Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Chapter XXII: Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, Ed.

[Sir :] Tuscumbia Creek is just in front of me, a deep, miry stream, with the bridge destroyed. A force of the enemy is on the opposite side, but I think a small one, ready to run off. The skirmishers are now crossing. The country is very rough and difficult. From all that I can learn from prisoners and citizens, I am satisfied that no force of the enemy has gone as far east as Jacinto. They have cut roads through the woods in every direction from Corinth, but they all come into the main road along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad toward Rienzi. The main body of the enemy is undoubtedly retreating south along the railroad. Price and Van Dorn undoubtedly left in a hurry, leaving tents standing, hundreds of barrels of beef, several hundred wagons, which they had tried to destroy, and 7,000 stand of arms. I shall encamp my infantry force, which is much worn-out, between Clear Creek and Tuscumbia Creek, about 9 miles from Corinth, on the Mobile and Ohio road. Most of the telegraph line on that road is in good order, and it is best to repair it to my camp, which can be done in an hour or two, and which will put me in communication with Corinth. Will you order it?

I consider further pursuit useless until we are better prepared. Caairy force will scour the country in advance.

The advance of my cavalry detachment came upon the extreme rear guard of the enemy 8 miles from Corinth, on the Mobile and Ohio road, in the act of burning the bridge. They were at once dispersed, with loss of 40 prisoners. The fire was put out. The cavalry is pushing on.

It gives me great pleasure to report the brilliant success of the expedition under Colonel Elliott, Second Iowa Cavalry, which I sent out [862] on the 2Sth instant. After forced marches day and night through a very difficult country, and obstructed by the enemy, he finally succeeded in reaching the Mobile and Ohio Railroad at Booneville at 2 o'clock a. m. on the 30th. He destroyed the track in many places both south and west of the town, blew up one culvert, destroyed switches and track, burned up depot and locomotive, and train of 26 cars, loaded with supplies of every kind; destroyed 10,000 stand of smallarms, 3 pieces of artillery, and a great quantity of clothing and ammunition, and paroled 2,000 prisoners, who could not keep up with his cavalry. The enemy had heard of his movement, and had a train of box and flat cars, carrying artillery and 5,000 infantry, running up and down the road to prevent him from reaching it. The whole road was lined with pickets. For several days Colonel Elliott's command subsisted on meat alone, such as they could find in the country. For daring and dash this expedition has been distinguished in the highest degree, and entitles Colonel Elliott and his command to high distinction. Its results will be embarrassing to the enemy, and will contribute greatly to their loss and demoralization. He reports the roads full of small parties of the retreating enemy scattering in all directions.