Beauregard a Humbug --- the Surrender of Corinth Denounced in a Memphis Paper

Telegraphic despatches from Corinth to citizens of Memphis, and to the authorities, convey intelligence of the most startling nature, if reliance is to be put upon the intelligence, and it comes to us so well authenticated, and with such an official air about it, that it scarcely admits of a doubt. If this intelligence be true, Beauregard has not only determined to abandon his strong position at Corinth, to the Yankee invaders, without a struggle, but is actually consummating that purpose by withdrawing portions of his splendid army, an army that has been gathered at an immense cost, expressly and solely for the defense of that point. If this intelligence be true, the patriotic people of the southwest, who have so nobly contributed to the establishment of Southern independence, may as well relinquish their hopes of success, and prepare to quietly yield a quiet submission to Northern despotism. With an enemy’s army at our right, untrammeled and unimpaired, with New Orleans in possession of the Lincolnites, and their victorious boats descending the river above us, and with another force penetrating the wilds of Arkansas, seeking to reach this point, there is really no hope left. When General Beauregard came to the West, he brought hope and confidence. His career hither to had been one of the most brilliant success and his name was a tower of strength. We believed then, that notwithstanding the blunders that had been committed, and the disasters to our cause that had resulted therefrom, there was still hope left. We felt confident that the hero of Manassas could and would save the Southwest, but how great is our disappointment if it should appear that the intelligence in print to-day is correct. – Since we have had our confidence in Gen. Beauregard shaken by his defeat on the field of Shiloh, we firmly believe, however much we may have doubted the ability and skill of that lamented officer, that had the brave Johnston been spared our arms would not have been repulsed from that field made sacred by the blood of thousands of brave Southern men. That defeat is attributable to causes within the control of Beauregard, not necessary to be here mentioned. Shall he now evacuate his defenses at Corinth, without first stoutly contesting its occupancy, with the northern hirelings? Shall he throw open the beautiful Mississippi Valley to the invasion of the Vandals who seek its devastation? Shall he decline giving the loyal and brave men who have enlisted under the banner of Southern independence an opportunity to test their prowess with those who seek to make slaves of them? Nay, more: should he basely desert the positions assigned him to defend, and take a coward fly before a blow has been struck, his name, so far from remaining a tower of strength, will become a by word and reproach to future generations. We hope our intelligence is unfounded. We hope – though it is like hoping against hope – that the movement of troops from Corinth was but a step in the development of some master piece of strategy which will surely overwhelm and utterly annihilate the invaders. The public will wait anxiously for the news from the East. – {Memphis Argus, April, 28th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 2