Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[157] chivalry enjoy their siesta in the most approved Spanish manner, except that they imbibe, before sleeping, a somewhat different beverage from the Castilians. Instead of the wines of Andalusia, they consume almost unheard — of quantities of Bourbon and rifle-whisky.

The yards of the rich are decorated with shrubbery, and what is far more in accordance with good taste, forest-trees are left standing and neatly trimmed — a custom which has been too sadly neglected in the North. There are several substantial brick and frame business-houses, all of which have been stripped and deserted.

The names of firms were painted above the doors; they were, “Terry & Duncan,” “Campbell & Dodds,” “J. T. Kemper,” , and numerous others which it is unnecessary to designate. Mr. Kemper kept the “Baltimore clothing Store,” but neither he nor his clothing could be found. A druggist, whose name I have forgotten, determined to remain.

Not enough of the Corinthians remained to welcome us, to give me any idea of what the mass of the citizens are like. A few poor persons, the druggist referred to, and the Mayor's clerk, and two or three wealthy females, were all that were to be found. The poor were nearly starved, and were disposed to welcome any change, as it might bring relief, but could not add to their suffering. They walked curiously around, observing the movements of the soldiers, astonished at the comparatively handsome uniform they wore, and gratified that the fears they had felt had not been realized. The wealthy females looked from the windows of their mansions upon the Union troops, affecting the greatest scorn and disdain for the Yankees, who viewed them in return rather in a spirit of pity than revenge.

The rebel generals all had their headquarters in houses — generally occupying the finest residences in the place. Beauregard's was on the east of the Purdy road, and at the outskirts of the place. The rebel chieftain was evidently surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries of life. Telegraph wires run in every direction from the building, the system adopted being similar to that employed in our own army. The wires, however, were all cut, and the instruments taken away.

The quarters of Price, Van Dorn, Hardee, Pillow and Bragg were pointed out by citizens, who stated that each of these notabilities commanded a corps d'armee, and that that these were subdivided into divisions and brigades. There is a marked difference in the style put on by the rebel and Union Generals. Our commanders are all quartered in tents, even though commodious residences are at hand; but the rebels would disdain to sleep beneath a canvas similar to that which sheltered the common horde. More than one deserter remarked upon the comparative simplicity of our commanders.

Although the rebel generals, (so I learned from Mr. Harrington and others,) did not fully determine to evacuate the place till Tuesday evening, twenty-seventh ult., they had for a long time been sending away all extra baggage, and everything not actually needed for the subsistence of the troops, or for a battle. They did this with a view of a speedy retreat, in case one became necessary, either before or after a fight. The question of the final evacuation, was left open, to be decided as time and circumstances should dictate, and in the mean time, the army and the people were to be cajoled into the belief that Corinth was the last ditch — the spot where Pillow intended to die.

All of the citizens of Corinth, and I believe of the rebel States, believed the place would be held at all hazards, and the chagrin and disappointment at its evacuation, without a blow, were deep and bitter. I talked with several who, up to that hour, had never faltered in their faith, but who now look upon their cause as past the remotest chance of a resurrection, and are adapting themselves to their new and changed circumstances. They say that if the South could not defend Corinth, they cannot hold their ground at any other point, and it is idle to prolong a war which is desolating twelve States.

On Tuesday, twenty-seventh, an intelligent deserter came into camp, and on being questioned stated that Gen. Beauregard had been at Holly Springs, Miss., for several days, recruiting his health, as he alleged, but that he returned at nine o'clock that morning. The story, except as to the health, was a true one, as I have since ascertained; and I also learn that the masses of the people and the soldiers, really supposed he was there recuperating, he having given out to that impression. But the fact was, he was searching for a place to which to make retreat, and on his return he called a council of war on Tuesday evening, and announced his determination to evacuate Corinth. I learn that Pillow, Price and Hardee concurred with him, and that Bragg and Van Dorn opposed the movement, as absolutely destructive of the cause. But all would not do; the order was given, and Corinth was evacuated.

The sick, of whom there were a great number in the hospitals, were taken away first, some being removed to Columbus, Miss., and others to Grand Junction, preparatory to being forwarded to Jackson. Next came the stores, the greater portion of which were taken off on Wednesday. Wednesday night all the artillery, save two light batteries, of six and twelve-pounders, were removed, and a portion of the infantry marched toward Grand Junction. No less than forty thousand men, however, remained within the works, and within half a mile of our lines, twenty-four hours, and with but twelve small cannon, and the ordinary infantry arm for protection. An attack at that moment would have resulted in the destruction or capture of that number of men. The rebels were fearful of such an attack all day, and in order to deceive Gen. Halleck, made several sallies on our pickets. The deception appears to have been complete, for had Halleck known the true condition of affairs, he would have attacked them at once.

The rear-guard of the retreating army left immediately after the explosion referred to, which I