Friday, September 20, 2013

Gen. Pope’s Official Report

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: