Ammen's brigade, which was on the left, advanced in good order upon the enemy's right, but was checked for some time by his endeavor to turn our left flank, and by his strong centre attack in front. Capt. Terrell, who in the mean time had taken an advanced position, was compelled to retire, leaving one caisson, of which every horse was killed or disabled. It was very soon recovered. Having been reinforced by a regiment from Gen. Boyle's brigade, Nelson's division again moved forward, and forced the enemy to abandon entirely his position. This success flanked the enemy at his second and third batteries, from which he was soon driven, with the loss of several pieces of artillery by the concentrated fire of Terrell's and Mendenhall's batteries, and an attack from Crittenden's division in front. The enemy made a second stand some eight hundred yards in rear of this position, and opened fire with his artillery. Mendenhall's battery was thrown forward, silenced the battery, and it was captured by Crittenden's division, the enemy retreating from it. In the mean time the division of Gen. McCook on the right, which became engaged somewhat later in the morning than the divisions on the left, had made steady progress until it drove the enemy's left from the hotly contested field. The action was commenced in this division by Gen. Rousseau's brigade, which drove the enemy in front of it from his first position, and captured a battery. The line of attack of this division caused a considerable widening of the space between it and Crittenden's right. It was also outflanked on its right by the line of the enemy, who made repeated strong attacks on its flanks, but was always gallantly repulsed. The enemy made his last decided stand in front of this division, in the woods beyond Sherman's camp.
Two brigades of Gen. Wood's division arrived just at the close of the battle; but only one, that of Col. Wagner, in time to participate actively in the pursuit, which it continued for about a mile, and until halted by my order. Its skirmishers became engaged for a few minutes with skirmishers covering the enemy's rear-guard, which made a momentary stand. It was also fired upon by the enemy's artillery on its right flank, but without effect. It was well conducted by its commanders, and showed great steadiness.
The pursuit was continued no further that day. I was without cavalry, and the different corps had become a good deal scattered in a pursuit in a country which secreted the enemy's movements, and of the roads of which I knew practically nothing. In the beginning of the pursuit, thinking that the enemy had retired principally by the Hamburgh road, I had ordered Nelson's division to follow as far as Lick Creek on that road, from which I afterward learned the direct Corinth road was separated by a difficult ravine, which empties into Lick Creek. I therefore occupied myself with examining the ground, getting the different divisions into position, which was not effected until some time after dark.
The following day, in pursuance of the directions of Gen. Grant, Gen. Wood was sent forward with two of his brigades, which arrived the previous evening, and a battery of artillery, to discover the position of the enemy, and to press him if he should be found in retreat. General Sherman, with about the same force from Gen. Grant's army, was on the same service, and had a spirited skirmish with the enemy's cavalry, driving it back. The main force was found to have retreated beyond Lick Creek, and our troops returned at night.
There were no idlers in the battle of the seventh. Every portion of the army did its work. The batteries of Captains Terrell and Mendenhall were splendidly handled and served; that of Captain Bartlett was served with great spirit and gallantry, though with less decisive results.
I specially commend to the favor of the Government for their distinguished gallantry and good conduct, Brig.-Gen. A. McD. McCook, commanding Second division; Brigadier-Gen. Wm. Nelson, commanding Fourth division; Brigadier-Gen. T. L. Crittenden, commanding Fifth division; Brigadier-Gen. L. H. Rousseau, commanding Fourth brigade; Brigadier-Gen. I. T. Boyle, commanding Eleventh brigade; Col. J. Ammen, Twenty--fourth Ohio, commanding Tenth brigade; Col. W. G. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio, commanding Fourteenth brigade; Col. E. N. Kirk, Third Illinois, commanding Fifth brigade; Col. W. H. Gibson, Forty--ninth Ohio, temporarily commanding Sixth brigade; Capt. W. R. Terrill, Fifth artillery; Captain J. Mendenhall, Fourth artillery; and Captain Bartlett, Ohio Volunteer battery.
For the many other officers who won honorable distinction, I refer to the reports of the division, brigade, and regimental commanders, transmitted herewith, as also for more detailed information of the services of the different corps. I join cordially in the commendation bestowed by these officers on those under their command.
The loss of the force under my command is two hundred and sixty-three killed, one thousand eight hundred and sixteen wounded, eighty-eight missing. Total, two thousand one hundred and sixty-seven. The trophies are twenty pieces of artillery, a greater number of caissons, and a considerable number of small-arms. Many of the cannon were recaptured from the loss of the previous day. Several stands of colors were also recaptured.
The members of my staff, Col. James B. Fry, Chief of Staff; Capt. J. M. Wright, A. A. G.; Lieuts. C. L. Fitzhugh, Fourth artillery; A. F. Rockwell, New-York Chasseurs; T. J. Bush, Twenty-fourth Kentucky; Aid-de-Camps, Capt. J. H. Gilman, Nineteenth infantry, Inspector of Artillery; Capt. E. Gay, Sixteenth infantry, Inspector
