Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, May 25, 1862

We stood in line of battle out on picket all night, and were relieved at 9 o'clock this morning. There's a report in camp to the effect that General Pope is desirous of moving his command around by the left flank to get into the rear of Corinth and cut off the retreat of the rebels. General Halleck, however, would not give him permission, as he did not want to take any chances in allowing his army to be divided, thereby giving the rebels the opportunity of attacking and defeating each part separately. It is estimated that Halleck has about one hundred thousand men in his command here about Corinth, and we hear that Beauregard has about the same number.¹

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¹ Beauregard had been reinforced and now had a force of 50,000. See Rhodes Vol. III, page 628. — Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 50-1