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.

General: I would have dispatched you earlier, but have been expecting you all day, having received two dispatches from you that you would be with me this morning.

The enemy, between 4,000 and 5,000 strong, from the best information I can get, were within 5 miles of this place last night. The number I learn from citizens who were taken prisoners by the Yankees and released this morning. They also state that about an equal number were on Shunpike road. The enemy returned to the river, leaving their encampment about 11 o'clock last night. I have had large scouting parties out all day. They have seen nothing below or on the Savannah road. The scouts on the Pittsburg road report having seen about 25 Yankee scouts.

I, however, sent out four companies of infantry and one of cavalry on the Savannah road, who have not returned; they left here about 10 o'clock. I also sent two companies cavalry, under Major Baskerville, to scout above the Savannah road. The major saw nothing. He approached as near the river as the high stage of the water-courses would admit of. I am at a loss to conjecture what will be the next move of the enemy.

I received a communication from Colonel Mouton informing me that he was ordered to come here with his command. I dispatched him to remain at hin present location and await further orders. It appears now that the enemy does not intend to make the attack at this place. [13] I am at a loss to conjecture what his intentions are. It is evident that he has retired to the boats. I come to this conclusion from the circumstances stated.

My scouts have not, in consequence of the high state of the watercourses, been able to get nearer the river than 4 miles. They were at Adamsville; saw where the enemy had been encamped. The officers told the prisoners that they intended to land at Pittsburg and Eastport, with the view of capturing Corinth. You can draw your own conclusions. I give you all the information in my possession.

I understand that Colonel Smith's regiment, McNairy Volunteers, are at Bethel, and that Allen's regiment, Louisiana Volunteers, are on the way. I fear that the movement is a false one, and the retiring of the enemy may be a trick. My information is obtained from 1 or 2 out of some 15 or 20 prisoners whom the Yankees released about 2 miles from the river early this morning and before the streams rose.

I am, general, very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant,

General: Information has just reached my quarters, through one of the scouts belonging to Captain McCaa's company, that the enemy are landing on this side the river at Williams' Landing, about half a mile below Crump's Landing. Colonel Adams and Major Baskerville are both advised of the fact.

On the approach of the enemy the man Williams hoisted the Union flag.

I have the honor to be, general, your humble and obedient servant,

[indorsement]

General: Above I forward you a copy of intelligence just received.:

Col. D. W. Adams, with 350 Louisiana Infantry, a detachment of Baskerville's cavalry (130), and two rifle guns (Ketchum's), are about 5 miles this side of where the enemy is landing. I have here Colonel Deas' regiment, nine companies, 360 men, and the remainder of Ketchum's battery. I have left at Bethel the Alabama battalion, about 300 men. So you will see that the enemy may at any moment land a large force, and I am now uneasy, fearing that Colonel Adams may be cut off.

I shall send Colonel Deas forward and the balance of the battery. I instructed Col. D. W. Adams to run no risk, and to retire before a superior force, destroying bridges and obstructing roads.

I am not advised as to the object of the enemy. This landing, I presume, is in consequence of the appearance of our forces. I hope you will telegraph General Bragg. I have no further instructions from him. I was in hopes that you would be able to communicate with him. I have just this moment received your communication, dated 10 o'clock [14] a. m. this date. If a large force pursues me I shall be powerless to cope with the enemy and have no transportation.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

General: I wrote to you last evening. Since then I have received the information contained in the inclosed reports. I am of the opinion that the enemy has entirely retired from this side of the river, and will make a demonstration higher up the river. I send a copy of these reports to Bethel, to be forwarded by railroad, and for fear that the cars may not be able to leave I send by special messenger, as I deem the information of the utmost importance. I have stopped all reenforcements at Bethel Station, subject to your order. I regret that you were unable to join me yesterday. My expecting your coing prevented me from forwarding to you important information early yesterday. I was momentarily expecting you all day.

I have sent out a large cavalry force for the purpose of scouting to the river bank on all the various roads from and to this place and to gain all the information in their power in reference to the movements of the enemy.

I am, general, very respectfully and truly, yours,