Head Quarters, Army of the Tenn.
In Field, near Corinth, Miss, May 19th 1862.
MAJOR GEN. J. A. MCCLERNAND,
COMMDG RESERVE CORPS
GENL:
Reconnoiter the movements of the enemy and if you find that you are to be attacked by a superior force make the best possible disposition of the forces under your command. If your force is not deemed sufficient, inform me by telegraph, and also inform Division Commanders nearest you.
Respectfully U. S. GRANT. Maj. Gen.
Copies, DLC-USG, V, 1, 2, 86; DNA, RG 393, USG Letters Sent. Misdated May 29, 1862, in DLC-USG, V, 3. O. R., I, x, part 2, 203. On May 19, Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand wrote three letters to USG. "Genl Sherman informs me that the movements of the enemy this morning indicate a purpose on their part to attack us in force to day. I write to say that I think the movements referred to import an apprehension on their part of a purpose of ours to turn their position on their left. This apprehension I think is tracable to the fact, that a Brigade of the 1st Division of the Reserve Army Corps attacked their guard at the Rail Road this morning killing two of them and chasing away the rest. Capt Felter of the 4th Cavalry having come in last from the expedition reports at the time he left the roads two trains coming from opposite directions were stopped by the break in the road, made by the brigade already mentioned The trains immediately returned in opposite directions. Hence it follows that if the road had been cut nearer Corinth it must have been since repaired by the enemy." Copy, DNA, RG 393, Dept. of the Tenn., Letters Received from Reserve Corps, Jackson, Tenn. "The enemy are represented to be advancing in my right—It may be that reinforcements will be required—provided in the limited extent in my power for such a contingency I have ordered Genl Wallaces Brigade from Cook's house and may have to call back Genl Ross from his present camp to this position" Copy, ibid. ; McClernand Papers, IHi. "Your dispatch in answer to mine is received, and I hasten to reply in explanation. After the return of my forces from the rail road, this morning, Genl Sherman sent word, to me, that great commotion and a probable advance to attack our lines were observed in his front. As I am informed, the 6th Mo. Inf'ry, were thrown forward by Genl Sherman, to meet this contingency and were deployed in front and beyond the left of my picket line. These men were in their shirt sleeves and were mistaken for the enemy and were reported by my picket as his advance, to Genl Judah. This, togather with the further fact that one of my picket on my extreme right, was reported to have
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