Ready for battle — a desperate conflict approaching — Butler's infamous order--Dr. Palmer, of New Orleans — movements of the enemy, &c.
Corinte, Miss., May 21, 1862.
Nothing to add to my notations of yesterday, beyond the fact that to-day will probably bring on the long-anticipated battle.
While I write, heavy discharges of artillery are reverberating from the centre, our troops are all in position, and some movements are on foot which are likely to lead to a general engagement.
The Generals have gone out, and all Corinth (which is not saying much) is in commotion
If the fight does take place, it will be a desperate one beyond peradventure.
The enemy will defend themselves behind their entrenchments, and these will severally have to be carried by storm.
Halleck is too wily to trust his forces to the open field, and run the chances of an utter rout.
A side from this , our men are perfectly indignant at the order of Butler, which, as I telegraphed you, had been republished as a general order by Beauregard, and, animated by the thought of outraged women, will ‘"fight to the death."’
Dr. Palmer, of New Orleans, yesterday delivered a stirring address to about five thousand, on the subject of the infamous order, and the feeling he aroused was intense.
Officers and men were present from all portions of the army, and several ladies, who are acting as good Samaritans, also graced the scene.
While speaking, volleys of musketry could be distinctly heard, only a mile and a half away, and the occasion was in all respects highly impressive.
The enemy are massing troops principally on our right and centre, that is, on the Farmington, Purdy, and Monterey roads. Pope command the Federal left, or what is known as the Army of the Mississippi, while Bueli and McClernand are in the centre.
The division of Gen. Wallace constitutes the reserve, and is at Monterey.
As they advance, telegraph lines are made to connect the different departments, and thus they are enabled to communicate at once with each other.
Their correspondents, however, state what I indicated in a previous letter — namely, that the divisions are miles apart, and experience great difficulty in moving on account of the density of the woods, and the multitude of streams which have to be bridged or forded.
Entrenchments are going up rapidly every few hundred yards, and siege guns being mounted.
All these preparations evidence warm work for our men, but we believe that if we once get them started their rout will be complete, notwithstanding the skill and labor they have brought in play to prevent such an exigency.
Everything at this moment betokens some important movement, and I must, therefore, leave this letter abruptly.
Quel Qu'un. 