In that case the enemy himself could have occupied the defences of Corinth and held at bay all the Union troops that arrived.

In fact he could have taken the offensive against the reinforcements with three or four times their number and still left a sufficient garrison in the works about Corinth to hold them.

He came near success, some of his troops penetrating the National lines at least once, but the works that were built after Halleck's departure enabled Rosecrans to hold his position until the troops of both McPherson and Hurlbut approached towards the rebel front and rear.

The enemy was finally driven back with great slaughter: all their charges, made with great gallantry, were repulsed.

The loss on our side was heavy, but nothing to compare with Van Dorn's.