Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Wood's Division
The next few days after the rebel abandonment of Corinth were taken up with occupying the town and in pursuit of the retreating army. By June 2nd, the pursuit south had gone as far as Baldwyn, MS, and to the west, about half way to Memphis. Other concerns are becoming apparent as well. To consolidate the gains in Tennessee, the Memphis and Charleston railroad along the Tennessee River would need to be repaired. This would be Wood's division's next assignment.
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HEADQUARTERS, Near Corinth,
June 1, 1862
General Halleck:
My Engineer Regiment started this moring to commence work on the bridges near Corinth.
General Wood's division marches to-morrow morning. One brigade will proceed at once to Bear Creek, to commence work there. It will take some time to bridge at Decatur, and an efficient ferry would perhaps answer every purpose.
A commodious light-draught ferry-boat ought to be sent up at once.
I have telegraphed General Mitchel to know whether he cannot transfer rolling stock across to Decatur.
D. C. BUELL
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HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE OHIO
In Camp, June 1, 1862
Brigadier-General Wood,
Commanding Sixth Division:
In compliance with orders from General Halleck, the Memphis and Charleston Railroad from Corinth to Decatur is to be put in order by the troops of this command.
Your division is assigned to this duty and will march to-morrow morning, and will furnish the necessary working parties and guards. One brigade should be left to-morrow at camp on the railroad about 9 miles from Corinth, which will place it half way between the first and second burnt bridges, and it can aid in the repair of both. The remainder of the division should continue its march to Bear Creek Bridge and halt there until the work at that point is completed. You should march with five or six days' supplies, or what you have now on hand, if more, and afterward draw from Eastport, on the Tennessee River. A squadron of cavalry will be ordered to report to you. You will at all times surround yourself by all military precautions against surprise, and will post your command judiciously for defense, intrenching, if seriously threatened. It will be best for you to move your camp entire.
Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith is detailed as superintendent of the work, so that your duties will be those only of military commander. You will of course answer promptly General Smith's requisition for fatigue parties, and will, without further detailed instructions, give all orders necessary to accomplish the speediest repair of the railroad and secure the Government interests. The regiment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics is engaged on the work for fatigue purposes, but everything else connected with the expedition comes of course under your general direction.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. FRY
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
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Here is a map of the area. Eastport is on the far right of the map. and was, at the time, near the Bear Creek junction with the Tennessee. This is now Pickwick Lake, and about 10 miles south of Eastport, the current Bear Creek flows into the lake. The railroad bridge would be where US 72 crosses today. Corinth is just outside the upper left of the map.
Eastern Theater - Peninsula Campaign
On May 31st, two isolated corps of Union troops near Richmond were attacked by the Confederate army, leading to the larger battle of Seven Pines. This battle had around 11,000 casualties (the most so far of any battle in the eastern U. S., although less that Shiloh). The Union fell back somewhat after the battle, but was still intent on the capture of Richmond.
More Information:
- Link: War Operations, see Volume X, Chapter XXII, Part II, Correspondence, pp. 225-248.
- The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 71-72.
- Shelby Foote: The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1, Fort Sumter to Perryville, pp. 386-451.
NEXT POST: JUNE 6TH
