Awaiting Orders

Having followed General Halleck's instructions from the previous day, Buell has his Army of the Ohio in readiness to make an incremental advance in the direction of Corinth on this day in 1862.  With his army including the Seventeenth prepared to march, Buell awaits orders from Halleck. Growing impatient he sends this note to "Old Brains".



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
May 15, 1862.
General HALLECK:

The reconnaissance to-day only extended along the Purdy and Farmington road from Driver's to Farmington and half mile or so beyond that road. The enemy's outposts fell back to Widow Serrat's.

D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.*


Later in the day, Buell provides another nudge to the old general with the following suggestion.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
May 15, 1862.
Major-General HALLECK:

I can advance whenever it suits you, though perhaps better after tomorrow, as it is now late; if not, immediately. I will have a further examination made of the ground beyond by scouts. I should deprecate the necessity of intrenching. A man belonging to a picket guard which was left at Driver's, from Sherman's division, has come into my camp, and reports that the guard has been driven back by the enemy.

D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.*


But on this, the 17th day of the advance, whether in spite of or because of the many communications of the previous day, nothing happens.



*ORE correspondence courtesy of my Favorite Link, Ohio State's eHistory