HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST,
May 22, 1862-12 m.

General BEAUREGARD:

GENERAL: It pains me to say that I have, after consultation with Generals Hardee and Price, determined to return to my intrenchments. I have found unexpected difficulties, topographical and otherwise, and I have been delayed until this hour, and yet not in position. It is too late to begin a general engagement,and I cannot wait to hear from you to get orders. I have therefore determined to act myself and return. I will explain more fully when I see you.

EARL VAN DORN,.

[Indorsement.]

Approved.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

2 O'CLOCK P. M.

[General POLK:]

Get your troops and those of General Breckinridge back into their former positions in camp.

G. T. B.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIRST CORPS, ARMY OF THE MISS.,
May 22, 1862

Major GEORGE WILLIAMSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General, First Corps, Army of the Miss.:

MAJOR: The enemy closely press our outguards driving in our pickets. Their axes (engaged in some work, supposed to be opening roads) are heard constantly at work. I respectfully ask permission to make a reconnaissance in force. Their artillery now in effective range of my guns; two of their shells fell near my intrenchments yesterday.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES CLARK.

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

[Indorsement Numbers 1.]

HDQRS. FIRST CORPS, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Corinth, Miss., May 22, 1862

Respectfully referred to the general commanding. Brigadier-General Clark is an officer of ability.

L. POLK,

Major-General

[Indorsement Numbers 2.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Corinth, May 24 [?], 1862

Major-General Polk will order this reconnaissance of, say, 3,000 men from his command, to be supported by 2,000 from Breckinridge's reserve.

By command of General Bragg:

GEO. G. GARNER.

Assistant-Adjutant-General.