commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel E.
Hatch, and the Second Michigan Cavalry, commanded by Colonel P.H.
Sheridan, who was only assigned to the regiment that day, to make a
circuit around Corinth and strike the railroad forty miles in its rear,
doing all practicable destruction to it. Next day, the 28th, Stanley's
division was pushed far forward and after a sharp skirmish secured
possession of a ridge directly upon the creek, in front of the enemy's
works, which he at once fortified. Paine's division was moved out the
same day and occupied on Stanley's left. The same day Buell advanced
Nelson and Crittenden to the front on a line with Stanley.

General Thomas held Sherman on his extreme right, with his skirmishers
extended out to sweep the Mobile & Ohio Railway.

After several successive advances, meeting more or less opposition, on
May 17th, Sherman moved with his division--supported by Hurlbut--and
with batteries, against a commanding position in his front, called
Russell's, just two miles from the main entrenchments, held by a
brigade. It was some time before he could get a position for his
batteries. Resistance was more obstinate than at any previous
encounter. But, finally, the point was carried, and was found to cover
a sweep of open ground to the south, the direction toward Corinth, and
the division entrenched. Beyond the open land--stretching southward from
Russell's--and intervening woods was other open land, and still beyond,
a rising ground, with a high wooded ridge behind it. On this rising
ground was a loop-holed, double loghouse, having complete command of the
open ground north of it. A force stationed here exceedingly annoyed
Sherman's pickets. On the morning of the 27th he moved with his division
and batteries, supported by Veatch's brigade, from Hurlbut, and John A.
Logan's brigade, from McClernand, quietly and unseen through the timber
as near as practicable. Two of Silversparre's twenty-pounder Parrott
guns were moved silently through the forest to a point behind a hill,
from the top of which could be seen the house and ground to be
contested. The guns were unlimbered, loaded, and moved by hand to the
crest. A quick rapid fire demolished the house. The infantry dashed
forward, drove the enemy from the ridge across a field and into a thick
forest beyond. In the afternoon the repulsed troops suddenly reappeared,
but after a short contest they were again driven. The advanced position
thus carried was at onc