Camp near Corinth,
Mississippi,
June I, 1862.
INCLOSED I send a letter addressed to the Hon. E. M.
Stanton, Secretary of War, which I would be pleased if you would cause to be
delivered with any recommendation that you may deem proper. Lieutant Dickey is
the son of Col. Dickey of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and brother-in-law of
the late General W. H. L. Wallace, who fell at the battle of Shiloh. Although
Lieutenant Dickey has served under my command almost from his first entrance
into service, I can not answer from personal knowledge as to his qualifications;
but General Judah, who recommends him, is an experienced officer, and fully qualified
to judge of his merits.
The siege of Corinth has at last terminated. On Friday
morning it was found that the last rebel had left during the preceding night.
On entering the enemy's intrenchments, it was discovered that they had
succeeded in taking off or destroying nearly everything of value. General Pope
is now in full pursuit of the retreating foe, and I think will succeed in
capturing and dispersing many of them. There will be much unjust criticism of
this affair, but future effects will prove it a great victory. Not being in
command, however, I will not give a history of the battle in advance of
official reports.
I leave here in a day or two for Covington, Ky., on a short
leave of absence. I may write you again from there if I do not visit Washington
in person.
SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s
Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 13-4
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