Go / Don't Go

General Buell was ready to advance on this day in 1862 if nothing changed, per orders from General Halleck.  However, all through the night the sound of signal guns and heavy traffic was heard on the railroad at Corinth.  W.T. Sherman from the right flank reports his perception that they were moving toward Memphis, J.N.Pope on the left believes they were heading south toward Mobile.  Needless to say, Halleck orders more reconnaissance.

CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, May 27, 1862.
Major-General BUELL:

You will make a forced reconnaissance on your front to-morrow morning to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy's works. There will be a general advance on the right and left. Keep me fully advised of your movements.

H. W. HALLECK.*


Meanwhile, General Buell, remembering Halleck's ire at his failure to take an assigned position, was already pressing forward as previously ordered and the Seventeenth is involved in some brisk action at Bridge Creek.


BUELL'S HEADQUARTERS, May 27, 1862.
General HALLECK:

After some sharp skirmishing my troops have driven the enemy beyond Bridge Creek, opposite my right and Sherman's left. The enemy appear to be in some force on the high ground on the opposite side of Bridge Creek.

D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.*



Halleck replies, almost dismissively, with no acknowledgement of the action or inquiry as to casualties.


Major-General D. C. BUELL:

All right. Feel the enemy on the other side; and, if possible, ascertain the position of his batteries. This may involve some risk, but we must ascertain in this way his strength and position.

H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General.*

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