Washington telegraph. [volume] (Washington, Ark.) 1839-1871, 1862-06-25

Our MARCH FROM CorISTu.-The move
meut of our army in falling back from Corinth
to new encampments some 40 miles further
South was, if not n military necessity, at least
the most obvious policy to a military command
err 1t was not so much that the enemy were
in possession of Memphis, although that also
weakened and endangered Beaurcgard's posi-
ton. 1t was not that his former position was
untenable, for the conduct OF tho enemy in re-
fusing so long to make an attack, is sufficient
guarantee of itself But the health of our
them were unfit for duty. The water was be-
ing exhausted. Disease accumulates fast
where large bodies remain long in one place.
and each day at Corinth was rendering our
army less effective. Beaurcgari simply selec-
ted a new camp, and fell back upon it in the
face of the enemy. The movement was skill
fully executed, and a rev and healthier posi-
ton was secured with better and more water,
and from which as much can be accomplished
as from the other. In military point Of view
lively demanded by every consideration which
should influence a commanding General.
But it is useless in our usual self adulatory
spirit, to congratulate ourselves over the event
as if it were a something to be proud Of. We
see in it nothing discoaragins to the cause
certainly. but much to sadden our hearts with
pity for the poor soldiers who suffered by the
movement in many unavoidable ways. Much
TO deplore in the loss of munitions of war; 1t
was in truth n great misfortune for the move
ment to have become necessary. Having be
come so, it was well executed.
Something of the true state Of the case may
he learned from the following letter from
Dockery's regiment, which is amply corobora-
ted by returning soldiers:
CAMP IYGRAHAM, MISS, June ID, 81.
DEAR ##%*-As Lieut.. G. of our company
is going home this evening, | take the opportu-
nifty of writing you few hurried lines. We
have fallen back IL miles from Coriith, for
what cause no one can imagine. |: is impos-
sible almost to imagine the suffering of our
troops on the retreat. Starved and large num-
bers of them sick we were marched through
the broilng without being permitted to
rest more than once or twice during the day.
Hundreds and thousands of them fell
by the wsyside. and we learn this morning
from our cava lry that at least 500 were still
laying dead and diving BY the waysidc between
this camp AMI COrinth 1t is the general i'm
preston in the army that we will fight them at
this place. A retreat would be more disas-
trous than defeat. Our regiment lost a II Of
their tents, camp cquppace and baggage in
the retreat; and your humble servant. las
well off rs any oftLem in the way Of clothing
has only the suit that now covers his person.
Tie enemy succee led in dashing into Boon
vile and burning long train Of cars. in
which were II, 900 guns. They captured all our
sick which were on the train, and burned some
six or seven who were unable to We them
selves. Our cavalry, however surprised them.
rccapturing cur SICK and driving them 1.-THE
Yanks) back to their main army.
Oar IL gimcnt came very near being captur-
ed by Buell's army. We were placed On picket
within 300 yards Of the encmy's lines. without
being informed that our army would retreat
before morning. and it was by the mcrest ac-
cidcut that we found out our danger in time On
save ourselves. Just imagine 200 men within
300 yards of Buell's army of 10000. without
any friend, nearer than miles, AMI you have
correct idea OF our position.
Tel &%$N** *#F#Ek that my blankets.
clothes ana everything l brought with me.
offered up sacrifice to the flames an n
all our quartermaster stores we're destroyed |!
no prospect Of getting moro soon.
We are informed by one Of Gen. Van Dorm :
Ads. who has just left headquarters. that the
General on last night received dispatch from
Memphis To the effect that MrClcllan'- army
was routed by our forces On the Potomac. aud
that Gen. jackson would attack Washington
City to-day Glorious news, il true. think
It's high time our army of the West was DO
ing something to rejoice the hearts of tie PEG
pie. Ii the troops were left to themselves
they wonld soon rid the country Of the invader.
never men more anxious 10 fight in my
life. 1t vas with great reluctance that they
fell back from Corinth.
Yours, &c,