Henry W. Halleck to Elliott, July 1, 1862

General ELLIOTT : I directed Colonel Sheridan, according to orders received, to fall back slowly. Shall I, under these circumstances, re-enforce him now with a regiment of infantry and a battery ? The supply train for General Hamilton is moving forward on the Ripley road, and General Hamilton is reported (but not authentically) encamped 14 miles from here, in great want of provisions. Shall I, under these circumstances, order back supply train as directed ? I have sent message to General Hamilton with the required information. ASBOTH, Brigadier-General, Oommanding Reserve. Wak DEPARTMENT, July 2, 1862. Major-General HALLEOK, Oorinth, Miss.: Your several dispatches of yesterday to Secretary of War and myrelf received. I did say, and now repeat, I would be exceedingly glad for some re-enforcements from you; still, do not send a man if, in your judgment, it will endanger any point you deem important to hold, or will force you to give up or weaken or delay the Chattanooga expedition. Please tell me, could you make me a flying visit for consultation, without endangering the service in your department? * See Part I, pp. 17-20. CorinTH, Miss., July 2, 1862—6 p. m. (Received 11 p. m.) The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The enemy attacked us at Booneville yesterday in considerable force, but were defeated and driven back. Particulars not yet received.* On the line to Memphis they attacked a train and destroyed eight wagons. According to reports of scouts and deserters Bragg is preparing to attack us with the cavalry force of Beauregard’s army. Under these circumstances I do not think I could safely be absent from my army, although, being somewhat broken in health and wearied out with long months of labor and care, a trip to Washington would be exceedingly desirable.

H. W. HALLECK,