TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 40 (Part III) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1892 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B E LL 5~ ~ V. 5 THE GIFT OF Z7[3/ Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. STEPHEN B. ELKINS, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKJLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XLIN THREE PARTS. PAHT IIJCOIRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1892 Page 2 CORNELL .UNIVLR~.1ry I Page 3 PARt 111.VOL. XL. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATJNG TO OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, FROM JULY 5, 1864, TO JULY 31, 1864.* UNIO~ COHUESPOND ENCE, ETC. CITY POINT, VA., July 5, 186412.30 p. m. Major-Geireral HALLEUK, (Received 6.45 i~. iii.) Washington, D. (I.: If the enemy cross into Maryland or Pennsylvania I can send an army corps from here to meet them or cut off their return south. If required, direct the quartermaster to send transl)ortatioll. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Ueneral. Lieutenant-General GRANT, WASHINGTON, July 5, 18641 p. m. City Point, Ye.: There has been no telegraphic communication with Harpers Ferry siiice yesterday, a little after noon; but we learn through the railroa(l company that Sigel had reached Maryland Heights and withdrawn all troops fi-oni south of the river, destroyiiig the bridges. We can learn nothinp whatever of Hunter The enemy have destroyed bridges froni Harpers Ferry to Pattersons Creek, where Kelley succeeded in driving them back. The line from the Monocacy to Harpers Ferry has been cut, and the re-eiiforcenments sent from here fell back to the Monocacy. General Howe has been sent there with about 2,800 men, to force his way to Harpers Ferry. We have nothing reliable in regard to the enemys force. Some accounts, probably very exaggerated, state it to be between 20,000 and 30,000. If one-half that imumber we cannot meet it in the field till Hunters troops arrive. As you are aware, we have almost nothing i u Baltimore or Washington, except militia, and con- siderable alarm has been created by ~ending troops from these l)laces to re-enforce Harpers Ferry. You probably have a large dismounted cavalry force, and I would advise that it be sent here immediately. It can be remounted by impressing horses in the parts of Maryland likely to be overrun by the enemy. All thc dismounted fragments here we armed as inflintry and sent to Harpers Ferry. H. W. ILALLECK, lie jor- General ((ltd Chief oJ Nteffl For Correspondence, etc., from June 13, 1864, to July 5, 1864, see Part II. (3 Page 4 4 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. WASHINGTON, July 5, 18644.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GuANT, City Point, Va.: General Hunter has just been heard from at Parkersburg. Thirteen hundred of his iiien are coining forward to re-enforce General Kelley at Cumberland and New Creek. H. W. HALL ECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. WASHINGTON, July 5, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: All available water transportation is now at Fort Monroe and in James River. General Meigs recommends that it all be placed under General Ingalls, as, by a divided command, there is conflict of orders. As Hunters force is now coming within reach, I think your oper- ations should not be interfered with by sending troops here. If Wash- ington and Baltimore should be so seriously threatened as to require your aid, I will iimformn you in time. Although most of our forces are not of a character suitable for the field (invalids and militia), yet I have no apprehensions at l)resent about the safety of Washington, Baltimore, Harpers Ferry, or Cumberland. These points cover our supplies, and raids between cannot effect any damage that cannot soon be repaired. If, however, you can send us your dismounted cav- alry, we can use it to advantage, and, perhaps, soon return it re- mounted. H. W. HALLECK Major- General and Chief of ~taff. CITY POINT, VA., July 5, 186411.50 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, IVashington, P. C.: Your dispatch of 12.30 [1] p. in. received. I have ordered to Washing- ton the dismounted cavalry and one division of infantry, which will be Pidlowed by the balance of the corps, if necessary. We want now to crush out and destroy any force the enemy have sent north. Force enough can be spared from here to do it. I think now there is no doubt but Ewells corps is away from here. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIEADQUA1ITERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAc, July 5, 186110 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The usual quiet along the hues of this army prevailed yesterday and last night, disturbed only by the usual artillery amid musketry practice in front of the Ninth Corps, which occnrred at 2 a. in. this morning. General Burnside reports the enemy as having established a mortar battery in his front fromii which they occasionally shell his lines. He rel)ortS the casualties during the l)ast ten (lays as amounting to 480 in all. Au examination of the PrOlOsel point of attack in front of Burn- sides line made by the chief engineer of this army has resulted in a less favorable report than was aIlticil)ated. A written report will be forwarded. In the meantime a critical examination of the lines of bot Page 5 CUA?. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 5 the Fifth and Ninth Corps has been ordered to ascertain the practica- bility of making an immediate attack, and for selecting the most suita- ble point in the event of regular approaches being decided upon. (?~EO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, July 5, 1/-~64. Major-General MEADE: My enginter officers make the same report of the lack of practica- bility of assault anywhere along our preselit front that you do. At present we are doing very well. All the roads are cut and the eiiemy are living now on half rations. This J presume is certain as well as the further fact that discontent is beginnine- to prevail. I believe the enemy are I)reparing to make an effort to establish themselves on the north bank of the river below, with a view of blockading, or it may be only a force going to the north side of James River to cover foraging parties whilst they collect and get out all they can between the James and Chickahominy. It may be necessary to march Wright over there to prevent this, but I will not do so until more is known about what the enemy are doing. The best we can do now is to strengthen our present line on Burusides and Warrens front and advance by gradual approaches as you propose. As soon as the cavalry is in working order we will make another raid, supporting- the cavalry as far as the Weldon road with infantry. The troops in North Carolina started out to cut the Weldon road, but as near as J can learn turned back oii t~he report that the enemy were re-enforcing. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 18641 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: GENERAL: The following information obtained from two deserters who came in this morning, is sent to you for what it is worth. They - stated it to be currently reported at Richmond and in Petersburg that Early, in command of two divisions of Ewells corps, with Breckinridges command and other forces, was making an invasion of Maryland, with a view of capturing Washington, supposed to be defenseless. It was uiiderstood Early would reach Winchester by the :3d instant. - GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Richmond papers of the 4th instant state: It was believed to be satisfactorily ascertained that Warrens army corps had been thrown across to the north bank of the James River near Deep Bottom. The Yanhees have removed the obstructions recently sunk hy them in Trents Reach. The above may account for the sendiiig troops from Petersburg toward Richnmon(l. I will sen(l the l)al)er to-morrow. GEG. (I. MEAI)E, Major- General Page 6 6 OPERATIONS IN N~. VA. AND N. C. tOHAP. LII. CITY PoINT, July 5, 1864. (Received 12.20 a. m. 6th.) Major-General MEADE: The enemy have got to the Baltimore and Ohio road aiid have de- stroyed the railroad bridges from Pattersons Creek to Harpers Ferry. Send in one good division of your troops and all the dismounted cav- alry, to be forwarded at once. I will not send aii army corps until there is greater necessity for it. I will order the quartermaster here to have transportation ready. U. S. GRAI~T, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 5, 1864. (Received 12.30 a. iii. 6th.) Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: Sigel has fallen back to Maryland Heights, destroying the bridges at that point. Some of Hunters force have arrived at Pattersons Creek, where they drove the enemy. Other dispatches are just coming through, which, when deciphered, I will inform you of if they contain anything of importance. Among them I see the announcement of the sinking of the Alabama by our navy. Semmes, however, escaped. Vessels will be ready for the troops ordered from here between now and 2 p. iii. to-morrow. No artillery nee(l be sent. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, )~ HDQRS. ARMIES OF THi~ UNITED STATES, No. 49. 5 City Point, Va., July 5, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. E. W. Hinks, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the comniand of Point Lookout, Md., and will relieve Colonel Draper, Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, now on duty there. Oii being relieved, Colonel Draper will report for duty with his regiment. II. By direction of the Secretary of War, Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. G. Bar- miard is temporarily relieved from (luty as chief engineer of the armies operating against Richmond, and will report in person without delay to the Chief of Engineers, Washington, I). C. Durin~ General Bar-~ nards absence his duties will be perfornied by Lient. Col. C. B. Coin- stock, aide-de-camp. - By comniand of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROYOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, July 5, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chif of $taff: GENERAL: Two deserters from the Twentieth Georgia Battalion Cav- alry caine into the hues of the Sixth Corps at about 5 oclock this morning. They had been in hospital at Richmond, and on the 1s Page 7 Cuip. LII.] OORRE~PONDENOE, ETO.ITNION. 7 instant were sent thence to Petersburg. Night before last they were ordered to go down to the right of their line, where they were told that their regiment was on picket near the Weldon railroad. They were ordered to rqjoin their regiment, but sought an opportunity to escape, which they found this morning. They say that it was currently reported within their lines, both at Itichinond an(l in Petersburg, that General Early was making an invasion of Maryland, with the intentioii of cap- turing Washington, having under his command two divisions of Ewells corps, Breckinridges command, and l)erlIaps other forces be- longing in the Valley. I judge, from what they say as regards a single regimental organization, that Picketts division is still lying on the line between the Appomattox and James Rivers. They also say that some convalescents belonging to Battles brigade, of Rodes division, were within a few days past sent from Richmond to Petersburg, but there are no indications that their comniand was at Petersburg or that any troops have passed through Richmond coming from the Valley within the last week or ten days. The convalescents were probably sent to Petersburg, being fit for duty, their own command being too distant to be reached. One of these deserters heard day before yesterday that General Lee had ordered the Weldon railroa~l to be repaired. He did not hear the order read, but heard it only as a rumor. It is given out to the soldiers that there are six months supplies in Richmond. All men who are wounded in such a way as to prevent their speedy return to their commands are now being sent from Richmond to hospitals farther south, many of these receiving thirty, forty, and sixty day furloughs. This is looked upon as an indication of a desire to get rid of all consu- mers possible. These men haviiig been at Petersburg but a very short time give little valuable information concerning our exact front. They say that there is some cavalry on the right of the enemys line near the lead-works; that other cavalry is strung out down toward th~ Weldon railroad; that there is a brigade of cavalry on the other side of the river, as they understand near Malvern Hill. They complain of rations being short, but I do not think there is any diminution. Very respectfully, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, Jw. JULY 5, 18649 a. m. Major-General WARREN: Enemy are erecting a work in rear of main line aiid directly in front of this station. They have only one face done. This face has two very large embrasures. - Caini ot see any guns in this work. Large parties of enemy to work on main line. Two of their regimental flags have dis- al)I)eared. WARTS, Lieutenant. (Same to Captain Fisher.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 5, 1864. Captain FISHER: Enemy have been at work all day upon a redoubt-in front of this sta~ tion; shoveling, picking, and bringi 1mg rails have been noticed. Abou Page 8 8 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. 11 a. rn. a large party, exteiided in a line some hundred yards in length, began to dig iii open field to the rear and our left of the rcdoubt. They are still at work, evidently throwing up a new line of rifle-pits. The line is parallel with and about 100 yar(Is in rear of their present high intrenchinen t. 1.8. LYON, Signal Officer. [Iulorsenieiit.j JULY 5, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Respectfully forwarded. This officer is on station near the NortWk an(1 Petersburg Railroad. B. F. FISHER, (aptain ((n(i Chief Signal Officer. Menioiaidiiii.J This, I suppose, is reported to General Warreu as soon as it is sent here. And so of the signid officer on the Jerusalem l)lank road. I pre- suine what lie sees is reported at once to the two corps commanders on the left of the plank roa(l. A. A. H., Major- General and Ch ict t~t Staff. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1864. The batteries belonging to corps and the Artillery Reserve now detached will rejoin their commands. The chief of artillery will assign batteries to corps to make up deficiencies awl losses. By comumnand of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant A (ija taut- General. JULY 5, 18649 a. m. General S. WILLIAMS, A ssistant A d~utant- General: I have nothing new to report with regard to (1i51)OsitiOlL of troops on lines. WINFl) S. HANCOCK, ]1ft{jor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, ~inly 5, 1864 (Received 9.4() p. in.) General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have no change to report iii disposition ol trool)s on lines since last rel)ort. WINFI) S. hANCOCK, Map r- General Page 9 CNA?. LII.] COU1iE~PONlWN(P, l~TC.UNION. 9 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. Tnti~n l)IvISLoN, SECOND CORPS, No. July 5, iSGI. I. ~n iursuance of orders honi colL)S headquarters, the Fourth Bri- gade is discontinued and the troops composing it distributed as follows: Seventy-first, Seventy-fourth, One hundred and twentieth New York, and Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteers to the Third Brigade; Seventy- third New York Volunteers to the First Brigade; Eighty-fourth Peiiii- sylvania Volunteers to the Second Brigade. II. Officers of staff (lepartments rendered slll)ernnlnerary by this con- solidation will at once rel)ort to the chief of their respective (lepart- nwnts at corps headquarters. Ill. All detached men from the regiments named, serving within other brigades of the division than the one to which their regiment is 110W assigned, will at once join their respective regiments. IV. The conimanding officers of regiments will report without delay to the commanding officer of the brigade to which their regiment i~ transferred. By (olumuan ci of May)r-Gencral Birney: JOHN HANCOCK, ]lliajor and Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 5 1864 a. in. 10.30 eTeneral HITMPHREYS: As a prelinumiary to withdrawing the two corps from my left I think we should construct, beside the small redoubt I have before spoken of, another near Geiieral Crawfords headquarters capable of holding a battery and 500 meii, and another along the l)lank road ab6ut half-way between the two that will hold 1,500 men. This ~vihl, I believe, enable our left flank to be held by a small force without apprehension from an assault. It gives you an idea how importanel regard the similar works now held by the enemy in our flommt. 1 should like to have the assist- amice of others in niakiiig these t~vo redoubts. I examined the ground for their location with Captain Mendell. Resl)ectfully, G. K. WARREN, iih~n-- General; HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 15641O.3o a. m. Major-General WARREN Commandtng Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say you can go on with the erection of the redoubt which you proposed to comnience throwing up last night, l)ut which was suspended by him until he could receive the report of time chief engineer upon other parts of the line held by time army. A. A. hIUJVH~I11tEYS, Major- Genci-al and (Jh jef 0/ AS~tq Page 10 10 OPERATLONN TN ~fl. VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. TAT. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1861iLA a. m. Major-General WARREN: Your telegram in relation to works received and referred to Major Duane, who has been instructed to confer with you and take such measures and famish such means in iiieii and material as may be deemed necessary. GEG. 0. MEAJ)E, illipor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1864. Major-General WARREN: Do you want any of my iiien to start the redoubt to-night0? 0. H. MENDELL, Captain ~f Engineers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 5, 186111.30 a. rn. Captain MENDELL: I will meet you and Major I)naiie at General Crawfords lIea(lqllarters at I p. in. Please inform him. U. K. WA1~REN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 5, 1& 61i1.40. General A. A. HUMPHREYS: I forward you this communication, just received: IIRA 1)Q!JARTERS Tiii RI) DivisIoN, FIFTH CORPS. General WARREN: Private F. Buckliatter, Sixteenth Mississippi, Harris brigade, Andersons division, lulls corps, came in this evening and delivered himself up. He states that Ander- sons division relieved Wilcoxs (livision in our front, and that Wilcox moved farther to their right oa the evening of July 3; that the advaiiced battery in our front near the plank road has l)laces for six guns; that a four-giiii battery, Napoleons, of the Washington Artillery, are in the work, and Harris brigade supports it. General Wrights brigade, of same division, joins Harris oii his left; says this brigade is extreme left of Hills corps, and believes it connects with Beauregards troops. There is a rumor among their nien that ~dl General Lee asks of theni is to hold their position; they have orders not to tire on our men unless we opeit on them or advance. This General Anderson is now in temporary command of Longstreets corps. General Longstreet is still confined by his wound at Lyncbburg. The prevailing feeling aniong their men is that Grant will not take Richmond, nor even Petersburg; that they can hold them both. General Mahone is in temporary conimand of Andersons division. S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier-Generel. U. K. WAR1~EN, il!ajor- General, Corn man ding Page 11 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 11 HEADQUARTERS FIFrH CORPS, July 5, 18649 p. m. General S. WILLiAMS: All quiet. U. K. WARREN, Major- (knerai. HEADQuARTERS SiXTH CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, July 5, 18648.55 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: Report for this morning: Nothing of importance has transpired. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, Major-General HUMPHREYS, July 5, 1864. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Two deserters from a Georgia cavalry regiment, who have for some time been on provost duty at Petersburg, jnst sent in by Colonel Bryan, profess to give information of a character so important, regarding the movements of Breckiiiridge and Early (Longstreet), that I send them direct to you fir examination. The note of Colonel Bryan,. commanding cavalry, is also herewith. Very respectfully, & c., H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. [Iiiclosuit.] - HEADQUARTERS 1)ETACHMENT CAVALRY CORPS, July 5, 1864. Major WHITTIER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Sixth Corps MAJOR: I send you two deserters that give strange information con- cerniig Breckinridge and Early being at Winchester; also that General Lee issued an order yester(lay to repair the Weldon railroad. They have been on provost duty in Petersburg up to night before last and seem to be well posted. Very respectfully, T. M. BRYAN, JR., Colonel, Co nunanding Detachment. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, i3~neral BURNSIDE, July 5, 18G42 a. m. L1ommanding Ninth Corps What is the firing that seems to l)e in your frontl GEG. U. MEADE, Major- General. (Same to General ~\Ta1.re1l Page 12 12 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. Lu. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 5, i~Gi. (Received 2.50 a. iii.) General MEADE The firing was only sharp skirinishing and a little more titan the usual artillery firing. The enemy in our front are very nervous, I think, awl (l() tliree-tbnrths of the firing. Our lines are being shelled l)y iuortars, but out losses are not large, amounting tu 480 iii last teii days. A. B. BURNSII)E, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, City Point, July 5, 18G4. [Maj. Gen. A. B. BURNSIDE:] DEAR GENERAL: The accompanying list* of questions was drawn up, by my directions, by my Prussian engineer, Captain Munther. They are unnecessarily minute. All I want is to get the main facts, so as to judge of probable results and form data for any future work of the kind. If you will put. Lieutenant Oberteuffer in communication with the officer in charge of the mining gallery he will work out the answers.i I sent you yesterday the only copy I have of my review of McClellans report. Any one who reads it ititist re~(l the preface and there find my justification and motive. I am, respectfully and truly, J. G. BARNARD, Breret Major- General, d9e., IIEADQITARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 5, 1SGI9 p. inn. Major-General HUMPHREYS: 1 have no movements of importance to rel)Ort on my line to-day. The enemy have been very active on the front of General Willcox, strength- ening their line in the direction of the Clarke house. The battery on General Ledlies line will be ready for the guns this evening. No firing this evening as yet. A. B. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST l)IYISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 5, 18G48.15 a. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that all was quiet in my front last niht the heavy picket-firing being on my left. Nothimig of inter- est occurred to report. I am, colonel yery res~)ectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General Comm ane ling Division. See Part II, p. 610. For auswers see Pars IL, ~. 611 Page 13 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 13 HEADQUARTERS FIRST J)IVlSLON, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 5, 18618 p. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Corps: COLONEL: 1 have the hoiior to report everything has been quiet lit my front for the last twelve hours. No movement of enemy observed. The work on the fort on my left is nearly done and it will be ready to receive the guns by 9 p. in. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND I)IYISLON, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 5, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet on our front during the night. Skirmished with enemy, but nothing worthy of note occurred. 1 am, colonel, very res~)ectf11lly, yours, & c., ROBERT B. POTTER, J~rigadier- General, Commandinq. HEADQUARTERS SECOND i)lVISLON, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before i~etersbnrg, Va., July 5, 1864. Licut. Col. LEWiS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- Genera I, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet along our front h)r the past twelve hours. The covered way to the lutes has been strengtlLene(I an(l made more secure. The Eleventh Massachusetts Battery, Captain Jones, has been placed in position on the front of First Division, relieving the Second Maine Battery. I am, colonel, Vely LC5~)ecttnlly, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIEAJ)QtTARTERS THiRD I)IVLSJoN, NlN~rIL AR1~IY Coiws July 5, 1(561. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Sta ft: GENERAL: The enemy kept np a steady mllsketry tire (hiring the mghit on the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, which is on the right of my line. Their nioitar hiiiiig is continued with increased elleet, making the casualties in the (olInIlan(l more nuinerons. yrery respeetfulix-, your oh e(l ici it servai it, 0. B. WILLUOX, Brigadier- General, Conunandin~ Page 14 14 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIT. HEADQUARTERS THIRD 1)IVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 5, 18648 p. m. Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to rel)ort that there has been unusual activity in rear of the rebel lines toward the Clarke house to-day, and some digging. They have opened also two new mortars about opposite my center. 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, July 5, 1864. Lient. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Jldqrs. Armies in the Field: COLONEL: I have the honor to forward the reports* of the chief quartermaster and chief commissary of subsistence, Cavalry Corps, in reference to condition of supplies at White House on the arrival of my command at that place. My command reached the White House on the evening of the 20th. II found that the rebel cavalry had shelled the place in front of White House Landing from the high bluff in the direction of Tunstalls Statiomi with from six to eight pieces, but no other demonstration was made. Ceneral Abercromnbie, in command, ilJP)rmed me when I called to see hint that the enemy was constructing rifle-pits on the bluft~s surrounding the White House. I therefore crossed one division of cavalry, disniounted, at 2 oclock ott the morning of the 21st, directing it to attack the enemy on the Tunstahls Station road, and held time other division mounted an(l ready to cross. No i-itle-pits were found on the bluffs amid only the picket~ of the enemy. I then crossed the other division. The enemys two (livisions of cav- alry were found at Tunstalls and along the west bamik of Black Creek, the whole force collecting at Tumistahls while I was gettimig over the horses of the dismounted divisiomi. During the night they retreated in great haste to Bottomns Bridge, followed up by siiiahl parties ot 0111 cavalry. Omi the mnormiing of the 22(1 1 sent Torberts ohivisiomi to Jones Bridge to secure the crossing and got there first, hiavitig the short line. I themi h)rOught the train across the tiver, in all over 800 wagons, and was then ready to move. The forage arrived about the same timne in great abundance; the subsistemice not umitil 9 or 10 oclock at night. 11 had to wait for it and (lid not get off with the advance of the train initil 2 oclock on the muorning of the 23d. This is the delay I referred to in my dispatch. I believe every exertion was made to get this sub- sistence ill) on the l)art of all comicerited an(l especially by General Getty, as soon as he found supplies were short. P. II. SHERII)AN, ~iI(Vor- Genera I Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND Divisn )N, CAVALRY CORPS, July 5, 1864. Col. J. 1. GREGcT, (ow ni an (1 ing ASeeon(i Brigade, AVCOU (1 lb mism on COLONEL: You will at once send all the (hismnolmnted macit of your brigade, with their arms and such horse equiptitents as they may have Not found as iiiclosures Page 15 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIoN. 15 in tneir possession, to report at the cavalry depot commanded by Major Beaumont. A commissioned officer will be sent in charge of these men, taking with him a list of names, giving regiment and company of all men in his charge. Having performed this duty the officer will report back to his brigade. It is important that your dismounted men be sent to the depot at once in order that they may be remounted at once. Let every dismounted man be sent at this time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. WEJII, Captain and Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY. CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Light-House Point, Va., J~dy 5, 1861. Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of July 4~* touching cer- taiii allegations in the iRichmnond Examiner of July 2, 1 have the homior to submit the following, though I can scarcely realize that either my own conduct or that of my command has been seriously arraigue(l upomi charges made in a journal notoriously venal mind unscrupulous in its efforts to sustain the cause of the public enemy: It is not strange that General Lee the Confederate Government, Or the l)eople of the rebel- lions States, should be dissatisfied with the system of raids instituted against their railroads, but if the major-gemmeral comniimanding has amiy cause of complaint against tIme managemuent of the expedition which I have had the honor of conducting, I most respectfully request that the proper official imivestigation be instituted at ~iice. While I cannot coin- mend the conduct of my men in all cases as necessary, or strictly in accordance with the usages of civilized warfare, every means was taken by myself amid subordinate commanders to keep it strictly within those bounds. I can safely say further,, no miian in my command has ever received any part of his e(lllcatiomi in lawlessness froiii mime. The major- gemmeral commanding will not fail to renmemimber that my troops were gone ten days, amid during half that time were compelled to subsist upon the coumitry. In regard to this necessity (which 110 one regrette(l more than mnyself~ my orders were that everythiu~ needed h)y the com- lIialm(l should be taken nuder the supervisioii of the provost-amarshial, as 1)rovided subsequently in Gemmeral Orders, No. 24, Juuue 27 ;t amid while I woul(i not restrict my troops in anything that would be useful to theni or beneficial to the emmemy, I wonld severely l)illIishi all housebreaking, i)illaging, and lawlessmiess. I regret exceedingly that copies of my orders and instructions on this sul)je(t were captured with other papers ill the desk of my headquarters, but it General Lee is as prompt to do justice to the character of his eumeuny as the l)ie55 ot the South is to blacken it by every infamous charge, he will l)ublish the orders in ques- tion. I inclose herewith the certificates of my adjutant-general, in- sl)ector-general, l)rovost-marshal, amid staff officers, from whmichm it with be seen that not omily were all practicable exertioums made to keep my comumand iii proper bounds, but that even instructions in comummuhmnica- tioum of July 4, directing a special inspection, as well as p~o~iner stel)s to carry omit provisions of General Orders, No. 24, had beemi alremLdy aitici- 1)ated six or sevemi days. I shall also forward the statements of my division amid brighde commanders upon the subject, in order that the commanding general may fully understand it. It may not be amiss to See Part II, p. 632. t See Part II, p. 465 Page 16 16 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C [CHAP. LII. state that no one is mote disgusted with the unlawful acts of lawless meim than I am, but justice to my command impels me to add that while frequent enough they are vastly exaggerated in kind and num- ber. I believe that there exists iii our cavalry service an organized band of thieves, who are tinder no restraint whatever, and who have been skillful enough so far to elude every attempt at arrest; but with- out discussing how far this state of facts may be common to all other bramiches of the service, in this and other armies, I am determined if possible to break up the organizatiolL an(l to establish a compulsory condition of morals dilfereimt fromu that usually fotind among troops. I have heard vague rumorsin one instance of plate having beeu taken, ali(l of several where money was stolen. The statement of Captain French will show what my action was in such cases. IRal)e, wanton insult to women, muor brutal conduct of any kind I am confidemut can be truthfully charged against may command. Mules, hi orses, forage, aiid provisions were taken whenever foitud or imeeded, and although this may have been oppressive to the people from whom they were taken, they were quite beneficial to my troops, and conduced in no small degree to the success of the expedition iii which they were engaged. Finally, permit me to say I believe no expedition of the kind was ever conducted with less improper conduct on tim l)art of the muen atid officers than characterized the one so hotly denounced by the rebel newspapers. Hoping that the major-general commanding niny become convinced of this, and that hie will be slo~v to condemnn may command because it has excited the ire of the l)ublic enemy, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. H. WILSON, Brigadier- (Je)wra 1. CIIWULAR.1 IIDQRS. THiRD T)IVI8ION, CAVALRY CORPS, ~June 21, ThGi. To prevemit all straggling, muarauding, and pihfbring by this commuand on the comning march, it is enjoimmed upon all commanding officers to use every effort to see the existimig orders amid regulatiomis on this sub- ject strictly enforced. Regimental and brigade rear guards, under com- mmmissiOmme(l officers, will be established amid will prevent all falling oat of the ranks, watering horses without orders, ami(l independent amid dis- orderly proceedings of every kind. Canteens must be filled before starting or at halts, and upon no condition will the men be allowed to leave the ranks for this pll~pO~~ while the cohuan is moving. Only orderlies fromim regime utah, brigade, or divisiomi headquarters will be I)er- mnitted to l)~55 up and down the column, and then only when on (llity. All foragimig for animals amid provisions will be dotie by organized par- ties tinder officers of the respective staff departments. All delays in time (ohuiflhli will be regulated and distance regained as munch as possm- ble at a walk. Should ammy part of the command be delayed seriously word will at once be sent to the head of time column. As the expedi- tiomi upon which time commuand is engaged is of great importamuce, it is expected that all muovemnents will be made with the pTeatest l)romnpti- tmmde amid celerity, amid that comnmandimig officers will eu~joiIm upon offi- cers and mnen time necessity lot imm(htstry, p~m.tieimt emidumamice, alm(l good conduct. By command of Brigadier-Gemmeral Wilson L. SlEBERT, As8k,~ta nt Adjutant- Genera I Page 17 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 17 hEADQUARTERS ThIRD DIVISIoN, (3AVAI~Ry CORPS, July 6, 1~6I. I certify on honor that the above is a correct and true copy of the cir- cular issued to the command on the 21st of June, 1864, the day previous to our starting on the raid. L, SIEBERT, Assistaji t Adjutant- General. [IflcloMnre ~O. 2. I)LVIsIoN INSPECTORS OFFICE, HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY Co~~s, July 5, 1/-~6i. Capt. L. SIEI3ERT, Assistant Adjutant- (Thu era 1, Third i)ic., Cavalry Corps: CAPTAIN: For the information of the brigadier-general commanding this division I have the honor to submit the following report with refer- ence to the order and coll(lllct of this command, so far as my observa- tion extended, during the time from the morning of the 22d of June to the 2d instant throughout the late expedition: The division moved from camp near Mount Sinai Church at 2 a. in. on the 22d of June, and proceeded across the railroads south of Petersburg to Fords Station, on the Danville and Petersburg Railroad, destroying the communication by rail amid telegraph upon the Norfolk and the Weldon railroads; also destroying a portion of the track and all public buildings. At Fords Station the destruction began in an extensive manner. The track and all public buildimiigs and property were eIt~ctuahly destroyed along the line of railroad so far as the expedition proceeded. Every exertion on nmy part was mna(le throughout the division to correct any violation of orders or disorder in the hue of niarchi. Much straggling was constantly observe(l aimd reported to the commnanding officer of the division, and as straggling is the first step and tIme most prominent omme toward other irreHimlarities in a command upon a march, other violations might have occurred without beimig exposed to the notice of the divisiomi coin- mander, or that of any other officer whose duty it was to correct them. Repeated verbal orders were given by the general commanding hi regard to the regularity of the command. The division provost-mar- shal was actively engaged in the h)erfOrmnance of his duties but without a greater exertuon on the l)art of time respective brigade and regimental comummanders to l)revent violations of orders it was inmpossible for him to perforimi his duties with any decided effect. With constant an(l rapid marching amid shuort allowamuces of rest and forage for time huorses it was commsequemmt that many were exhausted, and meim (0111(1 mmot keep in the cohmmmu but were obliged to straggle in rear. Many horses were shot by mny direction to avoid the enemy receiving any benefit fromum hi cut hereafter, they being completely exhausted. Horse equipments were also destroyed and abamudommed for wammt of transportation. The comumamud arrived in camnp on the 2d instant, and since then every exer- tion is being made to secure all captured property, with a view of turn- ing it in to the proper department in obediemuce to existing orders. I aiim, captain, very res~)ectfully, your obedient servamit A. P. RUSSELL, Captain an(i A etinq A SSiSt((flt Tuspeetor- General. 2 R RVOL ~L, Pr mi Page 18 18 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CRAP. LU. [LucloMliro No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVIsiON, CAVALRY CORPS, July 5, 1864. I certify upon honor that as provost-marshal of the Third Division, (Avalry Corps, upon the late raid, orders were give~~ me by Brigadier- General Wilson, commanding division, to use my whole energy and the force at my command to prevent the taking and destroying of private property. Guards were stationed at nearly every house along the line of march by myself and by provost-marshals of brigades, who also employed their whole force in preventing straggling or plundering and foraging unless organized. I also certify that on or about the 30th of June, 1864, I was ordered by General Wilson to select some place before we arrived in camp after the termination of the expedition, and station my guard to seize all captured horses, mules, and other prop- erty, and turn the same over to the proper officers, which order has been, and is being, obeyed. In the individual acts of thieving that came under the notice of General Wilson, or were reported to him by me, he was particularly severe, and I was instructed to use saber and pistol, if necessary, to keep the men in the ranks, which in some cases was done. In one case where I reported the theft of a silver platter he ordered me to find out and arrest the man, and upon our return he would have him severely punished. Some days, owing to the rapidity of the march and the giving out of horses, there was considerable strag- gling and plundering. When done to any extent, must havebeen done by these and others who strayed from the hue of flankers. E. W. FRENCH, Captain and Provost-Marshal, Third Division, Cavalry Corps. JULY 5, 186411.20 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, & c.: Brig. Geti. E. W. Himiks was ordered by me to report for duty in com- mitand at Point Lookout because his wounds unfitted him for service in the field. General Rinks was taken from that post to comuie into the field, hoping to be able to go through. He is admirably fitted tbr that positiom3. This order was made while that post was in my command and General Hiiiks started for his post, but since, I am informed, that post has been annexed to the Department of Washington. I desire, therefore, an order from the lieutenant-general assigning General Rinks to that dnty, relieving Colonel Draper, of the Thirty-sixth U. S. Col- ored, who is now detained from his regiment in that command and is a valuable officer. I believe it to be in contemplation to assign Brig. Gen. James Barnes to Point Lookout, but General Barnes is aii educated, able-bodied officer, whose services are much needed in the field. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. JULY 5, 18642.55 P. i. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, & C.: From the best information I can get from deserters an(l prisoners I aiiu inclined to.the opinion that Earlys corps,witli Imboden, Mosby, and Breckinridge, are making a raid up the Valley near harpers Ferry or Martnmsbnrg. I think this may be reasQilably relied oii. BENJ. F. BlJTLE1I, Major. General Page 19 CnAi. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 19 (Jvrv POINT, VA., July 5, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, ~Jomrnanding, & e.: It will be necessary to keep up the patrol between Powhataii and Jamestown Island for the l)rotection of our telegraph. I lehrn this morning that two miles and a half of wire is gone. U. S. GRANT, Lieu tenant- General. JULY i, 18644 p. at. Brigadier-General RAWLLNS, Chief of & afl~, Armies oj the United & ates: ~Vill ~OU be kiiid enough to order a 13-inch mortar and car oi~ which it is to be tired, now at City Point, to be placed on the rail track aiid run out to General Smith; also, a car with a 30-pounder Parrott. I suppose both have arrived. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. Major-General BUTLER: CITY I~OINT, July 5, 1864. TWe track of the railroad is now laid, General Ingahls informs me, to General Smiths headquarters, and the mortar is now here ready to be sent forward. Do you wish to have it sent to General Smith? C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Caup. ITDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, In the Field, July 5, 1861. Lieuteiiant -Colonel COMSTOCK, City Point: General Butler requested Generals Iimgails aimd liawhins in two dis- J)atches to send the mortar and Parrott gun, both on their cars, to General Smith. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of k~ta/f. General J. G. BARNARD, JULY 5, 1864. City Point: General Butler has ~just received the following dispatch: General BUTLER: Captain Farquhar went to Fort Monroe to settle his engiiieer accounts upon an order from me, and not upon a sick leave. WM. F. SMITH, Major-General. General Butler requests me to inform you that Since the 20th of May, Captain Fa.rquhar has had two leaves before fbi that purpose, aII(l that if he ha(I such pressing need for aii engineer officer he should not hav Page 20 [CHAP. LII. 20 OPERM[IONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. permitted Farquhar to go. He directs inc further not to visit Smiths lines to-day, as lie has recently seen them in person, and does not con- sider Lieutenant Michie of as much use there as here. Personally I beg of you to withhold an opinion in this matter uiitil I can see and explain to you. Respectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General. JULY 5,1864. (Sent 11 a. ni.) General J. G. BARNARD, City Point: Lieutenant Michie, whatever the necessities of General Smith are, is absolutely necessary here. I know what General Smiths needs are as well as if I visited his hues, but as you order it Ii will visit them as soon as I can to-day. I am now and have been for a week performing the duties of, and really am, in Colonel Shaffers absence (who is sick at Fort Monroe), chief of staff at these headquarters, and Lieutenant Michie is really perforinin g the duties of chief engineer. I have been serving in this department constantly on active service since the 3d of May, when to-day or any day since that date I can get a surgeons certificate excusing me from all (luty. These headquarters, although Captain Farqnhar is under my orders, were not at all consulted in granting him a leave. If General Smith persists in having an engineer officer, why not give him one tcmporarily from the Army of the Poto- mac Res~)ectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. JuLY 5, 1864. (Sent 12.35 ~ in.) General BARNARD, City Point: I (lesire to add the following to my last (hispatell: When General Smith left here to re-enforce General Meade at Cold Harbor, lie applied for a regular engineer officer. Although with the~ great deal of work on hand here I had only two, I gave him Captain Farquhar, tile older of the two. On his return he permitted Captain Farquhar to delay sev- eral days at Fortress Monroe, and when he was ordered to Petersburg applied for Lieuteiiant Michie, who could not be spared. Now, again without consulting General Butler or myself, lie again l)ernhlts Farqu- liar to go and again applies for Lieutenant Michiie, who can l)e spared less now than ever. I respectfully protest against any officer holding a position junior to these headquarters applying for oiie of the officers iii my department by name. He has the right to apply for an officer to l)erformn certain duties if required, and tlieii it becomes my duty to procure one if I have none on hand to send. If General Smith cait by any means get my only reliable assistant detailed from me, it l)resitnles, either that he knows more about my department than 1 do, or that I am not capable to preside over the departmeiit. It is certainly not right for him to apply direct to you, and is in direct disobedience of a general order from Lieutenant-General Graiit~ ])roiIlillgate(l about the beginning of this campaign. R.esl)ec.t.full~x C. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General Page 21 CHAP. tILl CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 21 HEADQUARTERS, City Point, July 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. WEITZEL, Chief Engineer, Dept. oJ Virginia and North Carolina: I wish to be distinctly understood as not assuming to give any orders whatever in the matter. General Smith has repeatedly asked itie for Michie. It would have been better to have referred him at once to you, but I luaAle myself the medium of inakino known his wants and b wishes. J. G. BARNARD, Brevet Miajor- General, 4w. JULY 5, 1864. General BARNARD: City Point: I understand perfectly. I was solicitous that you should not f arm a wrong opinion in the matter. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. JULY 5, 18649 a. in. Admiral LEE: (Through General Foster.) The commanding general requests that you assist General Foster to destroy all forage and grain in the vicinity at your boats. LUDLOW, ilfaJor an(l Aide-dc- Camp. ~JULY 5, 1864.] General BUTLER: Two deserters from rebel ram Yirginia were at the battery at How- letts and report that guns are mounted, the caliber 7-inch and 10-iiieh smooth-bore, and one 200-pounder Parrott taken at Plymouth ,and are working day and night to get them into position. They also report the rams as coming down to attack us as soon as the battery is ready, also the burning of the forage at Aikens Lauding and capture of one man, and will send a force to-night to capture the wagon trains. If your batteries on shore were ready they would assist us much. MELANCTON SMITH, Captain and Senior Naval Officer. RIVER-BANK (SPRING HILL) SIGNAL STATION, July 5, 18647.45 a. m. Captain NORTON: A train of thirty ears, ten of them lohded with troops and three with forage, passed the Junction toward Petersburg. SIMONS, Lieu tenant, Signal Officer Page 22 22 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIL IIEADQITARTER8 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1864. Colonel ABBOT: Please send up to General Burnside to-morrow four 8-inch or 10-inch mortars, with sixty rounds of shell each; or two of each, with part of the 10-inch projectiles (shrapnel). HENRY J. ~ UNT, Brigadier- General. JITLY 5, 1864. (Sent 10.15 a. in.) Col. H. L. ABBOT, Broadway: The commanding general directs that you send Company K, of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment Ohio National Guard, back to its re~imnent and keep for your detail the Companies E and H, which were sent by Colonel Fisher; that Colonel Fisher must be allowed to regulate without interference details from his own regiment. Colonel Fisher is a graduate of West Point, a man of the highest education and intelligence, and is supposed to be able to do this. He says, justly, that if he is not he is not fit to command the regiment. It is known here that Company K has had several days experience with you, but this advantage, as the material of the regiment is quite intelligent, is not considered sufficient to virtually take from Colonel Fisher the command of his regiment. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief ~f & aff. ~JuLv 5, 18(14. (Sent 12.40 P. .) Col. II. L. ABBOT, Broadway: Please have the mortars mounted ali(L rea(ly to.be fired before dusk to-day. General Butler desires it. have detachments there to man them. G. WEITZ EL, Brigadier- Genera I and A (tin!! Chief qf $taff. IIEAIJQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, July 5, 1864. Capt. A. MORDECAI, (Jhief Ordnance Officer, Butlers Headquarters: Lieutenant Faxon has been relieved by Capt. S. P. hatfield as ord- nance officer for mity heavy guns. Will you please direct all invoices hereafter, including tIme water battery material, to be made out accord- ingly. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery Page 23 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 23 HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY, Broadway Landing, Va., July 5, 1861. Captain EDSON, Ordnance Officer, Fort Monroe: Will you please order the 8-inch mortar shells now at Bermuda Hun- (Ired, sent about two months ago, to be issued to Capt. S. P. Hatfield, First Connecticut Artillery, my ordnance officer, and have invoices made out accordingly. They have never been turned over to Captain Mordecai. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut A rtiiiery, JULY 5, 186411.15 a. m. Capt. ALFRED MORDECAT, Chief Ordnance Officer, Butlers Headquarters: I am informed that the 100-pounder gun at Curtis house and the water battery will probably be ready to mount to-night; also, perhaps, the Sawyer gun at Crows Nest battery. I would, therefore, request that 100 rounds of ammunition for each of these guns, together with the implements and equipments, may be forwarded at once to the hat- teries, and invoiced to Capt. S. P. Hatfield, First Connecticut Artillery, stationed at these headquarters. The magazines are in readiness, au~l I have ordered the cannoneers to the guns. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Conunandinq. HEADQUARTERS, July 5, 1861. (Sent 12.45 p. in.) Colonel ABBOT, First Connecticut Artillery, Broadway: The 10-inch mortars are ready to be moumited at Crows Nest. I have bnt one gin and that is at the Curtis house. I have ordered imple- mnents and ammunition to be sent to the battery. Your telegram just received. A. MORDECAT, Captain oJ Ordnance. HEADQUARTERS, July 5, 1864. (Sent 12.10 p. in.) Captain HART, Bermuda Hundred: Send to Crows Nest the implements for the two 10-inch mortars, also powder, fuses, and shell for 100 rounds. They must be there by 3 p. in. Lieutenant Prouty will take and deliver them to an officer at the battery. A. MORDECAJ, Captain of Ordnance Page 24 24 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. LII. BROADWAY, July 5, 1864. (Sent 1.55 p. in.) Thj. Gi~oiwi~ B. CooK, First Connecticut Arty., Battery No. 1, Tenth Army Corps: The two mortars are ready for mounting in Crows Nest battery. I have ordered Captain Hatfield to send the gill there at once. Hurry down the men as General Butler orders the mortars to be in position by dusk. 11. ii. ABBOT, Colonel, d~c. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY, Broadway Landing, Va., July 5, 1864. Capt. GEORGE T. BALd, Assistant, Ordnance Department, Washington, D. C.: CAPTAIN: I have just received notification that 15,000 rounds 30- pounder ammunition and 6,000 rounds of 44-inch ammunition have been ordered to be sent to me. Please order the invoices to be made out to Capt. S. P. Hatfield, First Connecticut Artillery, who receipts for my entire train. He is regularly detailed on this duty, and all supplies for me should be so invoiced. I would earnestly request that large sup- plies of ordnance stores forwarded to me may be loaded by themselves onbarges or schooners, so that they can be kept afloat uiitil needed. I have a landing and adopt this plan for the entire train, in accordance with instructions froni General Grant. My address, Ilermuda Hun- dred, Va. Very respectfully, your ol)edient servant, HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. JULY 5, 1864. (Sent 8.35 a. in.) General BRooKs: Doiit that lookout oii the right report anything this morning about tIme enemy ~ Is there anything new at all about him that you have heard ~ G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of & aff. [JULY 5, 1864.] Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Acting Chief oJ ~ta if: Lookout at Crows Nest reports that a big gnu, drawn by fourteen mules, came flown the turnpike on the east side of the James from Richmond at 5 p. In.; that it turned toward the river at Chaffins Bluff and disappeared behind a hill. Had not crossed the river at dark. W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. JULY 5, 1864. General WEITZEL: General Foster reports all quiet on his front. No other reports received. W. T. H. BROOKS, 1;riga(lier- General Page 25 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNU)N. 25 JULY 5, 1864. (Seiit 10.25 a. iii.) General W. T. II. BRooKs, Commanding Tenth Corjs General Butler says you caii go to see General Smith. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of k~taff. JULY 5, 1864. (Sent 4.25 p. iii.) Brig. Geii. W. T. H. BROOKS, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: Relieve 200 good men of the First New York Mounted Rifles now in the trenches, and order theni to report to the commanding officer at camp at once. By command of Major-General Butler: H. T. SCHROEDER, Lieutenant and Acting A.ssistan t Adjutant- General. JULY 5, 1864. (Sent 8.45 a. in.) General H. S. FOSTER: Do you observe anything at all noteworthy in the enemy arollll(l you this niorning~? Watch him closely. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. JONES NECK Jniy ~ 1864. General G. WEITZEL: On the receipt of your (lispatch last evemng I caused all prelarations to be nla(le to neet the enemy should lie make his appearance this morning, but ill) to this time the usual quiet has l)revaile(l. Respectfully, yours, R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- Genera-il. JULY 5, 1864. General H. S. FOSTER: h)ispatch receive(l; tIme general thinks that attack is coming, but sup- l)O5~5 they di(l not get ready by this morning. lie believes that the attack on you will l)C a feint to cover a heavy attack on Meades left. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of ~taffl JvLx~ 5, 1864. (Sent 9 a. in.) Brigadier-General FOSTER: The commanding general directs that you destroy all forage and grain you can reach in your vicinity by fire, or otherwise. LUDLOW, Major and Aide-dc- Camp Page 26 26 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND I)1VISIoN, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, July 5, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER FIRST BRIGADE: If you deemitdesirable, you may withdraw your second line afternight- fall to-night, and encamp it on the creek in rear and as nearly opposite to its position on the line as the ground will admit. You will encamp it so as not to intermix with the troops on the right or left, and also that you may readily form line and move up to your position on the works. Let these troops alternate with the troops on the first line every forty-eight hours. No officer or enlisted man on duty in the first line will be pci- mitted to leave his conpany o~ i~egimnent except with the written per- mission of his regimental and brigade commander. At any time when you deem your troops emicainped at the rear necessary for the defense of your lines, by reason of any demonstration of the enemy or an attack, you will immediately order theni to the front without further orders. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JNO. W. TURNER, Brigadier- General, Corn rn andiug. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, in the Field, July 5, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICERS FIRST, SECOND, A ND THIRD BRIGADES: I am instructed by the brigadier-general coinmimanding to inform you that a brigade of colored troops will occupy the second line to-night. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, ISRAEL It. SEALY, Captain, Forty-sereuth Aew ilorl: Vols., Actq. Aust. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS Lieutenant-General GRANT, July ~, 1861. City Point: I am very anxious to show you a portion of my line which can only be seen in the morning about daylight, or in the evening after sunset. If your duties will permit, will you ride up this evening and spend the night with mime, or to-morrow afternoon amd go with nine in the evening ~ WM. F. SMITH. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. IRAWLINS, Chief of k~tatf: GENERAL: Have you received the letter* from inc inclosing the state- ments of Brig. Gen. E. W. Hinks and Captain Choate with reference to-the condition of the colored trool)s of this corpst The division is miow commanded by a colonel, who is reported to me by General Hinks as being inefficient. I am extremely anxious the general should take some steps to make this organization as effective as possible. While I think them capable of being made excellent infantry soldiers, they par- ticularly need intelligent, brave; energetic, and resolute officers. I See J)U1t II, ip. 4S9 Page 27 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 27 think unless care is taken to give them officers of this class the experi- ment will prove a fiuilure. if the general is not entirely satisfied re- garding the correctness of the report as to the condition of these troops I would respectftully suggest that a commission be appointed to ex- amine into and report upomi their necessities in order to render them effective at once. WM. F. SMITH, ]lfajor- (eneral. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 5, 1864. General WEITZEL: I deem it essential to the interests of the service that some action should be had by the lieutenant-general upon the condition of the negro troops. I have, therefore, respectfully to ask that the major-general comnmanding the department may forward to the lieutenant-general commanding the papers sent by me last week to Brigadier-General Rawlins through department headquarters with reference thereto. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, En the Field, July 5, 1864. Major-General SMITH: When I had the pleasure of seeing you at your headquarters you said to me that you would send over to Bermuda lines four colored regiments, Tenth United States, Thirty-seventh, Fifth, an(l Second Colored Cavalry, using the First Colored Cavalry as your ambulance [corps] and stretcher-bearers. Again, you said when I saw you with General Grant that you \vould send me the regiments as soon as you could get them out. 1 was to send Turners remnants, which was done. I have since sent you the Fourth Rhode Island, 400 muskets, l~it have not receive(1 the Tenth IT. S. Colored or the Second Colored Cay- alry~ If some exigency, which you can explain, does not prevent, please send those regiments, so that they may be perfected in drill a~md dis- cil)lilIe. Respectfully, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, July 5, 1864. Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: The large sick list, together with the daily casualties, has so reduced my force as to barely leave me enough to properly relieve my troops iii the trenches and compelled me to use the regiments spoken of to do the picket duty on the river from my right to the gnu-boats. I will make such other disposition, however, to allow me to keep my agree- ment and return you the regiments to-morrow. WM. F. SMITH, Mqjor- General Page 28 28 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N~. C. (CHAP. LII. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. F. SMITH, Near Peter8bura: Battery E, First Pennsylvania Artillery, six guns, has been ordered to report to you to-day to take the place of James (Rhode Island) bat- tery. Resl)ectfully, U. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. JULY 5, 186410 a. m. Will General Smith have the kindness to forward to me the surgeons certificate upon which Captain Farquhar, of the Engineers, was granted leave of absence, if one was permitted, or state what application and for what purpose leave of absence was granted him.* BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. JULY 5, 1864. (Sent 12 in.) Maj. Gen. W. F. SMITH, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Colonel Shaffer is sick at Fortress Monroe. Ever since your lines have been established at Petersburg, and since it seemed probable that siege operations were to be commenced, I have been doing the duties of chief of staffi Lieutenant Michie is really performing the active duties of chief engineer. We are building three batteries on our right, so as to release the navy, which will be driven out without a doubt as soon a~ the heavy battery which the rebels have at the Howlett house opens. We are fortifying the position at Deep Bottom, six miles distant from here. These works, all commenced under directions from General Grar~t, are to be pushed. The only reliable man we have here to push them is Michie. I did not know that Boweit was absent sick. 1 have requested General Barnard now to give you a regular officer from the Army of the Potomac. Respectfully, U. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, July 5, 1864. Major-General SMITH: Saw General Barnard. He agreed with you. I will be away four or five days unless Comstock telegraphs ipe ol you. Miehie is very likely to be over. F. U. FARQUHAR. ~ For reply see Smith to Butler, embodied iii Weitzel to Barnard, ~. 19 Page 29 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 29 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 5, 1864. General STANNARD, First Division: GENERAL: I was in error this morning when J said to your staff~ officer the brigade you have in reserve was encamped iii the place spoken of in my note of this a. iii. The major-general commanditig directs that they encamp in the woods micar the Beasley house, which is the place he intended them moved to. Please see that the change is made. I am, general, very respectfully, WA. RUSSELL, JR Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the held, July 5, 1864. Brigadier-General HlNIS, Fort Monroe: The following order~ has just been received from the headquarters Armies of the United States. Can you comply with it at once? Answer by telegraph. By command of Major-General Butler: H. T. SCHROEDER, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. BUTLERS hEADQUARTERS, July 5, 1864. MACINTOSH: The cavalry party will start from Fort Powhatait at 4 or ~ a. in. to-morrow to clean out everythiimg on line between there and Swan Poimit. Please be ready to go with them. Answer. R. OBRIEN. PORTSMOUTH, July 5, 1864. Capt. G. H. JOHNSTON, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: Major Gates reports that he returned from his expedition to South Quay on yesterday. lie found a force of about sixty men there, who fled to the woods on his approach. Some mcmi were sent across the river and destroyed $20,000 worth of commissary stores, cotton, & c. The boat at South Qnay was also destroyed. He brought away with him four mules with harness and wagon. On acconut of the breaking of an axle of one of the guns lie did not go to Franklin. lie has been ordered to turn in to the quartermasters (lepartluelit the property eaptilre(l. I. VOGDES, _________ Brigadier- General. See paragraph I, Special Orders, No. 49, headquarters Armies of the United States, P. 6 Page 30 - 30 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. ICHAP. LIL JULY 5., 1864. Mr. BENNETT, Clerk at Headquarters, Port Monroe: Send me 10,000 yards of strong kite-string at oiice. Also all the Presidents proclamations there are in the offices. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D Ai~i~ CORPS, July 5, idGi. General BARNES, Willards Hotel: The Secretary thinks you had better go down to Point Lookout at once. You had better get a tug from Itucker. He is a little anxious concerning the prisoners there, in reference to the movement of the rebels iiear Harpers Ferry. Please report to inc by telegraph every evening. Yours, truly, C. C. AUGUR, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers. IIEADQUAIITERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, NC~C Berne, N. C., July 5, 1c~64. Maj. 11. S. DAVIS, 4sst. A djt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of Va. and N. C., Ft. Monroe, Va.: SIR: Sonic days since I notified the cominandin g general of the return of the expedition sent under Colonel Claassen toward Kinston. rfhis expedition succeeded not only in capturing the outpost, but the coin- iuan(ling officer of the enemys forces in Kinston with his adjutant were also brought here prisoners. At the same time this force was operating toward Kinston I had ordered Colonel Jonrdan, corninamiding Sub- I)istrict of Beautbrt, to proceed with about 1,000 infantry and 250 cavalry with a couple of mountain howitzers and endeavor to cut the Wilmiiig- ton and Weldon Railroad, and if possible to dc~troy the bridge over Northeast Cape Fear River. The movement was commenced very secretly, but upoii the arrival of~ the command at Jacksonville it became evident to Colonel Jourdan that our movements were known and that every precaution had been taken to defeat the object of time expedition. Colonel Jourdan felt so sure of his inability to cope with the forces assembling in his front that he reluctantly concluded to abandon further operations amid he accordingly returned. This movement was not, how- ever, without its good results, some tw-emmty-t~vo prisoners and about the same number of horses were captured and the whole country from Wel- don to Wilmington was alarmed. At the same time that these exl)e(li- tions were omit I had ordered a small force on a steanmer to the Puimgo .~ River to sieze some vessels said to be there preparing to make a descemut upon our light-houses. One of the naval officers, Captain Graves, of the Lockwood, and a party of sailors accompanied this expedition, which succeeded in capturing tiuree schooners and a large amount of shingles and bringing them to this 1)lace. I have another plan on foot for harassilug the rel)els iii this vicinity which I will explain in Ylue time. I ani, niajor, very res~)ectful1y, your obedient servant, 1. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General Page 31 CHAP. LIL.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. I)IsTRIcT OF NORTH CAROLINA, No. 38. New Berne, N. 0., July 5, 1864. Col. Thomas J. C. Amory, Seventeenth Massachusetts Voluiiteer Infaiitry, having been assigned to the command of the Sub-District of l3eaufort, relieving Col. J. Jourdan, One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, he will im obeyed and respected accordingly. The commanding general takes this occasion to tender his thanks to Colonel Jourdan for the energy and ability exhibited by him while in command of the sub-district. By command of Brig. Gen. I. N. Palmer: J. A. JUI)SON, A.s~sistan I Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Oily Point, July 6, 186410 a. in. (Received 7 p. in.) Maj. Geit. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of & aff: Please obtain an order assigning the troops of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina serving in the field to the command of Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith, amid order Major-General Butler, commanding department, to his headquarters, Fortress Monfoe. One division of troops, besides the dismounted cavalry, will sail from here for Balti- more during the day. They are directed to report their arrival in Baltimore to you by telegraph. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July (i, 18643 p. in. Major-General HALLECK (Received 7th.) Washington, D. C.: A l)aLt of the force directed by mc to go north is already off, and the whole of it will be in course of an hour or two. It will probably be as well to let it go now, and return it as soon as you deem it perfectly safe to do so. I think there is no doubt but Earlys corps is near the Baltimore and Ohio road, and if it can be caught and broken up it will be highly desirable to do so. It is important to our success here that another raid should be made up the Shenandoah Valley, and stores destroyed and communications broken. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 6, 18645. p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, (Received 7th.) City Point, Va.: Please give me an estimate of the number of dismounted cavalry sent iii order that I may provide remnounts. They should bring their equipments with them. It appears that General Sigel had no scouts out to give notice of the enemys al)l)roach, and he seemmis to guess at their numbers, estimating them from 7,000 to over 30,000. Other est Page 32 32 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. mates are from 20,000 to 30,000. I think there is no further doubt about Ewells corps. Probably, also, Breckinridges, imubodens, Jack- sons, and Mosbys commands. If so, the invasion is of a pretty for- midable character. I have hurried General hunter forward, butt get no reply from him. I fear that the railroad is so much injured that his advance will be slow. Can you send a good major-general to com- mand in the field till Hunter arrives ? T think General Augur should not leave Wa~hington. 11. ~. HALLECK, Majoi-- General cud Chief of Staff. WASHINGTON, July 6, 186410 p. in. Licutenan t-General GRANT, City Point, Va. General Augur is of OpiUlOll that one regiment of heavy artillery should be returned to Washington, to be distributed among the 100- (lays militia in the forts, as the latter are not sufficiently instructed in the use of heavy batteries. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY oF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 18641.30 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your two dispatches received.* I have ordered a strong division of the Sixt4m Corps to report to City Point as soon as l)ossible, and directed General Sheridan to report to General Ingalls the number of dis- mounted cavalry of his conimand at omice. GEt). G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, July 6, 18649.40 a. in. Major-General MEADE: GENERAL: Please direct the troops ordered to Washington to pro- ceed via Baltimore; and from Baltimore to report by telegraph to Major- General Halleck, chief of staff of the army, for orders. By command of Lieut. Geim. U. S. Grant: JOHN A. lIAWLINS, Brigadier- General, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 186410.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Wright reports the division sent to Washington will amount to nea fly 5,000 men. General Sheridan reports over 2,50() (lismounte(l nien e(juippe(l and some 1,500 dismounted an(l nucqui~)l)Cd. IJelmas been See July 5, P 6 Page 33 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION, Ca~p. LII.] 33 directed to send them to Washiiigton, as they can be equipped more rapidly there than here, and be put to some service at once. This will make nearly 9,000 men sent from this army, which I trust will meet the exigency, as I should be reluctant to spare any more. Everything was quiet yesterday and last night with the exception of General Buruside, who opened a battery on what he believed to be a working party of the enemy (luring the night. GEO. G. MEADE, Aliajor. Ceneral. CITY POINT, VA., July 6, 1864.-11.30 a. m, Major-General NIEADE, Gommanding, ~fr, I have no doubt bat that the force you have sent to Wasliingtoii will prove sufficient, and iiot only that, but that they will speedily return, the cavalry fully mounted aiid equipped. Hunter has got a portion of his force up to the enemy, and is concentrating the balance as rapidly as possible. If they succeed iii micarly annihilating Ewell, Breckinridge, & c., Hunter will be able to move through to Charlottesville and utterly destroy the railroad and canals without the help of the troops sent from here. U. 8. GRANT, Lieutenant- ~Jenerai. CITY POINT, VA., July 6, 186411.35 a. at, Major-General MEADE Commanding, & c. The troops going to Washington need hot take teams, ambulances, or ammunition, except what they carry in boxes. I expect them back here so soon that there is no necessity for transporting the teams back and fori h. Besides there is now in Washington about 600 teams ready for issue, if necessary. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Ue~eral. HEADQUARTERS A.nMY 01? THE POTOMAC, July 6, 18612.10 p. rn. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS: Just before this army left Bramidy Station the lieutenant-general commanding verbally instructed me to move with 150 rounds of small- arm ammunition per man, 50 rounds to be carried on the person and 100 rounds in the wagons, and for the transportation of small-arm aminunitiomi live wagons were allowed for every 1,000 men. Special Orders, No. 44, of June 28, 1864, from your headquarters, provide three wagons only for every 1,000 nien for the transportation of small-arm amnmnmiition. It is estimated that 1,000 rounds of small-arm ammuni- tion weigh about 100 pounds, and under the allowance of three wagons per 1,000 men, each wagon would have to carry about 3,300 pounds besides the forage for the team. It is respectfully submitted that with this weight the wagons would be considerably overloaded, and I have therefore the honor to request that I may be informed whether in redue- 3 H H~YOL XL, PT Il Page 34 34 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. ing the allowance of transportation for small-arm aninuniltion the lieutenant-general designed also to reduce in 1)rol)ortion the amount of ammunition to be carried. Heretofore when three wagons have been allowed for such ammunition sixty rounds per man only have been car ried in the wagons. (A. MEAJJE, Major- General, Commanding. CiTY POINT, July 6, 1~5b1. Major-General MFADE: The number of rounds of small-arm ammunition will be reduced in proportion to the reduction of transportation. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. hEADQUARTER S Ani~n & )F THE I ~OTOMAC, July 6, 18649 r. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: A deserter, just in, reports that day before yesterday an officer of his reoiment said he saw on the bulletin board at Richmond a dispatch rej)orting the defeat of Sherman at Atlanta and his retreat. The same deserter says he left a Itichmnond paper of to-day at the picket-line, which announced the capture of Harpers rerry by Early. I have sent for the paper, and will forward it when I get it. GEt). U. MEADE, Iilajor- General. CITY POiNT, July 6, 1~S6i. General MVADE: I have received a dispatch from II arpers Ferry (lirect, dated 12 in. to-day, and no special alarm is felt for the safety of that place. The enemy are crossing, however, at Antietani Ford. This part of the deserters storyds, therefore, premature, aimd I. have no doubt but the other is. I expect it will be ascertained that Johnston retreated to his works, at Atlanta, amid Sherman has failed in an attack on that place. IT. S. GRANT. ILEAI)QUARTER S ARMY ()I TIlE POTOMAC July 6, 186110.15 p. m. Lientenaiit~General GRANT: 1 am glad to hear the satisfactory news from Harpers Ferry. I attached no imt)ortance ti) the deserters story in either particular; but as he made the statement, I thought you ought to be apprised of it. GEt). U. MEADE, Ill ajor- General Page 35 CHAP. LII.] C(i)LRiRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 35 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 186411 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Patrick has gone toWity Point to-day to see about the addi- tional (luties recently assigned to him. I trust it may not be consid- ered necessary for him to reniove his headquarters froni here there. I consider it essential that the provost-marshal-general of this army, whose duties are so intimately connected with its police and discipline, should be l)ermanently at these headquarters, and with the telegraph and deputies I see no reason for the separation of General Patrick. In the case of the chief quartermaster, his transfer was at my sugges- tion, because I clearly foresaw his duties would require it. It has resulted practically in his complete separation so far as. I have any authority or control, awl in the selection of a (leputy who is in reality the chiet quartermaster. Such an arrangement would not, in my judg- ment, be convenient in the cases of other staff departments, and I sin- cerely trust it will miot be deemed necessary. GEt). G. MEADE, Major- (}enCrc( 1, (Jo~nmanding. CiTY I~OINT, VA., July 6, 1864. Major-General MEADE, GommanThug, di. General Patrick need not move from your llea(lqliarters, at least not until I see you amid give further orders in the niatter. I shonld visit the front at least every other day, but the heat and dust makes it a days work to go up there and back without seeing anything on the lines whilst up there. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY l~uINT VA., July ~., 1864. Brig. Gen. 11. INGALLS, Chief Qua rterm aster: It having been found by experience that the armies in the field operating against Richmond can be more easily and economically supplied from City Point and Bermuda Hundred, you will therefore make the former place the main depot for these armies and the latter a subordinate omie. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES, city Point, July 6, 1861. Bri Geii. MI. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General U. ~. Army, IVaskinqton, 1). 0. liicketts division of about 5,000 infamitry and Sheridans dismnounte,d cavalry, abont 3,000, are embarking hem-c to-day for Harpers Ferry by Baltimore. No wagons or ambulances are taken. If any should happe Page 36 36 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. to be needed please direct SOIIiC to 1)e sent from the Washington deL)ot for temporary service. These troops will begin to arrive in Baltimore to-morrow 1~ noon. RUFUS INGALLS, Briqadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. tnv POLNT, June 6, 1SYi4. (Received 1 a. in.) General S. WILLIAMs, Assistant Adjutant- General A division of infantry and the dismounted cavalry are ordered to Washington. I will be ready to furnish transports at this point and the cavalry depot as fhst as time troops arrive. Please inform imie of number and time. RUFUS iNGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. JULY 6, 18649.20 a. in. Brighdier-General 1N~ALLS: Lieutenant-General Grant has directed that the troops ordered to Washington proceed via Baltimore, and froni Baltimore report by tele- graph to Major-General Halleck, chief of staff of the army, for orders. Please iii the name of the commanding general instruct the conmmaimders of the troops accordingly when they embark. General Sheridan has been instructed to send with the dismounted men the unequipped men he has with his command. He has also been instructed to acquaimmt you as soon as possible with the number of men lie will have to embark. Please acknowledge. ~. WILLIAMS, Assista at Adjutant- General. IIEADQUAIVfERS ARMY oF TIlE I~OTOMAC, July 6, 1864. Brigadier-General INGALLS: The commanding genera] directs that you hand the following to General Ricketts, cominandiimg the division of the Sixth Corps ordered to Washington and now on the way to City Point. S. WILLIAMS, Assigta nt Adjutant- General. IIEAIJQUARTEim S ARMY 0 )F THE I~( )T( )MA( July 6, 186410 a. no. Brigadier-General RICKETTS, Commanding Jhcoswn Lieutenant-General Gramit has directed that the troops ordered to Washington proceed via Baltimore, and from Baltimore report by tele- graph to Major-General Ilalleck, chief of staff of the army, for orders. You will be governed accordingly and will give the necessary instruc- tions to the commanders of your troops as they embark, Please acknowledge. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assida itt Adjutant- General Page 37 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 37 CITY POINT, ~July 6, 186411.40 a. m. General WILLIAMS: The dispatch for General iRicketts has been handed to him. I shall have transportation for him as fast as he caii embark. Captain Pitkin went early to Jor(lans Point to have transportation in readiness for dismounted cavalry. l)oes General Meade wish Ricketts to take any waoon~ and aInl)ulanees with his divisionl RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General, die. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE 1~OTOMAC, July 6, 186412 m. Brigadier-General 1N~ALLS, (Jhkf Quartermaster, Armies in Southeastern Virginia: The trains of the Sixth Corps were ordered at 9 oclock to City Point to be embarked if it was so decided. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief (~f $tatt CITY POINT. July 6, 18641 p. m. (Received i.:~o p. in.) General. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: The orders relative to the wagons and ambulances of General Ricketts division are already given. Sheridan and iRicketts are em- barking. The former thought he would be ready at daylight, but actu- ally was not until near 12 m. Our boats were at the wharves ready. RUFUS JNGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. [JULY 6, 1864.For Hunt and 1)uane to Humphreys, reporting ex- amination of enemys lines in front of the Fifth and Nii~th Corps, & c., see Part I, p. 285.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, July 6, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of AS1ta /f: GENERAL: A deserter from the Second North Carolina Cavalry (Bar- ringers brigade, W. H. F. Lees division) came into our lines last night about dark near Lees Mill, on the Stony Creek and Prince George Court-House road. He left his brigade on the Vaughan road between the Dinwiddie Court-House plank road and the Weldon railroad, about four miles northwest of Reams Statioii. He thinks that nearly all of Stuarts cavalry is encamped between this point and Stony Creek Depot. There is none of it, to his knowledge, on the east side of the Weldo Page 38 38 OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AND N. C. rOnAP. LII. railroad, with the exception of sniall scouting paltics. lIe corroborates previous information that they are rapidly repairing the Weldon rail- road at Reams Station. He crossed the railroad yesterday afternoon near the Prince George Court-House road, with a scouting ~)arty of several other men from his brigade. Refine informant left his camp yesterday lie heard that a train had arrived from l)anville on the South Side Railroad, and that the road had been repaired at Burkeville so that trains could pass from Danville to Petersburg. Full rations have been issued all along, as usual, with the exception of corn. The cav- alry have been on half rations of corn for several days, having to draw their supply by wagon from Stony Creek Depot. Very little is known in their army of the whereabouts of Ewells corps. It was reported to be operating in the Valley. Informant thinks it is certain that it is not here, for convalescents and furloughed men belonging to Ewells corps are under charge of the provost-marshal at Petersburg awaiting its return. He reports the number of effective men for duty in his brigade to be about 800. Very respectfully. GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, & e. HEADQUARTERS ARMY oF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE ~F PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 6, 1864. General HUMPHREYS: A contraband who acconlpanie(l 0111 scouts om~i an expedition a few days since in the direction of Reams Station (~-ot lost from the party and returned this morning, lie crossed the raiiroad two miles above Reams Station last evening. He states that they are busily engaged repairing the road at Reams Station, an(l that a train came down the road last evening between sundown and dark. This was understood to be the first train that had passe(1 over the road since it was torn up. There is a brigade of infantry on Colonel Wyatts place on the low ground near the railroadwest side. Colonel Wyatts place is about two miles and a half above Reams Statiomi. Very respectfully, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, & c. HEADQTJARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS I )EPARTMENT, July 6, 1861. General HUMPHREYS: A deserter from the Forty-eighth Mississippi Regimnent, Harris bri- gade, Mahones division, came into the lines of the Third Division, Fifth Corps, at noon to-day. lie can give mio important information other than the position of troops along that part of the line where his brigade is stationed. He thinks the extreme right of the infantry line is at the lead-works, resting on the railroad, which is held by Ileths (livision, which occupies about omme mile of the line. Next on the left is his own divisiomi (Mahones), which is posted from right to left as follows: Wrights brigade, Harris bm-ig~le, Wilcoxs, and Mahones, with Fine- gans (Florida) brigade iii reserve. I-Ic does not know what is farther on the left. Oim the l)art of the line occll})ied by Wrights brigade are Page 39 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 39 large number of batteries and he thinks more guns there than any part of the line occupied by A. P. Hills corps. He knows nothing of Generals Ewell or Early or their eommuaimds; thought General Ewe]] was down the railroad with his corps. Very i espeetfully, GEORGE 11. SHARPE, Colonel, & e. IIEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF l~ROYO5Ti\I All SIIAL-GENERAL, July 6, 1R44. Major-Geiieral ITUMPHREYS, Chief of ~ta if: GENERAL: A deserter from the Sixth Virginia Regiment, Mahone s old brigade, of Mahones division, caine into the lines of the Third Division, Second Army Corps, about 6 this p. in. He appears to be truthful in his statement, and is very intelligent. His statement disa- orees with that of the deserter from harris brigade, of the same divis- reported this reoardino ion, previously p. in. the position of Mahones division. He states that Mahones old brigade is on the right of the division extending to the lead-works; that Wrightsbrigade is on the left, and flarris and Wilcoxs old brigades are in the center, with Fine- gans (Florida) brigade in reserve; that Beths division is at some joint fhrther to the right dowmi the railroad, an(l I)alt if not all of Wilcoxs (livision also; that General Mahone is constructing a line of works in the rear of his l)reseiit position for the better protection of his reserves, at which we have lately been throwing shell; that they have two lines of abatis in front of lulls corps, and but a single line of battle. All parts of the line nie connected with telegraphic communication, and informant is lln(lcr the impression that their position eami be held with a very snmall force; that clay before yesterday a lieutenant of his regi- inent saw in Richmond on the bulletin board a (lispatch from General Johnstons army to the effect that a fight had taken place at Atlanta, and that General Sherman was defeated and in retreat. Informant brought a Richmommd paper of to-day, which he left at tIme picketAine. It had news of the capture of Ham-pers Ferry by Earlys forces. Very res~)ecttillly, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. TIEAI)QITARTER8 ELO-JITEENTIT ARMY CoIIPN fuly 6~ 1~64. Capt. II. F. FISHER, Chief ASignal Officer: REBEL SIGNAL STATION, Archers, July 6, 18649.15 a. m. Colonel BRENT, A ssi8tau t AdjutantGeneral: No movement of any kind Yisil)le iii enemys ~aiiip iii the vicinity of Cobbs this a. m. One gm~boat above Point of Rocks. A. T. C., Sergeant. Yesterday afternoon same station reporte(l a (trove of our cattle mnoviiig omi the Broadway road east. FULLER, Lieu lena n t afl (1 A ci lug ASga a 1 ()(licer Page 40 40 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [UIIAP. IlL HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. SIGNAL 1)IiPAnTMENT, July 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HITMPHREYS, Chief of Stag: GENERAL: The following signal message was taking from time enemys station at Archers, north hank of the Appolitattox: 1.45 e. ~i. Colonel BRENT, A8si8tant Adjutant-General: Nine irieces of artillery moving from right ot Cobbs towar(l the enemys front l)elow pontoon l)li(1Oe. A. T. C., Seq,eo at. The following were reported to me from the stations along our front: Parties of enemy at work in rear of their line (about. 70 or 100 yards), either dig- ging rifle-pits or commencing a new line of works to the west of the Chimneys ~li(l plank road. Parties at work throwing up dirt iii vicinity of Chimneys (near plank road) to protect batteries from an enfilading tire. They were also strengthening said batteries. The men at work on the rifle-pits mentioned were scattered over a space of abont one-quarter of a mile in length. While they were busy all day they did not seem to make much headway. 1 Woul(l also respectfully report that there is a point abont three-quarters of a mile north of the City Point railroad, in vicinity of Point of Rocks , from whence, if there was a tower about 100 feet high, many valuable observations could undoubtedly be made. The roads leading into Petersburg and those south and west of the city would, I think, be in view so that no movement could take place in the daytime through the city without being discovered. Would it. be advisable to have such tower erected l I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 1864. A field return of artillery, showing its condition at date, will he made to the chief of artillery as soon as practicable, in the ordinary form for artillery monthly returns. The remarks will state the losses of guns, gun carriages, limbers, caisson bodies, ammunition-chests, and horses in the recent operations, and state how many horses have been received since to replace them. In the losses the cause of loss, whether in action or turned in, will be stated. A nominal list of killed and wounded officers, with date and place of casualty, will be sent in with the return. By command of Ma,jor-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Comhmandants of artillery of corps and Artillery Reserve.) CIRCULAR.] HEADQuARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 1864. Mr. William Swinton, a. duly registered correspondent with this army for the New York Times, amid Mr. Kent, a correspondent for the Ne Page 41 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 41 York Tribune, have, by direction of the lieutenant-general commanding the armies in the field, been ordered to leave the lines for having abused the privileges conferred upon them by forwarding for publica- tion incorrect statements respecting the operations of the troops, and they have been warned not to return. This information is published for the guidance of corps commanders, and should the parties named be hereafter found within the limits of this army they will be sent un(ler guard to the provost-marshal-general at these headquarters. By colnman(l of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant A djutant- General. HEADQUARTER~S SECOND ARMY CORPS, - July 6, 18649.30 a. m. General WILLIAi~Is: No changes have occurred in the disposition of my command nor have any l)een observed in that of the enemy since last report. WINFl) S. hANCOCK, Mayor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 6 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following organizations as having left this command since date of last report, by reason of expira- tion of term of service: Present when! discharged. Date of ex Organization. Idration of a service. a a ~ 40th New York volunteers 90 97 July 6, 1864 71st New York Yolunteers 17 133 150 Do. Total 24 223 247 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 6, 1864. (Iteceived 8.45 p. in.) General HuMPHREYS: I have just sent you over a prisoner from Andersons division, who says it is rumored that Early is at Harpers Ferry, though he was offi- cially heard from last at Winchester. The rebels are out of beef but exl)ect Early to supply them. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Mayor- General Page 42 42 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP: LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Jaly 6, isai. (Received 8.50 p. in.) General WILLIAMS: I have to report thai the (lisposition of my troops remains unchanged. A road has been opene(l by General Birney to~tlie rear of his division, and one by General Gibbon to his picket-line. WINFD S. hANCOCK, Ar(90r- Gen C~Y( I. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, No. 17G. July U, 1864. * * * * * 3. Col. J. C. Tidball, Fourth New York Artillery, having been re- lieved from duty in this army, Maj. J. G. Hazard, First Rhode Island Artillery, is announced as commandant of the artillery of the corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, ~July 6, 1864. General BARLOW, Commanding First Dir ision GENERAL: 1 am authorized by the major-general commanding to say that one wagon to a brigade may be brought to the front, for the p~ir- pOSC of givin~ the troops the use of their camp kettles, pans, & c. V cry respectfully, your obedieiit servant, FRANCiS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTER S SECOND I)IVISION, July 6, l~6i7 j~. m. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps COLONEL: There has been no change made in my line since morning and no enemy in my front. I am cutting a direct road oat from the center of my line of intrenchtinents to my picket-line. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, 3h(jor- General oJ Volunteers, Corn man (hng Division. HEADQUARTERS THIRD l)IVISION, SECOND CORPS, July 6, 1864. Lieut. Col. F. A WALKER, Ass jsta n t A (lju tant- General, Second Corps COLONEL: I have the honor to report that no changes have taken place in the lines or intrenchments of this (hivisioll. A new roa(l has been opened in the rear ol the First Brigade ot this division, which Page 43 CaAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 43 runs from tlic right of Secoi~d U.. S. Sharpshooters to the left of the One hundred anti tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, connecting with the maui road on the right and left. Other than this, nothing of note has occurred since last report. Very respectfully, IX B. BIRNEY, Miajor- General of VolunteerS. HEADQITARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRPS, July 6, 1864f) a. m. General WILLIAMS: All quiet in my front last night. C. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQLTARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 6, 1561. (Received 10 p. 11.) General S. WILLIAMS: All quiet to-(lay Ill ihy lroiit. U. K. WARREN, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] JULY 6, 1864. General Ayres will straighten his line so as to ocenpy up to the First Michigan (Bartletts brigade). This will relieve a part of General Grif flits division in the front. General Griffin will extend his line to the left, so as to relieve all of General Crawfords men on the right of the plank road. A strong work is designed to be constructed on General Griffins left oii the plank road aiid two other redoubts along the plank road, to protect our left flank in case the eiiemy opens fire upon this point, which is very close to their batteries. By command of Major-General Warren: F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General GRIFFIN, July 6, 1864. (iommaun-linq First Division GENERAL: The general hues of the redoubt on your left have been marked out by a rifle-pit as near to the enemys works as it was desir- able to put them. I wish a~i earth-work with a strong profile made at that point, and that you should give your earnest effort to have it made promptly and thoroughly. Major Itoeblin g, of my staff; fully under- stands my views, and will under yon, if it suits you, take charge of the construction of the work. The men in that vicinity should prepare themselves with abundant shelter in the rear in case the enemy opens fire upon this point, which is very (~lose to their batteries. Very respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- (huteral, (lonunandiny Page 44 44 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE I#OToMAC, July 6, 186412.45 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commandinq $ixth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you send a division at once to City Point prepared to embark there. They are destined for Harpers Ferry and that region. This division will take with it a proper proportion of artillery. The division will have the number of rations required to be carried on the ma rel A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of A~ta~T HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 18641 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding sixth Corps: No artillery will accompany the division that is to embark at City Point. A. A. JIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of $ta~ - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 18641.15 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding $ixth Corps: The division will take with it the same means of transportation that the division that went to Harpers Ferry last winter took with it. The trains of the division, medicine wagons, ambulances, & c., will be held ready to follow at any inonient. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Miajor- General and Chief of StafJ~ HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, July 6, 1864. (Received 2.05 a. in.) Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS: Brigadier-General Ricketts, with the Third Division of this corps, is ordered to Washington pnrsuant to orders just received. The division is a little over 4,000 men. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQITAR~ERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 6, 18649 a. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Morning report: The Third Division, General Ricketts, started this morning for City Point to embark there. It is thought that the number of men carried will be nearer 5,000 than 4,000. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General Page 45 CUAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 18649 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding s~ix$h Corps: The commanding general directs that you send the trains of the division that is embarking at City Point to that place for embarkation. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief f Staft HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 18619.80 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding s~ixth Corps: Has the division ordered to Washington started? S. WILLIAMS, Asst.stan t Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 6, 186410 a. m. Geiieral WILLIAMs: The division (Ricketts) Or(lered to City Point to embark there, started at about 4 oclock this a. m. H. C. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 186412 in.. Major-General WRIGHT, Corn manding ~Sixth Corps: The commanding general iiistructs me to say that it is decided not to take the trains with the division, and directs that they be parked at some convenielit point between this and City Point, under the charge of an officer. A. A. IIUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chief of A~taff. HEADQUARTERS SiXTH CORPS, July 6, 1861. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS. Assistant Adjutant General, ~ of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the fbllowing report ot casual- ties in this command from 20th nltitno to 1st instant: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. 53 . 52 52 22 . 0 2) . 0 . 22 5 22 22 5 2)) 2) Q ~ I First Division 1 15 15 8 59 Second Division 2 31 7 1:17 I 28 386 591 Third Division 8 49 4 81 142 Artillery 3 ~ Ii 7 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding Page 46 46 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CaAr. LII. ORDERS.] hEADQUARTERS SIXTh ARMY CORPS, July G, 1SG11 a. in. In accordance with orders from headquarters Army (;f the Potomac, Brigadier-General iLhicketts will at once move to City Point, with his division, prepared to embark there. This division is destined for Harpers Ferry and tha.t region, aiid will have with it the number of rations reqlhire(l to be carried on the march. The commanding officers of the First and Second Divisions will detail at once 200 men, properly officered, to relieve the pickets of the Third 1)ivision. They will report to Colonel Hamblin, corps officer of the day (Fourth Brigade, First Division), under whose direction they will be placed. The pickets of the Third Division will, when relieved, follow the division to City Point. The First Division will at once relieve as much of General Ricketts there as possible and General Getty will send a strong brigade to take the place of the remainder. By command of Major-General Wright: C. A. WhITTIER, Major a ad Acting Assistant Adjatant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, No. 26. July 6, 1& 64. Pursuant to authority received from headquarters Army of the Potomac, the Fourth Brigade of the First Division and the Fourth Brigade of the Second Division of this corps are discontinued, and the regiments composing them are assigned as follows: The Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, with the attached companies of the Seventh and Tenth Massachusetts and Second Rhode Island, and the Twenty-third and Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, to the Third Brigade, First Division. The Sixty-fifth New York Volunteers, with attached com- panies of the Sixty-seventh New York, to the Second Brigade, First Division. The One hundred and twenty-second New York Volunteers to the Third Brigade, Second Division. The commanding officer of each regiment affected 1)y this order will rel)ort at once for instructions to the commander of the division to which his regiment is assigned. Captain Roome, assistant adjutant- general, is assigned to Second Brigade, Second Division.* Captain Ellis, commissary of subsistence, is assigned to the Third Brigade, First Division. Captain Persing, assistant quartermaster, is assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division. These officers will at once report to the officer commanding the brigade to which they are respect- ively assigned. All officers detailed from regiments, serving on the staff of these brigades and rendered supernumeraries, will report to the commanding officers of their regimemits. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WILITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. 4Changed by General Orders, No. 27, July 6, to Second brigade, First Division Page 47 Ciw~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 47 CITY 1~0INT, July 6, 156i11.i~ a. in. General WiLLIAMS: Orders received to 1)roceed to Washington via 13altimore.~* Very respectfully, JAS. 11. ItICKETTS, Brigadier- General. J-IEADQtTARTE1IS NINTII ARI~IY CORPS, July 6, 18649 a. in. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of $taff: I have no material changes to report on my line. There being evi- dence that the enemy were working near the Clarke house Roemers battery fired in that direction at regular intervals during the night; it is believed with effect. There was slight infantry firing in front of one of our brigades, the most advanced one. A. B. liUR~S1DE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTh ARMY CORPS, July 6, 18649 p. m. Major-General IJUMPIIREYS, Cli hf oJ Staff: I have the honor to report no change on my line re-day. All our operations progressing favorably. A. B. BURNS1DE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIE(~E TRAIN, July 6, 18647.30 a. in. Major-General BURNSIDE, Coin~nanding Ninth Army Corps: A battery of four mortars will start at 1 p. in. to-day for your corps. I have placed Capt. A. F. Brooker, of First Connecticut Artillery, in command of all the siege artillery to be sent to Ninth Corps, and ordered him to report to you at once, and learn where those niortars are to be placed, so that he can see them into position to-night. He ha~s commanded one of the siege batteries with the Reserve Artillery, Army of the Potomac, for the past eighteen mouths. I have tele- graphed to him at your 44-inch gun battery. Should he not report b~ 9 a. m. will you 1)lease send an orderly to convey the order to him. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Corndg. Siege Train. ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 18643.20 p. m. Gciieral BUENSIDE: Four mortars were ordere(l up inst night for Ledlies battery. (A en- eral Meade will give instructions soon as to the distribution of siege ~iiLns. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. See ~. 36 Page 48 48 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C [CUAP. LII, JULY 6, P64. General BURNSIDE: General Meade has directed me not to send any more siege gnus until he determines on their distribution, which I suppose will be soon. The four mortars were ordered. I-I. J. hUNT. HEADQUARTERS ~IRST DIVISION, NINTH CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 6, 1861, Licut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything was quiet along onr line last night. The enemy seem to be very busy in strength~ ening their works on my line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Jjirision. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NiNTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 6, 1861. Licut. Col. LEw4S RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report; that no change has taken place in the lines of this division. Everything is quiet in our front. No changes in the enemys works are perceptible. Respectfully, II. LEDLIE Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIviSioN, NINTh ARMY CORPS, Befrre Petersburg, Va., July 6, 1661, Lieitt. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that there has been iiothing occurring on my front for the past twelve hours worthy of note. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. hEADQUARTERS THiRD I)iVISiON, NiNTH ARMY CORPS July 6, 18618 a. in. Major-General BURNS1DE, Commanding Ninth Corps: GENERAL: I have no material changes to report this morning beyond the strengthening of the rebel abatis in front of the redoubt opposite Hartranft. No new line of works in east [s?] appears in view this morn- ing. I started the Pony Petersburg Express from Roemers battery a Page 49 CHAP. LII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 49 9.30 p. in., via the Clarke and McKenzie houses, and fired thirty-five rounds, which I have the consolation to believe fell in the ravine in which the rebel troops are posted or into the doomed city. Fearing that the firing might fall short and damage our troops, I superintended the firing myself, and sent a messenger to the lines, who ascertained that the shots all flew well over our lines. The messenger communi- cated with an officer of the Fifth Corps (Sixth Wisconsin) who gave the same favorable report. The new covered way ~)rogressed favorably. Roemer renewed his firing at daylight. Very respectfully, O.B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. The wily infantry firing by my trool)s last night was from Hartranft toward the redoubt hi his front. HEADQUARTEIiS THIRD I)IV1SION, NINTH ARMY Coups, Lient. Col. LEwIS RICHMOND, Before 1~etersburg, Va., July 6, 1861. Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Coi:ps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing has occurred worthy of mention within the last twelve hours. One of my battery officers reports that the enemy are running a new line of works from the front of the Fifth Corps. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servai it, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. I regret to report that Capt. iR. D. Johuston, Secoiid Michigan, act. ing assistant inspector-general of this division, was wounded while on duty on the lines to-day. hEADQUARTERS ARMY (IF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 186412.15 a. m. (Received 1.30 a. in.) Major-General SHERIDAN, ~Jommanding Cavalry Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you send at once all the (lismounted cavalry to City Point prepared to embark there. They will have with them the number of rations required to be on hand for the march. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, ]liiajor- General and Chief of Staffi Notify General Ingalls of the number of dismounted cavalry you will send. A.A.H. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General SHERIDAN, July 6, 18649.30 a. m. commanding Cavalry Corps: The commanding general directs that with the (lismuounted men of your command ordered to Washington, you also send the men reported 4 R RYOL XL~ PT II Page 50 [CUAP. LII. 50 Q~ERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. ( by ~ou as unequipped. Lieutenant-General Giant has directed that the troops ordered to Washington proceed via Baltimore, and from Baltimore report by telegraph to Major-General Halleck, chief of staff of the army, for orders. You will instruct the commander of the troops you detach accordingly, and you will also notify General Ingalls how many men you will have to embark. Please acknowledge. S. WILLIAMS, Assi~tant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. CAVALRY CoRps, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jordans Point, July 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. SETH WILLIAMS, Adjutant- General, Army oJ the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the dismounted men of the cavalry corps are now being collected at this place for embarkation, and the quartermasters department notified that they would be ready this a. iii. The nien will be shipped from Jordans iiistead of City Point, as the quartermasters department notified me that they would take them from here. Very respectfully, & c., ~. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIViSION, CAVALRY CORPS, Signal Station, July 6, 186410 r. in. Maj. Gen. A. A. HIYMPHREYS: I have shipped 2,496 sick men of the Cavalry Corps; they are mostly without arms. They are nuder command of Major Beaumont, who has orders to telegraph his ~rrival in Baltimore. P. II. SHERIDAN, Miajor- General, Commanding. hEADQuARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, July 6, 1864. Maj. M. H. BEAUMONT, Command jug Dismounted Cam)) MAJOR: In compliance with instructions from headquarters Army of the Potomac, the major-general commanding directs that you have all the dismounted men of the Cavalry Corps prepared for immediate shipment to Washington, ID. C. They will be sent with the proper complement of commissioned officers, and upon arriving in Washing- ton will report to the commanding officer of the Dismounted Camp at Giesborough Point, Md. [D. C.i. The men will be supplied with three days rations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. KINGSBURY, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General Page 51 Cuip. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON. ~51 CITY POiNT, VA., July 6, 1861. Major-Geijeral RUTLER: Have you the One hundred and thirty-fourth Regiment Ohio 100- days men in your command ~ If so, where is it stationed l Please answer. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. RDQRS. DEPT. oi~ VIRGINiA AND NonTH CAROLINA, July 6, 1~64. Capt. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, City Point: The One hundred and thirty-fourth Ohio National Guard is stationed iii trenches under General Brooks, Tenth Corps. H. T. SCHROEDER, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, V~A., July 6, 1864. General BUTLER: You will please order Lient. Col. Herman Biggs, chief quartermas- ter of the Eighteenth Corps, now on duty at Fort Monroe, to report for duty with his corps on the field. If you have no officers of his depart- ment available to relieve him of his present duties one can be fur- nished you. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant~ T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY ~,186412.20 p. in. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Armies of the United States: Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs is so sick with a very troublesome and daii- gerous disease as to be entitled to sick leave arid go home, and when I saw him four days since he told me he would endeaver to hold on where he was. He cannot ride on horseback. I will send Captain Clark, just relieved at Yorktown, or the best quartermaster I have in the corps into the field, but Colonel Biggs is not able to go. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. General INGALLS, BERMUDA, July 6, 1864. Chief Quartermaster, City Point: The steamer John Brooks returned to Gity Point with Battery F, Fifth U. S. Artillery, on board. C. E. FULLER, Quartermaster Page 52 52 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, July 6, 1864. Lient. Col. C. E. FULLER, Chief Quartermaster, Bermuda Hundred: Please inform the conunanding officer of Battery F, Fifth. U. S. Artillery, on board the steamer John Brooks, that Major-General Meade diLects his battery to report to tlie commanding general of the Sixth Army Corps. RUFUS JINGALLS, Bri~iadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. ARTILLERY INSPECTORS OFFICE, July 6, 1864. Colonel FULLER, Chief Quartermaster, Bermuda Hundred: Choates colored battery is now probably en route to Bermuda Hun- dred. Strength 140 mcii, 90 horses, 16 carriages. IR. V. W. HOWARD Lieutenant- Colonel and Inspector of Artillery. JULY 6, 1864. Capt. P. P. PITI~IN, City Point: What steamers can [you] send me, and when may I expect them to [transport] Choates colored battery to Portsmouth, Va. ~ They are here waiting140 men, 107 horses, and 16 carriages. Telegrap~ied you once before this morning. Did you receive it ~ C. E. FULLER, - Lieutenant- Colonel and Quartermaster. CITY POINT, July 6, 1864. Lient. Col. C. E. FULLER, Quartermaster, Bermuda Hundred: The Winuissimet and all transports that I could obtain to-day have been used for transporting troops to Baltimore. I have 1,500 troops yet to ship, therefore I c~rnmot furnish transportation for the colored battery until to-morrow. P. P. P1TKIN, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Jnly 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. WEITZEL, Acting Chi~f of staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch has just been received and is respectfully forwarded for the imiformation of the commanding general: RIVER-BANK SIGNAL STATION, Spring Hill, July 6, 18648 a. rn. Captain NORTON: A train of ten cars loaded with troops has just passed th~ Junction toward Peters- burg. Also ten baggage wagons up the turnpike toward Richmond. SIMONS, Lieu lenant and Signal Officer. Very re~pectfu11y, y ~ur obedient servant, L. B; NORTON Captain and Chief signal 9ffieer Page 53 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIoN. 53 JULY 6, 18647.50 a. ni. Maj. T. S. TRUMBULL, First Connecticut Artillery, General Smiths Headquarters: I have relieved you of everything but the Eighteenth Corps batteries, and placed Captain Brooker in command for the Ninth Corps, so tele- graphing him. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., July 6, 1864-7.30 a. m. Capt. A. F. BROOKER, First Connecticut Artillery, 61ommanding Battery of Siege Guns on left of Ninth 6orjps, near General Warrens Headquarters: I have placed you in command of the siege artillery of Ninth Corps, and ordered Lieutenant Sargeant, with a platoon of Company G and four mortars, to report to you at General Burusides headquarters to-day. He will arrive about 3 p. in. Before that time you will ascertain where he is to be placed, and to-night will see him into position. You will report to General Buruside as above. Acknowledge receipt of this telegram. HENRY L. ABBOT, (Jolonel First Connecticut A rtiliery. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE I~OTOMAC, July 6, 1864. Colonel ABBOT, First Connecticut Artillery: Did you get the order by telegraph of last night to send four mor- tars to General Buruside ~ H. J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. BROADWAY LANDING, July 6, 186~42.4O p. m. Brigadier-General HUNT, Headquarters of General. Meade: The mortars .(four 8-inch) started at 1 p. in. with sixty rounds each and a platoon to serve them. I shall come to your headquarters by 9 a.m. to-morrow unless prevented. HENRY L. ABBOT, tiJolonel First Connecticut Artillery. FORT MONROE, July 6, 1864. Col. H. L. ABBOT: I have directed Captain Mordecai to take possession of all the 8-inch mortar shells which may be on board transpor.ts in James River belong- ing to me and to turn them over to you. T. EDSON, Captain of Ordnance Page 54 54 OPERATIONS IN SK VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 6, 1864. Colonel ABBOT: 1 have been directed by Captain Edson to turn over to you all the 8-inch shells at Bermuda, about 5,000. Can you send a boat for theni, or what arrangement will you make l The boats now containing them cannot be moved. A. MORDECAJ, Captain and Ordnance Officer. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., July 6, 12644 p. m. Capt. ALFRED MORDECAI, Generat Butlers Headquarters: I will send a barge for the shells in a day or two. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First ~iYonnecticut Artiil~ry. BURNSIDES HEADQUARTERS, July 6, 18643.30 p. in. Col. H: L. ABBOT, Commanding Siege Artillery: General Buruside directs me to say that everything will be ready for the 44-inch guns before daylight to7morrow morning, and he is anxious to receive them this evening. NELSON L. WHITE, Lieutenant- Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. BROADWAY LANDING, July 6, 18644 p. in. Brigadier-General HUNT, General Meades Headquarters: General Burnside asks for the other six 44-inch guns to-night. Shall I send theml HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First C1onuecticut Artillery. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, July 6, 1864. Colonel ABBOT, FirsI~ Connecticut Artillery: I will notify you as soon as Geueral Meade authorizes the siege guns to be sent to General Buruside. General Meade is not now here, but is expected soon. They cannot be sent without General Meades orders. I have informed General Bnrnside that General Mead~ will give in- structions for the distribution of the train. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General Page 55 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 55 HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY, Brigadier-General HUNT, ~ 6~ 1864. General ilfeades Headquarters:. I hear that Russells division of the Sixth Corps is on the move. If the demand for siege guns continues I shall soon need the Second Coii- necticut, which is in Uptons brigade, of this division. Cannot it be ordered on this duty at once, if its division is ordered oft an(1 more onn s are likely to be nee(le(l ~? HENRY L. ABBOT, (Jolon ci First Con nectica t A rtillery, (lOW inandinq. HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel ABBOT: ~J~ily 6, 1864. General Russells division is not under orders. We will attend to the matter when you come to-morrow. Send no gnns away without my orders. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General arud Chief ~f Artillery. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY, Major TRUMBULL, July 6, 18644.15 ~. m. First Connecticut Artillery, General ~ Headquarters: Please notify General Smith that I have received a good supply of 8-inch mortar shells and that the necessity for a very sparing use of them has ceased. HENRY L. AflBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. CROWS NEST BATTERY, July 6, 186410.30 p. m. Colonel ABBOT: Fired ten shells from mortars. Composition did not work satisfacto- rily. The hammdspikes we have are too large to use under the notches of the mortars. Sawyer g-un will be ready to mount to-morrow night. Gi~O. B. COOK, Major First Connecticut Artillery, Comndg. Line Siege Artillery. HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS, Brigadier-General RAwLINS, July 6, 1864. Ckief of Staff to Lieutenant- General Grant: Will you do me the favor to ask the general if lie has received a let- ter from me within the last ten days l The letter did no~ require an answer, but I would like very much to know if it was received. W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General Page 56 56 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LU. CITY POiNT, July 6, 1864. General BROOKS: Your letter was received and would have been answered, but that 1 expected to see you soon and would explain. There has been a misun- derstanding about what I said on the subject of recommendation for promotion. I directed that you should be assigned to the command of the Tenth Army Corps, because you were the senior officer with the army nnder General Butler, and I thought frirther that you should have an opportunity of getting back rank which you had before hel~L I may have stated what was the fact, that there was no use of making recommendations for promotion to the rank of major-general whilst Con- gress was in session, because there was no vacancy in the number which the Senate were willing to confirm. The law allows a major- general to each division and the present l~revet, as 1 understand it, is an arbitrary one given by the Senate. U. S. GRANT, Lien ten (nit- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTh ARMY CORPS, July 6, 1864.. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Poin(: l)ispatch received. Sorry to have troubled you on such erroneous impressions. W. T. H. BROOKS, Briqadier- General. BROOKS HEADQUARTERS, July 6, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: The gun seen yesterday by the lookout turned toward the river just below Chaffins Bluff, as if intending to cross to the west bank. It dis- appeared behind a hill at that point. The lookout watched until dark, but it did not reappear. W. T. H, BROOKS, Brigadier- General. - HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 6, 1864. General WEITZEL: The lookout, Crows Nest, reports a large body of troops moving toward southwest on this side of river; come from direction of Rich- mond. He thinks they are on the turnpike; so far off lie cant tell what they are. It took abont an hour to pass a given point. W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- Gener~l. JONES NECK, Jnly 6, 1864. General WEITZEL, Chief Engineer, Department of Virginia, & e.: Three hundred men from General Kautzs command arrive(l about half ait hour ago amid are now enibarking in pontoon bridge for Curls Page 57 * CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 57 Neck. Tlicse men should have gone to the landing near their camp to have crossed the place where the command is, izeing nearly opposite. All quiet on my front. No more signs of activity on part of enemy. Respectfully, yours, H. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General HAWLINS, July 6, 1864. Chief of & aff, City Point: Will you have the kindness to hurry hp those two batteries that have come for me? My report shows an increase of enemys artillery in my front. If you have a 100-pounder Parrott lying idle, and it meets the approbation of the lieutenant-general, would it not be well to sen(I it to mel WM. F. SMITH, Jlliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, Brigadier-General IRAWLINS, July 6, 1864. Chief of & afr City Point: My artillery succeeded ~tliis afternoon in blowing up a small maga- zine or limber chest in time enemy~s works on my left. WM. F. SMITh, Major- (Jenera. SMITIJS hEADQUARTERS, July 6, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: I have relieved the Tenth U. S. Colored Infantry and ordered them to report to you. I find it impossible to relieve the Secoiid Cavalry (dismounted) at this time, and have been compelled to fill the l)osition occupied by the Tenth by my detachments of cavalry. I have a par- tial promise that my line will be somewhat shortened. As soon as that is done I will send you the Second Cavalry (dismounted). Will this be satisfactory? WM. F. SMITH, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. RUFUS INGALLS, July 6, 1864. Chief Quartermaster, City Point, Va.~ Having been disappointed in Colonel Biggs assignment to me, I shall now have to avail myself of your assistance and rely on you to send mne an officer for chief quartermaster for this corps. I trust you will send me a good one, for I would rather be without than have a poor one. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General Page 58 58 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ErnH~EENTH ARMY CORPS, July 6, 1864. Col. JOHN II. iloLiwiN, Commanding Third Dirision, Eighteenth Army Corps: COLONEL: The Tenth U. S. Colored Troops, Colonel Stafford, will be relieved from the picket-line after dark to-night, and will encamp in the woods near your headquarters. In obedience to instructions from headquarters Department of Virginia and North Carolina, you will order the colonel commanding to report with his conimaud to Maj. Geit. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina. He will march at daylight to-morrow a. in. I am, colonel, very respectfnlly, yours, WM. RUSSELL, JR., Major and Assistant A ~jn tan t- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, Isa., July 6, 1864. Brig. Geii. E. W. WINKs, Fort Monroe: The following order* has just been received from the headquarters Armies of the United States. Can you comply with it at oiice ~ Answer by telegraph. By command of Major-General Butler: II. T. SCHROEDER, Lien ten ant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT MONROE, VA., July 6, 1864. Major-~General BUTLER: Your dispatch of this date covering an order from Lieutenant-Gen- eral Grant is just received. I will at once proceed to Point Lookout and assume command. General Barnes I learn is now in command there. E. W. lINKS, Briqa(lier- General. FORT MONROE, VA., July 6, 1864. General BUTLER: General Barnes has been ordered by Secretary of War to Point Look- out. Please send my leave to-morrow that I may go home. E. W. lINKS, Brigadier- General. POINT LOOKOUT, MD., July 6, 18649 a. m. Maj. Gen. C. C. AUGUR, Commanding Department of Washington: I have just arrived here. The steanier was at anchor through the night. Everything is quiet. Respectfully, JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General. See Special Orders, No. 49, July 5, p. 6 Page 59 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 59 IIDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN, July 6,1864. Commissary- General of Prisoners: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that Brig. Gen. James Barnes, U. S. Volunteers, arrived at Point Lookout this morning and took command. I had supposed the War Department would send you a copy of the order assigning him to that command. I will send you a copy in the morning. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yonr most obedient servant, C. H. RAYMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington City, July 7, 1864. [General IIALLECXJ: GENERAL: Please bring your order as to Eighteenth Corps, with the telegram and Grants letter.* The President wishes to see them. Yours, truly, EI)WJN M. STANTON. Dralt of General Order. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 225. I. The troops of the Department of North Carolina and Virginia serving with the Army of the Potomac in the field under Major-General Smith will constitute the Eighteenth Army Corps, and Maj. Gen. William F. Smith is assigned by the President to the command of the corps. Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler will command the remainder of the troops in that department, having his headquarters at Fort Monroe. CITY POINT, V A., Jnly 7, 1864. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of & aff: (Received 9 im. in.) The number of dismounted cavalry sent frbm here reaches nearly 3,000 men; the whole force sent about 9,000. Will it not answer your purposes to retain the artillery you were preparing to send here to dis- tribute among the 100-days men, instead of sending back a regiment of heavy artillery ~ It breaks up a brigade to send one of these large reg- iments now. The dismounted cavalry took with them such arms and accouterments as they had, but they were not completely armed. Wont Couch do well, to command until Hunter reaches l All of General Sigels operations from the beginning of the war have been so unsuccessful that I think it advisable to relieve him from all duty, at least until pres- ent troubles are over. I do not feel certain at any time that he will not after abandoning stores, artillery, and trains, make a successfal retreat to some safe place. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. See Grant to Halleck, JaW 1, Part II, p. 558, and July 6, 10 a. in., p. 31, ante, and draft of order following Page 60 60 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. ML. WAShiNGTON, July 7, 186410 p. m. (Received 8th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: The artillery proposed to send to you Irns been sent to Harpers Ferry; moreover they were not drilled as heavy artillery. One regiment of the latter is almost indispensable to mix in with militia who can scarcely fire a gnu. Sigel has been removed from Harpers Ferry and Howe sent to take his place till Hunter arrives. Nothing heard from the lat- ter to-day. Of Conch, Ord, and Gillmore I think the latter the best and have sent for him to-night. Early and Breckinridge .are unques- tionably in this raid, which is probably larger than we first supposed. Their special object is not yet developed. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Star. CITY POINT, ~TA., July 7, 1864. General R. E. LEE, Commanding Confederate Army: Mrs. Sackett, the wife of Col. William Sackett, who was wounded on the 11th of June near Trevilian Station, Va., is here in deep distress, and feeling great anxiety to learn the fate of her husband. Colonel Sackett was left at a house some two miles and a half from the station, in charge of Sargeon Ray, U. S. Volunteers. If you can let me know the fate and present whereabouts of Colonel Sackett, you will alleviate the anxiety of his wife and family. I will add that it always has and always will afford me pleasure to relieve the minds of persons in the South having friends North, either by forwarding open letters to them or by ascertaining where they are, their condition, & c. Mrs. Sackett is very desirous that I should ask you for permission to visit her hus- l)and, if lie is still alive. She would not expect to go through Rich- mond, but would start from Alexandria by private conveyance, if authorized to do so. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenan(- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, PDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 51. City Point, Va., July 7, 1864. * * * * * * * II. Battery F, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Captain Martin commanding, will report to Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith, commanding Eighteenth Army Corps, in front of Petersburg, Va. By commaml(l of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 7, 18649.30 a. mu. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have nothing of importance to report during the last twenty-four hours. A mortar battery of 8-inch pieces has been established on th Page 61 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 61 front of the Ninth Corps, and redoubts for protection of the left hank of the trenches of the army have been commenced on the line of the Fifth Corps; also the preparation of material for the regular approaches about to be ma(Ie. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., July 7, 1864. Major-General MEADE; I have word from Sherman to 7 p. in. last evening. He is near the Cliattahoochee and has not attempted to cross. This shows the report of the deserters that he had been beaten at Atlanta is without founda- tion. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 7, 1864. Lient. Gen. U. ~. GRANT, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I transmit herewith the report of the chief of artillery and the acting chief engineer* made in pursuance of an order to recon- noiter the enemys position in front of the lines of this army. You will see from the accompanying sketcht that the point where the mine now being dug by Major-General Burnside is to be exploded is taken somewhat in reverse by the gnus in the salient of the work near the Gregory hoii~e on the plank road. It therefore becomes necessary to effect a lodgmeut in this salient before the mine can be exploded. In order to obtain troops to relieve those in the trenches, and also to have a reserve, it is proposed in case regular approaches are made to occupy the line of redoubts and breast-works as indicated on the sketch. This will effectually cover the left flank of the army and leave at least a - corps in reserve. These redoubts are in process of construction and the materials for regular approaches being collected, but no work as yet undertaken beyond the running of the gallery for the mine. Fur- ther operations will be dependent on your orders. It is proper I should advise you that iii my judgment the operations proposed will be slow and tedious; that we shall perhaps have to take several lines before reaching the Appomattox; that then we shall have this river to cross and subsequently Swift Run; all of which would be turned and avoided should regular approaches be successfully made from the Ber- muda Hundred front. Please advise me at your earliest convenience if you desire the operations commenced here against the salient on the plank road. Respectfully, yours, GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding Army of the Potomac. * See Appendix D to Hunts report, Part I, p. 2$~. t Not found with this paper Page 62 62 OPET~ATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Ciiy PoINT, July 7, 186411 p. m. Major-General MEADE: In making regular approaches would it not be well to avoid making any at the salient where General Barnard gave it as his opinion that a successful assault could be made, if one could be made at all%~ U. S. GIRANT~ Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 7, 186411.20 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Barnard never communicated any opinion to me. I pre- sume, however, you and he refer to the salient on the Jerusalem plank road; If so, this is the best point for a regular approach; indeed, it is essential it should be taken before a lodgment in any other part of the line, if made, could be maintained. I will send you to-morrow early a report with a sketch. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC July 7, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS: Please address a circular to corps commanders notifying them I have been called upon to present the names of officers deserving promotion to the rank of general, and requesting them to furnish such names as in their judgment are meritorious, specifying those who are first entitled to consideration, and giving as much in detail as practicable the services and reasons on which said recommendations are grounded. This to include promotions to the grade of major as well as brigadier. oeneral G. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 7, 1864. Capt. W. W. BECKWITH, City Point: An iiidorsement on the telegram regarding correspondents for the New York Tribune has been received and is as follows: The commanding general authorizes four correspondents for the New York Tribune to be with the army. By command of Major-General Meade: s. WILLIAMS. PH. SCIIUYLER, (Japtain and Acting - Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 7, 18649.45 a. in. General WARREN: Parties at work, as yesterday, omi work near Chimneys or Gregory house, and also on line to the left and rear of Chimneys. I. S. LYON, First Lieutenant and Signal Officer. (Same to Captain Fisher. Page 63 Cx4r. LII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, July 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HTJMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I would respectfully report that no movements were seen from the plank road station, except that of a train of eighty-one wagons passed southward on the road beyond the Weldon railroad. A train of cars caine into Petersburg from the direction of Richmond, seemingly loaded with soldiers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 7, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following reports have been received and are respect- fully forwarded: There has been no labor since 1 p. in. oii works near Gregory house. A party are still at work on the line of intrenchmeuts to the left and rear of the Gregory house. From the amount of dirt thrown up this line appears no larger than a rifle- pit. I. S. LYON. Signal Officer. The following was taken from enemys station at Archers: Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: No movements reported of any kind ~it enemys C~1IIl) this a. iii. One gnu-lioat be- lo~v Port Walthall. W. S. L. (Same to A. B.) 11 A. M. Col. H. P. JONES: No movements observed yesterday. A few troops were landed on this side near Point of Rocks. Seven pieces artillery have just passed on the City Point road ahove where it joins the Broadway road, going toward the enemys front. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. CIRCILAR.1 hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 7, 1864. Corps commanders are notified that the commanding general has been (ailed upon to present the names of officers deserving promotion to the rank of general, and they are requested to furnish the names of such officers of their respective commands as, iii their judgment, are inerito- rious, specifying those who are first entitled to consideration, aiid giv- ing as much in detail as practicable the services and reasons on which said recommendations are grounded. This to include promotion to th~ grade of major as well as brigadier- general. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjatant- tieneral. Page 64 64 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 7, 18649 a. m. (Received 9.10 a. in.) General WILLIAMS: There have been-no changes iii the disposition of my troops or lines since last report. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 7, 1(564. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Is it intended that the 100 rounds of ammunition per man, required by existing orders, shall be carried in the three wagons per 1,000 men, prescribed in General Orders, No. 27 ~ WJNFD S. JIAN(~OCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 7, 18649 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: There has been no change in the (lisposition of mimy troops since last report, nor has any change been discovered in the enemys line. I have strengthened the abatis in my front during the day. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvISlON, SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 7, 1864. Lient. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, & eond Corps: COLONEL: I beg leave to call the attention of the major-general com- mamiding the corps to what purports to be a letter from Brigadier-Gemi- eral Barlow in the Washington Chronicle of yesterday. I have no desire to resort to the public papers, either to correct what may possibly be regarded as errors or to establish a reputation for my troops, evemi were such a course not a violation of long established amid well known orders; but whilst observing this rule myself, I claimu for my command the pro- tection of my military superiors against any one who, disobeying the order, appeals to the public prints to correct what he may deem to be erroneous. I have not seen the statement referred to by General Bar- low, but if the loss in my division on the 22d of Jumme was not caused by, or connected with, the falling back of his, it appears to me the fact could be established in a proper military way, without resorting to the public papers and to undignified, unmilitary, and unjust aspersions against another command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General qf Volunteers, Conunanding Dirision. * Answered liv Williams that the orders may he regarded as suspended for the present Page 65 CE~. LU.] 65 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 7, 1864. (Received 9.15 a. iii.) General WILLIAi~1s: All quiet last night along the hues. U. K. WARREN, Major- G encra 1. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 7, 18615.30 P. W. Ma~jor-General HUMPHREYS: We are getting along very well with our re(lo1ll)tM, but Ilee(l more men and tools. I wish, if it can be done, that (300 men conhi be detailed with tools, picks, and shovels, from either the Sixth or Second Corps. to hell) uS on the central redoubt under Captain Meiidell. I work all the tools I have day and night. The men should begin work at 4 a. in. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, July 7, 18617.30 p. nu. Coinmandinq Fifth Corps: Your dispatch received. The detail will be ma(le tar working oii the redoubts. A. A. JIUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chiqf of Stafl~ JULY 7, 18645.30 p. m. Captain MENDELL: If we can get a detail from another corps I wish to have them help on the large redoubt. General Griffin will prefer to finish the little one on the left. I have asked for a detail to rel)ort to you. I think Captain Gillespie better change the interior crest of the redoubt lie has so that it will be only of the same thickiiess of l)arapet as the one you are build- ing. TheVe is a good road from headquarters direct to where I met you to-day. Respectfully, U. K. WARREN, Major- G~nerai. HEADQUIiRTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, July 7, 1861. Major-General WARREN: A detail of 800 has been ordered from Second Corps for the large work. U. It. MENI)ELL, Captain of Engineers. 5 R RVOL XL, PT Il Page 66 66 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. LII HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY. CORPS, July 7, 18649 p. m. General S. WILLiAMS: All quiet in my front during the day. ~. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, July 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Report for this morning: Nothing of importance has transpired since last report. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 7,48649.45 p. rn. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: Report for to-night: Nothing of importance has transpired during the day. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 7, 18649 a. m. (Received 9.10 a. in..) Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance occurred on my lines during the night. The 8-inch mortar battery was put in posi- tion and the heavy guns did not arrive. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 7, 1864. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Corps: GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to say, that upon an examination of the enemys intrenched position by the chief engineer and the chief of artillery, it has been concluded that the operations upon your front cannot be carried to a successful conclu- sion until the salients on the front of the Fifth Corps are in our posses- sion or under our control. Accordingly it has been determined to con- duct regular approaches upon the two fronts of your corps and that of General Warren simultaneously, and in order to give unity and harmony to these operations the siege works will be constructed under the direction of the chief engineer of the army, and the disposition and use of the siege artillery will be under the direction of the chief of artillery of the army. An order to that effect, prescribing in general terms the manner in which the siege operations will be conducted, will be issued, and in the meantime the commanding general prefers that no additional batteries of siege guns should be established. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 67 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 67 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 7, 18649 p. m. (Received 9.40 p. in.) Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I have the honor to report that no movements of importance have taken place on my line to-day. There has beeii rather more than usual artillery firing by the enemy, and this evening the picket-firing is quite brisk. A. E. BURNSJDE Major- Ger~eral. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 7, 18648 a. m. Lieut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Gorps: COLONEL: 1 have the honor to report that everything wa~ quiet along our line last night. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES 11. LEDLJE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. P. S.Two signal lights were seen in the enemys lines opposite our right. JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 7, 18648 p. in. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, N Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet in my front during the last twelve hours. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES 11. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Before Petersburg, Va., July 7, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred in this command for the past twelve hours. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 7, 1864. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report no important change during the night. I commenced a work last night for Roemners battery, o Page 68 68 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. which considerable work was done. I hope to have the guns in posi- tion to;morrow morning. The work is in front of the present position occupied by a section of Twitchells battery. The covered way being bnilt was about completed last night. The enemy opened upon our heavy battery this morning from their salient redoubt. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TILIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, July 7, 18649.30 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff In my report of yesterday should have been 2,927 mcii are shipped to Baltimore. P. II. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, July 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the PQtomac: GENERAL: I respectfully request that Captain Martins (Sixth New York) independent battery of horse artillery, now in Washington, l)e ordered to report to me without delay, to supply the place of Captain Maynadiers battery, lost in the recent expedition to destroy the rail- road at Burkeville. This battery is completely fitted up and belonged to the Cavalry Corps, and is now in fine condition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. II. WILSON, Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Your letter of the 5th instant in reply to the commnunica- tion addressed to you from these headquarters under date of July 4, iu relation to certain statements contained in the IRichmnond Examiner of July 2, respecting the conduct of your troops on the occasion of your recent expedition, has been received and laid before the major-general commanding, by whom I am instructed to say that it was not his de- sign to reflect in the slightest degree upon the behavior of yourself and command during your absence. As the editorial to which your atten- tion was invited specified with marked particularity time parties whose watches, plate, & c., were said to have been seized, the commanding general considered it but due to you that you should have an oppor- tunity of placing on record for future reference, if necessary, an emphatic denial of the allegations. As the commanding general feared that not- - withstanding your best efforts to prevent marauding, some individuals of your commamid might have seized private property, and appropriated the same to their own use, he thought it best to desire an inspection to be made with a view of ascertaining whether any of your troops ha Page 69 Ciixr. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 69 such property in their possession, so that the guilty parties, should any be found, might be brought to punishment. I am instructed to add that your report is entirely satisfactory. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS ) WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE No. 225. Washington, July 7, 1864. I. The troops of the Department of North Carolina and Virginia serving with the Army of the Potomac in the field, under Major-Geu- eral Smith, will constitute the Eighteenth Army Corps, and Maj. Gen. William F. Smith is assigned to the command of the corps. Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler will command the remainder of the troops in that depart~ ment, having his headquarters at Fort Monroe. * * * * * * * By order of the President: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, Jul 7, 186412.40 p. m. Major-General BUTLER: Point Lookout having been attached to Department of Washington aiid General Barnes assigned to command, the Secretary of War has ordered General links to report for temporary duty there. Acknowl- edge receipt. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Near Bermuda f1)tndred, July 7, 186410 p. m. (Received 12 p. in.) Colonel TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General: General Grant has already ordered General links to Point Lookout for temporary duty, and he has gone. A rebel deserter reports that it is part of Earlys plan to attack Point Lookout and release the l)risoll- ers, amusing us meanwhile at Martinsbnrg. This is sent for what it is worth. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHiEF SIGNAL OFFICER, July 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following (lispatch has just been received and is respectfully forwarded: liIvI~1I-BANK SIGNAL STATION, ASJJFlOg Hill, July 7, 18647.45 a. m. Captain NORTON: A train of eleven cars loaded with troops has just passe(l towar(i Petersburg. A. U. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. XTery respectfully, your obedient serv amit, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 70 70 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 7, 1864. Brigadier-General IRAWLINS, Chief of & aff, City Point: Will you suggest to the lieutenant-general to have all regular ap- proaches at the salient discontinued and have them begun at other places in the line to prevent attracting attention until he has examined the ground and made up his mind for himselfl WM. F. SMITH, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, July 7, 1864. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of i8taff, City Point: Is there any objection to my visiting City Point this evening~ Gen- eral Franklin will be there. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 7, 1864. Major RUSSELL: General Smith wishes to know if all is quiet on his line. Respectfully, OPERATOR. All is quiet. Even the artillery firing has entirely ceased. WM. RUSSELL, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 7, 1864. Colonel BURTON, Fifth U. ~. Arty., Chief of Artillery, 18th Army Corps: COLONEL: In view of the increase of the enemys mortar fire on my front, I most respectfully request that an addition of from four to five 8-inch mortars may be added to the artillery of my line that I may keep a preponderance of vertical fire. Only by keeping down the enemys fire can I escape from a most severe daily loss of life. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. TURNER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. POINr LOOKOITT, MD., July 7, 1864. (Received 8.50 a. mu.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, AS~eeretary of War: All quiet at this post. General Hunks has just arrived here, with order from General Butler to take command, and subsequent approval of Lieutenant-General Grant. JAS. BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. (Same to General Augur. Page 71 CH~. Lii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 71 WAR DEPARTMENT, July 7, 1864. Brigadier-General BARNES, Point Lookout: The order of General Grant assigning General Hunks to Point Look- out was made in ignorance of the fact that the post was no longer in General Butlers command. The order of the Department assigning you is superior to all others. General links has been directed to report to the Adjutant-General in Washington for duty. You cannot be too vigilant, as the enemy is now operating in Maryland in large force. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY Washington, July 7, 1864. Major-General AUGUR, Commanding Department of Washington: GENERAL: The telegram from General Barnes of to-days qzlate has been submitted to Major-General Jialleck, chief of staff. Colonel Town- send has been instructed to telegraph to General Hunks that General Barnes is commander of Point Lookout and District of Saint Marys, and that he General Hunks, will relinquish the command and report back to General Butler. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT N. SCOTT~ Captain, Fourth U. AS. It~Jhn try, Aide-de- Camp. WAR I)EPARTMENT, July 7, 1864. Brigadier-General BARNES, Commanding, Point Lookout: The Navy will furnish any additional force of gun.boats you may re- quire for protectiomi. Report your wishes. Has General links started for Washington, or where is lie ~ The utmost vigilance on your part is essential for the security of your command. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. I~o1NT LooKouT, July 7, 1864. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, (Received 10.20 a. in. 8th.) Secretary of War: Your telegram of this p. m. has been received and will be attended to. General Hinks left this afternoon at 4 oclock for Washington. All quiet. JAMES BARNES. Brigadier- Uenerai, Commanding Page 72 72 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. WAShINGTON, July 8, 18642.30 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: General Canby telegraphs from New Orleans, July 2, that over 6,000 men would embark that day, and would reach Fort Monroe from the Sth to the 10th; 6,000 more would be ready as soon as transports arrived, and that the whole number to be sent will be 20 000 Ricketts division arrived at Baltimore and was sent forward to the Monocacy. Dismounted cavalry ordered here for remounts, but none yet arrived. General Sheridan days 2,496 of those sent are sick. If so, we shall have but 30() hir the field. Hunters army moves ~o slow, and the railroad is so brokeii up, that I fear he will be too late to give us much aid. Enemy around Maryland Heights, at Ha gerstown, Boonsborough, ~in d Middle- town, and threatening Frederick. Also, guerrillas at Brookeville, threatening Washingtou and Baltimore road. There has been consid- erable alarm in Washi iigton, Baltimore, and Pennsylvania. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief OJ Staff. CITY POINT, VA., July 8, 18647 p. in. (Received 7.40 a. in. 9th) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C. Two battalions of the Ninth New York heavy Artillery are now with the (livision of troops sent to l3altimore. Order them to Washington. The third battalion will be sent direct to Washington at once. U. S. GRANT, Lientena ut- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 186410.15 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: There was considerable artillery and musketry firing in front of the Ninth Corps last night, principally the enemy, who seemed to suspect the operations there. Major-General Buruside reports that the enemy~5 mortars are beginning to annoy him. The work on the redoubt to the left and rear of the Fifth Corps is progressing rapidly. The signal officers report a train of cars with materials as going out of Petersburg this morning on the Weldon railroad toward Reams Station, and there is no doubt from the report of deserters and refugees that the enemy are repairing this road, their working l)arties protected by their cay- ahiy Pffcc with inflintry supports. GEO. G. MEADE, ]lfajor- General. CITY POINT, July 8, 186411.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: Colonel Conistock is going out this morning and will explain to you my idea. If the ap~)roaches are made it will be with the viewr of ulti- niately making an assault on the enemys lines, but I have always hoped to go through in General Butlers front so as to carry the north b~nik ot Swift Creek. This, however, cannot be done until the Nine- teenth Corps arrives, without giving ill) too much ground that w~ hav Page 73 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 73 already fought for. This would make no (lifference, except in case of failure to get through to Swift Creek. The advantage of commeuc- lug our regular approaches oii your front now would simply be that we would be that far advanced if we were compelled at last to advance in that way, and it would tend to divert the enemy from the proposed advance in General Butlers front. We ought by all means to cut the Weldon road so as to make it useless to enemy. I think Wrights two divisions should take the place of Hancocks corps, and the latter should support the cavalry whilst it destroys the road down as far as Hicksford. Preparations for this. I think, should be made at once so as to start from your left by the night of the 10th. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 186412 m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The order sending sutlers to the rear issued by me before crossing the Rapidan, has never been rescinded. The objection to permitting them to come to the front is the necessity either of allowing them the use of Government wagons to bring their goods from City Point, or else permitting them to bring their own wagons, thus increasing the animals tobe fed and time number of wagons using the roads, some three or four hundred. Another objection is the uncertainty of our position and the difficulty of getting rid of them in the event of a sudden movement. Situated as I ani I neither feel that 1 have the full authority to act in this matter, nor the proper information to enable me to act advisedly without a reference to you. I would therefore be glad to have your idea upon this point. There are many articles only to be procured from the sutlers, which are necessary to tIme mens comfort and which they are now in want of, and I think it would be well to let the sutlers come up, if it is practicable. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT VA Ja Major-General MEADE, ~ 8~ 1864. Commanding, & c. You are authorized to use your own judgment abom~t. allowing sutlers with the army, and the manner of getting their goods to the front. U. S. GRANT. CITY POINT, VA., July 8, 18645.10 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Comm an ding, & c. Was there any heavy artillery regiment in the division sent north nuder General Ricketts l If not one will have to be sent to Washington without delay. There are no troops in the trenches about Washington who know anything about artillery, an(l 1 Imave now received two dis- patches to return one of the heavy artillery regiments. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 74 74 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (Cuip. LIL HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 18645.50 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Burnside and Warren report the enemy opening their batteries on them, also on Smiths front. Some little musketry with Burnside. The object not known. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 18646 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Two battalions of the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery accompanied Ricketts division. The remaining battalion will at once be ordered to Washington. This regiment is probably as familiar with artillery as any we have. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, July 8, 1864. General MEADE: Several days since the lieutenant-general commanding telegraphed to Washingtomi to have sent here for the Ninth Army Corps two bat. teries, by name particularly designated, neither of which has arrived so far as any information has beeii received here. You will therefore assign the Third Maine Battery to the Ninth Army Corps, in lien of those telegraphed for. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: JOHN A. IRAWLINS, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 231. Washington, July 8, 1864. * * * * * * 60. The telegraphic dispatch of July 5, 1864, to Lieutenant-General Grant, relieving Brig. Gen. J. G. Barnard from duty at his headquarters, and directing him to report to the chief of the Corps of Ejigineers in this city, is hereby modified. Brigadier-General Barnard will report to Major-General Halleck, chief of staff, in this city. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 8, 1864. Genera] 1W E. LEE, Commanding Confederate Forces, near Petersburg, Va.: I would request that Col. James F. Jaquess, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and J. II. Gilmore, esq., be allowed to meet Col. Robert Ould, commissioner for the exchange of prisoners, at such plac Page 75 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~UNION. 75 between the lines of the two armies as you may designate. The object of the meeting is legitimate with Colonel Ould as commissioner. If not consistent for you to grant the request here asked, I would beg that this be referred to President Davis for his action. Requesting as early au answer to this communication as you may find it convenient to make, I subscribe myself, & c., U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Major-General HUMURREYS, July 8, 1864. Chief of & aff: GENERAL: A servant belonging to Colonel McIntosh, commanding cavalry brigade, was captured on General Wilsons late raid near Stony Creek Depot, and made his escape from the rebel lines a week ago last Thursday. He states that he was taken under guard to Stony Creek Depot and put in with a number of other prisoners, where he remained nearly a day; that while there he was taken before a general officer and examined. He was asked a number of questions relative to the strength and movements of our army, particularly abbut the strength and organ- ization of Wilsons cavalry. He was told by the soldiers that it was General Ewell. He describes him as being a tall, spare-built man, with heavy mustache and no beard; thinks he had a false leg, as one foot appeared larger than the other. There was a considerable force of cavalry at Stony Creek Depot, aimd a regiment of infaiitry, also a large number of wagons. He saw three or four locomotives and trains of cars, some of them loaded with bacon. There is a large warehouse there on the south side of the creek near the railroad, which was filled with grain. Two cannon were placed in it guarding the road crossing, embrasures having been cut through the building, and also loop-holes for musketry. They were fortifying the south side of the creek very strongly, and had extensive rifle-pits all along the bank of the stream. On this side of the creek also were rifle-pits, but not very extensive. Informant is not acquainted with any of the rebel generals except Fitzhugh Lee. He says he saw him there. He is confident that General Ewell was there, but has no means of knowing that it was he other than what the soldiers said. An ignorant negro from James Ennis farm, near the Weldon railroad, about five miles from Petersburg, came in last night. He says he has been cutting wheat and taking it into Petersburg during the last week. He went into the city last Friday and returned to Mr. Ennis place Wednesday. Ennis lives in Peters- burg and is storing his wheat there. He says they are repairing the Weldon railroad, and trains run out and back morning amid night, with the workmen. He understands there is a considerable force of cavalry and infantry at Colonel Wyatts place, somne three miles below Ennis. He met small parties of soldiers on his road to Petersburg going back- ward and forward. He went in on the Halifax road, which runs along the railroad, which is regularly patrolled. He is unintelligent, and can give no definite information of what he saw in Petersbftrg. A deserter from the First Confederate Battalion, of Davis brigade, Heths divis- ion, came into our lines about 6 oclock this morning. He was for- warded from the Third Division of the Second Corps. He is a Page 76 76 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. Lit Englishman by birth, and is thoroughly disgusted with the Southern army. Having been with them but t~v() months, he can give no im- portant information. It is understood in camp that General Grant had issued an order that all women and children should leave Petersburg; that the town was nearly deserted. A shell exploded the gas works a few days since, and made a complete wreck of the establishment and surrounding buildings. No one was injured. He reports his brigade about 1,200 for duty. Their division occupies the extreme right of the line, with Kirklands brigade in reserve. He can give no information of General Earlys force. Very respectfully, JOHN C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Stc~ff: GENERAL: I would respectfully report a new work of small size about 100 yards in rear of Gregorys house. The rifle-pit reported yes- terday begins at the above work and extends about eighty rods to our left, and several hundred yards in rear of enemys front line. They are still extending it. A locomotive, tender, and six platform-cars passed southward this morning, upon the Weldon railroad, loaded with ma- terials, as of timber, ties, or rails. There were also many men on the train. Very respectftilly, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD S~ATION, July 8, 18647 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER: At 4.30 p. m. a small detachment of infantry, a squadron of cavalry, and a battery of five pieces passed to our left on road near Weldon railroad. At same time sharp artillery practice began on both sides. The enemy opened from two batteries, one immediately in front of sta- tion, the other east of plank road near Gregorys house. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. JULY 5, 18645 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Rebel signal station at Archers still reports to Colonel Brent assist- ant adjutant-general, but nothing worthy of report intercepted to.day. No observations to-night. F. FULLER, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer Page 77 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 77 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, Brig. Gem S. WILLIAMS, July 8, 18649 a. m. Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: I have nothing new to report with regard to my line or the enemy. WJNF1) S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, July 8, 1864, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have no change to report iii the disposition of my troops or lines, except that the construction of abatis and slashing of timber in lily front is nearly completed. WINFD S. HANCOCK, 1Iif~~or- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, Lieut. Col. F. A. WALKER, July 8, 186-4. Assistant A djut ant- General, Secon ci Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report no changes in my line during the day; no movements of the enemy have been observed. I have slashed a belt of timber about thirty yards in breadth in the edge of the woods along the entire front of my line, in addition to what had been I)reviously slashed, which was considerable. 1 have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Cowman ding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 18619 a. m. General WILLIAMS: All quiet during the night, and the work we are engaged upon is going on without any interruption. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 18645.80 p. m. General MEADE: There seems to be cannonading on the enemys line from my left clear along down to the river, also some musketry on Gemmeral Burnsides front. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 78 78 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRPs, July 8, 1864. General WILLIAMS: All quiet along my line. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 1864. Brigadier-General GRIFFIN, Gommanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that you move up General Bartletts brigade, so as to connect by General Ayres left. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, July 8, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: Morning report to-day: The engineer 1)attalion were ordered to report this morning to Colonel Spaulding, by directions received from Major Duane, to prepare siege Inaterial. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 1864. (Sent 12.45 p. in.) Major.General WRIGHT, tiommanding Sixth Corps: The commanding general directs me to inquire whether Colonel Bryans cavalry detachment has been relieved by one of the regularly organized brigades of cavalry. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Stafr~. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 18641 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Colonel Bryan was on duty and made his reports this morning. I have heard nothing of his being relieved. The detachment of his com- mand under Captain Crowninshield was relieved some days ago by the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General Page 79 Ca& p. LII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 79 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 1864. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: Two battalions of the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, Colonel Seward, accompanied General Ricketts. One battalion remains here attached to the Artillery Brigade, of 550 men. One hundred and sev- enty-one are familiar with the artillery drill. We know nothing of those who have gone, but presume that the proportion is about the same. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 1864. (Received 9.30 p. in.) Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Report for to-night: The remaining battalion of the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, of General Ricketts division, have been ordered to City Point and Washington. I am expecting notice every moment that they have started, and have notified General Ingalls of the number of men. Some delay was cansed by the command being so much sepa- rated, one company being in charge of the mortars at the ammunition train; about sixty men scattered amongst battery and artillery guards at the different trains and hospitals. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: July 8, 18649 a. rn. Nothing has occurred worthy of report daring the past twelve hours. The firing was quite sharp on front of Second and Third Divisions. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 18645.85 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: An artillery duel seems to have commenced on Smiths front and extended to mine. There were some little musketry, but nothing of moment apparently. Will have more definite news presently. A. E. BURNSIDE, (Copy to General Warren.) Major-General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 18649 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet on my hues to-day up to 5 p. in., when artillery and infantry firing from the rebel lines, commencing on General Smiths front, swept down my lines. The enemy did not leave their works. It lasted about half an hour. No damage done. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General Page 80 80 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH AiiMx CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 8, 18648 a. rn. Lient. Col. Lnwis RICHMQND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Yin th Army Corps COLONEL: J have the honor to report that nothing occurred in my front last night. The sharp picket-firing heard during the night was beyond my left. One of my brigade officers of the day reports that about daybreak the enemy were very busy, a~)parent1y, in the move- ment of troops, and that cars were running more titan usual. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Diuston. HEADQUARTERS THIRD l)IVlSLON, NINTh ARMY CORPS, July 8, 1864. Major-General PARKE, Chief of ~tafl~: GENKRAL: I have the honor to report no change of much conse- quence on my line during the night. In front of the right of my line the firing was more severe titan it has been for some time. IRoemer got three pieces into position and will have the fourth in in a short time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX Brigadier- Con era 1, Commanding. CITY PoINT, July 8, 1864. Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: Have received instructions to report to Ninth Army Corps for duty with my battery. Shall leave this place early to-morrow morning. E. iR. MAYO, Gaptain, Commanding Third Main e Battery. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 18646.15 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN, Corn mn anding Cavalry Corps: The commanding general instructs inc to inquire what will be the earliest day at which your command will be in condition for service, and the number of officers and men you will then have available. It is important that he should know this, and also that your corps should be made available at the earliest practicable moment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. JIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, July 8, 1864. Col. GEORGE H. CHAPMAN, Commanding Second Brigade: COLONEL: The general commandiimg (lirects that you send one regi- mnent from your brigade at 6 a. in. to-morrow to Cockes Mill, on th Page 81 CHAP. LIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 81 road from Fort Powhatan to Prince George Court-House, with three days rations and forage; the regiment to picket the roads in that vicinity, the commanding officer to send in written report early every morning. 1 remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. SIEBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 8, 18648.10 p. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your letter* to General Lee was received by me and duly forwarded, l)eing received by Lieutenant Bolling, of the Ninth Virginia lnfaittry, at about 7.30 p. In., who promised that it should at once be forwarded to General Lee. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]Iiliajor- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 8, 1861. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, ee.: Is it not practicable for you to send a brigade of troops from the peninsula between the Appomattox and James to General Smith l His line is so lou g and exposed that it is necessary to relieve the men in- the trenches. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Broad/cay Landing, on Appomattox Rirer, Va., Brigadier-General RAMSAY, JuJy 8, 18648 a. m. Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, Winder Building, Washington, I). C.: I think from l)resent appearances that several more 8-inch mortars will be needed, probably with only short notice. May it not be well to have theni in readiness for prompt shipment~ Also some 10-inch muor- tar shells, of which we have only 2,675 on hand. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Broadway Landing, Va., July 8, 186410.80 a. in. Brigadier-General RAMSAY, Chief of Ordnance, U. 5: Army, Winder Building, Washington, 1). C.: I have ~just received or(lers to af)ply for more 8-inch mortais. Please forward to Capt. S. P. Hatfield, First Connecticut Artillery, (tare of Scep. 74. 6 R R7VOL XL, PT 11 Page 82 82 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Captain Pitkin, depot quartermaster, City Point, twenty more 8-inch niortars with platforms, implements, and equipments complete, with 1,000 rounds per mortar, with as little delay as possible. I have now only two not in position. Please acknowledge receipt of this telegram. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut ~4rtiilery, Commanding. WASHINGTON, July 8, 1864. Col. H. L. ABnOT: Telegram received; 7-inch mortars and l)eds ordered to Fort Monroe; 4,000 10-inch niortar shells at Fort Monroe will be sent if necessary. GEO. 1). RAMSAY, Brigadier- General and Chief of Ordnance. - SMiThS hEADQUARTERS, July 7, 1864. Colonel ABBOT, First Connecticat Artillery Send as soon as possible to Major Trumbull six 8-inch mortars for use on this front. WM. F. SMITH, Major- (Jen era 1, Commanding. JULY 8, 18047.20 a. in. Brigadier General hUNT, General Meades Headquarters: General Smith has directed me to send, as 50011 as possible, six 8-inch mortars to his front. Of conrs~ I shall await instructions Irom you before doing so. IIENIIY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. HEADQUA11TERS SIEGE TRAIN, July 8, 18647.20 a. m. Maj. Geii. W. F. SMITH, Corn man ding Eighteen tit Army Corps: I have notified General Hunt that you have directed me to send six 8-inch mortars to your front and await his orders. He has given me J)Ositix-e orders iiot to forward guns without his authority for so doing. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC July 8, 18648.30 a. m. Colonel ABBOT: Send the six mortars to Colonel Burton, with animunition. Would it u~ot be well to ask for utiore 8-inch mortars aiid shell l We will require many mortars for the work before us. JIEMIY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General Page 83 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 83 HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, July 8, 18649.10 a. m. Brigadier-General HUNT, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Dispatch receive(l. Will send mortars to-day and make requisitions for twenty more at once. This order leaves me only two on hand. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Major-General SMITH, July 8, 18649.10 a. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Have received orders t~ forward six 8-inch mortars to you. Ilease notify me when the battery, including Ihagazine, is ready, so that my train may not be delayed. I have no surplus transportation. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. HEADQUARTERS GENERAL SMITH, July 8, 1864. Col. H. L. ABBOT: Please send the mortars to-day; your train will not be detained. H. S. BURTON, Colonel and Chief (tt Artillery. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY, Maj. T. S. TRUMBULL, July 8, 186410 a. m. General Smiths Headquarters: The six 8-inch mortars will start to report to you in about four hours. I have relieved the platoon of Company G, commanded by Lieutenant Sargeant, now in charge of General Burnsides mortar battery, by Company A, and ordered it to report to you for duty with these new mortars, as soon as relieved. Company A starts at once. Please see that there is a good magazine ready as soon as possible for the new battery. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Capt. A. MORDECAI, July 8, 18647.30 a. m. General Butlers Headquarters. Please notify me when the 13-inch mortar, with car, implements, equipments, and ammunition complete, is ready to start for Petersburg. I have a detail ready to move at once with it. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding Page 84 84 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 8, 1864. Col. H. L. ABBOT: General Ingalls or General iRawlins was requested by General Butler to move that mortar to Smiths line as soon as it arrives at City Point. I suppose they have done so. Telegraph Smith and see if it has arrived. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of staff. hEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN July 8, 18648.20 a. m. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Headquarters General Butler: I received no order yesterday about the mortar. Am 1 to take charge of it; and, if so, where is it, and its ammunition, & c. U? HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First ~Jonnecticut Artillery. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 8, 1864. Colonel ABBOT, First Connecticut Artillery: That mortar was ordered up from City Point yesterday. 0-. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 8, 1864. General WEITZEL: The heavy mortar has gone forward to General Smith. There is a barge here Laden with shot, shell, & c., belonging to it. There should be an ordnance officer sent here to take charge of the same. Who will it be~ RUFUS INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 8, 1864. Colonel ABBOT: The commanding general directs that you send an officer to City Point to take charge of a barge loaded with shot aiid shell, & c., belong- ing to mortars which have been sent to Smith. 0-. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff Page 85 CRAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY, Broadway Landing, July 8, 186411 a. rn. Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH: I have just been directed to send another company of my regiment to Petersburg. I have taken Company A from Battery No. 6. One coin- pany still remains there, which is ample to serve the battery and hold the work itself. H. L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. [First indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, - July 8, 1864: Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Terry, commanding First Division, for his information. This paper to be returned. By order of Brigadier-General Brooks: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Second indorsernent.] JULY 8, 1864. Received and read. A. IT. TERRY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, July 8, 186410 a. m. Captain BROOKER, First Connecticut Artillery, in charge of Siege Guns, General Burnside~s Headquarters: I have ordered Captain Gillett, with a platoon of Company A, to relieve Lieutenant Sargeant as soon as they can get there. Lieutenant Sargeant is to report to Major Trumbull as soon as relieved. Please see that no delay occurs. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE ARTILLERY, July 8, 18641.30 p. m. Major TRUMBULL, First Gonnecticut Artillery, General Smiths Headquarters: A 13-inch mortar omi a truck carriage has beemi sent this morning to gravel cut on the railroad near General Smiths headquarters. The ammunition, & c., will be started as soon as possible. Everything is in confusion in consequence of no notification having been received until too late. I have ordered Captain Osborne, with the remaining platoon of Company G, to report to you at once to take charge of this mortar. Divide the company properly between it amid the six-mortar battery. Send an orderly at omice to find the mortar. I give Captain Osborne verbal explanations respecting its objects. I send in Captain Dow~s wagon thirty 12-pounder howitzer canisters; they weigh twice as munc Page 86 86 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LU. (about) as musket-balls, and are used in shells when fired at not less than 600 or 800 yards range. I think a whole canister, forty-eight balls, may be inserted with a bursting charge; put the balls in first. If possible, fire one to the rear and examine the penetration to see if the plan is of service. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, July 8, 18645.20 p. m. Maj. C. S. STEWART, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, Fort Monroe, Va.: The mantlets (how many not yet reported) have arrived at City Point. I think the supply on hand is now sufficient for present pur- poses. Please retain the remaining sixty-eight at Fort Monroe subject to my order. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Command#ng. JULY 8, 1864. Major-General SMITH, Eighteenth Corps: Where is General Franklin this morning l W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. SMITHS HEADQUARTERS, July 8, 1864. Brigadier-General BROOKS: General Franklin is at City Point. He could not come up with me last night. WM. F. - SMiTH, Major- General. CITY POINT, July 8, 1864. General BROOKS, Tenth Army Corps: I go to Smiths at 11.15 bycar. Shall return some time in p. in. Will see you if possible and will let you know. W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 8, 1864. General BROOKS: General Butler directs me to ask: First, how many troops you have on picketl Second, how many old troops you have on your huies Page 87 CHAP. LII.] OOR1IESPONDENC1~, 1~TC.UNION. 87 Third, how many new troops on your lines? Fourth, whether you ~ave ally regiments not attached to brigades ~ Fifth with safety to your lilies a brigade? , whether you can spare CHAS. J. PAINE, Colonel and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY Conps, July 8, 1864. Colonel PAINE: I will answer your questions categorically when I have seen the division commanders that I have sent for. Does the general mean bri- gade of soldiers of 100-days men? W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS, July 8, 1864. Colonel PAINE, Aide-de-Carnjp: We have 900 men on picket from the James to head of ravine, old troops; along the ravine 100 men, new troops; on the left of the ravine 400 new troops and 300 dismounted cavalry. There are no old troops to relieve these- last. Not counting picket and artillery we have 2 484 old troops, 2,593 new troops to defend the works with. The Thirty- seventh New Jersey and dismounted cavalry are not brigaded. I sup- pose a brigade could possibly be spared, but I hope it will not be taken unless there is a great necessity, and, too, that its place is taken by colored troops. S[MITH]. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VA. AND N. C., ENGINEEIgS OFFICE, July 8, 1864. (Sent 8 p. in.) Brig.~Gen. W. T. H. BRooKs, Gommanding, & e.: The commanding general directs that you order a detail of 100 men to report to Captain Lyon at the pontoon bridge, Appomattox River, every morning at 6 oclock until further orders. It would be desirable to order them from some other regiment, as the commaiid at . Spring Hill is so small that it cannot furnish time two details require(l in full. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General and Acting Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 18641.55 p. in. General RAWLINS, General Grants Headquarters: Have some documents forwarded by me through General Butlers headquarters, with reference to the colored troops, been received at your headquarters? WM. F. SMITH, Major- General Page 88 88 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (C~p. LII. CITY POINT, July 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. W F. SMITH, Commanding Eighteenth Army Corps: There will probably be no movements for a week or ten days, and yon have permission to use this time to visit New York. Communicate this to General Butler, with whom the lieutenant-general has spoken. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, July 8, 1864. Brigadier-General IRAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: More than one week since I had the honor to forward certain papers for the consideration of the lieutenant-general commanding time armies of the United States. These papers had reference to the condition of the negro troops, and I deemed the suggestions of importance to the service. I have, there fore, respectfnlly to request that the major-gen- eral commanding the Department of Virginia and North Carolina may be called upomi to forward those papers, which were sent to the .head- quarters of the armies through the headquarters of the department. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General, Commanding. (Copy to General Weitzel.) HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, July 8, 1864. Brigadier-General IRAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: Is it not possible to send me some troops to relieve a l)ortion of my line l My troops are so exhausted it is very difficult to make them work. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General. HEADQUARtERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, July 8, 18647.15 p. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: The enemy opened quite heavily with artillery upon my lines about two hours since, after which their iufantry mounted the parapet of their rifle-pits and delivered a volley, but upon receiving a volley from my lines they again ictired. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General. Page 89 CHAP. LII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 89 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, [General HANCOCK:] Friday, July 8, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: An article in the New York Tribune of the 27th ultimo was so unjust to you in one of its charges that I intended to have expressed to you my regret long since, but finally deemed it best to wait for the return of the correspondent (Mr. Kent), who, from what I know of him, would be most anxious to repair any error into which he had been led by mistake. He has been ordered not to come back and so, unable to have justice done in that manner, I have only to express my regrets that he should have been so misinformed about your hay- ing refused to co-operate in any attack. No one who knows you, geli- eral, would ever bring a charge of that kind against you, and that the charge should have been made in an article intended to do justice to the Eighteenth Corps is to me, as I have before stated, a matter of great regret. Yours, very truly, WM. F. SMITH. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 1864. Colonel BURTON: Colonel Abbot informs me that he has been called upon for six more 8-inch mortars for your front. Let me know as soon as possible the necessity for this that I may give the orders for them. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General HUNT, July 8, 1864. Chief of Artillery, llead~juarters Army of the Potomac: The mortars are required to enable us to silence a new battery of the enemy in front of General Turners center that cannot be reached by horizontal fire or by the Coehorns. The 8-inch mortars now in position must remain so. H. S. BURTON, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel BURTON: July 8, 18648.10 a. m. I have ordered up the mortars aiid ammunition on your statement. - HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier~General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 8, 186412 p. m. General STANNARD: GENERAL: General Smith desires you to have a staff officer in your lines during the night to see that one-half of your troops are kep Page 90 90 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII. N awake and ready for any emergency. He also desires me to agaiu make mention of the order regarding your reserve brigade in case of any attack upon your front. Very respectfully, & c., WM. RUSSELL, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNIa~ED STATES, July 8, 1864. Capt. A. S. KIMBALL, Assistant Quartermaster, Port Monroe, d~c.: General Grant desires that no more ocean steamers be sent to New Orleans. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quart erm aster. JULY 5, 18649.30 a. m. (Received 10.10 a. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War, Washington, D. C.: Your dispatch of the 7th has just been received. I saw yester- day Captains Hines and Gregory, commanding the two gun-boats stationed at this place, and made arrangements with them for addi- tional force should it be necessary. I telegraphed yesterday tbat Gen- eral Hinks had started for Washington at 4 p. m. The utmost vigi- lance shall be exercised here. The telegraph operator states that his line was out of order last night. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., July 8, 1864. General BARNES, (ommanding, Point Lookout: General Butler telegraphs that a rebel deserter reports that Early intends, among other things, t1 attack Point Lookout and release the prisoners there. Be on you! guard, therefore. Notify the gnu-boats and keep sonic of your cavalry well out. C. C. AUGUR, Major- General. POINT LOOKOUT, July 8, 1864. (Received 1.50 p. in.) General C. C. AUGUR, Commanding: Your dispatch is received and will be attended to. I had two extra gun-boats on duty last night; placed additional pickets in front. Al Page 91 CHAP. LII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 the command ready at a moments notice all night and will be kept so. Had further interview with the officers in charge of gun-boats to-day. Two hundred and fifty prisoners leave in about an hour for New York. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General. POINT LooKouT, July 8 1864. Maj. ~. H. RAYMOND, (Received Washingt~n 7 p. in.) Assistant Adjutant- General: All quiet here. Two hundred and fifty prisoners of war left here this p. m. for New York by Colonel Hoffmans order; extra precaution taken. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, No. 74. New Berne, N. C., July 8, 1864. * * * * * * * VI. Col. Thomas J. C. Amory, commanding Sub-District of Beaufort, will send four companies of the Ninth Vermont Volunteers under com- mand of either the lieutenant-colonel or major, to report for duty to Brigadier-General Harland, commanding Sub-District of New Berne. All camp and garrison equipage will be taken. The quartermasters department will furnish the necessary transportation. * * * * * * * By command of Brig. Gen. I. N. Palmer: J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 9, 186412 m. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, (Received 7.4~ ~ in.) Secretary of War: General Grant has already recommended for promotion Colonel Mc- intosh and Colonel Chapman of the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac, but he desires me again to ask your attention to the matter. They have long commanded brigades and their regiments soon go out of service. They are officers of great value, and if refused cannot well be replaced. C, A. DANA. WASHINGTON J Lieutenant-General GRANT, 9, 18641 p. m. City Point, Pd.: If General~Uanbys troops arrive in time, I respectfully suggest that they be sent here without disembarking at Fort Monroe. Only one division of Hunters army has passed Cumberland. His advance is a Page 92 92 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Cherry Run. Low water in the Ohio River is given as the cause of delay. Rodes division is said to be with Breckinridge. No important change reported ~iuce my telegram of last evening. II. W. HALLECK Major- General and Chief of ~3taff. CITY POINT, VA., July 9, .1864. (Received 7.30 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, IVashingtou, D. C.: If you think it necessary, order the Nineteenth Corps as it arrives at Fortress Monroe to Washington. About the 18th or 20th is the time I should like to have a large force here; but if the rebel force now north can be captured or destroyed I would willingly postpone aggres- sive operations to destroy them, and could send in addition to the Nine- teenth Corps, the balance of the Sixth Corps. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 9, 18645.30 p. m. (Received 1.30 p. in. 10th.) Major-General HALLEcK, Washington, D. C.: I have ordered the remainder of the Sixth Corps to Washington. On account of scarcity of transportation I do not send wagons or artil- lery, but they will foJlow if you say it is wanted. I think most of the 3,000 cavalry sent are fit for duty. They certainly must have reached Baltimore with the other troops. If the Nineteenth Corps reaches Fortress Monroe in time you can take it also if you deem it advisable. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 9, 18646 p. m (Received 1.05 p. in. 10th.) Major-General HALLEcK, Washington, D. C.: Forces enough to defeat all that Early has with him should get in his rear south of him, and follow him up sharply, leaving him to go north, defending depots, towns, & c., with small garrisons and the militia. If the President thinks it advisable that I should go to Wash- ington in person I can start in an hour after receiving notice, leaving everything here on the defensive. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 9, 18647 p. mu. (Received 1.20 ~ m. 10th.) Major-General HALLEcK, IVa~hington, D. C.: After the dismounted cavalry had left here I learned accidentally that it was composed of detachments from all regiments. My order was worded to send the dismouiited cavalry, but I never intended tha Page 93 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 detachments should be sent, but that organized regiments should go. If I had thought of the matter I would have ordered so many regi- inents to be dismounted and their horses turned over to the detach- ments, and sent them back to their regiments. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, I). C., July 9, 18649 p. rn. Licut. Gen. ~. ~. GRANT, (Reenived 11.20 a. m. 10th.) City Point, Va.: A dispatch not signed by Lew. Wallace, but approved by him, to the newspaper press states that they had a severe battle to-day near Monocacy bridge, and that our troops were defeated and are now retreating on the Baltimore road. Knowing the character of the source, you can judge of its reliability. Nothing further from Hunter. I do not deem it safe to withdraw any forces from Harpers Ferry till he forms a junction. Please inform me what forces besides Ricketts division have been sent to Baltimore in order that I may know the means of defense to arrive at that place. H. W. HAL LECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. WASHINGTON, July 9, 186411 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: As the arrival of the Nineteenth Corps is very uncertain, I think the remainder of the Sixth Corps should be sent to this place. I have ordered all troops from the North to be stopped at Baltimore for the defense of that city. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 52. 5 City Point, Va., July 9, 1864. I. First Lient. C. B. Phillips, Engineer Corps, will report in person to Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith, commanding Eighteenth Army Corps, for duty. II. Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord will proceed without delay to Washing- tomi, D. C., and report to Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleek for orders. * * * * * * * By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, A8sistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 186410 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have nothing of importance to report as occurring along the hues during the past twenty-four hours. About 5 p. m, yesterday th Page 94 [CHAP. MI. 94 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. enemy opened his batteries all along our front, and kept up a cannon- ading for some half hour. In front of the Ninth Corps there was some musketry, but not of any great extent, the enemy firing from his breast-works. The object of this demonstration is unknown. Possibly an assault may have been designed, but abandoned at the last moment. About the same time, or alittle later a force of the enemy, estimated at two regiments of infantry, a battery of artillery, and a couple of squadrons of cavalry, were seeu to pass out of the enemys works and move down the Halifax road. A deserter came in last night who left Weldon yesterday morning. He reports the road nearly repaired, there being only a small break at Reams Station, around which pas- sengers have to walk. He states the enemy have but small forces at Weldon, Goldsborough, and Raleigh; no depot at Stony Creek, though he heard supplies had been forwarded to that point and wagoned from thence to Petersburg. He reports Hamptons cavalry at Stony Creek and guarding the road from thence to Reams Station; saw no infantry as far as he went, yiz, Reams Station. When the passengers got out here to walk he took to the woods and came into our lines. GEG. U. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., July .9, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Gommanding, & e.: I have just received a dispatch from General Canby of the 2d in- stant. He will send 20,000 men. The first division, 6,000 strong, he thought would reach Fort Monroe by the 8th or 10th instant, and the remainder would follow as fast as transportation could be provided. Under the circumstances I think it may be as well to defer the raid ordered yesterday until these troops arrive, when we will make a com- bined movement of infantry and cavalry that will enable the latter to get off in good order and remain absent until they have perfected the work of destruction on the roads south. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 186411 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I saw Colonel Comstock last evening when your telegram was re- ceived. Your orders in relation to making regular approaches and sending the Second Corps and cavalry to destroy the Weldon railroad shall be executed as promptly as possible. Some little delay will be necessary to enabl6 me to complete the line of redoubts which are neces,- sary to protect the left flank of the army after the departure of the Second Corps. This delay will, however, be advantageous, because the cavalry are not yet in condition for very active service. In reply to an inquiry when he would be ready General Sheridan telegraphs: My command is recruiting rapidly, but it is not fit for hard work yet; if required for active service at once I can turn out about 9,000 men. Every days delay will strengthen Sheridan. The engineers say the redoubts will be ready by the 12th. This will enable Hancock an Page 95 CEAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LJNION. 95 Sheridaii to get off on the 13th. How far do you think the infantry support should go? The whole distance, forty miles, or only part of the way? GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., July 9, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, ~c.: Send in the balance of the Sixth Corps to be forwarded to Washing- tou. They need not take their artillery or wagons with them. The rebels have crossed the Monocacy, and Halleck gives it as his opinion that one-third of Lees army is with them. They are now calling urgently for troops, and I am in hopes with Wright the enemy will not be able to get back. - U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. JULY 9, 18648 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: An accident has delayed the receipt of your telegram of 6 p. m. till this moment. The Sixth Corps has been ordered and will proceed at once to City Point. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18649 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery belongs to the Sixth Corps. General Hunt desires its services, to be in charge of the siege guns, it being drilled in this duty. Can I retain it? GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, July 9, 1864. (Received 9.30 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: You can retain the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery iRegiment. U. S. GRANT, General. CITY POINT, July 9, 18649.20 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Have you any evidence in the last three (lays that Longstreets corps is still here? I am afraid that it, too, may have gone. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 96 a 96 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIt HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18649.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Telegraphed you at 3.50 p. m. this day the account of two contra- bands, who represented themselves as servants to officers on the staff of Lieutenant-General Anderson, now commanding Longstreets corps. They asserted positively that all three of the divisions of this corps were in our front, occupying the center of their line, Beauregard on the left and A. P. Hill on the right. I have no doubt Longstreets corps is here. GEG. G. MEADE, ill ajor- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, July 9, 18644 p. m (Received 1 a. m. 6th.) Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General: In consequence of the losses in the recent raids of Generals Kautz and Wilson more horses will be required than I had estimated for. in ad- dition please canse 1,200 cavalry and 250 artillery horses to be sent to Capt. E. J. Strang, assistant qnartermaster, at this depot. The horses are required immediately. The cavalry horses are for General Kautz. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18643.50 p. m. Brigadier-General INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Potomac, City Point: The major-general commanding directs that the grain-sacks of the army be collected for use in the siege operations. If you have any on hand please send them to Major-General Burnside, commanding Ninth Corps. A. A. HUMPHPEYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. CITY PoINT, July 9, 1864. (Received 5.20 p. in.) Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS: There are 8,000 em pty grain-sacks here which will be sent to General Bnriiside, in accordance with your orders. The corps commanders might obtain a great number by saving those issued to them daily. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 9, 1864. General HUMPHREYS: Two contrabands, servants for officers oii General Andersons staff; caine into General Birneys front this mornitig. They came out to graze their horses in front of A. P. hills corps, some distance beyon Page 97 Cw& p. LTI.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 97 the breast-works. They state that General Andersou~ headquarters are on Sycamore street, south of the city, near Lieutenant Creek, about half way betweeii the line of works and the city; that A. P. Hills coips is on the right, Longstreets in the center, and Beauregard is on the left; that all of A. P. Hills corps is at the front, a portion of which moved up day before yesterday and occupied the extreme right, reach- ing to the railroad; think it is ileths division. All three divisions of Longstreets corps are at the front. Of this they are positive. They know but little about Beauregards position. Beauregards headquar- ters were near Covingtons house, on the Chesterfield side of the river, about a week ago, but informant thinks they have since been moved. General Longstreet was visiting in Macon, Ga., at last accounts. He was rapidly recovering from his wound. Two houses were burnt in the city yesterday from the firing. The custom-house was also struck. One of the railroad bridges crossing the Appomattox, called the Gov- ernment bridge, was slightly damaged. They are building a new pon- toon bridge near the Government bridge. The commissary department was moved to near the canal basin a few days ago on account of its close proximity to our shell. They know little about the railroad corn- inunications other than that the officers of General Andersons staff some of whom are from South Carolina, have had no letters from home for a long time. Yery respectfully, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, fc. [Iudor8elueut.] 3.~O m Forwarded for the information of Lieutenant-General Grant. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Maj. Gen. A. A. HTJMPHREYS, July 9, 1864. Chief of Staft: GENERAL: A deserter front the Twenty-fifth North Carolina Infantry, of Ransoms brigade, Bnshrod Johnsons division, that left the hospital at Raleigh, N. C., on the 6th of June, 1864, and has been at Weldon, N. C., until yesterday morning, gives the following information, which we think reliable: At Weldon Colonel Hintons regiment, Sixty-eighth North Carolina, stationed on south side of the Roanoke, and a small force of infantry and cavalry about two miles this side on the railroad; not niore than 2,000 in all. The Sixty-eighth North Carolina is the last regiment raised in North Carolina, and is composed of conscripts, many of whom are old soldiers. At Raleigh about 2,000 infantry of the late organizations, also a small force at Goldsborough, which, in- formant thinks, with the force at Weldon, comprises all the considera- ble force left in the State. Informant remained at Weldon from the 6th of June till the 8th of July, with several men from his regiment that had been left there to guard the regimental baggage left behind. Be took the train for Petersburg early yesterday morning, which came 7 H RYOL XL, PT II Page 98 98 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. to within a quarter of a mile of Heams Station, where the passengers g~ out and walked to the station to take another train for Petersburg. At this point informant took to the woods and came into onr cavalry on the Jerusalem plank road. He understood that the road was coin- l)leted, save a few hundred yards, and that a train would run through this morning. At Stony Creek depot he reports a large force of c~iv- airy, and understood Wade Hampton was in coinmaiid; saw fortifica- tions, rather extensive, but no infantry. Considerable cavalry on the road from Stony Creek to iteams Station; well guarded at all points. No considerable amount of commissary stores at Stony Creek. Under- stoO(1 large quaiitities had arrived there an(1 were taken by wagons to Petersburg. Informant is gentlemanly and intelligent, and undoubtedly has stated all, and no more than he has seen and believes to be true. Scout Carney returned this a. ni. from a newly established depot on the Weldon railroad near the Steele farm, about one mile above Colonel Wyatts place.. Our agent there, a free negro, has lately been to Peters- burg and reports nothing of importance. They have finished the Wel- don railroad, an(1 run a train through to Weldon last evening for the fm-st time. The non-combatants of I~etersburg are engaged, as inform- ant says, in making willow baskets for the sharpshooters. (Proba- bly fascines.) Large numbem-s of them are being made, and he says, they will fill them with dirt. Many of the citizens of Petersburg have left the city. Others have constructed bomb-proofs on their premises and intend remaining. All of which is respectfully forwarded. Your obedient servant, JOHN C. BABCOCK. JULY 9, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Hcadqaarters Army qf the Potomac: From rebel signal station at Archers, 8.30 a. In.: Colonel BRENT, Assistant AdjutantGeneral: One gun-boat above the bridge and one schooner 1)elow. No movements observed this a. m. (Same to A. B.) F. FULLER, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. NEAR JORDANS ILOUSE, July 9, 18G4G p. in. Capt. B. F. FISHER Chief Signal Officer, Army of thJ Potomac A train of sixty-five army wagons moved this p. mu. in direction of Petersburg on Richmond and Petersburg road. T. R. CLARK, Captain a.n(l Acting Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 9. 18617 p. in. Maj.B. F. FISHER: The enemy have been at work on their l)atteries both east and west ot the plank read. A strong torce has been eiigagcd.all day on their new line, beginning in rear ot Gregorys house aimd extending to left Page 99 CHAP. LU.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 99 At 3 p. m. artillery was seen passing to our left near Weldon railroad. Owing to heavy dust and smoke could not count l)ieces, but supposed there were at least four, judging from the time they were passing. J. B. DUFF; Lieutenant and signal Officer. LJULY9, 1864.-~ZFor Orders from headquarters Army of the Poto- mac, relative to operations against the intrenched position of the enemy, see Part I, p. 159.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 182. July 9, 1864. 1. Brig. Gen. Julius White, volunteer service, having, in compliance with the instructions of the War Department, reported to the major- general commanding, is assigned to duty with the Ninth Army Corps, and will report for further instructions to Major-General Buruside, commanding the corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERs ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Brigadier-General BENHAM, July ~, 18643.40 p. m. Commanding Engineer Brigade: The commanding general directs that you have prepared and sent to this army at once a bridge train of twelve canvas boats, complete in every respect, like the train of twenty-four boats you prepared for this army in the spring. The trucks should have the modifications sug. gested at that time. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. CITY PoINT, July 9, 1864. (Received 5.20 p. in.) General A. A. IItTMPHREYS: Your dispatch ordering twelve canvas boats received. This train will have to be made up in Washington, as I have not the trucks, wagons, & c., here. I telegraph my officer in Washington to let inc know how soon it can be completed, and will inform you as soon as I get his reply. II. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. CITY POINT Ju Major-General HUMPHREYS, 1Y 9~ 1864. Chief of $ta if: Although I have telegraphed to Washington to have the bridge train prepared that you ordered to-day, if there is an emergency in the cas Page 100 100 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. I believe 1 can prepare one here much earlier that will answer the pur- pose, as I happened to take the precaution to bring sixteen extra canvas pontoons with me. By reducing the length of a sufficient number of balk and chess of the wooden bridging 110W here, and using army wag- ons, which, I think, can be made to answer, I will try and get this up as a serviceable, not, of course, a perfect, train, probably within a couple of days, if you so order it. II. W~ BENHAM, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18649 p. m. Brigadier-General BENTIAM, Commanding Engineer Brigade, City Point: There is no emergency at present requiring the additional canvas pontoon train, so we can wait for it from Washington. Should an emergency arise, I will advise you of it. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of $taff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 9,18649 a. m. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: 1 have nothing new to report this morning. WJNFI) S. hANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18G48.45 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding & cond Comps: General Wright is ordered -to move at 011CC to City Point. General Ferrero is ordered to move up to tile Williaims house and report to you. The commanding general directs that you arrange your troops in the same manner as when General Wright was at Reams Station. Colonel Bryan, commanding cavalry detachment, picketing tile left, will be ordered to report to you. A. A. JIUMPLIREYS, Major- General and Chief of ~taft HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 9, 18649 ~i- m. General S. WILLIAMS, itss istan t Adjutant- General: I have to report no changes in my hues since last report. I have 1,600 at work on the works near the l)lank road. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 101 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 101 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, General S. WILLIAMS, July 9, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have 1,600 privates, with a proportionate number of non-commis- sioned and commissioned officers, on fatigue at the redoubts under Cap- tain Mendell. The details are made from my reserve brigades, which extended lily line previously. To make the same extension will require the details to be relieved. If General Wrights picket-line is to be relieved to-night it will be a difficult operation. If it is to be done I would like to know how niany men he has on. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July .9, 1R64. Major-General HANCOCK: - The Sixth Corps is ordered to move at once, and their pickets must therefore be relieved with as little delay as practicable. The command- ing general directs that you confer with Major-General Wright by tele- graph as to the strength and locatioii of his picket-line. Geiieral Ferreros division is ordered to the vicinity of the Williams house, and will to-morrow partially relieve your fatigue (letails. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS AnMY OF TIlE POTOMAC Major-General HANCOCK, July 9, iSGi1O.26) p. m. Commanding Second Corps: Major Duane is directed to send back the working party ou the redoubts to you. It is important that no delay should occur in the movement of any part of General Wrights command~, and the command- ing general directs that his pickets be relieved at once. A. A. HUMPHREYS Major- General and Chief of St aft. HEADQUARTERS AEMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, July 9, 18UI1O.25 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: The commanding general directs that no time be lost in relieving the pickets of the Sixth Corps, as it is important that it should be done at once. The working detail can be arranged to-morrow morning. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1861. (Received 10.30 p. in.) General S. WILLIAMS: There will be no delay in relieving the Sixth Corps Pickets. WINFD S. hANCOCK, ill ajor- General Page 102 102 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. (Received 10.50 p. in.) General IIuMPHREYS: Since I last occupied General Wrights line some of my troops have been used in making the connection with the Fifth Corps on the new line, so I cannot extend so far to the left. I am sending everything there, however. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 18649 p. m. Major.General HANCOCK: Will you have my pickets relieved at once~ They will remain on till relieved by you. H. G. WRIGHT, Major. General, Commanding. JULY 9, 1864. General H. G. WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: It will not be possible for me to relieve your line at once. I have telegraphed to General Meade to know whether it shall be done to- night, as it is a diffici~lt operation, considering none of my people know the ground, and I have large details out on fatigue. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, - Major- General. JULY 9, 186411 p. in. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: I have 1,400 men on picket. Brigadier-General Grant is my corps officer of the day, and is left behind in charge. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Co~mmanding. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND~ ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. The brigades now in reserve will probably be ordered to-night to take the position occupied a few days since, when the Sixth Corps moved to Reams Station. As the Sixth Corps is now moving to City Point, whether or not the details now on fatigue will be relieved is not yet known. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. The following changes in the dispositions 6f troops will take eft~ct at once: The reserve brigade of General Gibbons (hivision will b Page 103 CHAP. Lii.) CORRESPONJ)ENCE, ETC.UNION. 103 Posted oii the left of hi~ l)reseut hue. All the ieserx-e legitnents of the Thfrd Division, under command of the senior officer, will be posted in the intreuchnuents near the Williams house, connecting with General Gibbons division. The reserve brigade of the First Division will be placed on the left of the brigade of the Third Division, extending the line toward the plank road. The working party on the redoubts, it is understood, will be relieved tO-m()rro w morning. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCiS A. WALKER., Assistant Adjatant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DiVISION, SECOND CORPS, July 9, .186411.40 p. m. (1~eceived 11.50.) Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: General Miles has 1,643 muskets; 500 of this number are on the working party, and some 150 on our picket, making 650, and leaving only, say, 1,000 here for duty. We cannot, therefore, wholly relieve the Sixth Corps picket of 1,400 men. We will relieve as ifluchi of the Sixth Corps line as possible, but shall have nothing left for the rifle-pits. Respeetfuily, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General, (Jo rnmanding Division. P. 5.General Miles is the only reserve on second line of this division. FRAN( IS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General. HEADQUNRTERS FIRST i)IvisIoN, SECOND ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. N. A. MILES, July 9, 1R64. Commanding First Brigade: GENERAL: I. am directed by the brigadier-general commanding the division to say that it is probable that your brigade will be ordered to-night to take the position occupied a few days since when the Sixth Corps moved to Reams Station. It is not known whether or not the details now on fatigue (liity will be relieved. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. 11. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND I)IVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, July 9, 186411.80 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General, & cond Corps: COLONEL: I take it for granted that the Sixth Corps pickets remain on the line to the left of my picket-line. If this is not so, a.uicl t am expected to relieve any of them, please let me know. - Respectfully, JOhN GIBBON, Miajor- General of 1011111 teem, (Jo mman ding .I)iiision Page 104 104 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [Ciw~. LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 9, 186411.45 p. m. (Received 11.50.) Lieut. Col. C. H. MORGAN, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: Will you direct the commanding officers of the troops of the Third Division and First Division to report to me at my headquar- ters as soon as their troops are in motion to take up position on myleft ~? Two batteries will be required to be placed in position near the Wil- liams house road. Will you have them report to meal JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, July 9, 1864. Lient. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assist~nt Adjutant- General, Second Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to state, in answer to circular from headquarters Second Corps, this date, that I have no brigade in re- serve, my brigades being all in the front line, owing to the extension of my line in front of the left of Fifth Corps. I have a few regiments in reserve. D. B. BHIKEY, Major- General of Volunteers. HDQRS. DIVISION OFFICER OF THE DAY, THIRD DIV., July 9, 1864. Maj. J. HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my tour of duty as division officer of the day for the 7th instant: No unusual movements were noticed along the euemy~s front. The total strength of the picket now on is 500 men besides officers. There are eighty- three posts, averaging about six men to the post. There is no reserve - at present, all the men being on the line. If, however, it is the desire to establish a grand reserve for the line it might be done by reducing the posts to the ordinary strength of three men and a corporal. My own impression is that where, as is now the case, the picket is relieved every twenty-four hours and all the men are required to keep awake during the twenty-four hours, it is more desirable to have the line as it now is. In reply to communication received at 2 oclock this a. in., relating to a report of the corps officer of the day, in regard to the picket-line of this division, and directing me to report why the omissions men- tioned were not reported to him (division commander) at once, and also why they were allowed to exist until my attention was called to them by the corps officer, I would report that the change I made was so simple, and did not to any extent change the line, that I did not con- sider it necessary to report the matter till I sent iii my regular report. In answer to the second interrogatory I would reply that corps offi- cers arrived at that portion of the line before I got there in the morn- ing, and therefore noticed the defect before I could. The statement that there was a gap in the line is not, I submit, strictly correct. The line of posts at this point (a) are thrown in echelon, in order, as I sup- pose, to occupy a little breast-work (b) running part way across th Page 105 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENcE, ETcXTJNION. 105 open field. I inclose a rough sketch.* The change I made was simply to fill the two pits then unoccupied. This part ofline has been called weak, but when we consider that an enemy advancing across this open field would be exposed to a fire from two directions,- it seems to me to be rather the strongest part of the line. The picket-line might easily be established where the vedettes now are and vedettes still thrown out from there. This would make it a straight line, and could be easily done at night by sending out a small fatigue party to prepare the pits quietly. One deserter came into the lines and was sent to division headquarters. Several cases of neglect of duty were noticed, amid charges will be sent in during the day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE W. MEIKEL, Ijeut. Gol. 20th Indiana Vet. Yols., Div. Officer of the Day. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 18619 a. m. General WILLIAMS: All quiet along the hues (lurilig the nb4it. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. General WILLIAMS: All quiet. HEADQITARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 18619 p. m. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS 1st New Jersey volunteers 2d New Jersey volunteers 3d New Jersey volunteers 5th Maine Volunteers 67th New York volunteers 2d Rhode Island volunteers 7th Massachusetts volunteers 10th Massachusetts Vohuiteers 2d vermont Volunteers SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assi8tant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 171, headquarters Army of the Potomac, June 28, I have the honor to submit the follow- ing report: Present when dis- charged. Officers. Men. Organizations. Left command. _________________ June4 5 166 May 30 19 230 June 4 16 177 June28 10 87 June20 21 166 JuneS 9 196 June14 15 165 June20 10 137 June20 I 9 126 114 1,450 Total Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. 5Not fotuid Page 106 106 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS Aw~iy or TILE POTOMAC, July 9, 18648.45 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you move your corps at once to City Point and embark it there and report to Major-General Halleck npon arriving at Washington. You will take y~ir artillery and trains to the vicinity of City Point and park them there undei~ charge of a suitable guard. General Ferrero is ordered to the Will- iams house, and General Hancock is ordered to dispose his command as he did when you moved to Reams Station. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18G18.50 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: Direct Colonel Bryan, coinman4ing cavalry detachment picketing on the left, to report to General hancock. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General an(i Cki(f of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, July 9, 18619 p. m. Brig. Gen. B. INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster, cf~c.: I am ordered to march my corps to City Point. There will be about 11,000 men a~i~d they will start within an hour. Cant you furnish me with a small boat for my headquarters, horses, orderlies, & c. ~ Please acknowledge. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, July 9, 1~G4. Maj. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Army Corps: Transportation is now ready for 5,000 men. Boats will be here in time for the balance. A small steamer can be furnished for your head- quarters, & c. Will you please inform me when the head of your column will reach here l HUll US INGALLS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS July 9, 1864. (Received 9.50 p. ni.) Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have received dispatch from General hancock in reply to niiiie, stating that it will i~ot he possible to relieve my pickets at once o Page 107 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 107 account of the difficulty of the operation. I have 1,40() men on 1)icket, which, if not relieved, will be a serious diminution of my force. My picket officers are, of course, available to assist in relieving their men. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WRIGHT, July 9, 186410.20 p. m. ~Jornmanding Sixth Cors: General Hancock has been ordered to relieve your pickets at once. His working parties on the redoubts are ordered to be sent back to him immediately. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. PROVISIONAL BRIGADE, CAVALRY CORPS, July 9[~, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have been fighting these guerrillas for some days past, capturing 1 (sent to General Wrights headquarters) and killing 6. 1 have lost 1 lieutenant killed, 1 lieutenant missing, and 2 mon missing. I have ordered out a squadron to scour the country in that direction. Very respectfully, T. M. BRYAN, JR., Colonel, ctornrnanding. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 18649.20 p. m. The corps will move at once to City Point, there to embark for Wash- ington,in the following order: First, Second Division; second, First Di- vision; third, trains and Artillery Brigade. The pickets will be with- drawn under direction of Brigadier-General Grant, as soon as relieved by other troops, and will follow the corps to City Point. The trains and artil- lery will not accompany the corps, but will be parked in the vicinity of City Point, the former under charge of the chief quartermaster of the corps and the latter under cliaige of the chief of artillery. General Rus- sell will cause the three companies of the Second Connecticut Artillery, ordered to report to Colonel Tompkins, to do 50 to-night, and they will compose the guard for the artillery and trains. By command of Major-General Wright: C. II. WHITTELSEY, A ssistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS, July 9, 186410.30 p. m. This division will move at once, following the Second Division. Order of march: Second Brigade, Third Bri9ade, First Brigade. Th Page 108 108 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N~C. [CHAP. LII. traiiis and artillery will not ~CC0IflP~I1Y the corps, but will be parked in the vicinity of City Point, under charge of the chief quartermaster of the corps. The pickets are to be withdrawii inider the direction of Brigadier-General Grant as soon as relieved by other troops, and will follow the corps to City Point. A staff officer will be sent to coilduct the leading brigade. The others will follow in order. By command of Brigadier-General RusselL HENRY H. DALTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQITARTERS NINTu ARMY Coups, July 9, 18649 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Star: I have the honor to report that last night was one of unusual quiet on my front. Everything progressing favorably. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 1864. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps: In sending in your recommendations for general offi~cers you are desired to state whether the officers you nominate have heretofore been recommended for promotion; and, if so, when. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Coups, July 9,1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Your dispatch received. I have received no instructions to nominate general officers; should be glad to do so if anthorized. have any orders been issued? A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, July 9, 1864. Major-General BJTRNSIDE: A circular was issued to corps commanders on the 7th instant, call- ing upon them for recommendations of officers deserving promotion to the rank of general. A copy was prepared for you and was supposed~ to have been se~it. A duplicate will be forwarded at once. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- Genera Page 109 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 109 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. (Received 1.40 p. in.) General HUMPHREYs: We are very much in need of sand-bags; where shall I apply for them? It is of the utmost importance that we have more heavy artil- lery if we remain in our present line. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General BURNSLDE, July 9, 18612.15 p. m. Gommanding Ninth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to reply to your dispatch that sand-bags are furnished upon requisition of the engineer officer on Brigadier-General Benham, at City Point, approved by the acting chief engineer of the army, and that siege artillery is sup- l)lied upon the recommendation of the chief of artillery, approved by the commanding general of the army; that at present the additional heavy artillery you have asked for cannot be furnished. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18642.45 r. m. Major-General BURNSIDE, Corn manding Ninth Corps: GENERAL: My dispatch of p.15 p. in. should have explained further that since it is intended that the operations against the enemys iii- tr6nchments shall be by regular approaches, the batteries and other works of the adjoining fronts must be determined by time wamits of both, and that under the existing circumstances it is considered best by the couunalu(lin g general that no niore siege batteries should be established unless in conformity to the aI)l)roved l)lans o~ the ~vhole siege-works. A~ A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. hEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Conps, Major-General IIUMPHREYS, July 9, 18642.15 p. ma. Chief of Stafi: Yonr dispatch received. I have no engineer officer. The one I lia(l Captain Harwood, has been relieved upon my own request, because of his indisposition to personally sul)ernitend his work upon my line, in trusting it to enlisted men. Will the sand-bags ~e furnished upon my personal requisition? My men are being killed and wounded hour1v for the want of them. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General Page 110 110 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18643.30 p. m. Major-General BURNSLDE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Please have the requisition for saud-bags made through Lieutenant Benyaurd, engineer, who is on duty with the engineer company on your front. The commanding general considers it better to have the requi- sitions go through the regular channel. An engineer officer will be at once ordered to your staff in place of the officer relieved. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18615 p. m. Major-General BURNSLDE: The order for siege operations xviii be out in an hour or two, and the chiefs of engineers and artillery xviii at once arrange for the batteries, A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 18648.50 p. m. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Corps: General Ingalls was directed to send you all the empty grain sacks he had on hand. He reported at 6 p. in. that he had 8,000 which he would send you. A. A. HUMPHPEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 18649 p. m. Major.General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Stat!: I have the honor to report that no change of importance has occurred on my lines since my morning report. A. E. BUENSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. Lion. CHARLES A. DANA: Will you please send any miews you have of interest. A. E. BUENSIDE, Major- General. For order i-eferred to, see 1~art, I, p. 159 Page 111 CHAP. LU.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. Ill CITY POINT, July 9, 1864. Major-General BURNSLDE: Wallace reports Early at Urbana with 20,000 men threatening corn munication between Baltimore and Washington. Truth of report very doubtful. I am about to start for Washington. C. A. DANA. CITY POINT, July 9, 1864. Major-General BUENSIDE: General Williams informs me I have l)een assigned to your corps. I have horses and other equipment to get, and was authorized to return here before I was assigned. I will endeavor to be out to-morrow. JULIUS WHITE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 9, 18648 a. m. Licut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything was quiet along my lines last night. There was very little picket-firing during the night. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant JAMES H. LEDIIE, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 9. 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing worthy of mention has occurred on my front during the past twelve hours. 1 am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 9, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred on my front since the mornings report. I am, colonel, very respectfLllly, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brtgadier- General 6ommanding Page 112 112 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (Cliii. LII. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864-.--8 a. m. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that all was quiet during the night, except a smart picket-firing on the working parties after 12 m. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- Gelieral. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I did not see the engineer officer on his return to-day from the front, but, from investigation since made, I am satisfied that the rifle-pit spoken of in my dispatch of 11 this a. m. will, if continued, enfilade a part of the line of the First Brigade. At the time of writing, 8.15 p. in., everything is very quiet along the line and further than the above no change. Very respectfully, ~. B. WILLCOX, - Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In reply to your telegram of yesterday, I have the honor respectfully to state that my command is recuperating very rapidly, but is not yet fit for hard work. If required for active duty at once, I cau turn out about 9,000 nien. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, July 9, 1864. Col. J. B. MCINTOSH, Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to say to you that you are authorized to send out three good scouts from your command to the Danville railroad for the purpose of ascertaining the extent of damage already repaired, and the general condition of the road at present; as also to gather all important information regarding the enemys force, condition, and movements. The quartermaster is directed to furnish the men with fresh horses. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. SIEBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 113 CEAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 113 HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPT. OF VA. ANI) N. C., Can~p Jones Neck, July 9, 1864. Capt. L. SIEBERT, A. A. U., Third Division, Cavalry Corps: CAPTAIN: Your letter ailing for a stateilient of alleged depredations, so far as my division is concerned, on the recent expedition against the enemy~s commullications, has been received. As your conununication is not accompanied by any specific instances cited, my statement there- fore must necessarily be general. Whatever depredations were com- mitted or captures made, none were authorized except what was ab- solutely necessary for the service of the expedition. This authority is clearly set forth in the standing orders of this division, copies of which are submitted.* Every effort was made by me that could be, with out neglecting the more important duties of the expedition, to prevent the depredations that I felt were going on, but it must be apparent even to the enemy how impossible it is to check entirely the evil dispositions of men that exist in every command, however few or many, oii an expedi- tion such as we were engaged in, where we were constaiitly on the move, marching over forty miles per day, with an enemy harassing our front and rear occupying the attention of the officers. I do not think that in any instance the outrages committed by our men exceed those com- mitted by Morgans command in his raid through indiana and Ohio last year, of which I was personally cognizant, and what has occurred in this way on the expedition is not more than attend the invasions of a territory by whatever foe. Whenever my attention was called to individual instances of plunder, steps were immediately taken to punish the depredators; but the fail- ure to get any conclusive testimony of guilt only shows the difficulty of detection. At Dinwiddie Court-House a lady reported to me that her husbands watch had been stolen by a soldier whom she pointed out. The man was instantly arrested and closely searched in my pres- ence, but no watch was found upon him. If the ladys testimony can be obtained, that soldier can still be punished by a court-martial or commission: Until we started on the return my division had the advance. General Wilson called my attention to the fact that there was much pillaging found to have taken place after my command had passed. On the return the Third Division had the advance, and my attention was repeatedly called to houses that had been robbed before my command came up. One instance was particularly noteworthy. Doctor Nibletts, on the 27th ultimo, was found to have been robbed of everything valuable; but the provost-marshal was unable to get any clue to the perpetrators, even with the doctors assistance. I find, therefore, that these irregularities are not incident to any particular command. Every effort will be made hereafter to correct this evil in my com- mand, but I can only hope to be partially successful. The absolute necessity of detaching small parties to collect subsistence and forage, the giving-out of horses, dismounting of men, and seeking for remounts, gives opportunity for plundering, the entire correction for which there (loes not seem to be any means. Inspections immediately after former expeditions having failed in the desired results, such investigatioui after ten days would be useless, particularly in this instance, where every- thing was abandoned that could in any way hamper our retreat. AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry. See Part II, }). 45. S R RVOL XL, PT II Page 114 114 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HDQRS. DEPT. o~ VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, In the Field, July 9, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel CoMSTocK, City Point: Has General Grant gone to the front to-day, or is he at his head- quarters G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General and Acting Chief of Staff~ JULY 9, 1864. SENIOR STAFF OFFICE1{ AT HEADQUARTERS, City Point: has General Grant gone to the front? B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY, July 9, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: Lieutenant-General Grant desires me to say that he will be at City Point during the day. ~. B. COMSTOCK, Lieu tenant- Colonel and Aide-dc- C1amp. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINiA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 9, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel FULLER, Chief Quartermaster, Bermuda Hundred: Send a steamer at once to Point of Rocks to take me to City Point. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. JULY 9, 18646 p. m. Colonel SHAFFER: Letter received.* Do not trouble yourself about the order. It is all right now and better than if it had not been disturbed. BENJ. F. BUTLER, JIaj. Gen., Comdg. all the Troops of the Dept. of Va. and N. C. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 9, 18648.25 p. in. Acting Rear-Admiral LEE, (kimdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, off Fort Monroe, or THE SENIOR OFFICER IN COMMAND OF FLEET OFF FORT MONROE: I have received from Captain Smith a communication requesting me to forward a communication from the Navy Department to Mr. Mallory Not found Page 115 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115. of the C. 8. Navy Department, but he says that yoi~ have unfortunately omitted to inclose that communication, and desires me to inform you of the fact in order that you may send it by the next mail, and in hope that this may reach you before you leave for Wilmington. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General. CiTY POINT, J~tly L/, 1864. Colonel ABBOT: One hundred and thirty-nine boxes ordnance sto~es have arrive(I for Captain Hatfield. P. P. PITKIN. WAR DEPARTMENT Col. II. L. ABBOT: Washington, July b, 1864. Telegrani of yesterday received. Have ordered the nine mortars mentioned yesterday to Captain Hatfield. More are being delivered; will telegraph you to-morrow at what rate. Twenty thousand 8-inch shells are ordered to Fort Monroe for you. Commence sending them from New York on Monday. GEO. D. RAMSAY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Brigadier-General HUNT, July 9, 1864. Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Colonel Burton wishes to change four of the 8-inch mortars last sent for Coeliorns. I respectfully request authority to do so, as it, in my judgment, is a decided improvement. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Gonnecticut Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 9, 186410.20 p. m. Colonel ABBOT: You can make the change of Coehorns for four 8-inch mortars with Colonel Burton. H. J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel ABBOT: July 9, 1864. Come up to-morrow if you possibly can, and as early as possible. II. J. HUNT, Brigadier- General Page 116 116 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HDQRS. DEPT. OF YLR~TINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 9, 18649 a. m. Brigadier-General BROOKS, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: Will you please ride over here and see me this morniii o BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- Genera I, Corn mandin,. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. (Received 9.15 a. in.) General BUTLER.: I will come over nnmediately. W. T. 11. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. BROOKS HEADQUARTERS, Jaly 9. iSGI. General WEITZEL The engineers promised by you to build a wharf at Jones -Landing did not report. It is very necessary that the capacity for landing should be rni~reased. The volunteer engineers caii do it quicker and better than the quartermasters (lepartinent. Respectfully, W. V. IJIJTCIIINGS, Captain and Acting Cit ief Qnartermast#~r, Tenth Army Corps. HDQRS. 1)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 9, 1864. General W. T. H. BROOKS, Tenth Corps: The infantry details will not be needed till Monday. No work to- morrow. Please tell Captain Hutchings that an engineer detail to build that wharf will report on Monday morning. 0. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. [~JULY 9, 186 BrP~adier-General WEITZEL, Acting Chief ~f & afl: Officer of the picket on General Terrys front reports troops moving in large bodies to our right. ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL BROOKS hEADQUARTERS, Jaly 9, 186-1. Brigadier-General WELTZEL: Further information from General Terrys front shows previous dis- patches to have been exaggerated. The body of troops seen to move is probably not more than a regiment. ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 117 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 117 IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field J Lieutenant-Colonel FULLER, , uly 9, 1864. Quartermaster,. Dermuda: Three boxes containing Sawyer shell, directed General Butler, came lip on the mail boat last night. Please send them out as soon as pos- sible. GEO. A. KENSEL, Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Chief of Artillery. BERMUDA, July 9, 1864. Colonel KENSEL: I have just returned from City Point. 1 have found two boxes marked General Butler which came up from City Point this a. m. No notice of their arrival was sent to me. The Mattano left here at 11 oclock with orders to report to Point of Rocks to take General Butler on board. Please telegraph me if she is not about there and I will C. E. FULLER. Lieutenant-Colonel FULLER: The Mattano has arrived. She went above Point of Rocks, but is now here. Send up the two boxes of shell this afternoon. GEO. A. KENSEL, Lieutenant- Colonel. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, [July 9, 1864.] Lieutenant-Colonel JACKSON, Chief of Artillery, Tenth Corps, Brooks Headquarters: General Butler wishes to make some experiments with 6 and 12 pounder Sawyer shell to-night. There is a 6-pounder steel Sawyer guii somewhere on the line. Please send it and a Napoleon to these head- quarters before dark. - GEO. A. KENSEL, Lieutenant- Colonel and Acting Chief of Artillery. [~JTTIx 9, 1864.] Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Assistant Inspector- General: Colonel Jackson has received your dispatch, and has gone to the front to make arrangements about withdrawing guns from the parapet. ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 118 118 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. CITY POINT, YA., July 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. F. SMITH, Commanding Eighteenth Army Corps: General Ord can be assigned to the command of your corps during your absence, if you think it advisable. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY Coups, July 9, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I think General Martindale perfectly competent to the command, and he knows the situation perfectly, which General Ord would have to learn. It would~ seem to be a want of confidence considering the short- ness of time that I am to be absent, and I think General Martindale would feel hurt by it. WM. F~ SMITH, Major. General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 9, 186410.30 a. m. Major-General SMITH, (ommanding Eighteenth Army Corps: I have received a dispatch from General Grant asking me if it is possi- ble to add to your force from the forces in my front. I have 2,435 old troops to hold my lines with. I have the negro troops, which you have returned as worthless for your purposes, and the 100-days men. I could send you a brigade of 100.days men, but their want of discipline would probably render them liable to the same objection which you urge, and justly, against the negroeswant of training and experience. I have sent for General Brooks, to consult with him to see where, if possible, we can spare troops for you. As you had made no application to me for any additional force, while I knew such force would be desirable, yet I felt the necessity for them here was great, and, therefore, had not ordered them forward. Do me the favor to make the application to me for anything which you may think I am able to furnish, before sending to the lieutenant-general. Respectfully, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CoRps, July 9, 1864. (Received 12.25 p. in.) Major-General BUTLER: When I sent my dispatch for more troops direct to the headquarters of the Armies of the United States 1 was under the impression that it would be impossible for you to send me any troops from any portion of your line, and did not know but that by a concentration of some portion of the line of the Army of the Potomac I would be able to get some relief from there. This was my only reason for sending my dispatch direct. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General Page 119 CHAP. LII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 119 HDQRS. DEPT. OF XLRaNIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Major-Gen~aI SMITH, In the Field, July 9, 1864. Gommanding Eighteenth Army Corps: General Weitzel showed me your telegram in relation to forwarding your suggestions in regard to negro troops. My reasons for not for- warding them sooner are that I had a conversation upon the subject with the lieutenant-general, in which your recommendations were substantially to be carried out, as a portion ot them have already been. The colored battery~ has been withdrawn from the front and sent for drill to Portsmouth, in order that the experiment of using negroes for artillery may be tested fully. A very competent brigadier-general for those troops under your command has been appointed, and they will be at once reorganized, and I doubt not the lieutenant-general kill attach to our command the negro troops now iii General Burusides corps. The delay has also been rendered necessary by the expected arrival of other negro troops in this departiucut. I beg leave to assure you that it was from no disrespect to your suggestions, as they are valuable, but from a belief that the interests of the service required a little delay, that they have not been forwarded. After receiving this, if you prefer, you are at liberty to forward them directly, with a copy of this note. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, C~ommanding. HEADQUARTER5 EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 9, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: I propose to avail myself to-night often days Jeave of absence granted me by lieutenant-general conunanding Armies of the United States. I have turned over this comunmand to Brig. Gen. J. II. Martindale. WM. F. SMITH, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 9, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, (Received 6 p. in.) Fortress Monroe: Please inform me by telegraph of the arrival of the first transport with the advamice of the Nineteenth Army Corps from New Orleans. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 9, 186411.90 p. m. COMMANDING OFFICER, Fortress Monroe: Troops arriving from New Orleans will be sent immediately forward to Washington. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 120 120 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. JIDQR8. I)EFENSE8 OF N )LUjOLK AND I~ORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth, Va., July 9, 15641.45 p. m. 1~laj. J. S. GATES, Bowers Hill: MAJOR: You will suspend the movement ordered for to-morrow and concentrate the force ordered for your expedition on the defensive line in front of. Suffolk, reporting to Colonel Lord, Twentieth New York Cavalry. By order of Brigadier-General Yogdes: S. L. MdHENRY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. POINT LOOKOITT, Mm, July 9, 18647 p. rn. - (Received 3.15 a. m. 10th.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: All quiet here. Five hundred and two prisoners of war were sent to New York this p. ~ JAMES BARNES, lIriga dier- General, Cowman ding District. HEADQUARTERS l)ISTRIC~I? OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., July 9, 1864. Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Senior Naral Officer, Sounds of North Carolina: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have this moment received a communication from Col. D. W. Wardrop, commanding at Roanoke island, inclosing a communication from you relative to an improper traffic going on in the region of Columbia, in Hyde County. I am obliged to you for the information and shall take immediate meas- ures to stop the trade. To accomplish [this] I have ordered the quar- termasters steamer Ella May, with two smooth brass 6-pouimders aboard, to proceed to Roanoke Island and report to Colonel Wardrop, who I have directed to place on board a suitable number of gunners and sharpshooters, in command of a competent officer. He will then send them to the region referred to with such orders as he may deem best to accomplish the purpose. Upon the return of the expedition Colonel Wardrop has been authorized to detaiim the Ella May at Roanoke island for temporary service, lie may with her be able to render you much assistance in communicating with the fleet in various parts of the Sounds. Colonel Wardrop also incloses a letter from you relative to the man H. Oberman. His case will be attended to, for I mean, with your kind co-operation, to put a stop to all this illegal traffic. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General, Comrnanding~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., July 9, 1864. Col. D. W. WARDROP, Ninety-ninth New York Volunteers, Commanding Sub-District of the Albernarle, Roanoke Island: COLONEL: The coinmandiiig general diredts me to acknowledge the receipt this day of your communication and imiclosures relative to th Page 121 CIL& P. LTT.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 121 traffic going on in the region of Columbia, and also of Elizabeth. The generalto-day sends you the steamer Ella Map, the best light-draught for the purpose here, with two brass 6-pounders and 125 rounds per gun. He desires you to place on board a good commissioned officer, with a suitable number of gunners and sharpshooters, and send th~ whole to destroy the bridge at Columbia, and inflict such other damage upon this hue of communication with the rebel army as will best prevent the sending of supplies to the enemy. The exact mode of procedure must, of course, in a measure, be left with the officer iii charge. You will, however, give him most unmistakable orders against pillaging and plundering. The matter of the man Obermaim the commanding geim- eral will attend to at the earliest opportunity. The steamer Ella May you are authorized to detain temporarily for service with you after her return from this expedition. The commanding general has informed Commodore Macomb of this, and said that Colonel Wardrop may with her he able to render you much assistance in communicating with the fleet in various parts of the sound, so that if at any time you are able to aid the navy with her please do so. When the Ella May is finally ordered to New Berne you can retain her 0-un s to mount in the field- works. They are ordered to be invoiced to your ordnance officer. In accordance with your request, the genem-al has directed the ordnance officer to invoice to your ordnance officer six 32-pounder smooth, long, two 32-pounder carronades, and four 6-pounder brass guns, with 125 rounds of ammunition for each gun, amid carriages, implements, & c., complete. The horses will be sent you as soon as l)OsSible. Captain James attention has been called to the matter of the diseased aninmals, amid lie will take -measures to regulate this. I am, colonel~ery respectfully, youi- obedient servant, J. A. JUDSON, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, July 10, 18642.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch to General Halleck referring to what 1 may think in the present emergency is shown me. General Halleck says we have absolutely no force here fit to go to the field. He thinks that with the 100-days men and invalids we have here we can defend Washington, and scarcely Baltimore. Besides these there are about 8,000, not very reliable, under Howe, at Harpers Ferry, with Hunter approaching that point vemy slowly, with what number I suppose you know better than I. Wallace. with some odds and ends and part of what came up with Iticketts, was so badly beaten yesterday at Monocacy that what is left can attempt no more than to defend Baltimore. What we shall get in from Pennsylvania and New York will scarcely be worth counting, I fear. Now, whin at I think is that you should provide to retain your hold where you are, certainly, and bring the re~t with you personally, and make a vigorous effort to destroy the enemys force in this vicinity. I think there is really a fair chance to do this if the movement is prompt. This is what I think, upon your suggestion, and is not an order. A. LINCOLN, President of the United & ates Page 122 122 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIL CITY POINT, VA., July 10, 186410.30 p. m. (Received 7 a. in. 11th.) A. LINCOLN, President of the United States: I have sent from here a whole corps, commanded by an excellent offi- cer, besides over 3,000 other troops. One division of the Nineteenth Corps, 6,000 4rong, is now on its way to Washington, one steamer loaded with these troops having passed Fort Monroe to-day. They will probably reach Washington to-morrow night. This force under Wright will be able to compete with the whole force with Ewell [Early]. Before more troops can be sent from here Hunter will be able to join Wright, in rear of the enemy, with at least 10,000 men, besides a force sufficient to hold Maryland Heights. I think, on reflection, it would have a bad effect for me to leave here, and with General Ord at Baltimore, and Hunter and Wright with the forces following the enemy up, could do no good. I have great faith that the enemy will never be able to get back with much of his force. liT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 10, 186412.30 p. in. (Received 9 l~. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff: I have sent no troops to Baltimore except Ricketts division and the dismounted cavalry. Two divisions, the balance of the Sixth Corps, are now on their way to Washington, the advance~iaving sailed at 10 a. m. The remainder are embarking and starting as fast as the steam- ers are loaded. I have sent General Ord to Washington. I would give more for him as a commander in the field than most of the generals now in Maryland. Probably it would be well to send him to Baltimore to command and hold the place, forcing into service for the purpose, if necessary, all citizens capable of bearing arms. He should also have discretion to move out against the enemy. All other force, it looks to me, should be collected in rear of the enemy about Edwards Ferry and follow him up and cut off retreat if possible. All losses sustained by loyal citizens can be paid back to them by contributions collected fronr rebel sympathizers after the enemy is got rid of. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 10, 18641.30 p. m. (Received 8.40 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Statf: General Orders, No. 225, of July 7, 1864, would take the Eighteenth Corps from the Department of Virginia and North Carolina and leave it a separate command, thus giving a third army in the field. As the Tenth Corps is also serving ere, I would not desire this change made, but simply want General Smith assigned to the command of the Eight- eenth Corps, and if there is no objection to a brigadier-general holding such a positon, General W. T. H. Brooks to the command of the Tenth Corps, leaving both these corps in the department as before, the head Page 123 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 quarters of which is at Fortress Monroe. Wheii the Nineteenth Corps arrives, I will add it to the same department. I will take the liberty of suspending this order until I hear again. I will ask to have General Franklin assigned to the active command in the field, under General Butlers orders, as soon as he is fit for duty. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, 1). C., July 10, 18643.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: Your telegram of 6 p. m. yesterday is received. Whether you had better come here or remain there is a question upon which I cannot advise. - What you say about getting into Earlys rear is perfectly correct, but unfortunately we have no forces here for the field. All such forces were sent to you long ago. What we have here are raw militia, invalids, convalescents from the hospitals, a few dismounted batteries, and the dismouiited and disorganized cavalry sent up from James River. With these we expect to defend our immense depots of stores and the line of intrenchments around the city; but what can we do with such forces in the field against a column of 20,000 veterans? One-half of the men cannot march at all. The only men fit for the field was Ricketts division, which has been defeated amid badly cut up under Wallace. If the remains can hold Baltimore until we can re-cimforce it I shall be satisfied. I sent invalid troops from here this morning to assist them. I can draw nothing from Harpers Ferry until Hunter effects his junction. When Hunters army gets within reach and the Sixth Corps arrives what you propose caii probably be done. Sulli- vans division has reached Hedgesvihle, and Crooks is passing Cumber- land. How strong these are, and where the remainder of Hunters army is, I cannot ascertain. Rumor says that it has lost almost every- thing and is badly cut up. Only one battalion of heavy artillery has reached here~ the other two went with Ricketts, amid what is left of them is probably retreating omi Baltimore. We are impressing horses to remount the cavalry. It arrives destitute of everything; there is necessary delay in preparing it for service. II. W. HALL ECK, Major- General and Chief ,f Staff. CITY PoINT, July 10, 1864. (Receive(l 2.05 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: A telegram of the 9th from Baltimore, 11.30 a. in., states that the operator at Monocacy reports severe fighting near that point, the ad- vance of the enemy being within three-quarters of a mile of Monocacy on the road from Frederick to Georgetown. Another telegram at 1 p. in., from a point thirty miles east of Monocacy, states that the re- ports from Monocacy by the last train that left that place were that a battle was then in progress. Later advices report that our troops under General Wallace were driven back. The rebel troops are estimated at from 15,000 to 20,000 strong, under Breckinridge, Brad. Johnson, and McCausland. Telegrams of to-day report our forces stil Page 124 124 OPERATIONS IN SE VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. LII. retreating toward Baltimore. A l)aLt of Ricketts division are covering the retreat. Hunter, on the 9th, reports himself at Cumberland, and says his advance divisloit was theii on Cherry Run. lie is moving for- ward as rapidly as possible. Sherman has effected lodgments across the Chattahoochee at two points, viz, near the month of Soap Creek and at Roswdfl. He will make these points secure before crossing his main army. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITx POINT, VA., July 10, 1RGI11.4() r. i~. Major.General MEADE, Commanding, (CT. Not receiving any reply from (~Teneral Lee to commanication~ sent on .thie 8th, I begin to believe it possible that he may have gone on the Maryland campaign, takii g with him considerable re-enforcemeuts from the army in your front. I think it advisable to make a reconnaissance around toward the Weldon road, pmmsliiiig out skirmishers to make the enemy develop himseW and to ascertain if this be the fact. Sheridan might get up 3,000 of his best cavalry to move with such a reconnais- sance. The object would be solely to ascertain if the enemy still occupies his position in full force, and if this can be ascertained without going to the Weldon road, either by swingiug around a heavy line of skir- mishers from Hancocks front to (Irive in the enemys advance pickets and make him develop behind his works, or if it is certainly known by deserters who have come in within the last twenty-four hours that no movement has taken l)lac~e it will be satisfactory. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQIJARTETIS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 10, 186112 rnidnmght. Lieutenant General GRANT: GENERAL: No movements have been reported by deserters; on the contrary, they all agree in stating Hills, Longstreets, and Beauregards forces to be in our front. A negro woman caine in to-night, who lives near the Weldon railroad, who says she heard the soldiers say that yesterday General Lee made it known lie would grant a thirty-days furlough to any soldier who would capture a Yankee soldier. I thimink this plausible, as he undoubtedly desires to know what detachments, if any, you are making. Last night the Sixth Corps when leaving made a great deal of noise, beating marches, blowing calls, and mnaking bon-fires of their camps. rrllis attracted tIme attention of the enemy, and this mornitig at daylight they advanced on a portion of the Second Corps pickets, crying out The Yankees are gone. Our pickets received them with a brisk fire, (lriving them back, wheim all was quieted, and has remained so durimig the (lay. The reconnaissamice you suggest can be made. I see no advantage iii swimiging round the left of the Second Corps, as I am satisfied it will only result in con- fronting the enemy in his works, but tIme corps, with the cavalry, cami be sent on the Weldon road, which will, I have no doubt, develop a force of the enemy, amid perhaps bring some out of the Petersburg lines; will it take to-morrow, however, to get the cavalry up here Page 125 c~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 125 There have been several deserters iii to-day, some coming in as late as 10 a. in., up to which time there had been no changes in Hills or Longstreets corps; they kmiew nothin of Beauregards corps. Unless otherwise directed, I shall send the Second Corps to the Weldon road as soon as I can get a brigade of cavalry up here to go with it. I have just learned that two miieii from the Forty-eighth Mississippi, i\Jahones division, Hills corps, have been captured by our men, they having come into the trenches to exchange papers. These mcii say they have heard iiothiug of any recent movement of any part of their army, and that Hill and Longstreet are now iii our front. I have a scout out who expects to get into Petersburg, but I do not look for his return before to-ni orrow night. GEG. G. MEADE, lfajor- General, Commanding. IIEADOIJARTER8 ARMY OF NORTHERN VIReTiNJA, July 10, 1864. Lent. Gen. 11. S. GRANT, (Join mending U. S. Arm ie8 GENERAL: Your letters with reference to Mrs. Wadsworth and Mrs. Sackett are received. I have directed inquiries to be made for th~ ef fects of the late General Wadsworth, and if they can be found will take great pleasure in restoring them to his widow. I have also taken measures to ascertain the condition, and whereabouts of Colonel Sackett, and the imiformation you ask shall be conveyed to you as soon as it can be ascertained. I regret, however, th a~t it is not in my power to permit Mrs. Sackett to visit her husband at this time. The reasons that induce me to withhold my consent are apphic~ble to the route she proposes to take, as indicated by you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. E. LEE, General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OF~JCE OF CHIEF ENGINEER, July 10, 1864. Major-General HITMPHREYS, Chhf of Staff, Arin~~ of the Potomac: In conformity with in structions contained in paragraj)lL 2 of orders dated June [July] 9, we submit the following plan for time operations against the enemys works in front of the line oecupied by this army: First. The lines of the enemy being in front of the crest that over- looks Petersburg, time object to be attained is the possession of this crest, which will probably decide the fate of Petersburg. Second. The general direction of time enemys hue from opposite the right of the Ninth Corps to the left of the Fifth is north and south; opposite the left of the Fifth Corps, near the plank or Jerusalem road the line turns to the west, forming an angle with the ~st, somewhat greater than a right angle. Third. The line is indented, and tlmus affords to a certain extent flank defense. At immtervals batteries are placed, which may be increased in number almost at ~vill. At certain parts, and notably at time angle and to the west of and imear the idank road, there are strong redoubts pre- pared for guims, an(1 within the angle the ground -is favorable for the construction by time enemy of imiterior immtrenchments Page 126 126 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. Lu. Fourth. The salient, formed by the redoubt at the angle of the enemys liRe, flanks that part of the line in front of the Ninth Corps. Its dis- tance from the line of the Fifth Corps varies from 400 to 800 yards. From the salient to the redoubt south of it, some 500 yards, the works face a space of apparently smooth open plain. Between the Fifth Corps and the salient a ravine commences, rapidly deepening becomes quite deep in front of the Ninth Corps, which has passed it at one point aiid effected a lodgment within about 150 yards of the enemys line and immediately in front of one of his batteries. Toward this General Burn~ side is running a mine, with the intention of destroying the battery and Immediately assaulting the works, and if possible gaining the crest overlooking Petersburg. Fifth. To render an assault successful, it is necessary to destroy the obstructions, abatis, palisades, & c., in front of this line, to silence, if practicable, the guns, and especially tb capture or effectually silence the redoubt at the salient of the enemys line, which not only flanks that line, but sweeps the ground on which the supports to the assaulting column must pass. Sixth. To destroy or to occupy the salient regular approaches are the proper means. The ground in front is favorable as a whole, and in the reports of the chief of artillery and myself of the 6th instant this plan was proposed. The recent reduction of force of the army will not, it is understood, permit the occupation of any ground in front of the south line of the enemys defenses, and we are therefore limited to such oper- ations as we can effect on a line parallel to that of the enemy facing east. Seventh. To effect this the lines now occupied by the Fifth Corps should be advanced asfar as practicable, if possible to the edge of the ravine before mentioned, and as much artillery as can be safely and advantageously usedT placed in battery. Artillery should also be placed in position in Burnsides front, not only for his direct fire, but to bear upon the salient and batteries in front of the Fifth and Eighteenth Corps. Eighth. The enemys fire being silenced approaches should be made if practicable across the ravine, and possession so gained of the angle, and the way cleared at the same time for the assault by the Ninth Corps. The ming should not be strung until all the preparations for an assault are made. Njnth. The crest above the enemys present line may be crowned with batteries by him. Its possession gives the defense great advantage over the attack. If the assault is successful an immediate and vigorous attempt should be made to get possession of the crest. Should it fail the assaulting troops should make good a lodgment as far in advance as practicable, and operations be continued from the salient to get pos- session of the crest behind it. To do this it will probably be necessary to occupy more ground to our left. Tenth. Should these operations offer to the enemy in front of the Eighteenth Corps means of annoyance, which are not at present very apparent, the necessary measures must be taken to overcome them as they develop themselves. Eleventh. The advantages of position on the part of the enemy, with the restricted numbers which will prevent our making use of the ground which would envelop him, will make the success of our operations diffi- cult and probably costly, both in time and men. J. C. DUANE, Major of Engineers. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- (frneral and (Jitief of Artillery Page 127 CHAi. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~UNIO7N. 127 [Indorsement.] The above project, being in conformity with my views, is approved and adopted. The operations against the salient on the plank road and the battery in front of the Ninth Corps will be at once commenced. GEG. G. MEADE, Jlajor- General. CITY PoINT, July 10, 186410.30 a. in. Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, (Received 4.30 ~. in.) Quartermaster- General: General Wright left at 10 a. m. His troops number 11,000. They are embarking rapidly. There are boats enough here now for 7,000. I expect more boats will arrive in time. General Wrights trains are left behind. . artillery and RUFUS INGALLS, Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, July 10, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Four deserters from Finegans (Florida) brigade, one from the Ninth Regiment, the others from the First Battalion, came into our lines this morning on the front of the Fifth Corps. They state that night befi)re last they relieved Wrights brigade, which went in reserve. Their bri- gade had beeii in reserve for more than a week. They have little knowl- edge of what is going on outside of their division. The troops have been at work lately constructing fortified passages, to enable the reserves and troops from different points on the line to re-enforce any part of the front without having to uncover themselves. They all com- plain of short rations. A quarter of a pouiid of bacon, three-quarters of a pound of corn meal, and a. little sugar and coffee once a week has been the ration for some time past. Absurd camp rumors regarding Earlys movements are afloat in their division but they know nothing reliable concerning him. Very respectfully, J. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROYOST-MARSHAL4IENERALS DEPARTMENT, July 10, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Two colored men, representing themselves to be firemen lately employed on the Weldon and Petersburg Railroad, came into the lines of the Second Army Corps about 8 oclock last evening. They left Petersburg about dark. They live near the railroad shops, and not being permitted to go about the city or the lines can give little information except on railroad matters. One train ran through t Page 128 128 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL Weldon night before last, the first since the repair of the road. There are now at Petersburg belonging to the Weldon railroad fifteen engines, twenty-one passenger-cars, and thirty box-cars. It was in- tended that these cars and engines should have been run off last Friday. Mr. Alsop, the yard superintendent, said that General Lee had given an order that it was unsafe yet to run them throngh, and that notice would be given when it could be done. The engines were all fired up yesterday afternoon, and our informants fearing they would have to go south with them made their way into our lines, coming by the way of the Six-Mile Station. They have not been through on the road since it was cut. They understand that large quantities of supplies have been drawn by wagons from Stony Creek Station, the larger part of which are taken across the Appomattox on the upper bridge near the canal basin, and from there to the depot of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad near Dunlops house, about one mile and a half above Peters- burg. One of these men, while near the provost-marshals office at Peters- burg a few days since, heard portions of a conversation between Gen- eral Beauregard and the provost-marshal, Major Kerr. General Beau- regard remarked that If I had two lines of battle I would attack them at once, but I have hardly a line and a half. Our shell have done considerable damage iii the city, particularly to the Government rail- road bridges across the Appomattox River. Three deserters from the Sixty-first Virginia Regiment, Mahones old brigade, of Mahones divis- ion, came into the lines of the Third Division, Second Army Corps, about 3 oclock this a. m. Tl~e~ make the following important state- ment, which we think reliable, as previous information goes to corrob- orate it: That on the return of Mahones division from their expedi- tion down the Weldon yailroad, four or five days since, they relieved Wilcoxs division, which was then lying on the extreme right of A. P. Hills corps and adjoining Longstreets right; that Wilcoxs division went to Chaffins Bluff on the north side of the James. They all speak positively of this, and think there can be no doubt of it. ileths divis- ion forms the extreme right of the line, not extending to the railroad by a considerable distance. Finegans brigade is in reserve to the rear of Mahones division. A division, which they think is Hokes, is in reserve directly in rear of Longstreets right, their left. They think the force with Early is as follows: All of Ewells old corps, Breckinridges entire division (three brigades, one of which is MeCauslands brigade of mounted infantry), Maryland Line, Col. B. T. Johnson. NoTE.Latest estimates of the above force would foot up about 15,000 infantry, 1,000 mounted infantry, 500 cavalry; total, 16,500. The greater portion of Ewells artillery was left behind at Chaffins Bluffi All of which is repeetfully submitted by your obedient seEvant, J. C. BABCOCK. lludorscrneut. I IIEADQVAR.TEIIS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 10, 186411.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Above dispatch sent for your information. Pickets and signal offi- cers report the passage this a. m. of several trains, confirming the above statement of the negroes that the enemy is running off his roll- ing-stock for security. The report of Wilcoxs division going to Cha Page 129 CHAP. 111.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 fins Bluff would account for the troops seen going some days since from Petersburg. I am of the opinion the estimate of Earlys forces is too low. I should think he had in the Yalley nearly 25,000 men. GEG. G. MEADE, Miajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of AStaff: July 10, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report: Another train of nine box-cars and two platform-cars has just passed south on the Weldon railroad. The platform-cars seemed to he loaded with material, timber or ties. Neix- VCS })CCttilllY, yOiii ObQdiClIt servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain (f/al Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: July 10, 1864. GENERAL: The officer on station at the plank road did not see any but one train go down the railroad, but from what I could ascertain along the line there have been manifestly several trains that have passed down this morning. I have the honor, general, to b~, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. JULY 10, 1864. Captain FIsHER: Intercepted rebel message: Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: No ipovement of importance visible in enemys camp about Cobbs. One gun- boat and one transport above pontoon bridge and two schooners below it. (Same to A. B.) P. S.: Very hazy to-day. GRAS. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, Captain FISHER July 10, 18644 p. m. Chief Signal Officer, Headquarter8 Army of the Potomac: Intercepted messages: 2 P.M. Colonel BRENT, Assistani Adjutant-General: Thirty-five wagons have passed open space going from enemys frout toward Cobbs. W. S. L., At C. (Same to A. B.) 9 R RvOL XL, PT II Page 130 130 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. 2.30 r. M. Colonel BRENT, A88Istant Adjutant-General: Horsemen, wagons, and ambulances h~e been constantly passing pontoon bridge, coming from Prince George side toward Cobbs. Heavy clouds of dust on the Prince George side indicate unusual activity of the enemy. W. S. L., At C. (Same to A. B.) Have seen the smoke from a locomotive at the Weldon railroad depot for an hour past. Four more wagons, apparently loaded, just passed toward city on Richmond and Petersburg road. CHAS L. DAVIS, Captain, Signal Corps. PLAN I~ ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 10, 18647 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER: At 4 p. m. a small body of infantry, numbering about 250, moved to our left near Weldon railroad. Seemed to be a picket relief as they marched toward their line. Nothing further since last roport. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. I do not understand how these iiien could march to oar left and toward their line also. B. F. FISHER. They marched from lead-works in southeast direction, and would, necessarily, strike their picket-line in front of the left of Second Corps or Sixth Corps line. J. B. D. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, July 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward for your information the fol- lowing report which has just been received: PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 10, 186410.30 p.m. Captain FISHER: A train of ten box-cars and one platform-car has just passed south on the Weldon railroad. Could not tell what it was loaded with. DUFF, Lieutenant. I am, general, vt~ry respectfully, your obedient servant, By order: WM. S. STRYKER. First Lieutenant and Adjutant of Signal Corps Page 131 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, General WILLIAMS, July 10, 18648.50 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: The following changes have taken place in my line since las~report: All the reserve troops have been placed in line to extend my line to the left, taking np the intrenchment vacated by Sixth Corps. I have relieved Sixth Corps picket-line. General Ferrero has reported to me with his division and forms the left of my line, extending nearly to the plank road. WJNFD S. HA.NCOCK, ]Iiiajor- General. IIEADQITARTER8 SECOND (oRP8 July 10, 1864. General IIUMPHREYS: The picket officer of the day reports that this morning at daylight the enemys pickets advanced on the right of General Birneys line, crying ont, The Yanks have gone. They were fired upon and a num- ber killed. The firing extended to the right and left. They probably inferred that we had gone from having heard the marches boots and saddles, & c., and having seen the fires~ caused by bnrning refase iiiaterial, which continued until 3 oclock. If General Crawford~will pnt in his reserve brigade I can get a brigade. I can get one or two brigades now in reserve for the left, which (loes not now extend to the plank road. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. [Ildor8dn,ent. 1 Is it necessary to say anything to General Warren about this? Is it worth while to make any change? A.H.ll., Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, July 10, 18642.30 p. m. (Received 2.4~ p. in.) Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: Your dispatch received. As material changes will be made in the lines as soon as the redonbts are finished, probably to-morrow, the com- manding general considers it nnnecessary to make any new disposition of the troops of the Fifth Corps. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Jaly 10, 18649 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have nothing new to report since my report of this morning. The interior arrangement of my line has been somewhat modified, so as t Page 132 132 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. consolidate the troops of each division. Several contrabands and deserters have been sent up during the day, notice having been given in each case to Major-General Humplireys. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 10, 18649.05 a. m. General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The fo1lowin~ just received from Colonel Bryan: Trains of cars are passing on the Weldon railroad in rapid succession. Since sending the two negroes four trains have passed, and another is now going. T. M. BRYAN, JR., Colonel, Commanding. C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 10, 1864. (Received 9.40 a. in.) General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I will send out to Colonel Bryan and find which way the cars were going, but I have no doubt they were going from Petersburg. The negro I sent this morning stated that the Weldon railroad was done, and four- teen to fifteen engines and passenger-cars ready to go out. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 10, 1864. (Received 9.50 a. in.) General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Staff: The negroes this morning sent over to your headquarters say that all the citizens have moved out of Petersburg to Dunns Hill; that the town is out of provisions, & c. W1NFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 10, 1864. General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The following dispatch just received: Another train has passed, say hetween 10.30 and 11 a. in., going south, so my scouts report. T. M. BRYAN, JR., Colonel, 4Nc. C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant-Colonel, & c Page 133 CHAP. Lfl.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 133 HEADQUARTERS CAvALRY CORPS, Jordans Point, July 10, 1864. Col. T. M. BRYAN, Jr., Commanding Provisional Brigade, Cavalry: Brigadier-General Gregg, commanding Second Cavalry Division, has been ordered to send out a regiment from his command and relieve the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavairy, now doing duty with you. Very respectfully, & c. JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of A.ta/J HEADQUAR~ERS DETACHMENT CAVALRY CORPS, July 10, 1864. Lieut. Col. C. H. MORGAN, Chief of & aff: COLONEL: I seud you by bearer a negro woman who lives in sight of the railroad near Doctor Gurleys house. She says the cars passed up once yesterday toward Petersburg and came back. Had on them sol- diers as they went toward Petersburg. She saw three trains go out from Petersburg this morning; the cars were empty. She says General Lee told the soldiers yesterday if they would capture for him one Yankee he would give the man who did it thirty days furlough. A scout sent out in front of the Gurley house got within twenty or thirty yards of the enemys pickets and saw the men in little pits, very much like our infantry skirmishers or pickets use; says that in the one on the road there w-ere two, and a few moments after four others with bayonets fixed came walking down the road toward it. They did not see him, as he. was concealed by bushes. Tie is of the opinion that their line is a picket-line protected by small rifie~pits. I send this in Colonel Bryans absence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. CARPENTER, Captain and Actinq Assistant Adjutant- Ucuera 1. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 10, 1864. The following changes in the dispositions of troops is ordered and will take place at 1 p. m. to-day: The right brigade First Division fo re- lieve the right brigade of General Gibbons division, which will take position on General Gibbons left. The regimnents detached from the Third Division return to their proper commands, and General Birney will then occupy tlmat portion of the line vacated by the right brigade of the First Division. Division conmmanders are requested to be pres- cut during these operations, so that in case of any trouble during the shiftimig of troops the necessary orders mnay be given to meet the emergency. In case of any firing or indications of an advance of the enemy at the hour mentioned, the movements will be postponed until furkher orders. By commuand of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 134 134 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. cx (CHA1~. LII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvISIoN, SECOND CORPS, July 10, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, ~eeond Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders 1 have relieved the Sixth Corps picket-line by the brigade of General Miles. The whole brigade is required for this purpose, leaving none of it for the earth-works near the Williams house. In rel!~ving my own picket-line I shall be obliged to supply the place of the 150 men of General Miles brigade now on that line by a detail from the front line of my division, which will somewhat weaken that front line. 1 think, however, that the line of earth-works can be held, even with this reduction. IRespectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General, (Jommandinq Dirision. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 10, 1864. Brigadier-General MILES, Commanding First Brigade: GENERAL: Your brigade will remain on its present duty probably for a tour of three days. During that time it will be under the im- mediate orders of the major-general commanding the corps, so far as performance of picket duty is concerned. You will please communicate with the corps commander by reports and otherwise several times daily. You will also please report to me direct anything of moment that occurs. Please inform me at once how many posts you have and how many supports and reserves, and the strength of each. You will have to make some arrangement to allow part of your men to rest and sleep. Please let me know how long a tour of duty your cOmman(l will stand with the rest which you can give them. In case you should be attacked amid driven in you will occupy and hold the rifle-pits near the Williams house, on the left of General Gibbon. You will direct the rations due to-morrow morning to be issued in your present position. Of course, you will strengthen your picket-line by all the means in your power. Respectfully, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General ~f Volunteers, Comm an ding. HEADQITARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, July 10, 1864. Lieut. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, $eeond Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the regiments of this divis- ion ordered to General Gibbons command have returned, and are now in the rifle-pits which were held by a brigade of the First Division, Second Corps, which has been removed to another position. No changes have taken place in the intrenchments of this division, and no new roads have beemi opened since my last report. I am, colonel, very respectfully, & c., D. B. BIRNEY, M~or- General of Volunteers Page 135 CHAP. LII.] CORI~ESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 135 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECONI) ARMY CORPS, July 10, 1864. Licutenant-Colnuel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Cokps: SIR: During the night I complied with orders by sending all of my reserve regiments to the left, placing them in position there. As these regiments are not my most reliable troops, and are taken from each brigade, and of course not properly organized for efficient service de- tached, I would suggest to the major-general commanding corps my preference to relieving all of the First Division, taking its front, thus allowing that division to move to the left. As at present arranged my brigades are disorganized and my conunand is not in hand. I am, your obedient servant, I). B. BIRNEY, lEa jor- General ~f Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 10, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Third DEcision: GENERAL: The major-general commanding instructs me to acknowl- edge the receipt of your communication of this morning, and to say that it has all along been his understanding that you had a reserve brigade, or at least a portion of a brigade, regularly organized in reserve, as the other divisions had, and not that each brigade had regiments in reserve. A similar movement to this was effected the other day, when it was believed that the brigade sent by you to the left was an organ- ized one. As such a movement was likely to occur again, it seems that it would have been better to have had such a 1)rigade for that purpose instead of detached regiments. Very respectfully, your obe(Iient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, A ssistant Adjutant- General. IIEADQITAR~ERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 10, 18648.45 a. m. General SETH WILLIAMS: All quiet during the night. G. K. WARREN, Miajor- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 10, 1864. General WILLIAMS: All quiet during the day. G. K. WARREN, ilfajor- General. HEADQUARTERS THWn 1)1 VI 81 ON, FIFTH CORPS, July 10, 1864. Lient. Col. FREDERICK T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a Thw exchange shots were fired this morning about 3 oclock betweeim the pickets in front of th Page 136 136 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. left brigade of my advanced line. The fire was opened by the enemys pickets and replied to by about fifty shots from mine, after which the line was again quiet as before. No loss occurred on our side. Occa- sional shots were fired from the enemys battery opposite the rig}iit of our line seemingly directed to the fortifications near the First Divisioit. Some two or three were thrown to my left toward the Second Corps from a battery oti the enemys right. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFOR1), Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD J)nTIsION, FIFTH ARMY Coups, July 10, 18642.80 p. m. General WARREN: General Hancock desires that I should move to the left and occupy about 400 yards of the line now held by Birney. I can do this if you approve and would recommend it, as otherwise I may be called upon to send my reserve brigade to the extreme left, the whole of the Second Corps being in line at present. Respectfully, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier- General. General CRAWFORD: The major-general commanding authorizes you to move up on the line now occupied by General Birney, as you propose. FRED. T. LOCKE, A s8istan t Adjutant- General. ORDERS.1 - HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, July 10, 1864. The troops will at once embark in the order of their march, under the direction of the division commander. On their arrival in Washing- ton the troops will not disembark, bat the boats will remain in the stream until further orders from these headquarters. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 10, 18649 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of ~ta if: I have the honor to report almost entire quiet along my line during the night. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General Page 137 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 137 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS. July 10, 1R649 p. m. Major-General JTUMPHREYS: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet without change on my line to-day. This evening there is some little firing. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 10, i~G4. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, A. A. G., Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the night has been unusu- ally quiet on our line, and nothing worthy of note having occurred. Captain Rogers has gone into position on the artillery line with his batteries. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, liriga dier- General, Commanding. HEADQLTARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 10, lSb4R a. m. [Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General :1 COLONEL: I have the honor to report all quiet on my lines during the night, except in front of the left of Hartranfts brigade, where. there was some musketry flriiig. I conitnenced throwing up cover for a new battery, last night, on the left of Battery Mortoii, for the better protection of Ilartranfts left, which turns rather abruptly to the rear, exposino his line to an enfiladino fire. Very, respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Briqad wr-U en era 1, Comm andinq. General FERRERO: VJITLY 10, 1864.] The commandin~ general directs that you send the batteries that are with you to report to these headquarters at an eary hour iii the morn- Pig, and your batteries will be sent to replace them. yours, very respectfully, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIEADQITARTEuS FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 10, IRGI. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, it. A. (L, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: One battery was sent to yOu yesterday. The other one is now in position alI(l can be relieved at any time, but 1 cannot sen(t aw-av until it it 1 aiii, s relieved by another. colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant EI)W. FERREIIO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Two batteries are needed here. The orderly conveying this can guide them here, it you choose to have him wait Page 138 138 OPE1~ATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC July 10, 1864950 a. m. Major-GeneI~al SHERiDAN, Carairy Corps: A band of guerrillas is reported as infesting the old Norfolk road. The commanding general directs that they be looked after and that the other roads be well scouted. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of 8tfl~ hEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS July 10, 1864. Capt. C. N. TURNEULL, Engineer Department, Army of the Potomac: General Sheridan wants fifteen pontoon boats; if he cant get that many, say twelve. The general desires you to see Wlajor Duane, chief engineer, Army of the Potomac, and if we are to have a pontoon train have Major Duane order it here at once so that it may be put in shape. JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant- Colonel qnd Chief of AStaff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND l)JvIsIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, July 10, 1864. Col. J. I. GREGG, Commanding Second Brigade, Second Dirision: COLONEL: Iii compliance with instructions from the major-general commanding Cavalry Corps, you will send a regiment from your brigade to relieve the Eighth Pennsylvania, now on duty with Colonel Bryan, at headquarters Army of the Potomac. The Eighth Pennsylvania, on being relieved, will return to your brigade. Very respectfhlly, your obedient servant, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Vois., Comdg. Second Dirision of Caralry. HEADQUARTERS SiEGE TRAIN, July 10, 1864. Capt. GEORGE T. BALCH, Assistant Chief of Ordnance: DEAR CAPTAIN: Will you please order that all ammunition shipped to me shall be sent on barges or schooners l I have orders to keep my train afloat, except the daily demands, and have no facilities for trans- ferring from steamers to barges here. If the quartermasters under- stand this from the ordnance officers all trouble will be avoided. I require about twenty sets of powder measures, a dozen gunners levels, some dozen ponnds of chalk, witl a large supply of friction-primers, say 50,000, and of assorted fuses, say 20,000. Please (lirect them and all umy train to be invoiced to Captain Hatfield. I constantly receive iii- voices myself. He is my acting ordnance officer, and I am repomisible for nothing personally. Your obedient servant, HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding Page 139 CHAP. LII.j CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 139 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, July 10, 18646 a. m. Col. II. L. ABBOT, Commanding AS~iege Train, Broadway Landing: Lieutenant Sargeant with his detachment did not arrive until it was too late to put the mortars in position. Six wagons have been unloaded awl sent back, but the rest of the mortar train stand near here. Can I keep it until (lark to-night ~? It will cause much trouble if I try to unload it to-day an(l to find transportation and load it again to-night. THOS. S. TRUMBULL, Major First Connecticut Artillery. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 10. 1864. General WEITZEL: Did the general leave my paper with General Grant ~ W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 10, 1864. General BROOKS, Tenth Army Corps: lie did. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief (f Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 10, 186411.85 a. m. Brig. Gen. XV. T. H. BROOKS, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: I have seen Lieutenant-General Grant upoii the matter upon which we were conversing, and he informs me that be has come to the conclu- sion to recommend you for appointment as major-general. Will that alter your wishes upon the acceptance of your resignation ~? BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. JULY 10, 1864. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant- General Grants Headquarters: Will you do me the favor to ask the general if he has acted on the paper handed to him yesterday by General Butler6? If not, will he not please act on it soon 6? W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General Page 140 140 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LU. HEADQUARTERS EIOIITEENTH Ani~iv CORPS, July 10, 18(54a. m. [General TURNER:] GENERAL: The general commanding the corps directs me to say that a deserter reports an intended attack of the enemy at daylight this morning. No serions attack is apprehended, still the necessary precau- tions will be taken. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JNO. CURTIS TYLER, Major, & c., A ide-(le- Camp, General Smiths Staff I Iiidors~meot.] JULY 10, 18642.40 a. m. Respectfully referred to brigade commanders, who will have their commands under arms before daylight, and every precaution taken Colonel Bell, Colonel Curtis, Colonel Duncan, Lieutenant-Colonel Coan. By order of General Turner: ISRAEL R. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventh New York, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen. hEADQUARTERS FIRST I)vVISIoN, TENTH ARMY CORPS In the Field Va., July 10, 1864. Col. J. R. HAWLEY, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Second Brigade: COLONEL: 1 am directed by the. brigadier-general commanding to send you the inclosed statemneiit of the percentage of sick among the troops of this command, and to call your attention to the fact that the sanitary condition of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers is worse than that of any other regiment of the division, and, also, that the other reg- iments of your command, while comparing favorably with those of the First Brigade, show a much larger sick-list than those of the Third Bri- gade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosnie. 1 Percentage of the sick among the hoops of the First Divi8ion, Tenth Army Corps. Commissioned officers. Enlisted men. Troops. Present Present Percent. p resent Present Percent. sick, sick. sick, sick. First Bj gade. 85th Pennsylvania volunteers 15 1 6. 7+ 396 77 19. 4+ 19th Illinoi~ volunteers 16 1 18. 7+ 519 102 19. 6+ 62d Ohio volunteers 24 1 4. 2+ 522 87 16.1 67th Ohio volunteers 20 2 10. 545 106 19. 4+ Total 75 9.3+ 1,982 372 18. Page 141 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 141 Percentage of the sick among the troop8 of the First Division, ~5-c.Cuntinued. I Commissioned officers. Enlisted 00en. Troops. I PresentlPer cent. Present Per cent. Present sick. Presei it sick, sick. sick. Second Brigade. 7th Connecticut Volunteers 16 1 18. 8 489 101 20. 7 7th New Hampshire Volunteers 22 1 4. 5+ 406 45 11. 1 6th Connecticut Volunteers 21 2 9. 5+- 555 77 13. 9 3d New Hampshire Volunteers 27 7 26. 548 70 12. 8- Total 86 13 15.1+ 1.998 293 14.7 Third Brigade. 11th INlaine Volunteers 21 1 14. 3 5o:i 19 7. 8- 100th New York Volunteers 19 426 20 4. 7 24th Massachusetts Volunteers 21 1 14. i 589 51 8.7- 10th Connecticut Volunteers 24 3 12. 5 521 43 8. 2+ 1st Maryland Cavalry . 29 4 13. 7 677 is 5. 9 Total 114 11.4 2,718 188 6.9+ Company M, 1st U. S. Artillery 1 109 5 4. 9. 1st Connecticut Light Battery 4 126 1 2. 4 5th New Jersey Battery 5 126 3 2. 4 Total 10 361 11 3. + I Total First Division ~85 331 11. 5+ 7, 059 864 12. 2 + HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., July 10, 1864. Col. J. B. HOWELL, Eighty-fifth Penusyirania Volunteers, (iomdg. First Brigade: COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general collimanding to send YOU the inclosed* statenlent ot the percentage sick among the trool)s of this diVision and to call your attelltion to the fact tilat each of the four regiments of your brigade is in a worse sanitary condition tllau ai~y other, with but one exceptioll, ill the command, and that the average 4)f the First Brigade is nearly 19 per cent. as compared with 15 per cent. in the Second Brigade, and 7 per cent. in the Third Brigade. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT POWHATAN, ~hdy 10, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: I have had the telegraph wire repaired below here, a11d I have got reason to believe that the inhabitants along the line protect and harbor the men that destroy it. My officer reports they were fired upon three times from houses on Cabin Point. What course shall I pursne in regard to citizens along line ~ (4. S. INNIS, Colonel, Commanding 1~ost. See Terry to Hawley, next, ante Page 142 142 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. FORT MONROE, July 10, 186410.1.5 a. in. General HALLEcK: None have arrived yet. J. W. S[HAFFER], Colonel and Chief of Staff. FORT MONROE, VA., July 10, 18641 p. in. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, City Point: Steamer Crescent has just arrived with troops from New Orleans, and has been ordered to Washington. J. W. SHAFFER, Colonel and Chief of Staff. (Same to Major-General ilalleck.) CITY POINT, July 10, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER: Yes order them all to Washington. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. SUFFOLK, July 10, IRGIli a. m. Brigadier-General VOGDES, Portsmouth, Va.: My scouts report nothing in my way this side of Smithfield. Clal- bornes regiment Georgia cavalry are at Hardens Blnff, on the James River. I can easily whip them. J. H. SHAFFER, Captain and Aide-de- Camp. [Indorsement .1 Respectftilly forwarded to Captain Johnston for the information of the brigadier-general commanding the district. I. YOGDES, Brigadier- General. POINT LooKouT, July 10, 18649 a. in. Maj. C. H. RAYMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General: All quiet here. JAS. BARNES, Brigadier- General. BALTIMORE, July 10, 18645 p. m. (Received 5.15 p. in.) Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The nndersigned have good reason to believe that an effort will be made to release the 17,000 Confederate prisoners that are now at Point Lookont. We beg leave to call your attention to it. B. F. CAMP. H. STOCKETT MATTHEWS Page 143 Cain. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, July 10, 1864. General PALMER: The following are the contents of a letter just received by flag of truce. Any reply? I will send letter proper by a. m. train: HEADQUARTERS, Kinston, July 8, 1864. General I. N. PALMER, Commanding U. S. Foree8, New Berne, N. C.: GENERAL: Mrs. Bourne, of South Carolina, arrived here safely last evening. She leaves for her home this morning. I should have answered your communication of June 24 before, but Mrs. Colonel Folk wished to send a bundle to Colonel Folk. I was waiting to receive it from her. The package arrived here last night, which I forward to you. You will please forward it to him if he has left. 1 send also a package of letters by flag. You will please forward them to prisoners. I send also two trunks of Miss Jane A. Clark and sisters. The box for Mrs. W. C. Whitford was not received. If you will have it sent out to Streets Ferry I will have it forwarded to her. Miss Cole will be received if she has permission to leave your lines. An ambulance will be at Streets Ferry in readiness to convey her up on Monday the 11th instant at 10 a. m. I was very sorry to learn by Mrs. Bourne that my pickets fired on your flag near Swift Creek on the 6th instant. It was the fault of the officer in charge of the flag. He should have advanced only two men with the flag when coming in sight of the pickets instead of bringing his troopers all in abreast togetber in a thick country like that he was passing through and a narrow road where the pickets could not see his flag. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN N. WHITFORD, Colonel, Commanding. P. J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, U. S. Volunteers. WASHINGTON, July 11, 18648 a. m. (Received 12th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Yours of 10.30 p. m. yesterday received, and very satisfactory. The enemy will learn of Wrights arrival, and then the difficulty will be to unite Wright and Hunter south of the enemy before he will recross the Potomac. Some firing between iRockville aiid here now. A. LINCOLN. WASHINGTON, July 11, 186412 noon. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.:~ General Wright has just arrived, and a part of his corps will soon be in. He will take position, until ready for the field, near Fort Sum- ner, on the Potomac, above Chain Bridge. We can give him transpor- tation, but very little or no artillery. Please send up his batteries as nearly ready for the field as possible. Enemy close to our lines on Rockville road, skirmishing with our cavalry and pickets. His cavalry advance is pretty strong, with artillery and infantry behind, but how much not ascertained. Accounts from Wallace indicate that he was badly cut up. Militia ordered from New York to Baltimore delayed by the Governor for some reason not explained. Pennsylvania will do nothing to help us. The President has seen your telegram about putting Ord in Wallaces place at Baltimore, but has given me no orders on the subject. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 144 144 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. CITY , VA., July 11, 18G43 p. m. (Received 9 a. m. 12th.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Chief qf Staff: GeneraiW. T. II. Brooks has tendered his resignation, which I approve. If General Ord is not already assigned to duty, or if on temporary duty, I wish to have him assigned to the command of the Tenth Corps, and ordered to it as soon as he can be spared. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POiNT, VA., July 11, 18611.30 a. m. Major-Getieral MEADE, (Joutmandiug, (tC.: Your dispatch of 12 just received. It would seem to quiet all ap- l)rehension about Lee or any considerable l)OrtiOll of his force being gone, and, therefore, obviate the necessity of making any demonstra- tion. Unless necessary, I would prefer beino quiet until we make a real move, and will take what you report as being sufficient evidence of Lee and his forces being still in our front. There is great alarm felt in Washington. Wallace has been whipped at Monocacy bridge, and driven back in great confusion. He had with him a part of Ricketts division~- I have sent Ord up there to command Baltimore, and to press into service every able-bodied man to defend the place, aiid asked that Wright be sent with his two divisions and the one division of the Nineteenth Corps, a portion of which passed Fort Monroe about noon to-day, to form a junction with Hunter, who must be at Harpers Ferry to-night, and for them to follow up in the enemys rear. Taking all to- gether everything looks favorable to me, but I want to av6id the pos- sibility of Lee getting off with a great part of his force without taking advantage of it. I think you had better order Sheridan to get ready for service as soon as possible, but with the assurance that his troops will not be used until it is necessary. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 186111 a. mu. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Nothing of mmportauce occurred on the lines of this army during the past twenty-four hours not previously reported. The redoubts to cover the left flank will be completed to-day and the contraction of the line made by their occupation effected either to night or to-morrow. This contraction will leave the Second Corps free, the lines being held by the Fifth Corps and Ferreros division. A negro came in this morning who lives near Doctor Gurleys house; he reports the enemy having an earth-work where the road from Gnrley~s house crosses the railroad; infantry in it. Does not know of any guns; says the infantry pickets extend along the railroad afiout half a mile below Aikens house, which is below Gurleys; their cavalry pickets extend to Reams Statioii and beyond; at Reams Station reports cavalry in considerable force; trains are reported as passing up and down the road; contents unknown. GEG. G. MEADE, ]Ltajor- General Page 145 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 145 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1864. (Sent 11.15 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHALGENERAI~S DEPARTMENT, July 11, 1864. Maj or-General HUMPHREYS, Chiej of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the Sixty-first Virginia, Mahones division, came into our lines last night between 12 and 1 oclock; he brings important information. Wi]- coxs entire division went to Chaffins Bluff (or farm) about a week ago, and is there now to the best of informants belief. Heths division was under marching orders yesterday with two days cooked rations; they were expected to move at 4p.m.; informant being on picket could not say whether they had moved or not. Wilcoxs division went to Chaffins Bluff to relieve Heths, the latter division returning to our front, took a position on the right of Mahones, extending nearly to the lead-works; this was about the 4th instant. Informant has heard of no other movements; saw ~ome men from the division commanded by Breckinridge two days ago that were visiting in his division. He understands Breckinridge to be in Butlers front. Gen- eral Early is absent with only Ransoms, Gordons, and Rodes divisions, according to informants belief. The rest of his force he has taken from the Valley. NoTE.Early has certainly one brigade, McCauslauds, that was under Breckin- ridge in the Valley, but it has never been in our front; also B. T. Jobesons Maryland Line was under Breckinridge at Cold Harbor. We think informants statement cor- rect, otherwise the force in front of Butler must be very small. General Ewell is in Richmond on the retired list, physically unable to do field duty. Informant heard the major of his regiment make this statement a few days since. No troops are being received via the Weldon railroad, of this informant is positive, though he states a very few furloughed men and convalescents may be returning that way. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. Above forwarded for your information. This is the first intelligence of the return of Breckinridge and is not relied on. Have you any information of Wilcox being at Chaffins farm, or what troops are in front of Butler? in my front. Up to yesterday I was under the belief Wilcox was GEO. CT. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 11, 1864. (Received 12 in.) Major-General MEADE, Commanding, 4~c.: Wilcoxs division crossed the pontoon bridge at Drewrys Bluff about the 2d or 3d, and took station at Chaffins Bluff, where I think it still remains. Deserters come in daily in Butlers front; all saying they belong to Picketts division. There is no other force between Swift 1 Creek and llowletts house. All the prisoners captured in Maryland say they belong to Breckinridges command, but they may belong to McCauslands, Johnsons, and Imbodens brigades and Ransoms cav- alry, all under Breckinridge, whilst the division he brought from West Virginia may still be here. U. S. GRANT, General. 10 R RVOL xL, PT II Page 146 146 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following just received and forwarded: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, J~fly 11, 1864 ~ p m (Sent 2.20 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENER4L: The station north of the City Point railroad in front of Fort Clifton, reports a large column of dust rising in front of the Eighteenth Corps and southwest of Petersburg, but fails to indicate the cause of it, though I suppose they were un- able to tell. There is much traveling upon the Petersburg and Richmond road in both directions, by horsemen, ambulances, and wagons. The following rebel mes- sages taken: Colonel BRENT: One gun-boat above and one below the pontoon. ~ S. L, CO. BUR. L. H. B.: Are you going this p.m. and at what time? When shall H. be ready? Answer. ROUX. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain, & c. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11 186412 m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: HEADQUARTERS ARI~Iv OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROvOsT-MARsHAL GENERAL, July 11, 1864. Major-General Hu~IPIIREvs: GENERAL: A deserter from Eighth Alabania, Mahones (livisiou,Just received from Colonel Bryan, commanding (letachuleut Cavalry Corps. He states that Hills entire corps left the front yesterday at ~ p. ni. Informant was in town when they moved, having a pass lroiii Gencial Sandtrs, communanding his brigade, to purchase mess stores. Came out of Petersburg about 8 P. in., and found his corps bad moved towar(l the Weldon railroad with McIntoshs battalion of artillery. C6uld not find out where or which way they went after they reached the railroad. Was told in Petersburg that the corps was moving, citizens thought to Pennsylvania. Inforni- ant thinks they have gone south down the railroad. About 2 or 3 oclock this a. mu. he saw a train of twenty or more box-cars going into Petersburg, also another about the same length at 4 or 5 oclock. The cars were all closed and no soldiers to be seen on them; thought they run heavy as though they were loaded. That Long- streets corps and Beauregards forces had closed up the space left by the removal of Hills corps. Informant saw the old line Hill had occupie(l filled Rl) again by Long- streets corps and the Washingtomi Artillery moved into the works vacated by Mc- Intoshs battalion. That there are no double lines now, or any reserves. Informant came out of the city along the line nearly all the way. I-Ic says it is the same in length as before. .J. C. BABCOCK. Above .just received. It confirms the intelligence sent at 10.30 from another deserter. There appears no doubt that Hills corps or a por- tion of it moved last evening, but there is nothing to indicate the direc- tion taken. It may prove a movement on our left flank due to the withdrawal of the Sixth Corps. 1 have directed the cavalry on our left to push out scouts in all directions. GEO. U. MEADE Page 147 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 147 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, July ii, 186i1.~o p. ut. Lieutenant-General GRANT: 1 have questioned the last deserter from M~hones (liVisiOn lulls corps. He tells a straight story; that he left his (livision yesterday at Ta. in. on a pass into Petersburg; that on his return at 7 p. m. the division was gone, bag and baggage, hospitals and all; that he under- stood they moved up to the railroad, which he took advantage of by going to the railroad outside the works and following down the rail- road till he got out some three or four miles, wheii he slipped across and caine into our lines. He says lie could hear nothing of his division along the railroad, and saw no stragglers. He says Heths division left at the same time, and that he heard in Petersburg a report that lulls corps was going to Pennsylvania.. Per contra, the signal officer on the Jordan house reports two trains filled with troops and having artillery as passing into Petersburg from iRichinond at 4 a. m. this morning. i think there is no doubt lull has moved, bitt in what direc- tion is as yet uncertain. It may be on our left flank or it may be to join Early. GEO. G. MEADE, Myor- (Jencral Commanding. CITY POINT VA Major-General MEADE, 11, 1S64. Gommanding, ctc.: if HiWs corps has gone we must find out where it has goiie and take advantage of its absence. If your cavalry does not succeed in ascer- taining to-day where it has gone, I think it will be advisable to get up all the well-mounted men of one division of Sheridans cavalry to-night and push it out until definite inforniation is obtained. If they have gone to A ashington we will try to carry Petersburg before detaching frirther froni this army. The best way to accomplish this will probably be by turning the enemys right with Tlancocks and Warrens corps and Sheridans cavalry, with heavy columns of assault from Burusides and Smiths corps on one well chosen point on the front of one or the other of these corps, probably about the Hare house. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- (Jencral. hEADQUARTERs ARMY OF THE POTOMAC Lieutenant-General GRANT: No further information has been obtained of the enemy~s movements since last dispatch. All efforts of our scouts to get through the enemys pickets on the railroad have failed, and the cavalry I have here is so miserable they have done nothing. I have no doubt Hills two divis- ions that were in my front yesterday moved last night, and as nothing has been heard or seen of them on our left flank I conclude they have been sent to re-enforce Early. Intelligence of Earlys success, com- bined with the knowledge of the departure of the sixth Corps, together with a confidence in the strength of his lines and his capability to hold them with a diminished force, has doubtless induced Lee to send Hil Page 148 148 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. in hopes of thus transferring the seat of operations to Maryland and Pennsylvania, by drawing the greater portioii of yonr army there to defend Washington and Baltimore. 1 have ordered a division of cav- alry here, and expect it will be up during the night. 1 have also drawn the Second Corps froih the line it held and by daylight to-morrow will have it massed ready for a move in any direction that may be desired. I am a little doubtful of sending the cavalry division alone, as all the information I have obtained places all of Hamptons cavalry south of the Appomattox, at Stony Creek, Reams, and IDinwiddie Court-House, evidently posted in anticipation of another raid oii our part. There are two negroes out in the enemys lines, who are expected back during the night with some definite information. I shall not give any orders to Hancock or the cavalry to-night, but await the arrival of the latter and more defiuiite information or your instructions. I should have men- tioned as confirming Hills movement that heavy clouds of dust were observed to-day on a road leading northwest from Peter~burg on the north side, and that the following intercepted rebel message was read by onr signal officer: L. H. B. Are you going this p. iii. and at what time? XVhen ~vill H. be ready? Answer. ROUX. TheFe is said to be an officer of the name of Itoux on Lees staff. I had commenced the erection of batteries and other preparations for siege operations on Warrens front, but if there is any probability of his being moved the guns and materials would have first to be sent to the rear; also, Burnside should have some time to prepare to cover his left flank. He has been ordered to make his arrangements. GEG. G. MEADE, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, - OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 11, 18645 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the Forty-eighth Mississippi, Harris brigade, Mahones division, has just been forwarded from the head- quarters of the Fifth Army Corps. He came iiito our lines about 10 oclock last evening. He states that lie left his brigade at their breast- works about 7.20 p. in. yesterday. He had just returned from a visit to Davis (Mississippi) brigade, of Heths division, which lay on the right of Mahones old brigade and formed the left of Heths division; that IDavis and Cookes brigades, of Heths division, had cooked rations, and were under marching orders, expecting to move at dark. He does not know that any other brigades in Heths division were under marching orders] or not. He knew of no marching orders having been issued to his division (Mahones), or any part of it. NoTE.The deserter from the Eighth Alabama, who reported the movement of Hills entire corps, has been confronted with informant to ascertain, if possible, why their statements are so opposite. Having discussed the matter and comparing times we have concluded that bot Page 149 Cim~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 149 may be telling the truth. Informant left his brigade at 7.20 p. in., more than an hour before the other passed along the line, finding the corps had moved. Informant came to our pickets about 8 oclock last night to exchange papers and trade, at which time he had no idea of deserting. Iii conversation with our pickets, having learned that de serters were well treated, lie was induced to remain on this side. Though a deserter, he is a man of considerable intelligence, and may think it is dishonorable to disclose such an important movement to the enemy. We forgot to mention that the deserter from the Eighth Ala- bama Regiment saw the wagon trains of Andersons old division (Ma- hones) harnessed and ready for a move, and the camp of the division hospital broken np. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. hEADQUARTERs ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel SHARPE, July 11, 186410.15 p. in. Deputy Provost-Marshal- General: Have you heard anything from the scouts you were to send to Peters- burg, or from any others G? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Star. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of & aff: GENERAL: Scouts to agent from Petersburg went out this p. m. and return in the morning. Nothing later than the deserter from Mahones division. Respectfally, J. C. BABCOCK. [JULY 11, 1864.For Williams to Hunt and Duane communicating Meades approval of report of 10th instant (p: 125), ~ee Part I, p. 287.] HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, MajQr-General HUMPHREY5, July 11, 1R64. Chief of staff: ~-ENERAL: The enemy are at work on their new line in the rear of front line west of the Gregory house. A train of six box-cars backed out from the lead-works at 6 a. in., and having gone a few hundred yards returned toward the city. I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 150 150 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 11, 18649 a. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER: A small party of rebels is engaged upon the line of works to the left and rear of Gregorys house. They are digging in a ditch in the front of the line, which now appears much larger thait a rifle-pit. All quiet in other (lirectiOll s. I. S. LYON, Lien tenant ((fl (1 AS~U a 1 Officer (Same to Geiieral Warren.) RIVER-BANK, SPRING HILL, July 11. 186411 a. rn. Captain NORTON: The enemy are throwing up a redoubt with a heavy abatis nearly in a direct line between my station and the railroad station, about one mile and a half east of railroad station, on their last line of breast- works. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 11, 18641 p. rn. Capt. B. F. FISHER: The only movement of troops seen to-day was a detachment of about 250 infantry who marched from their picket-line to the camps in the woods north of station and near Petersburg. No troops seen in direc- tion of Weldon railroad. A train of four box-cars passed into city at 11 a. m. No large columns of dust. The wobds south of Petersburg have been on fire. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. [InderMeinlent.] Respectf1ully forwarded. it is the answer .to my inquiry whether columns ot (lust were seen from his station. h. F. FISHER, Captain, die. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAc, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, July 11,J864. Maj. Geit. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Skiff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following reply to your question of this afternoon: JORDANS HOUSE, July 11, 18643.30 p. rn. The column of dust extends across the Appomattox and about two nilles beyond in a northwesterly direction. CLARK, Captaia Page 151 Cw& n. 111.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 151 The signal officer upon the station near Fifth Corps headquarters reports: Parties of enemy still at work shoveling on line of intrenchments to left and rear of Gregorys house. LYON, Lieutenant. By order: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKEIR, First Lieutenant and Adjutant of Signal Corps. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, July 11, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following report from the plank road station: This p. m. discovered the enemy engaged on a new work about one mile and a quarter due north from station on the distant edge of the plain in rear of Gregorys house. The work is curved, with two faces fronting east and south, and seemed to be of considerable strength. It is built with embrasures, and is abont a quarter of a mile in length. The enemy have also been at work since noon on their second line west of plank road. .J. B. DUFF, signal Officer. I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. JULY 11, 1864. Captain FISHER: A huge column of dense smoke rising for the past hour in front of Ninth Corps, south-southwest from here, now disappearing. A few men seen in ~Vorks at Farleys. Some of them have blue pants. Horsemen, ambulances, and wagons passing to and fro on the Richmond and Pe- tersburg road. Rebel messages: L. H. B.: Are you going this p. in.; if so, what time shall H. be ready? Answer. ROUX. 8.15 A. M. Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: One gun-boat above and one below the pontoon. (Same to A. B.) W. S. L. Colonel BRENT: All quiet this a. ni. W. S. L. The statiou that received the messages to Colonel Brent is at a point southwest from here, and near tIme Richmond and Petershuro road. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, ~c Page 152 152 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1864. Captain CLARK, Signal Officer on Jordans House, near General Smith8 Hdqrs: CAPTAIN: You failed to make a report to me this a. m. of matters reported to Colonel Burton. Hereafter you will place in the telegraph office a message for me prior to, or simultaneous with, the one you may hand to a member of Smiths staff. You must strictly bear in mind that you are connected with this army, and that you report to me. How about the cars with troops ~ B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Offlcer JORDAN HOUSE SIGNAL STATION, July 11, 18642 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER: I have made no report to Colonel Burton. At the request of Lieu- tenant Paul, of Colonel Burtons staff; i directed Sergeant Sleeper to report to him to assist in diverting the fire of the 13-inch mortar. I report no movement of troops on railroad. A heavy column of dust in Petersburg, extending about two miles in a northwest direction. T. R. CLARK, Captain and Acting Signal Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, July 11, 1864. Capt. T. R. CLARK, Signal Officer, Eighteenth Corps: Is column of dust all on this side of Appomattox, or does it extend from Petersburg across the Appomattox and two miles from it in a northwest direction ~? * B. F. FISHER, Chief S~qnai Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL I)EPARTMENT, July 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report from the officer at the statiomi near Eighteenth Corps headquarters: Jury 11, 1864. Captain FISHER: - I report no movement of troops on railroad. A heavy column of dust in Peters- burg, extending about two miles in a northwesterly direction. CLARK, Captain. By order: I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant of Signal Corps. * For reply, see p. 1~O Page 153 LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 153 JORDAN HOUSE SIGNAL STATION, Major-General HU1VIPHREYS, July 11, 18643.40 p. m. Chief of Statf: GENERAL: The signal officer at this point says he made no report to Colonel Burton as stated. Neither did any cars go. into Petersburo to-day with his knowledge. B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. WALTHALL hOUSE, July 11, 18647.25 p. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarter8 Army ~f the Potomac: Intercepted the following rebel messages: E. B.: Enemy has opened another mortar battery. It is near Beasleys honse. It carries an 11-inch shell. This makes four mortars hearing on this place; the other three are at Battery No 1. V. H. B. 0. 0. A.: I am going to Richmond to-morrow. Can I do anything for you ~ CALDWELL. CALIAVELL: Call at corner of Eighth and Main streets all(l get a small 1)00k which Mr. 1). Seal has for me. B. E. (3.50 P. M. Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: No movements of troops discovered to-day. One vessel above and one below pon- toons. W. S. L., At C. No movements of any importance seen this p. m. Heavy smoke still hangs over woods in front of Ninth Corps. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, ~fw. INSPECTOR-( ~-ENERALS OFFICE July 11, 1864. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC: GENERAL: I submit the following report of an inspection of the hos- pitals at City Point, made pursuant to instructions contained in your letter of the 9th instant. The number of men on duty there, and the corps to which they be- long, are shown in the following table: Second Fifth Sixth Ninth Cavalry Corps. Corps. Corps. Corps. Corps. Colored. Aggregate. Sergeants 5 4 3 3 .. 1 19 Corporals 7 5 6 6 6 1 31 Muscians 56 13 6 37 1 113 Privates 207 98 113 100 76 13 607 Total 278 120 128 146 83 15 77 Page 154 [CHAP. LII. 154 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. They are employed as nurses and attendants, both day and night, cooks, orderlies, clerks, in transferring the sick and wounded from ambulances and wagons to tents, and from tents to river transports; in pitching and policing tents, making temporary bedsteads, trenching the ground, digging wells, preparation of and cleaning sinks, filling and emptying b.ed-sacks, watering the avenues, cleaning the streets and alleys, erection of arbors, cutting and hauling of wood for kitchens, carrying provisions and supplies from the depots to the kitchens, un- loading quartermasters and subsistence stores from vessels and guard- ino the same; burying the dead, removal of oft~d and dead animals from the vicinity, both on land and water, & c. I am enabled to specify these various duties because the number of men, 770, appearing to be unnecessarily large, I examined the subject closely. I found that there were about 3,200 sick and wounded, and 900 tents, covering an area of several hundred acres, the police of which alone requires a large num- ber of men, particularly in the absence of guards and sentinels, of which there are imone Ilow. The condition of the establishment, and my obser- vation while in it, induce the belief that these duties are well performed, and that there are no idlers there. Indeed, a number of enlisted men having asked to be sent to their regiments for being, as they felt, over- worked, and being refused, left without permission. Stragglers and shirks are immediately turned over to the provost-marshal. The concurrent opinion of all medical officers with whom I have con- ferred is against the employment of convalesceuts for hospital duty; while it is imperfectly performed, it retards their own complete recovery. My own observation shows this opinion to be correct. Few of the duties detailed above can be performed except by well and able-bodied men. It ~-equires strength and activity to raise and carry wounded patients on stretchers from wagons to tents, all(l especially over the rugged and hilly road to the river transports; to pitch tents, to dig sinks, wells, awl graves; to cut and haul wood, or even to raise a sick man to his bath, or to change his clothing in bed, particularly during the oppressive weather. Besides, some men would be found to have no fitness for such duties. This and experience should not be lost sight of in the employ- ment of nurses and attendants. The following table exhibits the number of sick and wounded in the six hospitals, and the name of the chief medical officer in charge of each, July 10, 1864: Remaining a ~ Surgeon in charge. e Z 0 - H Z ____ Second Corps 679 85 11 775 278 Dr. Bnrmeister. Fifth Corps 365 90 455 120 Dr. Faxon. Sixth Corps 339 31 3 375 128 Dr. McDonald. Ninth Corps 274 72 13 359 146 Dr. wheeler. Cavalry 380 35 21 436 83 Dr. Mitchell. Colored 141 6 6 153 15 Dr. Tremaine. Total - 2, 178 319 54 2, 551 770 Rernarks.Since preparation of above the following numubers have arrived: Sixth Corps hospital, 295; Ninth Corps hospital, 300; hospita Page 155 OWAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 155 for U. S. Colored Troops, 59; total, 654. As the Surgeon-General has directed that no more sick are to be sent to Washington this number may be expected to be on the increase daily. The hospitals and appointments are in admirable condition. The patients are clean and neatly clad, the bedding is comfortable, the tents are well aired, and the dispensaries are well supplied with everything. Order and comfort prevail throughout. The condition of the cavalry hospital in charge of Doctor Mitchell could hardly be improved. Guards.For want of a sufficient force, at present there are no guards in or about any of the hospitals. One hundred men, with a comple- ment of officers, could be well employed in guarding public property, preserving order, and enforcing police regulations, thus allowing the labor of the men already there to be applied more immediately to the sick and wounded, which will be necessary when their numbers shall be increased. Respectfully submitted. ED. SCIIRJVEIR Inspector- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 28. July 11, 1864. Until further orders, sutlers whose commands are with this army or which may join it from time to time, will be permitte& to supply their respective commands with such articles as are included in the Wilson bill, and the suI)plemnent thereto, in such manner as may be prescribed by the provost-marshal-general of this army. Officers will l)e permitted to obtain such articles as they may desire, and are not included in the Wilson bill, in the manner provided for by paragraph 5 of a circular issued by the provost-marshal-general of this army November 7, 1862. Attention is called to paragraph 3 of General Orders, No. 105 ,ofDecem- ber 11, 1863, from these headquarters, respecting the delivery of wines and liquors ordered by officers, and to paragraphs 7 and 9 of Special Orders, No. 227, of August 24~ 1863, from these headquarters, regulating the quantity of stores that may be ordered by officers. Sutlers and traders will at all times hold themselves in readiness to leave the army upon short notice. The orders above cited are published as an appen- dix to this order. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Camp Near Bectortown, Va., November 7, 1862. The following regulations to govern trade having been approved by the major-general commanding this army are published for the infor- mation and guidance of all concerned. * * * * * * * 5. No sutler or trader will b~ allowed to keep or sell within the lines of this army, any wines, liquors, or intoxicating drinks of any kind what- ever; nor will these articles be passed withimi time hues, excepting when ordered by an officer for his own use, with the approval of his brigade o Page 156 156~ OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. - [CHAP. LII. division commander, and having his own name marked on the package, the sutler or trader in such cases acting nerely as an agent in procuring these stores for the officer named. * * * * * * * 7. The provost-marshals of corps and divisions are charged with car- lying these regulations into effect, and will promptly report to this office every arrest and seizure made under these orders. By order of Brigadier-General Patrick: J. P. KIMBALL, A ssistant A dju taut- General. GENERAL ORDERS, l~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 105. December 11, 1863. * * * * * * * 3. All packages containing liquors and wines ordered by an officer shall be turned over to the officer ordering the same within twenty-four hours after reaching the point of delivery, * * * and be kept by such officer in his own private quarters or tent. A longer detention of the liquor by the sutler shall be regarded as evidence of his keeping the same for sale, and subject him to the penalties of the law and exist- ing orders attached to such offense. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, A ssi.stan t A .-{jutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 227. August 24, 1863, * * * * * * * 7. The attention of the coinmaisding ge~neral has been called to the abuses likely to arise in the employment, as authorized, of agents for supplying the wants of officers. Unless this privilege is properly enjoyed and officers are careful not to give their names except in cases where the article is in reality for their immediate personal use, and unless cfficers exercise some discretion in the amonnt and number of supplies sent for, the commanding general will be oblig~ed to withdraw the privilege altogether and compel officers to look to sutlers alone. * * * * * * * 9. The following decision, given at these headquarters on 2d of June last, is now published for the guidance of all concerned: The agents provided for in paragraph 3 of General Orders, No. 78, of August 20, 1863, must be one of the regular appointed sutlers or some person properly connected with his establishment. As there arc from fifteen to twenty sutlers in each division, the commanding general directs that the number shall not be increased. Generals of divisions, brigades, and corps can designate one sutler already attached to some organization in their commands for the purpose of supplying whatever is wanted for headquarters. By command of Major-General Meade: 5. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 157 Cw~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 78. - August 20, 1863. * * * * * * * 3. Supplies for officers may be procured by sending an agent with a list of the articles to be obtained signed by a general officer and approved by the provost-marshal-general, or by his anthority. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Mea(1e: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 11, 18649 a. in. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General I have nothing new to report this morning. WIINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- Genertil. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 11, 1864. (Received 11.30 a. in.) General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Star: I send a deserter from Hills corps, who says that Hill moved last night toward the railroad; how far he went the deserter does not know. The people of Petersbnrg say he is going to Pennsylvania. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, Major-General IIUMPHREYS July 11, 1864. Chief f Staff: 1 send to provost-marshal-general a deserter from Sixty-first Vir ginia. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 11, 1864. (Received 11.50 a. in.) General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: The prisoner I sent up from the Sixty-first Virginia this morning was from Hills corps, and said nothing about the corps having moved. lie deserted from picket. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Miqior- General Page 158 158 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. hEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 11, 1864. General A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Chief of AStOtA: Following just received: lIEAI)QI AWfERS I~IWVISIONAL BRIGAI)E, July 11, 1864. Colonel MORGAN: My pickets and scouts report heavy skirmishing in the direction of Reams Station; began about 8 a. m. and continues at intervals. I have sent out scouts to try and ascertain. Have we any troops in that ~Iirectiou beyond niy lines? T. M. BRYAN, Jn. WINFD S. hANCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, July ii, 186.1. (Sent 12.15 p. in.) Major-General HANcoCK, Corn ma ndin~q & cond Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you hold your corps in readiness to move at a moments warning. In the event of Hill having moved against our left flank, you will be directed against him. 1)irect General Ferrero to hold himself ready to move also. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Star HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE l~oTOMAC, July 11, 1861. (Sent 9.10 p. in.) Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding ASecond Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you concentrate your corps at once in the vicinity of the Williams house, destroyino your present intrenchmnents; those that must be destroyed during the night will be first attended to, if all cannot be (lestroyed simnultaiieonsly. General Warren is directed to occupy the redoubt to-night and to arrange his picket.liue with a view to your corps being withdrawn at any moment. Your picket-line will connect with his on the right and occupy the general direction and position of your present position. General Ferrero will be directed to move at daylight to the position desii~nated in the communication to-day. A. A. VJ1JMPII1L{EYS~ Major- General and Chief of ~ta if. hEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPs, July 11, 1864. (Received 10 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of ~StafJ: I understand from Colonel Morgan that it is a question between withdrawing to-night and in the morning. Would it answer the pur- pose to destroy the intrenchments during the night and move the co Page 159 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 159 mand, say, at 3 a. m. ~ It is so dark to-night I am afraid the troops might get into confusion. I will have to leave my main picket-line as it is to-night, connecting with (~Teneral Warren, and establish the new line at daylight. I shall withdraw my artillery and trains at once. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Miajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 186410 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Secon~i Corps: The commanding general directs me to say that if you move your command at 3 a. in., as you propose, it will answer every purpose. Your command may move to-morrow. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11,286110.15 p. in. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Coips: Upon looking over my last dispatch it occurs to me that the last para~graph may convey an erroneous impression. I meant that your corps may be moved to-morrow from its position near the Williams house on some one of the proposed operations. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 11, 186412.15 p. ni. The command will be held in readiness to move at a moments notice, it being stated by deserters that Hills corps is moving against our left. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND Aw~IY CORPS, July 11, 186-i. The following movements are ordered for to-night: The divisions will be withdrawn from the present intrenched line and massed near the Williams house. The breast.works now occupied by the troops must be destroyed by 3 a. in., at which hour the divisions will move as follows: The Second Division will withdraw by the left along the breast-works; the First Division will withdraw by the left toward the Williams house, either by the road leading by General Wrights old head. (luarters or by the intrenchments. The Third Division, Major-General Birney, will withdraw by way of the 4ones house and plank road. The artillery will be withdrawn under the direction of the chief of artillery. Staff officers from these headquarters will indicate the positions for th Page 160 160 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. divisions to mass. After the troops are withdrawn the picket-line will be e~tablished nearly along the present line of breast-works, under spe- cial instructions to corps officers of the day. The wagons now with the command will be parked nuder the direction of Captain McEntee, assist- ant quartermaster, on the road from the Williams house to Wells house, taken by the corps in moving to the present position. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 186412.20 p. m- Colonel BRYAN, Commanding Cavalry Detachment: Information received from deserters, indicating that Hills) corps moved last night, the commanding general directs that you send out scouting parties to ascertain whether it moved along the Weldon rail- road or southward. These scouting l)art.ies should go to Reams Sta- tion, Colonel Wyatts, & c. A. A. I-IUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of $taffl HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1864. (Sent 1.30 p. in.) Colouel BRYAN, Commanding Cavalry Detachment: General Sheridan was ordered yesterday to send~ out some cavalry along the old Norfolk road to look after guerrillas. It may be this cavalry. Are you certain the direction in which you hear the firing is Reams Station? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of $taff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, fitly 11, 18646.25 p. m. Colonel BRYAN. Commanding Cavalry Detachment: Have you heard from any of your scouting parties? How long did the firing in the direction of Reams Station continue? Have you heard anything further about it? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL BRIGADE, July 11, 1R64. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The deserters came in my lines with the informatiou, and I sent out scouts at once. Will send two mpre, as you ordered. T. M. BRYAN,JR., Colonel, Commanding Page 161 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 161 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOiXIAC, July 11, 1864. (Sent 6.25 p. in.) Colonel BRYAN, (lonun andiug Ca cairy Detach m cut: The commanding general directs that y~u 1101(1 your command ready to move with Greggs (livisiOn, which will he tip on the left to-night, with three days rations and two days forage. It will move by day- light to-morrow. A. A. HUMPJIREYS, Major- ti5eneral and Chief of staff. HDQRS. PROVISiONAL BRiGADE, CAVALRY CORPS, July 11, 1861. Lient. Col. C. H. MORGAN, Chief of & aff, & eond Corps: COLONEL: I have an intelligent negro acting as scout for me, who gives me the following report: The enemy have infantry pickets in my front from Aikens house past Doctor Gurleys and extendiiig about half a mile below in the direction of iReams Station. The eavalry theit take up the line, and at Reams Station are in considerable forcecannot say how many. He heard them talking among themselves, saying they had not men enough to make the line as strong as it should be not enough to give them the regular distance. These were their words. At the point where the road from Doctor Gurleys strikes the railroad they have an earth-work on the west side of the. railroad; there is infantry in it; does not know if any guns. A traiu of cars passed about daylight this a. in., going toward Petersburg. Do not know further as to what they contained. This negro, referred to above, lives just between the pickets and has the entrPe of the enemys lines by day, coming to mine at night. He is trying to get his wife and family throngh, and I have promised him protection if lie does. Very respectfully, T. M. BRYAN, JR., Colonel, Commandinq. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 186412.15 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding P~fth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you hold yourself ready to occupy the redoubts along the plank road at a moments warning. General Hancock is ordered to hold himself ready to move at a moments warning, and will be directed against Hills corps, should it be ascer- tained that that corps is moving against our left dank. Deserters report it to have moved last night. tim the event of hancock itioving you will occupy the redonl)ts. A. A. IIIJMPHREYS, Majo;- General and (Ihief ol iStafj. 11 R RVOL XL, PT II Page 162 162 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, 18642 p. m. Major-General HuMPHREYS: I send you a deserter from Heths division, who left their picket-line last night. He says they were nuder orders to march at the time; did not know where. Wilcoxs division, he said, went to the north side of the James River last Friday. G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 18618.40 p. ni. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The commanding general (lesires to know whether you can occupy the redoubts in the daythat is, withdraw in the day such part of your troops that are now in position and which must be placed in the redonbts. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Stafl. HEADQUARTERS FiFTh ARMY CORPS, July 11, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of & aff: The redoubts can be occupied by my troops in the daytime. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 18648.50 p. in. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Army Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you occupy the redoubts to-night and that you arrange your picket-line, having in view that Gen- eral Hancock may be ordered to leave at any moment. General han- cock is ordered to concentrate his command to-night in the vicinity of the Williams house, destroy his intrenchments, and establish a picket- line in the general direction and position of his present line of intrench- ments and connect the right of his picket-line with yours. General Fer- rero will be ordered to move at daylight and occupy the line from the last redoubt on the plank road across to the old Norfolk road. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 11, 186-1. General G. K. WARREN: I am ordered to withdraw and mass near the Williams house and am informed that you are ordered to arrange your picket-line with the [sic] viCw.* I wish you would let me know what dispositions you l)rO- See Iiiiiiiphrey~ ~o Halicoek, 9.10 ~ in., p. 158 Page 163 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.UNION. 163 pose to make and where the left of your Picket-line will be, as I am ordered to connect. It will be nearly daylight before my arrangements are Complete(l for abaiidoninr my line. WINFl) S. HANCOCK, Major- (kflera 1. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Major-General HANCoCK, July 11, 186410.li3 p. m. Commanding ASCCOfld Corps: Your dispatch received. I send you my iustructions* to Generals. Crawford and Griffin. C~awfbtds picket-hue is to coiiuiect With yours. You can coii& r with him as to where his line will rest. G. K. WAItItEN, Major- General, Comm wading. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, 18649.30 p. in. Brigadier-Generals CRAWFORD and GRIFFIN: Brigadier-General Griffin will l)Llt sufficient force to-night oit his left oii the phaiik road So as to be able to hold it with General Ciaw foi ds liii e reduced to a strong picket-line. Brigadier-General Crawford ~vill occupy the large redoubt and the batteries on the plank road iiear it with a brigade. He will also occupy the redonbt uuear his OWII head- (jilarters with a sufficient force, and will leave his picket-line in its pres- ent position connecting with that of the Second Corps. These move- ments are to carry on1t the accompanying order t from headquarters Army of the Potomac. By command of Major-General Warren: FiIEI). rj~ LOCKE, Ass ista at A dja taut- (Jen cml. HEADQUARTERS FIRST i)IVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, July 11, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifth Corps COLONEL: Your letter of instructions of 9.30 p. m. is not at all clear. It (lirects that I OCClil)Y the plank road on my left with a sufficient force so as to be able to hold it with General Crawfords force re(lliced to a strong l)icket-]ine, and iii the next clause you indicate that General Crawford shall occupy nearly tIme same ground with the brigade. I would furthermore state, for the information of the major-general com- manding, that I have but one brigade in reserve, which is encamped about 600 yards from the l)lank road. If the ordler .just received con- templates the moving of this brigade I wonid ask that a staff officer be sent to inc to point out the position it is intende(l to 1101(1. \ery resl)ect fimi ly, your Ol)e& h ici it servant (I [AS. GRIFFIN, Br iqa dice- (lea era 1. See Wam-reii to (~iawfbr~l ahl(l (~ri1iin, 9.30 ~. iii., next, po~I. See Huniplireys to Warren, 8.50 ~ iii., p. 162 Page 164 164 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. t~. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, 186-111.55 p. m. Brioadier-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Dir ision: GENERAL: My orders are for you to strengthen your own left to the extent indicated. I suppose you do not need a staff officer from inc to show you where that point is. You can use any 1)art of your reserve brigade necessary to enable you to hold that point. You have nothing special to do with the part assigned to General Crawford. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, ]iliajor- General, Comm a n~hnq. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTh CORPS, July 11, 1864. Lieut. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: COLONEL: Cavalry scouts from the left (Colonel Bryans command) report that Hills corps left Petersburg at 5 p. in. yesterday, going southward, and that sharp skirmishing was heard in the direction of Reams Station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, 1864. Brigadier-General CRAWFORD, Comma n ding Tb ird Division GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that the two square redoubts now being built will be held by your troops, and that you must be prepared to occupy them at a moments notice, as the Second Corps may be required elsewhere. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NiNTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, 18649 a. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS, - Chi~f of Stafl: 1 have the honor to report that 110 change has taken place during the night. There was slight firing along the front of one division. A. E. BI}RNSII)E, Major- General Page 165 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 165 CONFIDENTIAL. hEADQUARTER 8 Aniiiv ov triw PoToi~IAc, July ii, i(S6tf. Major-U cucral I}UIIINSLDE, Comnwndinq Ninth Corps I am instructed by the major-gciicral coniinanding to inform ~OU that information received this morning. shows that Hills corps has been withdrawn from our front, and appearances indicate that it has been sent northward. A division of cavalry has been ordered up on our left to make a reconnaissance in connection with the Second Corps, to-night and to-morrow, to ascertain where Hill is. Should it tnrn out that Hills corps has been detached from Lees army, Lieutenant-General Grant proposes that Hancocks and Warrens corps shall make a detour to the left and endeavor to take Petersburg by assault from the west, while your corps and Smiths make a joint heavy assault at one point, say near the Hare house. The commanding general desires you to make such examinations as are necessary to determine how your left should be refused iii the event of such a plan being adopted, so that you will be Prepared to take up a line for the protection of your left flank. (Jeiieral Ferrero will be ordered back to you if the plan is adopted. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ]Vliajor- General and Chief of Staft HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, 18G41O.1O p. m. Major-General HUMPIIREYS: I have the honor to report that nothing worthy of note has occurred on my line to-day. About 5 p. m. the enemy attempted to comuluni- cate with us by flag of truce, but it proving to be only an attenll)t to exchange papers I would not I)ermit it. The ordinary skirmishing coii tinues. A. B. l3URNSJI)E, 2iIajor- Lien CJY( 1. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg,, Va., July Ii, 18648 p. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Asst. Adjt. Gem, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet along my lines to-day, except the firing of a battery on our right, which had range of us, but threw their sheIlA too much to the rear, without doing ally dam- age of consequence. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEI)LIIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Die ision. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NI NTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July ii, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, A. A. G., Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, with the exception of slight firing at one point on my line, there has been quiet during the past twelve hours. Nothing new to report. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 166 166 OPERATIONS IN ~ VA. ANT) N. C. LCHAP. Lit. IIEAD UARTERS THIRI) I)ivis ION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Befoic I~etcrsbury, Va., July 11, ThG4. Lieutenant-Colonel RICLIMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: My batteries have been fliThg during the day at intervals at the houses in my front, to drive out sharpshooters. The houses appear to l)e pretty well riddled. A working party ot the enemy was (liscovered about 2 this p. in. of considerable numbers. Tents were pitched in their rear. Roemers battery was opened on them, and they 80011 retired. Captain Twitchell is using one of his guns, liht 12s (us- mounted, iii mortar practice, with very good efl~ct, several shells exploding in the enemys lutes. A white tiag was displayed on the enemys works at 5.30 p. in. Orders were inimnediately issued to cease the firing, but to hold no coinmunica- tion with the enemy until I should receive orders from your headquar- ters, which matter was reported l)roliml)tly. A sol(lier from their works came omit an(I oft~red to exchange 1)apers. This was refused and the firing recommuenced. Very respectfully, your obedient servant 0. 13. WIELCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 18649 p. in. Brigadier-General FERRERO, Commanding Division: The major-general commanding directs that you change your posi- tion at daylight and occupy the redoubt on the old Norfiidk road and the line exten(lillg from that point to the last redoubt on the plank road, which will be occupied by General Warrens troops. The short line of trench from the medoubt on the old Nortblk road to the swami) 011 the left you will also occupy. The line indicated is that mipomi which your troops have been at work to-(lay. You will throw out a suitable hue of pickets in front. General Hancock is ordered to concentrate his corps in the vicinity of the Williams house by daylight and establish a l)icket-liIle iim the o-emieral direction and position of his presemt line of intreuchumeuts. In tile evemit of his being detached, you will see that a proper connection is made between your pickets amid those of General Warren. 1 will notify you of such change. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Statf. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 18G12.1~ p. in. Major-General SHERIDAN, Coin rnandinf/ Cavalry Corps The major-general comnnianding directs that you send hem-c at once a division with its artillery. The division commander will leave his division at some convenient point 011 our left on the Jerusalem l)lank road and report in person for instructions at these lmeadquarters. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of A~tatt Page 167 CHAP. LII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 167 CITY POINT, July 11, 18643 p. rn. General IITJMPHREYN: Dispatch for General Sheridan received by me at 2.30 P. in. I have sent it by an officer who should deliver it to General Sheridan by 3.30 p. in. RUFUS INGALLS, (h ict Quartermaster. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Signal Station, July 11, 18615.45 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: General Greggs division will report to you without (lelay with three days rations and two days forage. P. H. SHERiDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. Jordans Point, Va., July 11, 18614.15 p. m. Brig. Gen. D. McM. GREGG, Commanding Second Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inclose you the within copy of a telegraph dispatch* just received from the major- general commanding Army of the Potomac. General Sheridan directs that you move your division at once in compliance with the within dis- patch. You will take three (lays subsistence and two days forage. JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Statr. ORDERS.] HDQRS. SECOND l)IVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, July 11, 18645.15 p. m. The division will move at 6.30 to Jerusalem plank road in the follow- ing order: First, Second Brigade; second, First Brigade~ third, ainbu- lances, ammunition wagons. All Wagons (regimental and other, save those for the headquarters for each brigade) will be at once sent to the division traill. One wagon will be allowed to each battery for forage. The commander of the First Brigade will l)hace one reglinent in rear of the wagons and ambulances. By command of Brigadier-General Gregg: H. C. WEIR, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD l)IVISIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, July 11, 1864. Col. J. B. MCINTOSH, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you detail one regiment from your command for picket duty, to relieve Captain See Humplireys to Sheridan, 2.15 ~. In., p. 166 Page 168 168 OPERATIONS TN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL iMoffitt, conmia.ndmg Third Indiana Cavalry, at Cockes Mill, to-morrow, July 12, at (i a. in.; the ineit to be provided with three days rations and forage. This regiment will 1)icket all the roads iii the vicinity of Cockes Mill, l)artidularly the road toward Prince George Court-House, and the road to the left of the church on Prince George Court-House road near Cockes Milk the commanding officer to send diagram of the positioii of his 1)ickets as soon as possible, and to i~eport in writing once a day at least the condition of his line. 1 am, colonel, with high regard, your obedient servant, L. SIEBEIIT, Assistant Adjutant- (1 en eral. CITY POINT, VA., July Ii, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & C.: Have you any recent information from Wilcoxs division ~ It did cross the James River early this month aiid was sai(l to have gone to Chaffluis Blult I would like to know if it is still there. IT. S. GRANT, Lieu tenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 11, 186412.15 p. m. Licutenatit-General GRANT, Commanding, & c. Wilcoxs division, of lulls corjls, consistso f Scales, Lanes , McGowan S (how Conners), and Thomas brigades. We have deserters this inorii- ing from Thomas brigade, which is on their right and rear from the Junc- tion to Swift Creek. They report Scales brigade holding the line from Swift Creek to the Appomattox. McGowans (Conner~s) and Lanes brigades are in our front opposite Deep I3ottom. We had deserters from them yesterday. Allowiiig 300 men to a regiment, the division has 4~ ,700 in en. Thomas brigade is very small, about 800 men. Mc- Gowans (Conners) is reported not over 1,000 men. Lane not over 1,200, probably not. over 1,000. Of Scales brigade we have no accu- rate information. Calling it 1,200 strong and the division has 4,200 men. We have no accurate information a~s to Lees whereabouts. Some say he is at Petersburg and some at Richmond. I am inclined to think he is not at either place. B. F. BUTLER, 2119 aJor- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, July 11, 1$ fu12.25 p.m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Corn ua(uding Armies of the bnlte(l States: Colonel Jaquess and Mr. Gilmore are here, and are, of course, desir- ous to o forward on their mission. If you desiie theni to go, and will trust to me to get them through the hues, I think I can accomplish it Page 169 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 169 rilie iueaiis I should adopt would be to setid to ask Onid to meet Major Mulford at Port Waithall. They will explain to you if you (lesire it, or will jitform me before they go, the subject of their mission. BENJ. F. BUTLI~II, Major- (ieneral, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., July 11, 1861. M~jor-Geiieral BUTLER, Comm (( ndin~q, & e. lulls corps ~vas moved from its position at 5 p. In. yesterday, citizens say, to go North. Have your scouts or iuen from the observatory (us- )vere(l any inoveineim t ot tL001)s between Petersbnrg and Richinom id ~ 1~lease make an eftbrt to ascertain about this. I am not willing to let Mr. Gihuore and Colonel Ja(]iless go through our lines until I know the object of their going. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, In the Field, July 11, 18614.20 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States I have caused the matter in relation to time moving of Hills corps to be investigated. I cannot hear of any movement of any troops either over the turnpike or railroad or over Chaffins farm. It is certain that uoone have been moved by daylight and that none have beemi moved at night over the railroad, because we can hear them. They might go over the turnpike at night without our hearing them. Five deserters are just in from our fiont from Picketts division, but they have heard nothing of ammy niovement of any troops. [ will take every pains to keep you informed upon this and kindred subjects. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., July 11, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, d~c.: I have seen and heard Mr. Gilinore and Colonel .1 aqne~s. You may effect an interview between them and Conunissioner Ould, and perumit theni to pass through our lines if they will be received by the other party. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. RIVER-BANK SIGNAL STATION, ASpriny Hill, July ii, 186 lc.4() p. m. Captain NORTON: A train of seven passenger and two freight cars loa(le(l with troops h~s just passed the Junction towar(l Richmond. A. (~. SIMONS, Lieutenant a nd Signal Officer Page 170 170 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. ~CHAP. LII. IIDQRN. DEPT. OF VIRGiNIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, July 11, 1861. Brigadier-(Aeneral WEITZEL, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch has just been received and is resl)ectfuhly forwarded: RIVER-BANK SIGNAL STATION, Spriuq Hill, July 17, 1864G.30 p. in. Captain NORTON: A train ofLthirteen cars partly loaded with troops just passed the Junction toward Petersburg. A. G. SIMONS, Lieutenant ttnd Signal OftlcN. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Broadway Landin.q, Va., July 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In compliance with your request I have the honor to make the following statement as to the organization of my siege traiii proper: My headquarters are at this landing, where I have two wharves and room for more if required. My ordnance is all afloat, being landed only as called for. I have a tug and a train of fifty wagons placed at my disposal by General Ingalls, and four 8-horse artillery teams, harness, & c., belonging to Captain Kortes (Third Pennsylvania) battery, in my (olninand, as commander of siege artillery of General Butlers army. Ii have a telegraph at my headquarters. 1 have four companies, under command of Major Trumbull, First Connecticut Artil- lery, with Eighteenth Army Corps. They serve ten 30-pounder Par- rotts, ten 8-imich mortars, and ten Coehorn mortars, and one 13-inch mortar. I have one company and a half under command of Captain Brooker, First Connecticut Artillery, with Ninth Army Corps, with another company awaiting orders. They serve six Rodman guns amid four 8-inch mortars, with six Rodman guns ready l)arked for forward- ing at an hours notice. The remaining five an(l a half companies of my regiment serve the heavy and some of the lioht guns, in position on the Bermuda Hundred lines, where, as commander of the siege artillery for General Butlers forces, I also comnmnaimd Company M, Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and Companies A and H, Thirteenth New York Artillery (both heavy); total, thirty-one gnus and two heavy mortars. For unloading ammunition I have a permanent detail of two companies (125 men) of One hundred and thirty-eighth Ohio National Guard (100-days men). They are in camp near my headquarters. By this statement you will see that my counmand is iiow bully employed. Should it be decided to place more siege artillery 1mm position, I would respectfully request that Colonel Tidballs regiment, Fourth New York, be assigned to my commuand until the return of the Second Connecticut Artillery. With one battalion of this regiment I should propose to relieve four of my comupanies in the Bermuda Hundred lines, which, ~ith the other two battalions of the Fourth New York Artillery, would the Page 171 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. CHAP. LII.l 171 be available for siege operations on Burusides and Warrens fronts. I have made arrangements to draw my ordnance supplies (lirect from the depot, Capt. S. P. hatfield, First Connecticut Artillery, being lily ordnance officer. I have a laboratory on my wharf barge where I ant filling 500 cartridges a day, with any other work required to be done. My batteries are supplied with ammunition by the following plan: Ea~li battery commander reports at 6 p. in. to his battalion corn- mander his expenditure during the prece(lin g twenty-four hours and his supply on hand. By my Inounte(l orderlies these reports are brought to my headquarters by 11 a. in. on following day. A supply train is at once started in timneto arrive at battalion headquarters by dark, when foot orderlies from the different batteries are ready to conduct the teams to their destinations. This system works perfectly. I keep 100 rounds on hand per gun or mortar at the batteries. I require a record kept of all projectiles which Ihil to take the grooves and all fuses which work badly. Although my line is over thirleen miles in length, and my corn- mand over 2,000 men, I find no difficulty and no confusion, so 1)erfect is the working of the above system. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, hENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. P. 5.My train afloat at landing consists of six 100-pounder Par- rotts, fifteen 30-pounder Parrotts, twelve Itodman guns, ten 10-inch mortars, six 8-inch mortars, sixteen Coehorns, ten 8-inch siege howitzers. I have made requisition for twenty more 8-inch mortars. H. L.A. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1564. Col. H. L. ABBOT: Will you l)lease send an officer as soon as possible to Geimeral Burn- sides headquarters to report to Captain Tnrnbull, U. S. Engineers, to superintend the construction of the battery at the Taylor house. ti. J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. JULY ii, 1864. Brigadier-General BROOKS: GENERAL: No paper was handed the lieutenant-general by General Butler that he has any recollection of. JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of staff. hEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CoRPS, July 11, 1864. General WEITZEL: General Rawlins telegraphs that no paper was handed the lieutenant- geiieral by General Butler that he ha(l any recollection of in answer to me for me urging 1)roIIlptaetioll. I~lease ask the general about it. W. T. H. BROOKS Page 172 172 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HDQRS. l)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 11, 1861. General W, T. II. BROOKS: General Butler says he sent you yesterday a note on this whole sub- ject, and is now awaiting an answer from you. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQIJARTERN TENTH ARMY CORPS, - July 11, 1864. General WEITZEL: No note of any kind has been received from General Butler. W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Yn the Field, July 11, 1864. Brigadier-General BROOKS, Tenth Army Corps: Have any prisoners or deserters come in to-day ~ Please answer, and, if so, forward them at once, as I wish some information touching an important matter. By command of Major-General Butler: JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant and Acting A ide-dc- Camp. (Copies to Generals Terry and Foster.) HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTh CAROL1NA, in the Field, July 11, 186412.30 p. m. Brigadier-General FOSTER, Commanding at Deep Bottom: Please call for fifty voluiiteers for an arduous aA difficult but serv- iceable expedition, with two coinimiissioncd offiC~r5 of the rank of second lieutenant, to report to Lieutenant Chambers, Third Peunsyl-. vania Heavy Artillery, at 4 oclock, at your pontoon bridge. Telegraph me when you have the men. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. [Meniorandum.] JULY 11, 1864. Second Lieutenants Sharp and Linsley and fifty men, of the Tenth Connecticut Volunteers, volunteered P)r the within duty, and left 1)011- toon bridge on Tag No. 4 at ~ p. in. P. A. DAVIS, (Japta in and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 173 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 173 JONES NECK, July 11, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: I have the men from the Tenth Coniiecticut Yolnnteers under Sec~id Lieutenants Sharp and Linsley. I directed theii to take two days rations and sixty rounds of ammunition per mali. If there arc any other instructions for them please telegraph. It. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 54. City Point, Va., July 11, 1861. I. Lieut. Col. J. B. Howard is hereby relieved from (lilty as acting chief quartermaster of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, and will report to Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith, commanding Eighteenth Army Corps, for duty as chief quartermaster of that corps. 11. Capt. iR. P. Johnsoll, assistant quartermaster of volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Second Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, and will report to Maj. Gemi. XV. F. Smith, commnamidiiig Eighteenth Army Corps, for assignment to duty in the qnartermasters department of that corps. III. Capt. Henry Page, assistant (luartermaster, is hereby appoiimted acting chief quartermaster of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, and will report as such to Maj. Gen. P. H. Sheridan, commanding Cavalry Corps. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, As8istant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, July ii, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of & aff: How many vessels with the Nineteenth Corps from New Orleans have l)assed Fort Monroe for Washington up to this time ~ Please keep these headquarters advised of the vessels as they pass, that the Lieu- tenant-General commanding may be informed of the l)robable time they will reach Washington. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General and Chief of & aff HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 11, 1864. Major MULFORD, Fort Monroe: You will come up to-morrow in the New York if she is at your (hisposal; if not, come in the mail-boat. B. F. BUTLER, lIP ~or- General Page 174 174 OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. Lii. FORT MONROE, July 11, 1864. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, AS1ecretary of the Navy: Operator at Cherrystone says he saw yesterday department orders to send three gun-boats to Washington. Steam-tug bringing it froni Cherrystone has mysteriously disappeared. Will send Vicksburg an~ Morse to Washington, Emma to Annapolis, Cuyler to Point Lookout until Minnesota can clear her moorings foul of other anchors. S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral. HEADQUARTERS SAINT MARYS I)ISTRICT, Point Lookout, 1114., July 11, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 11.25 a. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, ~eeretary of War, Washington, D. C.: Your dispatch just received. Reports have been made to you at 9 a. in. and 7 p. m. every day since I have been here. On my arrival I found here the gun-boats William Bacon, five guns; Currituck, five guns; in all, eight long 32s, one 12-pounder (rifle), one 24-pounder (rifle). On the receipt of your dispatches there were added the Fuchsia, five guns, and the Resolute. Yesterday the Currituck, Resolute, and Fuchsia were ordered up the bay. Other vessels are to be or(lered here to-day. The fraiisfer of prisoners to New York is diminishing the force here iii consequence of the guards necessary to accompany them. Three guards of seventy-five each have already been sent. The tri- monthly report sent to General Augur yesterday exhibits the strength of the command here. Is your direction to report twice a day to be understood as additional to those regularly made heretofore ~ JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. WASHINGTON, I). C., July 11, 1864. COMMANDiNG OFFICER, Point Lookout, Aid.: Give all facilities to telegraph department for transmitting dis- patches to Cherrystone and Fort Monroe by boat. II. W. IJALLECK, Major- General and Chief of & aff. WAR 1)EPALtTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, July 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. N. J. JACKSON, Harts Island, New York Harbor: Order the three companies of the Seventh New York Volunteers to proceed without delay to the Army of the Potomac, via Old Point Comfort. Acknowledge receipt. By commaini: THOMAS M. VINCENT, A ~8 i8ta ut A (1 jutant- (len era i Page 175 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 MASiI1NGTON, July 12, 186411.30 a. rn. Lieutenant~General GRANT: Vague rumors have been reaclmiiig us ft)r two or three days that Lou gstreets corps is also on its way to this vicinity. Look out for its abseimee from your front. A. LiNCOLN. WASHINGTON, I). C., July 12, 1861. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: At the request of General Catiby General Reynolds was appointed to command of the Nineteenth Corps. 1 presume, however, that lie will coitunand omily what remains on the Mississippi. Geimeral Gillinore is appointed temporary commander of the portioii that may arrive here. General Ord has been appointed to coimimand the Eighth Corps and troops in the Middle Departmnemit in place of General Wallace. I think time matter of a permanent commander of time Tenth Corps should be delayed till present difficulties are over. The order respecting General Butler and the Eighteenth Ciwps was made precisely to carry out your view-s as expressed in your letter and telegrani. If not satisfactory please make for the Adjutant-General a draft of one that will embrace exactly what you desire. Only about halt of time Sixth Corps has landed and only one transport of the Nimmeteentli Corps. Till niore arrive and are organize(1 nothing caim be done in time field. I think however, that Wasimington is now pretty safe, unless time forces in some part of time intrenchmemmts, and tlmey are by no means reliable, being made up of all kiimd of fragments, simould give away before they can be re-enforced from other I)oints. A hue thirty-seveum immiles in length is very difficult to guard at all points with an iiiferior force. The threes iii our front seeni to be those previously umaimied. l~risoners amid citizens say that parts of Hills and Lommgstreets corps are exl)ecte(l. If timis be true the enemy in your front must be very weak indeed. Nothmiiig heard of Hunter. The breaking of the wires to Baltinmore and Harris- burg has cut off mill commuimication with hiimn aiid with General Howe at Harpefs Ferry. It seems to be the impression here timat tIme enemy i~ iiiassing imis forces to attack us to-morrow. The boldness of this move- mnemit would indicate that he is stronger than we supposed. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of $taff. CITY POINT, VA., July 12, 186410 p. in. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, (Received 1.2() p. in. 13th.) IVashingto~u, D. C.: Dispatch annoumicing General Orders, No. 228, of July 11, received.* I have made strenuous efforts to (hiscover if amiy troops besides Ewells corps have left here. I believe now others have left. I how have in- fantry and cavalry out imear Reams Station, where the enenmy are found intrenched. Time night of the 9th a deserter fromii lulls corps caine in, See Vol. XXXVII, Part II, uv. 210, 214 Page 176 176 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. MI. who stated that lie left. his (011)8 iii the moriliflo on a pass to go ii~tO Petersburg. Returning in the evening he tound the corps gone. Other deserters since in state that the corps has not moVed. U. S. GIIANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 12, 186412 m. - (Received 1.20 p. in. 13th.) Maj. Gen. 11. W. HALLECK, Chief of kStaff: Give orders assigning Maj. den. H. G. Wright to supreme command of all troops moving out against the enemy, regar(lless of the rank of other commanders. He should get outside the trenches with all the force he possibly can and should push Early to the 1a~t moment, sill)- ~)lying himself from the country. This will not place (~Teneral Wright over General Augur, who commands the defenses, but will place him in command of such of his troops and colnmalI(lerS as may be sent out- si(le. The Sixth Corps has all reached Washington and Baltimore 111(1 two (livisiolls of the Nineteenth Corps niust reach there (luring to-mor- row, besides the dismounted cavalry sent from here. rTlii~ with Hitii- ters force, must be sufficient to guard all our fortifications and leave an abundant force to go outside. To this time re-enforcements have been sent from here as fast as transportation could be provided, and then hospital steaniers have been llsed at that. Longstreets corps is here, deserters being received from it within the last day. General Ord should move out from Baltimore cautiously the moment it becomes evident the enemy has left his front, or so weakened it as to enable him to do so. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 12, 1861. (Received 13th.) Licut. den. U. S. GRANT: It appears that the Senate at their late session a(hjourned without confirming the appointment of Brig, den. James ii. Wilson, U. S. Vol- unteers. The Secretary of War directs me to inform you that a new letter of appointment has this day been issued for that officer with original date of rank October 30, 1863, which will be forwarded you by mail. CIAS. A. IIARI)IE, Colonel and inspector General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoTOMAc, July 12, 18617 a. m. Lieutenant-General & ~ RANT: I send two dispatches containing the latest inforniation from scouts and deserters. They change the whole fiwe of affairs, and would mdi- (ate a moveiiient, on our left. flank, a negr~~ at work yesterday after- noon near the railroad asserting 1)Ositively that he saw troops passin Page 177 ChAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 177 south. It may be that they are preparing to meet another attempt 0111 our part to destroy the road, or they may themselves be endeavoring to get in our rear. As soon as our cavalry is up T will send out to feel for the eheiny. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1. HEADQUARTERS Ai~i~ OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Major-General HUMPHREYS, July 11, 186411.45 p. m. Chief 0/ it((tJ: Two deserters (brothers) from the Eighth Georgia Regiment, of An- (lersons brigade, Fields division, Longstreets corps, have been for- war(led from the headquarters of the Fifth Corps. They came into our lines between sundown amid dark this p. in. One of them states that he came out on picket last night about 100 yards in front of the works and had not been relieved when lie left. His brother left the line of works about (lark, and states that all of Longstreets corps is there amid in the same position it has been occupying for the last week or more. Their brigade occupies a position at a sharp angle in the works running back from a deep ravine. One brigade of their division is to the right of their brigade, ammd Robertsomms [Greggs] and Laws brigades to their left, reaching to tIme Norfolk railroad. They think Beauregards forces stretch from the Norfolk railroad to the Appo- nmattox. That Kershaws division, of their corps, is on their right, joimming A. P. hills corps, and Picketts division on the extreme right of time line on the north side of the Appomattox. Nothing is known by either of informants of any movemnents of A. P. hills corps or any part of it. There were rumors in camp last night that some of the troops were cookhmg rations ready for a march, but up to 6 oclock to- day there were nO signs of any movement in their corps. NoTE.The deserter who bron~lt nitormnatiomi of the movement of the entire corps of A. P. Hill state(1 positively that Longstreet had imioved Ill) and oceul)ied time l)lace vacated by the corps. Very respectfully, GEORGE H. ShIAltl~E, Colonel, & c. Per JNO. C. I3AHC()CK. [ IIIC1OSlII( iNn. 2. hEADQUARTERS ARMY (iF TILE POTOMAC, July 12, ThbI. General A. A. IJUMPHREYS: - A (leserter from Finegans (Florida) briga(le caine into our lutes about 9 oclock last night. lie has been out omi l)iCket since last Friday and has iiot been to the line of works but once during the time, and that was Sunday night. Last night ,just before he caine into our limmes his l)ost was relieved by a friemid, who told hiiiim that all ot Ileths division and one brigade of Mahommes (liVisiOli, Wrights, was on time umove; thiat it was understood we had agaium cut thie Weldon railroad, and that they were muoving in that (hirection clown the railroad; that muore were going. This is all he kmmows concernimig the movement, but he thiidis his friends i~ R EVOL XL, PT II Page 178 178 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL statement reliable and believes the movement to have been made; if they met with no force on the railroad they would make a demonstration in our rear. Scout Carney returned this a. in. Our agent was at Ennis farm yesterday cradling oats in sight of the railroad. Yesterday after- noon about 4 oclock he saw troops passing south on the Halifax road; thinks there was a division; was told by a man who came up from Reams Station that they crossed just below Reams and went to Proctors on the Jerusalem plank road. Could not learii whose division it was. There was a brigade of cavalry at Ennis house last night; was there at 3 oclock this morning. Our agent has been constantly in sight of the railroad for the past two or three (lays. No troops have been moved on the rail- road either way to his knowledge. The cars have been running regu- larly since the road was repaired and the supplies have not been taken into the city, but unloaded at lead-works and issued from that point to the troops. Arrangements have beeii made with our agent to find out more particulars concerning this movement, where the force has really gone, and what it is. JOHN C. BABCOCK. I~LANK ROAD SIUNAL STATION, July 12, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Stafl~: GENERAL: Two trains of cars caine up the Weldon railroadone train of eight box-cars and two platform-cars, loaded, apparently, with grain; the other train of six platform-cars was empty. About 2,00() infantry marched toward Petersburg, along the Weldon railroad, en- tering the line of works near the lead-works. Everything else in the enemys lines seems quiet, though small working parties are digging in the vicinity of the Gregory House. 1;. F. FISHER, Captain and Cluif Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOIVIAC, July 128.30 a. m. General GRANT: The above just received. This looks as if the troops seen yesterday moving down the railroad were the relief t~o the infantry guards on the road, and the body now mentioned are the relieved returning. Gregg has come up with his division and has been ordnred to reconnoiter toward Reams Station and Proctors Tavern. I hope he will get some intorination. GEC. G. MEAI)E, Major- General. Cliv 1OLNT, July 12, 1864. (Received 10.30 a. in.) Major-General MEADE: The last news I have had from Maryland was to the evening of the 10th. At that time Wallace had been beaten at Monocacy, and was retreating toward Baltunore in disorder. I got a dispatch from the President dated yesterday; but it gave no news of the invasion. But Page 179 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 179 ler last night sent a party of fifty iiien across from Deep liottoin to Dutch Gap. At 2.30 this morning they crossed to Coxs Wharf a.n& cap. tured one officer and twelve men, burne(l a mill, shop, and dwelling, and captured a quantity of small-arms, a galvanic battery, two boxes of l)owder and a torpedo, and returned witbout casualty. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Lieutenant-General GRANT, July 12, iS64lO.4~ a. m. Headquarters Armies of the United 8tates: I send you the latest information received. It shows how conflicting is tIme information we receive, and how accurately the enemy is posted lii our affairs. Mahones division, of Hills corps, has nOw been posi- tively l)laced iii our front, on our left and rear, and on its way to Penn- sylvania. GEO. G. MEAI)E, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1864. General WILLIAMS: General Crawford scuds the following, received 10 a. iii.: SKIiiMIsu LINE FIRST BRIGADE July 12, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel STRANG: COLONEL: The troops in front of our line belong to Mahones division, I-fills corps The regiment in onr immediate front is the Eleventh Alabama Sharp- shooters. The communicative rebel with whom my agent conversed asked if our Second Corps had not moved, and also if we had not contracted our lines. He said I hey knew- all about our movement. A (leserter from the Second Corps went into their lines yesterday morning and gave theln considerable information. He said that their regiment was osnally put out to the front when an attack was expected. Mahones division was formerly Andersoius division, opposite us last winter. No paper was obtained, but one would be given Ill the afterlloon. I did not allow any paper to go, save Harpers Weekly. The rebel was very anxions to see our latest papers; (lid not know anything about the Maryland campaign. XV. B. KIMBALL, Captain, Thirteenth i$ifas8achusetts Joluntcer8, 4c. FRED T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. JLEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 1861I .30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The latest intelligence from Gregg, at 2 p. in., he had met the enemys cavalry, both on tile Reams Station road and also on the I)lank road near Proctors rpavem.1I I have moved my liea(l(fllartcrs to the Prince George Court-House moad, about half a mile west ol Birchet.ts and near the Fifth Corps hospital. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding Page 180 [CHAP. LII. 180 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. July 12, 18647.30 )). m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Gregg reports encountering the enemy in force, cavalry and infantry, behind earth-works, at Reams Station. No report from the force sent down the plank road. Hancock has sent a division to support Gregg and holds the balance of his corps ready to move. I have no doubt that by to-night the enemy will have all of Hamptons cavalry at the scene of action, supported by oiie or more divisions of infantry. With a superiority of cavalry it will require all of Hancocks corps, and if the enemy are strongly posted and re-enforced from Petersburg it may be difficult for him to dislodge them. It becomes a question whether, nuder existing circumstances, it is judicious to make the attempt now, or whether we had better wait till all of Sheridans cav- alry can be brought to bear and some of our absent troops returned. I should like to have your views on this. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., July 12, 18648.20 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: The present move is not intended as anything more than a recon- naissance to determine the position and designs of the enemy, and especially to determine if A. P. Hills corps has left its position in our front. I would not permit any attack againstthe enemy in an intrenched position. It may be advisable even to direct your troops to start back to-night. What is the distance from Gregg and his infantry support from the other two divisions of the Second Corps ~ Unless near enough to be readily supported I would certainly direct their return to-night. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 18649.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your directions have been received and the necessary or(lers sent to Hancock and Gregg. Hancocks two divisions are at the Williams house in front of the left of Warrens line, with 1)ickets on the line he 1)icketed before we contracted our lines. His third division is sup- porting Gregg, and is down the plank road three miles from the Will- iams house, and four miles from Reams Station, in good supporting distance. The last report from Gregg, 6.4() ~. in., he had withdrawn from Reams Station and intended to move down the plank road to Proctors Tavern to feel the enemy in that direction and ascertain if they had infantry there. He reported to Hancock that he did not require the division sent him. Hancock has been instrncted to with- draw the division sent to Gregg to-night, and to-morrow, after daylight, to withdraw his corps within the line held by the Fifth Corps and ready to support that corps. Gregg is ordere(l t~) take a position on the plaimk road in front of oar left, and to picket strongly in front of the left of the inflintry and round on his own front. GEO. G. MEADE, ]Iilia~)or- General, Commanding Page 181 Ol~. LII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 181 LIDQR8. ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, SIGNAL J)EPARTMENT, July 12, 164. MaJ. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of AStaff: (JENER AL: I have the honor to frrward the following reports ,just receive(l from the signal stations at Jor(lans house aud iie~ir 1)laIIk road .JOH1)AN5 hOUSE, July 1;A 18C46 p. iii. Same as usual alouig this line. Iiieniy lie stieuigtbeiuing their works oui the lila teaut Opl)osite. CLARK, Captain. NEAR PLANK ROAD, ~Juiy 1f~, 1864C p. rn. No movement of troops since this a. in. Trajuis have lieeii seeii on Weldon railroail near leadworks, l)uit none south of that point. The enemy have beemi it. work almost all day on their lines north ot station. DUFF, Licutenan t. I am, genera], very respectfully, your obedient servant B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chitf Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 12, 18647.4~ p. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army oJ the Potomac: A heavy smoke hangs over everything in view. Enemy very busy about Farleys this p. in. The steam reported in (lirection of White- heads has been visible all day and may be a steam-mill. Intercepted rebel niessage: Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: No movements of troops in enemys camp about Cobbs this p. ni. Three gnu-boats off Poiiit of Rocks anti one gnu-boat above pontoon. OPERATOR, At C. (S:iimmm to A. B.) CLIAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, & c. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 1864. General headquarters is located near the Prince George Court-House road about half a mile west of Birchietts house. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 185. } IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 1864. * * * * * * * 5. Brig. Gen. R. De Trobriand, volunteer service, is assigned to duty with tIme Second Army Corps, all(l will report for further instructions to Major-Geiteral Hancock, comnmandiitg that corps. By comnlalI(I of Major-General Meade: S. WiLLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 182 182 OPERATIONS IN sTh VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. IlL HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 12, IBU-i3.30 a. m. General HIJMPHREYS: I am about to move my headquarters to the Ginn house. My troops are now moving. Is General Ferrero to take any l)art of the picket- line, or is it understood that I am to keel) it all? it I hear iiothing to the (~ontlary I will leave a division to hold the line as indicated in your confidential note of yesterday. The line will, however, be coiltracte(l somewhat at daylight. WINF1) ~. hANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 12, 1864l.IJ a. m. General HUMPHREYS: To prevent any accident I wish to inquire whether my pickets are to be relieved by General Ferrero, as your telegram does not state explicitly, and I (10 not like to withdraw withoat a full understanding. When General Ferrero establishes a 1)icket-line ala I to withdraw mine? WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, July 12, 1864. Ma~jor-General HANCOCK: Major-General Humphreys directs me to inform you that General Ferrero is to I)icket froni General Warrens left over to the Norfolk road. CHAS. E. CADWALADEiR, Captain a ad Aide-dc- Camp. IIEADQVARI ERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 12, 186-1. (Ileceived 12.40 p. in.) Major-General HANCOCK: If you have to leave to-day I would like to have you leave your pickets on your right where they are in contact with the enemy, and if you leave please also communicate direct with General Crawford. I have a good (heal of work to (10 everywhere on our new line, an(l am work- ilig so unuty men that I could not have so mitany ready to fiolit as I would like. G. K. WAIflIEN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECONI) ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1864. General G. K. WARREN, Fifth Corps: My picket-line on the right in sight of the enemy will not be relieved nuder any circumstances until dark, and theii only after (lile notice to General Crawford. W1NFD S. hANCOCK, ill ajor- (leneral Page 183 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 183 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, July 12, 18642.15 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: GENERAL: Brigadier-General Davies reports his command within one mile and a half of Reams Station. About one regiment of cav- alry is resisting his advance. He finds the road frequently obstructed by felled trees; nothing as yet heard of the enemys infantry. On the plank road the enemys dismounted cavalry are strongly posted in the woods; the force is about one brigade. A sharI) skirmish took place on the plank road beyond Warwick Swamp, in which we had some casualties. The force on the plank road is not strong enough to ad- vance to Proctors, eight miles distant, and no more can be sent there. I will state that the cavalry horses of this command are suffering for water, not having had any since yesterday afternoon. There is no water to be had anywhere in this vicinity. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Co mdg. Second Division. (Copy to General Humphreys.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 12, 18642 [4] p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Your dispatch of 2.15 is just received. After carrying out the orders you have received from General Meade you can camp near the left of our line where you can find water, probably at Lees Mill, as it is understood there is no water at Sturdivants Mill, which would be the better place. General Meade desires you to picket the road on the left of Colonel Bryans detachment after your return. Without indicating to you any line of operations, I would suggest that after determining what is on the Reams Station road, you should recall the iumain force sent in that direction and proceed toward Proctors Store, and ascertain what is in that direction. If necessary to your safety I will send a force of infantry to tIme cross-roads near Garys Church to hold that point during your advance. I will send a division or more, if necessary. WINFl) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 12, 18G4. (Received 3.50 p. in.). General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The following dispatch just receive(l from Colonel Bryan: An orderly from General Gregg has just arrived-.---time not noted. He heft the ad- vance about two miles from the junction of the plank road and the Reams Station road near Reams Station; slight skirmishiin was tlieii (~Oifl~ on hut nothing severe. C. H. MORGAN, Chief of Staff Page 184 184 (WE RATIONS IN ~E. VA. AND N. C. f(uAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Year Garys Church, Va., July 12, 1GI. (Received 4.30 p. iii.) Major-General HANCOCK, Communduiji Second Army Corps: GENERAL: General i)aVies rei)orts his advance within one mile of Reams Statioii. Dismounted men are seemi behind works near the station an(I cavalry formed in rear. Whether these (lislnonnte(l men are infantry or cavalry the general cannot decide; nor can he ascertain since they are behind works. General Davies has fired a few shots with artillery without reply front the enemy. The country is very unfavor- able for cavalry operations, being heavily wooded. Yours, respectfully, I). MeM. GREGG, Major- (3 en Cr(( I of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERs SECOND CORPS, July 12, PWi5.25 p. m. Maj )r-G citeral HUMPHREYS, Chief of~ A~ta~: General l)avies reports to General Gregg at 3.3.0 that he has been skirmishing with the enemy, and finds them strongly 1)osted behind earth-works about one mile long, with flanks l)rOtected, amid expresses the opinion that the whole (hivision colll(l not get to Reams Station. I have sent Barlows division to the cross-roads to give General Gregg an opportunity of using his whole force on either road to ascertain what is there. One Union man stated that Wickhams brigade was iii i)avies front, with Hills corps at the station. His note is rather illegible, but I understand General J)avies to say several other citizens contradict the report about Hills corps. The Union man says two of lulls corps were at his house last night. Respectfully, WINFD S. hANCOCK, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. JULY 12, 18646.40 p. in. General HUMPIIREYS, - Chief of Staff: Time fidlowiiig just received from General Gregg: hEADQUARTERS SEcoxi) (L~u~nx DIVISION. Major-General H ~NCOCK General Davies brir-ule having returned from Reams Station, I put my command in march for I Loctoi s l)ut, unfortunately, when my regiimients fell back over the bridge to-day, ~oiiie officer ordered it to be destroyed. Mounted troops cannot ~ over it at all, md it ~ ill require so long a time to repair it that I have sent two mounted regiiuent~ omound by Lees Mill, to approach Proctors in that o1ireetion. The infantry w hidi out h mve ordere(l here will not be required. If the infantry is at Proctors their presence ~vill as .certaiimly be kimoxvuo bx- (rOi110r by Lees Mill as by the blank road. I). McM. GREGG. WINFl) S. hANCOCK, Major. General Page 185 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 185 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, General HUMPHREYS, July 12, 1S648 p. m. Chief of Staff: Colonel Smyth, briga.de commander ot the division on picket, reports that a force of the enemy struck tents and moved froiii his front about an hour since. He is on my right, lie could not tell the nuniber but thinks it one or two brigades. By the (lust he judged that they miioved to our left. WINFl) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. [Indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ~Lidy 12, 18619 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: This dispatch, just received, is forwarded. It confirms my idea that the enemy will re-enforce the force at Reams, a~nd not allow themselves to be dislodged without making all the resistance Possible. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 18618.30 p. mu. (Received 9.45 p. mu.) COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS: Your telegrams of 5.25 and 8 p. mu. received, amid your course and that of General Gregg approved. The re-enforcememit of the enenmy as reported by Colonel Smyth is in accordaiice with my expectations. I do not believe you can dislodge tIme enemy froni the railroad without employing all your corps, and then the operation will depend on the t~a1)acity of the enemy to detach. 1 have submitted this in full to the lieutenant-general comnmanding, amid am awaiting his orders. In the mneaiitimne you must remnain where you are and be l)rel)ared either to advance or withdraw. It the formuer I sh~tll reonire the cavalry to assist you, and would suggest your ascertaimiing whether they are well slil)plied with ammummition. If not, send at once for it amid also see that they do not get out of forage and subsistence. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 18649 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: The lientenant-gemmeral commanding considers the object of the recon- miamssamice has been accomuplished, and lie does not (lesire any farther operations of an offemisive character. You can therefore imiake your arrangemnemits to withdraw to-muorrow after (layliglit to the position imidicated, in rear of the left of the line of the Fifth Corps. You will give the necessary imistructiomms to Gemmeral Gregg to picket stromigly all the line now picketed by Colonel Bryami and cover his position at Lees Mill, or such point as is most convenient for Itimmi to water. You wil Page 186 186 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. confer with General Warren as to withdrawing General Gibbons pickets. General Warren has so much of his force employed in the trenches and working parties that it may be necessary you should furnish him some force to assist iii picketing his line. If so, I desire you to furnish it. The line of pickets need not be so far out as before you vacated your recent position, but the cavalry pickets in froiit of them should be strong, with good reserves, so that Warren could be notified of any advance of the enemy. This dispatch is predicated on the supposition that the eneniy remains on the (lefeilsive. if to-morrow morning any mnovenment is reported which looks like an advance on their part you will exercise yonr judgment about meeting it, whether to check them by a(lvalmCiflg or retiring to the position now occupied by Warren and Ferrero. When you have withdrawn Gregg should report to Warren and to these headquarters. Bryan should be directed to report to Warren. GEG. (3. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SncoND CORPS, July 12, 18G4. Major-General WARREN: I understood from General Meade this morning that you were to relieve part of my picket-line. I (10 not know that it can be done in the daylight. My picket-line now strikes my old breast-works near the Strong house, which would be a very good l)lace for you to break off~ in case I move. While I am here I keep tl}) the hue running near Smiths and Temples to Sturdivants Mill, but if I move my picket will be withdrawn. It I move during the day I will leave on the men on the extreme right in plain sight of the enemy. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY 01? THE POTOMAC, July 12, IdG1!).50 p. mu. General HANCOCK: I have just returned to my headquarters an(l find your dispatch about relieving your l)ickets. I have sent word to General Crawford to do it to-night. I hope you will not have to withdraw your picket- line before to-morrow night ,as I will have to work all day to-morrow before I can niake the line secure. The enemy perhaps will feel us to-morrow to see what is going oii, an(l I have made all arrangements I can to meet such a contingency. (3. K. WAItHEN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 12, 186111 p. m. Major-General WARREN, (ilommandiny Fifth Corps: Your dispatch of 9.50 is received. Unless the enemy appears here in the morning, I am ordered to withdraw to the rear of your headquar- ters as a reserve to cover the left flank. Colonel Sinyth, commaimding one of General Gibbons brigades, pickets troni the left of your line t Page 187 C~p. LII.] CORkE~PONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 187 the road leading from the plank road by the Williams house to the railroad, and he will be ordered to remain there under your orders till you relieve him to-morrow iiight, and if you wish that picket-line to be extended to the left as far as the plank road it will be (lone. These trool)s will be from General Gibbons division, whose headquarters will be at the Southall house, and the rest of his division will be in that vicinity. Since writing the above I have receive(l orders froni General Aicade which direct me to leave the picket-line, as suggested above, froiti your left to the plank road beyond the Williams house. The rest of my command will be across the railroad behind General Gibbon. As soon as I leave, I have directed General Gregg to report to you, and also Colonel Bryan, who pickets nearest to you. If you should here- after relieve my present picket-line there are several small roads lead- ing out from the vicinity of the Jones house to that line which might l)e l)icketed by cavalry to give the infantry warning. Most of my l)icket-lille is protected by abatis and slashing, and all the ground lately occupied by my line of battle is so protected, offering great facil- ities against attack. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. P. S.I have destroyed all my imitrenchments. W. S. II. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 186410 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: Upon further reflection, I think the best arrangement you can make with General Warren will be for your corps, while in reserve, to l)icket Ferreros front. I do not like relying on the colored troops for this duty in so important a position, and would prefer employing them, on working party. I have made this suggestion to Warren. It will prob- ably require a brigade. Jn taking your 1)OsitiOLI to-morrow, I would like you to be as near supporting Warrens left as you can conveniently find suitable ground, and, if necessary for this purpose, you can order away any camps or trains or hospitals you may find occupying suitable grounds. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 12, 186411 p. rn. Major-General HITMPHREYS, Chief of staff: Order concerning picketing ~1L front of Ferrero has beemi received and will be executed, at least until General Warren relieves them. I shall leave omi my infantry l)icket from General Warrens left by the Williamus house to the l)lank road, relieving all to the left of that, which will be covered by the cavalry. This I smippose to meet the generals views, and will so notify General Warren. Wheu I last saw Colonel Bryan he feared his negro scout had been captured, as he had not returned at last report. WINFD S. HANCOCK, iiihljOt- General Page 188 188 oP~RAtION~ IN ~E. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, Jitly 12, 1864. (Received 11.45 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS. Chief ~f Staff: The order for the withdrawal of the corps appears to direct General Gregg to take up Colonel Bryans picket-line, though they are or(leled to report to General Warren. Is it intell(le(l to withdraw Colotiel Bryans and 1)lit General Greggs command on the same liiie~ Colonel Bryans command is tolerably familiar with the count~y 110W. WLNF1) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 186412 midnight. Major-General HANCOCK: It is not intended to withdraw Colonel Bryan (or relieve him), but to place him under the command of General Gregg, so that there shall be but one head of cavalry, and as General Warren com- mands the left flank, it is designed [that] General Gregg should coin- municate with and report to him what occurs instead of [to] yourself, as he has been doing to-day. He is also instructed to report to these headquarters. GD). G. MEADE, JlTajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, July 12, 186111.15 p. m. (Received 12.40 a. in. 13th.) VIajor-General 11 ANCOCK~ Commanding ASecond Corps: GENERAL: Two l)risoners of Sixth Virginia Cavalry, captured to. night, report Fitz. Lees division and Rossers brigade in my front, and as having engaged me to-day. They say they know nothing ot any inflintry on the 1 dank road or at Reams. They know nothing of a movement of Hills corps. Yours, respectfully, D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Second Division. (Copy sent General Meade 2.40 a. in. 13th.) HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, July 12, 18643.10 a. m. Lieiit. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: The division officer of the day reports that he has heard a few shots fired in his front to-night; that the cars have been running frequently, and that the dogs at the house in his front have barked continually as though there was some disturbance near. Very respectfully, FRANCIS C. B ~RLOW B igad ice- (bn era 1 ({/ I ol anleers, Corn in an ding Page 189 c~!AP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 189 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 12, ldG45.15 p. m. General BARLOW, Comm an ding Eir~t Di rision GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you move your division down the Jerusalem or phmk roa(l at once to the point where the Reams Station road intersects the Jerusalem road. General Gregg has two regiments of cavalry at this point now. You will hold the cross-roads in order that General Gregg may move with his whole division-down either road without any apl)rehellsion of an attack on his rear. At dark, if there should be no trouble, and the cavalry be returning without (lifticulty, you can withdraw your division to the position you now occul)y. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. II. MORGAN, Lienten(ot-ColOncl and Chief of Sta/f~ iIEADQUAItTEI{S SECOND Con~s July 12, 18G-17J() p. m. General BARLOW, - Commanding J~~irision: Unless something of importance transpires requiring you to remain, before this reaches you, the major-general commanding directs me to say that you can at once return to this place. Very res~)ectfnlly, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assista at A djwtant- (i enera 1. HEADQITAR TEll S FiusT I )mvmsIoN, SECOND CORPS, July 12, 186-18.10 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKEn, Assistant itdpttant- General, Second Corps COLONEL: General Gregg is unable to say at this moment whether lie will push dowi. the Jerusalem road to-morrow or not. if two regi- meiits which he has sent out do not succee(l in fiiidiiig oat what force is on the road, lie (General Gregg) will push dowit the Jerusalem road in the morning with his whole division, and in that case ~vill minced my assistance to hold the cross-roads. Under these cireummistances, I feel bound iin(ler my order to remain here to-night. My headquarters are on the left of the Jerusale a road at the house of Mr. Davis, just a - little north of the ross-Yoa(ls. Very rcsviectfnily your obedient servamit FRANCIS C. BARLOW, lfriga-(lier- General, Commanding. NEAR CRoss-ROADS, July 12, 1861R.1() p. m. - Lientenamit-Colonel WALK ER, ~1s;~i~tu nt Adja lant- General 10L()NEL : Xoum dLSl)atcII of ~ ~. iii. is just receiVe(l. (emicral Gregg may have to move his division (lown the Jerusalem road in th Page 190 190 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. morning and may require an inhuitry force here. Under the circum- stances I decided to remain unless otherwise ordered. I have previous to this informed you of the circumstances of the case. Respectfully, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General, Commanding. TIEAI)QUARTERS SECOND CORPS July 12, 1864. Major-General BIIINEY, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the portion of your picket-line directly in the presence of the enemy will not be relieved until after night, when it can be removed absolutely on due notice to Brigadier-General Crawford, who will either take it up or form a new line as General Warren may direct. If the corps should move, therefore, tliat l)art of your line not yet relieved on account of its proximity to the enemy will be left on till after dark. Respectfully, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of & aff. [Indor~erneuit.1 Lieutenant-Colonel GILKYSON, AS1jXth New Jersey Vols., f)irision Officer 0] the Day: The general commanding the division directs inc to say you had bet- ter have your headquarters at General Crawfords, of the Fifth Corps, so that in case it is necessary for him to communicate with you you niay be easily found. JOHN HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT CAVALRY Coups, July 12, 18645.40 r. m. (Received 6.10 p. in.) Lient. Col. C. H. MORGAN: General Gregg met the enemy in heavy force about 2 p. m. beyond my extreme post across Warwick Swamp. The Second I~ennsylvania went in dismounted and were forced to full back with a major amid lienten - ant wounded, amid a number left in the hands of the enemy. 1 suppose he must have advanced eventually, as my informant writes: Firing is now heard in the direction of Reams Statiomi .~ General Greggs head- quarters are opposite Alleys farm at the point where the Reams~ Station road forks from the Jerusalem plank road. Colonel Greggs headquarters are on Alleys farm. Four regiments of rebel cavalry were seen in the fight. T. M. BRYAN, Ju., Cob utel, Commanding Page 191 Cnxr. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 191 PICKET OUTPOST. Jerusalem Plank Road, July 12, 1864. (Received 4.45 p. in.) Col. T. M. BRYAN, Jr., Corn inanding Cavalry Brigade: COLONEL: General Gregg asked me to go with General iDavies ad- vance to show the road to Reams Station. He met the enemy about one julie from our pickets and drove him to his earth-works, about one mile and a half this side the railroad. He was opening on them with oiie j~iece when I left. Colonel Gregg has been skirmuishiit~ on the PLink 1o~I(l or near it. Respectfully, JAS. W. SMITH, Lieutenant, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Mjor-General WARREN, July 12, 18647.45 a. in. Commanding Fifth Corps: Brigadier-General Ferrero, commanding (livi sion of the Ninth Corps, who occupies the line on your left, will be at once ordered to report to you and receive your (lirections. lie moved from the Williams house at (laylight to take up his position and should now be there. A. A. HUMPHREYS, lIfajor- Gt~ner(tl. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gemi. S. WILLIAMS, July 12, 1864. Assistant A (QU tant- General Col. P. 5. l)avis, Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, in Craw- fords division, was severely wounded about 5 p. iii. last evening. All (Juiet during the itiglit in my front. G. K. WARREN, ilajor- General, Commandina. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, July 12, 186-i. Commanding E~fth Army 6Torps: The camp of general headquarters Army of the Potoniac has l)een IIlove(l to a point about three-quarters of a mile east. of Genera I I~urn- si(Ies headquarters. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant A (Ijil tan t- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, .186410 p. in. Major-General WARREN: General Ilancock has b~en directed to withI(lraw his corps to-morrow after (taylight from his present position near the Mrilhiamns house, and to mass it at some convenient position in rear of your left. He ha Page 192 192 OPERATIONS 1N SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. also been directed to withdraw the pickets which he has hitherto had in advance of his former position. This he is to (10 after conference with you, as I desire you to picket your front from there. Your line leaves the enemy around to Ferreros left. General Ferrero and his division were this morning placed under your orders, and I wish you for the present to consider theni as part of your line an(l command. As there are many demands on your corps, I have (lirected General Han- cock to furnish you such force from his corps as you may require to citable you to do the picketing above ordered. I ama somewhat doubt- fitl of depending on the colored troops for this duty, and perhaps while the Second Corps is in reserve it would be well to assign the picket duty of Ferreros division to that corps. This would render available more colored troops for working parties, which duty they perform very well. General Gregg, in command of a cavalry division, has been ordered to picket strongly all the ground in front of your left, which has hitherto been held by cavalry and infantry 1)ickets. After General Hancock is withdrawn General Gregg has been. directed to report to you all that occurs in. his front. GEG. G. MEAJ)E, JiJi~or- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 12, 18649 0. in. General GRIFFIN: The detail working on. the redoubt near General Crawfords head- quarters will cease working at that l~oint. The fimiishiimg will be done by the engineers and trool)s ordered to occupy it. Respectfully, U. K. WARREN, ifqJor- General of Yoluntccr8. IIEADQITARTERS FIRST 1)IvlSIoN, FlFTIL CORPS, July 12, 1861. Geiieral \XARREN: A l)risoner just in says that Ileths (liVisiOn. and other troops have gone down the railroad toward our left or Reams Station. The report was that it was for the l)llVPO5~ of trying to turn or attack us in the rear. I have sent the man to army headquarters in order to citable the information l)eing sifted out. Tie is from tIme Florida battalion, and seems to he very candid. I believe his story has some truth. Resi )ectftllly, your obedient servant, CILAS. GRIFFiN, Brigadier- General. 1~ 1864. CWCULAR.j JITLY ~, The officer iii charge of the Coehorn mortars on General .Ayres right will serve the mln)1tams aIi(I re(eive orders while iii his accorditi o as Gemiema I A vt-es directs. l.)i~se1I t I )05i tio:m U. K. WARREN, Major- General ~f Volwntecr8 Page 193 193 Cui~. LIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Brig. Gen. JOSEPH HAYES, July 12, 1864. Comrnartding First Brigade: GENERAL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you move out your brigade quietly to-morrow at 4 a. in., and iuiass it a little to the right of General Griffins headquarters. Reveille call will not be sounded. You will take at least one days rations in haversacks. Lieutenant Parke, of your staff, has received verbal instructions for you. Xery respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. WINTHROP, Captain and Acting Assistant. Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DtvIsLoN, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Jaly 12, 18612.8O a. ma. Lient. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assista at Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that the troops ot A. P. Hills corps still picket the front of my division. Very respectfully, & c., S. W. CRAWFORI), Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1861. Bru~adier-General CRAWFORD, Commanding Third Division GENERAL: I have just returned from examining our left and find my proposed arrangements very incomplete as yet, an(l anticipate ai effort of the enemy to press us back to-morrow morning. I wish, there- fore, you would have Colonel Carles brigade under arms by 3 a. iii., prepared to sustain Colonel Lyle, and moving out iu that (lirection at that time. I shall also have a brigade from Ayres in the vicinity a little later and be there myselt I then mean to put all the axes I have at work by means of these two brigades, and put the ground around Col- onel Lyle in the right condition. If necessary, I shall (Irive the enemys skirniishers in. Let Colonel Canes men have their breakfast and diii- ncr with them. You had best, I think, be at hand yourself in ~ to-morrow morning early on the left. After to-morrow I shall have afhtirs all snug. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. hEADQUARTERS FIFTh ARMY CORP~ Jaly 12, 1k~G4. Brigadiem--General CRAWFORD, Coin manding Third Dii ~sion GENERAL: I send you this commumuicatioiu. I think if you extend our pickets, relieving General Hancocks to-night as fur south as the 13 R RYOL XL, PT II Page 194 194- OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. woods south of the Jones house, it will do for its. To-morrow I shall have a large force chopping wood and clearing away for our artillery, and then we can shorten our line if needed. Please relieve so much of General Hancocks picket to-night. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, JIfajor- General, Corn m andin~j. [lnclosure.1 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1861. Major-General WARREN: I wish you would relieve my picket-line up to the poiiit where yon propose to break to the left to connect with Ferrero. I will keep the remainder of my line on as long as 1 am heie, but it will assist me, in case 1 am ordered to move suddenly, if you will relieve the right of my line. WINFl) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NLNTn CORPS, July 12, 18649 a. m. M~jor-General HUMPTIREYS: I have the honor to report nothing of special importance occurre(l on my line during the night. The noise of railroad traiiis and steam- whistles was quite plain during most of the night. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. [Indorsernent.] Major-General BURNSIDE, - Commanding Ninth Corps: The commanding general asks if the noise of railroad trains came from the Richmond and Petersburg oi Weldon and Petersburg road l A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1864. (Received 2.15 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: A brigade officer of the day of General Wihicoxs division reports that he thought trains were moving on the Richmond road, coming and going all night. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1864. (Received 2.30 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: As far as ascertained the trains were on the Weldon road, this side the river. Further information will be forwarded when received. A. E. BURNSII)E, Major- General Page 195 CHAP. Lii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 195 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRps, July 12, 1864. (Received 3 p. in.) Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I regret that the last dispatch proved to be iiicorrect. All the noise of the running of trains I am iiow informed was heard from roads run- ning to the south of Petersburg. The cars were running from 10 p. 141. till daylight. A. E. BURNSJDE, - Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Coups, July 12, 18649.40 p. m. Geiieral HUMPHREY5, Chief of ~taft~: It has been pretty quiet on my line to-day. To-night there is some little firing, and probably will be more when my working party building a battery get at work. A. E. BUIINSIDE, iIJic~jor- General. hEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvisioN, NINTH Coups, July 12 18648 a. in. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Corps: GENERAL: Just before midnight several bright lights were shoWn from different points on the enemys line, but the night passed with the usual picket-firing. The noise of the railway trains attracted general attention. This morning there was a ringing of bells in the town. As the cars pass, for the most part, in the night would it not be well to instruct certain batteries to open. I would also call attemition to the necessity of a system of signaling on the lines. Very respectfully, 0. B. WIELCOX, Brigadier- General. [JULY 12, 1864.] Colonel LORING: COLONEL: It is difficult to distinguish winch road the trains were running on. The train heard by myself was apparently coming up on the Weldon road. The sound passed from south to north. But the Second Brigade officer of the day reported the fact, and before answering your note fully it will be necessary to send down on the lines wherc he is. As soon as possible I will report again. Very respectfully, 0. II. WIELCOX. JULY 12, 186412.30 p. in. Colonel LORING: COLONEL: Captain Alberger, Twenty-fourth New York Cavalry, brigade officer of the day, who reported the noise of the trains, says lie thinks it was on the Petersburg and Richmond road~ appeare(l to be coming and going all night. that trains Very respectfully, 0. B. WIELCOX Page 196 196 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIT. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISIoN, July 12, 18641.50 p. m. [General A. E. BURNSIDE :j GENERAL: I am provoked to find that Lieutenant Spencer incor- rectly reported the statement of Captain Alberger with reference to the cars. Fearing a mistake, I sent for the captain, who says the cars were running below Petersburgthat is, on the south side, and going and coming continually from about 10 oclock till after daylight. Very respectfully, ~. B. WIIiLLUOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, - July 12, 18647.45 a. m. Brigadier-General FERRERO, Commanding Division, Ninth Corps: Time major-general commanding directs that you report to Major- General Warremi, commanding Fifth Corps, for instructions in your present position and be under his orders. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Star. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 12, 1864. General D. MoM. GREGG, Comdg. Second Division, Cavalry Corps: MY DEAR GREGG: I learned last night that the object in calling on one division of cavalry was to make a reconmiaissanee to ascertaimi the whereabouts of Hills corps, and that you would not be out for more than two or three days. I send OKeeffe out with this; if he joins you write me the news; also, if any water can be obtained on the left of the infantry, except at Lees Mill. Yours, truly, 11. SiIERII)AN, ]lfajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND l)IvISIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, July 12, 18647.30 a. in. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief qf AS~taft, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL : My comnman(l is massing at this point on the plank road, where Colonel Bryans regiments are. Time dam at Stnrdivai~ts Mill is entirely dry, and I am not able to find any water for my horses. I will water my artillery horses here. I (10 miot learim that any water for a large number of horses can be found but at Lees Mill. Yours, respectfully, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ~hdy 12, 18647.45 a. in. Brigadier-General GREGG, Corn man ding Ca ralry Division: Deserters anti scouts report this morning that Hills corps or a part of it moved down the Weldon railroad yesterday, and that one divisio Page 197 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 197 went to Proctors Tavern and some part was at Reams Station. The commanding general directs that you move your division to those places and ascertain what force of the enemy occupies them. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Brigadier-General GREGG, July 12, 18G4. Commanding Cavalry Division: The commanding general expects frequent reports from your coin- mand, as it is importaiit to know everything that may throw light upon the position of the enemy and of his detachments. That the enemy is not at certain points may be as important to know as that he is at others. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, ~1li~jor- General and Chief of S~tafl~. P. 5.Time signal officer reports that 2,000 infantry went into the intrenchments front the Weldon railroad this morning. It is probable that you will find the cavalry at Reams Station, sllpl)orted by infantry. Colonel Wyatts. a few miles above Reams Station; is the point where the infantry brigade 1)icketing the railroad is said to be posted. A. A. 11. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Near Garys Church, Th., July 12, 18G412 m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Atafl~: GENERAL: I have sent six regiments and a battery to Reams Sta- tion, distant three umiles and a half; toward and to Proctors, if possible, 900 men. These commands have just started. I have two regiments and a battery at this point to support either command if necessary. At the bridge over Warwick Swamp three mounted pickets only have been seen. I will hear front my commands frequently and will report as required. Yours, respeetfilhhy, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, - July 12, 18641.30 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG Commanding ~ Divi8ion: The major-general commanding directs that you make your reports to Major-General Hancock, commanding Second Corps, whose head- quarters are on the plank road not far from the Williams house. He has telegraphic comnmnnication with general headquarters. You will also receive your orders from General Hancock and in every resl)ect con- 5i(lCr yourself under his command. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 198 198 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. JULY 12, 18641.45 p. iii. Captain WEIR, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: I am within one mile and a half of the railroad station, having driven the enemys pickets abont two miles. They now make a stand with, I should judge, a regiment. The country is very thickly wooded, the road very narrow and hilly, also obstrncted with felled trees we have had to clear away. I have not yet seen any place where artillery could be used. The enemys force, as.far as seen, is cavalry. Respectfally, H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, July 12, 18613.30 p. m. Capt. H. C. WEIR, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I have been skirmishing and feeling the enemy since last report. He has a very good position, protected by breast-works and secnre on both flanks, about one mile in extent. I have found theii too strong to venture an attack on every I)art of their line. I opened on them with one piece, to which they did not reply. I could only throw into their skirmish line, as there is no position where a gun can reach their main force. They are very quiet, behaving much as they (lid at Saint Marys-Church, evidently waiting for a developmeiit of my force and seeking information, as small bodies of mounted mcii are contin- ually riding off on both their flanks. I cami also see behind their lines dust, indicating the movement of a large force. 1 have miot engaged my whole command, as I have not deemed it prudent to place them in this position, where there is but one narrow road through a bad swamp in my rear. The First New Jersey and First Pennsylvania have both been and are now in action. 1 do not believe that this coin- mand can reach iReams Station, or even the division. Respectfully, H. B. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S..Major Wing reports to me bearing from a woman living here that Wickhamns brigade is in my front, and that Hills corps is at the station. Two of his men were at her house last imight. Several other citizens corroborate this. II. B. I)AYJES, JR., Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 12, 18645.15 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding (Javalr!I Division: GENERAL: 1 sent word by Captain Weir a few minutes since that I would send a division of infantry to the point where the Reams Station road intersects the plank road. The order* has already gone to the division commnamider. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Corn man ding. See Morgan to Barlow, ~.15 p. in., m 189 Page 199 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 199 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 12, 186410.45 1~ m. General ID. McM. GREGG, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Major-General Hancock directs me to say that he has received a dispatch from Major-General Meade to the effect that the object of the reconnaissance has been accomplished, and directing that unless the enemy take the offensive he withdraw his command behind the intrenchments. Major-General Meade directs that you relieve the command Rnder Colonel Bryan, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, taking np his picket-line, holding it with strong reserves, and covering strongly Lees Mill, or such other place as you may find more conven- ient for water. When the Second Corps withdraws behind the intrenched line you will report to General Warren for orders. General Meade also directs you to report to his headquarters. If you have any further information about the enemy please communicate. Respectfully, your obe(lient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chif of A~ltaff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTII CAROLINA, In the Field, July 12, 18G4 9.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Corn manding, d)c., City Point: This report* respectfully forwarded for the information of lientenaut- general commanding. Is there any news from Maryland that can be communicated without detriment to the public service ~ BENJ. F. BUTLER, Miajor- General. HDQR8. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SiGNAL OFFICER, July 12, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Acting Ckief of Atafl GENERAL: The following dispatch has just been receive(l ~tH(l is respectfully forwarded: RIVER-BANK SIGNAL STATION, Spring hill, July 11, 18(148 a. m. Captain NORTON: A traiii of seven freight and two passenger cars, loa(le(l with hoops, just passed toward Petersburg. SIMONS, Lieutcnan t and Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, ____________________________ ____ Captain and Chief Signal Officer. Next, ))OIt Page 200 200 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL IJDQRN. 1)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTh CAROLINA, In the Field, July 12, 18G1 10.50 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding U. ~. Armies: On Kautzs expedition Elders battery lost all its guns and equip- ments. The inclosed requisitions are to remount it. My own belief is that a battery should never be remounted where it loses its guns, with- out an investigation, and I therefore forward the requisitions to the lieutenant-general comman(ling for his judgment. This is probably all right, bitt we lose guns too easily when there is no penalty attached to the loss except to get new ones. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Mayor- General, Corn m anding. IIDQRS. 1)EPT. OF VIRGINIA ANT) NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 12, i~GIi1.i0 a. m. Lientetiant-General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United AS1tates I examined a deserter on Saturday, who gave me a very intelligent and graphic account of Hunters proceedings near Lyiichburg, which lie received in a Jetter from his family, which caine to him via Gordons- yule Junction. He had no doubt that. the road was open, upon inquir- big of him particularly upon that sti1~ject. Further information will be obtained and forwarded. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, July 12, 186412 m. General WEITZEL, General Butlers Head quarters: Nothing has been heard front Baltimore since the report of Wallaces defeat at Monocacy and retreat toward Baltimore. There seems to be little apprehension in Washington, and it is thought there that the enemy will recross the Potomac on hearing of Wrights arrival. Some of them are reported in a dispatch just received as passing between Rockville ai d \Va shingtoii. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. CITY POINT, VA., July 12, 1864. I\ijor-General BITTLER, Corn ma nding, J~e. have you beard whether the enemy have yet run cars from Rich- lnOn(1 north to (Aordonsville ~ If you have any scouts who can go Olit and ascertain certainly I would l)e glad to have them go. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 201 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 201 HDQRS. I)EPT. OF ViRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 12, 186412.10 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: The Virginia Central road is running as far at least as Gordonsyille. Will send a refugee with particulars. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Miajor- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field Jul Lieutenant-General GRANT, , y 12, 18646.45 p. m. Commanding U. S. Armieu I have the honor to inclose a package received by flag of truce in the maimer shown by the inclosed note# to General Brooks, together with a Richmond paper of this morning. Colonel .Jaquess an(l Mr. ({iliuore are here awaiting any answer, if it concerns timemmi. I have received no answer from my flag of this morning. The bearer will await an answer from von if von (to miot choose to sen(l it by telegraph. BENJ. F. BUTLER. Cvrv POINT, VA., Julq 12, 1861. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, dIre.: The communications from General Lee and Colonel Ould, the latter of which you have seen, are both on the same subject. Your aPtion in the matter is satisfactory. / U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., TENTH ARMY CORPS, Deep Bottom, July 12, 18646.35 p. m. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Virginia and North ~IJarolina: SIR: A flag of truce in charge of Captain Hatch, assistant adjutant- general, and assistant commissioner of exchange, C. S. Army, arrived at my outpost and was met by Captain Davis, my assistant adjutant- general. Robert Ould, commissioner of exchange, was of the party and l)resented a communication of which the following is a copy: WAR DEPARTMENT, COMMANDING OrFIcER U. S. FORCES, Richmond, Va., July 12, 1864. Deep Bottom, Pa.: SIR: A communication from Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant, of the date of July 5, 1564, to General R. E. Lee, requesting that Col. James F. Jaquess and J. R. Gilmore, esq., be allowed to meet the undersigned at such place between the lines of the two armies as may be (lesignated, having l)een referred to the XVar l)epartmnent, I am (lirected to request you to notify Lieutenant-General Grant that I will be in atten(l-. amice at some convenient l)oint between Deep Bottom an(i Chaffins Bluff (say at Mrs. Grovers) on Thursday, .Jiily 14 instant, at 1 p in., to receive any (omlllnllication which the above-named parties have to make. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT OULI), __________________________________ Agent of Erchan ye. KNot found Page 202 202 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LW The original of this I f6rward by orderly. Mr. Ould requests that an answer be sent to him at 1 p. m. to-morrow whether the parties will be able to meet him at the tiifie stated in his communication; also, it the place is agreeable. I would request that iRuffins house be substi- tuted for Mrs. Grovers, the latter being one of my reserve picket sta- tions. Respectfully, yours, iR. ~. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 12, 18617.05 p. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, & e.: Since writing my first communication I have received the inclosed* from l)eep Bottom, which, I take it, covers the whole matter in ques- tion, and have rcturned the following answer: Bri yadier-General FOSTER, Commanding Deep Bottom: Please inform Mr. Ould that Colonel Jaquess and Mr. Gilmore will meet him at the time and place proposed, 1 oclock omi Thnrsday, the 14th, at Ruflins house, between Deep Bottom and Chaffins farm. BENJ. F. BUTLER, if~or- Genral, Commanding. BERMUDA, July 12, 1864. General BUTLER: GENERAL: Three refugees, who state that they left Richmond last Sunday afternoon, have beeu received from the navy. They were picked up at Haxalls yesterday morning. They appear to be intelli- gent men. Shall I send them to your headquarters ~ ~JOllN CASSELS, Cajitain and Pro rost-Ma rsh al. JULY 12, 18(14. Capt. JOHN CASSELS, Prorost-illarsha 1 Bermuda Hundred: Send them at once. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HDoRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 12, 18G410.40 a. in. ~Governor CURTIN, Harrisburg, Pa.: First Lieut. I)avid W. Chambers, of the Third Pennsylvania Artil- lery (One hundred and fifty-second Regiment), has conducted of his own planning a very gallant, successful, and serviceable expedition, See OnId to comammmamiding oflicem at Deep Bottom, (Inimodiefi 1mm next, ante Page 203 CRAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 203 capturing and destroying a large amount of enemy~s property, 1 officer and 15 men. Please send me by telegraph word that he will be ap- pointed to the first vacant captaincy in his regiment. Such acts as his earn promotion, and prompt recognition is the way to get gallant service. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, C~ommanding. JJDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, July 12, 186410.30 a. m. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding: GENERAL: The following message has just beeii receive(l and is respectfrdlv forward ed: RIVER-BANK SIGNAL STATION- Spring Hill, July 1.2, 18649.20 a. in. Captain NOWrON Four pieces of artillery came from the direction of Petersburg into the road one mile and a halt east of railroad station going north. At this point lost sight of theiii. SIMONS, Lieutenant arid Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. ROGERS, Lieutenant and iSHgnal Officer. (Forwarded to General Grant.) JULY 12, 18648.30 a. m. Brig. Gen. H. J. HUNT, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Your telegram received. Have ordered an officer to report as directed to Captain Turnbull. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. JULY 12 18(34 Captain TURNBULL, - -8.30 a. in. U. AS~. Engineers, Headquarters General Burnside: By direction of General hunt 1 have ordered Lieutenant Douglass, First Connecticut Artillery, to report to you for the duty of supervising the construction of the battery at Taylors house. His company will serve the guns there. He will probably arrive at General Burnsides headquarters by noon, having nO horse. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery Page 204 204 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. tOHAP. LII. SMITHS HEADQUARTERS, July 12, 1864. Colonel ABBOT: The truck of the 13-inch mortar broke down last night at fifth dis- charge. If you will send up another truck with two screw-jacks we ~vil1 shift the morta.r and try to rebuild the old truck or wait orders. Lieutenant Hall has just been killed by a sharpshooter. I shall try awl make arrangements to send body home. T. S. TRUMBULL, Major. JULY 12, 1864. Colonel BURTON, Fifth Artillery, Chief q/ Artillery, Eighteenth Corps, Headquarters of Genera 1 Smith: The 13-iiich mortar is reported as having broken the car. IDo you desire it repaired with a view to further use ? HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. SMITHS I IEADQUARTERS, July 12, 1864. Colo)iiel ABBOT: The car upon which the 13-inch mortar is place(l is broken. It is desirable to have the car repaired tbr further use. II. S. BURTON, Colonel. JULY 12, 18641.15 P. U. Brig. Gen. RUFUS INGALLS, City Point: The 13-inch mortar has broken its truck car. Can you send a plat- form-car upon which we can shift the mortar while we repair it ~ HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut A rtillery. CITY POINT, VA., July 12, 1864. Col. H. L. ABBOT: Your dispatch is received. 1 will finnish the car. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- (Jen era 1 and Qutrtermaster. JuLY 12, 18641.15 p. in. Major TRUMBULL, First Connecticut Artillery, Hdqrs. General ASnnth Will send the car andj ack-screws, also forge and battery wagow with iron and what else you require if you desire it. The car must be re- l)aired. State what you want. Have you a good mechanic ~ HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery Page 205 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 205 JULY 12, 18049.30 a. ni. Lent. Col. E. W. S~1ITH, Assistant Adjutant-General: The volunteer party of two officers aiid fifty men called for by Gen- eral Butler last evening havejust returned. They, in connection with part of a company Third Penmisylvammia Heavy Artillery, landed at I)utch Gap at 9 last night; crossed at 2.30 this morning to Coxs Wharf, where they captured 1 officer and 12 men; burned a mill, shop, dwelling, and outhouses, capturing a quantity of small-arnis, a galvanic battery, two boxes of powder, and a torpedo. No casualties on our side. Please send copy .to General Butler. It. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. (Forwarded to Lieutenant- General Grant.) GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 14. In the Field, near Hatchers, Va., July 12, 1864. It has been br6ug~mt to the knowledge of the brigadier-general coni- mauding that in some of the regiments of this corps, he hopes in not more than one, officers are in the habit of associating on terms of fimmiliarity with the enlisted men of their regiments, even to the extent of l)layillg certain games together. If a proper sense of propriety and l)ride of profession will not stop this pernicious habit it is useless to issue orders on the subject for the government of officers. Any eIlliste(l man hereafter found associating with officers, either i)laying at games, or otherwise, will be brought to trial for disobedience of orders. By order of Brig. Gen. W. T. H. Brooks: ED. W. SMITH Assista at Adjutant- (J& .eral. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS rTENTLL ARMY Conis No. 76. ( In the Field, Va., July 12, 1864. Iii or(ler to relieve the detachment of dismounted cavalry, which has been for mummy (lays on 1)icket on the left, the following arrangements will go into effect: Brigadier-General Terry, commanding First I)i- vision, will send 200 men, J)roper]y officered, to report to Brigadier-Geim- eral Fem-ry, commanding Third Division, who will thereupon relieve the dismounted cavalry, replacing them on the picket-line by the troops from Gemmeral Terrys command. General Ferry will re-enforce these troops by at least 200 men from his own coniinand. General Ferry will seiid 300 men of the 100-days men to report to General Terry, to take post on the picket-line, diminished b General Ferry~s front. y 200 of his old nien transferred to By order of Brig. Geii. W. T. Ii. Brooks: El). W. SMITH, Lieu turn at- ( aloud and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 206 206 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Fort Powhatan, Va., July 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: GENERAL: Is it expected that I will give all the aid iii my power to repair and keep up the U. S. military telegraph line from this place to Swan Point in preference to working on the fortifications here? Very resl)ectfully, G. S. INNIS, Colonel, Commanding Post. BUTLERS hEADQUARTERS, Jnly 12, 1864. Col. G. S. INNIS: You will do all you can to keep the telegraph iii repair. By command of Major-General Butler: H. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT MONROE, VA., July 12, 18644.35 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have reached here with the advance of the two divisions of the Nineteenth Army Corps, and received orders to go to Washington and shall start to-night. It will be one week before the rear of the column gets here. Colonel Shaffer will continue to report the ships with the number of troops as they arrive. W. H. EMORY, Brigadier- General, Cowman ding. HEADQUARTERS SAiNT MARYS DISTRICT, Point Lookout, Aid., July 12, 18649 a. m. Maj. C. H. RAYMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: All quiet. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General. - POiNT LOOKOUT, July 12, 1864? J). Th. Maj. C. H. RAYMOND: All quiet. Colonel Hoffman arrived here this afternoon. The U. S. steamer R. H. Cuyler arrived this afternoon. The Minnesota is expected to-morrow. JAS. BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 207 CHAP. LII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 207 CITY POINT, VA., July 13, 186412 m. Major-General HALLECK (iReceivecl 12.15 a. m. 14th.) Washington, 1). ~jjV: Summary of evidence gathered from deserters, scOuts, aiid cavalry reconnaissance by Gregg on our left, shows that none of Hills or Long- streets corps have left our front. Two brigades (Lanes and McGowans) of Wilcoxs division, Hulls corps, are on north side of James, in Fosters front; two brigades (Thomas and Scales), same division, same corps, are between Walthall and Appomattox; Picketts division iu Butlers immediate front, and, deserters say, Davis brigade, of ileths division, lulls corps, is in reserve in rear of Pickett. Gregg ascertained by reconnaissance that Fitz. Lees division and Bowers~11tossers] brigade cavalry are at Reams Station, intrenched, and the citizens say some in- fantry, though he found no infamitry. Mahones division, Longstreets corps, is in front of the Fifth Corps. Evidemice of this seems positive. Deserters from Mahones division (Florida regiments) say that Heths division has returned to his old position in reserve. - Its movement seems to have been made (lowli the railroad, fearing Wright was mov- ing in that direction, but finding he was not it has returned. Progress of work good as could be expected under such hot sun. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WA5HIN~TON, D. C., July 13, 18641 r. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: Your telegram of 12 in. yesterda.y is Just received. General Wright has already been assigiie(l to the command of the troops to go to the field. I have telegraphed to General Ord as you directed, lie reports Ricketts division to be reduced to an aggregate of 2,488. The only other force he has is 500 colored, 200 sailors, 3,000 militia, and a body ot armed citizens. The remains of Ricketts division are the only forces that can take the field. I telegraphed you this morning the number of available troops here for the field, and also the most reliable estimate of enemys strength. Nothing whatever about Hunter. 11. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of AS~taff. CITY POINT, VA., July 13, 18642.30 p. rn. Hon. C. A. DANA, (Received 1 a. in. 14th.) Assistant iS1ecreta ry of War: Deserters are coming in daily, giving the position of every division of the rebel army. Some are in to-day from Eon gstreets corps, giving the position of two of his divisions, and the third we know to be in front of Butler, who has probably received fifty deserters from it in the last week. Boldness is all that is wanted to drive the enemy out of Mary- land in confrision. I hope and believe Wright is the man to assure that. The advance of two divisions of the ~ineteenth Corps l)assed Fort Monroe yesterday, and I hope the whole of them will reach Wash- ington within the next twenty-four hours. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 208 208 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 13, 186410.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have nothing particular to report beyoiid what was contained in special dispatches of the transactions during the past twenty-four hours. Greggs cavalry was withdrawn last night to Lees Mill, from whence he pickets toward Reams Station and along the railroad to the left of the army. I deem it proper to retain him there for the present, as he obtained undoubted evidence from prisoners that Fitz. Lees division and liossers brigade of cavalry were at the statioh. He could hear nothing of infantry beyond the reports of citizens, who stated that Hills corps was at the station, supporting the cavalry. This probably meant ileths division, which from other sources we had reason to believe was on the railroad guarding it and supporting the cavalry. There appears to be no doubt that up to noon yesterday, and even later, Mahones division, of Hills corps, was in front of the Fifth Corps. The preparation of batteries in front of the Fifth and Ninth Corps and the running of the gallery for the mine made good progress yesterday not- withstanding the excessive heat. The engineers have established a depot at a convenient point, an(l are collecting gabions and other material for operations. The heavy guns will soon be put in position in front of the~ifth Corps, and an effort made to silence the fire of the batteries in the salient on the plank road. In the meantime the enemy is busily employed strengthening his line, and can be seen preparing another one in rear of the one now occmll)ied. GEO. (A. MEAI)E, Major- General, (Join manding. CITY POiNT, Jaly 13, 1RG42.3() p. in. General HIJMPunEYS: it is reported from Washington that Longstreets corps is moving down the Valley. Inquire ot Babcock to examine deserters and ascer- taiii all he can that is positive about Longstreets corps, and send it to Colonel Comnstock. A dispatch from Washington announces the de- struction of the Gunpowdei bridge on the Philadelphia railroad, the cal)ture of two trains with General Franklin ~nd that the enemy are i~i front of Washington on the north side. GEt). G. MEAl)E, Major- (len oral. HEADQUARTERS Aw~iv OF THE POTOMAC, July 13, 18644.15 p. in. Lieutenant-Colonel COMSTOCK, Aide-dc-Camp, City Point I 5end you a imote from Mr. Babcock, contaimming a copy of a statement from the ~rovost-marshal-ge1merals (lel)artment, forwarded on the 11th July at 11.45 p. m.* The deserters from Finegans brigade, on time left of Hills corps, that caine in this mormming, stated that Lommgstreets See p. 177 Page 209 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 corps was on their left. Specific information respecting Pieketts division, of Longst.reets corps, and Wilcoxs division, of Hills corps, and Beauregards command may be obtained from General Butlers department. A. A. JIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of ~ta~. CITY POINT, VA., July 1~, 18G18.00 1. rn. Bvt. Maj. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, (Ecceived 7.45 a. m. 14th.) Quartermaster- General: Forage does not come forward fast enough. There are but a very few vessels in the river. I beg you to conlL)el the proper officers to push it forward direct to this point. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSIIAL-GENERAL, Major-General HUMPIIREYS, July 13, 1~64. Chief of & aff: GENERAL: Five deserters from the First and Second Florida Battal- ions, the Fifth Florida Regiment, of Finegans brigade, Maliones divis- ion, were forwarded from the Fifth Corps headquarters this a. m. They came into our lines about 3 oclock this a. m. They report that Wrights brigade returned from the right yesterday morning and took position in the rear of Mahones division. That ileths division came back at the same time and took their old position on the right of the line. This was currently reported, none of informants having seen any of ileths troops returned. The Florida brigade numbers about 1,000 men for duty. There is a general disposition to desert in the new Florida reg- imOnts, but fear of being canght prevents them. The position of Ma- hones division was as follows last evening: Mahones old brigade. Right. ~ 0 Harris brigade, a Wright in reserve. wilcoxs brigade. Finegans brigade. 0 Left. ~ Hoods division, of Loogstreets corps. Since the arrival of the above two deserters from Mahones division have been forwarded from the Fifth Corps. One from the Ninth Flor- ida, Finegans brigade, brings no additional information, but corrobo- rates the above. One from the Forty-eighth Mississippi, Harris brk 14 R RVOL XL,, PT II Page 210 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. 210 (cHip. LII. gade, came in about 6.30 this a. m. Caine out on picket about~ dark last evening. He reports that Heths divisiou returned yesterday morning about daylight and resumed their former position, and that Wrights brigade is in reserve in rear of his (Mahones) division. Knows nothing of the whereabouts of Wilcoxs division, of A. P. Hills corps. Has not seen it for some time. Is positive it is not in position anywhere in the vicinity of his division, and does not think it is lying in reserve. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 13, 186411.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The above dispatch forwarded for your information. It proves Hills two divisions are still in our front. It confirms the movement of Heth previously reported, and is in conformity with Greggs report that he could find 110 infantry at Reams. I now think the enemy having heard of Wrights movement sent Heth to Reams to meet an attack on the road, which not being made, he was brought back; or he may have gone to guard returning trains. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 13, 18649.45 a. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: At 9.45 last evening heard a train of cars moving toward Richmond on the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad; and at 3 this a. m. heard another train moving on same road, but could not distinguish in which direction. The steam in direction of Whiteheads has disappeared. No movements observed. Intercepted message: 8.30 A. M. Colonel BRENT, A88istant Adjutant-General: No nioveinents observed in the enemys camps this a. m. Three gun-boats off Point of Rocks and one gun-boat below pontoon. OPERATOR, At C. (SametoA. B.) CITAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, Signal Officer. JULY 13, 186410.30 a. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: Fifty mounted men just came into the city from the direction of Ceme- tery Hill. C. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer Page 211 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 211 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 13, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following report received from plank road signal station: At 11 a. m. a battery of six pieces passed to our left on road near Weldon railroad. It was followed by several ambulances and wagons. No other movements of troops to-day. The enemy still continue at work on their lines in our front. J. B. DUFF, Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain an(l Chief Signal Officer. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, Captain FISHER, July 13, 18647.25 p. in. Chief Signal Officer: No movement observed this p. m. Discovered another sigiial station bearing south 40 degrees west from here and near Cemetery Hill. In- tercepted rebel message: Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: Nothing of interest to report seen in enemys camps iiear Cobbs. Oiic gun-boat above Point of Rocks and two above pontoons. OPERATOR, At C. CHARLES L. DAVIS, 6aptain and Signal Otlicer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Brigadier-General BENHAM, July 13, 186410 a. rn. 61omma n ding Engineer Brigade, City 1~oint: The commanding general directs that you have on baud uiot less than 10,000 axes. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- (leneral and Chief of Staff. CITY POlNT, July 13, 1864. (Received 11.30 a. In.) Major-General HUMPHREYS: Your dispatch received and the axes will be telegraphed for immedi- ately. I would mention that the wagons and other material for the last canvas train ordered have just arrived. They will require some fittings and other work here which will be done at once. H. W. BENIJAM, Brigadier- General Page 212 212 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 13, 18613.45 p. rn. Brigadier-General BENHAM, Gommanding Engineer Brigade, City Point: Colonel Spaulding reports that a large portion of the sand-bags brought up this morning are rotten and otherwise damaged, and prob- ably more than a third are ntterly worthless. Will you have what are on hand examined, if practicable, au(l if the number originally ordered is materially diminished by mildew, or in any other way, will you see to having others procured ? A. A. IIUMPIIIIEYS, Major-General and Ckief of Staffa CITY PoINT, July 13, 1864. (Received 5.40 p. in.) General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: 1 have previously directed that no rotten bags should be sent up. I fear that the defective bags are a portion of 30,000 drawn from the engineer (lepartineut in April when your order was received. The balance ofthe 100,000, mostly purchased new at that time, I trust are sound and strong as they were then. Orders will at once go to Washington for 30,000 new ones to supply defects. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. COMPANY C, FIFTEENTh NEW YORK VOL. ENGINEERS, Camp on ~ Neck, James River, Va., [July 13, 1864]. Capt. CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjuhint- General, Engineer Brigade SIR: I have the honor to inform you that sin cc my h~st I rel)ort noth- ing of unusual interest has occurred. I am now making some necessary repairs on the boats; some of them require new timber-heads, but these cannot be repaired here for the want of proper material and tools. The health of this command continues very good. XTery respectfully, your obedient servant, TIMOTHY LUBEY, Capt., Fifteenth New York Vol. Engineers, Comdg. Company C. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 13, 1864. (Received 4.30 a. in.) Getieral HTJMPHREYS: Following just receive(l: HEADQUARTE i~s SECoNI DivisioN, CAVALRY Cones. General HANcOcK: A command sent out last night went to Proctors Tavern; no enemy there, nor has there been any. 1). McM. GREGG, Briqadier-General. WINF1) S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 213 Cii& p. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 213 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, General S. WILLIAMS, July 13, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General :~ Nothing new has occurred since my last report, except a detail of 300 men for fatigue called for by engineer department. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 13, 186410 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS, U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have to report that my headquarters are at the Deserted House on the Norfolk road. One division is on the right of the road, another between the road and the railroad in rear of General Warrens head- quarters, and Gibbons division at the white house. General Gibbons picket-line remains on as far around to the left as the plank road. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 13, 1864. General WILLIAMS: I would prefer to have the telegraph run to my headquarters at the l)esei-ted I-louse. WINFD S. HANCOCK, i1li~or- General. Line will be run at once from Fifth Corps headquarters to General lIanc( )CkS. Respectfully, MURRAY. HEADQUARTERS FrPTH ARMY Coups, July 13, 18642 p. m. General HANCOCK: I find it takes all my personal attention and all the men I have to .work on my left to-day, and I would like, if it can be done, to have your picket-liiie~emain till to-morrow. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, General G. K. WARREN, July 13, 1864. Commanding Fifth Corps: The picket-line will remain as you desire. Please take charge of it arid inform me when you wish to relieve it. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Co nunanding Page 214 214 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CaA~. LII. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, No. 186. July 13, 186411.45 a. rn. * * * * * * * 3. The Fourth Regiment New York Heavy Artillery is assigned to special duty in the siege operations under General H. J. Hunt, chief of artillery. The commanding officer of the regiment will at once report to General Hunt. * * * * * * * By command of Major.General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 13, 1864. Two days rations will be issued to the troops to-day as soon as they get in camp. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 13, 18649 a. m. 13~enera1 WILLIAMS: All quiet in my front last night. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 13, 18642 p. m. General HUMPUREYS: I am spending the whole day superintending the works on my left, where I find my rank and experience combined were very much needed. I have threc brigades working in and around the large redoubt. - G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 13, 1864. (Received 9.25 p. in.) General S. WILLIAMS: Nothing unusual has transpired on my front dnring the day. G. K. WARREN, Major. General. SIGNAL STATION, July 13, 186410.45 a. m. Major-General WARREN: I would respectfully report that a battery of the enemy, of six pieces, has just passed to our left on a road close by the Weldon railroad, at a point two miles due west from station. It was followed by several am- bulances and wagons. J. H. I)UFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer Page 215 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 215 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 13, 1864. Brigadier-General AYRES, Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: I have directed 200 grain sacks to be sent to you for Colonel Kitchiugs use. There is a large pile of gabions just iu rear of General Bartletts line, hauled there for general use. Colonel Kitching can get the number he requires from that place. Very respectfally, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, July 13, 1864. Brigadier-General MOTT, Commanding Third Brigade: GENERAL: The major-general commanding the division (lirects me to say that you will remain with your brigade until the (lestriletioll of the breast-works is completed. I am, sir, very respectfully, JOHN HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, July 13, 1864. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Army Corps: GENERAL: In compliance with the orders of Major-General Han- cock, I report my division in camp on the plank road on the left of the. infantry line. Colonel Bryans command maintains its former picket- line and my division is within Jitis lines. Very respectfully, D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Dirision. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 13, 18648 a. m. Colonel RICHMOND: COLONEL: I have the honor to report all- quiet on my lines. The cars were running to and fro through the night, on the left side of the town. A new rifle-pit is reported on mimy left, not visible from the left of my line, but perhaps visible to General Warrens troops. Last night the enemy fired five shells from their left redoubt (opposite Warren) which exploded in rear of ~ brigade. Very respectfully, 0. B. WH~LCOX, Brigadier- General Page 216 216 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANi) N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 13, 1864--8.30 a. m. (Received 9.30 a. ia.) Major-General SHERIDAN, (Jarairy Co~ps: General Gregg will remain in his present position, on the left of the army, near Lees Mill. The commanding general (lirects that you have his supplies of firage, rations, & e., kept up. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of ~taft hEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS July 13, 186111.15 a. m. Gcneral IIITMPHREYS: Dispatch receive(l. Supplies ~vill be sent to General Gregg at ~uice. P. 11. SLLEItJJ)AIN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECONi) 1) IVISi( )N, CAVALRY CORPS, July 13, 156i. Ma]. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The forage for the horses of this division will expire this ev.ening and the rations to-morrow evening. If my command is to remain in its present position please inform me, that I may apply to Ma]or-General Sheridan to have additiommal supplies sent. The supply train of this division is at Light-Il ouse Point. Very respectfully, D. MoM. GREGG, 11 ra~adier- Gen C~(( I (if 1 r(4 iinteers, (am man dinq ASCCOU 4 i)ntsion. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC July 13, .1864S.2a a. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, (Jomman ding Caca iry Jhvtsion Your dispatch respecting rations and forage is received. Time coin- mamiding general directs mime to say you will remain in your present position, and will, therefore, keep yourself sul)plied with rations, for age, and ammunition. A. A. HUMPHPEYS, Major- General a ad (Jhhf of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., CAVALRY CORPS, Capt. H. C. WEIR :j CAPTAIN: Captain Hughes has returned. Reports that Colonel Robisomi readied Proctors house, found imo enemy, nor has there been any there. A colored woman said a force of 2,000 or 8,000 cavalry wer Page 217 Ciw~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 217 to the left, which may mean Reams Station or Stony Creek, as the party may be facing. This corroborates Colonel Brintons rel)ort, that the tracks were in the direction of the former place. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. IRVIN GREGG, Colon ci, Commanding Brigade. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 13, 18G41O.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, 61ommanding Armies of the United AS~tate8: We have in front of us here, from Waithall Junction to the Appomat- tox, Thomas and Scales brigades, of Wilcoxs division, of hills corps, and in front of General Foster upon the north side of the James are Lanes and McGowans (now Conners) brigades, of the same divisioii and corps, making the whole of Wilcoxs division present here. In the rear of Picketts division, which is in my immediate froiit, a deserter states Davis brigade of Heths division of Hills corps to be stationed, acting as a reserve brigade. From all the information I can get I do not believe for a moment that any of Hills corps have gone north. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Corn manding. CITY POINT, VA., July 13, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Corn man ding, 4-c. Please inform Capt;iin Smith, of the navy, that the rebels have placed a battery at-Wilcoxs Landing, and request him to send a gun-boat-or two down to dislodge them. The difficulty in landing troops there, I presume, will render it useless to send any down, but if you think a speedy landing can be effected and can spare the troops, you may send down a regiment. I think no greater force necessary. They would be under the protection of gun-boats if the enemy were found superior to them. If any troops are sent instruct them to destroy as much of the crops as they can, but to keep out of the houses. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 13, 18617.50 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: General Butler is absent out on the line. He has already directed General Graham to dislodge the rebels at Wilcoxs Landiig. I have no doubt it will be done. In view of these facts do you wish me to coin- municate your dispatch to Captain Smith? Respectfully. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier. General and Acting Chief of Staff Page 218 218 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIT. CITY POINT, July 13, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, General Butlers Headquarters: It is not necessary. A gun-boat has been sent from here. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY PoINT, July 13,1864. Brigadier-General WEITzEL, General Ilutlers Headquarters: Rebels have cut the Philadelphia railroad north of Baltim6re, catch- ing two trains of passengers, General Franklin among other officers. Have destroyed much private property outside of Washington, and have been firing at one of the forts with artillery, but at last reports had made no attack. They are on the Rockville side of the city. Lat- est dispatch was 11 a. m. yesterday. Nothing official from Hunter. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 13, 1864. (Received 5J~ p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: The following dispa~tch is forwarded for your information: RIVER-BANK SIGNAL STATION, Spring Hill, July 13, 18644 p. rn. Ten cars, partly loaded with troops and two pieces of artillery, just passed the railroad junction toward Petersburg. A. G. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. JULY 13, 1864. General INGALL5~ A transport coming up the river was fired into this p. in. by rebel field artillery arid struck north side near Wilcoxs WharL The army gun-boat Parke shelled them away aud lauded a party, but the rebels had left. The navy boat Osceola has gone down. C. E. FULLER, Lieutenant- Colonel. RIVER-BANK SIGNAL -STATION, AS~pring hill, July 13, 18648 a~. m. Captain NORTON: Six passenger-cars loaded with troops and six empty passed the railroad junction toward Petersburg. A. G. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer Page 219 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.tTNION. ~19 JULY 13, 1864. Colonel ABBOT, Broadway Landing: The Fourth New York Artillery is ordered to report to me. What instructions shall I give the colonel? Colonel MeGilvery, commanding reserve artillery, is disposidide; do you want him? It would be well now to finally arrange operations in detail. It would perhaps be well for you to come up. I am not well and cannot go down to see you. H. J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., July 13, 1864. Brigadier-General HUNT, Headquarters Army of the. Potomac: I was about starting for the James River water batteries this evening intending to go to your headquarters early to-morrow morning. If you prefer me to come at once I will start immediately. Please Jet me know your wishes in the matter. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. P. S.The 13-inch mortar broke its truck-car on the fourth shot. We are about trying to repair it. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 13, 1864. Col. H. L. ABBOT: General Hunt desires me to say that it will do if you come up early to- morrow morning. W. S. WORTH, Lieutenant and Aide-de- Camp. BROADWAY, July 13, 1864. (Received 4.30 p. in.) General WEITZEL: Does the general intend to try the experiments to-night on the Crows Nest battery? HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. - IIDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA In the Field, July 13, 1864. Colonel ABBOT, Broadway: General Butler proposes to be there at sunset. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF ViRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 13, 1864. General W. T. H. BROOKS: The commanding general directs that you furnish me with a list of names of officers of Terrys and Fosters command above the rank o Page 220 2~O OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CIL& P. LiT. captain who have fallen since the 1st of May, in order that the forts and batteries on the line may be named after them. Please furnish them as quickly as possible. Respectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of & aff. (Copy to commanding general Eighteenth Army Corps.) BROOKS HEADQUARTERS, July 13, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: The only officer above the rank of captain who has been killed since May 1 is Lient. Col. W. P. Spofford, Eleventh Regiment Maine Volun- teers. W. T. 11. BROOKS. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, July 13, 186410.05 p. m. Colonel CURTIS: I am instructed by the general commanding to inform you that his scout reports a fatigue party of about fifty men of the enemys at work upon the salietit directly in front of the lone cedar tree. Please send word to Lieutenant-Colonel Coan that they are on the right of his front also. Let your pickets opemi upon them. By direction of General Turner: ISRAEL R. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. A~jt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Hatchers, Va., July 13, 1861. Brig. Gen. 0. S. FERRY, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of this muorning relative to the disposition of troops on the picket-line I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to say that in making the new arrange- ments time 400 men spoken of by you as already present on the line did not enter into the calculation. The intention was that the 200 men from General Terry, re-enforced by at least 200 from your own command and as many more as you might deem necessary, should constitute the whole force on that line. The brigadier-general comniuaiiding directs that the arrangement suggested in your letter be adopted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 13, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER: Heavy trains, and several of them , were run during the night into the city of Petersburg from Richmond. Very heavy firing during the night; supposed to be on the front of the Second or Fifth Corps. J. II. MARTINDALE, Brigadier- General Page 221 CRAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 221 Ma~j. Gen. B. F. BUTLER: JULY 13, 1864. There is a rebel battery firing on our traiisports at Wilcoxs Wliart at the bend of the river just above this l)lace. No gun-boat here. G. S. INNIS, Colonel, Commanding. BERMUDA, July 13, P~61. Major-General BUTLER: I have just Come lip the river from iiear Wilcoxs Wliart. Captain Fitch, with the army gun-boat Parke, was near there when n section of artillery fired into the transport this p. in. and shelled them out, after- war(l landing a party to ascertaiu where they were gone. C. K. GIIAILAM, - Brigadier- General. (Forwarded to Lieulieimnt-Geiieral Grant.) C~IERRYSTONE, July 13, 1864. Major-Geiieral BUTLER Headquarters: GENERAL: llmnors through rebel sympathizers give us fears of another raid upon this post, which at this time is invaluable to the Gov- ernment, business from the whole Western army, Baltimore, & c., pass- Pig through this office thence to Washington via Point Lookout. Only eighteen iiien here, aiid we respectfully ask that you will increase the force to protect us in the discharge of our duties. Please answer immediately. W A. DUNN, S. C. BURNS, Operators. FLM~-sHw MALVERN, Hampton Roads, July 1.3, 186412 in. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, ASeeretary of the Navy: I leave here now to look after Potomac (livisioll ci my squadron. Fleet captain remains here. S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral. FORT MONROE, July 13, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: Your dispatch dated July 11 just received. New York not here. Mail-boat gone. Shall I come by special boat? Shall I bring those persons awaiting transfer through the lines? Captain Cassels cait give you a list of them. JNO. E. MULFORI), Major and Assistant Agent for Exchange Page 222 222 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 13, 1864. Maj. J. E. MULFORD: Come up with the people you mention on a special boat so as to be here not later than 10 a. m. to-morrow. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. POINT LOOKOUT, July 13, 18649 a. m. (Received Washington 1 p. in.) Maj. C. H. RAYMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: All quiet. JAS. BARNES, Brigadier- General. OFFICE OF THE COMMiSSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS, Washington, D. C., July 13, 1864. Brigadier-General BARNES, Commanding, Point Lookout, AId.: Dont fail to put your artillery in position to-day, and if possible com- plete your additional field-works. By order of the Secretary of War: W. HOFFMAN, Commissary- General of Prisoners. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, July 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. JAMES BARNES, Commanding at Point Lookout: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general comlnan(ling to ask how many mounted men you have on patrol duty at your post, and what disposition has been made of the eighty horses turned over to Captain Goodwin, quartermaster, for this purpose? Yery respectfully, ~. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant- General. POINT LOOKOUT, July 13, 1864. (Received 2.55 p. in.) Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Department of Washington: I have only thirty mounted mern Fifty of the horses turned over to Captain Goodwin were reported by him unfit for cavalry service. I can use fifty of the quartermasters horses to make up the eighty. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier-General, Commanding District Page 223 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 CITY POINT, VA., Jul 14, 1864. Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. (1.: It would seem from dispatches* just received from Mr. Dana, Assist- ant Secretary of War, that the enemy are leavimig Maryland. If so, Hunter should follow him as rapidly as the jaded condition of his men will admit. The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps should be got here with- out any delay, so that they may be used before the return of the troops sent into the Valley by the enemy. Hunter, moving up the Valley, will either hold a large force of the enemy or he will be enabled to reach Gordonsyille and Charlottesville. The utter destruction of the road at and between these two places will be of immense value to us. I do not intend this as an order to bring Wright back while lie is in pursuit of the enemy with any prospect of punishing him, but to secure his return at the earliest possible moment after lie ceases to be abso- lutely necessary where he is. Colonel Comstock, who takes this, can explain to you fully the situation here. The enemy have the Weldon road completed, but are very cautious about bringing cars through on it. I shall endeavor to have it badly destroyed, and for a long distance, within a few days. I anderstand from a refugee that they have twenty- live miles of track yet to lay to complete the iDanvihle road. If the enemy has left Maryland, as I suppose he has, lie should have upon his heels veterans, militiamen, men on horseback, and everything that can be got to follow to eat out Virginia clear and clean as far as they go, so that crows flying over it for the balance of this season will have to carry their provender with them. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 14, 18642 p. m. (Received 6.50 a. ni. 15th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, 1). 0.: For the last few days I have made every effort to ascertain whether the enemy have further detached to send north. He shows everywhere as strong a front as he has done from the start, and deserters constantly coming in locate eVery division of Lomigstreets and Hills corps and Beauregards force. If any detachments have been made it has been brigades and not divisions, and I have no evidence of even this having been done. I received a communication from Lee, dated the 10th, showing his presence at that time, but I received oiie dated the 13th from Beauregard in answer to one directed to Lee. This I do not understand. It seems to me that by promptly pushing the enemy he can be driven from Maryland with great loss. Now, however, it will be miecessary to hold force enough in the city to hold the enemy at bay, if he should attack, until re-enforcements can be got. I have sent Ord four batteries from here, and will direct him to push out, and, at least, develop the enemy in his front and drive him if he can. Not being able to communicate with all the commanders, it will be hard to get anything like nnity of action, but if they will push boldly from all quarters the enemy will certainly be destroyed. If I find further detachments have been sent from here I will make a determined push to obtain a firm foothold that will ultimately secure Richmond and be easily held, and detach all I can. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ~See Vol. XXXVII, Part II, pp. 259, 260 Page 224 224 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [ChAP. LII. CITY PoINT, VA., July 14, 18643 p. m. (Received 7.30 a. m. 15th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Dispatch from Mr. Dana, just received, indicates the enemy leaving Maryland. If so, instructions ought to be sent to Fortress Monroe di- recting the Nineteenth Corps as they reach there to be sent here. Ord telegraphs a rumor in Baltimore that the enemy have sent to Point Lookout to rescue prisoners there.* This can hardly be possible in vie~v of the~ narrow outlet through which they would have to go in passing Washington with them. I call attention to the rnmo~, however, that you may direct the proper steps, if such a thing should be possible. I think it well to notify the Navy Department of this, that they may prevent the possibility of an attelul)t to cross the Potomac in boats. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Generii. CITY l~0INT, VA., July 14, 1864. Major-General MEAiw, Commanding, & e. There is no chance now of getting any more horses for the cavalry for at least two weeks. This will be too long a time to wait before making an other raid upon the enemys communications. You may notify Sheridan to get ready at the earliest practicable day. I will order Kautz to report to him with his available cavalry. The cavalry will require a fair start with infantry supports, after which they should go on extending their raid upon the roads into North Carolina as fhr as Weldon. I do not think they should attempt to return imume(Iiately here, but should get back to the James River below, or might even find it~ better to go into Suffolk and work their way up slowly to the army. A pontoon train will be necessary to carry out this programme. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 14, 186412.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Please direct your engineer officer to (lelnolish all works built by the ene,my and now in rear of our lines. Of course this will not include any turned to face the enemy and now used by us, nor will it be well, per- haps, to destroy those in full view of the enemy. If you will send your engineer officer to direct what lvomks should be leveled in rear of the Eighteenth Corps I will order General Martindale to destroy them. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 18642 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatches in relation to proposed rai(l and the destruction of the enemys works have been received. Orders have been sent to Sheridan * See Vol. XXXVII, Part II, p. 293 Page 225 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 225 ~ ~rep~tie his COIlluiafl(1 and report when they will be ready. Two dl- visions of the Second Corps will be put this afternooii on the work o2 leveling the enemys old works. (AEO. (~. MEADE, Jliajor- General. I IEADQUA1tTER8 A Ri~iX OF TiLE L~OTOMAC. dilly IL i(~6iC)..i() ~. at. Lienteim iut-4 ieiieral (1 nA~~r (~e~ierul Sheridan reL)oIt.s lie can have ),OOO men readx- to start Ott the 16th. What force of inthntrv should accompany him, mid how liir do you think the infaiitiy ought to go t)o you l)1oPoSe Sheridan should ittemlit the (leStruletioil ot any other road than the Weldon, or do you desire the Dauville mid Lyueliburg also both cut? GEO. (A. MEAI)E, Jlajor- (I eneral, (Ioinmaiuiinq. Major-General MEADE: If Sheridan succeeds in getting to Y~el(lon 01 near there, I did not 511l4)05C lie woLll(I be able to get to the l)anville road. If he could, hiowever, and could follow the road up to l)aiwille, and south of it, making the ilestriiction of both roads sufficient to last for a month or two, it would be a good thing. In starting out such parties a wide (lis- cretion lutist be given to coniinandmg officers. I see front Atlanta papers that they look upon the loss of that place as l)rol)able, but con- gratulate themselves that Sherman coulI(l not stay a month if he had it. Ititititatiomi scents strong that .Johnston will hill back to Macon, where he thiuiks he will not be followed for some time, and (letach largely to join Lees army to drive us back, when they can hill upon Sherman with an overwheliuino force. To cut both roads flu south, therefore, will be a gucat help to us. I thiuik Sheridan should sini~)ly be untom med fully of the importance of complete and extended (lestrllttloli of the enemys ioads and be left to execute it in his own way and with discre- hon to return iii his own time, with authority even to go into New Berne if he thinks safety requires it. The ol~ject ot an intamitmy towe is to give him a fair start beyond reach of the enemys inftuntmy It a (oLJ)5 can get oii the railroad bet~veemi the rebel cavalry and inf Intl y that would be sufficient. They might remain one day destroying ioad, it not engaed with the eiieny, and then return, moving well to th cmt in (loing so. U. S. (A ltAiNT, Lieutenant- General. CiTY I~oLNT, NA., July II, 15G1. (Received 11 P. in.) Major-Geiieral MEADE: The enemy are leaving Maryland, it is supposed, by Edwards Ferry. Wright is following, but I l)~~liIflC the enemy will get off without 1)1111- ishmuemit. I-hunter may hit him, but I (loumbt it. The Baltimore road wiis l.~i R EYOL XL, PT l Page 226 226 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL not injured and trains were expected to be running to-day. Tele- graphic communication was open yesterday with Philadelphia. It is rumored that Franklin, who was captured with the train at Gunpow- der bridge, afterward escaped. I have no coiifirmation of the rel)ort, however. jT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Gen C#(i 1. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 14, 1~6j. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief qf $taff: GENERAL: Three deserters from Finegans brigade (Fourth Battalion and Ninth Florida Regiment) came into the lines of the Fifth Corps this d. m. about 2 oclock. From them we can learn little or nothing. They have been on picket all night. Up to the time they left the trenches they knew of no movements on their right or left having taken place for a week or more, excej~iting the force lately kent down the Weldon railroad. Neither of the deserters know what is on their right or left and are all stupid and unintelligent. All the information obtained amounts only to this, that their brigade (Finegans) and Mahones divis- ion was in the same position last night that it has been for the past week or more and that they have not seen or heard of any movements, excepting that of a part of their corps, a few days since. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BABCOCK. Indois~rnent.j HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC July 11, 18641().3O a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Forwarded as the only niformation receive(t to-day. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 14, 1864. General HUMPHREYS: A contraband caine imito our hues about 3 oclock this afternoon from Petersburg. He left the city this morning, and Imas been hanging about the lines all day waiting for a good lchammce] to get through. He got permission to go beyond the works to gather blackberries, and by representing himuseif as one of the officers servants, strolled outside the pickets. He has been a firemaum on the South Side Railroad, but has not been on the road since it was destroyed. He resides on Old Street near Sycamore, and has been living there for the past year. He says that no troops have passed north for the past two weeks froni Lees army, excepting two regiments of infantry that went to Richmond last Friday. He has a wife residing at Dunns Hill, on the Ohesterfield side of the Appomattox River. He has been in the habit of visiting 11cr frcqueumtly, ammd left there this muorning. He says that the ~cvc Page 227 Ciiir. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 teentli Virginia Regiment, of Pieketts division, is at Dunns Hill guarding an ordiiaiice train, an(i that his whole (liviSion is on the Ches- terfield side of the river, part of it at the HalfWay house, and the rest of it at Port Waithall Junction. He is positive that no troops have been sent away from here to re-enforce Early, or to go anywhere else, and that if Longstreets corps had moved in any direction he would have known it. He says it is all in our front. Very respectfully, JNO. C. BABCOCK. (Forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant by General Meade.) JIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, July 14, 1861. Maj. Gen. A. X. HUMPHREYS, Chief of $taft: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following rel)ort. jusf received: WA Liii ALL SIGNAL StATION, July 14, 18G4. No movement seen or heard this a. In. Intercel)te(l messages as follows: A. B.: Will you grant me twelve hours leave of absence to visit Richmondl I have some important business there to attend to. D. TIMBERLAKE, Aide-de-Camp. 8.15 A. M. Colonel BRENT, AsSi8tant Adjutanl-Geucral: No change in enemys camp in vicinity of Cobbs. One gun-boat and One steamer below pontoon l)ridge. W. S. L. The other stations along our front report ito changes. By order: I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYK ER, First Lieateieant (OUt Adjutant Of signal Corps. IIEAI)QUARTERS ARMY OF THE 1~OTOMAC, ~Iuly 11, 1861. Mujor-Gencrid IluilpunE Y 5, Chief of 8ta if: GENERAL: The following report received front signal station near 1)lank road: At 4.30 p. m. a detachment of cavalry passed to our left on road near Weldon rail- road. It was al)out one regiment and was eight minutes passing; was followed by several wagons and many stragglers. No trains ait Weldon railroa(l to (lay. Enemys canip remains the same, in woods east of lead-works. They are still ~tt work on their intrenchments at different points. J. B. DUFF. Very res~)ectflllly, your obedient servant H. F. FISHER, {aptaen ((ltd Chief ASigflai ()ffi(er~ Army of the Potomac Page 228 228 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. U. S. ENGINEERS CAMP, July 11, 1~G4. iNiaj. J. C. DUANE, (khJ En qineu: MAJOR: During the last twenty-thur hours two batteries, comnienced night before last on General Cutlers right, were coml)leted. They are for field guns, and were under the (lirection of Lieutenant howell. On the right of General Griffins line two batteries were built last night, and are colIIl)lete except one embrasure. They are for field guns. On the left flank, near the Chieves house, a battery was laid ont yesterday and a sufficient detail set to work yesterday evening. This morning I learn that it is (hilite well advanced. I have no official report on this 5111)jCct. This is a half sunken battery for Tom gmis. Work was con- tinned on the large redoubt yesterday and the barbettes completed in the sahients farthest froni the plank road. The work was turned over to General Warren, who will direct the garrison to complete. any unfin- islied work. No report has been received from Lieutenant (1uyler, who took 20() men with orders to strengthen the l)arapets of two batteries on General Ayres trout. The redoubt oii the left (200 feet square) is rel)orted by Captain Harwood to be progressing fairly, one face being up to the soles of the ciubrasure. The revetting on the other flices has been conuinenced, and the parapets are almost as far advance(l. The infhntry parapet at the gorge is about three fret above the terre-plein. In addition a considerable amount of slashing has been done in the vicinity of the redoubt. I am, very j~espectfiul1y, your obedient servant, C. II. MENI)ELL, (hupt(( in, Corn inn ndiufj C. ~S. Engineer Batt(I lion. CiTY POiNT, July 11, 1SGIiU.3() p. in. General A. A. hIu~wHREYs: Lieutenant Hough, who came for the l)icks aml shovels, arrived about 5 p. m. The twelve teams lie brought were all loaded soon after 7 p. na., but requiring six ;n~Lpre te~a~s~ it appears ~.thi~t l;ie retained the loaded teams here while he l)rocLired the others, about which there was sonic delay. They are all now loaded and jnst starting, excepting one or two that have just reached here. They will be hurried up as rapidly as possible. 11. W. JAENHAM, Nriqa(lier- General. I1EAmwAnTE1IS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, July ii, 1864(8.1J p. no. Major-General HANCOCK The commanding general directs me to state that the telegraphic i-eports of operations called fbi from corps commanders morning and evening by the circular of the 2d instant from these headquarters are not in general as full as is desired, and to invite attention to the require- mnents of that circular. S. WILLIAMS, A S& l.%-t(I iii 1 (i/lan ut- General. (Sanic to Generals Warren and thuraside. Page 229 CHAP. Llt.J CORRESP )NI )ENCE, ITC. UNION. 229 IIAN(OCKs ItEADQUAwrE1~s~ July 11, lNGI. General WARREN: Please notify me at what hour you propose to relieve Smyths brigade, so I can give the necessary instructions to General Gibbon as to the balance of his line. WINFI) S. hANCOCK, Miajo r- General. hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 14, 18641 p. rn. General HANCOCK: I shall relieve Colonel Smyth this afternoon if my proposed contrac- tion of our lines is a~proved; at any iate if I can. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. JIEADQUAIITERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS July 14, 18642 p. in. General HANCOCK: General Meade has just directed where the new picket-line is to be established, an(I I cannot now say when I will be able to have it done, as it is somewhat outside of General Ferreros, with which I had intended to connect at once. I shall, in order to expedite matters, visit the proposed line myself, and also see Generals Crawford and Ferrero. I will inform you as soon as I can wheit the new line will be established, an(l hope it may l)e (lone this evening. Hespecttiilly, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. IIEADQUARTEES SECOND ARMY CORPS July 14, PG49.4~ p. in. General hANCOCK: Your dispatch has perhaps been incorrectly sent. I)o you mean that when General Gibbons division arrives at the J)anmi house the First- and Third l)ivisions will cease work ~ C. II. MORGAN, Lientena at- Colonel. [JULY 14, 18(34.] Colonel MORGAN: General Gibbons division will go to work now, and when his troops arrive the First and Third Divisions will quit work. WINFI) S. hANCOCK Page 230 230 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [ChAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 14, 1864. Major DUANE, Chief Engineer: I have ordered my divisions to return to camp at (laylight, this being the nnderstaiiding I have of the itiatter. WJNFI) S. hANCOCK, ]Ift{jor- Gen Cra 1. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 186.1. Colonel MORGAN, Chief of Staff to General Hancock, Headquarters Second Corps: Major Duane is not here, and I do not know where to find him, nor (10 I know how large a detail he requires. The number of tools ordered, I think, is about 8,000. Your obedient servant, G. J. LYDECKER, Lieutenant of Engineers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 14, 1864. Lieutenant LYDECKER, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Generals Birney and Barlow, division commanders, are directed to meet you at General Warrens headquarters at 0 oclock this evening to be shown tIme work to be (lone by their divisions. The number of men will be between 8,000 and 10,000. C. H. MORGAN, Lientenant- Colonel, dc. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jaly 14, 1864. General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: The working parties from your corps are expected to continue on the work of demolishitig the enemys works until relieved. J. C. DUANE, Major of Engineers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 14, 1864. Major-General HANCOCK: Three rockets will be thrown up from my front at 9 oclock this evening. The point at which they will be fired will be near General Griffins right. G. K. WARREN, i1fa~ior- General. (Copy to General Buruside. Page 231 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 231 CONFIDENTIAL.] The object is to test the reports of certain deserters who stated a large number of men will come in from Finegans brigade, if such a signal is given. By order of Major-General 1-Jancock: F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTh ARiVIY CORPS, July 14, 1841S p. ~n. General HANCOCK: I have my line by this time nearly established, I expect. General Crawford relieves a portion of the line as he establishes his, and miotifies those to the left to withdraw. Colonel Smnyth can rejoin you to-morrow morning, or at once, if needed. Respectfully~ G. K. WARREN, Major- Genral. [FirMt hidorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 14, 1861. General Gibbon can 5e11(l for this brigade when lie wishes it. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Second indorsement.] JULY 14, 186410.10 p. m. Colonel Smyth will collect his picket-line and march in the command as soon as he pleases, but with his long line I think this had better be done after daylight in the morning. When it is done, and the coin- nman(l is on its way in, let a staff officer be sent forward to these head- quarters, that officers may be on the spot to designate the ground to be occupied by the troops. JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of Volunteers, (lomniandinq Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 14, 18619 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: The only changes in the disposition of my troops are these: The First a~id Third Divisions on fatigue. General Gibbons picket-line is being relieved to-night by General Warren. WINFI) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 14, 1864. General HUMPHREYS: The only tools furnished my two divisions on fatigue are 1,000 shovels and 250 piiks tor each division. The work is one requiring a larg Page 232 OI~ERYFLONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. (nAP. LII. prO~)ortion of picks. If no niore tools can be furnished I proi)ose to withdraw a ~)Ortioll at mv command as it may be wante(l to-morrow a gaimi. WINF1) 8. hANCOCK, ifayor- General. Indoriienien 1.] Major DUANE: What ahont tools, & c. ~ A. A. II[ITMPJIIIEYS], Afa jar- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 14, 1861. (Received 11.50 p. in.) General WILLIAMS, Assistant A (IJY taut-General: how long are iuy two divisions to remain on their present duties. I understood they were to retnrn to camimp at (htylight and have given the orders. WINPI) S. hANCOCK, Ar((j0J- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July Ii, 1(%4. (Sent 12.10 a. in. 15th.) Major-General HANCOCK, (Jonunanding Second Corps: The commanding general says that he intended your troops to reillaili at work until the intremwlunemmts were (lestroyed. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, iThjo~~- General (01(1 Chief at $tatJ IIEAT)QITARTERS SECOND ARM v CORPS Julq Ii, 1861. Brig. (len. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army ~f the Potomac GENERAL: Iii compliance with paragraph 1, Special Orders, No. 171, headquarters Army of the Potomac, Juime 28, 1864, 1 have the honor to report the following organizations as having left this coInmuan(l since last report by Teason of expiration of term of service: 1~i-csent iliai-gcil. 1)al.e Of (XI)1- gate. ieiiii of seic 7, ice. ~~. _______ V.. _________ 16th Massachusetts Yohinte& -is 6 105 111 July 11. 1864 lath Massa(-luuusetts Voliiiih-ers 5 (i2 67 duly 12, 1864 11 167 178 I ama, geiicmal, very resl)ecttullN-, your obedient servant, WINFL) S. hANCOCK, illajor- Genera I a! Volunteers. 23 Page 233 CHAP. LLI.J CORRLSINN1)ENCE. EFC.1 TNLON. 233 CLucLAu. ii EAJ) UAIUFNE8 SI~c( N1) A nrx (oiws, July 14, 1861. The whole of the First and Third Divisions, except small regimental guards, will be l)ut at work in the trenches to-niglit,n Loving to the points where they are to work just before dark. The work to be done will be under the immediate charge of the commanders of divisions, and an engineer officer, Lieutenant Lydecker, will be at General War- rens headquarters at 6 p. m. for the purpose of accompanying Generals Birney and Barlow and pointing out the work to be (bile. Such I)icks :111(1 shovels as may be at hand will be issued to divisions, but the engi- neer (lepartifient will furnish most of the intrenching tools. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, A 55? sta ut A (~jutan t- General. IIEADQITARTER5 SECOND Coups, Major-General BIRNEY, July Ii, 18645.40 p. m. Con? )fl ufl(liflq The iS ion GENERAL: In taking out the (letails ordered for fatigue this evening the major-general commanding (lesires that you will except all mnemi who have been on similar (letail to-day or last night. Very resl)cctfully, your obedient servant FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant A djutun t- General. P. S.The details are to retnrn to their camps at daylight to-morrow morning. They are expecte(l to l)e on the ground before (lark to-night.. OFFICIAL.] JULY 14. 1864. The troops will be l)repare(l to move at. a moments notice. By order of Majom--General Birney: JOhN HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Coups, July 14, 18619 a. m. General WILLIAMS: Notim ing unusual occurred (luring- the iii glit. I am preparing a report which will lIe sent iii this mnoinin (l. K. WARREN, Major- General. IIEADQUAItrEus FIFTH ARMY Coups July 11, 1~6112.Jo j). Jil. Major-Genera.l llVMPHREx~5: I intend to take aw-ay Smnytlis brigade, of time Second Army Corps, and connect my picket-line with General ~ this p. m. I shall picket the line befbre occupied as far sonth as Strongs, cross the, plank roa(l at I)~s. as nmaiked on the map, then connect with Ferremos line. I Page 234 234 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. General Ferrero to be under my orders l He caine here yesterday while I was at my front. He left a vague sketch but I have not seen or heard from him since. I will inform General Gregg of this change of the picket-line in time. The state of affairs for a few days have given me a great deal to do and kept me along the lines nearly all the time. I am unable to work details from any division generally except on its own front, where with the offensive and (lefensive preparations in progress each one is abundantly occupied. I have made myself general of trenches and kept the division and brigade commanders at their special posis. The requirements of the present moment place all my command either as guard to trenches or working details. The redoubts are now I think in fur condition for defense but still require a good deal of work. G. K. WARREN, Mqjor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 14, ldGI1.30 p. in. Major.General WARREN, (Jominanding F~ft1t Coinps: Your dispatch is received. General Ferreros command is placed fully under your orders. The commanding general prefers that the l)icket-line of the Fifth Corps troops should cross the Diank road about Finns and connect near there with that of Ferreros division. The picket-line of Ferreros division should extend across froni near Finns past Westbrooks and cross the Norfolk railroad and Norfolk road near McCanns. At l)reselit it is considerably inside of that line, and must be changed throughout. Upon the establishment of the pickets as imidicated please notify the Second Corps picket commander he can withdraw. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. JuLY 14, 18642 p. m. General IIUMPHREYS: The engineer officers are taking possession of my intrenching tools wherever they happen to find a wagon-load suiting their convenience or necessities without giving the miman in charge even a memorandum receipt. This is his report. I have no objections to their being taken, as they are no doubt needed, but it may interfere with my orders, and besides I cannot hold any one accountable for the tools themselves. Respectftilly, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 14, 1RG4--3 p. in. (Received 3.40 p. ni.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Your dispatch received. The chief engimmeer has been directed to correct the irregularities you mention at once, amid instructed that the working l)artics must bc supplied with tools through the corps officer Page 235 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETCUNION. 235 until the engineers are supplied ~vith them from the engineer depart- inent. Orders have beeii given for the engineer depot to furnish all tools and iinplenients repiired in the siege operations. A. A. HUMPHitEYS, La jor- (ku ~k(f 1 and Chief (~f ~tajJ.. HEADQITAnTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, IRGiS p. m. Major-General ilUMPIIREYS: I have just returned from a personal examination of my new picket- line. Gei~eral Ferrero has his already established. I went with (~eu- era.l Crawford over his J)ortion, and about 6 p. ni. concluded the loca- tion with him, and lie will establish his this evening. Our line is nearly as long necessarily as the old one, but generally three-quarters of a mile nearer to me. We extend across the plank road nearly a mile along the enemys front close to his pickets an(l in sight of his works, holding a very good position for a battery when we get sufficient force to extend that far, and a most desirable location for operating against the Gregory house fort. From our left we make a sharp angle back, striking the line of old intrenchments of Second Corps just west of Jones house. We follow this s)uth to a plank road, and thence east along tIme road to the Jerusalem plank road. Here Ci-awford connects with Ferrero; Ferrero then extends to McCann~s, on the railroad. I propose to ask General Gregg to watch from this point with some cavalry along the road to Prince George Conrt-House. [expect a report from General Gregg to-night. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, (Copy to General Hancock.) M~~or- General. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, JULY 14. 13648 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General, F~fth Corps: COLONEL: I am informed that the wagons I have had from the Fifth Corps hauling gabions, & c., have been relieved, and sent to or near City Point. Can you replace them by the same number (twelve) ~ [am in great need of them. II am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. II. MENII)ELL, Captain of Engineers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Captain MENDELL, Jnlp 14, iRGI. U. ~. Engineers: CAPTAIN: What is the service you want my supply wagons to be employed upon, and at what hours ~ I am pinched for transportation. U. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 236 23; OI~EI~ATION$ IN SE. VA. ANi) N. C. [(~IIA1. Lii. lIEAI)ULAlUIEI8-~ IiJ~TJi ARMY (ionPs, July Ii, ls6i~.5O~p. )fl. Captain MENDELL: As I came in to-night I saw a brigade ot the Second Corps going out, as they said, on the trenches. Unless they are to work on my front next the enemy I would not work men after dark. Last itight 300 men worked on some battery epanlements and only accomplished as much effective work as one of my batteries place(1 in position could have done in four hours of (laylight. There is no pressing urgency to finish the rifle-pits connecting the redoubts, and if there is (laytime will answer; besides, as I have to 1101(1 that line I want to see their location. Gen- eral Ferrero is now under my orders, and complained to-day of the extent of his men detailed to do work. I have to request, miow that he holds part of this defensive line int1uste(I to me, that details called for from him shall come through my headquarters. l)ont think I want to impede your work. Itespeetfully, C. K. WARREN, .lI0jOJ- (huerul of lolauteets. (Copy to General Ilumphircys.) II EA 1) V A lUFERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 14, lIWi. Major-General WARREN: The brigade of the Secomid Corps you speak of 1 know nothing about. I (lid not call for it. The men at work on the battery near the Chieves house (lid very little last night, because they were lazy. I need wagons to haul siege material, as I am building batteries every night, and to- morrow night I am ordered to build a battery fbr six heavy guns, 0111(1 shall need a great many gabious. I would like to have a few wagons subject to my own orders if you can spare them. Tile chief engineer has infornied me that the commanding general wishes to have the line on your left flank and rear made strong as expeditiously as possilde, for which reason 1 have called for heavy (letails. A ne8ro is worth two, if miot three, white macu to dig. G. 11. MENDELL, Captain 0)/ Enquwers. IIEAD~rTARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, 18G1iO.20 p. m. Captain XIENDELL: L will furnish you the twelve wagons to-muorrow fioni my headquarters amid aitimnunition traiti. Send sonic one here for theni in the mornin. I thitik we can hold oti till they can load ill), anyhow. The 011C5 you had aic fromii the supply train, which is kept~ constamitly going. rule comninandimug general has given to inc the I)rotectiomL of uny left flank, amid I will muot be unmindful of its security, so you need not hurry theno up unless I get umore anxious. The large redoubt yet needs work the most. Let me kmiow what (letails of colored men you have under you now and for to-morrow. Can INI ajor il)uane tell mae about that brigade of the Second Corps ~ I am general of mu)- trenches. Respeetfull)-, C. k. WAIlREN, JIaj~. (leacra Page 237 ChAP. LIJ.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 237 IIEADQuA1UrEns FIFTh ARMY CORPS, July 14, 186111 p. m. Captain MENDELL: I have no objection, as far as I am concerned, to eniploying all of General Ferreros divisioti on his OW~ front, awl would rather they should be there as long as there is anythitig to be done there, for they will be available to him then for defense, if needed. I wish at present that all details in my front from any division be worked oii its own front, for then they will be best available for fighting. Respectfully, C. K. WARllEN, ilujor- (Joncrul. [tEAnQuAuiEI~ S FIFTh ARMY C( n Ps, July 14, 1861lu p. m. General ~. WILLIAMS: I have not received a report from General Crawford yet. I eXpect he is out on his I)icket-line estabhsliing it. I reported to General hum- phireys at 8 p. in. The whole force of the CO~J)5 is continually at work to the extent of their ability, but nothing detiuiite is accomplished to report. The enemy occupies the same positions and increases the strength of his works. We (10 the same. Lie shells in on sonic places, and where we are not afraid of drawing fire on our working parties we reply. We lose a few men daily killed and wounded. A few of the enemy desert to us. This report is true for every day past for some time. We fired oil three rockets at 9 p. in. All (luiet now. Respectfully, C. K. WARREN, ~1I((jor- General. JIEADQ VAR ~ruus Emt~rii A nitty July 14, 1864. (Received 10.40 p. in.) General IIUMPHIIEYS: - I have just learned that the biigade of the Second Corps are level- ing the enemys intrenchinmen ts near my lieadquaiters. This is (lecidedly wrong, as they make an excellent cover for our left dank this far back it it should be necessary to withdraw. If such a thing is coutteinplated we had best demolish what I have becim putting up and withdraw to these. There has been n0 report made to nie of this thing, auI(l I am really istonished that I should not have been informed or consulted. Respectfully, (4. K. WAR LIEN, MQjor- General. IIEADQUARTE]iS ARMY OF TIlE l~o~rO1t1AC, July 11, 186411 p. m. Major-General WARnEN: I have seen your telegramui to Major l)uane. The leveling of the enemys works in your rear, alI(l iuot uuow use(l by you, is being execuite(l tinder the di rectiom us of the hienten ant- general comnmnaimdino- It is umo Page 238 238 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AM) N. C. [CHAP. LII. contemplated to withdraw only a portion of your line, but if any such movement is made it will be the withdrawal of the whole line,, and the present operation is to prevent the reoccupation by the enemy of their former line. (~EO. (1. MEADE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Jnly 14, 186111 p. m. Colonel SMYTH: COLONEL: I expect (~enerals Crawford and Ferrero placed a new 1)icket-line behind yours this evening, if you have received no instruc- tions report to your corps with your brigade to-morrow morning. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major-General of T7olunteers. HEADQUARTERS NINTh ARMY CORPS, July 14, 18619 a. m. (Received ii a. in.) General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Nothing unusual occurred on the lines during the last twelve hours. The work on the battery at the burnt house is prosecuted every night and is now in such a comidition as to enable the men to work durin~ the day. It will probably be finished by to-morrow morning. The work on the mine is progressing favorably, and if nothing unforeseen occurs the gallery will be 450 feet long at 12 oclock to-day. Our mor- tar batteries and guns have good range of the enemys works and do good execution whenever required. Time length of our line renders the ~vork very hard with the small number of men in the three divisions. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 11, 1864. Major-General BURNsIDE, Conunanding Ninth Corps: A deserter came into the Fifth Corps last night or this morning from Finegans brigade (from which there have been many desertions recently) who proposed that three rockets should be sent up to-ni~ht fromn General Warrens front, when a mmumnber of the enemy would desert into our lines. General Warren has hecim authorized to send up the rockets, due precaution beimig taken against treachery. 1 notify you of this so that you may nnderstand what is done, and take precautions, if you deem them necessary. By order: A. A. LIUMPHREYS Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 239 CaAr. LII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 239 HEADQUARTERS AnMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel RICHMOND, July 14, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: Please inform me on what date the Ninth Corps was assigned to the Army of the Potomac ~ My records for that period are not here. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Conps, General WILLIAMS, July 14, 1864. (Received 9.50 p. in.) Assista n t A ~jata n t- General: The Ninth Corps was assigned to the Army of the Potoiiiac by Special Orders, No. 25, paragraph 1, May 24, 1864. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant A djut ant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, General WILLIAMS, July 14, 18649 p. in. Assistant Adjata nt- General I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred to-day on my line. We are making the nsual progress with the mine. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND MICHlUAN INFANTRY, July 14, 1864. Colonel GOULD, Corps Officer of the Day, Ninth Army Corps: SIR~: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of instructions I visited the lines of the Third Division, both in the night and during the day. I found the men in the trenches and on PiCkCt watchful and attentive to the movements of the enemy. There was the usual picket- firing and some digging on the part of the enemy during the night. The latter, I concluded, was simply individual effort for the puipose of making a retreat against shot for the digger. I regret to say there is not as much attention paid to cleanliness in this (livision. as could be desiied. The fliult arises from men committing nuisances in out of way places. There is not much oft~il lying about. In most cases the ground ocduJ)ied by the troops is such that sinks can be (lug in covered places without difficulty. I directed the attention of brigade officers of the (lay to the above facts, but would suggest that unless regimental coin- imianders give some special attention to this neglect it cannot be wholly obviated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. L. YOUNG, Capt., 24 Mich. fifty., Dir. Officer o] the Da~q, 3d Div., 9th A. C Page 240 [ChAr. LII. 240 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. hEADQUARTERS THIRD I)lVlSION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 11, ISbi. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance or worthy of note happened in my front last night. There was some picket-bring in the front of First Brigade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. iIEAJ)OUARIERS THIRD DIVISION, N INTH A~Mv CORPS, July ii, 1~G1. Jileiit. Col. LEWIS IIlCHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- (Jeneral, Ninth Army Corps: (OLONEL: Nothing of importance has transpired aloiig may froiit to- day. The enemys redoubt 011 the hill, to the right ot my line, seems to have grown considerably in dimensions in the last two days. Very res~)ectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. hEADQUARTERS FOURTH DivisloN, NINTH ARMY Coups, Near Petersburg, Va., July 11, 1661. ASSiSTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, FIFTH ARMY Coups: siR: I have the honor to report that there are I)resent for duty iii this comumimud 4,400 infantry and 250 artillery. There are about I ,00t) macn on picket duty. The picket-line is about two miles in extent. Time balance of the command are at work Oil the redoubt and iutrenchmeimts and felling timber. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, El)W. FERRERO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. hEADQUARTERS FlFTH ARMY C( hurs, July 1-1, 16613.15 ~p ma. General FERRERO: You will at once establish your picket-line (of a strength of not less thati 400 men per umile, inchiding reserves and supports) fromn Mc- Canns, on the Norfolk railroad east, by Westbrooks and Woods, to the Jerusalenm plamik road, where it will connect with the picket-line established by General Crawford. Very respectfully, your obediem it servam it, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. P. S.Report every (lay at 9 iin ma. amid 9 a. ma. whatever has occurred along your line Page 241 CHA!. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 241 hEADQUARTERS FOURTH J)IVISlON, NIN~rII An~ir Conps, Near Petersburg, Va., July ii, P~Ui. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, F IFTH ARMY CORPS: SIR: I have the honor to report that the pickets of my command are established on the line directed by Major-General Warren this after- noon. Also to inclose copies of orders desired by the general. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDW. FEItItERO, Drigadier- Gen C~(( 1, Corn inafl(iiu~I. ItEAD(~UARTERS ARMY (0? TIlE l~( )TOMAC~ Major-General SHERIDAN, ~11~ ~ Corn ma fl(liflg Ca i-airy Corps The major-general comnianding directs that you get ready at the earliest practicable moment for a movement agaiiist the enemys corn- itilinications, extending into North Carolina as far as Weldon. You ~vi1l rel)ort to huin at once at what time you will probably be prepared to move an(l what will be the strength of your corps available for the operation. The commanding general directs that during this move- nient one of the regularly organized brigades of cavalry be left with the army to l)icket and scout on its left flank. A. A. HUMPIIREYS. 11 jor- General and Cit hf of & aff lInQns. CAVALRY CoRLs, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jordans I~oint, Va., July 11, t-~b-1. Maj. Geti. A. A. JIUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: U ENERAL: I have the honor to report the receipt of your dispatch ot this (late. I (-an move on the morning of the 16th with an effective strength of between 8,000 and 9,000 men. Will you have the kindness to inform me more in detail of the contemplated movement, so that I can as quickly as possible make the necessary pi-epam-ations h P. 11. SHERIDAN, iliajor- General, Contrnaudin~j. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General SHERIDAN, Jitly 14, 1864. Commanding (Java iry Corps: GENERAL: I inclose herewith a copy of a dispatch* front Lieutenant- Genet-al Grant to the major-general commandimig the army as exhibit- ing fully the objects of the expedition which you were directed to pre- pate your command for, and the importance of its successful executiomi. The commanding general directs me to say that you will regard that dispatch as conveying your instructions, and that he desires to have, as See Grant to Meade, beginningThere is no chance, p. 224. 16 R RVOL XL, PT II Page 242 242 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA AND N. C. CHAP. LII. soon as possible, your views as to the manner in which you can best carry them out, and your plan of operations under them. The coin- iiianding general desires also to learn what force of infantry you con- sider necessary to co-operate with or aid you in starting, and at what 1)Oint it should be directed, and how long it should continue its oper- ations in order to render its assistance effectual. General Kantz xviii be or(lered to report to you, and. his command will form part of your expedition. The commanding general desires the expedition to start not later than the 17th instant. 1 am instructed to say that in view of the reduced effective force of the corps, instead of leaving one of the regularly organized brigades for the purposes specified in the dispatch of this morning, the detachment now under Colonel Bryans command may he left. Colonel Batchelder, acting chief quartermaster, is (lirected to send you to-morrow the implements procured for a former expedition. A. A. HUMPHitEYS, 3I(IJor- General and Chief (4 Sta~j HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY Cones, Jordans Point, Va., July 14, 18G412 midnight. Miij. Gen. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Chief of Stafr: (jENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your I etter, inclosing copy of telegram from Lieutenant- General Grant. 1 will forward answer to your communication in the morning. Very respectfully, & c., P. H. SIIEIIIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQU ARTERS ARMY (.) F TilE POT( )MAC, July 14, iSbi. Brigadier-General GnEG~ Commanding Second Cavalry Division The major-general commanding directs that you report the disposi- tion of your force and the lines picketed and patrolled by you, marking the same upon the map that the staff officer bearing this communica- tion takes with him for the purpose. The commanding general directs that you send the regiments forming the detachment under Colonel Bryan to their respective commands. The commanding general par- ticularly desires to be informed ~vbether your coiumand has a sufficient supply of water. A. A. IZIUMPHREYS Major- General and Chief of. staff FIEADQUARTERS SECOND DivIsioN, CAVALRY CORPS, Near Lees Mill, Va., Jaly 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREY8, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In compliance with the order of Major-General Hancock the cavalry line as established by Colonel Bryan has been maintained, save an alteration on the right to connect with the infantry and an exte Page 243 CHAD. LII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 243 sion beyond the Norfolk railroad to connect by patrol with the cavalry at Prince George Court-House. The present line is very long, not less thaii eighteeii miles. Jf maintained with a single division of cavalry it will not offer serious resistance to an attack or advance of the enemy. To relieve Colonel Bryaiis command it will be necessary for me to send a brigade near McCanns, preserving the line as directed by General Han- cock. The only place at which a supply of water can be had for a brigade of cavalry is at Lees Mill, where there is sufficient. Lees Mill is four miles from McCanns. Sonic very bad water can be had at McCanns for horses, but in small quantity. I send a staff officer to report to you for instructions conceuning the. line as now established, whether it is to be maintained. The enemys inoiiiited pickets are in front of mine, beyond Lees Mill to~vard Proctors. A force of cavalry which I suppose to be guerrillas is reporte(l down the railroad (Norfolk). I will ascertain more about this force thuis j). mu. Beyond Garys Church, toward Reams Station, the enemy have mounted Pickets; also on the Plank road beyond Marwick Swamp. I would request that Colonel Bryan be allowed to remain with his re~imuent on the right for a (lay- or two at least. The regimeiits un(ler Colonel 13. are well acquainted with all tIme roads and localities on the right. One of his regiments belongs to this division. Very respectfully, D. MuM. GREGG, Bruadier. Gcnera 1 of I ~o( uutecr~~, (1ommaudinq, & c. H EADQUAI?FERS ARMY OF THE P )i( )MA Commanding Cavalry Di ri8ion Your dispatch is received. The commuandin g general authorizes (ol- onel Bryans command to reniain and perform the (luty it has been engaged upon. The commaimding general directs mime to say that it is unnecessary to picket more than the line picketed by Colommel Bryan (excepting the connection with the inthutry pickets on the right) and wimat may be mmecessary for your own security. General Sheridan is ordered to hold his CO~I)5 ready to move on the 1~th or 17th for the destruction of Weldon and other railroa(ls. He is (hirected to leave a brigade to picket on the left of the army, but the commanding general (oncluiles that it will be better to retain Colonel Bryan with his present command for that duty. I give you time notice respecting the mnove- mnents of the corps, in order that you may make tIme necessary prepara- tions if you have not already received directiomis to that effect from headquarters Cavalry Corps. The absence will be of considerable dura- tion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant A. A. ILUMPTIRI3YS, ~hIajor- (icucral and Chief oJ ~ta/J. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Conps, July 14, i~612 v. m. Brigadier-General GREGG: GENERAL: By direction of General Meade I am going to establishi the infantry picket-line to cross the plammk road imear Finns, thenc Page 244 244 OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AND N. (2. [CHAP. LU. easterly Past XVestbrooks, and cross the Norfolk railroad near Mc- Cairns. This will probably be (lone by to-morrow lnoJ3AiIg. 1~lease send an officer to report. Come this evening, and [bring] a written statement of the line you picket or patrol and the location of your main body, with reference to sonic points on the ~)hotographie map from headquarters Army of the Potomac. Respectfully, your obedient servant, (A. K. WARREN, 1lJpor- (en ~ra I of I olu jteers. I IEADQUARLERS SECOND l)LvLsLoN, CAVALRY Coups, July 14, 1~G4. Major-General WARREN, Commanding FiJ.th Army (iorp~ GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the picket-line formerly established by Colonel Bryan is maintained and continued on the left, to connect with the cavalry at Prince George Court-House. The line of this division connects on the right with Colonel Bryan, about two miles from Garys Church. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I). MUM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of I ols., (ontdg. k~CeoUd (1arairy 1)ieiswn. hEADQUARTERS Iivrmi Auiuv Coups, JU1I~ 11, iSbi11 p. in. General GuEu~: Your staff officer has just rel)orte(I to inc the information I (lesire(l. My infantry picket here passes about one utile west of the Jones house; tlieumce south along the old line ot intrenchmeuts to the plank road; thence easterly to the Jerusalem l)lank road near Finns; thence to the Norfolk railroad near McCanns. At this last poimit it teriniiiates, and as the guerrillas are about here, I wish you would send a small force of cavalry, say sixty men, to be stationed at McCanns and iiatrol toward Prince George Court-House. Ilespeettully, . K. WARREN, iiiajor- (len cral. HEAi)( OARTERS SECOND CAVALRY .1 WV ISbN, - July 11, 1841. Col. T. Xl. BRYAN, Jr., Commanding Pro ciston al Briga(le Ca ca iry COLONEL: The inspector of the right of my line reports that there is still an unpicketed interval oii my right of between one an(l two miles. I remember the difficulty mentioned in maintaining the line there, but understood that your left would connect by the rear road, an(l the road in front would be patrolled. Make the connection perfect on yonr left. Your command on the plank road allowed the eiiemy to establish a Ilicket-post on your side the Warwick bridge. I hav Page 245 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 245 Ordered this picket to be driven over the swamp, if anything of ilnl)ortance occurs, if you should receive aay important information, comniminicate either directly to General Warren. The enemy are about here at various points, but in in~ force yet discovered. Very r es~)ectfllJ1y, 1). McM. (4IREGG, JIrigadier- (icuera 1 qt I T01S., Coindg. ASecou 4 (arc iry Di risio n. IIDQRS. SECOND B1U(~., SE(ON1) I)iv. CAVALRY Coups, July 14. kIM. (apt. H. C. WEIR, A 8si~ta nt Adjutant- General, Second Cavalry 1)ivision: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report all quiet along myhne, except- ing a shot or two by the pickets on the road leading to Proctors house, and 50011 after, the appearance of a party of about twenty mounted 111(11 (Irivillg in the vedettes on time road leading to Reams Station. They were (Iriven away some distance, and returned again, dismounted, exchanging fifteemi or twenty shots, when they moved off toward Reams Station. A heavy column of (inst can be seen on or near the Idalik road, in(hieating the movement of troops toward that point. J. IRVIN GREGG, (olo a el, Corn in a ntlinq Jhiqa(le. (vrv POiNT. N A., ~Iah,, 11, 1164. Major-General BUTLER~ Commanding, & c. I received this morning a communication from Beauregard of (late of the Ioth in answer to mine of the 8th instant, addressed to General Lee. On the 10th General Lee answered one of the day before, but not answering the other himself, 1 fear lie may have gomme north, taking with hmiimi more force. Have you any iuform~ition QI Lees presence al)out l~etersburg later than the 10th obtained from deserters or refa- gees ~! U. S. GRANT, A jell tenant- General. flJ~AnQuARfERs, In the Field, ~Ji(lq 14, lSGiL3() p. m. Lieumiemia t-( ~eneral GRANT, Commanding, ((]C. I have made all investigation possible since receiving your telegram, and I can learn nothing of Lees whereabouts. I)ay betbre yester(Iay - J~ickett refused receiving any commmnucation unless sent from General Grant to General Lee. When he returned the letter to you yester(lay. a note was forwarded to me that my communication would be received, but the answer of 0111(1 obviated the necessity of sending. Time coin- municatmon about Jaquess amid Gilmuore evidently went before time War Department at Richmond, which may account for the (lelay of that without the necessity of supposing Lee absent. I will keep endeavor- iii to hear of anything upon this subject. I1EN,J. IX BUTLER, ihl(IJOI- (hnera I Page 246 246 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. Lii. CITY 1~oINT, VA., JULy II, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Comm an dine;, & c.: I have directed such of the rebel works around Petersburg as are in our rear and iiot used by us to be leveled. General Weitzel being unwell I have directed General Meade to send his engineer officer to designate those in rear of the Eighteenth Corps to be leveled and Gen- eral Martindale to have them so leveled. U. S. GRANT, Lieu tenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 14, 1~64. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, die.: I shall have an effort made by the 16th to cut the railroads again, this time far to the south. Please direct. Kautz to report to Sheridan in person to-morrow for directions, and to accompany the expedition with all of his force that can l)e spared. Sheridan has or will receive instrn& - tiolis by moriming. IT. S. (UtANT, Lieutenant- (kit era 1. Ili)QRS. 1)EPT. OF VIR(dNIA ANI) NORTH CARoLiNA, In the Field, Va., July 14, 1864. Lient. Gemi. U. S. GRANT, (!ommaialinq Armies of the tnite(i A~tates GENERAL: Assuming that this l)osition in the peniusnla of Bermuda hundred will not be abandoned, at least (lurilig the war, whatever may be the necessities of operations or the results of movements elsewhere, a!I(l 51)eeially in view of operations on the south side of Richmond, 1 take leave to su()oest to the commanding general the propriety of COil- striwting a railroad troin the landing at Bermuda IThudred to our front. The route is veiny 1)ractical)le and I will have it run omit. Whenever we a(lvance the road can be easily carried forward and make a junction with the Petersburg road. There is iron enough fiw the PIlPI)05C at Norfolk and Fortress Monroe, and while we are remaining here time roati mniolit l)e easily built. by a force (letailed from the 100-days men, the timber thr ties l)eing directly along the road. I Ol)serve that Owing to the contractiomi of space for wharf rooinmi at City Point between the ravine amm(l the Appomnattox it is immipossible to get wharthge enough there to land all the supplies, so that large smimmis are being expended for demnurrage, although the vessels lie six or seven deep along the whole extent of wharf. The wharves at Bermuda Hundred minced not be more thami fifty feet in width to get the deepest water, and the entire expense of ~)Ht.ting theni in order and constructing the railroad to the I Jnited States would be saved by one weeks necessary demurrage, as it exists at present. Of course in this I meami ~() criticism upon Gemi- eral Iimgalls, who seems to i)e doing the best he can in the space he occu- pies. I ammi aware of the cost of labor for loading an(l unloading stores troni vessels, but as we advance I trust we shall be able to obtain that labor ata cheap rate. We should have had a surplus of it here if Kautzs and Wilsons return had not been interrupted within the negroes they ~vere bringing iii within them. It is quite possible that hereafter at some (emitral point it may be miecessary t.o make a (lepot for tIme recruitment and (hisciphining of mineg-ro t.moops in the miecessity of garrisonimig th Page 247 Cuip. Lii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 247 Southern country. For that purlose I know no better point than this. Healthy, easily defended, good water, plenty of wood, and easy of ac- cess; a garrison which should control Richmond, Petersburg, and all the country east of the (Dhowan River, and therefore Norfolk, Ports- mouth, and Suffolk, might be most conveniently located here. Resides, there will l)e land enough here for the safe location of a large colony of freedmen. Indeed, if the war should l)roceed farther sontli and last any time, I (10 not see why this would not be as convenient a location as any for prisoners; with the negroes near at hand to guard theni. I venture to submit these suggestions to the attention of the command- ing general. I have the 1101101 to be. very res])ectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. (Jomrnanding. y 14, 1864. General GRANT, Coni mandinq, il-c. Mv DEAR GENERAL: I know how (hifticult it is tbr gentlemen in high positions to get the exact opinions and thoughts of friends or foes. F r myself, I am always glad to do so. From the feeling of grateful recognition of your kindness to me I send you the inclosed letter.* It was never intended for your eye, and was written by a devoted and warm-hearted officer of mine and a sincere friend and admirer of yours. lie is a good politician, and I know sincerely and truly wishes the sue- ~-ess of yourself, and therein the success of the country. He gives these things. as he sees them, for my guidance. I cannot pi-esumne to have a solemn talk with you, but I think you should get the ideas of my friend, an(l with the exception of the manner of their expression many of them are my own; therefore pardon the expression; they are those of a warm-hearted, rough Western man, and are honest and true convic- tions. Permit inc here to say that I desire to serve you, not in this only but in all things. My future is not in the army; yours is. Our paths can never cross, therefore amid all the selfishness of life I can ~ee no reason why I cannot always subscribe myself as I do now, Most truly, your friend. BENCI. F. BUTLER. IIDQII8. I)EPT. OF VIRtHNLA AND NoRrH CAROLINA, OFvwn OF THE CHIEF SUINAL OFFICER, July 14, i/-6i. Brig. (icum. U. WEITZEL, Aetinq Chief qt ASta/J: UENERAL: rUje following dispatch has just beeii receive(l, and is respe(-ttillIy forwarded: RivEn-BANK SIGNAL STATIOX, Spring Hill, July 14, 18644.30 p. in. ( aptajit NORtON A train of seven cars partly loaded with troops just l:18SC(l the railroad june I jolt toward Ri(hlflOuhl. A. G. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. Vem-y respectfully. & (., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal__Officer. - Not Thuxtd Page 248 248 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. LII. SPECIAL ORDERS, 1iDQR8. DEPT. QF VA. AND N. C No. 191. In the Field, Va., July 1.1, 1864. * * * * * * * VII. The One hundred and thirty-ciglith Regiment Ohio National Guard will proceed without (lelay to Cherrystone, Eastern Shore of Virginia, and take post there to guard the telegraph station. VIII. Brig. Gen. W. T. 11. Brooks, commanding Tenth Army Corps, will order six coml)anies of some 100-days regiment now on his hue, under a field officer, to proceed at once to Spring lull, relieving the One hundred and thirty-eighth Ohio National Guard. Two companies of the above six will relieve the two companies of the One hundred and thirty-eighth now on duty with (ol. H. L. Abbot, at Broadway. * * * * * * * By couumand of Major-General Butler Th S. DAVIS, Ass.~tant A (ljfltalt- General. lluND(~TAwr1~ns AnMv OF FILE POTOMAC, Colonel ABBOT: Major Duane wishes to know if you cannot place your mortars your- self I have just ordered Colonel Ailcock to detail two officers to superintend to-night the construction of l)attery for heavy guns under direction of Captain Mend elI. Your telegrai ii to Colonel All cock It as been sent him. II. ~T. HUNT, Brif/adier- General. BROADWAY LANDING, \A., ~Jaly 14, 1 6i~! /). ~n. - Brigadier-General HUNT, Headquarters Army Qf the Potomac: I will place the mortars if you (lesire it. I shall be at your head- quarters early to-morrow morning. My 100-days men were relieved to-day, which has caused inc trouble to-(lay. hENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Con neetient Artillery. llwmms. 1)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, In the Field, ~Julii ii, 14A11..() a. m. General BROOKS, Commanding Tenth Army Corps Have you any prisoners or deserters l If so, the commanding-general (lirects that they be sent forward at once, as the lieutenant-general desires some information that may be obtained from them. Please all swer. JOHN 1. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant and Acting A i(le- de- Camp, Provost A Ia rsh a 1 Page 249 ChAP. LII.] CORRESPONDEN( E, ETC. 1 TN~ ~N. 249 [IEADQTTAnTEIIS TENTh AJiMY (iOIws, General BUTLER: July ii, 18615 p. m. The enemys batteries on Malvern Hill fired on our oThi~boats and wounded one man. Will sen(l I)artielhlars as soon as received. SMITH, Captain. Brigadier-General MARTINDALE, Corn ma ndinq Eighteenth Army Corps: I have directed General Meade to destroy, by leveling, such of the works eal)tnred from the enemy as are of no use for our defense in the rear of his line, and to send his engineer to l)oint oat such in rear ol the Eighteenth Corps as should be leveled. Please order such work as the engineer officer iiiay designate to l)e exieciit.ed. IT. S. GRANT, Jiieuteitant- (leneral. I InQn s. THIRD I)tvIsIoN, EWfHTE~NTII ARMY Coiws, Tn the Field, Va., Juli, 1 1, 186.1. Maj. WILLIAM RUSSELL, Ji., Assistant A c0 at a/nt- General, Eighteenth. Army Corps: MAJOR: Agreeably to instructions received fioin e~rp~ headquarters yesterday, I have the honor to submit the following report of casualties of all officers above the rank of captain in this coInlnaII(l since the 1st of May, 1864: Col. II. S. Russell, Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry, wounded in the shoulder June 15, 1864: Maj. Z. B. Adams, Fifth Massacliusett~ Cavalry, wounded in the lungs .Juue 15; Lient. Col. N. Goft jr., Twenty- seeond U. S. Colored Troops, wounded in the foot June 15. It is reported, unofficially, that Lient. Col. N. P. Pond, Second U. S. Colored Cavalry (dismounted), was wounded in the leg on the 12th instant; it is known that Colonel Pond went to Fort Monroe on the evening of the 12th instant, but the authority 111)011 which lie went is iiot kno~v1i. Surgeon Barnes, chief surgeon of the (livision, will make a spe(ial report in regard to the matter. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN II. JIOLMAN, Colonel, Conun andinq. HDQRS. 1)EPT. (IF \IR(iINJA ANI) Nowru CAROLiNA, Jo (lie Field, ~Ial~, Ii, WGI. Colonel FULLER, Ilerinuda Iliundred: The One hundred and thirty-eighth Ohio Regiment 110W stationed at Spring Hill is ordered to Cherrystone. Eastern Shore, Va. it numbers about 8tM1~ men. It will embark at Broadway, and will be ready to-morrow afternoon. Have transportation all ready. G. WEITZEL, Jirif/a(lier- General and Acting Chief of $taff Page 250 250 OPERATIONS IN SE. ~TA. ANT) N. C. ~CHAP. Lit HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DviSLoN, Camp war ~Jones \eck, I ~a.. ~Ial~i 11, 1S64. Maj. Ii. S. 1)Avls, A~st. Adjt. (Thu., Dept. q/ hirgtnia au(i North Carolina MAJOR: I have the honor to call the attention of the major-general commanding to the acconipanying report of men and arms in this division, it will be observed that in addition to the great variety of arms and caliber that there is a great deficiency of the proper arms for cavalry. Repeated requisitions for carbines have been made, but have not been filled. The best carbines for cavalry are breech-loading repeaters, with metallic percussion cartridges. Of this kind Spencers carbine is preferred, next the Henry rifle or carbine. Sharps carbine is a favorite arm, but the ammunition in a few days marching deteriorates so much as to be a serious objection, as ammu- nitioti trains can seldom be taken on cavalry expeditions, and therefore only a limited supply can be carried by the men. The same objection exists against all paper cartridges. The issue of Merrills carbine, made in this command just before commencing the campaign, seems to have been a very defective arm in the manufacture. The Eleventh Pennsyl- vania Cavalry started on the 1st of May with 280 carbines; they are now re(luce(1 to 117, and this reduction is due almost entirely to defects in the arm itself. The officers report that many burst in the barrel, and other parts give way. I l)roPo~~ to make such transfer of arms as will give the least variety of calibers in the same regiment; but in order to do this I should first like to know whether any carbines can be obtained to replace the infantry arms that were issued only for temporary use t the dismounted men in the intrenchmeiits, and which it is proposed to turn in. It is also necessary to know what kinds and in what numbers carbines, if any, can be obtained~ otherwise the difficulty of variety in caliber may still exist. It will prove the most economical in the end to arm cavalry with the best weapons for its peculiar service. Without a serviceable carbine cavalry is i& niost useless in the wooded country in which it is required to operate, where the enemy take up positions from which they can only be driven by dismounted men. I trust that something may be done to iml)rove the eqinpment of this division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, J}riq(ulicr- (kn eral and Chief of Ca #(f HDQRS. l)Emn. OF VIRGINIA ANT) Nowru CAROLINA, !n he Field. ~1al~j 14, WYHS.26 p. m. Colonel INNIS, Fort Pouha tan The commanding general (lirects that you will state at once by tele- graph why you cannot furimish at least I 00 men daily for engineer Patigue and this fatigue to work all day. (I. WEITZE2L, Briqa(1ier- (len era 1 an (1 Chief Engineer Page 251 CH~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LTNIoN. 251 i-lnQns. I)EPT. o1~ YIRcTINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, In tke Field, J~dy ii~ W64. OPERATORS, Cherrystone: The commanding general (lirects iiie to say that lie will 4)LdCI a whole, regin tent at your place. G. WEITZEL, Ilriqatliei- GC)/(k((l (01(1 A (tiflq Cli iej 0/ itaf)1 I li)Q1IS. l)E1~ENs1~s ()F NORFOLK ANI) I ~ORTSMOUTH, Maj. J. S. GATES, Bowers Hill: MAJOR: There is a rumor here that Fitzhugh Lee is beyond Suffolk with a force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery. The general desires you to send out a ree6nnoitering party and ascertain, if possibl~, whether there is any truth in the report. The expedition to Chowaii and Per- qni mans Counties will be suspended for the l)resent. I ama, major, very respectfully, your obedient servait, S. L. MdHENPY, (1aptain and A ss ista ii t Adju taii t- (lenera l II EA 1Y~iTARTER5 0 UTPO5Ts, General PALriLi~it: 1I~ i~%i ) p. m. About 3 this p. in. I received notice from my outpost picket corn- mandant that the enemy were making demonstration on our line of l)ickets, having killed the outer cavalry vedette on his post. I imnmue- diately dispatched, under Captain Green, infantry up therailroad; ordeied the whole reserve nuder Captain Lee, Ninety-ninth New York, to skim- mish up the Neuse road toward Core Creek; at the same time sent a cavalry fiiwce, tinder direction of Capt. Charles 0-. Smith, acting aide- (le-calni), out, all of which caused the enemy to retreat post haste, and my cavalry are in hot pursuit, followed by ait ilifautry force as support. I think the enemy should be called on to disavow this act of in the hriimo on l)ickets above stated ~, as this is a game I can play at with interest in my favor. Will coinnuliucate again if anything further turns up. P. .1. CLAASSEN, (olon H. (omm an dinq (hi tposls. (Same to) ( i4~lIeral Ilarlanol. l~OINT LOOKOUT, iul#, Ii, 18649 a. w. [lou. E. M. STANTON, - (Receive(I 10.20 a. iii.) ASecret(( ry 0/ H ar: All (liliet. Five gun-boats oim olntv last night. ~J AMES BARNES, Rr iqa (I icr (7eu era l Page 252 252 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIII. POINT LOOKOUT, July 14, 18647 p. m. (Received Washington 9.15 p. in.) Mal. C. 11. RAYMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: All quiet. The Minnesota has just arrived here. JAMES BARNES, Brjqadicr- General, (low m (ifl ding District. CITY POINT. \A., Jill!, 1:; 186,. 11011. E. M. STANTON, iSeeretary (~/ 110): I regret to learn that Brigadier-G-eneral Ferrero was not confirmed by tile Senate. I hope lie will he imme(liately reappointed with his loriner rank. 1-le deserves great cre(lit on this campaign Thr the inaii- iier in which lie protected onr immense wagon train with a division of nn(liscipline(l colore(l troops and detachments of (iismolllIte(1 cavalry without organization. lie (lid his work ot gllar(iing the trains and dis- cipline(l huis troops at the same time, so that they caine tlirongli to the J aii~es River l)etter prepare(l to go into l)attle than if they had been at a quiet school ot nstrnction (Inring the same time. If Ferreio is taken trOut his division 1 (10 not know how lie is to l)e replace(l. IT. S. (A-RANT, IjiC uten witt- (JCII (1(11. CITY I~( )INI VA.. Juli, I:, 186!. Major-General HALLECK, Washinqton, 1). (7.: In view pf the possible recurrence ot the late raid into Maryland, I wonid snggest that the following precantion be taken: First. There should be an immediate call for all the troops we are likely to reqnire. Secon(i. Washington City, Baltimore, and Harpers Ferry should l)e (lesignated as schools of instrnction, and all troops raised east of the State of Ohio should be sent to oime of these three places as fast as raise(l. Nashville, Decatur an(l Stevenson should also be name(l as schools of instructiomi, aild all troops raried in Ohio and west of it slmonld be sent to those. By doing this we always have the benefit of onr increased force, aild they in turn imllrove more rapidly by contact with veteran troops. To snpply Sherman all the rolling-stock that cami possibly be got to him should be sent. An effort ought to be made to traiusti~r a large portion of stores imow at Nashville to Chattanooga. r1~liis might be facilitated l)y withdrawing for awhile time rolling-stock from the Nashville aimd Reynoldsburg Railroad, an(l a large part of time stock upon the Kentucky roads. Theme is every indication now, judg- in- from the tone of time Southern press, tilat, unless Johnston is re-enforced, Atlanta will not be defended. They seem to calculate largely upon driving Shermuan out by keeping his lines of communica- tion cut. If he can supply himuseif once with ordnance and quarter- masters stores, and partially within subsistence, he will finch no difficulty iii staying until a permanent line can be opened with the south coast. Time road from Chattanooga to Atlanta will be munch more easily de- feimded than that north of the Tennessee. With the supplies above iml(lieate(h at Chattanooga. wi tim, say, sixty - days provisioums there. Page 253 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENcE, ETC.UNION. 233 think there will be no doubt but that the country will supply the bal- ance. Sherman ~vihl, once in Atlanta, devote himself to collecting the resources of the country. He will take everything the people have, and will then issue from the stores so collected to rich and poor alike. As he will take all their stock, they will have no use for grain further than is necessary for bread. IC the enemy (10 not detach from here against Sherman, they will, in case Atlanta falls, bring most of John- stons army here, with the expectation of driving us out, and then unite against Sherman. They will fail if they attempt this programme. My greatest fear is ot their sending troops to Johnston first. Sherman ought to be notified of the possibility of a corps going from here, and should be l)repared to take up a good defensive position in case one is sent, one which he could hold against such increase. If Hunter cannot get to Gordonsville and Charlottesville to cat the railroad, lie should make all the Valley south of the Baltimore and Ohio road a desert as high up as possible. I do not mean that houses should be burned, but all provisions and stock should be removed, and the people notified to move OLit. U. S. (A-11ANT, Lcutena ii t- General. [JULY 13, 1864.Foi Ilalleck to Grant 12.30 p. in. and 6 p in., in reard to athdrs in Marx-land & c. see Vol. XXXVII Part II~ pp. 329, XVAslILNGfoN July 1) i(5O~)ii0.3() p. /11. Limit. tien. U. S. GRANT: Mal. (ien. H. W. Ilalleck thinks I-muters coniinand very badly cut imp by the Lynchburg expedition, an(l that it does not now exceed 12,0(H) effective men of all arms. It is now at Harpers Ferry, or between there atal Leesbiirg. Wright with 10,000 mcii should l)e l)etween Whites Ferry and Leesburg. Iticketts and what has arrived of the Nineteemith Corps are between Wright and Washington. Orders for General Wright and the Nineteenth Corps to comply with your letter will be issued as soon as Halleck receives an answer to his telegramit to you of to-day. It will take three or four days for Wright to get back. Hal- heck does not understand your letter sent by inc as an order for Wrights recall, and awaits positive orders. lie thinks on Wrights return the enemy may come back. Wrights orders now arc to follow enemy till recalled. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel. CITY POINT, VA., July fl, 1-JGJ. Major-General MEADE: (Jommandiny, dx.: It is necessary that a major-general should be appointed to the coin- mitand of the Tenth Army Corps. I have been thinking of namnimer Major-General llumphreys for time place, but did not wish to do so with- out first informing you and hearing whether yoml feel now as you (lid some time back about sparing him from his present 1)OsitiouI. Another thing, too, I want the general to understand before nominating hini fo Page 254 254 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIL this command, that part of the Tenth Corps now serving iii the Depart- inent of Virginia and North Carolina is very small and composed entirely of white troops. In the department, how ever, there are a large number of colored troops, many of whom are liable at any time to fall into the Tenth, either for service or permanently. If the corps should be united, as it was in the Departmemit of the South, then, too, it will be composed largely of colored troops. I do not suppose this would make any differ- ence in General Humphreys performance of his duties, but it might have something to (10 with his I)reference for the comnmuaml(1. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC .faly 15, iSGIlO (I. lfl. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Comparative quiet prevailed along the lines yesterday; some mus- ketry and cannonading on General Burnsides front by the enemy during the night. Last evening several deserters came into the Fifth Corps, who stated that if three rockets were sent up to indicate they had been well received a large number would come in. After taking necessary precautions to guard against foul play, the three rockets were semit up, but without any result. The siege works, batteries, and mine, in front of the Fifth and Ninth Corps, are making good progress. T~o divisions of the Second Corps are employed in leveling the enemys old works in our rear. Your telegramn of yesterday in reference to the projected cavalry raid has beemi sent to General Sheridan, as his general instruc- tions, and his views called for as to the disposition of the infamitry force sent to support him. I send per orderly a Richmond paper of the 14th instant, in which they claim taking 93 prisoners ammd 2 comnmnissioned officers from Gregg in the recent reconnaissance of Reamus Station. No such report has been made by Gregg, ~but I have called for information. GEG. G. MEADE, Afajo r- General, Conunanding. CITY PoINT. VA., July 15, 186411 a. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c. A dispatch just received from General Butler states that a deserter is just in who says that two divisions of Longstreets corps went south, leaving their places in line last Friday. Please ask your provost-marshal if he has not evidence to the contrary of this statement. I have a Rich- mond paper of the 14th, which gives the capture from Gregg at 33 men amid 2 officers. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 186112 in. Lientenant-Gemmeral GRANT, Gominandini A rmnies of time baited States: General Meade is on the line of works. There is no evidence in the provost-muarshals department of any part of Longstreets corps havin Page 255 CHAP. LII.] 255 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. left Lees army. All the evidence concerning it is that Fields and Kershaws divisions are on this side the river, l)etween fill and Beanie- gard; Picketts division on the north side of the Appomattox. A. A. HUMPHREYS. Major- General and Chief of AVa(1. JULY 13, i8(4. JJiigadiei-Gcieeral ItAWLINS, Ck ie/ of A~tafl, Armies in the Field The tollowi ii g report ironi the provost-iiiarshal-gciicials office is sent as the last ieiformation of the kiied received. A. A. IIUMPtIl1~YS, Mpor- General and Chief of ~ta// hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMA( OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, 1\1a~ u-( rencral HUMPHREYS, Chif of Nta it: GENERAL: A deserter from the Eighth Alabama, Sanders brigade, Mahones division, has ,jnst been forwarded from the headquarters of the Fifth Corps. He came into our hues last evening about au hour after dark. He states that he has been out on picket since day before yesterday morning, and up to that time no movements had taken place anywhere on the line, to his knowledge. It was rumored that Long- streets corps was going to Maryland, and that Hills corps would move farther to the left and occupy Longstreets position. A man that left thee lines about dark last ni~ht to bring rations to the pickets brought no information that an~ movements had been made. He does not 1(110w the whereabouts of XV~l~ division of A. P. Hills corps. He saw General Wilcox about a week ago ri(ling along the line. fleths (hix-isioll was on the right when he came oii picket. He does not possess any other information of importance. Very respectfnlly, I. C. BA BUOCK. JIEAI)QVARTERS FIFTh CORPS, July 15. 18611 p. in. Licut. Geie. U. S. GRANT: Your note iii reference to rfellthi Corps was received and referred to (;euiera~l llunlphreys while I was on the lines. The general will take the matter into consideration, and by the time I return to my head- (luarters I will advise you of his (lecisiolt. GEO. C. MEADE, Mpor- General. IiEAI)QUAIITER8 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 18616 p. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Sheridan is here. He fears that. unless the infantry acconi- I)anies him to Weldon, that his return will be so obstructed as to forc Page 256 256 OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AM) N. C. [CHAP. Lii. him P) Ne~v l3erne, tr()1n whence he could oiily return by water, which ~voul(l take a very long time. He proposes time ~joint expedition keep- big together the whole time. I think myself this is the surest and safest course, but the question arises whether you can spare the Second Corps for so long a period, say ten (lays, or whether you deem it judi- cious to sen(l any less force of infantry than the whole corps. Your views on these points are respectfully requested. General Sheridan will await here your reply. U .M.EAI)E, iI(~jOP- Gcn era 1, Commandiuff. IILAI)QUARTER5 ARMIES OF TilE UNITED STATES, City Thint~ l((., July 15, 18(548 p. in. Major- General MEADE: lr~nq of the i~OtO)UOC Your dispatch of ~ p. in. just this Iu(ulleiit received. Since ordering the cavalry raid we have found that the enemy have left Maryland, and I have sent a staff officer to hasten the return of the Sixth and Nine- teenth Corps. With them we can cover the Weldon road or make an infantry movement which will obviate the necessity of a raid. Under these circumstances you may suspend Sheridans order for the present. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, XA., July t;, 18U1. (Received :~ p. m. 16th.) Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. ORD, Washington, P. C.: Four batteries of the Sixth Corps, Major Tompkins comnianding, left here yesterday morning for Baltimore. Please order them to return at once to this point without debarking. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE I~OTOMAC, PROYOST-MARSIIAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, July 15, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of ~taft: GENERAL: A deserter from Heths (livision (Fry~s brigade, Archers old) caine into our lines this morning. He is a young man, very intelli- gent and was forced to go into the trenches a week ago to-day. He has been hying in Petersburg for the past six months, where he kept a newspaper depot. He reports no change in the position of A. P. Hills corps, nor can he locate Wilcoxs division of that corps. Last Tuesday he was informed by some men from ilokes (livision that the division was moving in the direction of Richmond. He cannot say where this division has been located, but it was somewhere on the Chesterfield side. He knows of no other movements. That yesterday two officers of lulls staff went emit on time right of their line to reconnoiter our posi- tion; that whemi they returned they stopped near his brigade and too Page 257 Cxiii~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 257 out maps and sketches they had beeii inakin~. Informant being near by heard their conversation, understandin~ that it was proposed to extend tl~ rebel lines forward to better protect the Weldon railroad, also that they were calculating upon taking possession of a part of our present line. This is all we can make of this statement, as informant is somewhat uncertain as to what he really heard. The infantry for- inerly nuder Bradley T. Johnson, known as the Maryland Line, did not accompany General Early, and is at present attached to Archers bri- gade. It is the Second Maryland Battalion. They have applied to be sent to General Early, and it is expected they will go. Informant appears to be little acquainted with the position of Lees army. He has other information that cannot well be reported concerning the location of their works, which we will have noted by Captain Paine. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCt~CK. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, July 15, 1864. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Ohif of Staff, Armies in the Field: Respectfully forwarded. The deserter informed me that he received the information about the intended movement of Hokes division from the sick and others of the (livision umiable to march, who had been sent to Petersburg. He met them outside the town, where pies, cake, & c., are sold to the soldiers. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of St aft. HDQRs. U. S. ENGINEERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 1864. Maj. J. C. DUANE: During the last twenty-four hours the following progress has been made by officers and working parties under my direction: Captain Har- wood reports embrasures pierced in the flanks of the redoubts on the left; revetment on the front completed; nearly so on the flanks, and about half finished on the gorge; the rifle-pit completed nearly to the swamp across the railroad, and commenced on the other side of the swamp. Slashing timber progresses but slowly, as there are but ninety axes, and those in bad condition. I directed Captain Gillespie and Lk~utenant Cuyler to strengthen the parapets of batteries on the Fifth Corps front last night. They were unable to procure tools for that pur- pose. A rifle-pit near the Chieves house between the two adjacent re- doubts and supporting the battery erected there is progressing. One dozen wagons were engaged in hauling siege material yesterday from the depot to points convenient for their future application. It will be necessary to have ten or twelve wagons for this and other incidental purposes. At preseut I am indebted to the courtesy of the commander of the Fifth Corps, who represents the corps cramped for transl)ortation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. H. MENDELL, Captain of Engineers. 17 R RVOL XL, PT II Page 258 258 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June l5,~ 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following report from plank road signal station: Several trains have been seen on Weldon railroad near the lead-works this a. m. None have passed south of that point for several days. (They may pass during the night.) Noticed two companies of infantry on drill about half a mile south of lead- works near railroad. Several wagons passed both to right and left on road near railroad. No movement of troops. - .~. B. DUFF. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 1864. Major-General HUMPIrREYs, Chief of AStaff: GENERAL: The following received from station north of City Point railroad: Smoke of an engine passing in toward Richmond railroad seen at 3.30 a. m. A heavy cloud of dust extending for half a mile from the back of the city toward our left, seen for fifteen minutes just before noon; occasional horseman and footmen could be seen, but nothing further to indicate what the movement was. The enemy opened from twelve guns on the plateau, over the river this a. m. The following rebel message 7.30 a. in.: No movements of troops discovered. 12M. General PENDLETON, Colonel JoNEs, & c.: The enemy are massing a large force of infantry in rear of Hares house and near Battery 9. They seem to come from our right and their rear. A. S. CUTTS, Colonel. Your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following message intercepted at rebel station: Colonel POAGUE: It is reported by Colonel Cutts that the enemy are massing large forces of iufantry in rear of Hares house and Battery No. 1. R. F. HOKE, Major-Generak Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 259 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Cw& r. LII.] 259 [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 18646 p. m. (Sent 6.15 p. in.) The above sent to show that General Hoke is still here and doubt- less his division. GEG. G. MEADE, M~jor- General. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 15, 18647.15 p. in. Captain FISHER: No movement of importance this p. in. The following messages intercepted: 3 P. u. A. B.: Three large steamers arrived at Strahans lower landing about thirty minute8 ago; two of them remained only ten minutes and returned down the river. No troops could be seen aboard. W. S. L. 6 P.M. Colonel BRENT, Assi8tant AdjutantGeneral: One gun-boat off Point of Rocks, one gun-boat just below Red Bluff, and one large steamer at Strahans lower landing. W.S. L., At C. (Same to A. B.) CHAS. L. DAVIS, Gaptain, & e. SPEClAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 188. July 15, 1864. * * * * * * 4. While the army occupies its present position, corps and other inde- pendent commanders will cause their commissaries to issue at least four days fresh potatoes and three days fresh onions per week to the troops of their command. Green cabbages will be issued from two to three times per week in lieu of the money value of some component part of the ration, and at the rate of one-fourth pound per man. Fresh beets or fresh turnips or fresh carrots, or whichever one of these arti- cles can be most readily furnished, will be issued from two to three times per week in lieu of beans, peas, rice, or hominy, and at the rate prescribed by regulations, viz: Thirty pounds to the 100 rations. If the articles above mentioned cannot be obtained from the depot of supplies, the commanders aforesaid will require their commissaries to present to them a statement signed by the officer in charge of the depot to the effect that the articles required by the commissary could not be furnished him for issue at that depot. * * * * * * * 8. As the services of all able-bodied men who are available for duty in the ranks are required with their regiments, as far as practicable, musicians only wUl be ietailed to perform the duties of attendants Page 260 260 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. nurses, cooks, and orderlies at the hospitals at City Point, and the medical officer in charge of the hospitals at that place will at once make requisition upon the corps commanders for musicians to relieve the able-bodied men of their commands now employed on hospital serv- ice, and the latter on being relieved will be returned to their regiments. Each corps commander will select an efficient officer to take the general charge of the musicians of his corps assigned to hospital duty, and he will also, on the requisition of the medical officer in charge of the hospitals, furnish his proportion of a detail for a hospital guard. The guard will be no larger than is indispensably necessary. The requisi- tion on corps commanders for hospital attendants and guard details will be in proportion to the number of men of the corps under treat- ment. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 15, 18649 a. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: The First and Third Divisions of my command are still on fatigue duty leveling intrenchments; the Second Division is at the Southall house. General Warren notified me last evening that he was relieving the pickets of this division. There has been no other change. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS: My fatigue parties are now extending to the right of the Dunn house, and on work partially done by the Eighteenth Corps last night but abandoned this morning at daylight, it is understood, for fear of being shelled. I desire to know if the work is to be abandoned for fear of being shelled. W.JNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS Near Petersburg, Va., July 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to recommend the following officers of the Second Army Corps for promotion to the rank of brigadier-general for distinguished services: Lient. Col. C. H. Morgan, inspector-general and chief of staff; Second Corps, to date from the 12th of May, 1864 Page 261 CHkI~. LU.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 261 Col. T. W. Egan, Fortieth New York Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious conduct in commaud of a brigade, to date from May 26, 1864. Col. T. A. Smyth, First Delaware Volunteers, for gallant and meri- torious conduct while in command of a brigade, to date from May 27, 1864. Col. H. L. Brown, One hundred aud forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, for gallant and meritorious conduct while in command of a bri- gade, to date from May 12, 1864. Col. James A. Beaver, One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious conduct while in command of a brigade, to date from June 16, 1864. Col. C. II. Morgan was chief of staff of the Second Corps during the battles of Fredericksburg and Cliancellorsville, under Major-General Couch, and during the battle of Gettysburg, nu(ler Major-General Han- cock; at Bristoe and all subsequent operations of the Second Corps, while under the command of Major-General Warren, and during the present campaign, commencing May 3, 1864, to the present date. His rare intelligence, activity, and gallantry, as displayed during the long period which he has been attached to the Second Corps in the capacity referred to, fairly entitles him to the promotion recommended. This officer has heretofore been recommended by General Couch and General Warren for promotion to the rank of brigadier-genera]. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - WINFD S. HANCOCK, M~or- General, ~fc. The officers are presented in this list in the order in which it is desir- able that they should be promoted. Colonel Brown is now a prisoner of war in Charleston, S. C. The recommendations of these officers by division commanders are inclosed. WINFD S. HANCOCK, ]Ifttior- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. (Received 9 p. in.) General S. WILLIAMS: I have nothing new to report. My First and Third Divisions are still on fatigue; the Second in reserve. WJNFD S. HANCOCK Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARM~Y OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 18648.45 p. m. Colonel Morgan, Chief of Stafl~, Second Corps: General Gibbon will take his division to the rear of the Dunn house (behind Burusides headquarters) and be ready to work leveling the old works. An engineer officer will be there with the tools. They will work by reliefs until relieved. Biriieys aimd Barlows divisions will not work to-night after Gibbons division arrives, or when the time of th Page 262 262 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII. present relief is up. The 600 men should be relieved, and you can work the detail if you can find the working place. They should be relieved from Birneys and Barlows of men who did not work lou g on last night. We will not move as suggested. I will be home soon. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRP DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, July 15, 1864. Lient. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the division moved from its position near the Williams house at 6 a. in. on the 13th iiist.ant to its present position, since which time nothing of note has occurred. As the division is lying on reserve and not in the trenches this report was not thought necessary. I am, colonel, very respectfully, & c., D. B. BIIRNEY, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, July 15, 1864. Lient. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the entire division has been on fatigue duty (leveling the enemys earth-works) for the last twenty-four hours, with the exception of 400 men, who have been on duty thirty hours. No changes iii the lines of this division or anything else of importance has taken place in the command since my last report. Yery respectfully, & c., D. B. BIIINEY, Major-General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 18649 a. in. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: Nothing unusual transpired on my front last night. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. General WARREN: What was the result of sending up the rockets last night? A. E. BUIRNSIDE, Major- General Page 263 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 263 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. Major-General BURNSIDE: Nothing has been heard from them. G. K. WARREN, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, July 15, 186410.15 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding F~fth Army Corps: GENERAL: I forward you a deserter sent me by Colonel Bryan, and also the report of one of his officers concerning him. The prisoner says the rebel colonel on foot l)assed through a dense wood, about 100 yards in extent, between the left of the infantry and right of Colonel Byrans line. The information of the deserter, if reliable is important. All quiet on the cavalry line. Yours respectfully, D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier-General of Vols., Comdg. Second Carairy Dinision. [Inelosure.] [JULY 15, 1864.1 Colonel BRYAN: With this dispatch I send to you for examination one Henry Williams, deserter from the rebel lines, who came into my line this inoriuing. Says he is a native of Washington, and was pressed into service a week ago. Reports that an attack will doubtless be made on all our lines tA)-day or to-morrow, and that some of their officei-s have been between the cavalry and infantry lines, and even in rear of infantry lines, and drawn correct maps of our lines and works. The inthutry line is much weakened, and all the brigade (reserve) left and fell back last night. I think I have found the opening where their officers passed through (if they passed between the two lines), and have thrown in an addi- tional post, but the connection between my line and the infantry is not what it should be, and! cannot remedy the difficulty. Your obedient servant, JOHN D. MYRICK, Captain, First Maine Cavalry, Commandi~lg Outposts. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. Brigadier-General GREGG: GENERAL: I have seen the deserter you sent in. I dont think much of his story about there being a gap in our lines where officers went through. I went along the whole line yesterday myself and saw no such place. It is very probable they may make a dash to get informa- tion, and if their necessities are great may try to hold out on the rail- road. I dont know under what instructions you are operating, bnt you can strengthen your lines wherever you think necessary. It is not nece Page 264 264 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. Lfl. sary for the infantry pickets that you should keep up connection with them. Please give me a statement of the duties assigned you by Gen- eral Meade. Very respectfully, G. K. WARREN, MaJor- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, MajorGeneral WARREN, July 15, 1864. Commanding Fifth Army Corps: GENERAL: The present line of cavalry pickets was established by Colonel Bryan some time ago. General Meades instructions are to maintain the line as established by Colonel Bryan, connecting with the left of the infantry. The great scarcity of water makes it impractica- ble to keep more cavalry on the right than there is at present. Colonel Bryan has 1,200 mcii. Lees Mill is the only watering place for cavalry iii this entire section. Respectfully, yours, D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Division. JULY 15, 18649 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS: I have received no report from my division commanders to-night, except General Ferrero, who has nothing to report. About 7 p. m. this evening our mortars blew up a small rebel magazine. The work is progressing everywhere on my lines, and our defensive works are nearly completed. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. - HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 18649 p. m. General HUNT and Major DUANE: The advanced redan on the plank road is now ready to prepare for its armament. Have you yet determined what guns to put in it? If not, I would like to have this fixed, and I will set at work on it to-inor- row. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC July 15, 186410 p. m. Major-General WARREN: The armament proposed for the redan is four siege guns and two 8-inch howitzers for each face; the howitzers nearest the angle. The Page 265 CHAP. JLH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LTNION. 265 will require traverses for every two guns. I also propose to place two sections of light 12s on the line next the re(tan, one to flank each face. The engineers have this in charge. At least two good magazines will be wanted. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION FIFTH CORPS, ed 2 p. in.) Col. F. T. LOCKE, July 15, 1864. (Receiv Assistant Adjutant- General: It is reported that the enemy was moving forces to his right, or our left, last night, and cavalry was moving in that direction this morning about 10 oclock. The enemy is building an interior line of rifle-pits, plainly visible from the top of our breast-works. If I may be allowed to make a suggestion, I would respectfully state that our works are unnecessarily strong for artillery. The works are being constructed as if we expected to occupy them and not make others to tlieit front. Very respectfully, & c., CHAS. GRIFFIN, Brigadier- Gener~j, Commanding. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH I)ITh, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. Lieutenant RANSOM, Actinq Assistant Adjutant- General, Fourth Division: LIEUTENANT: The explosion this p. in. on my front was the firing of a small magazine of the enemy near his mortar battery in front of my right, and near the group of buildings on the hill. The explosion was the effect of a shell from the mortar battery in rear of my line. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDW. S. BRAGG, Brigadier- General. [Ildorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISiON, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general com- manding corps. L. CUTLER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. (Received 3.55 a. in.) General HUMPHREYS: Lieutenant ilough, engineer officer, is here with 5,000 shovels and 2,000 picks. I thought it possible that they might be intended for Gen- eral Hancock instead of me. If there are any instructions in reference to them please send to me. The tools were sent by General Benham from City Point. Please answer immediately. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General Page 266 266 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 1.5, 1864. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding X4nth Army Corps: The tools that Lieutenant ilough has are for the Second Corps, but will remain where they are till morning, when Major Duane will send for them. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. IJEAI)QUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Jaly 15, 18647 a. m. General WILLIAMS: Nothing of importance occurred on my line last night. The battery at the burnt house is finished, with exception of the embrasure and making the magazine. The mine is progressing favorably. I shall receive a report from there at 12 oclock, which I will forward. There was some little musketry and considerable cannonading from the enemy, apparently attracted by the signal lights at these headquarters,, which were placed too high. They will be changed to-night. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 1864. Major-General BURNSIDE: The powder is at City Point, Lient. Morris Seliaff in charge. There are 12,000 pounds. The fuse has nnt yet arrive(l. It was shi~)ped from Ne~v York on the 5th instant. Respectfully,. E. R. WARNER Lieutenau 1-Colonel and Inspector of Artillery. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 15, 1864. Major DUANE, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: I would be glad if you would direct the party levelimig fortifications to defer work on the line near the Dunn house for the present. We have a hospital there and the work would disturb the sick and perhaps draw fire. The hospital will be moved to-day, and your parties can in the meantime work on other parts of the line. An order sent here will be transmitted to the officer in charge. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. JIDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND T)iy., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 15, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I have the honor to forward report as general officer of the trenches for tour ending July 15, a. inn. During said term less than ordinary firing was had along our front. From instructions issued, th Page 267 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 267 line of trenches was strengthened at various points, and the line cross- ing ravine in front of First Brigade, Second Division, completed. The various works building were progressing as rapidly as could be ex- pected, as well as all work along the line, new details being furnished. Nothing unusual was observed on the enemys front. Receiving no report or instructions of previous operations along the line rendered the duties more difficult to arrange. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. P. STFJERE, Colonel, Gomdg. First Brig., AS1eCon(l Div., Ninth Army Corps. [Inclosure No. 1.] IN THE TRENCHES, Col. ~ II. ~. STEERE, Before Petersburg, Va., July 15, 1864. Comdg. Brigade and General of the Trenches, Ninth A rmy Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I made yesterday a report in full to the acting assistant adjutant-general of the First J)ivision, Ninth Army Corps, commanded by General Ledlie, that my liicilities for making reports in writing ai-e very poor, also that an orderly is necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of division officer of the day; that the condition of the ditches and breast-works is such that the men are not properly protected; that the habit of moving the regiments every two or three days, and never putting them iii the same place twice, is discouraging, and prevents as much labor being put on the works as there should be; that there is very much needed a coy- ered way from the first to the second line of trenches, also a covered way to the picket-line; that the sinks are not in the condition they should bethey are not deep enough, there aie not enough of them, they are not sufficiently protected from fire. The men lie in the pits and suffer rather than visit them in the daytime; at iight they get behind some big tree in preference. Consequently the ground in the rear is in very bad condition; what with brush, rubbish, manure, & c., it is a hard matter to get around, except by one or two paths along which the rebel sharpshooters keep up a continual lire. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILSON W. PAY, Captain, Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry. [Inclosure No. 2.] IIDQRs. SECOND REGT. MARYLAND VET. VOL. INFANTRY, Col. W. II. P. STEERE, July 15, 1864. Commanding First Brigade, Second Division: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing particularly of note transpired along the lines of the enemy in front of this division during the twenty-four hours I was on duty. The different works now in course of construction were proceeded with as rapidly and success- fully as could be expected. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. HOWARD, JR., Licut. Col., Second fIliaryland Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Division Officer of the Day for 15th instant Page 268 268 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIT. [Thelosure No. 3.] HDQES. THIRTY-SEVENTH WIsCoNSIN VOL. INFANTRY, Before Petersburg, Va., July 16, 1864. Col. WILLIAM II. P. STEERE, General of the Trenches: COLONEL: The works on the front of the First Brigade, Third Division, were repaired and strengthened as far as was necessary; the works on the front of the Second Brigade are in very good order indeed; the work in the mine at the end of the covered way on the right of the First Brigade is progressing finely. The work in front of the First Brigade headquarters is progressing finely, some gabions being set dur- ing the twenty-four hours. I notice that the rebel works on our front are two lines, one immediately in rear of the other, the frout line is quite low, the rear line is quite high, and I should judge rather formi- dable, upon which the eiiemy seems to work incessantly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. N. 1)OYLE, Captain, ~th 1! ic/i iga a, Comdg. 37th Wisconsin Volunteers. HEAnQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 15, 1864. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry Division, Lees Mill: GENERAL: In the Richmond Whig, of the 14th instant, it is stated that a portion of Fitz. Lees command, in a skirmish near Lees Mill with a part of Greggs cavalry, drove them back and Captured 93 pris- oners, including 2 comnussioned officers. This paragraph must refer to the 12th iiistant. The commanding general desires to know what truth there is in this statement.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. JULY 15, 18649.45 a. m. (Received 10 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I am inclined to think that two divisions of Longstreets corps have gone from Petersburg and our front. There has been a change of pick- ets in our front. A deserter from ilagoods brigade, Hokes division, formerly of Longstreets corps, but latterly of Beauregards forces, says that it is so; that they left last Friday or Saturday; but I do not think they have gone to Maryland. It is rumored among secesh iu Norfolk that Lee is sending troops south. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. * For reply, see Part I, p. 614 Page 269 CHAP. LLL.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 269 CITY POINT, VA., July 15, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Con?ma nding, ~fw.: If you have a regiment of 100-days men out of the line that can pos- sibly be spared I wisli you~wouId send it to City Point t~ aid in guard (luty over public stores. There is bat one small regiment here for that (lilty, and it is not sufficient with the extent of wharf aiid quantity of stoics. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. JULY 15, 18646.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: A regiment will be sent as desired to-morrow. It is now certain that Lee is in Petersburg. Pickett is still in my front. Will send to-days Richmond papers. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. - HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, July 15, 1864. Capt. E. V. SUMNER, ASpeCial Inspector of Cavalry: CAPTAIN: I have exaniined with care the papers you have submitted to me, to wit, Special Orders, No. 227, War Department, current series, amending Special Orders, No. 225, by which it seems you are appointed special inspector of cavalry. The chief inspector of cavalry in this department detailed on my staff for that duty is Major Ludlow. I have also examined General Orders N instructions intended to promote ~ o. 237 [War Department, 1863], the efficiency of the cavalry service. If you will do me the favor I will examine any other papers which you may choose to submit to me. So far as I can ascertain from this order and from these papers, your duties here in this department will be those of a special and assistant inspector of cavalry. You will, therefore, make your inspections according to the instructions given you, con- tained in these written instructions and any further instructions you may receive through my inspector-general. I understood in conversa- tion that you supposed it was your duty to forward your reports directly to Washington. I entertain different views of your duties but as it is a matter of form only, I am not inclined to interfere with your forwarding special reports, provided (luplicates are also sent to my inspector-generals office. I feel bound to say to you that if the Cavalry Bureau at Washington had chosen to examine may inspector- generals rel)orts up to tIme last month they would have found every item of intelligence there which, so far as I can learn, you are required to give, saving always your own opinions 111)011 the efficiency and pro- priety of action of my cax-alry officers, amid I know that the opilmion which you will give of your own, beiiig those of a young cavalry officer of a cavalry three years standing, will be modestly and properly ex- pressed. Any further instructions I can give you or any other aid that I cau furnish, which, in your judgment, will promote the efficiency of the cavalry of this department, will be as promptly furnished as is this note, as you will do me the favor to remember that I have but thi Page 270 270 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [Cai.P. LIL moment received the order under which you are acting. I would sug- gest to you, however, that the Twelfth New Yolk Cavalry, at New Berne, N. C., is not in as satisfactory a condition as I could wish, and perhaps, as the division of cavalry at this point will leave very shortly upon a raid, not to return before the end of the mouth, you will find leisure to examine into the condition of the cavalry forces in North Carolina. I desire also to call your special attention to the insufficiency of arms with which my cavalry is furnished, and if this bureau can have any effect in promoting the efficiency of the cavalry it can do niore in this direction than any other, and in answering my requisitions for horses, which have been before them for three mouths without any notice. With sentiments of strong personal regard, 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQIIS. DEPT. OF VA. AND N.~ C., No. 80. 5 in the Field, Va., July 15, 1864. In honor of the memory of some of the gallant dead of this army, who have fallen in this Campaign, the redoubts and batteries on the line will hereafter be known as follows: Redoubt on Spring Hill is named Redoubt Converse, after Maj. Joseph 11. Converse, Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers, assistant in- spector-general on General Martindales staff. Redoubt on Cobbs Hill near signal tower is named Redoubt Zabris- kie, after Col. Abram Zabriskie, Ninth New Jersey Volunteers. Battery No. 8 is named Battery Bnrpee, after Lieut. Col. T. F. Burpee, Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers. The square redoubt in the rear of the line between Batteries Nos. 8 and 7, is named Redoubt Wead ,aftem Col. F. F. Wead, Ninety-eighth New York Volunteers. Battery No. 7 is named Battery Walker, after Maj. William A. Walker, Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers. Battery No. 6 is named Battery Pruyn, after Maj. Charles E. Pruyn, One hundred amid eighteenth New York Volunteers. The square redoubt in front of Battery No. 6 is named Redoubt Dut- ton, after Col. A. H. Dutton, Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers. Battery No. S is named Battery England, after Lieut. Col. T. L. Eng- land, Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers. Battery No. 4 is named Battery Marshall, utter Lient. Col. George E. Marshall, Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers. Battery No. 3 is named Battery Anderson, after Licut. Col. Hiram Anderson, jr., Ninety-second New York Volunteers. The redoubt in front of Battery No. 3 is named Redoubt MeConihe, after Col. John McConihe, One hundred and sixty-ninth New York Volunteers. Battery No. 2 is named Battery Perry, after Lieut. Col. Edgar Perry, One hundred and thirty-ninth New York Volunteers. Battery No. 1 is named Redoubt Drake, after Col. J. C. Drake, One hundred and twelfth New York Volumiteers. The redoubt in front of Battery No. 1 is named Redoubt Carpenter, after Lient. Col. E. F. Carpenter, One hundred and twelfth New York Yolunteers Page 271 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 271 The battery in rear of the Curtis house, heretofore known as the Water Battery, is named Battery Spofford, after JAeut. Col. W. P. Spofford, Eleventh Maine Voluuteers. The battery at Crows Nest is named Battery Sawyer, after Maj. Charles W. Sawyer, Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers. The lOO-poander Parrott battery at the Curtis house is named Bat- tery Parsons, a~er First Lieut. A. K. Parsons, Fourth Vermont Vol- unteers, aide-de-camp on General W. T. H. Brooks staff. The 10-inch ijiortar battery in front of the Curtis house is named Battery Wilcox, after Capt. E. It. Wilcox, Twenty-seventh Mass~- chusetts Volunteers, acting assistaut adjutant-general on General Stannards staff. By command of Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler: H. S. DAVIS. Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Capt. GEORGE T. BALCH, Broadway Landing, Va., July 15, 1864. Assistant to Chief of Ordnance: CAPTAIN: Please forward to Captain Hatfield, with all possible dis- patch, 20,000 rounds of Coehorn mortar ammunition and 5,000 percus- sion fuses for 30-pounder Parrott, for use, instead of the time-fuses in certaiii batteries. To be able to change a time to a percussion shell, will be of great advantage in saving transportation; also 3,000 wooden fuses for 8-inch mortars. I expect to need a large supply of ammuni- tion in a very few days. Please hurry forward my supplies for 30- pounder Parrott; 4~-imich 0-un; 8-inch mortar- 10-inch mortar; and Coe- horn mortar; and 8-inch siege howitzer. All my train, except the 100- pounder Parrotts, may be considered about opening fire. My expendi- tures now are often 500 rounds a (lay with not quite half my guns yet in position. Your obedient servant, HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Colonel ALLCOCK, Broadway Landing, July 15, 186410.30 a. m. Commanding Fourth New York Heavy Artillery: (Care of Brigadier-General Hunt, lldqrs. Army of the Potomac.) Please send a company of your regiment without delay to my siege train landing (Broadway), near pontoon bridge on Appomattox River, to report to Captain Hatfield, my ordnance officer, for duty in unload- ing the train and ammunition. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, L1ommanding. JULY 15, 18641.45 p. m. Col. II. L. ABBOT, tlommanding Siege Train, Broadway Landing: Major Duane wishes to know if you cannot place your mortars your- self. I have just ordered Colonel Allcock to detail two officers t Page 272 272 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. superintend to-night tbe construction of batteries for heavy guiis under the direction of Captain Mendell. Your telegram to Colonel A [licock] has beeu sent him. IiEidtY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. WASHINGTON, July 15, 1864. General W. T. H. BROOKS, Tenth Corps: Your resiguation has been accepted.# Notice of acceptance was sent to you yesterday by mail. JAS. A. HARDJE, Colonel and inspector- General U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CoRPS In the Field, Hatchers, 17a., July 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. 0. S. FERRY, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you send eight companies of the One hundred and forty-eighth Regiment Ohio National Guard, stationed at Bermuda Hundred, to City Point, Va., to report to Lieutenant-General Grants chief of staff Two companies of the regiment will remain at Bermuda Landing as a garrison. As the battalion must be ready to move at daylight to-morrow morning, the order for the movement should be sent direct to the colonel of the regiment. I am also instructed to direct you to move all the 100-days regiments encamped near the line of intrenchuients on the left to time right of Battery No. 8, so as to make room for some colored troops that. have been ordered to encamp near the line on the left, between Bat- tery No. S and the Appomattox. The colored troops will not be subject to detail either for fatigue or picket duty. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant H. H. JACKSON, Lieu ten ant- Colonel and Assistant Inspector- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF V1RGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 15, 18648 p. m. General KAUTZ, Jones Neck: General Butler (lesires to see you here as 500fl as possible. C. WEITZEL, Briga (Tier- General. By Special ()rdcis, No. 228, July 15. 18434, hoiii War I )epa rtiueiit, Adj utaiitG en erals 0113cc, to take effect July 14, m864 Page 273 CRAr. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 273 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Near. Jones Landing, Va., July 1.5, 1864. Colonel WEST Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you hold your com- mand in readiness to march at a moments notice, provided with three days ratioiis and sixty rounds of ammunition per man. J have the honor, colonel, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. J. ASCII, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Col. S. P. Spear, commanding Second Brigade.) HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES Fort Powhatan, Va.. July 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. WEITZEL, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Your telegram of July 14 received at 7 a. m. this day. I put every available man on engineer fatigue till I received General Orders, No. 6, from division headquarters, requiring me to drill in school of soldier and company at least three hours per day aiid one hour additional in battalion drill. I soon after received from brigade head- quarters a time table for these drills, dividing them between the a. m. and p. m. This I soon got modified on application to General Marston, so as to allow me to do fatigue duty a. m. and all the drilling p. m. Since then J have been furnishing in the a. m. all the men for engineer fatigue requested by Lieutenant Baldwin. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. S. ININIS, Colonel 133d Regiment Ohio National Guard, 6~ommanding Post. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 15, 186411.30 a. m. Colonel INNIS, Fort Powhatan: The general commaiiding directs that you suspend all drills at your the l)ost until all engineering operations are complete. You will put every man not on picket or other military duty on fatigue daily, to work at least eight hours per day until the work is finished. The general conirnanding further directs that you notify General Marston of this order. The work must be finished at once for the sake of General Grants whole army. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA In the Field, July 15, 1864. Lieutenant BALDWIN, Fort Powhatan: Colonel Innis has been directed to put every available man oii engi- neer fatigue duty, to work at least eight hours daily. Drills are sus- 18 R RVOL XL, PT II Page 274 274 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAT. LII. pended. You will push that work to completion at once. Dont let any grass grow under your feet. Ge~t through and then come away with your party. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. CHERRYSTONE, VA., July 15, 1864. General WE1TZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: Your telegram received. We think a regiment would be too large, whereas one company would be sufficient, which we suggest. Respectfully, OPERATORS, Cherrystone Office. FORT POWHATAN, July 15, 1864. Mr. OBRIEN: The lieutenant commanding guard states that there were 250 cav- alry, commanded by Colonel White, of Thirteenth Virginia, passed through Cabin Point just before him yesterday morning, and a portion of their cavalry, cannot find how many, came back to Cabin Point yes- terday p. m. and stayed over night near there. There was some in- fantry, but reports vary so much that I can get nothing reliable con- cerning them. Lieutenant is of the opinion that there is a force lying to trap us. L. M. PAINTER. CITY POINT, VA., July 15, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Port Monroe: Turn all steamers arriving from the south with troops to City Point. U. S. GRANT Lieutenant- deneral. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 15, 186412.50 p. m. COMMANDING OFFICER, Fort Illonroe, Va.: All troops of the Nineteenth Army Corps not belonging to the two divisions under General Emory will go directly to City Point. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 15, 18649.25 a. m. Brigadier-General SHEPLEY, Norfolk, Va.: Brigadier-General Shepley will report at these headquarters at once. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 275 CRAP. LU] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 POINT LOOKOUT J Maj. C. II. RAYMOND, u0i 15, 18649 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: All quiet. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. POINT LOOKOUT, July 15, 186410.30 a. m. Maj. C. H. RAYMOND: The Thirty-sixth [U. S. Colored Infantry] left here on the 30th of June. Three hundred and thirty men with eleven officers are absent with prisoners. It leaves us rather short. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General. POINT LOOKOUT J Maj. C. H. RAYMOND, , uly 15, 18647 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: All quiet. The Manhattan is here taking coal, with 1,200 troops tor Washington from Philadelphia. Will leave at 8 p. m. J. BARNES, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, No. 81. New Berne, N. C., July 15, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. The commanding general takes this occasion to express his re- gret at the loss of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers. The officers and men have served faithfully, and they have fairly earned the glad welcome they will surely receive in the Old Bay State. To the veterans of the regiment he also wishes to express his regret that he is not able at this time to permit them to go home with their coin- rades, but he hopes soon to be able to grant them the furlough so long deferred. * * * * - * * * By command of Brig. Gemi. I. N. Palmer: J. A. JIJDSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 16, 18644.40 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 17th.) Washington, D. C.: There can be no use in Wright following the enemy with the latter a day ahead, after he has passed entirely beyond (south of) all our communications. I want, if possible, to get the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps here, to Li se them here before the enemy can get Eariy back. With Hunter in the Shenandoah Valley and always between the enemy and Washington, force enough can always be had to check the invasion until re-enforcements can go from here. -This does not prevent Hunte Page 276 276 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. from folloWing the enemy to Gordonsville and Charlottesville, if he can do it with his own force and such other improvised troops as he can get; but he should be cantious not to allow himself squeezed out to one side, so as to make it necessary to fall back into Western Virginia to save his army. If he does have to fall back it should be in front of the enemy, and with his force always between the latter and the main crossings of the Potomac. I do not think there is now any further danger of an attempt to invade Maryland. The position of the enemy in the West and here is such as to demand all the force they can get together to save vital points to them. The last attempt brought to the field so many troops that they cannot conceive the possibility of suc- ceeding in captnriiig any important point, with a force of 30,000 or even 50,000 men, whilst the main Union army is within thirty hours of the capital. As soon as the rebel army is known to have passed Hunters forces, recall Wright and send him back here with all dis- patch, and also send the Nineteenth Corps. If the enemy have any notion of returning, the fact will be developed before Wright can start back. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 16,1864. (Received 9.40 a. in.) Major-General MEADE: Six or seven days ago I asked to have General Ord assigned to command of Tenth Army Corps, but before my dispatch was received in Washington they had assigned him to the command of Eighth Corps and all troops in the Middle Department. I now receive a dispatch saying that he is ordered here, and probably it is to command the Tenth Corps. if so, General Huinphreys will not be changed from his present place at present. ~. ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 16, 186410 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I forward you a report, just received from the chief of artillery, giv- ing the time it will take to remove the siege guns and materials mu case a sudden withdrawal of the army should become necessary after the siege operations have been entered upon. In compliance with your wishes, preparations have been continued for commencing the siege. Batteries are being erected for placing guns and mortars in position to silence the enemys fire at the salient on the Jerusalem plank road. The chief engineer estimates that it will take eight days to finish these works and have them ready for their armament. The chief of artillery will require three days to unload the vessels now containing the siege guns, mortars, and mnaterials. In case of withdrawal, besides the three days indicated in his report for withdrawing these guns, if reloaded at the landing where the vessels now are, Broadway Landing, it would require three additional days, but if they are carried to City Point and there reshipped, this last estimate would not enter into the calculation. I have deemed it proper to lay these facts before you, as they may be material to you in your future plans, and to say that I have directe Page 277 CHkP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 277 the siege works to g~ on and in the course of three or four days shall commence the unloading of the guns and material. The mine will be ready iii a day or two, but will not be loaded or sprung till the effect of our operations against the salient is ascertained. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. [Inelosure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 16, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: In compliance with the direction of the general commanding to furnish a report as to the time which would probably be required to withdraw the siege train and material in case it should be desirable, I have to state that the siege material which will be brought into requi- sition if operations are fully entered upon will be: Forty siege guns, for which must be kept on hand in the magazines for daily supply, 6,000 rounds of ammunition; for 6,000 rounds 100 wagons are required; for 30 mantlets 10 wagons; 40 platforms 40 wagons; implements, equip- age, & c., 10 wagons; 20 8-inch mortars 20 wagons; 3,000 rounds of ammunition 60 wagons; implements and equipage 20 wagons; 20 10- inch mortars, & c., 100 wagons; 20 Coehorn mortars and ammunition 30 wagons; total, 410 wagons. Twenty more 8-inch mortars are expected. for the siege train, and if received will be used. To move them there will be required another 100 wagons. The loading of the material in order to withdraw it must be done by night, and l)robably even then under fire. The movement of so many wagons can scarcely be made and the noise of loading heavy bodies finished without being heard by the enemy when the lines are so near, as in this case; nor will it do to sacrifice any portion of the material if there is aiiy prospect of its being needed within a month. But little over half the supply of ammunition estimated for has yet been received, although it is sent forward as rapidly as it can be procured. The time needed to load the wagons will be necessarily much longer than ordinarily required at depots. For instance, the positions of the batteries were not selected with any refer. ence to convenience in this respect, and but few wagons can be brought up at a time or placed in favorable positions for loading, so that the number of men who can be employed at any given place will necessarily be limited. At many of the batteries the inconvenience and danger of providing the daily snpply of ammunition will make a system of covered ways necessary for the men who transport it from wagons stationed so far in the rear as to find cover from the enemys fire, and also from the approach of the wagons to these points. Time, therefore b most important element; f honrs would, ecomnes the orty-eight therefore, be neces sary, under favorable circumstances, to remove the material. I do not think it probable that the entire train could be withdrawn in less than three days. The guns and platforms should be moved last, as their dis- appearance at an earlier time would warn the enemy of the movement in progress. For these reasons the planting of the batteries should not be commenced until it is determined to carry through the siege operations, or, as an alternative, in case a sudden movement of the army should be deemed advisable, we are prepared to sacrifice a large portion of our material. Respectfully, II. J. HUNT, Brigadier- General and Chief of Artillery Page 278 [CHAP. LII. 278 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. IIDQRS. U. S. ENGINEER BATTLN., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 16, 1864. Maj. J. C. DUANE, Chief Engineer: MAJOR: I have the honor to report the following engineer opera- tions during the past twenty-four hours: Captain Harwood reports the redoubt near Spicers as finished, with the exception of the gorge and some unimportant details; states that it could be occupied at once if the emergency required. A line of rifle-pits has been extended from the redoubt to the left of the Norfolk road. Slashing timber proceeds on the right and left. About one-third of the line of rifle-pits connecting the two redoubts (that near Spicers and the one near the Jones house) has beeii completed, and progress is making at one points. Lieuten- ant Howell reports a four-gun half-sunken siege battery laid out on General Ayres front, parapet twenty feet at base; flank twenty-four feet long, of same thickness- one traverse ten feet thick. Ground broken last night with 200 men. Lieutenant Cuyler reports the revetinent of a battery alongside of the one last referred to as completed, and the nec- essary thickness given to the parapet generally; some slight additional work required. Captain Gillespie reports the paral)ets of the batteries on General Griffins right as increased to the proper thickness and the batteries ready for guns. Lieutenant Heap reports the rifle-pits sup- porting the battery at the Chieves house completed, extending to the woods oii the right and nearly to the ravine on the left. I am, very respectfally, your obedient servant, G. II. MENDELL, Captain of Engineers, Commanding. WALTHALL STATION, July 16, 1864. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: No indication of movements this a. in. Intercepted messages: 8.45 A. M. Colonel BRENT, A8sistant Adjutant-General: Two brigades infantry have just passed open space to our left of Cobbs, going toward the enemys front of Chesterfield; two gun-boats off Point of Rocks. OPERATOR, At C. (Same to A. B.) 9.15 A. M. A. B.: Three regiments infantry just left Hares house, going toward the enemys left. V. H. B., At I). CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, & c Page 279 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 279 WALTHALL STATION, July 16, ~1864lO.2O a. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: Just intercepted: 10A.M. Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant- General: One large steamer just passed Point of Rocks loaded with troops going toward the James River. Cannonading heard in the direction of the James River. W.S.L., At C. (Same to A. B.) [CHAS. L. DAVIS, Gaptain, d~c.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 1864. Capt. B. F. FISHER: A detachment of infantry, numbering about 250, passed to our left near Weldon railroad this a. in.; also a small squadron of cavalry, about fifty in uninber, passed in same direction. Nothing else of importance. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 16, 1864. Captain FISHER: Intercepted messages: 2 P.M. Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: Thirty-five wagons have passed open space going from enemys front toward Cobbs. W.S.L., At C. (Same to A. B.) 2.30 p. M. Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: Horsemen, wagons, and ambulances have been constantly passing pontoon bridge coming from Prince George side toward Cobbs. Heavy clouds of dust on the Prince George side indicate unusual activity of the enemy. W. S.L., At C. Have seen the smoke from a locomotive at the Weldon railroad depot for an hour past. Four more wagons, apparently loaded, just passed toward city on Richmond and Petersburg road. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 16, 186412.30 p. m. Captain FISHER. Chief Signal Officer: Four wagons just passed on Richmond and Petersburg road going toward Petersburg. Two of them uncovered and loaded with flour bar- rels. Column of smoke now rising south 25 degrees west from liere an Page 280 280 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. about five milesoff. Another large column of smoke south 33 degrees west about same distance. Both of them appear to be woods on fire. Intercepted message: 1.05 P. M. Colonel BRENT, As8i8tant Adjutant-General: One large steamer has just passed down the river. I could see no troops on board. Wagons constantly passing the bridge coming and going. OPERATOR, At C. (Same to A. B.) CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. Captain FISHER: JULY 16, 18645.30 p. m. Communication open with the tower. Have you anything new to say to Captain Norton ~ Fifteen straggling infantry with arms and knap- sacks just passed the open space, supposed to be the Richmond and Petersburg road, moving to enemys right. Nothino- m indicate a movement of any force. ~ ore thaii this to CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, 4w. JORDAN HOUSE SIGNAL STATION, Jnly 16, 18645.30 p. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: The enemy have more guns in position about half a mile above Fort Clifton. A large building has been put up and covered since day before yesterday in Petersburg. several army wagons loaded with lum- ber went into P[etersburg] this p. m. Locomotives have been moving in Petersburg all day. None on the Richmond road. T. R. CLARK, Captain and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Jnly 16, 1864. (Received 9.50 a. in.) Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS: The following changes have occurred in the disposition of troops of my command since last report: The First and Third Divisions were released from fatigue duty about midnight last night, and the Second Division placed upon the same duty. The work of leveling intrench- ments has been prosecuted to a point in rear of Eighteenth Corps, some half a mile beyond the Prince George Court-House road, and the work is reported as nearly completed. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS July 16, 18649 p. rn. General WILLIAMS: Since my report of this a. in. General Gibbons division having com- pleted the work indicated by the engineer department has returned t Page 281 Ciiip. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 281 camp, and all my corps is now in camp, except 600 men of the Second Division on fatigue dnty on the line between the Spicer house and the Jones house. WIXFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 1(i, 1864. (Sent 8.30 a. in.) .Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: I am instructed to inform you that General Gregg is ordered to return to his former camp on Jordans Point, and leave one of his brigades to picket and patrol on the left of the army. The commander of the brigade will be directed to report to you everything that occurs as well as to these headquarters. He will picket about on the line now picketed, connecting with the infantry picket on the right, and extend- ing around to the plank road near the church. Will patrol well down the plank road, well down the old Norfolk road, and to Lees Mill, and across to the Prince George Court-House road, and send out scouting parties toward the railroad, Wyatts, and toward Reams Station. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 1864. (Received 9.50 a. in.) General WILLIAMS: Assistant Adjutant-General: Nothing unusual occurred in front of my lines during the night. G. K. WARREN, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 186411 a. m. General HUMPHREYS: I think it would be a good arrangement to have a brigade of the Second Corps relieve General Ferreros picket-line and let us have his troops to work with. It will make a better working force and a better picket-line. The line is not in sight of the enemy and can be relieved at any time. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, [July] 16, 1864. Major-General WARREN: 1 will be at your headquarters to-day, but I cant set an hour at present. Captain Harwood was ordered to report to you this morning. G. H. MENDELL, Captain, & c Page 282 (CHAP. LIT. 282 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [JULY 16, 1864. K Captain MENDELL Captain ilarwood is here. I wish to see you about working on the redan on the plank road, when you are ready to come, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 16, 1864. Major-General WARREN, Commanding, & C.: My redoubt is completed, except magazine and gorge defense, which are in progress. The line of rifiepits is completed for a little more than half the distance to the redoubt on the right, with the exception of a gap of 300 yards to the left of the negro brigade. Abatis is in posi- tion on the front of my redoubt, and more hauled on the flanks for about eighty yards iu front of the line and along the whole length. The slashing on the left of the redoubt is nearly done. About thirty trees still standing. F. HARWOOD, Captain of Engineers. [JULY 16, 1864.] Captain HARWOOD: I am going to have the rifle-pits begun by my corps on the right to- morrow. I went along the line to where the work stops. There is no pressing necessity for the rifle-pits. To-morrow will probably finish them. Go on with your work in the daytime. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 18649 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS: I have nothing special to report this evening as having occurred to- day. Work generally goes ou by daylight whenever it is practicable, and this extends all along our left from the large redoubt on the plank road to the one on the railroad. All the heavy work on this line will be done in a day or two more, and is now so far completed that I have directed a suspension of night work on it. All the redoubts are now occupied with artillery. Night work continues along the front toward the enemy, under direction of Major Duane. We shall soon have our defensive works so complete as to allow a considerable increase of our reserves, and perhaps an extension of our line to the left, so as to cover the establishment of another battery. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 283 CHAP. LH.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 283 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, General WILLIAMS, July 16, 18649 a. m. Assistant Adjutant-General: I have nothing of note to report. There was very little firing last iiight. The enemy have placed sand-bags along their parapet for the benefit of their sharpshooters. The battery is nearly finished at the burnt house, and the main gallery of the mine will be completed to- day. A. E. BUIRNSIDE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 18649 p. m. General WILLIAMS: It has been quiet on my front to-day. Our mortar practice has be- come very excellent and is doing much execution. One of the shells caused an explosion in one of their redoubts, it is supposed of a maga- zine, as the explosion was heavy and logs were seen to fly up. The enemy were seen on one occasion to jump on the outside of their works to avoid our shells, there being no picket-firing to prevent them. In General Potters front some force of the enemy were seen moving to our right, apparently relieving part of their line. We opened on them with artillery. The mine will be under the enemys works during the night. A. E. BURNSID~E, Major- General. JN THE TRENCHES OF THE NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 16, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: In obedience to orders from corps headquarters, I entered on duty as general of the trenches at 8 a. m. yesterday, relieviiig Colonel Steere, Fourth Rhode Island Infantry. Immediately on relieving Colonel Steere I made the round of the trenches and found everything in good condition. The trenches are well built and are covered along their whole front by strong abatis. The batteries from the position they occupy have a good command of the enemys works along the front of the corps. From the twelve-gun battery now being erected in rear of the burnt house, and which is nearly completed, the entire line of the ene1ny~s works in front of the Ninth Corps, and a good part of the line in front of the Fifth and Tenth Corps, can be reached, enfilading nearly the whole length of the enemys lines in front of the Tenth Corps. There has been considerable firing by the artillery all(l mortars during the past twenty-four hours, generally very accurate and with good effect, silencing the enemy~5 guns almost as soon as opened. At 5 p. in. yes- terday a magazine was blown up in the enemys redoubt just to the left of the main road. There has been no change in the line since yester- day, and no work has been done exce burnt house. , pt on the redoubt iii rear of the Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HUMPHREY, Colonel Second Michigan Infantry Page 284 284 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 16, 18648 a. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have tlie honor to report everything quiet along my hues (luring the night. The enemy during the night placed sand-bags along their whole line of works for the protection of their sharpshooters. I would respectfully suggest similar plan, as it is indispensably necessary for the protection of our own men. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Di cision. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS B~fore Petersburg, Va., July 16, 18648 p. m. Lieut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that since the early part of the day there has been a truce between my pickets and those of the enemy, and that theyhave been conversing and exchanging newspapers. There has, however, been firing, both of. cannon and mortars, and toward evening it became quite rapid. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS Before Petersburg, Va., July 16, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that during the day and up to uiear evening everything remained quiet on my front. Before dark a force of the enemy was seen moving to our right, apparently relieving part of his line, and was opened upon by our batteries, the rebel batter- ies making little reply. The mine of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania will be under the enemys works to-night or by to-morrow morning. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 16, 18648 a. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a brisk skirmish firing was kept up on llartranfts front during the night. There is, and has been for some days, no picket-firing in front of Humphreys brigade, but owing to the situation of the lines his casualties are as great as those of the First Brigade. The enemy threw five discharges of artillery yesterday down the ravine which lies between Humphreys main and picket lines, which ravine is quite swept by the enemys guns on our left. W Page 285 Cm& ~. LI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 285 have no guns in position beaiing on this ravine; The oniy place where a gun can be put for the purpose is on the front line where it crosses the hollow near the road, and by no means a good point for a gun fr1r any other purpose than defense against a force which might drive in our pickets and charge down the ravine, and in case of disaster the gun could not be got away; nevertheless, if it be the wish of the major- general commanding, I will put one or two guns in this position. Very respectfully, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 16, 18618 p. mu. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Yin th Corps COLONEL: I have the honor to rel)ort that the mortars are doing such good execution that a greater inmumber could be used to great advantage on my hue. I am satisfied that the exl)losion reported in the rebel redoubt was that of a magazine, as logs were seen to fly up. To avoid the shells this afternoon the rebels in front of Humphreys line were seen to jump on the outside of the works, there being 110 picket-firing at that point to prevent. I have ordered the work in the ravine to be thrown up for two g-uns, also embrasures built for four more guns at Roemers battery, in order to give us a superiority of guns against the rebel redoubt opposite. Very respectfully, 0. B. WLLLUOX, Bri~adier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 16, 18617.15 a. mu. Brigadier-General GRE~, Corn mnanding Cavalry Division: The commanding general directs that you withdraw to your former camp at Jordans Point. You will direct the regiments composing the detachment under Colonel Bryan to report to their respective brigades. You will leave one of your regularly organized brigades to picket and scout on the left of the army. The commander of this brigade will report everything that occurs to these headquarters, as well as to the com- mander of the corps on the left, Major-General Warren, commanding Fifth Corps. He will picket about the same line on the left that Colo- nel Bryaim picketed, connecting with the infantry picket on his right, and extending around to the plank road near the church. He will patrol well down the plank road, well down the old Norfolk road, and to Lees Mill, amid will also patrol across from the plank road to the Prince George Court-House road. You will- see that his supplies of every kind are regularly maintained. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. Scouting parties should be sent out from time to time toward the railroad, to Wyatts, and toward Reams Station Page 286 286 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, July 16, 1864. Brigadier-General DAVIES, Comdg. First Brig., Second Cay. Div.: GENERAL: In compliance with instructions from headquarters Army of the Potomac, you will with your brigade picket and scout on the left of the army in the following manner: You will picket about the same line on the left that Colonel Bryan picketed, connecting with the in- thutry picket on your right, and extending around the plank road near Garys Church. You will patrol well down the plank road and well down the old Norfolk road and to Lees Mill, and ~~ill also patrol across from the plank road to the Prince George Court-House road. You will report everything that occurs to the headquarters Army of the Potomac, as well as to Major-General Warren, commanding Fifth Army Corps, on the left of the army. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MuM. GREGG, Commanding Second Cavalry Division. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL BRIGADE, July 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The negro who has given us valuable information, of whom I spoke, I send by the bearer of this. He has some information, and as General Meade told me he wonld have him paid should he obtain any valuable information I send him to you. lie says the enemy are about to advance their lines on the Gurley house and Garys Church road. As I cannot have my command relieved before 6 p. in., and Colonel Devin says it took him five hours to come lmer~, with this infor- mation from the negro, and the deserter yesterday to the same effect, I will not leave Colonel Devins camp till early to-morrow morning, unless I receive further orders. Very respectfully, T. M. BRYAN, JR., Colonel Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 16, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel FULLER, Chief Q. Mi., Bermuda Hundred: I wish a light barge, suitable for a wharf for military purposes of the highest importance; ordered by General Grant. Can you furnish one to-morrow ~ Please answer. PETER S. MICHIE, First Lieutenant, U. S. Engineers. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 16, 1864. General BROOKS: (To be sent to Captain Smith, in command of the navy on James River.) Communication to Mallory sent. No answer yet. Flag of truce now out. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 287 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 287 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 16, 1864. General W. T. H. BROOKS, Tenth Corps. Two of your regiments are on the ground Paine is to occupy on the left. Paines regiment is there waiting for yours to move. The lat- ter refuses to do so till night. It is cool and pleasant enough now. Cant you start them? G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 1864. General WEITZEL: I will have those regiments moved. Is there any person about your headquarters who wants to buy a fine horse or two? W. T. H. BROOKS. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 1864. General WEITZEL: I have notice of acceptance of my resignation. Who will relieve me? W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. HDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. T. H. BROOKS, Tenth Army Corps: General Humphreys will be your successor. The commanding gen- eral directs that you tnrn over your command to General Terry, the next in rank. G. WELTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, July 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY, C~ommanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that special vigi- lance be observed along your lines to-night and to-morrow morning. Respectfally, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] In pursuance of instructions from corps headquarters the line of defenses will be manned at taps, the troops to be allowed to sleep in the works and to return to camp half an hour after sunrise to-morrow, if at that time there is no alai~m at the front Page 288 288 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 16, 1864. General FOSTER: What has been going on in your front this morning l W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, J)eep Bottom, July 16, 1864. Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant A~jntant-General, Tenth Army Corps: The enemy opened early this morning from a battery of four guns (three rifled and one smooth-bore) on the gun-boat Mendota at the pon- toon bridge. The gun-boat was struck several times and I think had some casualties. The bridge is unhurt, but escaped narrowly. My headquarters were shelled without any loss, however, except a horse belonging to one of the stalL The battery is situated on Strawberry Plains, just in the edge of the woods, and completely enfliades the river at this point. They have ceased firing, but I think are still in Position. The gun-boat has dropped down the river. Respectfully, yours, H. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. [Indorsement.] General WEITZEL: The above just received. W. T. H. BROOKS. HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS, July 16, 1864. General FOSTER, Deep Bottom: Cant your owu guns reach the enemy in their present position l W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. BROOKS HEADQUARTERS, July 16, 1864. General BUTLER: At 7 a. m. a rebel battery locatea in the edge of the woods below Four-Mile Creek opened upon General Fosters camp and the steamer Mendota. Casualties on steamer, 2 killed, 1 officer and 4 men wounded. Firing still going on. SMITH, Captain Page 289 Ciixr. LII.] CORRESPONDENC]~, ETC.UNION. 289 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, & gnal Station, July 16, 18647 a. rn. (Received 8.45 a. in.) General KAUTZ: (Care General Butler.) The expedition is suspended. You need not move. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General. JULY 17, 186411.25 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: In your dispatch* of yesterday to General Sherman I find the follow- ing, to wit: I shall make a desperate effort to get a position here which will hold the enemy without the necessity of so many men. Pressed as we are, by lapse of time, I am glad to hear you say this, and yet I do hope you may find a way that the effort shall not be des- perate in the sense of great loss of life. A. LINCOLN. CITY POINT, VA., July 17, 18641 p. in. Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: If Early stops in the Valley, or before returning to Richmond, with a view of going north again, I do not believe he will go to Mary- ~land, but will attempt to go through Western Virginia to Ohio, possibly taking Pittsburg by the way. I think Pennsylvania and Ohio ought to have their citizens organized for a sudden emergency. With the great number of discharged veterans now in the North this class of troops will be of great service in repelling invasion, or at least checking it. I think I will order back to Washington all regiments whose terms of service will expire before the 20th of August. This will give quite a force round which to rally new troops. U. Sa GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 17, 18642 p. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Your instructions in regard to the return of the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps, and the pursuit by General Hunter, have been transmitted to the latter and to General Wright. General Hunter reports only about 12,000 men for the field, and says: I do not think the preseift force on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad more than one-third sufficient for its defense. You will remember that the 100-days men in West Virginia, at Washington and at Baltimore, begin to go out in about two weeks, and that neither of the Northern States furnished a single man under the Presidents call to defend Washington and Baltimore. Moreover, the regiments of the Reserve (or Invalid) Corps, called from the West *See Vol. XXXVIII, Part V, P. 149. 19 U UVOL XL, PT Il Page 290 290 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [ChAP. LII. to the defense of these places, must soon be returned to reilace the lOt). days men now guarding depots and camps of prisoners ~f war. Dis- patches received yesterday indicate preparations for an insurrection in Louisville and other parts of Kentucky. I ordered to Louisville two regiments from Nashville, which General, Miller says is about one-half of his force. General Burbridge has been directed to give his particu. lar attention to LouisviUe. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 18649 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I forward a dispatch* received from Major-General Burnside. It appears the enemy have become apprised of the mining operations and are countermining. The report made last night informed you that it would be a week before operations against the salient which takes Burnsides mine in reverse could be commenced. I see no object in exploding this mine before the advantages gained by it can be followed up. Nothing occurred worthy of report on other parts of the line. All the enemys old works have been leveled. GEG. G. MEADE, llliajor. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 18644) 4. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Several deserters have just come in, all concurring in the statement that Longstreets corps is to make an attack to-night. One man said General Field had visited the picket-line just before he deserted and he overheard him. talking with a colonel on the details of the movement. The deserters say it is generally believed in their army that Johnston is gone unless he can be re-enforced, and before they can re-enforce him they must beat us back. Warren and Bnrnside are warned and we are almost anxious the experiment should be made. (lEO. G. MEADE, iilajor- General. HEADQUARTERS~ARMIE8 OF THE UNITED STATES, in the Field, City Point, Va., July 17, 18649.20 p. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. NEADE: Your dispatch of 9 p. m. just received. No doubt all preparations have been made to repel an attack if one is made. I have dnly notified th~ Tenth and Eighteenth Corps, so that they will be in a state of prepa- ration also. We should be ready not only to repel bnt to follow up the enemy if he should conic out of his lines, and especially so if the attack is made near daylight, as it likely will be if made at al. It is very apparent to me that the enemy must come out, for if they do not relieve Johnston nothing but unforeseen circumstances can save him. See Burnside to Williaius, 9 a. in., ~. 300 Page 291 LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 291 To send such re-enforcements they should try to cripple us here. They must feel themselves relatively as strong now as they will be with the return of Earlys corps, besides time is pressing them. I am just in receipt of dispatches to 11 p. m. last night from Sherman in answer to mine cautioning him of the d~nger of Johnstons being re-enforced from here. He says that he is not at all alarmed, if Johnston should get 20,000 re-enforcements. if he will only come out and attack. If yon have not done so, I think it advisable to notify Sheridan to be in readi- iiess to take the saddle with his cavalry if he hears heavy firing in youu front, and to push to the front in that case without further orders. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 186410 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following dispatch has been confirmed by several other deserters, coming from different parts of the line. Your telegram of 9.30 [9.20] received. OrderA were sent to Buruside and Warren to follow up any repulse they might make, aiid Hancock is in readiness to support in any contingency. The orders suggested by you will be immediately sent to Sheridan. If any attack is made it will probably be a general one at several points, but I should expect the heaviest to be by Hills corps, attempting to turn my left flank. To meet this we are prepared, and Hancock is well placed. I most earnestly hope they will try the experiment, for I think it will, relieve us greatly. GEG. (4. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL.GENERAL~ Major-General HUMPHREYN, Chief of Staff: July 17, 1864. GENERAL: A deserter from the Forty-fourth Alabama, Laws brigade, Hoods old division, of Longstreets corps, has just been received. He left about 5 oclock this p. m. He states that all the troops in his divis. ion have two days rations in haversack and four in wagon; that an attack is ordered to be made on our lines to night; that they have been at work for the past few days clearing out a ravine between their works and skirmish line, where the attacking column is to be massed; that this a. m. General Field, with four brigadier-generals and the col- onel of the Forty-fourth Alabama R~iment, visited the skirmish line to make observations, Informant was near by and overheard much of the conversation. They had glasses and were examining our works. The point they visited is a commanding one, with a good view of our lines. The colonel of the Forty-fourth Alabama remarked to General Field that he would be unable to get his regiment into position until dark, as it could be seen moving from our lines. General Field replied that that would be time enough. Informant corroborates previons statements of deserters to-day concerning the position of Longstreets corps. MeLaws division is to the left of Fields, two brigades in line and two in reserve. Pickett is on the north side of the river. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK Page 292 292 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 17, 1864. Major-General HTJMPHREYS, Chief of Staff GENERAL: Another deserter from the 13orty-fourth Alabama (Hoods old division) has just been forwarded from Fifth Corps headquarters. His statement corroborates those of previous deserters received to-day, excepting that it was Hills Corps instead of Longstreets that had two days rations in haversack and four in wagon; that he heard the captain of his company say that Colonel Perry, of the Forty-fourth Alabama, said the attacking column would be formed in the ravine after dark, and the attack would be made about 4 oclock to-morrow morning, or near daylight. Informant appears to be better informed as to the cook- ing of rations in Hills CO~J)5 than other deserters received to-day, ai~d we are inclined to credit his statement that Hills,?nd not Longstreet~, corps have prepared six days rations. - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. C. RABUOCK. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 186410.45 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The foregoing seems to confirm my theory that whilst we are attacked in front by Longstreet, Hill will move arouni our left, unless it is pro- posed to move Hill oft~ under cover of the attack. I dont understand what he wants six days rations for otherwise. In any contingency we are quite prepared for them. GEG. G. MEADE, Miajor- General. CITY POINT, VA., Jzdy 17, 1864. Major-General MEADE: The following has this day been received. Please communicate same to General Ferrero: WAShINGTON, July 16, 18648.75 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The Secretary of War directs me to inform you that he has reappointe4 General Ferrero to be brigadier-general of volunteers, to date May 6, 1863, his old date. J. A. HARDIE, Colonel and Inspector-General. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Sunday, July 17, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENE1~AL: Seven deserters from the Sixty-fourth Georgia Regiment, lately attached to Wrights brigade, Mahones division, A. P. Hills corps, came into the lines of the Fifth Corps this morning about 2 oclock Page 293 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 293 This regiment came from Florida about the 4th of May, and arrived at Petersburg about the 16th of May. It was attached to Clingmans brigade for awhile and has been garrisoning Fort Clifton at mouth of Swift Creek until about a week ago. when they were permanently trans- ferred to Wrights brigade by order of the War Department. Regi- ment about 400 for duty. From them we learn that their brigade (Wrights) is on the left of Mahones division, and that the Jerusalem plank road runs through the c~enter of it. Laws brigade, of Hoods old division, Longstreets corps, is next on the left. One of informants has a brother in the Forty-eighth Alabama, of this brigade, and visited him yesterday. He understood that two divisions of Longstreets corps were there. Woffords brigade, of McLaws divis- ion, was in reserve. One of informants acquaintedin Clingmans (North Carolina) brigade, of ilokes division, says that it is now on the extreme left of Beauregards command, resting on the Appomattox River. Another, who has friends in Colquitts brigade, of the same division, reports that he visited it a few days since, at which time it was lying just to the left of the Norfolk railroad. None of informants have any information indicating that troops have been sent away from Lee, other than what is now with Early. There is considerable changing about of brigades from the reserve to the trenches. One of informants heard from some men of Fields division, Longstreets corps, that the division was ordered to have seven days rations cooked last evening.. Another informant understood that only a brigade was under ordfrs, which he cannot say, only that it was from Longstreets corps. Very respectfully, J. C. BABCOCK.. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 17, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Three prisoners of war from the Forty.ninth North Caro- lina Regiment, of Ransoms brigade, Bushrod ~ division, of Be~iuregards command, were taken on the picket-line in front of the Ninth Army Corps about daylight this morning. They were taken rather willingly and do not wish to return. Two of them are very intelligent men. They all wish to take the oath of allegiance and go North. From them we learn that Bushrod Johnsons and Hokes divis- ions are still in our front. Johnsons division is posted from left to right, as follows: Gracies brigade on the left, Ransoms next, Evans next, and another, not known, on the extreme right of the division, with a brigade in reserve. The Norfolk railroad passes between Gracies and Ransoms brigades. They have heard of no re-enforce- ments having arrived in their vicinity, or of any part of Lees army having been sent away. They understand that Hills and Long- streets corps are still on their right, and Hokes division, of Beau- regard~s command, to be on their left. One of them saw General A. P. Hill yesterday. A considerable force is in reserve to the left of their division. They are not informed whose command it is. It is well understood in their lines that we have been carrying on mining oper- ations. They commenced countermining about three days ago. One of informants on a visit to Evans brigade saw one or the shafts. H Page 294 294 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CiA?. LII. understood they had three. The part of the lines occupied by Evans brigade is where they approach the nearest to ours, and where firing has taken place every evening of late. It was understood that General Early had closely invested Washington and that re-enforcements were to be sent him. Informants think that none have yet been sent, nor can they imagine where they can be taken from. Their officers say not a man can be spared from here. They had not heard from Early lately. Did not know of his retreat. It w~s generally understood that the object of Earlys movement was to compel us to send enough of our force away to enable them to open and defend the Weldon railroad. The men are getting weary of life in the trenches, and are complaining .considerably of late. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 17, 1864. Major-General HIJMPIIREYS, (Jhief ~ & aff: GENERAL: A deserter just in from A. P. Hills corps reports that Longstreets corps intend to assault our works to-night. Will forward the entire ~tatement soon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 17, 1R64. Maj. Gen. A. A. HuMPUREYS, Chief of staff: GENERAL: Two deserters from the Sixty-fourth Georgia, Wrights bri gade, of Mahones division (A. P. Hill), came into our lines this p. m. about 3 oclock! They bring thc following information: Their brigade (Wrights) is on the extreme left of MahOIL& 5 division, Hills corps, and joins Laws brigade, the extreme right of Longstreets corps; that they have been preparing five days~ rations in Fields division, of Longstre*ts corps, ready for an immediate move; that a privatein the Forty-fourth Ala b4ma, of Laws brigade, Fields division, told informant that Longstreets corps would assault our works to-night; that he heard this from his offi- cers; that they had been clearing away the undergrowth in front of their lines in a ravine so they could mass their troops. The men are both intelligent, .and their statements in the main corroborate those made by the other five from the same regiment that came in this a. ni. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS IT. S. ENGINEER BATTALION, July 17, 1864. Maj. J. C. DUANE, Chief Engineer: MAJOR: The following is a report of the engineer operations under my direction dnrimmg the .past twenty-four hours: On the left Captain Harwood reports work continued on the redoubt in making a magazine and completing the gorge. The remainder of his force is engaged i Page 295 Cni~. 111.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 295 placing abatis, slashing timber, and making rifle-pits. In the battery on General Griffins left, built by Major Boebling, of General Warrens staff, embrasures were cut ont of the revetment and partially revetted with gabions. and the excavations for two magazines 12 by 6 were well advanced. In the four-gun siege battery on General Ayres~ front, Lieutenant Howell reports the second row of gabions nearly up. Work has been continued in strengthening the parapets of the batteries near this one. A battery for siege gnus was laid out and commenced last night on General Cutlers right and is progressing very well. Wagons have been employed on siege material, distributing It to points where it is required. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. H. MENDELL, Captain of EngineerR, Commanding Battalion. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 18648 a. rn. Capt. 13. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: The following rebel messages received: 3.50 P. M. Colonel BRENT, Assi8tant Adjutant-General: The enemys boats are more active to-day than usual. One steamer has been plying l)etween Port Waithall and pontoon for an hour. W. S. L. (Same to A. B.) A. B.: Thirteen ambnlances just passed on the E. [East] road above the Broadway road going toward the enemys front. V. H. B. Very respectfully, THOMAS II. FEAIIEY, Second Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. Captain FISHER: A picket detachment of thirty-five ineut passed from enemys line in direction of lead-works this a. m. No other movement or change since yesterday. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The stations report all quiet and no movement, except- ing at 1 p. m. a battery of four pieces passed toward Petersburg on the road near the Weldon railroad. It was followed by a column of cavalry numbering about 300 men. I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief A~Igna? Officer Page 296 296 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 186412.45 p. m. Corps commanders will at once report what regiments and parts of regiments of their respective commands are to be discharged before the 20th of August, together with the number of men in each regiment to be so discharged. The statement will show the number of men present to be discharged, as well as the number of men absent to be discharged. By command of Major-General Meade: 5: WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 17, 18649 a. m. General WILLIAMS: I have no change to report in the disposition of my troops since my report of last evening. men on fatigue. Nothing of note has occurred. I have 1 300 WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 1?, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS: The disposition of my command remains unchanged since my last report. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HANCOCK, July 17, 1864. Commanding Second Corps: Information has been received from deserters that Longstreets corps will attack on their front to-nightthat is, Burusides left wing and Warrens right wing. The commanding general directs that you be prepared to move your corps to their support in the event of such attack, and that you keep one division under arms to-night. A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. [First indorseinent.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 17, 1864. Official copy respectfully furnished for the inforniation of command- ing officers. The First Division will remain under arms during the night. The Third and Second Divisions will be put under arms immediately in case of any firing. The Third Division will move out and form on the open ground in front of Ninth Corps headquarters, and the Second Division will, in case the attack is decided oii Genei-al Warrens right and Ge Page 297 Ca& r. LII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 297 eral Burnsides left, form in rear of General Warrens headquarters; otherwise the Second Division ~ill not cross the railroad, as they may be needed farther on the left. In each case the men will be covered by the ground as far as practicable. By order of Major-General Hancock: F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. (Received 9 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff Your dispatch is received. General Barlows division will be nuder arms during the night. WINFI) S. hANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 1864. (Sent 10.15 p. in.) Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: A later deserter states the assault will be made at daylight. That seems to be an hour when an attack would be made if one is really designed. The commanding general thinks that instead of having the whole of the division under arms, if a part of it is kept up ready to rouse the remainder, who should have everything prepared to fall in the ranks, it would answer as well. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of i~taff. 0 CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. If there is no alarm during the night, the troops will be under arms at 3 a. in. to-morrow and the reserve artillery hitched up. The artil- lery with divisions will be harnessed during the night. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant A~jutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 18649 a. m. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Nothing unusual or of importance transpired in my front during the night. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 298 298 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. Major-General WARREN, July 17, 18648 p. m. Gommanding F~ftk Corps: I am instructed to inform you that two deserters from Wright~s bri- gade, of Mahones division, Hills corps, state that their brigade joins Longstreets corps, and that they heard that Longstreets corps would assault our works to-night; that they have been clearing away the undergrowth in the ravines so that they conld mass their troops. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ilfajor-General and Chief of Staft (Same to General Bnrnside.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS July 17, 1864. (Received 9 p. in.) Major-General HUMPUREYS: A deserter has come in from Fields division, opposite my center, say- ing they design making an attack on me to-night with his division. He saw General Field himself. He deserted from the picket-line, to which place the general came with a colonel and discussed its practicability. He says it is the impression Johnston is gone if they cannot send troops to re-enforce him, and they must beat us back before they can do it. I have given directions to be prepared on my lines, and send you the man. G. K. WARREN, Afojor- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. (Received 9.30 p. in.) Major-General HLTMPHREYS: The deserter says the right of Fields divisioii is at the plank road near the Chimneys, and connects there with Hills corps. Fields divis- ion and two brigades of MeLaws, he says, are on the line; they came here on the 8th instant, leaving Picketts division at that time north of the Appomattox. Another deserter has just come in from the same regiment, Forty- fourth Alabama, giving the same report. He says they think of attacking about daybreak to-morrow. I have stopped the working details to enable the lines to be manned and ready. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTR ARMY CORPS, July 17, 18649.35 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: I fear the contemplated assault will not come oIL My pickets can see into the ravine on my right, and part of General Burnsides is across it. The bright moonlight prevents their movement without our seeing them. They may be able to get the men in hidden places by small parties, and this is what the deserter said they proposed. I think we would pay off old scores if they attempt to assault. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 299 CiI& P. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.UNION. 299 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 186410 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you be prepared, in the event of an attack by the enemy and his repulse, and follow him up closely, and attack in turn and endeavor to enter his works at the same time he does. A. A. HIYMPHREYS, Major- General and Chi~f ~f & aft~ CIRCULAR HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. S7. July 17, 1864. The following changes of troops will be made to-night: I. General Cutler will extend his line to the left, so as to relieve the Second Brigade of General Ayres division. II. General Ayres will extend his line to the left, so as to relieve the Eighteenth Massachusetts and the Sixteenth Michigan, and a part of the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. IJI. The troops relieved belonging to the First Division will be posted by General Griffin, so as to maintain his own position. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant iP~jutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 18648 p. m. The circular order for the movement of the troops of the First, Second, and Fourth Divisions is suspended for to-night. A rebel deserter just come in reports that the enemy design making an attack upon us to- night. Have everything in readiness to meet it; barricade the em- brasures of the batteries ~where not occupied with guns; put all the men on the front line that can use their muskets, and have the reserves as close at hand as possible. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 17, 1864. A report obtained from deserters has just been received from head- quarters Army of the Potomac, of the same purport as that previously sent you, to wit, that the enemy are preparing to attack us to-night. The enemy have been clearing away the undergrowth in the ravine in our front to enable them to mass their troops. Any guns that can throw shells in the ravine during the night should be employed in this way. Banquettes for the infantry must be put in the parapets tha1~ have been fixed for artillery, and pains taken to prepare them, so that the men cami shoot freely over the top. The men must be careftilly instructed in the manner of delivering their fire, so as to reserve it for the main line in case it is preceded by a line of skirmishers. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 300 300 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N; C. (QEAP. LU. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 18648.45 p. rn. General GRIFFIN: There is a good position for a battery at about your center, already prepared. This will sweep our line to the right of it. General Ayres batteries enfilade your front. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- ()en era 1. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, July 17, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have just sent up a rebel deserter who says General Field was at work this afternoon clearing away the ground, with a view to making an attack with his division upon our lines somewhere on my right center or right. Possibly (if it is done) they may strike General Cutlers front also. He understood that it is to be to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. AVEES Brigadier-General, Commanding. JULY 17 1864. Major-General WARREN, Gommanding Fifth Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor to say that I received your note on the line, where I had already ordered four regiments of the First Brigade and another battery. It is reported on my right that the rebels have been moving troops to our left. Very respectfully, R. B. AThES, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH l)IvISIoN, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. Lieutenant-Coloiiel LOCKE: SIR: I think from what the last prisoner that I sent you says that the enemy will mass opposite Burnsides left. I think we should have a battery on my line. L. CUTLER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1844 9 a. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: We had the usual amount of picket and mortar firing on our front last night. Three deserters caine in early this morning opposite th Page 301 CHAP. LII.J CORRESPONDENcE, ETC.UNION. 301 riglit of our line, belonging to Buslirod Johnsons division, and state that they do not know positively of any troops being on this side the river, except Beauregard. They think there are others. They represent great dissatisfaction existing among them, short rations, & c. They belong to the Forty-ninth North Carolina and state that if the soldiers were allowed to vote Holden would get nearly all the votes of the D privates. They also state it is understood by their officers that we are mining at some place along the hue. A member of their company who is a miner, was detailed three or four days ago to assist iu counter- mining for the purpose of discovering where we are mining. I should judge from their statements that the countermining has commenced at about the right place, but I think the great depth of our mine below the surface will probably prevent discovery, but I deem it very impor- tant that the mine should be charged and exploded as early as possible. We will probably have the side galleries ready for the charge by to- morrow morning. All necessary precautions have been ordered, and we hope to be able to complete the mine. A. E. BUIINSIDE. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 18649 p. rn. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: General Humphreys dispatch received,* and every disposition is being made to resist an attack. Nothing unusual has occurred daring the day. Our men at work in the mine under the rebel redoubt could hear a noise of pounding, & c., over their heads, apparently from put- ting down a platform. A. E. BULINSIDE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 1864. (Sent 10 p. in.) Major-General BURNSIDE: Since telegraphing you two deserters from Longstreets corps have come into General Warrens line and confirm the statements made by deserters that preceded them of an intended assault. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of ~ta~ HEADQUARTERS NiNTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Your dispatch received. Orders will be given accordingly. A. E. BURNSIDE; Major- General. See Hnmphreys to Warren and Burnside, 8 p. in., p. 298 Page 302 302 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LU. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 18641?) p. m. Major-General BUENSIDE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you be prepared, in the event of an attack by the enemy and his repulse, and follow him up closely, and attack in turn and endeavor to enter his works at the same ~ time he does. A. A. HUMPHREYS Major- General and Chief of htaft: HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. (Received 10.15 p. in.) General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Dispatch received and proper precaution will be taken. A. E. BURNSIDE, ]Ifajor- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864. Brigadier-General LEDLIE, Commanding First Division: GENERAL. I am directed by the general commanding to say to you that all batteries, caissons, limbers, & c., not in position, should be kept harnessed all night. Very respectfiilly~ your obedient servant, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General.. (Same to Generals Potter and Willeox.) HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. JAMES H. LEDLIE, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to say that it will be well to have the Thirty4ifth Massachusetts ready to move out in case of necessity, but he does not desire it to b~ moved unless emer- gency requires it. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Before Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the night has passed with- out the occurrence of any event of importance on my front, ~he enemy keeping up a fire of mnsketry all night, apparently a~pprehensive of a surprise. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER Brigadier- General, Commandin~ Page 303 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 303 HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvISIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: Permit me to call attention to the inclosed extracts* from the reports of Colonel Steere, commanding First Brigade of this divis- ion, of yesterday and to-day. You will see that these attempts to com- municate with the enemy are made with the sanction and seemingly nnder the direction of the officers commanding the troops on my right. L nder the orders I have received I have instructed my officer of the day not to permit anything of the kind anywhere within range of my gnns, although not on my front, but if these attempts are permitted and persisted in elsewhere, whilst prohibited on my line, it only has the effect of attracting and exciting the suspicion of the enemy to that portion of the line from which we are most desirous to divert it. The enemy have been communicated with several times from the same point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General. a HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. B. POT~J7ER, Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to say that the two regiments on fatigne duty have been ordered to report to their brigades. It would be well, to avoid the possibility of mistake, for you to send an order to them yourself. You can, at the same time, send an order to the Seventh Rhode Island to be under arms ready for any emergency, but I prefer that the last-named regiment should not be put in line unless it becomes absolutely necessary. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant LEWIS RICHMONI), Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. 0. B. WILLUOX, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to say that it will be well to have the Seventeenth Michigan ready to move out in case of necessity, but he does not desire it to be moved unless emer- gency requires it. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant A ~ju taut- General. ~Nov fouri4 Page 304 304 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 17, 18648 p. in. Lent. Col. I,. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: 1 have the honor to report that the position named in my previous report for two guns to defend the ravine in Humphreys line is ready, and the guns will be put in to-night. Colonel Humphrey will also strengthen and straighten his picket-line, which is not satisfactory to me at present. The lebels continue repairing and strengthening their line. 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH 1)IvISlON, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 17, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my men have been con- stantly employed on fatigue duty for some time past, and that details for large fatigue parties for night work are called for daily. 1 would, therefore, request that a sufficient time be given them for rest and to clean their arms, & c., before taking part in the proposed assault. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWD. FERRERO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY COmPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 19, 1864. Respectfully referred to Lieutenant-Colonel Loring, assistant inspec- tor-general of the corps, who will please, after comniunicating in writing with the commanding general of the Fourth Division on this subject, submit a full report of the facts in the case to be laid before the general commanding the corps. A. E. BURNSIDE. [Second indorsemeut.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 19, 1864. Since the 9th instant the whole comumnand has been constantly at work, day and night, on our own front; at the same tinie large details have been made for work on other portions of the~ line. Major-General Warren has this day sent word that the men of the Fourth Division will not hereafter be detailed to work off their own line. Respectfully returned. EDWD. FERRERO, Brigadier- General, Co~~manding. I Thir.1 indorsemeiit.] HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, JNSPECTOR.GENERALS DEPARTMENT, Before Petersburg, Va., July 26, 1864. Respectfully returned to the assistant adjutant-general Ninth Army Corps. The indorsement of General Ferrero shows that the necessity of any immediate action on the within paper on the part of the general corn Page 305 C~p. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 305 manding tlie Ninth Army Corps was anticipated by the action of Gen- eral Warren, directed, as I am informed, by orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac. The division having subseqnently been returned to the Ninth Army Corps and its movements left to the control of the general commanding, no further action seems necessary. CHAS. G. LORING, - Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Inspector- General. [Fourth iudor8ement.J HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS Before Petersburg, Va., July 26, 1864. Respectfully returned to the commanding general of the Fourth Division, and his attention invited to the indorsement of the assistant inspector-general. By command of Major-General Burnside: LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 186410 p. m. (Received 10.50 p. in.) Major-General SHERIDAN, Commanding Cavalry Corps: Several deserters that have come into our lines this evening ~t differ- ent times state that Longstreets corps will assault our lines to-night or at daylight. The commanding general directs that you be prepared to move at any hour, and that upon hearing heavy firing to-night or at daylight that you move up to the front on the plank road, reporting your approach to these headquarters. A. A. HUMPHBEYS, Major-Geue.~-at and Chief of A3taff. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIR ST CAVALRY DIVISION, Plank Road, near Temples House, July 17, 18642.30 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of A~taff, Army of the Potomac: -GENERAL: I have the honor to report all quiet at this hour. Pa- trolled to Lees Mill, and found the bridge destroyed, except string pieces. Chased a few guerrillas on Prince C eorge road. The enemy have erected a barricade on the plank road in front of the swamp bridge, which they hold. My impression is that they merely desire to hold that point for the water, as they are quite peaceable. Last night, immediately after I relieved Colonel Bryan, the enemy advanced a strong line of pickets out of the woods in my front (opposite Aikens and Gurleys) to within easy range of my line. This morning at day- light they retired to the edge of the woods. Nothing else of any moment. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN, Colonel, Commanding ASecond Brigade, First Cavalry J)irision. N. B.The pickets last iiight report the noise ot felling timber in the woods opposite Gurleys. 20 R RVOL XL, PT II Page 306 [CHAP. LII. 306 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. HDQRS. SECOND BIIR~A1E, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, July 17, 18G4midnight. iNlajor.General TIlTMPHREYS~ (lhiQf oJ $ta If: GENERAL: Your dispatch of to-night. received and (olitents respect- fully noted. No sign of any movement on the part of the enemy can be discovered at this point, unless his uuusual quiet should portend such. I would, however, respectfully call your attention to the fact that although my lines now stretch in itearly three-quarters of a com- plete circle (vedettes) from the left of the infantry around by Aikens, Gurleys, and Garys Church to the plank road, and thence around on my left rear to near Sturdivants Mill, yet the nmin road from Prince George to Lees Mill, & c., is now uncovered, except by my patrols, as I understand all other pickets have been withdr,awn between those points. From that road and between Prince George and this point there are at least main roads leading south, viz, one at Mount Zion Church, said to Leadto Surry Court-House; one near the Blackwater, said to lead to Disputanta Station, and one on this side of Blackwater and the railroad, which runs nearly parallel with the Norfolk railroad. It is impossible for me with my command to go as far to my right rear as would effectually cover these approaches, as iiearly my whole force is now on the long line I am obliged to hold. I will endeaver by patrols to discover any approach from that direction, but would recommend that some measures be adopted to effectually keep the road open toward Prince George. Previous to receiving your dispatch I had ordered a patrol to the Norfolk railroad at 3 a. in.; also to Lees Mill. At dark to-night no movement or sign could be seen at the latter place. At 6 p. m. the enemy advanced a small party up the plank road to my out. posts, but did not attack. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. IIDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. H. WILSON, Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general. commanding directs that a regiment from your division be sent to Prince -George Court-House to-day to relieve a regiment of the First Cavalry Division on picket at that point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. C. NEWUALL, Captain a ad Acting As8istant Inspector- Genera I. HEADQUARTERS THiRD DIVisioN, CAVALRY CoRPS, July 17, 1864. Col. J. II. MCINTOSH, Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: You will please detail a regiment from your command to relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchins, with the First New Hampshire Cavalry, on picket at Cockes Mill, to-morrow morning at 6 oclock; the men to be provided with three days rations and forage. By command of Brigadier-General Wilson: L. SIEBERT, Assistant Adjutant- Geiieral Page 307 C~. LU.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 307 CITY ~POINT, July 17, 18649.35 p. m. Major-General BUTLER: Several deserters just in on General Meades front, who left the picket- line to-night, concur in the statement that we are to be attacked to-night. General Field visited their line just before they deserted, and they overheard him talking with a colonel on the details of the iliovement. They say it is conceded in their army that Johnston is gone, unless he can be re-enforced, and before they can re-enforce him we must be driven back. Have the Tenth and Eighteenth Corps duly notified, with cau- tion, however, that they are to make no demonstration to show that we are expecting any such attack. Be prepared at the same time to take advantage of any abandonment by the enemy of his lines in your front, especially after daylight in the morning. Of course it is not known when the attack is to be, or whether it is to be at all, but we want to be prepared for the enemy if he should give us such an advantage. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT Commanding, & c., City Point: Telegram received. Dispositions have been made to meet the exigen- cies therein mentioned. BENJ. F. BUTLER, lie jor- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, July 17, 1864. (Received 11.30 p. in.) Major-General BUTLER: Since my dispatch to you two more sets of deserters have come in, confirming previous statements, but giving more particulars. The attack, if made, is to be principally on Meades left. The deserters say that a ravine has been cleared out between the respective lines of skir- mishers, for the purpose of massing their troops under cover and out of observation, and that the attack is to be made about 4 a. in., or just before day. I very much wish now that you had a corps ready to make an attack on the enemy at the same time. It will be advisable to have Kautz notified to have his cavalry on hand for service on foot. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. JULY 17, 186411.45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Indeed I wish that corps was here. We shall open with artillery in full blast when they open on the left. Kautz had been notified to re- port to Brooks on foot before the receipt of your dispatch. IIENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 308 308 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. JULY 17, 1864. Commander J. N. B. CLITz, U. S. Steamer Osceola, City Point: The commanding general directs me to request you to keep all naval vessels away from Wilcoxs Wharf until further orders, unless our transporta are tired into. This request is made because he is preparing an expedition to capture the whole rebel force there. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General and Acting Chief of Staff HEADQUARTERS TENTh CORPS, July 17, 1864. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant- General Grants Headquarters: I have notice by telegraph that acceptance of my resignation was mailed on the 14th. Has it been received at your headquarters ~ W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, Va., July 17, 1864-lO p. rn. Brigadier-General BROOKS: The following dispatch is transmitted for your information. General Butler desires me to say to you to be ready. He expects the attack about 3 oclock. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. (Same to Generals Martindale, Foster, and Kantz.) In addition, to General Kautz: Let all your men be ready to take position quickly on the line. Report to General Brooks. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 17, 186410.30 p. m. General WEITzEL: Dispatch received. Please give orders to have the colored troops on the left of the line in readiness, and, if possible, placed subject to my orders. W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 17, 186110.50 p. m. General BRooKs: Dispatch received. I have notified the colored troops and have ordered General Paine to report to you. They, as all troops between the Appomattox and James (cavalry, infantry, and artillery) are under your command. Give them any orders you think proper. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. * See Grant to Butler, 9.35 p. in., p. 307 Page 309 CRAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 309 JULY 17, 1864. General W. T. H. BROOKS: Kautz has been ordered to report to you with his men dismounted. Send an aide to notify him to be up in time. Later information by two sets of deserters fixes the point of attack on Meades left. The enemy is now clearing a ravine there to mass troops. The general command- ing directs that you open a furious cannonade on your front and make a feint attack on Fosters front as soon as you hear the attack on the left of Meade. Information points to 4 oclock or daybreak as the time. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staffi JONES NECK, July 17, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: I sent a company last night under Captain Bell, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Yolunteers, to reconnoiter toward Malvern Hill. He left the river at Maiden Hall Landing; arrived at a point near Pick- etts, where he found the enemy. I will forward by orderly his written report.* I think the lines of the enemy extend from Malvern Hill to Chaffins Bluff; the troops lying along New Market road and toward Malvern Hill. Respectfully, li. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQITARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July. 17, 1864. Brigadier-General FOSTER, Deep Bo~torn: Have your command in readiness by daylight, and if you hear an engagement going on on our left in the enemy in yotir front. , ove out so as to threaten seriously W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS, Deep Bottom, July 17, 186410.35 p. m. General WEITZEL: Your dispatch received. I will be fully prepared. R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, July 17, 1864. (Sent 9.50 p. in.) Brigadier-General MARTINDALE, Commanding Eighteenth Corjp8: Several deserters that came into our lines this evening at different times state that Longstreets corps will assault our lines to-night or about daybreak. Longstreets corps is opposite Burnsides left wing See p. 311 Page 310 310 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [ChAP. LII. and Warrens right wing, perhaps extending more over Warrens front than Burnsides. The corps of this army are notified of this statemeut and prepared for the attempt. The commanding general has directed me to notify you of the same. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of $taff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, July 17, 1864. Colonel BELL: The lieutenant-general telegraphs that he anticipates an attack on some part of our lines to-night oi to-morrow morning. You will, there- fore, have yonr command on the alert and in readiness. Direct your brigade officer of the day to visit his picket-line several times during the night and see that every man on picket is watchful. Enforce the rule to have one-half of the men on the front line awake; at 3.30 all will be aroused; Your reserves now in the creek bottom will be under arnisat the same time. Respectfully, & c., ~. TURNER, Brigadier- General. (Same to Colonel Curtis and Lieutenant-Colonel Coan.) IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, July 17, 1864. (Sent 11.35 p. in.) General KAUTz, Jones Neck: The commanding general directs that you report to General Brooks with your men dismounted. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of staff. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, July 17, 186411 a. m. General BARNES, Point Lookout, Md.: Turn back to Fort Monroe all transports with troops of the Nine teenth Corps. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief f kStaft. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 17, 1864. General AUGUR: Stop all Sixth and Nineteenth Corps within reach and direct them to re-embark for City Point. General Hardin, at Tennallytown, has been directed to send an officer to turn back all this side of Potomac. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff Page 311 UHAP. LIII CORR1~SPONDENCI~, ~Te.~VNIoN. 311 HEADQUARTERS U. S. FoRcEs, Deep Bottom, July i7~, 1864. Col. .J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff, Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina: COLONEL: Inclosed herewith please find the report of Captain Bell, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, whom I sent with a company in the direction of Malvern Hill. I have the honor to submit that in all prob- ability the attack on Malvern Hill would involve the necessity of fight- ing the greater portion of the troops now in my front and along the New Market road. I would also submit that the distance from New Market to Malvern Hill is shorter and more direct than from the land- ing on the river, and that the enemy would probably make their attack after we had passed Strawberry Plains, thus being in our rear. This contingency would involve the necessity of leaving the greater part of the force to cover the roads leading from New Market. If the major- general commanding decides to occupy Malvern Hill I would respect- fully submit that a strong feint be made from this front in direction of Chaffins Bluff and New Market, while the gun-boats from Jones Neck to Curls Neck shell the country beyond Strawberry Plains and the works on Malvern Hill. I am not advised as to the approaches to the hill or the character of the works. A contraband reported that they had a fort on Malvern Hill; if so, whether it could be carried by coup de main or not I am unable to say. If we were detained long in front of the works all the hard flghtiiig would be in our rear. If the major- general commanding deems it impracticable to withdraw my command from this point to attempt the movement, I would respectfully report that I think a cavalry force of 100 or 200 men at Curls Neck would, in my opinion, cause the evacuation of Malvern Hill by operating on Curls Neck over Strawberry Plains and toward the road leading from New Market to Malvern Hill. In any event they would stop the enemy from harvesting the grain, as is now done by or in charge of small parties of their cavalry. If any cavalry is sent I would respectfully recommend Major Whicelan, First New York Mounted Rifles, two companies of that regiment and his squadron now being with my command. I would re- spectfully report that in my opinion this position should be held as threatening Richmond and preventing a permanent blockade of the river at this narrow, which the naval officers with whom I have con- versed pronounce the most dangerous to navigation. I omitted to say that the country from this point to Malvern Hill is mostly open and cultivated, affording little or no cover to the movements of troops. All has been quiet along the river since yesterday afternoon. I am, very respectfully, R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier-General, tilommanding. I Jnc1o~ur~.] CAMP TWENTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, Deep Bottom, Va., July 17, 1864. Capt. P. A. I)AVIs, Asst. Adjt. (len., 3d Brig., 1st Div., 10th A rmy Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of a recon- naissance made by order of Brig. Gen. 11. S. Foster in the (lirection of Malvern Hill on the night of the 16th day of July, 1864: The command consisted of Company C, Twenty-fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. At dusk proceeded in pontoon boats t Page 312 312 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Curls Neck, bivouacked at that place until 12 midnight, marched by the side of the banks of the river to about half a mile be~rond Maiden Hall Landing, thence took th~ road that crosses the plantations~of Messrs. Allen and Taylor, being nearly a direct road from the river to Mr. Picketts house near the Richmond road. At Picketts house the road turns to the left leading into the road to Richmond. I had pro- ceeded three miles in this direction without meeting with any opposition or seeing any force of the enemy when I came upon the pickets of the enemy on the Richmond road. My command having become much reduced in numbers, being compelled to station guards at the different cross-roads on the plantations, all of these cross-roads lead to sonic point on the Richmond road to the left, it being near daylight, deemed it extra hazardous to proceed farther in such an open country with such a small force,as the enemy could easily cut me off in my rear. I went to within half or three-quarters of a mile of Malvern Hill; a thick woods covers the front of the hill; did not see any works of the enemy. The roads which I passed over were in good condition,the counfry level, many parts of it under cultivation, such as wheat and corn. Some of the wheat had been recently cut, I should judge during the night. Returned with command, arriving about 6 a. ni. Truly, yours, JAS. B. BELL, Captain, Twenty-fourth Aliassachusetts Vols., Corndg. Company C. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., July 18, 186410.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: Considering the condition of the garrisons of Washington and Balti- more, I have determined to retain the two heavy artillery regiments of the Sixth Corps, unless you direct otherwise. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of $taff. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, July 18, 18641L4~ p. m. (Received 2.15 p. m. 19th.) Maj. Gen. iH. W. HALLECK, Chief of Sta#: Your dispatch of 10.30 a. m. in regard to retaining the heavy artil- lery of Sixth Corps received. I had just ordered another regiment of this sort from here, but will suspend the order unless more than two regiments are required. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant.Ge~neral. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 61. 6~ity Point, Va, July 18, 1864. I. Colonel Dyer, commanding Fifteenth Maine Regiment, Tenth Army Corps, will report with his regiment to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, com- manding Department of Virginia amid North Carolina, at Bermuda Hundred, Va., for orders. * * * * * ~* Page 313 CHAP. JAIl CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNIoN. ~313 III. Paragraph I, of General Orders, No. 225, Adjutant-GeneraPs Office, current series, of date Washington, July 7, 1864,* is hereby sus- pended, and the following assignments to the command of corps an- nounced, until permanent assignments are made by the President. Brig. Gen. J. H. Martindale is temporarily assigned to the command of the Eighteenth Army Corps. Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry is temporarily assigned to the command of the Tent.h Army Corps. * * * * * * * V. All regiments now with the armies operating from the James River whose term of service expires before the 25th of August, 1864, will be sent, without delay, to Washington, D. C. Also one regiment of heavy artillery will be sent to Washington, ID. C., from the Army of the Poto- mac. Army commanders will attend to the prompt execution of this order. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PRO1TOST~MARSHAL.GENERAL, July 18, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of ~taff: GENERAL: A deserter from the Fifty-ninth Georgia, of Andersons brigade, Fields division, Longstreet~s corps, has just been forwarded. He came into our lines about 12 oclock last night. He ~states that orders were issued to the pickets last evening to fire on any man seen going beyond the picket-line. These orders were peremptory and have never been given before; that his colonel said no attack would be made on our lines, as so many deserters came into our lines yesterday and told us all about it. They did not leave the trenches. Informant says that it was generally understood an attack was to be made last night. Longstreet was to assault us in front and Hill would make a circuit in our rear. The movement was freely discussed among officers and men and did not meet with much favor. It was looked upon as a foolish and desperate movement. Informant is intelligent and his informa- lion corroborates all we have relative to Longstreets position, & c. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 18, 18649 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The foregoing is forwarded as an explanation of the failure to make the threatened attack. All has been perfectly quiet. GEO. G. MEADE, ________________________________________ Major- General. *Seep 69 Page 314 OPEl~ATIONS IN SE. VA. ANP N. t~. 314 [CHAP. LIt CITY POtNT, VA., July 18, 1864. Major-General MEADE: There are two regiments of heavy artillery with the Sixth Army Corps which have been retained for the garrison of Washington. This will be enough. The order, therefore, for you to send another will be suspended. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. JULY 18, 18649.30 p. m. J,deutenant-General GRANT: Do you intend to include cavalry regiments in Special Orders, No. 61; and, if so, shall they not leave their horses and equipments? GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY PoINT, July 18, 1864. Major-General MEADE: The cavalry regiments are included, but they must leave their horses and equipments here. The 100-days men you need not send. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General and Chk~f of Staff. CITY POINT, VA., July 18, 1864. (Received 10.50 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: I have the report of a refugee, who has just come in to the gun-boats, who says that Lee is said to have left the south side and gone, leaving Beauregard and Longstreet. Some say he has gone to the Valley, and others say he has gone south. Have you had any deserters from Hills corps in the last twenty-four hours? U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 18, 186411.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Seven deserters from the Sixty-fourth Georgia Regiment, Wrights brigade, Mahones division, Hills corps, came iuto our lines between 2 and 3 oclock this morning. They gave no particular information, and know nothing of the contemplated attack of last night beyond rumors that one was to be made. These men were questioned and know noth- ing of any movements or change of position of their corps, nor had they heard of the corps having six days cooked rations, as reported by deserters from Longstkeets corps last night. I should think the refu- gees story was a camp rumor. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding Page 315 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 315 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENE~RAL, July 18, 1864. Major-General HTJMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Seven deserters from the Sixty-fourth Georgia Regiment, Wrights brigade, Mahones division, Hills corps, came into our lines this morning from 2 to 3 oclock. They bring no additional informa- tion. From their statements we should jndge thattheir regiment was considerably demoralized. Many of them would desert if they dared to. They are nearly all conscripts, and were forced into the army against their will. They know nothing about the attack ordered last night, except mere rumor that there was to be one. We learn from one of them that a deserter from our army went over yesterday afternoon and gave himself up to their regiment. We cannot learn what regiment he is from. One of informants thinks he communicated something of importance concerning the attack and our preparations for it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 18, 1864. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: No change observed. WARTS, Lieutenant. FLFT~I CORPS SIGNAL STATION, July 18, 18644 p. m. Major-General WARREN: All quiet. At 11 this a. m. our batteries succeeded in setting on lire and destroying the large white house in rear of enemys works and in front of extreme right of Fifth Corps. No Inovement observed. WARTS, Lieutenant. (Same to Captain Fisher.) PLANK RoAn SIGNAL STATION, July 18, 18649 a. rn. Capt. B. F. FISHER: All quiet. No change since yesterday. The enemy continue at work on their lines~ J. B. DUFF, Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 18, 18645 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER: Nothing of importance to report to-day. Have seen no movement of troops or change in enemys camps or line. J. B. DUFF, Second Lieutenant and Signal Officer Page 316 316 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. 0. tCHAP. LII. WALTRALL HousE, July 18, 18648.30 a. m. Captain FIsHER: The enemys signal officer reports this a. m. a movement of our forces on the Bermuda Hundred road toward Bermuda Hundred, occupying twenty minutes in passing a point, He also reports two gun-boats above pontoon aud one off Point of Rocks. Can locate six of enemys stations, four of which I can read. They are on left bank of river. Three hacks and a stage passed on Richmond and Petersburg road going toward Petersburg. Horsemen continually passing. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION~ July 18, .18645.30 p. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: The enemy~s signal officer reports a gun-boat and steamer off Point of Rocks; also ambulances going toward front at Cobbs. Steam from locomotives has been rising this p. in., from a point south 80 degrees west from here and distant three miles. Have seen several ambulances passing toward city on Richmond road. A small force has been at work this p. in. strengthening the work to our right of Farleys. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, & e. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 18, 18646 p. rn. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: The enemys signal officer has just reported the arrival at Strahans Landing of a steamer, and another one coming up; also three gun. boats above pontoons. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, & c. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 18, 18647.30 p. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: No movements obiserved. Steam escaping from locomotive seen dur- ing the day on Richmond and Petersburg Railroad west from here and back of Whiteheads. Intercepted messages: 3 P.M. Colonel B., Assi8tant Adjutant-General: Two steamers arrived from below. One of them bringing a few troops. About 200 cavalry have rode in rear of Point of Rocks, coming toward Cobbs. OPERATOR, At C. (Same to A. B. Page 317 CIrAI~. LII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 317 6.45 i~. M. Colonel B., Assi8tant Adjutant-General: Two regiments of infantry in open space to our left of Cohbs seem to be drilling. One gun-boat oft Point of Rocks and three steamers at Strahans lower landing. OPERATOR, AtC. (Same to A. B.) CIIAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, d~c. JORDAN HOUSE SIGNAL STATION, July 18, i8646 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: Very quiet in this front to-day. Locomotives have been moving in Petersburg and on the Petersburg and Lynchburg road. T. H. CLARK, Captain and Signal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No.191. July 18, 1864. * * * * * * 9. In compliance with instructions received from headquarters Armies of United States, all regiments now with this army whose term of service expires before the 25th day of August, 1864, will be sent, without delay, to Washington, and report to Major-General Halleck, chief of staff; on their arrival there. Regimental organizations only are designed to be embraced in this order, and no man belonging to the regiments to be detached will be sent who is not to be discharged before August 25, 1864. All re-enlisted men of such regiments, as well as those who have joined since date of original organization, will be dis- posed of as indicated in Circular No. 36, of May 2, 1864, from the War Department for the case of the muster out of a regiment not veteran. The horses and equipments of the cavalry regiments that come within the provisions of this order will be turned over to the proper departments of the staff here. Corps commanders are charged with the prompt execution of this order, and they will at once report what regiments are to be detached under its requirements, together with the strength of the same present for duty, exclusive of the men who are to remain. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant A djut ant- General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. ENGINEER BATTALION, July 18, 1864. Maj. J. C. DUANE, Chief Engineer: MAJOR: The work on the left progressed yesterday, the redonbt needing now only a magazine and stockade at the gorge, both of which are under way. Captain Harwood reports the rifle-pits completed, with the exception of about 100 yards. The major-general comjnanding Fifth Corps directed all work on the batteries on his front to be sus- pended last night, consequently they remain as last reported. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, (1. H. MENDELL, Captain of Engineers Page 318 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL 318 ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 18, 1864. Major-General HuMPIIREYs, Chief of Stajf. Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Day before yesterday, whilst on the line in front of the Fifth Corps, the engineer in front in charge of the works reported to me that the nnnecessary firing of the artillery of the corps and the con- sequent return fire needlessly embarrassed and obstructed operations. I immediately gave instructions to Colonel Wainwright, chief of artil- lery of the corps, to have the matter properly regulated or the firing stopped, if possible, when he stated to me that he had no control over batteries of the corps in position, as they had been transferred to other officers. I then called his attention to the Coehorn mortars which were keeping up a fire more or less continuous, and which not being assigned to divisions were nnder his command. He informed me that such was not the case~ that he found in that battery that his control had been also superseded by an order from General Warren direct to the battery commander. This order, a copy of which I inclose,* was exhibited to me at the battery. It was not sent through Colonel Wainwright. I respectfully request that the use of all the corps artillery employed on the lines be placed under the general direction of the chief of artillery of the corps, throngh whom all orders, either from corps commanders, commanders of the trenches, or myself; may be given, and that for the employment of the artillery used in the siege they may be responsible to me. The object of this is not to prevent any proper control by coin- manders on duty over the use of the artillery, but to secure some system in the operation. An unregulated expenditnre of munitions at the dis- cretion of successive commanders, either of divisions or of the trenches, and directed according to their various views, cannot but produce mis- chief In this case the control of the mortars at least belongs properly to the chief of artillery of the corps. They form no part of the division field artillery, yet have been transferred to a division commander, and the power delegated to him subdelegated to a brigade commander, who may, with equal propriety, farther assign them to a regimental com- mander or field officer. I deem it, further, proper to call attention to the mode in which this transfer of duties has been effected, as one not merely wanting in courtesy to the chief of artillery of the corps, but as calculated to destroy on the part of his subordinates the respect due to his position and to impair his just authority. Respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General and Chief of Artillery. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 18, 18649 a. in. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: There has been no change in the disposition of my command since last report. There are no fatigue details absent from the commaiid now. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. See Circular of July 12, m 192 Page 319 Uuii~. LH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 319 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 18, 18649 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS: There has been no change iii the (lisl)osition of my troops siiic~ last report. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SECONI) 1)Iv.,~2D ARMY CORPS, No. 55. July 18, 1864. The major-general commanding having obtained a short leave of absence, relinquishes the command of the division to Col. Thomas A. Smyth, First Delaware Veteran Volunteers. By order of Major-General Gibbon, commanding division: JNO. M. NORVELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS FIFTh CORPS, July 18, 18645 a. m. General HUMPIIREYS: A deserter from the enemy, whom I send you under guard, states that a movement on the left flank of our lines is meditated by the rebels. There has been no attack as yet along my front. I am all ready for them. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding, JuLY 18, 186410 a. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The attack of the enemy did not come off last night, but it was a good thing to be made apprehensive of it, as all my officers and men got into a position to meet it, and probably many little neglected preparations were attended to. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, ~July 18, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: In accordance with the circular of the 7th instant request- ing me to furnish the names of such officers of my command as in my judgment are deserving promotion to the rank of major and brigadier generals, I present the following for major-generals: First, Brig. Gen. Charles Griffin, commanding First Division. Second, Brig. Gen. S. W. Crawford, commanding Third Division. Third, Brig. Gen. R. B. Ayres, commanding Second Division. Fourth, Brig. G en. J. C. Robinson, ab- sent wounded. Fifth, Brig. Gen. J. J. Bartlett, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, All for uniform bravery and ability in th Page 320 [CHAP. til. 320 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. battles of the present campaign. And the following named for briga- dier-generals: First, Lient. Col. II. C. Bankhead, inspector-general, Fifth Army Corps, who is thoroughly acquainted with the duties, and whom I have sent on several occasions to virtually command brigades, in trying circumstances, deprived of their commanders by wounds. Second, Capt. Frederick Winthrop, Twelfth U. S. Infantry, who has shown most marked ability in the battles of the campaign in command of his regiment. He has been previously recommended. Third, Col. J. H. Kitching, Sixth New York Artillery, commanding Third Brigade, Second Division, who is possessed of great energy and ability and dis- tinguished in the battle of May 19. Fourth, Col. William S. Tilton, Twenty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, conunanding First Brigade, First Division, recommended by General Griffin. Fifth, Lieut. Col. William A. Throop, First Michigan Volunteers, recommended by Gen- eral Bartlett. Sixth, Col. J. W. Hofmann, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanding brigade, recommended by General Cutler, who has also been recommended before. I inclose communications in relation to above officers. Two valuable officers now out of service, one of whom commanded a brigade during the most active part of the campaign, and the other till he lost his arm at Spotsylvania, should be included. The first, Col. J. B. Sweitzer, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers; the second, Col. William McCandless, Second Pennsylvania Reserves, both of whom have been before recommended. I would like to add my recommenda- tion of the following officers to that of the officers with whom they now serve: First, Col. H. L. Abbot, First Connecticut Artillery, and Lient. Col. Charles H. Morgan, inspector.general, Second Army Corps. Respectfully submitted. G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July ~l8, 18649 p. in. General S WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: All the rifle-pits connecting the Norfolk railroad with the one on the plank road and the abatis around the latter are completed. About 100 yards of rifle-pit remain to be completed on the right of this last redoubt. The work of strengthening the lines now held and for protecting the men are progressing.night and day. The construction of batteries at points located by General Hunt is also in progress. There has been scarcely any firing either of musketry or artillery on my front to-day. The enemy continues to work on his lines also. I renew the suggestion to relieve the picket-line now held by the colored troops by a brigade from the Second Corps. I would also recommend that General Ferreros command be detailed ~ts engineer soldiers during the siege. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 18, 186410 p. m. Major-General WARREN: I am directed to acknowledge your (lispatch of 9 p. m. The com- mandiug general is not prepared to accede to your suggestion in regard Page 321 0a& p. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 321 to General Ferreros picket-line, and he does not desire details for work- ing parties to be made from that division, except for work on its front. The work on the Fifth Corps front not executed by that corps will be executed by details from the Second Corps under the direction and on the r~quisition of the acting chief engineer Army of the Potomac. S. WILLIAMS, A ~sistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH Aw~i~ CORPS, General JOHN T. SPRAGUE, July 18, 1864. Adjatant- General State of New York: SIR: I beg leave to recommend for the position of colonel of the Fifth New York Volunteers, made vacant by the death of the gallant Colonel Winslow from wounds received in battle, Capt. Frederick Wiii- throp, of the Twelfth U. S. Infantry. Captain Winthrop is from the city of New York and has commanded his own regiment in several battles. The interest I take in this my old regiment, and in keeping it worthy of the reputation it has acquired, makes me ask this as a special request. I believe there is no officer in it now who can as well fill the vacancy as the officer I recommend. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major-General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, - July 18, 1864. The changes in the positions of troops proposed last night will not be made until further orders. It is enjoined upon division commanders to secure a sufficient number of men to be on the alert to-night to guard against surprise, especially toward daybreak in the morning. Artillery officers should be instructed to be prepared to direct their fire npon the flank of any force attacking to their right or left. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 18, 1864. Brigadier-General AYRES, Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: As the Coehorn mortar battery near your position covers General Cutlers front it will be put under his command. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 18, 1864. Colonel LYLE, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division: COLONEL: When I was at your redoubt to-day I found that in the northwest angle they were not raising the parapet and place for the 21 R RVOL XL~ PT II Page 322 322 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [Cuir. LII. guns to stand upon, as 1 directed you. Neither were they cutting off the front of the angle on the southwest corner as I directed. This work on the angles is the most important for its defense of anythiig that is to be done, and should not be neglected. Respectfully, ~ K. WARREN, Miajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FiFTH ARMY CORPS, July 18, 1864. Brigadier.General BAXTER, Commanding Second Brigade, Third Division: GENERAL: I saw to-day that they had made the rifle breast.works on the left of the redoubt stronger than I directed, while they had not as yet touched the part laid out on the right. These two parts should have been carried on at the same time, as there is no telling which will be first needed. They would have both been made with the labor spent on one of them if my instructions had not been exceeded. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 18, 18649 a. m. General WILLiAMS: I have the honor to report an unusually quiet night on my front. Every precaution was taken in reference to the anticipated attack. The report of the general of the trenches, a copy* of which has been sent you, will give you all information in reference to the work in progress. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., NINTH ARMY Coups, Before Petersburg, July 18, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistanti Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the siege works in front of the Ninth Corps are vigorously prosecuted day and night, and are rapidly approaching completion. The fatigue parties were withdrawn, however, last night, to assist in repelling the anticipated attack, but returned to duty on the works again this morning. The fort near the burnt house is very near completion; will be finished to-day, and the covered way leading to it will be completed by to-morrow morning. The mine at the present tinie has been carried to a horizontal depth of 515 feet, and reaches a point directly beneath the enemys works. The galleries are already commenced. The lines along our front are well guarded and in good condition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. G. GRIFFIN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, General of the Trenches. * See next, poet Page 323 Cix. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ET6I.UNION. 323 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, General WILLIAMS, July 18, 18649 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: The day has been a quiet one on my lines. The large house opposite the right of my line, known as the Clarke house, was set on fire to-day by one of our shells and consumed. It has been a cover flr sharp- shooters. Generals Potter and Willeox both report the enemy build- ing a new line of works on the crest behind their present line. A. E. BUIRNSJDE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISiON, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 18, 18648 a. m. Licut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Gorj~s: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet along my lines last night, there being very little picket and artillery firing during the night. There were no signs of an attack. The 300 sand-bags have been placed in position on the front line of breast-works. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES II. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 18, 1864. Licut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: Brigade commanders report that all was quiet during the night, and no movement of the enemy discerned. Every precaution was taken to guard against surprise and meet the anticipated attack. The regiments on fatigue duty were relieved for the night, and kept under arms with the supporting force; they have been returned to fatigue duty this morning. The Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers (engineers) was also under arms, and prepared to support my line in possible emergency. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTh ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 18, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant AdjutantGeneral, N Army Corps: COLONEL: The commanding officer of the First Brigade reports steady firing by the rebels on a portion of our front, but no movement detected.. That it is evident they are building a new line of works in rear of the wood that skirts their present line, extending in a continuou Page 324 324 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. line in a westerly direction from the point of woods opposite the rail- road, over the brow of the hill, almost at right angles to their old line in front of our left. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 18, 18649 a. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Th anticipation of an attack last night, I caused to be made the following changes in the position of my batteries, viz: One of the two light 12s on the left center of Humphreys line transferred to right center, looking up a ravine; the other remains as before. Two of Twitchells light 12s, near the burnt house, moved farther to the front, looking np the same ravine, and works thrown np, which will be further strengthened, having one section still near the burnt house. Four of Mayos rifled guns added to Roemers battery, giving eight guns in that position, so that I have now fourteen guns in position on my line and two in reserve. My troops are all in the lines. Very respectfully, ~. B. WILLUOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 18, 18648 p. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the second light B gun will be put in the new position across the railroad to-night. A shell from Battery Graves to-day set fire to a house opposite our right, from which rebel sharpshooters had annoyed my lines, and consumed it. Captain Roemer reports new works erected by the rebels on the ridge in rear of their line of battle, for the most part masked by brush. Very respectfully, ~. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 18, 18641.30 a. m. Major-General SHERIDAN, Gommanding Gavairy Corps: GENERAL: I am directed to say that the cavalry brigade picketing on the left of the army cannot, of course, extend its patrols this side of the Blackwater, and that the commanding general expects the Prince George Ceurt-House and other roads between the Blackwater and the James River to be looked after by the cavalry under yonr immediate orders, as it was before General Gregg was brought up to the left. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of & a Page 325 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. ~25 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, July 18, 1864. General HUMPHREYS: Yours of 1.30 a. in. received. I have to report that I have made no changes in the force picketing the roads between the Blackwater and the James since relieving General Gregg. The Prince George Court- House road between Blackwater and the James is now picketed by troops from my command other than Colonel Devins brigade. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HIJMPHREYS, July 18. 18649.20 p. m. Chief of Staff: There are about fifteen or twenty guerrillas in the vicinity of Sycamore Church. They are dismounted, and have several (imes fired on my pickets at that church to-day, killing 1 officer, wounding 1 man and 1 of my couriers. Can I have permission to burn a few houses in that neighborhood ~ P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, fJommanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General SHERIDAN, July 18, 186410 p. in. Commanding Cavalry Corps: Your dispatch relative to loss by guerrillas at Sycamore Church is received. The commanding general directs me to say in reply that any houses in which guerrillas are habitually harbored, and the owners of which you have notified, you would destroy unless the guerrillas cease to use them; you may burn after such notification. In giving this authority the commanding general wishes to avoid punishing innocent parties who may not have it in their power to l)revelit the offenses being committed. A. A. IIUMPHREYS. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, July 18, 18648 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report all quiet in front of my lines at this hour and no alarm during the night. Patrols sent out at 3 a. m. on the left and rear to Lees Mill, and on right and rear to Norfolk road, have returned and report no sign of the enemy.~ Nothing else of moment. ~\Te1y respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN Colonel, Commanding Brigade Page 326 326 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. tCHA~. LII. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FiRST CAVALRY DIVISION, July 18, 186410 a. rn. Major-General HuMPHREYS, Chief ef Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report all quiet at this hour. At 11 p. in. last night a small party approached and fired upon my right rear outjost near Sturdivants Mill. At 3 a. m. I sent a patrol to Lees Mill and another by Sturdivants Mill to the Norfolk road, thence to Prince George road, thence in the direction of Lees Mill until the con- nection was formed with the other patrol. No enemy was to be seen. At my extreme advance near Gurleys the enemy, as usual at night-fall, advanced his lines to within seventy-five yards of my front, retiring at daylight to the edge of the woods. Nothing else of mojnent. Very respectfully, your obediei~t servant, THOS. C. DEVIN, Colon ci, Commanding Brigade. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, July 18, 1864. Major-General IIuMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: I have the honor to forward inclosed communicatioli from two females who yesterday approached my lines on the plank road and requested permission to pass out. On being refused, one of them became quite indignant, and stated that she had been passed in the day previous, and was told that she would be allowed to go out. She further states that she has been in the habit of passing the lines whenever she wished to do so. I have refused to allow her to pass out, but have offered to forward her communication to headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN, Colonel, Commanding Briga de~ Fiuclosurel JULY 18, 1864. General GRANT: DEAR SIR: A lady friend and myself on the 16th were ushered into your lines by your pickets in order to search for subsistence, as all we have has been destroyed by yonr army, and are still detained without any real cause, consequently I implore you as chief commander to release us forthwith, as each of us has little children that are suffering for our lone attention. We are at a ladys house ~rho has 110 means, and we are very dissatisfied, as we are not able to compensate her for her kindness. Your immediate attention to this will be considered by us one of the kindest acts of humanity. Very respectfully, . MRS. E. M. DANFORTH. IHDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, July 18, 18646.15 p. m. Major-General HrTMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report all quiet at this hour. My pickets on the right of the Gurley house were attacked about 4 p. in Page 327 CHAP. LII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 327 by a party supposed to be a company of Fortieth Kentucky Infantry now in our front. Their object was evidently to feel the line and cap- ture some prisoners for information, but they did not capture or hurt a ~am~iul in the end escaped with some difficulty themselves, greatly disgust the officer of the Sixth New York, commanding picket, whose men were all dismounted and their horses retired. The line was immediately re-established, in accomuplishing which one of my staff had his horse shot. No other casualty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. JULY 18, 18641.05 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: There are three signal lights in the sky looking like stars, one north- east by north, the other due east, and the other nearly west from here. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY PoINT, July 18, 186410.20 a. m. Major-General BUTLER: Deserters continued coming in last night, all confirming the report that we were to be attacked, the last one in said the order had been given and preparations were made. Longstreet was to attack in front, and Hill was to move round to our rear, but before he left he heard his colonel say there would be no attack, because so many deserters had. come into our lkies and exposed their plans. What was the result of the flag of truce yesterday ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 18, 186411.3~ a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The flag of truce was received and the men have gone to Richmond. Am to send for them Wednesday. BENJ. F. IhITTLER. HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, July 18, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, L1ommanding Armies of the United States: The General Orders, No. 225, from the War Department, has been pub. hished directly from the Adjutant-Generals Office, and is making irregu- larity in the corps and inquiry at these headquarters as to whom divis- ion commanders are to report. While I grieve to trouble you about such a matter, still may I ask that the proper order, as I learned it from your. self may be published. it is clearly within your province. Perhaps an order assigning the Eighteenth to General Franklin as soon as he shal Page 328 328 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. be able to take the field, in the meantime to be under the command of General Martindale, would be a gratifying compliment to Franklin, and would be appreciated by the country as a sequence to his escape, and had better come from you. General Ord might also be assigned to the Tenth, this corps, in the meantime, to be under command of General Terry, who is a good soldier, both to report to department headquarters. Brooks leaves this morning. All quiet on our lines. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY PoINT, VA., July18, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: Your note of this date is just received. I have made an order sus- pending General Orders, No.225, and assigning Generals Martindale and Terry to the temporary command of the two corps.* Since the last raid into Maryland I have asked that the Departments of the Middle, Wash- ington, the Susquehanna, and West Virginia be merged into one de- partment and a competent man placed over the whole, and have named Franklin as that man. If this is complied with I do not know who I will assign to the Eighteenth Corps. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. JULY 18,186410.20 a. m. Colonel FULLER, Bermuda Hundred: General Butler directs that you indicate to the troops of the, Nine. teenth Corps as they arrive at Bermuda Hundred good camping grounds near there. They remain at these camps only a day or two. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Okief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VJRcUNIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, .July 18, 1864. Captain SMITH, Commanding Na?ai Forces on James liver: Communication by hand of Lieutenant Chambers received. I am happy to inform you that Captain Fitch, of the armed transport iReno, captured 12 torpedoes yesterday, which were all there were there. I wish you would drag Harrisons Bar and send me anybody you may - catch laying them. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. See p. 313 Page 329 CHAP. LII.j CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 329 IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, July 18, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The following messages have been received this morning from station of observation on the river-bank, Spring Hill, and are respectfully forwarded for information of the general commanding: 7.03 A. M. Captain NORTON: Eleven freight-cars, empty, and two passenger-cars, partly loaded with citizens, toward Petersburg. SIMONS, Lieutenant. 7.45 A. M. Captain NORTON: Three open cars, with working parties on board, toward Petersburg. SIMONS, Lieutenant. 9 A. M. Captain NORTON: About 200 mounted men hnrrying toward Petersburg from direction of Richmond. BAIRD, In (liarge of station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of Va. and N. C. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 18, 1864. (Received 6.50 a. in.) Brigadier-General WEITZEL: Everything quiet. I have directed the troops to return to their camp. W. T. H. BROOKS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 18, 1864. (Received 8.07 a. in.) General WEITZEL: I have official notification of the acceptance of my resignation. I relinquish the command to General Terry. W. T. II. BROOKS, Brigadier. General. HEADQUARTERS In the Field, near Point ~f Rocks, Va., July 18, 1864. General W. T. H. BROOKS: Mv IDEAR GENERAL: As our very agreeable official relations are to now close 1 trust our equally pleasant personal ones may never do so. Permit me to express to you my appreciation of your merits as a soldier and qualities as an officer an(l gentleman. You are aware that I di Page 330 880 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [Cs~. LIL everything I could to prevent the acceptance of your resignation, although at the same time I yielded to the reasons personal to yourself that you presented. I had hoped you might be retained in your profes- sion for the service of the country. She can ill afford to spare so good a soldier; but you have decided otherwise, and perhaps, for yourself; wisely and justly, however unfortunately for her. It only remains, then, to say farewell! a sad, sad word, which parts with a friend, for such I shall take leave to hold you, although till recently a stranger. Wherever you may go take with you the best wishes of Yours, most truly, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Afajor- General, Cornmandiuq. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 1~. In the Field, near Hatchers, Va., July 18, 1864. The undersigned hereby relinquishes the command of the corps to Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry. W. T. II. BROOKS, 1~rigadier. General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS No. 16. , In the Field, near Hatchers, Va., July 18, 1864. In obedience to Special Orders, No. 61, current series, from lieadquar- ters Armies of the United States, the undersigned hereby assumes colnman(l of the Tenth Army Corps. A. H. TERRY, Brigadier- General. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 18, 18649.50 p. m. General PERRY: That order relative to sending troops to Washington does not include 100-days men. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of AStaff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, July 18, 1864. (Sent 10.23 a. in.) Brig. Gen. R. S. FOSTER, Jones Neck: In the course of the next four or five days two divisions (say 10,000 men) of the Nineteenth Corps will come to Deep Bottom to encamp. The general commanding directs that you or one of your staff officers select the best position for these troops for defense, water, and comfort, and suggest it to the brigade and division commanders as they arrive, you being best acquainted with the ground. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff Page 331 CRAW. LII) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION~ 331 DEEP BOTTOM, VA., July 18, 1864. General WEITZEL: Please send Captain Eaton, engineer in charge at this post, 100 axes. We need them very much. Most of the axes here are without helves and must be sent to depot. Yours, truly, 11. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. - JULY 18, 18049 a. m Brigadier-General MARTINDALE: Is there any fighting going on on the left ~ We think we hear some- thing, but we are not certain. U. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, July 18, 1864. General WEITZEL, Acting Chief qf Staff: I think you are mistaken abont fighting. Everything here, ain~ as far as I can learn, is very quiet. J. H. MARTINDALE, Brigadier- General. [JULY 18, 1864.] Colonel CURTIS: I am instructed by the brigadier-general commanding to inform you that Colonel Duncans brigade will relieve the troops in yonr second line this evening after dark. The general directs that you make your dispositions accordingly. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ISRAEL R. SEALY, Captain, Forty-serenth New York Vols., Actg. Asst. A dit. Gen. (Same to Lieutenant-Colonel Coan.) HEADQUARTERS THIRD l)IvISLON, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., July 18, 1864. COMDG. OFFICER DETCHT. SECOND U. S. COLORED CAy., Near Rushmore House: You will at once proceed with the detachment under your command down the river to the Mills house to the support of Captain Ludlows battery of the Fifth U. S. Artillery. You will report at these head- quarters the strength of your detachment, and if more troops are needed they will be furnished from the other detachment of your regi- ment stationed near the Beasley house. By command of Col. J. H. Holman: SOLON A. CARTER, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 332 [CIUP. Lit. 33 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C~. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. 1)~PT. OF VA. AND N. U., No. 81. In the Field, Va., July 18, .1864. All the territory lying east of the Chowan River and north of the Albeinarle Sound is hereby annexed to the District of Eastern Vir- ginia, under the command of Brig. Gen. George F. Shepley. By command of Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler: R. S. DAVIS, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 18, 1864il p. m. Brigadier-General SHEPLEY, commanding, die., Norfolk: Issue a most stringent order at once in relation to quarantine, speci- ally extending it to naval vessels. Have a health officer board them and hold on to them at all hazards. We know the difficulties and benefits of a strict quarantine. Make it effectual by giving it per- sonal attention. The safety of our whole army up here may depend upon this order. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, commanding. GRANTS HEXDQUARTERS, City Point, July 19, 186410 a. v~. (Received 8.30 p. in.) His Excellency A. LINcoLN, President of the United States: In my opinion there ought to be an immediate call for, say, 300,000 men to be pnt in the field in the shortest possible time. ~the presence of this number of re-enforcements would save the annoyance of raids, and would enable us to drive the enemy from his present front, particu- larly from Richmond, without attacking fortifications. The enemy now have their last men in the field. Every depletion of their army is an irreparable loss. Desertions from it are now rapid. With the prospect of large additions to our force these desertions would increase. The greater number of men we have the shorter and less sanguinary will be the war. I give this entirely as my views and not in any spirit of dic. tation, always holding myself in readiness to use the material given me to the best advantage I know how. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 19, 18644 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: I am of the opinion that another regiment of~ heavy artillery, in addi- tion to those with General Wright, should be sent here as soon as you can spare it. I have written to-day at length. II. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff Page 333 CHAP. MI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 333 WASHINGTON, July 19, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: GENERAL: The recent raid into Maryland seems to have established several things, which it would be well for us to keep in mind: First. It has proved that while your army is south of the James River aud Lees between you and Washington he can make a pretty large detachment unknown to us for a week or ten days and send it against Washington, or into West Virginia, or Pennsylvania, or Mary- land. Second. General Hunters army, which comprises all troops north of Richmond that can go into the field, is entirely too weak to hold West Virginia and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and at the same time to resist any considerable rebel raid north of the Potomac. Third. We cannot rely upon aid from the militia of the Northern States. They will not come out at all, or will come too late, or in so small a force as to be useless. Fourth. The garrisons of Washington and Baltimore are made up of troops entirely unfit for the field and wholly inadequate for the defense of these places. Had it not been for the opportune arrival of the veter- ans of the Sixth Corps both cities would have been in great danger. So long as you were operating between Washington and the enemy your army covered Maryland and Pennsylvania, and I sent you all the troops from here and the North which could take the field or guard your depots and prisoners of war. But the circumstances have now most materially changed, and I am decidedly of opinion that a larger available force should be left in this vicinity. It may be answered that re-enforcements can be sent in time from the James River, as was done in this case. This answer would be decisive, if we here, or you there, could always be apprised of the number and position of the raiders, as well as the object upon which their march is directed. But this cannot be done without a superior cavalry force, which we have not got and are not likely to have. The country is so stripped of animals that it is hardly possible to supply demands in the field. If the enemy had crossed the Potomac below Harpers Ferry (and it is now fordable in many places), and had moved directly upon Washington or Baltimore, or if the arrival of the Sixth Corps had been delayed twenty-four hours, one or the other of these places, with their large depots of supplies, would have been in very considerable danger. Will it be safe to have this risk repeated? Is not Washing- ton too important in a political as well as a military point of view to run any serious risk at all? I repeat that so long as Lee is able to make any large detachments Washington cannot be deemed safe without a larger and more available force in its vicinity. What you say of establishing schools of instruction here, at Balti- more, and at Harpers Ferry will be applicable when we get troops to be instructed. But we are now not receiving one-half as many as we are discharging. Volunteering has virtually ceased, and I do not antic- ipate much from the Presidents new call, which has the disadvantage of again postponing the draft for fifty days. Unless our Government and people will come square up to the adoption of an efficient and thor- ough draft we cannot supply the waste of our army. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of ~3taff Page 334 334 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. CITY PoiNT, VA., July 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: The establishment of recruiting rendezvous at Fortress Monroe, besides being expensive, has called for two officers who cannot be spared from the field, and will not add a nian to the service. Every negro that comes in is now taken into the service, the best specimens physically being enlisted in companies already organized, and the others are employed as laborers in some of the departments or sent north. I will add also that every expedition going out brings back all the negroes they can find. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, - No. 62. 5 City Point, Va., July 19, 1864. * * * * * * * ILL. All troops of the Nineteenth Army Corps arriving at this point will report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Vir- ginia and North Carolina, at Bermuda Hundred, for orders. IV. Subject to the approval of the President, Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith is hereby relieved from the command of the Eighteenth Army Corps and will proceed to New York City and await further orders. His per- sonal staff will accompany him. The corps staff of the Eighteenth Army Corps will report to Brig. Gen. J. H. Martindale, temporarily command- ing, for duty. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant-General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 19, 1864. Major-General HIJMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter has just been forwarded froni the headquar- ters of the Fifth Army Corps belongiiig to the Sixty-fourth Georgia Regiment, Wrights brigade, Andersons division, A. P. Hills corps. He left the trenches about 6 oclock this a. in., at which time his bri- gade was in the same position they have been lying in for the past week. They are on the left of Hills corps, and across the Jerusalem plank road. They are to be relieved to-night by Finegans brigade, which is now in reserve to the rear of Mahones division. Informant thinks all of Hills corps is still in our front, and none of it has moved, to his knowl- edge. Is little acquainted with the Army of Northern Virginia, having been with it but a few weeks. Very respectfully, GEORGE H, SHARPE, Colonel, & c Page 335 C~. LU.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 335 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 19, 18644 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The foregoing just received is forwarded. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 19, 18645 p. in. Capt. B. F. FISHER: No movement of any kind to-day. Since the raiu began this a. m. many tents have been put up along the enemys line and the number of camps now plainly visible from the Weldon railroad to the plank road indicates a strong force along this portion of their line. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. JULY 19, 1864~$ l~ m. Captain FISHER: My station was occupied after the rain. Some new tents of enemy were observed on right of Gregorys house and near front line of works. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 19, 18649.30 a. rn. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: There has been no change in the disposition of my command since my last report. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 19, 1864. General HANCOCK: The regiments to be ordered to Washington, under paragraph 9, Special Orders, No. 191, will be directed on arriving at Washington to report to Major-General ilalleck, chief of staff; for further instructions. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. (Same to Generals Warren and Buruside.) HEADQUARTERS SEcOND ARMY CORPS, July 19, 18649 p. in. General S. WILLIAMS: The only change in the disposition of my command since last report is that General Birneys division was detailed for fatigue from 5.30 this morning. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major-General Page 336 336 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP LII. HEADQUARTERS FiFTH ARMY CORPS, July 19, 1864. (Received 9.45 a. in.) General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Nothing unusual occurred during the night in my front. G. K. WARREN, Moor- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 19, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Nothing of importance has occurred in my front to-day. The men have been employed in draining their pits of water and repairing dam- age done to the works by the rain. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 19, 18649 a. m. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps: The commanding general directs that under paragraph 9, of Special Orders, No. 191, of yesterdays date, from these headquarters, regimental organizations only will be sent to Washington, and no man will be sent who is not to be discharged before August 25, 1864. All re-enlisted men belonging to the regiments sent, as well as those who have joined since the date of original organization, will be disposed of as indicated in Circular No.36 from the War Department for the case of the muster out of a regiment not veteran. Please acknowledge. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adiutant- General. (Same to Generals Hancock and Warren.) HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 19, 1864. (Received 11.15 a. in.) General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: There are no changes to report on the line, except the usual progress in the mine. The night was an unusually quiet one. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 19, 18648.30 p. m. General WILLIAMS: There is nothing especial to report from my hue to-day. The batteries have stood the rain well and the magazines are dry. The lateral gal Page 337 CHAP. LII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 337 leries of the mine are pushed twenty-five and fifteen feet, respectively. They are to be each fifty feet. Cannon and mortar firing by the enemy has been quite brisk. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY Coups Before Petersburg, Va., July 19, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet on my front, with less firing during the past twelve hours than usual. Coloiiel Pleasants has pushed the left gallery of his work twenty-five feet and the right gallery fifteen feet. All the boxes for the charges are finished and ready for use. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- (leneral, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD I)IVISION, Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, July 19, 18618 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that there was very little picket-kring in my front last night. The Twenty-fourth New York Cavalry and Fifty-first Pennsylvania are withdrawn from the lines, and will furnish details for pickets, & c. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, [General BUENSIDE :3 July 19, 186410.45 p. m. GENERAL: The cut in the work seems to be pretty well authenticated. It is just where the redoubt, toward which Potter is mining, joins their rifle-pit in the left angle (our left). It seems most probable that it is an einbrasure to enfilade their line, but larger than xvould be necessary for that purpose. I have notified the brigade and battery conimanders to be oii the alert. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 9TH ARMY CORPS Near Petersburg, Va., July 19, 1861. Capt. R. A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Div., Ninth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: it has just been reported to me, through Coloiiel Cutcheon, that the enemy has cut a 1)assage-way through the part of the fbrt on 22 R RVOL XL, PT II Page 338 [CHAP. Li!. 338 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. the right of the road. This passage is reported as being wide enough for four men to pass through abreast. A lieutenant in the Sixtieth Ohio claims now to have seen it this morning, but made no report of the matter. His name I have uot yet ascertained. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. hUMPhREY, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. [Fir8t indor~onidnt.] Brig. Gen. IR. B. POTTER, Commanding & eond Division: The above is sent for your information, and I am directed by the general commanding to say that you will please direct your brigade commanders to keep a good lookout, as there seems to be a disposition on the part of the enemy to break through our lines at the point above mentioned. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD M. KELLL, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Second indorsenwot.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND I)IYiSioN. Colonel STEERE: You will take every precaution to secure the safety of your line, and particularly make sure against any surprise, holding your entire coin- mand in readiness to resist an attack. [Third indorsement.] GENERAL :* You will have your command in readiness to move in support of the First Brigade, or to any other l)oint that may be required. IIDQRS. CAVALRY Coups, ARMY OF THE PotoMAc, July 19, 1861. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to respectfully and urgently request the return of the mounted and dismouuted cavalry of this corps now at Washington City and its vicinity. It is scarcely necessary to enumer- ate the many reasons in favor of their immediate return. Those mounted can be of little service to the Governmeiit, as they are without organizations or officers. The dismounted men at (4iesborough, if-sent here to my dismounted camp, can be mounted as the horses arrive, the best first, and the balance, kept nuder good discipline, available at all times. I hope that no time will be lost in getting these men back. The enemy is increasing his cavalry force every (lay, while we have about Washington 6,000 or 7,000 men withont horses, in consequence of which they are a burden instead of a benefit to the Government. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. II. SIIEPJDAN, ihlajor- General. Probably S. 0. Griffin Page 339 CHAr. LU.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 339 HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camjp at Jordans Point, July 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. H. WILSON, Gommanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that YOU detail one brigade of your division to relieve Colonel iDevins brigade, of the First Cavalry Division, now on picket on the left of the army. Colonel Devins headquarters are on the plank road near Temples house. The brigade detailed by you will march this afternoon (so that Colonel Devin can return in the morning) via Prince George Court-House and thence to Temples house by way of the courier-line. Very respectfully, & c., JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Col. GEORGE H. CHAPMAN, July 19, 1864. Commanding & cond Brigade: COLONEL: In accordance with instructions received from Cavalry Corps headquarters, you will proceed with as little delay as possible with your brigade to the left of the army, to relieve Colonel Devins brigade, of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, now on picket there. Colonel Devins headquarters are on the plank road near Temples honse. The regiment of your brigade on picket at Prince George Court-House will be relieved by a regiment from General Greggs divis- ion, and will join you as soon as relieved. You will take three days rations and forage, and march via Prince George Court-House, thence to Temples house by way of the courier-line. By command of Brigadier-General Wilson: L. SIEBELIT, Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 19, 18649.30 a. in. (Sent 10.35 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Supposing it to be the settled policy of the War Departmeiit to estab- lish recruiting rendezvous at Fortress Monroe and New Berne, I desire an alteration of detail of officers. They have detailed Colonel Draper, one of my very best officers, in charge at Fortress Monroe. Now, if they will detail Brigadier-General Wild, who is admirably fitted for it, there instead of Draper it ~vill solve many difficulties of organization. Will you please apply for the change, Wild instead of Draper? BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, (Jommanding. CITY POINT, VA., July 19, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: Commanding, & c.: Your communication aiid dispatch relative to recruiting at Fortress Monroe and New Berne received. I have telegraphed objecting to th Page 340 340 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. establishment of recruiting rendezvous at either place. I dont want States to get the benefit of recruits obtained in that way; besides, the men so obtained are worth more in keeping present organizations filled, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. JULY 19, 186410.10 a. m. (Sent 10.36 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, die.: The new iron-clad Tunxis left Philadelphia for Washington the 11th instant. She is said to draw only seven feet of water. She is the very boat we want here in case we get hold of the llowlett house battery, as she can go up at once through the channel and hold what we get, and also can move up and downwithout danger of getting on shore, and save woodeii boats the danger of picket duty; and protect trans. ports from shore batteries. If you agr*~e with mne,-tnight not the Tnnxis be applied for~ BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General. JULY 19, 186410 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: GENERAL: The commissioners, Jaquess atid Gilmore, have returned. Were received by Davis, but the only terms were independence or fight. They go to Washington to-morrow. I send you the Richmond papers, by which you will learn that you died Saturday. Respeethilly, B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 19, 18G4. Colonel FULLER, Bermuda Landing: Have any more of the Nineteenth Corps come up ~ B. F. BUTLER. BERMUDA, July 19, 1864. General B. F. BUTLER: The Forty-seventh Pennsylvania and Thirtieth Maine Regiments ar- rived this morning. Fifteenth Maine arrived yesterday. FULLER, Colonel. FORT POWHATAN, VA., July 19, 1864. Brigadier-General WELTZEL: Signal station is ninety-six feet high. Signal officer reports he caii- not communicate with City Point. Please scud ten kegs 4-inch spikes and four bales saud-bags. W. H. BALDWIN, Lieutenant ~f Engineers Page 341 CHAP. LIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 341 1IEA1~Q1TARTER8 SIEGE TRAIN, Broadway Landing, July 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE D. IRAMSAY, Chief of Ordnance, U. ~S. Army, Winder Building, Washington, D. C.: Am nearly out of Coehorn mortar ammunition. Please forward about 10,000 rounds as soon as possible. Was my letter of 15th instant received? HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding. ORDNANCE OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, Col. II. L. ABBOT, Washington, July 19, 1864. Comdg. First Connecticut Artillery, Bermuda Hundred, Va.: COLONEL: Your letter of the 15th instant, containing a requisition for ammunition is received. Letters of notification are to-day sent to Captain Hatfield, your ordnance officer, informing him of the amounts that have been ordered to him. Arrangements were made some time ago for collecting this ammunition at Fort Monroe; but ~so mucli of it has been diverted for other purposes that only a small portion of it has yet been received at Fort Monroe. After this week ammunition can be forwarded to you at about the following rates: 24-pounder Coehorn, 3,000 rounds per week; 8-inch mortar and siege gun, 2,600 rounds per week; 30-pounder Parrott, 3,000 rounds per week; 4~-inch siege, 1,500 rounds per week. There is a plentiful supply of 10-inch siege mortar- shells and of 100-pounder Parrott ammunition. Fifteen more 8-inch siege mortars and beds have been ordered to Fort Monroe to-day. Some of theni will be there this week, and all of them by the end of next week. They will be sent up to you at any time on your telegraph- ing here for them. The fuses asked for by you will reach you by the end of this week. GEO. D. RAMSAY, Brigadier- General and Chief of Ordnance. JULY 19, 1864. Brigadier.General WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: In consequence of my taking command of the corps Foster comes into command of the First Division. Is it necessary that lie should remain at Deep Bottom, or can he come to the headquarters of the division, leaving his next in rank in command where he now is? ALF. H. TERRY, Brigadier. General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 19, 1864. General TERRY, Tenth Army Corps: The general commanding directs that General Foster remain where he is (at Deep Bottom), and that division headquarters be moved to him. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier.General and Acting Chief of Staff Page 342 342 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LU. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 79. in the Field, Va., July 19, 1864. * * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. R. S. Foster, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby temporarily assigned to the command of the First Division, and will establish his headquarters at Deep Bottom. By order of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST DIV., TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 16. In the Field, Va., July 19, 1864. I. In accordance with instructions from corps headquarters the undersigned assumes command of the division, of which the head- quarters will, until further orders, be at Deep Bottom, Va. II. All official communications from the command will be addressed to Capt. P. A. Davis, assistant adjutant-general. B. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Hatchers, Va., July 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. 0. 5. FERRY, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you keep at least one regiment encamped between Battery No. 4 and Battery No. 6. He considers it preferable that two regiments be encamped there if it can be done without too much weakening other points of the line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. [JULY 19, 1864.1 General MARTINDALE, Eighteenth Corps: What is that firing we hear over with you ~ G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. [JULY 19, 1864.] Brigadier-General WEITZEL: The firing is chiefly on Burusides and Warrens front, and a little on mine, and principally from the enemy. Nothing serious. J. H. MARTINDALE, Brigadier- General. 4 CITY POINT, July 19, 18648.15 p. m. Brigadier General MARTINDALE: General Smith started for the front nearly an hour ago. E. S. PARKER, Assislsunt Adjutant.General Page 343 Ciw~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 343 IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 19, 18641.40 p. m. Lieut. Col. F. H. PECK, fliweWth Connecticut Volunteers, City Point: You will disembark at Bermuda Hundred, and go into camp near there till further orders. By command of Major-General Butler: iR. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHAMBERLAIN, POINT OF ROCKS, July 19, 18643.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Comdg. Dept. of Va., and N. C., and Army of the James: GENERAL: I have just returned. The cavalry landed at the wharf to the north of Harrisons Point at 3 a. m. to-day, and scoured the country thoroughly from that point to Charles City Court-House. The infantry lauded a mile and a half below Wilcoxs Wharf; searched every house and barnfor a distance of four miles. No rebel force was discov- ered, and but two rebel scouts were seen; these were chased by the cavalry but not captured. All the torpedoes were captured by Captain Fitch on Sunday last, and none have been placed in the rivers. Respectfully, and sincerely, CHARLES K. GRAHAM, Brigadier- General. [Indorsement.] Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have the honor to forward Brigadier-General Grahams report of an expedition to Wilcoxs Wharf and Wrrisons Landing, to find and cap- ture torpedo workers. Respectfully, BEThJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS l)15TRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N C., July 19, 1864. Maj. R. S. DAvIs, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina: MAJOR: I respectfully call the attention of the commanding general to the fact that the rebels are vigorously pushing the work upon their iron-clad fleet in the Roanoke River. I have good reason to believe that besides the ram Albemarle two others are being built, and if they can succeed in coming into the Sounds together we have no naval force to cope with them. We have a fine set of naval commanders here, and they would doubtless make as good a fight as it would be possible to make with their wooden vessels, but they have all assured me that, although they consider themselves more than a match for one of the iron-clad rams, two or three of them would in all possibility clear the Sounds of our vessels. One or two iron-dads or monitors, could w Page 344 344 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. ci. [CRAP. LIT. have them here, would secure us against any disaster. If we do not get them here it is my impression that sooner or later we will lose what will cost us many millions of money and many lives to retake. It appears to me that it will not require much ingenuity to get one of our iron-dads over the swash at Hatteras, and the fact of our having such vessels here would prevent the rebels from attempting a raid into the Sounds. Captain Maffitt now commands the ram Albemarle, and we all know that he is not the man to sit down at Plymouth. He was ordered there to do something, and if he can get a tleet of these rams before we receive any iron vessels we must expect disaster. Cannot the Navy Department be aroused to a proper appreciation of this matter ~ I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, July 19, 1864. General PALMER: I have your kind note; that party goes out. I should be very happy to come down, but am somewhat knocked up, and the doctor says I must keep quiet. I am keeping Kinston in a perfect fermentmy object is, I want to fool them into security and then pounce on them. Please send for that refugee sent in to-day; he can give you some interesting facts with regard to rebel designs on Point Lookout, & c. P. J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding Outposts. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 20, 18644.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: Yours of yesterday about a call for 300,000 is received. I suppose yon have not seen the call for 500,000 made the day before, and which I suppose covers the case. Always glad to have your suggestions. A. LINCOLN. CITY POINT, July 20, 18642 p. m. (Received 9.35 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of A~taff: If General Barnard can be spared fn in Washington I would like to have him ordered back to the field. If he cannot be spared now send him as soon as he can be conveniently spared. I think immediate steps should be taken for completing and connecting the fortifications about Baltimore. The officers in charge of the works abont Washington can take charge of those of BaltimQre also. I have heard nothing of the determination come to on my recommendation about the merging- of the four departments about Washington into one. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 345 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 345 CITY POINT, VA., July 20, 1864. lion. EDWIN M. STANTON, (Received 1.30 P. in.) Secretary of We r: I must enter my protest against States sending recruiting agents into the Southern States for the purpose of filling their quotas. The negroes brought within our hues are rightfully recruits for the U. S. service, and should not go to benefit any particular State. It is simply allowing Massachusetts (I mention Massachusetts because I see the order of the Governor of that State for establishing recrniting agencies in the South, and see no such order from any other State authority) to fill her quota by paying an amount of money to recruits the United States have already got. I must also enter my protest against recruiting from pris- oners of war. Each one enlisted robs us of a soldier and adds one to the enemy with a bounty paid in loyal money. U. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 20, 1~G42.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your telegram of this date is received. The proposition for recruit- ing in rebel States by the Executives of other States was neither recoin- mended nor sanctioned by this Department, although the President states in a telegram to General Sherman that he was favorable to it. He also authorized Butler to recruit from prisoners of war. It is not l)ermitted in any other instance. For these reasons your protest has been referred to the President for such instructions as he may be pleased to give. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CITY POINT, VA., July 20, 1864. Major-General MEADE: A call is made for one more regiment of heavy artillery for the defenses of Washington. You lilay designate olie, to be sent back as sooii as the Sixth Corps begins to return. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICn OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, [General HUMPHREYS :j 20, 1864. UENERAL: Our men came in this inoriiin g fioii 1 the depot on the left, with the following inforniation: Agent reports that A. I~. Hills corps, as he thinks, was withdrawn yesterday morning. He is quite certain that only one brigade was left at Reams Station, and that this is all the infantry which is now lying along the railroad. A considerable por- tion of Hills corps has been 01) the plantation of Doctor Eunis. Agent went over yesterday morning and found them all gone, and the people oil the plantation told him that when they left they went in the direc- tioi~ of Petersburg. His wife came from Petersburg yesterday. Sh Page 346 [CHAP. LII. 346 OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AND N. C. cannot tell anything, in addition to the above, as to the whereabonts of Hills corps, but says that the people are moving all their valuables out of the city and are leaving it personally in considerable nui~bers; that they are digging caves in and about the town, and expect the bombardment to happen soon, against which they do not believe that they will be able to make resistance. The cars on the Weldon rail- road do not run into the city, but stop at the lead-works, and the rations are issued from there. There was a rumor yesterday within the enemys lines that every night for a few nights past some troops, the number of which could not be stated, had been taken front about Petersburg and sent away. It was supposed that they were sent to re-enforce General Early in the Valley. The infantry from Proctors plantation,,on the plank road below Iteains Station, has left. The (hirection is not kitown. Our men heard eight or nine trains on the Weldon railroad last night. They return to the depot to-night, and will be in by morning. Very respectfully, GEORO ~ ~. SHARPE, Colonel, d~e. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, July 20, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, (ihief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report, just received from the signal station at the Jordan house: JULY 20, 1864. Intercepted the following message from rebel signal station: Colonel BRENT, Assi8tant A~jutant-General: One regiment of infantry drilling in open space to our left of Cobbs. About fifty men drilling at battery below Manascillans. One gun-boat and one steamer oft Point of Rocks. One gun-boat above pontoon and two steamers below it. On account of tbe trees which intercept our view we cannot see whether the gun-boat reported last v. in. as approaching Red Bluff coming up, has gone (lown. OPERATOR. (Same to A. B.) CLARK, (apta ?i. By order: I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STIRYKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant of Signal Corps. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL I)EPARTMENT, July 20, 18(54. Maj. Gen. A. A. IIuMPHREY8, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following reports have just been receive(l, and are respectfully forwarded for your information: STATION NEAR ~WTH CouPs HEADQUARTERS, July 20. No change. C~n see a large camp of enemy about three miles northwest of this point. DUFF, Lieutenant Page 347 S CHAD. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 347 PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 20,1864. All quiet; no movement of troops. This a. m. two trains of cars came out from lead-works, and having gone a few hundred yards south backed in toward the city. Occasional wagons cout railroad. inue to pass 1)0th to right and left on road near Weldon 1)UFF, Lieutenant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKER, First Lieutenant (end Adjutant o Signal Corps. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 1864. Captain FISHER: No change. Can see a large camp of enemys about three miles north. west of this point. WARTS, Lieutenant. ~X ALTHALL SIGNAL STATIoN, July 20, 18616,45 ~. m. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: At 0 p. m. saw two trains of cars, one with four and the other with two box-cars, move backward on the Weldon railroad toward the depot. Locomotives moving about at that point for an hour previous, Cars appeared to be empty. The enemys signal officer reports no change in our camps and two gun-boats at the pontoon bridge. inter- cepted the following: HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY BATTALION, July 20, 1864. (01 H. P. JoNEs: The 30-pounder that I am using at the mortars does very well. The other has been disabled by oiie of the enemys batteries and will require a new trail before it can be again used. JOHN LANE, Major, Commanding. The battery where this 30-pounder is located is at Archers. At 5 p. in. Lieutenant Bartlett reported that five trains had passed Port Walthall Junction to-day, going toward iRichinond, partly loaded with troops, and one toward Petersburg, empty. No movement of troops seen. GRAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES IN THE FIELD, Brig. Gen. H. W. BENHAM, July 20, 1864. Commanding Volunteer Engineers: Lieutenant-General Grant desires that you detail a proper officer and a squad of men to repair the defenses at City Point, especially th Page 348 348 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C [CHAP. LII. small redoubt, and the ilifinitry I)alaI)ct iii its vicinity, completing their revetments. The commandin o officer at this post will furnish you with a working party, in addition to your own, on youi requisition. Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Acting Chief Engineer. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRPS, July 20, 18649 a. m. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: There has been no change in the disposition of my troops since last report, except that General Barlows division relieved General Birney~s on fatigue this morning at 5 oclock. W1NFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 20, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I would like to visit General Butlers headquarters and City Point to-morrow, leaving at 10 a. in., if there is no objection. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. [Indorsement.] I have no objection to General Hancock going. G.G.M. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 20, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: There is nothing new to report. The First Division returned from fatigue at 7.30 this evening, and the Second Division has been detailed for 5 a. in. to-morrow. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 18649.30 a. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Very quiet along my front last night and nothing of importance oc- curred. A detail of 350 men from the Fourth Division was at work on General Cutlers right under Captain Gillespie, engineer. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding Page 349 CHAP. LII.j CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 349 LEADQTJARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 1864. General WILLIAMS: The strength of the Sixth New York Heavy Artillery present for duty is 21 officers and 685 men. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 18648.30 p. rn. General HUMPIIREYS: 1 have nothing to report to-iiight. It is believed the work in front of the colored troop3 has been completed. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 186410.25 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS: For the purpose of simplifying and making the corps more effective, I would like to consolidate the Fourth Division with the others. I refer this matter to you because I shall be destroying, in a measure, au old organization of the First Army Corps. I presume there is 110 pros- pect of reviving that corps now on its old basis. It would be difficult, and I think not advisable, at any rate. Respectfully, U. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. U. K. WARREN: July 20, 1864. Your dispatch of 10.25 p. m. asking authority to break up the Fourth Division of your corps has been laid before the commanding general, who is not prepared at present to sanction any change in the organiza- tion of your corps. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjatant- General. JULY 20, 1864. Major DUANE: Did you on the 16th report to General Hunt that the unnecessary firing of my artillery and the consequent return fire needlessly emubar- rassed and obstructed your operaPomis ~ Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major. General of Volunteers Page 350 350 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CH.u. LII. CAMP NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., July 20, 1864.* I respectfully state that the Coehorn mortars were placed in position on the 11th instant at General Ayres request to keep down the fire of the enemy that was injuring his men. They staid in position without firing until the 12th, when I gave the order to receive directions from General Ayres. The delegation of authority from one officer to another is certainly proper in a case like this. General Ayres is a regular artillery officer of experience, and Colonel Kitching, commanding bri- gade, is colonel of a volunteer artillery regiment, also of experience. At the time I gave the order there were no engineer officers at work in this part of the trenches. Complaints of engineers of the kind asserted by General Hunt, I think, should have come to me. I should think that was the proper way. I should have seen into it then, if I had not before. I believe I do not neglect my command or my duty. Probably if such statement had been made to the battery commanders in a respec~ftil manner, to wit, that they were firing unnecessarily and need- - lessly embarrassing the engineers, they would have stopped at once, or at least referred the matter to their superior officer. The engineers in the trenches compared with my troops are few in number, and it would seem hardly proper or just at this time to make my orders to relate altogether to them. If it is ob,jectionable for me to control my artillery because I draw fire on engineer parties it holds equally good against General Hunt, who might, in the opinion of my division commanders, unnecessarily draw the fire on their men, or neglect to keep down the enemys batteries. My chief of artillery cannot, nor can any one man properly direct so many batteries along such a line at any time, especially during an action, and therefore I have given control of the artillery in position to the commander of the troops nearest. I do not agree with General Hunt in many things concerning the management of artillery, but presume a discussion on these points not wanted. I do not think General Hunt right in the tone of his communication, which virtually charges me with bad management, with producing mischief, with discourtesy, & c., which would make me feel very bad if I thought they could be sub- stantiated. G. K. WARREN. SPECiAL ORDERS, ~ IIEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 176. July 20, 1864. * * * * * * * 5. In compliance with paragraph 9, Special Orders, No. 191, head- quarters Army of the Potomac, July 18, 1864, the following-named regiments and independent companies, the term of service of which expires before August 25, 1864, will at once be put en route for Wash- ington, reporting on their arrival to Major-General Halleck, chief of staff for further instructions Eighteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, Companies L and M, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volun- teers. The re-enlisted men and recruits of the Eighteenth Massachusetts Volunteers will be formed into two companies, under the direction of the division commander and will be officered by such officers whose Indorsement on Hunt to Humplireys, July 18, p. 318 Page 351 Ciin~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 351 terms of service do not expire with the regiment. The names of the officers selected will be sent to these headquarters, to be forwarded for the approval of the major-general commanding the army. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH l)IVLSION, FiFTH ARMY Un.~ps, July 20, 1864. Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: Sin: About a week since I reported to you the capture of three men near our Fifth Corps cattle herd, one of whom escaped with a charge of shot in his back. To-day Lieut. A. T. Morgan, who is in command of my provost guard, visited some men stationed as safeguards, at the request of Major Rider, for the purpose of arranging for their rations, & c. When near the house of Mr. Tatum, he was captured by nine rebel cavalry commanded by a lieutenant. They were armed with car- bines and revolvers. Upon being informed by the safeguard that he was their commander he was released, and informed that they were ordered to respect safeguards, & c. They boasted of having captured many of our men within a week. Lieutenant Morgan says there is no guard or picket between our cattle herd and where he was captured. The man who was captured and escaped the other day says the same. Lieutenant Morgan is a very reliable man and every word he says can be believed. I suggest that Captain Smith may not find his cattle all safe at so great a distance from camp, and iio pickets. Very respectfully, L. CUTLER, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. The rebel lieutenant told Lieutenant Morgan that he had sent in over 400 deserters and stragglers from our lines within two weeks. L. CUTLER Brigadier- General, Comrnan~1ing. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 18641) a. m. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: I have nothing of importance to report this morn lug. There was more than the usual amount of both artillery and musketry- last night. The enemy sounded his reveille at 3 a. m. The mine is about ready to charge now, and no attempts at countermining have been discovered. The lateral galleries can be carried farther if thought desirable and further delay in exploding the mine is decided upon. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- Genera Page 352 352 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. Lii HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 20, 1864. Major-General BUENSIDE: The commanding general requests me to say that he knows of noth- ing to prevent your going to City Point this p. m. A. A. ILUMPUREYS, Mqjor- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 18641 p. ii. General HUMPHREY8: Have I the power to relieve 13r1 (adier- U eneral Ferrero from com- mand, or must the application be made to army headquarters l A. E. I3URNSIDE, Major. General. IIEKDQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 20, 1864. Major-General BUENSIDE: I am instructed to say that General Ferreros application to be relieved from duty with this army should bc sent to these headquarters. S. WILLIAMS, - tssistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 1864. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General General Burnside desires that you will send over at once by a special messenger the papers in the case of General Ferrero. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 18649 p. m. General WILLIAMS: We to-day blew up, by a mortar shell, a magazine of the enemys in their redoubt near the road. Another house within their lines from which their sharpshooters were annoying us was set on fire by one of our batteries and consumed. The usual amount of firing is going on. A. E. BUIRNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTK ARMY CORPS, July 20, 1864. (Ileceived 11.30 p. in.) General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: The application of General Ferrero was sent up this afternoon. Your dispatch calling for the papers of General Ferrero I presume referre Page 353 Ca& p. Lfl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIoN. 353 to some other matters which we were copying for General Buruside and were sent np by an orderly directed to General Buruside, and an orderly has gone up to bring them back. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July .20, 1864. (Received 11.35 p. in.) General S. WLLLLAi~IS, Assistant Adjutant- General: General Ferreros application to be relieved went np with sojue other official docinimemits. L. RICHMOND. Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. FIRST BRiG., FIRST Div., NINTH ARMY CoRPS, July 20, 1864. Lieut. Vol. LEWIS RICHMOND, A. A. G., Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in my tour of duty of yesterday as general of the trenches I found the several commands intent upon their duty. Nothing unusual occurred, the policing was at- tended to so far as possible, takiig into consideration the weather. The sanitary condition of the camps and trenches would be much improved did company and regimental commanders exercise more care. From standing water some of the covered ways were rendered nearly im- passable. I would most respectfully suggest that in constructing cov- ered ways and trenches that attention should be given to drainage, so hir as consistent with the general object of the works. The enemy sent tip a rocket about 10 p. m. It was thought also that last evening the enemy opened a breach in their front opposite the right of the Third Division; it might have been an embrasure. It is reported to me that the enemy station sharpshooters in the large pine trees opposite the right of the Second Division. Officer of the day for the Third Division did not report to me. I have the honor to be, niost respectfully and obediently, J. P. GOULD, Vol. 59th Mass. Vols., (Jorndg. 1st Brig., General of the Trenches. [Indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, ehtly 20, 1864. 1 am directed by the general commanding to say that means are being taken to drain the tremtches and covered ways. I have the ho tor to be, very respectfully, your ol)edielit servant, EDWARD M. NEILL, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISIoN, NINrmL ARMY CORPS, Ilefore Petersburg, lTa., July 20, 1864. Lient. Vol. LEWIS RICHMOND, A. A. G., Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my command was held in readiness last night, in compliance with orders received, to repel an 23 R RVOL XL, PT 11 Page 354 354 OPERATiONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. anticipated attack of the enemy. Nothing serious, however, occurred. A continuous picket-firing was kept up during the night with but slight casualties in my command. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Cononanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTh ARiuY CORPS, July 20, 1861. General R. B. POTTER: The general commanding desires that you will obtain from Colonel Pleasants as soon as possible and transmit to him an exact statement of the condition and progress of the mine at this time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. VAN BUREN, Major and Aide-dc-Camp. HDQRS. FORTY-EIOHTH PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENT, July 20, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. B. POTTER, Commanding Second Di vision, Ninth Corps: GENERAL: The main gallery is completed. 1 have excavated two other galleries, commencing at the inner extremity of the mine, and running under the enemys works. The length of both these galleries is fifty feet (not of each). The ground is full of springs where I am now mining, but I could have made better progress in the last three days if I had not stopped the work frequently to prop it securely, and in order to listen and ascertain if the enemy was mining near us. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY PLEASANTS, Lieutenant- Colonel. [Lndor~emcnt.J HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for information of general commanding. ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVlSIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 20, 1864. Lent. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the enemys fire on our left has increased during the day. He has been constructing rifle-pits between his main line and ours, on the slope at the head of the ravine beyond the railroad cut. A caisson or magazine in the rebel earth- work opposite our left was exploded at 4 oclock this afternoon, by a shell from our battery near the burnt house. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 355 CHAI-. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 355 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, July 20, 18618 a. in. Assistant Adjutant-General, N Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that no events of importance transpired during the night. The pickets heard the rebel reveille beat at 3 oclock this morning. Very respectfully, 0. 13. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvlSLoN, Licut. Col. L. RICHMOND, July 20, 1864~8 p. in. Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Details have employed to-day cutting new abatis, which will be laid soon after dark at points where it is weak. A mortar shell caused an explosion this afternoon in the rebel redonbt on left of New i~Jarket road. Captain Roemer threw a shell into a house in the rebel lines this evening, which set tire to the building. The shell was charged with inflammable material, mixed for the purpose by Roemer. He says the first shot did the business. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. CITY PolNT, VA., July 20, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, d~c.: Can you tell me if recruiting is now going on from the prisoners of war at Point Lookout? I highly disapprove of recruiting from such sources, and even reluctantly admit of the propriety of enlisting deserters and refugees. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. JULY 20, 18649 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: In answer to your telegram I have the honor to report that recruiting has stopped at Point Lookout. I am about to go to the front at Peters- burg to-day. Shall I have the pleasure of meeting the lieutenant-gen- eral there? Respectfully, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY POINT, July 20, 186411.30 a. m. Major-%3-eneral BUTLER: I shall be engaged to-day, so that it will be doubtful about my going to the front. If I go, it will not be earlier than 3 p. m. I have relieved General Smith from command of the Eighteenth Corps, and shall plac Page 356 356 OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. General Ord in his place. it is iiow open to select a commander for the Tenth Corps. Do you think of any major-general available who you would like to have ~ Birney aiid Gibbon are with the Army of the Potomac, only commanding divisions. General Ord will-meet you to-day at the Eighteenth Corps headquarters. ~. ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 20, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Our signal officer reports that the enemy in some force has just encamped on a hill three miles northwest of the Walthall house. This is, beyond all doubt, a force established as a reserve midway between our line here and Petersburg, and indicates that they are expecting an attack here. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. CITY PoINT, July 20, 1864. General BUTLER: As it will be several days before the balance of the Nineteenth Corps will arrive it will not be advisable to send any portion of it to Deep Bottom at present. Send none of it over until at least a complete divis- ion is here, and when that is sent over withdraw Foster so as to hold your line at Bermuda Hundred perfectly safe. Such portion of the Nineteenth Corps as you have should be encamped, if it is not already, near the line of intrenchments, so as to be ready to take them in case of an attack. U. S. GRANT Lieutenant- Jeneral. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, - July 20, 1864. (Received 9.20 a. in.) General BUTLER: If convenient to you, I propose to call on you to-morrow, leaving here at 10 a. m. I would like to take a boat from your headquarters to City Point with my staff; if practicable, to call on General Grant. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, July 20, 18649.40 a. m. General HANCOCK: The boat will be ready. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General Page 357 Cxii~. LIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 357 INDIANAPOLIS, IND., July 20, 1864. (Received 12.50 p. 111.) His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President of the United States: Notice resigiiatiou of Secretary Stanton, and see it intimated that General Butler may be his successor. For Gods sake give us Butler, and my word for it the loyal people of the Northwest will all say amen. J. L. WRiGHT, Chairman Union (entra 1 Committee, Indiana. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 20, 1864. J. L. WRIGHT, I1tdianapolis, md.: All a mistake. Mr. Stanton has not resigned. A. LINCOLN. .JULY 20, !8(;4. Captain LUBEY, New York Volunteer Engineers, Jones Neck: I have ordered a box of carpenters tools to be sent you. That bridge calls for so much more material than I expected that 11 will first confer With General Butler. General Foster will furnish you the infantry detail and axes without doubt when~ you tell him what it is for. Cant you build the bridge entirely of corduroy or logs so as to be passable ~ have a talk with Foster about it. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- 4~eneral. 1)EEP BOTTOM, VA., July 20, 1864. (Received 8.50 p. in.) General WEITZEL: I can build the bridge with logs and corduroy, but it will take longer time to do it. General Foster will give all the men I require. He has only 100 axes, the majority of which he wants to use cutting slashing. Please order the depot quartermaster at Jones Landing to furnish inc with a few teams daily. I will also want spikes amid nails. The width of the creek is about 1,500 feet. T. LUBEY, Captain, & c. DEEP BOTTOM~ VA., July 20, 1864. (Received 3.35 p. in.) General WEITZEL: SIR: The engineers work at this post is completed. S. C. EATON, Captain of Volunteer Engineers Page 358 358 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII. JULY 20, 1804. Capt. S. C. EATON, Deep Bottom: Your dispatch received. You will return at once with all the engineer officers an(1 troops under your command to the camp of the regiment near these headquarters and report to Maj~ Walker, commanding. Show this order to General Foster. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of & aff. JULY 20 18 04. Lient. W. H. BALDWIN, Fort Powhatan Dont raise that tower any higher. They will have to raise one at City Point to reach yours. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. Major DAVIS, July 20, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: The following regimentsOne hundred and sixty-second New York Volunteers and One hundred and seventy-third New York Volunteers, also detachment of the One hundred and sixtieth New York Volun- teershave arrive(l and have been placed in camp in compliance with instructions. They number about 788 men. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller: XV. S. 110W, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. Maj. H. S. DAVIS, BERMUDA, July 20, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the Ninth Regi- ment Connecticut Vohinteers, numbering 294 men und Col. T. W. Cahill, of the Third [First] Brigade, er command of First [Second] Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. By command of C. E. Fuller, quartermaster: Very respectfully, W. S. HOW. BERMUDA, July 20, 1864. (Received 11.40 a. in.) Major DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to report the arrival of~ the Twenty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, numbering 000 men, under coin - mand of Col. A. B. Farr, and are from the Second [First] Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller: Very respectfully, W. S. HOW, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster Page 359 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 359 IIEADQITARTIERN FIOJITEENTII A iiM~ CORPS, J~dy 20, 1864. To TUE OFFICERS AND SoLumus OF TIlE iSTI-I ARMY CORPS: I part from you, in acc~dance witli orders from the lieutenant-gen- eral commanding the Armies of the United States, with great regret, and my highest 1)ride is that you will share my feelings. Since I have been your commander I have tried to share with you your dangers and have rejoiced with you in your gallant deeds. During this time your record has been bright and unsullied. Whatever in it has not l)een all that you could wish, I can assure you has been from no fault or shortcoming of yours, and I trust that you will believe that I have been no more culpable than yourselves. May God bless and always crown your efforts with victory. WM. F. SMITH, ]1ft~~or- General. GENERAL ORDERS, TIDQRS. EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 94. July 20, 1864. To THE OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE 18TH ARMY CORPS: Sincerely regretting that any circumstances or necessity should deprive mis of our late commander and his able leadership, by virtue of Special Orders, No. 61, paragraph III, from headquarters Armies of the United States, dated July 18, 1864, 1 hereby assume command of the Eighteenth Arniy Cores. I have only to ask that officers and men will be mindful of the favorable reputation which they have acquired by their past conduct and inspired with resolutioim to maintain it in the future. J. H. MAIITINDALE, Brigadier- General, Corn m anding. VIEADQUAnTERS DISTRiCT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Revue, N. C., July 20, 1864. Maj. Geim. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Corn 4g. Dept. of TTirginia and North Carolina, Fort Monroe: GENERAL: A very kind letter written by you on the 20th of May has been very unaccountably (lelayed until this muorning, when I received it. There was nothing in this letter, however, that required special attention. It inclosed a list of the P)rces from North Carolina in your frommt. We lm?t-ve kept the rebels at Kinston in some trouble, and the refugees who have last come in inform me that sonic re-enforcemnents had recently arrived there. TIme ram is still in good order, but aground opposite the town, and I have 110 fears of her. I hope to be able to (lestroy that ram yet. An expedition, consisting of two or three offi- cers and about thirty picked muemi, was to have started to-night to try to get at the railroad by taking the paths through the swamups. If I can procure good gmmides I am in hopes of being al)le to interrnl)t the travel from Wilmington for a. time at least. I am, general, very resl)ectfnhly, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General. P. S.I have just learned that a large package of letters from de- l)artmmment headquarters, forwarded about 20th of May, was by some blundering carried to Hatteras, ammd there thrown aside; miot discovered until a day or two since. In this package was the letter referred to. I. N. P Page 360 360 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. reMAP. LII. CITY 1~OI1Nr, VA., July 21, 186 ili ti. m. (Received (3 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, llaskington, 1). C.: You may retain Wrights comman(1 until trie departure of Early is assured, or other forces are collected to make its presence no longer necessary. I have ordered another regiment of heavy artillery back to Washington, but they will not go while the Sixth an(l part of the Nineteenth Corps arO there. I am now selI(lmg back all veterans whose term of service expires previous to the 25th of Auus If Early has ~ ~t. halted about Berryville what is there to 1)revellt Wright and Hunter from attacking him ~? IT. S. GRANT, Lieu ten ((Ut- (~enera 1. WAsH1N~IvroN, July 21, 186111.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Eu.: General Barnard is ordered to report. to you. Engineer officers have been sent several times to Baltimore to lay out the works. Some are there now. I think, front personal examination, that they are better located than the defenses of Washington. It appears that Early sent a small force south with his plunder, and mnasse(l the rest near Win- chester. General Averell had a skirmish there yester(lay, and reports having killed and wounded over 300 rebels, taking 200 prisoners and 4 pieces of artillery. Nothing heard from Wright for three (lays. When he received your orders he rel)hie(l that h~. would return as soon as assured of rebel retreat. Your telegram about merging departments is in the hands of the Secretary of XVar. I have no good reason for removing or superseding General Augur. He is capable and efficient. General Franklin would not. give satisfaction. Tile President ordered him to be tried for negligence and (lisobedielice of orders when hew before but General McClellan assumed the responsibility of his repeated delays in obeying orders. II. XV. JIALLECK. M((jOP- General ((Jul CIt ict of A4ta if. Cvrx- POINT, VA., Julq 21, 1S6111.~0 a. m. (Received ~ P. ni.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: There is no indication of any troops having been sent. from here north. I)eserters coming in daily indicate nearly every division of Hills, Long- streets, and Beauregards forces. Hills corps has withdrawn from its position on the extreme right, aiid was yesterday in rear of the other part of the line held by the enemy. There is a rumor of some force having been sent to Georgia; but if this is so, it. is most likely only regimemmts selected from their comman(ls. IT. S. GRANT, Lieu ten ant- (i,enera.l Page 361 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~1TNIO?~. CH~. LII.] 361 WASHINGTON Ju Lieutenant-General GRANT, , ly 21, 18645.40 p. rn. City Point, Isa.: When General Ord wa~ sent to you he commanded fragments of the Eighth and Nineteenth Corps. The portion of the latter north has no commander. No order has yet beeii issued assigning him. If after seeing him you wish it for the Tenth Corps it will be immediately issued. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of AS~ta ~J. HEADQUARTERS Am~rv OF TILE POTOMAC July 21, 18641.15 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: In compliance with your instructions of yesterday, I have designated the Sixth New York Heavy Artillery as the regiment to be sent to the defenses of Washington. The regiment will leave here as soon as the Sixth Corps begins to arrive. The strength ot the regiment present for duty is 21 offic~m-s and 685 men. GEO. (~. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Col. T. S. BOWERS: July 21, 1864. In compliance with the requirements of paragraph 5 of Special Orders, No. 61, headquarters Armies of the United States, the follow- ing megiments, whose terms of sem-vice expire before August 25, have beemi ordered to Washington: Eighteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, aggregate strength present, 137; Seventy -second Pennsylvaiiia Volun- teers, aggregate strength present, 126; One hundred and sixth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, aggregate strength pi-esent, 29; also two com- panies Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, aggregate strength pres- ent, 47; aggi-egate of the force sent, 339. These are all the I-egiments m-eported in the Second F and as the ifth, Ninth Corps coming within i)rovisioilS of the order. No report has as yet been received from the Cavalry Corps. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ?~ IIDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES. No. 64. City Point, ITa., July 21, 1864. I. Subject to the approval of the President, Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to the (ommand of the Eighteenth Army Corps, amid will relieve Brig. Gen. J. H. 1~Iartindale, now temporarily conimau(hing. II. Subject to the approval of the President, Maj. Gen. ID. B. Birney, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to the command of the Tenth Army Corps, amid will melieve Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, temporarily com- manding. * * * * * * Page 362 3~2 OPERATIONS TN SE. VA. AND N. C. [(ThAP. LII. JV. Col. Henry S. Burton, Fifth U. S. Artillery, is relieved from duty in the Eighteenth Army Corps, and will report to Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, commanding the Army of the Potomac, for orders. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 21, 1864. [General HIJTMPHREYS:] GENERAL: From our party sent out last night and returned this morning we learn as follows: Our agent reports that there is no doubt whatever that the divisions of Hills corps on the enemys right were moved night before last by rail to the vicinity of Petersburg. All the trains which ran night before last carried troops, and he has learned by the evidence of those who have seen them that Hills troops were lying yesterday about a mile and a half from Petersburg on the easterly side of the Weldon railroad. The expression used was, they were lying there in camps, and the person describing them said lie thought they reached -along a distance of about half a mile. It is also certain that most of the infantry was moved from Reams Station night before last, that it returned to the vicinity of Petersburg on the cars, and that but 150 iimfantry are now in that vicinity. Colonel Phillips, of a Georgia regiment of cavalry, is in command on the enemys right, having his headquarters at Wyatts house; and his command seenis to be a mixed one, made np of small detachments from various cavalry regiments. The rumor is still prevalent within the enemys lines that for several nights past some troops have been moved away. This rumor is very indistinct, and can be traced to no particular facts; but yesterday it was sai(l that troops were being sent to Georgia. Oni men brought Richmond and Petersburg papers of yesterday, and another party which was expected to get beyond the Weldon railroad last night is expected in every moment. Very respectfully, GEORGE TI. SHARPE, Colonel, & e. [IndorRelnent.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 21, 186410 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The foregoing is forwarded for your information. The papers referred to are sent by orderly. GEO. (4. MEADE, 1lh~or- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MAR SIIAL-GENERAL, July 21, 1864. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief ~f Staff: GENERAL: Three deserters from the Fifth North Carolina Regiment, Gordons old cavalry brigade, W. TI. F. Lees division, caine into our lines this a. mu. about 10 oclock. They were forwarded from the head Page 363 CHAP. LItl CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 363 quarters of the Second Brigade, Tlii id Cavalry Di vi sio ii. They left their brigade oii the west side ot the Norfolk railroad, about tour miles from Petersburg. They are unintelligeiit and possess no information. They state that Hamptons division of cavalry is somewhere in the vicinity of their division, but cannot locate it. They know of no move- ments in Lees army. Two contrabands brought in with them left Petersburg yesterday morning. They came down the railroad as far as Reams Station, and came into our lines from that point. They know of no troops having been sent away from Petersburg. They possess no military information. Very resl)eetfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. First indorsemeiit.] Mr. BABCOCK: It is stated these deserters left their brigade west of the Norfolk railroad, about four miles from Petersburg. Is not the Weldon rail. road meantl A. A. II., Major- (Jenerdi. [Seeond indorsesnentj GENERAL: The stenographer made a mistake in copying. It is the - Norfolk [WeldonJ railroad. Respectfully, J. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Colonel SHARPE, July 21, 18648 p. in. Deputy Provost-Mar8hal- General, City Point: - From deserters received to.day we can learn of no movements what. ever in Lees army. I do not believe Hills corps has left the trenches at all. Other party not in. J. C. B. JULY 21, 1864. / Captain FISHER: No change in enemys camps about the city. Lieutenant Bartlett reports this a. in. two traiis moving past Port Waithall Junction toward Petersburg with a few passengers aboard. CHAS. L. DAVIS, (!apta in, & c. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, Jiiiq 21, 1864. Captain FISHER: No change this a. m. A train of ten cars, loaded with forage, caine out from lead-works a short (histanee ail(l returned. No movements of tFOOj)5. J. B. I)UFF, Signal OtJl(vr Page 364 364 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. fOuiP. LII. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1864. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following received from plank road station, 5 p. in.: All quiet until 1 p. in., when a small party of enemy began work on southeast cor- ner of each of the two redonbts in vicinity of Gregorys Chimneys. I )UFF. Two trains at 5 p. in. passed Port Waithall Junction toward Petersburg and one toward Richmond earlier in the day, all partly loaded with citizens and soldiers. 1)AVIS. Very respectfully, your ol )e(liellt servant, B. F. FISHER, Cajptain and Chief Signal Otjicer, Army of the Potomac. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 194. July 21, 1864. 1. Brig. Gen. E. Ferrero having reported to the commanding general that he has received official information that his appointment as a brig- adier-general, volunteer service, has been revoked by the President by reason of its nonconfirmation by the Senate, is at his own request relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac. The commanding general of the Ninth Corps will assign a suitable officer to the command of the troops comprising Brigadier-General Ferreros command. * * * * * * * 7. Major-General Hancock, commanding Second Corps, will relieve early to-morrow morning by troops of his command the division of col- - ored troops now holding the intrenchinents on the left of Fifth Corps. Brigadier-General White, commanding colored troops, on being relieved will report to Major-General Burnside, commanding Ninth Corps. Major-General Hancock will command that portion of the hue occupied by the Second Corps. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1861. General WILLIAMS: I report my return from City Point. WLNFD S. HANCOCK. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, ~Juiy 21, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: There has been no change in the disposition of my command since last report, except the Second Division has gone on fatigue. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 365 Cn~u. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 365 HiADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In compliance with paragraph 1, Special Orders, No. 171, headquarters Army of the Potomac, June 28, 1864, I have the honor to report the following organizations as having left the command by reason of expiration of term of service, from July 10 to 20: Present when disthasged ~ Dateofexpir ~ ationofterni Organizatioti. ~ of service. S a 0 16th Massachusetts Volunteers 6 105 lii July 11, 1864 15th Massachusetts Volunteers 5 I 6~ 67 July 12, 1864 20th Massachusetts Volunteers 21 July 16, 1864 Total 121 187 1991 Seventy-second and One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers ordered to Washington, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 191, headquarters Army of the Potomac. Terms of service expire, respect- ively, 10th and 16th of August, 1864. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General of Volunteers, Comlnauding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS: There has been no change in the disposition of my troops since last report, except that the Second Division is relieved from fittigue, and the Third Division detailed for same duty for to-morrow. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1864. Brigadier-General BARLOW, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you move your (livision at 5 a. m. to-morrow to the Avery house (General War. rens headquarters) for fatigue duty, leaving small regimental guards in camp. An engineer officer will be at the Avery house to conduct the division from that point and to designate the work to be done. Very res~)ectfuIly, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief oJ Staff Page 366 366 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. ORDER$.J HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 21, 1864. The Second Division, Colonel Smyth commanding, wi]l relieve to- morrow morning, commencing as soon after daylight as practicable, the division of colored troops under General Ferrero, now holding the intrenchments on the left of the Fifth Corps, conferring with General Ferrero to-night. When the line is completely relieved Colonel Smytli will report the facts to these headquarters. He will have command of that portion of the line held by the Second Division. By command of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. NOTE.General Ferreros headquarters are near the redoubt on the railroad on the left of the line. HEADQUARTERS THiRD DIViSION, SECOND CORPS, July 21, 1(561. Col. W. C. L. TAYLOR, Commanding Twentieth In Jiana Volunteers: COLONEL: I cannot part with yourself and the portion of your regi- ment that leaves iuy commamid without thanking you and those gallant men for their services during the campaigns of 1862, 1863, and the present year. You will always be associated with the distinguished record of the regiment and division, and I ant sure you leave with us a band of veterans that will not disgrace you or the name that they retain. Wishing you a safe return to your friends aIJ(l l)losl)erons futnre, 1 am, your obedient servant, 1). B. BIRNEY, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 21, 18649.30 a. m. General WILLIAMS: Nothing unusual or of importance occurred in my front last night. A party of 350 men, under Captain Gillespie, engineer, were at work on General Cutlers front during the night. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 21, 1864. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: in reply to your telegram of yesterday 1 have to state that I made no report to General Hunt writh regard to the working parties being annoyed by artillery fire on your front. J. C. DUANE, Major of Engineers Page 367 CHIP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 367 llEADQuARrE1~s Aw~iy OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. U. K. WARREN, July 21, 1864. Commanding Fifth Army Corps: In connection with your indorsement of the 20th instant* on the let- tei~ of the chief of artillery to the chief of staff of the 18th instant, referred to you for information and report, the major-general command- ing directs me to say that he desires you will give, as far as practica- ble, the direction of the artillery of your corps to the chief of artillery, and that when, in your opinion, that officer cannot give the necessary attention to any particular battery, and that the direction of it should be given to the division commander, the orders should be sent to the battery through the chief of artillery, and that while he is willing to admit the difficulty of any one man superintending the details dnriii g action of so many batteries, he does not see that this furnishes any argament for his being set aside altogether, and that he believes that with conciliation and harmony and a disposition to co-operate there need be no difficulty in having all proper orders giveI~ and executed. Very respectfully, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- (Jon oral. (Copy to (icueral Hunt.) IIEADQUARrERS FiFTiL ARMY Co~rs Jaly 21, 1864. (Received 12.10 p. in.) Major-General IIUMPHREYs: I forward the foHowing: IIEADQUARTE 115 Tnwn Div isi ox, Furn Awu~- Coi~ps, July 21, iSGI. General WAERE~: GENERAL: A sermaiit and three inca from one of the Virginia regiments came into my lines last nightr A patrol sent in search of them approaching our line too closely was fired upon. These men report that an official order had been published reliev- ing General Johnston at Atlanta and conferring the command upon General Hood. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier.Generai. P. 8.it is reported to inc that the trains on the Weldoti road, bound north, stop at a bridge about Blicks or Dunlops and run in after dark. S. W. C. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. IIEADQUARTER$ ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 21, 1864. General WARREN: The commanding general wishes to know where the cattle of the Fifth Corps are herded and where ~Patums house is. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, ___ Major- General. * See p. 3~O Page 368 368 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII? HEADQUARTERS FIFTh ARMY CORPS, Major-General JIUMPHREYS, July 21, 1564. Chief of & a#: The cattle of the corps are herded near I)aniels house, about two miles west of headquarters Army of the Potomac. Tatums house is one mile farther west of Daniels. Our cattle are driven out in the morning aud iu at night, and have a guard of fifteen men. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTEnS FIFTH ARMY CoRPS, Brig. tien. S. WILLIAMS, July 21, 18649 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: 1 have to report nothing of importance having occurred in my front to-day. Five prisoners, 1 from Fourteenth Alabama and 4 from Forty- first Virginia Regiment. were received and forwarded to the provost- marshal-general this p. m. C. K. WARREN, AI~)or- General. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY BRIG ADE, SIXTII Coups, ., July 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. ~. WILLIAMS, City Point Va Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the 13th instant I re- ceived orders from Lieutenant-General Grant, commanding Armies of the United States, to proceed to Baltimore with four batteries of the Sixth Corps and report to Major-General Ord. The command arrived at Baltimore on the 15th and 16th. Not finding Major-Guneral Ord at Baltimore, I telegraphed Major-General ilalleck for orders, an(l by his direction proceeded to Washington by rail on the evening of the 16th and reported to Major-General Augur. At 9 a. m. 17th instant I re- ceived an order from Lieutenant-General Grant to return to City Point, and embarked that night, arriving at this place on the 19th. The First Delaware Cavalry, dismounted, were assigned to this brigade for gnard duty during the absence of the corps, and accompanied my coin- mand to Baltimore, where they were retained by order of Major-General Halleck. I inclose copies of the several orders which I received. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. TOMPKINS, Major, Commanding Brigade. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 25, 1864. Respectfully referred to chief of artillery for hi~ inforniation. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant A~jutant- U uneral Page 369 GK& P. LIT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 369 Secon(L indor~e,i,eiit. ARTILLERY [JEADQUARTE RS, ARMY OF Ill E POTOMAC, July 25, 1~64. Respectful] let urned to heacl( naiters A riti v of the i~otoiua.c. hENRY J. HUNT, i~riqadier- General, (Iltief of Artillery. ITEADQI ARTE RS AuM Y OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel RICHMOND, July 21, ISGI7 a. in. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have found General Ferreros application. It was with sonic papers that came in yesterday ~tfternoon. The package was opened by Major Barstow and I neglected to look over his papers when searching for the application. I will send over immediately the order for General Ferrero. He can readily reach the mail boat at City Point before 10 a. in. You can send word to General Ferrero that the order is on the way to him. S. WILLiAMS, A ss ista ii t .1 djutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NiNTH ARMY CORPS, General WILLIAMS, July 21, 186-19 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General I have nothing especial to report. There was the usual amount of firing. We strengthened our front last iiight by more abatis. The mine is now ready for the reception of the magazines, it is desirable that they should not go in till we are ready to explode, that the charge may not suffi~r from dampness. A. E. BUUNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS Awxt Y OF 1 [[E POTOMAC, Maj; Gen. A. E. BURNSIDE, July 21, 1864. Commanding Ninth Army Corps: Who have you assigned to the command, of the (livisioli of colored trool)s? S. XViLLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINIn Ani~i x Cones, July 21, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assista n t A ~jutant- General: General Burnside has goiWto City Poiiit; will rel)ly to your telegram on his return. E. M. NEILL, Assistant A djnt a~n t- General. 24 i~ RVOL XL~ I~T Il Page 370 370 .OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS IN JNTH ARMY CoRps, July 21, 1864. General WILLIAMs: General Bartlett who has reported here has iio assistant adjutant- general and has asked if Capt. C. W. Emory FC. B. Amory1, who was appointed for General Stevenson, (an be assigned to him. General Bartlett takes General Stevensons old brigade. General Stevenson has already been appointed to a command in Fifth Corps. General Bartlett thinks Captain Emory [Amory] is to arrive from Washingtoii to-day. General White is to have the Fourth Division. A. E. BUJiNSIDE, ih~jor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 21, 18646.40 p. in. Major-General BURNSIDE: So far as we kno~v Capt. C. W. Emory, assistant adjutant-general, has iiot been assigned to duty with this army, but Capt. C. B. Aniory, assistant adjutaiit-geiieral, was not loimg ago assigned to us. lie was, however, subsequently transferred to the Third Ri-i gade, First Division, Tenth Army Corps. Perhaps he is the officer you allude to. If not and should Captain Emory report to us lie will be assigned to you as requested. ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, July 21, LSUI7.Q0 r m. Major-General BUENSIDE: Please state, for the information of the commanding general, under what orders General Bartlett has reported to you. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIEADQUARTE RS NiN TIL AR1~LY CORPS, July 21, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: General Bartlett reported under General Oi-ders, INo. 70, War l)epart- ment, 1863. He has but just repoTted and has not yet really joined his command. A. E. BUliNSiDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, July 21, 18649.10 p. in. General BURN5IDE: General Orders, No. 70, of 1863, would seem to require that Genei-al Bartlett should report at these headquarters for assignment to duty. in your dispatch you state that Geneial Stevenson has beeii appointed to a command in the Fifth Corps. Is there not some inistake about this ~ S. WILLiAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 371 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 371 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1864. General WILLIAMS: General Bartlett was colonel of the Fifty-seventh Massachusetts, ~in our First Division, and was wounded in the Wilderness. Whilst away he was appointed brigadier-general, and as this corps was a separate command when he left he reported direct on his return, which was a mistake. He will report to-morrow as soon as I can reach him. I have learned that the Captain Amory to whom I referred is in the Tenth Corps, so we cannot get him. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 21, 18649 p. m. General WILLIAMS: There has been to-day great activity on the part of the enemy iu front of my Second and Third I)ivisions digging and strengthening their line. While I am not disposed to ask for a4ditional troops on the line, I beg to remind the commanding general of the statemeut ma(le to him last night in reference to that portioii of the line occupied by Gen- eral Willcox, our extreme left. It is a single line and our troops are growing very weary; they would not resist an attack with the same vigor that they would have done a week ago. The indications all point- ing to an attack by the enemy upon my front, if any attack is made by them, I beg to suggest that a portion of the Second Corps should be moved to within supporting distance of our position, or at any rate should be held in readiness to move to our support. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS July 21, 1861. Geiieral WILLIA1~IS: If it is wished, General Bartlett will be directed to report to your headquarters for assignment. At the time he left th~ corps for a wound received at the Wilderness~ the corps had not been attached to the Army of the Potoniac. I should like to have him, as he is one of our old colonels. He will take the command of the brigade formerly com- manded by General Stevenson, who was killed at Spotsylvania. The Capt. C. B. Amory for whom he applied was appoiiited for General Stevenson, but did not receive his appointment until after that generals death. He will, if assigned to General Bartlett, serve with the brigade to which it was originally intended he should be attached. It was thought that Captain Amory would report at your headquarters to-day. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 21, 186410.30 p. m. Major-General BURNSIDE: If General Bartlett has received his appointment since he left your corps, I suppose on returning to duty now he should, under Genera Page 372 372 OPERATIONS IN SE, VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Orders, No. 70, report here for assignment. He can report by telegraph or letter, and I presume he will, be assigned to your corps. If he already belongs to your corps as a general officer there is no need of his reporting here. Should Captain Amory, assistant adjutant-general, report here, he will be assigned to your corps, but as I stated in my dispatch of this evening, he has .l)een recently ordered to the Tenth Corps, so that we do not expect hiiu. S. WiLLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. FIRST BRu~., SECOND Div., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 21, 1864. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report as general officer of the trenches for the tour ending at S a. m. this day: Nothing of importance has occurred along the line. Considerable artillemy firing was kept up on our front yesterday; at night the mus- ketry fire of the enemy was unusually sharp. During the day the line of trenches were thoroughly policed aild every exertion made to drain them. Covered ways at several points wei-e strengthened. No further indications of movements of the enemy were observed than that they were constantly at work strengthening their line of works. Reports were made that they were establishing a new line; from the best observation I doubt the report. About 3 p. iii. the enemy opened with mortars in a new position from what has been noticed before, viz, about 300 yards to the left of the railroad track. Owing to the hour of relieving division officer of the da$r the report of general officer is neces- sarily delayed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. P. STEERE, Colonel, (loindy. First Brig., Second Div., Ninth Army Corps, General Officer of Trenches, 20th instant. IIEADQUAWLERS FiRST DIvISIoN, NiNTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 21 18648 a. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant A~jntant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet along my line for the past twelve hours, the First and Second Brigades relieving each other, the Second going to the rear line, one- half 1)roceeding to camp in the rear for two days. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES II. LEDLIE, inding Division. Brigadier- General Comm hEADQUARTERS THiRD DiVISION, July 21, 18648 a. rn. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Co~ps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that both brigades were en- gaged in laying iiew abatis and otherwise strengthening their liue Page 373 CHAP. LIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 37~ last night. One thousand sand-bags are required by the division. A new rifle-pit, with abatis, has been cOnstructed across the New Market road by the Forty-sixth New York. 0. B. WILLUOX, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. FJRST BRiG., THIRD Div., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 21, 18647 a. m. Capt~ P. A. HUTCHINS, Asst. Adji. (len., Third Division, Ninth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report no change on my front since last evenings report. About seventy pieces of abatis timber were put out during the night; more will be put out to-night; 400 or 50() sand- bags are needed for the use of the brigade. During the late rain the earth has settled considerably, and besides many of the bags have been cut to pieces by the enemys bullets. I would suggest that sand- bags instead of grain~sacks be procured. The latter cannot be used as advantageously on the pits. I am, very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, J. F. HARTRANFT, Briqad ier- (jell cral, Corn manding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1864. Respectfully forwarded with request thu t, if possible, 1,000 sand-bags may be furnished for the First Brigade. 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH J)IvISIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near i~etersbnrg. Va., july 21, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: SIR: General Ferrero left for Washington this morning, but neglected to sign a paper for the accompanying statement. I have, therefore, taken the liberty of signing for the general as he desired the facts should be made known to you. I trust, sir, the liberty will be oyerlooked. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. A. HICKS, Assistant A djutant- General. [Iiclosm-e.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersbwr#, Va., July 21, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I would respectfully state that Thomas Scott lived on the picket-hue of my command, an(l gave me munch information as to the country in my front and its inhabitants. The pass in question was given him to visit Colonel Morrison, commanding Third Regiment Ne Page 374 tCHA~1~. LII. 374 ol4~ItATIONS IN St~. VA. ANtI N. C. Jersey Cavalry, then doing picket duty in front of my infantry pickets. We received sudden orders to move in the evening of the 9th (the date of the pass) or it wonid have been taken up by the guard on his return. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD FERREIRO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Per GEG. A. HICKS, Assistant A djutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 21, 18641.15 p. m. Major-General SHERIDKN, Cavalry Corps: I am instructed to inform you that parties of guerrillas are prowling in the vicinity of the south side of the Blackwater, about south of Prince George Court-House. A party of them captured an officer yes- terday visiting a safegnard on duty, but released him npon ascertaining his character. The commanding general desires if there is sufficient water to be had in the vicinity of Prince George Court-House that a brigade be stationed there, whose patrols shall connect with those of the brigade on the plank road. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 21, 1864. (Received 7.40 p. in.) Major-General SHERIDAN, Commanding Cavalry Corps: Colonel Chapman, commanding cavalry brigade on the plank road, reports that he cannot patrol farther than the Norfolk road. The com- manding general desires that the force at Prince George Court-House l)atlol across to the Norfolk road and meet the patrols of the brigade on the plank road. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jordans Point, Va., July 21, 18649 p. m. Major-General HuMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: 1 will join the right of my picket-line at the Two Bridges with the left of Colonel Chapmans brigade. There is no water near Prince George Court-House. ~. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jordans Point, Va., July 21, 18649.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HuMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I will connect with Colonel Chapman to-morrow and notify you when the connection is made. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General Page 375 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 375 IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., CAVALRY CORPS, Near Williams House, July 21, 18649.80 a. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. IIU1~IPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to rel)ort that I relieved Colonel Dev- ins brigade yesterday morning at daylight, since which time all has been quiet on my lines, save a small demonstration yesterday at Aikens, caused by my riding on the vedette line accompanied by two other officers and orderlies. Patrols to Lees Mill and on old Norfolk road develop nothing new. At Lees Mill the enemy have a picketa post of observation, I presume. I am, very respectfully, your o1)edient servant, GEO. H. CHAPMAN, Colonel, Commandiug Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., CAVALRY CORPS, Near 1Villiam~ Jul Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, , y 21, 1864. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In answer to your communication of this day concerning capture near Tatums, I have the honor to state as follows: I am picket- ing the same line which was covered by the brigade 1 relieved. The left of iiiy hue of continuous or connecting vedettes rests near C. Browns, on the road running from Temples to the Prince George Court-House and Lees Mill road; 1 also patrol to Lees Mill and on the old Norfolk road, but these patrols are only sent out two or three times a day. 1 would suggest, respectfully, that I am covering as much ground as I can, and as much as any brigade of cavalry ought to cover. The enemys line to my front is much heavier than mine; further, there is a scope of country from the Two Bridges near Zion Church to the road from Temples to Lees Mill road, above alluded to, which is not covered by any cavalry line. I have thus far seen no 1)arties of the enemy prowling about my lines, and neither any parties of (leserters nor stragglers from onr army. I will forward, under guard, three deser- ters from the enemy (Fifth North Carolina Cavalry), who caine into my lines on the Jerusalem plank road. I return commuiiication from Fifth Corps. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant GEt). H. CHAPMAN, C1olonel, L1ommanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Col. GEORGE H. CHAPMAN, July 21, 1864. Comma n(ling Cavalry Brigade: COLONEL: I am in receipt of your communication of to-days date, in reply to mine of this morning, respecting guerrillas south of Prince George Court-House and between the Blackwa.ter and the Norfolk road. The instructions to General Gregg for the picketing and patrol- ling by the brigade to be left near the plank road were as follows: He will picket about the same line on the left that Colonel Bryan picketed, con- necting with the infkntry picket on his right, an(l extending around to the plank road near the church. He will patrol well down the plank road, well down the ol Page 376 376 OPERATIONS IN six VA. AND N. c. ~TCHAP. LII. Norfolk road, and to Lees Mill, and will also patrol across from the plank road to the Prince George Court-House road. * Scouting parties 5110111(1 he sent out from time to time towar(l the railroad, toward Wyatts, and towar(I Reams Station Major-General Sheridan has been directed to send a brigade to the vicinity of Prince George Court-House, if there is water sufficient, and to instruct the commander of the brigade that his patrols must connect with yours. I will inform General Sheridan that you report that you cannot patrol farther than the Norfolk road, and that he must instruct the brigade commander accordingly; but., until you are relieved from that part of your patrol line by the brigade commander at Prince George Court-House, the commanding general directs that you l)atrol to the Prince George Court-Il ouse road. Very respectfully, your ol)edient servant, A. A. JIUMPIT~EYS, Major-General and Chief of ~9taff. HEADQUARTERS, in the Field, July 21, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United states: GENERAL: I am obliged for the assignment of General Ord to the Eighteenth Corps. Jn regard to the Tenth, of the two major-generals I believe Birney would be the iiest assignment. Allow me, however, to call your attention to General Martindale. He is a graduate of the class of General Meade, a gentleman of ability, and has shown him- self to be a good soldier, a good lawyer, and you will pardon me for believing that he has some of the qualities, therefore, of a soldier. General Martindale is the senior brigadier-general in the active service, an(I has been during the war in many battles, behaving well, and without promotion. If you think with me, might not General Martindale be assigned to the Tenth Corps~ Of course these are suggestions to your better judgment, only saying further that General Martindale would be perfectly agreeable to me, and from what I have seen of him commends himself to my good opinion. I say this without prejudice to General Birney, whom I also much respect. If it be said that General Martin- dale is only a brigadier, that may be answered by saying that is not his fault, and I have no doubt he will earn his spurs. Allow me to con- gratulate you upon the good news from Hunter; it. is very good. Respectfully ai id truly, yours, BENJ. F. BUTLER. HDQR8. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 21, 1864. (Sent. 7.05 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, COmma u ding, (tic. I have seen General Martindale, and his health is so infirm that he must go home; so that I think you will not do better than to assign Birney to the Tenth Corps. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]~fajor- General, Commanding Page 377 CHAP. LII.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 377 JULY 21, 1864. (Sent 9.30 p. in.) Brigadier-General iRAwLINS, Ok ief of Staff, City Point: The following dispatch just received: DEEP BOTTOM, July 21, 18648.45 p. rn. General WEITZEL, Chief Engineer and Acting Chief of Staff: Learning that the enemy were at ~vork where they had the battery placed on the 16th instant, and knowing that if allowed to intrench themselves they could injure my camps and the pontoon bridge, and obstruct navigation, I ordered the Eleventh Maine, under Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, to the bluff below Four-Mile Creek, with in- structions to aJvauce an(l occupy the enemys position, which was done without loss, the enemys picket falling hack as onr line advanced. Colonel 1-1111 now holds the ground formerly occupied by the enemy, which is abont one mile and a quarter in front of our work on the bluff and not far from Sweeneys Pottery. He has leveled the battery. Colonel Hill reports quite a force in his front. One lieutenant and 10 enliste4 men were capturoft and have been sent to corps headquarters B. S. FOSTER, Brigadier-General. Will the commanding general please order General Benham to send me another bridge 600 feet long, so that I can throw it from Jones Neck to the down-river bank of Four Mile Creek, and thus enable us to re-enforce that bank if necessary, and thus keep the enemy from erecting batteries on that bank as this attempt was to command and shell our troops which are in position on the up-river bank of that creek. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General and Acting Chief of Staff. Ciiv POINT, VA., July 21, 186410.45 p. m. Major-General BUTLER, Corn mandmng, & c. I see constant flashing, as if burning powder, in the direction of Gen- eral Fosters camp. Do you know what it is ? I hear no sound of artil- lery, but thought it possible the enemy might be shelling Fosters camp. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Jvmv 21, 1864. (Sent 10.50 p. in.) General 17. S. GRANT, City Point: The general has retired. The Eleventh Maine Regiment, which had driven the enemy, as already reporte(l to you, has in turn been driven, after a fight, back into our intrenchments. Nothing serious reported. I have requested the navy to shell the enemy. as they must be in some force to protect their working parties, which will undoubtedly attempt again to erect the battery which the Eleventh Maine destroyed. Respectfully, G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General Page 378 378 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII. BERMUDA, July 21, 1864. (Received 3.15 p. in.) Major DAVIS: I have the honor to report the arrival here of the Thomas A. Scott, with Twelfth Maine, 466 meji and 23 officers, and detachment of the Fourteenth Maine, 65 men and 6 officers, from New Orleans. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller: W. S. HOW, Captain, die. BERMUDA, July 21, 1864. Major DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Wilson, 350; Seventy- fifth New York Volunteers, Colonel Merritt, 403 (total), of the Nine- teenth Army Corps. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller: Very respectfully, W. S. HOW, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. BERMUDA, July 21, 1864. Major DAVIS: I have the honor to report the arrival here of the Eighteenth Indiana Veteran Volunteers froni Indianapolis; they were forinerry in the First Brigade, First Division, Thirteenth Army Corps; they muster 350 strong, and at once will camp. W. S. 110W Captain, (Pc. DEEP BoTTo1~I, VA., July 21, 1864. General WEITZEL: General Benham was here this afternoon and talked to General Fos- ter in relation to the bridges. General Foster desires me to say that General Benham thought it would be a very tedious job to build a bridge across the creek and swamp, but approved of the idea of build- ing another bridge across the James. And he (Benham) told him there were boats at City Point which he was keeping for an emergency, but that we could have what boats we wanted. The canvas pontoon will do, but if possible to procure the French boats they will be more useful and easier to use, particularly when we will have to swing the bridge or use a large draw. When I was at City Point a f~w weeks ago there were about 100 boats there. I believe none of theni have beeii sent away. T. LUBEY, Captain, (PC. JULY 21, 1864. Captain LUBEY, Jones Neck: Your dispatch received. Have just asked for another bridge from City Point. Will send you word when I hear. U. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General Page 379 CHAP. LII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 379 DEEP BOTTOM, VA., July 21, 1864. General WEITZEL: The river at this point measures 580 feet. I will require twenty-four pontoons with those that I have here. I think I better have two or three extra ones. I also want some spikes and nails. The approaches on both shores are very good. What time may I expect the pontoons herd T. LUBEY, Captain and Engineer 0ffieer. IJULY 21, 1864. Captain LUBEY, Jones Neck: General Benham was here this morning, and rather objects to giving its any more boats. He says he wants them. But prepare the ap- l)roaches and abutments and we will see what we can do with our can- vas pontoon train. 1 will send you the nails. C. WE1TZEL, Brigadier- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 244. Washington, July 21, 1864. * * * * * * * 56. Capt. Edwin V. Snmner, First IT. S. Cavalry, is hereby relieved from duty in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, and will report in person without delay to Major:General Hunter, U. S. Volun- teers, for assignment to duty as special inspector of cavalry, l)epart. ment of West Virginia. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF VA. AND N. C., No. 198. In the .Field, Va., July 21, 1864. * * * * * * * II. All that part of the First Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, which has arrived, will report as soon as disembarked, under its commander, Brig. Gen. H. W. Birge, to General A. 11. Terry, commanding Tenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Butler: 11. 5. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 9j 1864 Brigadier-General TERRY Commanding Tenth Corps: The First Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, Gen- eral II. W. Birge commanding, is ordered to report to you. The gen Page 380 380 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. eral commanding directs that you place this brigade in reserve near that part of the line between Batteries 4 and 7in other words, close to and behind the 100-days men. Respectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 21, 18646.48 p. In. General TERRY, Commanding Tenth CoIps: Has General Birge brought his brigade up? If he has not, see that it comes up before tattoo. General Butler expects mischief on our front. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 21, 18647.45 p. m. General WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: General Birges brigade has not yet reported. The general himself is now here. He will return to Bermuda at once and bring up his men as soon as possible. A. H. TERRY, Brigadier- General. JULY 21, 1864. (Sent~ 9.10 p. in.) General TERRY, Tenth Corps: I have applied for material to throw another bridge, so as to enable re-euforcements to reach the Eleventh Maine. This will take some time however and in the meantime I think General Foster mnst act as his judgment dictates; he being on the ground is the best judge. He should not risk that regiment too much. Please give him these instructions. Respectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1861. (Received 9.15 p. in.) General WEITZEL: Are your anticipations of trouble on your front sufficiently strong to render it advisable for the troops to lie in the trenches to-night? A. H. TERRY, Brigadier- General Page 381 CH~. LII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 381 GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, General TERRY, July 21, 1864. (Sent 9.35 p. iii.) Tenth Corps: I am not. General Butler has taken the precaution to have that bri- gade up because the rebels have just found out that we have 100-days men on our line, and he fears they might now take advantage of that information and by a sudden dash play us a nasty trick. Respectfully, G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier. General. HEADQUARTERS TENT1~ ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1864. General WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: The following has just been received from General Foster: HEADQUAIITEIIS FIRST DIvIsION, TENTh ARMY CORPS, July 21, 18649.45 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel SMITH, Assi8tant AdjutantGeneral: A report has just reached rue from Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, stating that he was attacked by a strong skirmish line, which he repulsed; but the enemy appearing to be forming in strong line of battle for another attackhe thillks a brigadehe fell l)ack quietly as instructed and is now in the redoubt at the bluff. Only one c~su- alty on our side. Respectfully, R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier-General. A. H. TERRY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 21, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: I was about to order Foster to recall the Eleventh Maine, under Col- onel Hill, fearing that the position was too much exposed, when I received a telegram from him, a copy of which has been seilt you.* J have, therefore, refrained from sending the order, preferring to await your instructions. A. II. TERRY, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 21, 186410.20 p. m. General TERRY, Tenth Corps: hour dispatch received. All right. (I. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. ~See next, ante Page 382 382 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. JuLY 21,1864. (Sent 9 p. in.) Brig. Gen. B. S. FOSTER, Jones Neck: Your dispatch received. Good. I am trying now to prevail on geli- eral headquarters to give inc another bridge to throw from the neck to the lower side of Four-Mile Creek. Please tell this to Captain Lubey, whose dispatch I have just received. This would enable us to re-enforce that side from the Nineteenth Corps, now here. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. JuLY 21, 186410.30 p. m. General FOSTER, Jones Neck: Why cannot the gun-boats now shell that position from which Colonel Hill retired and keep them as much as possible from working there and still further pressing Hill? It seems to me they ought to do something to prevent the enemy from intrenching at a place which will (10 the navy more harm than us. Cant you throw, with your rifled pieces, into that place a shot or two at intervals to annoy their working par- ties, which will surely be there now, and the sapports which will be kept near them? G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. DEEP BOTTOM, VA., July 21, 186410.50 p. in. General WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: Your dispatch is received, aiid I have sent it to the commander of the gun-boats. It is quite foggy here, and I dont think our gnus could fire with any accuracy to-night. I have vedettes well out to observc the movements of the enemy and report what they appear to be doiiig. None have reported yet. Colonel lull is in a safe place and I think in no danger of attack. There have been no reported indications of work- ing parties, and I think my vedettes could hear them if they were there. Respectfully, B. S. FOSTER Brigadier- General. JULY 21, 1864. (Scuit 11.20 p. in.) General FOSTER, Jones Neck: Your dispatch received: General Grant has just telegraphed to. let him immediately know what of note transpires to-night in your front; so keep us well posted. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General Page 383 CHip. LI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 383 [JULY 21, 18(14.] Brigadier-General Foster, Commanding First Division: I suggested to General Weitzel the propriety of withdrawing the Eleventh Maine, thinking the position too exposed. The following is his reply.* A. H. TERRY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FiRST DIVISION, TENTh Awvv CORPS, Deep Bottom, July 21, 1864. Lieut. Col. J. A. HILL, Eleventh Maine Volunteers The brigadier-general commanding directs that, as it appears probable that it will be very foggy to-night, you use the utmost vigilance to pre- vent your command from being surprised or cur oft from the redoubt in your rear. it is quite probable that the enemy will attack you to-night or in the morning. If they do, keep a good watch and see that you are not flanked. Send word to the gun-boats if you are driven out of the woods, and they will open on the enemy. See that the enemy do not send a force from the direction of Malvern Hill and get between you and camp. If you hold your position examine the country in the morn- ing and report as early as practicable how many men will be necessary to hold the position permanently. Yours, & c., P. A. DAVIS, Captain and As~istant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS REDOUBT, Near Bluff, July 21, 1864. Capt. P. A. DAVIS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Dieision, Tenth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge receil)t of your comnmuni- cation, with instructions, & c. I have to report that about (lark the enemy appeared in such force in my front that I deemed it inexpedient to i-emain near the woods, and have withdrawn my force to the redoubt. Unless otherwise ordered, I shall remain here to-night, the nien being much fatigued. The skirmish line of the enemy charged on mine, bnt were repulsed. Immediately after I heard distinctly a large force pre- paring to attack, I should judge at least a brigade. Inclosed please find letters captured with one of the prisoners. 1 have to report one man accidentally wounded. Very respectfully, J. A. HILL, Lieutenant- Colonel Eleventh Maine Volunteers, Commanding. See Weitzel to Terry, sent 9.10 p. in., p. 380 Page 384 384 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. III. JULY 21, 18647.45 1~ m. Liehteuant WRIGHT, Actg. Asst. A~jt. Gen., First Brigade, [& eond Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, Bermuda. Hundred: General Butler directs that the brigade move up to the front tonight. Send notice to regimental commanders to be ready to march at 9 oclock. Tell Crowell to provide transportation to include at least one days rations. I return at once. 1-1. W. BUlGE, Brigadier- General. BERMUDA HUNDRED, July 21, 1864. Governor BUCKINGHAM, Norwich, Con n.: Arrived yesterday. Assigned to Butlers command. Thirteenth Con- necticut sailed from New Orleans on Cambria, 15th instant, for furlough. H. W. BJIRGE, Brigadier- General. FORT POWUATAN. July 21, 18G~i. General BUTLER: The telegraph wire is again cut between here and Swan Point, which occurs about every second or third day. Shall I hold the citizens along the line responsible that this is not repeated on fear of having their buildings destroyed near points where it is cut ~ Please answer. G. S. INNiS, Colonel, & e. 1-IDQRS. 1)EPT. OF ViRGiNiA AND NOnTLI CAROLINA, July 21, 18648 p. m. Col. G. S. INNLS: Unless the citizens give you information before the act, who it is and where they are that are engaged in cutting the telegraph, burn their buildings, [and] catch and hold some of the principal ones as hostages to be hanged if the outrage is repeated. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTER~S DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N C., July 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Corndg. Department of Virginia and North Carolina: GENERAL: A citizen from Bertie County has been to me to-day to inform me that Bragg is collecting all the force he can in this State for the purpose of attacking this place. He is said now to have from 8,000 to 10,000, and they are assembling at Kinston. One deserter from Braggs command has come down to ]4oanoke Island. 1 hardly know how he found his way there. About halt an hour since I received a letter from Commander Macomb, from the fleet in Albemarle Sound, informing me that he had received news of the contemplated attack on this place by forces under Bragg. I only send these rumors for what they may be worth. Bragg perhaps thinks we are very weak here an Page 385 C~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 385 that he can meet with better success than those who have before attempted the capture of this place. The secessionists around Eden- ton say that Bragg has here 15,000 men, which J consider doubtful. I can only say that we will do the best we can with the force we have. A small fleet of boats, each arranged to carry one gun and about eighty men, is reported moving in this direction. I am, truly, yours,. I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, July 22, 186410 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT, (Received 0.40 ix in.) City Point, Va.: A staff officer of General Wright arrived last night with a dispatch, dated 1.30 p. in. of the 21~t.* Actiiig on your previous orders, he had given up the l)ursuit and would reach Washin~toii to-day. He left the enemy retreating on Front Royal and Strasburg. It is for you to decide whether he shall remain to co-operate with Hunters forces, or whether he shall embark for City Point. In my opinion raids will be renewed as soon as he leaves; but you are the judge whether or not a large enough movable force shall be kept here to orevent them. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief o.f Staff. CITY POINT, VA., July 22, 18649 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 7 a. m. 23d.) Washington, D. C.: Your dispatch of 10 a. m. to-day received. I telegraphed several days ago to retain Wright and the other forces until the retreat of Early was fully assured, and asked if Wright and Hunter were not strong enough to attack him. You need not send any troops back until the main force of the enemy is known to have left the Valley. Is Wright still where he can act in conjunction with Hunter ~? If the two can push the enemy back and destroy railroads from Charlottesville to Gordonsville I would prefer that service to having them here. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant. General. CITY POINT Jul Lieutenant-General GRANT, , y 22, 1864. !Ieadquarters Army of the Potomac: Major-General Batler telegraphs that Foster has retaken the posi- tion from which he was driven last night, and has (lirected him to hold it unless attacked by a superior force which apprehend will be attempted. , ,however, he does not JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General, ~e. ~ee Vol. XXX VII, Part IL, p. 411. 25 R RYOL XL. PT II Page 386 386 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAr. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE 1~OTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 22, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: John Williams, Company M, First New York Cavalry, who was captured at the Narrow Passage, in the Shenandoah Valley, was taken to RiCliinOli(l and pitt iiito Libby Prison. For the purpose of making his escape he claimed that lie was a citizen of Fairfax County, Va. He was thereupon conScripte(I and put in the Sixty-first Virginia Infantry, A. P. Hills corps. This morning at 4 oclock, being on picket, lie made his escape. Not being familiar with the orgamza- tion of the Southern arniy his information is of little importance. He merely knows that there have been no niovements of importance within the last three or four days, and lie states that A. P. hills corps is in the same position which it has occupied lior the last week. Very respectfully, your obcdicnt servant, JNO. McENTEE, - Captain and Provost-Marshal. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST.MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 22, 1864. Major-General HTJTMPHREYS, Chief of $ta~: GENERAL: Four deserters from the Forty-first Virginia Regiment, of Mahones old brigade, Mahones division, have just been forwarded froni the headquarters of the Fifth Army Corps. A careful examina- tion of them fails to elicit any information of the movement of Hills corps or any part of Lees army. They came into our lines at 7 p. m. yesterday. They know of no movements whatever having taken I)lace in Lees army of late, and their corps is lying in the trenches, Heths division on the right and Andersons old division on the left, as usual. Wilcoxs division, they state, is on the north side of the Appomattox. In regard to the movement of Longstreets corps, none of them are posi- tive, but it is thought there has been no change in his position. It was rumored that Early was going to re-enforce Johnston. NOTE.From the statentents of these men, several of whom are intel- ligent and well informed, and disposed to communicate truthfully all they know, we are of the opinion that no change took place in Lees army yesterday; most certainly no moving in Ileths and Anderson~s divisions, of A. P. Hills corps. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH Conms SIGNAL STATION, July 22, 18649 a. m. Major-General WARREN: No change observed. Small parties ot enemy engaged at (lifferent points along the line strengthening works. Atmosphere very unfavor- able for observations. WARTS, Lieutenant. (Same to Captain Fisher. Page 387 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 387 WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 22, 18641 p. rn. Captain FISHER: I forward the following intercepted portion of a message: If you can possibly spare the time I would be pleased to have you call over. I would like to have your opinion in regard to changing the position of some of the guns. JOHN LANE, Major, Commanding. The message is probably to Col. H. P. Jones. Very smoky. No movements seen. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. FIFTH CORPS SIGNAL STATION, July 22, 18644 p. m. Majoi-G-eneral WARREN: No movement of enemy ohserve(l. Enemy are constructing a second line of works about 6Qt) yards to the rear of and running parallel with main line. WARTS, (Same to Captain Fisher.) Lieutenant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 22, 18645 p. m. Capt. 13. F. FISHER: I have the honor to report that I visited the station near the Jordan house this a. in., as directed, but owing to the very unfiLvorable state ot the atmosphere made no observations of any importance. Could see the enemys line from the white house, two miles southwest from sta- Poim, but nothing distinctly along it or in the city. The railroads and depots in the city could not be seen. Have seen no movement from this statioii to-day. Could not make ont the shape of the smoke-stack of lead-works on account of smoky state of atmosphere. The enemy have been at work all day on their line in rear of Gregory~s house. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 22, 18645 p. rn. Captain CASTLE: The atmosphere to-day has been very unfavorable for observations. Could see the line of Weldon railroad but indistinctly. No move- ments. The enemy have been at work all day oti their line in rear of Gregorys house. J. Il. 1)11EV, A~ecou(1 Lieutenant and Signal O~icer Page 388 388 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. WALTRALL SIGNAL STATION, Jaly 22, 18G47.3O p. in. Captain FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, JIdqrs. Army of the Potomac: Very smoky; no movements seen. Enemys signal officer reports increase of tents in camps at Cobbs Hill and moveinetit of a battery and a regiment of infantry on the Bermuda Hundred road; also two squads of cavalry moving near Battery No. 5. CHAS. L. I)AYJS, CITY POINT, VA., July A2, ISGi. (Received 7.10 a. in. 23d.) Maj. E. L. WENTZ, Alexandria: General Grant lia~s ordered an examination of a line to ronnect with the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, and will, I think, order it built immediately. C. L. MuALPINE. SPECIAL ORDERS, LIEADQUARTER8 ARMY OF THE POTOMAc, No. 195. July 22, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. W. F. Bartlett, volunteer service, having reported to the major-general commanding, is assigned to duty with the Niiitlm Corps, and will report to Major-General Burnside, commanding that corps, for further instructions. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, July 22, 1861. General H. W. BENHAM, Commanding Volunteer Engineers. GENERAL: The note from you of the 21st instant, in reference to guards, & c., at City Point, was received last night. The commanding officer at this post was on the 20th instant directed to put such guards on the line of works as should secure their preservation, and his atten- tion was also called to the bad police of a part of the line. - Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. CITY POINT; July 22, 1864. (Received 9.30 a. in.) General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief ~J Staff: I ama expectimig a requisition 14)1 Pelltal)s twenty-live more pontoons from General Weitzel t~r another bridge over the James River nea Page 389 CHAP. LIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 389 l)eep Bottom. I wish to ask whether the coiniiiandiiig general WOUl(l (lesire me to furnish whatever pontoon material I may have that may be asked for by General Butler or his chief engineer on some one gem eral order that you may give me, or whether he would desire that I should inform him and get a special authority in each case. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NRMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, July 22, 1864. (Sent 12 in.) Tirio C-en H. W. BENHAM: Iii reference to your dispatch respecting polutoons and bridge mate- rial, upon the requisition of General Butler, the commanding geimeral desires you to furnish whatever is asked for, notifying him what you furnish. 1~lease procure forty sets of hinges and hasps and padlocks for magazine doors. Please, also prepare six canvas L)oIltoons, with trucks, & c., complete like the others, for the train with this army. The Cavalry Corps, instead of being supplied with twelve pontoons, have received eighteen pontoons, leaving us eighteen pontoons instead of twenty-four with the general train. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staft Cvrv POINT, July 22. 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of A,tafl: - In reply to yours of to-day I would state that soon after sending my first to you to-day I received General Grants order to furnish 000 feet of bridge on General Butlers requisition, and I have it now, thirty boats, awaiting a steamer. The canvas boats, trucks, magazine hinges, and other material desired I will at once order from Washington. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 22, 1864. Lien tenant-Colonel COMsTocK, Chief Engineer, & c.: Last night I asked General Rawlins to order Benham to give me another bridge, 600 feet long, for Deep Bottom. Will I get it? If not, I wish to make some other arrangements. Please answer. C. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, Va., July 22, 1864. General BENITAM, Gommanding Engineer Briga (le You will please let Genei~al Weitzel have 500 fret of pontoon bridge upon his order for the same. By commnaml of Lieuteiiant-Geiierul C-rant: B. S. PARKER, Ass-isle a I A dju bit i-General Page 390 390 OPERATIONs IN SE. VA. AND N. Q [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITET STATES, City Point, July 22, 1864. General BENHAM, Commanding Engineer Troops, & c.: An error occurred in the order sent you this morning about the pon- toon bridge, instead of reading 500 feet it should read 600 feet. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, July 22, 1864. (Sent 9.40 a. in.) Brigadier-General BENHAM, Commanding, & e., Uity Point: In accordance with directions from Lieutenant-Colonel Comstock, chief engineer, I would respectfully beg that you ftiriiish me with a bateau bridge, 580 feet long. I beg you to turn it over to my assistant, Captain Lyon, who will tow it to Jones Neck, to be thrown by Captain Lubey and as many of my pontoniers as I have. Respectfully, U. WELTZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 22, 18649 a. m. (Received 10 a. in.) General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General: The following change has been made in the disposition of the troops of my command: The Second Division has relieved the division of colored troops under General Ferrero; the picket-line is not yet entirely relieved, but soon will be. One brigade of the Second Division is near the redoubt on the left of the Spicer house, one brigade near the South- all house, and the Third Brigade opposite the center of the line. The Third Division of this corps is on fatigue duty. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS SEcoNn CORPS, July 22, 1864. General WARREN: Please let me know what that firing is. WINFD S. hANCOCK, Major- General. (Same to Genera] Burnside.) [hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS July 22, .1864.] [General HANCOCK:] The firing is in front of Burnside; (lo11t know what it is. U. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 391 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 391 IIEAD]tAJIIEhIS NINTh AiiMx (oiw~-i, (3eiieral ItAN COCK: The firing thus far is nothing more than very shal1) work l)etween those parts of lines that are very near each other. It may result in sometliiig more, but I think we are ready for anything. Will telegraph more fully soon. I dont think it is anything of great importance. A. E. IiUIRNSII)E, Major- General. H]~AnQuARIEIis SECOND Con Ps, ehll?! 22, 1864!) p. m. Brig. Geii. S. Wu~LIx1ns, A ssistant Adjutant-General: There has been no change in the disposition of my command since last report. The Third 1)ivisiou has returned from fatigue and the First has been detailed for to-morrow morning. ~ division has been entirely relieved. II propose making some changes in the line to-night and to-morrow for its better defense. WJNFl) S. hANCOCK, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. THIRD I)IylsmoN, SECOND CORPS, No. 46. July 22, 1864. In obedience to Special Orders, No. 64, from headqnarters Armies of the United States, I relinquish command of this division. In parting with my comrades and companions in arms after so long and eventful a connection, I may be permitted to say that it is to me a very painful duty, and I shall always remember with pride the regiments that I have had the honor to command, and shall feel the deepest interest in their future. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIYISIoN, SECOND CORPS, July 22, 1864. Lient. Col. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army (Jorps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in obedience to Special Orders, No. 64, headquarters Armies of the United States, I have relin- quished command of this division tn Mott, the senior officer. , ruing it over to Brigadier-General Your obedient servant, I). B. BIIINEY, Major- General of Volunteers. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. THIRD l)IVISION, SECOND CORPS, No. 47. July 22, 1864. Major-General Birney having relinquishe(h command of this division, I hereby assume command. G. MOTT, Briqadier- General ot Volunteers Page 392 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. 392 [CHAP. LII. HEADQI ~ARTE~ S SECONI) AR MY Coi~ps, July 22, 1861. Brigadier-General MOTT, Commanding Third Dirision GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you have one of your brigades move at daylight to-morrow morning to a position near the redonbt on the Norfold road, to relieve the brigade ot the Second Division now there iii readiness to occupy the redoubt and ad- jacent rifle-pits in case of necessity. A staff officer from these head- quarters will conduct the brigade to the position indicate(l. Very respectfully, your Obe(hent servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lmeutenaut- Colonel (ffl(i Cli W/ (if i~tttl?. HEADQUARTERS THIRD i)IvISIoN, SECOND CORPS, July 22, 1864. The Second Brigade, Brigadier-General Pierce, will be prepared to move to the position indicated in the above order at daylight to-morrow morning. By command of Brig. Gen. G. Mott: JOHN HANCOCK, Miajo r and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 22, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS: Assistant Adjutant- General: I have to report that nothing unfisual occurred in my front during the nighL A detail of 350 men were at work last night on General Cutlers front and 200 men on General Griffins. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 22, 186412 m. (Received 12.20 p. in.) General WARREN: I am coming to your headquarters with General Grant, to go to your lines. (lEO. (}. MEAI)E, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 22, 186410 p. in. General WILLIAMS: I have to report all quiet on my front during the day. Nothing of importance has transpired. C-. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 393 Cii& p. LII.) CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETC.IJNION. 393 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 22, 1864. Major-General MEADE: DEAR GENERAL: J send herewith the Pittsburg Commercial of July 14, which has an allusion to you and myself, which I have marked. Seeing this iii the papers I have thought it best to in(licate at least one way ~1I which it may have been started. About two weeks ago General Smith told me that it was common talk at General Grants head- qaaters that you had told General Grant that you had threatened me with a court-martial if I did not resign. As you had if ever done so, I could not believe tbr aii instant that you had evei- said so to General Grant, and yet I believe the story circulates as coming from the highest authority. I wish to make soifle public (lenial of the statement con- tained in this newspaper. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- general. [IIlclosure.*] A late letter from the Army of the Potomac states that General Meade and General Warren have had a disagreement; that the former preferred charges against the latter for disobedience and tardy execu- tion of orders, but that nothing has yet come of it. The same writer says a great deal of jealousy, fault-finding, and mutual der~ation has beeii awakened in the army, at which the country would be aston- islied, if not disgusted, were the hicts to be giveit. Important changes are rumored. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, rMaj. Gen. G. K. WARREN:] ~July 22, 1864. GENERAL: Although 1 cannot be responsible for the newspaper correspondents, or the talk of staff officers, I have inclosed a note denying the statement in the Pittsburg Commercial, which you can make any use of you think proper. I could not deny the existence of a disagreement, because there was a serious one between us on the 19th ultimo, and I dont think you ought i~o l)e surprised at the publicity, as your conversation in the presemice of General Crawfom-d, and withum the hearing of several officers ontside yonm- tent, precluded the pos- sibility of its being kept private. 1 frankly confess to you I was very munch irritated, and felt, deeply wounded by the tone and tenor of your conversation on that occasion, and fully determined, on leaving- you, to apply to have you relieved. I did speak to General Grant upon the subject, with whomn I have frequently spoken about you, amid 1 even went so far as to write an official lettei- giving miiy m-easons for desii-ing you to be relieved, but upon further reflection, in view of tIme injury to you, and in the hope the causes of disagreement would miot occur in the future, I withheld this letter, and have takeii no official action. I (10 miot desire any concealment of mny views from you; on the contrary, am glad of this opportummity of an explanation. 1 have never entertained any but the most friendly feelings toward you, and have al~vays emi- i~\Iarked iii 1I(~v8paper Page 394 394 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. deavoreti to advance your interests, bitt I cannot shut my eyes to what I think is wrong in you, and on several occasions I have ditikied front you in what you seemed to consider was your ~)rerogative. In your conversation of the 19th ultimo I thought you exhibited a great deal of temper and positive ill-feeling against me, not justified, as I think, by anything I have either said or done. It is my earnest desire to have harmony and co-operation with my subordinate officers, but I cannot always yield my judgment to theirs, and if it is impossible to have these relations, necessary for harmonious co-operation, a separatioii is inevitable. I do not make these remarks for any other purpose than to explain the reason I felt called on to speak to General Grant about you. Truly, yours, GEG. G. MEADE. [LncIosur~.] HEAnQuAWFEnS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 22, 1864. Major-General WARREN: GENERAL: I have received your note of this date, calling my atten- tion to an article in the Pittsburg Commercial of the 14th instant. The statement therein made that I had preferred charges against you for disobedience and tardy execution of orders is entirely without foundation in fact. ~XTery truly, yours. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- (Jeneral, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DivisioN, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 22, 1864. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: SIR: The fact that I have lived to about the same age as yourself, that I have the same interest as yourself in the perpetuity of a free government; that I have left family and broken up my business and been in the field from the first to aid so far as 1 could the restoration of the Government to its authority over all the country, is my excuse, if any is needed, for writing you. Perhaps there is no one who has beemi more hopeful and confident as to the final result of the struggle than myself or less inclined to despond because we did not go faster or accomplish more. For the first time since the war commenced I con- fess that II am seriously apprehensive for time result, not from any lack of confidence in the army or its commanders, but because I am almost certain tlmat you will not get the necessary number of men of the right sort, and in season, under the late call, and if you do not, aiid the struggle goes on through the autumn without decisive results, it re- quires no proplmet to foretell the consequences. I take it for granted that a large proportiomm of the new men are to be substitutes furnished by those able to do so. They will get the cheapest they can, and unless sonme thorough, radical cimange is effected among provost-marshals, examining surgeons, ammd superintendents of recruits, we shall, as here- tofore, receive a batch of aged paralytics, scorbutics, imbeciles, & c., to be sent to hospitals or dischargedan element of weakness instead o Page 395 CHAr. LII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 395 strength. All these men arc cre(lited to the States, charged to the army, paid by the Government, and oitly (10 immense harm, by filling up the hospitals, requiring the time of surgeons and officers and of well men to take care of them and get them out of the army again, to say nothing of the immense drain upon the Treasury without any equiv- alent. I am most firmly convinced that not two-thirds of the conscripts and substitutes ever reached the army, and I think a thorough investi- gation would show that not half of those who did were ever available as soldiers for the field. If such is the fact will it not occur again6? I (10 not doubt that the Provost-Marshal-General and the War Depart- inent have worked honestly to bring about the best results. The trouble has its origin, in my judgment, in the appointment, as provost- marshals, examining surgeons (probably through the influence of mem- bers of Congress) of men who are village politicians and who wish to stand well with their neighbors. If I could (10 50 I would appoint for provost-marshal in my district a man who was a non-resident and had 110 friemids to please or enemies to punish. It is too late, I suppose, to reorganize now, but could not something be gaine(l by transferring officers from one district to another 6? Another evil has beeti the long time mcii are detained at the rendezvous after being accepted and mustered. I have known men so (letained for three and four months. boarded and clothed and paid at the public expense. Amiother evil, many old and sick have been sent here who never were examined at all, as they say, but some well man was obtained to personate themn and pass the examination, and then the sick man seat to camp, or else the officers whose duty it was to attend to it were guilty of the grossest fraud on the Goverumnemit. Could not a system of inspection be adopted by which these evils could be stopped 6? 1 think so. I am perfectly well aware that the Departments have not the time to listemi to or read every suggestion made to them, nor have you. Still my great anxiety for success in the cause and that the peace Democracy may not prevail have prompted me to address you this. It is entirely unofficial mnd should there be any point iii it which shall do good I shall be glad. Very respectfully, L. CUTLER, Br iqadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQITARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 22, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that all was quiet on my line duriimg the night. New abatis was put out. There was the usual amount of firing. A. E. BITRNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 22, 18646 p. mu. General BURNSIDE: What is the sharp musketry I hear on your front 6? GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 396 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. {CHAP. LII. 1IEAi)QITAR~FE 118 NLNTLI ARMY CORPS, July ~2, 18616.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE: The firing thus far is nothing more than very sharp work between I hose parts of lines that ~are very near each other. It may result in something more, but I think we are ready for anything. Will tele- graph more fully 50011. 1 dont think it is anything of any importance. Major- General. HEADQITARTEES NiNTH ARMY CORPS, Jul 22, 18619 p. m. General WILLIAMS, Assistant A4juta at- General: I have the honor to report that all has been quiet on my lines up to about 5 p. in., when considerable volley firing took place on part of Second and Third Divisions,front. It was started by the enemy; it is hard to say for what reason. It is thought occasioned by a regiment in our woods discharging their pieces Part of our line ~srill he farther strengthened to-night. A. E. IIURNSIDE, Miajo r- General. TRENCIIES OF THE NINTH ARMY CORPS, In Front of Petersburg, Va., Jaly 22, 1861. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps COLONEL: I have the honor to submit my report as general of the trenches of the Ninth Army Corps for July 21 and 22. There was the regular routine of picket and artillery firing during the day and night, by which but little was effected on either side so far as could be seen. No change has been made within the last few (lays imm the position of the artillery of the corps, except that four pieces of Captain Twitchells battery have been so placed as to sweep the ravimme and cOrn-flel(l iim front ot time Second Brigade, Third Divisiomi. Two of these pieces are to tile right of the burnt house, and two iii the front line near tIme ice- houses. This change has added greatly to the strength of this, till now the weakest, part of the line. The redoubt in rear of the burnt house is nearly completed, and yesterday and to-day a heavy thtigue party has been at work on a covered way leading from the woods to it. This way is about one-third completed. The enemny was v cry busy yesterday in strengthenimmg his line at different points, especially so just to the (our) right of the road in front of the Third 1)ivision, ap~)arently fitting a position for mortars. Though there was no attack made on the left of - the corps, yet the moving of a considerable body of troops across our front, toward the left, was distinctly hear(l froni the picket-line just before midnight. This muove was probably nothing more than relieving the troops that had been occupying the enemys front line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HUMPHREY, Colonel $eeOn(l Miehiqan [n/a idry, Genera 1 (~/ the Trenches Page 397 (171L& P. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 397, IIEADQpARTERS FIRST I)IVISloN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 22, 18G48 a. m. Lieut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in the early I)art of the night, between 9 and 12, brisk artillery firing was kept up, the enemy beginning it, and using rifled cannon to a greater extent than beftre, as well as developing a new mortar battery of two or four pieces directly in our front. The Second Brigade was ordered to be prepared at any moment to support General Willeox, but their services were not re- (luireti. I am, colonel, very rej~ectfully, your obedient servant JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTh ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, V(t., July 2~, 1864 8 p. m. Lent. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the enemy have been throwiiig 24-pounder shells from howitzers at slight elevations. The volley firing this evening was to the left of this division. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES II. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General, Corn inanding Div i~io n. ITEADQUARTERfA SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 22, 1861. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the night passed without eveiut of importance. In consequence of anticiDated attack by the en - enuy uiuy front line was strengthened by the addition of all fatigue parties, aiid supported by the entire reserve force under arms. With exception of increased flriiug nothing unusual occurred. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, (ominanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 22, 1861. blent. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Goips: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that up to 5 oclock this after- 110011 ~uere has been quiet on our front since morning. At the hour iuamed the enemy opened fire by company on the left ot onr line. Briga- (lier-Gelleral Griffin, who was on the spot at the time, reports that he could discover no cause for the smid den fire, nor its object. This part of the line will be strengthened to-night. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your ol)ediellt servant, - ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 398 398 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C~ [C~iAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIyIsIoN, July 22, 18618 a. m. Lieut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report all alive on my lines. The troops were kept on the alert, particularly after 2.30 a. m. The rebels in front of Hartranft attempted to lay some additional abatis, but were prevented by our fire. My own abatis has been materially strengthened within the last forty-eight hours. The picket-firing heavier thaii usual last night. I think some of the shells from our heavy battery fell short and burst within our lines, but have no complaiut from the regiments. I have sent (lown to ascertain, and if there has been any damage worth reporting will write you again. Lieutenant-Colonel Barmies, command- ing Second Brigade, First Division, reported to inc last night afl(l had his route marked out for contingencies, but there was no occasion for disturbing his troops. Very respectfully, 0. B. WJLLUOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 22, 18648 p. nin. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that all was quiet on my lines to-day until about 5 this evening, when considerable volley firing was exchanged, begun against working parties opposite my right. The first firing heard seems to have originated from a party of our own troops (not of this division) discharging their pieces just in rear of the woods. I~had no notice of it. During the firing a detachment of our cavalry attempted to ride across the open field west of the New Market road. This drew two artillery shots which struck in the camp of the Twenty- tourtli New York Cavalry, dismounted, one of which woun(led Captain Palmer, of that regiment. I have heretofore reported that ground within range, and would respectfully rejuest that general notice be given that it draws fire upon our troops for detachments, particularly mounted men, to cross the ground. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. FIDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. H. WILSON, Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Colonel Chapmans brigade will be relieved so as to return to camp to-morrow. ~JAMES W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant- Colonel, & C Page 399 CII.AP. LII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 399 IiIiQRS. SECONI) Bnio., TwiI?D I)iv., CAVALRY CORPS, Near Williams Hoase, Jerusalem Plank Road, July 22, 18648 a. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HIJMPHREYS, Chief of & a#~, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Nothing of importance has occurred along my line since last report. The enemy undoubtedly picket in front of my right nearly as fir as Doctor Gurleys with infantry, and along my right as fix as the enemys line can be seen it appears to be quite strong. No disposition is manifested by the enemy to distarb our line. In compliance with instructions of yesterday, I have ordered patrols to or toward Prince George Court-base, on the road from that point to Lees Mill, until they shall find the pickets of force statione(l at the Court-House. The Prince George Court-House road, as I understand it from your corn- mnuiiication of yesterday and the instructions handed over to me by Colonel Dcviii, ~s the road from the Court-House to Lees Mill. 1 know of no other I can patrol to without going to the Court-Hous~. I send you a man callimig himself John Williams, who came into our lines this morning. He claims to belong to the First New York Veteran Cavalry, and to be an escaped prisoner of war; to have enlisted in rebel service in order to facilitate his escape to our army; that he was as- signed to the Sixty-first Virginia Infantry. I also forward a contraband who came in this morning. Some information may be elicited from him touching the whereabouts of the cavalry or a portion of it. I find in our lines two women, Mrs. Danforth and Mrs. Baxter, who say they [reside] just outside and were passed in by a captain in the Ninth New York Cavalry (whose name they were informed was Snyder) on the 15th. They are very desirous to get home. - I (10 not think they would damage us any by any information they could give the enemy, even if they were so disposed. As at present situated it is with much difhculty they can get sufficient to subsist upon. I would respectfully ask what disposition should be made of them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. II. CHAPMAN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 22, idGi. Col. GEORGE H. CHAPMAN, Commanding Cavalry Brigade: Respecting the two womnen, Mrs. Dantortli and Mrs. Baxter, the corn- muaii(ling general directs inc to say that you may allow them to return to their homes upon tlmeir taking aii oath not to reveal amiything they have seen or heard since they have beemi inside of our lines; or, if their houses are so situated that you can place guards upon them that wmll be secure against capture, and at the same tinme prevent amiy coin- nuinication with the enemy, the comnumanding general will authorize your sending themn home with such guards, and without any oath, if you thiimk them indisposed to communicate information to the enemy. A. A. HUMPHJtEYS Page 400 40() OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. BUTLERS IIEADQIJARTERS, July 22, 1864. (Sent 10.40 a. in.) Lieutenant-Ueiieral GRANT: Foster proposed this morning to try atid retake that 1)OSitiOfl which the Eleventh Maine took and had to give tip yesterday. The position is the intersection ot the New Market and Malvern Hill main road with a branch road leading to the Long Bridge main road. It is an important one, as it cuts the direct communication between the rebel forces at Malvern Hill and those at (haffins farm. Consequently the enemy would drive him out again, as they are stroiiger than he is now. He has, therefore, been directed not to make the attempt until re-enforced to-morrow or the day after by a portioii of the Nineteenth Corps. That l)osition if held protects perfectly the position at Deep Bottom, the pontoon bridge, the navigation of the river, and I think would force the enemys batteries and troops from Malvern Hill. Respectfully, U. WELTZEL, CITY PoINT, July 22, 1864. (Received 9.20 p. in.) (Aeimeral BUTLER: I see firing again in the same direction as last night. Does Foster still hold the position gained to-day? Has he not been re-enforced~ Is the firing seen an attack made by the enenty ~ U. S. GRANT. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGiNlA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 22, 1864. (Received 9.30 p. in.) Lient. Geim. U. S. GRANT, City 1~oint: Nothing new from Foster since 110011. lIe has not been re-emiforced. have telegraphed to him to ascertain what the firing is. I imagine it to be only picket-firing. The enemy, as far as heard horn, have oiily some cavalry at that particular point. BE4J. F. BUTLER, Miajor- General. IIDQRS. 1)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 22, 1864. (Sent 10.37 p. in.) Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gity Point: Fosters regiment has fallen back from that position for the night, not having any disposable force to re-enforce it. The firing is below him atid is by the gun-boats, which are shelling the flanks of that regiment to keep off the rebels. No symptoms whatever of any pressing or attacking~force of the enemy. I have not the least (loul)t but that that ~mositioii can be retaken without loss in the morning. It seems to be sort of neutral ground. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- (Jen era 1 Page 401 C~. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION; 401 Maj. R. S. l)Avis, BERMUDA, July 22, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report the arrival here from New Orleans the balance, about 350 men, of the Fourteenth Maine, of the Nineteenth Army Corps. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller: Respectfully, W. S. [LOW, Gaptain and Agsistant Quartermaster. JULY 22, 18643.30 p. Hi. Captain LUBEY, Jones Neck: That bridge will start from Bermuda Hundred immediately after dark. Captain Lyon, my assistant, will bring it up with two tugs. He will turn it over to you and order Captain Cruso, with some engi- iieers, to report to you. You will then throw the bridge, and after it is thrown turn over the charge of it to Captaiu Cruso. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. DEEP BOTTOM, VA., July 22, 1864. General WEITZEL: Your dispatch received. The approaches are completed and I am ready to commence the bridge when the boats arrive. I will telegraph - you when the bridge is ready for the passage of troops. T. LUBEY, Captain, & c. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 22, 1864. Captain LUBEY, Jones Neck: Your dispatch received. Tell Captain Cruso and his men to return to Bermuda Hundred and resume their original duty. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 22, 1864. CaI)tain LUBEY Jones j\T~~~: Let me know when that bri(lge is ready tor the erossilig ot troops. Brigadier- General. 26 R HvOL XL, PT II Page 402 402 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 22, 1864. Captain LYON: (Care of Lieutenant Coe, Bermuda Hundred.) You need not take Captain Cruso and his company up there. Cap- taiii Lubey wishes to build the bridge alone and to keel) charge of it alone. (. WEJTZEL, Ifrigadier- (Jeneral. HEADQUARTERS SIut~u TRAIN, llroadway Landing, 1 ~a., July 22, 1864. Capt. GEORGE T. RALCH, Assistant to Chief of Ordnance: CAPTAIN: I am becoming seriously uneasy as to the sul)plies of (ImIllunition for my siege train. Since its arrival (bringing only a sniall 1art of the original requisitionsee my telegrani of June 30) the follow- ing are the only important receipts: Thirty-pounder Parrottrounds, from Washington Arsenal, June 29, 2,635; from same, July 2, 2,620; total, 5,255. Four and one-half inch gunsrounds, from Washington Ar- senal, July 2, 7,236. Eight-iiich mortarshells (no 1)owder nor fuses), from Fort Monroe, 7,900; also from Washington Arsenal, 15,000 friction- primers. The following have been invoiced but, not yet received: Thirty-pounder Parrottrounds, from New York Arsenal, July 2, 1,430 from same, July 13,1,580; total, 3,010. The following are the guns now in position and their expenditure up to 20th instant: Thirty-pounder Parrotts10 guns, 3,547 rounds; 8-inch rnortars14 mortars, 4,262 rounds; Coehorn mnortarslO mortars, 2,498 rounds. These expenditures from the small supply on hand have been kept at the minimnuni so much as to cause considerable complaint from officers high in rank. We have now about ready for the guns (which may be called for at any moment) positions for forty gumistwenty 8-inch mortars; ten 10-inch mortars, and twenty-six Coehorn mortars which, when put in position, will be expected to open heavily and to keep it up. If they should do so for about four days all my ammunition would be expended and the train become useless, unless my receipts should be quite different from here- tofore. It is therefore of the first importance that I be informed upon what I can count in way of suppliesthat is, how rapidly my guns can be regularly supplied. The following are my most iml)ortallt requisi- tions, which have not been nearly filled, as my statement above will show: June 30, 30-pounder Parrott, 13,000 rounds; 4~-incl guns, 10,000 rounds; 8-inch mortar, 10,000 rouimds; July 8, twenty 8-inch mortars with 20,000 rounds; July 10, 50,000 friction-primers, 20,000 assorted fuses; July 15, 20,000 rounds Coehorn mortars, 3,000 wooden fuses for 8-inch mortars. Also to hurry forward the balance not yet received of my original requisition for the train (except the 100-pounder Parrott) which involves about the following: 8,000 rounds 30-pounder Parrott, 4,000 rounds 4k-inch gun, 2,000 rounds 8-inch mortar, 3,200 rounds 10- inch mortar with over 50,00() friction-primers. If it is impossible to supply these heavy demands I would like to know it, as we will in that case put less heavy guns in luttery. What I am now most in need of is Coehormi-muortar ammunition, I mean toi (laily exl)en(liture. I have only about 400 rouiids in depot, amid. am in nrgcnt lIee(l ot a supply at once. Please also forward to Captain I tatfield twenty-live sponges for 30 Page 403 Ca& p. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 403 pounder Parrotts, and the same number for 4~-incli guns, also twenty- five fuse-plug rearners. The muzzle was blown off a 30-pounder Parrott day before yesterday. I am having it cut smooth for further use. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel i~irst (tionneoticut Artillery, Commanding. JULY 22, 18649.20 a. m. General TERRY, (~1ommanding Tenth Corps: The particular reason, I think, why at general headquarters they desire that you should be well prepared on your lines is this: Ewell and Breckinridge are on their way back. A column like theirs sud- deimly hurled against our line would, if not prepared, go through them, - so that you and Foster had better be prepared for any such emergency until we can gain positive information where Ewell and Breckinridge are, or where they intend to strike Respectfully, ,if they intend to do so at all. U. WE1TZEL, (Same to General Foster.) Brigadier- Uencral. JULY 22, 18649.4() a. m. Brigadier-General TERRY, Tenth Corps: Geimeral Butler directs that Foster wait until some of the Nineteenth Corps come to him. He fears that eveui if Foster take it to-day lie will not be able to hold it, as the enemys force in his front is three brigades now, two brigades of infantry and one of cavalry. The general is aware of the iniportance of the point. If the transportation of the Nineteenth had not been so wretchedly managed we could have held that point yesterday. Notify Foster of this. U. WEITZEL, Brigadier- 4~eneral. (Copy forwarded by Terry to Foster, 10.30 a. ni.) - HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 22, 18649.50 a. in. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: I have just received the following dispatch from Brigadier-General Foster. * It strikes me that if the position is OUC whose occupation will compel - the evacuation of the enemys works at Malvern they will deem it of sufficient importance to attack it in such numbers that no force which Foster can send there will be able to 1101(1 it. ALF. II. TERRY. See Foster to Terry, hegiimniigI :iiu goilig lo try, p. 405 Page 404 [CHAP. LII. 404 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. hEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CouPs, July 22, 1864. Bri radier~General WEITZEL: A (lispaicli from department headquarters, directed to Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney, commandiiig Teimth Army Corps, was received here this ~t. iii. General Birney not here. IDoes the dispatch require immediate attention? Is it of such a nature that I can attend to it? ALF. H. TERRY, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. 1)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTh CAROLINA, In the Field, July 22, 186410.04 a. m. General TERRY, Tenth Corp~: General Birney will be over soon. The dispatch is for him. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTh ARMY CORPS, July 22, 186411.45 a. m. General WELTZEL: As soon as your (hispatcii was received it was sent to General Foster, but before he received it the contemplated movement had taken place. I have just received the following dispatch, viz.~ ALF. II. TERRY, Brigadier- General. JULY 22, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: General Foster, who is now here, has just received a dispatch from one of his staft~ informing himu that when Colonel Hill took the battery this morning it was occupied by 300 dismounted cavalry. Colonel Hill thinks that it will be impossible to hold it during the night unless he is re-enforced by 200 additional men. Foster thinks that it may be hel& by Hills present force, but does not think it advisable to make further permanent detachments from his main body. Please direct as to what shall be done. ALF. H. TERRY, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 22, 1864. General TERRY, Tenth Go*ps: General Fosters action is approved. Let him act as he proposes. Respectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. Sec Foster to Terry, beginniiigYoiir dispatch just received, p. 405 Page 405 Cu~r. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 405 JULY 22, 18644.35 p. m. General TERRY, Tenth Corps: From information derived from a deserter I think the enemy nearest that battery is all cavalry belonging to Garys brigade. That bridge will be finished by morning, and we still hope to have some of the Nineteenth Corps here by that time to re-enforce Foster. In the mean- time let him act as his judgment directs. If he could hold it it would be good, but he must not risk that regiment. Respectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- Ueneral. HEADQUARTERS FIRST l)IYISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, Deep Bottom, July 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: I am going to try and reoccupy time position taken by the Eleventh Maine yesterday, as I con sider it one of great importance. The place occupied was on the road between New Market and Malvern Hill, at the junction of a short road that runs to the Long Bridge road. It cnts the direct communication with Malvern I-Jill aiid the forces above, and, I think, if taken and held with a sufficiently strong force would compel the evacuation of the works at Malvern Hill. It also coin- pletely protects the pontoon bridge, river liavigation, and my right flank. If I get it again to-day I shall hold it, if possible. One of the monitors jnst cajue down and anchored off the month of Four-Mile Creek. Please notify General Weitzel. Respectfully, yon~s, II. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- qeneral. DEEP BOTTOM, July 22, 1864. General TERRY: Your dispatch just received. Lieutenant-Colonel Hill has retaken the position of yesterday, and now holds it. I have instructed him if attacked by a large force not to risk a tight; to at once fill back to the redoubt amid let the gnu-boats shell thenm. There is evidence that the enemy lost in their engagement with the gun-boats on the 16th. There appears to be a small force coming froum direction of Malvern Hill. The gun-boats are shelling along Colonel 11111s front and flank, and I think they will not trouble himui. I start for corps headquarters in a few moments. Respectfully, It. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- 4eneral. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, R. FOSTER Deep Bottom, Va., July 22, 18643 p. m. GENERAL: Colonel Hill has retaken the battery; it was defended by 300 dismounted cavalry. He thiimks it will be impossible to hold th Page 406 406 OPERATIONS IN SE. ~VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. Lii. J)osition over night unless lie is re-enforced by 200 men. I have noti- - fled Colonel Plaisted to have the men ready iii case you wish to send them, and sent word to Colonel Hill that he will fall back at night if the position is unsafe, unless he is re-enforced. JAS. M. BARNARD, JR., First Lieutenant and Aide-de- Gamp. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 22, 18649.30 p. m. General FOSTER, Jones Neck: General Grant wishes to know what that firing is on your front, and if the Eleventh Maine still holds that position. Please answer quick. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. DEEP BOTTOM, VA., July 22, 1864. (Received 10.20 p. in.) General WEITZEL: The firing is below us. The gun-boats have been all the p. m. shell- ing around Colonel hulls position. His men fell back from the position taken at dark by my orders, as I had not men to re-enforce them suf ficiently. 11. S. FOSTER. Brigadier- General. DEEP BOTTOM, VA., July 22,1864. General WEITZEL: GENERAL: Captain Lubey informs me that another engineer officer is to come to this place to take charge of the new bridge. 1 would respectfully request that no other captain of engineers be sent to this place. Captain Lubeys company is sufficient to construct and take care of both bridges. Your friend, P. S. FOSTER, - Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 22, 1864. General FOSTER, Jones Neck: All right. Tell Captain Lubey I will order, as he desires, that com- pany not to go, or to return if it has started or got there G. WEJTZEL Brigadier- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HD QRS. FIRST DIv., TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 78. ( Deep Bottom, Va., July 22, 1864. I. The brigadier-general commanding takes pleasure in acknowledg- jug the value and importance of the service (to the command) rendere Page 407 CHAP. LH.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 407 1 )V Lieuteiiaut.Colonel Hill with die Eleveiitli Maine Vo1uiite~rs in hiking and occupying the posih~~ii SO Iledi the ~CW Market and Mal- vein 11111 road and iii flout ol the enemy~s position. This 1)OSitiolI, if maintained, is of like importance to this commaiid aiid the enemy. It severs the enemys communication with Malvern 11111 and prevents the interruption of navigation at this point, as well as preventing the aniioyance caused by the enemys batteries stationed near this road. It was accomplished with slight loss to us, and resulted in the capture of a number of prisoners, among them one commissioned officer. By order of Brig. Gen. H. S. Foster: P. A. DAVIS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 22, 18641 oclock. Lient. II. 0. Fox, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade: SIR: I have the honor to report that I have retaken the position that held last evening, driving from the battery 300 dismounted cavalry of the Hampton Legion. If you can send me 200 more men and pioneers to intrench I will hold this position until morning, although my men have been without sleep for thirty-six honrs; they have made two nnsuccessful attempts to drive us from the battery. Unless I can be re-enforced by 200 men more I think it would not be practicable to hold the battery during the night. If the position is to be held by us please notify my adjutant to have rations provided for my regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. HILL, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Eleventh Maine Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS, in the Field, Va., July /22, 18615.30 p. m. Colonel PLAISTED: I have just withdrawn my pickets from the gateway or battery, understanding my orders that I should do so, unless I heard otherwise by 5 oclock. I shall make a reconnaissance up the creek to-night. I do not think it exl)edient to hold my old line, as 1 cap, if needed, take it again in the morning. The men are very tired and sleepy, as a portiomi of them were on picket last night. Respectfully, J. A. hILL, Lieutenant.Colonei, ~ If the general orders it I can retake my position to-night. J. A. II. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. EIGHTEENTh ARMY CORRS, No. 95. July 22, 1864. In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 64, July 21, 1864, from head- quarters Armies of the United States, I hereby assmne conunand of The Eighteenth Army Corps Page 408 408 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. [11 addition to the staff already attached to corps headquarters the following officers of my personal staff arc announced: Maj. S. S. Sew- ard, aide-de-camp; Capt. A. B. Sharpe, aide-de-camp; Capt. H. G. Brown, aide-de-camp. They will be respected accordingly. E. 0. C. 01W, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., July 23, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The order sending regiments whose time expires by the 25th of August to Washington will take Col. J. D. McIntosh, Third Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, and Col. George H. Chapman, Third Indiana, both coin- manding brigades in Third Division Cavalry; I have therefore to reqnest their immediate promotions in accordance with previous recoininenda- tions. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 23, 18641 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: General Wright in person arrived this morning, and most of his forces will encamp at our outer line to-night. He says it will take about two days to refit his men with shoes and clothing and to have them paid. Our cavalry yesterday followed the enemy to Strasburg. He is still moving south. General Hunter telegraphs to the President that, without the assistance of Wright, lie cannot prevent Earlys return, if attempted. A man just in from Gordonsville says the rail- road is repaired and the bridge across the Rapidan nearly completed. In regard to Earlys force, General Wright was assured by Union men, who saw both armies, that Earlys was much the larger. The rebels generally said to the country people that as soon as they secured their plunder they would return to Maryland and Pennsylvania for more, and that they expected to meet a force from Richmond to receive their plunder. They were probably directed by their officers to say this. The President (who has seen all the dispatches on the subject) directs me to say that you alone can judge of the importance of seuding~ the Sixth Corps to the Army of the Potomac, or of its operating with Hunter against Gordonsville and Charlottesville, and that you alone must decide the question. The part of the Nineteenth Corps which returns with General Wright will be seiit to City Point as soon as they can be refitted. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Stafl~. CITY POINT, VA., July 23, 18646 p. m. Major-General HALLEcK, Washington, D. C.: If Wright has returned to Washington send him immediately back here, retaining, however, the portion of the Nineteenth Corps now i Page 409 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 409 Wasi iii igtoi hr further orders. Early is tin d )llbtCdly returi dug here to enable the eiieiny to detach troops to go~ to Georgia. limiters troops must be tired. I would say, therefore, for him to take up such of the advanced positioiis suggested by him as in his judgment will best pro- tect the line of the Potomac. If Wright and Hunter have started after the enemy with the view of following on to the road from Charlottes- ville to Gordonsville let them go. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 23, 186410.30 p. m. (Received 7 a. in. 24th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Please send here all cavalry detachments, whether mounted or not, belonging to regiments here, with the exception of those belonging to the First Pennsylvania, Third Pennsylvania, First New Jersey, Third Indiana, Sixth Pennsylvania, and Eighth Pennsylvania. These regi- ments are being sent back, having but a short period to serve. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, I). C., July 23, 18642.80 p. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gity Point, Va.: A man who left Gordonsyille on the 12th instant arrived here yester- day. He is intelligent and seems honest. He reports that when he left the curs were running through from Richmond to Gordonsville, Char- lottesville, Staunton, and Lynchburg. rrhe rebels were building a bridge over the Rapidan to get hay from Culpeper. C. A. DANA. CITY POINT, VA., July 23, 1864. (Received 8 p. mu.) Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General: The animals called for in my dispatch to you of the 9th instant have not been received. They are greatly imeeded. I ama directed so to inform you. There are vessels now in the Potomac which can bring these animals here and returmi iii time for any trool)s that will be ready to embark for these armies. H. INGALLS, Briqadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE o~ PROVOST-MARSIIALGENERAL, July 23, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of staff: GENERAL: A deserter frommi the Eleventh Alabama Regiment, San- ders brigade, Mahones division, Hills corps, came into the lines of th Page 410 410 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Second Brigade, Second I)ivision, Fifth Corps, al ~ ad I 0.80 a. m. to- day. He states that there have l)een no movements of A. P. hills or Longstreets corps, to his kiiowledge, excepting the regular relief of brigades in the trenches by those in reserve. Maliones division is lying in the same position, with Heth to the right and Lougstreets corps on the left. No troops have been semit away from Lees army to inform- ants knowledge, and none have been added to it. No news of General Earlys forces, other than that they are in the Valley and will probably remain there to secure the crop. NoTE.The two divisions of Hills corps (Heths and Mahones) that are now in our front have each a brigade in reserve, which occupies a protected position some distance to the rear of the trenches. The reserve brigade of Heths division is encamped near and to the left of the Weldon railroad, about half way between the lead-works and the town. These are the troops that were seen by our agent on his late trip to Petersburg. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS FiFTH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864JO a. m. Captain FISHER: A small party of enemy laboring on northeast corner ot and within. redoubt in vicinity of Gregorys house. They appear to be at work on embrasure or table for gun carriage, as axes are freely used. I.S. LYON, ASignai ()fficer. PLANK ROAD STATION, July 23, 18645 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER: No movement of troops or trains to-day. The atmosphere has been very unfavorable for observations all day. J. B. DUFF, ASeeou(l Lieutenant, d~c. WALTHALL SniNAL STATION, July 23, 18646.15 p. m. Captain FISHER: The most smoky day I have seen for many months; consequently nothing seen; city invisible. Lieutenant Fearey endeavored to read a rebel message and got only the following words: Leaving our front. CIIAItLES L. DAVIS, Captain, & C. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 23, 18649 a. rn. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: There has been 110 change in the disposition of my line, except that one brigade of the Third Division has been assigned to a part of the line on the left flank, the division of General Gibbon being too small to occupy the line. WINFI) S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 411 CIkP. LII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC,UNJoN. 411 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, July 23, 1864. (Received 9.15 p. in.) General S. WILLIAMS: The work of changing and strengthening the line of rifle-pits lately occupied by General Ferreros division has been continued since last report by General Gibbons division and part of the Third Division. The First Division has been at work under charge of engineer depart- ment. I am cutting off the entire line made by General Ferrero from near the road, frem Mrs. Smiths to Southalls, by a shorter and better line, and am felling a great deal of timber in the vicinity of the line. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 23, 186410 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: SIR: The commanding general directs that during to-night you have your ambulance and ammunition wagons drawn off from the main road, so that the way shall be clear for the advance of troops to-morrow morning, and also that you make arrangements to have the small- arm ammunition you may require to-morrow taken to the front on pack-saddles. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ WILLIAMS, A ssistant A djutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQIJARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864. Hereafter there will be assigned permanently to each division one wagomi-load of intrenching tools, to consist of 150 shovels, 150 axes, and 50 picks. Division commanders will take the necessary steps to secure the proper responsibility for these tools. They will not be sent away from the division, nor left at any l)lace where fatigue details may be sent to work, except when specially ordered from these headquar- ters. The commanding officer Engineer Battalion will send a man with each of these wagons to remain with it to have care of the tools. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, A ssistant A dyntant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, No. 193. July 23, 1864. 1. Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney, U. S. Volunteers, having been assigned in orders from headquarters Armies of the United States to Pie com- mand of the Tenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. G. Mott, U.S. Volnuteers, will assume command of the Third Division, Second Army Corps. By command of Major-Gejieral Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, A8sistaut A djutant- General Page 412 412 OPERATIONS IN ~E. VA. AND-N. 0. (CHAP. LIL GENERAL ORDERS, ~ I~DQRS. 2D DIv1sIoT~, 2D ARMY CoRPS, No. 57. July 23, 1864. The undersigned resumes command of the division. JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of Volunteers. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQIiS. 3D DiviSioN, 2D ARMY CORPS, No. 48. July 23, 1864. The brigadier-general commanding division announces his staff as fol- lows: Maj. John Hancock, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. George W. Johues, assistant quartermaster, as- sistant quartermaster; Capt. C. M. Robins, commissary of subsistence, commissary of subsistence; Surg. Orpheus Everts, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers, surgeon-in-chief; Maj. John Willian, Sixth New Jersey Volunteers, assistant inspector-general; Capt. W. W. Braman, Ninety- third New York Volunteers, provost-marshal; Capt. E. L. Ford, Ninety-niutli Pennsylvania, ordnance officer; Capt. Joseph U. Craw- ford, Sixth New Jersey Volunteers, engineer officer; First Lieut. William P. Shreve, Second U. S. Sharpshooters, assistant commissary of mus- ters; First Lient. Thomas H. Fisher, Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, aide-de-caml); First Lient. William G. Thompson, Sixth New Jersey Vol- unteers, aide-de-camp; First Lient. John iR. Pancoast, One hundred and tenth Pennsylvania, ambulance officer. By command of Brigadier-General Mott: JOHN HANCOCK, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have to report all quiet during the night in my front. The follow- ing details were at work on my line last night: Six hundred men from First Division, 400 men from Second Division, 3(10 men from Fonrth Division. (1. K. WARREN, - Major- (Jenerat. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant-Adjutant General: Everything very quiet in iuy front during the day. One deserter from Eleventh Alabama was received aiid forwarded to army head- quarters. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding Page 413 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 413 SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 179. July 23, 1864. * * * * * * * 3. The Coehorn batteries will be under the direction of Colonel Wainwright, commanding Artillery Brigade, Who, in his instructions, will consult the officer in command of the iiifantry or engineer in charge of working parties in his vicinity, so as to most effi~ctiially prevent the enemy from annoying them, either keepiiig down their fire by his own or ceasing to fire if he finds he is drawing an increased fire upon them. 4. While occupying the present position, the batteries now with the Third Division will also be under Colonel Waimiwrights supervision, so as to provide properly for the caissons and horses not in the works. The service of the batteries themselves must be left to the judgment of each Battery commander, in case of an engagement, but subject, if necessary, to the orders of the commander of the works near them in all that regards location of camps, tents, sinks, & c. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assi8taut Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864. General CRAWFORD: GENERAL: There was, as it seemed a neglect on your part to get the head of your column to the place of e~nbarkation on the James River, on the 16th ultimo, by 4 a. m. It did not reach there till 6 a. m. Gen- eral Meade complained to me of this. General Meades order reached inc at 11.55 p. in. on the 15th. The order was sent to you about 12.35 a. in. on the 16th. What time did it reach you~ What time did you start; how far did you have to march and what obstacles in the way, such as trains,did you encounter~ Y6urs, respectfully, ~. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD l)IVISIoN, FIFTH CORPS, July 23, 1864. [General WARREN:] GENERAL: The order for me to move to the wharf near the pontoon l)ridge, James River, so as to commence ferrying across at 4 a. in. June 16, is contained in paragraph 2, of circular of June 15, 1864, 11.55 p. in., headquarters Fifth Corps, and received about 1 a. in. the 16th instant. The two batteries serving with me moved out at 2.30 a. in., followed by the infantry. Near your headquarters, at the inter- section of another road, a long wagon train was encountered. This ol)Struction, togetber with the delay by having nO staff~ officer to guide mime, being myself unacqllaiilte(l with the route, caused time t~iilure to arrive at the landing- at the time appointed. The (listalice I should judge was betweemi three and tour miles. ~S. W. CRAWFORD. Page 414 414 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS N[NTH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 18649 a. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that all was quiet on my line during the night. New abatis was put out. There was the usual amount of firing. A. E. BUItNSII)E, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NiNTH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864. (Received 9.35 p. in.) General W1LLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that it has been unusually quiet on my line to-day. The enemy opened a new mortar battery on General Pot- ters right and threw some shells at our party working on the covered way to the fourteen-gun battery, but (lid no damage. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. IIDQRS. SECOND BRUL, SECOND Div., 9TH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Gorps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the works along our line are very nearly completed, with the exception of the covered way lead- lug to the fort by the burnt house. Not much progress has been made on that, owing to the fact that the working party from my brigade has been relieved by the general commanding the corps on account of their services being required during the night on the front line, and the party designed to relieve them not having reported. The mine is very nearly completed, and two hours labor will at any time put it in condi- tion ready for the final explosion. Chambers have been extended seventy-five feet from the extremity of the mine. At 5 p. m. yesterday the enemy opened on the left of the Second Division with volleys of musketry (the fire by company), creating some disturbance along the line and drawing the artillery fire. I was myself upon the spot at the time, but could discover no cause for the outbreak and no indication of its object. Nothing new discovered in relation to the enemys oper- ations. Very respectfully, your obedient sUvant, S. G. GRIFFIN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, General of the Trenches. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 23, 18648 p.m. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: l~icket-firiiig less than fbr some days. Enemy opened with shells this p. in. on the working party at the covered way to th Page 415 CHAP. LII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 415 heavy battery. They used 2 and 2~ second fuse, an(1 some shell struck to the left of New Market road. The firing came from th~ rebel works on Potters right, and was enfilading. This battery ought to be looked to, and I should think if it can be seen ought to be easily ~ilenced, as it must be very near. Have completed a cover for one gun on New Market road, but do not design to l)ut it in until the heavy gnus are in Position. Very respectiully, 0. B. WLLLCOX, !Wigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS AitMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 23, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER CAVALRY CORPS: Colonel Chapman reports this morning that he is bciiug relieved. T he commanding general prefers that the tour of the brigade on the left should continue for several days, as the ground covered by it is cxteuusive and somewhat intricate. A. A. IIIIJMPIIREYS, JJ(90r- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., CAVALRY CORPS, Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPUREYS, July 23, 18648.30 a. in. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my line of pickets re- mains unchanged and undisturbed at this time. Yesterday two men were captured from the line near Aikens. The character of the country through which the right of line passes makes the duty both difficult and dauigerous. The patrol to Lees Mill this morning was attacked upon its return by about a squadron of the enemy and lost four men taken l)risoners and two wounded. The officer in charge thinks it was the intention of the enemy to cut off the patrol. He retired immediately after the attack. I have made connection by patrol with the cavalry doing picket (lilty from Prince George Court-House, near Davenport Church, their line having been extended. The two women alluded to in communication of yesterday were passed out after taking inclosed oath.* I am being relieved this morning by First Brigade, of First Cavalry Division, Colonel Alger commanding. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. H. CHAPMAN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. CITY PoINT, July 23, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: Secretary Seward awl party have just left here for Point of Rocks on boat City of hudson. U. S. GRANT, Liea tena at- General. Omitted Page 416 [CHAP. LII. 416 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 23, 1864. The unders~gned, having examined so far as practicable the ground in front of General Butlers line, submit the following: There appear to be two points on the line from which an attack on the enemys line might be madethe first on the right center, to move to the left of Ware Bottom Church; the second to be toward Port Waithall Junction, the troops crossing Bake-House Creek, near its mouth. The troops for the first attack might be formed within a few hundred yards of the enemys line in the woods, or might move over the open. They would meet a line of works, much weaker than those held by us, but yet of such strength and so manned as to make success, except by surprise, doubtful. The chances of success are thought to be against us in this attack. The second plan of attack would not l)erinit a surprise as at Port Walthafi, as our lines are separated by a considerable distance from those of the enemy. This part of the line is not so well known as the other, but is believed to be continuous, and is known to have abatis in a part of its front; still it is not supposed to be as strong as that part first mentioned. The chances of success are thought to be the same as in the case of ordinary rifle-pits, the assault nQt being a sur- prise. It is supposed that the enemy have about two divisions for the line north of the Appomattox, massed at the principal points. General Weitzel has not seen the ground in General Burnsides front. The other signers think the prospect of breaking through the enemys line in General Burusides front better thaii at the first point mentioned, in General Butlers front, and at least as good as at the second point. It should be recollected, however, that if the estimate of the enemys force is correct in General Butlers front there would not be more than 1,500 or 2,000 men per mile in the enemys line. J. C. DUANE, Major of Engineers. C. B. CONSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel, Aide-de- Camp. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. JONES NEcK, July 23, 1864. General WEITziEL: The bridge is ready for the passage of troops. General Foster in- forms me that you granted my request to have charge of both bridges. Captain Cruso, I learn, arrived here this evening, but as yet I have not seen him. The men of his command assisted inc in laying the bridge. I suppose from what General Foster says that Captain Cruso and his command will return to their camp. T. LUBEY, Captain, & e~ BERMuDA, July 23, 1864. General WEITzEL, Chief Engineer: I have just returned from Jones Neck. Your (lispatch was forwarded at that place, and have not receive(l same. Shall I rel)ort to you in person ~ Ii. II. CitUSO, Captain, Commanding Train 17 Page 417 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 417 Hixns. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 23, 1864. Captain Unuso, Berm ada Iliundred: You need not report in ~)erson. Just resume the sanie Position with your company which you occul)ie(l before starting for Jones Neck. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- Genera] and Chief Engineer IIDQRS. DEPT. OF ViRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 23, 1864. Captain CRUSO, Pontoon Train No. 17. Jones Neck: You will return to your camp with your men at once. JAMES W. LYON, Captain and Assistant Engineer. Comdg. Pontoon Train. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VA. AND N. (I, No. 200. in the Field, Va., July 23, 1864. I. Companies I and M, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, now at Portsmouth, Va., will proceed without delay to New Berne, N. C., and report to the commanding officer of that regiment. Quartermas- ters department will furnish transportation. II. That part of the Third Brigade, First Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, Colonel Currie commanding, which has arrived, will proceed at once and report to Brig. Gen. R. S. Foster, at Deep Bottom. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Butler: 11. 5. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel ABBOT: July 23, 186411.10 p. m. If the six siege guns have not yet been sent up to General Burnsides works you had better send them ill) as soon as practicable. II. J. hUNT, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 17. in the Field, near Hatchers, Va., July 23, 1864. In obedience to Special Orders, No. 64, current series, from headqnar- ters Armies of the United States, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Tenth Army Corps. The following-named officers are aiinonnced as constituting the personal staff: Capt. J. C. Briscoe, Fortieth New York Volunteers, aide-dc-camp; Capt. Clayton McMich- 27 R KVOL XL, PT II Page 418 418 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. ael, Ninth U. S. Infantry, aide-de-camp; Capt. Charles Noble, jr., One hundred and nineteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Capt. J. E. Sweet, Twentieth Indiana Yolunteers, acting aide-de-camp. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH AuMY CORPS, July 23, 1861. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff, & c.: Please send me any maps that you have of my line. 1 find none at corps headquarters. D. B. BLIRNEY, Major- General. HDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 23, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY, Tenth Corps Headquarters: Your dispatch received. I will send you all I have ready, and com- l)lete the series as soon as possible. Respectfully, G. WEITZEL Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staffi HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 23, 1864. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjuta~nt- General: I would respectfully suggest that the division of General Turner needs relief. It has lost severely, and certainly I would recommend that the brigade from the Nineteenth Army Corps relieve him. It will be of, great importance to me to get this corps together and ready for any movement. 1). B. BIIiNEY, Major- General~ SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEAD QUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 82. In the Field, July 23, 1864. 1. Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, U. S. Yolunteers, having been relieved from temporary command of the Tenth Army Corps, will resnme com- mand of the First Division. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 419 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 419 SPECiAL ORnERS, ~ HDQ RS. FIRST I)iv., TEN m Ani~IY CORPS, No. 79. in the Field, Va., July 23, 1864. The section of First Coimecticut Light Battery now in position in Battery No. 1 will proceed immediately to Deep Bottom, Va., report- j~o upon arrival at that place to Brig. Geii. IR. S. Foster, commanding Third Brigade. By order of Brig. Geii. A. H. Terry: A. TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. H1)QIi8. THIRD BRrn., FIRST I)iv., TENTH ARMY CORPS ly 23, 1864. Brig. Geii. A. II. TERRY, Deep Bottom Ju Commanding First Division, Tenth Army Gomps: The enemy occupy the edge of the woods, they being too strong to be dislodged by Colonel Hill to-day. We have had 4 or 5 mcii wounded. I think it necessary that there should be two guns in the earth-work on the bluff below Four-Mile Creek, as they would render the position of any battery the enemy might attempt to place on iiiy right very insecure. They also would assist in repelling any attack of the enemy on that part of the line, and assist materially in driving the enemy from the woods if we wish to occupy them. I think the position of 50 mnch importance that if they cannot be sent me I shall take two gnus from my line here, although it would weaken it to (10 50. Respectfully, yours, ii. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINiA AND NORTH CAROLINA in the Field July 23, 1864. General FOSTER, Deep Bottom: General Grant hears some firing again up our way and wants to know what it is. Please inform us at once. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. BEEP BOTTOM, VA., July 23, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: There is no firing here except an occasional shot by the gun-boats into the woods in front of my line below Four-Mile Creek. The Eleventh Maine hold a position covering the road from New Market to Malv~rn lull. All is quiet along my lines. Respectfully, B. S. FOSTER. (Forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant. Page 420 420 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. Lii. HDQRS. DEPT. OF YIIW1NlA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 23, 1861. General FOSTER, Deep Bottom: A deserter has just been brought iii from your front. lie says he gave you some Richmond papers. General Butler wants you to send theni to him at once, and do so whenever you get a late paper. He considers this highly important. G. WEITZEL, Br4jadier- General. DEEP BOTTOM, VA., Jaly 23, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: GENERAL: I have received no paper to-day from ally deserter. I received a Richmond Sentinel this evening of the 22d from the officer of picket who exchanged by order from Captain Davis. I never omit to forward all Richmond papers to corps headquarters. I intended to forward this by first courier in the morning. No news in it. Shall I send it to-night ? My orders are that papers exchanged or taken from deserters be sent to me to be transmitted to corps headquarters. R. S. FOSTER, Briqadier- General. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRGINiA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 23, 1864. General R. S. FOSTER, Jones Neck: Nearly all of one brigade of the Nineteenth Corps has just been ordered to report to you. Put it into position on the down-river side of Four-Mile Creek and let it iimtrench. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS, Deep Bottom, Va., July 23, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: GENERAL: If there is any object in concealing the force to be en- camped by Four-Mile Creek I would suggest that they be camped on Jones Neck until the works are completed, otherwise they will be in full view of the enemy. I would also suggest you would come or send your assistant to select the position you wish intremiched. Yours, & c., it. S. FOSTER, Brigadi er- General. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRcTINIA ANI) NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 23, iRGi. General FOSTER Deep hottom: Your dispatch received. Michie is on the way. There is no object in concejding our forces. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General Page 421 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 421 HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Fort Powhatan, Va., July 23, 1864. Major-Genera.l BUTLER, Commanding Departrnen~t of Virginia and North Carolina: GENERAL: I have again repaired the U. S. military telegraph line from this place to Swan Point. I caused four citizens to be brought in as hostages, and had the people living along the hue notified that they would be held responsible for the safety of that line. What shall I do with these hostages ~ Since they were brought in I have learned that one of them, a minister, relieved and dressed the wounds of one of our soldiers, cared for him till morning, then sent him to this fort. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. S. INNIS, Colonel, C1ornmanding Post. WASHINGTON, July 24, 18649 p. m. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The appointment of brigadiers recommended by you, to wit, Colonels McCandless, Chapman, Chamberlain, and Mcintosh were ordered and have been made out and will be trauismitted to you by the Adjutant- General. The President has appointed General Osterhaus major-gen- eral. There are three or four other vacancies of brigadier awaiting your recommendation to be filled up. E. M. STANTON, & ?cretary of War. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 24, 186412 noon. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, City Point, Va.: The rear of the Sixth Corps got into camp last night; they are being supplied and paid to-day. They will probably begin to embark to-night. Last telegram from Hunter in regard to enemy in the Shenandoah is forwarded.* H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of AStaff. CITY POINT, VA., July 24, 186412 m. Major-General HALLECK, Washington, P C.: Your dispatch of 1 p. m. yesterday just received. I presume you had not yet received any dispatch directing the Sixth Corps to be returned hiere and the Nineteenth Corps retained. 1 would prefer keeping the Army of the PotQmac together if l)OSSible, and, if necessary, send all the Nineteenth Corps to Washington. You can retain General Wright until I learn positively what has become of Early. I would prefer a complete smash-up of the enemys roads about Gordonsville and Char- lottesville to having the same force here. If Wright and Hunter can do this job let them do it. Submit the matter to Wright for his views. ~ See Hunter to Stanton, Vol. XXXVII, Part II, p. 428 Page 422 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. 422 If they get Gilt to the railroad every rail ought to be destroyed from Gordonsville back toward Richmond and toward Orange Court-House for miles, and from Charlottesville toward Staunton and toward Lynch- burg in the same way. ~. ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. XVASHINGTON, July 24, 1864~ )~. ill. Lieutenant- General GRANT, Gity Point, Va.: General Wright, in accordance with your orders, was about to embark for City Point. I have directed him to await your farther orders. I shall exercise no further discretion in this matter, but shall carry out such orders as you may give. II. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT VA., July 24, 18G45 p. in. (Received 10.15 a. in. 25th.~ Major-General HALLEcK: Special Orders, No. 236, from the Ad.jutant-Generals Office, of date July 13, details Col. A. G. Draper, Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, as commander of recruiting depot at Fort Monroe, Va. Colonel Draper is very munch needed here. I would like to have the order chamiged, snbstituting Brigadier-General Wild for Colonel Draper. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY PoiNT, VA., July 24, 18G45.30 p. m. (Received 10 a. in. 25th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK: Please direct General Foster to order Brig. Gen. William Birney to report to General Butler if his services can be dispensed with. His brigade ought to be brought here if General Foster thinks he can do without it. Whilst operations continue here much cannot be done in the Department of the South except to hold what we have got. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POiNT, VA., July 24, 1864lI a. in. Hon. C. A. DANA, Assistant ASeeretary oJ liar: How does the pursuit after the enemy sum up ~ Have they been com- pelled to drop any of their plunder, and have we killed, captured, and scattered any of their force to speak of~ What news have you from Foster~ We hear nothing from him except through the papers. All quiet here. A Richmond extra of yesterday claims great victory at Atlanta; capture of a great many prisoners; 22 pieces; killed large number, among whom was celebrated Yankee General McPherson, also Giles A. Smith and T. J. Wood; that Hardee was in Shermans rear, and they expected that victory would be decisive. Shermans di Page 423 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 423 patches of a day later, which, of course, you have seeii, place the mat- ter in a very different light, save the death of McPherson. We will make a move here about Tuesday, but which one of two that are in con- templation is not yet fixed upon; when it is I will dispatch you. JNO. A. RAWLJNS, Chief of staff. WASHINGTON, F). C., July 24, 18649 p. m. Brigadier-General HAwLINs, City Point, Va.: The pursuit of Early, on the whole, has proved an egregious blunder, relieved only by Averells success at Winchester, in which he captured four guns and some prisoners. Wright and Crook accomplished noth- ing, and Wright started back as soon as he got where he might have (lone something worth while. As it is, Early has got off with the whole of his plunder, and Hunter will hardly be able to break up the railroad beyond what can be repaired in a short time. Had Wright remained in the Valley, the combined forces might have made a sure campaign, at least ag.ainst the railroad and the crops. We have no news from Foster, nor anything from Atlanta later than Van Duzers dispatch of 11 p. m. of yesterday. Will you do me the kindness to let me know what is the matter with John Seitz, a baker from this city, who has been or is being tried at City Point for some offense, and to have the execution of the sentence suspended, if it is in any way severe, at least for the present ~ Chapman and McIntosh have been made brigadier- generals. The generals previous recommendation had been mislaid and could not be found. McCandless has also been made a briga- dier-general. Osterhaus has been made a major-general. C. A. DANA. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., July 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Commanding, d~c.: Lieutenant-General Grant directs that the Sixth Corps immediately return to the Army of the Potomac. Brigadier-General Emory, with that portion of the Nineteenth Corps here, will report to Major-General Augur. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., AThIT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 247. Washington, July 24, 1864. I. All cavalry detachments, whether mounted or not, from the Army of the Potomac, except those belonging to the First, Third, Sixth, and Eighth Pennsylvania, First New Jersey, and Third Indiana, will be sent back to that army without delay. The regiments mentioned in the foregoing paragraph have been ordered to report to Major-General Augur, to whom all detachments therefrom will also report. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 424 424 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, Va., July 2i, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. U. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The engineer officers who iiiade a survey of the front from Bermuda Hundred report against the probability of success from an attack there. The chances, they think, will be l)etter on Burn sides front. If this is attempted it will be necessary to concentrate all the force possible at the l)oint in the enemys line we expect to penetrate. All officers should be fully impressed with the al)solllte necessity of pushing entirely beyond the enemys present line if they should suc- ceed in penetrating it, and of getting l)ack to their preseiit line promptly if they should not succeed in breaking through. To the right and left of the point of assault all the artillery possible should l)e brought to play upon the enemy in front during the assault. Thin lines would be sufficient for the support of the artillery, and all the reserves could be brought on the flanks of their commands nearest to the point of assault, ready to follow in if successful. The field artillery and infantry held in the lines during the first assault should be in readiness to move at a moments notice, either to their front or to follow the main assault, as they should receive orders. One thing, however, should be impressed on corps commanders: If they see the enemy giving away on their front or moving from it to re-enforce a heavily assailed l)ortion of their line they should take advantage of such knowledge and act promptly without waiting for orders from army commanders. General Ord can co-operate with his corps in this movement, and about 5,000 troops from Bermucita Hundred can be sent to re-enforce you, or can be used to threaten an assault between the Appomattox an(l James Rivers, as may be deemed best. This should be done by Tuesday morning, if done at all. If not attempted, we will then start at the date indicated to destroy the railroad as far as Hicksford, at least, and to Weldon, if possible. Please give me your views on this matter and I will order at once. In this I have said nothing of the part to be taken by the cavalry in case the enemys lines are assaulted. The best disposition to make of them probably would be to place theni on the extreme left, with instructions to skirmish with the enemy and drive him back, if possible following up any success gained in that way according to the j adgment of the coin- mander or orders he may receive. Whether we send an expedition on the road or assault at Petersburg Burusides mine will be blown up. As it is impossible to hide preparations from our own officers and men, and consequently from the enemy, it will be well to hi~ve it understood as far as possibh~ that just the reverse ot what we inten(l is in con- templation.* I am, general, very respectfully, & c., IT. S. GRANT, J~i(?utejlant- 4cnerai. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TilE POTOMAC, ~July 24, 1864. Lient. Gem U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: I have received your letter, per Lieutenant-Colonel Coin- stock. In reply thereto I have to state I, yesterday, made a close and * For version of this letter, as submitte4 with the report of the Court of Inquiry on the Mine Explosion, see Part I, p. 129 Page 425 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 425 careful reconnaissance of the enemys position, and although I could not detect any positive indications of a second line, yet, from certain appearances at different points, I became satisfied a second line does exist on the crest of the ridge just in rear of the position of Burn- sides mine. I have no doubt of the successful explosion of the mine amid of our ability to effect a lodgment and compel the evacuatioii of the line at l)resent held by the enemy, but from their redoubt on the Jerusalem plank road and from their position in front of the Hare house their artillery fire would compel either a withdrawal or an ad- vance. The advance, of course, should be made, but its success is dependent on the questiomi whether the enemy have or have not a sec- ond line on the crest of the ridge. If they have, with the artillery fire already referred to, which sweeps the whole slope of the ridge, I do not deem it practicable to carry the second line by assault. Now, from my examination as previously stated, together with the evident necessity for their having such a line, I am forced to believe one will be found, and I do not, therefore, deem the assault expedient. Should it be deemed necessary to take all the risks involved, and there is undoubt- edly room for doubt. I would like a little muore time than is given in your note to 1)lace in position the maximum amount of artillery to bear upon the lines not assaulted. In regard to the assaulting force it would be composed, so far as this army is concerned, of the Ninth and Second Corps. The Fifth Corps has umo reserves of any consequence and would be required to hold their line and be prepared to resist any attempt to turn our left flank, which in case of an unsuccessful assault I should deem quite probable. Fully impressed as I am with the neces- sity of imumediate action, and also satisfied that excepting regular approaches the assault on Burnsides front is the most practicable, I am comupelled as a matter of judgment to state that the chances of suc- cess are not such as to make the attempt advisable. At the same time, I do miot consider it hopeless and am prepared to mnake the attemnpt, if it is deemed of importance to do so. I inclose you a report* of Major Duane, which confirms my views. If Wright is soon to retiu-n and we cami extend our lines to the Weldon road we could then advance against the salient on the Jerusalem plank road and make an attemupt to carry these at the same time we exploded Burnsides mine. This was my idea some time ago and we have been preparing the neces- sary siege-works for this purpose. Under your instructions, however, mione of the heavy guns or material have been brought to the front it would take perhaps two days to get theun up.t Respectfully, yours, GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTEU8 ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, July 24, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Gommanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Your note brought by Colonel Comstock is received. It will be necessary to act without expecting Wright. He is now in ~See p. 428. For version of this letter, as submitted with the report of the Court of Inquiry on the Miiie Explosion, see Part I, p. 130 Page 426 426 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Washington, but it is not fully assured yet that Early has left the Valley, and if Wright was to start back no doubt the Maryland raid would be repeated. I am not willing to attempt a movement so haz- ardous as the one against intrenched lines against the judgment of yourself and your engineer officers, and arrived at after a more careful survey of the ground than I have given it. I will let you know, how- ever, in the morning what determination I come to. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 24, 1864. Major-General MEADE: Is there any word from deserters from Longstreets corps within the last day or two ~? U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Tuly 21, 18647.20 p. in. Major-General MEADE: GENERAL: We have no deserters or prisoners from the enemy to- day. Yesterday a deserter from Mahones division, Hills corps, caine into our lines at 10.30 a. m. and stated the enemys position to be un- changed; prior to that Mahone had been on the right of Fields divis- ion, of Lon gstreets corps, and McLaws was next on the left. Long- streets other division (Picketts) is beyond the Appomattox, in front of General Butler. We do not see prisoners or deserters from it. Fields and McLaws hold the enemy s line from the Norfolk railroad to the Jerusalem plank road, and although we believe that each of the enemys divisions hold a brigade in reserve, we know of no troops that could ocenpy the lines if any considerable portion of Longstreets were with- drawn, as A. P. HilL was accounted for by the deserter of yesterday as holding his old place from the Jerusalem plank road to the Weldon railroad. Very respectfully, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 24, 18648 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The foregoing is sent as all the information we have of Longstreets corps. As we have been on the qui vive to find out any movement of Lees army, and question all deserters and others on this point, I feel quite sure the corps has not moved. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 427 On~. LJI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 427 FLAG-SHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, Va., July 24, 1864. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding U. S. Forces in the Field: GENERAL: I inclose a copy of a communication received to-day from the Navy Department, relative to the expediency of withdrawing the iron-dads from James River. I request the favor of an early reply, giving your views on the subject. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE, Acty. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Please address your reply to me at Beanfort, N. C. [Lnclosiire.J NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, July 22, 1864. Actiug Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE, Gomdg. N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads: SIR: You will inform this Department whether any of the iron-dads attached to your command can be withdrawn, having due regard to the exigencies of the public service within the limits of your commaud; whether they are absolutely essential to the holding possession of Janies River, or other waters of Virginia; and whether the military forces caii maintain their positions in Virginia, assisted and protected by wooden vessels only, in case the iron-dads should be withdrawn, or with the assistance and protection of wooden vessels and a portion of the iron- (dads. Answers to these questions, and such other information bearing upon the subjects of inquiry, as your judgment may dictate, can be furnished at your leisure. The opinion of Lieutenant-General Grant upon the points indicated would be valuable, and the Department would be gratified if you should obtain it. Very i~espectfully, & c., GII)EON WELLES, Secretary ~/ the Nary. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE Po~roMAc, July 24, 1864. Maj. J. C. DUANE, Acting Ch ief Engineer, Army of the Potomac MAJOR: Please give mae, with as little delay as l)racticable, your views on the expediency of an assault on the enemys works after a successful springing of General Burusides mine, and particularly your views as to the subsequent operations after carrying the enemys first line and following up a lodgment on the crater of tIme mine. Respectfully, yours, GEt). G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding Page 428 428 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIT HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER, July 24, 1864. Major-General IVJEADE Gommanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of this date, I have the honor to state that the line of the enemys works in front of General Buruside is not situated on the crest of the ridge separating us from Petersburg; that the enemy have undoubtedly occupied this ridge as a second line. Should General Burnside succeed in exploding his mine he would probably be able to take the enemys first line, which is about 100 yards in advance of his approach. Beyond this I do not think he could advance until the works in front of the Fifth Corps are carried, as the Ninth Corps columns would be taken in flank by a heavy artillery fire from works in front of the center of the Fifth Corps, and in front by fire from the works on the crest near the Cemetery Hill. I do not believe that the works in front of the Fifth Corps can be carried until our lines can be extended to the left, so as to envelop the enemys line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. DUANE,* Major of. Engineers. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION. July 24, 18644 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER: All quiet. No movement to-day. Could see large numbers of the emiemy this a. m. policing their camps iii the rear of their line west of plank road. Nothing visible in direction of Weldon railroad. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 24, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: There has been no change in the disposition of my command since last report. The work on the left is still being prosecuted, as (lescribed in last nights report. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQITARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, General S. WILLIAMS, 21, 18649 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: There has been no change in dis~sition of my command since last report. The Third Division has returne(l from fatigue; the First detailed for to-morrow. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 429 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONTENCE, ETC.UNION. 429 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 24, 18649 a. in. General WILL1AI~IS: Nothing of importance transpired iii my front last iiight. The work- ing parties engaged during yesterday and last night were as follows: First Division, 800 men; Second Division, 200 men Fourth I)ivisioii, 85 mcii. G. K. WAIUtEN, Major- General. FIFTH CORPS, July 24, 18649 p. rn. General WILLIAMS: I have to report that nothing of importance has transpired in my fl-out to-day. The following (letails have been at work on the line: 000 men from First Division 600 men from Fourth Division. I suppose the engineers make all necessary reports in the siege operations. - . G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, General WILLIAMS, July 24, 18649 p. in. Assistant Adjutant-General: I have the honor to report the usual state of alfitirs on my line to- day. The enemy are constructing a ne~v earth-work in front of General Potters right. There are evidences that the enemy are countermining. We hope they will miss us, but we may be discovered. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 24, 1864. General BURNSIDE: It is reported that the Ninth Corps wagon trains keel) felling trees on the telegraph wire to General Butlers. The commanding general directs that you at once take measures to prevent this in future. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND I)LvlsloN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 24, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet in my front. The commanding officer First Brigade rel)Orts that the rebels are coit- structing a new earth-work in front of the right of our position. I am, colonel, very respectfully; your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 430 430 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA, AND N. C. [CRAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS THiRD DIVISION, July 24, 18648 p. m. Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report the tisual state of things on my lines. Captain iRoetuer reports that the rebels are constructing a new work in front of Colonel Humphrey. 1-le threw fire shells aiid drove off the working l)arty temporarily. The working party of Fourth Division made excellent progress last night. Besides completing the covered ways and pits in progress, I shall start a new and I think better covered way from the second to front line. Permit inc to suggest that guns might be put in position on General Warrens right, near his new mortar battery woik, that wonld sweep nearly the whole ground in front of my division and part of General Potters. I have spent the most of the day on the lines and find my pits clean and clear for action. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLUOX, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 24, 18647 a. in. Capt. H. A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Division: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the rifle-pits nearly finished. The covered ways are not so far advanced. Instead of 1,000 meui, 730 reported and worked last night. About 600 ineut can finish the covered ways this afternoon, but they cannot work by day on the rifle-pit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HUMPHREY, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. [Lndor8ellent.J HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 24, 18648 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I respectftilly forward the only brigade report of import or importance. Rather less firing than usual, particularly in the early part of the night. 0. B. WILLC0X, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Jordans Point Signal Station, Va., July 24, 186410 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The brigade that relieved Colonel Chapman has beeui ordered to rentain out five days. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding Page 431 CHAP. LJI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 431 HDQRS. FiRsT BRIG., FIRST Div., CAVALRY CORPS, Picket Reserve, near P. Williams, July 24, 18646.30 a. m. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report all quiet along my lines for the past twenty-four hturs, and no change in the position of the enemys pickets except at Lees Mill, in my front. Last evening the eaptaiu commanding patrol reported a strong picket post on the opposite side of the stream at that place, and that the bridge had been destroyed. This morning the officer commanding patrol reports the picket with- drawn. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. A. ALGER, Colonel, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINiA AND NORTH CAROLINA In the Field, July 24, 1864. Maj. J. C. DUANE, Chief Engineer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Please send me a tracing of that part of that rebel map of which Coin- stock had a part yesterday which includes Jones Neck, Deep Bottom, Malvern Hill, and the vicinity only. I need it for military purposes, and if you could send it to me by this evening I would be ever so much obliged. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 24, 1864. General G. WEITZEL, Bermuda Hundred: That part of the rebel map to which you refer, including Jones Neck, Deep Bottom, Malvern Hill, and the vicinity, is not in our office. I have only that raft of which Colonel Comstock has a tracing. N. MICHLER, Major of Engineers, U. ~. Army. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, En the Field, July 24, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER, Chief of Staff, Fort Monroe: I am about consulting with General Grant in respect to recruiting, and will send you the information when it has been determined upon. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 432 432 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS, in the Field, July 24, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff, Fort Monroe: By direction of the lieutenant-general commanding no passes or per- inits to recruiting agents of States will be given allowing such agents to come to the front. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. SUNDAY, July 24, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BIGGs, Chief Quartermaster: Send me a list of all the boats in the department capable of going throngh the canal and the sound; also their capacity in men and rations and where they are. This is to be confidential. BENJ. F. BUTLER, illajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIEGE TRAIN, Broadway Landing, Va., July 24, 18649 a. m. Captain EDSON, Ordnance Officer5 Fort Monroe: I am greatly in need of Coehorn moltar ammunition. A large supply has been ordered for me to be sent to Fort Monroe. If you can forward a few hundred rounds, 2,000 if possible, in advance of its arrival, I shall be greatly obliged. Please reply. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. FORT MONROE, July 24, 1864. Col. II. L. ABBOT, First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding, & c.: Eight hundred and thirty-eight shells for Coehorn mortars will be sent you by boat to-day. T. EDSON, Captain, & c. hEADQUARTERS, In the Field, July 24, 186112.30 j. m. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding5 & c.. Your telegram in relation to the relief of Turners division is received. I wish as heartily as you do that it might be carried out, but the exi- gencies of the service, as I uiiderstand the plan of the lieutenant general, do not permit it. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 433 CH~. LH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 433 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 24, 186411.45 a. m. (Received 12.15 p. in.) Major DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Lieutenant-Colonel looper, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, officer of the day for General Foster, was captured this morning while scouting outside picket-line. I hold the crest to-day. No attempt on part of enemy to retake it. The loss yesterday was small. Will send report. I). B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HDQRS. I )EPT. or VnWLNIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Major-General BIRNEY, July 24, 186412.30 p. m. Commanding Tenth Army Gorps: Report received. Hold the crest if possible. Let the men intreiich. Only the cavalry at Malvern Hill has been brought against you, as I am informed. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 24, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY, Tenth Corps: I consider it very important for you to know that not a shot has been fired on our front on this neck of land for nearly a month. I think it would be well to be assured that the officers and men have not become careless and unguarded thereby. Respectfully, (1. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General and ~1cting Chief of ASYaft. JULY 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. ~. FOSTER, Deep Bottom: The major-general commanding desires to kiiow the effective strength of your commaud as soon as possible.* ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 24, 18649.50 p. m. Major DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General: In answer to inquiries made by the major-general commanding I report the strength of General Fosters con~mand as follows: Present For reply, see Part I, p. 69~ and ~e4 p08t. 2$ R RVOL XL~ PT II Page 434 434 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. equipped for duty, officers and men, Third Brigade, First Division, Tenth Army Corps, 2,374; Third Brigade, Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, 1,252; First Connecticut Light Battery, six guns, 119; two companies First New York Mounted Rifles, 115; total, 3,860. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Deep Bottom, July 24, 18649.05 a. m. Brig. Gen. G. WEITZEL, Chief of Staff, Department of Virginia and North Carolina: This morning at daylight the Eleventh Maine, acting under my orders, advanced and occupied the enemys battery on the 4ew Market and Malvern Hill road, and now have a strong picket fifty yards beyond. I shall hold it, if possible. The regiment lost yesterday 2 killed and 6 wounded. They deserve great credit, having been continually engaged day and iiight for three (lays, and I deem the position they hold of great importance to this cominand.~ Respectfully, yours, li. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 24, 1864, General It. S. FOSTER, Deep Bottom: The general commanding understands fully the importance of the service rendered by the Eleventh Maine, and has given them credit in his book for the full amount. I telegraphed General Grant last night that I felt confident you would take and hold that battery now. C. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. IIDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIv., 19TH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Deep Bottom, Va., July 24, 1864. Capt. P. A. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report for the information of the brigadier- general commanding that I have visited the picket-line and surveyed the vicinity of the command, and that I am of opinion the line is strong. I think it, however, most desirable that the woods on our left front should be held, if possible, under any circumstances and should the brigadier-general coincide with this view I would submit that on any attack on that point being made that a regiment should be immediately sent to support the pickets. This arrangement, I am aware, would weaken my reserve, but if successful would, I am of opinion, save much trouble in retaking the woods unless they are completely com- manded by the gun-boats. I am now relieving the One hundred and seventy-third New York by the Thirtieth Maine Veteran Volunteers, but I am going toleave the former regiment during the night until after broad daylight in support. I propose to relieve both regiment Page 435 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 435 about that hour by a detail of 300 men, under a proportionate number of officers and non-commissioned officers. In the meantime I will press the working parties to the utmost. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, L. D. H. CURRJE, Colonel 183d New York Volunteers, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Hatchers, Va., July 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. 0. S. FERRY, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send two sections of Captain Folletts battery (D, Fourth U. S. Artillery) to-mor- row morning to report to Brig. Gen. R. S. Foster, commanding, Deep Bottom, Va. ED. W. SMITh, Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 24, 1864. Maj. F. E. GRAEF, First New York Vol. Engineers, Hdqrs. 18th Corps: The commanding general directs that you repair to the headquarters of your regiment here aiid assume command. Major Walker will be sent over to take your place. Turn over in the meantime your com- mand to your next in rank. Acknowledge receipt of this. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. ORDERS.] JULY 24, 1864. Brigadier-General Wild will be relieved from arrest and report to Fortress Monroe and await orders. His personal staff may go with him. Will General Ord transmit this order ~ BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, July 24, 1864. Brigadier-General KAUTz, Commanding Cavalry Division: Please get ready to move with everybody you can muster. You will want when you do move six days rations of hard bread, coffee, and salt. Your beef will be taken on the hoof~ Report to me how many you can mount within forty-eight hours. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Miajor- General, Commanding. WASH~NGTON, D. C., July 24, 1864. Major-General AUGUR: Please have any dismounted cavalry detachments here remounted immediately, so that surplus horses can be sent to Army of the Poto- mac. General Hunter has been directed to send any in he has at Harpers Ferry. H. W. HALLECK Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 436 436 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CRAP. LII. CITY POINT, VA., July 25, 1864. President A. LINCOLN: After the late raid into Maryland had expended itself, seeing the necessity of having .the four departments of the Susquehanna, the Middle, West Virginia, and Washington, under one head, I recoin- mended that they be merged into one, and named General Franklin as a suitable person to command the whole. I still think it highly essen- tial that these four departments should be in one command. I do not insist that the departments should be broken up, nor do I insist upon General Franklin commanding. All I ask is that one general officer, in whom I and yourself have confidence, should command the whole. General Franklin was named because he was available and I know him to l)e capable and believe him to be trustworthy. It would suit me equally as well to call the four departments referred to a Military iDivision, and to have placed in command of it General Meade. In this case I would suggest General Hancock for command of the Army of the Potomac, and General Gibbon for the command of the Second Corps. With General Meade in command of such a division I would have every confidence that all the troops within the military division would be used to the very best advantage from a personal examination of the ground, and [he] would adopt means of getting the earliest information of any advance of the enemy, and would prepare to meet it. During the last raid the wires happened to be down between here and Fort Monroe, and the cable broken between there and Cherrystone. This made it take from twelve to twenty-four hours each way for dis- patches to pass. Under such circumstances it was diffi~cult for me to give positive ordersordirections,becauselcouldnottellhowthecon- ditions might change during the transit of dispatches. Many reasons might be assigned for the changes here suggested, some of which I would not care to commit to paper, but would not hesitate to give ver- bally. I send this by Brigadier-General Hawlins, chief of staff, who will be able to give more information of the situation here than I could give you in a letter. Hoping that you will see this matter in the light 1 do, I have the honor of subscribing myself, & c., - U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ClTY POINT, VA., July 25, 186410.30 p. m. (Received 2.25 p. m. 26th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.~ If the enemy move back toward the Potomac he must be promptly met by Wright and all the force that can be collected. Dispatches being so long between here and Washington orders must be given from there to meet pressing emergencies. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHiNUTON [July 25, 1864110 a. m. (Received 26th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your telegram of 24th, suggesting change of Special Orders, No. 236, is received. The change has beemi made accordingly. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistqnt Adjutant- General Page 437 CHAP. LII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 437 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 25, 18646.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: A deserter from the Nineteenth Regiment M~sissippi Volunteers, Andersons 61d division, H ills corps, came into our lines last night. He states that Hoods old division, of Longstreets corps, is still in our front, on the left of Hills corps, but that McLaws division, now corn- inanded by Kershaw, removed to the north side of the Appomattox some (lays since. It was first rumored they were going to re-enforce Early, but it was subsequently reported they did not go, but are stiil north of the Appomattox. This confirms the report made to Getieral Foster. GEG. G. MEADE, Miajor- 4enera 1, (Jomman ding. HEADQUARTERS ARMiES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, Va., July 25, 1864. (Received 8.30 a. in.) Maj. Gen. G. G. 1VIEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Before making an expedition down the Weldon road 1 propose to make a demonstration on the north side of the James River, having for its real object the destruction of the railroad on that side. To execute this, the Second Army Corps, two divisions of Sheridans cavalry (Sheridan commanding in person), will be required. Kautzs cavalry will also be ordered to report to Sheridan for the occasion. This whole force should be got, if possible. to Deep Bottom without attracting the attention of the enemy and before our owii people are allowed a clue as to what is really intended. There are now two pon- toon bridges at Deep Bottom, and in the evening before the move- nient commences a second should be thrown across the Appoinattox at Broadway. This would give two roadways the whole distance to be traveled. There are now two brigades at Deep Bottom and on the New Market and Malvern Hill road. These troops will continue to hold their present position, thus securing the crossing for our troops on their return. After crossing the James River, the cavalry will advance rap- idly as possible on the Virginia Central Railroad (in fact the bridges over the Chickahominy on both roads should be destroyed) as near to the city as possible. From this point they will work north as fhr as the South Anna, unless driven off sooner. I will direct General Iiigalls to send with the expedition 200 of his railroad mcii to aid in the work of destruc- tion. The Second Corps will also advance as rapidly as possible from Deep Bottom until they get opposite Chaffins Bluff~ Here they will take up a line to prevent the enemy throwing a force across the river to cut oft the return of our cavalry. It; in the judgment of the commanding officer, his whole force is not necessary for this he will advance toward Richmond with his available force and hold such positions as he may think will insure the greatest security to thie expedition. No wagoiis will be takeii with the expedition except to carry necessary intrenching tools and tools for destroying roads. \Xagons, however, to carry forty rounds of ammunition and live (lays rations and three days grain, niay be sent iii advance and parked near the l)olitoOn bridge over the James, ready to be forwarded if required. The troops will carry four days rations with theni, commencing from the time they leave Deep Bottom. To give them these, the commissary at Deep Bottom will be instructed to have on hand 60,000 rations ready to issue. When the work of d Page 438 438 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LII~ stroying the railroad is accomplished the whole expedition will return and resume their present places. It is barely possible that by a bold move this expedition may surprise the little garrison of citizen soldiery now in Richmond ai~zI get in. This cannot be done, however, by any cautious movement, developing our force, and making reconnaissances before attacking. The only way it can be done, if done at all, is to ride up to the city boldly, dismount, and go in at the first point reached. If carried in this way, the prize could be secured by hurrying up the Second Corps and sending back word here, so that other dispositions could be made. This expedition has tbr its object, as first stated, to de- stroy the railroads north of Richmond. If anything more favorable grows out of it it will be due to the officers and men composing it, and will be duly appreciated. In the absence of the Second Corps and cav- alry great watchfulness will be required on the l)art of the other troops and readiness to take advantage of any movement of the enemy. In preparing for this move let it be understood that it is for a grand raid toward Weldon. I do not mean to ~nply the necessity of saying any- thing untrue, but simply to make the necessary preparations for start- lug without giving out the idea of what is to be done and leave our troops to guess that it is to go south, as they will without contradiction. I should like this expedition to get off to-morrow night if possible; if not then, the night following. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, Va., July 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: You may direct the loading of the mine in front of the Ninth Corps. I would set no time when it should be exploded, but leave it subject to orders. The expedition ordered may cause such a weakening of the enemy at Petersburg as to make an attack there possible, in which case you would want to spring Burusides mine. It cannot be kept a great while after the powder is put in. I would say, therefore, if it is not found necessary to blow it up earlier, I would have it off during the afternoon of Wednesday. ~. ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, July 25, 186411 p. m. Brig. Gen. 1W. C. MEws, Quartermaster- General: In former dispatches to you and General Rucker I stated that some of the transports in the Potomac could make a trip here with animals and forage, amid return in time to bring down the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps. There are very few now here. Events may make it necessary to have them here. General Grant directs me to state that he will not expect the troops now at or near Washington to return until further orders, and that most of the transports had better be sent here at once for use, if found necessary, in consequence of mov~ments of the enemy toward your place. RUFUS INGALLS, Briqadier- General and Quartermaster Page 439 CHAP. LII.] COR1~ESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 439 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 66. City Point, Va., July 25, 1864. J. The ordnance depot at Bermuda Hundred will be broken up and the ordnance and ordnance stores turned over t~ Lieut. Morris Schaff, depot ordnance officer, at City Point, Va. Until further orders all ord- nance and ordnance stores required by the troops operating against Richmond will be drawn from the ordnance depot at City Point upon requisition approved by the chief of ordnance of the army or depart- ment in which the troops are serving. * * * * * * * By comman(1 ot Lienteitaitt-Geiieial ({~aiit E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROvOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Major-General HUMPHREYS, July 25, 1864. Ok ief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the iNineteenth Mississippi Regiment, Harris brigade, Andersons old division, Hills corps, came into our lines about 10 oclock last evening. He was forwarded this morning from the headquarters of the Fifth Corps. He states that he left the trenches about dark and had been out on picket about three hours before he left. There had been no change in the position of the two divisions of Hills corps now in our front, and as far as informant kiiew no changes had been made at any point along the line. His division moved back from the trenches a short distance yesterday for the pur- pose of drying them, but moved into them again. All informant knows concerning Longstreets corps is that Hoods old division is still on the left of his division (Andersons old); that he thinks McLaws division moved to the north side of the Appomattox four or five days ago. It was rinnored that they were to go to re~enforce General Early at the time, but it has since been reported that they did not go and are still encamped at some point north of the Appomattox. Circulars were distributed among the troops yesterday containing the following news from Sherman, the date of which he had forgotten, but it was the latest: That ~3herman had attacked Hood twice and was repulsed both times; that Hood afterward attacked Sherman, carrying two lines of works, and capturing 22 pieces of cannon and 2,000 prisoners; also news from General Early of no particular importance. It was reported- that Early had sent for a division to help him out of a tight place. Very respectfully, J. C. BABCOCK. CITY POINT, July 25, 1864. JOHN C. BABCOCK: have received from depot over the river two men who left Richmond Saturday p. m. That morning some troops, about a regiment, arrived by the Virginia Central Railroad, and all the heavy artillery regiments about the city were sent down to Chaffins farm. As our troops wer Page 440 440 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. reported re-enforced, no troops have been sent to Early, who, it is understood, will fall back to Orange Court-House and stop there. Send to General Humphreys, and I will furnish memorandum for use of General Grant. GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, J~c. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, Capt. B. F. FISHER: July 25, 18649.30 a. m. A small squadron of cavalry, about forty iii number, passed to our left this a. m. on road near Weldon railroad. A large fatigue party of the enemy is at work on their second line, west of plank road. They seem to be leveling it. J. B. DUFF, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. JULY 25, 186411.15 a. m. Captain FISHER: The enemys signal officer reports an increase of tents at Cobbs. The enemy has within the last thirty-six hours occupied a line of rifle- pits northwest, and three miles from here, and show quite a large num- ber of tents this a. m. CLIAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, die. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 25, 1864. Capt. B. F. FISHER: The enemy have been at work all day on their second line, mentioned this a. m. Have noticed no movement of troops. Occasional firing from their station north of station on plank road. J. B. DUFF, ASecofld Lieutenant an4 $ignai Otlicer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL 1)EPARTMENT, July 25, 1864. Major-General HIJIVIPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following report has been received: Parties of enemy at work building stockades in front of an einbrasure where a gun is mounted, half a mile to left Zf Gregorys house and near woods; also small party shoveling inside of works at Gregorys house. Large parties extending line of works in rear of old line and left of the Gregory house. I. S. LYON, ~iynai Officer. I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief ~ignal Officer. Page 441 CaA1~. IAtj CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 441 JULY 25, 18645 p. m. Captain FISHER: Parties of enemy are busy upon line of works to left of Gregorys house and west of plank road. This is the same line as was begun about fifteen days ago. They are engaged in extending the line to our right as well as upon the old portion. The bank thrown up is already very high. I. S. LYON, & gnai Officer. WALTHALL HOUSE, ehdy 25, 18645 p. m. Captain NORTON, Chief Signal Officer: One of the enemys signal officers reports increase of tents at Cobbs. The enemy has occupied rifle-pits on a hill three miles northwest from here; they show a large number of tents. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Gaptain and Signal Officer. [Indorsement.] iRespectfully forwarded f~r information of commanding general. L. B. NOItTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. JULY 25, 18645 p. in. Captain FISHER: A few rebels are engaged on the second line of works to west of plank road. In other directions all quiet. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. JORDAN hOUSE SiGNAL STATION, July 25, 18645.80 p. m. Capt. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: The enemy have occupied a portion of their earth-works north-north- west from this station an Fort Clifton. , d about three-qaarters of a mile westerly from intercepted message:] 11.20 A. M. Co~one1 BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: The enemy show an increase of camps to our left of Cobbs. One gan-boat off Point of Rocks and one off Port XValthall. OPERATOR. (Same to A. B.) T. It. CLARK, Captain Page 442 442 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. JULY 25, 18646.45 p. in. Captain FISHER: The enemys signal officer reports troops drilling at Cobbs. No movements seen to day. Captain Norton reports that at 1 p. in. seven cars with sick and wounded troops passed toward Richmond on the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad. Two trains moved toward Peters- burg empty. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, dec. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 25, 18642 p. in. Brigadierkkeneral BENHAM: You will make your arrangements to throw a bridge over the Appo~ mattox River at Broadway to-morrow afternoon, timing your opera- tions so that the bridge will be completed and ready for use soon after dark. Should any questions arise in your mind requiring immediate action you are authorized to refer them to Lieutenant-General Grant, by whose order the bridge is directed to be constructed. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 25, 18649 a. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: There has been no change in the disposition of my command since last report. The work I have been engaged on on the left is nearly completed. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major~General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1864. General S. WILLIAMS: I request that the regiment, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, be returned to my command. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 25, 18649.30 p. in. General HANCOCK: I am directed by the commanding general to say that the services ot the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery cannot, at present, be dispensed with from the duty the regiment is now on. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 443 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 443 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HANCOCK, July 25, 18642.30 p. m. Gommanding Second Army Gorys: You will move your corps to-morrow afternoon at such time and in such manner as to conceal the movemeiit from the enemy, and so as to reach the pontoon bridge at Point of Rocks soon after dark. You will cross this bridge aud proceed to the upper bridge at Deep Bottom, crossing the James over this bridge and moving from thence to Chaf fins farm, taking the position and carrying out the orders indicated in the inclosed letter* from the lieutenant-general commanding. The ob- ject of this movement and the details of its conduct are so clearly set forth in this letter of the lieutenant-general commanding it is not deemed necessary to add any additional instructions from these headquarters. Major-General Sheridan, in command of two divisions of cavalry, will cross at the Broadway Landing bridge and the lower bridge at Deep Bottom. He is directed to report his movements to you, and in all matters of co-operation to take his orders from you. You will keep me advised of your progress and all movements through the nearest tele- graph office. Very respectfully, & c., GEG. G. MEADE, Major- Geuerai, Co~nn~anding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, July 25, 18649 p. m. (Received 9.20 p. in.) General WILLIAi~IS: There has been no change in the disposition of my command to-day. The work on the left is about done. I have partially completed a small redan for four guns near Southalls house, on the road from Mrs. Lees house. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 25, 1864. Division and independent commanders will keep their men in camp during the day to-morrow. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCiS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1864. General WILLIAMS: Everything very quiet in my fromit last night; nothing of interest transpired. The following details were at work during the imight: 600 men from Second Division; 400 men from Fourth I)ivision; 400 men from First Division. U. K. WARREN, Major- General. *See p.437 Page 444 444 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANP N. C. rCHAP. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 25, 1864. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Army Corps: Some days ago you presented an application for authority to break up the Fourth Division of your corps, which, you were informed in reply, the commanding general was not then I)repared to grant. I am now directed to ask that you will submit, for the consideration of the commanding general, a statement showing the (letails of your plan Pw the reorganization of your comman(l. Very respectfully, & c., S. WJLLJAMSq Assistant A djatant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1864. General WILLIAMS: I have to report all quiet in front to-day. This morning the enemy struck their tents in front of my left. This evening they pitched again and had dress parade. C. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1864. General MEADE: I just sent you the Richmond Enquirer of the 25th, giving Hoods official report. He says he captured 2,000 prisoners, 22 guns, and 5 stand of colors. The paper also says they have discovered certain strategic movements Qf General Grant, and made preparations to meet them. (4. K. WARRI~N, Major- General. [Indor~eiiient. I HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 25, 18649.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send this dispatch for what it is worth. The paper referred to I will send to-morrow. GEG. G.MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1~%i9 a. m. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report the usual state of affairs on my line dur- imig the night, there being the same amount of musketry firing, notwith- standing the rain and darkness. The men suffered considerably in the trenches from the rain. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General Page 445 CHAP. LII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 445 IIEADQUARTER~ NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: There are evidences that the enemy are approaching quite near the mine, and it seems to me to be of the greatest importance that if the mine is to be used at all it should be exploded as soon as possible. The mine can be charged certainly within twenty-four hours after the powder arrives here. From a new signal station we have opened a large~ rebel reserve camp of 6,000 or 8,000 itien was observed in the rear of Warrens right. Our heavy battery threw some shells in that direction, two of which exploded in the midst of the camp, creating much con- fusion. We will open again on them as 50011 as the atmosphere permits further observations. A. B. l}UBNSII)E, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTh ARMY CORPS, July 25, P~64. General WILLIAMS: I asked a few days ago to have Capt. Charles B. Amory, assistant adjutant-general, assigned to me. He had been ordered to the Tenth Corps. On reporting he found his place filled ~by another. General Butler has, I believe, given assent to his transfer to inc. Will you please request General Grant to direct him to report to you and then will you assign him to this corps l A. B. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE l~OTOMA( , July 25, 18611.30 p. in. Major-General I3URNSIDE: If you will send in a formal application for Capt. Charles B. Amory, assistant adjutant-general, the commanding general will approve and forward it to General Grant. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 18649 p. in. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. I have the honor to report no change on my lines. A shell from ore of our batteries blew up a magazine or caisson in the rebel redoubt left of the New Market road. From the explosion it was thought to be a magazine. There h~ been more than usual shelling by the enemy late lids afternoon. A. B. BURNSII)E, Major- Ge~ral Page 446 446 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH Div., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., July 25, 1864. [Lieut. Col. L. RICHMOND,] Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report aIi(l suggestions as the result of my tour of duty, commencing at 8 a. m. 24th and ending at 8 this a. m. Visited and passed along the front and second lines; found the sanitary condition of the pits and vicinity in pretty good conditioi; men generally vigilant and at their places. Nothing special occurred; all quiet along the lines; only the usual picket-firing. I would make the suggestion that a few small guns be placed toward the left of the front line, so as to enfilade that portion of the line in front of General Hartranfts brigade. I would further suggest that the traverses along some portion of the first line be raised higher and some of them strength- ened. This being done some might be taken out, thereby giving more room for troops to pass, and farther, that a great portion of the front line should be deepened and widemmed, so as to enable troops to pass more readily, also that instead of having tents pitched across the pits and in rear that there be bombproof places (lug in rear of the pits. This would make the men more comfortable, besides protecting them from the fire of the enemy. Owing to the heavy rain of last night the works were rendered very uncomfortable and will reqnire draining. Yery respectfully, your obediemit servant, J. K. SIGFRIED, Colonel 48th If egt. Pennsylvania Vet. Vol. Jnfty., Comdg., General of the Trenches. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 25, 1864. The commanding general directs that the commanding officers of divisions cause an examination of the front line to be made with the view to raising and strengthening such traverses as may re~iiure it, which may allow of some of them being taken out, and also of widening and deepening a great portiomi of the same line and digging bombproofs in the rear of the pits, which would do away with the tents over the pits. This work might be done in the daytime. By command of Major-General Barnside: LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, TTa., July 25, 18648 a. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet along my line during the past twelve hours. The First Brigade was relieved from duty in the front line of breast-works by the Second Brm- gade last evening. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier-Gen3ral, Comma~u~ing Division Page 447 CHAP. Lii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 447 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., July 25, 18648 p. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Gorps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet in my front dnring the last twelve hours. The enemy threw a number of shell Considerably to the rear of the second line toward sunset and about the same time there was an explosion, apparently opposite General Potters front, followed by cheering. The cause of this I was not able to ascertain. I am, colonel, very respectfully, you obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH CORPS, July 25, 18648 a. rn. Colonel RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report the usual musketry firing through the night, notwithstanding the rain and darkness. The rain was felt in the trenches by the men. Three regiments of the First Bri- gade had to stand up, General Hartranft says, all night. The working partyfor to-day need not be greater than 200 or 300, if they can be spared. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, July 25, 18648 p. in. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHMOND, A. A. G., Ninth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that considerable mortar-firing, more than usual, on the part of the rebels, and also firing from a bat- tery on our left, heretofore silent, took place this p. in., to which our batteries replied with good effect. A shell from Captain Smileys mor- tar battery blew up a magazine in the rebel work left of New Market road. The explosion was greater than either of the previous, causing loud cheering in our hues. I have before applied for more mortars, and would again urge the propriety of availing ourselves of our superior resources to gain advantage over the rebels in this respect. At pres- ent the number of mortars on both sides seems equal. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1864. General WHITE: The commanding general desires you to direct Colonel Sigfried to report in person at once to General Willcox. He is now at these head- quarters. He will have his command in readiness to move. Very respectfully, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 448 448 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LU. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 25, 18642 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN, Cavalry Corps: You will make the necessary arrangements to move with two divis- ions of your command, yourself commanding in person, to-morrow afternoon at such time as will enable you to reach the bridge directed to be thrown across the Appomattox at Broadway Landing at dark, taking care that your movement is not exposed to the view of the enemy. After crossing the Appomattox you will move over to Deep Bottom, there crossing the James on the lower bridge, taking care in this movement to keep off the road which the infantry will take from the Point of Rocks bridge to the upper bridge at Deep Bottom. After crossing the James you will proceed to execute the orders of the lieu- te~ant-geueral commanding, a copy* of which is herewith inclosed, and which are so complete in details as not to render any additional in- structions from these headquarters necessary. In all co-operating movements with the infantry you will be governed by the orders of Major-General Hancock, commanding Second Corps, to whom you will please report your progress and all important information when sepa- rated from him. You will report the name of the division commander left at Light-House Point. GEG. G. MEADE, Major-General, Commnan4ing. IIDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jordans Point, Va., July 25, 18647.40 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I have the honor to inform you that I will leave the Third Cavalry Division here, Brigadier-General Wilson commanding. P. II. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST l)iV., CAVALRY CORPS, Picket Reserve, near B. Williams, July 25, 186-17 a. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army oJ the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report no material change along my lines during the past twenty-four hours. The enemy have a strong infantry line in my front in the vicinity of the Gurley house. I have also the honor to report that the enemy have re-established their picket post at Lees Mill. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. A. ALGER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. IIDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jordans Point, July 25, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. H. WILSON, Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you detail two - regiments of your division to relieve two regiments of General Greggs * See p. 437 Page 449 CHAP. LII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 449 command, now on picket duty. One of the above regiments is at Prince George Court-House, the other. at McCanns place. The regiments detailed will march without delay, and will carry three days subsist- ence and forage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Stafl~ HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Jordans Point, Va., July 25, 1861. Brigadier-General WILSON Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you detail one bri- gade of your division for picket duty. It will march at once and relieve Colonel Algers brigade, of the First Division, now oii duty picketiiig on the left of the army. Colonel Algers headquarters are near IR. Will- iams house, on or near the plank road. The brigade detailed will carry three days subsistence and forage. The general desires that this bri- gade [inarGh] with the least possible delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Col. J. B. MCINTOSH, July 25, 186i4.50 p. m. Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: You will move with your brigade to the left of the aimy to relieve the command of Colonel Alger, of the First Division, Cav- alry Corps, now on picket there. Colonel Algers headquarters are near It. WilJiams house, on or near the plank road; the mcii to be pro- vided with three days subsistence and forage. You will start with your command at once, and, if necessary, have the rations and forage brought out to you early to-morrow morning. By command of Brigadier-General Wilson: L. SIEBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General The regiment now on picket at Cockes Mill will be relieved to-mor- row and be sent to you. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, July 25, 1864. Col. J. B. MCINTOSH, Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: The regiment of your brigade now on picket at Cockes Mill will not be relieved to-morrow, and will have to stay three (lays longer. You will have them supplied with rations and forage accord- ingly. By command of Brigadier-General Wilson: L. SIEBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General. 29 R RVOL XL, PT II Page 450 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. 450 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVIsIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, July 25, 18645 p. m. Col. GEORGE H. CHAPMAN, Commanding & co ad Brigade: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you detail two regiments of your brigade to relieve two regiments of General Greggs command, now on picket duty. One of the above regiments is at Prince George Court-House, the other at McCanns place. The regi- ments detailed will march at once; they will be provided with three days rations and forage, which may be sent after the regiments to save time. I am, very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, L. SIEBERT, Assistani A~ja taut- General. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, July 25, 1864. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, City Point: The following dispatch has just been received from General Foster at Deep Bottom: Two prisoners just captured from 1-lumplireys (Mississippi) brigade, of Kershaws, formerly MeLaws, division, report their division ~me to this place Saturday night. It consists of two Georgia brigades, one South Carolina brigade, and one Mississippi brigade, thus making seven brigades in my front. I have stirred them lip, if noth- ing more. They came from Petersburg, they say, A. P. Hill having relieved Ker- shaw to-day of command of all the forces here. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General, & e. (Copy for General Meade.) BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 25, 18647.45 p. m. (Received 9.2~ p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Our signal officers report that the eneuiy in some force has just en- camped on a hill three miles northwest of the Walthall house. This is beyond all doubt a force established as a reserve midway between our line here and Petersburg, and iiidicates that they are expecting an atta~k here. G. WEITZEL Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 25, 18648 p. m. (Received 8.30 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Foster reports an appearance of activity by the enemy in his front, not before noticed, slashing, & c. The slashing would show that the enemy was preparing for aii attack there. G. WEJTZEL ~Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of StUff Page 451 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 451 CITY POINT, VA., July 25, 18649.15 p. m. Major-General BUTLER, Con~m an ding, (1:0. The concentration of the enemy between the Appomattox and James may result in an attack on your lines. Have you got all your force at or near the front ~ I saw a large vessel arrive at Bermuda to-day loaded with troops. Are these from New Orleans~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Ucueral. HDQRS. DEPT. OF V1RGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, July 25, 18649.15 p. m. Lient. Geii. 17. 5. GRANT, t7onun an ding, d~c.: I dont think the concentration of troops between the Appomattox and the James means an attack upon inc. I think from the point where the enemys forces are put that it means to repel an advance upon Port Waith all Junction. They are in a convenient position as a reserve either against an attack upon Petersburg or from my lines. About 1,300 men arrived to-day from New Orleans. They are a por- tion of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Alajor- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA ANI) NORTH CAROLINA, July 25, 186410 p. m. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, d~c., City Point: I have just examined some prisoners and deserters. There are oppo- site Deep Bottom Johnsons brigade, of Beauregards forces; Mc- Gowans brigade (now Conners), and Lanes brigade. These brigades will average about 900 men. On last Saturday McLaws division, of Longstreets corps, came there, consisting of Kershaws old brigade, Kershaw now commanding the division; Humphreys brigade, about 700 men; Woffords brigade, about 800; Bryans brigade, about 800; Kershaws brigade, about 800. They are intrenching themselves in front of Foster, between Three and Four Mile Creek. I cannot leaxn that they extend to our right beyond Four-Mile Creek. It is reported, but this is not certain, that A. P. Hill has relieved Kershaw a~d is in command of all the troops on the north of the James. A refugee left Richmond on Saturday, reports imo troops in Richmond, save the sec- ond-class militia that is under eighteen and above torty-five and the foreign legion, of 500 or 600, guarding prisoners and bridges. This is also confirmed by two other refugees that left Richmond yesterday. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. [xote in General Granta handwriting.] The above dispatch just received, it indicates a nervousness about any force going to the north Page 452 [CHAP. LU. 452 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. HEADQUARTERS, In the Field,- July 25, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff, Fortress Monroe: By direction of the lieutenant-general commanding, no passes or per- mits to recruiting agents of States will be given allowing such agents to come to the front. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]1ft~jor- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, July 25~ 18645 p. m. Col. H. L. ABBOT: How much of the mortar powder and mortar fuses have you left of what you took with you originally l G. D. RAMSAY, Briqadier- General and Chief of Ordnance. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 1864. General WEITZEL, Chief of Staff: General Foster has captured an orderly of Captain Cochran, Seven- teenth Mississippi, who reports two Mississippi regiments advancing toward my pickets on the lower side of Four-Mile Creek. I have strengthened the line. A telegram jnst received reports heavy firing on picket-line below Four-Mile Creek. I). B. BHtNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, July 25, 18646.15 ~. m. Major DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. Foster has captured two prisoners from Kershaws division. They report that division with three other brigades in Fosters front. They came from Petersburg and report A. P. Hill in command of the troops in Fosters front, having relieved Kershaw to-day of command of all the force there. The enemy seem to be uneasy as to Fosters position. I will forward the prisoners. ~. lB. BIRNEY, Major- General. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, July 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. D. B. BIRNEY: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge your dispatch and to ask you to send the prisoners over here as soon as possible. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General and Acting Chief of Staff Page 453 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 453 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, General WE1TZEL, July 25, 18647.15 p. rn. Chief of Staff: Will send prisoners without delay. I still hold crest and picket-line on the New Market and Malvern road. There is an appearance of activity on part of enemy not noticed before si sections artillery to General Foster. , ashing, & c. I sent two I). B. BIEXEY, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS,?~ HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 18. In the held, near Hatchers, Va., July 25, 1864. I. The design adopted for the badge of this corps is the trace of a four-bastioned fort, of the pattern in the office of the chief quarter- master, and will be worn on the top of the cap or the side of the hat by all the officers and enlisted men of the corps~ The badge will be cut from red cloth for First Division, white cloth for Second Division, and blue cloth for Third Division. Commanding officers will see that requisitions are made at once to supply the troops in their respective commands, and that the badge is constantly worn. II. The acting chief quartermaster will procure at once , byreq ni- sition or purchase, the cloth to supply the badge to divisions, and sten-~ cils to cut the cloth and also mark the transportation of the corps. The transportation will be marked with the letter in large size, and in the division color. By command of Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Deep Bottom, Va., July 25, 18647.45 [a. in.] Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Chief of Stafi: I should like to have you send inc 100 or 150 more axes. I have slashing on both sides of Four-Mile Creek that is important; should be done as soon as possible. I can supply the men. ItespectfulJy, yours, H. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General FOSTER, July 25, 18646.20 p. m. Deep Bottom: Do you still hold the crest and picket across the New Market road? Are there any changes indicating an increased force of the enemv-~ D. B. BIIINEY, Major- General Page 454 (CHAP. MI. 454 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. HEADQUARTERS, Deep Bottom, July 25, 18646.45 p. m. Maj. Gen. lIE B. BIR~EY: I still hold the crest and picket-line on the New Market and Malvern Hill road. The officers of the picket report an appearance of activity, slashing, & c., in the enemys hues not noticed before. The two prison- ers I have sent to corps headquarters are from a regiment not before heard of on my front. Yours, respectfully, H. ~. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS, I)eep Bottom, July 25, 18649.25 p. m. (Received 10.10 p. in.) Licut. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General: I have just captured an orderly from Captain Cochran, Seventeenth Mississippi, who confirms the report that Kershaws division is on my front. He also reports two Mississippi regiments advancing in skir- mish line toward my picket on the lower side of Four-Mile Creek, whether for the purpose of attacking in force iii the morning or to establish a picketdine, I cannot say. I am inclined to think the latter. 1 have strengthened my line, and am goin~ to send one of my veteran regiments over to-night. H. ~. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. FOSTERS HEADQUARTERS, July 25, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: A Richmond paper of to-day, which I have just forwarded to corps headquarters, contains a dispatch from General Hood saying that he attacked Sherman on the 22d, capturing 22 pieces of artillery, 5 stand colors, and 2,000 prisoners. General McPherson is reported killed. They acknowledge loss of General Walker killed, and Smith, Gist, and Mercer wounded. Respectfully, R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. oF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, In the Field, Jaly 25. 186410.10 p. m. General FOSTER, Deep Bottom: Dispatch received. Keep us posted in all that occurs. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General Page 455 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 455 HEADQUARTERS, Deep Bottom, July 25, 186410 p. m. Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General: There is heavy firing on the picket-line below Four-Mile Creek. iR. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS, Deep Bottom, July 25, 186412 midnight. Lient. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General: I regret to say that the right of my picket-line below Four-Mile Creek has been driven back about fifty yards, which I consi(ler unnecessary. I have sent the Eleventh Maine over from this side to hold the line. iR. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. JITLY 25, 1864. Brigadier-General KAUTZ: I send you McIRea, an intelligent cavalryiuau from Richmond. He will give you a description of the batteries and rifle-pits connecting them, numbe~ of abatis. and the height of the breast-works. Examine him. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VlRGlN~A AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, July 25, 18646.40 p. m. Lieutenant BALDWIN, First New York- Volunteer Engineers, Fort Pouhatan: When will you get through with your work l Please answer at once. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. FORT POWHATAN, VA., July 25, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: ITuless I get details more promptly I cannot tell. This forenoon I had none. This p. m. I required 100 at 1 oclock and got only 50 at 3 p. in. I report to commander of post, but get no more men. There seems to be no system about fatigue detail. BALDWIN, Lieutenant, Engineers. JULY 25, 186410.35 p. m. Colonel INNIS Commanding at Fort Pouhatan: How many infantry have you for duty~? Flow many do guard and picket duty daily~ G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General Page 456 456 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIL IIDQRS. DEPT. o~ VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, General G. F. SHEPLEY, July 25, 1864. Norfolk, Va.: Major Hoffman, General Franklins adjutant-general, has been ordered to report to you temporarily until Franklin gets well. He will be of great assistance to you, being a very fine and experienced officer. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier. General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF VA. AND N. C., No. 202. 5 in the Field, Va., July 25, 1864. * * * * * * * XIII. Maj. Wickham Hoffman, assistant adjutant-general, is hereby ordered to report to Brig. Gen. G. F. Shepley, commanding District of Eastern Virginia, for dnty. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Butler: K S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 25, 1864. General GRAHAM, Norfolk: Take most vigorous measures to have all your boats ready, provis- ioned and watered, with all the men you can muster and all the launches, to go on that expedition up the Rappahannock of which we were speaking the other day. Keep it quiet as possible that such an expedition is about to go up the liappahannock, so that the enemy may not get notice. but I snppose it will leak out. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Miajor- General, Commanding. Licut. Gen. U. S. GRANT, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 26, 1864. City Point, Va.: General Rawlins arrived this morning. The President desires yon to name, if you can, a time when it would be convenient for you to meet him in person at Fortress Monroe after Thursday morning. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of IVar. CITY POINT, VA., July 26, 18649 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I will meet the President at Fortress Monroe at any time that will suit his convenience after about next Friday. I ani commencing move Page 457 Ca& i. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC..-UNION. 457 ments to-night from which I hope favorable results. They may have the effect of drawing the enemy back from Maryland. I am also send- ing the Nineteenth Corps and five or six veteran regiments of cavalry to Washington. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, July 26, 186411 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: Jn view of the return of the enemy with re-enforcements, as stated in dispatches which have been sent to you, General Wright has moved out this morning on the Rockville road toward the Monocacy, to form a jnnction with Hunter at snch point as the latter may direct. The Sixth Corps is reduced to a little over 11,000. With the (letachment of the Nineteenth Corps and from here he will have, in all, about 19,000, including cavalry, which, being made 1r~~ of fragments, is not very reli- able. To give General Wright any cavalry at all it was necessary to retain the detachments which you ordered back to the Army of the Potomac. If Early has been re-enforced, as stated from several reliable sources, Hunter and Wright will not be strong enough to meet him in the field. I therefore submit to your consideration the importance of sending a force large enough to prevent his again devastating Mary- land and Pennsylvania. All information we receive is immediately telegraphed to you. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of & afl~. CITY POINT, VA., July 26, 186412.30 p. m Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: General Crooks dispatches indicate the probability of another raid north by the enemy. It takes a long time for dispatches to come liele and go back, during which conditions may change; consequently it is absolutely necessary that some one iii Washington should give orders and make disposition of all the forces within reach of the line of the Potomac. No force has gone from here to re-enforce Early, unless it may be odd regiments. Deserters come in every (lay, enabling us to keep track of every change the enemy makes. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 26, 18647 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.. I am ordering forward the Ninteenth Corps. Several thousand will embark to-night and early in the morning. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 458 (CHAP. LII. 458 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. CITY POINT, VA., July 26, 18647 p. m. (Received 5 a. m. 27th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Six regiments of cavalry will leave here to-morrow, in addition to the Nineteenth Corps. ~. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. July 26, 186412 rn. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: More critical examinations from a new signal station would lead to the conclusion that the enemy have detached works on the ridge in front of Burnside, but they have no connected line. rrliis fact increases the chances of a successful assault, and taken in connection with the fact that General Burnside does not now think the enemy have dis- covered his mine, on the contrary believes they ae laying the platforms for a battery right over it, I have suspended the order to load and dis- charge it to-morrow, as it may yet be useful in connection with further operations. I am afraid the appearance of MeLaws division, together with Wilcoxs, previously reported, will 1)revent any chance of a sur- prise on the part of our people to-morrow. Yesterdays Richmond Examiner also says your strategic movements are known and prepara- tions made to meet them, referring, I presume, to Fosters operations. There was considerable shelling by the enemy yesterday afternoon all along our lines, brought on, I think, by Burusides discovering a camp he had not before seen and ordering it shelled. No serious casualties were produced on our side, but the Fifth Corps working parties were very much annoyed and interrupted. With this exception all was quiet. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES. City Point, Va., July 26, 186412.30 p. m. (Sent 1 p. in.) Major-General MEAPE, Army of the Potomac: Your dispatch of 12 m. received. I think Hancock will succeed in getting through the enemys lines, or will force them to weaken Peters- burg, so that we can break through it with the force left behind. Under these circumstances, I think it advisable that Burnside should have all the material at hand in readiness to load his mine in the shortest time. If not discovered by the enemy I would not put the powder in until we think it will be wanted. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the First Texas Regiment, Greggs bri- gade, Fields division, Longstreets corps, came into our lines las Page 459 CHAP. Lii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 459 night about 10 oclo2k opposite the Third Delaware Regiment, Fifth Army Corps. He states that his divisiou (FieldsHoods old) is in line of battle in the treuches with one brigade in reserve; that the time of relief are six days on and two off; that MeLaws divisiQu moved from their left about a week ago, and lie thiuks went to the north side of the Appoinattox; that they were not in the trenches, but bad been lying to the rear in reserve; that a brigade, which he understood was Burtons (probably Bartons, of Picketts division) was attached to Fields division on the left night before last. They were put in line in the trenches. Informant states in the most positive manner that there is no second line of works to the rear of Hill or Longstreet, be- tween their present line and Petersburg. This is the repeated state- ment of all (leserters from those corps. The following divisions of the enemy are iii Qur front, according to the latest information: A. P. Hill Heth, extreme right of enemys line; Andersons old next. Long- streetFields (Hoods old) next; Bartons brigade, of Picketts divis- ion, next. BeanregardBushrod ~Johnsons division; Hokes division, left, on south side Appomnattox. On north side of Appoinattox are the following divisions: Lou gstreetsMcbaws 1)osition nn known; Picketts division, iii Butlers front. A. P. HillWilcoxs division, Chaffins thrm. J. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTEUS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 186412.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The foregoing is transmitted for your information. You will note it makes no mention of the third division of Beanregards army, form- erly commanded by Ransom, subsequently by Clinguiman, amid which we have hitherto supposed to be in our front. GEO. (A. MEADE, Afttjor- General. CITY PoINT, July 26, 18643 p. rn. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: The information you have sent and all information received on the sub- ject indicates a probablity that the enemy are looking for a formidable attack either from Bermuda or north of the James, and that they will detach from Petersburg heavily to prevent its snecess. This will make your remaining two corps, with the Eighteenth, relatively stronger against the enemy at Petersburg than we have been siuce the first day. It will be well, therefore, to prepare for an assault in Burnsides front, omily to be made if further developments justify. If mnade it would be necessary to abandon most of the front now held by the Fifth Corps.* U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 18645.30 p. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Telegram 3 p. m. received. The only preparation that can be made is the loading of Burnsides mine. I cannot advise an assault with the * For version of this dispatch, as submitted with the report of the Court of In- quiry on the Mine Explosion, see Part I, p. 132 Page 460 460 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. Second Corps absent, for some force must be left to hold our lines and protect our batteries. The withdrawal of the Fifth Corps would pre- vent any attempt on oui part to silence the tire of the enemys guns in front of the Fifth Corps, and unless these guns are silenced no advance can be made across the open ground in front of the Ninth Corps. It is not the numbers of the enemy which oppose our taking Petersburg; it is their artillery and their works which can be held by reduced num- bers against direct assault. I have just sent you a dispatch indicating an attack on my left flank by the enemy. This is my weak point, and a formidable attack turning my dank would require all my force to meet successftdly. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQLTARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMNC July 26, 18644 p. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I forward you this telegram just received for what it is worth. Hancock is now moving. He leaves a part of our flank intrenchments on the left of Warren vacant, but I shall supply his place to-night with a division of Burusides as soon as it is dark. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. [Juclosure.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, July 26, 18643.30 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: I forward the following just received: HEADQUARTERS Tiiino DIvIsIoN, FIFTu ARMY CORPs, July ~6, 1864. General WARREN: A deserter has come in from the Fourteenth Alabama, Sanders brigade, of Ma- hones division. He states that McLaws (livision, of Lougstreets corps, were under orders to go to Atlanta. They had three days cooked rations yesterday. He also states that one of his comrades heard General Mahone state that General Lee desired to know what force was in woods opposite his right, and that lie, General Mahone, would find out befbre twenty-fonr hours. This man was iii the previous attack on the Second Corps, and says that the force will come the same route, about the right of the Third Brigade, Third Division. The deserter says that General Lee has beeii along the lines several times lately; also that Earlys troops are returiiiiig, S. W. CRAWFORD, I am prepared for any attempt. Briyo(iicr- General. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., July 26, 1864. Major.General MEADE, Commanding, & e.: The enemy are again advancing down the Shenandoah Valley. They were last night north of Winchester. Hasten dif the cavalry that goes to Washington under my recent order. If they can start to-morrow they may rentler great service. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 461 CHAP. LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 461 CITY POINT, VA., July 26, 18649 p. m. Major-General MEADE: If you wish to send amy orders to General Wilson about the cavalry to go north you can telegraph him here now. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTER8 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 1864. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I will at once send two dispatches .to General Wilson, a~t your head- quarters, by telegraph. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, July 26, 18649.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: The enemy may show such a force between iDeep Bottom and Rich- mond as to make our movement there more hazardous than was ex- pected. If so, the Second Corps and the cavalry will be withdrawn to- morrow night, and by withdrawing them quietly and rapidly it may be practicable to make an assault on their return. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant-( ~eueral GRANT: Orders have been sei~t to Wilson to bring up all men whose term of service expire by the 25th proximo. I had sul)posed they had gone, but I find over 300 of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry on duty at these headquarters who had not been relieved as I had directed, and I have ordered them to proceed immediately to City Point, and they will be there by morning. GEt). C. MEADE, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 26, 186411 r. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have the Examiner of to-day. It has another report from Hood, claiming eighteen colors and thirteen guns, dated July23; says all is qniet, except occasional shells falling into Atlanta. The paper also states it is understood we have crossed (3,000 men at l)eep Bottom, with a view of preventing their field batteries interrupting time navigation of the river. The paper will be sent to-morrow. Two deserters came in to-day who say there has been imo recent movement of troops on their side. Telegram of 9.30 in cipher just received. GEt). G. MEADE, - Major- General Page 462 462 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAr. LII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 26, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point: Deserter from First Texas, Fields division, Longstreets corps, caine i~ rat] 10 oclock last night. his division in same place. McLaws division moved week ago across the Appomattox; does not know where. A brigade, he thinks Bartons, took its place. Jitforinant states 1)051- tively there is but one line of works where I-Jills and Longstreets corps are now posted. If there is anxr second line it is. farther to the left, where he hfs not visited. No other changes. J. C. B[AI300CK]. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, July 26, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Two deserters from Sanders brigade, Hills corps (Ninth and Fourteenth Alabama), who came in this afternoon, report that there has been no movement of troops within the last three or four days. Their statements concerning the position of troops corroborates previous information. They report that several days ago they heard of a divis- ion passing through Petersburg and going north, destination not known. They say that to-days Richmond papers statethat Hood repulsed Sherman, capturing 2,000 prisoners and 22 pieces of artillery; that Sherman still holds his position in front of Atlanta, and has been shell- ing the town. This brigade has received about 200 conscripts since last spring. NOTE.One of informants heard that a division of infantry was moved down on oar left. This was reported among the sharpshooters. It was supposed to be Wilcoxs division. They nuderstood our cavalry was making a demonstration in that direction. Very respectfully, J. MCENTEE, Captwiu and Assistant Provost-Marshal. PLANK ROAl) SiGNAL STATION, July 26, 1864. Captain FISHER: At 7 a.m. a regiment of infantry,, about 300 in number, passed to oar right on road iii rear of enemys line, north of station. They disap- peared in woods one mile northwest from statioii. A train of three cars passed south on Weldon railroad this a. in., and one of two cars north. A picket detachment of fifty men marched from lead-works to their line on our left. The enemy is bnsily at work on battery on J)lank road near Gregorys house. The battery is inn