We estimated his strength at 70,000.

Our own was, in round numbers, 120,000.

The defensible nature of the ground at Corinth, and the fortifications, made 50,000 then enough to maintain their position against double that number for an indefinite time but for the demoralization spoken of.
On the 30th of April the grand army commenced its advance from Shiloh upon Corinth.

The movement was a siege from the start to the close.
The National troops were always behind intrenchments, except of course the small reconnoitring parties sent to the front to clear the way for an advance.

Even the commanders of these parties were cautioned, "not to bring on an engagement." "It is better to retreat than to fight." The enemy were constantly watching our advance, but as they were simply observers there were but few engagements that even threatened to become battles.