May 31, 1862. Saturday. — Clear and bracing. Had a very satisfactory inspection on the hill back of General Cox’s headquarters. The men were many of them ragged and their clothes and caps faded, but they looked and marched like soldiers.
We hear of the retreat of Beauregard’s great army from Corinth. This is probably a substantial victory, but is not so decisive as I hoped it would be. The Rebels have a talent for retreating. Our generals do not seem to be vigilant enough to prevent their slipping away. A thunder-storm last night.
