nd to the
able commanders under him.

"The strength of the enemy is variously estimated by my most
intelligent officers at from 15,000 to 20,000 men. A very
intelligent sergeant who was captured and remained five days
in the hands of the enemy, reports the number of the enemy
actually engaged, to have been 12,000, and that two
divisions of infantry were held in reserve. It may appear
strange that so large a force of the enemy could be in our
vicinity and we be ignorant of the fact, but the surprise
will exist only in the minds of those who are not familiar
with the difficulty, (I may even say impossibility) of
acquiring reliable information in the heart of the enemy's
country. Our movements and numbers are always known to the
enemy, because every woman and child is one of them, but we,
as everybody knows who has had any experience in this war,
can only learn the movements of the enemy and his numbers by
actually fighting for the information; and in that case the
knowledge often comes too late.

"While I will not prolong this already extended report by
recording individual acts of good conduct, and the names of
many brave officers and men who deserve mention, but will
respectfully refer you for these to the reports of division
and brigade commanders, yet I cannot refrain from expressing
my high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by
that excellent and dashing officer, Col. Joseph Karge, of
the 2nd New Jersey Vols., in his reconnoissance to Corinth
and his subsequent management of the rear-guard, during a
part of the retreat, fighting and defending the rear during
one whole afternoon and throughout the entire night
following.

"To the officers of my staff,--Lieut.-Col. J. C. Hess, 19th
Pa. Cavalry, commanding escort, Capt. W. C. Rawolle, A. D.
C. and A. A. A. G.; Capt. W. C. Belden, 2nd Iowa Cavalry, A.
D. C.; Lieut. E. Caulkins 7th Indiana Cavalry, A. D. C.;
Lieut. Samuel (name illegible) 19th Penn. Cavalry, A. D. C.;
Lieut. Dement, A. A. Q. M.; Lieut. W. H. Stratton, 7th Ills.
Cavalry, A. A. C. S.,--whose names appear in no other
report, I am especially grateful, for the promptness and
zeal with which my orders were executed at all times and
often under trying and hazardous circumstances.

"I am, maj