Unknown to Henry W. Halleck, June 28, 1862

June 28, 1862.

June 28, 1862. Major-General HALLEOK, Corinth, Miss. :

No news from our front, from Jacinto around to Ripley road. Asboth sends statement of man from Rienzi, G. R. Bollard, who left Columbus, confirming the following: Columbus being fortified; used as depot for conscripts; use of slave labor; position of main army between Tupelo and Saltillo; passenger trains come to Tupelo; army, 40,000; many sick, many dispirited; Breckinridge gone to Vicksburg; purchase of teams.

If you think we are secure from a principal attack upon the part of our lines, or, if it comes, may meet its first shock near Rienzi, I will advance another division to some point fit for bivouac beyond Rienzi and threatening an advance on the Ripley, Booneville, and Blackland roads there. Will leave one division in this camp.

Brigadier-General, Commanding.