroad 7 engines and 184 box cars, the property of the Government. Between Nashville and Florence six bridges are destroyed, one of which (that over Elk River) is high and long, and it will require at least two weeks to rebuild them. Roll- ing stock for the Mobile and Ohio Railroad can be taken from Louisville, Ky., to Columbus, Ky., the northern terminus of that road. Any aid that this Department can render in supplying you with rolling stock or rebuilding bridges will be afforded promptly. EDWIN M. STANTON, & eretary of War. IIEADQTJARTERS, June 2, 1862. Major-General BUELL: All the rivermen say no steamer we have can possibly run over the shoals. Order one above, as a ferry for Decatur and ha structed at that place. ye a ferry con- A telegraph party will immediately proceed on the Decatur road. Send any division you prefer toward Decatur, but hold the others near Corinth at least for a day or two. A short time will determine our future operations, but no time should be lost in re-establishing our con- nection with Mitchel. Information to-night indicates a large marauding force south of Purdy. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General Page 244 244 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. fCHAP. XXIL CAMP NEAR CORINTH, June 2, 1862. Major-General BUELL: You will recall General Crittendens division from the Memphis route to the Decatur road and push General Woods division toward Decatur, repairing the road as they advance as rapidly as possible. It is pos- sible that the original Army of the Ohio will soon move in that direc- tion. You will make your arrangements on that supposition. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, June 2, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: You will immediately move with your division and that of General Hurlbut through Corinth and dislodge their position near the M. and C. Railroad. General McCooks division will be in Corinth ready to sup- port you, if necessary. At the same time assist in getting up and re- pairing all locomotives and cars you can find. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. JUNE 2, 1862. General HALLECK: I am marching on Chewalla with the troops on the Memphi~ road. I will cover the road and secure the rolling stock; two locomotives have already arrived, brought by the telegraph corps. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, June 2, 1862. Major-General MCCLERNAND: Major-General Wallaces division will march, via Purdy, in the direc- tion of Bolivar, sending forward cavalry to take and hold, if possible, the railroad bridge across the Hatehie River. A regiment will be detached near Bethel to repair the railroad in the direction of Jackson. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, June 2, 1862. Major-General ROSECRANS: As soon as you get one command of your division across advance it, with two days rations, as far as Booneville, should the cavalry which precedes you find any considerable force there Page 245 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 245 I have ordered General Granger to cross as soon as possible with cavalry regiment and a battery and pursue the enemy to Booneville. Hold your command in readiness, so that as soon as he reports any con- eiderable resistance you can advance to Booneville. IDo not move forward until you hear from him. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding. POPES HEADQUARTERS, June 2, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: My advance passed through Booneville this morning at 5 oclock and are now doubtless near Baidwyn. My command is so disposed that within four hours I can concentrate 40,000 men. I am interposed between the two main bodies of the enemy, retreating on both sides of the Mobile and Ohio road. It was their intention to unite at Baldwyn and use the railroad. No considerable portion of them will be able to do so. I am strong; will be more than a match for him, and I will at once attack. I think it will not be advisable to push the pursuit beyond Baldwyn, be- cause of the difficulty of supplying the command. JNO. POPE, Major-General. JUNE 2, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Enough to take care of myself and my forces are disposed. If the enemy still attempts to form a junction at Baldwyn, I can easily prevent it and beat him in detail. I have no idea any effort of the kind will be made, but that his forces will scatter still more. I feel satisfied. JNO. POPE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS, Near Danville, Miss., June 2, 1862. Major-General HAtLEcK: Our cavalry under General Granger has come up with the rear guard of the enemy, 5,000 or 6,000 strong, posted on the opposite side of a difficult creek 2 miles this side of Baldwyn. General IRosecrans will be up with him to-night with 15,000 men, and Hamilton will follow closely with 12,000 more. I shall move forward the divisions of Sher- man and Davies to I{ienzi, to support them, if necessary. As I have informed you, I shall not urge the pursuit beyond Baldwyn, which is the enemys first large depot, 35 miles from Corinth. General Granger has taken and continues to take a great many prisoners, and one regiment is now in pursuit of a large train, 4 miles west of the railroad, which he reports he will certainly capture. JNO. POPE, Major-General Page 246 246 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, June 2, 1862. Brig. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Commanding Right Wing: GENERAL: Your dispatch, inclosing one from General Granger, stat- ing that the enemy is posted in force 2 miles this side of Baldwyn, his just reached me. If you require Hamiltons assistance, notify him to move forward. Send me word when you do so, that I may advance Sherman and Davies to Rienzi and Danville to occupy his present posi- tion. I have sent to have rations for ten days taken forward for Paines division. So soon as you have cleared the enemy out of Baldwyn return with your command to this camp, first destroying all stores, supplies, & c. Keep your flanks well covered by cavalry. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, 3fajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Near Danville, June 2, 1862. General ROSECRANS: I do ~ot wish the pursuit of the enemy to be pushed beyond Baldwyn. Should your cavalry ascertain that the enemy has retired from that place (unless you receive undoubted information that large bodies are on the east or west of the railroad and in rear of Baldwyn) you will re- turn to this camp with your force. So soon as you decide to return notify General Hamilton, who will at once retrace his steps also. Send all the cavalry back by different roads, and scour the country on both sides of the railroad to their camps as soon as they have pushed forWard beyond Baldwyn far enough to know, if possible, where the enemy really is. Under no circumstances advance beyond Baldwyn until you are cer- tain that your flanks and rear are secure. I do not know of any state of affairs which would make a farther advance beyond Baldwyn neces- sary. As soon as you can ascertain that the enemy has left the place, which you can do by pushing on your cavalry, you will retrace your steps to this camp. It is reported to me, on what Colonel Elliott seems to consider good anthority, that when he destroyed the railroad at Booneville fifteen locomotives and trains were intercepted between that point and Cor- inth. I can hardly believe it, but perhaps you had best, as you return, have the track examined between Booneville and Rienzi. I have di- rected Hamilton to do the same between Rienzi and this crossing. Respectfully, genetal, your obedient servant, JKO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, June 2 1 Brig. Gen. SCHUYLER HAMILTON, 862. Commanding Left Wing, Rienzt: GENERAL: I have instructed General Rosecrans to push forward as far as Baldwyn, but to continue the pursuit no farther. As soon as h Page 247 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 24T ascertains that the enemy has retired from Baidwyn he is ordered to re- turn forthwith to this camp with his whole command. He is also in- structed to notify you as soon as he is ready to return, and you will, as- soon as you receive the notification from him, retrace your steps to this. camp with your command. It is reported to me, on what Colonel Elliott seems to consider good authority, that fifteen locomotives and as many trains were intercepted by the destruction of the railroad at Boone- ville. I can hardly suppose this to be true, but you had best have the track of the railroad examined between Rienzi and this place as you return. 1 have requested General Rosecrans to examine it between iRienzi and Booneville. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, ]Ifajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, June 2, 1862. Major-General MCCLERNAND: Major-General Wallaces division will march, via Purdy, in the direc- tion of Bolivar, sending forward cavalry to take and hold, if possible, the railroad bridge across the ilatchie River. A regiment will be detached near Bethel to repair the railroad in the direction of Jackson. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE ,ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In the Field, near Corinth, hiss., Jttne 2, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Commanding Third Dirision: GENERAL: General MeClernand directs me to say that since receiv- ing the order from general headquarters, on which his order for you to march was based, he has had a personal interview with General Hal- leck, and that you will take with your command all that properly be- longs to it. He also directs me to say that he understands it to be the meaning of the order from general headquarters that your infantry and artillery, saving the regiment to be left at Bethel, shall follow your cavalry to the railroad bridge across the ilatchie near Bolivar, and that if you should find it impracticable to obtain sufficient supplies of provisions and forage from Pittsburg or any other landings on the Ten- nessee River, you will supply the deficiency by drawing them from the district in which you may be, furnishing the proper vouchers for the same to all persons whose freedom from criminal complicity in the re- bellion entitles them to receive them. In all cases, however, avoid leaving the inhabitants destitute- General ilalleck suggested that he may determine to have commis- sary and quartermasters stores landed at Crumps Landing, in order to shorten the distance of land transportation to your advancing column. In case this arrangement is made I will immediately notify you of the fact. I am, general, 4ery respectfully, your obedient servant, C. T. HOTCHKISS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 248 248 KY~, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAr. ~XIL SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 98. In Field, nuar Corinth, June 2, 1862. * * * * * * 2. Brig. Gen. J. B. S. Todd, having reported for duty in the Army Corps of the Tennessee, is hereby assigned to the command of the Sixth Division of the same, and will relieve Brig. Gen. T. J. MeKean. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, Major.General MITCHEL, June 2, 18626 p. m. Huntsville, Ala.: Your telegram of the 31st has just been received. The movements from Corinth would have been notified to you from here, but supposed you would receive immediate notice from General Ilalleck. Our ac- counts are that the rebels are retreating from Corinth south to Okolona, in Alabama, chased by Pope with 50,000 men. General McClellan was attacked before Richmond on Saturday after- noon, but the enemy were repulsed after a hard battle yesterday. He is now within 4 miles of Richmond, and we hope that he will occupy it some time this week. There may be another contest, although some think the enemy will fall back without another fight. ~I3anks was driven last week from Winchester by Jackson, who has since retreated on the approach of Fr6mont and McDowell. I will hereafter keep you ad- vised of all the movements in the field. EDWIN M. STANTON, & cretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Major-General MOCLERNAND, Camp near Corinth, June 3, 1862. Commanding Reserve Corps: You will to-morrow move forward your former division in the direc- tion of Bolivar. A telegraph office will be immediately established at the crossing of the railroad at or near Bethel, by which you can com- municate with headquarters at Corinth. Every effort will be made to establish a depot on the railroad in your line of operations. Move for- ward cautiously, and do not outstrip your supplies. Also detach work- ing parties to repair railroad where necessary, so as to facilitate your supplies. Seize such bridges and important points as may be within your reach. Probably McKeans division will be added to your com- mand, but you must not rely upon this, as circumstances may require that division to move to the left. Take every precaution against surprises and movements of the enemy on your hank, and keep me constantly advised of your movements and the position and wants of your troops. H. W.. HALLECK, Major-General, Commanding Page 249 Cair. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNiON. 249 CAMP NEAR CoRINTH, June 3, 1862. Major-General POPE: Push on your forces to Baidwyn and ascertain position and force of the enemy. Keep me advised. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. NEAR DANVILLE, June 3, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The two divisions in the advance, under Bosecrans, are slowly and cautiously advancing oii Baidwyn this morning, with the cavalry on both flanks. Hamilton, with two divisions, is at Rienzi and between there and Booneville, ready to move forward should they be needed. One brigade from the reserve occupies Danville. Rosecrans reports this morning that all testimony shows that the enemy has retreated from Baldwyn, but he is advancing cautiously. The roads for miles are full of stragglers from the enemy, who are coming in in squads. Not less than 10,000 men are thus scattered about, who will come in within a day or two. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, June 3, 1862. General ROsECRANs: Press the enemy at least as far as Baldwyn. Call up your whole force, if you deem it necessary. If you require more, let me know, and I will advance the whole army, if necessary. Urge the pursuit at least as far as Baldwyn, and farther if you find it desirable or practicable. Baldwyn is on the Mobile and Ohio road, about 10 miles beyond Booneville. The various roads npon which the enemy retreated from Corinth unite at that point, and you may find a heavy force there. My im- pression is that you had best call up yonr Second Division. Keep me advised. Respectfully, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, June 3, 1862. General ROsECRANs: General Hamilton has sent me your orders to him to move forward, from which 1 infer that you expect an action. You have not advised me, nor have I heard from you to-day. So soon as you receive this note dispatch a courier to me with all speed, giving me in detail the condition of affairs in front. If the enemy be in force at Baldwyn, you ought, I think, to know it by this time. I desire, if it be necessary, to move forward the divisions of Sherman and Davies, but you do not keep me advised, and I am in the dark a Page 250 2~5O KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XIII. to your movements. If you find the enemy in force at or near Baidwyn, it will be easy to move forward the whole force I have here. You have not acknowledged the receipt of my dispatches instructing you to go no farther than Baldwyn, but as soon as you have driven the enemy from that place to return forthwith to this camp. Lest you have not received them, I here repeat the order. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Near Danville, June 3, 18628 p. m. Major-General HALLECK: General Rosecrans, at 3 p. in., was near Baldwyn. I gather from his dispatch, part of which he failed by mistake to send, that the enemy is posted in force at Baidwyn. His dispatch, from the omission mentioned, is not clear, so as to leave me in doubt whether this is so or the place abandoned. Polk is at Okolona, it is said, with 35,000 men. I can advance to Baldwyn with my whole force and attack if you think best, though from the difficulty of hauling supplies I cannot remain there. The bridges are destroyed, and the roads must be made through several swamps. Please advise me of your wishes, as I have made every preparation to advance in the morning. I shall hear further from iRosecraus before morning. He has full 30,000 men now with him. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, June 3, 18628 p. m. Brigadier-General ROSECRANS, Commanding Right Wing, beyond Booneville: GENERAL: I have just received your note, dated 3.35 p. m.* You say you send me a dispatch just received from Granger. No such dis- patch is inclosed in your note. I am altogether in the dark about the condition of affairs in front of you, and must have information before morning in detail. I send this to you with speed, that you may furnish it. Provisions for you went forward last night; also forage. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Brigadier-General NELSON, C~amp near Corinth, June 3, 1862. C1ommanding Fourth Division: General Buell directs that you take up the line of march with your division complete and entire to-morrow morning, and, unless otherwise *Not found Page 251 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 251 directed, move to the Bear Creek Bridge, on the Memphis and Charles- ton Railroad. General Woods division has preceded you on that route and has partially repaired the wagon road. It will be necessary for you to send in advance of your column a strong pioneer party, not less than a regiment, to putt the road in good order. General Wood is directed to leave Bear Creek when you approach it (going on toward Decatur), and you will promptly furnish such work- ing details as may be called for by Brigadier-General W. S. Smith, in charge of railroad repairs. Boats, with rations and forage, will be ordered to Ea~tport, within about 7 miles of Bear Creek Bridge. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant JAMES Th FRY, Colonel and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, in Camp, June 3, 1862. Brigadier-General WOOD, Commanding Sixth Division: General Nelsons division is ordered to follow you to-morrow morn- ing. As soon as he approaches Bear Creek, probably day after to- morrow (the 5th), you will move forward toward Decatur, leaving a brigade to work at the Bear Creek Bridge until relieved by the arrival of General Nelson, if he is not in position to detail working parties when you move. In your advance beyond Bear Creek you will repair the wagon road and railroad, and will post a brigade at Tuscumbia, pushing the remainder of your force forward to Decatur. Any of your command left at Bear Creek will of course be called forward by you as soon as General Nelson reaches that point. The Engineer Regiment will be divided for work along the railroad, and you are at all times exp.ected to furnish details on application from General Smith. Another battalion of cavalry will be ordered to join you. Boats, with rations and forage, will be sent to Eastport and Tus- cumbia as soon as practicable and before the 10th, to which time you are rationed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of Staff. HALLECKS HEADQUARTERS, June 4, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Your dispatch of the 1st is just received. A delay of three days not accounted for. Assistant Secretary Scott had some time ago assured me that locomotives and cars would be at Columbus by the 1st. I was greatly disappointed on learning that nothing had been done, but the delay would only be for a few days. Sixty of the one hundred Govern- ment cars at Saint Louis are being altered to the Southern gauge. Forty will be sent to Columbus and twenty here. I have ordered tw Page 252 252 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL locomotives from Louisville to Columbus, and also the transfer of all at Birds Point. Three of the captured locomotives have been repaired, and I hope to have two or three more in running order to-morrow. Freight and passenger cars have been burned, but I think we can use many of the trucks and can construct new cars. A division of Gen.. eral Buells army is rapidly repairing the road to Decatar, and I hope to get some of the cars and locomotives across the river. Everything is progressing favorably. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP NEAR DANVILLE, June 4, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Express just in from General iRosecrans. He thinks whole army of enemy is at Baldwyn, and asks to have his right supported by advanc- ing Thomas command toward Blackland, within supporting distance. It is certain that there is a very heavy force of enemy in front of Rose- crans; much too heavy for him to engage. He has taken up defensive position, and evidently apprehends the probability of attack. I do not think this likely, but if you design to attack, it will be well to advance both Buell and Thomas. I shall advance with my whole force in the morning, unless I am otherwise ordered. Please advise me to night what you propose, that I may give Rosecrans his orders. JNO. POPE, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, June 4, 1862. Major-General POPE: The main object now is to get the enemy far enough south to relieve our railroads from danger .of an immediate attack. There is no object in bringing on a battle if this object can be obtained without one. I think by showing a bold front for a day or two the enemy will continue his retreat, which is all I desire. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF. THE MISSISSIPPI, June 4, 18622 a. m. Oeneral ROSECRANS Commanding 1~ight Wing: GENERAL: Troops are advancing to your support, and will be up to- morrow, with Sherman and Davies. Buell will advance two divisions. We surely are sufficient for any enemy in front. Examine the position carefully, and assure yourself of the enemy~s force and the best means to get to him. I will be with you by 2 p. m. Respectfully, JYG. POPE Major- General, Commanding Page 253 CnA1~. XXII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 253 NEAR DANVILLE, June 4, 1862. [Major-General HALLECK]: The two divisions of General Buell had best proceed at once to Rienzi, on the Mobile and Ohio road. The bearer~will conduct them. When there they will receive further instructions. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, June 4, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Move two of your divisions early in the morning by forced marches in the direction of Baidwyn, to re-enforce Pope and Rosecrans. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, June 4, 1862. Major-General POPE: Should you find the pvesence of General Buells forces unnecessary, let me know at once. If your troops are without supplies, draw them back to where they can get them. The object of your advance was to press the enemy and hasten his retreat as far south as possible. If you have gone farther than you expected, it has resulted from the circumstances of the retreat as reported by you. At any event we will not proceed beyond Baidwyn. On the arrival of General Buell you will transfer to his column the di- visions of Davies and 3?. W. Sherman. Keep me hourly informed of the state of affairs, and I will send forward two more divisions to-day from here, and also move Major-General Shermans command across from the Memphis road to Kossuth. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, June 4, 1862. Major-General BUELL: You will exercise your own discretion as to the road to be followed. Rienzi is the shortest route to Baldwyn, but I have no satisfactory in- formation in regard to the road as compared with that by Danville. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. BTJELLS HEADQUARTERS, June 4, 1862. Major-General HALLRCK: I informed you upon impulse this morning that I should accompany the two divisions I was directed to send to re-enforce General Pope. It afterward occurred to me that, considering I rank him, it would per- haps have been more proper that I should wait for you to indicate to me when you desire my presence in front, but as you inform me sinc Page 254 254 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXfl that General Pope expects an engagement to-day, I adhere to my first purpose. I would cheerfully waive all authority or credit on arrange. ments previously made by my junior to meet emergency, but a con- tinued advance under his direction, while I was present there with an inferior force only intended for his support, would place me in a posi- tion which I have no idea you desire me to occupy. B. C. BUELL, Major- General. CAMP NEAR CORINTH, June 4, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Of course I expect you to take command according to your rank on reaching the field, if there should be any necessity to exercise it. I direct General Pope to transfer to your column immediately on its ar- rival the divisions of T. W. Sherman and Davies, and if things look very serious I will send McCooks also and a part of Grants forces. These will constitute your immediate command, but your rank will give you the general direction of General Popes forces whenever you deem it necessary to exercise it. A telegraph office is already at General Popes headquarters, and you can telegraph to me hourly. I shall also join you if it shall appear at all necessary. An orderly who has been four times over the road has been sent you instead of Lieutenant Worth. The road is very plain and cannot be mistaken. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Camp near Corinth, June 4, 18626.15 p. m. Major-General BUELL, Gommanding, & e.: GENERAL: Your pencil note by an orderly is this moment received. I ordered a telegraph office to be opened on Mobile Railroad, and as I have been receiving many telegrams from General Pope, supposed it had been carried out. The pressing importance of opening telegraph and railroad to Columbus has caused the detachment of all telegraph men north. A telegram just received from General Pope indicates that the en- emy is making a stand near Baklwyn merely to cover his retreat. I have no intention to pursue him beyond that place, and merely wish to hurry on his retreat to Okolona. A demonstration in our front will probably be sufficient to accomplish that object without risking any battle. I leave the matter to your best judgment after you consult with General Pope. The repair of the railroads is now the great object to be attended to, after getting the enemy at sufficient distance, so that he cannot cut our lines. Yours, in haste, H. W. HALLECK, Major- General Page 255 CHAP. X111.J 255 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Camp near Oorinth, June 4, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: Your pencil note and sketch by the orderly are just re- ceived. Before moving you forward to Memphis we must establish a depot at Corinth, and get some more locomotives and cars on the road, and repair it to the Hatchie River. Moreover, we must first force the en- emys retreat farther south. Information received yesterday led to the belief that he was leaving Baldwyn, which was as far as we intended to follow; but late last night Pope thought he was preparing either to make a stand at that place or to turn back on our advance guard and attack Rosecrans and Hamilton. Pope this morning moved the re- mainder of his forces to their assistance, and I send forward two of Buells divisions by forced marches to re-enforce him. Possibly I may be obliged to push forward yours and Hurlbuts also. To-day will probably determine what the euemy intends doing. In the mean time 1 hold everything ready to move in that direction, if necessary. If no more forces should be required south, we will then prepare for the movement of your command west. Get all the information you can of the roads, bridges, supplies, especially forage, between here and Mem- phis. Yours, truly, H. ~. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MIsSIsSIPPI, Booneville, June 4, 18626.50 p. m. Major.General HALLECK: Euemy developed in considerable force in the direct road to Baldwyn, on the road to Blackland and between, with infantry and artillery posted. As you desired the divisions of Davies and T. W. Sherman to join Buell, I have left them both at Rieuzi, through which place he will pass. As soon as I learn that you have ordered Buell forward to Blackland I will advance and force the passage of Twenty Mile Creek. From Corinth to Baldwyn by wagon road is 41 miles. The enemy made no resistance until we reached Twenty Mile Creek. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. BOONEVILLE, June 4, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Just arrived here. Rosecrans and Smith are positive that the whole army of the enemy is posted behind Twenty Mile Creek, which crosses the railroad 4 miles north of Baldwyu. The creek is very difficult, with wild swamp on both sides; the creek runs toward the east. About 8 miles west of Baldwyn is Blackland, from which there are direct roads to Booneville, 7 miles; to Rienzi, 13 miles; to Kossuth, 17 miles. A great deal of open country around Blackland and on the roads leadin Page 256 256 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXIX. from it. Twenty Mile Creek passes 3 miles south of Blackland, and the enemy is represented to extend from opposite Blackland to Baidwyn, a distance of 7 miles. The creek must be bridged and roads cut through the swamps before troops can cross in force. Should you desire to attack, Sherman should march on Blackland by Kossutli and Buell the same place by iRienzi. The bulk of the enemys force is opposite Blackland. I will send you a sketch of the ground. Everything has been sent off south from Baidwyn. The return trains brought provis- ions. The enemy will stand until you concentrate opposite him and then retreat again. He can do so more easily than before, having nothing to carry. The roads are very bad to our rear; many cr~eeks and bad swamps worse than anything we have had before. Unless you are prepared to follow to Okolona, I would not advise any movement of troops in this direction at present. The enemy will only wait long enough for you to do it and then retire, leaving us without the means to follow. I am pushing at once very strong reconnaissance to Blackland and to Baidwyn. Buell had best be halted at once, unless you (lecide t~ advance. I sent you the reports from the front just as I received them. Regret very much that I was unwell and did not (as is my custom) ac- company the advance. I have succeeded in getting up three days rations, and ani therefore ready for the course you wish to pursue. JiNO. POPE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Camp near Corinth, June 4, 1862. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, C~ommanding, & e.: GENERAL: Your official protest of the 1st is duly received. The organization of this army for the particular operations against Corinth was made by. authority of the President and on the advice of my superiors. You are entirely mistaken in supposing thaf you were placed by that organization in a subordinate position or in any way made subject to the orders of your inferiors. The reserve in such an operation is not a less important command than any other, for its chance to be en ~a ~ed by re-enforcing the right, left, or center, in case of a battle, is usually three to one. When the army was organized for this advance it was intended to put four divisions on the reserve under your command, but the great length of our front and the expanse of the flanks rendered it necessary to change from that plan, leaving you with a smaller com- mand than was then contemplated. In the exigencies of service in the field it frequently becomes necessary to take from one command to add. to another, without regard to the seniority of the particular command- ing officers; but I have never understood that by doing so there was any implied disrespect to or want of confidence in the officer whose command was so reduced. The command actually given to you, al- though much less than at first ordered, was double that which you had on my arrival, and it will hereafter be added to or diminished as the circumstances of the service may seem to me to require. But in doing this II am not, and have never been, actuated by any want of respect for or confidence in you. As an illustration that the changes and partien- Jar organizations complained of must be made without regard to the Page 257 Ow. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 257 wishes of individual commanders, I will mention the fact that since the capture of Corinth all except one of Major-General Thomas divis- ions have been transferred from his immediate command, and even that one is held in reserve, to be assigned to you if circumstances should require it, thus depriving General Thomas of any distinct command whatever. Moreover Major-General Buell is to-day iii command of only two divisions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK, Major- GeneraL HUNTSVILLE, June 4, 1862. General BUELL: An expedition under the command of General Negley, consisting of -troops from all the forces under my command, marched from Fayette- ville on the morning of the 1st instant. On the 2d this column entered Winchester, driving thence the enemys cavalry, under Starnes, and captured a Baptist preacher, who is a ranger, with four of his band. That column is now moving toward Jasper. A supporting column, under Colonel Sill, now occupies Stevenson. It is now expected that these two columns will unite before reaching Jasper. We hope that the enemy is ignorant of our strength and will make a stand at Jasper. They were undoubtedly surprised at Winchester, and I think will not expect to be followed into the mountains. 1 learn, from what I consider reliable authority, that on the 28th ultimo Beauregard telegraphed Leadbetter at Chattanooga to cross the river and hold the northern side, and especially Winchester, at all hazards. Some artillery has already been sent over, and possibly some infantry. I think my force is more than sufficient, even if all the troops under Leadbetter should be found at Jasper. Our entire force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery will hardly fall short of 6,000 men. There is but one way of ridding the country of guerrilla bands, and that is to turn out against them a sufficient force of cavalry to pursue and utterly destroy them, with orders not to return till the work is ended. I cannot obtain horses; the wagon horses have been inspected and are [of] little value. Cau you send me some cavalry? 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General, Commanding. MISSISSIPPI RIVER, ABOVE FORT PILLOW, Juhe 4, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: SIR: When all the engineers of the Queen declined the hazard of the expedition of last evening two young men from my military guard offered to handle the engines and run the boat wherever I wished to take her, and did so coolly and skillfully. I trust that I have not ex- ceeded my authority in detailing B. L. Groomes and W. Jackson, both privates, of Company G, Sixty-third Illinois Regiment, and giving the first the position and pay of chief and the second the position and pay of first assistant engineer, for which they have license. I must have men who will stand by the engines and wheels undei~ all circumstances. 17 R RVOL X~ PT I Page 258 258 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAr. XXII. Not one of the soldiers on board hesitated to share the fate of the steamer. CHAS. ELLET, JR., Colonel, Commanding, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Booneville, June 5, 18625 a. m. Major-General HALLECK: I have carefully examined the ground, and shall at daylight to.mor- row morning assault by way of Blackland, moving upon that place in three columnsfrom Booneville, from IRienzi, and from a point between. It will require the best part of the day to dispose the troops for that purpose and repair the roads so as to make them practicable in our front. The enemys right is very strong and inaccessible. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. BOONEVILLE, June 5, 1862. General HALLECK: I shall attack the enemy to-morrow by way of Blackland, marching on that point in three columns, as follows: Two divisions from Boone- ville; two divisions, under T. W. Sherman, from iRicuzi; two divisions, under Hamilton, from a point half way between Booneville to iRicuzi. There will probably be a sharp engagement on Twenty Mile Creek and beyond, in direction of Baldwyn. The enemy is in strong force behind the creek, his right effectually covered by jungle and swamp. I have carefully examined the whole ground and shall assault with my whole force. I think, to provide for every contingency, at least two divisions should be advanced to iRienzi to-morrow early, from Buell or Sherman. I do not know that they will be needed, but it will be safe to have tilem there. JNO. POPE, Major- General. BOONEVILLE, June 5, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I think, to make our operations perfectly secure to-morrow, it will be well to advance T. W. Sherman to-day as far as possible, say to Kos - suth, with orders to march toward Blackland at daylight to-morrow morning by the direct road from Kossath. it is impossible to ascertain the force of the enemy beyond Twenty Mile Creek; it was large yesterday, Bragg commanding the left wing. If my operations are successful, I shall at an early hour to-morrow fall upon him with my whole force. If not surprised, he will be so nearly so as to secure us great advantage. I suggest in Shermans movement that every precaution may be taken. Your dispatch of this date just received. If you prefer that my attack be not made, telegraph me immediately, as I am preparing for it. JNO. POPE, Major- General Page 259 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPON4IENCE, ETC.UNION. 259 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE ~ Booneville, June 5,1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN: It is my purpose to move upon the enemy through Blackland as follows: Two divisions from Booneville, two divisions from a point half way between Booneville and iRienzi, by what is known as Smiths road, and your two divisions by the road from iRienzi. The movement of these three columns will be begun this afternoon at 4 oclock, so thnt all the divisions will bivouac to-night within 5 miles of Blackland. This will necessitate an advance toward that place of at least 6 miles by your command this evening. I send you a sketch of the country. You will bivouac near the point marked Smiths. Rosecrans will rest a little in advance of you at the forks of the road to Kossuth. At early daylight you will move forward with your com- mand to Blackland in fighting order. Your future movements and position will there be designated. I will send you two companies of cavalry, with an officer who has been on the road. Throw forward these companies in advance, so as to cover your movement. They will rest at least a mile in yonr front, with their pickets well thrown out, so as to prevent any reconnaissance of your line. Caution them that General iRosecrans is in front on the left. You will take two days cooked rations in haversacks, your am- munition wagons, and ambulances. Send back your train immediately to bring up without delay three days more rations to you, but not a particle of baggage of any kind. This supply will be ordered to follow you through iRienzi to. Black- land. Organize at least 100 pioneers to a brigade, to precede each division, with axes and spades, to put the road in order. Buell will advance two divisions to-morrow morning to llienzi. Colonel Carlin will ad- vance from iDanville to Smiths. Keep up your communication with the column of Tiosecrans, which I shall accompany. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. CHEWALLA, June 5, 1862. Generals HALLECK or THOMAS, Goriuth: Wires up. Have just returned from bridge over Tuscumbia, on the Kossuth road. It was burned. The enemyfour regimentscrossed on Friday in the direction of Oxford and Grenada. Have sent two men to Pocahontas. Busy in saving material of locomotives and cars. Have ordered forward all my camp equipage. This position very good for watching the west and southwest roads, with the State-line road back of Monterey. My distance to our steamboat landing at Pittsburg not much greater than from Corinth. General iluribut about 4 miles to my rear, watching Smiths Bridge. No enemy in this neighborhood since last Friday. W. T1 Sfl~ Major- General Page 260 260 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Chewalla, June 5, 1862. Col. J. C. KELTON: SIR: The major-general commanding has instructed me to make close inquiry as to the geography and resources of the line of country west hence to Memphis. I experience great difficulty, as, for good rea- sons, I exclude all citizens from my lines, and command all farmers to remain at home, and on no account to go more than a mile away. It is all-important at this time that we mask our movements. I have :made an exception in the case of a man named Dean, who was formerly ~ foreman in charge of a repair gang on the Charleston and Memphis Baifroad. I sent him yesterday to Pocahontas, and he has just got back, bringing here the following positive information: No county maps of MoNairy or Thirdeman Counties could be got. A Mr. Colson writes me that he assisted in the surveys of the railroad, but that all notes and maps were returned to the main office at Memphis, and that he has nothing but his memory. This he prefers not to put on paper, but is willing to impart orally. He reports two structures between Pocahontas and Grand Junction as burned or destroyed. Bridge 14 miles west of Pocahontas; iron on stone piers; five spans, of 60 feet each (over Muddy), down. A long piece of wooden trestle over Purties Creek, 74 miles west of Pocahontas, burned, but early repaired. Road from Grand Junction to Memphis still in running order. (ixe train came out to the Junction yesterday. Some troops, number un- known, at Junction, and two cavalry scouts were within 2 miles of Pocahontas last night. Railroad office books, papers, spare locomotives, cars, & c., being removed from Memphis to upland called Osceola, 40 miles south of t~renada, where a large amount of side track is being made. Much excitement is in West Tennessee about the burning of cotton. One riot, in which 4 soldiers were killed. Talk in Pocahontas of an organ- ization to protect cotton against the order to burn. Mr. Dean himself saw the structures this side of Pocahontas. Hatchie Bridge, 14 miles east of Pocahonta~ bridge burned; span, 162 feet; depth of water, 6 to 8 feet; length of trestle west of bridge, 312 feet, of which forty-two bents, of about 18 feet, are burned. Length of trestle east 01 bridge, 337 feet, of which fourteen bents are burned. Tuscumbia Bridge, 162 feet, burned; water, 4 to 6 feet; trestle east, 370 feet; bents destroyed, 5. He also notes Hardcastle trestle of 230 fi~et long; number of bents destroyed, 5. TJILN it will be seen that an immense quantity of work must be done tu it this road in order to the Junction. All the timber must be got as there is none prepared, and the saw-mills at Pocahontas are stoJ)ped. As soon as I get the maps, which Colonel Thom is preparing, I will iimke close inquiry into the country road, with the resources as to forage, and report fully. I heard of another hand car across Tuscum- bia, and have sent a party to get it across somehow to-night. I have a regiment at Youngs Bridge (burned), on the Kossuth road, 24 miles west of this, engaged in erecting a new bridge, and have notified General llurlbut of General ilallecks order that he prepare one at Smiths old bridge, so as to be ready to move on Kossuth at short notice. Kossuth is 10~ miles below here. By to-morrow 1 will have all the locomotives and works of the road Page 261 Ca& p. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 261 In two more days I hope to have Cypress Creek Bridge (railroad), with the track from Corinth to Tuscumbia Creek, in good order. I will them want the generals specific orders whether to direct my attention to the railroad or (lirt road. They are different, an~l cannot be made to use bridges in common. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. NEAR BETHEL, TENN., June 5, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: I have just received a, dispatch from General Halleck, directing me not to advance my command aliy farther, as it may be neeessary to march it south, in order to support Buell and Pope. You will therefore cease advancing your division until further orders. The First Division is now about 2 miles from Bethel, and would have reached there to-night but for General ilallecks order. Both brigade and supply trains of the First Division are from 6 to 9 miles behind (4.15 oclock ~ in.); hence it will be impossible to supply you with rations by using them. I will start a drove of fifty head of beeves to you immediately. Send your wagons back for all that you may need as rapidly as you can make them available. The First Division is pressed by the same necessities as yourself The enemy came out and attacked McClellan on the 1st instant, and was driven back by him. He had not at that date taken the city. Yours, & c., JOHN A. McCLEiRNAND, Major- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, June 5, 1862. General HALLECK: Your dispatch received and will be immediately attended to. There are many refugees from the Confederate Army all through this part of the State. Large numbers of them are coming forward, volunteering, and renewing their allegiance, and seem gratified at the opportunity of doing so. There is a great reaction taking place here in favor of the Union and the restoration of the State. If poor East Tennessee could be relieved it would produce a thrill throughout the nation; they are being treated worse than the beasts of the forest, and are appealing to the Government for protection. God grant that it may be in your power ere long to extend it to them. If there could have been more forces left in the middle part of the State it would have convinced the rebels that there was no chance of a successful rising up, and by this time the disunionists would have been put completely down, and the forces could have entered East Tennessee by way of Chattanooga, while General Morgan would have entered by way of Cuinberland Gap, and the whole army in East Tennessee would have been bagged and the people relieved. God grant that your efforts in the noble work in which you are engaged may be crowned with success and the hearts of the people made glad. ~LNDREW JOHNSON Page 262 262 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL NASHVILLE, June 5, 1862. Col. J. B. FRY: Telegram received. The stock of quartermasters supplies on hand here is not large. I will have everything under my control in order as soon as possible to furnish supplies from here. I will have to draw from Louisyille, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. The necessary prepara. twin for filling my requisition can be made at these places without at- tracting attention. I have to request that the quartermasters at these places may be directed to be prepared to fill all my requisitions promptly. Colonel Swords does not send me half enough forage. I am buying all I can here. J. D. BINGHAM, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. HUNTSVILLE, ALA., June 5, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Many cases of extreme illness are constantly occurring amongst the troops under my command from the fact that I am not authorized to grant leaves of absence or certificates of disability regularly approved by all the surgeons and the medical directors. All officers of the army are excluded from purchasing cotton. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General, WASHINGTON, June 5, 1862. Major-General HALLECk, Corinth: I have a dispatch from Colonel Ellet, commander of the ram fleet at Fort Pillow, dated at that place yesterday. He informs me that he has been there a considerable time, and has made repeated applications to Captain Davis, commander of the gunboats, for leave to attack the enemys fleet, but has been uniformly refused. Captain Davis not only refuses to join Mr. Ellet or give him the protection of a single gunboat, but also refuses to allow Ellet to attack on his- own hook, nor will he allow any of his force to volunteer with Ellet. I regret the President would not place the fleet under your command. Ellet, however, made one demonstration, but the rebels slipped anchor and escaped. He says the strength of the rebel batteries is greatly overrated. He declares flis intention to go on without the gunboats. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISS., No. 89. f Corinth, Miss., June 5,1862. I. Major-General Thomas is placed in temporary command of Corinth and its vicinity, which will be garrisoned by the divisions of McCook and Todd. He will report direct to these headquarters, but the com- manders of divisions will report, as usual, to the commanders of their army corps. II. A daily detail of 500 men will be made from each division to pu Page 263 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 263 the town in proper police. Prisoners of war will also be employed for that purpose. The health of all requires that this matter be attended to immediately. By order of Major.General Halleck: J. C. KELTOK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississirri, Corinth, June 6, 186212 m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Your telegraph of yesterday is received. During the investment of Corinth I received information, deemed reliable, from deserters from Fort Pillow, that all the forces except about 700 men had been with. drawn. I telegraphed this to Captain Davis, and urged him to attack or run the batteries, and take Memphis, which was also nearly aban- doned. No answer was ever received. Brigadier-General Quinby then went down from Columbus to assist, but received no encouragement. it is of vital importance to General Curtis command that the Missis- sippi should be opened without delay. Unless this is done he must re- treat from Arkansas, as he can get no supplies. The rivers are still very high, and he has lost some of his trains. I shall move on Fort Pillow as soon as possible. Wallaces advance guard has reached Bol- ivar. The greatest difficulty of the advance is to get supplies as our train is small. To remedy this defect I am working night and day on the railroads. Brigadier-General McPherson is in charge and is push- ing things with great vigor. Four locomotives and a number of cars have already been put in running order and burned bridges repaired. The rebels destroyed everything they could reach. I hope in a few days to get a new machine-shop in operation at this place; after which we can proceed more rapidly. The enemy is still at Baldwyn, with a force estimated at 80,000. A~ portion of his army has gone to Ripley and Holly Springs, while guerrilla forces are scattered over the coun- try, burning bridges, cotton, provisions, & c. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NEAR BOONEVILLE, June 6, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: The reconnaissance last night found the enemys pickets where they have been heretofore. A further examination will be made to-day, but nothing can be determined certainly by reconnaissance, except it is made in force, and that can only be done properly when we are in posi- Pon to support it, and attack in force if circumstances warrant it. My dispositions for the present must of course be based on the infor- mation already obtained by General Pope in regard to roads and the enemys position. With that light the following dispositions will im- mediately be made. General Pope will rest his left on the railroad at this point, with strong cavalry pickets to his left and front; his right extending on a road west toward Dick Smiths, which is about 3~ miles from here, an Page 264 264 KY, TENN, N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXIL on a road from Rienzi to Blackland, at which point the advanced guard of the enemys left is understood to rest. The road from Kossuth south comes into the road just mentioned near Dick Smiths. My troops, at least three (livisions of them, will move on the Rienzi and Blackland road and form on Popes right. Their right will rest about at Dick Smiths, which is about 5 miles from Blackland. This position will enable us to advance, without meeting any serious obstacles, against the enemys left. It will have occurred to you, no doubt, that the bridges on the road to Kossuth ought to be repaired as promptly as possible. I have ordered a regiment to work on the railroad bridge over Tuscumbia Creek. I shall not run any improper risk. I do not hear anything positive in regard to Polks force, which was said to have gone toward Ripley. Perhaps you know. If he is on our right, of course he ought to be ob- served. Your dispatch of this morning received. The negro who came in yes- terday says he heard an officer of Beauregards staff say that troops were to be sent to Chattanooga under Breckinridge. D. C. BUELL. CORINTH, June 6, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Your telegraph received. A negro just arrived at Shermans, Che- walla, says there are 15,000 rebels at Grand Junction, destroying bridges and breaking up the roads; probably Polks command. Locomotives and cars en route to Florence; have directed General Wood to send force to protect their landing. As soon as Bear Creek Bridge is repaired we can open communication with Mitchel if the enemy should be re-enforced at Chattanooga. I am repairing bridges as rapidly as possible. Sher- man will be prepared to open the road by Kossuth; it will take time to do it. Delay in making an attack will favor us more than it can the enemy. H. W. HALLECK, Major. Generat. HEADQUARTERS, June 6, 1862. Major-General BUELL: If confident that the enemy is retiring, you are authorized to assume command and make the attack; but, as the remainder of the army is distant and otherwise occupied, I desire that no risk be run. I am satisfied that the enemy will retreat in a day or two, which will satisfy us about as well as if he were defeated in a battle. H. W. HALLECK, illiajor- General. CORINTH, June 6, 1862. Major-General BUELL: Put the prisoners in camp and detach some officers to take command of them. I will make other dispositions as soon as possible. I am in- formed that W.ods division has done little or nothing toward the re- pairing of Bear Creek Bridge, the Engineer Regiment being kept o Page 265 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 26t picket duty. This is all wrong; his whole force not required in defens& should work with all possible energy to open our communication with Mitchel, so that you can meet Breckinridge with superior numbers, as he has gone to Chattanooga. fi ~. HALLECK, Major.Generrsl. HEADQUARTERS RESERVES, Camp Bethel, June 6, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: A brigade of infantry, three companies of cavalry, and four pieces of artillery, of the First Division, will move by daydawn to-morrow toward Jackson. I advise you of the fact, that that force and yours may mutually afford each other support, if it should become necessary. I have reported to Major-General ilalleck, upon what I un derstand to be the import of your reports and other information, that both the Bolivar and railroad bridges are intact. You can increase your rations of fresh beef until you cau obtain adequate supplies of other food from the river or the depot proposed to be established by General Halleck at this place. I can supply you with beef cattle, from time to time, upon notice of your wants, so long as I remain here. Have the fifty head cattle I started yesterday evening reached you? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. HUNTSVILLE, June 6, 1862. General BUELL: I fear no steamer can be taken over the shoals. Will establish a. ferry as early as possible. Do I understand that your troops occupy the line from Tuscumbia to Decatur, and that I am at liberty to with- draw my troops posted at Lambs Ferry and Bainbridge? They are greatly needed on the line of the Chattanooga and Nashville Railroad, where we are constantly threatened at all points. We have again driven the enemy out of Winchester, and are pursuing him to Jasper, and hope to drive him into the river, but fear he will es- cape, as heretofore. He has neither front, flanks, nor rear; no line of communication to cut. My command is very strong and h~ admirable condition for a fight if any enemy could be found. Colonel Sill occupies Stevenson with a supporting column. My railroad train to Stevenson was fired into yesterday by a baud, who immediately fled, and not one of them could be found, though the roads were scoured for a long time. We lost 2 men killed and 11 wounded. I have ordered that th~ horses for my cavalry shall be taken and re- ceipted for in Jackson County, in which all the murderous attacks have been made. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major-General Page 266 266 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXII. CUMBERLAND FORD, I3rigadier.General BOYLE, June 6, 1862. Commanding U. S. Forces in Kentucky: GENERAL: Accept my hearty congratulations. Permit me to suggest the propriety of stationing a regiment at Barboursville immediately. By the 9th instant I will have withdrawn every effective soldier from this valley, and my general hospital will be unprotected. The route between the ford and Cumberland Gap will be immediately obstructed by blowing down the ends of a few mountains into the valley, & c.; but raids may be possible. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier- General. (Copy furnished Secretary of War by General J. T. Boyle, who adds: I have no forces to send to Barboursyille. We are in perilous need of more troops. Can we get more ~ Major.General BUELL, WASHINGTON, June 6, 1862. Buetl8 Headquarters: General Boyle was authorized to raise troops in Kentucky and placed in command upon the earnest application of the Kentucky dele- gation to the President. It was not known here that you had assigned 43-eneral Duffield to any command in Kentucky. The Department has no design to interfere with your military arrangements without some necessity, but there was at the time great uneasiness in Kentucky, and it was supposed that your attention was absorbed by other more ~~ressing subjects. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS, Madisonville, June 6, 1862. l3rigadier.General BOYLE: SIR: I expected by this time to have been in Henderson and through that neighborhood with at least four companies of my command, but circumstances are such in this vicinity that I do not feel warranted in leaving it. If rumors that reliable Union men bring in here are cor- rect there are at least 600 guerrillas in this section of country, and they ~re recruiting every day. I have been scouting every day since I have been here and have taken some prisoners. My pickets have been attacked twice. Last night the attack was more formidable than the night before. I had two men wounded, one dangerously, the other slightly. I should have at least four more companies of cavalry or infantry for the purpose of protecting my camp ~and train. I am fully persuaded that I shall never be able to compete with these infernal devils without I have carbines. I have made at least one dozen requisitions for them, and even had an order on Gen- eral Ripley from the Secretary of War to issue them to my regiment before I left Pennsylvania. Can you not send them to me immediately Page 267 CHAP. XXIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 267 I am oblige(1 to return every night for the purpose of protecting my camp. Re-enforcements would allow me to scout in such a manner that I could remain out for three or four days. The guerrilla operations here are all after night. In daylight they are all in the bushes, and they are so thick that you cannot penetrate them on horseback. Give i~e the re-enforcements and carl4nes I ask. for and this region wilrsoon be quit of guerrillas. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. WILLIAMS, Colonel Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS RESERVES, Camp Bethel, June 7, 1862. iVlaj. Gen. H. W. IIALLECK, Corinth: A courier has just arrived, with a report from Colonel Marsh, com- manding the expedition to Jackson, informing me, through General Logan, that he has marched 20 miles to-day; will be in Jackson to-mor- row, and that he learns that 800 rebel cavalry were in Jackson yester- day. If he can meet them he will capture or disperse them. Although in absolute need of cavalry for escorts for trains, scouting, accompany- ing expeditions, and picket duty, an order from General Grant is under- stood to be impending recalling three companies of Dickeys Illinois Cavalry in exchange for two small companies of German Cavalry badly armed. Pardon me for repeating that I need more cavalry. JOHN A. MOCLERKAND, Major- General, Commanding. BOONEVILLE, June 7, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Do you not think that there is some danger that Beauregard is throwing all his forces into Virginia, and that they may get there before we know it I We can learn nothing of the movements of his force behind the strong pickets in front of ns unless we attack them in strong force. I have sent a very enterprising officer, with a cavalry force, to pass around the left of the forces in front of us, at least 5 miles outside of their extreme pickets, and to penetrate near enough to the railroad, at or below Guntown, to see what is going on. I have also sent spies far around for the same purpose. I cannot of course tell what success they will meet with. There will be no attack or forward movement from~here, as matters now stand, unless you send orders. I think a visit of a day or two from you would be desirable. JNO. POPE, Major- General. CORINTH, June 7, 1862. Major-General BUELL: We have neither tools nor mechanics to supply. By collecting the tools and mechanics in your army the Tuscumbia railroad bridge can be built without delay. Piers of crib work can be built with logs, and timber laid from one to another. We are doing this in other places Page 268 268 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. Put some competent and energetic officer in charge, and I am certain the work can be done with the means at hand. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CORINTH, June 7, 1862. Major.General BIJELL: Your telegram is received. Urge upon General Wood the importance of pushing forward the Bear Creek Bridge with all possible dispatch. Every man that can find room to work should be employed. Our mechanics here work all night on the locomotives aud cars. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH DIVISION, Near Bear Creek Bridge, June 7, 1862. Col. J. B. FRy: It is not true that the Engineer Regiment is required to do duty. At the moment of my arrival here with my advance guard (I had eome in advance of the hulk of the division to select a camp) I was greeted with the information that some men of the Engineer Regiment had been fired on from the eastern side of Bear Creek, one being killed outright and another wounded. This fact clearly indicated the pres- ence of some hostile parties. Of their force I of course knew nothing. Previous to the commencement of the work, and while preparations were being made for it, I directed Colonel Innes, his camp being near and convenient, to put a camp guard for his own protection at the site of the late bridge and one on the road leading to a ferry 2 miles lower down. As soon as the work was commenced the men were relieved, and they were very small parties. I have two regiments on duty daily, one for protection, the other for labor. The former is posted on the eastern side of Bear Creek. Your written instructions of the 1st instant inform me that General W. S. Smith is charged with the supervision of the work of repairing the road and my duties those of the military commander. These in- structions should have prevented the tone, implied at least, of reflec- tion of your dispatch of yesterday, this moment received, for the slow progress of the work. The dispatch would seem to indicate that I am expected to give more supervision to the work than is contemplated ir~ the written instructions. If this be the generals wish, while it is by no means a duty I would seek, I will [do the work] as rapidly as pos- sible. I informed General Smith and Colonel Innes that I would give them every facility to hasten the work to completion, and I have an- swered all their requests. It is proper to remark that I do not know that there has been any want of energy and activity on the part of those heretofore charged with the work. I have seen little of General Smith, but Colonel Innes seems anxious to hasten the work. Not be- ing a practical engineer or bridge builder, it is impossible for me to. say whether Colonel Innes efforts are directed judiciously. I only speak for his energy. I respectfully request a copy of this dispatch be submitted to General Halleck. Till. J. WOOD, Brigadier-General Page 269 Cu& ~. XXII.] 269 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. GENERAL ORDERS, )~ HDQRS. FIFTH Div., ARMY OF THE TENN., No. 33. Camp Chewalla, June 7, 1862. The general commanding thinks he observes on the part of officers and men a pai~tia1 relaxation of that activity and vigilance which char- acterized his command on the march to Corinth. The enemys army has fled away and there is no seeming danger present; but this may not be the real truth, and we must always act on the supposition that the enemy will do his worst, and that he will take advantage of every ehance we give him to annoy us and destroy us and our detachments on the very first opportunity. Therefore very general attention is again called to the great importance of a proper system of caution and guard to be observed at all times, whether by the whole division, by detached brigades, regiments, or smaller parties. I. During all marches advance guards should be out with flankers; when there is the most remote danger of an enemy, ranks must be kept (closed] and straggling absolutely prevented. Marches should be made as steady as possible, and the men be impressed with the fact that by falling out they only make matters worse to catch up. By keeping a steady pace a weak or sick soldier will experience far less fatigue than if he rests for a while and follows behind. Frequent rests will always be made by the general in command or by brigadiers; but no subordinate officer must lengthen the column by halts for any cause. If a wagon or gnu stalls or any obstruction offers, details must be made promptly to remove by hand the obstruction, or the infantry must pass around, and leave the obstruction to be removed by the rear guard. II. As soon as a halt is made, the general, by himself or some of his staff will indicate to brigadiers their points and whether the camp should be in line or column in mass. Brigadiers will in like manner indicate to colonels the points for their regiments. If accident give one regiment good ground and others bad, colonels must not change on that or any account, for order and system alone give strength to an army, and must prevail over mere personal comfort and choice. III. The moment the ground for a halt or camp is selected colonels of regiments or commanders of detachments will at once see his guard established; his arms stacked, or arranged under shelter if need be; will cause the watering place to be marked and guarded, and indicate the place for sinkskwhere they cannot be offensive to his own command or that of another.~ The company daily detailed for pickets or guard will stand fast under arms, and be conducted to the brigade headquarters, and at once established under the direction of the brigade officer of the day, who in his turn will be governed by the order of the general officer of the day. This grand guard must be entirely independent of the inte- rior regimental guard, and is intended to cover the whole camp against the enemy from any and every quarter. Its importance cannot be over- estimated, and officers and soldiers must be made to feel that in a good grand guard the safety and comfort of all depends. If this guard be well posted, instructed, and vigilant, every man can sleep and rest well; but no soldier can have security in his camp or bed in an enemys country, such as we now occupy, if he feels that the sentinels are sitting down, careless, or asleep. IV. The general will personally direct the posting in camp of the artil- lery and cavalry, which must have the ground adapted to their service. They must guard their own camps and horses, but will not be called on for working details or grand guard, but on haltiug,for camp the chief of cavalry wi4il report inperson for instructions as to the cavalry pickets. Upon their intel1i~e?nc~ and vigilance much depends. They are no Page 270 270 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII posted to light, but for watching the approaches of an enemy at suffi- cient distance out to give early warning of danger. Generally they will keep under cover themselves at points where they have a long field, or road, or path ahead. The picket guard must always keep out vedettes, who must be either be in the saddle or standing to horse. They must never allow themselves to be surprised, night or day. The officer of picket must always, before resting, make a circuit about his station, so as to be well informed of all approaches, as well as roads and paths, leading back to camp, and must report to headquarters or nearest camp all suspicious acts or signs of an enemy. They must be careful, however, to give no unnecessary alarm, as quiet and rest are essential to the health and usefulness of an army. V. The moment the halt or camp is indicated to a battery of artillery the commander will come into battery, unlimber, guns pointed toward the enemy, horses unbridled or unharnessed as the case may require, guardsposted, and tarpaulins spread, the waterforhorses and menlooked to, and forage provided. Every opportunity at a halt during a march should be taken advantage of to cut grass, wheat, or oats, and extraor- dinary care taken of the horses, on which everything depends. The commander should at once study his ground, mark well the field of fire, and improve it by cutting away limbs and bushes or moving logs. There is no branch of service that calls for harder work and keener intelligence than the artillery, and no excuse will ever be re- ceived for the want of a proper degree of foresight in providing for all necessities and preparation at all times for battle. VI. But the grand guard is the most important feature of an army in the field. The instructions laid down in the Army ReguJations are minute, and must be carefully studied by all officers and explained to the men. The commanding general has frequently found sentinels negligent, sitting down, or even asleep, and has invariably been told by the sentinel he did not know any better; had never been told by his officer, & c. This will never do. Every sentinel must know that at least he should be well armed and wide awake, and the officers should not give the men an opportunity to plead ignorance. Each sentinel should have plain instructions when posted what he should do, espe- cially the points he is to watch the manner of the challenging at night, and the length of his turn of duty. Sergeants and corporals must be active, and must hasten to the sentinel when he calls, for if threatened no sentinel should leave his post; but the officer commanding the guard should alone judge when a sentinel is too much exposed. Senti- nels must be warned against spies, and citizens must not pass within or without our lines without special authority. Better prohibit all citizens from traveling than to allow an enemy to gather information by their spies, who will resort to all manner of cunning to penetrate our camps to judge of our strength and of our plans. When citizens approach our lines they should be politely but firmly told they must go home and stay there. If they have business or information for head- quarters, they should be passed there under guard. VII. As a rule all private property of citizens must be respected, but if forage or feed be needed, and the parties are unwilling to sell at fair prices, the division or brigade quartermaster and commissaries may take and account for as though purchased. They will give the owner a receipt for the amount taken, specifying on the face of it that the claim cannot be transferred, and payment will be made at the conven- ience of the Government on proof of loyalty. This order will be furnished each regiment and read at evenin Page 271 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 271 parade. Its contents will be carefully explained to all commanders sent off on working parties and detachments, and no excuse will ever be taken in case of surprise. Armed, equipped, and provided as this army is, we must at all hours and all times be prepared for battle or for any of the machinations of ~ shrewd and desperate enemy. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HUNTSVILLE, June 7, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: Your dispatch of this date received.* The enemy still occupies the railroad from Tuscumbia to Decatur. I have no force to drive him out, but supposed this would be done by General Buell; but am informed by him that his troops will not probably pass to the east of Bear Creek for seven or eight days. Am building boats and preparing the track for crossing. I wish you to interpose, if possible, and stay the execu- tion of the order about surplus officers. I have not a single brigade quartermaster in my entire division, and all our business will be thrown into confusion. Occupied with the enemy at every point. 0. M. MITCHEL. HUNTSVILLE, June 7, 1862. Col. J. B. FRY: I am ordered by General Halleck to push cars and locomotives across the river at Decatur. This cannot be done until the enemys troops are driven out. I know their cavalry still remain opposite Lambs Ferry and along the line of the railway. I wish it was possible to penetrate to Tuscumbia and Decatur. Have been compelled to send a large force to Chattanooga, to crush out promptly the scheme of the enemy to occupy the mountainous region of Tennessee bordering upon the river and the railroad. In my opinion a great struggle is to take place for the mastery of the railroad from Richmond south to Atlanta. 0. M. MITCHEL, .Miajor- General. HUNTSVILLE, June 7, 1862. Major-General BUELL: On Thursday General Negley succeeded in surprising the rebel Gen- eral Adams, and after a sharp fight routed and scattered the enemy in~ the wildest disorder, capturing commissary wagons, with supplies and ammunition. The column under Colonel Sill formed a junction with General Keg- leys column at Jasper. Adams cavalry fled 43 miles without stopping to Chattanooga. The enemy were crossing the river at Shell Mound with infantry and artillery. Adams cavalry turned them back. Our troops by this time are near Chattanooga, and I have given General Kegley authority to take the town in case he deems it prudent. * Not fofrnd Page 272 272 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL My new gunboat, the Tennessee, left Bellefonte at 3 oclock this p. in., and will arrive, I hope, in iime to take part in the fight, should there be one, at Chattanooga. I am making every possible effort to rescue the steamer Paint Rock, and hope to receive 600 prisoners at Chatta- iiooga. Have you any orders to give? 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General. Hon. B. M. STANTON: LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 7, 1862. Colonel Fry, of Major-General Buells staff, telegraphs from Boone- vile, Miss., that Morgan, with 800 cavalry, has started to Kentucky Since the evacuation of Corinth. He was in Corinth after his late raid in Kentucky. Lieutenant McKenna telegraphs from Somerset that 400 rebel cavalry encamped at mouth of Greasy Creek, on the Cumberland. Being without sufficient force to guard all points, I will endeavor to supply it with Home Guards until you order the forces from Ohio and Indiana. J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS, Louisville, June 7, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Captain McCullough, of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was at. tacked yesterday near Tompkinsville, Ky., by the rebel Hamilton, with 200 men. McCullough drove the enemy back with his single com- pany, but was himself killed and 3 men Wounded. Hamilton is re- ported killed. I have requested General Dumont to co-operate with me by sending a cavalry force up south side of Cumberland River to capture the marauders. I apprehend this is the beginning of trouble here. The rebel Morgan is on the Cumberland, and Bledsoe and other rebel chiefs have possession of Clinton County, and drove off the judge and prevented holding court. They are killing citizens and burning houses. I have ordered 500 of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Colonel Williams, to the Cumberland River to drive out the rebels. I hope you will authorize the raising of the cavalry regiment by Colonel Metcalf under the Military Board. Can I enlist and organize a com- pany or squadron of cavalry here to take the place of part of provost guard of Louisville? J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier-General. WASHINGTON, June 7,1862. Brigadier-General BOYLE, Louisville, Ky.: You are authorized to raise a regiment of cavalry, and also to enlist and organize one company of cavalry to serve as a provost guard in Louisville. EDWIN N. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 273 Ca.~. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 273 BOONEVILLE, June 8, 1862. General HALLEOK: It is impossible in our present position to gain reliable information in regard to the enemys movements and nothing of importance of any kind has been obtained since that which I telegraphed you on the 6th. Our cavalry find their pickets in about the same position. The proba- bility is that they are leaving Baldwyn. To ascertain the fact, I propose to advance abont five divisions to-morrow at least to near Twenty Mile Creek, by different roads, toward Baidwyn, driving the enemy out of Blackland. This may develop that they are so weak as to abandon the creek and Baldwyn on our approach, or else show us what stand is likely to be made there. At present we are some 14 miles from Twenty Mile Creek and 17 miles from Baldwyn, though of course our pickets are nearer. We shall suffer here both for the want of water and for its bad quality, and it will be but little better farther on. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, In Camp, June 8, 1862. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Commanding Army of the Mississippi: The purpose of the advance ordered for to-morrow is first to drive the enemy beyond Twenty Mile Creek and reconnoiter the creek, for the double purpose of ascertaining the condition of the crossings and the dispositions and force of the enemy preparatory to a final attack. The dispositions for this object have already been determined at our interview to-day, but it may be proper to recapitulate them more form- ally: Nelsons division will move from Richard Smiths through Blackland. Shermans will move on the road which runs south about 500 yards east of Smiths, past Bramlette Spring and Lindsays farm. Davies division will move on the same road to where it leaves the Booneville and Blackland road, and there be held in reserve. Crittenden will take position in reserve in front and to the right of Smiths, on the roads from Smiths to Blackland and from Smiths to Ripley. You will send two brigades of your force on the road from Boone- ville to Baldwyn, on the west side of the railroad; two divisions on the road between the same points on the east side of the railroad, one of them to be held in reserve where that road forks, some miles from Booneville, the other to move forward on the two forks. At least one regiment of cavalry will be thrown out on the Jacinto and Baldwyn road and the road between that and the main Booneville and Baldwyn road. The several columns will move at 5 oclock in the morning. The ad- vance columns will move with a strong force of skirmishers and take strong positions about a mile north of Twenty Mile Creek. The skir- mishers will then move forward with strong reserves, driving in the enemys advanced posts, if any are met, and hold the line of Twenty Mile Creek, and halt there till the proper reconnaissance is made and orders are given for subsequent movements. The corps not designated to advance will be held in readiness to move 18 R RYOL X, PT I Page 274 274 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL at a moments notice. The troops will be supplied with three days ra- tions in haversacks and will move with a suitable ammunition train, but without baggage. Five or more cavalrymen who know the roads will accompany each of the divisions as guides. You can communi- cate with me at the point where the road from Dick Smiths to Brain- lette Spring leaves the Booneville and Blackland road. You will of course report the detailed movements of your troops according to cir- cumstances, and inform me of anything that may affect the general object. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. C. BUELL Major-General, Comman~iing. NoTE.The retreat of the enemy, which was ascertained during the night when these orders were written, superseded the necessity of the movement. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI Booneville, June 8, 1862midnight. Major-General HALLECK: The battalion of cavalry I sent out toward Baldwyn this morning has just returned, having passed through that place and gone 3 miles farther south. The enemy has retreated and passed through Guntown last night. They have lost, by desertion of the Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkan- sas regiments, near 20,000 men since they left Corinth. All the regi- ments yet left from those States passed down, closely guarded on both sides by Mississippi and Alabama troops. It is believed by the people of the country that Beauregard cannot reach Columbus with more than half the forces which he brought away from Corinth. They represent the whole country east and north of Corinth to be filled with parties of soldiers returning to thefr homes in Tennessee and Kentucky. The regiment of cavalry I sent out at sunset will go as far as Gun- town. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. CORINTH, MISS., Jnne 8, 1802. Major-General BUELL: Sherman and iluribut are opening roads to communicate with you as early as possible. I approve of your advancing to attack the enemy; enough at least to develop his strength. But you must do so very cau- tiously, as the other divisions are engaged in repairing railroads and cannot be immediately made available. Fitchs regiment and one other are in Memphis, and a part of MeClernands division is believed to be in Jackson. Wallace holds Bolivar and has scouted to near Grand Junction. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General Page 275 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 HEADQUARTERS RESERVES, Maj. Gen. LEW. WALLACE, Camp Bethel, June 8, 1862. Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: Memphis being in our possession on one side, Bolivar On another, and Jackson on another, no obstacle is known to exist pre- venting us from taking possession of Somerville and the Memphis and Ohio Railroad at the nearest and most commanding point west of Som- erville. If you have or can provide adequate subsistence for such a force, push forward a detachment, at least your advance guard, to Somerville and the Memphis and Ohio Railroad. I will immediately order a party from Jackson to follow the railroad toward Bolivar until it meets yours going toward Jackson. Guard all railroad bridges within your reach. Communicate with me as often as may be useful. Yours, & c., JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. HUNTSVILLE, June 8, 1862. General BUELL: I have dispatches from General Kegley dated opposite Chattanooga. I am disposed to believe the enemy will make a stand and will doubt- less secure re-enforcements. Morgan is said to be in the town also Adams. I am of the opinion that every effort should be made to main- tain the position we now hold. If we fall back we open the door to pour in troops at the exact point they are already determined to use, and if we once commence to fall back it is difficult to determine when we can halt. I deem this a matter of the utmost importance, and most respectfully request the orders of yourself and General ilalleck. I am now rebuilding the bridge from Wartrace to Tullahoma. The road to Stevenson could be very soon opened, and in my opinion should be occupied with a powerful force. 0. M. MITCHEI1, Major- General. HUNTSVILLE, June 8, 1862. Generid BUELL: Colonel Lester telegraphs me that the enemy, 1,000 strong, have reached a point 8 miles south of McMinnville, and intends to attack Murfreesborough. Two regiments have been ordered to that place. I do not know that reliance ought to be placed on these reports. One thing is certain, that is the region which ought now to be strongly occupied 0. M. MITCHEL, Major-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON: SPRINGFIELD, ILL., June 8, 1862. 1 have just received the following dispatch: LOUISVILLE, June 7, 1862. Governor YATES: General Dumout telegraphs me that a large rebel force is at or west of the Cumbor- land Mountains~ marching to attack Nashville, and asking for re-enforcements. The Page 276 276 KY, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. cut off 75 of Colonel Lesters scouts this morning near Readyville. Can you not send a regiment or battalion, to be forwarded to Nashville, or to replace such as I may send? I have none to spare. If the Ohio is to be protected, let the line of defense be as far south as possible. J T. BOYLE Brigadier-General, Gomman~Zing. I can now spare a fine regiment at Chicago which you ordered to General Halleck. Please advise me immediately what you prefer me to do. RICHARD YATES, Governor. LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 8, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, ~eeretary ~f War: General Dumont telegraphed last night for re-enforcements. Says the enemy, in considerable force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, are on the west side of the mountains, and are marching on and intend to at- tack this place (Nashville); that they cut off 75 of Colonel Wynkoops [u?1 scouts near Readyville. He inquires if there are troops in Indiana and Ohio that could be brought forward. I telegraphed Governors Morton and Tod, and will send five companies to-day. I will order them to Bowling Green, within a few hours of Nashville by rail. I telegraphed General Buell at Booneville, Miss., on the subject. Will you direct the ordnance officer here to supply arms for cavalry on my order? J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., June 8, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have pretty reliable intelligence that a considerable body of the enemys infantry, cavalry, and artillery are on this side of the mount- ains, and meditate an attack on Mnrfreesborough and Nashville. I am informed by Colonel Lester, who is in command of a very small force at Murfreesboroughsay 300 infantry, 100 cavalry, and two pieces of artillerythat his mounted pickets were cut off this morning at Ready- vile, and that out of 75 but 7 have come in. This was probably done by the enemys advance guard. I am very weak at this placenot to exceed 1,200 effective men, 100 cavalry, and a battery, just organized; the men as yet wholly undrilled and incapable of using the guns effect- ively. Should the enemy prove pretty strong I fear that neither Gen- eral Mitchel nor General Buell can afford timely aid, owing to the dis- tance they must march before reaching railroad. I would think from what information I have that the enemy is quite strong in cavalry, and that of cavalry and infantry his strength may be 10,000. It is said that Governor Harris is at the head of these troops, and that the hope is that an uprising of the people may take place. I think the hope of this re- suit is really the object of the expedition. I am not at all frightened. Think it likely that the enemy may not be so strong, and at all event Page 277 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 277 hope to be able here and there to gather 4,000 or 5,000 troops and meet him; but if there are any troops that could be sent forward to this l)lace I shall be glad, and there should be no delay. Independent of the present emergency, troops have been greatly needed between the Tennessee and Cumberland. We have not had enough troops to punish marauders or to encourage the Union sentiment. Cavalry has been much needed, since much of the enemys cavalry has been sent to the north side of the Tennessee. I telegraph direct to you, as I fear the de- lay that might result from trying to reach General Buell, but I shall dispatch him al~o. E. DUMONT, Brigadier- ci eneral. WASHINGToN, June 8, 1862. General BOYLE, Loui8ville, Ky.: If you will specify what number of arms you require for cavalry the Ordnance Department will be directed to supply them immediately. By order made to-day the Department of the Mississippi is extended over the whole of the States of Kentucky and Tennessee, and officers com- manding in those States are directed to report to General Halleck for orders. Unless upon extraordinary emergency it is not within the scope of your power to call for troops from other States. EDWIN M. STANTON Secretary of ~War. WASHINGTON, June 8, 1862. Major-General HALLECK, Corinth, Miss.: We are changing one of the departmental lines, so as to give you all of Kentucky and Tennessee. In your movement upon Chattanooga I think it probable that you include some combination of the force near Cumberland Gap under General Morgan. Do you? A. LINCOLN. WASHINGTON, June 8, 1862-.--10 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, Corinth: Your dispatch of this date just received. You may authorize General Curtis to raise whatever troops in your opinion are required for the service. By order made to-day the whole of the States of Kentucky and Ten- nessee are placed in your command. There seems to be much alarm in the mind of General Dumont in regard to Nashville, and he has been calling through General Boyle, at Louisville, for troops from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, seriously interfering with the contemplated dispo- sition of the new recruits raising in those States. Can there be any occasion for this alarm? EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. * Relating to affairs in Missouri and Arkansas Page 278 278 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N ALA., AND SW. VA. [Ca~r. XXIL G~AL ORDERS, ~ ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, No. 62. Washington, June 8, 1862. I. The Department of the Mississippi is extended so as to include the whole of the States of Tennessee and Kentucky.* All officers on duty in those States will report to Major-General Halleek. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adji~tant. General. BOONEVILLE, June 9, 1862. Major.General RALLECK: Many of the prisoners of war desire to take the oath of allegiance and return home. Shall they be permitted to do so? The deserters who are and have been coming in in considerable numbers I have per. mitted to go on to Hamburg and find their way home as best they could. The prisoners of war who at first desired to be exchanged wish aJ~o now to take the oath. I dont know how you desire to treat such cases. I have just heard from Colonel Sheridan; he is in Baldwyn, with his regiment, and has pushed his advance toward Guntown. The enemy drive away and carry off everything for miles around; many families, even those the wealthiest, destitute and starving; nothing whatever has been left them. The cavalry I sent out passed many fine houses of persons in good circumstances where the women and children were cry- ing for food; everything had been taken; all the male members of the family carried and forced into the army. Many represent the enemy is suffering greatly for food. JNO. POPE, Major- General. CORINTH, Miss., June 9, 1862. Major-General POPE, Boonevil~: General Buell and his command has been ordered east. Select a good position, where good water may be procured for your troopssome- where between Corinth and Baldwynand report. I think Danville or IRienzi would be about the proper locality, if all other conditions can be satisfied. Our outposts should be established at Baldwyn, and perhaps a small advajice picket at Guntown. Give me your views. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CORINTH, Miss., June 9, 1862. Major-General SHERMAN, Chewalla: Yesterday~s movement to turn the etiemys rear at Guntown proved that the enemys main body had retreated south; the rear guard at * This added to Hallecks command so mnch of these States as lay east of a north and south line indefinitely drawn through Knoxville, Tenn.~ But see Halleck to Buell, p. 33; Johnson to Stanton, p. 38; Stantons reply, p. 57; and Stanton to Buell, pp. 59, 65 Page 279 Ciw. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 279 Baidwyn scattered. You will now make preparation to move forward your division to Grand Junction, on the State-line road. Huribut will follow. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CORINTH, Miss., June 9, 1862. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Chewalla: You will immediately move with your own and Hurlbuts divisions on the State-line road in the direction of Memphis. On reaching Grand Junction you will detach working parties to repair railroad toward Jackson and Memphis. A telegraph line via Jackson will be immedi- ately extended to Grand Junction. Send forward as soon as jossible to Memphis for supplies of all kinds. Great care must be taken to secure your working parties from attack, by placing a force south of the railroad, at some convenient and proper position. Until telegraph line is established report as often as possible by courier to Chewalla. Assure all country people that they will be permitted to take their cotton freely to market and that the ordinary channels of trade will be immediately reopened. The conduct of your expedition will require great caution and circum- spection. The reopening of the railroad from Grand Junction to Memphis is so important, that you will use all possible diligence with your working parties in making the repairs. Advices from ,Jackson to-day inform me that the trains are rapidly working their way from Jackson south toward Grand Junction. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. BOONEVILLE, June 9, 1862. General HALLEOK: As I informed you last night, I have countermanded the order for ad- vancing upon Baldwyn in force this morning, our cavalry having pene- trated 3 miles beyond that point, and understanding that you did not (lesign to continue a pursuit beyond there. I have received no written or detailed report from the cavalry force sent to Baidwyn. Shall com- municate it as soon as received. Everything seems to indicate that the enemy are steadily continuing their retreat, with no intention of doing more than retard the pursuit. I doubt if they will make a much longer stand at Okolona than here. Some of the information speaks of Co- lumbus. One informant, a negro, said they had sent cannon to Mem- phis, though he only spoke from hearsay. He also gave it as camp rumor that part of the force was going east into Alabama. Of course all this is indefinite and without any absolute reliability, but, in con- nection with other information which you may have, it may help you to form your conclusion. The loss of the enemy in the retreat has been undoubtedly very great,from disasters and sickness, & c. The deserters all estimate it at from 20,000 to 30,000. D. C. BUELL, Major- General Page 280 280 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO In Camp, June 9, 1862. Major-General POPE, Commanding Army of the Mississippi: In accordance with General Hallecks instructions, I have ordered Shermans, Nelsons, and Crittendens divisions back to different points on the Memphis and Charleston road, and directed Davies division to report to you again. One regiment of Davies division is at work on the Tuscumbia Bridge, Under the direction of an officer from Shermans division. The bridge ought to be finished day after to-morrow. Smiths First Ohio Cavalry, which belongs properly to Shermans division, is ordered to return with it. These are, I believe, all the points that affect your command. sha,ll start back early in the morning, leaving you independent again. I suppose our future movements will be determined upon in a few days. Very truly, D. C. BUELL Major- General, Comman~1ing. BOONEVILLE, June 9, 1862. Major-General HALLECK: I have just received dispatches, dated the 8th, from General Mitchel. I have given him frequent general instructions in regard to the use of the troops under his command; and I answered his dispatches on the 7th that he was in no sufficient force to advance on Chattanooga, and that if he could at first succeed in taking it, as he thought of doing, he would jeopardize the force sent there and expose Middle Tennessee. The dis- patches of yesterday are as follows: I have dispatches from General Negley, dated opposite Chattanooga. I am disposed to believe the enemy will make a stand and will doubtless receive re-enforcements. Morgan is said to be in the town; also Adams. I am of the opinion that every effort should be made to maintain the position we now hold. If we fall back we open the door topo~ in troops at the exact point they are already determined to use, and if we once commence to fall back it is difficult to determine when we can halt. I deem this a matter of the utmost importance, and most respectfully request the orders of yourself and GeDeral Halleck. I am now rebuilding the bridge from Wartrace to Tullahoxna. The road to Steven- son could very soon be opened, and in my opinion should be occupied with a power- ful force. Colonel Lester telegraphs that the enemy, 1,000 strong, has reached a point 5 miles south of McMinnville, and intends to attack Murfreesborough. Two regiments have been ordered to that place. I do not know what reliance ought to be placed on these reports; one thing is certain, that is the region that ought now to be strongly occupied. MITCHEL. D. C. BUELL, Major-General. CORINTH, Miss., June 9, 1862. Major-General BUELL: I think it useless to pursue the enemy any farther. Send another division toward Tuscumbia, to repair the railroad and drive out the enemy this side of Decatur. The Tennessee is falling so rapidly tha Page 281 OH~& r. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 281. it is doubtful whether steamers with the locomotives and cars can get up to Florence. It is therefore important that our connection with Mitchel be made with all possible dispatch, as your entire army will probably move west and the Engineer Regiment restored to your com- mand. I think you had better leave General Smith on that duty, if you deem him competent. I am only waiting for advices from Washington to order your movement. If you have any apprehension about the brigade of Wood push forward to Tuscumbia his entire division and replace it at Bear 6reek by another. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CORINTH, Miss., June 9, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Booneville: You will move Nelsons and Crittendens divisions in direction of De- catur on such roads as you may deem best. The Jacinto and luka road is here said to be the most direct and practical; but of that you can judge best. T. W. Shermans division will be sent here to replace McOooks, which you will also order east. You will leave the remainder of the force with General Pope and come to Corinth yourself; as I wish to~consult you on our future movements. Give such orders about sup- plies for your troops going east as you may deem proper. H. T~74T HALLECK, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Camp near Booneville, June 9, 1862. Brigadier-General CRITTENDEN, Commanding Fifth Division: General Buell directs that you move your division toward Decatur at 5 a. m. to-morrow, marching by way of Rienzi and Jacinto. Your supply train now on the way from Corinth should not come this side of Rienzi, and you had better advance an officer to that place to meet and stop it there or turn it off on to the Jacinto road at that point. If it has got this side of Rienzi let it turn back at once and move to Rieuzi, and stop at such a place on the route prescribed as you may deem best. A detail of men under an officer from each regiment should start back to your camp to-night to pack up and move with your camp equipage, they taking the road by Farmington, and so on to the east, passing near Burnsville, known as the old Alabama road. General Nelsons train will be moving over the same road, and General Woods division has passed over it. Report here in person as soon as you have given the necessary orders for the above. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of St4ff Page 282 282 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [Cn~~p. XXIL HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, In Camp, June 9, 1862. Brigadier.General NELSON, Commanding Fourth Division: General Buell directs that your division at once take up its line of march for Bear Creek, near the point where it is crossed by the Mem- phis and Charleston Railroad. You will move by way of Booneville, Jacinto, and Cartersville. Your camp equipage should be moved in the direction of Bear Creek, to join you at the point designated. Re. port in person for further instructions when your orders are given for the divi8ion to move. You must provide yourself with guides. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Camp, June 9, 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Commanding Division: General Buell directs me to say that the First Ohio Cavalry, Lieu. tenant-Colonel Smith commanding, is to accompany your division on its return to Corinth. You will therefore give the necessary orders. The general learns that no payment has been made to Mr. Ramsay, a citizen near here, as ordered by General Buell. A statement of your quartermaster in the case is herewith returned and payment ordered. It is also reported that the guard placed over Mr. Ramsays premises last night robbed him of poultry and committed other depredations instead of protecting him. You will have the matter investigated and properly disposed of. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of Staff. HUNTSVILLE, June 9, 1862. General BUELL: Owing to intelligence received from Colonel Lester I have very re- luctantly ordered the return of the forces under General Kegley. I deem this a most important step, for I am quite certain the enemy will follow. If supplies can be sent to Bainbridge Ferry, 7 miles above Florence, the distance to Florence is less than 40 miles, and the route far superior to any other. It is my duty to again repeat the opinion already expressed, that wo ought to occupy Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad with a powerful force, and if not done very soon the enemy will do it. 0. M. MITCHEL, Miajor- General. HUNTSVILLE, June 9, 1862. General HALLEOK: I have kept General Buell fully advised of my own movements and those of the enemy. Fearing my dispatches may not hare reached him Page 283 Cui~. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 283 I venture to address you direct. Having heard that the enemy was passing troops from Chattanooga across the Tennessee for the purpose of occupying Ja~sper, Winchester, and the mountains bordering on the river and railroad, I sent an expedition under General Kegley to arrest the movement of the enemy and drive them back, and this has been handsomely done, and General Negley on the 7th held a position op- posite Chattanooga, as well as Jasper and all the ferries, thus effect- ually shutting that door of entrance; but on yesterday I learned that a heavy force was threatening Murfreesborough and the adjacent posts. I am thus compelled to withdraw General Kegley and send him to re- enforce Colonel Lester. Since the fall of Corinth the enemy, being relieved from the necessity of concentrating all his strength at that point, will be at liberty to ad- vance through Cumberland Gap into Kentucky from Knoxville, across the mountains, into Nashville, and from Chattanooga into Northern Alabama. Pardon me if I have exceeded the limits of my duty. It is for me to report that my force is totally insufficient to do anything more than to guard the extensive region over which they are spread from hostile citizens and small bands of the enemy. I wait your orders with anxiety. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General. CORINTH, Miss., June 9, 1862. Maj. Gen. 0. N. MITCHEL, Huntsville: I have telegraphed to Secretary of War for permission for you to re- tain your present organization for the present. General Buell will immediately move one division ac~ross Bear Creek in the direction of Tuscumbia and another will soon follow. It is very doubtful whether we can get cars and locomotives up the Tennessee to Florence, and may be obliged to send them to Memphis. It is therefore of the greatest importance that some be crossed over at Decatur with all possible dispatch. We have two regiments in Memphis and more are following. The railroad has been opened to Jackson, and we hope soon-to reach Grand Junction. The enemy has been pursued 50 miles south toward Mobile, and is now probably in Okolona. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General. BEAR CREEK, June 9, 1862. Col. J. B. FRY: The order to send a brigade to Tuscumbia has rendered a change necessary in the plans I had previously made for protecting the work on the road. I have sent a regiment to Buzzards Roost Creek Bridge to encamp and furnish the requisite fatigue parties. A regiment will be sufficient for this purpose, and will be in supporting distance of the main force. I know not how imminent may be the danger General Mitchel is in, nor do I know the cause of great value of time in open- ing communication with him, but presume that he may be threatened with an attack by a superior force. I think it proper to state that I do not think support can be sent to him in time, if his danger is imminent Page 284 284 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXII. if the movements of the re-enforcements are delayed till communica- tion is open by rail. I will press the work as rapidly as possible, and by a judicious distribution of the working parties try to have as many bridges as possible being worked at the same time. Til. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General. LOUISVILLE, June 9, 1862. Captain MCLEAN, Chief of & aff: On the 29th of May, ultimo, I was ordered by the Secretary of War to take command of United States forces in Kentucky. I assumed com- mand by published order on 4th instant. To-day the Secretary of War telegraphs me that all of Kentucky is included in the Department of Mississippi, and I instructed to report to Major-General Halleck for orders. On 6th instant part of Morgans forces attacked a company of Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, killing 1 captain and 2 men. Colonel Williams reports to me that rebel Captain Hamilton was killed and several of his men wounded; this is not certain. The rebels fled. I have ordered six companies Ninth Pennsylvania, under Colonel Will- iams, to advance by way of Tompkinsville, where the enemy were on west side of Cumberland Mountains, in considerable force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, moving to attack Nashville, waiting for re-en- forcements. I had no force to send forward, deeming it absolutely necessary to protect Nashville. Secretary of War has ordered forward the Sixtieth Indiana. Major Cox reported to me this morning. I have ordered him, with 260 men, to Bowling Green. Colonel Owen with the body of regiment will be here to-morrow or next day. I will hold them in position to send to Nashville in case of emergency. I do not apprehend o~ny attack on Nashville. J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIFTH Div., ARMY OF THE TENN., No. 35. June 9, 1862. The Third Brigade, General Denver, will~move forward on the road to Pocahontas, and repair the bridge across Tuscumbia Creek, camping on the east side of the creek, but pushing a strong picket beyond to the high ground. The division of General Hnrlbut will move early to-morrow on the same road to the Big Hatchie and reconstruct the bridge across that Stream, repairing the road generally and making it passable to artil- lery. The division will leave its train on this side of Tuscumbia Creek until the Tuscumbia Bridge is passable. The brigades of Morgan L. Smith and McDowell will be prepared to move forward as soon as notice is received that the road is opened as far as Pocahontas. Officers and men must be cautious in their dealings with citizens. Nothing should be told them of the movements of troops or anything whatever of our plans or purposes. They must be suspected always, although if at home and minding their business they should be re- spected. If on the road they must be aDrested and held as prisoners. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 285 C~1AP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, E~C.UNION. 285 WASHINGTON, June 9, 1862. Major-General BUELL, Booneville: By general order of yesterdays date the Department of the Missis- sippi was extended over the whole of the States of Kentucky and Ten- nessee. This territory, I suppose, falls in your district of that depart- ment. It is the disposition of this Department to leave all military operations to the commanding general. At the urgent entreaties of the Kentucky delegation, who represented the State to be in danger, Gen- eral Boyle was authorized to raise forces in Kentucky and command them, under the impression that you were so remote and so fully occu- pied that you were unable to give attention to their condition. Much alarm and insecurity continues to be manifested in that State and also in Tennessee. General Boyle, on his own authority, has been ordering troops from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, for Nashville, at the instance, he says, of General Dumont. General Morgan has also been telegraph- ing daily about the greatly superior forces of. the enemy threatening him, although at his request he was also authorized to raise recruits. We have no knowledge of his strength. Under these circumstances I would be glad to hear from you your opinion of the actual state of affairs and the condition and strength of the forces in Kentucky and Tennessee. You are at liberty to intrust the command in both States to whomsoever you may deem best qualified to meet the present emer- gencies. The President is anxious to have speedily some definite in- formation from you on these subjects. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BOONEVILLE, Miss., June 9, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Your dispatch is received. There is undoubtedly abundant cause for prudent and prompt action, but none I think, for serious anxiety, now that the disposition of the enemy at Corinthfor it amounts to that, in one source or anotherleaves a large force available for opera- tions in Kentucky and Tennessee, where it is certainly very much needed. The necessity for concentrating a heavy force upon Corinth almost denuded Kentucky, and left barely a sufficient force for an active defensive position in Middle Tennessee, to suit the state of things at that time. The rebel authorities have taken advantage of this reduc- tiou of our forces in Tennesseefrom which they were not yet entirely expelledto increase their strength there, to threaten preparations, and that has given confidence and activity to the lawless and disloyal ele- ment in Kentucky. My disposition of the troops left in Tennessee had in view the defense of Nashville and Middle Tennessee against invasion by the way of Chattanooga and Stevenson or directly from East Ten- nessee, and finally active operations against the Memphis and Charles- ton Railroad between Decatur and Bridgeport,if circumstances favored it. The latter was very happily accomplished by General Mitchels activity and energy. Security against an attack from East Tennessee, and after that the expulsion of the rebels from Tennessee entirely, are now matters of very pressing importance. I hope General Mitchel will be able to effect the first until more troops can be thrown in. The sec- ond will require all the troops that came from there. The rebels hav Page 286 286 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CaAP. XXTL already a considerable force in East Tennessee, and information from various quarters indicates conclusively, I think, that they mean to aug. ment ii. The condition of things in Kentucky and Tennessee is not alarming, but it requires prompt attention. I think General Halleck is only waiting your instructions before sending the requisite force. General Mitchell, by advancing to Chattanooga without an attainable object, got some of his troops out of position for the security of Nash- ville, but he had already anticipated the instructions which I sent him in regard to it, and has recalled them. B. C. BUELL, Major-General. HEADQUARTERs ARMY OF THE Mississippi June~ 10, 1862. Major.General HALLECK: I received yesterday your dispatch concerning the selection of a camp for this command. Between Tuscumbia and Twenty Mile Creek there is no water except in wells, mostly artesian, and sluggish, muddy streams through the swamps, which a few days of dry weather and use will render utterly unfit for stock even. The water throughout this strip of land is bad and scarce. In view of the sanitary condition of this force, which already begins to have a very serious sick list, I would suggest an im- mediate return to the camp on the north side of Tuscumbia Creek or Clear Creek. This latter creek is a clear, running brook of excellent water, 25 or 30 feet wide, with many springs along the banks, and with no swamp land whatever in the neighborhood. It affords fine water to drink and abundance for bathing purposes. There is no such stream between Tuscumbia Creek and Guntown. The water of Tuscumbia Creek and Twenty Mile Creek is bad. They are both dull, sluggish streams of muddy water, in the midst of wide, tangled swamps. Unless there are some immediate objects with which this arrange- ment would interfere Creek. In case an ad am altogether in favor of moving back to Clear vance movement is to be made toward Columbus, the distance to be overcome is only 10 miles more than from Fort Rienzi, not material in such a movement. I would, therefore, respectfully suggest the following arrangement of this force: The main body to camp on Clear Creek; one brigade to occupy IRienzi; one battalion of cavalry to occupy Booneville, with pickets as far as the lower crossing of Twenty Mile Creek (Jacinto road); another battalion of cavalry at Blackland, with pickets at Bald- wyn, and one cavalry regiment at Jacinto. The whole of the approaches to Corinth would be thus covered from the direction of Columbus. Un- doubtedly the proper line of operations from that directioh toward Corinth is through Blackland, as you will see, I think, by inspecting the map. At IRienzi most of the roads concentrate. At the camp on Clear Creek the health of my command would greatly improve, and their in- structions could be carried on with hopes of success. Should these views meet your approval, you will please telegraph me at once, as I desire to commence the movement as soon as possible Page 287 CHAP. XXII. 1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~UNION. 287 Water is already beginning to be scarce, and our well-digging has not been successful. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major-General. BUELLS HEADQUARTERS, June 10, 1862. General HALLECK: The following from General Morgan from Lambdins, foot of Cumber- land Mountains: We have ififormation, derived from our scouts, that Big Creek Gap is evacuated. This information is confirmed by a deserter from General Stevenson, who also gives a rumor that Cumberland Gap is also evacuated. I am inclined to corroborate this rumor, inasmuch as the air was filled with smoke on yesterday for a circumference of 15 to 20 miles from Cuniberland Gap, which was probably caused by burning timber, in order to create a curtain of smoke behind which to retreat. However, I have sent~ reliable scouts to both of these points to ascertain the actual fact. If the enemy has retreated I shall march at once upon Knoxville and operate thence upen the rear of the enemy, who has probably gone toward Chattanooga. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brigadier-General. If this be true, whether the evacuation be temporary or permanent, it is probably the result of Mitchels appearance before Chattanooga with a force the strength of which was not known to the enemy. I have ordered Morgan to seize the Gap if evacuated. D. C. BUELL, Major- General. HUNTSVILLE, June 10, 1862. Major-General BUELL: I deemed it an important duty to drive the enemy back to Chatta- nooga. To do this we were obliged to advance to the ferry opposite that place. My troops rendezvous at Fayetteville, and so cautious was I that I ordered one division of these troops to march to Winchester by way of Tullahoma, to make it impossible for any considerable force of the enemy to escape us to the north of Winchester. I ordered scouts to be sent out from Murfreesborough, Wartrace, and Shelbyville, to be certain that no considerable force of the enemy was to the north of Winchester. I am certain that these troops, if they exist, never crossed the river at or near Chattanooga. I had already determined to occupy McMinn- ~riile, and to this end ordered the rebuilding of the bridges more than ten days ago. I have directed Colonel Lester, in case the troops are con- centrated under his command, to find a position the holding [of which] will protect Shelbyville, Wartrace, and Mufreesborough. From later intelligence I am led to believe that the large force re- ported does not exist; but, general, I deem it a matter of the utmost moment that a sufficient force shall promptly occupy the two avenues by which Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama may be invaded. Since the fall of Corinth we surely have forces sufficient. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major- General Page 288 288 KY, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CILu. x~xa Major-General BUELL: HUNTSVILLE~ June 10, 1862. Yours received. Will risk nothing as to Nashville. General Negley has driven the enemy from Chattanooga, though re-enforced by General Kirby Smith with seven or eight regiments. He could not cross the river, and is now on the march to McMinnville. General Dumont will advance probably from Murfreesborough in case any enemy is found to be really encamped as reported. Our boat to cross locomotives will be ready on Friday. There remains 34 miles of a gap in the railroad from Athens to Nash. ville. Our teams will hereafter haul that distance. 0. M. MITCHEL, Major-General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE Miss., No. 90. Corinth, Miss., June 10, 1862. I. The order dividing the army near Corinth into right wing, center, left wing, and reserve is hereby revoked. Major-Generals Grant, Buell, and Pope will resume the command of their separate army corps, except the division of Major-General Thomas, which till further orders wfll be stationed in Corinth as a part of the Army of the Tennessee. Gen- eral Thomas will resume the immediate command of his division on its arrival at Corinth, and Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman will report to Major. General Buell for duty with the Army of the Ohio. II. Commanding officers of army corps and of the reserve will im- mediately report to these headquarters the operations of their several corps from the time of leaving Pittsburg to the evacuation of Corinth and the termination of the pursuit of the enemy, stating the several actions in which their troops were engaged, their own loss and the probable loss of the enemy, the works erected, and roads construoted. Such detailed report is necessary to enable the commanding general to do justice to all concerned. By order of Major-General Halleck: J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH IREGDIENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS Shelbyville, Tenn., June 16 1862. Gen. JA~rES S. KEGLEY, Commanding Seventh Brigade: SIR: In compliance with orders I left Columbia with the larger por tion of theThirty-fifth Thdiana and four companies of the First Kentucky Cavalry under Captain Jenkins, in charge of subsistence train, at noon on the 27th day of May last. I arrived at Pulaski on the evening of the 28th of May; turned over to Colonel Munday part of subsistence train and one company of cavalry. On the morning of May 29 started for Rogersville, and arrived at IRogersville at noon, May 30; left Rogersville at noon, May 31, and arrived at Pulaski June 1. At Pulaski the cavalry under my command was ordered by Colonel Munday on the morning of June 2 to proceed to Columbia. In pursuance of orders received at Pulaski through Colonel Munday, I left Pulaski on the morning of June 2, provided with twelve day Page 289 CHAr. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 289 rations, which was carried by four brigade teams in addition to my regimental teams, and arrived at Fayetteville on the evening of June 3. In pursuance of orders received at Fayetteville by courier, I left Fayetteville on the morning of June 5 and arrived at Winchester at 9 oclock on the morning of June 6; went into camp on the river 1 mile east of Winchester. One brigade wagon was broken down near Elk River, 10 or 12 miles west of Winchester, on the evening of the 5th. On the 7th I sent a team- ster and four guards back for the wagon. After recovering the wagon they were attacked by a band of guerrillas, and the wagon and three of the guards were captured; the teamster and one guard escaped upon a mule. On the following day I sent out a detachment of 40 men, who traced up the wagon to where it had been burned, but who could ob- tain no intelligible information in regard to the prisoners. I appointed a provost-marshal and established a provost guard in the town of Winchester. My command, however, was greatly annoyed by guerrilla bands hovering about in the vicinity of that place, making it necessary for me to send heavy escorts with our foraging wagons. XVhile at Winchester 4 men belonging to the Fourth Ohio Cavalry ar- rived at my camp with dispatches for yourself and Colonel Turchin. They desired to return from Winchester to Fayetteville, but the squad of cavalry under my command being worn down by scouting duty, I di- rected the four couriers referred to to rest themselves and horses until the following morning and then proceed with dispatches to Chattanooga. They declared their purpose to go no farther, and on the following morn- ing started to Fayetteville, when I caused them to be arrested and held as prisoners. I mounted 4 of my own men on the horses of these pris- oners and sent them through with dispatches to Chattanooga. On the night of the 11th of June I received an order from General Mitchel directing me, if I deemed my command sufficiently strong, to proceed to Pelham and occupy a gap in the mountain east of that place, for the purpose of cutting oft the retreat of the enemy who might be driven in that direction by General Dumont, then marching towards McMinnville. Without knowing the strength of the enemy or the character of their arms I felt some hesitancy in taking the position designated with a command of but little over 350 men. I nevertheless marched to Pelham and took a position on the Jasper road at the base of the mountain, about 2~ miles east of Pelham. On our march nu- merous bands of guerrillas were seen in the distance. While in camp near Pelham small ~Ietachments of my command, sent out in different directions to examine the country and obtain information, encountered numerous small bands of the enemys cavalry, which were evidently the pickets of some regular force. Information received led to the conviction that a force of the enemys cavalry, about 1,600 strong, under the command of Colonel Starnes, were in the vicinity of Pelham, and that Colonel Starnes had with him, in addition to his cavalry, two pieces of artillery; from the description, they were probably iron four-pounder guns. On the eve~itiug of the 13th I received your order by courier, dated on the 11th near Manchester, directing me to proceed as quickly as possible to Shelbyville. I accord- ingly took up the line of march at 9 oclock on the evening of the 13th and arrived at Shelbyville at 2 oclock on the morning of the 15th. Some 2 or 3 of my men who straggled behind on the way have undoubtedly been taken prisoners. One of the couriers heretofore referred to belong- ing to the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, who had straggled behind, was taken 19 R UVOL X, PT I Page 290 290 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. prisoner near Tullahoma. He arrived in camp yesterday with a regu- lar parole signed by a captain commanding a detachment of Colonel Starnes command. Information received at Tullahoma and from this prisoner convinces me that a detachment of several hundred of the enemys cavalry were in the vicinity of Tullahoma when my command passed that place. I have now in my charge several prisoners and several horses cap- tured in the vicinity of Pelham, as well as 4 men belonging to the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, who are held by me as prisoners, together with three of the horses and arms and accouterments belonging to those men. One of the horses and the accouterments belonging to one of the men were eaptured by the enemy. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. WALKER, Colonel Thirty-fifth Indiana. WASHINGTON, July 19, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON, 8ecretary of War: SIR: In my note of July 18 I made a distinct denial of the charges made against me before the Military Committee of having failed to do my duty in repressing pillaging and pluDdering by the troops under my command. I now desire to lay before you positive evidence of having done my duty in this particular in the most earnest and energetic manner. First. I send you copies of the orders issued by me against all irregu- larities of every kind.* Second. The record will show that, notwithstanding the fact that my troops were perpetually in motion and almost daily engaged in repel- ling the attacks of the enemy, I managed to keep a division court- martial in session during the whole time that I had command in Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama; and that offenders, wherever they could be found, were brought before the court, tried, convicted, sen- tenced, and punished. Third. In the special cases of the excesses committed by the soldiers of the Eighth Brigade on the recapture of Athens, I visited the town, addressed the citizens, induced them to organize a committee to hear all complaints, and then ordered that the brigade commanders should oause every soldier under his command to be searched and every officer to state in writing upon honor that he had not in his possession any property said to have been pillaged. The committee of citizens finally reported to me, but in this report no charge was made against any particular officer or soldier, and th~ committee simply presented the bills against the Government of the United States of 45 individuals, who claimed to have suffered damage at the hands of the soldiers of the Eighth Brigade. 1 send you a copy (marked A) of my letter addressed to the committee. t Touching the outrage said to have been committed upon a negro girl in the presence of her mistress, I went myself and saw the mis- * See also Mitchel to Stanton, May 19, 1862, p. 204; copy of which was one of the inclosures to this letter. t See under date of May 24, p. 212 Page 291 CHAP. Xxii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LTNION. 291 tress; heard her own statement; assured her if the perpetrators could be found they should be punished; assembled all the officers of the brigade; addressed them in the sternest language I could employ, denouncing these outrages as disgraceful to humanity, and then or- dered the specific search above alluded to. That search was made; not an article was found upon any soldier. The reports were signed by the officers, and they were placed by me in the hands of General Buell. it was impossible to arrest any officer or soldier against whom no specific charge could be made. But I never relaxed my efforts to learn the facts and to ferret out the guilty ones who were engaged in these terrible excesses. Not that ii had any special sympathy with the citizens, for I believed they had led the enemy to the attack upon Athens, and when my troops were driven from town they were cursed, hooted, and spit upon. Two of their comrades on the day before were burned alive. One of these, caught between the tender and the engine when the train was destroyed at Limestone Creek Bridge, was actu- ally roasted alive, in the presence of barbarians, who swore they would kill the negroes who offered to cut away and rescue the unfortunate man. The orders against pillaging and plundering, which I send you in the order of their date, I deemed it my duty to issue and to enforce, in order to preserve the discipline of my troops and to protect the inno- cent and the helpless. These orders will show what earnest and continuous efforts were made to accomplish this object. I now ask your attention to the second charge. I am accused of speculating in cotton and of using the Government train for my pri- vate purposes. I send you copies of communications addressed to yourself, to Secretary Chase, and to General Buell, announcing my plan with reference to opening the trade in cotton, and all these com- munications are dated prior to the selling of a single bale. Here are the facts set forth in these very communications. I had more than a hundred miles of railway to protect; this was impossible without running my train. This could not be done without money. I begged you for money, and none could be immediately furnished. I had captured a fort built of cotton bales, driving the enemy before us, and preserving this very cotton from destruction by fire already kindled. With these cotton bales I built a bridge more than 300 feet long. Over this bridge I passed my infantry, artillery, and cavalry, and with this force captured Bridgeport. These same cotton bales were taken from the water and were sold for more than $20,000; every cent of which went into the Treasury of the United States and has been accounted for by my quartermaster. But to make this sale I must furnish transportation to the buyer. I had reported this fact to your- self and the Secretary of the Treasury. My quartermaster was directed to consult with judicious citizens, and to charge for the cotton and its transportation to market at fair prices. This cotton was sold to a per- fect stranger to me, a gentleman named Clark, who was first to reach the market. Failing to induce buyers to come to Huntsville, I had urged Mr. W. B. Hook, of New York, my son-in-law, to lay this mat. ter before his friends, and to assure them that I would do everything in my power to aid them in case they would make the venture. He succeeded in inducing two persons to join him, and they reached Nashville; but unfortunately, on the 1st of May, one of these persons was captured at Pulaski by the guerrilla chief Col. John II. Morgan. He was finally released, and having witnessed the burning of cotto Page 292 292 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIt on the road to market, he was satisfied that the cotton trade was too hazardous, and returned to New York. Thus you will perceive that all the cotton I had captured was sold to persons of whom I had no knowledge previously, and Mr. Hook never reached Huntsville, to carry out his original intention, for six weeks after these transactions, and when the market was already crowded with buyers. I afi~rm in the most solemn manner that I never derived, directly or indirectly, one particle of personal pecuniary advantage from any of the transactions in cotton. I trust that my former character is a sufficient guarantee to yourself and my countrymen that I am perfectly incapable of doing anything to the injury of the Government and to my private advantage. The positions in which I have beeii placed and the duties which have devolved upon me as a commanding officer have been responsible and ardnons, but never for a moment have I halted or hesitated. I have done my very utmost to discharge my duties faithfully and hon- estly, and it is with prond satisfaction that I now declare that since I have been in the service of the United States my head has never rested at night upon my pillow with one solitary particle of the days duty unperformed. Each day brought its new duties and responsibilities but no fragments of those of the former day remained to be gathered up. I have assurances that I have heretofore enjoyed the confidence of yourself, of the President, and of my countrymen. I am guiltless of anything which should in the smallest degree diminish that confidence, and here I rest my case. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, 0. M. MITCHEL, Major-General, U. S. Army. [Inclosure No. 1.] GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS THIRD DrVISION, No. 81. f Camp Andrew Jackson, March 15, 1862. All plundering or pillaging or depredation upon property of any kind is strictly prohibited. To secure as perfectly as possible the execution of this order, the brigade commanders will order their regimental commanders to hold their company officers responsible for the conduct of their men at all times. To this end each company officer will take charge of a certain num- ber of men, whose names will be furnished him th divided among the captain and his lieutenants. , e company to be In case improper conduct is charged upon soldiers, the commissioned officers under whose care they are placed will be held equally respon- sible with th~ men, and must show that he used all diligence to restrain his men, or he will be held subject to arrest and trial. Brigade commanders will report that copies have been furnished to the company officers through the regimental commanders and that the organization is complete. By order of Brig. Gen. 0. M. Mitchel, commanding: W. P. PRENTICE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 293 CH~. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 293 [Inclo8ure No. 2.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, No. 85. Camp Van Buren, March 23, 1862. Any officer or soldier of the Third Division found engaged in any depredations, or in robbing of private property, or in any infringement of the laws, will be handed over to the civil authorities of the neigh- borhood in which the offense is perpetrated, to be detained and dealt witb by them according to their laws. By order of Brig. Gen. 0. M. Mitchel, commanding:. W. P. PRENTICE, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville, April 30, 1862. Hon. SALMON P. CHASE, Secretary of Treasury: SIR: Acting under orders from General Buell to encourage the trade in cotton, I have induced buyers from New York to come to the South, one of whom is W. B. Hook, my son-in-law. I think there will be sent from this region, if my course meets your approbation, from 5,000 to 10,000 bales, as rapidly as transportation can be furnished. I expect to send the cotton by train of cars to Elk River on the Decatur road, to haul it thence to Columbia by division train, returning there regularly for supplies, to be sent by rail thence by Nashville. I trust this will meet the approbation of the Government. [Inolosuro No. 4.] Extract from dispatch to General Buell, May 2, 1862. I hope thus to command this entire region of country, and to open up, as you have requested, the cotton trade. [Inclosure No. 5.] Extract from dispatch to Secretary of War. MAY 7, 1862. Cotton buyers are in the market, and I have agreed to transport their cotton by rail and wagon, charging for the Government the usual prices, using the empty supply train on its return. I trust this will meet the approbation of the Governme~. [Inclosure No. 6.] Extract from dispatch to Secretary of War. MAY 13, 1862. Have sold 270 bales of cotton captured, and which is now going for- ward to market Page 294 294 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. [Inclosure No. 7.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISIoN, Huntsville, Ala., May 3, 1862. l9lxtraet of orders to Cot. J. B. Turehin. The utmost vigilance is required, and anything less than prudent foresight, rigid discipline, perfect order, and thorough soldiership will end in disaster.. All public property captured must be placed at once in the hands of the quartermaster. * * * * * * * I send you copies of printed orders, and my card to the citizens, dated May 2. No violence will be permitted nor property destroyed until the facts are reported to me and the destruction is ordered under my own hand. You will please scatter these papers as you have opportunity. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier- General. [Inclosure No. 8.] Iketract of orders to (Jot. J. B. fPurchin, dated May 5, 1862. Your regimental and brigade reports must be sent to headquarters regularly, and rigid discipline must be enforced among your troops. You have the printed orders under which we are now acting, and you will be held responsible, together with your officers, for their execution. I am not satisfied with the movements of the Eighteenth Ohio, and you will please report to me the facts at your earliest convenience. You will also direct Colonel Stanley to make to you an official report. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure No. 9.] lLrtract of orders to (Jot. J. B. Turehin, dated May 7, 1862. Again I say, be vigilant and repress pillaging. Shave the heads of the offenders, brand them thieves, and drive them out of camp. 0. M. MITCHEL, Brigadier-General. [Inoloenre No. 10.3 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Huntsville, May 16, 1862. Col. J. B. TURCHIN, Commanding Eighth Brigade: COLONEL: You will please report whether any, and, if any, what, excesses and depredations on private property were committed by the troops under your command in Athens and the vicinity after the late expalsion of the enemy from that region. 0. N. MITCHEI1, Brigadier-General Page 295 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 295 Llnelosure No. 11.] Extract of order to Col. J. B. Turchin, dated May 20, 1862. I wish the troops that are quartered in town to be removed as early as possible. No private dwellings must be occupied by troops. * * * The examination of soldiers baggage ordered on yesterday must bo thorough and rapid. I trust a fall report will reach me on to-morrow. * * * 0. N. MITCHEL, Major- GeneraL [Inclosure No. 12.] Extract from order to Colonel Lytle, dated May 20, 1862. See that your men do not pillage and plunder. They shall not steal horses or mules or enter private houses on any pretense whatever. I would prefer to hear that you had fought a battle and been defeated in a fair fight than to learn that your soldiers have degenerated into robbers and plunderers. ~. N. MITCHEL, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 13.] HUNTSVILLE, May 24, 1862. Colonel TURCHIN: I do not desire the search of your commissioned officers, but each in his report will make explicit declaration that no property plundered from the citizens is in his possession. I desire this for the sake of the officers themselves. I will send you by the train in the morning the items reported to me by the committee as having been taken or destroyed by the troops un- der your command. 0. N. MITCHEL, Major- General. HDQRS. SIGNAL CORPS, DISTRICT OF THE OHIO, April 24, 1862. SAMUEL T. CUSHING, First Lieutenant, Acting Signal Officer: SIR: I have the honor to report the state of the Signal Corps for the week ending to-day. The officers accompanying the Fourth Division (General Nelson) have sent to these headquarters a report, from which I make the following abstract: We arrived at the scene of battle (Pittsburg Landing) on Sunday, the 6th instant, while the fight wa~ raging fiercely, with the day to all appearances against the Union forces. We were an hour in advance of our column, and General Nelson, wishing to communicate with General Buell, I immediately crossed the river with Lieutenant Hart and our flag-man, leaving Lieutenants Butler and Leonard at the first station. I established * Received too late for insertion in proper sequence Page 296 296 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [OtiAp. XXII. my station, and in a few minutes General Nelson and General Buell were commnnicating with each other. We kept our stations working from abont 4 oclock on Sunday evening until Monday morning, when we were or(lered to report on the field for dnty. We were sooii on the field with General Nelson, but owing to the fight being entirely in the woods and the woods being very thick, it was impossible for us to operate to any advantage. We remained on the field during the entire engagement, until our forces were completely victorious and the rebel foe was routed. This communication was signed Joseph ilinson. Of the officers with the Third Division (General Mitchels), from another report I send the following: I received orders from Colonel Mihalotzy, of the Twenty-fortrth illinois, to report myself to my regi- ment, for company duty. The same order was issued to my men. Having been detailed for signal duty by the highest authority in the department, and being anxious to render the corps serviceable as such, I objected to doing any other duty than that for which I had been detailed. I therefore repaired to General Miteliel, and was by him informel that a battle was expected by break of day; that he would have no use for us as signal officers, and that we might join our respective companies if we wished to be of service in the expected battle. The officers of the corps then reported themselves to their regi- ments for company duty until the close of the fight, if any should occur, and acted as company officers on the march o and until a few honrs after our arrival at Huntsville. No horses have been supplied to us; no notice is taken of us in any degrec, an(l the officers all feel as if the corps was being but little valued by the division and brigade commanders.E. F. C. Klokke Lieutenant Galbraith, of the Second Division (General McCooks), reports that Lieut. William A. Sutherland, of the Nineteenth Ohio Vol- unteers, reported to him for instructions in signal duty, saying he was ordered by General Buell to do so. Not wishing to act upon his own responsibility in such a case, he wrote to me for instructions. I replied if an order from General Buell was produced, to instruct him at such times as would not interfere with his duty on the field. Private L. 0. Blanding, of the Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves, when absent from camp without leave and while endeavoriiig to elude the provost-guard, was shot through the head and died two days after- ward, on the 17th instant, in hospital, at Nashville. Steps have been taken to carry out the articles of the regulations referring to such cases. Private Charles Bliss, Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, has been discharged from the service on account of disability, caused by rheumatism in the left elbow joint, which renders his arm entirely useless. Horses were purchased for us on an order issued by General Buell, and were already on the cars to be shipped here when an or(ler from general headquarters was received to send them to Pittsburg Landing, to supply the place of horses lost in the recent engagement in that vicinity. We are informed that they will be replaced soon. Yours, respectfully, JESSE MERRILL, First l2ieut., Acting iSignal Officer, District of the Ohio Page 297 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 297 CONII~EDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HUNTSVILLE, March 5, 1862. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN: Just arrived and received dispatch. My report was delayed to ob- tain official reports of Generals Floyd and Pillow. All were sent on by Colonel Liddell on 28th February, informing you of the condition of my command and my plans. The forces are en route and in good order. The column is marching toward Decatur and Corinth. The advance will reach Decatur in three days. General Floyd sent to Chattanooga with 2,500 troops. Cleburnes brigade and two regi. meuts and battalion of cavalry left at Shelbyville to forward pork under General Hardee and theu to rejoin main body. A. S. JOHNSTON.~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPJ, Jackson, Ienn., March 5, 1862. SOLDIERS: I assume this day the command of the Army of the Mississippi, for the defense of our homes and liberties, and to resist the subjugation, spoliation, and dishonor of our people. Our mothers and wives, our sisters and children, expect us to do our duty even to the sacrifice of our lives. Our losses since the commencement of this war in killed, wounded, and prisoners are now about the same as those of the enemy. He must be made to atone for the reverses we have lately experi- enced. Those reverses, far from disheartening, must nerve us to new deeds of valor and patriotism, and should inspire us with unconquer- able demerinination to drive back our invaders. Should any one in this army be unequal to the task before us, let him transfer his arms and equipments at once to braver, firmer hands, and return to his home. Our cause is as just and sacred as ever animated men to take up arms, and if we are true to it and to ourselves, with the continued pro- tection of the Almighty, we must and shall triumph. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. 2D GRAND Div., ARMY OF MISS., No.2. Jackson, Tenn, March 5, 1862. 1. All troops coming within limits of this (livision from Louisiana and Mississippi will rendezvous at Grand Junction, Teun., and those from Alabama at Corinth, Miss., and the new levies from Tennessee will rendezvous at Henderson and Bethel Stations, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. 2. Leas and Browders regiments Tennessee Volunteers and strag- glers and unattached men will proceed from Henderson Station to Corinth, and report to Brigadier-General Ruggles. The Seventh Regi- ment Mississippi Volunteers will proceed from J ackson to Henderson. 3. Chiefs of staft~ will see that the necessary supplies and transporta- tion are furnished to effect these movements. 4. Railroads within the limits of this command, being absolutely necessary for military purposes at this time, are, to the extent neces- sary, placed under the control of the Quartermasters Department. T Page 298 298 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAr. XXIL suppress disorders arrest all persons traveling without proper authority, and prevent undue interference by unauthorized persons on the Mem- phis and Charleston and Mobile and Ohio Railroads. Brigadier- General Ruggles will make the necessary details from his command to send a guard of one commissioned officer and five men with each pas- senger train on these roads. 5. The sale or supplying in any manner of intoxicating liquors within 5 miles of any station occupied by troops or within 1 mile of any public highway used for military purposes, except for medicinal purposes, on the written prescription of a regular physician, is prohibited. All grog- shops and drinking saloons within such limits will be closed and the supplies packed, subject to military inspection. Any violation of this order will be followed by prompt arrest of the offender and destruction of all his stores of liquor. 6. Martial law is declared at the city of Memphis. A firm and dis- creet officer, of proper qualifications, will be detailed by Brigadier- General Ruggles to assume the duties of provost-marshal at that place, who will publish his orders and call on the commanding officer at thaI city for the necessary guards to enforce them. 7. The prisoners of war at Memphis will be transferred to Mobile, under a guard of 50 men, to be detailed by Brigadier-General Ituggles from his command at Corinth. The commanding officer at Mobile will forward them, under a proper guard, to Tuscaloosa, Ala., for confine. ment. By command of Major-General Bragg: II. W. WALTER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, Cumberland Gap, Teun., March 5, 1862. General S. CooPER, Richmond, Va.: SIR: There are at this post several regiments whose term of service will expire in from one to two months. Those of them who re-enlist will do so only on condition of being granted the furlough allowed by law. Those who refuse to re-enlist will demand their discharge. I have thought it proper, to secure the continued services of these several commands (all of which are well driiled and efficient), to prom- ise those who re-enlist the furlough at the expiration of their present term of service. The fulfillment of this promise and the discharge of those who do not re-enlist will leave the post undefended, and necessitate the sending here of other troops: I doubt not that reserves can be sent forward from Knoxville and elsewhere as fast as they may be needed. I wish, in view of these facts herein stated, respectfully to ask several questions. 1st. iDoes it meet the approval of the Department that I should grant to all who re-enlist the furlough upon their re-enlistment at the expira- tion of their present term of service, provided that fresh troops can be brought forward to supply their place? 2d. Should the re-enlisted men who are sent home on furlough carry their arms and accouterments with them or surrender them to me? 3d. What shall be done with the arms of those who are (lischarged here? Will they deliver their arms to me; and, if so, shall I hold the Page 299 CIikr. XXIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 299 subject to the orders of the Department, or shall I arm with them such unarmed corps as may be sent forward to supply the place of those dis- charged? Respectfully,. JAMES E. RAINS, Colonel, Coemmanding Post. RICHMOND, VA., March 6, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON: Send to me frequently information of your condition and purposes. The official reports in relation to the fall of Fort Donelson and conse- quent events are much wanted. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, TENN., March 6, 1862. Brig. Gen. DANIEL RUGGLES, Commanding at Corinth, Miss.: DEAR GENERAL: I received through Colonel Olivier your letter of the 4th instant, inclosing report of the gallant repulse of the enemys troops and gunboats at Pittsburg by a part of Colonel Moutons regi- ment, the Eighteenth Louisiana. You will please express to him my thanks at this brilliant success on his first encounter with the enemy. I hope it is only the forerunner of still more gallant deeds on the part of his regiment. Being still unwell, I have requested General Bragg to furnish you with all necessary instructions. I remain, yours, respectfully, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. FIDQRS. SECOND GRAND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE MIss., Jackson, Tenn., March 6, 1862. General DANIEL RUGGLES, Oommanding, & c., Corinth, Miss.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 4th instant, with inclosures, has been referred to Major-General Bragg. I am directed by the gen- eral commanding to say that the instructions to withdraw Clantons [First Alabama Cavalry] regiment are so modified as to allow you full discretion as to what forces you will keep on the east of the Tennessee River, with a suggestion that provision be made to avoid its being cut off by a sudden move of the enemy. Keep this force actively employed in scouting the country, collecting supplies of all kinds, forage, provis- ions, means of transportation, & c., and require them to communicate frequently. Colonel Clanton is gallant to rashness, and may require some little advice as to caution. Wherever there is evidence of dis- loyalty, either in words or deeds, the parties should be arrested and brought to the rear. Your command will soon amount to 15,000 men, and you should be making every provision possible ftr their support. The First Alabama Volunteers [Infantry, Lieut. Col. 1. G. W. Steedman; the Second, Major OBannon, and [Twenty-first], Colonel Crawfords, will go for Page 300 300 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [Cw~r. XXII. ward as soon as posible to Fort Pillow. Also the heavy shell guns, with ammunition, implements, & c. The general directs me to forward you confidentially the inclosed notes of reference.~~* I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. JACKSON, TENN., March 6, 1862. General DANIEL RUGGLES: Give General Gladden command of troops from Mobile and Pensacola for the present. Prepare 15,000 men at Corinth. BRAXTON BRAGG. JACKSON, TENN., March 6, 1862. General RUGGLES: M~ DEAR ~GENERAL: From information we have it is probable we shall soon have a heavy column of the enemy upon your flank by way of the Tennessee River. I desire you then to prepare everything for active field service at the earliest moment. All unnecessary baggage is to be sent to Columbus, Miss., or Gre- nada, Miss., an agent of the Quartermasters Department being selected at each point to take charge. Take railroad depots wherever necessary for storage. The sick to be sent, as soon as my medical [officer] can be ready, to Oxford and Okolona, Miss.; 100 rounds of ammunition br infantry and cavalry to be in the hands of regimental commanders as soon as possi- ble; 200 rounds per gun to light artillery. Divide yonr command, including the regiment here, Fourth Louisiana~ and the Seventh Mississippi at Henderson, and Chalmers, into bri- gades, under the senior colonels, say, of 2,500 to 3,000 armed men to each. This to be the First Division, under your immediate command. Glad- dens command to be divided in the same way, and be called the Sec- ond 1)ivision. I hope before long to be with you and take the whole. Attach a light battery, if possible, to each brigade, and divide the cavalry between the divisions, say Clantons regiment to your divis- ion and the companies from Mobile to Gladdens. Your name has gone on with the strong indorsement of all your friends, and especially General Beauregard and myself, for major-general. I inclose you a copy of our notes of reference, * by which you will see the programme. The organization I wish you to make is only temporary, for the im- pending danger. In haste, yours, truly, BIRAXTON BRAGG. GENERAL OI~DERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE Mississippi, No. 1. f Jackson, Teun., March 6, 1862. I. Maj. Gen. L. Polk will assume command of all the troops of this army north of Jackson, Teun., and along the Mississippi River north * Not found Page 301 CHAP. XXII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 301 of Memphis. Commanders of posts, regiments, detached companies and battalions, and of brigades will report to him accordingly. II. Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg will assume command of all the troops of this army south of Major-General Polks command. He will at the same time retain the command of his department. III. Until further orders Major-General Bragg will issue all orders from these headquarters for the movement of troops in Western Ten- nessee. By command of General Beauregard: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. 2D GRAND Div., ARMY OF Miss., No. 3. Jackson, Tenn., March 6, 1862. Immediate arrangements will be made by the several commanders and the chiefs of the staff departments in this grand division of the army to carry out the following dispositions, viz: 1. The proper staff officers will take immediate steps to establish grand depots at Columbus and Grenada, Miss., for all supplies per- taining to their respective departments. Subsistence and forage in Western Tennessee will be collected as rapidly as possible and sent to these depots, supplies of which will be kept on hand: At Jackson, for 900 infantry and 400 cavalry about three weeks; at Corinth, for 13,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry about four weeks; at Henderson, for 800 infantry and 200 cavalry about two weeks; at luka, for 2,000 infantry and 500 cavalry about two weeks; at Grand Junction, for 10,000 in- fantry and 1,000 cavalry about four weeks. 2. The following amount of ammunition will be distributed, viz, 100 rounds per man for infantry and cavalry with each regiment; 200 rounds per piece with each company of light artillery. The necessary amount in the same ratio for an army of 15,000 men to be held in a tem- porary depot at Grand Junction ready for distribution at a moments notice. 3. The troops will be prepared immediately for active operations in the field; their baggage to be reduced to a minimum and all supplies and heavy baggage sent to the main depots at Columbus and Grenada, Miss. Soldiers will be limited to their knapsacks and officers to small valises or carpet-bags. 4. Land transportation, not to exceed eleven wagons, will be allowed to each regiment, if practicable. 5. Rear guards must, as they retire, destroy bridges behind them, espe- cially on ordinary roads; they must also obstruct roads by felling trees and breaking up causeways, and for this purpose must be provided with axes. 6. Each fort and light battery must be provided forthwith with an ample supply of rat-tail files. By command of Major-General Bragg: GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Not found Page 302 302 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CRAP. XXII. President DAvis~ HUNTSVILLE, March 7, 1862. Your dispatch is just received. Colonel Liddell [went] to iRiclimond on 28th ultimo, with the official reports of Generals Floyd and Pillow of the events at Donelson, and suppose that he must have arrived by this time. I also sent by him a dispatch containing my purpose for defense of the valley of the Mississippi and for co-operating or uniting with General Beauregard, who has been urging me to come on. The stores accumulated at Mnrfreesborough, the pork and provisions at Shelbyville and other points, and their necessary protection and re- moval, with the bad roads and inclement weather, have made the march slow and laborious and delayed my movements. The general condition of the troops is good and effective, though their health is impaired by the usual camp disease and winter campaign. The fall of Donelson disheartened some of the Tennessee troops and caused many desertions from some of the new regiments, so that great care was required to inspire confidence. I now consider the tone of the troops restored and that they are in good order. The enemy are about 25,000 strong at Nashville, with re-enforcements arriving. My rear guard, under General flardee, is protecting the removal of pro- visions from Shelbyville. Last evening his pickets were near Murfrees- borough, but gave no information of an advance by the enemy. There are no indications of immediate movement by the enemy from Nash- ville. I have no fears of a movement through Tennessee on Chatta- nooga. West Tennessee is menaced by heavy forces. My advance will be opposite Decatur on sunday. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army. UNION CITY, March 7, 1862. General POLK: The following dispatch received: To Colonel PICKETT, Commanding Union City: There is about 200 of the Federals cavalry at the Obion Creek Bridge. The citizens of Clinton were looking for them to take the town to.night; about 250 of them left Columbus yesterday, and marched down the river in the direction of mouth of Obion Creek, and they had not returned at 12 oclock to-day. A large force of their cavalry wcre in Baltimore last night. The bridges between here and Coluxn-~ bus are destroyed, and we cannot scout in that direction. Our forage is out, and Major Hill can explain to you our situation generally, which I consider- very exposed. I can get as much information by scouting from Union City as from hcre. T. H. LOGWOOD, Lieutenant.Colonel, Commanding. ED. PJCKETT, JR. Colonel, (Jommanding. PARIS March Major GEORGE WILLIAMSON, , 7, 18629 p. m. Aseistant Adjutant-General: Scouts just in from the Tennessee River report large bodies of the enemy at Fort Henry, Angelo, month of Sandy, and Paris Landing. Mauy transport boats lying at each of those places. The number o Page 303 Cnii~. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 303 boats at Paris Landing is fourteen, and a larger number at the other landings. Three boats loaded with troops passed mouth of Sandy up- ward bound this morning; the others loading and preparing to leave. Later.Citizens in this afternoon from Canton, on Cumberland River, report large bodies of troops having passed that place three days ago, the number of boats being sixty. This is rumor. H. C KING Major, Commanding Post. ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Richmond, March 8, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Commanding, & c., Decatur, Ala.: GENERAL: I am instructed by the Secretary of War to inform you that, as suggested by you, Maj. Gen. [E.] Kirby Smith, who has been assigned to the command of the troops in the District of East Tennessee, will communicate directly to the War Department, but that his dis- trict need not be separated from your department, as combined move- ments may perhaps become desirable. As Chattanooga is in East Tennessee, it necessarily belongs to Major-General Smiths district. But if you should desire to maintain control of that post, you can either separate it from the district of General Smith or leave it under his com- mand, as you may deem best. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector Ge~& erat. JACKSON, March 8, 1862. General POLK: Hold your troopsinfantry, artillery, and cavalryready to move at any moment, with five days provisions and proper supply of ammuni- fion. G. T. BEAUREGARD. JACKSON, March 8, 1862. General POLK: I believe it would be well to establish your headquarters at once at Humboldt, for the ~present. G. T. BEAURE(fALRD. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH ALABAMA, Brig. Gen. DANIEL RUGGLEs, Tuscumbia, March 8, 1862. Commanding C. S. Troops, Corinth, Miss.: GENERAL: I have received your communication of this date, in which you direct me to state Whether a regiment of infantry and one wing of Clantons cavalry will be sufficient force to enable you to meet all reasonable requirements on the Columbia (Tennessee) railroad, connected with the interests of the service. In answering this question you will permit me to say that my pos Page 304 304 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL tion here is an unpleasant one, being, indeed, without any troops at all, except a battalion of Arkansas troops, badly armed. With this force I cannot of course render any service of consequence. I am aware that a new organization has been rendered necessary, and that some delay in assigning me troops was natural under the circumstances, but by the retiring of General Johnstons army as far west as Corinth not only the Memphis and Charleston Railroad from Stevenson to Big Bear Creek is left exposed to the enemy, but also the Nashville and Decatur Railroad. With my operations confined to Chickasaw, this point, and Decatur, the force suggested by yon would not~ it seems to me, be sufficient to protect efficiently either of those points, and far less the scope of country designated in your letter. The district originally assigned to my command by Major-General Bragg embraced the whole of North Alabama. Whether its limits are to be circumscribed ~r to remain unaltered I am not advised; but if limited to the points mentioned by me you will, I am sure, concur with me in the opinion that if defensive preparations are to be made, not less than three regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and two efficient field batteries should be put at my command. I trust therefore to hear from you on this subject at your earliest convenience. A general conviction has seized hold of the minds of the people of the valley of the Tennessee, from Stevenson to Big Bear Creek, that that entire section is to be abandoned to the enemy, and that appre- hension is bearing its legitimate frnits in a general panic most unfavora- ble to the cause of enlistment. Apart from the military necessity or importance of that country to our future operations, I am convinced that stationing a resJ)ectable force among them would have a most salutary political effect, in serv- ing to restore l)ublic confidence and as a nucleus around which to gather volunteers. The history of the world proves that it is vain to expect a people to rally between the enemy and their army of defense. Th~ battery at Chickasaw has been delayed by the necessary absence of Captain Arms, the engineer, who reported his inability to proceed without instruments, for which he has gone. It will, however, I trust, be ready for action in a day or two. In this connection, as I mentioned in a previous communication, I propose, with the negro force at my disposal, to erect other defensive works at other points on the river, and to enable me to do so promptly I will be glad if you would authorize me to employ, at the compen- sation of a captain of engineers, Maj. F. M. Robertson, formerly com- mandant of the Military A cademy at La Grange, Ala., and in every re- spect, I think, better qualified to direct the works than the officers sent by you~ Having no regiment from which to detacfi a regimental com- missary, I inclose for your action a copy of an order received from the war office. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississirri, Jackson, Tenn., March 8, 1862. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Army of the Mississippi: GENERAL: In obedience to your instructions, directing a written report of my observations of the condition and efficiency of the militar Page 305 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 305 police along the line of the several railroads, I have the honor to sub- mit the following: 1st. On the Mississippi Central Railroad there is no police organiza- tion whatever, and I respectfully suggest that a rigid military surveil- lance is greatly needed upon this route; otherwise stragglers from the service can readily pass south via Grand Junction. 2d. On the Memphis~ and Charleston Railroad a police has been established. It is by no means, however, an efficient one, as the officers thereof, iii all cases coming under my observation, confined themselves to the simple inquiries, Who are you ~ Where from 7 and Where going 7 without demanding in a single instance written papers. My attention was especially directed to this palpable derelic- tion of duty on the part of police officials, between Huntsville and Decatur, on the night of the 7th instant, on which occasion seven coaches filled with stragglers and sick soldiers passed between these two points, subject to no other inspection than that above indicated. 3d. On the Mobile and Ohio Railroad the papers of privates are ex- amined, and if not signed by the proper authorities the holder is put off the train instead of being arrested. All officers are passed over this road upon their simple word. 4th. The military posts along the roads over which I traveled are without guards at the depots, hence no examination of persons getting on or off the trains is made. The interest of the service, as well as the comfort of those traveling, would be greatly promoted by placing a sentinel at the door of each car, subjecting all persons to a proper sur- veillance before entering; besides, these sentinels should accompany each train to its place of destination, for the purpose of preserving due decorum among the soldiers en route, who frequently, I regret to say, are guilty of the grossest misconduct. In conclusion I respectfully submit that these delinquencies on the part of the police officers, above erred to, seem to be owing rather to a want of proper instructions as to what constitutes their duties than to a disposition to shirk them, they being in most cases men of inferior intelligence. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, JOHN N. OTEY, JR., Lieutenant, Acting A88i8tant Adjutant-General. JACKSON, TENN., March 9, 1862. Brigadier-General BUGGiES, Corinth, Mi8s.: After a thorough reconnaissance lay out and commence intrench- ments. Keep a close observation on the river. BRAXTON BRAGG. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. 2n GRAND Div., ARMY OF Miss., No. 6. Jack8on, Tenn., March 9, 1862. I. Two regiments of infantry, one battery of light artillery, and three companies of cavalry will be detailed from Gladdens division at Corinth to take post at Bethel Station. 20 a RYOL X, PT Page 306 306 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. II. Brig. Gen. A. H. Gladden, commanding Second Division, will establish his headqnarters at Bethel Station, and, in addition to the troops there, will assume command of those at Henderson Station which are assigned to his division. He will throw forward strong guards and pickets to the Tennessee River, and keep a close observa- tion on the enemys movements. By command of Major-General Bragg: GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS C. S. FORCES, 8~. Corinth, Mi8s.~ March 9, 1862. - I. The entire force will be held in readiness to march at two honrs notice for active service in the field, provided with five days rations, cooked. II. The brigade qnartermaster will collect without delay transporta- tion from all parts of the snrrounding country. * * * * * * * By command of Brigadier-General Ruggles: L. D. SANDIDGE, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Organization of the First Grand Division, Army of the Mississippi, Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk commanding, March 9, 1862.* Fir8t Brigade. Third Brigade. Col. PRESTON SMITH. Col. B. M. RUSSELL. 44th Mississippi. t 12th Tennessee. 2d Tennessee. 13th Tennessee. 15th Tennessee. 22d Tennessee. 154th Tennessee. Jacksons (Tennessee) battery. Polks (Tennessee) battery. Second Brigade. Fourth Brigade. Col. J. C. TAPPAW. Col. W. H. STEPHENS. 13th Arkansas. 7th Kentucky. 13th Louisiana. 6th Tennessee. 33d Tennessee. 9th Tennessee. Stanfords (Mississippi) battery. 21st Tennessee. Smiths (Mississippi) battery. Unattached. Williams (Tennessee) battery. Brewers battalion cavalry. Kings battalion cavalry. Logwoods battalion cavalry. Millers battalion cavalry. * As announced in General Orders, No. 1, Headquarters First Grand Division, Hum- boldt, Tenn., of that date. t Blythes regiment in original order Page 307 ~IIAP. XXJI.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 307 Organization of the First Division Confederate States Troops, Second Grand Division of the Army of the Mississippi Valley, Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggics commanding, March 9, 1862. FIRST CORPS, SECOND GRAND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DANIEL RUGGLES. .Ftr8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. L. POPE WALKER. 5th Alabama Battalion. 38th Tennessee, Colonel Looney. 51st Tennessee, Colonel Browder. 52d Tennessee, Colonel Lea. 1st Alabama Cavalry, Colonel Clanton. Crams (Tennessee) battery, Capt. W. 0 Cram. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES R. CHALMERS. 7th Mississippi, Colonel Mayson. 9th Mississippi, Colonel Rankin. 10th Mississippi, Colonel Smith. Mississippi Cavalry Battalion, Major Bas- kerville. Bains (Mississippi) battery, Capt. S. C. Bains. Third Brigade. CoL PRESTON POND, Jr. 16th Louisiana, Colonel Pond. 17th Louisiana, Colonel Heard. 19th Louisiana, Colonel Hodge. 9th Texas, Colonel Maxey. Gibsons (Georgia) battery, Capt. 0. C. Gibson. Fourth Brigade. Col. ALFRED MOUTON. Arkansas Battalion, Colonel Desha. 4th Louisiana, Colonel Barrow. 18th Louisiana, Colonel Mouton. Gages (Alabama) battery, Capt. C. P. SECOND CORPS, SECOND GRAND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ADLEY H. GLADDEN. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. JOSEPH WHEELER. Col. D. W. ADAMS. 1st Alabama Battalion, Major Chadick. 18th Alabama, Colonel Shorter. 19th Alabama, Colonel Wheeler. 22d Alabama, Colonel Deas. 25th Alabama, Colonel Loomis. 1st Louisiana, Colonel Adams. Robertsons battery, Capt. F. H. Robert- Ketchums (Alabama) battery, Capt. W. son.~ H. Ketchum. KNOXVILLE, TENN., March 9, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Commeznding Department of the West: GENERAL: As directed by Special Orders, No. 45, Adjutant-Generals Office, Richmond, February 25, 1862, 1 have the honor to report to you that this day I assume command of the troops in East Tennessee. Will the force under General Floyd now at Chattanooga form part of the command included within the District of East Tennessee? The troops in East Tennessee, not including the command .under General Floyd, number about 8,000 effective men; 4,000 are at Cum- berlaud Gap, under Colonel Rains; about 2,000 are at this place; the remainder are scattered through the district, guarding bridges, & c. With the exception of the Twentieth and Twenty-third Alabama Regi- ments, imumbering together some 900 effective men, and a Georgia bat- * Clainied by Alabama and Florida Page 308 9 308 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL talion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Stovall, about 400 strong, this whole command is composed of twelve-months volunteers. I find it in a state of great disorganization, detachments acting separately and inde. pendently, and with little or no military restraint. As soon as I can communicate with and receive reports from these several qommands I will report in full for your information. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMJTH Major- General, ~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 10, 1862. The. PRESIDENT, Richmond, Va.: Mr. PRESIDENT: You requested me to write to you freely and frankly; I therefore feel less hesitancy in trespassing upon your tim& and in troubling you with my wants and necessities. I arrived on the morning of the 8th, having been detained by obstruc- tions on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. I find the force in East Tennessee in great disorganization. All accounts riven me were far short of the trath. There has been no one in command since Critten. den crossed the Cumberland Mountains. Leadbetter, from his instruc. tions, regarded himself as only intrusted with the defense of the rail. road. Regiments and detachments were everywhere acting independ- ently, and without military restraints of any kind. I shall bring every energy to bear in reducing order out of chaos, but must beg you to hasten the appointment of a brigadier-general who can give me effectual aid. I should have included Lewis A. Armistead in the list recom- mended for your consideration. If Colonel Barton is not promoted, may he not be assigned to duty on my staff; from his account he seems not to be especially occupied, and he could render here important service as inspector-general. The troops now in East Tennessee number less than 8,000 effective men; 4,000 are at Cumberland Gap, under Colonel Rains, commanding a Tennessee regiment from Nashville; 2,000 are at this place; the re- mainder are scattered through the district, guarding bridges, pork es- tablishments, & c. With the exception of the Twentieth and Twenty- third Alabama Regiments, together numbering some 900 effective men, and a Georgia battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Stovall, about 400 strong, the whole force is composed of twelve months volunteers, whose terms of service soon commence expiring. Of the four regiments from General Braggs command, twothe Fifth Georgia and Ninth Mississippiwill be mustered out of service early in April and May. The effective strength of the Ninth Mississippi is under 400. Of the six regiments coming from Virginia, onethe First Georgiawas turned back at Lynchburg, and mustered out by expira- tion of service; oneColonel Bates Tennesseeis organizing at Hunts- ville, by orders from General Johnston, where he will probably retain it. Vaughns and Maneys regiments are here- not arrived. , the two remaining ones have The troops from Virginia and General Braggs command will in early summer be reduced to a very small force; and at that time we may look for a movement to be made by the enemy on East Tennessee. I am not writing, Mr. President, in a spirit of faultfinding; neithe Page 309 CHAP. XXIIi CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 309 is my ardor dampened, nor will my exertions be slackened; but I think it due to myself and proper that these facts should be presented to you. The information here is that Camberland Gap is threatened by five or six regiments an(l twelve pieces of artillery between Cuinberland Ford and Barboursville. Two regiments arc on the Cumberiand River in Kentucky between Somerset and Burkesville. Generals Thomas and Schoepf with their commands have joined Buell. All the efforts of the enemy will, I think, be directed toward the Mississippi, and if any move- ment be made on East Tennessee, it will be from Nashville and the Cumberland River as a base, with a line of operations through Middle Tennessee, by Sparta to Kingston, or possibly Athens, Teun. The barrenness of the country to the north and northwest and the difficulty of obtaining and transporting supplies will prevent operations from that direction. I will order a brigade to Kingston as soon as one can be organized; a battery should accompany it. A company has been formed here, if the guns and equipments can be obtained in Richmond. In conclusion let me once more refer to the character of the troops with which I will have to operate. The two Alabama regiments, the only war regiments, are almost ineffective from sickness; they report 500 sick and 8 deaths in the last twenty-four hours from typhoid fever. The term of service of nearly all the reliable troops in the district ex- pires in April, May, or June. The East Teunesseans will not organize for the war. Several regiments might be mustered in for twelve months, but with the exception of some 2,000 country rifles and shot-guns of every caliber and degree of worthlessness, there is nothing here in the ordnance department with which they can be armed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. FORT PILLoW, March 10, 1862. General BEAUREGARD: I shall telegraph for negroes to repair damages from heavy rains an~1 high river. The cr6maill~re line for rear defense is 3~ miles long; it is injudiciously established for rear defense. A shorter and better line can and should be established. For this a large force would be neces- sary. To reach Masons Depot now requires 2 miles ferrying over Hatchie River. Road to Brownsville unobstructed and good. A thorough reconnaissance of back country shall be made. J. M. WITHERS. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, No. 41. Decatur, Ala., March 10, 1862. 1. Brigadier-General Hindman will march to-morrow morning to a point near Hillsborough. 2. After the first days march Colonel Helm will precede General Hiudman, take post at Tuscumbia, and take every means to obtain in formation of the enemy. Jackson, Tenn., 3. Brig. G1~n. Bushrod R. Johnson will proceed to and report to General Beauregard. * * * * * Page 310 310 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL 5. Brig. Gen. Gid. J. Pillow will immediately take command of the Third Division of this army. By command of General Johnston: W. W. MAOKAI1L, A88i8tant Adjutant. General. DECATUR, March 11, 1862. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN: My is now crossing the Tennessee line, the advance march. ing toward The enemy are reported yesterday in twelve transports, about 12,000 strong, at Savannah, with thirty or forty more transports expected. It is supposed Buell will concentrate main force there to co-operate with Grant. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army. DECATUR, March 11, 1862. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: SIR: Your dispatch just received.* The day of the month on which it is written will indicate the letter of the alphabet corresponding with A. Yesterday 10th JA. I repeat it, that we may know if the opera. tor conveyed it correctly. EFNTJFJJZEXIIZM VII VBIFEJRKLIURpNY V[VTI~EKYYKJFFGJAFZEPFLNZKYDFJK V W W V T K Translation.Now crossing river. Rear on Saturday. Where can the troops join you with most effect? On the 27th of the month A will correspond to C. The approach to the railroad bridge here is over an embankment about 2~ miles. I had the whole planked for crossing artillery and trains, but on account of the great difference in the length of axles it cannot be used for that purpose. We are now bringing them over on platform cars, which is a slow process. The head of the column marched this morning on the Tuscumbia road. It will, after two days march, halt for the rear, which remained back at Shelbyville, to close up, after which the march will be continued to Tuscumbia, from which position I will endeavor to form a junction with you, in accordance with the plan agreed upon. My route from Tuscumbia will of course de- pend upon the movement you will make as soon as the purpose of the enemy is sufficiently developed. General Buells force at Nashville embraces, I think, nearly the whole of his command. He will probably co-operate with the movement from Savannah, Hardin County. My cavalry, a part of which still observes the enemy near Nashville, had a smart skirmish with the enemys cavalry 6 miles from Nashville day before yesterday. Forty of Scoffs cavalry attacked 100 of the enemys, killed 12, routed them, and burned their tents. We lost 2; 1 killed and 1 mortally wounded. The force here is in good condition and fine spirits. They are anxious to meet the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army. Not found Page 311 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 311 JACKSON, TENN., March 11, 1862. General S. COOPER: We have called for ten generals as indispensable. Four are granted, and only two of these are present. The enemy being already engaged with our left at New Madrid, I do not hold myself responsible for the results. Commissary department entirely out of funds. Nothing can be had without them. One million in hands of collector at Mobile can be had. Will department issue necessary orders at once ~? G. T. BEAUREGARD. HDQRS. FIRST GRAND Div., ARMY OF THE MiSSISSIPPI, Humboldt. Teun., March 11, 1862. His Excellency President DAVIS: I am desirous of having the aid of certain parties in certain offices for the more efficient administration of the army under my command. 1 have asked for their appointment. Among them is Capt. E. D. Blake, who has been on my staff since I have been in the service. He is now my inspector-general. To do the work of that office he should have more rank. I ask his appointment as colonel of infantry in the Pro- visional Army. Slaughter, on General Bragg~5 staff, and Jordan, on General Beauregards staff, have each received such promotion without having troops to command. I hope I shall receive equal favor. I ask for the appointment of two others, whose names will be pre. sented by Adjutant-General CooperLieutenant Smith and M. R. Tunno. I am very much in want of brigadier-generals. I want at least four, and I should have them immediately. I hope I may be pardoned for saying that the chiefest difficulty we have in the field is the difficulty of getting the support indispensable to the efficiency of our commands, and too frequently, when it comes, if it comes at all, it comes too late. I trust the Department will not be allowed to put me off in my present emergency. In pursuance to instructions received from the Department I evac- uated Columbus as I informed Mr. Benjamin by telegraph, on the 3d. The work was done promptly and thoroughly, though under the guns of the enemys boats. The operation was effectually masked, and I retired all my military stores of every description, ammunition and guns all being removed. I fired the buildings of every description erected by the army, and with my staff brought up the rear. I had been there just six months; had a small force always under my corn- inand; had made the post well-nigh impregnable; a solid barrier, shutting out the enemy from the Mississippi Valley by the river. The necessity compelling its abandonment was a trying one, but it was met as described. I have taken position below at Island No. 10, where I have erected a series of batteries, which makes the passage down the river by boats as difficult as at Columbus, and which can be held by a much smaller force. I send you by the messenger who takes this maps of the locality. I do not think the enemys gunboats can pass the island, and think that General McCown, with his army of 8,000, will hold it. He has part of his force at New Madrid, part at Madrid Bend and Island No. 1.0. His right flank is protected by a chain of lakes. Hollins fleet i Page 312 312 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. X~I. aiding him in holding New Madrid. If he should have to give that point up, it would not involve by any means a surrender of the river (I mean the town of Ne~ Madrid, and indeed the Missouri shore). He can hold the island and the bend, and keep the enemy off from the Tennessee side by his gunboats. The enemy are preparing to make a powerful demonstr~tion near Eastport, on the Tennessee River. My scouts just in report sixty transports, with troops, passed up within the last two days. My army, with General Braggs and General Johnstons, we hope to concentrate in time to meet him. I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant and friend, L. POLK, Major. General, Commanding. CORINTH, March 11, 1862. General RUGGLES: The water has fallen and the enemys boats cannot now pass Col- bert Shoals. I have had a reconnaissance made below Eastport, and from all that I can learn Chalk Bluffs, below Savannah, is the only good point to fortify. I think the guns useless where they are. JAMES R. CHALMERS, Brigadier- General. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERs, luka, Miss., March 11, 1862. Capt. P. B. RODDEY, Eastport: CAPTAIN: I am directed by ~Brigadier.General Chalmers to say that he desires you at once to take measures to secure and report to him accurate information as to the strength of the enemy on the other side of the river. You will select your most prudent and reliable scouts for this service, and as many as you may think needful. You will impress upon them the danger of the servic~ and the great importance of caution to prevent captnre, and will at the same time impress upon them the idea that it is accurate and reliable information that is wanted. You will see that this duty is at once performed, judging for yourself in the exercise of your discretion as to details. You will report the result as soon as practicable. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY CRAFT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. CORINTH, MISS., March 11, 1862. Capt. Ro~ MASON HOQE, Assistzznt Adjutant- General: SIR: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 8, dated Headquarters Army of Corinth, C. S. Forces, March 7, 1862, I have the honor to re- port the following observations with regard to means of defense an Page 313 CHAP. XXIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 31~ points of communication between Corinth, Miss., and that portion of Mississippi and Tennessee lying between Eastport, Miss., and Pitts- burg, Tenn., and herewith present an imperfect skeleton map of th& above-mentioned section of country, which map is made without a com- pass, square, or rule,* as I found it impossible to obtain either. On Saturday morning, the 8th of March, assisted by Lieutenant Shelley, of Company B, Tenth Regiment Mississippi Volunteers, and Private Staub, Company C, Tenth Regiment Mississippi Volunteers, I left Corinth, Miss., and proceeded eastward to the distance of 1 mile~ where the road to Eastport turns to the right and passes over ~ broken country until it reaches the distance of 4 miles, when it makes an ang1~ to the right, distance half a mile to Farmington, a country village~ From Farmington the road turns to the left and traverses a broken country until the distance passed is 8 miles, when the road is very rough, and 34 miles distant from Memphis and Charleston Railroad, fol- lowing the road until the distance of 12 miles is passed over. The vil- lage Burusville lies three-quarters of a mile to the right and upon the~ Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Beyond Bnrnsville to 24 miles they road is very hilly and rocky. For information as to the points of de- fense, see map. At 25 miles distance is located a grist-mill, and in sight of the mill is a hill between 300 and 400 feet high and rocky. This point covers the defense of the road, and can be made a barrier to almost any ad- vance. At the distance of 27 miles the road from Corinth to Eastport inter- sects the road from Eastport to Juka, and this is the strong point of defense against a force marching from Eastport to Inka. At Eastport the enemy can land a large force, and march by column of sections along the Eastport and Juka road, the road being 25 feet wide and having a firm, rocky bottom. At the distance of half a mil& below Eastport is Rocky Point, which stands 400 feet above the level of Tennessee River bank, and commands a perfect view of the river for- 3 miles down and 24 miles up the river. This point, with an 8-inch gun, can defeat the enemys gunboats, and requires very little work to buiki a battery, as there is a bomb-proof made by naturea large rock pro- jecting 15 feet over the position for the gun. From Eastport the road runs at a distance from 14 to 3 miles froim the river, and so rough and rocky is it, that the enemy will never think of passing from Hamburg to Eastport by this road. At Hamburg there is no means of defense until at 14 miles distance, when Childers Hill presents itself, some 300 feet high, and distant one- quarter of a mile from its base to its summit. At this hill a crescent is~ formed around the road and formed of the hill, where batteries of light artillery would have a raking fire at an enemy attempting to climb th& hill. Between the point Childers Hill and the point at Georges house, & miles, there is no place of importance, and from Georges house to the cross-roads to Monterey there are two points, one at a distance of S miles from Hamburg and the other at the cross-roads from Hamburg and Corinth road to the village of Monterey, on the Corinth and Pitts- burg road. At Pittsburg there are two points where batteries could be used to advantage, could drive oft or sink the enemys gunboats. These points. are on each side of the road, and 100 feet above the bank of the river~ * Map not found Page 314 814 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [Ciri~. XXII. From Pittsburg to Licking Creek there are two points of defense, though not strong, at the distance of 8 and 8~ miles from Pittsburg. The road through Licking Creek bottom is one-quarter of a mile in length and very badalmost impassable. On this side of Licking Creek there are [no] points of defense along the road up as far as Monterey, ~t which point our forces can resist the enemy at great odds. For further information you will refer to the map. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES T. TREZEVANT, Captain Louisiana Infantry. ATLANTA, March 11, 1862. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS: I have been with and near General Johnstons army ever since he was assigned command; have been his admirer and defender; still admire him as a man; but in my judgment his errors of omission, commission, ~nd delay have been greater than any general who ever preceded him in any country; inexcusably and culpably lost us unnecessarily an army -of 12,000 men, the Mississippi Valley, comparatively all l)rovisiou stores, by one dash of the enemy. This is the almost unanimous judg- ment of officers, soldiers, and citizens. Neither is it mere opinion, but is demonstrable by dates, facts, figures, and disastrous results. He never can reorganize and re-enforce his army with any confidence. The people now look to you as their deliverer, and imploringly call upon son to come to the field of our late disasters and assume command, as ~ou promised in a speech to take the field whenever it should become necessary. That necessity is now upon us. Such a step would be worth a hundred thousand soldiers throughout the Confederacy. Can ~ou then hesitate? We cannot survive the permanent loss of Tennessee and Kentucky for the war. They must be immediately retaken at~ all hazards, or great suffering for provisions and forage is the inevitable ~nd immediate consequence. If your presence is impossible, for Gods sake, give immediate command to Beauregard, Bragg, or Breckinridge, -or all will be irretrievably lost. Save us while it is yet time. I will be in Richmond next week. E. M. BRUCE, Member Congress Ninth District Kentucky. RICHMOND, VA., March 11, 1862. lion. J. P. BENJAMIN: SIR: We would most respectfully call your attention to the inclosed letter from Col. Isham W. Garrott, than whom the army has not a more gallant and patriotic officer. He is a gentleman of the first order of intelligence, and we beg to say to you that you may rely with great .confidence on his statements, and his suggestions may be valuable. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. P. CHILTON. IF. S. LYON. J. L. M. CURRY Page 315 CRAP. XXII J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 315 (Inclosure.] HDQRS. TWENTIETH REGIMENT ALABAMA VOLUNTEERS, Knoxville, Tenn., March 1, 1862. lions. W. P. CHILTON, F. S LYON, J. L. M. CURRY, - Richmond: GENTLEMEN: I arrived here yesterday, and find things in such con- dition that I deem it my duty to make it known to you and through you to the Government. I hope our authorities are better advised than lam, and that this region is not so defenseless against the well-appointed arniy of the Lincolnites as I suppose it to be. It may be, too, that I estimate too highly the force and courage of the enemy and too lowly our own numbers and resources. But one fact stands out with great l)rominence, viz, that with a line of railroad of momentous importance to our cause, Government supplies of provisions of immense value at different points on that part of the road nearest to the enemy, with a 1)opulation two-thirds of whom at least are opposed to us and scores an(l hundreds of whom are joining the enemy from time to time, and with an army of the enemy within 60 or 70 miles of this place and reaches to other points of the railroad, I find here no regularly-organ- ized system or plan of defense, and, what is still more astounding, no general or other officer in command of the forces in this region. On yesterday I was first told that Captain Monsarrat, captain of artillery here, was the person to look to as commander of this post. I found him to be a very clever gentleman, but as there were other officers here who would rank him, of course he could not be regarded as the com- manding officer. I then met with Colonel Vaughn, of the Third Ten- iiessee Regiment, and, comparing notes, found him to be the ranking officer, and on urging him to take charge of affairs here, he consented to do so, and may be considered, I suppose, now here in command. There are, as I am informed, four gaps in the Cumberland Mountains through which the enemy may invade East Tennessee besides the Cum- berland Gap: Big Chitwood Gap, 10 miles north of Huntsville, good road, easily crossed by an army; Elk Fork Gap, horse road and not used by wagons; Old Wheelers, 3~ miles south of Jacksborough, wagon road blocked up by General Zollicoffer, but it is said that horse- men abound on the hill-side; and Big Creek Gap, good road, and the one which it is conjectured the Yankees will mostprobably take. Big Creek Gap is 5 miles northeast of Jacksborough; Wheelers Gap is 3 miles southeast of Jacksborough; Elk Fork Gap is about 15 miles southwest of Wheelers Gap, and Chitwood Gap is about 18 miles southwest of Elk Fork Gap. The distance from Jacksborough to Cumberland Gap is 40 miles, and the distance from this point to Jacksborough is some 45 or 50 miles. There are some 5,000 troops, more or less, at Cumberland Gap, which are probably sufficient to guard it and defend it against the enemy. To defend all the other gaps we have probably not over 600 effective men, who are at or near Clinton. There are a few troops at London and other points on the railroad guarding the public stores, amounting to from 200 to 250, perhaps a few more. We have at this place my m-egiment, numbering , well and sick men, and Colonel Becks (Twenty-third Alabama), numbering, all told, less than , which will be considerably reduced by his large sick list. It is said that other troops have been ordered here. There is no transportation here for troops beyond this point in the direction of any of these gaps. It was determined yesterday after our arrival to take immediate steps to pro Page 316 316 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL cure transportation, but unless pressed that cannot be done in less than a week or ten days. Thus matters stand, according to information I have been able t& gather here from the most reliable sources. Now, what would prevent 5,000 effective men of the enemy from coming through one of the above gapsBig Creek, for instancemaking a forced march of three days on Loudon or some other point on the railroad, getting possession of the railroad, and capturing the Government stores? The very idea of the possibility of such a result is sickening, to say nothing of the moral effect on our enemies, the world, and our own people. The disaster would be irreparable. After the loss of our supplies at Nashville the loss of the immense stores collected by the Government on this road would result in disbanding the larger portion of our army for want of food to sustain them. Now, you will say, what is to be done? I say have a generalan able, skillful, energetic, and bold mansent here immediately. Such a one might accomplish much now; ten days hence it may be too late. Additional troops are also needed, and there is little or no artillery here. In my judgment the Government stores ought to be removed immediately farther southto Atlanta, for in- stance. They are in an enemys country here, and will be needed farther south. I write you that you may lay these matters before the War Depart- ment, if you consider them worthy, and make such other proper use of them as you deem proper. Very respectfully, and truly, yours, I. W. GARROTT. [MARCH 12, 1862.For Jefferson Davis to A. S. Johnston, in refer- ence to fall of Forts Henry and Donelson and affairs gener~dly in Kentucky and Tennessee, see Series I, Vol. VII, p. 257.] JACKSON, TENN., March 12, 1862. Major-General POLK: General Chalmers telegraphs from Inka: Some of boats in sight at Eastport when my pickets left at 6 oclock this morning. Enemy were at Savannah last night with thirty-three transports and three gunboats. Did not disembark wagons and horses. All on board at sunset. They said they would start for railroad this morning early. There is not water enough for the gunboats to go to Florence. They will stop at Pittsburg or Eastport. The enemy took iii all pickets and guards at night. Later.Shelling Eastport; two gunboats in sight. I advise you to keep your forces well in hand for any movement. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Gommanding. PURDY, March 12, 1862. Brigadier-General RUGGLES: GENERAL: I have just received your communication* of this date. I was in hopes that you would have had something from General Bragg, as I have no instructions. I have sent a courier to Bethel with a du- Not found Page 317 317 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.CONFEDERATE. plicate of the inclosed, and send a courier to you, fearing that the train may not pass down. I have not got a force sufficient to warrant me in meeting the enemy nor have I transportation to enable nrc to retreat. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. GLADDEN, Brig. Gen. 2d Corp8, 2d Grand Div., Army Mis8. Valley. P. S.From best information there are at Savannah sixty-five boats; fifty-seven landed yesterday. I think there are at least 25,000 troops. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND BATTALION CAVALRY, Camp Purdy, March 12, 1862. Brig. Gen. A. H. GLADDEN: GENERAL: Information has just reached me by one of our scouts direct from Major Baskerville that the enemy are landing in large force. They have 30,000 at Savannah. The major also says seventy boats have passed Coffee. I am, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, CHARLES G. FEILD, Captain, Commanding. CORINTH, March 12, 18622 p. m. Brigadier-General CHALMERS, luka: If the enemy lands, hold him in check and report to me speedily. Dont expose your force by fighting him under his gunboats. As soon as his movement is fully developed I will support you with forces now in readiness to move. DANIEL RUGGLES Brigadier-General, C. S. ~rmy. EASTPORT, March 12, 1862. General BRAGG, Jackson, Tenn.: Country admirably adapted for a small force to hold a large one in check, and if he lands I can hold him back until re-enforcements can reach me. I am inclined to think the landing will be at Hamburg and the march on Corinth. The women and children in that region on the river were warned by the enemy to leave. I have cavalry pickets on both sides of the river and extending to the enemys lines. One gun- boat badly crippled. They fought from the Eastport Landing, which is called 10 miles from Chickasaw, where our battery was. It may have been to test the range of our guns and their effect at the Eastport Landing. If I had the means I would move the battery this side of Bear Creek. The gunboats cannot go above Chickasaw. I will keep you informed. No bridges between Eastport and luka. JAMES R. CHALMERS, Brigadier- General, C. S. Army Page 318 318 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 1ST GRAND Div., ARMY OF Miss., No. 4. Humboldt, Tenn., March 12, 1862. From and after this date the four brigades enumerated in General Orders, No. 1, will be divided into two divisions, as follows: The Third Brigade, Colonel Russell commanding, and the Fourth Brigade, Colonel Tappan commanding, will compose the First Division, and will be designated the First and Second Brigades of that division. Brigadier-General Clark is placed in command of the First Division. The First Brigade, Colonel Smith commanding, and the Second Bri- gade, Colonel Stephens commanding, will compose the Second Division. Brigadier-General Cheatham is placed in command of the Second Di- vision. By command of Major.General Polk: R. N. SKOWDEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. JACKSON, TENN., March 13, 1862. General POLK: General Withers will proceed with his command by water via Mem. phis to Bethel Station, on Mobile and Ohio Railroad; five days rations and 100 rounds of ammunition; will leave artillery force and support of four companies. G. T. BEAUREGARD. JACKSON, TENN., March 13, 1862. General POLK: Send down troops as fast as possibleall of one brigade before any troops are sent of another brigade. Draw in infantry from Lexington by time last regiment moves from Humboldt. Keep informed as troops move. G. T. BEAUREGARD. JACKSON, TENN., March 13, 1862. General POLK: Cavalry to occupy new line from Union City, Dresden, llnntingdon, and Lexington, and patrol intervening spaces, with pickets thrown out to their fronts. If compelled to retire, to fall back on Trenton, Humboldt, Jackson, and thence to Bolivar. G. T. BEAUREGARD. JACKSON, TENN., March 13, 1862. Major-General POLK: Dispatch your infantry and artillery by railroad with utmost speed to Bethel Station; cavalry by country roads. Leave regiment of in Page 319 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 31~ fantry at Union City and one at Lexington, with 500 cavalry on that border. Report as soon as you begin movement. All possible celerity req- uisite. G. T. BEAUREGARD. JACKSON, TENN., March 13, [1862]. Major-General POLK: GENERAL: The enemy are congregating in large force at Savannah, and made a demonstration yesterday at Eastport, but soon retired on meeting resistance. We look for a conflict in that direction soon. Most truly, yours, BRAXTON BRAGG. MARCH 13, 18628 p. m. General RUGGLES: I have just received information that the enemy had landed 18,00t~ men at Grumps Landing and are marching on Purdy. I will leave here in twenty minutes; will reach luka in two hours after. I will leave the Thirty-eighth Tennessee, 80 of the Arkansas Battalion, Fifth Alabama Battalion, and the Mathews light battery here to guard this. point. Will be ready to re-enforce you with the Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth Mississippi and about 150 Texans. Send railroad transportation for me to luka. JAMES R. CHALMERS. CORINTH, March 13, 1862. Major-General BRAGG, Jackson, Tenn.: I have just received report from General Gladden, brought by one of his scouts, that the enemy is landing troops at McWillams Landing, one-half mile below Grumps Landing. It is reported that some fifty-seven transports have arrived in that vicinity. This information has just reached me2 oclock a. in., 13th. General Gladden has established his headquarters at Pardy. I shall send re-enforcements and communicate with him. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier-Ucneral, Commanding Etrooys. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, C. S. TROOPS, Corinth, Miss., iMafch 13, 1862. Brigadier General GLADDEN, Commanding Second Division of Second Grand Division, & c.: GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to state that he is pushing forward troops to Purdy as fast as possible, and that he ex- pects to join you in person to-morrow. Colonel Mouton has been ordered to call in his infantry scouts, an Page 320 820 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL to march with his regiment, tents, and wagons toward Purdy, leaving only a detachment to guard his present position. I am, general, your obedient servant, B. N. HOOE, Captain and Ae8i8tant Adjutant-General. JACKSON, March 13, 1862. General RUGGLES, Corinth: All of our available troops have been ordered to concentrate at Bethel. GEG. G. GARNER, A8sistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, No. 44. Decatur, March 13, 1862. 1. Lieut. Col. ID. Beltzhoover is appointed chief of artillery for this army, and will enter on his duties at once. 2. Brig. Gen. Samuel B. Maxey will report to Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd at Chattanooga, Teun., for duty with his command. * * * * * * * [By command of General Johnston: W. W. iVIACKALL, A8sistant Adjutant-General.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, General S. COOPER, Knoxville, March 13, 1862. Adjutant-General C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I would respectfully report my arrival at this place, and that I assumed command of the District of East Tennessee on the 8th instant: I find East Tennessee an enemys country, and the people, where removed from the immediate presence and fear of the Confederate troops, in open rebellion. The force now present in the district is not over 7,000 effective men. The Twentieth and Twenty-third Alabama Regiments and Lieutenant-Colonel Stovalls battalion are for the war; the rest of the command is for twelve mouths, and their terms of service expire principally in April, May, and June. Of the six regi- ments to be sent from Virginia, J. C. Vaughns (Third Tennessee) alone is here. The First Georgia was mustered out of service. Maneys and Bates First and Second Tennessee have been ordered to Huntsville and Decatur 1y General A. S. Johnston. Of the four regiments from General Braggs command, the Twentieth and Twenty-third Alabama are at present so reduced and disheart- ened by deaths and sickness that it will be a long time before they will be effective. Their sick number near 600 and the mortality is daily on the increase. The Ninth Mississippi has been furloughed, and the term of service qf the Sixth Georgia expires early in May Page 321 CHAP. XXII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 321 Two regiments can be organized in East Tennessee, but they will not muster into service for a longer period than twelve months an4 cannot arm themselves. There are in the ordnance department for this purpose only some 1,500 country rifles, of various caliber, defective locks, and generally needing repair. East Tennessee, in the present movement of the enemy down the Mississippi, occupies a position of great strategic importance. An army on the plateau of the Cumberland, ready to debouch toward Nashville, threatens their flank, and in its position alone acts offensively. If it is intended to retain possession of East Tennessee, if its military resources are to be secured to us, this army must be increased by large and effective re-enforcements. if this cannot be done, immediate meas- nres should be taken for the removal of the bacon and meat stored along the road between Chattanooga and Bristol. That to the east of Knoxville could be sent to Lynchburg and that to the west to Atlanta. The character of the railroads in East Tennessee and the condition of their rolling stock is such that bnt little reliance can be placed upon its capacity for removing stores in case of emergency. I repeat, East Tennessee is an enemys country. The people are against us, and ready to rise whenever an enemys column makes its appearance. The very troops raised here cannot always be depended upon. They have gone into service, many of them to escape snspicion, prepared to give information to the enemy, and ready to pass over to him when an opportunity offers. Would it not be well to remove such of the East Tennessee troops aa are suspected to a different section of the Confederacy, where in a purer political atmosphere and removed from their present associationa they can do little or no harm and may become loyal and good soldiers? In view of the peculiar condition of affairs in this section I believe the public good would be advanced by declaring martial law through the whole District of East Tennessee. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major-General, (Jommandin~. [Indor8ement.] HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., March 21, 1862. Respectfully returned to the Adjutant-General of the Army. it is recommended that the bacon and other stores between Chatta- nooga and Bristol be at once removed, as suggested within, retaining only a sufficiency for the necessary supplies of the army in that locality. Re-enforcements should be sent General Smith as soon as possible, and,. if it can be done, it would appear advisable to grant authority for the acceptance of the two regiments for twelve months which he says can~ be organized in East Tennessee. B. E. LEE, General, Commanding. RICHMOND, VA., March 13, 1862. General HUMPHREY MARSHALL, Lebanon, Russell County, Va.: Mv DEAR Sn~: Immediately after the receipt of your private letter of 21 R RYOL X, PT I Page 322 322 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL the 8th instant* I conferred with General Lee, whose letter will proba.. bly reach you with this, and in it you will find authority from the Gov- ernor to call out the militia in your district. For reasons which I need not explain to you it is desirable to limit the application of martial law to cases of absolute necessity. You mention there are five counties within which you desire the suspension of the writ, but you do not name them. If you find it necessary not only to have power over the peol)le by calling out the militia, but also over the courts by proclama- tion of martial law, inform me of the exact country over which you ~wish martial law declared, and I will send you the requisite authority. General E. K. Smith pill probably have iii a short time a strong force at Cumberland Gap, and if the enemy should not press him there it may be in his power to co-operate with you in overthrowing the col- umun at Pikeville. I concur freely in your view of the propriety of advancing into Kentucky, and only regret that I cannot at once fur- nish you with the requisite force for the execution of your design. I know how fully ~ our heart is in the cause in which we are em- barked, and hope the day may not be distant when you will be pos- sesse(I of the means to carry the State-rights flag over the soil of your birth, and there vindicate the sovereignty of Kentucky. We are sorely pressed just now on every side, but the good and true men who have engaged in the war seem only with redoubled energy to bear up against increasing burden. What we may bear of sacrifice, how long we may be required to bear it, is problematical; but no one doubts, or seems to doubt, the fiuial success of our holy cause. With my best wishes and assurances of my readiness to serve you to the full extent of my power, I am, very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, VA 11Earch 13, 1862. Brig. Gen. HUMPHREY MARSHALL, Commanding, ct-c., Lebanon, Russell County, Va.: GENERAL: I inclose authority from the Governor of Virginia to call out the militia of the State in the counties in which you are operating. It is the desire of the President that if you find it necessary you will enforce the call, and should the exercise of martial law be necessary for the purpose, that you will report the fact and the couiities over which it should, in your opinion, extend. It appears from the records in the Adjutant-Generals Department that your force consists of the Twenty- ninth and Fifty-fourth Regini ents Virginia Volunteers, one regi inent Kentucky Volunteers, and a battery of artillery. Please report your actual force, which I regret to state I see no means at present of in- creasing, unless troops can be collected in the country in which you are operating. Your plan of advancing into Kentucky meets with the approbation of the President if you can procure the means of accomplishing it. General Kirby Smith, commanding the forces destined for East Ten- nessee. may be able to detach to ~ our assistance, and you are desired, while keeping yourself in communication with him and regulating your movements in accordance with any instructions that he may find it Not found Page 323 CHAP. XXfl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 323 necessary to give, to correspond directly with the Department in this eity. I am, & c., RE. LEE, General, Commanding. P. S.Shonld the militia be called out, you will take measures not to interfere with the counties in which General II. ileth is operating. W. II. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. LEBANON, RUSSELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA, March 13, 1862. General S~ COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: I received yesterday the dispatch containing your special order touching the number of men, & c., in the Virginia regiments un- der my command, and I have placed the blanks in the hands of com- mandants to comply as speedily as practicable with your reqnirements. In this connection let inc call your attention to the battalion at Pound Gapthose special-service men. Mv advice is to disband them imme- diately, so that they may be embraced in the call for the militia, which will be a general service, or in the regular draft. They could not be induced to muster for three years, as 1 was led to suppose they would. If the Government would furnish horses to cavalry enlisted for three years, or during the war, I think I could raise a battalion very rapidly of the best material. Men cannot buy their horses and equipments. That day has gone by. I supposed it was the law (and think so yet) to furnish Government horses to men enlisting for the war, and accord- ingly I ordered the purchase of some seven or eight; but my attention was called to a printed circular of the departmental regulations, which declares that the Government will not furnish cavalry horses, and I have desisted from further purchases. If I had the control I never would mount a volunteer upon his own horse or have in cavalry serv- ice any animal but a public one. A long experience as a cavalry offi- cer with volunteers has made this one of my fixed opinions. Please to advise me whether I may or may not go on to mount a squadron or more. I have the equipments and sabers for a squadron of cavalry, but no horses. After the resignation of Lieutenant-Colonel Simms I found it expe- dient, for reasons connected with the harmony of my officers and the efficiency of the mounted force, to reorganize that force. A battalion of five companies (Thomas, Clays, ilollidays, Camerons, and Stoners) have been placed in a battalion of mounted rifles. They have regularly elected my assistant adjutant-general as major to command the battal- ion, and he has entered upon the duties of his new office. I request his commission as major of the First Mounted Rifles of this brigade. It will be my object to swell this battalion to 500 men. Charles Duncan, appointed by Lieutenant-Colonel Simms, will remain adjutantofthebattalion, andlaskhiscommission as adjutant of the First Mounted Rifles. Captain Witcher has a company of 64 mounted rifles, and Captain Stratton has another of the same, only partially made out. If these companies are made out they will be soon a ver Page 324 324 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. efficient corpsall Virginians. I hope to obtain a second battalion of mounted rifles; but that is not done yet. If the battalion at Pound Gap could be furnished with horses I make little doubt they will raise now to the Second Battalion a company or more, and would go in for the war rather than to be subject to the militia call. If such an arrangement cannot be made with your approbation I will keep Captains Witcher and Stratton as an independent squadron of mounted rifles, for it does not suit to mix soldiers from different States in the same corps of volunteers. The promotion of Major Bradley leaves the office of assistant adju- tant-general vacant. I request you to commission my brother, Mr. Charles E. Marshall, whom I formerly nominated unsuccessfally as brigade quartermaster. His health is delicate, but still he desires to take the field, and I have great confidence in his capacity, and will soon [be able] to master all the duties of the position. Captain Shaw. han received only yesterday his commission as major of~ the First Cavalry under the reorganization of the mounted force. His company of cavalry is the only cavalry I have. He will, I presume, return the commission under the circumstances, but I wish you to authorize me to request his acceptance of it, and so leave me a chance to assign to him troops, instead of having him assigned to men unwilling to elect him to office. I value him high~ he served under me in Mexico, and I saw him borne from the field at Buena Vista badly wounded. I know lie is gallant, and I would have appointed him to command my cavalry force had I the disposition of the matter. As I presume you will not recall the commission, I hope you will in a note to me request him to retain the rank. I can speedily make the actual command equal to tho rank. The condition of the regiments and corps composing this command suggests to me to ask for the appointment of an inspector-general, with the rank of captain. I very much want such an officer, and as this is a separate command and is now likely to be spread over a mixed force of militia as well as volunteers, 1 request the appointment of John M~ Stansfer (who is now with me, and whom I can vouch for as a competent soldier and cultivated gentleman) to the post indicated. Observing that the Governor of Virginia, under the late call of the President, has ordered the militia of the sixteen western counties to hold itself in readiness to obey the orders of General Heth or myself, and presuming that this order issued in conformity to an understanding with the Secretary of War, am I to presume also that General Heth and I are to command within the range of those counties~ If not~ should not some limit be established upon which our respective respon- sibility will be calculated? If the Department looks to me to guard the passages to the lead mines of Wythe and the salt-works in Smith, the roads leading in from the Sandy, I respectfully submit to the Secretary that I should be much disembarrassed by knowing the exact views and expectations of the Government, as also to have an answer to a question frequently propounded by me, whether I have authority in my own judgment of the necessity of the case to call out the militia, and, if so~ for what time, or does it require an express authority from the Depart- ment of War ~ I shall take immediate steps to ascertain the number and arms of the militia in the ten western counties. I am under the impression they will turn out (or can do so) about 5,000 men. I will cause them to be put in order immediately. The enemy is still at Piketon in force, but the late floods in this r Page 325 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 325 gion have done to him great damagewashing away his supplies and wagons and drowning (I hear) some of his men. Respectfully, H. MARSHALL, Brigadier-General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., March 14, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Decatur, Ala.: I have just received information that the enemy crossed the Own- berland Mountains near Jacksborough this morning and captured our cavalry companies there. They are reported moving in considerable force toward Clinton. I have about 2,000 available troops, and will order up General Floyds brigade, which will make about 2,000 in all. E. KIRBY SMITH, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 14, 1862. Col. W. W. MACKALL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Western Dept., Decatur, Ala.: COLONEL: In your communication of the 12th instant you inform me that my department is bounded on the west by the railroad line from Nashville to Columbus. My orders and instructions from the War Department only place me in command of the District of East Tennes- see, comprising the country east of the Cumberland Range. There ap- pears to be some misunderstanding. If my command is to be raised to a department, it should be done so in general orders. I inclose you a copy of a letter sent to me from the Adjutant-Gen- erals office.* East Tennessee is an enemys country; its people beyond the influence and control of our troops and in open rebellion. The force here at present is barely more than sufficient to guard the pork- eries and the line of the railroads. If under these circumstances you deem it advisable, I will turn over the defense of the district to the militia, and willingly and gladly join you with such portion of my com- mand as you may direct. Very respectfully, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, No. 3. Jackson, Tenn., March 14, 1862. I. Field and company officers are specially enjoined to instruct their men, under all circumstances, to fire with deliberation at the feet of the enemy; they will thus avoid overshooting, and, besides, wounded men give more trouble to our adversary than his dead, as they have to be taken from the field. * Not found Page 326 326 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXTh IT. Officers in command must be cool and collected in action, hold their men in hand, and caution them against useless, aimless firing. The men must be instructed and required each one to single out his mark. It was the deliberate sharpshooting of our forefathers in the Revolution of 1776 and at New Orleans in 1815 which made them s~ formidable against the odds with which they were engaged. III. In the begiiining of a battle, except by troops deployed as skir- mishers, the fire by file will be avoided it excites the men and renders. their subsequent control difficult; fire by wing or conipany should be resorted to instead. During the battle the officers and non-commis- sioned officers must keep the men in the raiiks, enforce obedience, and encourage and stimulate them, if necessary. IV. Soldiers must not be permitted to quit the ranks to strip or rob the dead nor even to assist in removing our own dead, unless by special permission, which shall only be given when the action has been de- cided. The surest way to protect onr wounded is to drive the enemy from the field; the most pressing, highest, duty is to win the victory. V. Before the battle the quartermaster of the division will make all the necessary arrangements for the immediate transportation of the wounded from the field. After consultation with the medical officers, he will establish the ambulance depot in the rear, and give his assist- ants the necessary instructions for the efficient service of the ambu- lance wagons and other means of transportation. VI. The ambulance depot, to which the wounded are to be carried or directed for immediate treatment, should be established at the most convenient building nearest the field of battle. A red flag marks the place and way to it. FIT. The active ambulances follow the troops to succor the wounded and to remove them to the depots. Before the engagement about five men (the least effective under arms) to the company will be detailed to assist the ambulance conductors in removing the wounded, provid- ing water, and otherwise assisting the wounded. These men will not loiter about the depots, but must always return to the field of battle as soon as practicable. VIII. Before and immediately after battle the roll of each com- pany will be called, a absentees must strictly account for their ab- sence from the ranks. To quit their standard on the battle-field, under fire, under the pretense of removing or aiding the wounded, will not be permitted; any one persisting in it will be shot on the spot, and who- soever shall be found to have quit the field or his regiment or com- pany without authority will be regarded and proclaimed as a coward, and dealt with accordingly. By command of General Beauregard: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, Decatur, March 15 1 ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, 862. Department of the West: SIR: Owing to the conditioii of the roads and the water, I am unable to move my command to-day. G. B. CRITTENDEN, Major- General Page 327 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 327 COURTLAND, March 15, 1862. Col. W. W MACKALL: The creek at this place is impassable, and the one near Tuscumbia doubtless in tlie same condition. One battery of my artillery is in Courtland, and cannot be crossed except on cars. It will probably be ten (lays or two weeks before the water will admit of artillery moving on the dirt road to Corinth. Can you send me a train of platform and stock cars to move my two batteries with l If not, they will perhaps remain behind some time. All my infantry has gone forward, and I will leave in a few minutes. Send answer to Colonel Helm to-night. T. C. HIINDMAN, Brigadier- General. IDECATUR, March 15, 1862. The PRESIDENT: General Beauregard requested me to re-enforce him yesterday with a brigade and two regiments at Juka, as he expected battle. I have sent on to-day llindmans brigade and two regiments of Woods by rail to Corinth and luka. Generals Beauregard and Bragg are at Jackson; General Ruggles at Corinth; my advance, under General Hindman, at Courtland; the remainder of my troops in this vicinity. The rains have been excessive and yet continue, rendering movement of troops for the present impossible. The enemy are assembling large forces at Savannah, threatening an attaSk near Bethel and Purdy. The railroad bridge there destroyed by enemy. The provisions and stores from the main depots have been secured, and many more are being secured for future use. A. S. JOflNSTON, General, C. S. Army. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, luke, Miss., March 15, 1862. Capt. IROY MASON llooE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Corinth, Miss.: CAPTAIN: Upon my return to Inka last night I examined the dis. patches received by me at Eastport night before last, which I had pre. served, and I copy them literally. The first one was as follows: CORINTH, 13, 1862. Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Iuk-a: The enemy have landed, eighteen thousand strong, at Crumps Landing, driving in our pickets. hold your principal forces in readiness at Inka for an immediate movement to this point by railroad. Leave a sufficient force to hold your battery and guard the approaches from the river. I will send you transportation if possible; if not, you must take it. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army. Acting under this dispatch I consummated dispositions which I had already begun, leaving my light artillery, Captain Roddeys company of cavalry, Colonel Looneys Thirty-eighth Tennessee Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Golladays Alabama battalion at Eastport, and marched toward Juka with the remainder of my forces. About an hou Page 328 .328 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. IXIL .after receiving the dispatch above copied, and after I was on the road to Juka I received the following dispatch: JACKSON, TENN., 13, 1862. Brigadier-General CHALMERS, luka: Move by railroad with your whole force, except your light artillery and one com- pany cavalry, to Bethel Station, Mobile and Ohio Railroa4. Dont change cars at Corinth. Celerity is all-important. Transportation ordered to you. DANIEL RUGGLES. When I received this dispatch I concluded that a battle was either raging or imminent, and sent back orders for all the troops left at East- port, except the light artillery and one company cavalry, to follow me as soon as possible under the pressure of the emergency and the scarcity of transportation. I gave orders that tents and camp equi- page should be left behind. I hurried on to Juka myself. and arranged to move the whole force before day. Transportation did not come, and the movement was delayed until 10 oclock yesterday morning. Upon examination, which I have caused to be made in the telegraph office, I now find that this last dispatch, as received at this office, was signed Braxton Bragg, and that the name of General Ruggles was appended by the mistake of the operator. This, however, I had no reason to suspect until this examination was made. The last dispatch followed the other so soon, and seemed so palpably to be such a modi. fication of the first as would be made in the exigency which I supposed to exist, that my dispositions were made as promptly as possible and without hesitation. I hope this will be a satisfactory explanation of my seeming aban- 4onment of the guns at Eastport. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. CHALMERS, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. SECOND GRAND DIV., ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Bethel, flenn., March 15, 18621030 a. m. general DANIEL BUGGLES, Corinth: DEAR GENERAL: I sent you verbal instructions last night by Cap. tam Trezevant. The inclosed dispatch and accompa.nimeuts* indicate a change of tactics by the enemy. I hope Chalmers has returned to luka with his command, and will hold the enemy in check should he make a demon- stration there. General Johnston has been urgently pressed to forward his force from Decatur to a position between Inka and Corinth, so as to be in position to aid either point. Hold your force in hand, with transportation for any point. Should the enemy give us a chance, it is our policy to fight him as early as possible. Let me urge you, gen- eral, to try and preserve the best discipline possible with our men, preventing the plundering of our own people, which is no& too com- mon. Execute promptly and rigidly the order to reduce baggage, for we can never make a rapid or successful movement as long as we are so encumbered. Dr. Foard, my medical director, will be able to dispose of your sick. Our news from Kew Madrid yesterday was favorable, but still that *Not found Page 329 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 329 position is in great danger. The enemy is pressing it now with a vastly superior force, say from 15,000 to 20,000 to our 6,000. On Thursday they attempted to carry our works on the Missouri side by assault, making several efforts, in which they were repulsed with very heavy losses (several hundred), whilst ours was trifling.-.-2 killed and 5 wounded. This report was from official sources. Could we be spared from this position, a descent with some 10,000 on that position would be attended with great results. Keep me fully advised of all that occurs. A telegraph is ordered from your position to this. Aid the manager by all means in your power. Very respectfully and truly, yours, BIRAXTOK BRAGG, Major- General, Commanding. MARCH 15, 1862. Major-General BRAGG: ~ General Gladden reported yesterday but one bridge destroyed. To- day I have not been able to hear from him. I have four trains at Bethel and tried to get them back, and as they did not come down at 12.30 p. in., I sent a hand-car to ascertain the cause of detention. It has not yet returned (9 p. in.), and no news has been received by expressmen. The rain has fallen in torrents. I have been obliged to halt a company of cavalry and two batteries of guns already considerably advanced on the road to Purdy. I have been ready to move with a strong force all day, but could not do so until the condition of things could be ascertained. The telegraph would not work, and I could not answer your questions. DANIEL BUGGLES. HDQES. FIRST DIVISION, SECOND GRAND DIVISION, Corinth, Miss., March 15, 1862. [General BRAGG 0?]: I have the houor to transmit the following notes, just received, for your information: IUKA, Miss., March 15, 1862. I give you the following as the substance of the reports from my sconts who are on th. other side of the river. The forces at Savannah variously estimated at from 100 men to 30,000. All agree that there are seventy vessels. They have been here two days without attempting to land. It was said that Buell was advancing upon Florence and a column from Columbus on Mempbis. The roads from Savannah to Florence very bad. River very high. No approach of enemy at Eastport. JAMES R. CHALMERS, Brigadier-General. TENNESSEE RIVER, NEAR RED SULPHUR SPRINGS, Friday [March 14]7 p. m. I write in haste to inform you that several of the enemys gunboats and a large number of transports have just passed this point, going up the river. I was unable to ascertain the number of men on board. 10 oclock p. om.Information just received that the enemy is landing troops at the mouth of Yellow Creek, about 21 miles from this place. I have just returned from making a reconnaissance. Found fifteen or twenty of their boats lying at th Page 330 330 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL landing. I was unable to discover whether they were landing troops or not. I will watch him and communicate. JOHN A. JAQUESS, Lientenant-C~olonel, Commanding Detachment Louisiana Infantry. DANIEL RUGGLES. CORINTH, Miarch 15, 1862. General RUGGLES: Continue the movement ordered unless General Bragg, now at Bethel, shall suspend. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CORINTH [March 15, 1862]. General BEAUREGARD, Jackson, Tenn.: Major-General Bragg suspended the movement of troops to which you refer. The enemy had retired from that point. Last night the enemy landed near the mouth of Yellow Creek, but in what strength we have been unable to ascertain, in consequence of the flooded condition of the country. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier- General, C. S. Army. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Inka, Miss., March 15, 1862. Col. IR. F. LOONEY, Eastport, Miss.: COLONEL: You will send a cavalry company [Capthin iRoddeys] im- mediately, with so many of his command as he may deem necessary, with instructions to destroy the bridge over Indian Creek, on the road from Red Sulphur Spring to Eastport. By order of Brigadier-General Chalmers: HENRY CRAFT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. RICHMOND, VA. March 15, 1862. Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, commanding, ~c., Knoxville, Tenn.: GENERAL: As far as I can ascertain from the records in the Adjutant- Generals Office the force under your command should amount to four- teen regiments. Please send me at your earliest conveuience a report of your strength. General H. Marshall has at Lebanon, Russell County, Virginia, three regiments of infantry and one battery of light artillery. He thinks that if his force could be augmented he could penetrate Kentucky and thus relieve that frontier of Virginia. He has been advised that he ca Page 331 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 331 oniy be re~enforced by such troops as he can raise in that section of the country; but that should he be able to advance you might support him with a portion or the whole of your column. As far as it can be ascertained from the reports of the enemy, they have withdrawn their troops from that portion of Kentucky to re-en- force their army on the Mississippi. General Marshall has been directed to place himself in communica- tion with you and to regulate his movements by any instructions he may receive from you; though it is not the wish of the President that you withdraw him from that section of country or control his opera- tions, unless you find it feasible to unite with him in an advance intG the State of Kentucky. I am, & c., RE. LEE, General, Commanding~ JACKSON, March 16, 1862~ Major-General BRAGG or General RUGGLES [Corinth]: Two strategic points between Crumps Landing and Eastport, ac- cording to map, are Chamberlain and Corinth, where troops could be- collected, with one brigade about Purdy and another about Juka, and proper advance guards and pickets. G. T. BEAUREGARD. JAcKsON, March 16, 1862 General POLK: Continue the movement of your forces on Bethel. G. T. BEAUREGARD. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, fuka, Miss., March 16, 1862. Col. R. F. LOONEY, Basi~port: COLONEL: I am directed by Brigadier-General Chalmers to instruct you to send all your cavalry, except so many as may be needed for couriers, down to Yellow Creek~ to observe the movements of the en- emy and harass and check them in any attempt to cross that stream~ should they land below it. You wifi also select a spot on the road leading to Eastport from Yellow Creek suitable for aii ambuscader and when you are informed that they have started toward you you will at once take position at that place, and hold them in check until you can send information here and be re-enforced. Lieutenant-Colonel Golladay has orders to march to-night with the Alabama Battalion to aid you. I am, very respectfully, HENRY CRAFT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 332 332 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. HDQRS. SECOND GRAND Div., ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Brig. Gen. DANIEL RUG-GLES, Bethel, Tenn., March 16, t862. Commanding Corinth, Miss.: GENERAL: From reliable information just received I was satisfied that the enemy has landed in large force at Pittsburg, under command of General C. F. Smith. It is his intention to give us battle. I have now an officer out on a reconnaissance for the purpose of learning all he can concerning the enemys movements. You will please inform me immediately what the effective strength of your command is, amount .f ammunition, & c.; whether you have enough transportation to move against the enemy. Troops are now arriving from Humboldt. If the result of the recon~ naissance be satisfactory, I desire to march from this point with this army an4 unite our forces at a point between this and the enemy. As soon as you are satisfied that no demonstration is intended against luka you can draw such of that force to your assistance as can be spared. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., BRAXTON BRAGG, Major. General, Commanding. HDQRS. SECOND GRAND Div., ARMY OF THE Mi~~i~~ippi, Bethel, Tenn., March 16 Brig. Gen. DANIEL BUGGLES 1862. Commanding at Coriith: Mv DEAR GENERAL: Your information of this morning confuses me much. From the scouts of as late an hour as yesterday evening in front of this place we ar~ assured the enemy was not at Pittsburg in any force. Upon information so conflicting we cannot safely predicate a military movement, though I am anxious and decided to strike a blow as soon as we can do so, consistent with any sense of security. I sent a strong party under competent officers to make a close recon- naissance immediately and report the true state of affairs. In the mean time we can only hold everything ready to act promptly on any emergency. Should nothing occur to change my present intentions, I shall be with you to-day or to-morrow. Can your quartermaster secure me some place to cover my head, as my tents are all behind ~ I am glad to hear General Johnston is joining us. With his force we certainly ought to crush any force the enemy can now bring. Communicate to General Beauregard direct by telegraph all that occurs. Yours, respectfully and truly, BRAXTOK BRAGG, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Knoxville, March 16, 1862. Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: Four regiments of the enemy have advanced over the mountains to Jacksborough. About 2,000 troops, under Leadbetter, sent to-day t Page 333 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 333 Clinton, and I go immediately to Cumberland Gap. The small force at my command makes the defense of East Tennessee very difficult, if not impossible, against an invasion in force. I have ordered the removal of commissary stores, as recommended iii my telegram yesterday. E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. (Similar dispatch to General A. S. Johnston.) HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 16, 1862. Colonel LEADBETT~ER, Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: In addition to the letter herewith inclosed, I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that he is induced t~ believe the enemy will endeavor to effect the crossing of Clinch River at one or more points south of confluence with Powells River. He there. fore directs that you will push on your troops rapidly to Clinton, to pre- vent their crossing there, and that by frequent reconnaissances of the road from Clinton to Priceville and other roads in the vicinity of Clinch River you may learn the movements, intentions, and force of the enemy~ The general will leave immediately for Cumberland Gap, from which place he will take all the available troops and push forward to Jacks- borough. He will reach that place Friday evening, and will expect you with your command to meet and co-operate with him either in an attack upon the enemy, if in force there, or in a demonstration upon their rear if they have moved in this direction. By command of Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith: H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Iuclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TE~QNE5SEE, Knoxville, March 16, 1862. Col. D. LEADBETTER, Commanding: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that he has received information that the enemy crossed the mountain& with the following force: Second Regiment Tennessee Volunteers (in- fantry), Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers (infantry), Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteers (infantry), and Mundays cavalry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. L, - Richmond, Va., March 17, 1862. Hon. J. G. SHORTER, Governor of Alabama, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, through Hon. William Fargan, and to return my sin Page 334 334 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. X~L cere acknowledgments for the prompt and patriotic response made by you and your noble State to the call of this Government for troops. But I am almost in despair at the call for arms from all parts of the Confederacy, which it is totally out of my power to give. Recent arrivals have placed in our possession about 12,000 stands of arms, and the gathering herds of our invaders in Tennessee and around this capital requires that we should have ten tunes that number. If I do not bend every energy to the aid of Beauregard and Sidney Johnston the enemy must, with his overwhelming numbers, pierce our lines into the Lower Mississippi Valley, and your State will be entered on the north. If we do not meet McClellan, Burnside, and Wool with somewhat equal forces around Richmond the capital will fall into the hands of the enemy, and the moral effect at home and abroad of such disaster you can well imagine, How can I do all this and at the same time furnish arms for your southeri~ coast? It is a physical impossibility. In this our hour of peril there can be no safety but in concentrating forces at the points of vital importance, and striking in this way a crushing blow at some one of the heavy columns that are marching onus. b I will at once order the clothes demanded for the 5,000 men, an(l they can be supplied at once. I have, however, no sabers or pistols. Of the latter, eveii our rich enemies are destitute. Cavalry is found most efficient with double-barreled guns, and cavalry officers report that after a month or two sabers are universally discarded as useless, men not being thoroughly trained to the use of that arm. I issue orders to the chiefs of the Commissary and Quartermaster~~ Departments to act promptly in aid of your efforts. I send to General A. S. Johnston about 7,000 stand of arms, and such of your regiments as join the Tennessee Army will have their share of these weapons, and this, I regret to say, is the utmost that I can promise. I am your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. DECATUR, March 17, 1862. Major-General HARDEE, Huntsville: Allisons regiment arrived. When will more of your troops be here and how many ~ How much transportation has the railroad company been able to furnish you? Hurry the forces forward. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army. CORINTH, March 17, 1862. Brigadier-General CHALMERS: First. Two regiments of Woods brigade will soon be with you. Second. Plant your guns so as to defend Bastport as well as to sweep the river? Hold Eastport as long as possible without disaster. Third. Throw up slight intrenchments at such points as you may determine upon to make stand against superior numbers. Fourth. The enemy undoubtedly landed in force at Pittsburg day before yesterday. Fifth. General Bragg is at Bethel Station, with strong re.enforce- ments from the West Page 335 CHAr. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 335 Hold your force well in hand for every emergency, and reconnoiter Yellow Creek without delay. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier- Generat. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, No. 5. f Jackson, Tenn., March 17, 1862. The following regulations are announced for the observance of the troops of this army while on outpost service: 1. The commanders of all detached army corps, divisions, brigades, or regiments of this army, on arriving at a position to be occupied, will carefully reconnoiter, personally and by staff officers, the ground in the vicinity, and all roads and approaches thereto, for a distance of several miles, especially in the known direction of the enemy. The best position for holding all such approaches, under vigilant observa- tion and for the prevention of surprise, will be carefully selected for the advanced line of picket sentries, which shall not be less than 1 mile distant from the main body of the command nor more than 3 miles. The force to be employed in this outpost service shall habitually ,be not less than one-fifth of the command from which it may be de- tached, and the tour of duty will be tbr three days. 2. The post of the regiment, battalion, or detachment on outpost service will be selected at a convenient central point about a half mile in rear of the front line to be occupied by sentinels, and there will be the reserve and place for baggage and cooking. One-third of the command or detachment will be thrown forward in three equal parties, equidistant from each other, to with in 200 yards of the extreme picket front, and from these detachments smaller detachmeiits, each of from three to six privates, with a commissibned or non-commissioned officer in charge, from which a continuous line of sentries will be established ~along the entire front to be held and observed, connecting at all times with the sentinels on the right and left, thrown forward either by the picket posts of the same regiment, battalion, or detachment, or estab- lished from other regiments, battalions, or detachments, on outpost service. At night the number pf sentinels will be doubled. 3. Sentinels on picket should be so established as to observe as much and as far as possible while themselves concealed from observation by the enemy. Loud talking, singing, whistling, and fires, except at the reserve, and in very cold weather pn the line of company or detach- ment reserves, are strictly prohibited. Citizens must not be allowed to stay or lounge about the picket posts or converse with pickets. This is particularly enjoined, for under the pretense of hospitality and the simulation of the simple countryman an insidious spy may be lurking to discover our signals of recognition, countersigus, pass-words, or other information to be betrayed to our injury. 4. Officers and non-commissioned officers and soldiers on picket service are at all times [to be] dressed and equipped. The commander of each outpost command will make frequent visits and inspections of his advanced detachments, picket posts, and front line of sentinels, and he will be responsible for any surprise of his lines, or lax, negligent performance of picket service by his officers and men during the tour. He will give proper instructions to all under his command touching their several duties, and should satisfy himself that those instructions are well understood and rigidly executed. His adju- taut, or some other officer selected for the duty, will also visit each Page 336 336 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. picket post and sentry once each night between 12 oclock and day.. light. 5. When a day signal of recognition has been arranged for any picket line it will be demanded as soon as the parties see each other. At night parties approaching will be halted at a distance of 60 yards. if practicable, in a loud, distinct tone, and the signal demanded. The party challenged will then require a response from the challenging party; this made, the latter will order the former to advance and give the countersign. Commanders of outposts will be careful not to pre.. vent or delay the passing of cavalry pickets or couriers with dis. patches; but when reasonable doubts arise as to the character of the party, he must be sent under charge of guard at once to the headquar- ters of the nearest general officer. A mounted man will not be re- quired to dismount to give the countersign after having made the proper signal, nor will the countersign be required in the daytime. Great circumspection must be exercised in the use of signals to prevent their observation by lurking spies of the enemy. 6. An approach of the enemy must be resisted by the pickets as ob- stinately as practicable. The ground must only be yielded before an overwhelming force. They will then retire, fighting, on the reserve, where a stand will be made as long as practicable. if forced to retire, they will take up successive positions behind all advantageous shelter, and resolutely check and retard the advance of the enemy as long as possible. The best marksmen will be selected to cover the rear while thus falling back, who will fire with deliberation as they retire. If pressed closely by the enemy, the command must be brought, if possi. ble, to charge with the bayonet. The utmost care must be taken to prevent the men from crowding en masse in falling back, as they will offer a target for artillery, and the men must be cautioned against and prevented from making a precipithte retreat from an outpost under any circumstances. 7. While on outpost duty, no officer or soldier will be permitted to leave the outpost without express authority from the commander, ex- cept upon a surgeons certificate. Commanders of outposts must re- main constantly during the tour with their reserve, except when visit- ing the picket posts and sentries, in which case they will leave these instructions with the officer next in command. 8. In marching to and from outposts the utmost order and discipline will be preserved. No straggling must be permitted. 9. As soon as the pickets may become seriously engaged with the enemy any baggage at the post of the reserve will be immediately sent to the rear to the baggage of the brigade to which the detachment be- longs. Troops on outpost service are expected to bivouac. 10. As soon as the enemy shall have developed with certainty a de- sign to advance the commanders of outposts will at once dispatch cou- riers to the general commanding the corps or division to which~ the outpost belongs, giving information of the movements of the enemy, his probable strength, kind of force, and whether moving rapidly or not, route or routes taken, and such other information as may be of service. The report of mere rumored movements must always be avoided, or at least distinguished from what may be ascertained by the military. 11. The commander of each outpost will publish these orders every tour, before establishing his picket post or posting his picket sentries. They will likewise be read to each company or detachment of the lin Page 337 CuAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 337 of advanced picket parties. They will be carefully preserved and trans- ferred to the next commanders of the outposts. 12. Any person found in the act of eluding the outposts and failing to halt when directed to do so will be fired upon by the sentinels, and any person, if suspected of eluding the outposts, will be at once ar- rested and sent to the nearest provost-marshal. 13. Cavalry pickets will be required by sentries and picket posts to show authority of their colonel or other corn inander for the service be- fore being allowed to pass, and couriers with dispatches must be fur. nished with passes properly signed. 14. The roll of troops at outposts must be called frequently during the day, and at retreat there shall be an inspection of arms and ammu- nition. 15. Staff officers may be sent by the general or other officer in com- mand to inspect the outposts of his command. 16. Sentries must always be ready to fire, but will be sure of the presence of the enemy before firing, and will carefully avoid false alarms. Once satisfied that the enemy is at hand, the sentinel, though all defense on his part may be useless, must fire; as the safety of the army may depend on the alarm he will then give. Picket sentries should be relieved every hour at night, and, as a precaution against surprises, should be instructed in some signal for the night before giv- ing the countersign to others of the same outpost detachment. 17. In the immediate or near presence of the enemy the main and company reserves must stand to their arms for an hour immediately before daybreak. Patrols will be made slowly, silently, and with the utmost precaution, to insure against surprise or being mistaken for the enemy by our own men. When patrols are sent out information of the fact must be spread throughout the picket posts and sentries, cavalry pickets, and vedettes. 18. In addition to infantry outposts the whole front of any force in position or camp must be completely observed and covered by cavalry. All commanding points of observation will be occupied, and all possi- ble avenues of approach will be watched, as near to the enemys lines as the nature of the country will admit or he will permit without sub- stantial resistance. Positions must be avoided which the enemy can approach under cover or turn. There must be an unbroken line of communication on the right and left between all the I)osts and vedettes. The horse should be relieved by his rider as much as possible, but when near the enemy the vedette must never quit his rein or take off bridle or saddle. 19. Cavalry picket detachments, when practicable, will consist of en- tire companies, and each company will cover its proportion of the front to be occupied. The Picket posts detached in advance will not be of less than one non-commissioned officer and three troopers each. The captain of each company will serve as officer of the guard for his com- pany on picket service, and a field officer or senior captain will be offi- cer of the day for the whole line of the regiment, battalion, or squad- ron on outpost duty. 20. The company commander will be habitually with the reserve, es- tablished at a central point in rear of the picket posts. By command of General Beauregard: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. 22 u nvot X~ PT I Page 338 338 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CI1AI~. XXII. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE MiS~issi~pi, No. 6. f Jackson, flienn., March 17, 1862. The following general orders from the headquarters of Major-General I3ragg are approved by the general commanding this army, who pro- foundly regrets their necessity. They are adopted for this entire com- mand, and will be enforced in all respects for the credit and honor of ~ur several States and our cause: GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. SECOND GRAND Div., ARMY OF THE Mississirri, No. 9. Bethel, Tenn., March 16, 1862. With a degree of mortification and liumiliation he lias never before felt, the major- general commanding has to denounce acts of pillage, plunder, and destruction of the private property of our own citizens by a portion of the troops of this command, which bring disgrace upon our arms, and, if not checked, will assuredly entail disaster upon our cause. Men capable of such acts may swell our numbers, but will never add strength to our armies. They would do less harm by serving in the ranks of the enemy; and, if not prepared to abandon the vicious habits they have unfortunately vontracted, had better lay down their arms and retire. Gallant men, not thus de- moralized, stand ready to use them, and will do so with that firm reliance on an over- t~uling Providence which a consciousness of right can alone give. The first step toward achieving success is to deserve it. Commanders of all grades will be held responsible for the suppression of this great crime. Full compen8ation will in all instances be made from the pay of the offenders, and where this fails in its object, summary punishnient will be inflicted. The general will not hesitate to order the death penalty where it may be necessary, and will approve tts execution by subordinates where milder measures fail. By command of Major-General Bragg: GEO. G. GARNER, A88istant Adjutant-General. By command of General Beauregard: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. [MARCH 18, 1862.For A. S. Johnston to Jefferson Davis, in refer. ence to Forts Henry and Donelson and affairs generally in Kentucky and Tennessee, see Series I, Vol. VII, p. 258.] DECATUR, March 18, 1862. 1~Iaj. Gen. W. J. HARDEE, Huntsville: Enemy in large force opposite Columbia. Order Morgans cavalry to Inove forward to this place immediately. Instruct huin to burn the bridges or not, as he may find expedient. Answer. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. ~. Army. DECATUR, ALA., March 18, 1862. Col. B. H. HELM, Tuscumbia: Make silent preparations to burn the Florence Bridge as soon as the enemys gunboats may pass Eastport or the enemy approach Florence from north side of the river. Place scouts at proper points to ascertain and report to you in full time to insure the execution of this order when necessary. Answer, and warn operators not to speak of this message. A. S. JOHNSTON, Generat, C. & Army Page 339 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 339 DECATUR, ALA., March 18, 1802. Major-General BRAGG, Gorinth: SIR: I am informed that there are about 300 men in Tishomingo County, who belonged to Colonel Reynolds Twenty-sixth Mississippi, a war regiment, which was surrendered at Donelson, who are desirous of uniting themselves with the war regiment now being raised by Colonel Lowry. I would suggest that these men be organized into three com- panies. There are only fonr commissioned officers among these men present and fit for duty. These might be assigned to the three com- panies with the same rank they now hold; the other offices in the com- panies might be filled by elections, allowing ~he four officers above named, of course, the privilege of promotion,~hy election, if the men desire it. When organized I see no reason why the three companies should not be attached to Colonel Lowrys regiment. Should any of the other officers become fit for duty, the Government can provide for them in the future. No other mode seems to me of making the services of these men available at this time, and I therefore recommend the course above in- dicated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army. [Indorsement.] All stragglers of the Mississippi regiments that may come in to this point will report to Brigadier-General Chalmers, to be organized accord- ing to within suggestion. Refer to General C. BRAXTON BRAGG. C. F., [March 18, 1862]6 p. m. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON: Push forward our assistance. The enemy in force is moving upon us, and his advance only 12 miles off. BRAXTON BRAGG, Major- General. DECATUR, March 18, 1862. General BRAGG, Corinth: Now moving forward as fast as possible. Where did the enemy land on the river? To what place are they marching? In what force? iHave they landed at any other point between Eastport and Florence? iDo you know my cipher or General Beauregards? Use either in im- portant communications. Ninety-three miles to Corinth. A. S. JOHNSTON, General. HDQRS. SECOND GRAND DIV., ARi~LEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Corinth Miss March 18 1862 Col. THOmLEAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Miss., Jackson, Tenn.: COLONEL: On the receipt of your dispatches of the 15th and 16th, the evening of the latter I made immediate dispositions to concentrat Page 340 340 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XX1I my forces here as rapidly as possible, my information leading me to believe the enemy had not landed in the force previously reported, and that if he had, by no possibility, in the present state of the roads, could he advance with artillery and baggage upon Corinth or Bethel. There is no question of a large force on the Tennessee, watching an opportu- nity to strike. The disorganized and demoralized condition of our forces from the right and left gives me great concern. There is some discipline left in those from the Gulf but none whatever in the others ; and the pressure upon us leaves little time to give it and restore confidence. We are much distressed and disappointed, and shall be seriously damaged by the result at New Madrid. The whole country seems paralyzed, and the difficulties of operation become infinitely greater thereby. Nothing is brought to us for sale, and it is most difficult to procure supplies. The unrestrained habits of pillage and plunder have done much to produce this state of affairs and to reconcile the people of the country to the approach of the enemy, who certainly do them lsss harm than our own troops. Our whole railroad system is utterly deranged and confused. Wood and water stations are abandoned; employ~s there and elsewhere, for want of pay, refuse to work; engineers and conductors are either worn down, or, being Northern men, abandon their positions, or manage to retard and obstruct our operations. Our troops, too, monopolize or plunder the eating and sleeping houses on the road, so that these peo. ple are really unable to live. These are distressing facts it is useless to conceal, and all owing to a want of system and discipline. I dare not hope to overcome them, but I will struggle as long as a chance re- mains. I do not find on any of my maps the second point the general indi- cates as of strategic importanceChamberlain. May it not have changed name or lost its place on the maps in these railroad days ~l Unless something is done speedily for the defense of Fort Pillow I fear we shall lose the Mississippiof more importance to us than all the country together, and its fall involves that of Van Dorn. In the present condition of this army, without transportation, sup- plies, discipline, or organization, no move toward the enemy can be made. We can only try and keep him in check whilst we labor to cor- rect these radical defects. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BIRAXTON BRAGG, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. WESTERN DEPARTMENT, No. 49. Decatur, March 18, 1862. Military commanders are ordered to destroy, if the same cannot be safely removed, all cotton liable to fall into the hands of the enemy. You will execute this order to the extent you may be able, not unrea- sonably delaying your march to this place. By command of General Johnston: H. P. BREWSTER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 341 CUAP. XXII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 341 CORINTH, March 19, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON: Have neither ciphers. Landed in force at Pittsburg. Have pressed our pickets back to Purdy and within 10 miles of this point. Threatened railroad at Burnsville, but only got within 4 miles, on account of bad roads. Main force concentrated at Savannah and Pittsburg. Numbers variously estimated 25,000 to 50,000. Have not above Eastport. BIRAXTON BRAGG. DECATUR, March 19, 1862. Major-General BRAGG, Corinth: Do not call forward the force that I am now posting at Tuscumbia. When my rear and trains pass Tuscumbia I will myself order forward that force and the forces which I have stationed between that place near Corinth. A. S. JOHNSTON, General. DECATUR, March 19, 18622 p. m. Major-General BRAGG, Corinth: General Woods brigade is now at luka. I will send another brigade to Burnsville to-night or in the morning, my other troops following. Designate proper point for junction. A. S. JOHNSTON. DECATUR, March 19, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON: Transportation is being sent to you as rapidly as possible. Our line is threatened at Juka and Burnsville. A brigade at the former and regiment at the latter had better be left by you. BRAXTON BRAGG. CORINTH, MISS., March 19, 1862. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Army of the Mississippi, Jackson, Tenn.: DEAR GENERAL: You will have seen my entire change of purpose 8ince Captain Jordan left me at Bethel and before your valued Cavor of the 17th reached me this morning. The troops arrived too slowly, were too poorly supplied, and too badly organized, instructed, and disci plined, to justify a hope of even carrying them to the point desired, much less a success against a well-organized foe. Under the pressure of all kinds here I find it almost impossible to effect a speedy organization; but a temporary arrangement has gone into effectWithers and Ruggles commanding the two divisions of my forces, subdivided into proper brigades, and Johnstons and Polks tak. ing positions respectively with their present organizations on my right and left as they arrive. I hope to perfect my permanent arrangemen Page 342 342 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL by to-morrow, but it is exceedingly difficult to get the necessary infor- mation. This position is unquestionably the strategic point for this section of country. Chamberlain, which I did not find when first suggested, but since discovered on an old map, is very near the point occupied by an advanced brigade thrown out from here. For want of cavalry I am unable to keep the front of it in observa- tion, as desired, but the roads are in such condition from the recent rains that neither party can advance and hope to be in better condition. , by the time they improve I Your views are invaluable, and you have my cordial thanks for the full and free expression of them. Trusting that you will soon be able to join us and superintend their execution, I am, yours, most truly, BIIAXTON BRAGG, Major. General, Commanding. DECATUR, March 19, 18622 p. m. Major-General HARDEE, Tuscumbia: It is reported by my engineer that the enemy have no iron-clad gun- boats on the Tennessee. Field batteries can be used effectively against their gunboats. A. S. JOHNSTON. PULASKI, March 19, 18624.36. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Commanding Western Department: GENERAL: Your orders of 17th and 18th are received and shall be carried out, particularly in relation to the cotton, as far as practica- ble. My last information from Columbia is that the enemy had not crossed in any force, the burning of the pike bridge over iDuck River having checked them for the time. I have two companies in that vicinity, who will keep me fully posted. I shall remain here, forward- ing Government property and the straggling soldiers, a large number of whom are hourly coming in. To get these off I shall need some more cars, and would thank you to send all that can be spared; other- wise I fear that many of our infantrymen who have been absent on fur- lough will not be able to rejoin their commands. J. S. SCOTT, Colonel First Louisiana Cavalry. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE MISS., No. 11. Corinth, Miss., March 19, 1862. I. The major-general commanding the grand division assumes the immediate command of the troops at and near this position. * * * * * * * As the enemy is close at hand, and a collision may be expected a Page 343 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 343~ any moment, the troops will be held in camp ready for immediate action. The roll calls required by regulations will be attended by all officers and men, and the troops will appear under arms ready for actioi~ at reveille, retreat, and tattoo. By command of Major-General Bragg: GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, Tenn., March 19, 1862~ Colonel LEABBETTER, Clinton, Tenn.: COLONEL: I am just in receipt of a communication from the general commanding, from which the following extract is made for your informa~ tion and direction: CUMBERLAND GAP, Tuesday, March 18, 186~. MAJOR: * * * The force of the enemy which has crossed the mountains in variously estimated at from one to six regiments; but we have no intelligence of~ other of their troops than Carter~s brigade being in this part of the country on either- side of the mountains. Colonel Leadbetters command should be re-enforced by all the available troopn at Knoxville. Floyds brigade and Colonel Maneys battalion would sufficiently strengthen him. The general will leave here himself to-morrow with all the force that can be spared from this point. From the condition of the roads, even if not op-~ posed by the enemy, it will require four days to reach Jacksborough. The general will regulate his march so as to reach Jacksborongh on Saturday, unless he meets the enemy in force at Fincastle, near which place they are said to have a camp. If thin should be the case he will hold them in check until Colonel Leadhetter can come u~i on Sunday; otherwise he will expect him to join and co-operate with him at Jackn.- borough on Saturday. Respectfully, J. F. BELTON, Acting As8tstant Adjittant-Generak Colonel Maney, commanding, with Floyds brigade (500 men say) and his battalion, will leave here to-morrow morning, going via Clinton t~ join you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. LEBANON, VA., March 19, 1862~ General III. E. LEE, Commanding: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I received your letter of the 13th. I am glad your are placed in command of the military operations of the conntry~ it is the apl)oilltmeilt I should have made had I been the appointing power. I know if anything can be (lone with the army for the cause you will do it. I want to be perfectly explicit with you, and that you shall under~ stand my case; then you will act officially in regard to it as in your- judgment the interests of the public service shall require, and you may be certain I will be satisfied with the result Page 344 344 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIt Arms is not my profession nor intended to be. I am over fifty years of agein my fifty-first. I am too old to start out on a new career. I have a status which I understand and must maintain under every cir- cumstance. I accepted place in the Provisional Army of the Southern Confederacy because my own State was, as I supposed, to be the theater of my effort, and because I knew that my influence in it would raise an army, provided I could get once among the people with a nucleus around which they could rally. I was promised such a force as, added to the force then at Prestonburg, would be equal to 5,000 mei~, to com- mence with; my own rank to be that of a brigadier (also to commence with), but with an express declaration that my command should be a separate command, and I only to be siibject to instructions given to me as commander of the column in Eastern Kentucky by General A. S. Johnston, as head of the Department of the West. This was an express condition-precedent to my acceptance for I would not have accepted had it not been made. Authority to accept and arrange battalions and regiments to any extent accompanied the appointment, nor was I confined to the places or States from which they might be drawn, for it was meant, as J understood, that just as soon as I could get an army I was to have charge of one swollen to all the capacity I could give it. So much, indeed, was the expressed wish of the Department to me subsequently through one of my friends. Of course I cared nothing about grade of rank if I had power and was not to be interfered with by anybody of sul)erior grade of rank, for that left me all I wanted in the field~he purpose and the power to effect it. My instructions of November 1 gave all I desired. How I was disappointed in the force placed at my command I will not recount to you. It simply amounted to nothing at all. Two Vir. ginia regiments were intended for me. 1 received my instructions on November 1. By the 6th I had given instructions to the two colonels to move. Response of Colonel Trigg to this: That he and his whole command were violently opposed to entering on the service to go to Kemitucky. Reply by me: That I could not help it, and order to move made peremptory. Response by Colonel Moore: That he had no staff, arms, provisions, tents, or transportation. I sought an interview, and had it by the 11th, and repeated to him to get ready as soon as possi- ble and to move immediately. I received an order to combine certain companies I would find at Pound Gap and others I would find on the road between Abingdon and Pound Gap with those at Abingdon, and so form the Twenty-ninth Virginia, to be commanded by Colonel Moore. Leaving Wythville after seeing Colonels Moore and Tn gg, and urging them forward, I left without any staff; for I had no aide or adjutant (none at all), to go to Prestonburg and organize the Kentucky force by the time the Virginia regimeuts an(l Captain Jeffress with his bat- tery of four pieces came up. When I reached Jeffersonville I received a dispatch from Colonel Will- iams that he was retreating from Pikeville to Pound Gap with nine in- complete companies of infantry (new levies and barefooted) and about 400 mounted men, and that General Nelson had with him some 7,000 at Pikeville. At once I saw this retreat left open the road into Virginia and put at risk important and material interests. I was not well ac- quainted with the geography of the State, but I knew enough to be aware that an advance of Nelson to Jeffersonville would so combine his force in rear of General Floyd with that of Rosecrans at the mouth of the Gauley as to compel Floyd to retreat on the Greenbrier, and give the enemy the railroad at Wytheville, the ~ lead mines, an Page 345 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 345 break our communications with the valley of the Mississippi. There- fore I halted at Jeffersonville, Va., and waited until Trigg and the bat- tery arrived, and planted them at Claypoles Hill, in Tazewell County, to cover the roads leading to Jeffersonville and to the salt-works from the Sandy River region. Of course I should have called out the militia ~f I had supposed I had authority to do so, but I investigated the law and thought I had not such authority without an order from the War Department. I communicated to the Department my views and informed it of the necessity of re-enforcements to make safe what I was trying to protect. Then I hurried in person to Pound Gap after the Kentucky force which was in retreat, and which I was afraid might disperse. As I went along I found Colonel Moore had not yet moved from Abingdon. I repeated the order to him to hurry forward what he had to Pound Gap. Arrived at the Clinch River, I found the Kentucky mounted men belonging to Williams. I organized them into a battalion at once, supplied them with tents and camp equipage, and directed them to return to Pound Gap. On the way I passed a company of Virginians who said they were going forward to Pound Gap, as I supposed being part of Moores com- mand. When I arrived at Pound Gap I found Colonel Williams with about 600 raw men, who were very thinly clad, many barefooted, a very few with blankets, no overcoats, a parcel of flint-lock, old-fashioned muskets, and squirrel rifles, altogether a sorry sight, discontented at retreating and daily deserting, sometimes fifteen or a night, as perfect militia and as raw as could be gathered on the continent. In Pound Gap ~f~undthe~irginiabattalion,whichwastoform(bycombination with Colonel Moores companies from Abingdon) the Virginia Twenty- ninth, but I found that they were nuder the command of a Major Thomp- son. an ex-officer of the U. S. Mounted Rifle Regiment, who had beeu in command of them while under General Zollicoffer, and who was ut- terly ignored by the order of organization for the Twenty-ninth Vir- ginia that I had received. I found these men claimed to be raised for a special service, and were only to be used in Scott, Lee, and Wise Counties, Virginia, to defend the mountain passes, and they insisted on these conditions of enlistment, and both officers and men refused to be marched into Kentucky or to change their term to one of general service. They were averse to being put under command of Colonel Moore at any rate. What was to be done ~ I made known the fact to the Department and even sent Major Thompson to Richmond to see and to be seen, and sent the printed conditions of their enlistment along with him, and postponed executing the order to organize the Twenty- ninth from such materials until further orders. The Department never has to this day noticed the matter, and there it stands. I have never organized the Twenty-ninth Virginia under Colonel Moore. I found that two of these companies then in Thompsons battalion were not embraced in the order touching the organization of the Twenty- ninth, but that the two which were embraced in it were out in Wise County. I saw Lieutenant-Colonel Leigh looking them up. One he found and secured; the other ran away and has never been recovered. While affairs were thus I heard General Nelson had gone down the Sandy, and was leaving the country open for which I was destined. I at once made a forward movement with what I hadWilliams men and the mounted battalion. I ordered Trigg and Jeifress battery to move forward by the Louisa Fork of the Sandy to join me at Preston- burg. I was at Prestonburg by the 9th of December, and found Trig Page 346 346 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII there by 18th. Colonel Trigg started from Wytheville with 560 men; Jeifress had 60 in his battery, Williams about 600 in his nine companies, and Shawhan had about 300 mounted men. With these I commenced a demonstration upon the State. Two points were strategic as connected with the roads of the countrySalyers- yule and Paintsville. I moved the mounted force to the one, the in~. fantry and artillery to the other. This line covered all the roads leading to Virginia by the way of the Pound Gap or up the Sandy on this side of the river. I sent recruiting parties into the counties adjacent to my positions. The news that I was in the State flew through the country and the work of enlistment commenced. I permitted my battalion of mounted men to advance to West Liberty, and some of the troopers pushed on to Mount Sterling, and even to Lexington, Paris, and Owingsville. The Union men in the State became alarmed, and fled by hundreds to Louisville and Cincinnati, exaggerating my force to the most wonderful volume, and lying to excess as to my cruelty and gen- eral con(luct. Immediate measures were taken to attack me, and es- pecially to prevent the men from the interior of the State from coming out to me. By Christmas Day the enemy was advancing on me from Lexington and from the mouth of the Sandy. Colonel Moore had not yet joined me. Colonel Stuart had been sent to me, but had not come up with the Fifty-sixth Virginia, which was intended to supply the de- ficiency occasioned by the failure to accomplish the organization of the Twenty-ninth, and to supply me with Triggs deficiency of numbers. On the 28th of December Colonel Moore arrived at Paimmtsville with scant 300 men and officers, and the news came that Colonel Stuart was not coming to me at all, and I would not be further re-enforced. My two Virginia regiments theu amounted to about 850 men, all told, my battery to four Pieces and 60 men. My Kentucky regiments to (which were supposed to be 2,500 at least, and daily swelling when I accepted) less than one regiment of infantry and about 300 mounted men, say 850 more, all told. These people all put together have never seen the day they could parade on the field 1,700 men, or more in fact than 1,400 to 1,500, and at least half of these were entirely undrilled, as much so as any militia. But the young men commenced coming to me gloriously. Some days I received as many as 75 recruits, and I soon had the tenth company added to Colonel Williams, and then the companies began to fill up, but the advance of the enemy closed down this operation in a very few days. I had no quartermaster; my commissary was old and unfit for duty; my staff had been picked up as I could catch it in the highways going along; clever, but inexperienced imi all military affairs. I found that I was in a critical position. I will not recount the military operations which ensued. Suffice it that I repulsed the enemy in largely-superior numbers after engaging him on the 10th of January, and lie gave me leisure then to make other arrangements. I did not intend to leave Kentucky. On the contrary, I meant to draw oft to the line of the Kentucky River and occupy that for the present, while I presented a plan of invasion. I asked for 1,500 cavalry. I mneant to dash on t~ Lexington and destroy the railroad to Cincinnati, ami? move steadily forward with infantry re-enforcemnents, so as to recall the troops from Bowling Green, and so let General Johnston advamice on Louisville, making the war in Kentucky thereby so active as to involve the whole population. Whenever that is done it will soon recross the Ohio. My views did not prevail. I was ordered to fall back to Pound Gap and make such dispositions as seemed to me muost expedient. I had n Page 347 347 ChAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. geographical district this side of Pound Gap within which I commanded, but it was impossible to stay there, because there is nothing to eat for man or horse within 20 miles of it on any side. I had great trouble to get my train and regiments through it into Virginia. I left the special- service men in Pound Gap, and have yet a good many sick at Glades- ville. in Wise County. My regiments have had typhoid pneumonia, measles, mumps, and are wofully cut down by disease. This history will post you as to my past troubles and exertions, my hope, and my disappointment. Two things are plain: First. Kentucky has iiot been penetrated, and her people in my section of the State have not had a chance to join me. Second. I have had no force to get to them; aud if my entry iuto the State effected nothing of consequence the fault has not been mine. No man could have gone farther than I did with the force I had, or could have effected more, staid longer, or held his head up better. None could have come out more successfully than I did or have lost less. I see no reason to repine at anything I have done or left undone. I am, pro tanto, self satisfied. You will perceive from the facts in the case that I am embarrassed, now that 1 am over in Virginia, from the fact that I have no country in charge, unless it be the frontier from Pound Gap to the Tug Fork of the Sandy, and when military operations leave that, I do not know when I am or am not in somebody elses department. Also, I do not know what is meant when you write of the counties in whicli you [I] are operating. I have attempted nothing since my Kentucky experment. I have no force to attempt anything with. I will try and defend with the force under my charge so far as the country can be defended; do anything and go anywhere you say, provided I am not expected to become part of a corps darrn~e or division under some other officer in charge of a division or brigade. I cannot do that, and will prefer to retire from the service altogether. I am gratified and thankful to Mr. Davis for saying to me that he will serve me to the extent of his power, and hopes the day is not dis- tant when I shall be possessed of the means of carrying the State- rights flag over my native State. Such an assurance from him is a world of comfort to me, and so implicitly do I rely on what he promises, that I will bear up under a great deal while waiting for its fulfillment. Your letter makes me apprehensive that, when ready, you expect General Smith to take charge of a column of operations in Kentucky, of which 1 am to form a part. That will be a great blunder, and I had just as well say at once that I hope such is not the idea you entertain or a service you expect from me. That duty induced me to enter the service, and whenever the time comes that we can enter the State effect- ively I shall expect the promise made to me to be fulfilled, and upon a basis which will not overslaugh me ~y anybody else. It is the point of my ambition; without it the field would be aimless to me, though my heart is in the cause; but the cause at home is the cause in which I feel most interest, for it involves the fires upon my own altars and the rights to which all Kentucky was born. I belong to the Confederacy, but I am a KentuckiaiA over all and above all, and look to her with more than filial affection. There are currents adverse to me, as well you know there are in every State against prominent men, and it is only just to myself, when acting with friends, to declare at once that I must not be impeded by such when the moment of action arrives, and I am writing to you as to my friend to let you know how these things are. Had the President understood the current in Kentucky better than he did Page 348 348 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL or had he listened to me or sent for me before he saw me, I would have been with him before I came, and would have saved him a world of trouble about Kentucky affairs. Hereafter I must confine myself to a sphere of remark about such affairs which will recognize that there [are] other people who have a word to say besides myself in this mili- tary matter, though if I am striking at any intent existing and con- struing rightly please to say so to me explicitly, and let me adjust the matter at once by returning to my civic profession, for it will be better so than to lay the basis of any misunderstanding hereafter. I will meanwhile co-operate with General Smith with pleasure in all that he may suggest, understanding that his sphere of command is Eastern Tennessee, and mine the frontier to which I was assigned originally, to be reoccupied and to form the base of my advance into Kentucky so soon as force can be raised or spared for the purpose. With regard to General Heth, you say in calling on the militia I must take care not to interfere with the counties in which General ileth is operating. I do not know them nor the sphere of General ileths operations. I saw the other day an invitation from General Heth to Brigadier-General Bowen, of Tazewell County, inviting an interview, with the hope of procuring his co-operation, & c. If General Heth takes the militia in Tazewell, where am I to find a force to act in defense of the roads leading through Tazewell into Smyth, or am I expected to look to this at all? I will not weary you now with my understanding of what is going on, for I presume you are as well or better posted than I am. I feel that I am in a situation where mistakes may be made easily and blun- ders will be fatal. I may be sacrificed myself, but cannot do anything of consequence to the country or its cause if left here without force adequate to the protection of the section in which I am situated, nor can I possibly do either myself or the cause justice unless I know the lines on which my obligations lie. All else that I can do I will do. These things you can explain to me privately and then act on officially. I will then know what to expect and can act accordingly. Affairs are pressing in this quarter, and I apprehend that only a few days remain before I shall be called on to meet heavy odds with little and immaterial force. I hear the enemy has driven Thompsons battalion from Pound Gap, but I have no official report of such an occurrence. I had moved every- thing but the men of that battalion away from there prior to the acci- dent, if indeed any has occurred, for I felt that Pound Gap was not a strong or a military position, and could not be held long successfully. I have called out the militia in Russell, and shall do so in Washington, Lee, Scott, and Wise at once. I have nothing else. I shall expect you to refer to this as a private letter, though it con- tains much I will repeat officially. Yours, truly, & c., H. MARSHALL. The President misread my letter. Instead of saying in five counties, I said in Wise * County. I am told that in Wise, Buchanan, and Mc- Dowell there are very bad districts. H.M. * See Davis to Marshall, March 13, p. 321 Page 349 CHAP. XXII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 349 HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., March 19, 1862. Brig. Gen. HUMPHREY MARSHALL, Commanding, & c., Lebanon, Va.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 13th instant has been received. You are authorized to disband the battalion at Pound Gap, received for special service, when you deem proper. There is no law for purchasing horses for cavalry service, and it cannot be authorized. Asst. Adjt. Gen. Benjamin F. Bradley will be appointed major, to command the battalion of Mounted Rifles. Charles Duncan cannot be appointed adjutant of the battalion; the law only authorizes the appointment of adjutants to regiments. Charles E. Marshall will be appointed adju. tant and inspector general, and assigned to you temporarily for duty. John M. Stansifer will be appointed adjutant and inspector general of the brigade. Captain Shawhan can retain his commission as major of cavalry, with the hope that his command will speedily be raised equal to his rank. You have already been served with the authority of the Governor of the State to call out the militia from the counties embraced in your operations. To guard the passages to the lead mines of Wythe and the salt-works in Smyth was one of the special objects for which your command was established in observation of the roads leading in from the Sandy. The counties of the State embraced within the limits of your operations are those from which you are to draw the militia and concerning which you must have an understanding with General Heth to avoid collision in your respective calls. I am, & c., B. E. LEE, General, Commanding. CORINTH, March ~0, 1862. General JOHNSTON: General Wood has moved to this point. But one regiment of mine now at Inka. The rest of your forces had better concentrate near Burnsville, as indicated by General Beauregard. BRAXTON BRAGG. DECATUR, March 20, 1862. General BRAGG, Corinth: Your dispatch received. I will send forward troops to-morrow to the point indicated by you and continually, until I mass my whole force there. A. S. JOHNSTON. DECATUR, March 20, 1862. Col. JOHN S. SCOTT, Commanding Louisiana Regiment Cavalry, Pulaski: SIR: Since writing to you this evening I have received a dispatch informing me that the pickets of Morgans cavalry at Shelbyville were driven in on the night of the 18th, and that Captain Morgan was on his way to Huntsville. I have ordered Colonel Biffie to this plac& Page 350 350 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIt without delay, and I desire that your regiment shall come on also. Have the bridges and trestles on the railroad to the Alabama State line about half way between Athens and Elk River. No damage will be done to this latter road, unless specially ordered. When you reach the end of the embankment opposite this place your wagons will be brought over on the cars. Let all the cars sent on to Pulaski return before destroying any part of the road this side. Very respectfully, A. S. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, TENN., March 20, 1862. Father MULLON, Saint ~ Church, New Orleans, La.: DEAR FATHER: Your favor of March 14 has just been received. * The call which I made on the planters of the Mississippi Valley to con- tribute their bells from their plantations to be cast into cannon is be. ing so promptly met, that I am in hopes of being spared the necessity of depriving our churches of any of their sacred appendages. Our wives and children have been accustomed to the call, and would miss the tones of the church-going bell;~ but if there is no alternative we must make the sacrifice, and should I need it I will avail myself of your offerto contribute the bell of Saint Patricks Church, that it may rebuke with a tongue of fire the vandals who in this war have polluted Gods altar. Let me thank you for the expressions of kindness and regard toward myself with which your letter abounds. I can only hope that the day is not far distant when peace will once more bless our country and I shall visit again a quiet home. I remain, very truly, yours, G. T. BEAUREGARD General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 20, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Decatur, Ala.: General Smith telegraphed you on the 16th instant that the enemy had passed the mountains, and that he had sent 2,000 men to Clinton, while he would go immediately to Cumberland Gap. General Floyds infantry is here, but consists of only 300 men. These, with a battalion of Colonel Maneys regiment, are ordered to re-enforce the force at Clinton. There are no other troops except those who guard the pork houses and bridges. H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. ~Not found Page 351 CHAP. XXII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 351 WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., March 21, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK, Jackson, leun.: SIR: I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter * informing me of the evacuation of Columbus, and congratulate you on the successful accomplishment of your plans. I had scarcely ventured to hope they would be so entirely successful as to secnre all the artil- lery. In answer to your letters about the promotion of certain officers, addressed to the President and Gener~tl Cooper, I beg to assure you that there has been at all times the most earnest desire on the part of the Department to accede to your wishes; but there are limits placed by the law on its power to create or promote officers which you would be the last to desire me to overstep. I have promoted Captain Blake to provisional rank as lieutenant- colonel, and promoted Lient. James A. Smith to the grade of major after conference with the President, and this is all that can be done. You are mistaken about the examples to which you refer. General Slaughter was only a major when on the staft~ of General Bragg, and Colonel Jordans, as such, was prior to the law allowing assistant adju- tants-general. The result is as follows: The assistant adjutant-general to a brigadier-general is captain; the assistant adjutants-general to a major-general is major, and the assistant adjutant-general to a general is lieutenant-colonel. I have, therefore, as you see, gone beyond the rule in making your assistant adjutant-general a lieutenant-colonel. In promoting Lieu- tenant Smith I am also giving you an addition to your staff beyond that of any major-general in the service, for you have Williamson already. You are entitled, strictly, but to one assistant adjutant-gen- eral and two aides. I only state these things to remove an impression under which you evidently labor that I have discretion to appoint as many officers as you find necessary or nsefut You would not, I know, abuse such a discretion if it existed; but could the same be said of all? The enemy are gathering around us in immense masses. I know not what may be the immediate result, but my confidence was never higher, brighter, nor firmer than at this moment that the consummation of our struggle is to be speedy, prosperous, and glorious. Your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War. CORINTH, March 21, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON: Transportation sent as desired. Your agents not sufficiently explicit in giving orders. Can supply you largely. Engagement at Eastport yesterday with two gunboats. They retired after twenty shots. We need cavalry there and here. BRAXTON BRAGG, Major- General. * See Series I, Vol. VII, p. 437 Page 352 352 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS. Fort Pillow, March 21, 1862. Col. THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: In compliance with your telegram of this date I forward, via Memphis, a report of this command, including negro laborers and some half dozen men or more belonging to Captains Neelys and flaywoods cavalry.* What we most need here is the remainder of the ten columbiads (four are here) which I learn have been ordered here, and their car- riages; parts of carriages have arrived. If not already done, I would be glad if yoa would dispatch orders to the proper points along the line they were to come to hasten up the guns and their carriages. One battery of eight smooth-bore 32s has 3 or 4 inches of water on the platforms and 3 feet of water in rear of the platforms. I think the guns can be used, and that it will be preferable to attempting to move them. If we had the columbiads here in position we might defy the gunboats. Captain Harris has shown me a telegram of this date respecting the land defenses at this point. It is barely possible that General Beau- regard may not be aware of the existence of a line of intrenchments in our rear some 34 miles in length, and requiring a garrison of 15,00t~ to 20,000 men to line it. A rear defense for 3,000 men would have to be thrown up entirely within the existing Fort Pillow, and would require some days for its construction. I have deemed it important jnst now to direct all our labor on the river defenses, and hope yet to be able to stop the enemys fleet should it pass No. 10. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. P. STEWART, Brigadier- General, Commanding. MEMPHIS, March 21, 1862. General BEAUREGARD: I am conscious, my dear sir, that matters of greater moment hourly press upon you than anything about which I may trouble you, but your kind answer to my previous letter induces me to invoke your attention once more. This morning I telegraphed you that Lieutenant Fister, of one of the gunboats, had just arrived lure, having been sent down by Commodore Hollins for ammunition for his fleet. He called at this office (ordnaiice) to confer with the ordnance officer, Colonel Hunt. He is now at Columbus, Miss., and I am acting for him. I had nothing here for Commodore Hollins, and in talking with Lieutenant Fister he told me that there was not ammunition enough in the whole fleet for a fight of three hours. He also says that the enemy now has a battery 8 or 10 miles below Tiptonville, and that communication with Tipton- ville is effectually cut off by it. This isolates our army on Island lG from all help, and as the river now overflows all the land below Tip- tonville as far as Reelfoot Lake, there is no retreat for our forces on Island 10 in case they are attacked by overwhelming forces. Can they thus attack us? I fear from all the rumors current that they design Report not found Page 353 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 353 throwing a large force on the Tennessee shore from New Madrid, land- ing as far above Tiptonville as they can, so as to elude our gunboats, and then moving on our rear while their gunboats attack us in front. If our gunboats get out of ammunition, as they must in a few more fights or harmless bombardments, this crossing the river on rafts or launches can easily be effected, and our men and guns all lost. When I wrote of the perilous position which our troops held at New Madrid I did not suppose that disaster was just then upon them, though I had a deep interest at stake in a son who was there. Now that interest is doubled, for my oldest son, just eighteen, is with his brother on Island 10. In a fair field I should glory in their meeting all the chances of battle, but, general, is not this sacrificing the lives of one or two thousand men without an end or an object? I beg your pardon if I seem importunate, but the disastrous and disorderly evac- uation of Madrid justifies at least the apprehension of a worse dis- aster under greater disadvantages. The country looks hopefullyoh I how hopefullyto you in this hour of its deepest trials here, and I feel all of that confidence which I know is in the hearts of all good patriots, but still another hope, self- ish, perhaps, in its motive and inception, comes up, that is, that you will not abandon to mismanagement this handful of brave men, unless by the sacrifice of their lives the country, or even this valley, can be saved. Most respectfully, JAMES T. TREZEVANT. P. S.Colonel Hunt is absent. Many ordnance stores are here and many caissons, & c. On the 12th you ordered him to send them off as fast as possible. I cannot get transportation for them, unless you will give special orders to Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad to place a train at my disposal daily till I get all away. Shot and shell and other things are being manufactured here, and they must be sent off too, but the same difficulty exists. Will you please give the order and let me know? (Indorsement.] Colonel Jordan wrn please see Major Hunt about the requisition for a train for ordnance stores coutained in the P. 5. to this rather long dissertation. G.T.E. CIRCULAR.] Hnqas. SECOND GRAND Div., ARMY OP TIlE Miss., Corinth, Miss., March 21, 1862. Division and brigade commanders will require their staff officers to report direct to the chiefs of the respective staff departmenls of this grand division. All medical officers in this command will report to Surg. A. J. Foard, medical director, the dates of their commissions, the regiments with which serving, or hospitals at which on duty. Division commanders will furnish details for fatigue duty when called on by any of the chiefs of the staff departments. By command of Major-General Bragg: GEO. (1. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. 23 R RYOL X~ PT I Page 354 354 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [C~& r. XXTh SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND LNSP. GENERALS OFFICE No. 66. Richmond, March 21, 1862. * * * * * * * XXIII. The department under the command of Maj. Gen. E. K. Smith is extended so as to embrace within its limits Chattanooga, Tenn., and the troops in its vicinity. The commanding officer of the troops in and about Chattanooga will report by letter to Major-General Smith. By command of the Secretary of War * JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CORINTH, MISS., March 23, 1862. (Received March 27.) General VAN DORN, lAttle Rock: Move your command to Memphis by the route in your judgment the best and most expeditious, and on arriving report to these headquar- ters. Require such and whatever transportation you may need on your route from the quartermaster at Memphis. t A. S. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, TENN., March 23, 1862. Major-General VAN DORN: Dispatch received. It is important to join our forces for defense of valley by shortest route. Could you not come to Memphis via river ~ There we will operate to best advantage. I will send you all the boats you may require. Sidney Johnston will be with us. You might come ahead for confer- ence. We still hold Island 10 and Fort Pillow. G. T. BEAUREGARD. RICHMOND, VA. [March 23], 18~J2. Gov. J. G. SHORTER, Montgomery: Pray order immediately to Chattanooga every regiment that can be sent; let every man go that can carry a musket or other arm. The line of road in East Tennessee is threatened by greatly superior forces and will be lost if General Kirby Smith is not re-enforced. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. CORINTH, March 23, 1862. (Received March 24.) General SAMUEL JONES: Turn over your command to Colonel Powell and report here immedi- ately for an important command. BRAXTON BRAGG. See Smith to Johnston, March 28, p. 3159. tAnswered March 29 Page 355 CHAr. XXII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 355 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE~ March 23, ~LS62. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond: GENERAL: The iuclos~d report* of the troops under my command will give the Department an idea of their insufficiency for the defense of this district. Small as this force is, it will be shortly diminished by the expiration of service of some of its most effective regiments. The enemy is pressing on East Tennessee in three directions. A force of 6,000 has attacked Cuinberland Gap; 800 infantry and a strong cav- alry force have appeared at Montgomery threatening Kingston, and are said to be the advance of a large force coming from Nashville. General Johnston telegraphs that Chattanooga is threatened from the same point. Of the thirty-two counties in East Tennessee but six are friendly; the others are hostile; some even in open rebellion. A force of nearly two regiments is required to guard the bridges and porkeries; the gar- rison at Cumberland Gap is fully occupied; there remains but three skeleton regiments and two battalions, numbering together some 2,300, for the defense of the line from Cumberland Gap to Chattanooga. Gen- eral Leadbetter, with two of these regiments, a battalion, a section of artillery, and some cavalry, has been ordered to Kingston. Colonel Vaughn, with his regiment and some cavalry, is at Clinton. Chatta- nooga is defenseless. A battalion of Colonel Maneys regiment has been ordered there, but I have no troops to re-enforce him with. Floyds brigade, which was there, has been fwrloughed and sent home by him, and the remnant, some 260 broken-down men, who decline re-enlisting, are at present here. I telegraphed Governor Brown of the danger to Chattanooga, and called upon him for both men and arms for its de- fense. I returned last night from Cumberland Gap, where I had gone for the purpose of repelling an invasion of Powells Valley. A regi- ment of infantry and some cavalry, increased some 1,500 by East Ten- nessee refugees, crossed near Big Creek Gap, surprised a squadron of eivalry, capturing their arms, horses, and some 14 prisoners. They re- crossed into Kentucky as soon as a movement was made to cut them off from the mountains. The Cumberland Range is crossed in every direction by foot-trails and in many places by bridle-paths. Whilst no barrier, itis a formidable obstacle to the advance of an enemy into Tennessee. It should be de- fended by a mobilized force of not less than 10,000 at some central point.[l] Colonel Rains has a force of about 4,000 of the best troops in this district under his command. His position, naturally strong, is by the works thrown up capable of defense against largely-superior numbers. He is well supplied with artillery. The enemy cannot bring more than 6,000 against him, and their troops do not compare in efficiency with his. Though I cannot send him re-enforcements, I feel no concern in regard to the result. I have directed him to keep his men under shel- ter, to husband his ammunition, to let the enemy exhaust their artillery, and when he repulses them to seek the opportunity of driving them into the Cumberland. In conclusion, I must again urge upon the Department the necessity, if not already too late, for immediately and largely re-enforcing this command. Besides its military resources and strategic importance, Not founo Page 356 356 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. East Tennessee, if it falls into the hands of the enemy, will give 20,000 recruits to his army. The road is open either to Chattanooga or Kings- ton. Should he push a column in either direction I have no adequate force to oppose him. The militia will not assemble, and even should they, they are not to be trusted; neither have they arms. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 23, 1862. General LEADBETTER: GENERAL: I am directed by Major-General Smith to say that you will leave one regiment of your command and a sufficient number of cavalry to act as scouts and couriers to their front, and proceed with as much dispatch as possible with the remainder of your brigade to Kingston, Tenn. Arrived there, you will take possession of all the ferry-boats that can be collected and hold them subject to your orders. It is all-important that the advances to Kingston from Montgomery and Crossville shall be carefully observed and any approach of the enemy immediately reported. You will open and read all dispatches for headquarters that couriers may bring from those directions, after- ward forwarding them. Besides the company of cavalry at Kingston (Lieutenant Lotspeich commanding), there is a body of 40 men near Winters Gap, under Captain Ebleu, who is instructed to watch the Montgomery road. These, with the cavalry, of your command, will en- able you to obtain accurate information of the enemys movements. Yonr attention is called to the inclosed dispatch from Lieutenant Latepeich, commanding, to Colonel Branner.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DiSTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Col. Jinn~s E. RAr~s, Knoxville, March 23, 1862. Otsmberla,nd Gap, Tenn.: COLONEL: Your dispatches of yesterday, communicating the advance of the enemy, are received. The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that he ex- pects you to hold your position to the last extremity. Under the press- ing need for troops elsewhere in the district, you must not expect re-en- forcements to be sent in the event you require additional force. Your troops are superior to those of the enemybetter than any you may hereafter haveand it will be in the event you repulse the enemy, as he expects you will be able to do, to pursue them as far as may be prudent. The inclosed orders will take effect as soon as the enemy are re- pulsed.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Not found Page 357 Cnir. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 357 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 23, 1862. Col. JAMES E. RAINS, Commanding Post, Cumberland Gap, Tenn.: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to acknowl- edge the receipt of your last dispatch, and to repeat what is contained in my note of this morning. He enjoins it upon you to keep your troops as fresh as possible, per- mitting them to take rest and sleep while the enemy exhausts himself and his artillery. When he comes to the assault, repulse him by a well- directed fire and seize the moment of his repulse to pursue and defeat him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 23, 1862. Col. JAMES E. RAINS, Commanding, & c., Cumberland Gap, Tenn.: COLONEL: I must impress upon you the necessity of husbanding your ammunition.; there is little or none here to supply you with. Do not fire from artillery unnecessarily, and reserve your musketry for close quarters. Keep your men under cover as much as possible. Let them take their blankets with them into the trenches; let them sleep while the enemy exhausts his artillery fire; they will thus be fresh and able to repel the assault when it is made. You have only Carters brigade opposed to you; they have heard of the movement down Powells Valley, and expected to have found you weak. When yon repulse them an opportunity may offer for striking a vigorous blow, but in doing so keep some of your best troops intact in reserve, to meet any emergency that may arise. You must resist to the last. Trust to your bayonets when the ammunition fails. I have no doubt as to your ability to repel any attack made by the force under General garter. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Corinth, March 24, 1862. Major-General POLK: The following dispatch received from Major-General Crittenden: ITJKA, 24 [March, 1862]. Colonel Looney, in command at Eastport, reports exchanging shots with gunboats of enemy to-day; that they are landing troops from two transports at mouth of Yellow Creek. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Major-General Page 358 35$ KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS, Corinth, March 24, 1862. General LEONIDAS POLK, First i-vision, & C.: GENrn~AL: It is the order of General Beauregard that all bridges on the railroad from this place to Henderson shall be guarded. As your command now covers that whole route, I submit the matter to your consideration. Very respectfully and truly, yours, BRAXTON BRAGG, Major- General, & c. Gov. JOSEPH E. BROWN, RICHMOND, VA., March 24, 1862. Milledgeville, Ga.: Troops are immediatoly necessary for the defense of the line of rail- road through Tennessee. I urgently request you to send regiments from the Cherokee counties of Georgia to General E. K. Smith at Knoxville. Inform me of the number of regiments, their positions, and the number of arms they will require. JEFFERSON DAVIS. HEADQUARTEES DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, Miarch 24, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. B. MAXEY, Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith directs me to inform you that on the 20th instant General A. S. Johnston telegraphed him that steps should be taken to guard the approaches to Chattanooga, which were threatened in the direction of Nashville. Having no available troops, General Smith telegraphed to the Department at Richmond, and also to Governor Brown, of Georgia, requesting him to send arms and men for the protection of the place. No response ha~ come from Governor Brown. General R. E. Lee, commanding, responds that the Governor of Alabama has been tele- graphed to send any regiment he can command to Chattanooga. General Smith further directs me to say that it is of the first im- portance the railroad from Stevenson toward Nashville and the Mc- Minuville and Manchester Railroad should be effectually obstructed, to prevent the enemy from using it for military purposes, and this will be done best by the destruction of bridges, & c., the blowing up of the culverts and tunnels. For this purpose blasting powder can be ob- tained at this place. The cavalry belonging to Brigadier-General Floyds brigade has been ordered back to Chattanooga, and under your directions will be employed in scouting the country north of the Nashville and Chatta- nooga Railroad and in the direction of Sparta, Tenn. There is a force of 1,200 to 1,500 infantry and cavalry, under Brigadier-General Lead- better, at Kingston, Tenn. You will take every precaution to check the disposition of the cavalry to maraud, and will direct them to report any advance of the enemy and its probable force. When these reports are well authenticated aiid important you will immediately send them to these headquarters Page 359 ChAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 359 It is greatly desired that the large amount of commissary stores should be removed to Atlanta, Ga., as soon as possible, and you will give your special attention to this matter. Instructions in relation to the removal of these stores have heretofore been given to Captain Monsarrat and also to the Government agent at Chattanooga. They, of course, should be ordered by you to report what has been done and their plans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, As8istant Adjutant- General. 4 HEADQUARTERS, l3ethel, Tenn., March 24, 1862. Maj. B. N. SNOWDEN, Assistant Adjutant.General: SIR: In my visit to the troops and pickets near Purdy to-day, from which I have just returned, I have confirgied previous reports of the fact that the enemy are making a road from Pittsburg across Lick Creek Bottom toward Pea Ridge road. They have completed it across South Fork of Lick Creek. By this road they may pass to Corinth or to Purdy. The enemy have also advanced some infantry and artillery to Adamsville from Savannah or Crumps Landing. Citizens report that they have sent out a detachment to cut a road from Adamsville toward the Purdy and Pittsburg road; the Shunpike road being im- passable in consequence of the destruction of the bridge over Snake Creek. I have directed that this party be watched and obstructed, if practicable, in their work. Squire Meeks, living about 10 miles from Purdy, on the Purdy and Pittsburg road, was taken prisoner on Saturday by the enemy. They also carried oft 24 bales of his cotton, 3 mules, 1 horse, 12 barrels of corn, and l,OQO bundles of fodder. To-day they propose to carry away perhaps 40 bales of cotton belonging to David McKenzie, who lives some 8 miles from Purdy on Pittsbijrg road. I have directed scouts to burn this cotton if it can be securely done. Inclosed herewith you will find several orders this day received through the postmaster at this place. They are dated back as far as the 6th instant, and should have reached this post at a much earlier period. The postmaster informs me that they came up from Corinth on yesterday, and that they are the only documents of any kind in his office for any commanding officer of post or general officer. They were addressed to the commanding officer at this place, and I consequently opened them. I now forward them to you in consequence of having received a note from General Beauregards aide, asking me to make inquiries for letters for Maj. Gen. L. Polk, and stating that important communications had failed to reach him.* I have a communication from General Cheatham, asking me to send him a report of the strength and condition of my command. Please iu~ form me if my reports are to pass through his office. Yours, very truly, B. B. JOHNSON, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Post. *Inclosnres not found Page 360 360 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXIL 11 OCLOCK P. M. Since writing the above I have received a dispatch from Colonel Smith that seems quite suggestive. The landing of artillery at Crumps Landing cannot be for operations against Corinth. The care with which the enemy avoid showing themselves, while they are known t. have a good force in front of ns, indicates a purpose to act when unex- pected, if possible. In our position it will be easy to throw a force between us and Cor. inth, and press promptly a heavy force upon us. In addition, it seems that a force is to be moved to the left of us. You will see that ammu. nition is needed immediately~ B. R. JOHNSON. MARCH 258 oclock a. m. Under the impression (derived from an officer who came from Corinth last night) that a train would pass up during the night, I have de- layed my dispatches until this morning. I now send them on a hand car by a messenger. Cannot a locomotive be sent to this point for express purposes? The distance cannot be made to Corinth on horseback in good time by the circuitous roads that can be safely traveled, and the strength of the enemy in front of us may at any moment make prompt communication of the utmost importance. On yesterday a requisition for ammunition was forwarded to you, as we are not here advised as to what officer to address. The ammunition asked for in Colonel Smiths dispatches will, I hope, be sent by my mes senger Captain Mhoon. ours, very truly, B. B. JOHNSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding Post. LEBANON, VA., Maroh 24, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector Genetal, Richmond: GENERAL: My call of the militia to the field has produced a strong movement among the Union men toward the enemy. Major Bradley, writing to me from Osbornes Ford, on the 21st, says: Many of the Union men from the region of Estiliville have been going out in squads to Kentucky, it is believed, for the purpose of joining the enemy. This, I think, is true. Several squads have certainly passed out in that direction, one of them of from 40 to 50 men. From this county (Russell) a good many have gone. In one case a Kentnckian carried off 7 or 8 with him on the night he first saw my order to prepare the militia. I am in possession of a letter he left behind which should hang him. I hear from Buchanan that the Union men are quite bold. I know that there are a great many in Wise County. My information is that there are many in Washington, and that in the lower part of Lee they march through with drums and fifes and with colors flying. This will give you an idea of the district in one aspect. Now, on the other hand, the in ilitia in this county have turned out very well. I have over 500 now in camp and drilling daily in the school of the sol- dier. I think the militia of this county (Wise) and Scott will not3 make and keep up more than one full regiment. It may be well to calculat Page 361 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEBERATE. 361 that Washington and Lee added the whole will furnish two fall regi- ments, though now I doubt it. The President may rely, however, that I will enforce the call, and display the actual military strength of this section of Virginia. Information from Lee County is that they have comparatively no arms or ammunition. Certainly the same flict exists here. Can Gov- ernment furnish any or can they be purchased ~ I think the commis- sioner of sequestration should come to this section immediately, and when a man flies to Kentucky, now occupied along our lines by the enemy, his estate should at once be sei~ed by the public authority and put into the way of being confiscated. This act would follow so quickly and directly upon the desertion that a very few examples would strike home to the disease of the body-politic, and would teach the men of property the necessity of loyalty, while, 011 the other hand, I will im- part to them with absolute impartiality the necessity of personal serv- ice when their county calls them to its defense. If an energetic course is now pursued for one month by the authorities, both civil and mili- tary, I venture the assertion that this western section will present a first-rate military and absolutely loyal population, ready to do service whenever called upon. I hope the commanding general will take some pains to induce the civil authority to send its agent as indicated by me, for I assure you it is of great consequence this shall be done, and in the end, among those who are against us or calculating chances, it will prove the most effi- cient as well as the most humane course. A few seizures will stop all running, and will bring home to the people that estimate of duty they will never feel without such an example before their eyes. The enemy still at Pikeville; his intentions not exactly known to me except as conjectured heretofore. I hear that he meditates abandoning Sandy Valley to go West; also that ~his cavalry is deserting; also that his 400 cavalry lately at West Liberty has fallen back to Owingsville. This last I believe. I am, respectfully, & c., H. MARSHALL, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Corinth, March 25, 1862. The PRESIDENT, Richmond, Va.: I arrived here yesterday and conferred with Generals Beauregard, Polk, and Bragg. General Beauregard returned to Jackson. General Van Dorn is at Van Buren, moving towards Jacksonport, Ark., and had purposed an advance toward New Madrid to attack the enemy. I ordered him to Memphis. He is not menaced by the enemy. There was no subsistence for either him or the enemy. I c~nsidered the country impracticable between Jacksonport and New Madrid7 while at Memphis his force will be in position. The enemy is advancing to- day in some force from Pittsburg toward Corinth. Monterey, 11 miles in front, was occupied to-day by a small force of cavalry and two regi- ments of infantry. Decatur is held by a small force to guard the bridge. My force is now united, holding Burnsville, Inka, and Tuscumbia, with one division here. A. S. JQThNSTOI{, General, C. S. Army Page 362 3G2 KY., TEWN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Corinth, Miss., March 25, 1862. Maj. Gen. BRAXTON BRAGG: It is necessary for the present to order Colonel Scotts [Louisianal cavalry regiment to remain on the south side of Elk River and watch movements of the enemy between crossing of road from Pulaski and Fayetteville,* and this note is written not only to give you this infor- mation, but to say that this order is not intended in any way to inter- fere with the assignment of that regiment, already made, to your com- mand. By order of A. S. Johnston, General 0. 5. Army: ED. W. MUNFORD, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Jackson, Tenn., March 25, 1862. Col J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond: COLONEL: Notwithstanding that there was a scarcity of the materials for making bronze field pieces, and fearing moreover that my com- munications with the east might be cut ofi~ for a time at least, whereby I should be thrown upon my own resources, I issued a call npon the planters for their bells. Already that call has met with a patriotic re- sponse from all quarters, and a large number of these bells have been placed subject to my orders at points on the navigable rivers and at railroad stations. The question now is how may these bells be most advantageously transmuted into cannon, to which end I must now invoke your assist- ance and advice. I desire to have 12-pounder Napoleon smooth-bore and 6-pounder (caliber) rifle guns, which I am advised by General Bragg can he manufactured in New Orleans, where Leeds & Co. have the proper models and all necessary experience. Propositions have also been made from parties at Natchez to cast some guns. I regard it as clearly advantageous to encourage the casting of such guns at different points in this valley, so that should a foundery unfortunately fall into the hands of the enemy we should not be wholly crippled and deprived of our resources, but have several centers of manufacture. I must there- fore ask you to supply, through me, drawings and the necessary details and instructions for the Natchez foundery for both descriptions of guns just mentioned. I must also ask you to establish some just rate of compensation for the work to be done, also the value of the bells, with such other de- tails and instructions concerning their conversion into field pi6ces as you may deem needful to facilitate and insure the casting of proper guns of the character wanted. Please answer in part by telegraph. Respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, [G. T. BEAUREGARD.] * Colonel Scott so ordered same day Page 363 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 363 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MississiPPi, Jackson, Tenn., March 25, 1862. Major-General POLK, Commanding First Grand Division: GENERAL: I am directed to acquaint you that the general command- ing has found it necessary to give orders directly to Colonel Pickett to fall back no farther at present than Kenton Station, behind the Obion River, should he find it judicious to retire from Union City. In that event he has been ordered to burn about half a mile of the railway trestle work in front of the Obion Bridge, which is to be saved. Col- onel Hill has also been instructed to remain for the present at Trenton. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. BURNSYILLE, March 25, 1862. Col. H. P. BREWSTER: Maj. D. C. Kelley, of Forrests cavalry, was within 2 miles of Mon- terey at daylight this morning. About 10,000 infantry and 800 cavalry encamped there last night. The number is probably a little overrated. JNO. C. BRECKINRIDGE, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE Miss., No. 15. Corinth, Miss., March 25, 1862. I. The troops of this command will move as promptly as possible to the new position assigned them and encamp in regular order. Brigade and division commanders will take their proper military positions with the troops. * * * * * * * YI. Col. John B. Villepigue, promoted to brigadier-general, is relieved from duty on the staff of the major-general commanding, and will re- port to Major-General Polk, under a special assignment for the command of Fort Pillow. The regret which is felt at parting with this accom- plished and gallant officer is compensated by a knowledge of his transfer to a command where his industry, ability, and professional skill will be eminently useful to our cause. By command of Major-General Bragg: GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. 2D GRAND Div., ARMY OF Miss., No. 18. * Corinth, Miss., March 25, 1862. * * * * * * IV. Col. F. Gardner, C. S. Army, is assigned to the command of the cavalry brigade in this division, and will report to these headquarters for instructions. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Bragg: GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 364 364 KY, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., March 25, 1862. Col. A. C. MYERS, Quartermaster- General, Richmond, Va.: COLONEL: Six new regiments have been ordered to move from Georgia to Knoxville; they are without blankets, and you are desired to cause 6,000 to be sent to Knoxville for their use, to General E. K. Smith, commanding at that place. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RE. LEE, General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 25, 1862. Lient. Col. B. M. BRANNER, Fourth Battalion Tennessee Cavalry: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that he finds it necessary to suspend in its effects the order of Major- General Crittenden directing your command to repair to Decatur, Ala. You will therefore order the companies of your battalion not absolutely under orders from Brigadier-General Leadhetter to report to him at Kingston, Tenn. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 25, 1862. COMMANDING OFFICER, Dalton, Ga.: Maj. Gen. E. K. Smith directs that one regiment be sent to this place and five others remain for the present at Dalton. This countermands the dispatch of this morning. H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTBRS. Richmond, Va., March 25, i86% General HUMPHREY MARSHALL, Commanding, d~e., Lebanon, Va.: GENERAL: You are under a misapprehension as to the meaning of my letter of the 13th instant as to your communicating with General Smith. I did not intend to say anything in conflict with your instruc- tions of November 1, 1861,* but only to desire you to keep in commu- nication with General Smith, in order that there might be the proper concert of action between your command and his whenever occasion may render it expedient. Should an emergency occur to bring your commands together, of course as long as the two may be united your See Series I, Vol. IV, p. 495 Page 365 CRAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 365 position and conduct would be regulated by the rules of the service applicable to such cases. You will thus perceive that my letter was not intended to bring about the state of affairs apprehended by you. As to calling out the militia, I requested you in my letter to corre- spond with General lleth,in order that there might be no conflict in your respective calls. You will receive at once a copy of the order of the Governor, from which you will perceive that the militia of the counties in the section of the State in which you are operating, [are] to report either to you or General ileth. The intention is that you and General ileth should arrange as to the distribution of these troops among yourselves, the position of your respective commands being such that it was deemed better to leave the matter to you than to undertake the distribution by orders from the Governor. You are fully authorized to obtain from Kentucky all the troops you can for the war, and may increase your command in that way indefi- nitely. I regret that at this time your command cannot be increased by any other means than those indicated, but you are aware of the great demand for troops in other quarters of vital importance. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. E. LEE, General, Commanding. RICHMOND, YA., March 26, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JoHN5ToN,~ Mv DEAR GENERAL: Yours of the 18th * instant was this day de- livered to me by your aide, Mr. Jack. I have read it with much satis- faction. So far as the past is concerned, it but confirms the conclusions at which I had already arrived. My confidence in you has never wa- vered, and I hope the public will soon give me credit for judgment rather than continue to arraign me for obstinacy. You have done wonderfully well, and now I breathe easier in the assurance that you will be able to make a junction of your two armies. If you can meet the division of the enemy moving from the Tennessee before it can make a junction with that advancing from Nashville the future will be brighter. If this cannot be done, our only hope is that the people of the Southwest will rally en masse with their private arms, and thus enable you to oppose the vast army which will threaten the destruction of our country. I have hoped to be able to leave here for a short time, and would be much gratified to confer with you and share your responsibilities. I might aid you in obtaining troops; no one could hope to do more unless he underrated your military capacity. I write in great haste, and feel that it would be worse than useless to point out to you how much de- pends upon you. May God bless you, is the sincere prayer of your friend, JEFFERSON DAVIS. P. 5.I send you a dictionary, of which I have the duplicate, so that jon may communicate with me by cipher, telegraphic or written, as follows: First, give the page by its number; second, the column by the letter L, M, or B, as it may be, in the left-hand, middle, or right-hand See Joh~.eton to Davis, March 18, Series I, Vol. VII, p. 258 Page 366 566 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. column; third, the number of the word in the column, counting from the top. Thus the word junction would be designated by 146, L, 20. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 1ST GRAND Div., ARMY OF Miss., No. 446. Corinth, Mi8s., Miareh 26, 1862. Major-General Cheatham is hereby ordered to proceed immediately, by the most expeditious route, to Bethel Station, with his command, to support the First Brigade of his division at that point. If his command can move by rail, Major-General Cheatham will send his wagon train by the dirt road west of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Major-General Cheatham will see that his command, before moving, is supplied with two days cooked rations. By order of Major-General Polk: GEORGE WILLIAMSON As8istant Adjutant4jeneral. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, General B. E. LEE, Knoxville, March 26, 1862. Richmond, Va.: There are no arms at Chattanooga. I will require 5,400 stand for the troops at Dalton, Ga., and a supply of ammunition. E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, General D. LEADBETTER, Knoxville, March 26, 1862. King8ton, Tenn.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send out a party on the road toward Sparta, directing the officer in command of it to push the reconnaissance as near to Nashville as possible, and so endeavor to bring reliable information of the enemys movements in that direction. They can carry provisions and forage on their horses across the mountains about 40 miles, when they will reach a country with resources. Can you not send a spy to Nashville or its vicinit who would bring you reliable information ~? y The major general also directs that the orders regulating the conduct of the cavalry be vigorously enforced. Besides, he wishes you to in- spect the companies in that service under your command, especially the First Regiment East Tennessee Cavalry, and report to headquar- ters the degree of discipline and efficiency they have attained. If, after making your inspection, it is your opinion that any company or com- panies should be disbanded, you will recommend the adoption of such course, and state your reasons in the report you will make. The department must be purged of every marauding mounted com- pany. If the men cannot be reformed, they must be disbanded. The quartermaster has directions to send the small steamboat to you. It will be useful plying between Clinton and Kingston. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 367 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 367 P. 5.The most direct means of communicating with headquarters will be to send dispatches to be mailed at London, and if they be im- portant the commanding officer at that place can be directed to send them by telegraph. II. L. C., Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 26, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. B. MAXEY, Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you, in response to your telegram, that he desires the immediate destruction of bridges, tunnels, culverts, & c., upon the roads designated in my letter of the 24th instant, and especially that this shall be done as far in the direction of Nashville as possible. It is by effectually obstruct- ing the railroad northwest of Tullahoma that the advance of the enemy toward Stevenson and Sparta will be impeded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant AdjtWint. General. HEADQUARTERS Am~iv OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Corinth, Miss., March 27, 1862. Maj. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK, Commanding First Grand Division: GENERAL: You will instruct Major-General Cheatham in writing that the object of sending his division to Bethel [Station] is to defend the road from Savannah to Bolivar, and to guard and protect, as far as practicable in its vicinity, the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and the Missis- sippi Central. For these purposes he will station an advance guard of at least two regiments and two or four pieces of artillery at or about Purdy (wherever the locality will be most favorable) with orders when about to be overpowered by the enemy to fall back slowly and in good order on the main body at or about Bethel [Station], where another stand will be made. Thence his line of retreat should be on Bolivar, where a desperate stand should be made, so as to allow this army time to attack the enemy in flank and rear. The advance guard of infantry should bivouac, being sent out for three or four days at a time, coming in only after having been regu- larly relieved; the officers of the old guard communicating all the in- formation in their power to those of the new one. These guards should not be encumbered with tents, and should be provided with only the lightest baggage. A cavalry force with proper pickets should be thrown out well in ad- vance of the infantry pickets, so as to guard all the avenues of approach to Purdy, with orders to watch closely the movements of the enemy, to give timely notice of his approach. They should be careful not to act ~n mere rumors and create false alarms. The balance of the cavalry should patrol constantly along and in ad- vance of the road from Purdy to Lexington and in the direction o Page 368 368 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL Monterey. A line of express couriers should be established from Bethel to this place, one-half being furnished from each place. The relays should be about 5 miles apart. The common road in rear of the rail- road should be kept in as good order as practicable, especially the bridges over the streams and low places; for at any time tJ~e division of General Cheatham may be called upon to travel over it for the pur- pose of re-enforcing the army at this point in the event of a great battle occurring here or in this vicinity. General Cheatham should be instructed to guard with infantry pickets all the culverts and bridges between Henderson and this place, each picket consisting of from 5 to 15 men, according to the importance of the culvert or bridge. General Polk will order an officer of his staff to see to the immediate execution of the above orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, fi. T. BEAUREGARD, General, commanding. P. 8.General Cheatham must~ be instructed to reconnoiter person- aIJy, immediately upon his arrival at Bethel, the roads leading to and from that place to a distance of about 5 miles. BUENSYILLE, Miss., March 27, 18621 p. m. Colonel BREWSTER, A88istant Adjutant- General, Corinth: Yesterday near sundown there was no enemy east of Chambers Creek. I have a true man here just from the mouth of that creek. For twenty-four [hours] previous to yesterday morning they were moving troops up the west bank of Chambers Creek 3 or 4 miles, then turned toward point between Monterey and Pittsburg. They were variously estimated by the country people at from 8,000 to 20,000. Fifteen mounted Federals were in Hamburg at 3 oclock yesterday evening. JNO. C. BRECKINRIDGE. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., March 27, 1862. Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding, & c., Knox~ville, Tenn.: GENERAL: By information this day received from Governor Brown, of Georgia, I learn that the six regiments about which you have been advised have moved from their camp in Georgia for Knoxville. The Quartermaster-General has forwarded for their use 3,000 blankets and 3,000 great-coats, these being all that can be furnished at present. On the day after to-morrow Colonel Gorgas will cause 2000 muskets to be sent to you at Knoxville, and in a day or so Enfleld rifles sufficient to complete arming them. It would be advisable to give the rifles to the flanking companies, at least of your old regiments, and that the new - troops be armed with the muskets. The fine rifles will be more efficient in the hands of tried troops, and, moreover, such a distribution would Page 369 369 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. appear equitable. Jt is left, however, to your judgment and discre- tion. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, It. E. LEE, General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 27, 1862. Brig. Gen. D. LEADBETTER, Kingston, Tenn.: GENERAL: If your camp is established near Kingston the town should be taken in charge by the military authorities, liquor establishments closed, and such other measures taken as you may deem necessary for keeping up the discipline of your command. You will organize immediately and secretly an expedition to Mont- gomery, and if possible to Scott County and Huntsville. Let your force be as large and effective as you may judge necessary; but it must be so organized as to move lightly and without impediments. The force in that section, as well as I can learn, is not over 600, princi- pally the Tory population of the country. They are reported to have thrown up some defenses 16 miles beyond Montgomery. A rapid march of inThutry in their rear may effect something. I give you carte blanche, and will sustain you in any course you may find it necessary to adopt in those counties. Supplies should, as far as possible, be withdrawn or destroyed in Scott County. All self-constituted Tory organizations summarily dealt with; all the arms removed from that neighborhood. When you find any friends to our cause you may make exceptions in their cases. ln your move on Scott County from Montgomery observe the road to Jamestown. There have been rumors that East Tennessee was to be threatened from that direction. Spare no money in obtaining reliable information by that route from Kentucky. It will give security to your flank in your operations in Scott County. I inclose you a report of Captain Eb1en~s.* You will find hini active, intelligent, and patriotic, lie can give you information regarding that country. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Mqjor- General Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 28, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Commanding, Decatur, Ala.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose copies of telegram and orders from the Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, defining the limits of the Department of East Tennessee to the West. f The Cumberland Range is its natural boundary in that direction. The force under my Not found. t See SpecimU Orders of March 21, on p. 354. The telegram~ gives substance of th& order. 24 R RVOL X, PT I Page 370 370 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAr. XXIL command is scarcely adequate for either offensive or defensive opera- tions beyond that line. I will, however, take immediate steps for the destruction of the Nashville and Chattanooga road as far toward Mur- freesborough as possible, and will observe the movements of the enemy toward Chattanooga from that direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH Major- General, Commanding. HUNTSVILLE, March 28, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON: Morgans detachment has returned from burning bridges, as ordered. There are 100 car loads of provisions at Stevenson and many thousand barrels of flour at3 Chattanooga. If possible, 1,000 cavalry should guard the road from this to Stevenson. From the most reliable infor- mation I have, the number of Federals at Nashville up to Sunday last was 47,000. Morgans squadron will leave to-morrow. S. D. MORGAN. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond Va March 28 Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, .~ 1862. Gommanding, & c., Knoxville, Tenn.: GENERAL: I am directed by General Lee, commanding, & c., to inform you that the Thirty.ninth, Fortieth, Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty- third, and Fifty-second Regiments, and Ninth Battalion Georgia Vol- unteers, recently organized in that State, have been ordered to report to you. You have also been notified by telegraph to the same effect. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON. Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE FORCES, Corinth, Miss., March 29, 1862. I. The undersigned assumes the command and immediate (lirection of the Armies of Kentucky and of the Mississippi, now united, an(l which in military operations will be known as the Army of the Mississippi. II. General G. T. Beauregard will be second in command to the com- mander of the forces. III. The Army of the Mississippi will be subdivided into three army corps, and reserves of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, as follows: 1. The First Corps, under command of Maj. Gen. L. Polk, to consist of the grand division now under his command as originally organized, less the artillery and cavalry hereinafter limited and detached as re- serves, and the garrison of Fort Pillow and the works for defense of Madrid Bend, already detached from that command. 2. The Second Corps, under Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, to consist of the second grand division of the Army of the Mississippi, less the artil- lery and cavalry hereinafter limited and detached as reserves Page 371 C~. XXII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 371 3. The Third Corps, under Maj. Gen. W. J. Hardee, to consist of the Army of Kentucky, less the cavalry, artillery, and infantry hereinafter limited and detached as reserves. 4. The infantry reserve, under command of Maj. Gen. G. B. Critten. den, shall be formed of a division of not less than two brigades. IV. The brigades of each army corps and of the reserves will be so formed as to consist severally of about 2,500 total infantry and one light battery of six pieces, if practicable. V. Divisions shall consist of not less than two brigades and of one regiment of cavalry. VI. All cavalry and artillery not hereinbefore assigned to divisions and brigades will be held in reserve; the cavalry under Brigadier.Gen. eral Hawes, the artillery under an officer to be subsequently announced. VII. All general orders touching matters of organization, discipline, and conduct of the troops published by General G. T. Beauregard to the Army of the Mississippi will continue in force in the whole army until otherwise directed, and copies thereof will be furnished to the Third Army Corps and to the reserves. VIII. Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, in addition to his duties as com- mander of the Second Army Corps, is announced as chief of the staff to the commander of the forces. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, 0. S. Arm~j. JACICSONPORT, March 29, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON: Your order [23d instant] received. Will be executed as promptly as possible. I go this evening to see General Beauregard at his request, and to prepare army on the march to Des Arc. EARL VAN DORN. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 29, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. B. MAXEY,. Commanding, t~c., Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: Your letter of 27th instant* has just been received. Use every effort to obstruct the Nashville and Stevenson road as far toward Nashville as possible. Secure the rolling stock by all manner of means. The bridge over Elk River and the tunnel should be destroyed. Make arrangements for 5,000 men from Dalton, Ga., who are ordered to Chat- tanooga. Select some suitable camping ground in that vicinity, where their discipline and instruction ca.~ be attended to. These troops will be forwarded from Dalton as fast~s the arms now en. route from Rich- mond arrive. I will organize a brigade and place it under your com- mand as soon as unassigned regiments arrive. Keep me constantly advised of the movements of the enemy coming from Nashville. My information is that about 4,000 Federals are at or near Murfreesborough. None are at Nashville. Their columns are mov- jug from that place down the valley of the Mississippi. You must take such steps for the protection of the bridge over the Not found Page 372 372 KY, TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIL Tennessee to the east of Stevenson as the means at your disposal will admit. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH Major. General Oo~nman~fling. CORINTH, Miss., March 30, 1862. The PRESIDENT: I am not informed of any important movement by the enemy since my last communication. General Floyds supplementary report* was received to-day; Colonel Forrests not yet presented. They will be transmitted as soon as received. General Bragg is chief of the staff~ for this army and department. There will be a thorough reorganization of the army as soon as possible. There will be three grand divisions, the whole under my immediate command, with General Beauregard second in command. A. S. JOHNSTON, General. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Corinth, March 30, 1862. Capt. E. J. SANDERS, Men~phis, Tenn.: SIR: Your letter of the 29th instant to General Johnston has been received by him and its contents noted. You state that you have been informed General Johnston would re- ceive any number of independent companies, and when they report for duty he would give them a general order to scour the country, destroy- ing in every possible manner our enemies and their property, protect- ing Southern men and their property, and that all the spoils conse- quent on such mode of warfare and everything captured by such guer- rilla parties would be the property of such company, to be sold or used for their private interest. You desire information from him as to the terms on which independ- ent companies will be received and the character of orders under which they will be expected to serve. I am instructed by General Johnston to .say in reply that you have been wholly misinformed. No independent companies will be received into the service, but all forces will be assigned to duty in battalions, regiments, or brigades, as the interest of the country demands. The organization of the army will be preserved, nor will any condi- tions-precedent be agreed upon as the terms by which the country is to be served. There is no branch of the army under any general order of the char- acter indicated in your letter, nor gill any such order be given. All troops in the service must be subj~t to the Articles of War, to disci- pline, and such organization as may be necessary to render ours an efficient army. The general instructs me farther to say that when your company is mustered into service you will report to the adjutant-general at these headquarters. By order of General A. S. Johnston: E. W. MUNFORD, Aide-dc-Camp. * See Serie8 I, Vol. VII, p. 270 Page 373 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 373 GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE Mississippi, No. 1. f Corinth, Mt85., March 30, 1862. The following officers are announced as chiefs of their respective de- partments of the general staff of this army. They will be obeyed and respected as such: Col. Thomas Jordan, assistant adjutant-general, department of or- ders. Brig. Gen. J. E. Slaughter, acting inspector-general. Maj. Eugene E. McLean, Quartermasters Department C. S. Army, in department of supplies and means of transportation. Maj. A. J. Smith, chief of the pay department. IAeut. Col. iR. B. Lee, chief of subsistence department. Surg. A. J. Foard, medical director. Maj. J. F. Gilmer, C. S. Engineer Corps, chief of engineers. Capt. II. Oladowski, chief of ordnance. By command of A. S. Johnston: BRAXTON BRAGG, Major- General, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL IIDQRs. ARMY OF THE MississiPri, ORDERS, Corinth, Miss., March 30, 1862. I. Martial law is hereby established at Jackson and Grenada, in the State of Mississippi, and their respective environs for a circuit of 5 miles. The inspector-general, Brigadier-General Slaughter, will ap- point suitable persons at each place to act as provost-marshals, and will give the necessary instructions to these officers for their Govern- ment. * * * * * * * By command of General A. S. Johnston: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 30, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Corinth, Miss.: General Maxey, commanding at Chattanooga, reports the enemy in forceinfantry and cavalryat Shelbyville and Manc~iester. I have ordered the only armed regiment at this place to Chattanooga. E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 30, 1862. Brig. Gen. D. LEADEETTER, Kingston, Teun.: GENERAL: I am instructed by Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to inform you that under date of Chattanooga, March 29, 1862, Brigadier-General Maxey makes the following report: The most reliable information I could get indicate8 that the enemy who were a Page 374 374 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXEL Murfreesborough last Saturday was a week ago were about 10,000 strong, infantry and cavalry; that they there divided, one portion going to Manchester, the other to Shelbyville. The force at Manchester, or rather that arrived at Beech Grove, 12 miles from there, is said to be 5,000. The major-general also directs me to say that your communication8 will be addressed, as may be indicated by their subject.matter, to the proper officers of his staff, as required by article 34, section 441, Army Regulations, and republished in General Orders, No. 14, Adjutant and 2Luspector Generals Office, Richmond, October 4, 1861. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. L. CLAY, As8istant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., March 30, 1862. Brig. Gen. HUMPHREY MARSHALL, Commanding, d~c., Lebanon, Va.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 24th instant to the Adjutant and In- spector General has been referred to me. In reply, I have to say that all the arms we have at our disposal here are being put in the hands of troops going into the field, and at this time there are none that I can furnish you with. You will make a requisition for such as you require, and all that can be obtained shall be sent to you. You have authority to purchase such private arms as you can obtain. I applied to the Governor, but he had none to furnish to your men. Such is the scarcity of arms that [we] are having pikes made. If they will be of service to you, they can be sent you. As for ammunition, you will make a requisition for such kind and quantity as you need, and it will be sent to you. With regard to sending a receiver, under the sequestration act, to your district, I will call your attention to the provision of that act, which applies only to alien enemies, and not to cases of disloyalty among our own citizens. Treason and disloyalty among the latter class are pun- ishable under the laws and Constitution, which you are aware impose no penalty of forfeiture of estate, even in case of treason, except during the life-time of the party convicted. If it be deemed advisable, perhaps Congress might authorize the seizure of property in cases such as you mention, and you are aware that you have power to arrest and detain disloyal persons when the public service requires it, and to seize for military purposes property left on their farms. I am pleased to hear of your success with the militia, and hope you will spare no exertion to bring out the full strength of the country you are defending. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R.E LEE General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS POST AT PIJUDY, Maj. C. G. ROGERS, March 31, 1862. A88istant Adjutant-General: Sm: A private in Colonel Bennetts battalion of cavalry came in this evening from Coffee, on the Tennessee River, below Savannah. Ther Page 375 CUAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 375 are not any troops at that place. He saw an iron-clad gunboat going up the river by that place to-day at 11 a. m. He reported to me that the enemy were very busy hauling cotton to the river at several points. Hearing of about 300 bales near the river below, I have sent out a de- tachment, with a member of Captain Robertsons company as guide, with instructions to burn them. There has been much activity and stir among the Federal troops to- day. Their drums were heard for several hours by my entire infantry pickets. I heard them very distinctly myself. rThe scouts sent out toward Monterey report that they heard their drums in the direction of Pittsburg and Owl Creek. Wishing to get reliable information from the enemy as to his position, strength, & c., 1 directed Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer to take a detach- ment of his cavalry and make a thorough reconnaissance as far as Adamsville,if practicable. This he proceeded to do with 35 men. When about 2 miles this side of Adamsville he met a picket guard of 37 or 38 men, who fired on him. The colonel charged them, firing on them. He wounded one of them, whom he captured, together with two others. These three prisoners are here now, and will be sent in to you early to- morrow. These men report three brigades, if not four, at Crumps Landing and extending to this side of Adamsville. One of them, a sergeant, says that there are two brigades on this side of Adamsville, and he thinks there are two others at the landingone certainlythe whole under the command of Major-General Wallace. He thinks there are three regiments to each brigade. I also sent out a squad of cavalry on the Shunpike road; they saw a company of 63 of the enemys cavalry passing from the direction of Adamsville down toward Pittsburg, crossing the road near where they were secreted in the woods. This detachment brought in with them W. C. Sanders, who has been coming into Purdy frequently since I have been J~ere; he has been re- garded as a strong Southern man. He had been to Adainsville and was returning home, having been passed through the enemys lines but a short time before falling in with the scout sent out from this place. He reports a very large force on this side of Adamsville, and that it is understood among the soldiers there that they are on their way to this place. The same thing seems to be understood among the Union men at that place. I am not inclined to turn this man loose. Respectfully, your obedient servant, PRESTON SMITH, Colonel, Commanding. HDQRS. SECOND ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE Miss., Corinth, Miss., March 31, 1862. General JA1~rus R. CHALMERS, Commanding Advance: GENERAL: Yours of this date has just been received * and laid before the general commanding, who directs me to say that the advance position at Monterey will be occupied by Colonel Gibsons brigade, and that strong guards of infantry will be posted to the right and left to prevent their flanks being turned by the enemy. Colonel Wheeler will return immediately to the rear and take his place in the line. You with * Not found Page 376 376 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL your command will move on and cross Lick Creek, and after thoroughly reconnoitering the country will return by the Ridge road around the head of Lick and Chambers Creeks. The cavalry under Colonel Clan. ton will occupy positions in front of Monterey. You will take 100 cavalry with you, and after completing your recon- naissance will direct them to join their regiment. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. G. cTARI~ER, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville March 31 General S. COOPER, , , 1862. Adjutant- General 0. S. Army: GENERAL: Brigadier-General Maxey, commanding at Chattanooga, ieports the enemy in force at Manchester and Shelbyville, estimated at 10,000 strong. This is probably exaggerated. He also states that all the bridges on the Chattanooga and Nashville road are destroyed be- tween Nashville and the tunnel. By my directions he is preparing to obstruct the tunnel by blasting. He has no force at Chattanooga, but a battalion of Maneys regiment, First Tennessee, and some cavalry. I have ordered the only armed regiment here (the Fifth Georgia) to Chat- tanooga, and also 900 stand of arms, with ammunition for one regiment, telegraphed for from Dalton. This is all the disposable force in the ~department. The garrison at Cumberland Gap is already weakened by the removal of the Fifth Georgia and Ninth Mississippi. The small force under Brigadier-General Lead better, beyond Kings- ton, cannot be removed, as that point is threatened from Jamestown and by that at Manchester. Until arms arrive from Richmond I can do nothing better for the defense of Chattanooga. I have telegraphed to General Johnston the information received from General Maxey. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KiRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., March 31, 1862. M~j. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Gommanding, 4w., in East Tennessee, & c., Knoxville, Tenn.: GENERAL: By direction of General H. E. Lee, commanding, & c., I have the honor to inform you that the attention of the President has been called to the several subjects of your memorandathe inadequacy of your force, the hostility of the people, and the necessity for martial law. In reference to the latter you will please report the exact limits of the country over which you desire the establishment of martial law and when you desire it to go into effect. With regard to the limits of your department, the general command- ing directs me to say that by the orders issued from the War Depart- ment, copies of which are doubtless in your possession, you will per- ceive that your command embraces East Tennessee from the Yirginia line as far west as Chattanooga and the tioops in its vicinity Page 377 CHAP. XXIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 377 Your line of retreat must in some measure be determined by circum- stances, but unless you should be called upon by General A. S. John- ston to re-enforce some command in your advance, the disposition of your forces should be made with a view to the protection of the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, and a withdrawal by that route if nec- essary. Brig. Gens. C. L. Stevenson and S. M. Barton have already been or- dered to report to you for duty. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 31, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. B. MAXEY, Commanding, & c., Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: I am directed by Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to say that he has telegraphed to Dalton for one unarmed regiment to re-enforce you at Chattanooga. Arms for them will be on their way here before this reaches you. The Fifth Georgia Regiment has been ordered from this post to your command. If Dowds (Twenty-fourth Mississippi) regiment from Florida arrived at Chattanooga detain it there. Telegraph General Johnston the condition of affairs. He (General Smith) has sent you all the disposa- ble force. Arms are on the way from Richmond for all the Georgia regiments at Dalton, and as soon as they arrive will be sent forward. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ F. BELTON, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. Abstract from return of the Central Army of Kentucky, General A. S. Johnston command- ing, for March 31, 1S62~ Present. o a Command. 8 ~ bLO a ~ag First iHardees) Division: Hiudmans brigade. - 2,360 3,085 4,023 Cleburnes brigade 3,086 3,938 Shoups artillery . 149 216 Adams cavalry . 511 914 Second (Crittendens) Division: Carrolls brigade 2,212 - Statbams brigade . - 3,079 3, 727 5,478 Third Division: woods brigade 2,508 3,499 5,161 Bowens briaade . 1, 744 2, 199 3,029 Reserve (Breckinridges) Corps 2, 691 3,422 4,785 Forrests cavalry 679 785 863 15th Arkansas ~ Grand total 13, 340 23,069 28,912 * The original is incomplete and unsigned. See also return of General Johnstons command for April 1, p. 382 Page 378 378 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XIII. Ab8tract from return of the Second Grand Diviejon, Army of the Miaei88ippi, Maj. Ge,s. Braxton Bragg commanding, March 31, 1862. Present for duty. 546 ~ Troops. I .8 .5.o ~ Q .~ s~ .,., a ~ be ~ a a be~ ~ 0 ~ ~ be be ~, 473 7, 199 7, 043 9,536 10, 985 division 479 7, 394 7, 825 10,409 12, 367 Cavalry brigade 49 621 610 822 1,395 . Artillery (seven batteries) 28 661 552 799 902 28 Total... 1, 029 15, 875 16,030 21, 566 25, 649 28 CoRINTH, April 1, 1862. Col. B. H. HELM, Commanding at Tuscumbia: - Our pickets at mouth of Yellow Creek report three gunboats and three transports with troops passed up at 10 a. m. Be sure that the bridge does not fall into the hands of the enemy. Guard it with vigi- lance, and obey your orders of March 18, 1862, as follows: Burn the Florence Bridge as soon as the enemys gunboats may pass Eastport or the enemy approach Florence from north aide of river. Place scouts, & c. A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. ~. Army. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Maj. Gen LEONmAS POLK, Corinth, ,Miiss., April 1, 1862. Commanding First Corps, & c., Corinth, Miss.: GENERAL: Can you inform me if General Cheatham has made a re- connaissance of the roads from Purdy toward the Tennessee River, especially the one leading to Pittsburg ~ If not, will you please order him to have it made as soon as practicable and as close to the enemy~s position as safety to the reconnoitering officers and escort will permit. It would be well not to awaken the enemys suspicions to any intention on our part of advancing in that direction; in other words, a secret re- connaissance on the road to Pittsburg would be preferable to any other kind. I have ordered one of my staff officers to go this morning to Trenton to inquire into the surprise of Colonel Picketts command and the loss of property resulting therefrom. We must make an example of those officers who permit their commands to be thus surprised. Prompt and decisive action is necessary to stop further disasters of that kind. My staff officer had reported a line of couriers from Bethel to this place; but not, as ordered, with a relay every 5 miles. He informs me that the road he traveled upon on the west side of the railroad is a good one, and could with very little labor be made practicable at all times. Captain Waddell could give you further information on the subject if desired. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Second in e?Jommand Page 379 Ow. XXIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 37~ HDQRS. THIRD ARMY CORPS, AR& nr OF THE Miss., Corinth, April 1, 1862. Major-General BRAGG, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: 1 have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders I visited the command at Luka yesterday, and made as thorough an investigation of the reports against Major-General Crittenden and Brigadier-General Carroll as opportnnity afforded. I found sufficient e~dence against them to require their arrest. I accordingly arrested Brigadier-General Carroll last night, and this morning ordered Brig- adier-General Wood to relieve Major-General Crittenden of the com- mand of that place. The latter was ordered to consider himself iii arrest for drunkenness, after turning over his command. I arrested Brigadier-General Carroll for drunkenness, incompetency, and neglect of his command. I caused an inspection of the guards of three regiments to be made by Major Shoup, of my staff, and his report shows a most wretched state of discipline and instruction. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, W. J. HARDER, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS, Corinth, April 1, 1862. Maj. Gen. BRAXTON BRAGG, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I am greatly in want of 73,000 Enfield cartridges and 6,000 Minie. I have 1,060 Enfield guns and only 31,000 cartridges. I was told on my arrival here that the Enfleld ammunition had been sent by mistake to Grenada, and would be returned here immediately. I learned this evening that 47,000 Enfield cartridges would be here to~ morrow, and this was all the Ordnance Department had, and this was subject to your order. Can I [have] this ammunition when it arrives? Very respectfully, W. J. HAIRDEE, Major- General. NAVY DEPART1~rENT, C. S. A., Richmond, April 1, 1862. Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War: SIR: Inclosed herewith I hand you the report of Flag-Officer Hol- lins, complaining that his guns were taken from him, and taken with- out notice or explanation by officers of the Army. These guns were sent for a gunboat at Memphis which was not ready to receive them, but are required by other vessels at New Orleans, and, if I am correctly advised, should be sent there at onee, and I request that orders be given to this effect. The Louisiana, I learn, is ready for her guns; but even if she should not be, the officers must have some time to practice their men at them. Captain Hollius feels indignant at the apparent disrespect thus ex- hibited toward him; and it is evident that seizures thus made, while they can do but little good, have a tendency to excite dissension be Page 380 380 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL tween the Army and Navy. There were two 9,000-pounder rifled guns, two 6,500-pounder banded rifled guns, and four 32-pounders of 57 cwt., with their carriages, equipments, and projectiles complete. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy. [Tudorseinent.] Inform Secretary of Navy that one of the first official acts of Secre- tary of War was to telegraph an order to the officers in command at Memphis to restore the guns. He condemns the seizure of navy guns, and will correct it whenever it is brought to his knowledge. G. W R. [Inclosuro.] FLAG-SHIP MCKEE, March 21, 1862. Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to report that the eight guns sent by Mr. Moore to me to Memphis, for gunboats, have been seized by the Army. I sent Acting Master F. W. Hollins to that place, with a steamer, for the purpose of taking them to New Orleans, where they were really wanted. He had the guns on board of the steamer when she was taken possession of by a Captain Adams, of the Army, saying he was ordered to seize them by order of Generals Beauregard and Lovell; that the latter wanted them for the Montgomery boats. I would especially call the attention of the Department to this fact. I should have supposed the various evacuations of the Army had furnished navy guns enough ~theenemywithouttakingthosesentdirecttomycommandfor, perhaps, the same purpose. The telegraph being in their hands, Mas- ter ilollins was refused for some time the use of it to send me a tele- gram of what was going on. Upon the receipt I dispatched the Ivy, Lieutenant-Commanding Bradford, to take them and forward to New Orleans; also a dispatch to you to know if I was to give them up upon the order of this or that army ofttcer, and I would request as a favor that the Department will let me know what my position is here; for, as it stands now, I have the mortification of seeing my orders counter- inanded by inferiors and my officers threatened with imprisonment for attempting to carry them out. Ammunition, of which I am seriously in want, has been stopped on the railroad between Memphis and New Orleans. I have not an hours ammunition, and have had a boat wait- ing in Memphis several days for it, but can hear nothing of her, and suppose she has been also stopped by the Army. If I am to be subject to the orders of any and every officer of the Army, whatever his grade, who may temporarily be in command of any little post, my usefulness here will be of little avail in serving my coun- try. All I ask is to be able to do so effectually. I shall occupy any position His Excellency the President may assign me for that purpose, trusting that he will not in so doing degrade me in my official position among my brother officers of the Navy, which I do think will be the case if this flagrant violation of military etiquette in taking possession of guns subject to my orders without informing me personally of its having been done, is considered right or proper. Every day we se Page 381 Ow. XXII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 381 officers of junior grades, both of the old army and the volunteers, pro- moted, and brigadier-generals made of men who are juniors in rank and service to the lieutenants commanding in my squadron. The suc- coring and keeping of our army as long as they did remain at New Madrid was due to the small force under my command, and without these gunboats they would never have left that place, and this is not only my opinion, but that of the two generals commanding that army, and yet no word of encouragement is given to officers or crews. I will do General McCown the justice to say that in all official intercourse with him I have yet to find an instance in which he has not treated ~me] with courtesy and attention and paid the respect due my position here. * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. N. HOLLINS, Flag- Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE Mississippi, No 5. f Cori~ith, Miss., April 1, 1862. The troops of the First and Third Army Corps and of the several detached brigades of the forces will be placed in readiness for a field movement and to meet the enemy within twenty-four hours, to which end all commanders will assure themselves that their commands are severally provided with the ammunition required in previous orders, and will see that General Orders, Nos. 4 and 9, from the headquarters of General Beauregard, are published to their troops and enforced in all particulars. By command of General A. S. Johnston: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERs, HDQR5. ARMY OF THE Mississippi, No 3. Corinth, Miss~ April 1, 1862. * * * * * * IV~ The brigade of four regiments of Texas cavalry, under command of Col. M. T. Johnson, senior colonel, will repair with the least possi- ble delay, by the nearest practicable land route, to these headquarters, * * * * * * * By command of General A. S Johnston: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-Genera Page 382 382 KY., TENN., N. MISS.,, N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (Cisii.. XXII Abstract from field return of the First and Second Army Corps and commands of Madrid Bend, I8land No. 10, and Port Pillow, Army of the Missis8ippi, and of General ilardees division of the Central Army Lof Kentucky], AprIl 1, 1862. Present. ~ e Command. Remarks. Infantry: From the commander of First Madrid Bend and Island 10 1,996 2,822 3,479 Corps only two divisions, witlifour Fort Pillow 1,741 2,732 3, 302 batteries, are reported. Returns First (Polks) Corps (First and Sec. 8,475 10,216 11,866 are wanted from the following corn. ond Divisions). mands of his corps, viz: Lienten. Second (B~ggs) Corps* 14, 868 19,564 23,371 ant-Colonel Brewers cavalry bat- [Third (Ha~ees) Corps], Hardees 4, 545 5,750 7,462 talion, Pnrdy; Colonel Jacksons division, regiment, Union City; MajorKings battalion, McKenzies Station; Total infantry 31,625 41,084 49,480 IAentenantColonel Miller, Lexing. = ton; Colonel Hills regiment, Tren. Heavy artillery: ton; Colonel Travis regiment, Cor- M~~d Bend and Island 10 806 398 448 inth; Captain Bankheads battery. Fort Pillow 239 280 345 From conimander Second Corps Light artillery: Fort Pillow 115 116 125 everything reported. Fiom commander of Third Corps: First Corps (fonr batteries) 398 452 501 He reports his old division, corn. Second Corps (seven batteries) 661 799 902 posed of two brigades, two bat- Hardees division 310 457 405 teries, and seven battalions of light 029 artillery and cavalry. This is all 2, 502 2, 726 re orted from the Central Army.t Total artillery 2,__ = LYom Madrid Bend and Island 10 Cavalry: there is no report of the cavalry or Second Corps 610 8.12 1,355 cf the Eleventhand Twelfth Arkan Rardees division. 840 1,067 1,352 sasRegiments orthe FourthArkan sas Battalion. Total cavalry 1,450 1,879 2, 707 Sappers and Miners, Fort Pillow 43 59 61 Grand total 35,147 45,524 54,974 * Consisting of Buggles and Withers divisions. tSee under date of March 31, ante. Abstract from field return of the First Army Corps, Army of the Miesi8sippi, Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk commanding, April 1, 1862. Present for ~ duty. ~ ;~ ~. a 0 Troops. ~ can ~ .~ ~I2Q n .5 ~ in i~ ~ 0 ~ ~ .~Q p~ First Division: Infantry 302 4, 376 4, 356 5, 645 6,072 Artillery 16 294 304 391 435 18 Second Division: Infantry 142 2, 119 2, 119 2,722 3,239 Artillery 6 100 100 114 191 10 Cavalry 44 621 621 847 1,146 . Brigade: Infantry 102 1, 538 1, 538 2, 026 2, 375 Artillery 6 98 98 114 133 6 Total. 618 9, 146 9, 136 11, ~59 14,19] 3 Page 383 VH& P. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 383 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 1, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and In8peetor General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: There are at Chattanooga three heavy guns (two fine 24-pounder rifled and one 32-pounder smooth bore) without carriages. I have telegraphed to Augusta for the means of mounting them, but there are no carriages there. I would suggest that they be removed at once from this department if carriages cannot be promptly furnished for them. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major-General, Commanding. P. S.I have just learned, that the commanding officer at Chatta- nooga has sent the pieces referred to above to Atlanta. Orders should at once be given for the construction of carriages. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 1, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. B. MAXEY, Commanding, & e., Chattanooga, Tenn.: I am directed by Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith to say that he has the following information respecting the force and distribution of the troops of the enemy: 800 infantry (Kentucky regiment) are at Lebanon; 200 cavalry at Manchester; 80 cavalry at McMinnville, and small detach- ments of cavalry at Woodbury, Smithville, and Auburn. He thinks that much service might be rendered by a cavalry force operating against the enemy in that section. There are many people there friendly to the cause, and the enemy, though well armed, are badly mounted. If you think it advisable you can send a cavalry command, under an active and energetic but cautious commander, in that direction. Be- sides the annoyance and check given to the enemy much valuable in- formation might be obtained. Some of the cavalry of Floyds late com- mand were recruited in that part of the State, and, knowing the coun- try and being among friends and acquaintances, might be advantage- ously used for the duty designated. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Corinth, Miss., April 2, 1862. GENERAL :* The commander of the forces directs that you hold your command in hand ready to advance upon the enemy in the morning by 6 a. in., with three days cooked rations in haversacks, 100 rounds of ammunition for small-arms and 200 rounds for field pieces. Carry two days cooked subsistence in wagons and two tents to the company. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. * To Generals Polk, Bragg, and Hardee Page 384 384 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (CHAP. XXIX. HEADQUARTERS ADVANCE, Monterey, April 2, 1802. Maj. GEORGE G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Corinth: MAJOR: Lieutenant Martin, of Captain Roddeys company, has, under- my orders, made to-day a thorough reconnaissance of the country between Hamburg and Lick Creek, and has ~ List made his report. From him I learn that the information upon which I reported to you this morning was not correct, and that it is not feasible to cross Lick Creek from the direction of Hamburg except with cavalry, and con- sequently a flank attack from that direction, such as was contemplated by my report, would not be practicable. Two transports and one gunboat passed Hamburg going up this morning, and one transport went down this afternoon. Whether either of these transports had troops was not ascertained. Two citizens who live within the enemys line have been seen to-day. One of them reports that the enemy have no fortifications, but were to-day moving two 24-pounders out to the front. The other says that the enemy are suffering terribly from sickness, some of their regiments not having more than 100 men for duty; that they say they designed attacking Corinth last week, but for some reason deferred it, and that they now intend to make the attack within the coming week. This information is not regarded as very reliableI mean this report of the citizen last referred to. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES iR. CHALMERS, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Corinth, Miss., April 2, 1862. Brig. Gen. JAMES R. CHALMERS, Commanding Advance: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you will pre- pare your command for a move early to-morrow morning, taking five days cooked rations (three in haversacks, two in wagons) and lOG rounds of ammunition to each man and 200 rounds for each piece of artillery. Two tents will be allowed each company. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Corinth, Miss., April 2, 1862. Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Commanding Advance: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you will assume command of all the forces in the advance and hold them ready, with five days rations, cooked, to move at a moments notice. If there should be anything wanting for your command, you will as soon as possible inform us of the same. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 385 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 38& SPECIAL ORDERS, HD QRS. 1ST CORPs, ARMY OF THE Miss., No. 5. Corinth, Miss., April 2, 1862. * * * * * * * III. Col. A. J. Lindsay, of the C. S. Cavalry, having been ordered to report to these headquarters, is ordered to proceed immediately to his regiment, at Lexington, Teun., and assume command of the companies stated in Special Orders, No. 4, from headquarters Army of the Mis- sissippi. He will receive from Lieutenant-Colonel Miller the written orders and instructions lie has received, and will obey them so far as they do not conflict with those subsequently issued. Colonel Lindsays regiment will occupy the line from Lexington, Tenn., to fluntington. He will keep in constant communication with the com- manders of cavalry on his right and left, whose headquarters respect- ively are at Purdy Station and McKenzie Station. Colonel Lindsay will have under observation and guard all the roads and approaches on the front of the line he is ordered to ocenpy, and he will see that his scouts connect with the cavalry scouts of Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer on his right and Colonel Claiborne on his left. He is instructed to place his main body at a position where it can be made most speedily available to re-enforce any part of his line that may be threatened. Ho will render such protection as he can give Government officials and agents in procuring supplies from the country in his front and rear, and will co-operate with Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer and Colonel Claiborno in any movement against the enemy which may meet the approval of his judgment. Colonel Lindsay is also instructed to exercise great caution in permit- ting persons to pass in or out of his lines, and will seize all suspicious persons and forward them under guard to general headquarters, with a written statement of the facts that caused the arrest. Under the provisions of an act of the Confederate Congress, approved March 6, 1862, it is rendered the duty of all military commanders in the service of the Confederate States to destroy all cotton, tobacco, or other property that may be useful to the enemy, if the same cannot be safely removed, whenever in their judgment the said tobacco, cotton, and other property is about to fall into the hands of the enemy, and Colonel Lindsay will see to the execution of this duty in the event it should become necessary. if he is forced by any operations of the enemy to assume a new line, Colonel Lindsay will retire, in concert with the commanders of cavalry on his right and left and on successive lines, keeping as close to the enemys lines as practicable. On joining the main body of the Army of the Mississippi Colonel Lindsays regi- ment, under Special Orders, No. 4, from General A. S. Johnston, will become a part of the general cavalry reserve. * * * * * * * [No signature.J HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 2, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General C. S. Army: GENERAL: Every effort made by the State authorities to call out the militia of East Tennessee has proved unavailing. The county officers 25 R RYOL X, PT I Page 386 386 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII chosen in the late State elections are generally open advocates and sup- porters of the Federal Government. The people only await the appear- ance of a Northern army to range themselves under their banner. The arrest of the leading men in every county and their incarcera- tion South may bring these people right. They are an ignorant, primi. tive people, completely in the hands of and under the guidance of their leaders, whose misrepresentThons and distortion of facts prevent theni viewing matters through an impartial medium. Remove these men, and a draft might soon be made to which a population would respond. Organized and sent South, they would soon become loyal and effective soldiers. The county courts meet on the 7th of this month. I shall take Steps in some of the counties for administering the oath of allegiance to the newly-elected officers, and have given instructions in every case of refusal to arrest and send the delinquents to Knoxville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General Commanding. CIRCULAR.J IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 2, 1862. On Monday next, the 7th day of April, officers are to be installed at for the county of . The disloyalty of many citizens of that county makes it doubtful if the oath to support the Confederacy will be taken by the newly-elected officers unless the Government have some evidence there present of its power to enforce the laws. The major- general commanding, believing it of the first importance that there should be nothing omitted necessary to sustain the Government in all its departments, directs that you will detail an officer of discretion, coolness, and nerve, with 25 reliable men, with orders to proceed to of , and arrive there about 9 oclock a. m. on Monday, the 7th day April. You will privately instruct him regarding his duties and to see that the usual oath to support the Constitution of the Confederate States of America (a copy of which is inclosed for his information) is taken by each one of the officers to be installed, and if it be refused by any one of them, to arrest him and send him under a sufficient guard to this place. The oath may be administered by the chairman of the county court or any member of the court or by the clerk of the court. Use the utmost secresy and precaution in the execution of this order. Do not communicate it to the officer detailed until the last moment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 2, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant- General 6~. ~. Army: - GENERAL: Colonel Rains, in command of Camberland Gap, reports this morning that the enemy have been re-enforced by six pieces o Page 387 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 387 artillery and two regiments of infantry from Michigan and Minnesota, and that a large force is en route from Kentucky, under General Fr6- mont, for the invasion of East Tennessee. I shall spare no efforts to obtain reliable information from that quarter. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major-General, Commanding. APRIL 3, 1862. The PRESIDENT, Richmond: General Buell is in motion, 30,0~l strong, rapidly from Columbia by Clifton to Savannah; Mitchel behind him with 10,000. Confederate forces, 40,000, ordered forward to offer battle near Pittsburg. Division from Bethel, main body from Corinth, reserve from Burnsville converge to-morrow near Monterey. On Pittsburg, Beauregard second in com- mand; Polk, left; Hardee, center; Bragg, right wing; Breckinridge, reserve. Hope engagement before Buell can form junction. A. S. JOHNSTOI{. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Corinth, April 3, 1862. Maj. Gen. W. J. HARDEE: You will move as soon as practicable with the portion of your com- mand not included in the order for General Hiudman by way of the Ridge and Bark road in the direction of Pittsburg, halting the head of your column to-night at a point beyond the sand hill known as Mick- eys, taking Hiudman with you from the crossing of the Farmington and Purdy roads. Captain Waddell, of General Beauregards staff, with two guides, will report to you. By command of General Johnston: BRAXTOI{ BRAGG, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ADVANCE, April 3, 1862. Maj. GEORGE G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: Colonel Clanton has just reported verbally to me that the enemys pickets attacked his advance pickets about daylight this morning, and he fears that two of his men were captured, though he was not able to state accurately the facts. As soon as I am accurately informed I will report to you. Your order to prepare for movement has been received and issued to the troops. Our commissary stores have not arrived, but are expected hourly; we have on hand one days rations ready cooked. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES R. CHALMERS, Brigadier-General Page 388 388 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. HEADQUARTERS ADVANCE, Monterey, ~pril 3, 1862. Maj. GEORGE G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- Genert~l, Corinth: MAJOR: General Chalmers directs me to inform you that informa- tion has just come in that the enemy, supposed to be one regiment, have driven in our pickets on both the Pittsburg and Savannah roads. The general has advanced two regiments up each of these roads, which are now on the march. He has gone himself to direct the advance. I am, very respectfully, HENRY CRAFT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE Mississirri, Corinth, Miss., April 3, 1862. Brig. Gen. DANIEL RUGGLES, (Received 2.30 a. in.) Commanding Ruggles Division, & cond Corps, Army of the Mississippi, Corinth, Miss.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you will prepare your division for a move early to-morrow morning, 6 a. in., taking five days cooked rations (three in haversacks, two in wagons) and 100 rounds of ammunition to each man and 200 rounds for each piece of artillery. Two tents will be allowed each company. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQR5. RUGGLES Div., 2D CORPS, ARMY OF THE Miss., Corinth, April 3, 1862. MAJOR: I desire to be informed if by the terms entire division the first brigade in advance is included, and that the preparation for the moving of the 4th instant will include that brigade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. RUGGLES, Brigadier-General, C. ~. Army, Commanding Division. NoTE.Ketchums battery, belonging to the Second Brigade, is with the advance, and Bains is not ready for field service. D. RUGGLES, Brigadier- General. (indorsement.J GENERAL: You will take all the troops of your division from here.. Colonel Gibson will be along, and some change may be made after a day or two. Bains battery is not to go. GEG. G. GARNER, Assistant, Adjutant- General Page 389 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 389 GENERAL ORDERS,) IIDQRS. BUGGLES Div., SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE MiSSISSIPPI, No. 7. ) Corinth, April 3, 1862. I. In accordance with instructions from headquarters Second Corps, Army of the Mississippi, the Second and Third Brigades of this divis- ion will prepare for a move early to-morrow morning (6 a. in.), taking five days cooked rations (three in haversacks, two in wagons) and 100 rounds of ammunition for each man and 200 rounds for each piece of artillery. Two tents will be allowed each company. By command of Brigadier-General Buggles: B. M. HQOE, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THIE MISSISSIPPI, Corinth, Miss., April 3, 1862. Soldiers of the Army of the Mississippi: I have put you in motion to offer battle to the invaders of your country. With the resolution and disciplined valor becoming men fighting, as you are, for all worth living or dying for, you can but march to a decisive victory over the agrarian mercenaries sent to subjugate and despoil you of your liberties, property, and honor. Remember the precious stake involved; remember the dependence of your mothers, your wives, your sisters, and your children on the result; remember the fair, broad, abounding land, the happy homes, find the ties that would be desolated by your defeat. The eyes and the hopes of eight millions of people rest upon you. You are expected to show yourselves worthy of your race and lineage; worthy of the women of the South, whose noble devotion in this war has never been exceeded in any time. With such incentives to brave deeds and with the trust that God is with us, your general will lead you confidently to the combat, assured of success. A. S. JOHNSTON, General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE MiSSISSIPPI, No. 6. f Corinth, Miss., April 3, 1862. I. Lieut. Col. B. B. Lee, having reported for duty as chief of the 8llbsistence department with this army, will enter at once upon hi~ duties,with full authority to use all necessary means to meet the exi- gencies of the service. * * * * * * * By command of General A. S. Johnston: THOMAS JORDANT, Assistant Adjutant-General-. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 3, 1862. Maj. T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Richmond, Va.: MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st nltimo Page 390 390 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL In my letter to the War Department, dated the 13th ultimo, a copy of which is inclosed,* a suggestion is made that martial law should be declared throughout the whole Department of East Tennessee. I still believe the measure a necessary one within that entire limit. But six counties in East Tennessee are friendly to us; the others are disloyal; many in open revolt, in which there are organized armed bands that oppress men of Southern principles. In the recent State elections open and avowed supporters of the Federal Government have beeu elected to almost every office, and they will be installed on Monday next. Under their administration little justice will be meted to loyal citizens. In conclusion, I can only repeat that the condition of affairs in East Tennessee fully demands the proclamation of martial law throughout the entire department. Very respectfully, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. MONTEREY, April 4, 186210 a. m. Major-General POLK: M~ DE~u GE~fl~RAI~: Circumstances have t my Second Division from the Purdy road. Both my divisions will move from here, then direct to Mickeys on the Savannah road. I give you this information that you may not wait for my troops at the cross~ iug of the Purdy and Ridge roads. General Breckinridge has not yet arrived from Burnsville, and I fear bad roads may delay him much. His command, forming the reserve, must necessarily control our movements to some extent. Let me hear from you by this courier at Mickeys. Yours, most respectfully and truly, BRAXTOK BRAGG. MONTEREY RoAD, Six MILES FROM CORINTH, April 4, 186210.40 a. m. Brigadier-General BRECKINRIDGE: GENERAL: General Hardee and Generals Polk and Bragg are ap. proaching positions assigned to them in their destination for the first days march, which they will hold till reserve reaches Monterey. It is. desirable that this should be done as soon as possible, having a due regard to an orderly march. On your arrival at Monterey immediately put your cavalry in such a manner as to hold the country under vigilant observation toward Ham- burg. Having satisfied yourself that there is no enemy in force in the direction of Hamburg, move your command in easy supporting distance of ilardee and Bragg in front, say within 3 miles of their rear. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. S. JOHNSTON, General, C. S. Army. * See p. 320. tOne line obliterated by fire Page 391 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 391 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississirri, Monterey, April 4, 1862. General POLK: In consequence of the impracticable condition of the roads leasing by * the commander of the forces has somewhat changed the movement of General Breckinridges commandthe reserve. He will move at latest at 4 a. m. to-morrow by the Ridge road to Mickeys; thence, if a road can be found in the direction of Pratts house, on the direct road from Monterey to Pittsburg, which he will then follow until within 2 miles of General Braggs force, where he will dispose his com- mand e~ masse between the Bark road and Lick Creek. At the same time you will occupy the ground between General Breckinridges left and Owl Creek. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-G6neral. MONTEREY, April 4, 186210 a. m. Generals JOHNSTON and BEAUREGARD: M~ DEAR GENERAL: I reached here at 8.30, ahead of my rear division. Bad roads, inefficient transportation badly managed, and the usual delay of a first move of new troops have caused the delay. My First DivisIon is at Mickeys, and the ignorance of the guide for the Second, as well as the reports I receive from people here, induce me to order my Second Division to move on the same road as the First. I am also influenced to do this from the information 1 have of General Hardees advance. I will send a courier to notify General Polk of my change. Nothing heard yet from General Breckinridge. I have sent a messen- ger to communicate with him and shall await a reply, as it is important for me to see him under your instructions of this morning. These delays will render it necessary to hold General Hardee in check until we can be ready in the rear. I shall take the liberty of sending this information to him, arid direct him to hold up until he hears of my force being in position. Youirs, truly, BRAXTON BRAGG, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Monterey, April 4, 1862. General POLK: The commanding general directs me to say, on reflection, he wishes you to march promptly with your command at 3 oclock in the morning to the support of the movement ordered to be made at that hour by Major-Generals Hardee and Bragg. It is of the utmost importance for the success of this movement that your troops shall meve precisely at the time designated. It is the direction of the general that you move without baggage wagons, with three days subsistence ,t the en- emy I the impending movement and will in a measure be sur One word illegible. t Words obliterated by fire Page 392 392 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. prised. You will follow by the Bark road to Pittsburg, taking with you General Cheathams division, should it have arrived in position as ordered, including whatever cavalry he may have with him; the Texas regiment, however, will be left to guard the road from Mickeys house to Savannah. Permit no delay when once this movement shall have begun. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. RDQRS. (SINGLETONS) FIRST Coups, ARMY OF THE Miss., April 4, 1862. Col. THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-General: Your note changing my orders and directing me to move at 3 oclock on to-morrow morning in support of the general movement nuder Geii- erals Hardee and Bragg is received. My corps is in the position assigned it, and will move promptly at tha hour appointed. I have sent a messenger to General Cheatham, and hope he may [be] in time for the movement. Respectfully, your obedient servant, L. POLK, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQR5. ARMY OF THE Mississippi, No. 11. ( Corinth, Miss., April 4, 1862. * * * * * * * III. The chiefs of the quartermasters and subsistence departments will take immediate measures for adding live days rations for 20,000 men to the depot of rations ordered to be established at Monterey by Part I, Special Orders, No. 9, from these headquarters, making in all 200,00~ rations at that point. * * * * * * * By command of General A. S. Johnston: THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRs. 1ST Coups, ARMY OF THE Miss., No. . Corinth, Miss., April 4, 1862. You are hereby ordered to move with your division precisely at 3 oclock to-morrow morning on the road to Pittsburg. The movement must be promptly made, as the success of an attack upon the enemy depends on the punctual execution of this order. No baggage must be earned. All wagons will be left behind in the charge of the teamsters, except those conveying ammunition. The men will carry their blanket,s and have three days cooked rations. The ammunition of the respective regiments will be placed in wagons Page 393 CHAP. XXII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 393 which, under the direction and superintendence of Quartermaster R. M. Mason, of this corps, will move in the rear of the corps. The address of the commanding general of April 3 must be read to each regiment before it marches. The commanding generals of divis- ions of the corps are ordered to send copies of this order and of the commanding generals address by a staff officer to each regimental battery commander of his division, who will impress upon them verbally the great importance of prompt and free obedience. By order of Major-General Polk: GEORGE WILLIAMSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., April 4, 1862. Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Department of East Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.: GENERAL: By direction of General Lee, commanding, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo rel- ative to the condition of affafrs in your command, & c., and to inform you in reply that 1,500 muskets were sent you ~n the 29th ultimo and 700 niore were sent on the 2d instant. The general desires me to ex- press his satisfaction at the judicious arrangements made by you for the defense of your department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 4, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. B. MAXEY, Commanding, & c., Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 3d instant has been received. The establishment of a shop for the repair of small-arms at your post is approved. No furloughs are to be granted at present, and those already granted are revoked. See General Orders, No. 16, Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, Richmond, March 24, 1862. (Copy in- closed.) Men re-enlisting for the war can be reorganized or go into other com~ panies and regiments serving in the department, but the new organiza- tion only goes into effect on the expiration of the first term of enlist- inent. Captain Ragsdales company will remain with you for the present. The arms sent you will only be issued to men present with their commands. The scarcity of arms and the difficulty of procuring them renders it essential that this should be rigorously carried out. I have just directed 800 stands to be sent you; they are all we have. Accouterments will be furnished on their arrival. You must economize ammunition in every way possible. This department reports directly to the War Department, and is thus independent of General Johnstons command. You will telegraph me immediately on receiving any order from him. I understand that neither your brigade quartermaster nor commissar Page 394 394 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XIrL has received commissions. As they can receive no funds until bonded, serious inconvenience will result to the service by delay. Application for their appointment should be forwarded at once through this office, and I suggest that the officers themselves proceed to Richmond to ob- tain them in person. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH Major. General, ~ [Inclosure.] GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, A. & I. G. 0., No. 16. Richmond, March 24, 1862. All leaves of absence and furloughs, from whatever source obtained, are revoked; and officers and men absent from duty, except on sur- geons certificate of disability, will retnru at once to their respective commands. It is with extreme reluctance that the Department adopts a measure which deprives our patriotic soldiers of the relaxation they have so well earned; but the enemy presses on every side, and the necessities of the service demand new illustrations of that noble self- denial which has been so many times evinced since the commencement of our struggle for independence. The furloughs of all who have en- gaged for the war, which are thus curtailed, will be extended hereafter, when circumstances permit. But, judging from, the past, no fears are entertained of an unwilling response to this call. Those who have so many times proved their devotion to their country cannot be indifferent or backward in this hour of her greatest need. By order of the President: S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. RICHMOND, Vi., April 5, 1862. General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Corinth, Miss.: Your dispatch of yesterday received.* I hope you will be able to close with the enemy before his two columns unite. I anticipate vic- tory. Brigadier-generals have been recently appointed- am Do you require others , ong them Bowen. JEFFERSON DAVIS. HEADQUARTERS, Port Pillow, Tenn., April 6, 1862. Col. Tno~ris JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Mississippi: COLONEL: A few days ago I received a copy of Special Orders, No. 10, current series, from the headquarters of the Army of the Missis- sippi, requiring a detailed report of the condition cf the regiments, bat- talions, & c., comprising my command. I have concluded to embody it Not found. Reference is probaldy to dispatch of April 3, p. 387 Page 395 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 395 in the following general report of this fort, in order to lay before the general commanding as accurate a statement of its actual condition and resources as possible. With respect to the site itself, it possesses the advantage of being quite elevated and of commanding the river for 2 or 3 miles above and below, thus bringing vessels for a long time under the fire of heavy guns mounted in proper position. It is not more than 29 miles from Masons Depot, on the Memphis and Ohio Railroad. A small stream, the flatchie, intervenes. A good military road has been constructed to~ Masons Depot, crossing the ilatchie 11 miles from this point; a good fiat-boat has been placed at the crossing, but is slightly out of condi- tion at this time. The topography of the country, unfortunately, is such that I fear it will be impossible to construct any line of intrenchments that will enable a small force to hold the position securely against a large one. An extensive cremaill~re line has already been constructed in the rear at distances from the river varying from about the half of a mile to a mile; a part of it, however, is so badly located that it would be untenable. Several hills, entirely protected from lire, command it in reverse; but were there no other defects in the line, it is so extensive that 15,000 men and a large number of guns would be required to mau it properly. We are at work on a shorter line nearer the river, and in twelve or fifteen days more will probably have it finished; after which a brav& garrison of 5,000 men ought to make a protracted and obstinate resist- ance; but a smaller number would be insufficient. At least twenty guns should be mounted on the work we are con- structing. I had intended to use the 32-pounders mounted on the water front for that purpose, but in obedience to instructions received from the general will turn most of them over to the River Defense Expe- dition. A sufficient number to make up my deficiency could probably be spared from Pensacola or Mobile. Two companies of good cavalry could patrol the country in my rear and give me timely notice of the enemys approach after I should be deprived of other sources of information; then, by destroying bridges, felling timber, and other expedients, retard his progressing. Circum- stances might justify the enemy in advancing even with Island No. 10 in his rear. I would like to be prepared for the worst. I would like to have those companies as soon as possible. I have one battery of light artillery here and would like to have another. About two miles and a half from this point the Cold and ilatchie Rivers approach each other to within a mile. The country is hilly, and it might be desirable to meet the enemy at this point; in which event the batteries would be of great service. Should the enemy in- vest me, the light guns could be used with effect in the works. The armament of the works consists of twenty-two 32-pounders, smooth bore; six 32-pounders, rifled; four 10-inch and three 8-inch columbiads. Five of the smooth-bore 32-pounders are mounted on the intrenchments. The six rifle guns are old pattern light 32-pounders, and will certainly explode after a few rounds; consequently will keep them in reserve with a few rounds for each, and take precautions to avoid casualties if they burst. After reserving 200 rounds for each columbiad and a few rounds for each of the rifle guns, I will be able to supply about 12,000 pounds of powder and other ammunition in proportion to the Defense Expedi- tion. I wili then require at least 15,000 pounds of powder to raise m Page 396 896 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [ChAP. XXIL supply on hand to what prudence would require me to keep. The sup. ply of ammunition on hand for small-arms is quite limited, the only re- serve ammunition being 149,000 cartridges, of which 16,000 are for the Enfleld rifle, 118,000 for the musket, 5,000 for the rifle-musket, 1,000 for Halls rifle, and 1,500 for the Mississippi rifle. The rest, about rounds per man, has been issued to the regiments. I have about sixty days rations on hand for 5,000 men, and will in- crease it as rapidly as possible to double that amount. I hear of considerable quantities of forage and provisions within reach, and as soon as my disbursing officers can get funds will commence collecting them. What will not be required by my command can be shipped to other points. The different departments are greatly in arrears with the contractors and employ~s; consequently there is great dissatisfaction and distrust. But a just and systematic administration of affairs will soon restore confidence. I am therefore exceedingly anxious to have funds supplied as soon as possible on the estimates rendered by the quartermasters and subsistence departments. The following statement exhibits the condition of each of the different regiments, battalions, & c., stationed at this post. Artillery Battalion.Capt. J. W. Stewart commanding. Guns, six 32- pounders, rifled, two 10-inch, two 8-inch, five 32-pounders; dress, very good; discipline, rather loose; drill, good; magazines, some not finished; in lower magazine, 246 10-inch, 64 8-inch, 1 box port-fires, 200 primers, 800 friction. Captain Jones eompany.iDeficient in clothing; officer sent for uni- forms; no side-arms. Twenty-first Louisiana Volunteers.Col. J. B. G. Kennedy command- ing. Discipline, very good; instruction, good; military appearance, very good; arms, mixed and worthless; accouterments and clothing, good; 40 rounds ammunition per man. First Confederate Battalion.Maj. L. W. OBannon commanding. Arms, smooth-bore muskets, excepting Company D, which has Mis- sissippi rifles; accouterments, arms, & c., in excellent order clothing, good, but not uniform; camps, well policed; ammunition, 50 rounds per man. Thirty-first Tennessee I?egiment.Colonel Bradford commanding. Arms, Enfleld rifle; arms, accouterments, & c., in serviceable condi- tion; ammunition, 40 to 50 rounds per man; men well and sufficiently clothed; camp police in bad order; discipline and instruction can be iml)roved. Light Battery.Capt. B. A. Stewart commanding. Guns, two 12- pounder bronzed howitzers, three 6-pounder guns, bronzed, one rifled Parrott gun; no battery wagon or forge; 88 horses; 12 mules; guns and carriages in splendid order; harness in good condition; horses in tolera. ble order, 6 lame; mules in fine order; ammunition, 52 spherical case, 11 grape, 127 canister, for 12-pounders; 117 spherical case, 158 canister, 130 solid, for 6-pounders; 167 canIster, 120 solid, for Parrott gun; men well disciplined, but not well drilled; clothes, good. Twelfth Louisiana Regiment.Col. Thomas M. Scott commanding. Discipline, good; drill, good; arms, mostly flint-locks, changed to percu8- sion; 40 Enfield rifles are distributed among the companies; at least 50 double-barreled shot-guns in regiment; clothing, good; deficient in camp equipage; ammunition, 30 rounds per man. I am, colonel, very respectfu~ly, your obedient servant, JNO. B. VILLEPIGUE Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 397 CB.& r. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 397 STEVENSON, April 6, 1862. General MAXEY: Just back from near Shelbyville; reliable men told me that the enemy were from 10,000 to 15,000 strong there, and that there is a force of from 8,000 to 10,000 on the road to Tullahoma. I passed 224 cavalry and one cannon 2 miles north of Tullahoma. You will see their plans from the following instructions, which were given the enemy by a Tory citizen near Sweedens Cove, [and which] were found near Decherd, where they camped last night. Strike by way of Decherd, from there Sweedens Cove. A valley three-quarters milo wide, 6 miles iong, empties into Battle Creek, 20 miles from Declierd. No troops. Rankins company, 80 men, two cavalry companies on the Tennessee River, south side, opposite Bridgeport, Ala.; two-thirds strong Union men. (Signed) H. A. W. Ralston and nephew. The Yankees encamped at Decherd last night, and started on road for Sweedens Cove this morning at daylight, and I suppose will try to get to Bridgeport or Stevenson to-morrow. Assistant operator at this place is preparing to go to Bridgeport to inform our troops. Is it right? FRANK WHITTHORNE, Operator. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Corinth, April 7, 1862. COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE POST [Corinth]: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you organize at once into companies and regiments all stragglers at this place and all other troops collected here except the necessary guards of the post and en- cainpment; and when so organized you will send them forward to Shiloh (the battle-field) by the Ridge road. Let them be sent whether armed or not. No arms to be sent away by cars upon any considera- tion. By command of General Beauregard: THOMAS JORDAN. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., April 7, 1862. Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding, & c., Knoxville, Tenn.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 3d instant is received. Martial law will be declared in East Tennessee, in accordance with your suggestions. The suggestion contained in your letter of the 13th March to the Adju. taut and Inspector General, with reference to transferring of troops raised in East Tennessee, is approved. If the term of service of the men expires in a short time it would not be worth the trouble and ex- pense of transfer; but if they are for the war or have some time to serve, they would be useful to General Heth. There are three Tennessee regiments in the army of General Joseph E. Johnston whose term of service will expire in May, and their officers state that the men would re-enlist for the war if permitted to return to Tennessee. These regiments cannot now be spared unless their places could be supplied at once. You will decide whether you can send on the troops in your army for the purpose of making the exchange, and if you ca Page 398 398 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CRAP. XXII. spare them for that purpose and their term of service be sufficiently long to justify the step. The Tennessee troops under General Johnston can be sent to you. I trust that our late success in the Southwest will have a good effect upon the people among whom you are operating. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE General, Commanding. Capt. THOMAs M. SCOTT, BRIDGEPORT, April 7, 1862. Assistant Adjutant- General, Chattanooga: Dont send train or troops. I am satisfied from examinations of Major Lea and myself that the enemy has taken the back track. I will go to the tunnel in hopes of catching him. Dont send rations and powder. S. B. MAXEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CORINTH, April 8, 1862. t~-eneral SAMUEL JONES, Commanding: Please grant no passes to this place to ladies coming to visit the wounded, for I am expecting another battle here. G. T. BEAUREGARD. MEMPHIS, April 8, 1862. General VAN DORN: Hurry forward your command; think General Beauregard wants you. JOHN ADAMS, Captain, Commanding. THREE MILES ON ROAD FROM MICKEYS TO CORINTH, April 8, 18627.30 a. m. [General BEAUREGARD:] Mv DEAR GENERAL: Our condition is horrible. Troops utterly dis- organized and demoralized. Road almost impassable. No provisions and no forage; consequently everything is feeble. Straggling parties may get in to-night. Those in rear will suffer much. The rear guard, Breckinridge commanding, is left at Mickeys in charge of wounded, & c. The enemy, up to daylight, had not pursued. Have or(lered Breckinridge to hold on till pressed by the enemy, but he will sulkr for want of food. Can any fresh troops, with five days rations, be sent to his relief? It is most lamentable to see the sjate of affairs, but I am powerless ~and almost exhausted. Our artillery is being left all along the road by its officers; indeed I find but few officers with their men Page 399 CHAP. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 399 Relief of some kind is necessary, but how it is to reach us I can hardly suggest, as no human power or animal power could carry empty wagons over this road with such teams as we have. Yours, most truly, BRAXTON BRAGG. APRIL 8, 18622 p. m. [General BEAUREGARD:] M~ DEAR GENERAL: I have just arrived with my staff, all exhausted. We have labored all day trying to bring forward troops, and especially to save artillery. The roads are horrible, and unless we can mend them it is impossible for the artillery to get in. The teams are exhausted by incessant labor and no forage. I have already ordered some cavalry of my command, say 200, to move out and report to Major Hallonquist, my chief of artillery, who will use their horses to bring forward our guns, among them several of the enemys. I left General ilardee behind in command, with working parties on the roads; bnt the men are exhausted, dispirited, and work with no zeal. Finding a battalion of troops in my corps who have not been out, I ordered them to procure tools and proceed to work the roads. This is the first essential now. No teams can bring wagons or artillery over the roads. I left my only engineer, Captain Lockett, with General Hardee; five, at least, could be well occupied. Sufficient provisions have gone forward for the present, but we need sustenance and fresh medical officers at Mickeys for the wounded, transportation to bring theni away, labor in quantity, and energy on the roads, fresh teams for the artillery, forage for the exhausted ones, and, as soon as any troops are refreshed, a rear gnar(l to relieve Breckinridge. On the Monterey ioad I am not informed. Myself and my staff are utterly exhausted aiid our horses barely able to walk. The enemy had not followed when I last heard. Yours, most truly, BRAXTOX BRAGG. I would see you, but am utterly unable. MICKEYS, April 8 18622.30 p. m. Major.General BRAGG: The enemy reported to be advancing and to be more than a mile this side the junction ot Monterey and Pittsburg with Bark road. They are said to be about 500 cavalry and several regiments of infantry. We can hear some firing in that direction between them and a part of our cavalry. It may be only a strong reconnoitering party. We have gathered things up l)retty well to this point. I am getting forward stragglers, sick, and wounded as fast as possible. Six pieces of artillery, after being placed in position, by some strange fatality left last night, leaving me four pieces, and two regiments of my infantry also passed through here, through, I suppose, a misappre- hension of my orders, leaving me about 1,200 infantry, I have rations for two days, but no forage Page 400 400 KY., TENN., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXII. I need a guide who knows the road; am seeking one, but have not yet found one. Respectfully, JNO. C. BRECKINRIDGE, Brigadier- General, C. S. Army. [Fir8t indorsement.] Respectfully referred to General Beauregard. If we ~tre pursued by a vigorous force we will lose all in the rear. The whole road presents the scene of a rout, and no mortal power could restrain it. B.B. [Second indorseinenLi All is being done that can be done. G.T.B. MICKEYS, April 8, 18625.45 p. m. Major-~eneral BRAGG, Corinth: DEAR GENERAL: I have had all sorts of alarms. After sifting every- thing and exploring in all directions the result at this hour is that the enemy in some force (but number very uncertain), with some cavalry and a battery of artillery, is a little less than 2 miles in front of me. I have cavalry well out on my flanks, but no evidence that he is moving on either side. He seems to be cautious, as if expecting an attack. In a charge to-day a good batch of prisoners was taken, now on the way to you. My troops are worn-out, and I dont think can be relied on after the first volley. There is for two days food enough for the men, but the horses are sinking rapidly for want of forage. As the wagons come I am pushing on the sick and wounded. I am informed that the road to Corinth is much obstructed by artillery, & c. Can you give any help in clearing it? The stragglers are nearly all gone by here. Please have 8 horses sent here as soon as possible to assist in drawing Byrnes battery. Yours, truly, JNO. C. BRECKINRJDGE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Corinth, Miss., April 8, 1862. Brig. Gen. JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, Commwnding Rear Guard, Mickeys House, Tenn.: GENERAL: Your letter of this date has been referred to the general commanding, who agrees with you in the supposition that the move- ment of the enemy reported to you is but that of a reconnaissance, which, however, cannot be supported by artillery in the present state of the roads. The general expects to-morrow the arrival of several fresh regiments of infantry, which will be sent to you at once. Meanwhile every effort will be made to repair the roads for the pas- sage of your wagons and artillery when you retjre. Two of the best guides available will be sent you. General Chalmers is still and will remain at Monterey with his brigade until you are prepared to fal Page 401 Cuir. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 401 back. Please communicate with him, so that he may be able to con- form his movements with yours. The general regards the Ridge road as the only practicable one at present. Herewith is inclosed a communication for the commanding officer of the Federal forces, which please have sent to him by a flag of trnce.* If the answer is favorable, you will detail a burial party from your cavalry to bury the dead as soon as practicable. Respectfully, THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, April 8, 1862. General CHALMERS: GENERAL: Unless otherwise ordered by your immediate command- ing officer y6u will allow your command to rest at Monterey, sending working parties to obstruct by cutting down trees, removing bridges, & c., the bad places of the roads leading from Monterey to positions now or which may be occupied by the enemy, and which might b~ used by him in attacking you or in endeavoring to cut off your retreat. Look particularly to the roads leading toward Hamburg, being careful, how- ever, not to cut off our wagons, & c. Your working parties should con- sist of those details left as a guard to your encampments. As soon as your force shall have been sufficiently rested you will retire to this place on the best road from Monterey to the Ridge road passing west of the White House. The necessary wagons will be fur- nished you if possible. Meanwhile you will leave a guard to take care of and protect said baggage or to destroy it whenever the advanced pickets will give notice of the approach of the enemy. You will collect together as much cavalry as you shall think necessary to act as mounted pickets and guards on the roads leading into Monterey, placing them sufficiently far in advance to give timely notice of the approach of the enemy. [G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Corinth Miss A 1862. -, jpril 8, Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Comdg. 2d Brig., 2d Div., 2d Corps, Army of the Miss.: GENERAL: The general commanding wishes that your movements, if practicable, shall conform strictly with those of General Breckinridge at the Mickey House. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Corinth, April 8, 1862. Maj. [E. E. MCLEAN, Chief Quartermaster:] General Beauregard desires that you should call immediately upon * See Part i, p. lii. 26 R RYOL X, PT i Page 402 402 KY., TENK., N. MISS., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXIL all the corps, division, and brigade quartermasters for their teams, with harness, but without the wagons, and have them sent forthwith to the rear to re-enforce the wagons now on the road; also to assist the artillery; two-thirds to go by the Ridge road to Mickeys, one- third to the same place via Monterey. Also to send all horses that have been brought in and caii be had for the transportation of the wounded. Please furnish to the bearer two large wagons with 6 or 8 mules to bring in the wounded of the Orleans Guard. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. R. CIIISOLM, Aide-de- Camp. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, A. AND I. G. 0., No. 21. Richmond, AJfrit 8, 1862. I. The following proclamation is published for the information of all concerned: PROCLAMATION. By virtue of the power vested in me by law to declare the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, I, Jefferson Davis, Pres- ident of the Confederate States of America, do proclaim that martial law is hereby extended over the Department of East Tennessee, under the command of Maj. Gen. E. K. Smith; and I do proclaim the sus- pension of all civil jurisdiction (with the exception of that enabling the courts to take cognizance of the probate of wills, the administration of the estates of deceased persons, the qualification of guardians to enter decrees and orders for the partition and sale of property, to make orders concerning roads and bridg~s, to assess county levies, and to order the payment of county dues), and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the department aforesaid. In faith whereof I have hereunto signed my name and set my seal this eighth day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. [SEAL.] JEFFERSON DAVIS. II. Maj. Gen. E. K. Smith, commanding the Department of East Tennessee, is charged with the due execution of the foregoing proc- lamation. He will forthwith establish an efficient military police, and will enforce the following orders: All distillation of spirituous liquors is positively prohibited, and the distilleries will forthwith be closed. The sale of spirituous liquors of any kind is also prohibited, and establishments for the sale thereof will be closed. III. All persons infringing the above prohibition will suffer such punishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a court-martial; provided that no sentence to hard labor,for more than one month shall be infficted by the sentence of a regimental court-martial, as directed by the sixty-seventh Article of War. By command of the Secretary of War: S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector Generat Page 403 Cn& p. XXII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 403 CORINTH, Miss., April 9, 1862. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.: All present probabilities are that whenever the enemy moves on this position he will do so with an overwhelming force of not less than 85,000 men. We can now muster only about 35 000 effectives. Vail Dorn may possibly join us in a few days with about 15,000 more. (Jan we not be re-enforced from Pembertons army ~l if defeated here we lose the Mississippi Valley and probably our cause, whereas we could even afford to lose for a while Charleston and Savannah for the pur- pose of defeating Buells army, which would not only insure us the valley of the Mississippi, but our independence. G. T. BEAUREGARD. MICKEYS, April 9, 18629.30 a. m. Colonel JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Corinth, Miss.: The flag has gone forward; no answer yet. The 40 mules were driven forward yesterday by the Texas Rangers. I have just learned, through a note from Lient. Col. D. C.Kelley,com- manding Forrests cavalry, that General Chalmers left Monterey for Corinth, I presume last evening, with his whole brigade. The Texas Rangers were covering Monterey, arid Colonel Adams is now on his way there. I will get the rest of the wounded off in a few hours, and nearly everything is well forward, except some tents and rubbish. My men, from fatigue, false alarms, and exposure without tents, or even blankets, are thoroughly worn-out, and I respectfully suggest that I ought to move on and other troops be sent to relieve me wherever they may meet me on the Ridge road. Please send answer by a courier. Respectfully, JNO. C. BRECKINRIDGE, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army. P