The victory in the face of such odds was most gratifying, and as it justified my disinclination—­in fact, refusal—­to retire from Booneville without fighting (for the purpose of saving my transportation, as directed by superior authority when I applied in the morning for reinforcements), it was to me particularly grateful.  It was also very valuable in, view of the fact that it increased the confidence between the officers and men of my brigade and me, and gave us for the balance of the month not only comparative rest, but entire immunity from the dangers of a renewed effort to gobble my isolated outpost.  In addition to all this, commendation from my immediate superiors was promptly tendered through oral and written congratulations; and their satisfaction at the result of the battle took definite form a few days later, in the following application for my promotion, when, by an expedition to Ripley, Miss., most valuable information as to the enemy’s location and plans was captured: 

“Headquarters army of the Mississippi,
“July 30, 1862.—­3.05 P. M.

“Major-general Halleck,
“Washington, D. C.

“Brigadiers scarce; good ones scarce.  Asboth goes on the month’s leave you gave him ten months since; Granger has temporary command.  The undersigned respectfully beg that you will obtain the promotion of Sheridan.  He is worth his weight in gold.  His Ripley expedition has brought us captured letters of immense value, as well as prisoners, showing the rebel plans and dispositions, as you will learn from District Commander.

“W.  S. Rosecrans, Brigadier-General. 
“C.  C. Sullivan, " "
“G.  Granger, " "
“W.  L. Elliott, " "
“A.  Asboth, " " "

CHAPTER X.

In camp near Rienzi—­general Granger—­A valuable capture at Ripley —­raiding A Cornfield—­repulsing an attack—­presented with the black horse “Rienzi”—­Meeting general Grant—­appointed A brigadier-general.

After the battle of Booneville, it was decided by General Rosecrans, on the advice of General Granger, that my position at Booneville was too much exposed, despite the fact that late on the evening of the fight my force had been increased by the addition of, a battery of four guns and two companies of infantry, and by the Third Michigan Cavalry, commanded by Colonel John K. Mizner; so I was directed to withdraw from my post and go into camp near Rienzi, Mississippi, where I could equally well cover the roads in front of the army, and also be near General Asboth’s division of infantry, which occupied a line in rear of the town.  This section of country, being higher and more rolling than that in the neighborhood of Booneville, had many advantages in the way of better camping-grounds, better grazing and the like, but I moved with reluctance, because I feared that my proximity to Asboth would diminish to a certain extent my independence of command.