Halleck Plans Advance on Corinth

On this date in 1862, General Halleck sent the following communication to General John Pope who was encamped near Hamburg, TN.  General Pope had arrived with Halleck after the battle.

GENERAL: I inclose [sic] herewith a sketch of the country between the Tennessee River and Corinth, giving approximately the position of the roads and streams, the distances, &c.* It is proposed that your army take position on the Farmington road, its right connecting with General Buell on Lick Creek and its left covered by Chester Creek. As soon as your troops are in position and properly supplied you will repair and construct roads in advance for a forward movement. Your heavy artillery should be established for the protection of your depot, and pickets should be thrown out well in advance, to give notice of any movements of the enemy. The fords of Lick Creek should be examined and arrangements made for sending couriers to General Buell’s headquarters, from which place information can be telegraphed to me. As you advance, direct communication will be established from you to these headquarters by telegraph. by these means I hope that you will keep me fully informed of everything that takes place on your line. In order that there should be a concert of action between the three armies, a constant communication must be maintained with these headquarters.

General Grant's army will form the right wing, General Buell's the center, and yours the left.  General Grant's right will rest on Owl Creek, and General Buell's left on Lick Creek until he advances to the crossings.*

And in perhaps the greatest understatement of the war he adds, "Further instructions will be given before a general advance is made."*


Thanks to My Favorite Link, Seven Score and Ten for the following reference from the Official Records.