William T. Sherman to Henry W. Halleck, June 19, 1862

General HALLECK, Corinth : The expedition sent to Holly Springs is now returning, having scattered all the loose fragments of the enemy and pushed them toward Grenada, doubtless their center for this field of operations. I will report more in detail when the columns come in. The quiet of a New England Sabbath prevails at La Grange, and our men are pretty well behaved. There is a point on Wolf River, 6 miles south of Grand Junction, where the Mississippi Central crosses, where there is a good road bridge and three large mills (Davis’). Iam satisfied the point from which I can best cover the road lies west of this, and I think we should burn these mills and several of the bridges by which guerrilla parties could dash in and out on this part of the road. Of course I know you do not want any destruction of private property, unless the public service demands it. In the case of Davis’ mills I think they should be utterly destroyed. The people here are known to be secesh, but thus far have made not the least manifestation of it. There are very many highly intelligent and influential men residents of this place.

W. T. SHERMAN,