No. 44.-report of Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, of skirmish at Farmington, Miss., May 3.
near Farmington, May 3, 1862.
The reconnaissance sent toward Farmington found the enemy 4,500 strong, with four pieces of artillery and some cavalry, occupying strong
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position in front of the town.
Our forces advanced at once to the assault, and after a sharp skirmish carried the position in handsome style.
The enemy left 30 dead on the field and their tents and baggage.1 The cavalry in pursuit toward Corinth.
Another portion of the cavalry, when I last heard, was in pursuit of their train of wagons toward the railroad.
A considerable force has pushed south to the railroad under General Paine, and have by this time destroyed it. The whole affair was very handsome, our regiments charging the battery and their infantry line at double-quick.
The enemy fled in wild confusion.
The regiment of cavalry which I sent through also to Booneville [Burnsville] took possession of the town, tore up the railroad track, and destroyed the bridges.
The troops are all returning, and will bivouac tonight 2 miles this side of Farmington, in rear of a small, difficult creek.
I propose to move forward my whole force 41 miles to-morrow to this creek, which will place me within 5 miles of Corinth and in a strong position, with deep, miry creek in front.
If you do not approve, please telegraph me immediately, as my arrangements are all made to move in the morning.
I will telegraph you again as soon as I hear the result of the cavalry pursuit.
We have a good many prisoners; can't tell yet how many.
Our loss, 2 killed and 12 wounded.
Special orders, no. 104.
headquarters Army of Mississippi, Camp on Corinth Road, May 4, 1862.
The major-general commanding congratulates the First Division of this army upon the brilliant success which attended their operations yesterday.
The conduct of the division, and the cavalry under Colonel Minty, temporarily attached to it, was excellent, and bespeaks courage and discipline.
The highest expectations of their future deportment in action has been raised by their conduct yesterday, which the general commanding is satisfied will not be disappointed.
Special mention is due to the Yates Sharpshooters, under Lieutenant-Colonel Williams and the batteries of Hescock and Houghtaling.
By order of Major-General Pope:
speed Butler, Assistant Adjutant-General.
