[Special correspondence of the Chicago Tribune.]
PITTSBURG LANDING, TENN.,
May 30, 1862.
Just after I had written my letter dated this morning a
dispatch was received from General Halleck's headquarters stating that our flag
waved over the court-house at Corinth. The news caused much surprise here, as it
was wholly unexpected, for the rebels had been disputing the ground with us inch
by inch during the past few days, and with a stubbornness that indicated an
intention to make a desperate resistance behind their main works of defense.
Whether the reasons of the evacuation were merely strategical or that the supply
of provisions was running short yet remains to be seen. I learn from a professed
Union man, a deserter from the rebels, that they had for some time been on short
rations, the men getting only a quarter ration and the horses three ears of corn
per day. Their animals are said to be in a very bad condition. The water in and
around Corinth is also very bad. It smells so offensively that the men have to
hold their noses while drinking it. As our men advanced they found the water
much deteriorated and very difficult to obtain.
When our forces entered the place, about 7 a.m., after shelling it for some
time, they found but two or three men and a few women and children in it. These
were gathered around the little heaps of furniture they had snatched from the
burning buildings. Whether the buildings were set on fire by our shells or the
retreating rebels is not known. During the night our pickets, and indeed the
entire advance of the army, heard repeated explosions, doubtless caused by the
blowing up of the magazines. Nothing of any use to us whatever was found, not
even a quaker gun. These were of no use, however, at Corinth, as they could not
have been seen by us.
The retreat of the enemy was conducted in the best of order. Before our men had
entered the place all had got off safely. General Halleck has thus achieved one
of the most barren triumphs of the war. In fact, it is tantamount to a defeat.
It gives the enemy an opportunity to select a new position as formidable as that
at Corinth, and in which it will be far more difficult for us to attack him, on
account of the distance our army will have to transport its supplies. Supposing
the enemy take up their second position of defense at Grand Junction, about 60
miles from here, 4,000 additional wagons will be required. At $113 each this
would involve an expense of nearly $500,000, to say nothing of mules, pay of
teamsters, forage, &c. Then there is the fatigue to our men, the attacks of
guerrilla parties in our rear, &c. I look upon the evacuation there as a
victory for Beauregard, or at least as one of the most masterly pieces of
strategy that has been displayed during this war. It prolongs the contest in the
Southwest for at least six months.
It is rumored that the main body of the rebels is stationed at Kossuth, a few
miles from Corinth, while some 25,000 have gone on to Grand Junction, which the
enemy have been fortifying for some time past.
Up to last night the enemy kept up a display of force along his whole line, thus
completely deceiving our generals.
I learn that the lines of fortification at Corinth are numerous and formidable,
but I have yet no authentic statement of their real strength and condition.
General Halleck must feel deeply mortified at the evacuation. It clearly shows
that he knew nothing of the position and strength of the enemy and of his
ulterior designs. This in a great measure arises from the exclusion of
contrabands from the camp. If this war is ever to be brought to a close it must
be by making use of the negro in every possible way.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE
WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies. 128 Volumes. Washington: Government Printing Office,
1880-1901.
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