Today in History:

46 Series I Volume XVII-II Serial 25 - Corinth Part II

Page 46 Chapter XXIX. WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS.

Memphis, Columbus, and Decatur have been opened. Rebel guerrillas cut the repaired road in two placed, through carelessness in guarding it, but damage very slight. Some skirmishing at outpost, but loss inconsiderable. Enemy has been making demonstrations against us for several days, but I think intends no serious attack. The advance of General Buell's army will reach Huntsville to-day. It is believed that the enemy is already evacuating East Tennessee.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

MEMPHIS, TENN., June 29, 1862.

(By telegraph from Corinth.)

Major General U. S. GRANT:

The part of Wallace's division at Bolivar was ordered to Grand Junction. There is no danger of an attack in force on Memphis. It is a mere stampede. The great object now is to protect the railroad against marauders. There was culpable neglect in sending out the train from Memphis till the road was properly guarded. You will report by whose neglect the accident and the capture of telegraph repaired occurred.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

MEMPHIS, TENN., June 29, 1862.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, Corinth, Miss.:

A man through from Okolona reports that there are but 3,000 troops at that place. Columbus is being strongly fortified. Thirty thousand men said to be at Abbeville, intending to march on La Grange as soon as the Tallahatchie Bridge is repaired. This I telegraphed via Columbus, Ky., while the direct line was down.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

CORINTH, June 29, 1862.

Major General U. S. GRANT, Memphis, Tenn.:

You say 30,000 men are at Shelbyville to attack La Grange. Where is Shelbyville? I can't find it on any map. Don't believe a word about an attack in large force on La Grange or Memphis. Why not send out strong reconnaissance and ascertain the facts? It looks very much like a mere stampede. Floating rumors must never be received as facts. Order an investigation of the loss of the train and capture of our men by a force of the enemy and report the facts. I mean to make somebody responsible for so gross a negligence.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

MEMPHIS, TENN., June 29, 1862.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, Corinth, Miss.:

I did not say 30,000 troops at Shelbyville, but at Abbeville, which is south of Holly Springs, on the road to Grenada. I made a report of all I knew of the capture of the train, and sent by way of Columbus,


Page 46 Chapter XXIX. WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS.