PITTSBURG LANDING, May
11.
The following is just received had headquarters:
ARMY OF THE
MISSISSIPPI, NEAR FARMINGTON,
May 9th – 5 P. M.
To Major General
Halleck:
The enemy, 20,000 strong, drove in our pickets beyond
Farmington, and advanced against the brigade occupying the further side of the
creek which runs in front of my camp.
The Brigade held it for five hours, until, finding themselves pressed in
front and on the flank, and that I could not sustain them without passing the
creek with my whole force, which would have been contrary to your orders, and
would have drawn on a general engagement, I withdrew to this side in good
order.
The conduct of the troops was excellent, and the withdrawal
was made by them very reluctantly. The
enemy made a demonstration to cross, but abandoned the movement.
Our loss is considerable, through I cannot yet tell how
great. The enemy being much exercised,
suffered very severely, the enemy’s batteries being completely disabled and his
infantry line driven back several times by command, eager for an advance.
(Signed)
JOHN POPE, Major
General.
Farmington is five miles east of Corinth. The only forces engaged were Plummer’s and
Palmer’s Brigades.
The weather is warm and pleasant. All quiet in front, the enemy having
retreated.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette,
Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 1
No comments:
Post a Comment