ed camp. But yesterday, and all was life and upon the slightest approach of danger, can insure animation; to-day the white tents have disap-only contempt. peared, the heavy footsteps have ceased to sound, and no evidence, save the desolated, hard-trodden ground, and a few tent-stakes, remain to tell the story. Nothing surprised me more than the character of the rebel works. From the length of time Beauregard's army had been occupying the place, with a view to its defence, and from the importance the rebel General attached to it, in his despatch which was intercepted by Gen. Mitchel, I had been led to suppose that the fortifications were really formidable. But such was not the case. I admire the engineering which dictated the position of the intrenchments, and the lines they occupied, but that is all that deserves the slightest commendation. But a single line of general fortifications had been constructed, and these were actually less formidable than those thrown up by our forces last night, after occupying a new position. There were, besides this general line, occasional rifle-pits, both outside and inside the works, but they could have been constructed by three relief details in six hours. The only fortifications really worthy the name, were a few points where batteries were located, but these could not have resisted our Parrott and siege-guns half an hour. Yet the positions occupied by the breastworks were capable of being strengthened so as to render them almost invulnerable to a front attack, and no little difficulty would have been experienced in flanking the position, either on the right or left. The works were on the brow of a ridge, considerably higher than any in the surrounding country, and at the foot of it was a ravine, correspondingly deep. The zigzag course of the line gave the defenders the command of all the feasible approaches, and hundreds could have been mowed down at every step made by an assailing army, even from the imperfect carthbanks which had been thrown up. The troops from every direction marched toward a common centre-Corinth; and as they neared each other and friends recognized friends, whom they had not seen for weeks or months, though separated but a few miles, greetings were exchanged, and as regiments met for the first time since leaving the bloody fields of Donelson and Shiloh, cheer after cheer resounded through the forests and were echoed and reẽchoed by the hills, as if the earth itself desired to prolong the sound. As no rain had fallen for some time, the roads were exceedingly dusty, as was the whole camping-ground, which had been tramped solid by eighty thousand rebels. But all forgot obstacles and annoyances in the eagerness to see the town before which they had lain so long. A little after eight o'clock, a portion of the left and centre filed in, and were met by Mr. Harrington, the Mayor's clerk, who asked protection for private property, and for such of the citizens as had determined to remain. It is needless to add that his request was granted, and guards stationed at every door, as the object of our march is not to plunder, but to save. Corinth is built upon low lands and clay soil, so that in wet weather the place may very properly be denominated a swamp. But the soil is as easily affected by the drought as by rains, and the result is that at the present time the clay is baked perfectly solid, and the ground filled with fissures. Just outside of the town are the ridges, which might be appropriately denominated hills, and upon which second, third and fourth lines of defences could have been erected. The highest lands are in the direction of Farmington on the east, and College Hill on the south-west. As will be seen by any correct map, the town is situated at the junction of the Mobile and Ohio and the Memphis and Charleston Railroads, both very important lines of communication, and indispensable to the enemy. The roads do not Had a fight occurred, it must have been de- cross at exactly right angles, but on the northcided by artillery, and in this respect we had the west and south-east would intersect the circumadvantage both in number and calibre of our ference of a circle at a distance apart of not more guns; but had they improved the advantages than sixty degrees. Slight embankments are they possessed, and fortified as men who really thrown up at the crossing, but they do not exintended to make a stubborn defence, this supe-ceed four or five feet in height. The town is riority might have been overcome. nearly all north of the Memphis and east of the Mobile road. From one thousand to one thousand two hundred would be far nearer a true estimate. The conduct of the rebels is indeed beyond comprehension. Here is a place commanding Corinth is the only pleasant country village I several important railroads; a place the seizure have seen in this section of the country. I was of which Beauregard confessed in his celebrated informed that it usually contained two thousand despatch to Davis, would open to us the Valley two hundred inhabitants, of all colors, but I am of the Mississippi; a position capable of a stub-inclined seriously to doubt the assertion. born defence as Sebastopol, and yet scarcely an effort is made to fortify it, and its possessors fly at our approach. The abettors of the rebels in Europe are watching with eager interest every step made in this country, with a view of obtain ing a recognition, at any favorable moment, of the bogus confederacy. A stubborn resistance, even though followed by defeat, would command respect abroad; but a succession of evacuations, The houses are built after the Southern fashion, with a front-door for every room looking toward the street. This is an odd feature to one used to Yankee architecture, but it is the universal style of the Southern States. The apartments of most of the houses are large and airy, and surrounded with immense porticoes, where the high-toned chivalry enjoy their siesta in the most approved Spanish manner, except that they imbibe, before sleeping, a somewhat different beverage from the Castilians. Instead of the wines of Andalusia, they consume almost unheard-of quantities of Bourbon and rifle-whisky. The yards of the rich are decorated with shrubbery, and what is far more in accordance with good taste, forest-trees are left standing and neatly trimmed-a custom which has been too sadly neglected in the North. There are several substantial brick and frame business-houses, all of which have been stripped and deserted. not actually needed for the subsistence of the troops, or for a battle. They did this with a view of a speedy retreat, in case one became necessary, either before or after a fight. The question of the final evacuation, was left open, to be decided as time and circumstances should dictate, and in the mean time, the army and the people were to be cajoled into the belief that Corinth was the last ditch-the spot where Pillow intended to die. All of the citizens of Corinth, and I believe of the rebel States, believed the place would be held at all hazards, and the chagrin and disappointment at its evacuation, without a blow, were deep and bitter. I talked with several who, up to that hour, had never faltered in their faith, but who now look upon their cause as past the remotest chance of a resurrection, and are adapting themselves to their new and changed circumstances. The names of firms were painted above the doors; they were, "Terry & Duncan," "Campbell & Dodds," "J. T. Kemper," and numerous others which it is unnecessary to designate. Mr. Kemper kept the "Baltimore Clothing Store," but neither he nor his clothing could be found. A druggist, whose name I have forgotten, deter-They say that if the South could not defend mined to remain. Corinth, they cannot hold their ground at any other point, and it is idle to prolong a war which is desolating twelve States. On Tuesday, twenty-seventh, an intelligent deserter came into camp, and on being questioned stated that Gen. Beauregard had been at Holly Springs, Miss., for several days, recruiting his health, as he alleged, but that he returned at nine o'clock that morning. The story, except as to the health, was a true one, as I have since ascertained; and I also learn that the masses of the people and the soldiers, really supposed he was there recuperating, he having given out to that impression. But the fact was, he was search Not enough of the Corinthians remained to welcome us, to give me any idea of what the mass of the citizens are like. A few poor persons, the druggist referred to, and the Mayor's clerk, and two or three wealthy females, were all that were to be found. The poor were nearly starved, and were disposed to welcome any change, as it might bring relief, but could not add to their suffering. They walked curiously around, observing the movements of the soldiers, astonished at the comparatively handsome uniform they wore, and gratified that the fears they had felt had not been realized. The wealthy females looked from the windows of their mansions upon the Unioning for a place to which to make retreat, and on troops, affecting the greatest scorn and disdain for the Yankees, who viewed them in return rather in a spirit of pity than revenge. The rebel generals all had their headquarters in houses generally occupying the finest residences in the place. Beauregard's was on the east of the Purdy road, and at the outskirts of the place. The rebel chieftain was evidently surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries of life. Telegraph wires run in every direction from the building, the system adopted being similar to that employed in our own army. The wires, however, were all cut, and the instruments taken away. The quarters of Price, Van Dorn, Hardee, Pillow and Bragg were pointed out by citizens, who stated that each of these notabilities commanded a corps d'armée, and that that these were subdivided into divisions and brigades. There is a marked difference in the style put on by the rebel and Union Generals. Our commanders are all quartered in tents, even though commodious residences are at hand; but the rebels would disdain to sleep beneath a canvas similar to that which sheltered the common horde. More than one deserter remarked upon the comparative simplicity of our commanders. Although the rebel generals, (so I learned from Mr. Harrington and others,) did not fully determine to evacuate the place till Tuesday evening, twenty-seventh ult., they had for a long time been sending away all extra baggage, and everything his return he called a council of war on Tuesday evening, and announced his determination to evacuate Corinth. I learn that Pillow, Price and Hardee concurred with him, and that Bragg and Van Dorn opposed the movement, as absolutely destructive of the cause. But all would not do; the order was given, and Corinth was evacuated. The sick, of whom there were a great number in the hospitals, were taken away first, some being removed to Columbus, Miss., and others to Grand Junction, preparatory to being forwarded to Jackson. Next came the stores, the greater portion of which were taken off on Wednesday. Wednesday night all the artillery, save two light batteries, of six and twelve-pounders, were removed, and a portion of the infantry marched toward Grand Junction. No less than forty thousand men, however, remained within the works, and within half a mile of our lines, twenty-four hours, and with but twelve small cannon, and the ordinary infantry arm for protection. An attack at that moment would have resulted in the destruction or capture of that number of men. The rebels were fearful of such an attack all day, and in order to deceive Gen. Halleck, made several sallies on our pickets. The deception appears to have been complete, for had Halleck known the true condition of affairs, he would have attacked them at once. The rear-guard of the retreating army left immediately after the explosion referred to, which I ascertained arose from the destruction of a number of shell, which could not be carried away. At what time Gen. Halleck first learned of the movement, I am unable to state; nor am I aware that he knew it when the order to march was given on Friday morning. And here let me indulge in a little digression, to prove the simple facts in the case. I have been led to admire the manner in which Gen. Halleck conducted the advance upon Corinth, and his precaution in fortifying at every resting-place. The wielding of the army has been admirable. But I cannot commend his watchfulness in not knowing the rebels were retreating, when we were within half a mile of their lines for fortyeight hours. A reconnoissance in force, at several points, to the distance of twenty rods beyond our pickets, would have discovered the whole facts. Of course no other officer could order such a movement, and the responsibility must rest with the Commanding General, provided there has really been a blunder, and I believe the country will characterize his lack of watchfulness as such. True to their natural sentiments, the rebels could not leave the town without destroying a large amount of valuable property. The dépôt and three large warehouses, containing provisions which they were unable to carry away, were fired, and before the arrival of Halleck's army, were consumed. The dense cloud of smoke which was seen in the morning as the army approached, led to the supposition that the town had been burned, but on arrival it was found that all private residences, and such buildings as contained no army stores, were left unharmed. course, if our force had not been formidable, the rebels would not have fled before it. When our lines advanced on the twenty-eighth, a battery was planted on an eminence commanding a considerable portion of the country, but completely shrouded from view by a dense thicket. Scouts were sent out to discover the exact position of the rebels, and were but a short distance in advance, to give a signal as to the direction to fire if any were discovered. One of the rebel commanders, unaware of our presence, called around him a brigade and commenced addressing them in something like the following strain: "SONS OF THE SOUTH: We are here to defend our homes, our wives and daughters, against the horde of vandals who have come here to possess the first and violate the last. Here upon this sacred soil, we have assembled to drive back the Northern invaders-drive them into the Tennessee. Will you follow me. If we cannot hold this place, we can defend no spot of our Confederacy. Shall we drive the invaders back, and strike to death the men who would desecrate our homes? Is there a man so base among those who hear me, as to retreat from the contemptible foe before us? I will never blanch before their fire, nor At this interesting period the signal was given, and six shell fell in the vicinity of the gallant officer and his men, who suddenly forgot their fiery resolves, and fled in confusion to their breastworks. Doc. 51. A TEN DAYS' CAVALRY SCOUT. REPORT OF COLONEL RICHARD RUSH. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, As I entered the town, my attention was attracted to a quantity of cotton nearly consumed. I counted, and found that twenty-seven bales had been consigned to the flames, but as it was their own property, nobody cared. They certainly have a right to do as they will with their own. The I HAVE the honor to report to you, as the Milpractical people of the North may think they are itary Agent of the State of Pennsylvania, the acsilly for their conduct, but it is none of their busi- tive duty my regiment has been doing, knowing ness. If the South is determined to bring ruin you would like to know what all your Pennsylupon itself, let it do so; the world can move with-vania regiments in the Army of the Potomac are out a cotton-pivot. doing in the way of active service. We were detached from the reserve brigade of cavalry, on the twenty-second May, by the order of General McClellan, to make a reconnoissance around and about the Pamunkey River, from Piping Tree Ferry to Hanover Town Ferry. We had three squadrons on picket at these ferries, and the balance of the regiment was used for scouting. The platform of the railroad was also set on fire, and but for the efforts of our soldiers would have been consumed, and the flames must have communicated to the Tishimingo House, and perhaps other buildings. The time will yet come when the rebels will thank our soldiers for quenching the flames their own hands have kindled. With mature reflection, even the rebels will not be so lost to principle or interest as to We found on the twenty-third instant, the enbe oblivious of favors conferred. When the in-emy were very strong at Hanover Court-House, sane man regains his reason, he thanks the hand and instantly sent word to Gen. Porter. Upon that rescued him from suicide. which information Gen. Porter ordered us to destroy all the ferries and bridges along the Pamunkey, which the squadrons that were picketed along the ferries instantly did. The rebel forces amounted to eighty thousand effective troops, of all grades-volunteers for the war, conscripts, and " eight-day men." I had prepared a list of the organization of our army, its strength, and the amount of artillery with it, but such information is necessarily contraband, and consequently withheld from the public. Of On the evening of the twenty-fourth, the squadron that were on picket were ordered to move toward Hanover Court-House and feel the enemy, which we did at daybreak, and found the first picket about five miles from Hanover Court- I occupied Bolivar Heights with my troops, House, which our advance drove in, as well as and Maryland Heights with the naval battery. all their other pickets, to within three miles of On the same evening I sent two companies of Hanover Court-House, where they found the en- Col. Maulsby's First Maryland regiment, under emy were in such strong numbers that they Major Steiner, to make a reconnoissance of Louhalted, and returned to the regiment. This was doun Heights, where it was reported the enemy reported to Gen. Porter, who concluded to send were in position. They were fired upon whilst a force up, and capture them if possible. ascending, between nine and ten o'clock in the evening, by dismounted rebel cavalry concealed in the bushes on both sides of the road. Sergeant Mehiling, of company I, was killed. The fire was returned, with what effect is not known. Owing to the darkness of the night, Major Steiner returned. On the morning of the twenty-seventh, we moved toward Hanover Court - House, on the right, to attract the enemy's attention, while Gen. Porter moved his force upon the left and rear, the success of which you of course know. The regiment was under fire here, and all the officers and men behaved most gallantly. They followed up the retreat of the enemy, and captured eighty men and two commissioned officers, and also burned the bridge on the Pamunkey, to the rear of Hanover Court-House. On Wednesday I shelled the heights from Battery Stanton, compelling the enemy to retire, as was proved by a subsequent reconnoissance. In the course of the morning, a reconnoissance in force was made toward Charlestown by the One On the morning of the thirtieth, we were or-Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania regiment, dered to send three squadrons to make a reconnoissance toward Ashland, and burn the bridge over the railroad at that place, if the enemy were not too strong. We found several of their cavalry pickets, which we drove in before us. We captured eight men and horses belonging to the Fourth, and entered Ashland without any resistance, the enemy having left for Richmond the night before. We burned the bridge here, as directed, and returned to our camp, where we found orders to move to New-Bridge, and join the reserve brigade of cavalry. The ten days' scout was a very hard one, during which time we had killed and maimed thirtyfour horses. We did not lose any men. Yours, most respectfully, RICHARD H. RUSH, Col. Schlandecker, and the First Maryland cavalry, Major Deems, and one section of Reynolds's battery. Our cavalry drove the rebels out of Charlestown, but they were immediately reënforced, and opening fire from a battery of nine guns, compelled our forces to retire, with a loss of one captain and eight men captured by the enemy. The Seventy-eighth New-York, and the remaining pieces of Reynolds's battery, were at once despatched to cover their retreat, which was effected in good order, without further injury, the enemy's battery following them to a point two miles distant from Charlestown. They reported, on their return, the enemy advancing. Our troops were immediately formed in line of battle, extending along the crest of Bolivar Heights, across the peninsula from the Colonel Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lancers. Potomac to the Shenandoah. A body of the en Doc. 52. FIGHT AT HARPER'S FERRY, VA. GENERAL SAXTON'S REPORT. emy's cavalry was seen occasionally emerging from a point of woods about two miles distant, a little on the left of the road to Charlestown. Clouds of dust were visible in various directions, as if the enemy were advancing. Our guns shelled the woods in front; the enemy made no reTo Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: sponse, but seemed from their movements deSIR: I have the honor to report that in obedi- sirous of drawing us out from our position. Our ence to your instructions, I assumed command men slept on their arms. On the morning of the of the forces at Harper's Ferry on the twenty-twenty-ninth, the Fifth New-York cavalry were sixth of May. I found Colonel Miles occupying sent out to reconnoitre, and were fired upon by the place with one company of the Maryland the enemy's infantry and artillery. Our pickets P. H. brigade. He had pushed forward that being driven in, our forces were again formed in morning a battalion, composed of the First Dis-order of battle, Gen. Cooper's brigade on Bolivar trict of Columbia regiment and Eleventh regi- Heights to the right, and Gen. Slough's brigade to ment Pennsylvania volunteers, on the cars to the left of the road leading to Charlestown. After Winchester to reenforce Gen. Banks. They were two or three hours, the enemy not appearing, a too late, he having retreated; and they returned squadron of cavalry was sent out toward Hallto Harper's Ferry. The same evening reenforce- town, before reaching which they were suddenly ments arrived, consisting of the Seventy-eighth fired upon by a battery occupying a position on New-York, One Hundred and Ninth Pennsylva- the verge of the woods to the left of the road. A nia, a naval battery of Dahlgren guns, under body of cavalry and some infantry were seen Lieut. Daniels, U.S.N., and four companies of stationed under cover of the woods, in position the Fifth New-York cavalry from Winchester. to support the battery. Having accomplished On the twenty-seventh other troops arrived, with their object, our cavalry returned. Capt. Crounse's and Reynolds's battery of the First New-York artillery. It became evident that the enemy were seeking, as on the preceding day, to allure us from our former position on Bolivar Heights. Having done this, he withdrew. Gen. Slough opened upon them from Camp Hill with Crounse's and part of Reynolds's battery, and Lieut. Daniels, from battery Stanton, on Maryland Heights. The scene at this time was very impressive. The night was intensely dark; the hills around were alive with the signal lights of the enemy; the rain descended in torrents; vivid flashes of lightning illumined at intervals the green but magnificent scenery, while the crash of thunder echoing among the mountains, drowned into comparative insignificance the roar of our artillery. After an action of about one hour's duration, the enemy retired. He made another unsuccessful attack at midnight with regiments of Mississippi and Louisiana infantry, and after a short engagement disappeared. Signal-lights continued to be seen in every direction. strong defensive position to one of their own selection, where their greatly superior force could attack us with certainty of success. Learning in Jackson, the commander of the rebel forces, the course of the evening, from various reliable having given the order to his army to storm our sources, that the enemy, failing in this, contem-position, they advanced beyond Bolivar Heights plated a flank movement-crossing the Potomac in force to attack us, about dark on Friday evenwith one division above and another occupying ing, in the storm. Loudoun Heights, so as to command our naval battery and cut off our communication below Harper's Ferry, while the remaining force menaced us in front-it was determined to withdraw our troops from Bolivar Heights, and take up a second line of defence on the heights known as Camp Hill, immediately above the town of Harper's Ferry. The occupation of this inner line presented a two-fold advantage; first, that being much less extended, it could be held by a smaller force, the enemy, from the nature of the ground, being unable to bring into action a larger force than our own; secondly, that it would enable us to bring our naval battery on the Maryland Heights to bear upon the enemy as they advanced down the declivity of Bolivar Heights into the valley which separates it from Camp Hill. They would thus be exposed for a considerable time to a heavy fire from this formidable battery, where On Saturday morning, ignorant of the enemy's great elevation would enable it to throw shells movements, I sent out a reconnoissance in force directly over the heads of our own forces on to discover his whereabouts, and found that he Camp Hill into the faces of the advancing foe. had retreated. I pushed forward as far as CharlesWith the force rendered by this contraction of town, and found the enemy's rear-guard had left our front available for other purposes, it was an hour before; fifty pieces of his cannon passed deemed prudent to occupy the crest of the hill, through Charlestown that morning. The enemy above the naval battery on the Maryland shore, being in strong force, variously estimated at from to frustrate any attempt of the enemy to take this eighteen thousand to twenty-five thousand, and hill in the rear and turn our batteries against us. many reports in circulation that he had repulsed The movement having been decided upon, or- our forces sent to attack him in the rear, and my ders were immediately given for its prompt exe-own force of not more than seven thousand effec cution. This was about midnight. Gen. Coop- tive men being completely worn out by fatigue er's brigade was at once set in motion, and by and exposure, I deemed it not prudent to advance, daylight had succeeded in crossing the river and at least until they were rested. On Sunday Gen. Occupying the heights on the Maryland side. Sigel arrived, and on Monday he assumed the Gen. Slough's brigade at the same time fell back command. I have not yet received the reports to the new position on Camp Hill, and when of the subordinate commanders, and cannot parmorning dawned our batteries, (companies K and ticularize individual instances of good conduct. L, of the First New-York artillery,) supported by As a general thing, the troops bore their fatigue a heavy force of infantry, were in position to and hardships with cheerfulness. command all the approaches on our front and Great credit is due to Brigadier-Generals Coopflanks; the remainder of the infantry being er and Slough, commanding the First and Second posted as reserves along the brow of the hill, un- brigades respectively, for their untiring exertions der cover of the town and houses. The weak during the five days and nights' siege. Also, to portions of this line were subsequently strength- Col. D. S. Miles, commanding the railroad brigade, ened by breastworks hastily erected. On Friday and his aids, Lieuts. Binney and Reynolds, as morning Major Gardner, with the Fifth New-well as to my own personal staff, Capt. George York cavalry, was sent to the front to feel the Merrill, Assistant Adjutant-General; Capt. J. C. enemy's position and watch his movements. He Anderson and U. Dahlgren, additional aids-dewas later in the day reënforced by a piece of artiilery and two hundred sharp-shooters. The enemy opened upon him with a scattered fire of musketry along his whole front. The first fire of grape from our piece caused the enemy's skirmishers to fall back in disorder. He then brought six pieces of artillery into action. Major Gardner, having most gallantly accomplished the object of his expedition, retired. The enemy now advanced with his artillery and shelled our camp; Major George W. Bruin, volunteer aid, R. SAXTON, |