Head Quarters, Corinth, Miss.

September 3^d, 1862.

 

To Major Gen E.O.C. Ord,

            Comg Corinth

                                   

General,

                                                I took a few Cavalry this morning, went out north and regulated the pickets of the 17^th Wisconsin, placing them in groups of three in such positions, and with such defensive relations within reason as will not permit them to be captured.

 

            This I have done all round Corinth with the exception of a gap I expect to be able to finish tomorrow.

 

            I generally found the pickets in a chain of one man posts. I have so placed them that they are in groups of three in sight and hearing of each other.

 

            This has been done with considerable reduction of numbers.

 

            I visited the Vidette on Bolivar Road today and found it in only an excusable condition. I selected its future position, action and retreat.

 

            I then proceeded to scout our front. I found unfrequented bridle paths / thick with horse tracks, and every appearance of Cavalry.

 

            I found and arrested the following marauders, outside our lines,

                                    John Legurow,                 C.               17^th Wis Infantry

                                    Sergeant Palmer,  H.   )

                                    Sergeant Haman,  H.   )           "          with arms.

                                    Private             ,    H.   )

                                    Joseph Darelin,    C.

                                    James Walker,     D.

                                    Thomas Magee,   D.

                                    Thomas Gurben,  D.

                                    John Sheals,         D.

                                    James Dempsey,  D.

                                    James Miles,        C. )             arrested inside lines

                                    Anthony OBrien, C. )             with sacks of peaches

                                                                                    do not deny the charges.

 

            I found the pickets of Col Doran in good shape, but the marauders must have passed in their sight.

 

            Sergeant C F Prescott 16^th Wis Infantry permitted a citizen to approach his lines and actually to ride along between the posts of pickets without a challenge, this in my sight.

 

[?] know to be

Very respectfully Your obt Ser^t

[?] Lt Col & Gen Officer of GG&O

 

[margin]

 

Officer of the Guard Captain Stevens Co F 16 Wis Inftry.

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