Part 11 (1/2)
As near as I can learn, there are five regiments of rebel infantry at Purdy; at Corinth, and distributed along the railroad to Inca, are probably thirty thousand men; but my information from prisoners is very indistinct. Every road and path is occupied by the enemy's cavalry, whose orders seem to be to fire a volley, retire again, fire and retire. The force on the Purdy road attacked and driven by Major Bowman yesterday, was about sixty strong. That encountered last night on the Corinth road was about five companies of Tennessee cavalry, sent from Purdy about 2 p.m. yesterday.
I hear there is a force of two regiments on Pea Ridge, at the point where the Purdy and Corinth roads come together.
I am satisfied we cannot reach the Memphis & Charleston road without a considerable engagement, which is prohibited by General Halleck's instructions, so that I will be governed by your orders of yesterday, to occupy Pittsburg strongly, extend the pickets so as to include a semicircle of three miles, and push a strong reconnoissance as far out as Lick Creek and Pea Ridge.
I will send down a good many boats to-day, to be employed as you may direct; and would be obliged if you would send a couple of thousand sacks of corn, as much hay as you can possibly spare, and, if possible, a barge of coal.
I will send a steamboat under care of the gunboat, to collect corn from cribs on the river-bank.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, commanding First Division.
HEADQUARTERS, STEAMBOAT CONTINENTAL, Pittsburg, March 18, 1882.
Captain RAWLINS, a.s.sistant Adjutant-General to General GRANT.
SIR: The division surgeon having placed some one hundred or more sick on board the f.a.n.n.y Bullitt, I have permitted her to take them to Savannah. There is neither house nor building of any kind that can be used for a hospital here.
I hope to receive an order to establish floating hospitals, but in the mean time, by the advise of the surgeon, allow these sick men to leave. Let me hope that it will meet your approbation.
The order for debarkation came while General Sherman was absent with three brigades, and no men are left to move the effects of these brigades.
The landing, too, is small, with scarcely any chance to increase it; therefore there is a great acc.u.mulation of boats. Colonel McArthur has arrived, and is now cutting a landing for himself.
General Sherman will return this evening. I am obliged to transgress, and write myself in the mean time,
Respectfully your obedient servant,
J. H. HAMMOND, a.s.sistant Adjutant-General.
P. S-4 p.m.-Just back; have been half-way to Corinth and to Purdy. All right. Have just read this letter, and approve all but floating hospitals; regimental surgeons can take care of all sick, except chronic cases, which can always be sent down to Paducah.
Magnificent plain for camping and drilling, and a military point of great strength. The enemy has felt us twice, at great loss and demoralization; will report at length this evening; am now much worn out.
W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION Pittsburg Landing, March 19, 1862.
Captain RAWLINS, a.s.sistant Adjutant-General to General GRANT, Savannah, Tennessee.
SIR: I have just returned from an extensive reconnoissance toward Corinth and Purdy, and am strongly impressed with the importance of this position, both for its land advantages and its strategic position. The ground itself admits of easy defense by a small command, and yet affords admirable camping-ground for a hundred thousand men. I will as soon as possible make or cause to be made a topographical sketch of the position. The only drawback is that, at this stage of water, the s.p.a.ce for landing is contracted too much for the immense fleet now here discharging.
I will push the loading and unloading of boats, but suggest that you send at once (Captain Dodd, if possible) the best quartermaster you can, that he may control and organize this whole matter. I have a good commissary, and will keep as few provisions afloat as possible. Yours, etc.,