We reached Memphis on the 21st, and on the 22d I posted my three brigades mostly in and near Fort Dickering, and Hurlbut's division next below on the river-bank by reason of the scarcity of water, except in the Mississippi River itself.

The weather was intensely hot.

The same order that took us to Memphis required me to send the division of General Lew Wallace (then commanded by Brigadier-General A.P.

Hovey) to Helena, Arkansas, to report to General Curtis, which was easily accomplished by steamboat.

I made my own camp in a vacant lot, near Mr.Moon's house, and gave my chief attention to the construction of Fort Pickering, then in charge of Major Prime, United States Engineers; to perfecting the drill and discipline of the two divisions under my command; and to the administration of civil affairs.
At the time when General Halleck was summoned from Corinth to Washington, to succeed McClellan as commander-in-chief, I surely expected of him immediate and important results.