Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-06-06
EVACUATION OF CORINTH.
NEAR CoRrNrH, MAY 80.

NEAR CoRINTH, May ~.
To Hon. F.. Dr. Stanton Secretary of Var;
Gen. Pope's heavy batteries opened on the
enemys entertainments yesterday, about 10,
A. NJ and soon drove the rebels from their
advanced batteries. Major General T. W.
Sherman established another heavy battery
yesterday afternoon within 1000 yards Of their
works, and skirmshing parties advanced at
day break this morning
Three Of our divisions are already in the
enemy's advanced works, about three quar-
ters Of a mile from Corinth, which is in flames
The enemy has fallen back on the Mobile and
Ohio Railroad
The enemy's position and works in front of
Cornth were exceedingly strong. He cannot
occupy stronger position in his fight This
morning he destroyed an immense amount of
public and private property-stores, pro-
visions, wagons, tents, &c. For miles from
the town the roads are filled with arms,
haversacks, &c, thrown away by the fleeing
troops. A large number of prisoners and de-
serters have been captured, estimated az 1000.
Gen. Beauregard evidently distrusts his ar
my or he would have defended strong
position. His troops generally are much dis
couraged and demoralized. In all the engage
ments for the last few days their resistance has
been weak.
(Signed) II. w. iALLECK.
GEN. IIALLEoK's HEADQUARTERS,
May 80, 1862.
During nearly all of last night the moving
Of cars and suppressed Whistles sounding, be-
tokened some movement going on, but it not
being any extraordinary occurrence, was
not considered of any unusual nature
About o'clock this morning, several ex-
posions were distinctly heard. Immediately
after skirmishers were thrown out and gem
eral advance commanded.
A very large amount of railroad iron was
untouched. There being some | 2 or | 5 tracks
Of Railroad from the Depot to the entrench-
mvnts, with side tracks and switches, the re-
bells were able to move with great rapidity.-
From all the information CLEANED from pris-
oners, 1t is thought the evacuation commenc-
ed at rundown Of last night, the enemy re-
treating in three directions--East, West
and South. Beauregard stated to the cit
izens last night that he intended evacua-
ting and throwing himself on both our 1anks.
At this hour Corinth is held by our outposts.
and the cavalry is searching for the enemy.
The cavalry sent by Gen. Pope came upon
and dispersed the rebels. 8 miles below
Corinth, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad
in the act Of burning the bridge, capturing
about 40 prisoners. The enemys rear guard
destroyed the depot and a few bales Of cotton
and a church, and intended to destroy the en-
tire village, but the citizens saved some 6ty
houses. They also broke open some stores
and burned the contents.
A large cavalry force, under Col. Elliot,
set out Wednesday morning, by circuitous
route, TO destroy bridge on the Mobile aud
Ohio X. X. south of Corinth, although not yet
returned, they have probably succeeded,
as we learn from prisoners that it was known
in Corinth that large bridge has BEEN
destroyed, 40 miles at the south, by body
of our cavalry, and tha, one of Pope's 90
FOUNDER PARROTS en6aded their camp, kill
ing 80 men and 100 horses also, that so
FOUNDER Parrott she'll thrown into Corinth by
Gen. Pope, as an experiment, destroyed a To-
connective and killed the engineer.
Itis thought among military men that the
destruction of bridges south, the uncomforta-
BILE proximity OF our falling shells, and the
possibility of federal success on the Missis-
sppi, were the causes of the evacuation. The
enemy's works certainly were of very great
strength, and capable of making stout re-
sistance
IL is now ascertained that the evacuation
commenced night before last. The enemy re-
treating southwark until they reached the rail-
road bridge, which was burned by detach-
ment of our forces, whence they went to
the Grand Junction, and thence southwark
on the Jackson Railroad. Some ladies
and several citizens remain here. The citizens
inform us that Richmond has been evacuated,
and that Memphis is almost wholly deserted,
all the stores being closed, with the exception
of grocery.
1t is ascertaned that Van Dorm had band
of Indians under hira Col Jackson reports
finding the road strewn with knapsacks,
haversacks, arms and canteens, showing great
demoralization The woods are full of strag
glers, who are being brought in fast as possible.
Probably between 20O0 and 5000, including
almost the entire l4th Louisiana regiment,
are in our lines now. Many of them are de-
serters, and the balance have been captured