TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 42 (Part II) 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, 1893 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 F V. 1~Z Pt. ~ ~J) JLATE~ THE GIFT OF A.5335 Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATFON OF THE OFFiCIAL RiLCZIiV{DS OF THE UNiON AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISH ED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. DANIEL S. LAMONT, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., ME. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XLlIIN THREE PARTS. PART ITCORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFLUE~ 1893 Page 2 Page 3 PAART 11.VOL. XLII. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS, RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, FROM AUGUST 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1864.* UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. [AUGUST 1, 1864.For Grant to Haileck, in regard to sending Sheri- dan to command troops in the Shenandoah Valley, & c, see Vol. XXXVII, Part II, p. 55& ] [AUGUST t, 1864.-For Grant to Meade (9.30 a. in.), relating to losses the attack of July 30, and suggesting an investigation of the failure, & c., see Vol. XL, Part I, p. 134.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 1, 1864~---1O a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: In reply to my letteri to General Lee, I received this morning about 6 oclock a lettert from General Beauregard, consenting to a truce from 5 to 9, for the purpose of burying the dead and removing the wounded. The firing has been resumed, but no report yet received from General Buruside as to the numbers on the field. General Burnside reports his losses as amounting to 2,000 killed and wounded and 2,500 missing. On being called on to explain the occurrence of such a large number of missing the accompanying dispatch was received4 As this, dated at 9.10 p. in. July 31, was the first report of any kind made to me since leaving Burusides headquarters with yourself, the justice of attribut- ing this apl)arently disgraceful flight to the order authorizing the with- drawal can be judged of. GEO. G. MEADE, illiajor- General. (3) * For Correspondence, etc., from October 1, 1864, to December 31 18 See Vol. XL, Part III, pp. 691, 821. , 64, see Part III. t See Vol. XL, Part I, p. 146 Page 4 4 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAr. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 1, 18G41.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Corn dy. Army of the Potomac, at Li~ut. Gem Grants lid qrs.: The signal officer on Jerusalem plank road reports: Two thousand cavalry passed to our left on Wel(Ion railroad; were IA)rty-foItr minutes in passing, commencing at 10.05, followed by fifteen ambulances. A. A. HUMPHitEYS Major:General and Chief of ~taff. (Copy to General Sheridan.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 1, 18GI1.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE~ Comdg. Army of the Potomac, Hdqrs. of Lient. Gen. Grant: Three deserters from Mahones division, wi to came ill this morifln5~, state that ileths division returned ou Saturday night and took its old position on the right. They say that they heard that Wilcoxs divisiou returned. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel SHARPE, August 1, 18G4. City Point: Deserter, who left the trenches 8 p. m. yesterday, says up to the time he left he heard of no troops returning here. Wrights and Mahones brigades were still in support of Johnsons division, near the nine. Cant learn what has taken their place on enemys right. J. McENTEE, Captain, Je. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPT., Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 1, 18W!. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Three deserters from the Twelfth and Forty-eighth Mis- sissippi Regiments, of Mahones division, who left the picket-hue last night at 12 oclock, came in this morning and report substantially as follows: On the morning of the 30th ultimo, after the explosion of the mine, Sanders, Wrights, and Mahones brigades left the trenches to drive our men from their works. Finegans brigade retained its posi- tion next to Johnsons division. Harris brigade deployed in one rank and occupied the position in the trenches vacated by Sanders, Wright, and Mahone. The three last-named brigades they think are lying iii reserve of Johnsons division. Ileths (hivisioli arrived there on Satur- day night and took a position on the right of Mahones division. Whe Page 5 CHAP. LIV.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON. .5 these men were at their brigade last they had closed up to their 01(1 position, Finegan remaining on their left arid Heths divi5ion on their right. They heard that Wilcoxs division had also retnrLle(1. They have had negro prisoners, whom they captured from its, at work exhum- ing their dead from the mine. They had from 200 to 250 negro prisoners at work there. They all say that they have seen many battle-fields, but never saw so many dead men lying on the same space of ground as they saw there. They say that the most of them appeared to be killed by artillery, as they were horribly mangled. They also state that their men are at work rebuilding the fort which was blown up. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. MUENTEE, Cap~tain and Assistant Provost-Marshal. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, August 1, 1864. General HTJMPHREYS: Private Thompson, of the Second Florida Regiment, Perrys brigade, came in this morning and reports that he left the picket-line about 12 oclock last night. He was in the trenches just before dark, and up to that time no re-enforcements had arrived that he had heard of. Mahones and Wrights brigades are still iu l)ositiou near the mine. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. MUENTEE, Captain and Assistant Provost-Marshal. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 1, 1864. Col. 0-. W SHARPE, City Point: Deserters report that ~ division returned Saturday evening and took position on the right of Mahone,joiuing Harris brigade. Wrights, Mahones, and Sanders brigades are lying in reserve for Johnsons division. They also think that Wilcoxs division has returned, and were told that all the troops which followed Second Corps to north of James had returned. Finegan is between Harris and Johnsons divis- ion. J. MCENTEE, Captain, & c. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 1, 18649 a. in. Captain FISHER, Chief ~3ignal Officer: Parties of enemy at work ou ciubrasure in redoubt at Gregorys house, also on new work half a mile to right and rear of Gregorys house. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer Page 6 6 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. AUGuST 1, 18645 p. m. Captain FIsHER: Labor is being performed on redoubts to left of Gregorys house. Four teanis have been employed in drawing logs to work on fort, half a mile to left of Gregorys house. To what use they are put cannot be seen. A fort, or very high, short embankment, is being constructed one-half mile northwest of Gregorys house. It will command the w hole area behind their front line of works to the right and left of Gregorys house. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 1, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following message has just been received, and is respectfully forwarded PLANK ROAD STATION, August 1, 1864. At 6 a. m. 75 prisoners~ passed to our left on Weldon railroad. Large details are working on fort near Weldon railroad. Lines in our front remain the same a~s reported yesterday. I am, general, very respectfnlly, your obedient servant. By order: WM. S. SThYKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Signal Corps. Major FISHER: Can the signal officers at plank road distinguish uniforms of men ~)assing along Weldon railroad ~ A.A.II., 11/Jiajor- General and Chif of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTh ARMY CORPS, Jordans house, August 1, 1864. Major FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: A column of cavalry is going into Petersburg on the Richmond road. Twenty minutes in passing a point. Twenty-eight wagons and seven teen ambulances have passed. T. B. CLARK, Captain and Signal Officer JORDANS HousE, August 1, 186411 a. m. Major FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: About as many more cavalry and wagons have passed in same direc- tion since last report. T. R. CLARK, Captain and Signal Officer. See Fulton to Stryker, 1.30 p. in., p. 7 Page 7 Cm& n. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 7 HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, Major-General HIJMPHREYS, A ugust 1, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: T have the honor to forward the following dispatch just received from the station on right and rear of Eighteenth Corps: Within the last houi~ upward of 100 wagons, with a large number of straggling horsemen, have passed an open space in the southern outskirts of the city left of lead-works toward the enemys front. Wagons still passing. DAVIS, Captain. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedieiit servant. By order: WM. S. STItYKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Signal Corrs. Major FISHER: At what hour was this observed ~ Return to me at once. A.A.II. PLANK ROAD, August 1, 1864. Major FISHER: At 11.30 a. in. a train of thirty-three wagons and eleven ambulances passed to our left on Weldon railroad~ 1.15 p. in. a train of sixty-eight wagons, with cavalry gnard, followed on same road. FULTON, Signal Sergeant. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 1, 1864. Sergeant FULTON: The commanding general desires to know how you recognized the prisoners reported this nioriiing as belonging to our army.. Your reports are goo(1. Setind them in as frequently as any change occurs within your observation. WM. S. STRYKER, Adjutant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 1, 18641.30 p. rn. Lient. WILLIAM S. STRYKER: I reported them pioneers, not prisoners. The mistake, likely, was made in its transmittal by telegraph from Fifth Army Corps. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 1, 18645 p. rn. Maj. B. F. FISHER: At 4 p. m. 150 cavaLry passed to our left on same road (Weldon rail- road) as before reported. No other movements visible since last report. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant Page 8 $ OPE1~ATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (OnAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC August 1, 18646 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER FIFTH CORPS: A cessation of hostilities until 9 a. m. to-day has been agreed upon, to enable us to bring in the wounded and dead between the lines. No officers or men will be permitted to advance beyond our lines, except such as are detailed to bring off the wounded and dead, and no com- munication will be had with the enemy. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to commanding officers of Ninth and Eighteenth Corps.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Maj. Gen. G. K. WARREN, August 1, 1864. Commanding Fifth Corps: GENERAL: I wish you would let me know when you are ready to relieve my batteries on the line on the left flank. If you desire it I can lend you the batteries until such time as you can spare them. Yours, truly, WINFD S. hANCOCK, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 1, 18641.50 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: GENERAL: On account of my small infantry force I did not intend to post new batteries on the line. I have two iii reserve that I can send in when I send iii my infantry reserves. I calculate I shall have time for that. I informed your staff officer last night that I did not want batteries in position along the line, and that yours could be withdrawn at any time. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Mdjor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my troops on the left flank have been entirely withdrawn, having been relieved by General Warrens command, with the exception of two batteries. These I am to withdraw at pleasure, in accordance with an understanding to that effect with General Warren. The Second Division is encamped in the wood between the Southall house and Norfolk railroad. The other divisions occupy their old caump. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding Second Corps Page 9 CHAP. LIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 9 HEADQIJARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRPS, August 1, 18641.10 a. in. The following, just received, is forwarded for the information of the major-general commanding: HEADQUARTERS ThIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, July 31, 186472.30 p. m. Lieut. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: The division officer of the day reports at 7 p. m. that a column of rebel infantry was moving this afternoon to our left for one hour and a half, followed by a train of ambulances. Also the troops massed in front of the picket-line of my left brigade have left, and that there are now more troops occupying breast-works in their front than there have been for several days. That some movement of horsemen was seen, supposed to be watering artillery horses. That in front of my right they repitched their tents again this afternoon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier- General, Gornrnc~ndiny. G. K. WARREN, ill ajor- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 1, 18649.50 a. rn. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet in my front during the night. A dispatch was received this a. m. respecting the flag of truce, and the necessary instunctions given to the coininaiid. One deserter from I~ifth Florida was received last night and sent up. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTh CORPS, August 1, 18649 p. rn. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet in my front to-day. A detail of 300 men is at work to-night at the battery on General Griffins le~ft, under Captain Gillespie, U. S. Engineers. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. E. BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The conunanding general desires that you report as soon as practica- ble the number of woundcd l)rOllght in, and also the number of dead builed during the cessation of hostilities this mornino. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 10 10 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQITARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, General S. WILLIAMS, August 1, 186411.30 a. m~. Assistant Adjutant- General: About 220 dead were found between the lines and are flow buried. About twenty wounded were found and brought in. These men were mostly colored troops. I understand that as the trenches for burial of the dead were not linished at 9 oclock, the truce was informally coii- tinned till the dead could be buried. I have sent a staff officer out to ascertain the facts and will report. A. E. BUItNSIDE, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, No. 35. Before Petersburg, Va., August 1, 1864. In relieving Capt. W. Ii. Harris, chief of or(lnance, from duty with this corps, in compliance with the orders of the Secretary of War, the commanding general regrets the loss of an officer distinguished for his able and thorough conduct of the affairs of his department. In the campaign of this corps in East Tennessee, and during the present operations in Virginia, while faithfully discharging-, often under cir- cuinstances of the utmost difficulty, the important duties of his position, his usefulness has never been confined to its limits, but has always been forward when the occasion required to assume with alacrity and courage the office of an aide. The commanding general parts from him with the highest appreciation of his services and respect for himself, and his best wishes for his future welfare. By command of Major-General Buruside: LEWIS RICilMONI), Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTh ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 1, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a detail from my command relieved the brigade of the Eighteenth Corps, occupying the line on my front at 9 oclock. At the time of relieving there was brisk mus- ketry firing, which soon ceased, aIld everything has remained quiet nutil this tune. There is a flag of truce now flying and details ai-e engaged in burying the dead and bringing in the wounded. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. B. POTTER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 1, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a detail was sent from each brigade of this division during the suspension of hostilities thi Page 11 CNAP. LIY.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 11 morning, which assisted to bury the dead and remove the wounded lying in front of my hue. There has been uimsual quiet on the front for the past twelve lionrs with nothing of importance to report. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Corn rnan(hng. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. SECOND Div., 9TH ARMY CORPS, No. 88. 5 Before Petersburg, Va., A agast 1, 18G4. I. The Forty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers are temporarily transferred to the Second Brigade of this division for the purpose of equalizing the commands. II. Lient. Col. Henry Pleasants, Forty-eighth Regimeiit Pennsylva- nia Veteran Volunteer Infantry, is hereby assigned to the command of the Second Brigade of this division. By command of Brigadier-General Potter: SAML. WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 1, 18G48 a. m. Brigadier-General WHITE, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report a quiet night in my front. My men abstained from firing on account of the wounded on this slope of the Crater and between the lines. The truce for burying dead, & c., is now being observed. My rifle-pits were greatly strengthened with abatis and sand-bags during the nibht. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLUOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 1, 1R64. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report no change on my front the last twelve hours. The enemy have had a strong force at work on the ex- ploded fort the last few hours. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General, Co mnwndiug. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH I)IYISION, NiNTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Petersburg, Va., August 1, 18G4. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assista~~t Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that General Cutlers division of the Fifth Corps was relieved at 11 oclock last evening by Colonel Thomas brigade. Nothing nunsual occurred during the night on my front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDW. FERRERO, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 12 12 OPERATIONS IN ~E. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY oF THE POTOMAC, August 1, 1864. Brigadier-General TORBERT, Commanding Ikrst Cavctiry Division, City Point, Va. The general commanding directs that you stop shipping your artil- lery, and that you embark your cavalry as rapidly as l)ossible. Very respectfully, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of & atf HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF 1?HE POTOMAC, McCanns, near Norfolk Railroad, August 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. II. WILSON, Commanding Third Cavalry Division GENERAL: The general commanding directs that [you] move one of the brigades of your division over to Lees Mill early to-morrow morning and relieve General Kautzs division, now picketing in that vicinity. Gen- eral Kautz will hand over, for the guidance of the commanding officer of the brigade detailed by you, his instructions on this subject. Very respectfully, & c., JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Staffi ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, August 1, 18645 a. m. Brigadier-General Chapman, commanding Second Brigade, will move with his command to Lees Mill at once and relieve General Kautzs division, now picketing in that vicinity. General M cm tosh, corn InaIl(l - ing First Brigade, will relieve the regiment of the Second Brigade on picket here with one of his regiments, and the former, upon beiii g re- lieved, will proceed to Lees Mill to join its brigade. By command of Brigadier-General Wilson: L. SIEBERT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Stafl2: GENERAL: The signal officer at the Water Battery reports at 7.25 a. in. that a train of fifty-four wagons and ten ambulances has just crossed Chaffins farm, going west. The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 4.45 a. in. a train passed the Junction toward Richmond. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 13 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 13 AuGusT 1, 186410.30 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, City Point: Signal officers at Spring Hill and at tower report that they see a column of 3,000 to 4,000 cavalry passing Junction going toward Peters- burg; also baggage aild forage train of sixty wagons. J. W. SHAFFER, Colonel and Chief of St& ff. WATER BATTERY SIGNAL STATION, August 1, 18647.30 a. m. Captain NORTON: Four thousand or 5,000 cavalry crossed Chaffins farm this a. m. going west. G. S. 1)ANA, Captain, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 1, 1864. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Acting Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports at 7.45 a. in. that eleven empty cars passed the Junction toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, August 1, 18649.45 a. m. Captain NORTON: A long column of cavalry (about 3,000) and thirty baggage wagons just passed the Junction on turnpike going toward Petersburg; also twenty-two wagons, loaded with forage, toward Richmond SIMONS Lieutenant and Signal Officer. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGiNIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 1, 186410.45 a. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The s~ignal officer at Spring Hill reports at 10 a. m. that another column of about 1,500 cavalry and forty-two wagons had just passed the Junction toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 14 14 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Col. J. W. SHAFFER, August 1, 186112 in. Chief of AS~taff: COLONEL: The following (lispatch has just been received and is re~ speetfully forwarded: SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, Augu8t 1, 186411.45 a. rn. Captain NORTON: One regiment of infantry and forty wagons on tnrnpike jnst passed the Jnnction toward Petersbnrg. A. G. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. JIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Col. J. W. SHAFFER, August 1, 18613.50 p. m. Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 3.30 p. m. about 2000 cavalry and thirty-five wagons passed the railroad junc- tion going toward Petersburo- Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. 1)EEP BOTTOM, August 1, 18647 p. in. Lieutenant-Colonel SMITH: The enemy attacked my picketdine on my right in considerable force about p.30 p. in., and drove my vedettes back to main line, but were repulsed on reaching there. The reserve was at once ordered up iii season to assist in repelling a second charge and in following up and re-establishing my line of vedettes on the original line. I had 8 or 4 of the Tenth Connecticnt wounded. The enemy is reported to have suffered considerably in the last charge. Respectfully, R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- Ueneral. AUGUST 1,1864. General FOSTER, Deep Bottom: Your dispatch received. The commanding genera] thanks you and yonr troops for the gallant manner in which you repulsed the attacl,i upon your lines this evening. J. W. SHAFFER, Colonel aud Chief of Sta Page 15 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 15 CITY POINT, August 1, 1864. General ORD, Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps: Lieutenant-General Grant desires me to say that the work to strengthen and perfect your defensive line should be begun at once by your engineer officer, who will act under the instructions of Geiieral Barnard, chief engineer. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General WEITZEL, August 1, 1864. Acting Chief of & aff, Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina: SIR: You will please state to the general commanding that the reduc- tion of my forces for duty in the trenches, by the loss of General Tur- ners division, will prevent the withdrawal for organization of the col- ored division, or leave me with a force inadequate to meet the force ot the enemy in my front. My information leads me to believe they are stronger in my front than I would then be. At present I have to keep two-thirds my men in the trenches. lam, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers, Contntanding. P. S.If the general commanding could send inc forces in their stead, I could relieve the colored division. I am, sir, respectfully, & c., E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. IIDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 1, 1864. Maj. WILLIAM RUSSELL Jr , ., Assistant Adjutant- General, Eighteenth Army Corps MAJOR: I have the honor to inform you that the Second Brigade of my division has been relieved from duty in General Burusides front, and are now in camp near my headquarters. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. CAltit, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR, August 1, 1864. ciommanding Third Division, Eighteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding dir~cts that you have Colonel Duncans brigade move about dnsk this evening to the position now occupied by Colonel Henrys brigade, in the rear of the I)Osition formerly occupied by General Turners division. Colonel Henrys bri- ~ade will move away from its present position about dusk, The ge Page 16 16 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. eral also directs that you order two regiments of Colonel I)uncans bri- gade, under command of a field officer, to report to General Ames after dark this evening, for duty in the second line of trenches. I am, general, very respectfully, yours, WM. RUSSELL, JR., Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIvisIoN, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 1, 1864. Col. S. A. DUNCAN, Commanding & eond Brigade: COLONEL: Pursuant to instructions from corps headquarters you will move your brigade about dusk to-night to the positioii now occupied by Colonel Henrys brigade, in the rear of the position formerly occupied by General Turners division. Colonel Henrys brigade will move away from its present position about dusk. You will also order two regi- ments of your brigade, under command of a field officer, to report to General Ames after dark this evening for duty in the second line of trenches. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SOLON A. CARTER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, McCanns, on the Norfolk Railroad, August 1, 1861. Brig. Gen. A. V. KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that on your being re- lieved by a brigade of General Wilsons division, you will at once move your entire division to position on the road leadipg from Prince George Court-House to Indian Point, near Bitchetts, and then go into camp. You will send one regiment of your command to Sycamore Church to picket the roads at or near that point leading toward Indian Point and Coggins Point. This latter disposition will be made to protect the general cattle herds of the army and the Cavalry Corps trains at Iii- dian Point. You will also picket the City Point road, connecting your right with the left of the Second Divisior~ picket-line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Stat!. P. S.Your quartermaster was ordered last evening to bring up your trains to Indian Point. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Lees Mill, Va., August 1, 18648 p. m. Lient. Col. J. W. FORSYTH, Acting Assistant Adjutcnt- General, Cavalry Corps: I have sent to Jones Neck to have the transportation come here with the forage on hand at that camp. I presume that arrangements will be made to supply the division with forage and rations throug Page 17 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 0 17 the quartermaster and commissary of the corps. It will, perhaps, be quite as easy to supply the division from Jones Neck, as long as our camp remains at that point. Arrangements had been completed and the arms were arriving to arm the division with carbines complete and uniformly, which I should like to elThct before the connection with General Butlers command is entirely severed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Commanding. NoTE.All is quiet here. My command is iu l)Osition. The enemys pickets are close in front of mine. A.V.K. [AUGUST 2, 1864.For Grant to ilalleck, requesting a court of in- quiry on the facts and circumstances attending the assault of July 30, see Vol. XL, P art I, p. 18.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, Major-General HUMPUREYS, Angust 2, 1864. Chief of & aff: GENERAL: Two deserters from the Twenty-fifth South Carolina, ilokes division, just examined at Eighteenth Corps headquarters, re- port the following: They say that some cooks of their regiment told them that they saw Kershaws division, of Longstreets corps, take the cars yesterday amid go south. The general supposition was that they Were going to re-enforce General Hood. During the engagemeiit of the 30th ultimno Colquitts brigade, of Hokes divisiomi, was taken from the trenches and marched to the right. They had not yet returned to their old positions when informants left. They say that there are two field pieces mounted in rear of .Hokes (livision about 200 yards beyond the railroad. General Martin, of ilokes division, has resigned, and Colonel Zachry, of the Twenty-seventh Georgia, is imow commanding their brigade. They have heard rumors that their pioneers were min- ing in fromit of Johnsons division (General Ords engineer was going out to have them locate the spot). Martins brigade is omi the right of Hagoods and Cliugman on the left. These men left their picket-lines last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. MCEINTEE, Captain, & c. P. S.These men also state that the men captured from us on the 30th of July are now confined at Petersburg within range of our guns, and that their petitions to the coinn~anding general that they might be removed to a place of safety were disregarded. This was a general camp rumor. Respectfully, J. MUENTEE, Uaptain, & e. 2 R RVOL XLII~ FT :i Page 18 18 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 2, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that no movement of aiiy moment was visible from the several signal statioiis occupied. About 12 m. the enemy took one of the guns out of the work in the vicinity of the Gregory Chimneys. Fifteen men, with their knapsacks, haversacks, & c., moved off with the gun, entering the woods in their rear, working parties going into and returning from same woods all the day. They are constructing works in these woods; can only see small part of it; therefore am unable to say what kind of works they are. WARTS, Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 2, 18649.30 a. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: All quiet. No change visible in camps or lines. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 2, 18645 p. m. Major FISHER: All quiet to-day. No movements of enemy visible from statioi. A few wagons passed and repassed on line of Weldon railroad. II. W. FULTON. SPECIAL ORDERS, } HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 206. * August 2, 1861. * * * * * 4. The Fourth New York Heavy Artillery is relieved from further service under the immediate orders of the chief of artillery, and will report for duty to the major-general commanding the Second Army Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS August 2, 18649 a. m. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that all was quiet in my front during the night, nothing of importance transpiring. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 19 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 19 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 2, 18642.30 p. in. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I was at the front redoubt on the plank road this morning at 10 a. in., and it was reported to me that the sound of picking as if a gallery was being dug underneath had beeii heard there since yesterday morn- ing; this was reported yesterday, I am told, to the engineer officer and to Colonel Tilton, commanding the brigade, who did not think it worth notice. No report of it came to inc. I however went into the maga- zines and the sound of picking is constant and distinct; as many as three picks at work. I listened carefully and am satisfied the sound was not made by our troops. I at once ordered three pits to be sunk at different points and a gallery begun to the rear. I think we should settle the quest~ion in the shortest possible time and request that the engineer troops assigned to my command be returned to me for the pur- pose. I would also request that I be consulted in the location of the new defensive works and the to upon and have power decide the order necessity for their construction, and that the engineer officers employed thereupon for the time report to me and camp with my command that they may then have the deepest personal interest in their work; there has already been a good deal of unnecessary labor spent and I cannot afford more. I have 1,500 men on picket and all the rest on line except Ayres division. One thonsand of this division I wish to put at once constructing a second line behind the salient threatened, so that the place will become untenable to the enemy even if his mining operations succeed, and so that I can withdraw most of my meu from it. With this preparation made, [it might] be advisable to allow the enemy to go on, and let him try an assaulting column if lie wishes. At any rate I shall endeavor to ascertain for a certainty what is going on underneath, if anything. I have necessarily other work and ideas of defense than engineer officers, and if they cannot work under my orders they are more of an im~jury to me now than a benefit. Respectfully, U. K. WARREN, ]Ifajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 2, 18645.15 ~. in. Major-General WARPEN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Your dispatch relative to mining, & c., is received, and the major- general commanding directs me to say your operations of counter-min- ing, & c., are approved, and that any additional means you require will be furnished. The engineer detachment is ordered to be returned to you temporarily. While the commanding gemieral cannot acce(le to your proposition to place the engineers under your command, yet he is ready to receive auy snggestions you may have to make in regard to their oI)eratiomis and to decide all points of difference that may arise. The chief engineer was directed to confer with corps commanders. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major-General and Chief of ~S1taf Page 20 20 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 2, 18G49.15 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred in my front to-day. Details numbering 1,900 men are at work to-night on the line. G. K. WAlilIEN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 2, 18649 r. in. General S. WILLIA1~Is, Assistant Adjutant- General: There has not been mlleh firing on my front to-day, though it is now quite brisk. The following observations are reported by Colonel Hum- phrey, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division: The enemy shows great activity in strengthening their old and throwing up new works. The redoubt on Cemetery Hill appears completed, and arranged for five or six guns. A considerable work was done in smoothing down the ruins of the redoubt destroyed on tIme 30th, and a work, I think to be used as a covered way, leading from the ravine on the left (enemny~s left) diagonally across the field to this redoubt has been thrown out. A heavy fatigue party has also been at work during the day in front of the right of the line occupied by the Fifth Corps, in a ravine running l)alallel with the enemys main line, and between it and his picket-line. A considerable quantity of lumber has been carried to this party to-day. I have also observed more smoke from what appeared to be the cnemys camp-fires than for some time past. These fires were well to the rear of that part of the enemys line in front of the Fifth Corps. In the reported construction of new works between time picket and main line both scantling and boards were seen. A. E. I3UIRNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before retersburg, Va., August 2, 1864. Licut. Col. LEWIS 1IICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth A nay Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet aloiig our lines last night. The Second Brigade, occupying onr front line, was re-enforced by 300 men from the First Brigade just after dark and the line is now sufficiently full. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. LEi)LIE, Brigadier-General, Conmdg. First Division, Ninth Army Corps. IIEAI)QUARTERS SECOND T)IVISION, N1NTH ARMY CORPS, B ore 1~etersburg, Va,, August 2, 1864. Lient. Col. L W15 RICHMOND, Assistant ilJ~jutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: CoLoNEL: I have the honor io report that nothing of importance has occurred on my front within the past twelve hours, and no movemen Page 21 CHAP. LIV.] CORUESPON~ENCE, ETCUNION. 21 of the enemy has been detected. The left and center of the line held by my command has been strengthened where more or less destroyed in the operations of the 30th nitimo, and is now considered secure. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ItOBT. B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIEADQITARTERS NINTh ARMY CoRPS, August 2, 186411.15 a. rn. Maj. Gen. A. A. HITMPHREYS, Chief of & aff: I have returned from Ferreros line. He has a good position, with the addition of another battery and a cavalry outpost which I have ordered to be furnished. The only weak point on my front seems to be the salient where the new work is building, on which the woods press too closely, and I have ordered out lOt) axmen to slash that down at once. 0. B. WJLLCOX, BPigadier- General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG~, FOURTH Div., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., A~tgust 2, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, N Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor herewith to report that I was relieved this morning as general officer of the trenches by Lieutenant-Colonel Barnes. Nothing of importance occurred. I was captured during the truce and carried into the enemys lines. After a long and tedious argument, I was released. I was in the lines of the enemy from about 9 a. m. until just before daylight this morning. The abatis in front of the extreme left of the Second Division is nearly destroyed and the breast-works weak. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, H. G. THOMAS, Col. 19th U. S. Colored Troops and General Officer of the Trenches. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMIES OP THE UNITED STATES, No. 68. City Point, Va., August 2, 1864. I. lVIaj. Gen. P. II. Sheridan, commanding Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, is relieved temporarily from duty in this army, and will report in person without delay to Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C., for orders. His staff will accom- pany him. By command of Lienteimant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 22 22 OPE1~ATIONS IN 5K VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Maj. Gen. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, August 2, 18648 a. m. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Prisoners captured inform me that the whole of Dearings brigade was at or in rear of the poiiit where the advance r~giments were met; also, that at the point where the road followed by my bri- gade strikes the plank road, and for some distance below the road is defended by earth-works occnpied by infantry. D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Comdg. Second Division. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 2, 186412 m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry Corps: I am instructed to say that rumors have reached the major-general commanding that a gun was lost by the cavalry in the recent operations on the north side of the James River. No official report of such fact was received by him, and he dk?ects that you inquire into the matter md report the result, and if the rumor prove to be correct, you will i~eport The circumstances attending the capture.* A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- Geucral and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 2, 18648.20 a. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 8 a. in. fourteen wagons and four pieces of artillery passed the railroad Junc- tion toward Petersburg, and at 8.15 a. in. that twenty-four wagons passed toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 2, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The followiug dispatch has just been receved, and is respectfully forwarded: SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, Auqust 2, 186411.35 a. m. Captain NoRToN: Five cars loaded with troops just passed the .JllflCtiOfl toward Petersburg. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. (Forwarded to General Grant.) * For reply, see Vol. XL, Par t I, p. 614 Page 23 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 23 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Col. J. ~. SHAFFER, August 2, 1864. Chief of Stafl~: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports at 1.15 p. m. that nine cars loaded with sick or wounded troops then passed the Juiic- tion toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chif Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VlRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Col. J. W. SHAFFER, August 2, 18644.50 p. rn. Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spriiig Hill reports that at 4.30 p. m. a train of nine passenger and six freight cars loaded with sick or wounded troops passed the Junction toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 20. In the Field, near flatehers, Va., August 2, 1864. So much of General Orders, No. 10, current series, from these head- quarters, as assigned batteries to divisions is revoked. The batteries of the corps will form the Artillery Brigade, under the command of the senior artillery officer present, and will be assigned to divisions for duty from time to time as the exigencies of the service demand. During the campaign two batteries of artillery, to be assigned by the chief of artillery, will move with each division, unless a differnut order of assignment is indicated in the orders of the day from these headquar- ters. For the purpose of discipline and supplies, the authority of the chief of artillery over the batteries assigned to divisions will be as when in permanent camp. For military purposes, the batteries will be under charge of division commanders. When the chief of artillery is present with the artillery of a division engaged in action, he will be particularly responsible for the position and proper management of the batteries. As, under act of Congress, July 17, 1862 (page 539, Army Regula- tions), the chief of artillery is also ordnance officer of the corps, divis- ion ordnance officers will report to him promptly in their department. The brigade organization will be perfected at once under the senior artillery officer now on duty in the corps. By command of Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant. Genera Page 24 24 OPERATIONS TN SE. VA. ANI) N. 0. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 2, 186411 p. m. (Received 11.40 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: I will send ~Oll a report as soon as Turner comes in, which will be some time to-morrow. E.O.C. GIRD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, General MEADE: Au gust 2, 186411.40 p. m. Deserters still report a mine in my front soon to be fired. As two brigades have arrived between my right and Petersburg this evening, I shall hold my men nnder arms half an hour before and after day- light. E. 0. C. GIRD, Major- Gei~eral. [First indorsenmnt.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE -POTOMAC, August 2, 1864. General BUENSIDE: The above dispatch just received is forwarded for your information. You will hold your command on the alert at the time above specified. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. (Same to Generals Hancock and Warren.) [Second indorsement.] The above dispatch is sent to division commanders for their informa- tion, and they will give instructions to keep their commands on the alert arid under arms to move iii any (lirection as above specified. A. E. BURNSJDE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 2, 1864midnight. Maj.Gen.E. 0. C. ORD: Your telegrams of 11 and 11.40 p. m. received. Orders have been sent to this army to be on the alert at the time designated by you. II do not understand your reference to a report from General Turner. GEG. G. MEADE, llliajor- General. hEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS August 2, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. H. BURNHAM, Commanding Division: GENERAL: Deserters in to-day and this p. m. state rumors of a mine existing among their men, amid they give some details of the point mined, supposed to be the work (redoubt) near the Hare house o Page 25 CHAP. LIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 25 General Turners late front. The last deserter said it would be fired to-morrow a. in., though lie said similar reports wele circulated yester- day. The last deserter also states that two brigades arrive(1 this even- ing and are posted in or near the railroad (in front of the left of your line) and under the cliffs this side of Petersburg. It may be well to have your men ready for emergencies. You will, therefore, at early daylight to-morrow morningthat is, about 3.30 oclock to-morrow morningget all the men in trenches under arms and keep them so until half an hour after daylight. Have your reserve roused, under arms, and ready to move to any I)oint threatened at the same time, and keep them under arms until half an hour after daylight. E. 0. C. ORB, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. (Same to General A. Ames.) CLRCULAR.1 HDQRS. SECOND Div., EiGHTEENTH ARMY CoRps, In the Field, Va., August 2, 1864. l)oubt having heretofore existed as to which line should be occupied in case of an attack, the following instructions are published for the information of brigade commanders: A l)ortion of the troops will at all times be posted in the most advanced line. In case of an attack those in the rear will be moved forward and occupy the front line where the stand will be made and the fighting take place. By command of Brig. Gen. A. Ames: CHARLES A. CARLETON, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 2, 1864. Maj. WILLIAM RUSSELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General, Eighteenth Army Corps: MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your request for information as to the position of the troops of my command and to report that the First Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, of the First Bri- gade, is doing picket duty on the extreme right of the corps line on the Appomattox River, the right nearly opposite Fort Clifton. The First U. S. Colored Cavalry of the same brigade is distributed in detach- muents and is doing duty at the corps hospital and guarding quarter- master and commissary stores at the depots. The four infantry regi- ments of the Second Brigade are in position indicated in orders from corps headquarters yesterday, to wit: Two regiments on General Ames line in the second line of trenches, and two regiments in reserve in the rear of General Turners fbrmer position. Four companies of the Second U. S. Colored Cavalry, of the Second Brigade, are support- ing Dows battery, and the balance of the regiment is used as guard for trains a~d quartermaster and commissary stores. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. CARR, Brigadier- General Page 26 26 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. (Ciw~. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Augu~t 3, 186410 a. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Comparative quiet reigned along the lines of this army yester(lay. Daring the night there was considerable musketry firing on the Ninth Corps front. Major-General Warren reported unmistakable evidences of the enemy mining in his front near the plank road. General War- ren is counter-mining and preparing an interior line at the point threatened. About midnight dispatches received from Major-General Ord indicating the expectation a mine would be sprung in his front. This army was under arms for an hour before and after daylight this morning. The ~horter and defensive line located by the engineers is being constructed. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERa ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 3, 18644 p. m. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT: A colored scout just in reports that Lees division of cavalry, on Sun- day last, came from the north side of the Appoinattox to Dinwiddie Court-House, and on Monday marched back north of Petersburg. GEG. G. MEADE. ]IThjor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 3, 186410 p. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Deserters report Kershaws division as having gone south on Mon- day night. Pickett and Field are reported by Butler as in his front. This accounts for Longstreet, Bushrod Johnson, and Jioke, which are all of Beauregard in our front. Heth and Mahone, of Hill, are also known to be in our front. Wilcox is supposed to be north of the Appo- mattox, but not certain. We have had no deserters ft oin Wilcox, but those from Mahone (same corpsHills) say he has not left. Fitz Lees (livision of cavalry is reported to have gone north of the Appomattox on day before yesterday. This is our latest information. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, August 3, 1864. Chief of kS1ta If: GENERAL: Another scout (colored), supposed to have been captured yesterday, just came in and reports that his colored friends near Stoiiy Creek told him that Butlers brigade of cavalry was lying at Reams Station. General Hampton was in that vicinity with one brigade (Rossers), between Reams Station and Stony Creek. He also report Page 27 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 27 that his friends told him that on Sunday last General Lees cavalry division marched from the north side of the Appoinattox River to Din- widdie Court-House, and on Monday marched back north of Petersburg. This man is familiar with the country about Reams Station, & c. His wife now lives on Stony Creek, and lie has many acquaintances about there with whom lie has talked. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, McENTEE, Captain, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERNLS DEPARTMENT, August 3, 18G4. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Of the three scouts sent out on the morning of the list instant two were captured on the New Market road about three miles south of Reams Station. The other returned this morning and makes the following report: On account of the numerous patrols of the enemy in that part of the country it was impossible to get any information regarding movements by rail. Yesterday, at 3 p. in., this man (Carney) saw a brigade of cavalry go from Reams Station to Worths Bridge on the plank road. He thinks it was the picket relief, as there was a regiment stationed at the latter place. Negroes infornmd hini that the pickets had been much strengthened since the engagement on Satur- day last. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, 6!aptain, & C. [IndorRement.] Captain MCENTEE: Where is the New Market road; between what points does it mn 6? Across what stream is Worths Bridge 6? A. A. HUMPJIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Statf. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 3, 1864. Major.General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The New Market road runs south from New Market, pass- ing near Reams Station, thence to Sussex Court-House. It may have another name, but it is known in the vicinity of Reams as the New Market roa~I. I think that Worths Bridge is over a stream which runs from Warwick Swamp, near Lees Mill. The man that made the report is not in at present, but will return soon, when I will have him explain more fully. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & e Page 28 28 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP, LIV. HEADQUARTERS PR2 YOST-MARSHAL f~-ENEE,AL [August 3, 1864.] Major-General HUMPHREYS: Two deserters from Poseys and Wrights brigades, of Mahone~s division, report that A. P. 11111s corps is all in our front. Hetli and Mahone occupy their old positions, and Wilcox occupies the extreme right of the line. They report no changes in position since their troops returiied from Reams Station. They know nothing of a prOjecte(l rail- road from South Side to Weldon. Very respectfully, J. MoENTEE, Gaptain, d~c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 3, 1864. Major-General MEADE: One of the men deserted from the picket-line at dark last night, the other at 7 oclock this morning. - A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- (general and Chief of Staft hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 3, 18648.30 a. m. Captain FISHER: Small parties of enemy working at various points of line in view of station. J. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Oflicer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, Maj. B. F. FISHER, August 3, 18649.10 a. m. Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: No movement of troops or (5llanges in the enemys lines in our front. A. K. CAROTHERS, Sergeant. Major FISHER, AUGUST 3, 186411.30 a. m. Chief Signal Officer, Army ~f the Potomac: No movements seen. Enemys signal officer reportsall quiet in our camps and no boats on the river. C. L. DAVIS, Captain, d~c. 8647 P. in. Maj. B. F. FISHER: AUGUST 3 1 No movements of interest observed to-day. Enemys signal officer sends same report. A locomotive moving to and fro near Weldon depot all the afternoon. FEAREY, Lieutenant and Signal Officer Page 29 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 29 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 3, 1864. (Received 7.15 p. m.~ General IIuMPHREYS: Following just receive(l: Sn;NAL STATION Fwrii Cours6.30 p.m. A battery of four guiis and. live s(lua4rous of cavalry have just passed. to our right in rear of Petersburg. CLARK, ASignal Officer. LOCKE, Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsernent.] Inquire why the sigual officers with corps do not report through the chief signal officer at these headquarters. GEO. G. MEADE. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 3, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report no moverueiit of the enemy~s force visible to-day from our stations. They were busily working upou the earth-work about three-quarters of a mile south of the lead-works, which seems to be a large one. One train of cars passed into the city on the Weldon railroad. Several wagons passed on the road near Weldon railroad during the day. They have been bringing con- siderable timber to the work near the Gregory Chimneys. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. Major FISHER: The signal officer of the Fifth Corps reported that several squadrons of cavalry passed toward Petersburg at 6.30 p. m. How is this dis- crepancy accounted for 0? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL: I received no reports from the officers at corps head- quarters and know nothing of the rel)orted inoveiiient of cavalry. My lookouts at the plank road station and on the extreme right reported no movement visible to-day. B. F. FiShER, Chief, & e. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, No. 31. August 3, 1864. To-morrow, the 4th instant, having been set apart by the President of the United States as a day of national fastiiig, humiliation and prayer, the major-general commanding calls upon his fellow soldiers to oberve the day with the solemnities due to the occasion, and he recommend Page 30 30 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. tliat~ wherever practicable, religious exercises be held iii the several camps by the chaplains serving with the army; and he co~imands that all operations that are not matters of military necessity be suspended during the day. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTEI~S SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 3, 18641 a. rn. (Received 2.30 a. iii.) The command will be under arms half an hour before daylight, and remain so until half an hour after daylight this morning. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS FiFTH ARMY CORPS Brig. Gen. ~. WILLIAMS, August 3, 1864. (Received 9.10 a. in.) Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that all was quiet iii my front during the night. Sharp firing in front of the command on my right continued all night long. G. K. WARREN, iViajor- General. HEADQUARTERS F[FTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, August 3, 1861 9.15 p. in. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has ttalIsl)ired in my front to-day. iNine hundred men are at work at ten-gnu mortar battery and at fort on right of plank road. G. K. WARREN, ilrajom-- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST 1)IV1SION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Col. E. M. GREcTORY, August 3, 1864. Commanding & eond Brigade: COLONEL: Major Lentz will proceed at once with his command, the Ninety-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and take position in the fort where Lieutenant Walcotts battery is stationed. It is directed that banquettes be raised between the pieces, in order that time fort may be defended by infantry. The troops will be camped so as to not interfere in any way with the artillery. By order of Brigadier-General Bartlett: C. B. MERVINE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 31 Ca& r. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 3, 18G4. Col. N. T. DIJSHANE, Commanding & cond Brigade: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that your command be held ready to vacate your present camp at once for the purpose of bivouacking on the left of the line, which position you will maintain for about one week. If you think best a small camp guard may be left behind, but the shelter-tents will be struck and taken along. You will please send a staff officer to report at these headquarters ~the moment you are ready to move. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. WINTHROP, Captain, Twelfth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [AUGUST 3, 1864.For Meade to Buruside, inclosing copy of charges and specifications against the latter, see Vol. XL, Part I, p. 531.] HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Coups, August 3, fS(i49.2() i~ m. General WILLIAMS: There is nothing of moment to report as occurring on my line. Last night some force of the enemy was reported as moving to our left, but it is impossible to say what strength. Everything was held in readi- ness, according to dispatch of last night. A. V. I3URNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS Before Petersburg, Va., Augast 3, 1561. Lient. Col. L. RiCHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: Siu: By order of the general commanding 1 questioned Colonel Thomas in reference to his capture on the 1st of August. I-Ic had beeii coliversing with several officers of our service and of the rel)cl army on the narrow neutral ground between the lines of sentinels. Finding the hour of the truce nearly expired, he turi~ed, intending to re-enter our lines at the point where his own command was placed, some distance to the left of where the mine was sprung. At a ravine, which runs into our line opposite our left center, the line of our maui works is not con- tinuous, the right considerably overlapping the left. Not being himil- jar with our lines (as his division had been placed there only the day previous) he failed to notice the change of direction in our front until cli all en ged by the enemys pickets. He informed them that he was return- ing to his own lines, not seeking to enter theirs. They insisted, however, 111)011 carrying him in a prisoner, lie insisted upon being blindfolded when led through their lines and was brought before General Bushrod Johnson. General Johnson was disposed to consider him a l)risoner of war. Th~ officer who commanded the pickets took the opposite vie Page 32 32 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV, and supported Colonel Thomas. The question was referred to the pro- vost-marshal at General Beauregards headquarters, and the argu- ments of both parties (which had been committed to writing) were laid before him. The decision was reached that Colonel Thomas should be returned. This was done just before daylight on the morning of the 2d. Neither in going or returning did he have any opportunity of see- ing the enemys hues or camps, of judging of their strength or the dis- position of their forces, nor did he hear any conversation or remarks giving any information of importance. His place of confinement, after leaving General Johnsons hands, was iu a wretched prisonlow, filthy, and almost without ventilation. His treatment by General Johnson (though known to be an officer of colored troops) was civil and even kind; by other officers it was less considerate. At ~enerah Johnsons headquarters he was informed that but 36 of the colored troops were taken prisoners; they, as he himself witnessed, were not treate(l as prisoners of war, but employed at policing of headquarters and similar duties. it was intimated, though by no responsible party, that many of the blacks had been killed after surrender; that their slaughter was stopped by General Mahone. I have the honor to be cob servant, , nel, very respectfully, your obedient CHAS. G. LORING, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Inspector- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY Coups, Before Petersburg, Va., August 3, 1864. Licut. Col. LEwlS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything in my front exceed- ingly quiet during the past twelve hours. About 2 p. in. my officer of the day reported picket-firing entirely ceased, and numbers of white flags were displayed by our men and the enemy also. lie states that this was owing to an impression upon their part that we had some coin- munication to make with them. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JAMES H. LEDLIE, Brigadier- General Commanding J)ivision. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISlON, NINTh ARMY CORPS Before Petersburg, Va., August 3, 1361. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet on my front, with no movement on the part of the enemy observed. The line occu- pied by my command is being strengthened. Orders have been given to render the abatis in front of the whole lii me strong and effective. I am~ colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 33 CHAP LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 33 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Befi~re Petersburg, August 3, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report no changes on my front. The officer of the day reports this morning a movement of the enemy toward our left, whether in force or not he could not ascertain. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLOOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, August 3, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to forward the following report, as given by Col. William Humphrey, commanding Second Brigade: Parties of the enemy have been at work on the left, where the party was reported to be working yesterday. During the night last night they were heard to bring what appeared to be boards into their works. There has been no artillery firing during the day, and very little musketry. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILECOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Petersburg~ Va., August 3, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEwlS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjatant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual has occurred in front of my line since last report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWD. FERRERO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIROINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 3, 18642.45 p. m. Hon. E. 1\I. STANTON, & eretary of War: I understand strong efforts are being made to have taken from this department the counties of Accomac and Northumberland [Northamp- ton], commonly called the Eastermi Shore. I could have no objeetlon to this, provided I did not know that it was in order to get rid of the very stringent regulations and system of guards by which we prevent smuggling, amid in order that the sale of whisky may be unlimited in that district. It is one of the series of movements of Governor Peir- 3 R RVOL XLII, PT I Page 34 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. 34 [CHAP. LIT. point against the commanding general of the department, to which 1 take leave to call your attention. I should be quite willing to have the qnestioii settled l)y the votes of the loyal and respectable men of those counties. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, August 3, 186410.20 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: A deserter just iu from the Fourth Alabama Regiment, of Laws brigade, of Fields division, reports that division with three regiments of Wises old brigade at New Market. Wilcoxs division, of Hills corps, is between them and ~ farm. Kershaws division he reports to have left New Market on Monday for Petersburg. 1-las not heard of their going south. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, August 3, 1864. (Received 9.30 a. in.) Major-General BUTLER: Deserters from Twenty-fifth South Carolina told us yesterday that Kershaws division had gone south the day before. Do you hear any- thing of it, or can you tell us anything about Fields (livision l We think we can account for all the other divisioiis. Have not heard of Picketts division since Saturday p. in., but suppose it is in its old place on part of your front. Please answer at headquarters Army of the Potomac to-day. GEG. H. SHARPE, Colonel. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 3, 186411.10 a. m. Colonel SHARPE, At General Meades Headquarters, Army of the Potomac: A deserter from the Twenty-fifth South Carolina informs us that the - rumor is that Kershaws division went south on Monday night. An- other deserter from the Forty-second North Carolina, Hokes division, says that Kershaws division was on his right but that it was rumored it had gone south, and that on the night the rumor was heard trains were moving all night south. Fields division is in our front at Deep Bottom. We have both prisoners and deserters from it. Men from Picketts division com~e in daily from our front. We have heard of no special movements there. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 35 CnAF. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 35 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIROINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, August 1864 Col. GEORGE II. SHARPE, 10.10 ~i. m. Deputy Provost-Marshal- 6~eneral, Army of the Potomac, at General ~ headquarters A deserter who has just come in reports Fields division and three regiments of Wises old brigade at and near New Market. Wises men hold their extreme right, then Brattori, Gregg, Bennirig, Law, and Anderson. Wilcoxs division, of Hills corps, is lying back of them, between Fields division and Chaffins farm. Kershaw left New Market with his division on Monday night and went then to Petersburg. The deserter does not know of his moving from tbere. I have just returned from a sick leave and am again attending to my dnties here, and will keep you constantly informed of all reports and movements. Respectfully, JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant and Acting Aide-de- Camp. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 3, 18642.20 p. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The following dispatch sent from the rebel signal station near Coxs Ferry to the rams was read by signal officer at Water Bat- tery at 2 p. in., viz: Flag-Officer MITCHELL: A detail has been ordered down, at the suggestion of General Ewell, to get an engine from Coxs Mill. Is there any difficulty in getting there t Does your picket boat go below the wharf. R. D. TAYLOR, Very respectfully, & c., Major, Commanding. L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. SPRING HILL, August 3, 18647.45 p. m. Captain NORTON: Eighteen cars toward Petersburg, also a column of troops, I should judge 2,000, in a field northwest of railroad station, moving toward Gen- eral Butlers front. SIMONS, Lieutenant. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 3, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: I send you a very intelligent Jew deserter from Fields division, for- merly Hood~s, in Fosters front. Laws, Andersons, Bennings, Greggs Page 36 36 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. and ~ brigades, besides three regiments of Wises command, are in Fosters front. Wilcoxs division is half at Chaffins Bluff and rest at Petersburg. He seems to be well posted as to position of enemy. D. B. BJIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY Coups. August 3, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding: I knew of this Jew deserter in Maryland before he went South, and his statements are all true so far as he states of his previous history. Does not know of my personal knowledge of him. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY Coups, August 3, 18648.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY, Commanding First Division: The following dispatch received from Spring Hill: A column of troops, about 2,000, northwest of railroa4 junction, moving toward General Butlers front. SIMONS, Lieutenant, Signal Officer. By order of Major-G eneral Birney. ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY Coups, In the Field, Hatchers, 1, August 3, 1864. Capt. F. M. FOLLETT, Fourth U. S. Artillery: CAPTAIN: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct that you, as senior officer of artillery present for duty, assnme com- ma~d of the Artillery Brigade of this corps, and that you establish your headquarters in this vicinity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General. DEEP BOTTOM, August 3, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER: I have just sent to corps headquarters a very intelligent German by name of E. Adler, who deserted from the Fourth Alabama Regiment and came into my lines this morning. I think he can give you con- siderable information. His information agrees with that of other deserters regarding the force on my front. He says he saw dispatc Page 37 CHAP. tiv} CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 37 from General Hood in the Richmond paper of to-day stating that Major- General Stoneman and 500 men were captured at Macon, Ga., by General Iverson. I sent a Richmond paper of yesterday to corps headquarters this morning. R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 3, 1864. Major-General ORB, Commanding Eighteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: As your negro troops have had a pretty hard time of serv- ice for fresh hands, I propose that General Paine shall send you from the troops on this line an equal number with what you have now, re- turning those you have here, for the purpose of reorganization and recruitment. I hope you can so manage it as to put a brigade together and give them a defined portion of the line to hold, so that upon them and their officers may be a responsibility which all may feel. It will be much for the advantage of the service, in my judgment, if these colored troops are kept together, and as soon as we can get them fairly re- organized and a little recruited we will have a division together. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 3, 186412.15 a. m. (Received 12.30 a. in.) Major-General MEADE: I have not received General Turners report of the affair of Saturday. As soon as I do I will send in mine to you. I do not believe in the mine, but do not wish to be surprised, hence my precautions. B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIRST DIV., 18TH ARMY CORPS, No. 32. 5 August 3, 1864. In compliance with Special Orders, No. 96, paragraph 6, headquar- ters Eighteenth Army Corps, dated August 3, 1864, I hereby assume command of this division. The division staff as at present constituted will remain on duty as heretofore. J. B. CARR, Brigadier- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRD DIV., 18TH ARMY CORPS, No. 83. * Near Petersburg, Va., August 3, 1864. * * * * * * 4. Colonel Duncan will march with and in command of the Fourth, Sixth, and Twenty-second Regiments across the Appomattox River, encamping his own regiment and Colonel Ames near the present camp of the Tenth U. S. Colored Troops, and Colonel Kiddoos move to the left and to the rear. Colonel Duncan will be charged with the defense of the line in case of an attack to the left of Battery 8, ~)osting no picket, however, except as now posted by the colored troops now on that line Page 38 38 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. 5. The commanding officer of the Thirty-seventh U. S. Colored Troops will march with his command at 6 a. m. to-morrow across the Appo- mattox. He will report in person at these headquarters as soon as the regiment has crossed the river. His regiment will halt near the Rush- more house until the commanding officer has received his orders from these headquarters. By command of Brig. Gen. C. J. Paine: SOLON A. CARTER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 3, 1864. Col. S. A. DUNCAN, Commanding Second Brigade: COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to instruct you to relieve the two regiments under the command of Colonel Ames after dark to-night, provided no orders are received from corps headquarters to interfere with this arrangement, of which you will be duly notified. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SOLON A. CARTER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT POWHATAN, VA., August 3, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: There is a rebel battery at Wilcoxs Wharf firing on our transports. G. S. INNIS, Colonel. CITY POINT, VA., August 4, 186412 m. (Received 7 p. in.) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, Washington, D. C.: Your dispatch of 6 p. in. just received.* 1 will start in two hours for Washington and will spend a day or two with the army under General Hunter. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, August 4, 18641 p. m. (Received 9.30 J). in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Another division of cavalry has been ordered to Washington from here as suggested by you.t The delay in Torberts division has been from transports not returning rapidly. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. See August 3, Vol. XXXVII, Part II, ~. 582. I See Halleck to Graut, August 3, 2.30 p. in., Vol. XXXVII, Part II, p. 582 Page 39 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 39 CITY POINT, VA., August 4, 186412.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: Send another division of cavalry to Washington at once. I will in- struct the qnartermaster to provide transportation as rapidly as it can be got together. I will instruct General Butler to send Kautz~s cavalry to report to your cavalry commander whilst so much of yours is absent. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, - August 4, 186412.45 p. m. General MEADE: The following dispat.ch* is just received. I will direct General Gregg to give the preliminary orders to that division of the Cavalry Corps which can be most quickly got to City Point and await your final direc- tions. 1 will send the same order in regard to artillery and means of transportation that was sent before. A. A. HUMPITIIEYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 4, 1864. General HUMFIIREYS: Direct Gregg to send Wilsons division of cavalry. Say to General Williams General Ingalls can send the transportation of the Sixth Corps as proposed, and a small regi~nent of those whose term of service is about or near expiring can be sent to him. Gregg should be in- structed to picket our left and rear as before, as well as he can with his diminished force. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 4, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Comdg. Army of the Potomac, fldqrs. of Major- General Butler: TWO deserters from Finegau~s brigade, who came in this morning, report that their brigade is still lying in one rank. They think the brigades of their division that were taken out of the trenches and moved toward the mine have not returned to their stations. They understand Heth is on their right and heard that Wilcox had gone to Reams Station. Their brigade is half a mile from the minetheir right of it. They are not intelligent. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Copy to General Hawlins.) _______________________ * See Grant to Meaffe, next, ante Page 40 40 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, August 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. SETH WILLIAMS: I have received the following from General Meigs: Your dispatch is received. Yesterday I was obliged to call upon you for 300 six- mule teams, with drivers, to aid in fitting out troops sent here from City Point with- out any trains. There are not drivers here even to break the green mules in this depaitment. None can therefore be sent from this city to City Point. I have issued orders to military commanders iu the southwest to send here 1,000 able-bodied negroes to be used as drivers without positive orders to the generals. They will furnish them. Fitting out the Sixth, Nineteenth, and Cavalry Corps, or the portions of these corps which have reached this city, has reduced the stock of teams and wagons fit for service. We have many unbroken, but no drivers. You will therefore send to this depot 300 wagous, teams, and drivers complete. M. C. MEIGS Major- General and Quartermaster- General. With the consent of Major General Meade, I propose to ship a por- tion of the trains of the Sixth and Cavalry Corps which are now here doing nothing. I have directed Captain Strang to furnish Colonel Spaulding with the drivers which he requires, but so doing will weaken the force at the depot. Cannot a small regiment, white or colored, be detailed for guard and fatigue service here and ordered to report to me until General Meigs sends employ~s ~ RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE .POTOMAC, General R. IINGALLS, August 4, 186412.50 p. m. City Point: Your dispatch in relation to sending teams to Washington has been sent to General Meade, who is now at General Butlers headquarters. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, General IR. INGALLS, August 4, 18643.45 p. m. City Point: The commanding general authorizes you to send the transportation of the Sixth Corps to Washington as proposed by you. If possible a small regiment will be ordered to report to you. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 4, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point: Two deserters from Twenty-fifth South Carolina, just examined at. Eighteenth Army Corps headquarters, state that they were credibly informed that Kershaws division went south yesterday by rail t Page 41 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 41 re-enforce Hood. There are other indications that a move has been made. I sent Phil. Carney and two others over Weldon road yesterday. Have not yet returned. J. MOENTEE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 4, 1864. Major-General HIJ1~IPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Two deserters from the Eleventh Florida, who left the picket-line last night and came in this morning, report that their bri- gade is still lying in one rank. They t~hink that the other brigades of their division which were taken out and moved down toward the mine have not yet returned. They understand that Heths division is on their right, and heard officers say that Wilcox had gone down to Reams Station. They are both men of very little intelligence, and their information is consequently exceedingly limited. One of these men states that on Sunday last he went from where his brigade lies at least a mile to the right, and did not see them mining anywhere along the line. He says the new earth thrown up is for the protection of their guns. He knows the position of the large fort on the line of the Fifth Corps, and says he has been opposite to that fort and that there is no mining being done there. He thinks his brigade lies about half a mile to the right of where our mine exploded. He did not hear of any mining between his brigade and the latter point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ MoENTEE, Cajftain, ctc. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 4, 186411.80 a. m. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General, General Meades head quarters: A deserter from our immediate front (Bartons brigade, of Picketts division), who has come in this a. in., states that Kershaw~ old brigade arrived from Orange Court-House last night at about 1 ~clock; that he talked with some of the men and knows them to be of that brigade. They encamped immediately in the rear of their division last night. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant and Aide-de- Camp. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, in the Field, August 4, 18643.05 p. m. Colonel SHARPE, General ~ Headquarters: From three deserters, just in from front of our line atDeep Bottom, I ascertain the following facts: Fields division and also Kershaws division, save his own old brigade, are at that point. Kershaws ol Page 42 42 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. brigade of his division is in rear of Picketts division in our immediate front acting as a reserve brigade. This information is positive. Wil- coxs division, of Hills corps, is reported as being between New Market and ~ farm. This, however, needs confirmation. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant and Aide-dc- Camp. PLANK ROAD SR~NAL STATION, August 4, 18648 a. in. Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The enemy are working with a heavy detail upon their new work three-fourths of a mile south of the lead-works and on the west side of the Weldon railroad. It seems to be about as large as the lbrt at this station, the main front being eastward. There are small working parties shoveling in vicinity of the Gregory Chimneys. No movement visible at any other portion of this end of the line. Their camps along the line indicate a greater number present than last week. Some more timber brought to the battery near the Gregory Chimneys. B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. STATION ON LINE IN FRONT OF GENERAL AYRES OLD POSITION, August 4, 18649 a. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: Enemy very busy this a. in.; some hauling logs to the front, others strengthening works. A party of about thirty at work on fort about 1,500 yards to left of Burnt Chimneys. A small camp in woods in rear of this fort. Quite a number of enemys officers to the front with marine glasses and papers in their hands; seeni to be watching our working parties. No movements observed. WARTS, Lieutenant. 4 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 4, 18649.15 a. m. IBrig. Gemi. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- Ceneral: I have the honor to report that everything was very quiet on my front last night, nothing of importance transpiring. A good deal of artillery and musketry firing was had in front of the command on my right. Received and promulgated General Orders, No. 31, about observance of the fast day. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding Page 43 UHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 43 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPs, August 4, 1864. (Received 10.15 p. in.) Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired in my front during the day. Nine hnndred men are at work to-night at ten-gun mortar battery and at Battery Tilton, near plank road. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 4, 1864. General BARTLETT: I wish you would push your picket-line to-night out just as far as possible, so as to get a view down into the ravine, and have them throw up earth to cover themselves. We must fight to do this, if necessary, as the whole line seems to be getting scared by mining rumors, and we must have a view into the ravine. Yery respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Camp near Petersburg, Va., August 4, 186410.25 p. m. Lieut. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have advanced my pickets in compliance with orders received this p. m. I think the ravine is now commanded by them sufficiently to observe any movement of troops or working parties in front of our corps. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. J. BARTLETT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, August 4, 1864. General BURNSIDE: I shall be at home all day. Certainly no objection to your visiting me here. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 4, 18649 a. m. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report the usual state of affairs on my front dur. ing the past twelve hours. About ii last imight the enemy used cannon and mnusketry to some extent, and we threw some shells at their work- ing parties. A. B. BURNSIDE, Major- General Page 44 44 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQITARTERS NINTH Conps, August 4, 1864. General iluMiPHREYS: Will you please ask the general commanding if I can have perinis- sion to visit General Grant to-day. A. E. BUItNSJDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 4, 18648.20 a. in. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The major-general commanding sees no objection to your visiting General Grant to-day. A. A. HUMPIII~EYS, Major- General and Chief of Statf. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 4, 1864. (Received 9.10 p. in.) General WILLIAMS: I have nothing of importance on my line to report. Fresh abatis has been prepared and will be put down to-night. l)nring last night it is reported the enemy were heard moving artillery to their right. My signal officer reports as follows: Major-General BUENSIDE: GENERAL: From 3 until 5.30 p. m. two different columns of dust appeared over the city, both moving in direction of the enemys right. A regiment of infantry also moved toward evening from camp near plank road in direction of earth-work opposite our extreme left. Condition of the atmosphere since 3 p. rn. prevented a more dis- tinct observation of these movements, which might have been made. Nothing else- where visible. J. C. PAINE, Captain and Signal Officer. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. ~3PECIAL ORDERS HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, No. 132. Before Petersburg, Va., August 4, 1864. * * * - * * * 4. Leave of absence is hereby granted the following-named officers for the number of days and foi the reasons set opposite their respective names: Brig. Gen. J. II. Ledlie U S V account of physical disability. . olunteers, for twenty days on 5. Brig. Gen. Julius White, U. S. Volunteers, is h~reby relieved from temporary duty as chief of staff of the major-general commanding. 6. Brig. Gen. Julius White, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the First Division, Ninth Corps, relieviiig Brig. Gen. J. II. Ledlie, U. S. Volunteers. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Burnside: LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 45 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 4, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that there was considerable musketry and an occasional shell thrown at our right during the even- ing. This subsided before morning. Everything is now quiet. The enemy is engaged in strengthening his works, but no movement has been observed. Our trenches are being widened and works put in good condition along the whole line. Abatis is being put down in front of our left by the engineer regiment. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 4, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: Brigade commanders report unusual quiet on our front, with no movement on the part of the enemy (luring the past twelve hours. The work of strengthening our line is continued. Fresh material for abatis has been prepared and will be put down to-night. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, August 4, 18648 a. m. General WHITE, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the enemy after being quiet all day began a sharp fire of musketry in the eveningopened their battery on the right of the exploded work and opened with mor- tars at other points. The musketry and considerable artillery was kept up through the night between the lines. By my direction, Roem~rs battery fired upon points where the enemy were at work, and threw shells into the town and camps. Very respectfully, ~. B. WIILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIvISIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Petersburg, Va., August 4, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that picket-firing has been about as usual; that the enemy opened with his artillery in front of the left of the First Brigade at about 11 oclock last night. Several rounds were fired, but did no damage. This morning all is quiet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWI). FERRERO, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 46 46 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 4, 18G41 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry Corps: The major-general commanding has received instructions from the lieutenant-general commanding the armies in the field to send another cavalry division to Washington. The major-general commanding is at General Butlers headquarters, where I have telegraphed him. In the meantime make every preparation for moving to City Point for embark- ation that division of cavalry which can be most quickly got there, consideration also being given to its effectivenessthat is, it must be in condition for rapid movement after reaching Washington. The artillery and means of transportation of the division will also go to City Point, but will not be embarked until the troops are, embarked. General Kautz is directed to remain on duty with this army. Inform me in reply what division will go. In the event of your division ping you will accompany it, and will turn over to General Wilson all orders respecting the disposition of the cavalry. One division will be posted on the left and rear as far as the Blackwater, and the remaining divis- ion between the Blackwater and James. As far as practicable, what force is not needed for patrols and pickets will be kept concen- trated ready for movement against the enemy. If any modifications of this should be thought necessary the commander of the cavalry will please suggest them. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. IIDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPUREYS, August 4, 1864. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to designate the Second Division (that commanded by myself) as the division to proceed to Washington. The brigades of the division are posted at Prince George Court-House and on the Norf4lk railroad and Point for shipment. , can most conveniently be moved to City I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Cavalry Corps. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 4, 18643.20 p. m. COMMANDING OFFICER CAVALRY CORPS: The major-general commanding directs that you send Wilsons division to City Point for embarkation. Instructions for picketing the left of the army same as already sent you. Kantzs division will remain with you. A. A. HUMPITREYS, ]Jift~jor- General and Chief of Staff Page 47 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 47 CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. THIRD DIVISIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, August 4, 18645,30 p. m. Brigadier-General MCINTOSH, Commanding First Brigade: GENERAL: As soon as your brigade is relieved from picket duty by troops of the Second Division concentrate the command near these headquarters and proceed to make all necessary arrangements for embarking it at City Point, with all the new horses and transportation. The division will move from here by daylight. Instructions will be given the quartermaster of the division to collect the transportation now at Light-House Point. Please report to me in person at once. Very respectfully, J. H. WILSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, August 4, 18646.30 p. m. Brigadier-General CHAPMAN, Commanding Second Brigade: GENERAL: As soon as your brigade is relieved from picket by Col- onel Gregg concentrate it at McCanns house. Make all necessary arrangements to embark with all your men, horses, and wagons at City Point. The division will march at daylight to-morrow for that place. Please report to inc in person at these headquarters at the earliest convenient moment. Very respectfully, J. H. WILSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, August 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. CHAPMAN, Commanding Second Brigade: GENERAL: You will draw in your pickets at once without waiting to be relieved, and move with your command to the vicinity of McCanns, near the Norfolk railroad, as indicated in previous orders of to-day. By command of Brigadier-General Wilson: L. SIEBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Major-General BUTLER, August 4, 1864. Headquarters, Bermuda Hundred: There is no probability that the counties of Accomac and Northum- berland [Northampton] will be separated from your commandcer- tainly not with my assent. The applic tion I have peremptorily re- fused and shall resist. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 48 48 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY PoINT, August 4, 186412 noon. Major-General BUTLER: I find it necessary for me to go to Washington for a day or two to give direction to affairs there. In my absence remain on the defensive, notifying General Meade that if attacked he is authorized to call on such of your troops as are south of the Appomattox. Only expecting to be gone three days, I will not relinquish command U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. (Copy to General Meade.) CITY POINT, VA., August 4, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: I am compelled to send a second division of cavalry to Washington. This will leave the cavalry force too weak to protect the flank of the army withont the assistance of Kautz. Please order Kautz to report accordingly. Only intending to be absent for a few days I leave my adjutant-general and part of headquarters here. But being senior, you necessarily would command in any emergency. Please commnnieate with me by telegraph if anything occurs where you wish my orders. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 47 1864, Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: Lieutenant Kings communication in relation to closing the port of Wilmington with torpedoes is received. I called Admiral Lees atten- tion to this matter some time ago, thinking myself it was perfectly feasible. The admiral, however, thought differently, giving as a reason for his views that both channels were conunanded by the enemys guns. All the torpedoes we would plant during the night the enemy would take up during the day. I certainly, however, would like the experi- ment tried, and if you will arrange with Admiral Lee for his co-opera- tion, what you may do will have my approval. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS, August 4, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, & e.: M~ DEAR SIR: I have been reading the newspaper accounts of the Petersburg affair, amid beg leave to call your attention to the blame cast upon the negro troops. They ought to bear all their share of the odium which attaches to the failure,but no more. If it be true, as alleged, that the failure is owing to their want of courage, conduct, and inefficiency, then it would seem that the negro can never make a soldier and the policy of the Government upon this sukject is wrong and should at once be changed. If they are not to blame, that fact, it is respect- fully suggested, should be ascertained and declared in the most solemn Page 49 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 49 form of military investigation and report upon this precise movement of these troops at Petersburg. I have no opinioii, because I do not know the facts. Certain it is that there is fault somewhere, and I thinlt, and venture most respectfully to suggest, that it is due to your- self, the army, and the country, that the fault should be ascertained, so that the remedy may be applied either mediately or immediately by yourself or the War Department if the matter is susceptible either of amendment or correction. If the whole affair can be investigated it will be found that the plan of movement was excellent, that the strategy which drew Lees attention to the north side of the James accomplished all that could be desired in drawing away his troops. This much I know, for a portion of this it was my business to know. Why, then, did the plan fail ~ Clearly for want of proper and efficient execution. Was that failure of execution inherent and irremediable in the very nature of things, and in troops engaged, or did it arise from other causes or the faults and incompetency of commanding officers of any subdivision of the arnmy~? This is the subject that, in my judgtnent,needs investiga- tion. it is true that by the Articles of War, to prevent oppression by the commander upon any officer under him, a commanding general can- not order a court of inquiry upon any officers conduct without his re- quest, but it is clearly competent for the commander of an army to order a court of inqniry or a board of officers to investigate and report the facts relating to a given movement or occurrence in order to fur- nish the basis upon which the general commanding can ask for court of inquiry upon any officer, and if in the investigation of the facts of a given transaction the conduct or capacity of any officer becomes a ques- tion bearing npon the subject-matter of the inquiry, then that conduct and capacity can be investigated as incidental to the main question or Pivestigation. Pardon me if in urging this inquiry I am overstepping the bounds of official propriety or sphere of duty, either public or official. I am prompted by a double motive. I desire not to have this most serious reverse placed where I know it does not belong, i. e., either on the plan or strategy which preceded it; and~ secondly, as I raised the first regi- inents of negro troops, and have ever since urged their employment, I desire to have my own judgment corrected, if in the wrong. We are likely to have these troops under the last act of Congress on the draft in large numbers, and if they are to be useless it ought to be known at once. Such has not been my experience, and I am ready amid willing now to take under my command the defeated division of General Burn- sides colored troops, and with them to attempt any work that any troops ought to try. Subject always to have my opinions altered by any well-ascertained facts developed in the investigation to which I have alluded which ought to affect a well-balanced miimd, believe me, general, Yours, truly, BENJ. F. BUTLEI~. CITY Pon~-T, Augw~t 4 fS64~.. General BUTLER: Our transports were fired into yesterday at Wilcoxs Lamling, and to-day at Harrisons Landing. Captain Clitz, commanding gun-boat Osceola, reports that he to-day communicated with females, white, arid a contraband at Wilcoxs Lauding, who agree in saying that an infan- 4 R RYOL XLII, PT I Page 50 50 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. try force of about 2,000, and field battery of fifteen guus are encamped from two to three miles from that landing. They say it is Earlys troops, but this must be a mistake. I scud this for your luformation. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Col. J. W. SHAFFER, August 4, 18642.15 p. m. Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The following dispatch was received from the signal officer at Water Battery at 2.10 p. in.: About 330 men armed and dressed in light-colored clothes and straw hats are removing the engine from Coxs Mill to the wharf; piece-meal. Is it our party? G. S. DANA, Captain, Signal Corps. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF VA. AND N. C., No. 212. 5 In the Field, Va., August 4, 1864. * * * * * * * XIV. In relation to recruiting and the recruiting rendezvous in this department, it is hereby ordered: Brigadier-General Wild will fix the headquarters of recruiting at Newport News, a healthy point, with plenty of good watcr and wood, where the recruits will be exposed to no temptation or interference. General Wilds headquarters will be at Newport News. The First Regi- ment of Colored Cavalry will do guard duty for thc camp. No persons recruited in this department will be allowcd to be sent out of it, but will be assigned to some regiment here. By command of Major-General Butler: It. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field A Major-General ORD, , ugust 4,18649.50 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Army Corps: A deserter, claiming to be a lieutenaat recently serving on Cling- man5 staft~ reports that the rebels have a mine dug and nearly com- pleted, and that it extends to the Hare house, and that it is,in fact, very close thereto. Please send inc any rebel papers you may get. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 51 CHu. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 51 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. AMES. Commanding Second Division, Eighteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commandiiig department telegraphs that a rebel deserter, claiming the rank of lieutenant, reports a mine nearly completed in the vicinity of the Hare house. Major-General Ord, commanding corps, directs me to say that he supposes the deserter referred to is the same who came in last i~ight, but he wishes you to keep the men in the vicinity on the alert for three-quarters of an hour after daylight to-morrow morning, and to continue your operations in the way of counter-mining. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. RUSSELL, JR., Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.j HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VA. AND N. C August 4, 1864. Brigadier-General Kautz will remain, reporting to General Meade with his mounted command until further orders. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, August 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. V. KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The Third Division, General Wilson commanding, has been ordered to Washington, and one brigade of the Second Division has been ordered to the left of the army. The brigade of the Second Division now at Prince George Court-House will move to Zion Church. You will therefore connect your pickets with those of the Second Di- vision at a point north of Zion Church, which will be indicated by my staff officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Cavalry Corps. FORT MONROE, August 4, 18644.30. Major-General BUTLER: Have just arrived. Went within one mile of Fredericksburg without encountering any enemy. At 9.30 p. in. Tuesday the Seddon place was destroyed. CHAS. K. GRAHAM, Brigadier- General Page 52 52 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, Aug st 5, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Washington, D. C.: Rebels exploded a small mine this evening about forty yards in front of Ords left. No damage done to our works. No assault. Loss re- ported trifling. Colonel Stedman dangerously wounded. Our lines intact. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: If not improper to communicate, 1 would like to know the cause of the heavy firing this evening, so that it may be communicated to Gen- eral Grant. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5, 18648.20 p. rn. Capt. E. S. PARKER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., llidqrs. Lieutenant- General Grant, City Point: The following dispatch from General Ord explains the firing you heard this evening.- All is quiet now. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 5, 1864. (Received 11.45 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: Please send word what has been done at your front. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5, 186411.30 p. rn. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER: There has not been anything done in niy front to-day. At 6.30 p. m. there was heavy artillery firing on the right, which Major-General Ord, on my inquiring the cause, reported the enemy exploding a small mine about forty yards in front of his left. So soon as I received this imifor- mation I put Hancock in motion to sus tam Ord in case of an assault, but the enemy did not make any and Hancock has returned. Believing the enemy could not have made so great a mistake in distance as forty yards, I advised Ord that perhaps his object was to effect a lodgnient nuder cover of the crater at night, an(l suggested his keeping a warm * See Ord to Humplireys, received 8.10 p. m. August 5, p. 04 Page 53 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 53 lire on the spot. Unfortunately, we have no fire balls to illuminate the ground. Perhaps the enemy mayhave feared our milling and exploded this mine to blow in our supposed galleries. I understand from Ord his casualties from the artillery firing was slight. There was some artillery firing on Burusides front, adjacent to Ord, at the same time. I pre- sumed Ord would or had reported this to you, or I should have earlier advised you of the facts. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 5, 186411 a. rn. QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL ~. ~. A~Y~ (Received 7 p. in.) The last of Torberts division of cavalry left here at 9 this morning; it numbered about 5,000. I am now shipping the ammunition and will be loading and sending wagons constantly. Shall begin to embark Wilsons division at 12 m. to-day. We can embark them as rapidly as the returning transports will permit. P. INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. CITY POINT, VA., August 5, 18642 p. m. General M. C. MEIcfs, (Received 8.15 p. in.) Quartermaster- General U. S. Army: Will it be necessary to send the ambulances of the Sixth Corps and Cavalry Corps to Washington ~ Cau you supply what may be wanted and shall those now here be retained ~ If those commands are to rejoiu this army shortly, the fewest number of wagons and ambulances con- sistent with actual wants should be sent from here, as the transpor- tation of them by water is a precarions matter. Please ascertain and instruct me. Wilsons division has begun to embark and will be sent off as fast as vessels arrive. Our facilities for embarking are excellent. We only require transports, and I presume they return as fast as pos- sible. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSIIAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 5, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: We have received two deserters from the Eleventh Flor- ida, Finegans brigade, who left their skirmish line last night about 9 oclock. They are not intelligent, but seem to be truthful. They say that they do not know much about the locatioim of any troops except- ing their own division, but they seem to have heard of Heths and Wil- coxs as being there quite lately. They say that men from their brigade pass backward and forward to the railroad and to Petersburg daily, seeking opportunities to buy vegetables, and think that if any troop Page 54 54 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. had been sent south since the explosion of the mine, they would have heard of it. Some convalescents belonging to their brigade came within a day or two from Richmond. They brought no news of the depar- ture of auy troops; said that Atlanta was being heavily shelled, and that Early was in the Valley. They did not seeni to understand iu Richmond that he had recrossed the Potomac. They know the loca- tion of the fourteen-gun battery, or fort of ours toward the left of our line, and they say that no mining operations whatever are going on in frout of it or anywhere, so far as they know, ou the right of their line. They say that the enemy expect us to explode other mines. One of the men went yesterday from where his brigade lies, down the right of their line to where there is fresh dirt thrown up every day iu front of the fourteen-gun fort spoken of, and is quite sure that no mining is going on there. He says that the fresh dirt thrown up is merely for the purpose of strengthening their batteries in position there. He saw several parties with augurs boring at diff~rent places intermediate the positiou of his brigade and that opposite the fourteen-gun fort for the purpose of sonnding for our expected mines. I have a dispatch from Lieutenant Davenport, of General Butlers staff, saying that yes- terday three deserters from General Butlers front at Deep Bottom re- ported Kershaws division to be near Deep Bottom. It would seem that but one brigade of Kershaws division, namely, Kershaws old brigade, moved from Deep Bottoiu as heretofore reported, and that was stopped in the rear of Picketts division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE H. SHARPE Colonel & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, August 5, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the Second Maryland Battalion came into the lines of the colored division of the Ninth Corps early this a. in. This is the infantry battalion of the Maryland Line which lay all winter at Hanover Junction. When our troops reached Cold harbor this bat- talion was added to the consolidated brigades of Archer and Walker, in Heths division, the brigade being now commanded by Colonel Mayo, of the Forty-seventh Virginia. This man (an irishman) says that Heths division lies opposite the colored division; that he does not think Wilcoxs division has returned from the other side of the James yet; that he has heard of no troops being sent south; that the enemy are afraid of other mines which they understand we are going to explode; that the troops of Heths division are gotten under arms at 2 oclock every night, and so kept until some time after daylight; that they are particularly afraid of an expected explosion to the (our) right of the said colored division, where a ravine comes up to a hill occupied by the enemy; that he knows of no mining going on by the enemy anywhere on this part of their line, but he has heard that somewhere on Beaure- gards part of the line the enemy are preparing a mine. He has heard no late news from Early, but heard yesterday that out West General Stoneman was captured, with 500 prisoners. Very respectfully, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, & e Page 55 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 55 AUGUST 5, 18649 a. in. Captain FISHER: Parties of enemy at work in the redoubts to-night left and rear of Gregory house. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. SIGNAL STATION, PLANK ROAD, August 5, 18649.30 a. m. Maj. B. F. FIsHER: No movements of enemy visible this morning. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 5, 18645.30 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following is respectfully forwarded: JORDANS HOUSE STATION. The enemy has just put a battery of five guns in the redoubt in rear of White- heads. T. R. CLARK, Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 5, 1864 8.30 p. rn. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: From the plank road signal station I have the following: No movement of the enemy visible at this end of the line. No change apparent when the heavy firing commenced in front of the Eighteenth Corps. The enemy continued working during the day upon the work west of the Weldon railroad, also at other points of their line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captctin and Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoI~t~s, August 5, 186410 p. rn. (Received 6th.) aeneral MEADE: General Birney has just sent me the following statement: Prisoners from Hills corps state that to prevent their march from Petersbnrg to this point being observed from the tower on the Appornattox, they were compelled. to avoid the turnpike and come by a circuitous ronte. This was a voluntary statement. WJNFD S~ hANCOCK, liliajor- t& eneral Page 56 5(3 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5, 1864G.45 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding. Second orps The major-general couimanding directs that you get your corps under arms, and send two divisions to the rear of Ords left, the commander reporting his arrival to General Ord, and holding the divisions ready to support him. ~A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chi of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 5, 18G17 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch of 6.45 p. in., and have ordered Motts and Miles divisions to proceed at once to General Ords left, reporting on arrival to General Ord. General Mott will be in command of the two divisions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General of Volanteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 5, 18G47.45 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my two divisions reported to General Ord as directed. They were informed that their services were not required, and are now returning to camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5, 18G48.20 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: Everything continuing quiet. Your two divisions have been ordered to return to their camps. It is not necessary to keep the corps under arms. Possibly something may occur in the night. A small mine was exploded by the enemy about forty yards abreast of Ords line on its left; no harm done. Colonel Stedman was dangerously wounded in the firing. A. A. HUMPHIU~YS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 57 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 57 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 5, 18647 p. m. Brigadier-General MOTT, Brigadier-General MILES, Gommanding Divisions, Second Corps: GENERALS: The major-general commanding directs that you move your commands at once to the rear of General Ords left (Eighteenth Corps), reporting on arrival to General Ord. General Mott will take command of 1)0th divisions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FIRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that all is quiet in my front. Nothing unusual occurred during the night. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Augast 5, 18646.30 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Do you know what that firing is~ A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQIJARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 18646.30 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The firing is to my right, toward the front of the Ninth and Eight- eenth Corps. 0. K. WARREN, Major- General. IIEiDQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 18649 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired in my front during the day. One deserter from Sixteenth Mississippi was received and forwarded. Three hundred men are at work to-night at Battei~ Tilton. G. K. WARREN, Major- Genera Page 58 58 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Maj. Gen. 0-. K. WARREN, August 5, 1864. Commanding Fifth Army Corps: SIR: I have reason to know that should you consolidate the corps as suggested, and form the old First into a division, that General Ayres would not be unwilling but pleased to be its commander, provided the order was made without consulting him. He would not seek for it. I think the troops would all be willing to serve under him; they might not be under some other one. As there is little doing now, could it not be done as well now as at any time, if at all? So far as Jam concerned, I would prefer to have it done now thami at a later period, provided I could bring about the arrangement which has been suggested in our conversations. I might get rid of a little toasting iii this hot sun. Very respectfillly, L. CUTLER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. (Received 9 a. in.) General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report the ordinary state of affairs on my line. Abatis was put down and the work strengthened in other ways. The night was unusually quiet as regards firing. A. E. BURNSIDE, ]Ifajor- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Peteisburg, Va., August 5, 1864. General SETH WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the general commuanding, the following statement in regard to the mine: Time maimi gallery is uninjured clear up to time tamping, which extends back thirty-five feet from the end of tIme gallery. Side galleries could be started from a point twenty-five feet this side of the tamnping, run- ning off diagonally to the enemys works on either side of tlme old crater. If the commanding general desires to muake use of mining in connection with the operations of the armuy against Petersburg, this work could be done in a few days. I have the honor to be, gemmeral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUAIRTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5, 18646.30 p. m. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Is that firing of artillery and musketry on your front? What is it? A. A. HUMP ITREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 59 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 59 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 18646.30 p. m. General HUMPIIREYS: Part of it is. I have sent out to see. We heard no musketry here. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQITARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, General IIUMPIIREYS: August 5, 18647.45 p. rn. The enemy exploded a mine in front of General Ames division. The understanding is the mine exploded short and did not reach our works or do any damage. Firing started at once and extended to onr First Division front, but amounted to very little. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTh ARMY CORPS, General WILLIAMS, August 5, 18649 p. in. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred on my front during the past twelve hours. New abatis has been cut and will be laid to-night. All the information we have in regard to the firing this afternoon has already been given. A. E. BUIRNSIDE, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. No. 38. FIRST DIv., NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. I. By direction of major-general commanding the Ninth Corps T hereby assume the command of First iDivision, Ninth Army Corps. II. The following are announced as forming, until further orders, the staff of this division, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly: Capt. C. J. Mills, Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general; lWaj. S. Hovey, jr., Twenty-first Massachusetts Vol- unteers, division inspector; Surg. M. K. Hogan, U. S. Volunteers, surgeon-in-chief; Capt. J. S. Tobey, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volun- teei s, acting assistant quartermaster; Capt. T. Y. England, U. S. Volunteers, commissary of subsistence; Capt. J. W. Hudson, Thirty- fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, engineer officer; Capt. George C. Parker, Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, provost-marshal; Capt. E. It. Lewis, Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, acting ordnance officer. JULIUS WHITE, Brigadier- General, U. AS~. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 5, 18648 p. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, N Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet along my line during the past twelve hours, except that immediatel Page 60 60 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. after the explosion in front of the Eighteenth Corps ou our right, the enemy shelled our lines vigorously for about half an hour, causing some casualties. Some of the 1)ickets on the right of our line ran in at the time of the explosion, but the line was immediately re-established. An officer of Ihe Third Maryland Volunteers reports, from his own observation, that the advanced sap driven by the Eighteenth Corps, near the enemys works, was blown up by the enemy. Our men had notice of the explosion in time to save themselves, very few being inj tired. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WHITE, 1~rigadier- General, ~ Dicision. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, MNTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 5, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance oc- curred on my front in the past twelve hours. Work is continued on the defenses, and the abatis is nearly completed. A detail of 500 men has been at work since 7 oclock last evening on Fort Morton. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General. Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before I~etersburg, Va., August 5, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS R1CHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that there has been no move- ment on our front in the last twelve hours, and almost entire quiet has prevailed. The cannonading of the enemy in fromt of the Eighteenth Corps extended partially to our front, where, however, there was but little firing. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, August 5, 1864 Col. J. IRVIN GREGG, 6~ommanding Second Division, Cavalry Corps: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you dispose the brigades and regiments of the Second Division, as follows: Four regi- ments of one brigade, not less than 1,200 men, on the left of the army, the picket-line of this force to connect with the left of our infantry and iixtend around to the plank road, as now established; patrols will also be sent from this force from McCanns to the Lees Mill road, and the road connecting these points will be picketed for some distance, as also the plank road to the point where the picket-line strikes it. One regiment of the brigade will be posted in front of McCanns, on the Norfolk rail Page 61 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 61 road. This regiment will throw a picket forward on the Norfolk road to its intersection with the Lees Mill and Prince George Court-House road, and also on the road leading from McCanns on the north side of the Norfolk railroad to Lees Mill and Prince George Court-House road. The patrols and vedettes of this brigade will be so posted as to cover all roads upon which any force of the enemy might approach the left or rear of the army, and tIme greatest vigilance will be reqnired on their part to discover such advance. Everything of importance concerning the movements of the enemy will be at once communicated to these head- quarters. l3rigade and regimental c6mmanders will familiarize them- selves with the country in which they may be doing duty, as also time posi- tion of our infantry troops in their rear, this last that important infor- mation may be communicated to the nearest commander of such troops. The brigade on duty on the left of the army will be supplied with rations amid forage for three days. The remaining brigade of the Second Divi- sion will be placed in camp near Birchetts on the City Point road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant C. KINGSBURY, JR., Assistct at Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, Col. T. ~. BOWERS: City Point, August 5, 18G41O a. m. (Care Captain Leet, Washington.) My division is ordered to W shin gton. Please have all the men belonging to it now there collected, amid those dismounted supplied with horses at omice. I would also like the Eighth Illinois Cavalry reassigned to me and be put in readiness to join the command as soon as it gets there. J. H. WILSON, Brigadier- Gene at. ORDERS.J HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, City Point, Va., Augast 5, 1864. I. The division will embark in the following order as fast as trans- ports are furnished: First, First Brigade, General Mcintosh com- inanding; second, Second Brigade, Germ. George II. Chapman; third, Penningtons battery, Second U. S. Artillery; fourth, Fitzhnghs bat- tery, Fourth U. S. Artillery; fifth, traimsportatiomm. II. Brigade commanders will give their personal attention to the embarkation of their commands; seeing that no time is lost; that the nien are provided with three days rations, arid that proper means are taken to insure discipline and comfort while in transit. III. Eighty rounds of ammunition to a man will be carried in the cartridge-boxes and on the horses. IV. As soon as the men will be embarked, arms, accouterments, amid clothing will be put in the best possible order, in anticipation of an active campaigim. V. The division quartermaster and inspector are charged with super- intending the execution of this order. By command of Brigadier-General Wilson: L. SiEBERT, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 62 62 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [ChAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, August 5, 18649 a. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Washington, D. C.: I sent Graham up and burnt Seddons house in retaliation for burn- ing the house of Mr. Blair. He went within a mile and a half of Fred- ericksburg and saw no enemy. All quiet. BENJ. F. BUTLER, lJfajor- General. HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, August 5, 18649 a. m. Hon. MONTGOMERY BLAIR: I sent General Graham with the army gnu-boats and burned Sed- dons house near Fredericksburg in retaliation for the burning of yours. That house has been in our hands several times and has been spared. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 5, 18645 p. rn. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Stafl~: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 4.45 p. in. a train of sixteen cars, partly loaded with troops, passed the Junction toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 5, 18645.30 p. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The following message was signaled from the rebel signal station near Coxs Ferry, and read by the signal officer at the Water Battery: Colonel M.: I have orders to open on any and everything, so you may expect to hear from us in a day or two. S. Ma)or. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 63 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 18646 p. m. (Received 7 p. in.) Captain NORTON: Enemy have opened fire from llowletts battery on the Water Bat- tery. Shots fall short. G. S. DANA, Captain, Jl~c. General BIRNEY: Do not reply to Howletts battery until they seem to get the range. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORD, August 5, 18646.45 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: General Hancock is ordered to send two divisions to your left to sup- port you if you need it; the other will follow if required. If the affair should be over before they reach you, send a staff officer to meet them and turn them back. The commander of the two divisions is ordered to inform you of his arrival. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTO~tAC, Major-General ORD, August 5, 18646.45 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Major-General Meade wishes to know what the firing in your front amounts to ~? A. A. HUMPHREYS Major- General and Chief of Staffi HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. (Received 7 p. ma.) Major-General MEADE: A blast of a mine apparently exploded some fifteen minutes ago, fbi- lowed by musketry on the left of my line. The heavy musketry lasted but a short time. Since then there has been heavy cannonading along the line and to my left. I have sent staff officers to the front to notify me of the location of the mine if on my line. B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORD, August 5, 18647 p. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Do you mean that a mine was sprung on your left ~ A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff Page 64 64 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTEI S EIGHTEENTI-I ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. (Received 7.15 p. in.) General MEADE: There appears to be no assault on my front. The explosion seemed to be on l3nrnsides right or my left. Reconnoitering I)arties are out, and I expect exact report in a few minutes. Where are the divisions of ~ corps to be met should L have occasion to send to them ? E. 0. C. ORD, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5, 18647.25 p. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Hancock was directed to send his two divisions to the rear of your left and the commander to report his arrival to you. Hancocks corps is camped near the Deserted House where he was before he crossed the James. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of 8~tafr. HEADQUARTERS EHrnTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. (Received 8.10 p. in.) General HuMPHREYS: There was a small mine exploded about 7 oclock forty yards in front of my left; no damage to our works. There was no assault. Loss so far appears trifling, except Colonel Stedman dangerously wonuded by a canister-shot. My line is intact; all reserves ordered back to camp. B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers. (Copy to General Butler.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5, 18647.45 p. in. Major-General 0R~D, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Everything remaining qniet, the major-general commanding has ordered General Mott, commanding the two divisions of the Second Corps, to return to camp A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 5,18648.30 p. in. Major-General ORD: The enemy must have some object in exploding the mine in your front. They could not make the mnistahe in distance reported, forty yards. I should rather judge they iuteimd to-night to make a lodgment and occupy and extend the crater. If I could get or make any fire- balls I would throw them, and keep a pretty sharp fire on the crater. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- Genera Page 65 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. (Received 9.10 p. in.) General MEADE: I have no fire or light balls, but will take what measures I can to prevent a lodgment according to your suggestions. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. General BUTLER: Colonel ~ wound is very severe. Can he not be recom- mended by telegraph for a brevet brigadier ~ E. 0. C. ORD, - Major-General. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Brig. Gen. A. Y. KAUTZ, August 5, 1864. Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you make the following dispositions of your command, viz: One regiment, as at present, to be posted at Sycamore Church one regiment to be posted at Zion Church. From this regiment a strong picket to be posted at the point where you at present connect with the Second Division. Pickets will also be sent to the right to the cross-roads about one mile south of Zion Church. All roads leading to Prince George Court-House will be covered by patrols or vedettes. The remaining regiments of your division will be kept in camp near Birchetts. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. KINGSBURY, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 6, 186412 m. Major-General MEADE: The following is sent for your information: The signal officer on tlie Spring Hill station reports that at 11.45 a. m. about 1,000 cavalry and eighty ambulances and wagons passed the Junction on a road beyond the turnpike going toward Richmond. Respectfully, B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 6, 1864. General BUTLER: Did you telegraph to General Grant about the reported movement of rebel troops toward Richmond to-day ~? GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. R RVOL XLII~ PT I Page 66 66 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: I have not. Shall make a report to-night of all movements during the day. I~ine not working last night. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. 0., August 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster, & c., City Point: General IRucker says do not send the ambulances until after the 300 wagons, teams, and drivers, which are most needed, are shipped. By that time lie will be able to decide whether the ambulances will be nec- essary. Transports, I am assured, are not detained here twenty min- utes after unloading. Georgianna, Kennebec, Balloon, and Charleston leave Baltimore this morning for City Point. Orders in regard to for age given as requested. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General and Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 6, 1861. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Nine deserters from Finegans (Florida) brigade came in this morning. They report that the enemy are not mining on the front of their division; that they are merely strengthening their works. They say that yesterday two heavy Parrott guns were being mounted in the fort near the old Chimneys. One deserter from Heths division, who came in this morning, reports that his division is lying on the right of Mahones, extending to the railroad near the lead-works, but can give no other information. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. McENTEE, Captain and Assistant Pro cost-Marshal. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. 3D BRIO~, 3D DIV., 2D CORPS, No. 2. August 6, 1864. The colonel commanding desires to congratulate the troops upon the promptness with which they assembled last night at the call to arms. It gave evidence of a spirit highly commendable and worthy of soldiers in the great cause in which we are engaged. To be thus prompt is the battle won. Hereafter in these sudden calls to arms the first regiment formed will have the honor of leading the column. By command of Col. Robert McAllister: W. J. RU SLING, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 67 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 67 HEiDQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. ~. WILLIAMS, August 6, 1864. (Received 11 a. in.) Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet in my front during the night. Seven deserters from Florida brigade were received this morning and forwarded. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 6, 18649.30 p. m. BrigadierGeneral WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that everything has been qniet iu my front to-day. A detail of 300 men is at work at Battery Tilton to- night. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 6, 1864. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that all was quiet on my line during the night, and everything much as usual. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. [AUGUST 6, 1864.For Burnside to Stanton, relative to composition of the Court of Inquiry ordered to examine into the aiThir of July 30, see Vol. XL, Part I, p. 531.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General BURNSIDE, August 6, 1864. Commanding Ninth Corps: I am instructed to say that the major-general commanding has heard that during the recent Ilag of truce Colonel Thomas, commanding bri- gade in the Fourth Division of the Ninth Corps, was taken by the enemy and detained some twenty-two hours. The major-general com- manding desires to know whether you have any knowledge of this matter, and, if so, what the particulars are. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. A. B. BURNSIDE, August 6, 1864. Commanding Ninth Army Corps: GENERAL: Your letter of the 5th instant, in relation to the conditiQn of he mine recently exploded in your front, has been laid before th Page 68 68 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. [CHAP. LIV. major-general commanding, by whom II am directcd to say in reply that it is not at present in contemplation to make any further use of the mine in connection with the operations in front of Petersburg. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistctnt Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ININTH CORPS, August 6, 1864. (Received 9.20 p. in.) General WILLIAMS: All has been quiet on my front to-day. At present ~ome little mortar firing is going on. One of my battery commanders reports as follows: The rebels appear to have some movement on foot. They have been leaving the breast-works to our front and left in squads of three or four during the afternoon, being equipped with knapsacks and mnskets. There has been a cloud of dust be- hind the woods, as if troops were moving, but I could not say in what direction. It is my opinion they were moving to our left. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 6, 18648 p. m. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet along my front for the past twelve hours. A working party, under the direction of Captain Hudson, division engineer officer, has been ordered to con- struct a covered way leading to the right of onr picket-line, which will render access to it perfectly secure. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WHITE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 6, 1864. Brigadier-General HARTRANFT, Commanding First Brigade: You will relieve the troops of Colonel Humphreys brigade now in the trenches with your command to-night. Colonel Humphrey will furnish the number equivalent to the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Volun- teers from his brigade. By order of Brigadier-General Willeox: ROBT. A. HUTCHINS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. AUGUST 6, 18648.30 a. m. Hon. E. 1W. STANTON, Secretary of War.: At 6.30 l~ in. yesterday the enemy sprang a small mine in front of the Eighteenth Corps, near Petersburg, about forty yards in front of our works. They did not make an assault. A fresh artillery fire wa Page 69 CHAP. ~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 69 opene(I along the whole of our line. The casualties small. I regret to say that Colonel Stedman, Eleventh Connecticut, is dangerously wounded. I beg leave to renew my application that he receive promo- tion by brevet for gallant and meritorious services. Our lines are intact, and all is quiet in front of Petersburg. The enemy opened upon us from the Howlett house battery. No loss. BENJ. F. BUTLER. HEADQUARTERS, A ugust 6, 18649.30 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT, lYashingtou: All has been quiet to-day. Regular shelling going on before Peters- burg. At noon 1,000 cavalry and 80 wagons passed Junction toward Richmond. Richmond papers of this morning. No news save that a landing ha~ been made on Dauphin Island near Mobile and an attack begun on Fort Gaines. August 3, Macon Confederate, late Atlanta Appeal, says the country will be glad to learn that our army has been re-enforced by many thousand veteran troops; that all thoughts of giving up Atlanta have vanished. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ililiajor- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 6, 186410.30 a. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 10.15 a. in. he saw a train of thirty wabons pass the Junction on turnpike toward Richmond. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTII CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER August 6, 18641.35 p. rn Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal offic~r at the Water Battery station reports that at 1.15 p. m. a large force of cavalry was seen to our left of enemys pontoon going north. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal O~leer Page 70 70 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. IIEADQUARTFJRS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 6, 18648.50. Captain NORTON: The enemy have unmasked three more guns on their left of llowlett battery. G. S. DANA, Captain, Signal Corps. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 22. In the Field, near hatchers, Va., August 6,1864. Thc following communication, received from the major-general coin- manding the department, is promulgated for the information of this command. The descriptive rolls of the volunteers will be made out and forwarded to these headquarters by 10 a. in. ou Monday. It is hoped that the full number of Volunteers required from the Tenth Corps will be forthcoming: HEADQUARTEP.S DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, Va., August 6, 1864. Maj or-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: 1 propose to call for volunteers to do a laborious piece of digging and making of earth-works, which I wish to be performed with efficiency and celerity. I want 1,000 men for that purpose. Will ~OU please call for volunteers from your corps nuder these circumstances and with these limitations? Volunteers are wanted, to labor continuously, not exceeding twenty days, in dig~ng and moving earth. There will be employed not to exceed 1,200 men. They will be worked seven hours and a halt a day, in two reliefsone working from 5 to 12.30, the other from 12.30 to 7.30. For this labor they will be paid eight cents each hour extra, and as it is fatigue duty a ration of half a gill of whisky will be served out to such as desire it each day, or its worth added to the pay of such as do not desire it. Laziness or inattention to duty will be punished by dismissal from the work and being returned to the regi- ment, with forfeiture of the pay earned. They will be paid for the first ten days at the expiration of that time, and the remainder as soon as the work is finished, which is not expected to exceed ten days more. The captain of each company will give an exact descriptive roll of the men volunteering, and when ordered will have the squad of volunteers ready to report under the charge of some competent non-commissioned officer, who is expected to labor with his squad. The details will be reported on Monday morning next, and will be ready to march on Tuesday morning. Your order will be read carefully at the head of each company at two company parades, and volunteers called for. It is not expected to take more than 600 men from your corps, if so many will volunteer. I propose to call for an equal volunteer force from the Eighteenth Army Corps. I have the honor to be, very truly yours, BENJ. ~. BUTLER, Major- General, Co mending. By command of Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERSI HDQRS. 3D BRIG~, 1ST DIV., 10TH A. C., No. 20. Deep Bottom, Va., August 6, 1864. In view of an attack upon this position, the following dispositions will be made and the following orders govern the troops of this com- mand: I. The pickets if attacked will be expected to hold the line now established against the enemy~s pickets or skirmishers, unless th Page 71 (mAP. LIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 71 enemy~s line is supported by bodies of troops and the attack assumes the aspect of a general assault, and they will be re-enforced for this purpose, if necessary, and nuless otherwise ordered will be under the direction of the officer of the day, who will be held responsible for the faithful execution of the foregoing paragraph of this order. II. If the attack is in force and by superior numbers they will grad- ually retire, fighting as skirmishers, taking advantage of the ground and trees, thus keeping the enemy at bay until proper dispositions can be made of the troops in camp. III. If they should be forced back of the slashing on the right it will be set on fire by orders from these headquarters, but not until all hope has passed of our ability to hold it. IV. In case the pickets should retire within the intrenched line they will, unless otherwise ordered, report to their respective regiments, to be disposed of by their commanding officers. V. All dismounted troops iii the command, and who are in camp and not otherwise disposed of will, unless otherwise ordered, be formed under arms and take positions in the intrenchments nearest their respective camps, covering as much of the line as possible by deploy- ment in the breast-works, and await further orders. VI. The detachment of First New York Mounted Rifles will be pre. pared to mount and will await orders from these headquarters. VII. The artillery will commence firing as soon as any bodies of the enemys troops appear in view when they can fire without endangering the safety of our skirmishers. VIII. The foregoing will govern the action of commanders in case of an attack nuless otherwise ordered. By order of Brig. Gen. R. S. Foster: 4. M. BARNARD, JR.,] Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August G, 18649 a. m. General NEADE: The engineer officer reports that the explosion last night must have been occasioned by a mistake of the enemy thinking we were miuing from hearing our picks in a sap near the Crater. The Crater is not~n a place likely to be occupied by them. Colonel Stedman died this morning about 7.30. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 6, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER, Chief of iS~taff: Engineer officer reports, after a reconnaissance, that the enemy must have blown up a counter mine, believing we had a mine upon them from our picking in a sap nearly over them. The Crater is not in a place likely to be occupied by them. Colonel Stedman died fifteen minutes ago. ORD, Major- General Page 72 72 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. GENERAL ORDERS, 3~ HDQRS. ELO-HTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 99. Near Petersburg, Va., August 6, 1864. I. iDiviswn commanders will cause the details for duty in the line of trenches to be made so as to have one-half their commands on such duty, the other half being held in reserve. They will make careful personal insl)ection of the number reported from each regiment avail- able for such duty, and see that every able-bodied man present, with the exception of cooks, clerks, and orderlies, has his tour of duty in the trenches, and that the number of exceptions are reduced to the minimum. II. It is ordered that an issue of quinine in the whisky will be made daily. Division commanders will give such orders to the surgeons in chief of their respective commands as will at once cause the necessary quantity of quinine to be issued. The surgeons in chief of brigades must see that the quinine and whisky is properly mixed for issue, and the brigade commanders will be held responsibJe that the same is prop- erly issued. Division commanders will direct a staff officer to ascer- tain by personal inspection that this is done and every dereliction will be at once reported. III. Every precaution will be taken to prevent sickness, protect the men from the fire of the enemy, and to otherwise reduce the loss of effective strength. When in reserve details should be made to build proper shade for the reserve camps. Regular inspections of the wells and springs from which the men obtain their water should be made to see that they are kept in a proper state of cleanliness, and that sen- tinels are placed over them to prevent their being injured or defiled. IV. Division commanders will ascertain, and forward a report to these headquarters, if the medical force of their respective commands is sufficient and efficient. Great care and attention to this matter is nec- essary on account of the increasing sickness throughout the commandi. \T This order must be read to each regiment of this corps when in reserve. By command of Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord: WJLLIAM RUSSELL, JR., Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT POWHATAN, August 6, 1864. General B. F. BUTLER: I think there is a coiisiderable force of rebels between here and Swan Point, led by Roger A. Pryor. Two of colored cavalry repairing tele- graph line were killed last night and one missing. The line, however, is in working order. G. S. INNIS, Colonel 133d Ohio National Guard Regiment, Comdg. Post. FORT POWUATAN, August 6, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding Department of North Carolina and Virginia: GENERAL: Negroes say they saw at least 100 men. Their horses were hitched in the woods, and the men were formed along the road in a ditch or rifle-pits. One free negro said they captured him; took hi Page 73 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. CHAP. LIV.] 73 into their lines; showed him their men, and told him they had 80 or 100 men. This was last evening about sunset. This morning I can- not find or hear of them. If I can find out anything certain about them I will telegraph you. Several Citizens have recently come in vol- untarily and asked to be allowed to take the oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States. Shall I have it administered to all that ask it if I believe them to be acting in good faith ~ I am, very respectfully, general, your most obedient servant, G. S. INNIS, Colonel, Commanding Post. AUGUST 6, 1864. Colonel SANDERS: I have assigned you to duty in Norfolk as provost-marshal because I have confidence in your judgment, integrity, and personal habits to correct abuses which exist there. The great vices of the officers are whoring and drinking, neither of which can be interfered with, of course, unless they interfere with duties or are open and public. Officers seen riding in the streets with notorious women will be arrested at once, whatever may be their rank. Drunkenness in public will be at once arrested, no matter what are the staggering insignia of officer. I will support and sustain you, rest assured. I doubt not you have a kind heart, but in dealing with offenders it is the worst quality a man can have. Another matter which is suffered to go unchecked is brawling and talking in public places against the Government and its officers. That is not permissible in a garrison. There is no freedom of speech there, whatever there may be elsewhere. There is hardly a person who has a permit to sell liquor who does not violate it. Get the general order and make the retailers live up to it, specially innholders and restaurants. Yours, truly, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. BATCHELDERS CREEK, N. C., August 6, 1864. Colonel SAVAGE, Camp Palmer: The troops on outpost from Red house to Neuse road are: Red house, 36 men, 2 officers; Reserve, Neuse road ,94 men, 3 officers; Beech Grove, 69 men, 2 officers; Camp One hundred and thirty-second New York, 426 men, 23 officers; Troops B and D, Twelfth New York Cavalry, mounted men, 41 men, 4 officers. The above is the aggregate, except Troops B and D. Men of the Ninety-ninth New York are leaving daily to be mustered out. G. II. HITCHCOCK Lieutenant-Colonel 132d New York. AUGUST 6, 18649 a. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: All quiet. No movement. Large parties of enemy engaged on works in woods in rear of Chimneys. Wagons hauling trees to front line of works. WARTS, Lieutenant Page 74 74 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGYAL DEPARTMENT, August 6, 186412.15 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatches were received an hour since, but delayed until I could ascertain the probable number and direction of the moving column: WALTITALL HOUSE STATION. The enemys signal officer reports movements of a four-gun battery near Battery No. 5 going towar(l our front; the battery is probably Captain Ashbys (Battery E, Third New York). A column of infantry is moving on the Richmond road. Will report more definit3ly in a short time. C. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. The column of infantry reported moving toward the right was an hour and a half passing a point on the Richmond road, north 40 degrees west from bere, and was. followed by upward of thirty wagons. The rear of the train passed at 10.30. C. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. Probably a division of infantry going to the enemys polltoon bridge over the James. A.A.II. AUGUST 6, 186411.30 a. in. Major FISHER: Thirty more wagons have just passed the same point on Richmond road by which the column of infantry marched, moving to the right. About thirty-five cavalrymen just passed the open space back of White- heads Factory, going toward the city. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, d~c. AUGUST 6, 18647.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: A long column of smoke rising north 76 degrees west from here and at least ten miles distant. The woods along the railroad have been burning to-day to the right of a point north 68 degrees west from here. The enemys signal officer has just reported a regiment of cavalry crossing the pontoon bridge to this side; also about 100 cav- alry going into camp near Cobbs, and no boats seen on the river. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, ctc. JORDANS HOUSE STATION, August 6, 18645 p. m. Major FISHER: The enemy have put a battery of five guns in the redoubt in rear of Whiteheads. T. It. CLARK, Captain, & c Page 75 CHAP. LIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .IINION. 75 SIGNAL STATION, PLANK ROAD August 6, 18647 p. m. Captain CASTLE: No columns of troops observed moving to-day. More than the usual amount of wagons passed and repassed on line of Weldon railroad dur- ing the day. Operations on enemys works continue at different points on the line. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. STATION NEAR GIBBONS HOUSE, August 6, 18647 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: The enemy have been busy most of the day strengthening works south-southeast of Petersburg, same as reported last evening. A heavy fatigue party busy all day carrying light timbers through a cut about twenty rods to right of above works and disappearing in woods a short distance left of white house. No movements of account visible in enemys line from this point. Some dust seen during afternoon south and west of city. Camps and wagon parks same as yesterday. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 6, 18647 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: Two trains of eight wagons each moved to our left this a. m. About same number of ~agons toward Petersburg at 6 p. m. No change in camps. Quite an amount of logs and rails carried in the unformed work northwest of station. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 7, 18641 p. m. (iteceived 9 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, Washington: The following is forwarded for what it is worth: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 7, 1864. Major-General HUMPUREYS: Three citizen refugees were forwarded to these headquarters this morning, who left Petersburg last evening at 6 oclock. One of them was a miller, another a rail- road employ6, and the third a grocerall citizens of the town. They left the city on a hand-car, ~oing down the railroad as far as Reams Station, where they were piloted into our lines by a negro. We think they are all right. They ~ve but little information. They state that the Danville road has been iu operation about two weeks, but that very little freight is received on it. On the Weldon road they have lately been bringing up large supplies of corn and bacon. They believe all three corps of the enemy to be here. What portion of them is on the north side of the Appomattox they are unable to say. They are not informed that any force has been sent away from here either to Early or to Georgia. Petersburg is nearly deserted Page 76 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LINT. but very few residents remain, and they are all in the upper part of the town. Many of the inhabitants are living in tents in the woods above the city. The shelling has done considerable damage. They understood the divisions of cavalry under Fitz- hugh Lee and W. H. F. Lee were both on the right of Lees army, extending as far as Reams Station. Saw quite a large force of cavalry on this side Reams Station, about half a mile from the station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BABCOCK. C-EO. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 7, 18G4noon. Major-General MEIGS, (Received 9 i~. in.) Quartermaster- General: About half of Wilsons division, 1,800 horses and men, has been embarked, and 130 wagons. Some few ambulances were shipped before the receipt of your dispatch of 2 p. m. yesterday. No more until required. I sent lists of transports, with statement of capacity for carrying troops, by mail this morning for your information. It shows that if all should be assembled at any one point there would be enough for a corps of 25,000 men, with twelve batteries of artillery. I am just informed by the Bureau of Information that no rebel troops have left our front recently. I know the enemy keeps vigilant watch on our transports as they pass up and down the river. He has lookout stations for the purpose. He has opened on them with artil- lery frequently from Wilcoxs Landing. Will you please have a light- boat placed at Kettle Bottom Shoals ~ I applied for this some time ago to General Grant, and asked also that the Navy be requested to have the buoys in the Potomac and James Rivers replaced where nec- essary. RUFUS INGALLS. OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION In the Field, August 7, 18646.50 p. m. Colonel STIARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General, General Meades Jlidqrs.: A deserter reports Kershaws division to be directly in our front here, in the rear of Picketts division, ready to re-enforce either across the James or the Appomattox. This is positive, as lie, as well as others, talked with and saw men from the division. Do you desire me to send you the deserters, as well as their information, or is their information sufficient ~ JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal. Captain FISHER: AUGUST 7, 18645 p. m. All quiet in enemys works this day. A heavy column of (Inst arose above woods to west of this station. It continued two hours and a half; but the cause of it could not be seen from this station. I. 5. LYON, Lieutcnant and signal Officer Page 77 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPON1)ENCE, ETC.UNION. 77 STATION NEAR GIBBONS HOUSE, August 7 1864 Maj. B. F. FISHER, P. m. Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: Nothing of unusual interest has been noticed from Station to-day. Scattering column of infantry, probably 100 strong, marching to the left; was noticed at a point west-by-north of station on a road through a corn-field. Work has been suspended on the rebel works during the day. Apparent cessation of hostilities on the center of the Eighteenth Corps line. Both pickets were on their works apparently engaged in conversation, bnt went in their works at 4.15. B. W. MARCY. STATION NEAR GIBBONS HOUSE, August 7, 18646 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal 0/fleer: Nothing of importance notice~i in front of this station to-day. A cessation of hostilities in front of center of Eighteenth Corps between 3 and 4 this p. in., pickets of both sides appearing openly on their works. Artillery in front of right of Ninth Corps engaged between hours of 3.30 and 4.30 p. m. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. PLANK ROAD SIc~NAL STATION, August 7, 18647 p. m. Captain CASTLE: A new work commenced in rear of second line of works and directly in rear of Gregorys house from station. Few shots exchanged from battery on our front and battery on right of plank road. Unusually quiet along enemys lines. No visible change in camps. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 7, 18647.20 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Stajf: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that one of my lookouts saw this evening dust rising from a road to the right of the lead-works and leading into Petersburg. The dust extended about the distance of half a mile along the road. At one point he was able to see the column for a few minutes and to distinguish that it was infantry. It passed through the city and apparently halted upon reaching the left bank of the Appomattox. He supposed it to have been a brigade of about 2,000 men. An officer on another station saw the same bank of dust, and states that it seemed to be rising from the road for over two hours, but the above account is the clearest 1 have had. No evening report yet from the plank road station, which may throw more light upon it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chi f Signal Officer Page 78 78 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. SPECIAL ORDERS No. 205. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, * Before Petersburg, Va., August 7, 1864. * * * * * * 3. The Fourth New York Heavy Artillery is assigned to the First Division of the corps, and will report accordingly. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WXLLYKNIS August 7, 18649 a. m. I have the honor to report that nothing of importance occurred in my front during the past night. Considerable picket-firing in front of the command on my right. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, August 7, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: Two deserters have just been sent in by General Crawford. One of them is an artilleryman, and can give information as to the planting of some heavy guns by the enemy in front of our position near the plank road. I send these men up. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, August 7, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report everything quiet in my front to-day. A detail of 300 men is at work to-night at Battery Tilton. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS No. 194. FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 7, 1864. * * * * * * 2. In compliance with orders from headquarters Army of the Poto- mac, the Twenty-second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers will proceed, with the least practicable delay, to report to Brig. Gen. R. Ingalls, chief quartermaster, at City Point, for temporary duty at the rel)air depot. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assista t Adjutant- General Page 79 C~IAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 79 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CoRps, August 7, 1864. Lieut. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Army Corps: COLONEL: Two deserters came into my lines last nightone, named Burton, belonged to Pegrams artillery battalion, Letchers battery, the other to the Eighth Alabama. The former being an intelligent man I proceeded with him to the front, and have obtained the fo]- lowing information: Resting on the left of the plank road and about 400 yards from the enemys lines is a battery of two 36-pounders concealed by cedars. Pits are being dug for three 62-pounders at the same spot. McIntoshs battalion of four companies is in the work op- posite our work on Bartletts front. To the enemys right of that work are four Kapoleons, under Captain IDement, of Baltimore. Eight mor- tars have been placed in the crater produced by the explosion on the 30th instant. The enemys infantry does not extend farther to our left than the barn near the new fort lately reported. Beyond that as far as the lead-works the lines are held by Pegrams battalion of artillery. The enemy has about twenty-one guns between the Gregory house and the lead-works. He has but one 3-inch rifled gun in the new work opposite and beyond our left. The lead-works are used as a commis- sary department and have large supplies. They are guarded by two regiments of Kirklands brigade, of ileths division, North Carolina troops. He states that the mine exploded by the enemy on Friday was generally considered to be a failure, but that there is another near that point and which is intended to destroy the battery that fires upon the city. He reports that the artillery of Hills corps consists of five bat- talions, Colonel Walker, chief of artillery, commanding. These bat- talions are Pegrams, five companies, twenty-one guns; McIntoshs, four companies, number of guns not known; Johnsons, five compa- nies, number of guns not known; Garnetts, four companies, Major Reilly commanding; , four companies, commanders name not remembered. The concealed battery of 32-pounders bears upon a train on the plain in front of your headquarters. This man states that the enemy can see our troops or batteries passing that point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 7, 1864. (Received 6.30 a. in.) General HUMPHREYS: Your dispatch in reference to Colonel Thomas received. It is the fact that Colonel Thomas was taken prisoner, and I had supposed that the information had gone to the headquarters Army of the Potomac. Upon investigation I find that the report stating the fact was delayed for more explicit information, which I directed my inspector-general to procure, and by some oversight this information has not been for- warded, but will be early this morning. It was of no military impor- tance, as Colonel Thomas was taken in blindfolded and sent out at night without any correspondence with us. A. E. BURNSIDE, lifajor- General Page 80 80 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANI) N. C. (CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 7, 18649 a. in. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual occurred on my front last night. There was considerable mortar firing by enemy without doing us any damage. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 7, 1864. Captain PARKER: I am sorry to trouble you, but am very anxious to know if anything has been heard from General Grant, or when hc will arrive. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. Nothing positive or direct has beeu heard from General Grant. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, August 7, 1864. Captain PARKER: General Burnside requests me to ask when General Grant is ex- pected here. Please answer and obli~e. Very respectfully, FRED. T. BJCKFORD, Operator Military Telegraph. We have no information from General Grant and hence can form no conjecture as to when he will return. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, August 7, 1864. General BURNSIDE: General Grant has not passed Fortress Monroe. We have no infor- mation that he has left Washington. He has not communicated with us here since he left. He should be here early to-morrow. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chi~/ Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 7, 18649 p. m. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred on my front to-day beyond a fierce mortar shelling by the enemy about 4 p. m. Major Chipman, Twenty-ninth Massachusetts, was killed. We suffered no other damage. A. E. BURNSII)E, Major- General Page 81 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~-UNION. 81 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Th., August 7, 1864. Lient. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report all quiet in my front for the past twelve hours, except a fierce mortar-firing about 4 p. in., lasting about one hour, causing several casualties, among which, I regret to say, was the death of Maj. Charles Chipman, Twenty-ninth Massachu- setts Volunteers, commanding Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WHITE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. Major Chipman was not instantly killed, but can only live a few hours, as a large piece of shell passed through his head. HDQRS. FIRST BRIO-., SECOND DIV., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 7, 1864. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: 1 have the honor to report that nothing unusual occurred in this front during my tour as general of the trenches. Along the entire front parties are at work strengthening the line. In the First Division a traverse is completed, enabling the pickets to be relieved without exposure. In the Second Division abatis is being put in posi- tion, trenches widened, and traverses built. The Third Division are strengthening their lines, and running a gallery on their right to dis- cover if the enemy is mining their line. A large detail is at work en- larging and strengthening the fourteen-gun battery. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. R. BLISS, C~olonel, Commanding Brigade, General of the Trenches. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 7, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report all quiet on my front; the usual picket-firing still continues. Brigadier-General Hartranft, with First Brigade, relieved the Second Brigade on the line last night. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 7, 18648 p. m. Brigadier-General GREc~G, Commanding Cavalry: GENERAL: The commander of the cavalry brigade picketing on our left has furnished no report since relieving the brigade of the Third Cavalry Division. Please direct him to report, as before, anything flu- 6 R RVOL XLlI, PT I Page 82 82 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. portant tha~ occurs to the corps commander on the left, Major-General Warren, and also to these headquarters, which he will likewise keep posted as to the condition of affairs in his front, morning and evening. The commanding general thitiks that your headquarters should be at some point central to your command, where you could be speedily reached from these headquarters and communicate readily with your whole command. A. A. HUMPIIREYS Major- General and Chief of Staff. WAsHINGToN, August 7, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: Your telegram was received last evening. The appointment of Col- onel Stedman as brigadier by brevet for gallant and meritorious serv- ice was made yesterday. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, August 7, 1864 7.12 p. rn. Major-General BUTLER: The brevet of brigadier-general has been conferred on Colonel Sted- man. I learn he is deceased. Whom shall the appointment be sent to l Respectfully, JAS. A. HAIRDIE, Colonel and Inspector- General. HEADQUARTERS, August 7, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, or,in his absence, SECRETARY ~F WAR, Washington: All quiet in the lines of our armies since last advices. Enemy moved to Richmond ten passenger nd three freight cars filled with troops. They did not cross at Drewrys Bluff. Did not stop in front of us, or they would not have been put on carS. Fourteen wagons and a drove of beeves crossed this eve at Chaffins Bluff. Kershaws division is in my front, between the Appomattox and James. From the accounts in rebel papers to August 4 I do not credit Heralds report of Farraguts suc- cess. WQuld it were true. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, August 7, 186410 a. m. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy: The Richmond Examiner of the 6th has: MoBILE, August 4. Yesterday and last evening the enemy threw an infantry force on Dauphin Island, seven miles from Fort Gaines. The fleet outside is large. This morning the Federal double-ender opened on the transport Dick Keys, and then on the fort, which i Page 83 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 83 slowly replying. General Maury calls on all to enroll themselves for battle. Great confidence prevails. A Federal force ~stimated at 16,000 occupied Holly Springs, Miss. No other news. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Corn manding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 7, 18645.05 p. rn. Capt. G. S. DANA, Signal Officer, Head qaarters Tenth Army Corps: Lookout for movements of the enemy across the river or t3ward Richmond. A heavy train just went that way loaded with troops. Anything new? L. B. NORTON, Captaja and Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 7, 1864. Col. T. S. BOWERS: Is General Grant at City Point? 13. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. He is not. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, August 7, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER: General Stedman was not married. Commission should be sent to his mother, Mrs. Griffin Stedinan, Pe quot House, New London, Coun. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARM SC OF THE POTOMAC, August 7. 18644.30 p. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Is there anything specially going on in your front in connection with the artillery firing? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 84 84 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 7, 18645 p. m. Major-General HuMPHREYS, Chief of AS~taff: Nothing unusual in my front. Some artillery firing and little more musketry than usual somewhere to my left. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, August 7, 1864. Brigadier-General YOGDES, Norfolk: The commanding general directs that no more raids be made into North Carolina without first submitting it to him. J. W. SHAFFEIt, Colonel and Chief of Staff. NORFOLK, August 7, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: The telegram of the major-general commanding in regard to raids in North Carolina has beemi received. The late raid was ordered by General Shepley, delayed by unavoidable causes until after his depar- ture, and was carried out by me. The order in reference to recruits was enforced upon receipt of the first telegram upon the subject. Very respectfully, ~. YOGDES, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 8, 186411.20 a. m. Major General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Poto ac: General Warren reports that a lieutenant of a Georgia regiment, who deserted to us last night, states that their papers of Saturday re- ported our fleet victorious in Mobile Bay, and that the Nashville (iron- clad) and Selma (cotton-clad) were sunk by our vessels in the bay. Will send report by Colonel Sharpe as soon as received. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, August 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the Eleventh Alabama, Sanders bri- gade, Mahones division, has been forwarded this p. m. from head- quarters Fifth Corps. He caine into our lines this a. m. lie report Page 85 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 only two divisions of A. P. Hills corps (Heths and Mahones) in our front, which, with Beauregards two divisions, comprises all the force south of the Appomattox. He has no other important information. A deserter from Pegramns battalion of artillery came into the lines of General Crawford, Fifth Army Corps, yesterday morning. His infor- mation corroborates our latest regarding the position of the enemy, though he has heard of no troops having been sent away from Lees or Beauregards commands. On the contrary, he has heard that troops were coming from Hood to Lee. He understands all of Ewells old corps to be in the Valley with Early. The following is the latest infor- mation relative to the position of the different divisions of Lees and Beauregards commands: LongstreetPicketts division, in front of Major-General Butler Kershaws division, in rear of Picketts in re- serve; Fields division, at iNew Market, near Deep Bottom. A. P. HillMahones division, right of (enemys) line, south of the Appo- mattox River; Heths division, joining the left of Mahones; Wil- coxs division, at Chaffins farm. BeauregardHokes division, on left of Heths; B. Johnsons~ on left of Hokes, and extending to the Appomattox, in front of the Eighteenth Corps. It is not thought that any force by division has been sent away from Lees or Beauregards commands, though scattering brigades may have left, escaping oar notice. The above information is corroborated from all quarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 8, 18649 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: The above, just received, forwarded as the latest information. GEO. G. MEADE, ]Jiajor. General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22n ARMY CORPS, - Washington, D. C., August 8, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: General Halleck informs me that you may send some of the heavy artillery regiments for duty in the forts here. As Colonel Whistler is now commanding a brigade in these works,I shall be glad to have his regiment sent if it can be spared. C. C. AUGUR, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROYOST-MARSHALAIIENERAL, August 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A lieutenant and private from the FLr~t Coufeder~te Bat- talion, Davis (Mississippi) brigade, Heths division, of H ills corps Page 86 86 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. deserted and caine into our lines t 3 oclock this a. in. The substance of their information is as follows: That there are four divisions of the enemy on the south side of the Appomatto~ IRiverAndersons old division and ileths division, of Hills corps, and Hokes and Bushrod Johnsons divisions, of Be~nregards command; that they are posted from the enemys right to left as follows: ri~htMahones division, a brigade of which (Finegans) extends to the left of the Jerusalem plank road; the right of the division extending to the lead-works on the Weldon railroad; next, Heths division, extending from the left of Mahones division (a point to the left of arid not far from the Jerusalem plank road) to Clingmnans brigade, of Ilokes division, of Beauregards command; next, iokes division, of Beauregards command, with Clingmnans brigade on the right; leftBnshrod Johnsons division, of Beauregards command; that smnce the recent fight (July 30) the above disposition of forces was made; that the corps of Longstreet, or two divisions, Fields and Kershaws, have not returned to our front, and it was understood that all or the greater part of them had been semit to re-enforce Early or flood; that it was understood in the rebel lines that mining was being done An the vicinity of the position occupied by our colored troops, information of which informant has given to General Warren. The lieutenant saw late Richmond papers giving accounts of our attack on Mobile. They admit the sinking of two of their gun- boats; also accounts of the occupation and destruction of Milledgeville, Ga., by a raiding party from Shermans army. All of which is respectfully forwarded. Your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. P. S.Information from a reliable source shows that a considerable force of infantry has been sent to Early and passed through Staunton, Va. (Friday, July 29), via Lynchburg; also that no trains are running on the Virginia Central Railroad from Richmond beyond Beaver Dam Station. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 8, 18G41O.40 p. m. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal. General, City Point: I have just examined three deserters and one prisoner. I have found out to my entire satisfaction now where Lane and Conner are. Tlmey are near New Market with Fields division. The line is as fol- lows: Lane on their extreme right, then Conner, then Bratton, then Benning, Gregg, Law, and Anderson on their extreme left. This is positive. I have also received an additional copy of to-days Rich- mond Enquirer and Whig. Will send you a copy in the morning. The news is as I gave it to you, save that Buchanan, besides being a prisoner, has lost a leg. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp, Assistant Provost-Marshal Page 87 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 87 HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 8, 186410.50 a. in. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following reports have just been received and are respectfully forwarded: PLANK ROAD STATION, August 8, 1864. Fatigue party of 180 men disappeared in dug way in direction of Petersburg; working on front line of works north-northwest from station. FULTON, Sergeant. FIFTH CORPS SIGNAL STATION, August 8, 1864. No change or movement observed. Enemy at work on first line of works. WARTS, Lieutenant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order: WM. S. STRYKER, First Lieutenant, Adjutant Signal Corps. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 8, 18647 p. in. Maj. B. F. FISHER: A new work commenced in rear of second line of works and directly in rear of Gregorys house from station. A few shots exchanged between battery on onr front and battery on right of plank road. Un- nsually quiet along enemys lines. No visible change in camp. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant. SIGNAL STATION, PLANK ROAD, Augu~t 8, 18647 p. in. Captain CASTLE: The fatigue party mentioned in last report disappeared in raviiie or behind the bluff on left of forts on our right, or 40 degrees west of north from station; were moving toward the rear of forts on our right. They continue to work on third line of works in rear of Gregorys house also on front line at nearest point from station. No movement of troops or change of camps visible. U. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL T)EPARTMENT, August 8, 1864. Maj. Gem A. A. IIIJMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The followiDg reports have just been received, and are respectfnlly forwarded: GInnoNs HOUSE STATION, August 8, 1864. Enemy very busy all day on fort southeast of white house; also digging on work west-northwest from this point. Rather more teams visible than nsual on the dif- ferent roads leadin~ south from the city, but moving irregularly and in small squads. Two caissons moved from the city about 7 a. in., disappearing in woods near Farleys house. Nothing has been seen to indicate the movement of any considerable body inside the enemys line to-day. Dense smokes west and north of city make close observation difficult. JORDAN, Sergeant Page 88 88 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAr. LIV. JORDANS HOUSE, August 8, 18G4. Picket-firing on Ninth and Eighteenth Corps lines. Large columns of black smoke rising out of woods on line of P[etersbnrg~ and R[ichmond] Railroad, at a point north- northwest of station. Dense volume of smoke commenced ascending suddenly from woods on left of .lead-works, south-southwest of station, on extreme left of Ninth Corps line. The whole range of hills and the town have been completely enveloped in smoke so that nothing could be observed with distinctness. M. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient seivant. By order: WM. S. STRYKER, First Lieutenant, Adjutant Signal Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, } HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 212. * August 8, 1864. * * * * * * 2. Brig. Gen. ID. MeM. Gregg, commanding cavalry, will at once increase to 150 men tbe detachment (100 men) ordered to be detailed from the Cavalry Corps as a guard for the general cattle herd near Coggins Point, Va. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- aeneral. List of batteries of volunteer service whose terms umili expire during present year, with state- ment of nurnbcr of recruits required, in addition to those that remain, to fill the batteries to ma imum. Number Number of umen Batteries. To be mum- of men tered out. to re- reqoire(l main. b. fill ttery. 3d Maim I)ec. 11, 1864 134 13 4th p~ 21 1864 110 A, 1st New Hampshire Sept. 26, 1864 05 52 C, 1st Massachusetts Sept. 5, t864 63 84 E, 1st Massachusetts Dec. 3, 1864 71 76 A, 1st Rhode Island June 6, 1864 60 87 B, 1st Rhode Island Aug. 13, 1864 46 181 E, 1st Rhode Island Sept. 30, 1864 71 76 C, 1st New York Sept. 6, 1864 77 70 ID, 1st New York Sept. 6, 1864 112 35 E, 1st ew York Sept. 13,1864 38 109 0, 1st ew York . - - Sept. 22, 1864 140 II, 1st New York Oct. 17, 1864 79 68 1, 1st New York Oct. 25, 1864 125 22 11th New York Indep udent Jan. 6, 1865 70 77 12th New York independent Nov. 18, 1864 115 32 15th New York Independent Not known A, 1st New Jersey Aug. 12, 1864 82 65 B, 1st New Jersey Sept. 3, 1864 108 39 ID, Independent Pennsylvania Sept. 24, 1864 121 26 II, 1st Ohio Nov. 7, 1864 100 47 Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General, Chief of Staff. ARTILLERY HDQRS., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 8, 1864 Page 89 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 ORDERSj HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 8, 1864. The commanding officer of the Second Division will detail 500 men for hitigue. The commanding officer of the Third Division will detail 700 men, properly officered, for the same purpose. The (letails will be at their respective division headquarters at 6 p. m. The commanding officer of the Third Division will designate an officer of the rank of colonel to have charge of the entire detail from the corps. That officer will report for information as to the work to be done to Captain Mendell, engineer officer, at the engineci camp, near headquarters Army of the Potomac, at 3 oclock this p. m. He will send for the division details in time to conduct them to the point designated by Captain Mendell before 7 p. m. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIiPTH CoRPS, August 8, 18649.20 a. m. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: 1 have the honor to report that nothing of importance transpired in my front last night. Two deserters have just come in. One a second lieutenant First Georgia Battery. They will be sent forward. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 8, 186410 a. m. Chief of Staff: I send up this morning a lieutenant of a Georgia regiment who deserted to us last night. He says they are very short of rations, so that with the allowance the men are hungry all the time. On Saturday, he says, their papers reported our fleet victorious over the Confederates in Mobile Bay. The Nashville (iron-clad) was sank, and so was the Selma (cotton-clad). Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: - Two deserters have just been sent in by General Crawford. One of them is an artilleryman, and can give information as to the planting of 501110 heavy guns by the enemy in front of our position near the plank road. I send these men up. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding Page 90 90 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. tCHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 8, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: 1 think I can capture or drive back the enemys pickets on my left and occupy their places with my own. They have always confined themselves to watching ns, and have not molested our working parties. As the siege operations on my front have beeii co-operative with 0-eu- eral Burnsides preparations for an assault, the driving of these men back might have caused such constant firing on our lines as to have greatly delayed our construction of batteries and approaches, and has therefore been a part of the engineer operations, to be done or not, as the engineers dictated. Our works are now in such state that any more hostile attitude between the two lines will be at least as injurious to the enemy as to ourselves. It will cost us a few lives daily and an expenditure of ammunition and a stoppage of the enemy deserting to us and the information thus obtained. It will prevent him from getting water from the ravine between us, and cause him the same expenditure of ammunition and men as ourselves. If there are no objections made I shall make my arrangements to-day or to-morrow to drive the enemys pickets back. Respectfully, 0- K. WARREN, illajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 8, 18641.25 p.. m. Major-General WARREN: Your written dispatch will be submitted to the major-general com- manding as soon as he is disengaged from the Court of Inquiry at the headquarters of the Second Corps. A. A. HUMPIIREYS Major- General and Chief of ~taff. CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 8, 1864. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding desires that you will suspend for a day or two driving back the enemys pickets, as upon leaving here Lieu- tenant-General Grant requested him to remain strictly on the defensive until his return. The major-general commanding will communicate with you immediately upon the return of the lieutenant-general. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 8, 18649.15 p. m. Brig. 0-en. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. I have the honor to report all quiet in my front during the day. detail of 400 men is at work to-night at Battery Tilton. G. K. WARREN Major- General, Commanding Page 91 CHAP. LIV.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Camp near Petersburg, August 8, 18648 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Colonel Welch, commanding Third Brigade, reports a heavy column of the enemy moving to our left. They are plainly seen pasSing a Large fire which is burning brightly. They are moving as though it was their intention to attack our left. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. J. BAT{TLETT, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. THIRTY-NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, August 8, 18647 p. m. Capt. GEORGE MONTEITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAPTAIN: A body of troops, say a brigade of infantry, have passed within an hour from the enemys right to onv right. A lai~ge fire is burning on their right, seemingly in front of their line of battle, which they seem to be endeavoring to extinguish; otherwise all quiet. Respectfully, CHAS. L. PEIRSON, Lieutenant- Colonel and Division Field Officer of the Day. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 8, 18649 a. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLI MS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing of interest has occurred on our line within the past twelve hours. The usual picket- firing took place during the night. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient ser- vant, A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General, Commanding. By LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. [AUGUST 8, 1864.For Stanton to Enruside, relative to composition of the Court of Inquiry ordered to examine into the affair of July 30, see Vol. XL, Part I, p. 532.j HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 8, 1864. Captain PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General: Have you heard anything of General Grant yet ~ A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General Page 92 92 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, August 8, 1864. Major-General BURNSIDE: General Grant passed Fort Monroe at 12 to-day. Expect him now every moment. E. S. PARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 8, 18648 a. m. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Ar my Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet along my front during the past twelve hours. There was considerable firing on the extreme left during the night. The covered way leading to the picket-line, which was constructed on the night of the 6th instant, is unserviceable, as it is flooded with water. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WHITE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIRST DIv., NINTH ARMY CORPS, No. 40. August 8, 1864. I. After dark this evening Lieutenant-Colonel Barnes, commanding First Brigade, will relieve the Twenty-first and Twenty-ninth Massachu- setts from the front line and put in the Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, and Fifty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson, commanding Second Brigade, wil] relieve the Fourteenth New York Artillery and put in the Third Maryland and One hundred and seventy- ninth New York Volunteers. The troops of the First Brigade will hold the left portion of the line, and those of the Second Brigade the right portion. II. Hereafter, until further orders, the relieving of troops in the front line will always be arranged by brigade commanders keeping 450 men from each brigade constantly in the front line, those from the First Brigade on the left, and those from the Second Brigade on the right, and relieving every two days. The Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volun- teers will not be exempt, until further orders from these headquarters, from their share of duty in the trenches. By command of Brigadier-General White: C. J. MILLS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 8, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Ar my Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet on my front during the past twelve hours. I have ordered additional traverses erected in the railroad cut for the protection of the troops moving to and from the front line, and this work i~ iu progress. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 93 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Colonel RICHMOND, August 8, 18648 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the usual sharpshooting and mortar firing continues. Captain Roemer reported this morning that that Portion of the new line now being constructed under Lieuten- ant Ben.yaurd, of the Engineers, running left from Roemer, is enfiladed by the enemys fort recently blown up, and the fire of their sharp- shooters from that point, and I would recommend a correction of the line. 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. Maj. li. S. DAVIS, BERMUDA, August 8, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: Please inform me if Kautzs cavalry division has been permanently detached from the Army of the James. I am desirous of knowing, as it is necessary for the quartermaster to send in liis monthly reports if not ordered to some other command. J. B. HOWARD, Lieutenant- Golonel and Chief Quartermaster. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, August 8, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HOWARD, Bermuda: Kautzs cavalry still belongs to our army. It is only lent to the Army of the Potomac. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., August 8, 1864. Col. J. R. HAWLEY, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Second Brigade: COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to state that the Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery has been selected to furnish the volunteers called for in General Orders, No. 22, from corps headquarters. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ADRIAN TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEILDQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., August 8, 1864. Maj. T. J. STRONG, Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery: MAJOR: The brigadier-general commanding directs that the 600 men who have volunteered from your command under General Orders, No Page 94 94 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. 22, from headquarters Tenth Army Corps, be in readiness to move at 7.30 a. m. to-morrow, August 9, with three days rations iu their haver- sacks and with their shelter-tents. The meii will be fully armed and equipped. Lieutenant Sawyer, aide-de-cainp, will report at your head- quarters at the hour above named for the purpose of conducting the detail to the Crows Nest, where they will report to Major Ludlow, of General Butlers staff. By order of Brig. Gen. A. II. Terry: A. TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., August 8, 1864. Brigiidier-General AMES, Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to call your atten- tion to the. fact that two deserters came into our lines last evening, arriving on or near the picket-line Second Division, just before our pickets were posted. They state that they remained concealed within twenty-five yards of our rifle-pits awaiting the arrival of our pickets, and were not challenged till within ten paces of them, owing to the thick corn and our pickets arriving on the line late. This should not be allowed to occur again. Please have the picket officer instructed to post their outer line as soon as it can be done under cover of darkness, and before and while it is being done the men in the trenches will be kept on the alert. Direct the brigades successively on duty in the front lines to enlarge the trenches so that mcii can act freely. For that purpose have them supplied with picks and shovels. The abatis in front of the Second Division should at once be strengthened. For this purpose make a detail of 100 men from those not on duty to cut and transport the abatis, so that to-night it can be placed in position. By command of Major-General Ord: GEG. W. KELLEY, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIvISIoN, Picket-Post, August 8, 1864evening. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: SIR: I have the honor to report that this brigade relieved the First Brigade of Second Division, Cava~lry Corps, commanded by Colonel Stedman, of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry, and that there has been no changes made in the line. All quiet on the line. I am, very~respectfully, your most obedient servant, M. KERWIK, Colonel, Comdg. Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Divisiou. CITY POINT, August 9, 186411.45 a. m. Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Five minutes ago an ordnance boat exploded, carrying lumber, grape, canister, and all kinds of shot over this point. Every part of the yard used as my headquarters is filled with splinters and fragments of shell Page 95 CHAP, LJV.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 95 I do not know yet what the casualties are beyond my own headquar- ters. Colonel Babcock is slightly wounded in hand and 1 mounted orderly is killed and 2 or 3 wounded and several horses killed. The (lamage at the wharf must be considerable both in life and property. As soon as the smoke clears away I will ascertain and telegraph you. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAd, Capt. E. S. PARKER, August 9, 18G42.30 p. m. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Lieutenant- General Grant, City Point Please direct Col. C. P. Stone, Fourteenth U. S. Infantry, to report at the expiration of his leave to Maj. Gen. G. K. Warren, commanding Fifth Army Corps. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 9, 1864. Admiral S. P. LEE: Your letter of the 24th instant [nltimo],* inclosing communication rel- ative to the withdrawal of iron-dads from the Janies River, was duly received. Owing to my absence from here most of the time since the re- ceipt of your letter, it has not been answered earlier. Whilst I believe we will never require iron-clad vessels to meet those of the enemy, I think it would be imprudent to withdraw them. At least two such ves- sels, in my judgment, should be kept in the upper James. They stand a constant threat to the enemy and prevent him taking the offensive. There is no disguising the fact that if the enemy should take the offensive on the water, altho-agh we probably would destroy his whole James River navy, such damage would be done our shipping and stores, all accumulated on the water near where the conflict would begin, that our victory would be dearly bought. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 11.50 a. m. Brigadier-General INGALLS, August 9 1864 Chief Quartermaster Armies in the Field, City Point: Was that explosion at City Pointl What was it? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, August 9, 1861. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant A~juta t- General: A barge laden with ordnance stores was accidentally blown up just now while lying at the wharf. There has been considerable destruc- See Vol. XL, Part III, p. 427 Page 96 96 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. LCHAP. LIV. tion of property and loss of life. Ko officers were killed. The shock was terrific, and of course unlooked for. It is probable we shall never know how the accident occurred. One of your office wagon horses was killed. We are clearing away the ruins at the river. RUFUS INGALLS, Vhief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, August 9, 1864. Maj. J. C. DUANE, Acting Chief Engineer: SIR: The maj~w-general commanding directs that you take the neces- sary measures to provide, with as little delay as practicable, a sufficient supply of intreuching tools for the use of the fatigue parties detailed for work on the intrenchmeuts. The commanding general decides that the intrenching tools now ordered to be kept on hand at corps headqu~ar- ters are not, as a general rule, to be used for this purpose. I am, your very obedient servant, ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 9, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point, Va.: Five prisoners of war just sent in by Fifth Corps are from Colquitts and Clingmans brigades. They state that Clinginan was relieved in the trenches by Ransoms brigade at 10 oclock this morning. That Mahones, Colquitts, and Cliugmans brigades made a charge on left flank of Fifth Corps at 3 oclock this p. in. When informants left they had driven in our skirmish line and were still advancing. They know of no troops coming from north of Appomattox. They state that they saw D. H. Hill this moruillg and think he is on Beauregards stafL J. McENTEE, Captain, d~c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFF1CE OF THE PROVOST-MARSIIAL-GEKERAL, August 9, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the First Confederate Battalion has just been received. He came into our lines about dark last night. He is from Davis brigade, Heths division, Hills corps; reports no change in the enemys position; states that there are only four divisions of the enemy south of the Appomattox, viz: Heths, Mahones, Hokes and Bashrod Johnsons, which are posted as reported yesterday; has no further information. Saw yesterdays Richmond papers; they admit the passage of the forts in Mobile harbor by Farraguts fleet, and the sinking of three of their vessels. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JKO. C. BABCOCK Page 97 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIGN. 9 Colonel SHARPE, AUGUST 9, 18644 p. m. City Point: Two deserters to-dayone from First Confederate Battalion, Davis brigade, Heths division, and one from Tenth Florida, Mahones divis- ion. They confirm the information concerning position that Ii sent you yesterday. Nothing else important. J. C. BABCOCK. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 9, 18649.30 a. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: At 8 a. m. a fatigue party of forty-seven men entered the new work in rear of second line and Gregorys house, but battery on our right threw a few shells in and dispersed them; have not yet returned. At 9 a. m. fatigue partks of fifteen, twenty2 and twenty-five each marched in direction of P~x~rsburg, entering woods in rear of new work. They continue to w~i~ on front line left of Gregorys house. No change of camps~ II. W. FULTOK, iS1ergeant. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 9, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief & gnal Officer: All quiet. Enemy are throwing up a new line of works in rear of the three-gun fort. No other change. WARTS, Lieutenant. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 9, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER: No change or movement this p. in. Five of enemys officers engaged laying out and staking off ground for a new work about 500 yards to right of Chimneys and in rear of first line of works. Respectfully, WARTS, Lieutenant. AUGUST 9, 18643.15 p. in. Major FISHER: The following rebel messages read: Colonel B [RENT] Assistant Adjutant-General: No movement of enemy observed this a. m. except their usual drills. They appear to be negro troops. The explosion seems to be near Bloekileld, on the Appomattox. I think it was an ammunition boat. 7 H HVOL XLII~ PT I Page 98 98 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. Colonel BERENT], 1.30 ~. m. Assistant Adjutant-General: Colonel Cabell and Major Hamilton wish me to state that the explosion was greater than that of McClellans ammunition train, near Savage Station, York River Rail- road, and they think its locality w~s on James River, near City Point. 0. at 114. T. H. FEAREY, Second Lieutenant and Signal Officer. PLANK Rc~AD SIGNAL STATION, August 9, 18G4G.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: A train of fifteen wagons moved to our left this a. in. on line of Wel- don railroad. No working party observed on fort near Weldon railroad west from station. No movements of troops or change of camps vis- ible. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL l)EPARTMENT, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 9, 1864. Chief of Stafl2: GENERAL: No movements of the enemy to report. They are busily engaged in constructing works in the rear of their mock line along the edge of the woods. They seemed to be staking off a new work during the day 400 or 500 yards to our right of the Gregory Chimneys. They did not work npon the fort west of the Weldon railroad to-day. A train of fifteen wagons passed toward Petersburg this a. m. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 9, 18G412.20 p. m. The explosion that took place abont an hour ago was an ordnance boat at City Point, sending shell and splinters all over the Point, doing material damage to life and property. At General Grants headquar- ters, Colonel Babcock was wounded in the hand, 1 orderly killed, and 3 or 4 wounded. The loss of life and property not yet ascertained. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (To corps commanders.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, August 9, 18G49 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that all was qniet in my front during the night. A large fire was discovered at or in front of the enemys line about 9.30 p. m. Enemy were working hard to extinguish it. G. K. WARREN, iJifajor- General Page 99 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 99 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 9, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The explosion which has just taken place is north 35 degrees east from here. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 9, 18619 p. rn. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS: I have the houor to report that everything has been quiet in my front to-day. A detail of 400 men are at work to-night on Battery Tilton. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 9, 18649 a. m. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report the usual state of affairs on my line. The ordinary amount of picket-firing and mortar shelling last night. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 9, 18649 p. m. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report the usual state of affairs on my front during the past twelve hours. To-night there is the ordinary amount of picket-firing. A. B. BURINSiDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 9, 18648 a. m. Lient. C~l. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything has been quiet along my line during the past twelve hours. The Thirty-fifth Massa- chusetts Volunteers were engaged yesterday evening in digging a cov- ered way in rear of the front line and in rear of the battery, which is very beneficial for the troops occupying the front line. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WHITE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division Page 100 100 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 9, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Ass fstant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIIR: I have the honor to report that 110 changes have occurred on my front (luring the last twelve hours. The enemy have manifested unusual activity throunhout the day. Roemers battery has troubled them somewhat. I am, very respectfully, youi obedient servant 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- Gener~d, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OP VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 9, 18645.40 p. m. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Nary: The following is from the Richmond Examiner ot the 9th: A dispatch from Mobile, dated August 7, two d~ ys later than our previous ad- vices, states that the situation had not materially changed since the enemys victory over our iron-claJs on last Friday. The Navy Department received a telegram yes- terday morning announcing that the Morgan, the only gun-boat of our fleet which was not either sunk, beached, or captured, has succeedeff in getting over the bar and reaching Mobile. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. (Copy to U. S. Grant.) SPRING HILL, August 9, 18647.30 a. m. Captain NORTON: Seven cars, partly loaded with troops, just passed the Junction toward Petersburg. SIMONS, Lieutenant, Signal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VA. AND N. C., No. 217. In the Field, Va., August 9, 1864. * * * * VII 1. In accordance with orders from Lieutenant-General Grant, the First Regiment, U. S. Volunteers, will at once proceed to Milwaukee, Wis., reporting on their arrival to Maj. Gen. John Pope, commanding Department of the Northwest. They will proceed via New York. Quartermasters department will furnish transportation. * * * * * * * XIII. Colonel Garrard, commanding First lIT. S. Colored Cavalry,will at once send four companies of his regiment, under the senior major, to report to Brig. Gen. I. Vodges for provost duty at Norfolk. By command of Major-General Butler: R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- GeneraZ Page 101 CHAr. iITh] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 101 SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 97. In the Field, August 9, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. The Ninth U. S. Colored Troops are hereby temporarily attached to the Second Division and will report to Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, com- manding. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS In the Field, Ha tcher~s, Va., August 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN W. TURNER, Gommanding AS~eeond Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send your smallest regiment to report at Crows Nest, on the James River, to Major Ludlow, of General Butlers staff, at 2 p. m. to-day, for guard duty. The men will take their tents with them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 10, 18645 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following just received from General Crawford, and is forwarded for your information: HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CoRPs, Angust 10, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Private F. M. Crenshaw, Ninth Alabama, came into the lines of the Second Brigade yesterday morning, and says that the sappers and miners have been sought ont in the different regiments of Mahones divisioa to work at mining; that a man of his company who has been employed re0ently at mining would not tell him the locality of the mine or anything concerning it, for the reason that he was bound to secrecy; that a citizen from Oranne Court-House, where his regiment was quar- tered last winter, came down a week ago to see some acquaintances in the regiment and reported that Kershaws division, of Longetreets corps, had passed there en route for the valley. I am, & c., S. xv. CRAWFORD, Brigadier-General. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, General MEADE: August 10, 18646 a. m. The telegraph line near Swan Point has been cut by a party of the enemy. I have sent 150 infantry down to Fort Powhatan to drive them away, but Colonel Innis, in command of the fort, reports them in to Page 102 102 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. great force. Will you, therefore, order Kautz to send a regiment of cavalry or more to aid the gull-boat force at Powliatan in driving these fellows away. Respectfully, B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. [Indorsement.] Shall I direct Gregg to send, say, 500 cavalry to do this ~ Swan Point is twenty miles below Powhatan. A. A. HUMPIIREYS. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 10, 18648 a. rn. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER: Orders in compliance with your wishes have been sent to General Kautz. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 10, 186412 m. Maj. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General: I will ship the transportation of the Sixth Corps and Cavalry Corps forward as rapidly as possible. I saw the necessity for it some days ago. General Grant thinks it will not be necessary to ship all of it, and he directs me to hold the transports here that may arrive hereafter. I have ordered Continental to Fort Monroe. She draws too much water for this place and Washington. Please cause your orders to be given to her through Colonel Biggs. One hundred and sixty-eight wagons of the Sixth and 179 of the Cavalry have been shipped. We are ship- ping to-day as fast as means permit. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. CITY PoiNT, August 10, 1864. (Received 12 in.) General S. WILLIAMS: GENERAL: There were 33 men killed and 75 wounded yesterday by the explosion of ordnance on the barge. The store-house and wharf were greatly damaged, but can be repaired in a short time. There was but slight loss of subsistence and quartermasters property. I have heard of no report of the ordnance department as to cause of explosion or loss of property. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster Page 103 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 103 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL, In the Field, August 10, 18647.40 p. in. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General, City Point: I have received but one deserter thus far to-day. He was from Terrys brigade, of Picketts division. Picketts division, with Thomas and Scales brigades, remains as heretofore. This man knew nothing about Kershaws division, whether they were in his rear or not. Rich- mond papers of to-day announce the capture by our forces and occu- pancy of Fort Gaines. Mobile Harbor. Another of the forts was blown up by the rebels to prevent its falling into our hands Nothing to-day from north side of the James. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lient., Acting Aide-dc-Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal. AUGUST 10, 18649 a. m. Captain FISHER: Parties of enemy at work at various points pf old line. A new work is being built in open field to right and rear of Gregorys house. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 10, 18649 a. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: Enemy shows some activity in working on fortifications. No move- ment visible. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. STATION OF OBSERVATION, M~. B. F. FISHER, August 10, 18643.30 p. m. Chief signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: A large column of smoke rising up about the location of Port Wal- thall Junction; woods on fire in front of Ninth Corps. Steam, as though from an engine, rising in the lower part of the city about the locality of the Lynchburg depot. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 10, 18647.20 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: A new work commenced 23 degrees west of north by edge of woods. Strong fatigue parties in front line of works northwest of station work- ing in considerable force along our whole front. Camps unchanged. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant Page 104 104 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Li~ut. S. SERGEANT, City Point, Va., August 10, 1864. Commanding Detachment: LIEUTENANT: In compliance with the orders of Lieutenant-General Grant, you will immediately take up your bridge at Broadway Land- ing, on the Appomattox, and bring it to this place, anchoring it along- side the raft now here. A tug will be sent up to be at Broadway Laud- ing at 5 p. m. to tow you down. By order of Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham: CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, August 10, 18649 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance transpired in my front during the night. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WiLLIAMS, August 10, 18649 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred in my front to-day. Four hundred men are at work to-night at Battery Tilton. G. K. WARREN, ]Jftijor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTI-I ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 10, 18648 a. m. Lieut. Col. L. RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- 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 commanding officer of the Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery reports that he thinks the rebels are mining under his regiment. This will be investigated at once. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WHITE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. JULIUS WHITE, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The commanding general desires me to reply to your com- munication of this date relative to the shortening of the lines held b Page 105 CHAP. Liv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 105 the First Division, that it is at present impossible to make any change. He also directs me to say that he approves of the suggestion received this afternoon that in repairing the fort on your front it should be so altered as to have a flank fire. I have the lionor to be, geueral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, August 10, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOIND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report that no changes have occurred on my front during the last twelve hours. The officer of the day reports that heavy details of the enemy have been at work during the night. The gallery for the countermine is progressing, but has been somewhat delayed for want of lumber, which will be up this morning. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Ya~, August 10, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report no changes in my front during the day. The rebels have been very busy with the spade on the hill on our front and left. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier. General, Commanding HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 10, 18G47.30 a. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: The telegraph line near Swan Point has been cut by the enemy. General Butler sent 150 infantry by water to Fort Powhatan to drive them off; but the force proved insufficient, and he requests that General Kantz be ordered to send a regiment or more to aid the gun-boat force at Powliatan. The major-general commanding directs that you direct General Kautz to send not less than a regiment of his cavalry to aid in breaking up this party of the enemy. There is a gun-boat at Fort Powhatan. A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major- General and Chief of staff Page 106 106 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (Ca& r. LIV. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 10, 1864 6.10 p. m. Lieuitjenant-General GRANT: The following has just been read by our signal officer and is forwarded for your information. It evidently refers to some attack upon onr working party at Dutch Gap. I have informed General Birney and will inform Captain Smith. Have you any orders? We will endeavor to be ready. Respectfully, B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. AUGUST 10,1864. Captain NORTON: The following message just signaled from rebel station on Signal Hill to Howletts: General R. E. LEE, ilowlelts House: Yours of 10 a. m. received at Signal Hill. engaged in locating artillery at Signal Hill and . Commodore Mitchell was here with me and proposes to drop down near Howletts and open at the same time with Carter. Can the battery at Howletts open at the same time? Apparently, it has better command than we have. The navy would prefer to take position at night. Carter will have to in- trench, as the enemys boats and batteries cover his ground. The scouts report but a regiment, probably to prevent firing into their boats. As the approaches are low and open an infantry attack is not advisable, at least during the day. R. S. EWELL, Lieutenant- General. G. S. DANA, Captain, $ignal Corps, U. ~. Army. CITY POINT, VA., August 10, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: The navy ought to be apprised of the dispatch taken from the rebel signal, and to station a part of their boats as to command the ground around our troops at Dutch Gap. If the enemy open from Howletts, reply from our water batteries on it. Are our men well covered from artillery fire? If so, and they are on the alert, an attack ought to prove disastrous to the rebels. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 10, 18648.10 p. m. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT Commanding, & c., b~t~ Point: We are preparing to meet the rebels if they choose to attack us. I think our meu are under cover. The navy have been notified to be ready on their part. A rebel deserter this afternoon reports a rumor in their camp that their cavalry have been knocked to pieces, with Page 107 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION~ 107 loss of four guns, up in the Shenandoah Valley. Have you any news upon that subject ~ He also reports that last Saturday right smart of the cavalry which was in the rear of their line, I presume a brigade, between the James and Appomattox, left for the Shenandoah. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major. General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., August 10, 1~64. Major-General BUTLER: Who has immediate command of the troops at Dutch Gap ~ It will require some one there who cannot be stampeded. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS, August 10, 18648.50 p. in. Lieut. Geii. U. S. GRANT, City Point: That command is in immediate charge of Major Ludlow, of my staff, a gentleman of experience, who will not be stampeded. He is now here. 1 have explained to him all the circumstances, and we shall not leave. I have been able since I sent to you to decipher the enemys sig- nals.* Put in where the first break is, Colonel Carter is~ and where the second is, ~ ~ house, which place you will find on the map, and it will read as follows: Colonel Carter is here engaged in locating artillery at Signal Hill and Coxs ovei seers house. B. F. BUTLER, Major. General, Commanding. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, Major LUDLOW: August 10, 18646.30 p. m. By reading the enemys signals, a copy * of which I send you, it will be seen that the enemy intend an attack upon you, probably to-morrow morning at daylight. As you will see, not an infantry attack, although you had better be ready for that. As soon as they open we shall open on them. Let the navy dispose of themselves, getting all the guns they can to bear, to cover your front and to drive off the iron-dads. Let the men understand it, so that they need not be taken by surprise and get themselves cover during the night as much as possible. Send by Clarke for anything you need. Yours, BUTLER. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 10, 186411.50 a. m. Captain NORTON: There is considerable activity shown by the rebel rams to-day. One moved down to Coxs Ferry and returned. G. S. DANA, Captain, Signal Corps. See Ewell to Lee, p. 106 Page 108 108 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 10, 18647.45 jy. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that communication is now open by signals between Water Battery and working party at Dutch Gap. Vei~y respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 10, 1864. (Received 1.30 p. in.) Colonel AEBOT: General Butler desk es that you send to Dutch Gap one 100-pounder, with carriage, implements, and 100 rounds of ammunition. Battery for it will be ready to-night. A. MORDECAI, Captain, cfL~c. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., August 10, 18642 p. rn. Captain MORDECAI, Headquarters General Butler: Captain Hart told Captain Hatfield yesterday that the 100-pounder gun had no platform. Have you made any arrangement relative to it ~ It should be laid and the magazine started at once. The carriage is for a front pintle; it and the chassis are at Bermuda, but no platform. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 10, 1864. Colonel ABBOT, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery: All the siege material has been turned over to Captain hatfield, and all arrangements will therefore have to be made by you. I can make none. A. MORDECAT, Captain. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 10, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY: The general directs that you send the regiment of the 100-days men on the front of the line which has the longest time to serve, to relieve the regiment now at Fort Powhatan as soon as possible. Transporta- tion will be ready at Bermuda. It. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 109 CHAP. LrV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 109 GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 10, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you send over to Dutch Gap a 3-inch rifle and a light 12-pounder Napoleon at once. You will send the men and an officer without horses to report to Major Lud- low. Respectfully, H. C. CLARKE, Captain and Aide-de-Gamp. Order Captain Follett to send these guns with horses and proper num- ber of men with three days rations. Horses can be returned to camp to report at Crows Nest. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 10, 18646.30 p. m. General BIRNEY: You will see that the following dispatch* is evidence that enemy pro- pose aii attack upon our party at Dutch Gal). Will you take measures to meet it~ I think it will begin early in the morning, as the rams are to come down during the night. Perhaps you had better see Captain Smith about it. Please send this to him at once, with such remarks as you think proper. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]lfajor- General, Commanding. S GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, Major-General BIRNEY, August 10, 18649.10 p. m. Commanding Tenth Army Corps: I have deciphered the dispatch.* It will read as follows: General ROBERT E. LEE, Howletts House: Yours of 10 a. m. received at Signal Hill. Colonel Carter is here engaged in locat- ing artillery at Signal Hill and Coxs overseers house. You will find both places on the map. Signal Hill is near Coxs house and Coxs overseers house is about one mile and a half from our position, directly up the road from the gap. Please explain where it is to Captain Smith. Send over an aide to him. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]Jifajor- General, Commanding. AUGUST 10, 18646.45 p. m. General BIRNEY: In case the enemy open, as they probably will do to-morrow morn- ing, I would advise that all the guns at the Water Battery and the gun at Crows Nest open upon the Howlett house; that the two mortars, with fuses too long to explode before the shell strikes, and try for the rams, if they come down. If the IGO-pounder at the Crows Nest can See Ewell to Lee, p. 106 Page 110 110 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. bear on the iron-dads let her try it. The mortar in Battery Wilcox [had] better bear upon Howletts house. Perhaps the gull at Battery Parsons can reach the iron-dads. A reserve light battery, if thrown forward on the bank of the river below the Crows Nest, would sweep Dutch Gap from any land attack by infantry, bnt you can best judge of this by being on the spot. BENJ. F. BUTLEli, M~jor- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ No. 98. * HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARi\JY Conps, In the Field, August 10, 1864. * * * - * * 5. The One hundred and thirtieth Ohio National Guard will proceed ~rithout delay to Fort Powhatan, relieving the One hundred and thirty- third Ohio National Guard, now on duty there. Transportation will be furnished at Bermuda Landing. The One hundred and thirty-third Ohio National Guard, upon beiiig relieved, will proceed upon the same transport to Washington, D. C. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. TI. TERRY, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you have your command under arms at daybreak to-morrow morning and man the parapet. Respectfully, & c., ED. W. SMiTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] Col. F. B. Pond, Sixty-second Ohio Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, is charged with the execution of this order as far as it relates to his command. By order of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry: A. TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Hatchers, Va., August 10, 186411 p. m. Colonel CURTIS, Commanding Brigade: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you have your command under arms at daybreak to-morrow morning and man the parapet. Lieutenant-Colonel Coans right will rest on Battery No.4; your rio-ht will rest on his left. very respectfully, your most obedient servant, ISRAEL Ii. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventh New York T7ol~., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen Page 111 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 111 HEADQUARTERS, Brigadier-General MARSTON, August 10, 186410.20 p. m. Fort Pocahontas: I desired Colonel Jnnis to co-operate with General Graham in a move- ment upon the enemy near Cabin Point and to pursue them dowii to Swan Point. Graham landed at daybreak. You stopped the march of Colonel Junis until 10.45 by saying, Dont move until I come. I will be there in an hour. Do you not get up to make movements until 10.45 ~ It is a little later in the morning than I am accustomed to see my officers move. Please explain. BENJ. F. BUTLER, iiiliajor- General. FORT POWHATAN, August 10, 1864. (Received 6.40 p. in.) Major-General BUTLER: Landed 140 men under Major Von Schilling and my aide~ Lieutenant Benson, and marched one mile beyond Cabin Point and returned without meeting with any opposition. CHAS. K. GRAHAM, Brigadier- General. CITY POINT Au Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, , gust 11, 1864. & cretary of War: I think it but a just reward for services already rendered that Gen- eral Sherman be now appointed a major-general, W. S. Hancock and Sheridan brigadiers in the Regular Army. There are three vacancies for major-generals and one for brigadier-general and Shermans pro- motion would make the second. All these officers have proven their worthiness for this advancement. I would also recommend the promo- tion of Brigadier-General Mower to fill the vacant volunteer major- generalship that would thus be created. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] WASHINGTON, August 11, 1864. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, City Point: GENERAL: Some forty-odd regiments of Ohio 100-days men are to be mustered out before the end of the month. The term of service of a number of regiments from Indiana and other States expires this month and the early part of next. To meet this loss of troops there is scarcely nothing coining in nuder the Presidents call and I fear you will be obliged to send troops from the field to guard certain l)laces, as West Virginia, the prison camps, & c., which cannot be left without garri- sons. There is another very serious matter for which we must be pre- pared. Pretty strong evidence is accumulating that there is a combi- nation formed or forming to make a forcible resistance to the draft in New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, and perhaps some other States. The draft must be enforced, for otherwise the army cannot b Page 112 112 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. kept up. But to enforce it may require the withdrawal of a very con- siderable [number] of troops from the field. This possible, and I think very probable, exigeucy must be provided for. I call your attention to it now in order that you may be prepared for it and make your ar- rangements accordingly. I have not been a believer in most of the plots, secret societies, & c., of which we have so many pretended dis- coveries; but the people in many parts of the North and West now talk openly and boldly of resisting the draft, and it is believed that the leaders of the peace branch of the Democratic party are doing all in their power to bring about this result. The evidence of this has in- creased very much within the last few days. It is probably thought that such a thing will have an effect upon the next election, by show- ing the inability of the present Administration to carry on the war with an armed opposition in the loyal States. Whatever the object, it is thought the attempt will be made. Are not the appearances such tliat we ought to take iii sail and prepare the ship for a storm ~ Yours, truly, II. ~. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of ~ CITY POINT, VA., August 11, 1864. Major-General IIALLEcK, Washington, D. C.: The following is a list of casualties from the explosion of the ammu- nition barge on the 9th instaiit: Killed12 enlisted men, 2 citizen em- ploy6s, 1 citizen not employed by Government, 28 colored laborers; wounded3 commissioned officers, 4 enlisted men, 15 citizen em- ploy6s, 80 colored laborers. Besides these there were 18 others wounded, soldiers and citizens not belonging about the wharf. The damage to property was large, but I have not the means of reporting it. U. S. GK~ANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, Au gust 11, 1861. (lieceived 10.20 p. in.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLEcK, Washington, D. C.: We have deserters daily from both Hills and Longstreets corps fix- ing a portion of them at least in our front. There is evidence, how- ever, of some troops having gone north iii the last few days. It is not impossible that there may be two divisions, one from each of these corps, now on the way north. Please notify Sheridan of this. Two regiments from Fosters department have arrived here. I have heard of none others. U. S. GHANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 11, 186411 a. in. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The following forwarded for your information. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 113 CHAP, IJTh] CORRESPOTDENCE, ETC.UNION. 113 hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE PoToMAC OFFICE OF TILE PROYOST-MARSHAThGENERAL, August 11, 1864. Major-General HUMPLIRE Ys, Chief of AS~ta if: GENERAL: Two deserters fioin the enemy h ye just been forwarded one from the Tenth FioriO a, Finegans brigade, Mahones division, Hills corps; the other from t1~e First Confederate Battalion, Davis brigade Heths division, Hills corps. As far as their knowledge ex- tends there hak been no change in the position of the enemys four divisions no on the south side of the Appomattox in the last three or four days. liLhmond papers of yesterday had official reports of the evacuation of Fort I owell, in Mobile harbor, which was blown np by the enemy before falling into our hands. Th~y have no other informa- tion of any ii porta~~ce. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J~O. C. BABCOCK. IIDQRS. RMY OF THE POTO AC, ST NAL DEPARTMENT, August 11, 18641.15 p. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of ASThff: GENERAL: The followin6 report has just been received from the siglial station near headquarters Eighteenth Corps: A heavy (lust seen extending from point clue son th of this station along woods in rear of city for al)ollt three-quarters of ~. mile. Column does not uncover at any point; has been passi g a given point for fifty-five minutes; many foot soldiers strag- gling on road running parallel and moving to right. If I can catch sight of column, I will report its nature. JORDAN, Sergeant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order: WM. S. STRYKEII, First Lieutenant and Adjutant AS~ignat Corps. (Forwarded to General Grant by General Meade.) [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 11, 18616 p. m. Major-General Hu LPHREYS, Chkf of ASMff: GENERAL: The following dispatch is respectfully forwarded: JORDAN HousE SrATIoN. There has been a movement of cavalry this p. m. with twenty-five wagons and ambulances. They came out of Petersburg in direction of Richmond. It is impos- sible to tell the number, as they were not elI closed up, but think abont two small re ginients. CLARK, Signal Officer. The station at the Walthall house reports the same movement. Very respectfully, B. F. FIShIER, Captain and Chief AS1ignal Officer. Respectfully forwarded to Lieutenant- General Grant. GEO. G. MEADE, ALajor- General. 8 R RYOL XLIL~ PT I Page 114 114 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIY. CITY POINT, VA., August 11, 18G4. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & e.: Has any discovery bgen made of the points where the enemy seem to be mining ~ If it can be ascertained nearly where they are running their mines I think it would be well to let them run on without coun- termining, in hopes of having them attack us, being careful, however, to have at such places a second line in which to keep our men and to establish batteries to sweep any breach that might be made by their explosion. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 11, 18G43.45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I am not aware that the enemy~s mining operations are positively known at any point. Major-General Warren, some time ago, thought he had detected evidences of their mining on his front, but he subsequently concluded he was mistaken. The arrangements referred to by you of a second line, & c., were at that time made by him. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 11, 1864G p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Respectfully forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 11, 18G42.30 p. in. Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Staff: GENER4: The following deserters have just been forwarded from the headquarters of the Fifth Army Corps, all from Mahones division of A. P. Hills corps: Private Crenshaw, Ninth Alabama, Sanders bri- gade, came in 9th instant, 12 m. Private Fife, Ninth Alabama, Sanders brigade, came in 9th instant, 9.30 p. m. Private King, Ninth Alabama, Sanders brigade, came in 9th instant, 9.30 p. m. Private Hammond, Sixty-fourth Georgia, Wrights brigade, came in 10th instant, 5 a. in. Private Van, Sixty-fourth Georgia, Wrights brigade, caine in 10th in- stant, 5 a. m. Private Wen, Sixty-first Virginia, Weisigers brigade, came in 9th instant, 12 m. Private Clarke, Eleventh Alabama, Sanders brigade, came in 10th instant, 3 a. in. Crenshaw states that he heard from a man belonging to his regiment, who had lately seen a man from Orange Court-House, that Kershaws division, of Long- streets corps, had passed through Orange Court-House on the way to the Valley. Cannot give the exact time; it was four or five days ago. Wen states that it is believed in camp that one division of Longstreet Page 115 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 115 corps has gone to Hoods army and another to the Yalley. He also states that a man from Wilcoxs division, of J~j~j~~ corps, came from Chaffins farm to his regiment a few days since, at which time Wilcox was between the Appornattox and James Rivers, in front of Major- General Butler. All of deserters corroborate previous information concerning the forces and their position on the south of the Appomattox, viz: Four divisions, posted from right to left as follows: Mahone, Heth, Hoke, and Bushrod Johnson. Mahones division is located as follows: Wrights brigade, on extreme right, not in trenches; Weisigers bri- gade, next in line; Sanders brigade, next in line; Harris brigade, next in line; Finegans brigade, next in line, on extreme left of the division, and extending across the Jerusalem plank road. According to the statements of these deserters the strength of Weisigers brigade has been reduced to 750 men; that of Sanders brigade has been redneed to 800 men for duty. Great disposition to desert in Sanders brigade. NOTE.From the right of the line we have information of Long- streets corps to the following dates: Fields division near New Market, or Deep Bottom, August; 8; Kershaws division in General Butlers front, in rear of Picketts, August 7; Picketts division in General Butlers front, August 7. The position of Wilcoxs division, of A. P. Hills corps, is uncertain. General Butler telegraphs, on the 4th instant, that Wilcoxs division, of Hills corps, is reported as being between New Market and Chaffins farm. This~ however, needs ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. CITY POINT, VA., August 11, 18647.30 - m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, d?e.: There is very strong evidence, aside from that brought in by de- serters, that the enemy are sending troops north. I think one division each from Hills and Longstreets corps have gone. Is our line now in position to be held by two corps ~ U. S. GRANT, Lie tenant- General. Referred to Major Duane, chief engineer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 11, 186411 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Reply to telegram of 7.30 delayed to get report of engineer officer. Engineers report it will require three days to complete the redoubts and rifle-pits in the fronts occupied by the Ninth and Fifth Corps, and three days more to prepare all the abatis. This work can only be ex- ecuted at night, it being nuder the enemys fire; and owing to the ex- treme heat of the weather and other causes the work is not as rapidly executed as I expected. I have given orders to put on the maximum force and push it. I know nothing of the condition of the work on the Eighteenth Corps line. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- Generat Page 116 116 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 11, 18645.30 p. m. Colonel SHARPE, City Point: Deserter to-day st tes that it was reported in camp that Kershaws (liViSiOll passed through Orange Court-House for the Valley four or five days ago. Six desert rs from Mahones division to-day. No changes south of Appomattox. ~. C. B[ABCOCK]. CITY POINT, August 11, 1864. Lieutenant DAVENPORT, Cenerat Butters & aff: A negro who left Richmond Monday says that ou Sunday morning Fitzhugh Lee division of cavalry came through Richmond from toward Petersburg and passed out on the Brook turnpike; that they were more than an hour in passing, and the white folks said they were going to re-enforce Early. He also thinks that trains were sent up on the Central Railroad on Saturday and Sunday with infantry. What he knows about the infantry is very indistinct, but he states the story about the cavahy with many circumstantial facts. GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, 4w. AUGUST 11, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief S~gnal 0 cer: A party of fif en of cue y have just begun a new work 1,000 yards to left of Chimneys. Enemy still hauling logs to the front. A party of forty of the enemy left their flu st line and moved off toward Peters- burg. They had kr a sacks, haversacks, & c., but nO muskets. No other change. All quiet. Respectfully, WARTS. AUGUST 11, 1864. Major-General WARREN: No change. Few of enemy were laboring on work about 500 yards to right of Chimneys, but our batteries have driven them away. Some of the timber that the enemy have been hauling to first line of works is now being used to br cc up works. WARTS, Lieutenant. (Same to Major Fisher.) PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 11, 18641 p. rn. Maj. B. F. FISHER: At 11.30 a. m. 1,000 cavalry moved to our right on line of Weldon railroad, and 150 horses (leading), followed by a train of 34 ambulances and 61 wagons, a few wagons loaded with grain in the sheaf. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant Page 117 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 117 TREE STATION, August 11, 18642 p. rn. Major FISIIEu: At 11.30 a. m. thirty-six wagons seen moving toward our right on road near lead-works. A force of cavalry have just passed on the Richmond and Petersburg road going toward Richmond. They were ten minutes passing and were followed by six wagons. Another coin- paxiy followed the wagons, taking four minutes to pass. There were two flags, both red. Wagons have been passing just beyond on same road for about twenty minutes, going toward Richmond. I counted thirteen before the cavalry caine and thirty after they had passed. T. II. FEAREY, Second Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SH~NAL DEPARTMENT, August 11. 1864. Major-General IIUMIIIIREYS, Chief of AS1taff: GENERAL: The following dispatches are respectfully forwarded: PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION. At 2.30 p.m. a body of cavalry moved to our right on line of Weldon railroad, followed by a train of fourteen wagons, but owing to the smoke inteTvening, blown from the burning woods upon our left, a correct estimate as to the number of cavalry could not be made. They probably numbered 500; were ten minutes in passing. No other movement visible since last report. No change in camp visible. FULTON. XVALTHALL Housn STATION. Between 2 and 3 p. m. saw heavy dust extending from lead-works ~CTO55 the city; could not see what was moving, but from dust judged that the movement was toward oilr right. It lasted tweiity minutes. A similar line of dust seen about 5 p. m. The movement in same direction. The enemy have been conveying long tim- ber from the wood toward Fort Clifton. Enemy reports an increase of hospital tents near Point of Rocks. FEAREY, Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal OpYeer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 11, 186476 p. rn. Major-General IIITMPHREYS. Chief of Staff: GENERAL; The following dispatches are respectfully forwarded: JORDAN HOUSE STATION. There has been a movement of cavalry this p. m. with twenty-five wagons and ambulances. They came out of Petersburg in direction of Richmond. It is impos- sible to tell the number, as they were not well closed up, but think about two small regiments. CLARK, Signal Officer. The station at the WaIthall house reports the same movement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 118 118 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [Clii?. LIV. STATION NEAR GIBBoNS HousE, Au gust il~ 18646.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: The dust reported at 12.10 this p. in. I think must have arisen from teams moving from enemys left and disappearing in woods at point about southwest, or near Dinwiddie road. A signal station in rear of city at a point south-southwest plainly visible. Enemy yet busy on works northwest and west-northwest of this station. Fire in Peters- burg between 3 and 4 this a. m. A. C. JORDAN, AS1ergeant. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIv., SECOND CORPS, August 11, 1864. Maj. JOHN HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Div., Second Corps: MAJOR: I would respectfully inform you that I have this day turned over the command of the Second Brigade to Col. C. A. Craig, One hun- dred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. J. MADILL, Colonel 141st Pennsylvania Volunteers, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 11, 18649 a. m. IWig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General I have the honor to report that nothing unusual transpired in my front during the night. G. K. WARREN Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH AR IY CORPS, August 11, 18619 p. m. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual has transpired in my front to-day. Nine deserters from the enemy were received and forwarded to the provost-marshal-general. Four hundred men are at work to-night at Battery Tilton. G. K. WARREN, ]Jiliajor- General HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 11, 18649 p. m. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that nothing worthy of note has occurred on my front to-day. To-night the picket-firing is quite brisk. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General Page 119 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 119 HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST Div., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., Autj,ust 11, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report that during my tour of duty no movements were observed in the rebel line, but that they are reported to be strengthening their works opposite the Fourth Division. The traverses of the First Division front need improvement, which can be accomplished by the men in the trenches with little labor. The officer of the Second Division ~eports a new and strong work to the right of the blown-up fort and in the thick woods, and he also recommends drainage of the covered way near the railroad and deepening the ap- proaches in a few points. No change was observed in the Third Divis- ion, and no recommeildations are made. In the Fourth Division nothing unusual occurred. The policing of the Second and Third Di- visions has been improved since my last tour of duty, but in rear of all the divisions the men are in the practice of using the unoccupied works as sinks, and in the Second Division, near Que of the batteries, there is a sink which I have called attention to twice, and which is shameP\lly bad. All the ditches in rear of the works need to be widened. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GILBERT P. ROBINSON, Lient. Col., Comdg. AS~econcl Brig., First Div., Ninth Army Corps. [Thdorsement.] Directions have been given to make the improvements reccmmended in the above report. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS Before Petersburg, Va., August 11, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have time honor to report that there has been but slight firing on my front during the day. Brigade commanders report that the enemy is apparently repairing the fort blown up on the 30th ultimo. The men can be seen and heard at work. My lines are kept in good repair, and are strengthened wherever there appears need for addi- tional defenses. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. SECOND MOUNTED RIFLES, NEW YORK VOLS., Near Petersburg, Va., August 11, 1864. Brigadier-General POTTER, Comn~tnding Second Division, Ninth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor to report as division officer of the day for the 10th instant that I find the trenches generally effective an Page 120 120 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. CHAP. LIV. protective. With ordinary care the ineu defending them are protected from tbe fire of the enemy. The healtl~ of the men serving along and near the line of railroad require that a strong pioneer fo;ee be ordered to draw off~ the stagnant mud putrid water by fill ing the ditch on the west side, which will force the water out, at the same time cover all sources of disease so abundant in th~ t locality.. Considerable policing was done yesterday, and the camps of the First anci Second I3rig des much improved, bnt two or three poi Is along the sap by which the outer lines are approache need raising. With these trifling exceptions, the approaches are good and safe. I observe to the right of the fort of the enemy blown uj. on the 30th nltimo, ud farther back in thick woods, quite a large earth-work 1w s been thrown ll), the only recent change noticed in the enemys works in front of this division. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN FISK, Colonel Second fountu R~flcs, New York Vols., Division Officer of the. Daj, Any ist 10, 1864. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VInCI fl A n NOrTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFOEMATIOLT, In the lYcId, ~ugn t 11, 18646.05 p. m. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marsha i-General, City Point: Everything in our front here remains as heretofore. On the north side of James deserters report no changes. Nothing, II am confident, has left our entire front. I telegraphed you yesterday, but received no an swer. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lient., Acting Aide-dc-Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal. HDQR5. DEPT. OF VI GINIA AND NORTh CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, A qjnst 11, 18649.50 p. m. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General, City Point: I have just received a deserter from Terrys brig~ de. He reports that a rumor exists in their c mp that all of Lon gstreets corps, save Pickett, have gone to Richmond, and thence north. A geutleinan from Rich- mond, who was seemi by a comrade of his last night, informed them that he had seen them in Richmond. Time man knows nothing of any one in his rear, amid says that he knows the cavalry all left. Kershawsdivis- ion was in their rear. I imagine, and indeed believe, that very likely they have gone as he says. No desertem s from Fields to-day. He may have gone with them. It is believed in Pickelts division that they are about to march and to be relieved by Heths divisiomm. There is strong circumstantial evidence to coufi this. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Licut., Acting Aide-dc- Camp, an Assistant Provo~-Miarshal Page 121 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 121 HDQR5. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Col. J. W. SHAFFER, August 11, 1864. Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Water Battery reports at 4.25 p. m. that the enemy have thrown up works to the north and east of Coxs Mill to-day. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., August 11, 1864. Brioadier~General iRAMSAY, Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, Winders Building, Washington, D. C. I have sixteen Coehorns in position and could fire 1,000 rounds daily to advantage. My supply of this ammunition is nearly exhausted, although it has been economized to our serious detriment, the rebel mortar fire now exceeding our own. In response to my letter of 15th instant and telegram of 19th instant, I have only received about 11,700 rounds. If possible I urgently request a prompt filling of the requisitions for 20,000 rounds, with preparations for a further sul)ply if called for. hENRY L. ABBOT. Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding Siege Train. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISlON, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, August 11, 18645.25 a. m. Colonel CURTIS, Commanding Brigade: COLONEL: Your troops will not be kept under arms any longer, as the emergency is passed. They will be returned to their camps. By order of Brigadier-General Turner: ISRAEL R. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventh New York Vois., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. IIDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., TENTH ARMY CORPS, Fort Pocahontas, Va., August 11, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: On the 9th of August, at 2.30 p. in., I received the following dispatch from Colonel Innis, commanding at Fort Powhatan: A white nigger has just reported to me that there are three companies of cavalry within thr~e miles of this fort; also a large infantry force on the Surry Court-House road. He says 3,000I think the 400 or 5001 spoke to you about yesterday. I sent out thirty or forty cavalry to repair the telegraph line this a. in., but they were driveii in. What shall I (101 At 3 p. m. I sent the following to Colonel Innis: Keep a sharp lookout, but dont risk surprise or capture. Deeming it important to destroy or capture the rebel force that was interrupting the telegraph at 3.45 p. in. I telegraphed to Captain Pit Page 122 122 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. kin, at City Point, to send me a steamer that night, to enable me to cross the river with a part of my force at this post, to which I received no reply until between 7 and 8 oclock on the morning of the 10th in- stant, when the steamer called for reported. My purpose was to send a section of my light battery and about 150 men to Fort Powhatan in the evening, and during the night to land about 250 men below Cabin Point, and endeavor to suiprise the rebels at (laylight this morning by a simultaneous movement of both detachments. At 9.30 a. m. Augn.st 10 I received the following dispatch from Colonel Innis: We are about sending out all our available force. In case we are driven in can I depend upon you for assistance? To which I replied: Make no movement until I come; will be with you in an hour. In less than one hour I was at Fort Powhatan, and then and there first learned that General Graham had sent a force dowu the river, and that Colonel Innis had been requested to co-operate with him. I imine- diately directed Coloucl Thnis to send out all the men he could possibly spare and sent back to Wilsons Landing for 375 men, 100 of whom I directed to remain at Fort Powhatanjand 275 I sent to re-enforce the detachment sent forward by Colonel Innis. A part of the force marched as far as Cabin Point and scouted the country about there, arrested several citizens who, with one exception, persisted that no more than six rebel soldiers had been seen recently in that neighborhood. From one party they learned that about seventy-five rebel cavalry had that morning gone off on the Blackwater road. They found the telegraph line down at several points but not broken. Between 8 and 9 oclock the force returned to Fort Powhatan. I inclose herewith a report of Lieutenant Swain, which accounts for the fact that no communication was received from Fort Powhatan on the night of the 9th instant. To your remark about not getting up to make movements until 10.45, I have no reply to make, feeling that the same was uncalled for and unjust. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GILMAN MARSTOK, Brigadier- Ucueral of Volunteers. [Inclosure.] FORT POCAHONTAS, VA., August 11, 186.4. Brig. Gen. G. MARSTON, (lommandiug Brigade: GENERAL: In answer to your inquiries I ~have the honor to report that I was at the signal station at this post on the night of the 9th instant nutil fifteen minutes of 11 oclock, and gave my men instruc- tions to use extra caution on watch. My sergeant at Fort Powhatan states that lie called this station from 11 to 12 oclock that night. During the afternoon and just previous to sunset we could communi- cate by signals only at intervals, and I have reason to suppose that during the time this station was called the smoke in the atmosphere prevented their torch from being seen at this distance, nearly eight miles. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JULIUS M. SWAIN, & cond Lieutenant and Signal Officer Page 123 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 HEADQUARTERS EI~HTEENTII ARMY CORPS, August 11, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT. A deserter came in this a. in.; reports that he heard a cook, who came to his regiment last night from the other side of Petersburg, say that he heard a man just from Richmond say that part of Lees troops weic going north through Richmond yesterday. As cars were running on the Richmond railroad during the night there may be something in the report. E. 0. C. ORD, ]Iliajor - General of Volunteers. NORFOLK, Augu8t 11, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER: COLONEL: The order intended for Colonel Garrards cavalry to relieve Colonel Diinons regiment, First U. S. Volunteer Infantry, as provost-guard in this district, was inadvertently sent to these head- quarters for transmission. Colonel Garrards cavalry is not in this command. He has probably not received the order. No troops here to relieve Colonel Dimon. I shall be at the front Saturday. G. F. SHEPLEY, Brigadier. General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. 0., August 11, 1864. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. 0.: SIR: The nature of the proposition I shall mnake in this communica- tion must be the excuse I offer for sending direct to you. There is in the State of North Carolina, in proximity to our lines, quite a large su~)ply of cotton which I am convinced can be procured for the Govern- ment if I can be permitted [to use] my own extraordinary means of obtaining it. This cotton has been inland for a long time, or a great deal of it hid away for the purpose of keeping it from the rebel Govern- ment or from raiding parties of our forces. The owners have in many instances expressed a perfect willingness to dispose of it to our Gov- ernment, but the first attempt to get it from the hiding-places to points where I could receive it would be the cause of its being seized or destroyed by the rebels. The owners, too, in most cases, are men who have had the confidence of the former commander of Plymouth, and before the fall ot that place promises of assistance to get the cotton within our limmes were made. Now I would propose to obtain this cotton in this way: Whisky will draw cotton when nothing else will, and a trustworthy, honorable man here makes the proposition to place at points where I can easily end for it some hundreds of bales, at the rate of a bale of cotton for a barrel of whisky. Now a bale of cotton is worth to the Government at least $500 over and above the cost of transportation, and the common whisky is worth, or costs the Govern- ment here, say $50 to $60. It is probable that from 1,500 to 2,000 bales could be procured in this way, thus placing a large amount of money into the hands of the Governmnent, and at the samne time we put this cotton out of the way of the rebels. They will, I fear, sooner or late Page 124 124 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. get it if we do not. Then the whisky will do our enemies no good. It will do them more harm, and for my part I would not care how much they had, if we could get sinews of war in exchange for it. It is no use for us to send raiding parties for this cotton or to send agents to pnrchase it with our money; thus would we insure its destruction. As a matter ot course the person who is to procure this cotton is worthy of his hire, and that he is willing to leave to you or to me if his propo- sition be accepted. It is my impression that the one-tenth of all cotton so procured ought to be a sufficient reward. I beg au early reply to this, and if the plan seems a good one I beg that the commissary of subsistence at New York be directed to send at once to the commis- sary department here 100 barrels of common whisky; 900 more if I direct a requisition for that amount to be made on him, and still another 900 if the venture should prove a success. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- 4eneral. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 186111 a. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS: Send orders to Major-General Hancock to move his command as soon as practicable to City Point. His artillery and trains to be sent to- night, or at snch time as not to be seen by the enemy, to the vicinity of the Point of Rocks bridge, cross the same and move over to some point in rear of the center of General Butlers line and out of sight of the enemy. Send orders to Gregg to make the necessaryarrangements to relieve his division by Kautzs command to-night, Kautz to protect our left and rear and watch over to the James. Gregg, with his division, to move to-morrow to Point of Rocks, at such time as his movement will be conceale(l from the enemy, cross the bridge, and move to Deep Bottom and across the James, reporting to Hancock. Be particular in notify- ing all officers that the orders are confidential, and every effort must be made to conceal the destination of the several corps from their own troops as well as the enemy. The idea will be held out that the Ninth Corps is going to Washington. [MEADE.] JORDANS HOUSE, August 12, 1864i p. m. Major FISHER: A large wagon train moving west, apparently from Butlers front, has just passed open space about six miles northwest from this point. Enemys signal officers report one regiment of cavalry crossing pontoon to Prince George side, also unusual number of gun-boats and steamers above pontoon. T. R. CLARK, Captain and & gnal Officer. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 12, 1864. Major FISHER: A column of the enemys cavalry, followed by thirty-eight wagons, has just passed a point on the Richmond turnpike north 40 degree Page 125 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 125 west from here, going toward Richmond. The column occupied forty minutes in passing, independent of the wagons, and carried at least two battle-flags which were visible. The enemys signal officers report con- siderable activity among our shipping off Point of Rocks and a regiment of cawdry crossing pontoon bridge to this side. C. L. DAVIS, Oct tam and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPs, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 12, 1864. Chief of Staff: The following just received from General Crawford is sent for your information. The man is on his way to your headquarters: HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISION, FIFTH CoRPS, August 12, 1864. GENERAL: Two men belonging to the artillery of the Second Corps deserted to the enemy last evening. A deserter named Frederick Schaunel, Company C, Eighth Ala- bama, Sanders brigade, of Mahones division, came into my lines this evening. He left Richmond on Sunday last, having been in the hospital there. He confirms the report I sent on the 8th in regard to Kershaws division, of Longstreets corps, having gone to the Valley. He saw Kershaws old brigade of the division pass through Richmond on Sunday. He says also that more of that corps has gone north. He states also that Major Duncan, of Mahones staff, said to the division surgeon (Wood) in his presence that Lee had certainly gone north. A man who had returned to the regiment yesterday says that an artillery train passed through Richmond on Tuesday going to Early, and that as he came down to Petersburg he saw wagon trains of cavalry going northward. This man repeats the story of a mine being constructed toward the fort on Griffins front. He says that twenty men from each regiment are on daily detail to work at this mine and that the men from his regiment told him where they were at work. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. Xv. CRAWFORD, Brigadier-General. G. K. WARREN. Major- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 18645.45 p. m. Respectfully forwarded for Lieutenant General Grants information. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August i2,18642 p. rn. (Received 10.40 p. in.) QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL U. S. ARMY: Think I have shipped means of transportation as follows: 239 teams of the Sixth Corps and 428 of the Cavalry Corps, making 667 wagons and teams completed. They are ordered to be reported to General D. H. Rucker. Please advise him that no more will be sent at present, and that those forwarded should retain their present organizations and should join the commands to which they appertain. When necessar Page 126 126 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. any number more of organized trains can be sent. I will now hold transports until it is decided about moving troops. Two or three divisions of rebel troops have lately left our front. RUFUS JNGALLS, Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Two deserters from Perrys brigade (now Finegans), Eighth Florida Regiment, came into our lines about 7 oclock last even- ing. They bring no important information. As far as they know the enemys position remains unchanged. They report that the enemy are sinking shafts, either mining or countermining, at a point very near the Jerusalem plank road and on the part of the line occnpied by Fin- egans (Florida) brigade. NOTE.This was reported by one of Finegans men yesterday, who had seen the shafts. One of them he said was about 150 yards from the Jerusalem plank road, and about sixty yards in rear of the trenches. Yery respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 12, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following telegram has just been received: CITY POINT, August 12, 1864. J. C. ~Bx~cocK: Deserters received to-day from Picketts an Hokes divisions and Scales brigade all agree that the cavalry before reported and Kershaws division are gone to Early. Nothing heard to.day of Fields division, bnt the probabilities are that he has gone. SHARPE, Colonel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, August 12, 18646.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from the Eighth Alabama, Sanders brigade, Mahones division, Hills corps, came in this afternoon about 1.30 oclock. He statesthat he left Richmond last Sunday morning (where he has been for the past two months in hospital) for Petersburg, at which time he saw Kershaws old brigade marching from the Peters- burg depot to the Firginia Central depot, on the way to Early, in th Page 127 CHAP. Liv.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 127 Valley; that ne asked what brigade it was, and where they were going; that troops were marching through Richmond all night last Saturday night, and took the cars at the Central depot; understood that all of Kershaws division was going to the Valley, and had passed through Richmond Saturday night and Sunday morning last; inlbrniant knows nothing of Fields division; thinks Kershaws division is all that has gone; reports no change in the enemys position on the south side of the Appomattox; it is generally understood that the enemy is mining in the direction of Fort Griffin; shafts are being sunk in Finegans brigade; General Ewdll is in command of the defenses of Richm.ond; there are no troops in the fortifications or about the city other than the home gnards and city battalions; saw Richmond papers of to-day they had no further news from Atlanta or Mobile. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. CITY POINT, August 12, 1864. J. C. BAncouK: We have five refugees forwarded through our depot who left Rich- niond last night at 8 oclock. During the night of Saturday and Sun- day troops were marched through Richmond to the Central depot. Great care was taken to conceal the movement, and they were reported at one time as two divisions, and at another as two brigades. The cavalry was well known to be Fitzhugh Lees. The artillery went through Sunday night and was counted at twenty pieces. Dispatch from Captain Leet says that our men report these troops to have passed through Gordonsville. Dispatch from Lieutenant Davenport during the night showing reason to believe that MeLaws and Field have left. SHARPE, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel SHARPE, August 12, 18646.45 p. m. City Point: Deserter from Eighth Alabama left Richmond hospital on Sunday morning last. Saw Kershaws old brigade passing through the city to take the cars at Virginia Central Railroad depot. Troops passed through Richmond all night on Saturday last, and it was well understood that all of Kershaws division took the Virginia Central Railroad between dark on Saturday and daylight on Sunday morning last. He knows nothing at all of Fields division. J. C. B[ABCOCK]. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 12, 186411.15 a. rn. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Miarshal- General, City Point: Three deserters from Pickefts division received this a. m. They report all the cavalry in their rear to have left on Saturday night and gone to the Valley. Kershaws division has also left their rear an Page 128 128 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CaAP. LIV. gone to Richmond and thence on. They state that two other divisions went with Kershaws, but whose they do not know. I have nothing as yet from the north side of the James. I fear Field has left there, but know nothing of it. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-dc- Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, OFFICE OF BUREAU OF INFORMATION, in the Field, August 12, 1861--7 p. m. Colonel SIIARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General: Deserters to-day front Hokes and Picketts divisions and Scales bri- gade. No further news of interest. All insist that trool)s have left for the Valley. Some have it more and some less. None to-day from Field. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-dc- Camp, and Assistant Prov ~st-Marshal. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 12, 186410 p. m. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General, City Point: Two refugees, just in from Richmond, leaving there on Tuesday noon, say there was infantry went upon the cars to the Valley on Saturday night. Dont know what. On Sunday Fitzhugh Lees cavalry, Stuarts light horse artillery, with some other battery, went through. The infantry was Kershaw beyond a doubt. I do not think Field has gone. Hope to ascertain to-morrow. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-dc- Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 12, 18648.30 a. in. Maj. B. F. FISHER: At 7.15 a. in. a body of cavalry, numbering 1,100, moved to our right on line of Weldon railroad, followed by a train of twelve ambulances and forty-one wagons. Still working on front line, left of Gregorys house. No change in camps. H. W. FULTON, & rgeant. SIGNAL STATION, PLANK ROAD, August 12, 18647.15 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: Thirteen wagons to our right and fifteen to our left this a. in., besides train with cavalry already reported. About 100 men, with arms and knapsacks, moved to our left in line of Weldon railroad at 5.30 p. ni. Enemy haulin~, logs in considerable quantities in forts on our right and front. No change of camps. H. W. FULTON, fergeant Page 129 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Statf: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following reports just received: JORDAN HousE9.45 a. m. A column of cavalry has just passed Whiteheads going to our right marching by twos, and forty-five minutes in passing a point; were followed by six ambulances. Straggling cavalrymen are constantly passing to our right. CLARK, Captain. NEAR hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Conrs9 a. m. Enemy at work in small squads at different points of line. LYON, Lientenmt. 1 am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order: WM. S. SThYKER, First-Lieutenant, Adjutant Signal Corps. AUGUST 12, 18649.30 a. m. Major FISHER: An hour ago twenty-eight wagons passed toward city on the road to the left of lead-works. Enemys signal officer reports a company of cav- alry crossing pontoon bridge toward Bermuda Hundred. C. L. DAVIS, Captain, d~rc. AUGUST 12, 186412.30 p. m. Major FISHER: A column of enemys cavalry, followed by thirty-eight wagons, has just passed a point on Richmond turnpike north 40 degrees west from here, going toward Richmond. The column occupied forty minutes in passing independent of the wagons, and carried at least two battle- ilags which were visible. Enemy~s signal officer reports considerable activity among our shipping off Point of Rocks, and a regiment of cav- alry crossing pontoon bridge to this side. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, & e. STATION NEAR GIBBONS HOUSE, August 12, 18646.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: An unusual amount of stir in enemys wagon train visible to-day. One train of twenty-three wagons passed a point about three miles west of this station, moving on a road running to enemys depot of sup- plies on Petersburg and Richmond Railroad also, train of nine wagons on same road moving in opposite direction. No further movement 9 R RYOL XLII, PT I Page 130 130 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. noticed on road reported this In. At 4 p. in. a body of cavalry, esti- mated at 350 men, passed a point about half a mile to right of Farleys house, moving south-southwest. A considerable dust seen occasionally nearly all day on roads south and west of city, and should think it in. dicated more than the usual travel on main roads. Since 4 p. in. dust and smoke have inclosed whole country round city. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, - August 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch has just been received, and is respectfully forwarded for your information: GIBBONS HousE, August 12, 1864. (Via Eighteenth Army Corps.) Major FISHER: A wagon train has been steadily passing a point southwest of this station for about sixty minutes. They move in a direction south-southwest. A heavy dust for about same time along line of Petersburg and Richmond Railroad, bnt covered from ob- servation. About 300 troops moved at head of wagon train. Considerable dust south of city, but not steadily. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant Signal Corps, 4~c. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order: WM. S. STJS~YKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Signal Corps. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have no further movement upon the part of the enemy during the day to report excepting that there seemed to be more than usual activity upon the various roads during the day. One of my lookouts reports that about 4 p. in. the atmosphere became too hazy to see movements, but a bank of dust seemed to rise in vicinity of city and extend across the river and on to the right. He thought it indi- cated a movement, but was not certain. I give it for what it is worth. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFiCE, No. 268. ~ Washington, August 12, 1864. * * * * * * 41. First Lieut. C. C. Chaffee, Ordnance Department, is hereby relieved from duty at Allegheny, Pa., and will report in person withou Page 131 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 delay to the commanding general Army of the Potomac to relieve First. Lieut. M. Schaff, Ordnance Department, in his duties as depot ordnance officer, Army of the Potomac. 42. First Lieut. M. Schaff, Ordnance Department, on being relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac, will repair at once to Reading, Pa., and relieve Capt. S. C. Lyford, Ordnance Department, in his duties as inspector of cannon and projectiles at that place. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 72. City Point, Va., August 12, 1864. I. Col. F. MeGilvery, First Maine Light Artillery, is temporarily relieved from dnty with the Army of the Potomac, and will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina, for assignment as chief of artillery of the Tenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney, commanding. * * * * * * * By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 186411.15 a. m. Major-General HANCOCK Commanding & cond Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you move your command as soon as practicable to City Point. Your artillery and trains will be sent to-night, or at such times as not to be seen by the enemy, to the vicinity of the Point of Rocks bridge, cross the same, and move over to some point in rear of the center of General Butlers line and out of sight~of the enemy. The movement of the artillery and trains must at all times be concealed from the enemy. General Gregg will be immediately directed to move to-morrow secretly to Deep Bottom and across the James, and report to you. The major-general commanding directs me to enjoin upon you that these orders are strictly confidential, and every arrange- ment and effort must be made to conceal the destination of the corps from the officers and troops, artillery and trains, and from the enemy. The idea will be held out that the Second Corps is going to Washington. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ]lliajor- General and Chief of ~3taff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 12, 186411.45 a. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPTIREYS, Chief of & aff: GENERAL: Your dispatch of 11.15 a. m. just received. I will adjourn the court of inquiry at once, until such time as I may again assemble it, as it cannot proceed, I think; there will be but one member; Page 132 132 OPERATI(YNS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [ChAr. LIV. should, however, like to have advice on that subject. I have a detail of 1,000 men at ~vork; I should like to have them returned at ouce. I shall move my command as soon as it gets ready. I understand about the wagons and artillery. Your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. Your order is confidential, but it cannot be executed properly unless II send staff officers to Point of Rocks to select such places for trains and artillery as may meet the order, which will give them an idea. W. S. H., Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 186412.45 p. rn. (Received 1 p. in.) Major4?reneral HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: The major-general commanding advises that you adjourn the court. Duane will be ordered to send back the detail at once. The corn- manding general considers that it would be better, in view of what you write, not to move the artillery and trains until night, and that the idea should be given that the artillery and trains embark at Ber- muda Hundred to expedite the embarkation for Washington. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ]Jliajor- General and Chief of. Staff. CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 18646 p. m. Major-General HANcOCK, Commanding Second Corps: By direction of the major-general commanding I transmit you here- with a eopy* of Lieutenant-General Grants letter to him of the 25th of July, which will form your instructions under the orders sent you this morning. The objects of your present expedition are identically the same as the former under the same instructions. It is ascertained that the enemy have re-enforced Early recently with three infantry divisions, Kershaws and Fields, of iongstreets corps, and Wilcoxs, of Hills corps, and Lees division of cavalry, leaving only five divisions here. The commanding general directs that besides the rations and ammuni- tion directed to be carried on the person you have six days rations in trains and the ammunition required by recent orders. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 12, 1864. The infantry command will be in readiness to move as soon as prac- ticable. As soon as divisions are in readiness to move the commanders will report the fact at these headquarters. The artillery and trains 5cc Vol. XL, Part III, p. 437 Page 133 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 133 will be in readiness, but probably will not move until some time after the infantry. The headquarters spring-wagon, ambulances, medical, and other wagons usually allowed to move with the troops, will not move with the troops, but will be parked under the direction of Captaiu McEntee, assistant quartermaster, and will move under his direction. The general train will move under direction of Captain Shallenberger, assistant quartermaster. The details now absent ou fatigue will be ordered to join their commands at once. The artillery and trains will not hitch up until so directed. If not already supplied, the troops will at once be supplied with rations of the required amount. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCIJEAR.] HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRIGADE, SECOND CoRPS, August 12, 1864. During the temporary absence of Maj. John G. Hazard, First Rhode Island Artillery, Capt. A. J. Clark, First New Jersey Artillery, senior officer, will assume command of the Artillery Brigade. By command of Maj. John G. Hazard: U.~ D. EDDY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH AR ~ CORPS, General S. WILLIAMS, August 12, 18649 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report th~ t nothlng of importance occurred in my front last night. Heavy picket-firing in front of the command on my right was kept up all night. Early this morning the enemy opened some of his heavy guns. He fired both last night and this morning from the heavy battery near the plank road. Two deserters from Florida brigade were received and sent up this morning. G. K. WARREN, Major- Generac. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. S. WILMAMS, August 12, lSGl9p. m. Assistant Adjutant-General. I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired in my front during the day. Nineteen hundred and fifty men from this corps are at work to-night on the line. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commandi~mg. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 199. August 12, 1864. * * * * * * 6. The detachment of the First Michigan Cavalry, Lient. William H. Wheeler commanding, on duty at these headquarters, having bee Page 134 134 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. relieved by Captain Martins company of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, will, in compliance with paragraph 2 of Special Orders, No. 215, headquarters Army of the Potomac, proceed to join the First Cav- alry Division, at Harpers Ferry. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, A~ssistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 12, 18649 a. m. General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Nothing unusual occurred on my front during last night. Early this morning the enemy opened with some heavy guns, supposed to be 20- pounders, from their new battery on the right of the Fifth Corps, and fired a few times at Roemers battery. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 12, 1864. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report the usual state of affairs on my line dur- ing the day. The enemy used a good deal of artillery about night-fail, apparently only for purposes of annoyance. A. E. BUIRNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvISIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 12, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RIChMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: 1 have the honor to report that the firing on my front, both musketry and artillery, was more than usually heavy during the night. Nothing of importance occurred, however, and the occasion of this increased fire is not apparent. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 12, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report no changes on my front the last twelve hours. The picket and artillery fire has been much heavier than usual. The enemy opened with heavy guns, supposed to b Page 135 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 135 20-pounders, from their new work in front of the right of the Fifth Corps. I should judge it was near the McKenzie house. They fired a few shots at iRoerners battery. I am, very respectfully, yoiiir obedient servant, 0. B. WILLOOX, Brigadier- General, Commandivg. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Lieut. Col. LEWIS iRICHiviOND, August 12, 18G4. Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report no changes ill my front during the (lay. The enemy have been bnsy with the spade, and have used their artillery, in their new work in front of our extreme left. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX Brigadier- General, ~ CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 18G4.11.45 a. m. Brigadier.General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: The major-general commanding directs that you make the necessary arrangements to relieve your division to-night by Kautzs command, which will picket and patrol on our left and rear and watch over toward the James. You will move with your division to-morrow to Point of Rocks at such times as to conceal your movement from the enemy, cross the bridge and move to Deep Bottom and across the James, and report to Major-General Hancock. Your whole movement must be concealed from the enemy and secretly made. The major- general commanding particularly enjoins upon you every effort to con- ceal the destination of the command from the troops as well as from the enemy. If time movement of the Second Corps becomes known the idea will be held out that it is going to Washington. These orders are to be regarded as strictly confidential. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. 2D BRIG., 2D DIV.. CAy. CORPS, No. 60. August 12, 1864. Col. J. Irvin Gregg having been relieved from duty as division com- mander, Col. M. Kerwin, temporarily in command of the brigade dur- ing his absence, is hereby relieved and will report to his regiment. * * * * * * * By command of Col. J. Irvin Gregg, commanding brigade: JNO. B. MAITLAND, Captain and Assistant Adjutant. General Page 136 136 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, VA., A ugust 12, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, ~c.: It having become evident that the enemy has sent north two if not three divisions of infantry, twenty-three pieces of artillery, and one division of cavalry, beside the dismounted cavalry, and a few regi- ments to Charleston, I am determined to see if we cannot force him to retnrn here or give us an advantage. To do this I have given the same instrnctions as for the last move from Deep Bottom. There is this difference, however, in the preparation: The Second Corps, the only one ont of line and foot loose, will march here this afternoon to embark in steamers. They will be under the impression, except the commander, that Washington is their destination. To facilitate em- barkation (ostensibly) the artillery and transportation go to Bermuda Huiidred to-night. After dark to-morrow night the pontoon bridge will be laid at the same place as on the former occasion. As soon as laid, or soon after 12 oclock at night, the cavalry and artillery will commence crossing. The inflintry, which will all be embarked here during the day on steamers, will start so as to reach Deep Bottom about 2 a. m. the 14th. I hope to have prompt movements and favor- able results. What force can you spare from Bermuda Hundred to be used north of the James with this expedition ~ Whatever force you can spare, reducing the force to hold your line to a minimum, I wish you to have ready to follow the artillery and cavalry soon after day- light on the 14th. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 12, 18615.30 oclock. General GRANT: Your note of instructions is received. Owing to the recent arrival of the South Carolina troops, I am unable to say just how many we can spare for the purpose, but I think 10,000 nien for a weeks oper- ations, and perhaps more, if the Eighteenth holds its ground for the present. I will write you in detail and at length as soon, as I can as certain precisely. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., August 12, 1864. Major.General BUTLER, Commanding, gPx: Our intrenchments are now so strong that with a very thin line they can be held. We have the further security that the enemy has shown that he feels no inclination to attack fortifications. Under this view I have been thinking that with the colored troops alone, or at furthest with the colored troops and the white troops of the Tenth Corps, the Eighteenth Corps might be got foot loose to rest and fit up for other service, which I will make known to you. I think one infantry man to six feet the greatest abundance at Bermuda, and one to four feet sufficient for the line north of the Appomattox. As soon after the matter about which I advised you confidentially an hour ago is settled, 1 wish you would take this matter in hand. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 137 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 137 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 12, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: We have caught enough of a signal message ~.o rebel rams to 1e~rn that they have a deserter. Message is as follows: And that they arc cutting a canal through. The explosion Tuesday, he says, was a gun-boat. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 12, 18642 p. m. Major-General BUTLER: What is the condition of affairs in front of General Foster ~ Can a force get out at that point or must it cross below ~ GEG. G. MEADE, ]Jfcjor- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 12, 18643.50 p. m. Major-General MEADE: There is no physical difficulty in getting out on Fosters front as well as below; in either case you will meet about three brigades in light rifle-pits. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. P. S.Have captured General Laws (Alabama) brigade assistant adjutant-general, who says when we took those guns before at Deep Bottom therewere but 3,000 men on that side, and, I believe, even more the next day. B.F.B. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 12, 18644.30 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: The within just received in reply to my inquiry. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 12, 18641.15 p. m. General BUTLER: Two flag-of-truce boats of the enemy are at Coxs Wharf loaded with troops. No communication with them yet. LUDLOW. Those boats are communicating with Major Mulford at Aikens. B. F. BUTLER Page 138 138 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. MY. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 12, 1864. Captain NORTON: Two rebel steamers near Dutch Gap with flag of truce. G-. S. DANA, Captain, & e. BERMUDA, August 12, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER: COLONEL: The U. S. steamer Varuna has just arrived with troops-~- Seventh U. S. Colored Troops, 750 men, 33 officers, Colonel Shaw corn- inanding. General Birney and staff are on board. I have communi- cated your orders directing the officer in command of troops to report to Major-General Birney, Tenth Army Corps. JOHN B. HOWARD, Lieutenant- Colonel, & e. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 12, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 12.30 p. m a heavy column of dust was seen to the rear of the railroad junction~ advancing toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 12, 18645 p. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The following dispatch has just been received and is re- spectfufly forwarded: SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, August 1~, 18644.45jp. m. Captain NORTON: A train of twenty-two cars, heavily loaded with troops, just passed the Junction toward Richmond. A. G. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, YJaptain and Chief Signal Officer Page 139 CHAP. LIV.) CORRESPONDE1~CE, ETC.UNION. 139 HDQRS. DEPT; OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 12, 18646.15 p. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Stafr: COLONEL: The following dispatch has just been received and is respectfully forwarded: SPRING HILL SIGNAL STATION, August 1~, 1864C p. m. Captain NORTON: A heavy column of dust is seen west and northwest of railroad junction, moving toward Richmond. A. G. SIMONS, Licutenan t and Signal Officer. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief A3ignal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 100. In the Field, August 12, 1864. * * * * * * * 5. The Ninth U. S. Colored Troops will report for duty to Brig. Gen. William Birney, U. S. Volunteers, and will form, with the other regi- meiits under General Birneys command, a separate brigade. * * * * * By comnialid of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Hatchers, Va., August 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. II. TERRY, Commanding First Division, Tenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send the major of the Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery to Dutch Gap, to report to Major Ludlow, of General Butlers staff; immediately. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS F1RST DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., August 12, 1864. Respectfully referred to Maj. T. J. Strong, commanding Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery, who will report to Major Ludlow, as within ordered, immediately. By order of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry: A. TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 140 140 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. MV. FORT POWHATAN, August 12, 18649.45 a. m. (IReceived 11.15 a. in.) Major DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have returned from Cabin Point this morning with my command 230 men. I was ordered by General Kautz, on 10th instant, to proceed to this point and operate with gun-boat force and assist in repairing telegraph. I sent a squadron to Swan Point and repaired the, line five miles from Cabin Point. The wire has been cut by the enemy since our return. The colonel commanding post desires inc to await instruc- tions from commanding general. My men and horses are fatigued and the command is without rations or forage. The wire can be cut by a few scoats of the enemy at any time. C. KLEINZ, Lieut. Colonel, Commanding Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry. CITY POINT, August 13, 1864. Received 4 p. in.) Maj. 0-en. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: The Sixth and Tenth Yew York Heavy Artillery are ordered to Washington. Genem al Augur made request for a particular regiment, giving, however, only the name of its colonel, Wheeler. No regiment commanded by Colonel Wheeler can be found here. U. S. 0-RANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, August 13, 1864 9.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General 0-RANT, City Point, Va.: I presume the regiment asked for by General Augur was the Second New York, Colonel Whistler. Boards are sent to examine hospitals as fast as we can get surgeons. In the meantime inspections are being made by local surgeons. The extreme heat has had a very bad effect upon the sick in hospitals. All troops under General Pope, not actually in the Indian campaign, were ordered to General Sherman, and special inspection made of his department. A new demand for troops to-day from Indiana, and fears expressed of an attempt to release the prison- ers of war. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 18648 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Will you give the necessary orders about the bridges at Deep Bot- tom ~ I have directed Hancock to confer with you fully on the pro- posed Dlan of operations. OBO. 0-. MEADE, Major- General Page 141 CHAr. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 141 CITY POINT, VA., August 13, 1864. General MEAiE: I have given all the orders for bridges, & c. Hancock will be re-en- forced by 9,000 men from Butler. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY PoINT, August 13, 1864. Major-General MEADE: Send a regiment of heavy artillery to this place to embark for Wash- ington, and let me know the name and number of the regiment as soon as possible. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEAI5QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186410.30 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The Sixth New York Heavy Artillery, Colonel Kitching commanding, will be at once sent to City Point, in compliance with your telegram, just received. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 13, 1864. Major-General MEADE: If the enemy are reducecL as much in numbers as we have reason to believe they are, Hancocks movements to-morrow may lead to almost the entire abandonment of Petersburg. Have this watched as closely as you can, and if yon find this view realized, take such advantage of it as you deem best. Either move to the left with such troops as you can take from the Ninth and the Fifth Corps, leaving bnt a very thin line, or draw out the Fifth Corps entire to move with according to your judgment. I shall go to Deep Bottoi~i early in the morning. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 13, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Two deserters from the Tenth Virginia Cavalry, Chambliss brigade, who camein to-day, report that their brigade camp is about three miles from Reams Station, on the other side of the railroad, at the junc- tion of the Reams Station and Petersburg with the Dinwiddie Court- House road. Their brigade is doing picket duty at the Warwick bridge on the Jerusalem plank road. They have one regiment on duty at that bridge at a time; they relieve every forty-eight hours. There is anothe Page 142 142 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. brigade of cavalry, they did not know whose, doing duty on a line run- ning from Warwick bridge in a northwesterly direction up to Gurleys house. Fitz Lees division is not in that vicinity. They heard that Hamptons division went away yesterday morning; it was reported they had gone to the Valley. Chambliss brigade is now in W. H. F. Lees division. Two deserters from Finegans Florida brigade came in to-day, but give no information. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, ~e. [Iiidorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 18G45.30 p. m. Respectfully forwarded for General Grants information. G. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186110 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Brigadier-General Willeox informs me he has assumed command of the Ninth Corps. No official communication has been received at these headquarters authorizing General Burnside to leave. Has any action been had or taken ~ GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 13, 1864. Major-General MEADE: I gave General Buruside leave of absence. The leave is only just made out this evening, and directions were given to communicate the fact to you, and no doubt it would have been communicated in the morning by the assistant adjutant-general. General Parke will com- mand the Ninth Corps. He has gone out this evenin U. - Lieutenant- General. HENDQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186410 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following is referred for the necessary authority to bring up the 10-inch mortars, as under your orders of the 30th ultimo all these mortars were withdrawn and sent to Broadway Lauding. - G. G. MEADE, Major- General. ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Gommanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The enemy has established a battery of rifled 32-pounders just behind the crest near the plan1~ road, in front of and about 1,30 Page 143 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 yards from our large battery near the Taylor house. As yet, but one or two guns have beeu opelled on us. The positiou is well covered from our direct fire. I would recommend that four 10-inch or 8-inch, prefer- ably 10-inch m control it. , ortars be placed in position near the Taylor house to HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- 6~eneral and Chief of Artillery. CITY POiNT, VA., August 13, 186410.30 p. m. Major-General NEADE: Lieutenant-General Grant desires me to say that he approves the proposition in reference to the mortars, and wishes you to move them up from Broadway accordingly. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 13, 186410.30 p. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The withdrawal of Greggs division of cavalry and Kautzs smaJi force leaves but little cavalry to watch between the left of the army and the James. I would, therefore, suggest the withdrawal of the cattle herd of the armies in the field as near City Point as practicable. Kautz has been ordered to post a regiment at Sycamore Church. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- Generat. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 270. Washington, August 13, 1864. At the expiration of his present leave of absence, Col. Charles P. Stone, Fourteenth U. S. Infantry, will report in person, without delay, to the commanding general Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac, for duty. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point: Deserters from XV. H. F. Lees division of cavalry, Tenth Virginia Regiment, report the division doing duty in vicinity of Reams Station. They say this is all the cavalry in that vicinity. They state that Hainp- tons division went away yesterday morning, supposed toward the Val- ley, and that Fitz. Lees division left for the Valley shortly after the mine explosion. Deserters from Finegans brigade report no change in position here. J. C. B[ABCOCK) Page 144 144 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CI~2v PoINT, August 13, 1864. J. C. BABCOCK: Our scouts on the iRappahaunock report Fitzhugh Lees division of cavalry to have arrived at Orange Court-House on Wednesday. They also report the movements of the infantry to the Valley, bnt without definiteness as to numbers a-nd commands. They thought there was a brigade of A. P. Hills corps among them. SHARPE, Colonel. CITY POINT, August 13, 1864. JOHN C. BABCOCK: Information from agent who went to Richmond Thursday and left to retnrn yesterday noon: He went and caine by Charles City road, on which he saw pickets at Smiths, east of Willis Methodist Church, and also at Ridleys [iRiddells ~?J Shop; heard that four miles from Whites Tavern toward river there was a camp of seven regiments of infantry; very few troops in the first line of fortifications, and none in the second except gnards at the magazines. Work is being done at the fortifica- tions on the north side of the city. The troops that were sent north in the first part of the week were moved through town with secrecy. People understood that three divisions had gone, but all he could learn with definiteness that they were Longstreets divisions. A train of artillery passed through froni the Manchester side yesterday morning which he describes as being three-quarters of a mile long. SHARPE, Colonel. [Indorsement.] AUGUST 13, 18649 p. m. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General llumphreys for his infor- mation. J. C. BABCOCK. BUREAU OF INFORMATION, City Point, August 13, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: From one of our agents who went to Richmond on Thurs- day, and returning left Richmond yesterday about noon, we have the following information: The agent went and returned by the Charles City road. Saw some pickets aj Smiths house, east of Willis Methodist Church, and also at Ridleys [Riddells G?] Shop, which were all the troops he met on the route. He learned that four miles from Whites Tavern toward the river there was a camp of seven regiments of infantry, which he thinks was all the force there is in the neighborhood of Deep Bottom. Qf this, however, lie has no certainty, as he did not leave the Charles City road going or returning. In the first line of works he saw a few troops, and altogether on both sides of the road as he went in about fifty tents, and nothing in the second line except guards at the magazines. There were no troops in Richmond except convalescents passing through. Work was being done to the fortifica- tions on the north side of the city, across the Brook pike and the Cen- tral and Fredericksburg railroads. He says that it was understoo Page 145 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ErC.-=---uYIoN. 145 that three divisions of infantry went to Early in the first part of the week. Great secrecy was observed in the movement, and the troops were taken through the city mostly in the night. The inqniries that he made resulted only in learning that they were Longstreets divisions. Yesterday he saw a train of artillery, which he describes as being about three-quarters of a mile long, cross the river from the Manchester side, and was told by Mr. Barnes, a prominent merchant, that they were going to the Valley. He thought that yesterday on his return there was greater activity at the lines and picket posts than on his way up. At the point where a road from Malvern Hill intersects the Charles City road he saw a small boat on a Government wagon coming from toward the James River. Very respectfully, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Colonel, & e. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 13, 18611.30 p. m. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Miarshal. General, City Point: I was away when your dispatch came. Fields division cannot have left our front, as I have here General Laws adjutant-general of that division, captured night before last. Nothing, I am satisfied, has left the front of our lines save Kershaws division. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp, and Assistant Provost-Miarshal. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 13, 1864li p. m. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General, City Point: I have quite positive information that every regiment of Lees army, save Picketts division, is under marching orders to go to the Valley. Kershaw has left. I have information to-night, by deserters just re- ceived, that Hamptons cavalry all went through last night. Vrom two different deserters, from two different divisions, 1 have it that Heths division, or a part of it, h~s gone through. From three different men I have it that every regiment of Lees army, save Pii~ketts, is under orders to go north, and that he is ordered to report to Beauregard. Please ascertain about Heth. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp, and Assistant Provost Marshal. TREE STATION, August 13, 1864. Major FISHER: Captain Norton sends the following: Rebel rams have come down to within a short distance of Dutch Gap and are shelling the working party at that place. C. L. DAVIS, Captain and signal Officer. 10 R RYOL XLII, PT I Page 146 146 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAr LIV. [Indorsemeut.] Respectfully forwarded to General Humphreys. B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. (ihBno~s HousE, August 13, 18647.50 a. rn. Major FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: The large camp of the enemy west by north of this station disappeared last night; also a camp to left of white house and from this point south- west by south has disappeared. A large fort was also thrown up at that point during last night. A fatigue party are busy on it this morning. A. C. JORDAN. STATION NEAR GIBBONS HOUSE, August 13, 18646.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: Nothing additional to report of this p. in., except about 200 infantry, which moved into Petersburg from the south side about 10.30 a. m. Their arms are yet stacked in city. The enemy are very busy on new fort. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 13, 18648 a. rn. Major FIsHER: Large camp of enemy in woods west-northwest from station vacated during the night. No other change visible. A fatigue party of 100 men at 5 a. m. moved toward the forts on our right. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 13, 18647 p. rn. Capt. D. E.CASTLE: No change in enemys lines or camps since morning report. They continue to haul large quantities of logs to the forts on our right. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following reports just received: WALTHALL HOUSE, August 13, 186410.30 a. in. A dense cloud of smoke (probably woods on fire) rising for the past hour north 10 degrees west from here and apparently a short distance from the Appomattox. DAVIS, Cartain Page 147 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIO~. 147 STATION NEAR HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 13, 1864. No changes. Enemy laboring on small work 1,000 yards to right of Chimneys. WARTS, Lieutenant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order: WA. S. SThYKER~, First Lieutenant and Adjutant iS~ignal Corps. AUC~UST 13, 186412.05 a. in. [p. in.] Captain NORTON: The gun-boat Mackinaw keeps the Signal Hill battery pretty quiet; our monitors not firing. The Onondaga fired a few shots some time since. Two of. the rebel rams fire occasionally, and the lOO-pounder at Battery Sawyer. The lOO-pounder at Dutch Gap was fired twice. One ram lies down nearly to Dutch Gap; another is behind the group of houses at Coxs Ferry. A number of wounded have been brought over. G. S. DANA, Captain, & e. HEADQUARTERS THIRD NEW YORK CAVALRY, McCanns House, near Plank Road, August 13, 1864. Major-General HU1VIPHREYS, Chief of AS~taff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on my lines since morning, except the coming in of two deserters from the Tenth Virginia Cavalry. I forwarded them to the provost-marshal of the Fifth Army Corps. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. LEWIS, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Capt. ~. HENDERSON City Point, Va., August 13, 1864. Comdg. Company B, Fifteenth New York Vol. Engineers: You will proceed with your company and Lieutenant Sergeant, with thirty men from Company D, in charge of the raft of thirty-six boats now made up, to Deep Bottom, on the James River. On arrival you will commence laying the bridge immediately, sending an officer to report to the commanding general nearest you, but not waiting for his return before commencing work. Captain Lubey will render you all the assistance in his power without interfering with his other duties. Your men will take two days cooked rations with them. A tug will be at the barges at 7 p. in. to-day to tow your raft, and it is expected that your bridge will be finished before 12 midnight. By order of Brig. Gen, H. W. Benhain: CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- 6~eneral Page 148 148 OVERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, August 13, 18648 a. m. Major-General HANCocK, City Point: Please report to the lieutenant-general commanding for further instructions in addition to those sent you yesterday, and have a full understanding of his views. GEO. G. MEADE, Illiajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, Va., August 13, 1864. Maj. 0-en. W. S. HANCOCK, Commanding & pond Army Corps: In addition to the instructions which you already have but little can be added. You will have to be guided in your movements by those of the enemy and his numbers. If you do not succeed, in placing the enemy between your infantry and the James River it may not be safe -to send the cavalry to the Virginia Central Railroad. Of this lnatter you can- best judge. There is no necessity of holding your connection with Deep Bottom. With the force at your command you will always be able to get back to that point or some other on the James River. Wherever you go consume or destroy all the forage and provlslons, except what is housed for family use, if it does not interfere with mili- tary movements to do so. I always regret to see wanton destruction of property which cannot be used in prolonging the war, a~A know that you equally oppose such conduct on the part of our troops. No cau- tion on this head, therefore, is necessary. Cattle, horses, forage, and provisions, however, and especially so near a partially besieged city, are fair captures, and it is a duty we owe ourselves to take them even if they should be the property of Union citizens. In such case, a very improbable one near Richmond, they could be paid for. Having a force of 9,000 men from the Tenth Army Corps in addition to your own corps, if you can advance beyond Chaffiuis Bluff, keeping that point covered, I think it advisable to do so. Unless forced to return iii order to keep communication with the James, remain at the higl~est point up the river gained until the cavalry returns and you receive orders to return. You can always be supplied by steamers, either at Dutch Gap or Deep Bottom. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. Licut. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corvs: COLONEL: I have the honor to state that I have returned from leam of absence this a. in., and resumed command of the division. 1 am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General of Volunteers Page 149 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UN1ON. 149 SPECIAL ORDERS, HEA~QUA~TEI~~ SECOND ARMY CQRPS, No. 210. City Point, August 13, 1864. 1. Capt. J. P. Finkelmejer, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, will report to Brigadier-General Mott, commanding Third Division, for assignment. By order of Major-General Hancock: F. A. WALKER, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.1 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. Division commanders will cause all the pack an(l led animals, a2nd as many saddle-horses as can be possibly spared, to be collected near their present camps under charge of an officer, who will rel)ort to Cap- tain McEntee, assistant quartermaster, for orders. These horses will be sent to the train under charge of Captain McEntee. The major- general commanding thinks much the greater number of animals with the command can be thus temporarily separated from it, so as to make the disembarkation of the troops much more prompt and easy. Arrangements will be made so that these animals can be obtained as soon as the troops are disembarked. Officers and mcii will Probably get their horses sooner by this means than any other, as it may be important that the troops should be in a condition to disembark rapidly~- It is hoped division comnm~inders will carry out the above suggestions to the fullest extent practicable. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. The troops will commence embarking at 11 a. in. It is expected there will be a wharf for each division, but should there not be, the divisions will embark in the following order: Third Division, Second Division, First Division. Major Mitchell, aid e-de-camp, will have general su- perintendence of the embarkation. The pioneers of the Third Divis- ion will be consolidated and will embark on the first boat. The organization of brigades and regiments will be preserved, both in embarking and when on the boat, so that the troops may be iii hand at all times. All spring and other wagons will be sent to these head- quarters to join the train under Captain McEntee, assist ant quarter- master. The transports of each division will be kept together in the stream after loading. By order of Major-General Ilancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, City Point, August 13, 1864. The following movements of the troops are directed: First. Greg~s division of cavalry will, soon as it is dark, proceed to Deep Bottom, crossing the river at the lower bridge and massing Page 150 150 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. toward Strawberry Plains, leaving room for the infantry of the Second Corps to mass between his command and the belt of woods near the bridge. Second. The Second Corps (the transports containing the Third Divis- ion leading) will move at 10 p. in. to Dccl) Bottom, and disembark as rapidly as possible on the north bank of the James, massing behind the belt of woods where the corps massed July 26. The Second and First Divisions will disembark in succession and mass in rear of the Third Division. Third. General Birneys command, Tenth Corps, will cross the npper bridge at Deep Bottom at 12 p. in., taking position to assault the enemys works at daybreak. Fourth. The commandant of artillery will assign two batteries to each division and will follow the cavalry with these batteries, crossing the lower pontoon bridge in rear of the cavalry and parking near the bridge-head. The battery commanders will then report to the coin- mander of the division to which they are assigned. Fifth. The saddle and led horses of the command will follow the artillery and join their respective divisions. They will be followed by the reserve artillery, the headquarters spring wagons, wagons for three days forage, and, for each division, ten ammunition wagons, one hospital and one medical wagon, and twenty ambulances. The remainder of the ambulance, hospital, and ammunition wagons can cross after the troops have advanced well out from Deep Bottom. Sixth. At daybreak, or as soon as General Motts division is disein- barked, he will proceed up the New Market and Malvern Hill road, driving the enemy into his intrenched line behind Baileys Creek, or beyond it. if practicable. During this operation the cavalry under General Gregg will cover the right flank of General Motts division. As soon as the Second and First I)ivisions, Second Corps, are disembarked they will, under command of General Barlow, move to General Motts right, and assault the enemys line near the Jennings house. If the line is carried General Barlow will move to his left to uncover General Motts front, who will then advance along the New Market road. Seventh. The cavalry will cover the right flank of General Barlows command during this operation. As soon as the Central and Charles City Court-I-louse roads are nncovered by the advance of the infantry, General Gregg will proceed to execute the orders already received by him, identical with those of July 25.* Eighth. General Birney, with his command, will be prepared to attack the enemy in position behind Four-Mile Ilun at d~iybreak. The hour for attack will, however, be specially designated to General Birney. If successful, he will advance along the New Market and Kingsland roads to the janction of the Varina road; then along the Yarina road to the Mill road, securing, if possible, the cross-roads at Osbornes old turnpike. Ninth. The headquarters of the command will be on the New Market and Malvern Hill road during the operations of the 14th. Until that time they will be near General Fosters headquarters at the upper poim- toon bridge at Deep Bottom. By order of Major-General Hancock: FHANCIS A. WALKEH, Assistant Adjutant- General. ~For which,see Vol. XL, Par~III,p.437 Page 151 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 151 SPECIAL } RS. 3ECOND I)iv., SECOND ARMY CoRPS ORDERS, HDQ August 13, 1864. * * * * 2. Col. George N. Macy, Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers, will assume command of the First Brigade. 3. Lieutenant-Colonel Pierce is hereby relieved from command of the First Brigade and will assume command of the Third Brigade, reliev- ing Lient. Col. S. A. Moore, Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers. 4. Lient. Col. H. P. Rngg, Fifty-ninth New York Volunteers, is hereby tei~porarily assigned to the command of the First Brigade of this divis- ion. * * * * * * * By command of Colonel Smyth: A. HENRY EMBLER, Gaptain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRIOADE SECOND CORPS, August 13, 1864. The following assignments of batteries to divisions are made: To the First iDivi5ion, Battery K, Fourth (I. S. Artillery, and the Eleventh New York Battery; to the Second Division, Sixth Maine Battery and Battery 0-, First New York Artillery; to the Third Division, Battery F, First Pennsylvania Artillery, and Battery B, First New Jersey Artillery. The commanding officers of the batteries above named will not report to their division commanders until notified to do so by a staft officer from these headquarters. The batteries will move in the order in which they are above mentioned. The time for movement will be designated hereafter. By comman4 of Capt. A. J. Clark: U. D. EDDY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 18649.30 a. rn. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that everything was quiet in my front during the night; 1,400 men are at work on the redoubt to-day near the old ten-gun mortar battery and Battery Tilton. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186410 a. m. Maj. 0-en. 0-. K. WARREN, Commanding P/fth Corps: The commanding general directs that you or(ler the Sixth New York Regimnent of Heavy Artillery to l)roceed forthwith to City Point, to em- bark thence for Washington. The commander of the regiment will make his requisition on General Ingalls, at City Point, for transporta- tion, and on arriving at Washington will report for further orders to General Halleck, chief of staff. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 152 152 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186112.45 p. rn. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: - The major-general commanding directs that you be prepared to move at short notice, and see that the required amount of supplies are on handsix days rations in trains and four days with the men, ammu- nition, and grainaccording to recent orders. The working parties employed on the intrenchments will not be relieved from them, and precautions will be taken in obtaining the necessary supplies, if they shonld not be on hand, to conceal the fact that it has reference to any contingency looking to a movement; that is, the commanding general desires you to be prepared to move at short notice, yet wishes that it shall not be suspected by any part of your command that any move- ment is contemplated as probable. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Burnside.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. (Received 7.30 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Captain Harwood, U. S. Engineers, telegraphs me to furnish him 2,100 men for fatigue to-morrow, 1,200 of whom are to report at the camp of the Fiftieth New York Engineers, near the Fifth Corps hos- pital, at 7.30 a. in. to-morrow. Am.[ authorized to send that number so far away from my line ~ G. K. WARREN, Major- Generat. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Augast 13, 18647.45 p. m. Major-General WARLI~N, Commanding Fifth Corps: Yes; the major-general commanding authorizes you to send the detail for to-morrow as requested. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired in my front during the day. Eight hundred and fifty men are at work to-night upon the line in my front. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 153 CHAP. LIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 153 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 13, 186410.30 p. rn. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: I am instructed to inform you that Major-General Hancock, with the Second Corps and other troops and Greggs cavalry, is conducting an operation of the same character and with the same object as that under- taken by him on the 26th ultiiuo. The chief engineer, Major Duane, has been directed to stop the work on the intrenchments to-morrow, so that the requisitions for working parties need not be met. If Han- cocks movement should lead to the almost entire abandonment of the enemys intrenchments in our front, th~ commanding general will take advantage of it by withdrawing the greater part of the Fifth and Ninth Corps, or one of the corps and part of the other, leaving a thin line in the intrenchments, and undertake such operations as may seem best. The commanding general therefore directs the enemys lines be closely watched and every arrangement be made with a view to the movements here indicated. A. A. HUMPHiIEYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Willcox, commanding Ninth Army Corps.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186412 midnight. Major-General WARREN: I think, in view of contingencies to-morrow, you had better draw in any part of your commamid that may be on the Norfolk road, or ba- tween there and the redoubt in rear of the Chieves house, and not hold any farther to the left than that point after holding your line with the minimum force. Your available reserves had better be concentrated on your left ready for movement. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that no changes or anything of importance occurred on my fromit during the night. The picket-firing was quite heavy. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. Major-General HuMPHREYS: We had on fatigue duty last night 1,000 men; to-day we have 1,200 mnen. To-night 1,000 have been ordered. An additional working party for to-night of 400 are now called for. The details have beemi called for by Captain Harwood, of the engineers. I desire to know if they are authorized, and to state that the corps is not in condition to furnis Page 154 154 OPERATIONS IN ~E. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. such large details, and to remind the commanding general that the men on our front lines are constantly under fire, and such portions as come off the lines from time to time require rest and are not in condition to work. A. E. BUIRNSJDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 18643 p. rn. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say, in answer to your dispatch, that under existing circumstances it is necessary that the works in hand should be completed as speedily as practicable, and that the different corps must furnish every man that can be made available. It was intended to so inform the corps commanders previous to the engineers making the requisitions you mention, which the commanding general directs me to say are authorized. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. General HUMPTIREYS: The additional 400 men required by Captain Harwood cannot be fQr- nished without taking men off the line. Six hundred nien from the Second Division and the same number from the Third Division are at work to-day, and 1,000 men were at work from the Fourth Division last night and the same number to-night, and the First Division cannot furnish over 100 men without taking them from the line. A. E. BUIRNSJDE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 18645.15 p. m. General BURNSIDE: Your dispatch of 4.45 p. m. has been submitted to the major-general commanding, who directs that the additional requisition of 400 men must be furnished. If a serious attack should be made, the details can quickly rejoin their commands. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQuARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 18649 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report myself in command of this corps, and nothing important has occurred on the lines during the last twelve hours. 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General Page 155 CH~. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 155 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POToMAc, August 13, 18649.40 p. m. Brigadier-General WILLOOX, Ninth Corps: Your dispatch is just received. The commanding general desires to know by what authority or under what circumstances you are in corn- mand of the Ninth Corps, as nothing to that effect has been received by him. A. A. HUlVIPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 18649.55 p.m. General HUMPUREYS: GENERAL: In reply to your dispatch of 9.40, this command was turned over to me this evening by General Buruside, who goes away under a leave of absence for twenty days, granted, as I understand, by Lieutenant-General Grant. I supposed, of course, it was known by the major-general commanding the army. 0. B. WILLUOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 186410 p. m. Major-General MEADE: I have turned over the command of this corps to General Wilicox, having received permission from Lieutenant-General Grant to absent myself from this post. I supposed you knew of it. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186410.15 p. m. (Received 10.20 p. in.) Major-General BURNSIDE: Your dispatch to the major-general commanding is received. He reqgests inc to say he had no notice of your authority to be absent, but presumes it is all correct. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ]Jliajo. - General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 13, 1864. GENERAL: In anticipation of possible movements of the troops of a general character the brigadier-general commanding directs that the enemys lines be watched closely and with the greatest scrutiny, and that every arrangement 1)e made, with a view either to attack in front or t Page 156 156 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. ~CHAP. LIV. relieve troops of other corps, or to withdraw the troops from their line for more distant operations. Details for working parties for to-morrow need not be furnished, the work being suspended for the present. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. V. RICHARDS, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. (To division commanders.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVIsION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 13, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet on my front at present. The mnsketry firing during the night was heavy and contin- nous. The railroad trains of the enemy were heard miming during the night. Six hundred men from my command have reported, as ordered, for fatigue duty. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIv., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 13, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, iVinth Ar~ny Corps: COLONEL: Having been appointed general of the trenches for the tour commencing at S a. m. 12th instant, and ending at 8 a. m. 13th instant, I have the honor to report the following: The policing in and about the trenches and in the camps of the reserves was ordered and executed satisfactorily. A new line is being constructed with excel- lent abatis in rear of the front line of the trenches of this corps. The picket-firing was more vigorous than usual, and the enemy opened a brisk fire from a battery of heavy pieces in front of the Third Division, and from their mortars in front of the First Division, but did no dam- age. The camps of sonic of the regiments of the Second Division are not sufficiently protected from the stray bullets of the enemy, and I would respectfully recommend that timber be obtained and better pro- tection made for these troops. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY PLEASANTS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding AS1eeoud Brigade. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Ar~ny Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report no changes on my front during the last twelve hours. The enemys sharpshooters in front of the Secon Page 157 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 Division (on our right) annoy our men very much in the ravine directly iii rear of our line; also on the railroad where it is crossed by the covered way. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLOOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvisIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report all quiet on my front during the day. The enemy have fired less than usual with artillery and mus- ketry. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WILLOOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 1864. General GREG4Zf: Please read the inclosed, seal it, and oblige me by having the officer directed to General Kautzs headquarters. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of ~Stafl [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 13, 1864. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: If the implements for destroying railroads provided for former occa- sions are with your trains the commanding general directs that you take them with you, giving the order for their accompanying you at such time and in such manner as will not admit of its being known that they are with you. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of & ajJ P. S.General Kautz will inform the commanding general where his headquarters are established. IIDQR~. SECOND Div., CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Stc(fjf, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The implements for destroying railroads are not in my possession, nor do I know what disposition was made of them. Ge Page 158 158 OPERATIONS iN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. eral Kautzs headquarters are at present near Light-I-louse Point, but I will advise huin to move to this point. I have directed my command to move at 4 this p. m. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECONII CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 1864. This command will move at 4 oclock this p. m. Each trooper will be provided with three days rations of subsistence and two days for- age; also, sixty rounds of carbine ammunition and twelve rounds of pistol cartridges. All dismounted men aiid actually unserviceable horses will be sent to the dismounted camp, and the unserviceable horses only after having been inspected by the brigade inspectors. The present camps will be broken up, and all wagons and vehicles sent to the division wagon train. One wagon will be allowed to accompany each brigade headquarters. One medicine wagon and ten ambulances will accompany the command. By command of Brigadier-General Gregg: H. C. WEIR, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS, August 13, 18646.20 a. m. (Received 6.35 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: The rams have moved down in the next reach beyond Dutch Gap, below Coxs Ferry. Battery Sawyer (water battery) is replying. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, August 13, 1864. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, City Point: The rebel rams, the rebel battery at signal station and Tlowlett l~ouse, have opened upon the working parties at Dutch Gap. The Sawyer Battery, which is the one at Crows Nest signal station, the Water Battery, the mortar battery (Wilcox), one of the redoubts, have opened in reply. Five or six men were wounded by a chance shot. I have directed the 100-pounder, which is in position at Dutch Gap, to open. B. F. BUTLER, ]Jliajor- General Page 159 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. List of rebel forces now on the north 8ide of the James River. Division. Fields (of Ander- sons, late Long- streets corpsl. Wilcoxs (of A. P. Hills corps). Brigade. il3ennings old- Anderson Laws (Colonel Perry, coin- manding). Gregg (Rob- ertsons old). Brattona (Jen- kins old). Lane iMieGowan a (now Con- ners). Regiment. 2d Georgia . . 15th Georgia 17th Georgia 20th Georgia 7th Georgia - 8th Georgia 9th Georgia 11th Georgia 59th Georgia 4th Alabama 15th Alabama 44th Alabama - 47th Alabama 48th Alabama 1st Texas 4th Texas 5th Texas 3d Arkansas Hampton Legion 1st South Carolina Volunteers . - 2d Sooth Carolina Rifles 5th South Carolina 0th South Carolina Palmetto Sharpshooters Total 7th North Carolina 18th North Carolina 33d North Carolina 28th North Carolina 37th North Carolina 1st South Carolina, Proy. Army. 1st South Carolina Rides 12th Sooth Carolina 13th South Carolina 14th South Carolina Commander. Harris IDuBose Hodges Waddell Carmnical Towers Mounger Little Brown Bowles Lowtlmer Perry Bulger Key Powell Manning Steedman Walker Haywood Avery Speer Barbour Hamilton Miller Barnes Edwards Perrin Total Aggregate The Nineteenth Virginia Militia (reserves) is also there, stationed at Chaffins farm. Colonel Elliott is in colnmand. This is all the force known to be upon the north side of Jalnes River, although there are rumors of another brigade being there. Respectfully submitted. JOHN J. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, A ide-dc-Camp, and Asst. Provost -Marshal Office Bureau of Jnform~tion. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, Va., August 13, iSGI. MEMORANDUM: From various reports of deserters and refugees and from all the circumstantial evidence that can be obtained, it seems pretty certain that Conners brigade, of Wilcoxs division, has left and gone to join Early up the Valley; also that Gregg and Benning have gone from Fields division. The whole division is reported under march- ing orders, but all of it has not yet left. Supposillg, however, all the force here named to be there, and allowing 250 men to a regiment, CrIAP. LIV.) 159 Number of men in brigade. } 1,000 1250 1250 1, 250 1.250 6, 000 1,250 .1 I 1,250 2,500 8,50 Page 160 160 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. which is full all they will number, the total force on the north side of the James is not over 8,500 men, independent of what small reserve militia force is scattered through the country there. Respectfully, JOhN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide de- Camp, and Asst. Provost-Marshal. [Indorsomeut.] Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I have given this in detail th~Iit you may examine for yourself.. In my opinion there are not 5,000 regular Confederates north of the James and south of Richmond. BENJ. F. BUTLER ]Jliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 18G47.15 a. m. Captain NORTON: Howlett battery has opened. First shot struck near the landing at Dutch Gap. G. S. DANA, Captain, & c. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 13, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 4 ~. in. ten cars partly loaded with troops l)assed the Junction toward Rich- mond. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. (Sent to Lieutenant-General Grant, 5.30 p. in.) HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHiEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 13, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer on Spring Hill reports that at 5.45 p. m. a heavy column of dust was seen on turnpike advancing toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 161 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 161 HEADQUARTERS FIRST CONNECTICUT ARTILLERY, August 13, 1864. Lient. B. P. LEARNED, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, AS1iege Train: LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that yesterday, at 3 p. in., I arrived at Dutch Gap with a 100-pounder gun, which was takeit to its position with the least possible delay. There were no preparations made for placing the gun in position; the parapet was about three feet high; no platform laid; no magazine yet commenced at dark last even- ing; yet it is expected by Major Ludlow to have the gun in position ready for service this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. HATFIELD, Capt., First Connecticut Artillery, Ordnance Officer, ASiege Train. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 2D Div., 10TH ARMY CORPS, No. 73. 5 Near Hatchers, Va., August 13, 1861. * * * * * * * II. Col. F. A. Osborn, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, having reported, pursuant to instructions from headquarters Tenth Army Corps, is hereby assigned to the command of the Third Brigade of this division. The brigade staff of- the Third Brigade will report to Col. F. A. Osborn. * * * * * * * By order of Brigadier- General Turner: ISRAEL It. SEALY, Capt., Forty-seventh New York Vols., and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 101. 5 In the Field, August 13, 1864. * * * * * * * 5. Col. F. A. Osborn, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, is hereby ordered to report immediately to Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, com- manding Second Division, for assignment to duty in command of a bri- gade. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. AUGUST 13, 18648.25 p. in. Major-General BIRNEY: Proceed as directed iu verbal conference. Written instructions in accordance therewith are on the way to you. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Y1 R RYOL XLII, PT I Page 162 1(32 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUAIITERS, August 13, 1861. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: In accordance with verbal instructions heretofore given you, upon consultation, you will take all the men that can, in your judgment, be spared from the lines betweeii the Appomattox and the James; march across the pontoon bridge at I)eep Bottom at sueb time as will enable you to strike the enemy in front of Brigadier-General Foster in the most feasible form at daybreak on the morning of the 14th. You will take such portion of General Fosteis command, and add it to your own, as you think will be prudent. As you are to advance, leaving Deep Bottom behind you, in my judgment a small force will be neces- sary. You will turn over the command of the line of defenses to Briga- dier- General Turner, instructing him what troops you have left for that purpose. I shall be able to add from the dismounted cavalry and from Graham possibly 800 men. You may order such portion of the garri- son of Fort Converse as you think can be spared for the present. Per- haps you can draw largely, too, omi General Turner. I forbear giving instructions in writing, because the details have already been arranged between ns personally. You will report to Major-General Hancock, who will be at Deep Bottom in the course of the night. Any other instructions that you may desire from inc will be promptly met by telegraph. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, in the Field, August 13, 1864. Major.General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: General Terry will remain in command of his division, very few of whom are in the line of defenses. General Turner will be put in com- mand of all the troops used in the defense of the line. General Ter- rys division extends farther and beyond, and on application I, being present, will order such troops of General Terrys division as may be necessary for the line of defenses to report to General Turner. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS No. 24. In Field, near Hatchers, Va., August 13, 1864. Lieut. Col. F. MeGilvery, First Maine Light Artillery, having re- ported for duty in obedience to orders from the War Departmnent, is hereby aimnounced as chief of artillery and of ordnance of the corps, and will at once assume commnaud of the Artillery Brigade, relieving Capt. F. M. Follett, Fourth Artillery, who will resume comumand of his battery. By command of Maj. Geim. D. B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adji4ant-General. Page 163 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 163 CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, iSGI. Division commanders and chief of artillery will hold their commands in readiness to move at a moments notice.. Three days cooked rations will be ready from this evening. Jnspections will be at once had andre- ports made as to ammunition in cartridge boxes and in train. The chief of artillery will see that three days forage is carried on the cais- sons. All enlisted men acting as clerks or waiters must be armed and ready to join their companies on the march. The only exceptions to this rule will be made by division commanders where the public serv- ice demands it. Arms sufficient to equip all unequipped men can be obtained at the corps hospital. Great care must be taken to see that shoes are issued to supply all deficiencies. This must be done to-day. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- G~nerat. MARCHING ORDERS.] hEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 13, 1864. This corps will move promptly at 11 p. mu. in the following order: First ilivision, Second Division, Birneys brigade. The march will be to Deep Bottom, crossiug at pontoon bridge near General Fosters headquarters and massing near there in position to be indicated by a staff officer. The chief of artillery will designate four batteries to accompany the movement, two to be assigned during it to each divis- ion. General Turner will order the brigade of his on picket and in trenebes to report temporarily to General Terry, who will assume com- mand of the troops of the Tenth Corps left in the trenches, and defend the line, using every precaution to conceal the departure of troops. The usual calls will be sounded along the line. The ambulances of the corps will be parked near the pontoon bridge below Jones Landing. Traimms will be parked in convenient positions. Only sick men will be left in canip and those unequipped. Every effort must be made to turn out the full strength. Lieutenant-Colonel Washburn, with the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, will report to General Terry and be placed, without delay, in the trenches. General Terry will report here for fuller orders. Headquarters of the corps will be during the movement on the right bank of the Jalnes, near the pontoon bridge. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- Generat. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY COLPS, August 13, 1864. (Illeceived 10.50 p. in.) General BUTLER: General Birney has communicated to me your order for me to remain in command of trenches. Two brigades of my division go with Gen- eral Birney. My place is with them. It seems to be my right to go. Respectfully, JNO. W. TURNER, Brigadicr- General Page 164 164 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 13, 186411.05 p. m. Brigadier-General TURNER, Tenth Army Corps: I agree it is your right to go, but it h the duty of somebody to stay. The lieutenant-general particularly designated you this morning to me. I appreciate your wishes as a soldier. I wish we could all go, but the path of duty is not always along the road of inclination. Motives of personal friendship made me consent that you should stay. BENJ. F. BUTLEII, Major- General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST l)IVISION, TENTH CORPS, Bermuda Hundred, Va., August 13, 1864. Capt. ADRIAN TERPY, Assistant Adjutant- General, First Dirision: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report this command ready to march, except filling haversacks and striking tents. The brigade will march with about the following numbers; entire accuracy is impossible: Regiment. _____ a ____ ____ 0 ~ 7th Connecticut Volunteers 15 393 7th New Hampshire vohinteers 20 359 6th Connecticut Volunteers 14 500 3d New Hampshire Volunteers 20 452 16th New York Heavy Artillery 5 244 Total 74 1,948 Ii am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. Th HAWLEY, Colonel Serenth Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Brigade. On march. Left in in- valid camp. a 0 2 30 38 4 49 1 49 5 50 12 297 GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, - SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 5. S Near Hatchers, Va., August 13, 1864. In obedience to instructions from corps headquarters the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Tenth Army Corps. The brigade staff~ will remain the same as heretofore announced. F. A. OSBOTIN, Colonel Twenty-fourth ]Jliassaehusetts Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DiVISION, Blands House, August 13, 18649 a. m. Major-General IziUMPHREYS, Chief ~f & aff, Army of the Potomac: I have to report that all is quiet in front of the line from Sinai Church to Cockes Mill this morning. No pickets of the enemy in sight. Thi Page 165 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 1~35 line is picketed by the Second Brigade of my division, under Colonel Spear, of the First Brigade. One i egiment (Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry) has been sent to Fort Powhatau to look after the interruptions of the telegraph line. The other regiment, Third New York C vairy, Colonel Lewis, was sent to relieve the pickets of the Second IDivision, Cavalry Corps, last night, and I have not yet heard from it. I have directed Colonel Lewis to report direct to you, morning and evening, the condition of affairs at his line, as it would cause too much delay to send his report through these headquarters. The line is very long and thin, and the whole division being on duty I have no reserves. In front of the Second Brigade there does not seem to be any force of the enemy, but small parties of the enemy are constantly attempting to capture the pickets. Six of my men have been captured in the past six days on this line in spite of every precaution to prevent them. As the Fifth Pennsylvania has passed beyond my control 1(10 not know when to expect its returmi. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] I will send duplicate of General Kautzs order to him, and direct him to move his headquarters to Prince George Court-House (vicinity of). A. A. H. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 18G41O.30 a. in. Brigadier-General KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry Division: Colonel Lewis, commanding Third New York Cavalry, reports that his regiment, 370 strong, relieved the First Brigade, Second Division, in picketing on the left of the army. The major-general commanding considers that the main part of your force should be posted on the left, picketing and patrolling between that and the Blackwater. As all the camps and trains have been removed from Jordans Point and that vicinity, very little force will be required to watch between the Black- water and James. Please report the disposition you make of your coin- mand under this view and where your headquarters are. A. A. HUMPULEYS, Major- General and Chief qf Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 1864.12 m. Brigadier-General KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry i)ivision: Your communication of 9 a. m. is received. At 10.30 a. um. I sent you instructions as to the disposition of your force, a copy of which I inclose.* Not less than a brigade should be between the left and the Blackwater, and a stronger force than that when your regiment returns from Powhatan. The commanding general directs that you establish See next, ante Page 166 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. rcIIAP. LIV. your headquarters in the vicinity of Prince George Court-House, and that you keep the full amount of supplies on hand required by orders, and be prepared to move at short notice. You will get your supplies from the depots of the Army of the Potomac. A. A. HUMPHI~EYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISIoN, Near Prince George Court-House, August 13, 18G49 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Major Baker, commanding First District of Columbia Cavalry, who was stationed at Sycamore Church and who has reported here to re-enforce Colonel Lewis with his regiment, reports that there is a large herd of Government cattle near Cockes Mill that is exposed to guerrillas that are very numerous. The withdrawal of Major Baker leaves no protection there except an occasional patrol from Mount Sinai Church. I have no doubt that the telegraph will be cut near Cockes Mill as soon as it is known that Major Baker has been with- drawn. Very resi)ectfuily, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Indorsenmnt.] I dont see why the regiment was not left at Sycamore Church to make an occasional patrol to Mount Sinai Church. If General K. has a regiment near Mount Sinai had he not better send it to Sycamore~ Chief part of force between Blackwater and James to be posted at Syca- more Church, patrolling toward Blackwater, & c. A.A.H. HE 41~QITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 13, 186410 p. m. Brigadier-General KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry Division: Your dispatch of 9 p. m. is received. The commanding general con- siders that the chief part of the force between the Blaciwater and James should be at Sycamore Church, patrolling toward the Black- water and elsewhere that may be necessary, and directs that you arrange accordingly. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Cli hf of Staff. IIEADQITARTERS CAVALRY DIvISIoN August 13, 186411 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Your note of this evening ha~ been received. If I com- ply with the instructions contained in it, it reduces the line to pre- cisely what it was this morning, or else leaves a gap at Mount Sinai Church, which I regard as the most important point of the line. By weakening the force at Mount Sinai Church I can extend it to Syca- more, but the force will iiot be strong enough to be a protection fo Page 167 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 167 the cattle herd, for a force sufficient to drive off the cattle could break through the line. The line from the left of the army to Syca- more Church is about twenty-five miles. To picket this line I have now about 1,300 men. If the regiment at Fort Powhatan were here I would place it at Sycamore Church, which would hold that point. By telegraphing to General Butler it could be ascertained when that regi- ment will be back, and I could halt it there. It would perhaps be safest to call the cattle herd n for the present, nearer the railroad. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WAsn1N~ TON, D. C., August 14, 1864150 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Th.: The Secretary of Wa and I concur that you had better confer with General Lee and stipulate for a mutual discontinuance of house burn- ing and other destruction of private property. The time and manner of conference and particulars of stipulation we leave, on oui part, to your convenience ~ dju gment. A. LINCOLN. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, VA., August 14, 186410 a. m. (Received 9 a. in. Thth.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Last night I moved the Second Corps, about 9,000 men of the Tenth Corps, and Greggs division of cavalry, to this (north) side of the river to threaten Richmond from the north, and, if possible, to draw back troops from the Valley. We have captured prisoners from four differ- ent brigades of Fields division, Longstreets corps, and also from Wil- coxs division, of Hills corps. Fields division is one that we supposed had gone to the Valley. We know two divisions of lulls corps to be at Petersburg. This fixes the third division here, as I have heretofore supposed. Picketts division, of Longstreets corps, is opposite Butler at Bermuda Hundred. This leaves but one division of infantry to have gone to the Valley. I am now satisfied no more has gone. Please for- ward this to Sheridan. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, V A., August 14, 18648 p. m. (Received 3.30 p. in., 16th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: The move to the north side of the James to-day developed the pres- ence of Fields diVision, of Longstreets corps, which I supposed had gone to the Valley. Picketts division is also here. We captured 6 pieces of artillery and over 100 prisoners. Longstreets troops were under marching orders, and this move will detain it at least for the present. I think Sheridan is still superior to Early iu numbers, but not sufficiently so to attack fortifications. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 168 168 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. FCIiAP. LIV. Major-General MEAD1~: CITY POINT, VA., August 14, 1864. Special Orders, No. 73, granting leave of absence for thirty days to Maj. Gen. A. E. Burnside and Lieutenant-Colonel Richmond, assistant adjutant-general, of the Ninth Corps, are on the way to your head- qnarters; also leave of absence to Lieutenant-Colonel Peirce, chief quartermaster, for eight days, granted on recommendation of General Ingalls. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Lieutenant-General GRANT, August 14, 18648.30 a. m. City Point, or Deep Bottom: - Have I any authority to call on General Ord for assistance in case of making a movement? The only movement in my judgment practica- ble is to take Warren out of his lines and move him around the enemys works till he finds a point he can penetrate. To do this his line must either be occupied by the extension of theNinth and Eight- eenth Corps, or else left unoccupied, in which case there are redoubts which, should the enemy get possession of it might seriously embarrass us to recover. I have sent my engineers to examine how Parkes left flank can be covered in case of Warrens line being given up; but should it be deemed best to hold Warrens line some portion of the Eighteenth, if any can be spared, must assist in the extension. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, , ugust 14, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Deep I~ottorn A Commanding, & e.: Jn case you find it practicable to make any demonstration against Petersburg, command the Eighteenth Corps, as you deem proper. General Ord will be directed to receive orders from you. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIDQRS. SIO-NAL DEPT., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, A ugust 14, 18646 p. m. Major-General IJUMPHREY5, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch just received from the signal officer with the Fifth Corps: The enemys infantry has been passing on road right of Petersburg, going to our right, ambulances and a train of wa~o call it a division. ~ i-is foPowing them, moving rapidly. Should D. E. CASTLE, Acting Signal Officer. Very resl)ectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FiSHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 169 CHAP. LTV.i CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 169 Indorsement. AuGusT 14, 18647 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The above just received. This is the first indication of any move- ment that has been seen to-day. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18G47.10 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I propose to withdraw Warren to-night, and leave his line to be held by Parke, extending Ord as far as the exploded mine Warren to be held in reserve, either for a movement or to re-enforce any part of the line if attacked. As Ord was to be used only in case of a movement, I submit this to you before giving orders. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., Anqust 14, 18647.20 p. in. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, ~e.: You may extend the Ninth and Eighteenth Corps, as you propose. If Parke and Ord will leave a very thin line in the works and have the bulk of their men in reserve, it will rest theni very much. I am satis- fied that a thin skirmish line is plenty to man onr works, especially where there is a reserve. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 14, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: One lieutenant and four privates, deserters from the enemy, have just been forwarded from the headquarters of the Fifth Corps. The privates belong to the Sixth and Sixty-first ~irginia Regiments, Weisi- gers brigade, Mahones division, Hills corps. They report no changes in the enemys position since the departure ofLongstreets corps. A part of MeLaws division, of Longstreets corps, moved from the rear of Mahones (livision across the Appomattox three or four days ago and was said to be going to Early. There are ~0W but two divisions of Hills corps and the two divisions of Beanreg-ards command on this side of the Appomattox. The lieutenant is from the Thirteenth Alabama Regi- ment, Frys brigade, Heths division, and caine in this morning about daylight. He is very well informed, and corroborates previous infor- mation of the enemys position. The four divisions of the enemy lie from right to left as follows: Mahones, Heths, Hokes, and Bnshrod Johnsons. Two brigades of Mahones division are in reserve. On Page 170 170 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. of informants saw General Lee yesterday at General Mahones head- quarters. The rumor that he had gone to the Valley is unfounded. They report that a large force of cavalry marched through Petersburg yesterday morning going north, supposed to Early. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. BABCOCK. [Thdorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. August 14, 18648.30 p. m. Forwarded for Lieutenant-General (~Trants information. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAc, August 14, 186411 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Orders have been given for the withdrawal of the Fifth Corps and the occupation of the lines of the Ninth and Eighteenth Corps. The Fifth will be held iii reserve for contingencies. No further intelligence has been received from signal offlcers that has not been sent you, except that between 5 and 6 p. m. the officer on the plank road saw a small body of cavalry, with wagons and ambulances, moving northward along the Weldou railroad. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 14, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of staff: GENERAL: Five deserters from Finegan~s (Florida) brigade, who caine in this morning, report that last night Mahones and Wilcoxs old bri- gades, of Mahones division, were taketi from the trenches and moved to the rear, where they are now lying in reserve for the balance of the division. They s~y that the enemy are apprehensive that we are about blowing up a fort of theirs opposite our Fort Hell, and they think the movement last night was made preparatory to an expected attack by us at that point. They say that yesterdays Jtichmond papers reported that Admiral Farragut had taken Mobile, and that a strong column of our troops were marching into the heart of the coun- try from that point. They say it has for some time past been reported in their camps that Longstreet has gone to the Valley. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & c. GIBBONS HOUSE STATION, August 14, 18647 a. rn. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: Nothing unusual visible in the enemys line this morning. Roads west and southwest of the city inelosed by fog. A. C. JORDAN Page 171 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 171 PLANK ROAD STATION, August 14. 1864. lVIaj. B. F. FISHER: Unusually quiet within the enemys lines this morning. No change of camps visible. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HENDQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. Captain FISHER: A single party of enemy at work on old line to right of Gregorys house; otherwise all quiet. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. [Indorsement.] Respectfully forwarded; it is from an officer on Warrens front. B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal O~ieer. AUGUST 14, 186412.45 p. m. Captain FISHER: A small force of enemy are moving to the left in the direction of th~ cannonade. They are moving about opposite Lieutenant Duft~s sta- tion and evidently come from the camps nearly opposite his station. They carry knapsacks, & c. I have seen only about 100 in motion. I. S. LY& N, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. AUGUST 14, 1864. Major FISHER: The enemys signal officer reports that the camps to the left of Cobbs have disappeared. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, ct~c. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL I)EPARTMENT, August 14, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following evening report from the Plank Road Station: Two hundred cavalry and led horses and five wagons moved to our right on line of Weldon railroad betxveen S and 5.40 p. in., apparently the rear of a stronger force, ns the rain prevented a view of that line between 4.20 and S p. m. Fatigue party of 200 men with picks and spades came from our extreme left at 6 p. in., moving toward Petersburg; these men were, I think, working on some fortifications near the Weldon railroad, but behind the woods and farther south than we can see. FULTON. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 172 172 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, ~ House Au Major-General HUMPUREYS, gust 14, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report all quiet on my lines. At a point two miles from my right the enemy has advanced his lines abont sixty rods. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. LEWIS, Cotonel Third New York Carairy, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18645 a. m. General GRANT: At this moment not more than half of the troops have landed from the steamers. We have been working all night. It will be 9 oclock before all of the corps are disembarked. The cavalry are across. I ordered General Birney to attack at daylight, but I have since ordered him to defer it until we are ready here unless he has commenced it. I have not heard his firing yet. I am, sir, very respectfully, WINFl) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 14, 18648.15 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: GENERAL: General Birney has driven in the enemys pickets, cap- turing, he says~ about 100. 1 have sent to have them questioned. Two of my divisions are now advancing. General Birneys present line. is the Kingsland road. He will advance with my troops. I am, general, very respectfally, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 14, 18648.25 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: GENERAL: I telegraphed you at 5 a. in., but I am informed that one mile and a half of the telegraph line was knocked down last night. My telegram was to the effect that not more than one-half of my troops were disembarked at that hour (5 a. in.) and that I had directed General Birney to suspend his attack until I sent him further orders. At this hour two divisions are disembarked and about one-half of the third. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, M2~or- General, Commanding Second Corps Page 173 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 173 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18643.20 p. in. General GRANT: General Barlow attacked the enemys line on the Central road; took the first line of rifle-pits, driving the enemy out, but failed to take the second and third lines, though attempting it twice. He is now about to try it again, and thinks he will succeed. The troops are not behaving steadily to-day. A great many are straggling and sunstruck. The loss in officers has been heavy. The enemys force did not appear large. The point referred to is about a mile up the Central road from the New Market road. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- Ueneral, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 14, 18646.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Barlow has made another attack npon the enemy and has been repulsed with some loss. The enemy are massing pretty heavily to their left, a id I rather anticipate an attack upon General Barlow. General Birneyjust reported to me that he has captured six pieces and two mortars. I have ordered all my skirmishers to advance on my left when the enemy commenced massing on my right, including those of General Birney. Very respectfully, WINFT) S. HANCOCK. (Copy to General Meade.) general. CITY POINT, August 14, 18647.30 p. m. Major-General 1-JANCOCK: No movement of troops from Petersburg has been observed until this evening. A body, snpposed to be about a division, now seems to be inov- ing; so reported by signal officer. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- ~enerai. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 14, 186412.45 p. m. (Received 2.45 p. in.) General MEADE: The command has taken a few prisoners from each of eleven different regiments to-day; all, without an exception, so far as ascertained, of Fields division, representing four or five of his brigades. A part of my force is now moving over on the Central road, holding the New Mar- ket road. General Birney occupies the Kingsland road, and will shortly try to seize the New Market road on his front. I was delayed mate- rially this morning by the transports not being able to get the troops off nntil 9 oclock. Two regiments not arrived yet. General Grant has been here. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- aeneral Page 174 174 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Conps, August 14, 18G49.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE: General Birney has cailled upon me for transportation for six guns and two mortars, captured by him this evening. I think there is no doubt but they will be gotten oft after dark to-night. General Barlow did not attack the enemys left, which was refused, but attacked a salient of their line. lie had a persistent fight; although he did not carry it he held the ground passed over. The attack by General Barlow was not made in sufficient force, but the troops did not fight with their accus- tomed vigor. Owing to the excessive heat, large numbers straggled from ranks. The loss was considerable. The troops saved their honor by not losing their killed and wounded. Gregg reports the Charles City road cut up by the enemys intreuchments, the advance of which he carried. They were occupied by Hamptons Legion. The lines were thinly held, but were re-enforced while Barlow was attacking. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major. General. P. S.I shall set Birney at work in the morning as General Grant suggested. W. S. H. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18G411 p. rn. Major-General HANCOCK: Your several telegrams received. I am glad to hear of Birneys suc- cess, and sympathize with Barlow in his losses. Nothing new has occurred in my front to-day till 5 p. in., when the signal officer at Fifth Corps headquarters reported the movement of a column of infantry northward. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. SIGNAL STATION, August 14, 1864. (Received 2.40 p. in.) General HANCOCK: The enemy has just been closing up to his left in the line of breast- works on the cleared hill in General Motts front. The works appear now to be well filled. P. A. TAYLOR, Captain and Signal Officer. CIRCULAR.1 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. The following movements of troops of this command are ordered: During the night Major-General Birney, Tenth Corps, will move his command from its present position to the vicinity of these headquar- ters by such route as he may select. It is required that the entire command be massed out of sight of the enemy in its new position by 3 a. in. of the 15th. As soon after daylight on the 15th as practicable division commanders will hold their present lines by a strong line of skirmishers, well supported, and will mass the remainder of their coin- mands in readiness to support their own lines or move to the support o~ others. General Birucy will not relieve his skirmish line now con Page 175 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 nected with the left of the Second Corps. The Third I)ivisiori will be massed opposite the right of its picket-line, the Second 1)ivision oppo- site its centre, and the First Division iiear the junction of New Market arid Central roads. At 6 a. in. Major-General Birney, with his corn- mand, will move out on the Central road, and tnrn the enerny~5 left flank, if possible. If this is not found practicable, and General Birney considers the chances favorable for a successful assault, he will attack the enemys position with his whole force. If he succee(ls in breaking the line he will then direct his attack toward New Market, and will be supported by the Second Corps. The cavalry, under General Gregg, will cover the right flank and rear during these operations. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 13 [14 ?], 18645.15 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER: I attacked with a strong brigade of Second Division, and was re- pnlsed with considerable loss. If I retain the hill, which we took to-day, I have not enough troops to have a continuous line of battle from the point occupied by General Miles brigade (which I think it important to hold) and the point on my extreme right. I think I have not troops enough to occupy so extended a line, and that I should draw it in, giving up the hill we took. Respectfully, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 14, 186410.40 a. m. Brigadier-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that after estab- lishing your skirmish line you place your division as follows: One strong regiment to hold the houses and vicinity on the New Mar- ket and Malvern Hill road; the remainder of your command massed near the cross-roads in rear of your line (at the intersection of the New Market and Malvern Hill road with the cross-roads connecting this ioad with the New Market and Long Bridge road), prepared to move to the support of General Barlow. One brigade of your division will probably be required to relieve the left brigade (General Miles) of the IFirst Division, and you will send a staff officer to General Barlow to ~scertaiu the position of this brigade. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Jie. HEADQIJARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18647 a. m. Major-General HUMPIIREYS: Shall I take in my picket-line on left of the plank road ~ G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 176 176 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC August 14, 18G48.1.5 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Draw in all the pickets you do not consider necessary for your imme- diate security. A. A. HUMPUREYS, ]IPQor- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. (Received 9 a. in.) General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report all quiet in my front during the night. Five deserters from Florida brigade were received this morning, and are on the way to army headquarters. C. K. WARREN, ill ajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 14, 186410.30 a. m. Major.General WARREN: The commanding general directs me to say that upon the happening of the contingency referred to last night the whole of the Fifth Corps will be withdrawn from the trenches and directed against the enemys right flank beyond the Weldon railroad. General Ord will extend his left to The vicinity of Burnsides mine, and the Ninth Corps will occupy theremainder of the army front as far as the large redoubt on the plank road. A dispatch has been received from Rancock, dated 5 a. in., stat- ing that all his troops would not be disembarked much before 9 a. in., half only being ashore then. The cavalry was all over. Nothing fur- ther since. A. A. HUMPITREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 14, 18643.45 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have here an officer, Second Lieutenant Smith, Thirteenth Alabama, Heths division. He came in last night. Heths division is next to Beauregards, on his left, and right of lieths extends across the plank road; next comes Mahones, and his right does not extend to within half a mile of the Weldon railroad. Longstreets corps has gone to the Valley and thinks he is in command. Lee is here. Lieutenant Smith saw him yesterday. Lieutenant Smith says Heths and Mahones, as well as Beauregards troops, were here the morning the muiie was sprung. Heths division got north of James River the day after the four pieces of artillery were captured by hancock, and returned back here th Page 177 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 177 night before the mine blew up, traveling both ways by cars. I suggest that this officer, Lieut. Heliry B. Smith, be detained to place his evi- dence before the Court of Inquiry, of which General Hancock is presi- dent. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, August 14, 18648.20 p. in. Commanding Fifth Corps: Major-General Parke, commanding Ninth Corps, is directed to relieve your corps to-night as soon as practicable from the~ intrenchments it now holds. Upon being relieved you will establish your corps in re r of its present position, in such manner that you can readily support the troops in your front or on the right or move to operate on the enemys right flank. You will be prepared to move at very brief no- tice. General Hunt is directed to furnish any additional artillery required by the Ninth Corps for the batteries you vacate as you will take your field artillery with you. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. CIRCULAR No. 102.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. As soon as relieved by the troops of the Ninth Corps, division com- manders will assemble their men as near to their own headquarters as may be convenient, and be prepared to move at short notice in any direction. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. - HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. General WILLIAMS: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance transpired on my line during the night. My troops have been very watchful. No movements of the enemy have been observed. 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, No. 37. Before Petersburg, Va., August 14, 1864. I. By virtue of seniority of rank the undersigned assumes command of the Ninth Army Corps. II. The following-named officers are announced as temporarily attached to the staff of the Ninth Army Corps: Lient. Col. li. C.. 12 R RYOL XLII~ PT H Page 178 178 OPERATiONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. Mitchell, acting assistant inspector-general; Capt~ Robert A. Hutchins, assistant adjutant-general. HI. Capt. George W. Gowan is announced as aide-dc-camp, staff of tb~ commanding general. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18648.10 p. m. Major-General PARKE: General Ord is directed to extend his left and relieve your corps of nearly one-half of the front it now occupies. The commanding general directs that you relieve the Fifth Corps of the iutreuchments it now occupies and hold the front from Ords left to and including the large redoubt on the plank road and the batteries in that vicinity, if they are now held by the Ninth Corps. As the Fifth Corps will take with it all its field artillery, you will call on General Hunt, chief of artillery, for any additional field pieces you may require for the batteries vacated by the Fifth Corps. The commanding general desires that these changes be made as soon as practicable. A. A. HUMPHREY~, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18649.15 p. m. Major.General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Comys: General Ord wishes to know the exact spot where his left will rest when he relieves one-half your line. Please designate it to him and also at the same time to these headquarters. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRps, August 14, 18649.45 p. mu. Major.General HIJMPIJREYS: As near as possible the line to be relieved by lie Eighteenth Corps will extend to General Potters left at a point nearly opposite the mine. The troops to be relieved are those portions of Potters and Whites (lately Ledlies) divisions, which are now in the line. J. G. PARKE, Major- General. (same to Major-General Ord.) BEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. Brigadier-General FERRERO, Commanding Fourth Division, Ninth Army Corps: GENERAL: The general commanding diiects me to say to you that it is in contemplation to occupy the line of the Fifth Corps with the troops Qf the Ninth Corps. You will please hold the troops you have i Page 179 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 1W reserve in readiness to move into the three redoubts without delay if ordered. The general also desires that you see General Warren as soon as possible and find out the locality of his redoubts, the avenues to them, and the necessary dispositions to be niade in occupying them. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. V. RICHARDS, Captain and Aide-dc- Camp. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, General GREGG, August 14, 18G15 p. m. 6~ommanding Cavalry: GENERAL: The enemy are moving very rapidly out of their pits to our right, scattering, however, and I do not think they have a large force. The right of their line looks very weak at present. I think they are tryilig to concentrate on General Barlow. I advise you, there- fore, to have your cavalry vedettes well out. If everything is quiet to-night, General Birney will come over on this side and will extend our line to-morrow. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18646.20 p. m. (Received 7 p. in.) Major.General HANCOCK, Commanding: GENERAL: We drove the Legion out of the rifle-pits on the Charles City road this evening. The cavalry did not fall back toward Rich- mond but moved north of the Charles City road. The distance from this point (where I have a brigade in reserve) to the point held on the Charles City road is abont five miles. I will connect across with Gen- eral Barlow and have men posted on all the roads. Yours, respectfully, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General hANCOCK, August 14, 1864. Commanding: GENERAL: I sent you a dispatch to the effect that the enemy occu- pied the old rifle-pits of 62 on the Charles City road, but that this p. in. I drove them out. This, near Fishers. Search was everywhere made, but no water could be found in that vicinity for horses. My horses have not been watered since last night, bat I can get a little near the New Market road. Yours, respectfully, P. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers Page 180 180 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. MV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 14, 18648 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Division: GENERAL: Major-General Hancock has your dispatch, and directs me to say that if it is necessary to concentrate your Command on account of water to do so. You can advance again early in the morn- ing. I am, geueral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. MITCHELL, Major and Aide-dc-Camp. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS August 14, 1864. General GREGG: If you are out of forage to-morrow morning you had better send for it, for we may be here for several days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WlNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commandinq. P. S.My headqnarters to-night will be where General Sheridans were the other time we were over here. W. S. H. CITY POINT, VA., August 14, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: General Meade has been directed to watch closely, and if present demonstration north of James Iliver should force the enemy to weaken his lines at Petersburg, so that advantage can be taken of it, do so without waiting for further instructions. In such case he has been authorized to call on the Eighteenth Corps for co-operation or assist- ance. Please instruct General Ord that in case of operations against Petersburg he will receive ordersTrom General Meade. U. S. GI~ANT, Lieutenant- General. (Copy to Ord.) JONES NEcK, August 14, 18644.45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I inclose the notes just received from Colonel Dandy. He seems to have joined Hancock nearly. Birney says he is forming his line for the night. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General Page 181 CHAP, LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, I~TC.UNION. 181 [Inelosure No. 1.] AUOIJST 14, 1864. General FOSTER: SIR: I have passed through the woods and marched a quarter of a mile beyond, and am trying to communicate with General Hancock; have not done so as yet. Enemy~s main works are in sight. My men ar~ nearly exhausted and I am resting them. Jam, sir, G. B. DANDY, Colonel 100th New York Volt~nteers. [Inclosure No. 2.] AUG-UST 14, 1864. General FOSTER: SIR: I cannot find General Hancock. There is one of his regiments supporting a battery in aii earth-work near the houses. We occasion- ally get a shot from the enemys sharpshooters an(l are in sight of their works. I have crossed a road which I am told is the New Market road, but I do not know. Both myself and men are very much exhausted, but are getting rested. I shall throw a line of skirmishers out to feel the enemys sharpshooters and in the direction to the right of his works. I am, sir, very respectfully, G. B. DAN1)Y, Colonel 100th Neu York Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18G412.20 a. rn. Major-General BUTLER: When will Kautzs regiment at Fort Powhatan be back ~ His force is so small that it is difficult to cover our left and rear without this regiment, so he reports, and this duty, owing to Greggs absence, is very important. Can you not order it back to report to Kautz ~ GEG. G. MEADE, Major- Geiwral, Commanding. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 14, 1864. General MEADE: I have ordered the regiment at Fort Powhatan to report back to Kautz. B. F. BUTLER, Major- (leneral. HEADQUARTERS, August 14, 1864. Major LUDLOW, Aide-de-Gainjp: As the operations at Dutch Gap are being carried on under my per- sonal sapervision, you will remain at the Gap for the purpose of carry- ing out my directions, and all orders given by you will be under my direction and be obeyed accordingly. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 182 182 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LTV~ BERMUDA, August 14, 1864. Col. J. W. SIIAFFER, Chi~f of & aff: The steamer James S. Green has just arrived from Port Royal with three companies Twenty-ninth Connecticut260 men, 11 officersunder command of Major Torrance. In accordance with orders the command- ing officer has been directed to report to Major-General Birneys head- quarters. J. B. HOWARD, Lieutenant- Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 1864a. m. Col. H. L. ABBOT: Fonr 10-inch mortars with a proper supply of ammunition are wanted in the battery near the Taylor house to control a battery of 32-pounder rifles just beyond the crest, distance from 1,200 to 1,500 yards. It would be well to get them out to-day ready to move; they may be ordered into battery to-night. I will inform you then whether to send them. Please answer. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General and Chief of Artillery. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., August 14, 18648.45 a. m. Brigadier-General HUNT, Head quarters Army of the Potomac: Your dispatch in relation to mortars for Taylor house is received. Will make all preparations for forwarding to-night if you so direct. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding AS1iege Train. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., Au gust 14, 186410.30 a. m. Brigadier-General HUNT, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: If the 10-inch mortars are ordered forward, I would earnestly request that they be put in the fourteen-gun battery where Pratts 4inch guns were. The range is essentially the same. The approach to this bat- tery is very good, and to the old battery very bad, a matter of great importance in supplying 10-inch ammunition on account of its great weight; and, moreover, this battery is well made and the old battery very ill constructed, constantly caving under mortar fire. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 1864. Colonel ABBOT: It is not probable that the 10-inch mortars will be ordered np to.night. When they do come they are to go into the fourteen-gun battery near the Taylor house. H. J. HUNT, Briqadier- General Page 183 CHAP. JJV.~ COl~RESPONDENCE, ]~TC.-~--UNION. t83 BROADWAY LM~ThNc~, VA., August 14, 18G4~ Captain EDSoN, Ordnance Officer, Fort Monroe, K.: I am out of my supply of Coehorn mortar shells and the rebels are taking advantage of it. Please send me any shells and wooden plugs which you can possibly procure, on the mail boat, telegraphing me when they start. I dont care for prepared ammunition. Time is very important. HENRY L. ABBOT Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Comman ding iS1iege Jlran. BROADWAY LANPIN , VA., August 14, iSGI. Brigadier-General ItAMSAY, Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, Winders Building, Washington, P. C.: I have sixteen Coehorn mortars in position and not a shell in depot for them. The rebels keep up a constant mortar lire on us. I dont care for prepared ammunition; all I want are shells, fuse-plugs, and paper fuses. These must be received very shortly or the army will suffer. I wrote on 15th ultimo, and telegraphed on 19th ultimo and 11th instant for a large supply. Please inform me at once whether I am to be supplied. Please also send 2,000 Parrott time-fuse plugs for siege gnns. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding Siege Train. fAUGUST 14, 1864, 7.15 a. m.For Birney to Butler, reporting oper- ations, & c., see Part I, p. 677.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, Deep Bottom, August 14, 18647.40 a. m. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding Department: General Terry has captured 150 prisoners and is advancing. D. B. BJRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 186410.30 a. m. IMajor-General BUTLER:] GENERAL: I am at the signal station. Matters are quiet in my front except from sharpshooters. 1). B. BHtNEY, Jlfajor- General. AUGUST 14, 18643.30 p. mm General BIRNEY: General Grant informs me, as he has you, that he thinks that it will be impolitic to try and carry the point in your front; also that the road is so blocked that it will 1e nearly impossible, for an hour, to pas Page 184 184 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. troops to you. I have taken therefore the liberty to halt the column now filing past your late headquarters. Can we not get out better by the head of Three-Mile Creek; of course, this is but a suggestion, not an order, as you are under ~ orders. I will order forward the column as soon as the officer who takes this returns, if you desire it. B. F. BUTLER, ]Jfajor4#eneral. HEADQUARTERS, August 14, 18643.30 p. m. General BIRNEY: The only dispatch received for you was that the junction of Four- Mile Creek and New Market Creek* was the position he desired you to take. I replied to General Hancock that you understood it and was about to make the advance if practicable. The dispatch of General Hancock was received at 3 oclock,dated 1.15 p.m. B. F. BUTLER. HEADQUARTERS, August 14, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Corps: Dispatch received.t All honor to the brave Tenth Corps. These six guns and the two mortars will make a gap in the enemy~s lines by which I trust you will go through. You have done more than was ex- pected of you by the lieutenant-general. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18641 p. m. Captain NICHOLS, U. S. Navy: CAPTAIN: If you can take such a position as will enable you to shell the junction of the Kingsland and Yarina roads, I shall be obliged it you will do it. General Hancock says you have the range. Respectfully, & c., D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 186412.35 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: Which junction on the New Market road do you refer to in your note ~ D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. * So in original, hut see Walker to Birney, 1.15 p. in., p. 185, where it reads New Market road. See 5.05 p. in., Part I, P. 677 Page 185 Cpi~p. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 185 AUGTTST 14, 18641.15 P. m. General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Corps: GENERAL: The junction of Four-Mile Creek with the New Market road is the point to which the major-general commanding referred in a previous dispatch. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER. Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsemei~t.] 3P.M. General Birney got dispatch, and has advanced to take the point referred to in this dispatch. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. GENERAL BIRNEYS SIGNAL STATION, August 14, 18G41.20 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: General Birney, who is across the creek, will push for the New Market road at once. Apparently General Birney has troops within a few hundred yards of New Market. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18645.25 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I am connecting with the battery of Second Corps and am establishing picket-line. I will have it complete. As I am now sharply engaged in trying to save the guns captured I may have to shorten my line. I have sent two staff officers to report progress. Yours, truly, D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQITARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18645.40 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: You are mistaken in supposing that the enemy are withdrawing from my front. They are in force on my whole front, and with a heavy artillery fire. They are plainly to be seen. I have ordered General Terry to advance his skirmishers at once, and connect closely with the Second Corps picket-line. IIY. B. BIRNEY, Major- General Page 186 186 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CoI~S, Deep Bottom, Au gust 14, 1864. Major-General HANCOCK, Coinmaudiug: GENERAL: I will move at 9 oclock by the rear of Mott and Dandy, aiid will bivouac on some spot without you desire me to take a special position before daylight. I am at Fosters headquarters until my bat- teries, trains, & c., cross the bridge. I will leave a garrison here. My six guns have zlimir~ished to four, but increased by two 8-inch howit- zers. I will see you before morning. Your obedient servant, D. B. BH~NEY, Major- aenerca. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY Cours, August 14, 1864. General Terry with his command will attack the enemy in position behind Four-Mile Creek promptly at daybreak. If successful he will advance along the New Market and Kingsland road to the junction of the Yarina road; then along the Yarina road to the Mill road, securing, if possible, the cross-roads at Osbornes old turnpike. Brig. Gen. Wil- ham Birney will leave two regiments of his colored troops in the intrenchments at Deep Bottom, and with the remainder of his command will be prepared to support General Terry. General Birney will relieve General Fosters command in Deep Bottom. By order of ajor-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. Headquarters spring wagons may accompany the headquarters to which they belong. MARCHINO- ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18647.20 p. m. This command will march promptly at 9 p. m. to the rear of the posi- tion of the Second Corps, bivouacking at a spot to be indicated by Captain Briscoe, aide- de-camnp. The command of Colonel Dandy will remain in its present position with its pickets out. The pickets of the corps will be withdrawn at 1 a. m. under directions of the corps officer of the day. They will fall back on the two roads to the intrenchments at the pontoon bridge. Ammunition trains and batteries and all wagons and ambulances will cross at the pontoon near General Fosters and recross at the lower bridge; park for the night and be harnessed at daylight. Commanding officers should at once send out patrols for stragglers who fill the Toods with fires and tents. Brigadier-General Birney will detail two regiments, and a competent officer to command them, to garrison and hold the fortifications at Deep Bottom. The First Connectient Battery will report to that commanding officer; the detachment of New York Mounted Rifles will also report to him. By command ofiMajor-General Birney: CHAS. H. GRAVES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 187 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 187 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18646 a. m. Brigadier-General TERRY, Commanding First Division: You will continue the attack, holding your troops well in hand. You will call on Brigadier-General Birney for such aid as you may need. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18648.50 a. m. Brigadier-General TERRY: Generals Barlow and Mott, commanding divisions of Second Corps, are advancing on your right. Have not as yet met the enemy. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18642.55 p. m. Brigadier-General TERRY: The major-general commanding desires that you will inform him as soon as you reach the New Market road, and also whether the creek is fordable. Respectfully, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18645.10 p. m. Brigadier-General TERRY: The general commanding directs that every precaution be taken to secure the guns captured. He regards it as highly important that they be brought off, even if the caissons are left behind. Respectfully, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864645 a. m. Brigadier-General BIRNEY: Colonel ~ brigade has been ordered to take position on the left near the Grover house. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 188 188 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 186412.50 p. m. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY: The major-general commanding directs that you order Colonel Os- born to occupy the crossing of the Kingsland and Varina roads. A staff officer has been sent to conduct him to the point. iRespectftdly, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. William Birney will detail a colonel of his command for corps-officer of the day to report at once at these headquarters. General Biriiey will cause such a distribution to be made of the force left in the intrenchrnents as best to provide for the safety of the position, paying especial attention to the left of the line. He is authorized to reduce the force to one regiment. By order of Maj. Gen. B. B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, A ssistant Aijjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18645.30 p. rn. [General TERRY:] Advance your skirmishers at once, and make close connection with the picket-line of the Second Corps. You will make a decided demon- stration. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. Brigadier-General TERRY, Commanding First Division: It is reported by an officer of General Fosters staff that there is a battery at the Grover house unsupported. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. (Received 3.40 p. in.) General TURNER: The detachment of the Twenty-ninth Connecticut Yolunteers will report to Brigadier-General Turner, commanding line of intrencliments, who will place them upon the line. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 189 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UII1ON. 189 Hunxauanas SECOND DIvIsION, TENTH An~ Corns, Major DAvIs, August 14,1864. Assfetet A4jutaest-6$eueral: Howmany colored regimentb are there on the left of the line? JNO. W. TURNER, BrigwMer. Gserai, GENERAL BunaWs HEADQUARTERS, August 14,1864. Brig. Gen. 3. W. TURNER: There are five colored regiments this side of the ArmattoL A..i.t..t Adjutat.6teueraL HXADQuARTEn SECoND DIvIsIoN, Tnn ARn CoRPs, August 14,1864. Major DAvIs, Aseistaut A4jutet4iesseral: MAJOR: I have the honor to. nest that the commanding officers of thecoloredregimentsonthel left be ordered to reporttome,lnordgr thatlmay. assign them to positions on the line, if nec?~r~ Brigadier.6VeeseraL HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvIsIoN,TENTH ARMY Corns, Is ti.. .Me14 August 14,1864. L Colonel Curtis line will extend from the river to Battery No.5, and include the present picket-line oconpied by his brigade. IL Lientenant-Colcuel Washburn, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, will report for duty to Colonel Curtis with his command without delay. By order of Brigadier-General Turner: Capt., .Pbrtzj-seveuth Hew York L B. SEALY, Vole., Aotg. Ant Aft. (ten. HmIRs. Dr. or YIRGDIu. Aim NORTH CAROLDIA, In ti.. Field, August 14,1864. CoL SAMueL A. DUNCAN1 Gossip. Oek*reel Regussent. this sid, of Apporjsattoa: You will repcrt in person to Brig. Gui. 3. W. Turner, at present in command of the defenses on this. line, and dispose cf your troops in accordance with his directions until flwther orders. By command of Major-General Butler: B. S. DAVIS, Mqjor and Assistant Adjuta~nt-Genera Page 190 190 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND Th C. [CHAP. LIV. AUGUST 14, 1864. General 0. 5. FERRY, Spring Hill: GENERAL: You will direct the command sent over from Spring Hill to the line of defluise to report to Brig. C en. John W. Turner, command- ing defenses, & c. By command of Major-General Butler: GEG. A. KENSEL, Lieutenant- Colonel and Acting Chief of Staff. ~AUiUST 14, 1864.1 General ORB, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: General Grant telegraphs me that General Meade has beeii directed to watch closely, and if operations on the north side of the James force. the enemy to weaken his lines at Petersburg to take advantage of it without further instructions. In that case General Meade has been authorized to call upon the Eighteenth Corps for co-operation, and you will receive orders from him. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 14, 18647.15 a. m. Major-General ORB Commanding ~Eighteenth Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say that if he finds the enemys intrenchments very thinly held, in consequence of troops being sent across the James to meet the movement of General Hancock, he will withdraw the whole of the Fifth Corps, from the intrenchments. He desires to know whether you will be able in such event to extend to your left and occupy any part of the line now held by the Ninth Corps. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General aimd Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EiGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have now only one man to the yard on my line. The enemy~s line is reported two ranks deep, and I do not deem it advisable, while their line is so heavy, to reduce mine. All my reserves are working on redoubts. E. 0. C. OItD, Major- General Page 191 CnAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 191 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14 1864 NajorA3-eneral ORD, 8.20 a. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The major-general commanding requests me to say that he has ceased working on his intrenchments to-day. In the event contemplated of withdrawing the Fifth Corps from the intrenebments and directing it against the enemys right hank, could yonr reserves now working on the redoubts be used in extending your line ~ It is only in the event of the enemy holding the line of their intrenchments thinly that such operation would be undertaken with the Fifth Corps. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of AS~taff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 1864. General IIUMPHREYS: By ceasing work I could extend my line as far as Burnsides mine and not put the colored troops in the trenches. E. 0. C. ORI), Major- General. hEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 14, 18644.30 p. m. Chief of & atf: I have received orders in case of a movement to co-operate with the Army of the Potomac, and have the honor to report accordingly. B. 0. C. GIRD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18645.15 p. m. General IIUMPHREYS: Shall I occupy part of Burnsides trenches to-night ~ I can by using all my reserve and stretching take half of Burusides ground, and he can then by similar means take whole of Warrens. A deserter, in this a. in., states that Lees forces all gone north of Richmond, and he heard that one division, probably of Beauregards, left yesterday and the day before. GIRD. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18645.45 p. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Your dispatch received. The information received is not yet sufficient to enable the commanding general to determine upon the arrangements to be carried out to-night. Will let you know as soon as possible. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 192 192 - OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 14, 18648 p. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The proposed extension of your corps and that of the Ninth, having been sanctioned by Lieutenant-General Grant, the major-general coin- manding directs that you relieve the Ninth Corps from as much of their line as you can hold in the manner heretofore indicated. Should you require any additional field artillery to supply the place of that taken out of battery by the Ninth Corps, call on General Hunt, chief of artil- lery, Army of the Potomac, who is directed to answer your requisitions. The changes should be made as soon as practicable. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of ~taJf HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18G48.20 p. m. General A. A. HUMPHREYS: Will the general commanding give distinct orders to General Burn- side so that I can know certainly what part of his front I am to occupy and can give definite orders on the subject. I can take half of it, but do not know how much that is, or to what place it will take me. E.O.C. ORD, ]llic0or- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY 0 THE POTOMAC Augttst 14, 18649.10 p. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The major-general commanding requests that you will occupy one- half of the front of the Ninth Corps. I have telegraphed General Parke that you will do so, an d will at once request him to designate the exact spot where your left will rest under that arrangement. I take it to be where the small marsh or run that you crossed in going to the mine intersects our intrenchments. A. A. HUMPHIiEYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 14, 18649.45 p. m. General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have five light batteriestwQ rifle and two 12-pounders, not under coverwhich can be moved to any place at once. Would it not be well to keep the batteries of the Ninth and Fifth Corps now behind parapets where they are, and take for the ise of the Fifth batteries of one corps which are not in place or under cover, because shifting the batteries in place would attract the attention of the enemy ~ B. 0. C. OPD, Major- General Page 193 Cu~. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 193 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORD, August 14, 186110.25 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The commanding general prefers the Fifth Corps to have its own bat- teries, and they can probably be got out without attracting notice. It is understood that the artillery of the Ninth Corps that will probably be removed can also be taken out without being observed. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR: August 14, 1864. GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to say that in case it should rain severely, and the ravine in which our troops are eucamped should become too wet for occupancy, you will remove them above the railroad bridge to the position now occupied by some of the troops of General Ames, who has been directed to make room for you. Very respectfully, THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Brigadier-General KAUTZ, August 14, 186412.20 a. m. Co manding Cavalry Division: The commanding general has telegraphed General Butler to send back your regiment near Powhatan, and has requested Lieutenant- General Grant to have the cattle herd drawn in nearer to City Point. You must make the best disposition you can of your force, keeping it as much concentrated as possible. You may have to move to-morrow. The enemy have but one division of cavalry on this side the Appomat- tox. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, VA., August 15, 18649 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 6.30 a. m. 17th.) Washington, D. C.~ If there is any danger of an uprising in the North to resist the draft or for any other purpose our loyal Governors ought to organize the militia at once to resist it. If we are to draw troops from the field to keep the loyal States in harimess it will prove difficult to suppress ~the rebelliomi in the disloyal States. My withdrawal now from the James River would insure the defeat of Sherman. Twenty thousand men sent to him at this time would destroy time greater part of Hoods 13 R RYOL XLII, PT 1 Page 194 194 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. army, and leave us men wherever required. General Jleintzelman can get from the Governors of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois a militia organi- zation that will deter the discontented from committing any overt act. I hope the President will call on Governors of States to organize thoroughly to preserve the peace until after the election. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 15, 186411.30 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: All quiet on the lines. The Fifth Corps in reserve on the left, ready for movement. No indications of any movement on enemys part, but seen that camps previously reported taken up are this morning reocen- pied. Dispatch from signal officer sent herewith. GEG. G. MEADE, ]Ifajor- General. [Inclosure.] HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following reports just received: PLANK ROAD STATION, August 15, 18649.30 a. in. Atmosphere clear. Camps reported reoccupied this a. in.; contain about two brigades. FULTON, Sergeant. Finn Cours STATION, August 15, 18649.40 a. rn. No change visible. A sniall fatigue party of enemy in tirst line to right of Chiin- neys. Squads of enemy on parapet seem to watch our line very attentively. WARTS, Lieutenant. I am , general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order: - W. S. STItYKER, First Lieutenant, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. CITY POINT, VA., August 15, 18648.30 p. in. (Ileceised 6.15 a. m. 17th.) Col. W. HOFFMAN, Commissary- General of Prisoners: You need not move any more prisonct~s from Point Lookout so long as you deem them safe there. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Geperal Page 195 LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 195 CITY POINT, August 15, 1864. General WILLIAMS: I am informed by Colonel Batchelder that he has been appointed chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac. It struck me with surprise, inasmuch as I had calculated on being attached to your army so long as the general commanding wished my services, and iiiasmuchaslhad not expected any change. I had in no manner sought for the change. I had served under General Meade with great pride and cheerfulness to myself, and I hoped to his satisfaction. I sincerely wish him and the Army of the Potomac the greatest possible success. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- Ucueral. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 15, 18643.30 p. rn. General IR. ING-ALLS, City Point: Your dispatch of this date in relation to the assignment of Lieutenant- Colonel Batchelder as chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac has been laid before the commanding general. The commanding gen- eral has received no official information touching the status of yourself and Colonel Batchelder, as defined in the orders that were issued at the time you left for City Point to assume the duties of chief quartermaster of the armies operating against Richmond, iii addition to those of chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, other than is contained in a letter Colonel Batchelder has recently received from the War Depart. ment, assigning him to duty as chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac. The action of the War Department has been taken without the knowledge of the commanding general, and without any reference of the matter to him, and he supposes the object of the assignment to be to give Colonel Batchelder the rank and pay of colonel during your temporary absence from these headquarters. I am directed to add that you have at all times discharged the duties of chief quartermaster of this army to the entire satisfaction of the commanding general, and that if you have been for the time being transferred to another sphere of duty the transfer has been made without any action on his part. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, August 15, 1861. (Received 1 a. m. 16th.) JOHN C. BABCOCK: We have here five citizens, eleven refugees, and twenty-four prison- ers of war taken to-day and yesterday by Second Corps. The latter are mainly from Laws aud Andersons brigades, of Fields division, the whole of which is in front of our lines at Deep Bottom. They do not know of any other infantry being there when they were takemi, but know of two brigades of~Wilcoxs division being at Chaffins farm three days ago. Wickhams brigade of cavalry and perhaps the most of Fitz Lees division crossed to time north side of the James night before last Page 196 196 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. Garys brigade (cavalry) is also there. Refugees left Richmond Satur- day evening, and say that infantry and cavalry went to Early Thursday and Friday nights last. This is certain, and I think the infantry was Wilcoxs division or a part of it, though one heard General Heths name mentioned. The prisoners taken by the Tenth Corps (seven) are also from Fields division. SHARPE, Colonel. SIGNAL STATION AT RICKETTS BATTERY, August 15, 186410 a. m. Captain TAYLOR, Signal Officer: The enemy have been shelling our skirmish line on this front. A column of about 300 of the enemys infantry have just passed behind their intrenchments moving to the right (our right) entering the woods and preventing farther observation. Another line of about 200 have moved up from the left and are now lying behind their works. KEEL, Signal Officer. STATION NEAR GIBBONS HOUSE, August 15, 18643.30 p. in. lVlaj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: About 1,500 infantry moved into town from the southwest about 2.45 this p. in., accompanied by two wagons. Owing to fog over the city could not trace them out. There was some dust seen afterward in streets, but the air was too thick for observation. A. C. JORDAN. JORDANS HOUSE STATION, August 15, 18645 p. rn. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: All quiet on this front. The battery reported August 6 to be in rear of Whiteheads is not visible to-day. I send the following rebel message from 114: Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: One large full regiment of ten companies drilling in open space to our left of Cobbs. One gun-boat above pontoon and one off Point of Rocks. There is no camp in opeu space to our left of Cobbs; there is not a tent visible. The shelter erected lately for horses is in a dilapidated condition. ROONEY, Sergeant. T. R. CLARK, Signal Officer Page 197 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIoN. 197 HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 15, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch received from the plank road sta- lion: Camps re-established north-northwest from station, but to what extent I eaat tell, as the atmosphere is unfavorable for observation. All quiet. FULTON. lie refers to the camps that dis ppeared the night after the Second Corps moved. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 74. City Point, August 15, 1864. * * * * * * * II. A board of officers is hereby appointed to meet at City Point, on Tuesday, the 16th day of August, 1864, to investigate the cause and circnmstances attending the explosion of ordnance stores at City Point, Va., on the 9th instant. Detail for the board: Lieut. Col. Horace Porter, aide-dc-camp; Capt. D. ID. Wiley, commissary of subsistence; Capt. II. B. Blood, assistant quartermaster. * * * * * * * By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, Lieutenant-General GRANT: August 15, 1864. I sent in this morning about twenty prisoners taken by the cavalry, including eleven refugees. These refugees left Richmond on Saturday night. They say a large number of cavalry went north, and many other troops, but they do not know de~nitely what force. I have ordered them sent to City Point, where they can be questioned. A prisoner was captured this morning from the Thirteenth South Caro- lina, which makes the second man captured from McGowans brigade, being of different regiments. This latter man says that four brigades of Wilcoxs division are in front of General Fosters old position. I have no positive evidence of the fact. General Birney, with a part of General Motts division, is feeling for the emiemys left, or a place where we can attack. If we find such a place I shall attack with heavy force in the hope of clearing them out. WINFD S. HANCOCK, ]Vliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. (Received 1.30 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Birneys captures yesterday were four 8-inch sea-coast how- itzers; three of them are entirely removed and the fourth partl Page 198 198 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. tIV. taken off, but the trail is broken. I dont know that any more will be gotten off. Geiieral Gregg has found the enemy intrenched on the Charles City road at Whites house. Their people came out of their intrenchinents and attacked, but I do not think they have much strength there. 1 expect to feel along with my infantry to the Charles City Cross-iRoad,if I do not sooner find a place to attack. W1NFI) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Same to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18641.30 p. m. (Received 3.20 p. in.) General GRANT: General Gregg says that the enemy are making a spirited attack upon him down the Charles City road. They drove him out of the intrenchments he took from them yesterday. He has taken a prisoner, who says that there was a large force of cavalry, with infantry, on that road this morning, six miles this side of Richmond. General Gregg thinks that Hampton has joined. We have no positive evidence of it. My brigade of infantry that went from the Central road to strike the Charles City road met the enemy very soon, supposed to be infantry, and repulsed them. Another brigade has been added to it, and Geit- eral Birney will attack them very soon. A knapsack was fished up this morning during the cavalry fight marked Thirteenth Georgia, Wil- coxs division, and also, I think, Hagans I Hagoods~ brigade. WINFD S. hANCOCK, Major. General. (Same to General Meade.) CITY POINT, VA., August 15, 18643.30 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: A boat to take your sick and wounded will be sent immediately. General Grant is oii his way to your headquarters. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS August 15, 1864. General GRANT: I have just taken a staff officer of General Barringer, commanding l)rigade of cavalry in W. H. F. Lees division. The command caine over, I dont know in what strength, last night. Have also captured a private of Third Division Cavalry, and an officer of the Forty-eighth Alabama. I am sending some infantry to strike the Charles City road to take this cavalry in flank; am also sending some infantry to Gregg to the junction of the Charles City road with the Long Bridge. Gen- eral Birney is also feeling around the enemys right of where Barlow attacked yesterday. WJNFD S. HANCOCK Page 199 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 199 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CoRPs, August 15, 1864. (Received 5.45 p. in.) General GRANT: A prisoner just sent in reports that his division of cavalry, W. H. F. Lees, arrived here this morning, having left Reams Station at 11 a. in. yesterdayBarringers, Chambliss, and Dearings brigades. We have forced the enemy back beyond the cross-roads on the Charles City road, but so far only to the intreiichments occnpied by Gregg early this morning. The enemys works appear well filled. General Birney is still operating between the Central and Charles City roads, and if he finds a weak place a strong attack will be made. 1 expect to hear of it before long. W. S. HANCOCK ]lIajor- General. (Same to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECONB ARMY CoRPS, August 15, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatches received. I am much obliged to you for the appoint- ment of brigadier-general in the Regular Army. I am also obliged to you for being so anxious to-day, for I am not satisfied with our progress here. W. S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Everything is quiet here. General Birney did not attack to-night, not having encountered the enemys skirmishers until about dark. He lost thirty or forty men, the gi-eater number colored, in his observations. I have ordered a movement on the Charles City road, under General Miles, at daylight. General Birney will also move toward the Central road at the same hour, prepared to make a heavy attack if possible. The cavalry will operate on the Charles City road and to the right. General Gregg captured a few prisoners this evening, all from W. H. F. Lees division. I have no evidence indicating any greater strength than before. W. S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. (Received 11.20 p. in.) Gen. B. F. BUTLER: GENERAL: There is nothing new here. I am well out on the Charles City and Central roads. The day has been consumed in affairs with cavalry and in reconnaissance. To-morrow morning at daylight I hope to commence more serious work. S HANCOCK, Major- General Page 200 200 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Conps, Augu8t 15, 1864. The following movements of troops of this command are ordered for to~morrow: 1. At 4 a. m. General Miles with his brigade, will move out to the position held to-day by one of General Birneys brigades near the Charles City road, and make a reconnaissance of the enemy~s position, attacking with his brigade, if in the opinion of General Miles the attack will succeed. 2. General Gregg, commanding cavalry division, will advance up the Charles City road at 4 a. m. and endeavor to turn the left of the enemys position on that road6while General Miles is operating in front. General Gregg and General Miles will consult as to operations here. General Gregg will send a squadron to report at 4 a. ni. directly to General Miles. 3. At daylight General Birney will continue the execution of the - orders of yesterday to turn the enemys left between the Central and Charles City roads if practicable, or, failing in this, to attack the enemys line, if his reconnaissance gives a reasonable assurance of success. 4. General Mott, Third Division; General Barlow, First Division, and Colonel Smyth, Second Division, will hold their commands in readiness to move instantly to the support of their own lines or elsewhere. The troops must be kept in their camps. Their skirmishers must be kept active during the day and have the enemy in their front closely watched. 5. The men will be under arms and camp struck at daylight. Corn. manders will see that all wagons not allowed by existing orders are sent to the river during the night. By order of Major.General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. G. MOTT, August 15, 1864. Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that one of your brigades, either De Trobriands or Madills, be reported at once to Major-General Birney to form a part of his force during the operations of the day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, August 15, 1864. Colonel MCALLISTER: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you put a regiment under a good commander into the point of woods nearest the bridge- head. The regiment will put out camp guards iii the direction of Ma Page 201 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 201 vein Hill and to the front. Our cavalry now covers the entire front, but the regiment is placed there to hold the woods if the cavalry should be driven in. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yonr obedieiit servant, JOHN HANCOCK, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. (Received 9.20 a. in.) Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that all was quiet in my front last night. My troops were relieved by Major-General Parke, commanding the Ninth Corps, last night and early this morning, General Potter reliev- ing General Griffins line and General Ferrero that of General Craw- ford. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, (Jonunanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 15, 186410 a. m. Major-General WARREN: The major-general commanding (lesires to know the position in which you have placed your troops. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS August 15, 1864. (Received 10.10 a. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Cutlers division is near General Hancocks old headquarters; Griffins is near his own headquarters. Ayres and Crawford are about on a line between the two, Cutler and Griffin. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 103. August 15, 1864. The corps being now in reserve division commanders and the coin- lnan(ler of the Artillery Brigade will hold their conunands in readiness to move at very short notice. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 202 202 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPs, August 15, 1864. Brigadier-General AYRES, Commanding & eond Division: GENERAL: The major-general commaliding desires you to withdraw the Maryland Brigade back near your own headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedieut servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjut~itt- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 15, 186410 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The major-general commanding desires you to report the distribution you have made of your troops in the intrencliments now held by your corps. A. A. JIUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chief of $ta ff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 186412 m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Statf: General Potters (Second) division, 2,300 men, relieved General Griffin, and holds the line from right of hue formerly held by Fifth Corps to the plank road. Eleven hundred men of General Ferreros division (colored) occupy large redonbt, 250 men occupy redoubt south of Chieves house, 250 in rear of Fort Tilton, and 200 in redoubt near large mortar battery. General Whites division, 1,500 men, relieved General Crawford, and occupy the skirmish line extending from General Potters left around in front of the two square redoubts. General Willcox, with one brigade, colored troops, holds the line formerly occupied by Ninth Corps as far to the right as the mine, where they join the Eighteenth Corps. Your dispatch of 10 a. m. just received on my return from the line. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. B. POTTER, Commanding & eond Division, Ninth Army Corps: GENERAL: Three batteries have reported to me this morning. 1 have ordered twoDorseys (Ohio) and Rhodes (Rhode lsland)to report to you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. ALBERT MONROE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Artillery Page 203 CHiP. LIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 203 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. General POTTER, Commanding Second Division GENERAL The batteries sent you were not intended to be put in position unless they should be required. The heavy rain prevented Colonel Monroe visiting the line this evening, indicating to you the positions of the batterIes on your front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DiVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Capt. R. A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that Colonel Humphreys brigade relieved the brigade of General Hartranft during the night, connecting on the right with the Eighteenth Corps. Captain Roemer reports only few rebels seen on the line this morning. 1 shall keep vigilant watch dur- ing the day. 0. 13. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. AUGUST 15, 186410.40 a. m. Captain HUTCHINS: Captain iloemer having reported a material diminution of the rebels in our front, I sent Lieutenant Brackett to Roemers battery with a glass. Lieutenant Brackett has just returned, and says he does not perceive any difference in the number usually visible. Colonel Huni- I)hrey, who went on the line last night after having been off a week, makes the same observation, so that I think reports of the rebel works being thinned out should be taken with caution. Very respectfully, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DiVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 186L Capt. ROBERT A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report less firing of every description than usual to-day in my front. The rain this afternoon damaged the breast-works somewhat, but they are being speedily repaired. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX. Brigadier- General Page 204 204 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. rcHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Brigadier- General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that General Ingalls will have forage at this poht for your command to-day. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 15, 18648 a. m. (Received 9.15 a. in.) Major-General HANCOCK: GENERAL: We are getting along and driving the enemy on the Charles City road. I think my advance is within a mile of Whites Tavern. I have the body of General Chambliss, killed a few minutes ago. I am having some loss, but not very considerable. Yours, respectfully, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 15, 1864. (Received 1.15 p. in.) Major-General HANCOCK: GENERAL: The enemy are making a spirited advance, but are held by one of my brigades dismounted. I have two regiments at the inter- section of the Charles City, New Market, and Quaker roads. This force finds the enemy on the Charles City road in their front. I think Hamptons division of cavalry has arrived. A prisoner, whom I for- warded, told me that a large force of cavalry, which he believed to be Hamptons, was on the Charles City road about six miles from Rich- mond, and that infantry was at the same point. Yours, respectfully, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. General GREGG: The following, just received from General Birney, is communicated for your information: I have just returned from a reconnaissance. Have attacked the enemys cavalry on the left of Greggs brigade in flank and am driving them. Have ordered Averys cavalry also to attack. I am driving them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 205 CHAP. LiTh] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 205 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. General GREGG, Commanding, & c.: General Hancock directs me to advise you that Geiieral Birney has sent a brigade, under conduct of Captaiii Briscoe, aide-de-camp, to try to strike the Charles City road from the Central. The major-general commanding has sent you a brigade of infantry, well commanded, to be followed by more if necessary. Your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, General GREGG, August 15, 1864. Commanding Second Division Cavalry: GENERAL: I wish you would be careful that the enemy do not deceive you with dismounted cavalry, if that brigade gets to the Charles City road I wish you would press forward so as to relieve them, as I wish General Birney to make an attack as soon as hecan find a hole in their lines. I therefore desire that you should press the enemy well back on the Charles City road, looking out well at the same time for your right. I have since received your dispatch Stating that your dismounted cavalry have the Charles City road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, August 15, 1864. Colonel STEDMAN, Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: The enemys infantry have attacked Colonel Greggs pickets in force. I send you this information for your guidance. The general has not yet returned. Very respectfully, your obedicia servant, C. TAYLOR, Major and Division Inspector. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, August 15, 18642.10 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG: GENERAL: A prisoner from W. H. Fitzhugh Lees division just brought in. They crossed the James this morning at daylight, The Eighth and Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in connection with the infantry, are driving them, and are now nearly to Deep Creek. Very respectfully, J. IRVIN GREGG, Colonel, L1ommanding Brigade Page 206 206 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. AUGUST 15, 18649 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: My pickets at Dutch Gap report trains running all night from Peters- burg to a point just above them, and there stopping and whistling, probably at Chaffins farm. Signal officer at Spring Hill reports two trains have passed from Petersburg and two toward Petersburg, the last loaded with commissary stores. At 9 a. m. a regiment of cavalry has just passed Junction toward Richmond. Birney reports that his six guns turn out to be four S-inch howitzers; also that he is ordered to make an assault on the right of Hancock this morning. Pretty far round from left to right. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 15, 1864. Major.Geueral BUTLER: Did Birney secure the guns reported, or are they on ground that can- not be reached by either party ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. General GRANT: The following is answer to my inquiry about guns taken by General Birney yesterday: DEEP BOTTOM, August 15, 1864. General BUTLER: I learned from an artillery lieutenant at 11 a. m. to-day that three were secured and the fourth not, for want of carriage. This officer was sent by General Hancock to secure the fourth. None have beeii delivered to me. The enemy had re-estab- lished his picket-line and had shelled the woods in my front. I could not get the fourth gun without a fight. WM. B. WOOSTER, Colonel Twenty-ninth Connecticut Volunteers. B. F. BUTLER. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18641.50 p. rn. Major-General HANCOCK: GENERAL: I have just returned from a reconnaissance. Have at- tacked the enemys cavalry on the left of Greggs brigade in hank and am driving them. Have ordered Averys cavalry also to attack. I am driving them. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18642.10 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: Do you desire me to mass and attack ~ I am apprehensive that if I attempt to envelop the enemy the force on my right and rear may take me in reverse. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. I am driving the enemys skirmishers on my right toward Charles City Court-House road Page 207 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 207 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18642.30 p. rn. [General HANCOCK:] My brigade has advanced within half a mile of Charles City road, driving the enemy, which they report to be mounted infantry. I have ordered them to halt at Charles City Cross-Road and await orders. Avery covers their left. have you any orders ~ D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. (Copy to General Gregg at 3.15 p. in.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY: GENERAL: I have sent Colonel Morgan to you to express my views~ After yoa reach the Charles City road, if there is no engagement there, that brigade might be slowly withdrawn sufficiently to cover your right without being endangered, leaving the cavalry to protect the rear. I then wish you to continue your reconnaissance to the right of where Barlow attacked, to see if you can find a suitable place to attack, and, if so, before evening, I would like to make a strong attack and will give you more troops if necessary. It is important to make an advance or to ascertain that the enemy is in such force that we can- not, or to oblige them to re-enforce. You can be backed up as strongly as you wish. If you find a favorable point and want more men let me know. General Miles will now feel out to protect the right flank of that brigade which has gone to the front as well as your own right, and to attack the enemy if either are threatened. Respectfully, W. S. HANCOCK, Major- General HEADQUARTERS TENTh ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18643.25 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: Brigadier-General Birney is now moving with a brigade to attack to the right of my position, to be supported by all my force if necessary. When he drives the enemy to their line of works we can judge of the feasibility of an assault. My other division will move to the right and occupy the ground that he leaves, so that General Barlow must look out for his right. I may use the brigade of infantry that relieved Gregg from the attack. Respectfully, 1). B. BIKYBY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18646.40 p. in. (Received 7.45.) Major-General HANCOCK: A reconnaissance in force sent out has met the enemys skirmish line. As it is too far to my right and the woods too dense and close to favo Page 208 208 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. a night attack, I will postpone it until morning. I will make a vigorous one at daylight with your permission. We have driven the enemys skirmishers back, but as yet have found no intrenchments. D. B. BIIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18643.55 p. m. Captain BRIsCoE: Brigadier-General Birney is on the point of attacking on your left. If you are not pressed by the enemy move back and report to him. if there is any enemy in your immediate front attack them. You need have no fear for your left flank. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Captain BRISOGE: Bring back your command to the line. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18641.10 r rn. Major-General Hancock hopes we will be able to capture a few pris oners in order to get information. If any are taken, send them here immediately. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W SMITh, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Cover your line with your own skirmishers, and look out for 1)0th your flanks. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18G4G.30 p. m. Division commanders will see that their lines are well picketed dur- ing the night and that the line is connected along its whole extent. By order of Major-General Birney. ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 209 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 209 HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. 0. 5. FERRY: GENERAL: You can re(lnce the picket-line in front of Port Wal thall seventy-five men and on Mill road twenty-five men. With this reduction can you do the picket (luty with your force ~ I am unable to get any more white men and I do not like to send out colored. Over one-half of my force was on picket yesterday and last night. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. TURNER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division, [Indorserneut.] Respectfully returned. I can picket the Port Waithall and Mill road lines. 0. 5. FERRY, Brigadier- General, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 18643.50 p. m. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY: Make the movement heretofore indicated with as little delay as pos- sible. By order of Maj. Gen. I). B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. DEEP BOTTOM, August 15, 1864. (Received 1.30 p. in.) Major-General BUTLER: I have the honor to report the arrival at this headquarters of Major Torrance with the remaining three companies of the Twenty-ninth Connecticut Volunteers. W. B. WOOSTER, Colonel Twenty-ninth Connecticut Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct you to repair the railroad bridge, which has been damaged by the flood, so that troops can safely pass over.. For this purpose you will make the necessary details. Very respectfully, THEODORE READ Ass~istant Adjutant- GencraA IA R I(YOL XLII, PT Page 210 210 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Borne, N. C., Auga8t 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. l~. F. BUTLER, Comdg. Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, Fort Monroe, Va.: GENERAL: It is my impression that we can worry the blockade-run- ners a good deal by placing torpedoes in that channel that runs down the shore into Wilmington harbor. Lieutenant King, the engineer officer, has said he would bring the matter before you, and if he returns to this place, if you see no objection to it, I will have the torpedoes prepared. I would prefer to place them in position with the force we have, not calling upon the navy for any assistance. It is possible I do not judge correctly, but I have sometimes doubted whether these gen- tlemen who command the blockading vessels really wish that harbor closed. A great deal of money is made there in prize money. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., An gnst 16, 1864. (Received S p. m. 18th.) Major-General JIALLECK, Washington, D. C.: The fighting north of the river to-day has resulted favorably for us, so far as it has gone; but there have been no decisive results. The enemy have been driven back somewhat from their position of this morning, with a considerable loss in killed and wounded and about 400 prisoners left in our hands. Two brigadier- generals (Chambliss and Girardey) were killed and their bodies left in our hands. We also have qnite a number of wounded prisoners. I have relieved the Fifth Corps from the trenches, and have it ready to march around Peters- burg if the enemy can be induced to throw troops enough north of the James to justify it. Since moving north of the river our losses will probably reach near 1,000 in killed and wounded; very many, ho~~ever, only slightly wounded, owing to so much of the fighting taking place in thick woods. The enemy have lost about as many that have fallen into our hands. U. S. GRANT, Lientenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Angnst 16, 186411 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: No reports have been received from corps commanders or signal offi- cers indicating any movement or change in the enemys position in my front, except a part of the Ninth Corps, where it is reported the enemy have relieved the force in their trenche~s, but not diminished it. The appearance of Wrights brigade, Mahones division, ill front of Hancock, confirms the previous statement of deserters that on Satur- day last two brigades of Mahones divisioii were withdrawn and placed in reserve in the rear. GEt). G. MEADE, Major- General Page 211 CHAr. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 211 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 186412 m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following just received from I)royost-marshal~gellera1s depart- ment is forwarded: We believe that two brigades, Wrights and Perrins, of Mahones division, moved from the enemys extreme right day before yesterday at 2 P. in.; tbat the three re- maining brigades of Mahone, with Heths division and Beauregards two divisions, are still in our front. One of Kautzs men taken prisoner escaped from the enemy last night~ He says he was on the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad be- tween Petersburg and Swift Run when the two brigades of Mahones division marched up and took the cars for a station near Drewrys Bluff, GEO. G. MEADE, i1t~jor. General. CITY POINT, VA,, August 16, 18646.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: It seems from General Hancocks dispatches that a part of Hills corps is north of the James. If the enemy reduce again to three divisions at Petersburg it will be advisable to move Warren on to the Weldon road at least, and farther if it should then appear advisable. The enemy would necessarily have to keep a good part of Beauregards force to confront the two corps that would still be left. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18647.45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Until this p. m. there were no indications of movements. I reported this morning that deserters who caine in last night said we had in our front three brigades of Mahones division and all of Heths division, both of Hills corps, besides Beauregards forces. The two remaining brigades of Mahone, Wright and Perrin, they said, had been with- drawn and were in the rear. Hancock has taken prisoners from Wright, and I have no doubt Perrin is also in his frouf, but that is all of Hill that has left us as far as we know. Wilcoxs division, of Hills, is and has been there for some time. I send a report~ from the signal station on the plank road, just received, which would seem to indicate a further movement, though it is very indefinite. If you think it ad. visable on this information to move Warren, I will give him orders to move at early daylight, or before, and to attack at the lead-works or where the Weldon railroad enters the lille of works. I do not think myself he will have much chance of success unless we get more defi- nite information of the enemy having sent away more troops than we have now. GEG. G. MEADE, ]Jiliwjor- General. See Fulton to Fisher, 7.20 p. in., p. 214 Page 212 212 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, VA., August 16, 186410 p. m. Major-General MEABE: From here it sounds as if there was heavy musketry firing on your front. Is it so ~? Is it not probable that the movement of the enemy toward his right this evening was in anticipation of a flank movement by you~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 16, 186410.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: Your dispatch of 7.45 just received. I would not move Warren until we are assured of further movements of the enemy. I thiiik the changes reported by the signal officer on the plank road either indicate an in- tention to attack you or is in anticipation of a flank movement to our left. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: There is no musketry firing on my front, except the usual picket-firing. The movement of the enemy reporte(l is, I think, undoubtedly a weaken- ing of his extreme right, probably with a view of re-enforcing to the north of the James. The question with me was whether he had so weakened himself as to render an attack by Wari~en likely to be fol- lowed by any material advantages, because, so long as he holds his pres- ent lines we cannot do anything to assist Warrens movements. I am waiting to have your views. Warren has been ordered to be ready to move at 3 a. in., but the final order has not yet been sent. Just as II had completed the foregoing, your dispatch of 10.15 arrived. I hardly think the enemy will attack, but his movement is either to prepare for a flank movement on my part as you surmise, or else it is to re-enforce to the north of the James. GEG. G. MEADE, illajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 16, 1864. Major-General HuMPHREYS, Chief of Star: GENERAL. The following deserters have just been forwarded: Two from the Eighth Florida, came in at 6.30 p. in. 15th instant; one from the Tenth Florida, came in at 3 a. m. 16th instant one from the Forty- eighth Mississippi, came in at Op. m. 15th instant; one from the Sixty-first. Virginia, came in at 5.30 a. in. 16th instant. They are all from Mahones division, of A. P. Hills corps, and represent Weisigers, Harris, and Finegan s brigades. They state that all of Mahones division is in oar front excepting two brigades, Wrights and Perrins, which they thin Page 213 ChAr. LTv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LJNTON. 213 moved to Drewry~s Bluff at 2 p. ru. day before yesterday. Cannot say whether all of ileths division is in our front or not. Davis brigade, of Heths division, was on the right of his (ileths) division yesterday. The following telegram has been received from Colonel Sharpe: CITY POINT, August 16, 1864. J. C. BABCOCK: Our cavalry took prisoners this a. m. from Fitz Lees division; Chambliss killed his hody in our hands; fight on Charles City road two miles of Whites Tavern. Prisoners taken this a. in. by Tenth Corps report Wrights brigade, of Mahones divis- ion, and Lanes brigade, of Wilcoxs division, on General Birneys front; supposed they came over last night. Negro refugee from Richmond says be worked there in a shop where they were making fans to ventilate mines; that fifteen were to be made~ and five were done when he left; that some days ago a gano of forty negroes were sent from Richmond to work in mines at Petersburg. SHARPE, Colonel. We believe the two brigades, Wrights and ~ of Mahones division, to have moved from the enemys extreme right day before yes- terday at 2 p. in.; that ileths division and the two divisions of Beau- regard remain here as usual. Very respectfully, your ~obedient servant, ~. C. BABCOCK. CITY POINT, August 16, 1864. J. C. BABCOCK, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: I refer to W. II. F. Lees division as having crossed to the north side of the Jamesthe one in which Chambliss, who was killed this morn- ing, and Barringer, were brigade comninanders. SHARPE, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point: Deserters from three different brigades of Mahones dMsion received this a. m. report that Wrights and Perrins brigades moved to Drew- rys Bluff day before yesterday at 2 p. in. As far as they know Heths division remained unchanged, though we only hear from Davis bri- gade, which is on the right of the division. J. C. BABCOCK. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 16, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of AS1taff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report just received from the signal station near Fifth Corps headquarters: No movement. No working parties seen. Enemy hauling logs to front. All quiet. WARTS, Lieutenant. The other stations report no changes. By order: I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STliYKEIR, First Lieutenant, Signal 6orps, U. S. Army Page 214 214 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 16, 1864. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staft~: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following, just recei4ed from the station near the plank road: AUGUST 165 p. m. Camps that were re-established in woods west-northwest from this station again broken up and force apparently moving to the left but not appearing on line of Weldon railroad. Troops in fortifications in onr front also relieved and moving in same direction. FULTON, Sergeant. By order: I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Signal Corps. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 16, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The evening report from the station near the Gibbon house has just been received and is respectfully forwarded: AUGUST 16, 18646.30 -p.m. A train of box-cars appeared to-day on the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad, about one mile out of the city. Nothing unusual has been noticed in enemys lines to-day. Work progressing all day on fort. The camp reported removed from that locality has reappeared. JORDAN, Sergeant. By order: I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STIiYKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Signal Corps. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 16, 18647.20 p. m. Maj. ft F. Fisrrtit Camps broken np in woods in rear of front line, commencing from Gregorys house and extending left about a mile. The force in works were relieved by an equally strong force. Dont think front line weak- ened. Enemy active hauling logs and improving works. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 18646.30 a. m. (Received 10.40.) Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding: GENERAL: General Mi]e~ has arrived at the Charles City road and connected with Col. Irvin Gregg at the l)oint where the Charles City road crosses the ravine of 1)cep Creek. Colonel Gregg says there i Page 215 CHAP. LIV4 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 215 but very little water iii the ravine. Colonel Gregg is now moving for- ward to attack the enemys cavalry, which can be seen on the other side of tbe ravine. General Miles is also moving forward to assist in the attack, with two regiments deployed as skirmishers; has the rest of his command ready to go forward if required. I will write and let you know the result as soon as possible. General Miles is on left of Charles City road, and Colonel Gregg on the right of it. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. MITCHELL, Major and Aide-de-Camp. hEADQUARTERS SECoND Coups, Deep Greek, August 16, 18647.15 a. m. (Received 8.15.) Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding: GENERAL: General Greggs cavalry and General Miles skirmishers have crossed Deep Creek, driving the enemy before them in the direc- tion of Whites Tavern, which is about two miles from this point. General Gregg is here. He thinks we can go forward as far, probably, as Whites Tavern. I will keep you informed of our progress. There is no firing at this moment. The enemy appear to be falling back rapidly and our troops are advancing. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. MITCHELL, Major a d Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Con~~, August 16, 1864. General GRANT: A brigadier-general, supposed to be Brigadier-General Girardey, is dead within our lines. So reports my chief of staff Girardey com- mands that brigade of General Wrights, who is on leave. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Meade.) Major-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CoRps, August 16, 18648.15 a. m. (Received 9.15 a. in.) Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding GENERAL: Generals Gregg and Miles are advancing, with sharp skirmishing. We are now about one mile from Whites Tavern, on Charles City road. Have not met enemys infantry yet. We have killed Brigadier-General Chambliss of in our possession. your obedient the rebel service. His body is servant, W. G. MITCHELL, Major and Aide-de- Camp. The prisoners are from W. H. F, Lees division Page 216 216 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18648.15 a. m. L~eutenanPGeneraI GRANT: There is as yet nothing important to note. Generals Miles and Gregg are advancing up the Charles City road. The enemy were driven from behind Deep Creek and are falling back toward Whites Tavern. I do not think I will pnsh the reconnaissance much farther than Whites Tavern until I hear from General Birney, who has swung into the left and is advancing toward the Central road. He reports a line of the enemys works well filled, and is moving to the right to see if he can turn the flank. He will attack if there is a good opening. The enemys lines along the heights behind Baileys Creek appear about as yesterday. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Copy to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Conps, August 16, 18649.10 a. m. General MEADE: At 8 a. in. our troops on Charles City road were driving the enemy, our advance being within one mile of Whites Tavern. Brigadier-Gem eral Chambliss was killed and his body fell into our hands. Our loss is not considerable yet. Colonel Gregg is wounded, but not seriously. WLNFD S. HANCOCK~ Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. General GRANT: One prisoner from Sanders brigade reports that the other brigades of Mahones division were ready to come. General Gregg fonud a valu- able map on Genera] Chambliss body, which I will send you when it comes. It is said to have the enemys line marked on it. WINFD S. hANCOCK, Major- Generat. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1861 9.20 a. in. General GRANT: General Birney is still examining the enemys line with a view to attack. He finds it protected by a difficult ravine, and is crossing the ravine further to the right. The enemys line is apparently not con- tinuous from the Central to the Charles City roads. WINFJ) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Copy, to General Meade. Page 217 CHAP. LITh] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 217 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18649.30 a. rn. General GRANT: I omitted to state that the prisoners thus far taken on the Charles City road are all cavalry of W. H. F. Lees division. WINFD S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Meade.) General. CITY POINT, August 16, 186410 a.m. Major-General HANCOCK: Your dispatch received. At Whites Tavern you are in rear of the enemys line or nearly so, and must cause a falling back ou the whole front from New Marl~et on the left (onr right). The troops not engaged on our right should Watch the enemy closely and be prepared to follow up the moment the enemy give way, if they do give way. The people at Whites Tavern are Union, and may be relied on if you or Birney get an opportunity to question them in person. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, August 16, 186410.30 a. rn. Major-General HANCOCK: I have directed General Butler to make a demonstration of an ad- vance with his troops at Dutch Gap. You will perceive this threatens their retreat on ~ Bluff, whilst your forces near Whites Tavern threaten their retreat toward Richmond. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. (Received 12.20 p. in.) General GRANT: The provost-marshal at Deep Bottom says that an officer from the enemys lines opposite communicated with him to exchange papers this morning. He belonged to the Twenty-ninth Tennessee, and says that the Seventeenth, of the same State, is with them. They belonged to Longstreets corps, but I do not find them on the memorandum fur- nished me of Fields division. He says that the enemy are expecting a flag of truce to-day at Aikens Landing. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. (Received 12.20 p. in.) General GRANT: Your dispatches have been received. General Birney is advancing in three lines and will make a vigorous attack. if the enemy will make a fight where Birney is I will Put in my whole force. If they, however Page 218 218 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. are intrenched strongly I leave it to General Birneys discretion to as- sault or not. The enemy are strengthening their left, apparently at the expense of their right. General Birney Just sends in thirty-four prison- ers from the following regiments: Thirty-seventh North Carolina, Thirty-eighth North Carolina, TI North Carolina, Eighteenth North Carolina, Second Georgia, Tenth Georgia, Sixty-fourth Georgia, Twenty-second Georgia, and Forty-eighth Georgia. He has carried one line and thinks he has their left. He will go forward again. Generals Miles and Gregg report the enemy re-enforcing agaiiist them from the direction of the Central road. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Copy to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS August 16, 186412.30 p. rn. General GRANT: Major-General Birney reports to me that he has captured thc. enemys ravine line in his front. The enemy are doubling on him, and I am niaking an attack now on their right to seize the works which they hold thinly. 1 think we will seize them. The infantry command from Charles City has been ordered in on to General Biriieys right, or rather to connect with it, leaviii~ the cavalry to cover the Charles City road and hold their position, if possible. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, ]Jiliajor- General. (Same to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18641 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: The good news from Birney just received. The Thirty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Thirty-third, and Eighteenth North Carolina all belong to Lanes brigade, Wilcoxs division. The Second, Twenty-second, Forty-eighth, and Sixty-fourth Georgia belong to Wrights brigade, Mahones division. The Tenth Georgia belongs to Bryans brigade, Kershaws division. Wrights and Perrins brigades, of Mahones division, undoubtedly left our front on Saturday, and are now in front of you. It will appear that you have parts of both Kershaws and Wilcoxs divisions, both of whom were reported as having left for the Valley. There is no change of any kind in the enemy opposite to us beyond the withdrawal of Wrights and Perrins brigades of Mahones. IDeserters in to-day report the other three brigades of Mahone, all of Heth and Beauregard, as still here. There is some confusion about the cavalry in your front. As I understand it, NV. H. F. Lee is sometimes called Fitz Lee, the other Lee is Fitzhiigh Lee. I suppose the former is in your front; the latter was at I~eams Station yesterday. GEG. G. MEADE, Major-General Page 219 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 219 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. General MEADE: This division of Cavalry is General W. H. F. Lees (Rooney Lee), General Lees son, not Fitz Lees, who is the oldest division Commander, but the one who was in Fort La Fayette. They are both named Fitz Lee, but one is known as Fitz Lee and the other as iRooney Lee among their Companions. This Comniand left IRearns Station day before yesterday at 11 oclock and arrived here yesterday morning. I have a rebel color and some prison erslO officers and 153 men. A staff officer of General Birney reports that he has taken three colors, but has only got hold of one as yet. Colonel Dent will return with the prisoners captured, except those taken by the cavalry, which have not yet come. WINFD S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Grant.) General. HEADQUARTERS SEcOND ARMY CORP~, August 16, 1864. General GRANT: Prisoners just taken report Lanes and Wrights brigades in front ot General Birney, they having arrived there last night. WJNFI) S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Meade.) Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18641.30 p. m. General GRANT: One brigade from which General il3irney took prisoners arrived here last night. An officer from General Fields staff is taken and says there are 15,000 men in my front. A prisoner says that General Lee crossed over here from Petersburg to-day. The enemy are attack- ing Birneys right pretty strongly. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. P. S.General Birney~s loss is considerable, and he has captured some more prisoners. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. General GRANT: I send four more officers and forty-nine men. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, ilJi{jor- General. (Copy to General 1~Ieade. Page 220 220 OPERATLO1~S IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 18641.30 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding: GENERAL: The enemys infantry has attacked General Miles and General Gregg forcibly. Our troops are retiring on the Charles City road, the enemy pressing quite heavily. Generals Miles and Gregg will hold the line of Deep Creek. The enemy attacked on Charles City road. We are now about one mile from Deep Creek and retiring toward that point. I believe the crossing of the road (Charles City) at Deep Creek can easily be held by the troops of General Miles and Geii- eral Gregg. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. MITCHELL, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 18643.30 p. m. General GRANT: Our losses so far as I can ascertain are heavy. Four brigade coin- manders are reported killed or wounded. I have just returned from General Birney. He has, I think, lost a part of the line he took from the enemy, but he is intrenching the rest, and I have ordered him to retake all of it. I think he is secure. I have forwarded additional troops on his right and left. A considerable portion of Hills corps is herehow much, I cannot say at this moment. General Birney thinks all of it; but I could not to any of these statements advise credence until I can substantiate them. We have been making a formidable demonstration thus far. I have taken imumbers of prisoners from Sanders brigade, whose presence I reported this morning, and Fields division still remains here on our right, according to the state- memit of prisoners well disposed to us, who were taken this morning. I have made demonstrations (really attacks) on the enemys right, but have always found the enemy~s intrenchments well manned. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Copy to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18644.15 p. m. General GRANT: The force on the Charles City road has been pressed back to this side of Deep Creek by a superior force of infantry; what command is not known. Our troops behaved well, but were driven back by superior numbers. General Gregg is now on the north side of Deep Creek and says he can hold his position. General Miles has returned to General Birneys right flank, and the infantry which attacked him on the Charles City road has moved toward Fussells Mill, on the enemys left. I have Richmond papers of the 15th. 1 can telegraph you some items if you have not seeti them, though there is nothing imupo Page 221 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNJON. 221 taut. Dates from Mobile and Atlanta of 13th [say] two of our ships reported inside the bar at Mobile. General Miles loss, say, 150 men of 1,400, and General Gre~g quite a number. WINFD S. HANCOCK, ]JJiajor- General. (Copy to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRPS, August 16, 1864. (Received 6 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Miles has returned to the right of General Birney, General Gregg holding Deep Creek, a strong place on the Charles City road. An attack on the enemy will be made at 5 oclock on General Birneys front. Everything is calm here at present. I have on General Birneys line two brigades of the Second Corps on the right, and one engaged with him, and one on his left the remainder of the Second Corps on the left. The fight has been to the right of Fussells mill-pond. The enemy have lost heavily to-day, according to the reports of their prison- ers and other indications. I have the map taken from General Chamb- liss body, which is a very perfect map, embracing the complete fortifi- cations of Richmond and the surrounding country on both sides of the river. Have not sent it in, as I have not had an opportunity since receiving it. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Meade.) iJilaJor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 18645.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Since General Miles was withdrawn the enemy have pressed General Gregg pretty hard, and have forced him across Deep Creek, where he now holds in the rifle-pits. The farthest point gained by our forc~s was six to seven miles from Richmond, within half a mile of Whites Tavern, where the enemys infantry appeared in force. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Meade.) Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. GenerA GRANT: The following dispatch is justreceived from General Birney. I have not received a full report from Colonel Smyth: HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CoRps, August 16, l8Gl5.57p. rn. General HANcOcK: I advanced my skirmishers and after a reconnaissance have concluded not to at- tack. The enemy have massed in my front, and in my opinion, even after taking the works, my force could not do more. Colonel Smyth, Second Division, reports troop Page 222 222 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. and artillery passing two hours to my front. I send another flag, captured this morn- ing. Four more are reported. I liave. not seen them. I would like a statement of previous flags mined over. D. B. J3LRNEY, Major- General. WINF1) S. HANCOCK, (Copy to General Meade.) ilfajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864~7 r. m. General GRANT: rf his evening General Mott, by making a strong demonstration on the enemys right, brought oft the gun left by General Birney day before yesterday, together with three loads of ammunitioii whicli have beeu covered by the enemy since that tinie. The gun was an 8-inch siege howitzer, and the ammunition belongs to guns of that caliber. WINFD S. HL~NCOCK, (Copy to Geiieral Meade.) General. CITY POINT, August 16, 1864. General HANCOCK: I send for your information the following dispatch from General Butler.* The position secured by General Butler may turn the whole position now held by the enemy. I will have it examined in the morning, and if it does will transfer a portion of your command to it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. General GRANT: M~ casualties to-day in the entire command, including cavalry, at the minimum, 1,500. WINFD S. HANCOCK, (Same to General Meade.) ]Jfajor- General. CITY POINT, August 16, 1864. (Received 9.30 p. in.) General HANCOCK: I have ordered to Strawberry Plains steamers ostensibly to bring down the Second Corps. It is intended as a ruse to make the enemy believe you are withdrawing, and to bring them out to attack you. Send orders to the steamers to return here at 4 a. in. in the morning. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. * See Butler to Grant, beginningAs soon as arrangenients, & e., p. 2~2 Page 223 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. (Received 17th.) General GRANT: Your dispatch is received and the necessary steps xviii be taken to carry out your views. WJNFI) S. HANCOCK, Major- ~iJencral. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, An gust 16, 186410.50 a. rn. General Birney is making quite an attack; has captured some pris- otiers. The pickets should threaten an advance at all times. Troops should be showit on the left. Any commander may take advantage at once of any weakness in the enemys lines. General Gregg will push the reconnaissance beyond Whites Tavern with his caval By comniand of Major-General Hancock: ry. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- general. (To Brigadier-Generals Barlow and Mott and Colonel Smyth, com- manding divisions.) CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 1864. The troops will be held ready to move at oncethis iiot to interfere with any previous instructions given in regard to feeling or trying the enemys lines. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- Ucuerat. (To Generals Mott and Barlow aiid Colonel Smyth.) CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18644.40 a. rn. Colonel Craig, commanding brigade of Second Corps, temporarily attached to this command, will report immediately to Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, commanding First l)ivision, Tenth Corps. By order 01 Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- (Jeneral. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, Near Whites Tavern, August [16], 186411 a. m. Col. C. II. MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Second Corps: My advance is within less than a half mile from Whites Tavern. We have driven them steadily thus far from l)eep Bottom. We have met strong force in front, also struck a line of flankers marching towar Page 224 224 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. Whites Tavern from the direction of Fussells Mill. We hold the ground gained and await orders. I do not consider it advisable to advance farther up this road without connecting with the right of General Birney, which I will endeavor to do and move forward if you direct. Very respectfully, NELSON A. MILES, Brigddier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1861. General MILES: The major-general commanding directs me to say that while General Gregg remains . in front with you you will obey any orders which he may give. General Gregg has been (lirected not to give up his recon- naissance as long as he considers it safe. He has been advised, how- ever, that if General Birney has heavy and continuous firing you are to close in toward him. [F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18647.30 p. m. Col. T. A. SMYTIT, Commanding Second Division: COLONEL: The major-general commanding is informed that just pre- vious to 5 this p. m. you informed General Birney that the enemy had been passing to his front with infantry and cavalry for two hours. The major-general cominanding~ desires to be informed exactly what report was made arid why it was iiot made to these headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 186411 a. rn. General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: The major-general commanding directs that the regiment sent last evening to hold the woods near the bridge-head be recalled and rejoin your division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS. August 16, 18611.50 p. m. General MOTT: The signal officer reports that the enemy are still passing troops Quietly way along from your front~ and have taken away two guns oa Page 225 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 225 of three. You had better at once attack, or make a strong demonstra- tion to that effect. If the enemy are vacating their lines attack them and seize their works. [F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, SECOND CORPS., August 16, 18643.15 p. m. (Received 3.30 p. in.) heat. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have made a demonstra- tion and find the enemy have a strong skirmish line and the works manned. The guns are still in position. I have given orders for a demonstration to be made on the extreme left by a regiment. Very respectfully, G. MOTT, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 1864. (Received 3.40 p. in.) Brigadier-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: General Hancock says your movements meet his wishes. Respectfully, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, August 16, 1864. Lient. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps:. COLONEL: I have the honor to state that I made a demonstration on the left this evening and found the enemy with a strong skirmish line and the works manned. During that time I had the 8-inch siege gun brought away, and brought in three loads of ammunition belonging to that siege gun. Very respectfully, ~. MOTT, Brigadier- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, August 16, 1864. The command will be under arms at 3 a. m. to-morrow. Brigade commanders will see that camps are struck at that hour. The officer commanding pickets will be notified to keep the pickets vigilant and all be under arms at that time. An attack is expected. By command of Brigadier-General Mott: JOHN HANCOCK, ]Jflicpor and Assistant Adjutant- General. 15 R RVOL XLlI, PT I Page 226 226 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, AnOust iG, 18G411.15 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: I am instructed to say that engineers are directed to ~o on with the work on the intrenchments, and that you will please furnish the details required by them.~ A. A. HUMPIIItEYS, Major- General and Chief of Sta~. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18648.15 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you be prepared to move at 3 a. in. to-morrow. Instructions will be sent you during the iii~ht. Major Duane has been ordered to return all working parties. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18649.20 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you move to-morrow morning at 3 oclock by way of Strongs house and the shortest road thence to the Weldon railroad near the intersection of the Vaughan road, and if the enemy hold their intrenchments weakly in that vicinity endeavor to carry them and occupy the crest in rear of their first line of works opposite the fronts held by the Ninth and Eighteenth Corps. Information derived from General Hancock to-day shows two brigades of Mahones division to the north of the James, and the signal officer on the plank road observed this evening the troops in the trenches on the enemys right toward the Weldon railroad vacating the works, and those in our front in the vicinity of the plank road being relfeved and moving out. This indicates that but three divisions of the enemy hold their intrenchments south of the Appomattox. General Kautz will be ordered to concentrate his cavalry somewhere near the plank road and prevent Fitzhugh Lees division of cavalry coming in on your rear. Keep the commanding general advised of your progress and of everything important. A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoTo AC, August 16, 186410.15 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Coma anding Fifth Corps: In sending you the instructions for to-morrow I have anticipated the action of the commanding general. They are suspended until farthei notice. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, ]Jiliajor- General and Chief ~f Staff. Page 227 ChAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 105. August 16, 1864. Division commanders and the commander of the Artillery Brigade will hold their commands in readiness to move at 3 a. m. to-morrow. Further instructions will be sent. Division commanders will at once recall their working parties. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18646.30 p. ~n. (Received 7.15 p. in.) Major-General PARKE, Corn anding Ninth Corps: The signal officer on the plank road reports the enemy leaving his intrenchments opposite to where he is. Do the reports from your front confirm this; and, if so, to what extent ~ A. A. IJUMPURFYS, ]JiThjor-General anvil Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS MNTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18648.20 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Have just returned from my left. The report of the signal officer reached my headquarters about the same time as a report from General White to the same effect. While at General Whites headquarters nothing further was reported. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18648.40 p. rn. Major-General PARKE, Co. manding Ninth Corps: Your dispatch of 8.20 p. m. received. Is the report of General White founded upon the observation of his pickets or officers ~ A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NIT~TH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. Brigadier-Gelieral WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report the enemy quiet on my front to-day. The report of picket-firing on Second Division front made this morning was an error. Some damage was done our works by the rain, which is. being repaired. The detailed report mentioned in a previous dispatch to Major-General Iluinphreys will be forwarded as sooii a; recelve(1. JI U. U. 1~ARKE, Major- General Page 228 228 OPERATION~ IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 186411.20 p. m. Major-General TIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The movement reported this everring by the officer of the day of the right brigade of Whites division was discovered by one of his vedettes in the center of his picket-line. The officer then took position and dis- covered a column moving behind a heavy work due west of Fort Tilton and proceeding parallel to their line until they passed into the woods. Judging from the intervals between the horsemen there were five regiments. After these regiments had disappeared in the woods he saw about a regiment move into the rifle-pits to south of the heavy work before mentioned, and an increase of the .picket-line in his front of about fifty men. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS A General GREGG: . ugust 16, 1864. In order to prevent the enemys recapturing General Chambliss body as a trophy in any of the subsequent operations of the day, the major- general commanding thinks you had better send it back in an ambu- lance. I think if Genera.l Chambliss is buried here it might be done on the New Market road, say by the Potteries, putting up a head-board by which the grave could be recognized. General Hancock is sorry to hear of Colonel Greggs wound a so well. , ud is glad to hear that you are doing FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 186411 a. m. General GREGG: The major-general commanding desires that you will continue to push your reconnaissance as far as you consider it practicable and safe. It will create a diversion certainly, and will compel them to vacate their position here if they do not feel strong. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 186412 m. Maj6r-General HANCOCK, Gommanding: Yours received. We are going ahead. Yours, & c., ID. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. The enemy have some artillery in position near Whites Tavern, but 1 think the movement we are now making will compel the falling back of their force. ID. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers Page 229 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 229 hEADQUARTERS SECOND APMY CORPS, August 16, 186412.20 p. m. General GREGG: General Hancock wishes, if it can be done properly, that General Miles now conic in and protect the roads leading into General Birneys right and rear, wbile you hold strongly to the front. General Birney reports that he has carried the enemys main line on his front, and wishes this protection to his right. The general commanding considers your reconnaissance complete if you can hold on where you are. Your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- Generat. HEADQUARTER$ SECOND ARMY CORPS, General GREGG: August 16, 18642 p. m. General Birney has captured 200 or 300 prisoners and 3 battle-flags. One general officer, supposed to be Girardey, is dead within our lines. Release Miles as soon as you can, and send him straight toward Gen- eral Birney, holding pretty strong toyoui~ front. Since writing the above, your dispatch by Captain Browuson was received. If Miles becomes heavily engaged, of course his return is out of question until a proper time. A brigade of Colonel Broady has just gone on General Birneys right. You should see, by cavalry vedettes, that the road is open before Deep Creek and Birney always. FRANCIS A. WALKER. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. General GREGG: The major-general commanding directs me to say that unless you are very seriously engaged you must send General Miles toward General Birney by the shortest route, and dispute the Charles City road with your cavalry. General Birney is pretty heavily pressed on his right and left. ~FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, August 16, 18643.15 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: General Miles h~s gone to Birneys right and I am hold- ing the north side of Deep Creek. Our last advance was met by a superior force of infantry, which moved up from the direction of Pus- sells Mill the force is now retiring to my left and in the direction of the mill. The firing in my front has ceased. I send to General Han- cock the map which I found on General Chambliss body. Please return it when the general is through with it. Yours, respectfully, D. MCM. GREGQ Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Comdg. Second Division Page 230 230 OPERATIONS TN SE. VA. AND N. C. rCHAP. ILLY. IIEADQIJARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 16, 1~614.15 p. m. General GREGG: If you stay at Deep Creek to-night you can have your subsistence brought forward to that point. The major-general commanding desires that you will hold Deep Creek, if possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, August 16, 18G11.45 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding: GENERAL: The enemy in large force (infantry and cavalry) attacked my brigade north of Deep Run, and after a sharp fight compelled it to retire across Deep Run with considerable loss, it was unfortunate that General Miles left me. The enemy are occupying the works north of Deep Run. In front the enemy are quiet, and I cannot discover any of their movements toward my right or left. Very respectfully, D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18645 p. m. General GREGG: General Miles has connected with GTeneral Birney~s right. General Birney is going to attack again about this time. You and General Miles should connect your picket-line along that road, and General Miles has been so instructed. Hold on strongly where you are and see that my right flank is protected by skirmishers, or let me know to the contrary. If you require assistance let inc know. At the sanie time, I expect a heavy fight here before night. 1 would not have called Miles away from you but for the frequent calls of General Birney. We have captured four s,tand of colors and several hundred prisoners from the enemy. Their loss has been heavy and ours has not been light. We have had four brigade commanders disabled to-day. One of their brigade commanders is dead in our lines up here. If everything is quiet after dark cant you conk up to see me ~ WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT VA Major-General BUTLER, , ., Augm4st 16, 1864. Commanding, cue.: Have any men been taken from Wilcoxs division within three days ~ if not, have you any information fixing his presence here within this linen? U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 231 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 231 HDQRS. DEPT. OF \TIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 16, 186410 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, & e.: Wilcoxs division is all here. Lane and McGowan are on north side df the Jame~, where they have been for some weeks. Thomas and Scales are on the right of Picketts division in our front here, where they also have been for some six weeks or more. I had not heard from them for a day or two, bnt to-night have had a man from McGowan and have heard direct from Thomas and Scales. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., August 16, 1864. Major.General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: Our troops are now near Whites Tavern. You will perceive from the maps this is between the enemy at New Market and Richmond. They will, however, have the road clear to Chaffins farm. If 1,000 of your men at Dutch Gap could be put nnder arms and threaten an advance, it might have the effect of starting the enemy on the retreat. In mak- ing such demonstration troops would have to start heading down the river, to avoid the batteries near Coxs house. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 16, 186411.15 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: Your dispatch received. I have directed the available force, which will amount to about 1,200 men, at Dutch Gap to make the demonstration you suggest. We shall move in that direction with considerable vigor. The only doubt I have is whether the enemys iron-dads may be able to sweep the plain in front of Dutch Gap. I have ordered Colonel Wooster commanding at Deep Bottom, also to make an advance up the Kings- land road toward its junction with Three-Mile Creek as a feint at the time we open at Dutch Gap. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding~ HATCHERS, August 16, 18646 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: GENERAL: We are advancing from Dutch Gap. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 16, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: It is now getting so late, and the troops under llahcock being at a stand still, it will be necessary for you to use caution about advancing. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 232 232 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, A ugw~t 16, 1864, Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, ct~c.: As soon as arrangements could possibly be made to get the men rested from their work, at 5 oclock I sent on board the steamer MQunt Washington, kindly loaned me by the navy, 950 of the working party at Dutch Gap, and landed about three-fourths of amilebelow, atAikens, by which I was enabled to turn the enemys battery at II. Coxs, and undercover of the gun-boats ,which you heard, Major Ludlow advanced, turning the enemys line, capturing it after a smart skirmish in which we lost one man killed, and we now occupy the work on the brow of the hill which you saw. It is a very strong line for the enemy. Our line of pickets extend from Coxs house at the turn of the river above Dutch Gap to the northeast and about half a mile toward Three-Mile Creek. We have not men enough to occupy all the works. The right has been occupied by rifle-pits and one piece of artillery, the line extend- ing to Three-Mile Creek, but there is nothing now between us and Three-Mile Creek. Major Ludlow thinks this position a very strong one, if occupied by the rebels, to O~~O5O any advance on our part. I have directed it to be held to-night. If you propose tc go up to Deep Bottom to-morrow you can easily examine it yourself, or one of the engineers may be sent up to examine it. We have captured a prisoner there, and he says he is from one of Beauregards brigades (Johnsons old). I have a report from Colonel Wooster, commanding at Deep Bot- tom, that he advanced a strong skirmish line until his entire line passed Kingsland roa(l, his right resting on Four-Mile Creek and advancing beyond it as far as W. H. Ammons, beyond the New Market road, and his left beyond iRuffins house. He developed only a strong skirmish line and two or three companies of infantry. He captured a prisoner of the Third North Carolina, which regiment belonged to Johnsons division and Stenarts brigade, which was supposed to have been cap- tured with its general. I have also another prisoner who claims to belong to the Tenth Virginia of the same brigade, who says his bri- gade is out there and has been encamped there for some time. At 9 oclock Colonel Wooster retired to his original position. With refer- ence to this prisoner I have never, from all the prisoners or deserters, heard of this brigade on this line before and know not where they came from. Colonel Wooster had no killed and none seriously wounded. It would seem that there is no difficulty in advancing any body of troops in that direction. Our movement has certainly beemi successful as a reconnaissance, if nothing more. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY POINT, Yx., August 16, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: If you have men to spare to hold the position secured by Major Lud- low until I can get up there I will have the ground examined, and if it is practicable to get through, will transfer a portion of the force with General Hancock. TT. S. GRANT, Lienteuant- General Page 233 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 233 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 16, 1864. Major LUDLOW, Aide-de- Camp, die.: I inclose to you a telegram from Lieuteiiant-General Grant.* The troops of Hancock and Birney are near Whites Tavern, on the Charles City road, extending across the Central and New Market roads. That, you will see, brings the enemy at Dutch Gap-in your front directly between our troops and you. I wish you would get all the men you can spare under arms and advance upon them and try them, of course deploying your force a little to the right from the gap, in order to avoid the bat- tery at Coxs house, if it still remains there. I trust by this time you have got your gun mounted and unmasked, so that you can bear upon that battery. At the time you advance, which should be done with a good deal of celerity and determination w%th a strong line of skirmish- ers to surprise the enemy, let your 100-pounder open upon that battery as well as you can. At the opening of your artillery I will direct Col- onel Wooster to advance a strong skirmish-line at Deep Bottom up toward the junction of Three-Mile Creek with the Kingsland road. I will endeavor to be over at the gap by the time your dispositions are made, but do not wait for me. It is of importance that you should endeavor to silence the artillery. Please try to observe where the enemys gun-boats are, that yotl may not be interfered with in attempt- ing to cross the plain between your works and the enenmy. Form your line of battle in the gap out of sight of the enemy as much as possible and deploy with rapidity. How are you supplied with ammunition ~ BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, August 16, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HOWARD, Chief Quartermaster, Bermuda: You will select two of the most worthless canal barges we have, if two have not already been selected, for the purpose of being sunk in the James, of course taking off all tackle and everything which is use- less when sunk, and report them as early as possible to the naval ves- sel, the Miami, off City Point. Report to me when this order is exe- cated. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. BERMUDA, Augtsst 16, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the barges Mary Moyer and Agnes Gibson have been procured at City Point, where some delay was experienced. JOHN B. HOWARD, Lieutenant4jolonel and Chief Quartermaster. See p. 231 Page 234 234 OPERATIONS IN 8Th VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLiNA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 16, 18647.30 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chif of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer on the Spring Hill Station reports at 7 a. in. that since 8.30 last night two trains passed toward Richmond and one toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, your obedieut servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal OtJicer. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 16, 18648.10 a. m. Lieutenant- Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports at 8 a. in. that eight cars loaded with troops just passed the Junction toward Peters- burg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of Va. and N. C. SPRING HILL, August 16, 1864. Captain NORTON: Three pieces of artillery moving from railroad station east, across open space to the enemys line of works, nearly opposite my station. SIMONS, Lieutenant, Signal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VA. AND N. C., No. 224. In the Field, Va., August 16, 1864. * * *~ * * * XI. The One hundred and fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, National Guard, now at Norfolk, will be relieved from duty there and ordered to Ohio for muster out. Quartermasters department will fur- nish transportation. By command of Major-General Butler: R. S. DAVIS, Major and Assistant Adjutant- 0eneral. FORT MONROE, August 16, 1864. Col. II. L. ABBOT: Your telegram of the 14th received this morning. Will send you 240 24-pounder shell to-morrow. I have telegraphed to Washington requesting that supplies of these shells be hurried forward as fast as possible. T. EDSON, Captain of Ordnance Page 235 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 235 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, Aug itst 16, 18649.20 a. . (lieceived 9.45 a. iw) Major-General HANCOCK: General Terry reports that General Fosters line of skirmishers is within 200 yards of the enemys skirmish line. Foster will commence driving them within the next five minutes. Prisoiiers just brought in report that Wrights and Lanes brigades are directly in Fosters front, having arrived last night. P. B. BIRKEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. Major-General HANCOCK: I send you herewith two prisoners captnred by General Terry. P. B. BITINEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18642.25 p. m. General BIRNEY: I send you another brigade under General Barlow to your right, where I supposed that Colonel Broadys brigade was to be sent, and I have ordered Miles to be sent in to you as soon as possible. How soon he may come I cannot tell at this distance. I am told you have also already got a brigade of Colonel Smyths divisioti. We have plenty of troops, and if the commanders will hold until re-enforced, there can be no difficulty. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS, August 16, 18644 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: 1 i)1opose to attack again at 5 oclock. General Miles has formed on my right flank, covering the road leading to my rear. The enemy seem to be in strength. I have reversed their first line. P. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18645.57 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Forces: GENERAL: I advanced my skirmishers and after a reconnaissance concluded not to attack. The enemy have massed in my front and, in mimy opinion, even after taking the works, my force could not do more. Colonel Smyth, Second Division, reports troops and artillery passing - two hours to my front. I send another flag captured this morning; fonr more are reported; I have not seen them. I would like a state- ment of prisoners and of flags turned over. P. B. BIRNEY, Major-General Page 236 236 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18648 p. in. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires to be informed whether Colonel Craigs brigade, of the Third Division, Second Corps, was engaged in the assault this p. m.~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant A~jutant- General. CIRCULAR.J HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. The following movements of the troops will be made: The picket- line will advance, driving the enemys skirmishers back, and General Terry will try to turn the enemys left, attaeking with his entire divis- ion if necessary. Colonel Craig, commanding brigade, Second Corps, will report for orders to General Terry, and the forces nuder Brigadier- General Birney will be held in readiness to support General Terry as he vacates the high ground, and also to hold it and support the bat- teries. By order of General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH AR~ x~ CORPS, August 16, 1864. Brigadier-General TERRY: Please report progress and explain the cause of the delay in execut- ing the movement. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. The major-general commanding is aware that there is a continuous line of works covering Richinond, but thinks it probable they are not strongly manned. It is of the greatest importance to ascertain how this is. The Second Corps is awaiting your attack to attack also. Respectfully, ED. W - SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. Brigadier-General TERRY: The major-general commanding directs me to say that your report of progress is satisfactory. He desires you to push your movement with alacrity and to use your entire division if, in your opinion, advisable. For answer, sec 8.45 p. ni., Part I, p. 678 Page 237 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 237 Gibbons division, Second Corps, has reported to me and can occupy the position you have held, and the force under Brigadier-General Birney is ready for your support if needed. Respectfully, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH AR~nr CORPS, August 16, 1864. Brigadier-General TERRY: The major-general commanding directs that such of your troops as have become disorganized and are not in line take the intrenching tools and throw np rifle-pits here on the crest. Respectfully, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 18642.45 p. m. Brigadier-General TERRY: Nearly all the troops have now been sent in that can be spared. The major-general commanding directs me to say that he depends on you to see to it that they aie not piled up but well developed, especially to the right and connecting with the mill-pond ou the left. Use abatis and every available obstruction in your frontrails, logs, and barn -cades. Get the troops ready to make an assault By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, [Brigadier-General TERRY:] August 16, 18646.30 p. m. GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that there will be no attack to-night. You will, as soon as you can without confusion, assemble the different parts of your command under their proper commanders, bringing the parts of brigades now separate together. Respectfully, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH CORPS, Deep Run, August 16, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER: Terry assaulted at 9 a. in., supported by Birney. Carried the enemys works handsomely, and afterward got out of ammunition and had to leave the main line with heavy loss. Osborn slightly wounded. - Plimpton and Wali~ath killed,* with many others. Yours, & c., __________ ED. W. SMITH. Wairath was wounded, not killed Page 238 238 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS, August 16, 186412.05 p. m. Brigadier-General TURNER, Commanding Line of Defenses: This afternoon we propose to make a little movement from l)eep Bottom and Dutch Gap, so that when you hear the row yon will know what it all means. Will you please see that the batteries at the Cur- tis honse and at Crows Nest be ready to open on the iron-c] ads if they open on the Howlett house if it opens, together with the Water Battery, to bear on the Howlett hon~e, or, if possible, on the iron-dads. I will be along by yonr headqnarters as soon as I can, and perhaps get you to go over to Deep Bottom, after the proper dispositions are made on this side. I have ordered the Deep Bottom dispatch to be taken off for you. II3ENJ~. F. BUTLER. Major- General, Commanding. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August 16, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER: Give Major Ludlow a regiment, which he will ask for, to hold his ground. A force will be transferred there from Hancocks to-morrow, if practicable. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, August 16, 1864. Colonel CURTIS, Commanding Brigade: COLONEL: I am instructed by the brigadier-general to inform you that a movement will be made this afternoon from Deep Bottom and Dutch Gap. The Water Battery, battery at Cnrtis house, and battery at Crows Nest, have been directed to open upon the enemys iron-dads should they make their appearance and open npou our troops, or upon the iowlett house battery if it opens upon our troops. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, ISRAEL H. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventh New York Vols., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS, August 16, 186412.05 p. m. Colonel WOOSTER, Commanding at Deep Bottom: Prepare a strong skirmish line of your troops, supported by a line of battle, and make an advance upon the enemy with considerable deter- mination, at least enough to make them develop their forces when you hear the opening of heavy guns at Dutch Gap. That opening will be with a 100-pounder rifle, arid perhaps some light a tillery. Press bac Page 239 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 239 the enemy as far as you can do with safety, moving up toward the Kings- land road at the junction of Three-Mile Creek, toward Rnffins house. Reply by telegraph how soon you can be ready. Perhaps you can use your own artillery. You will ascertain, of course, as near as you cau where the left of Hancocks line rests, so as not to advance too far; leaving your right flank exposed. Your left will be protected by the creek. The troops at Dutch Gap will be out three miles away from your left before they advance. As they advance you will be approach- ing. See to it that there is no collision on your left. BEKJ. F. BUTLER, Major- aeneral, Commanding. DEEP BOTTdM, August 16, 18G-L12.45 p. m. Major-General BUTLER: I can be ready at 2 p. m. with but a small force. Taking everything from my fortifications I have less than 700 mcii, except those on the J)icket-hne. Shall I use my light battery ~ I am entirely unacquainted with the country and the creeks. WM. B. WOOSTER, Colonel Twenty-ninth Connecticut. DEEP BOTTOM, August 16, 1864i .05 p. m. Major-General BUTLER: My whole force is not sufficient to form a skirmish line on my present front as I picket. I could nave nothing to form a line of battle with. Shall I make the attempt to press beyond my present picket-line with this insufficient force ~ WM. B. WOOSTER Colonel, Co mmanding. Thdorsement.] I telegraphed you [General Butler] at 2.30 the substance of within. GEO. A. KENSEL. Have telegraphed Colonel Wooster to obey your orders and that I have sent these dispatches to you. K. DEEP BOTTOM, August 16, 186410 p. m. Major-General BUTLER: As your guns opened this afternoon I advanced my lines, swinging around my right until my entire line passed the Kingsland road. My right rested upon a ravine, the extension of Four-Mile Run. I con- tiiined to press my right into the woods until it became so dark I could - no longer continue my skirmish line. My advance developed only a strong picket-line. On the right of the Ruffin house the enemy was in small rifle-pits, and staid until I took them by a charge. I could neither hear nor see anything of Hancocks lines. The length of my lines by this advance became so great that in order to concentrate m Page 240 240 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. force I was obliged to fall back to my original lines, which I did at 9 p. m. The length of time consumed in the advance of my right gave ample time for the concentration offorce,if they had any. I have one prisoner only reported to me, who states he is from the Twentyfifth Virginia Battalion, and he states part of the picket was from the Third North Carolina. My cavalry advanced on my left to some 200 yards beyond the Amrnons house, and report rebel infantry force in the woods near that point, but I should suppose not to exceed two or three com- panies. They advanced iu a line nearly perpendicular to my line of vedettes, fired rapidly in skirmish five to ten minutes, then fired a volley and retired. As they retired my left vedette fired at the left of this force. At what they were firing my vedettes could not state. I have some wounded, but I believe none killed. WM. B. WOOSTER, Colonel Twenty-ninth Connecticut. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 16, 1864. General HUMPHREYS: Am I expected to resume work on the redoubts in my front ~ E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18643 p. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: If you have men that you can put to work upon the redoubts the commanding general thinks the work shonld be resumed. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., August 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR, Commanding First Division, Eighteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Ord to direct you to take measures to have the trenches in your front properly drained, and every necessary precaution taken to guard against their being filled with water in the future. You will also repair at once all damages which the parapets have sustained by reason of the rain. If pails are needed for bailing the trenches, or tools are needed, they can be had on application to these headquarters. As there are 2,000 picks and spades reported as being in the trenches, it is presumed they are not needed. I am, general, very respectfully, yours, THEODORE READ, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. (Same to Brig. Gens. A. Anic~ and C. J. Paine. Page 241 Cnii~. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 241 HE AiDQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 186412.30 p. m. Brigadier-General KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: One of your men, who was captured on picket near Mount Sinai or Mount Zion Church, on last Thursday night, states that he learned that a large number of the enemys scouts and men were prowl- ing about the rear of the army and among the camps of the trains, picking up information, stealing horses, & c.; the maigs name is Wil- cox, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. He is on his way to your com- mand. The commanding general desires that you send small patrolling parties to look after these men. General Patrick has been directed to send patrols for the same purpose. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAvALRY DIvISION, Augu8t 16, 18641.30 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Your instructions concerning guerrillas and scouts, as reported by Private Wilcox, has been received. I would, however, respectfully suggest that the picket-line is so thin now that to detach men to look among the trains in rear would increase the facilities for the enemy to get through the picket-line. Private Wilcox is known here as a very unreliable man, subject to intoxication. The fact, how- ever, that there are numerous scouts and guerrillas of the enemy in rear of the army has been repeatedly reported through General Gregg. Whether any succeeded in getting through the line has not been dis- covered, but it would seem the best place to catch such parties, if I had any men to spare, to dispose them on the line and get them either going out or coming in. Numbers of captures are made every day and the prisoners sent in to the provost-marshal. Quite a number are caught going out. They are always in our uniform, and represent themselves as belonging to some regiment of our army, but may in reality belong to the enemy, which the provost-marshal alone can determine. INo force of the enemy is repoPed along the line, but the usual amount of attacks on the pickets by scouts and bushwhackers took place last night. Two men were wounded last night, one of the First District of Columbia Cavalry, near Lees Mill, and one of the Eleventh Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, near Sycamore Church. These attacks are made by one or two men on individual pickets usually, and patrols and parties from the picket-line are constantly in pursuit of these characters. It would seem advisable, in order to secure any that may get within our lines, to instruct all wagon-masters and other persons in charge of working parties, camps, & c., to arrest all parties hovering about them who do not belong to them, in order to be sent to the provost-marshal to be identified. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Commanding. 16 R RYOL XLII, PT I Page 242 242 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTO AC, August 16, 18644 p. m. Brigadier-General KAuTz, Commanding Cavalry Division: I have your dispatch of 1.30 p. m. General Patricks men will look after the trains and their vicinity. It was expected that small patrols from yonr command would look after such parties as those referred to inside of the lines of your chief patrols, as the lines of such patrols would probably be known to the enemys scouts, as well as the hours when patrolled, unless both are constantly varied, which, I take it, can- not occur with the lines of patrol. It was for the reason that there was no picket-line in rear of the army (unless you have established one within a few days) that these small patrols were suggested. The cav- alry pickets ceased near the plank road~ about Alleys, and patrols only were used from there across to Mount Zion Church, and thence over portions of the ground between that and the James. Let me know what part of the line in rear of the army is picketed by you, and what part is patrolled, as I am not certain that I understand fully the mean- ing of your dispatch in that respect. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS ]liliajor- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTEKS CAVALRY Drvisiow, August 16, 18645.30 p. m. Major-General HuMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Your dispatch of 4.30 p. m. has been received. There is a continuous picket-line from the left of the army to Cockes Mill, pass- ing from Doctor Gurleys, near Alleys house, on the plank road, across to Browns, and by the road by Davenport Church, cross- ing the Norfolk railroad near Baxters Mill and on to Mount Sinai Church; thence across beyond Rollins house and on to Cockes Mill, where the pickets cease. There is no patrolling, except to suspected points and pursuits after enemys scouts as circumstances require. No force can get through this line without our knowledge, but scouts and bnshwhackers are constantly trying to capture pickets during the night by crawling upon them unawares. Private Wilcox has not made his appearance here. I forgot to mention that his name does not appear among the losses reported, and it is doubted whether he has ever been captured. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ Brigadier- General, Comma~diug~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 16, 18649.45 p. m. Brigadier-General KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry Division: Major-General Warren, commanding Fifth Corps, is directed to move at 3 oclock to-morrow morning, by way of the Strong house and the shortest road thence to the Weldon railroad, in the vicinity of its inter Page 243 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 243 section by the Vaughan road, and if he finds the enemy holding their intrencliments weaklythere endeavor to carry them. The major-general commanding directs that you draw in your pickets, excepting those west of the plank road, and concentrate your division at a suitable point near the plank road, or between it and the Norfolk road, and prevent the enemys cavalry coming in on the rear of General Warren from the direction of Reams Station. A force of 100 or 200 men ma be left near Cockes Mill or Sycamore Church. y A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. BATCHELBERS CREEK, August 16, 1864. Capt in PARKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General: It is impossible to have the necessary scouting done on this front so long as the Red House posts have to be furnished from this camp. The enemys scouts of late have been very bold, and unless they are kept at bay they will constantly annoy the picket-line. Two large infantry companies will picket the Red House front. G. H. HITCHCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. (Duplicate to General Palmer.) WASHINGTON, August 17, 186410.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have seen youi dispatch,* expressing your unwillingness to break your hold where you are. Neither am I willing. Hold on with a bull- dog grip, and chew and choke as much as possible. A. LINCOLN. CITY POINT, VA., August 17, 18649 p. m. (Received 8 p. m. 18th.) A. LINCOLN, President of the United ASrtates: I have thought on your dispatcht relative to au arrangement between General Lee and myself for the suppression of incendiarism by the re- spective armies. Expeiience has taught us that agreements made with rebels are binding upon us, but are not observed by them longer than suits their convenience. On the whole, I thiiik the best that can be done is to publish a prohibitory order against burning private property, ex- cept where it is a military necessity or in retaliation for like acts by the enemy. Where burning is done in retaliation it must be done by order of~ department or army commander, and the order for such burning to set forth the particular act it is in retaliation for. Such an order could be published and would come to the knowledge of the rebel army. I think this course would be much better than any agreement with Gen- eral Lee. I could publish the order, or it could be pnblished by you. This is respectfully submitted for your consideration, and I will theii act - as you deem best. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. See Augnst 15, p. 193. t Sec August 14, p. 167 Page 244 244 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 18649 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: All quiet on the lines dnring the night. Some little picket-firing and mortar practice. I forward dispatch from signal officer, indicating a return of part of the enemys troops that were seen to move yesterday p.m. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. [Inc1osure.~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Stat!: GENERAL: The following dispatch from the plank road signal station is respectfnlly forwarded: Camps reported broken up in last evenings report reoccupied 4uring the night, but with less force, I think, than occupied them yesterday. No other change observed. FULTON. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. B. F. FISHEH, Captain and Signal Officer. CITY POINT VA A Major-General MEADE, , ., ugust 17, 1864. Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: The report of prisoners captured north of the James indicates that all the cavalry, or nearly so, south of Petersburg has been withdrawn, and also three brigades of infantry have been sent north of the river. There may have been a filrther reduction of the infantry force, but there is no evidence to show it. Under these circum- stances no decisive result could be expected from moving a single corps by onr left; but they might get to the Weldon road and, with the aid of a little cavalry, cut and destroy a few miles of it. You may, therefore, start Warren in the morning. I do not want him to fight any unequal battles nor to assault fortifications. His movements should be more a reconnaissance in force, with instructions to take advantage of any weakness of the enemy he may discover. The Ninth and Eighteenth Corps form so thin a line on their present front that 110 assistance can be expected from them farther than the number of the enemy they detain by their presence. Three or four days rations will be sufficient for General Warren to carry with him. If he cannot strike the road near the enemys line inclosing Petersburg he can strike or feel farther south. If he finds the enemy extending along the rail- road, showing front whenever he does, let him remain, holding themn there and sending back for further supplies. I want, if l)ossible. to make such demonstrations as will force Lee to withdraw a portion of his troops from the Valley, so that Sheridan can strike a blow against the balance. Yours, & c., IT. S. GBANT, Lieutenant- General Page 245 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJoN. 245 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 18642 p. m. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, per Captain Dunn, aide-de-camp. The necessary instruc- tions will be given to Major-General Warren who dli move at 4 a. m. to- morrow. General Kautz will be directed toplace two regiments of cav- alry (one-half his force) under General Warrens orders. General Warren will be directed to strike the railroad near the enemys works, but out of range of them. I anticipate no difficulty in General Warren making a lodgment on the railroad, but I think the enemy will send out all his available reserves to endeavor to check the work of destruction. It is not believed he can spare a force sufficient to serionsly embarrass General Warren, though he may be able to interrupt his work of destroying the road by keeping him on the alert by his threats. General Warren will be directed to d~stroy as much of the road as possible, working south, and cautiously to work till recalled, or forced away by the enemys operations. Respectfully, yours, & c., GEO. G. MEADE, iiic~jor- General. CiTY POINT, VA., August 17, 186410 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, d~c.: Mahones division and l3ushrod Johnsons old brigade are now north of the James. This leaves the force at Petersburg reduced to what it was when the mine was sprung. Warren may find an oppor- tunity to do more than I had expected. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant.General GRANT: The information contained in your telegram of 10 p. m. has been sent to. General Warren, and he has been directed to strike the railroad close to the enemys works, to extend and reconnoiter to the left, and, if he finds any weak point, to attack. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROvOST-MARSHALGENERAL~5 DEPARTMENT, August 17, 1864. Major.General HUMPHREyS, Chief of & aff: GENERAL: A dispatch just received from Colonel Sharpe (at City Point), of which the following is a copy, is respectfully submitted for the information of the commanding general, viz: We received here last evening from General Birney 267 prisoners of war, in which there are sixteen officers included, taken yesterday a. m. They are from Wrights and Perrins brigades, of Andersons (livision, and Lanes and Conners brigades, o Page 246 246 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. Wilcoxs division. The first two named brigades crossed the James River on Sunday night, and prisoners think that Finegans brigade also crossed then. The whole of Fields division is in front of onr lines near Deep Bottom. I cant hear of the othcr brigades of Wilcoxs division. General Girardey, temporarily commanding Wrights brigade, was killed yesterday a. m. I cant find that any of Heths division has gone to the north of James, bat there is sonic evidence to show that the Tennessee brigade of Bnshrod Johnson has done so. There are prisoners from both brigades of W. H. F. Lees cavalry division, and they all think that all the cavalry has been with- drawn from on5 extreme left near the Weldon railroad. They agree that the other cavalry divisions are gone to Early, and are confident that all the cavalry abont here is on the north side of the James. I cannot, however, accoant for the late General Walkers (Soath Carolina) brigade of cavalry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. iVICENTEE, Captain, dec. CITY POINT, August 17, 1861. Captain MCENTEE, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Prisoners received by General Butler to-day exactly confirm what I sent you this morning. Their information also shows Mahones old hi- gade to be on the north side of the James, and Thomas and Scales brigades to be on General Butlers front, on the south side. Have you nothing to.day~ SHARPE, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 1864. Col. G. H. SHARPE, City Point, Va.: Have had nothing in to-day. Deserters who came in since Sunday report that all of Mahones division, except Wright and Perrin, are here. J. MOENTEE, Captain, & c. CITY POINT, August 17, 1864. Captain MCENTEE, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: The 267 prisoners of war, about whom I telegraphed this a. in., were taken mostly by General Birney instead of General Hancock, and a few by General Greggs cavalry. SHARPE, Colonel. (Same to Lientenant Davenport, headquarters Army of the James.) AUGUST 17, 186410.45 a. in. Major FISHER: The enemy~s signal officer reports that all our boats have left the Appomattox. No change or movement seen this a. in. CIIAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, & e Page 247 CHAP. LULl CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 247 STATION NEAR GIBBONS hOUSE, August 17, iSGI. Maj. B. F. FISHER: There appears to be a decrease in the enemy~s camps all along the woods west of the city. Saw one train of thirty-three wagons moving north on line of Petersburg and Richmond Railroad at 4 p. m. Still working on forts reported, but with small force to-day. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 17, 186410.45 a. m. Major FISHER: All quiet. Enemy using the spade along the first line of works. WARTS, Lieutenant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my lookouts convey the impression that the enemy has to a very great extent weakened their lines in our immediate front within the past three or four days. At aboat 4 p. m. a train of wagons was seen passing northward upon the Richmond road. Thirty-three were counted, when the rain closed in and shut out all further observation. Small squads of the enemy were employed at various points of their lines, increasing the strength of the works. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FiSHER, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. 9 SPECIAL ORDERS,? WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 273. Washington, August 17, 1864; * * * * * * * 41. The following officers of the Signal Corps, U. S. Army, will re- port in person without delay to the chief signal officer, Army of the Potomac, for assignment to duty: Capt. F. E. Town, Capt. G. S. Dana. * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. (Received 9.30 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: A close examination of the enemys line this morning shows nothing new except that they have been at work all night strengthening their hue on our right and extending their intrenchinents in that direction. W1NFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Same to General Meade. Page 248 248~ OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, August 17, 1864. General hANCOCK: I have sent General Barnard and Colonel Comstock to iDntch Gap to see if the works carried by General Butlers men there last evening, and still held by them; give us any advantage in turning the enemy from that direction. I cannot go up until I get their report, and likely will not go np at all to-day. Rest yonr men all you can unless you see some decided advantage to be gained. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. General GRANT: I send you a note just received from General Birney, which I have not thought proper to act on without referring to yon. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: The point where most of the dead and wounded, both of our own and of the enemy, lie [is] under both their fire and ours. I respectfully re- quest that a flag of truce be sent, prQposing a suspension of hostilities in order that the wounded may be removed and dead buried. 1~.B. BiRNEY, Major- General. 9 CITY POINT A General HANCOCK: , ugust 17, 1864. Send a flag of truce to the commanding officer on the enemys front where the wounded lie, proposing cessation of hostilities there until the dead and wounded of both parties are collected. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 17, 18643.50 p. m. General GRANT: Between 4 and 6 this p. m. the dead and wounded between the lines at Fussells Mill will be delivered to the contending parties under flag of truce. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major. General. (Same to General Meade. Page 249 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON. 249 CITY POINT, August 17, 18G4~ p. m. Major-General hANCOCK: (Received 9.20 l~ in.) General Barnard and Colonel Comstock have ~turned and report that no benefit can arise from an advance from the works carried by General Butler last evening. His troops will be withdrawn to Dutch Gap during the night. Your forces will be kept north of the James for some days, during which employ the enemy as you deem best. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. (Received 9.50 p. in.) General GRANT: In sending in the proposition for flag of truce I addressed it to the com- mander immediately in front. It was answered by General Field, who. has command of this portion of the line (their right) where the flag went. General W. H. F. Lee also, a few minutes since, sent in a mes- sage to my extreme right, on the Charles City road, asking for General Chambliss body. I answered that it would be delivered at Fussells Mill. WINFI) S. HANCOCK, (Same to General Meade.) Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. (Received 10.25 p. in.) General GRANT: The dead in front of our lines were removed this p. iii. under flag of truce. The wounded had already been removed by the enemy. The flag was at two different places a mile apart, and as far as the intrench- mnents could be observed in either place they were full. General Gary, of the enemys cavalry, was present during the removal of the dead. Several inquiries were overheard as to General Andersons headquar- ters, and other remarks, showing that he is in our front. His adjutant- general was present. Officers of Lanes brigade were also present. It was also noticed that in speaking of yesterdays fight some of the Con- federate officers mentioned the part taken by the Tenth Georgia Battal- ion, and a staff officer says he is confident the Sixty-fourth Georgia was also mentioned, though this regiment does not appear on my roster of Lees army. There is no doubt but that the enemy have a pretty strong force here to-day. The Richmond papers of to-day, which I will send you as soon as a tug arrives, devote some considerable comment on our affair yesterday. One of them says we attacked on the Charles City road with 30,000 or 40,000 men, including Second, Ninth, and Tenth CorpsBurnsides niggers leading every attack. They also speak of onr attack in heavy force near Fussells Mill. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Same to General Meade. Page 250 250 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, August 17, 186410.30 p. in. General HANCOCK: Warren moves at 4 a. m. by our left to get on to the Weldon road and with instructions to take advantage of any weakness he may discover in the lines of the enemy. This may lead to the withdrawal of trool)s from your front. Watch closely and take advantage of anything you can. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant. General. SIGNAL STATION, August 17, 1864. General HANCOCK: Major Ludlow, of General Butlers staff with 800 men landed at Aikens and marched north, meeting a small brigade of rebels. Had slight skirmish, and, wheeling to the left, took the rifle-pits and deserted battery opposite Dutch Gap. He holds Coxs Mill and the bend forming Coxs farm. General Brutler] orders him to retire this even- ing to Dutch Gap, as the retaining of the ridge will need more men than can be spared. The rebel rams are at ~ Reach opposite the farm, and shelling the ridge with no success. The Howlett battery has opened on the Crows Nest battery. SIDNEY B. PE KAY, Lieutenant and Aide-de- Camp to General Butler. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, No. 212. Deep Bottom, Va., August 17, 1864. 1. Upon the commendation of the medical director of the corps Brig. Gen. F. C. Barlow, commanding First Division, will at once proceed to the corps hospital at City Point for medical treatment. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.1 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. There will be aflag of truce, for the burial of the dead and the removal of the wounded, between the hours of 4 and 6 this p. m. by the Confederate time, which is half an hour slower than our own. Major Mitchell, aide- dc-camp, will be at the point designated, and will determine the timc. The dead and wounded will be collected by the ambulance department, and no one else will be permitted to communicate or to approach the picket-line. The dead and wounded will be delivered at Fussells Mill. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 251 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 251 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 18642.30 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general Commanding directs that you move to-morrow morning at 4 oclock and endeavor to make a lodgment 11~011 the Weldon railroad, in the vicinity of the Gurley house, or as much nearer to the enemys line of intrenchments as practicable, and destroy the road as far as you can, carrying on the destruction as far south as possible. In addition to the destruction of the railroad the movement should be considered a reconnaissance in force, in which you will take advantage of any weakness of the enemy that you may perceive; but it is not e~ pected that you will fight under serious dis- advantages or assault fortifications. If you flnd the enemy extended along the railroad, showing an intrenched front wherever you move against them, you will remain, holding them there, keeping up your supplies. You will take with you four days rations on the person, your artillery, and part of your ambulances and medical wagons, parking your trains t co~ venient and secure points in rear of the army. Gen- eral Kautz is directed to place under your orders his brigade of cavalry (two regiments), picketing from the infantry left to the Blackwater, which you will dispose of so as best to aid your operations. Infor- mation derived from prisoners captured on the north side of the James indicates that nearly all the enemys cavalry have been withdrawn from the south side of the James, and that the infantry force south of the Appo attox is considerably less than four divisions. The major- general commanding desires to impress on you that he will be unable to send you any re-enforcements, and that you must depend entirely upon your own resources. The only assistance you can derive from the troops in our intrenchmnents will be that of obliging the enemy to maintain his line. Keep the commanding general well advised of the progress of your operations and of everything important. A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 18645 .45 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Colonel Pitkin, quartermaster at City Point, has forwarded to you 440 sets of implements for destroying railroad. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-fieneral and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 186410.30 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The following dispatch* from Lieutenant-General Grant is sent for your information and guidance. The commanding general directs that you strike the Weldon railroad as near the enemys intrenchments as practicable, extend your reconnaissance as far to the left as you can, and, if a good opportunity occurs, carry out the instructions sent you last night. A. A. HUMPHHEYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. See Grant tO Meade~ 10 p. in., P. 245 Page 252 252 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. IIEADQUARTEIIs FIfTH Amuv Conps, August 17, 186111 p. in. [Major-General HUMPHREYS :j GENERAL: I did intend to send you this dispatch in the morning, which I had already written. The dispatch by Major Michier induces me to send it now. I will do all I can toward any vulnerable point. I do not believe the enemy will leave Petersburg open to assanlt in the daytime, unless he evacuates it entirely the night before. Respectfully, C. K. WARREN, Major- General. CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 106. ilu gust 17, 1864. The order received last night for the corps to move at 3 oclock this morning tiaving been suspended, and the order of suspension being very indefinite, the major-general commanding did not feel authorized to announce it. He does so now for the information of the command, in order to let the men get their coffee. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FiFTH Anmvrv CORPS, No. 107. August 17, 1864. The corps will move to-morrow at 4 a. in. and in the following order: Griffins division, Ayres division, Crawfords division, and Cutlers (livision. The batteries, as previously assigned to the several divisions, will move with them. The reserve artillery and one-half of the ambu- lances and one medicine wagon for each division will march iu rear of the corps. No ordnance trains, battery wagons, nor forage Tagons will accompany the column, nor will any baggage wagons be allo~ ed except spring wagons. The baggage and other wagons left behind will be parked with the ordnance train. A staff officer will be sent to each division in the morning to conduct it. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, General S. WILLIAMS, August 17, 18649 p. in. Assistant Adjutant-General: GENERAL: I have the honor to report all quiet on my front during the day. Brigadier-General Potter, commanding Second Division, reports the enemy erectin~ earth-works in rear of their first line OppO-j site the right of his division. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE Major- General, Commanding Ninth Army Corps Page 253 (~uAP LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 253 HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. Capt. ROBERT A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred on my line during the last twelve hours. My men have been busy repairing the lines. Yery respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. IIDQRS. CAVALRY DlvIsIoN, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 1864. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding: GENERAL: I have received the accompanying communication from Maj. Gen. W. H. F. Lee, Confederate cavalry. Please instruct me as to a rel)ly. Yours, respectfully, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, August 17, 1864. General GREGC~ or OFFICER COMMANDING FEDERAL CAVALRY: GENERAL: I am led to believe, fronl statements of prisoners captured yesterday, that Brig. Gen. J. R. Chambliss of my command may have been kille during the action. Should such prove to be the fact, I have the honor to request that you will inform me whether any arrangement may be effected by which I may obtain possession of his body. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. F. LEE, - Miajor- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY QF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. H. F. LEE, Commanding Confederate Cavalry: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of this date, I have to reply that in the action of yesterday Brig. Gen. J. H. Chambliss was killed. The body will be delivered at Fussells Mill between the hours of 4 and 6 this p. m. If, hbwever, it should not be found practicable to exhume it the accompanying description of the place of burial will enable the friends of General Chambliss, at a subsequent period, to find his grave. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteer8 Page 254 254 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C, [CHAr~. LIV. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CoRPS, August 17, 1861. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: GENERAL: Major-General Hancock has directed me to furnish you the following description of the place at which Brigadier-General Chambliss is buried: Brig. Gen. John R. Chambliss is buried at the Pottery, near where road crosses Bailey~s Creek. His grave is directly in front of the house (hotel), about thirty feet from the road and ten feet from corner of ice- honse. Headboard at his grave marked, Brigadier-General John li. Chambliss, C. S. A., killed in battle August 16, 1864, buried by Third Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps. General Chainbliss body is inclosed in a wooden coffin. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. MITCH I~LL, Major and Aide-dc-Camp. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 17, 18644.15 p. m. General GREct~: You can say to General Lee that in the truce, between 4 and 6 oclock at Fussells Mill, General Chambliss body will be delivered theii; or, if it shonld not be exhumed at the time, you can send him the memo- randum sent you this morning, showing where General C. was buried.* There need not be a truce at your line except for the purpose of sending this communication. The Confederate time, which will govern the truce, is half an hour slower than ours. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRAINCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTh CAROLINA, August 17, 18647 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: We hold our own at I)utch Gap. At what time will you go up and see the ground? Shall I call for you with the Greyhound? BENJ. F. BUTLER. CITY POINT, VA., August 17, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, ct~e.: I have directed General Barnard and Colonel Comstock to go up to Dutch Gap. They have not yet started, but will go as soon as they get breakfast. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. See next, axle Page 255 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 255 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 17, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, & e.: We have now on the north side of the James, Fields division of Longstreet~s corps, Lanes and ~ brigades of Wilcoxs division of Lulls corps, and Mahones division of same corps, with Bushrod John- sons old brigade of Beauregards command. Mahones division moved across there from our front at Petersburg on Sunday night, making a long detour in order to avoid observation from my signal tower. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., August 17, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: The Fifth Corps commences a movement by our left at 4 a. m. in the morning, with the intention of getting onto the Weldon road, and to take advantage of any weakness that may be discovered in the lines of the enemy. If this should lead to a withdrawal from your front be pre- pared to throw all your force at Bermuda into the breach, and I will recall everything from north of the James to reinforce them. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 17, 186410.40 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Telegram received. The most vigilant watchfulness will be had to ascertain any withdrawal, and the promptest movement made to take advantage of it. Major Ludlow has withdrawn without loss from his advanced position near Dutch Gap. The firing you hear is from the gun-boats upon the rams. BENJ. F. BUTLER, - Major- General, Commanding. HATCHERS, August 17, 18647.30 a. m. General BUTLER: The position is stronger than I supposed. It should be held. I have only sufficient to keep up a strong picket-line. LUDLOW, Major. SIGNAL HILL, August 17, 1864. General BUTLER: Two gun-boats have opened from above our outer line. LUDLOW, Major Page 256 256 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP LIV. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 17, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point: I have prisoners here from Wrights brigade, of Mahones division, of Hills corps. They say that they think their whole division is there. They know that Weisigers, Wrights, and Perrins are. I have also prisoners from Lanes and Conners, of Wilcoxs, on north side of James, and full informatiou from Thomas and Scales, who are in our front here. This makes all of Wilcox here. 1 have also four prison- ers this morning from Bushrod SR. Johnsons old brigade, Colonel Hughs commanding, in our front at Deep Bottom. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal. P. S.Since writing above have received your dispatch. The prison- ers you speak of confirm my report, you will see, or mine yours. The men captured by Tenth Corps should have been landed at Bermuda, but by mistake were sent you. J. I. D. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND- NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 17, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that three trains passed the Junction toward Richmond last night and one toward Peters- burg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, - August 17, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Hill reports that at 11.30 a. m. a train of six cars loaded with troops passed the Junction toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. AUGUST 17, 1864. (Received 2.30 p. in.) Colonel ABBOT, Broadway Landing: Send up the four 10-inch mortars to-night and place them in the large battery near Taylor house. Six siege guns are also required in Fort Hell. Send them up if you can to-night, with ammunition. It woul Page 257 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 257 be well to land more mortars. The enemy are greatly strengthening their armament near the salient, and with guns of large caliber. As much of your train as can be quickly removed in case of necessity should be put in battery. HENRYJ. HUNT, Brigadier- General. BROADWAY LANDING, VA.. August 17, 18643 p. m. Brigadier-General hUNT, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: I will send the mortars to-night, and will get the six guns ready for to-morrow. I cannot get them unloaded and to Fort Hell before day- light. HENRY L. ABBOT, Colonel First Connecticut Artillery, Commanding AS~iege Train. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 17, 18645.30 a. m. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Corps: GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to say that last evening he directed certain dispositions to be made of the troops under your command, and a report to be made of such action. He has not been advised of what has been done in the matter, and desires to know the arrangein cut of your troops, and whether the brigades loaned you are in position on the line or so that they can be called away easily if required. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS . WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Forces: The brigade of the Second Division, Second Corps, is posted on the left of General Foster, in close connection with its own division on its left. The brigade of the First Division, Second Corps, is on the right of Brigadier-General Birney, connecting on its right with Brigadier- General Miles and reporting to him. Colonel Craigs brigade is on my line, and can be taken away this morning; last night it was disorgan- ized. Colonel Smyths brigade reports to him and is on his own line. Yours, respectfully, D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General, 117 R RYOIb XLII~ PT I Page 258 258 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 17, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding regrets to say that not a single wounded man was found between the lines to-day. The flag of truce was consented to by him reluctantly, and only on General Birneys assuraiice that the facts were that our own and the enemys wounded were between the lines, exposed to the fire of both parties, and could be removed by neither. Very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TEiNTH ARMY CORPS, August 17, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General: In answer to your dispatch concerning the flag of truce sent out to-day, I would respectfully state that I am not aware of having given any assurances in respect to the wounded beyond what is contained in my note of this morning, viz, that they were under the enemys fire and ours. This information was given by the corps officer of the day. The party bearing the flag was not suffered to advance beyond our picket- line. Respectfully, D. B. BIItNEY, ]Ifyor- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 17, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General: One small brigade, having lost heavily and l)ecome somewhat disor- ganized, has been sent to Deep Bottom to. relieve the garrison there, which is ordered here in their place. The force to take the place of that leaving this front consists of two strong regiments. Respectfully, D. B. BIRNEY, Major- Generals CJRCULAR.~ HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 17, 18643.27 p. m. A flag of truce will be sent out to the enemy at 4 p. m. to-day, from which time until 6 p. in. there will be a cessation of hostilities. You. will see to it that no person goes out but the properly authorized par- ties. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 259 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 259 HDQRS. DEPT. oi VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Brigadier-General TURNER, August 17, 1864. Commanding Line ~ Defenses: I seud inclosed a telegram* from the lieuteuant-general commanding for your information. Take every possible precaution and device to have the enemy watched to see if any movement is made. If at all, it will be to-morrow at from ($ to 10 oclock, or thereafter probably. Please return telegram at your leisure. I3ENJ. F. BUTLEII, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General TURNER, August 17, 1864. Commanding in trenehments, Bermuda Hundred: Order Colonel Washburn, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, with his entire mounted force, to come here immediately, lie will carefully scour the roads and: woods oii his way for stragglers, especially Oil this side the pontoon bridge, and bring them to their commands. By order of Majol-General Birney: El). W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, August 17, 186411.50 p. m. Colonel CURTIS, Commanding Brigade, & e.: COLONEL: The lieutenant-general telegraphs that movements are on foot which he thinks will cause the enemy to withdraw troops from our front. The major-general therefore directs that every measure be taken to determine it if possible. This by direction of Brigadier-General Turner: Very respectfully, ISRAEL H. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventhNew York Vo ls., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gem. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIViSION, Major.General HUMPHREYS, August 17, 18641 p. m. Chief of AS~t~ Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I return the map. As I stated to you this morning I can make no changes. The roads I have traveled on are indicated on the map, as well as all other roads of which I have any information. Whether there are any others I do not know from any observation of mine. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry Division. Ste Graut to Butler, p. 255 Page 260 260 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 17, 18643 p. m. Brigadier-General KAUTZ, Commanding Cavalry Division: Major-G~uera1 Warren is ordered to move to-morrow morning at 4 oclock and endeavor to effect a lodgment upon the Weldon railroad as near to the enemys intrencliments as practicable, and destroy the road as far south as he can. He will take advantage of any weakness he may perceive on the part of the enemy. To aid him in this operation the major-general commanding directs that you place under his orders the brigade of your cavalry (two regiments) picketing from the left of the infantry, which should be provided with the full amount of rations and forage they can carry, amid arrangements niade to keep up the sup- ply. General Warren is directed to take four days rations and to keep up supplies, should the operation continue longer. Should you accoin- pany the brigade please advise the commanding general. Information derived from prisoiters indicates that nearly all the enemys cavalry have been withdrawn front the south side of the James. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIViSiON, Auguse 17, 18645 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have been directed to furnish two regiments of cavalry to report to you. The two regiments now picketing on the left of the army are those indicated in the orders to me. Colonel Lewis, Third New York Cavalry, will be the senior officer. I have sent him an order to report to you for orders. The two regiments will number between 800 and ~0Q in all. Colonel Lewis headquarters are near the Jerusalem plank road, at McCanns house. The two regiments are on picket, and extend to the left to near Baxters Mill, on the Norfolk and Petersburg I~ailroad. They have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march at 4 a. m. to-morrow with three days rations and two days forage. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, August 17, 18644 p. m. Col. S. P. SPEAR, Commanding Brigade: The general commanding directs that you cause the First District of Columbia Cavalry to be prepared to move to-morrow morning, 18th in- stant, at 4 oclock, provided with ammunition and three days rations and forage, their pickets to be withdrawn just before the regiment moves. Further instructions will be sent you this evening. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. J. ASCII, captain and Acting Assistaitt Idjutant~4me~wral Page 261 CHAP. LPVJ ~ORRESPONDENCF ETC. UNION. 261 I CITY POINT, VA., August 18, 18648 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: General Warren moved with his corps this morning to and across the Weldon ro d about one mile south of the lead-works. To that point he met nothing but the enemys pickets. lie advanced from there toward Petersburg, meeting the enemy early in his advance, lIe had considerable fighting during the (lay, suffering some loss and inflicting loss upon the enemy. I have no report showing the extent of our losses, but judge them to be light, from the dispatches. Some of the enemy~s wounded fell into our hands and a few other prisoners. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 18, 18641.48 a. m. Major-General MEADE: General Graut desires me to ask what the heavy firing is. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18642.15 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel COMSTOCK: The firing is in front of the Ninth Corps. No report has been made, but I have sent for one. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18642.30 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel CoMsToCK: The cannonading and mortar practice was along the whole line Eighteenth and Ninth Corps. No one seems to know how it began or the cause. It is probably the enemy feeling to see if we are still here. it is now subsiding. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 18, 186410.30 a. m. Major-General MEADE: Have you heard what progress General Warren is making ~i U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 262 262 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIZ HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186410.45 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Telegram of 10.30 received. The last dispatch from General Warren of 8.20 is forwarded.* Whenever General Warren reports anything of importance it will be promptly transmitted. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- Generav. P. 5.I am having the telegraph run ont to the Gurley house. HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186411 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following just received from General Warren.t The Seventh Vir- ginia Cavalry is in Ilossers brigade, Youngs division, formerly Hiamp- tons division, it being understood Hampton now commands all the cavalry. [GEG. G. MEADE,] Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186412.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send the last report4 just received from General Warren. Since its receipt quite sharp cannonading is heard in his direction, but no report of progress. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 18, 1864. Major-General MEAPE, (Jorninauding, d~c.: If Warren can do no better I would have him close up on Petersburg, with his left west of the Weldon road, and intreuch and stay there. So long as the enemy is occupied north of the James he can spare no force to drive Warren away. When we withdraw from there Hancock can go to his support, and the Tenth Corps will relieve the Eighteenth from the trenches, giving us another corps foot loose. I do not mean this in any way to prevent Warren from taking advantage of any weakness of the enemy according to his judgment. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ~See p. 272. I See Warren to Humphrey.s, 9 a. in., p. 272. I See Warren to Hurnphreys, 10 a. in., p. 272 Page 263 CnAr. LIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 263 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18641.15 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: iRespectfully forwarded.* Your telegram of 12 in. received. I will await the developments of the day before sending Warren auy instruc- tion based on it. Indeed, his orders last night contemplate his making and retaining a lodgnient on the railroad. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18641.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have endeavored to ascertain the probable cause of the heavy can- nonading last night, but without success. It commenced a little before 2 a. in., on the right of the Eighteenth Corps, by the enemy, and was quickly taken up by all their batteries to our left, and as quickly responded to by ours. The enemy, in the afternoon previous, told the pickets of the Ninth Corps not to be alarmed in the night because they were going to shell the negroes. The probabilities are thatthey suspected some movement on our part which they thought they might interrupt, or they suspected we were or had been withdrawing and they would draw our fire. From all I can learn the casnalties on our side are: Ninth Corps, 2 killed, 10 wonnded; Eighteenth Corps, 5 killed, 15 wounded; in all, 7 killed, 25 wounded. I have given orders hereafter onr batteries are not to open at night unless there is evidence they are able to accomplish something. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 18, 1864. Major-General HIIMPUREYS, Chwf of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report just received: PLANK ROAD STATION, August 18, 18641.30 p. m. Cannonading on our left, apparently on line of Weldon railroad, one mile and a half south of large fort near Weldon railroad. Five hundred cavalry standing in road in front of said fort. Column of infantry now passing on line of Weldon rail road in direction of firing. FULTON, Sergeant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. SThYKER, Acting Chief Signal Officer. [imlorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18643.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I forward the above just received. No dispatch from Warren since the one sent you at 1.15 p. m. Heavy musketry firing, as well as can- nonading, has recently been heard in that direction. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. See Warren to Hnmphreys, 11 a. in., p. 273 Page 264 264 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. Mv, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18644 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The above [following], just received, was sent before the attack of which I have reported musketry and cannonading. No sounds now. As there appears to be a division of the enemys cavalry on the rail- road, I have ordered Kautz to draw in another of his regiments, leav- ing only one between the Blackwater Swamp and the James: HEADQUARTERS FIFTh ARMY CORPS, August 18, 186412.30 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: My infantry has not yet succeeded in driving away the enemy from his position on the rajiro d, but has forced him to di-aw back the artillery from its first position. We have not engaged heavily, bnt soon will be if the enemys force does not retire. I think General Ayres is moving as well as he can. The enemys cavalry are south of us on the railroad, anti the main camps of the division were said by the prisoners to be about two or three miles west of the railroad. The position here is a large open, level field, about three-fourths of a mile through, and surrouflded by woods. G. K. WARREN Major- General. P. S.I have just received the note brought by Captain Fisher about the cavalry. If any pickets were going to take their place, I would rather have them there than with me. G. K. W. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18644.10 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Just received and forwarded.* GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18645 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Just received and forwarded.t This appears to have been an open fight, the enemy attacking, and Warren further reports them moving down on his left flank. He has two divisions beside those reported by him as engaged. I fancy he will not be able to do more than effect a lodgment on the road and that the enemy will vigorously dispute this. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. P. S.There has been no firing since the fight here reported. See Warren to Humphreys, 1.30 p. in., p. 273. See Warren to Hunsplsreys, 2.30 p. in., p. 273 Page 265 CHAP..LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 265 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, August 18, 18646 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Warren is directed to maintain his hold and intrench himself. When may we look for Hancock ~ GEO. G. MEADE, ]Jfajor- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 18, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Gommanding, d~c.: I think it will be advisable to hold Hancock where he is until to- morrow night. I will direct him if he can hold his position to send one division to-night. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18647.15 p. m. General GRANT: Warreu can hold his own, I think, and may perhaps yet push. the enemy. I ought to have mentioned that, when he spoke of Ayres division, he referred to the Maryland Brigade, which he had previously reported as giving way. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18647.20 p. m. General GRANT: The following just received from Warren and forwarded.* GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 18, 18648.20 p. m. General MEADE: General Hancock has ordered General Motts division to report to you. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18649.30 p. m. General GRANT: I send you the last dispatch received from Warren.t Parke has been ordered to relieve the maximum force he can with Motts division, and push them up at once to Warrens support. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. * See Warren to Hurnphreys, 5.30 p. in., p. 274. SeeWarren to Humplireys, 7 p. in., p. 275 Page 266 OPE1~ATIONS IN ~E. VA. AND N. C. ~CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, VA., August 18, 18647.40 ~. m. Major-General MEADE, Comm an ding, & e.: General Hancock will probably send a division to-night. I will let y~u know as 50011 as he ascertains if it can be spared. The distance between Hancock and Warren is SQ great that it would take until 12 to-morrow to transfer troops from one to the other, and then they would be too much fatigued to do much. Could not re-enforcements be sent from the Ninth Co~ps to Warren, if he should want them, and let the Second Corps take their l)lace ~ If the enemy pile any considerable force against Warren to-morrow they must do it by taking nearly every- thing from their line in front of the Ninth and Eighteenth Corps, and must be met by an equal rednction of our hue. U. S. G1~ANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, August 18, 186411.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Tell Warren if the enemy comes out and attacks him in the morning not to hesitate abont taking out every man he has to repel it; and not to stop when the enemy is repulsed, but to follow him npto the last. We certainly ought to be satisfied, when we can get the enemy to attack us. U. S. GIRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 186412.05 a. m. Major.General WARREN: The foregoing dispatch, just received, is sent to you for your informa- tion, as desired by the lieutenant-general commanding. GEG. G. MEADFJ, M~itjor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 1864. Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: No deserters or prisoners of war have come in to-day. I will inquire immediately if any have come in at the Ninth Corps. One deserter from Sixth Virginia Infantry came in yesterday from General Crawfords headquarters, where he had been since Satur- day last. There were others from his brigade who came into our lines at the same time he did, and all information which lie might have given was reported at the time by other members of his regiment. General Crawford kept him for the purpose of having him point out Certain batteries in the enemys works, the location of which are all known by the engineer department at these headquarters. He brings nothing new. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & e Page 267 CHAP. LIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 2~ 7 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 18, 1864. Aajor-General Hu~ PUREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from Ninth Florida, Finegans brigade, Ma- hones division, who caine into our lines on night of the 16th instant, has ,just been received from Ninth Corps. He reports that he went on picket on night of 16th; that just before leaving the trenches Mahones old brigade was relieved by Harris brigade. Wright~5 and Perrins brigades went away from here on Sunday, and the balance of the division were in our front when he left. The informant is quite a youth, and knows very little of enemys organization or position. A negro who came in last night was also sent in with above, lie states that just before leaving enemys lines (about dark) saw them moving artillery to their right, and he understood they intended opening on a camp of our troops, which they could see from their right flank. He has been at work in a gang of t,500 negroes repairing and constructing fortifications about Petersburg. He is not intelligent and gives no information. J. MCENTEE, Captain, ct~c. HEADQIJARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. Captain FISHER: Small parties of enemy at work behind old line to right of Gregorys house. Three battle-flags to left of Gregorys honse; formerly only one in view. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 186412.45 p. in. Captain FISHER: A small force of enemy is moving to the left in the direction of the cannonading. They are moving about opposite plank road signal sta- tion and evidently come from the camp nearly opposite that station. They carry knapsacks, & c. I have seen only about 100 in motion. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and & gnai Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 18, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report just received: GIBnoNs HOUSE, Au gust 18, 1864. Saw drove ~f between 200 and 300 beef-cattle on Richmond road mnoving south Enemys signal officer reports all quiet; no vessels visible on the river. JORDAN, Sergeant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order: WM. S. SThYKER, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Signal Corps Page 268 268 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 18, 18G44.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: Another division of infantry moved to our left on line of Weldon railroad l)etween 4 and 4.30 p. in., accompanied by a train of twenty-five wagons. Column seventeen minutes in passing. The column reported passing at 1.30 p. in. consisted of about two brigades. H. W. FULTON, Sergeant. CITY POINT, VA., Aug~~st 18, 18G4iO.30 a. rn. Major-General HANCocK: If you can hold your position with a division less than you have, send one division to-night, starting as soon as you can get it oft to report to General Meade. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I will send General Motts division to report to General Meade. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. S. HMTCOCK: There has been a reqnisition made for 500 horses for the Second Cavalry Division. There are now at Washington about 1,000 men of this division dismounted. Ask Gregg if he will have 500 men sent with the horses or if he will have the horses sent and leave the men until they can be remounted. It is reported that the mail steamer has beeu fired into below here. Get a brigade of Greggs cavalry ready, if you can, to go down and cut off the enemy. 1 will make full inquiry about the matter and inform you; in the meantime have the cavalry ready, but do not start them until further orders. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch is received, and General Gregg has been sent for to make the arrangements you propose. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 269 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 269 HEADQUARTERS SECoND ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Gregg reports that he would prefer having 500 horses sent to City Point, as lie has now at this time more than 500 dismounted men. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 18, 1864. General HANCOCK: It turns out to be a mistake about there being a rebel battery below here. The firing heard was our gun-boats discharging their guns. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18646.40 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The enemy have been feeling my lines and have made some pretty sharp attacks ~n my front and right. They still continue it on my right, but at this moment slight. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Same to General INleade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18647 p. m. Lieutenant.General GRANT: Your dispatch is received. The enemy are very vigorous. I have just received a dispatch stating that the enemy have possession of the roads in General Greggs #ear, and that they have passed cavalry and infantry toward Malvern Hill, threatening my hold on the river, which is now essential to me. I can only send a division by shortening my lines, so as to render my connection with the river secure. I shall change my lines to-night to meet the new state of things, and will send a division if you do not object to my contracting my lines. I will tele- graph you a little later. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 18, 18647.40 p. rn. General HANCOCK: I have no objection to your shortening your line to make your posi- tjmi secure, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 270 270 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [C1~Ar LIV.. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 18, 186411 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Everything is quiet. At [this] time I am changing my line a little, the general direction being that of the New Market road. By with- drawing my right I have taken out a division and still have a heavy force on my right, with which I shall make a demonstration on the Charles City road to-morrow. The enemy attacked with considerable force on General Birneys right just above Fussells Mill, but were repulsed. They attacked Gregg on the roads coming in from White Oak Swamp and drove him, thongh he still holds the intersection of the Charles City and Malvern Hill roads, the enemy holding between the cross-road and Beep Bottom Creek. I shall clear out whatever may be there in the morning. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 18, 186411.30 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The last report I had from the enemy to-night was one that caine from the picket-line just after their repulse, to the effect they were moving at double-quick toward my right. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18647.30 p. mit. The following dispositions of troops are ordered for to-night: Colonel Smyth, commanding Second Division, will relieve the pickets of Geim- eral Motts division, and will hold the line from the Potterics, on the New Market and Malvern Hill road, to the right. The First Division, Brigadier-General Miles commanding, to hold the line from Colonel Smyths right along the New Market and Long Bridge road, occupying as much of the old intrenchmnents as he can hold. The Tenth Corps, Major-General Birney, will take position on General Miles right, occu- pying the heights about the Rnffin house and crossing the New Market and Long Bridge road. The picket lines of the Second and First Divis- ions will remain as established now. General Birney will establish a line from General Miles right, taking in the high ground near the Tnrner house and extending the front of his position at Ituffins house and connecting with the cavalry. General Gregg, commanding cavalry, will cover the Charles City road as far to the front as practicable, and watching the roads to the right and rear. On being relieved by the Second Division, General Mott will meve with his division to the vicinity of Petersburg, reporting to General Meade. These arrange- ments to go into effect at once, so as to complete the movement to-night. By order of Major-General Hancock: F. A. WALKER, A -sistaut Adjutant- General Page 271 CHAP. JAY.] CORRESPONDUNCE, ETC.UNION. 271 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Near Deep Bottom, Ya., August 18, 18646.30 p. m. Brigadier-General MILES, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that YOU with- draw from the right one of your brigades and place it near its former position on the line, notifying General Birney as you do so. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Colonel SMYTH, [AUGUST 18, 1864.] Commanding Second Division: You will please relieve at once the picket-line of General Motts divis- ion. General Miles will, during 1 he night, relieve a portion of your right, so as to equalize more nearly your details. By order of Major-General Hancock: C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief of Staff. This only includes the hue in General Motts front, and not the one on the Malvern lull road. M. AUGUST 18, 1864. (Received 8.20 p. in.) General MoTT: The major-general commanding directs that you put your command in march for the vicinity of Petersburg as soon as possible, reporting your arrival to Major-General Meade. Your picket-line will be relieved by Colonel Sniyth~s division. The brigade near the bridge-head may be relieved by you, so as to place it last in march, if it is not previously relieved by other troops. It is hoped the road you are to take to the Appomattox will be lighted. You will try and get your division across the bridge at the Appomattox before daylight. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lie~4enaut- Colonel, & e. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18611 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I was exceedingly j)leased with my instructions for the movement I am jnst starting upon. I have shown them to some of my division commanders and all alike are pleased. Well do the best we can, YOU may rest assured, and will never ask anyone under them to stand the responsibility of a possible failure. I propose to send a mnes- sage regularly once an hour; oftener if interesting. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, ]Jiajor- General Page 272 272 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Gurley House, August 18, 18647 a. m. Major-General HUTVIPHREYS, Chief of & aff: GENERAL: The head of my column is closing up and forming here as iiear as we can to the enemys vedettes without his observation. As soon as I am well in hand and prepared to follow up rapidly I shall advance. There has been nothing to report this morning. Our cavalry here have no information except that the enemys pickets last night told them they were to be relieved this morning. The two regiments of cavalry are so distributed on picket that none of them will be avail- able until I can drive away the enemy and relieve those to the right of us. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. GURLEY HousE, August 18, 18648.20 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: My arrangements are made and my line is now advancing. I will report as soon as anything occurs. The cavalry pickets retire. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18649 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Stat!: GENERAL: Our advance encountere(l nothing but cavalry, and cap- tured some of them from the Seventh Confederate. t4y troops have reached the railroad and cut the telegraph wire. The intense heat causes many men to fall out. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 186410 a. in. Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: II have two divisions up and nearly formed. Marching to-day is very slow, and there are a great many cases of sunstroke. I am pushing out in every direction to make myself secure in my infor- mation. As soon as I am prepared, will move up the railroad. I am now at the place on the west of the railroad marked on the map as Buck. Respectfully, ~. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 273 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 273 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, August 18, 18G410.30 a. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: Your two dispatches of 7 and 8.20 a. in. have been received. Respect- Pig the two regiments of cavalry it was expected that you would call them all in whcnever it suited your own objects best without any regard to their objects as pickets of the army. A. A. HTJMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Major- General HUMPHREYS, August 18, 18G4--11 a. m. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: My last division has just reached the ailroad. I have got possession of the forks of the road at the place marked Flowers. General Ayres division now has the lead and is advancing up the rail- road. There is a cavalry force about three-quarters of a mile ahead with a battery. I shall endeavor to open connection from my right, as I advance, with the left of the Ninth Corps. The men give out fear- fully in the sun and compel us to move slowly to keep them in the ranks. Several officers have been sunstruck also. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18641.30 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: The enemy hold on firmly to their position yet, but 1 am extending my line till 1 can turn their left flank. Where I strike them along the roads they are intrenched. General Ayres has not perfected his arrangements yet nor made his final effort, and so far our losses are small. I have no chance to-use my artillery to any advantage, and but four guns at most. It has rained hard here now for fifteen miiiutes. G. K. WARREN Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864 2.30 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I was just advancing at 2 p. in., with Ayres and Crawfords divis ions, when the enemy advanced simultaneously with us. The Maryland Brigade, on my left, gave way, but I believe the rest of the line holds them or has sent them back. It was a heavy fight for half an hour at l)reseiit it is nearly quiet. The enemys infantry are reported passing down the road toward Flowers, my cavalry having been driven away from there. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. 18 R RYOL XLII, PT Page 274 274 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP, LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18G44 ~i. rn. Major-General HUMPIIREYS: GENERAL: The falling back of General Ayres division has deranged my plans considerably and I am getting things in order again. We lost a little ground and probably a few prisoners and some hundreds wounded. The enemy 1 expect lost quite as heavily, and has been compelled to fall back, too, to near his first position. Reports of tli.e enemy moving on both flanks come in but cannot be true. I have ordered Ayres and Crawford to advance again, the former supported by General Cutlers division. Having to rely eiitirely upon myself I keep Griffin still in reserve to look out for flank attacks. My picket- line connects across by cavalry with the Ninth Corps. I do not at all anticipate it can be driven by the enemy, and will endeavor to advance if practicable. The enemys infantry is of lleths division, so I learn by prisoners, but they are not communicative. Hill, they say, is in command. If I am still on the railroad I shall take up a position to- night and intrench unless otherwise directed. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, illajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18614.30 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: General Kautz has been directed to re-enforce the cavalry under your orders by another regiment, about 4C0 men. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18645.15 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that, if the contingent objects of your instructions cannot be accomplished, you intrench as close up to the enerny~s works as you can get, with your left well westward of the Weldon railroad, and remain there. This is not intended to pre- vent you from taking advantage of any weakness of th enemy or of withdrawing your command if in your judgment military, necessity requires it. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS 2Vlajor-Ueneral and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS Bucks House, 4ugust 18, 18645.30 p. m, Major-General HUMPHREYS: GENERAL: Your dispatch per Captain Emory is just received. I have nothing further to report except that my skirmish line, in advane- in~, finds the enemy in the same line he took up to-day. We have t Page 275 Cuii~. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 advance on the right through dense woods, which makes it slow and difficult, as it is almost impossible to command the men there. I cannot say how much our loss is yet. Colonel Peirson, of the Thirty-ninth Massachusetts, is said to be mortally wo inded.* We have some of the enemys wounded in our possession. General Hayes had his horse killed. The Fifteenth [New York] Heavy Artillery have behaved remarkably well. G. K. WARiIIF~N, Major. & ~eueral. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH AR1~IY CORPS, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 18, 18647 p. m. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have already got my line as close to the enemy as I can and made arrangements for intrenching it. My pickets connect with the Ninth Corps across nearly east and west from the Strong house. The enemy is throwimig up breast-works between me and Petersburg, and already has a good line. I think I can hold on here for a hard fight if I can keep up the communication with the Ninth Corps. It has been a hard day on the men and the light to-day was severe on both sides. My right is in sight of the main intrenchmeuts of Peters- burg, but nearly one mile and three-quarters off. I understand that I am expected to make myself as strong here as I can, hold on till I am forced to leave, and destroy the railroad as much as possible. Unfortunately, the wet weather will interfere very much with our heat- ing the rails. The telegraph line may get in operation to-night. The enemy advanced to-day at 2 p. in. in two lines for the front of one of my divisions, perhaps 6,000 mcii. We broke the first line at once, but the second forced ours back, outfianking Ayres by a portion giving way on his left. His division, however, finally repulsed the attack on him. General Crawford did not receive so heavy an assault except on his left, and this was the only part of his line that gave back, but it also advanced again. The enemys proximity to his fortified line enabled him to act with boldness, an(l I do not now think he considered us strong and niade his effort to drive us from the railroad. He has taken some prisoners from us to-day and now knows our strength. If he tries again, it will have to be with a very large force to succeed. iRespeetfully, G. K. WAiRiREN, Major- aeneral. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18648.30 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I will send np a sketch of my line to-night by an orderly. You can have a good idea of my front toward Petersburg by taking a point on the Weldon railroad three-quarters of a mile north of Dunlops and drawing a hue direct to our advanced hue on the plank road. Our pickets will not have more than half a mile to connect straight across and it will be done in the morning. My fire commands half a mile west of the railroad. My line extends south of Dunlops nearly a mile and Colonel Peirson survived his wound Page 276 ~76 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV my pickets there connect with the cavalry. From an examination of a few prisoners I find they belong to the Seventh Confederate Cavalry, to Ileths division, and to Hokes brigade, of Beauregard. Prisoners are not very willing to communicate, but they say there are troops of Beauregards in reserve in Petersburg all the time. I have directed the prisoners to be sent up to you. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, ]tiliajor- General. IIEADQUARTTi~RS FIFTH ARMY CoRPS, August 18, 18649.30 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: GENERAL: By laying the inclosed sketch* on your two-inch map you can see exactly our present position. My artillery is so disposed that it of itself will be able to hold considerable portions of my line. You must excuse my hasty and disjointed dispatches to-day, for I had to write with all the interruptions of severe battle aiid movements. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186110 p. in. Major-General WARREN: As soon as Motts division, of Hancocks corps, caii be got over from Deep Bottom he will relieve some 5,000 or 6,000 of Parkes troops that will be sent at once to your support. Mott is moving now. Parke will also send you in the course of the night or toward morning some 1,500 men. They will move as soon as they can be relieved by some of Ords troops. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ]Iiliajor- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186410.15 p. rn. Major-General WARREN: The 1,500 nien from Parke will leave him about 3 a. in. to join you. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of staff. CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 107k. 5 August 18, 1864. All the timber west of our position on the railroad and between it and the Vaughaim road, as well as all other obstructions to the use of fire- arms, or furnishing shelter to the enemy, such as houses, fences, & c., will be thrown down or destroyed as fast as practicable. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKh~, Assistant A djutant- General. *Seo Part I, p. -133 Page 277 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNJoN. 277 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General AYRES, August 18, 1864. Commanding & eond Division: GRNERAL: If you have any rebel prisoners in your custody the major-general commanding desires that they be sent to the corps provost-marshal at these headquarters to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18648 p. m. General AYRES: I have orders approving what has been done this evening, and telling me to feel the enemy closely and hold on. I learn that your changes this evening leave but a battalion of Braggs brigade on the line. If in the morning at daylight you can replace this by the Twelith Regulars 11 can use this brigade to re-enforce Crawford, which I desire to do. He has pushed his right up to within sight of the Petersburg defenses, and can connect with the pickets of the Ninth Corps in only an interval of half a mile. Have your men slash timber in their front to-night. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIYISIoN, FIFTH CORPS, Major-General WARREN, August 18, 18648.30 p. m. Commanding GENERAL: I can dispense entirely with Braggs brigade. I have ordered intrenching and slashing. 1 dont doubt of my ability to hold my front in the morning. I have ordered a deep cut across the railroad and the wagon road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. AYRES, Brigadier- General. FRIENDS, [August] 18, 18643.10 p. m. Major-General WARREN: GENERAL: The enemy are pushing me on my right. I can hold them, I think, although that flank is not covered. F have ordered Cutler to deploy to the right and strike his left flank. It is all woods, but a report has just reached me that the enemy is moving to my right; hence the order to Cutler. I am well deployed to the right for obser- vatioii. Very respectfully, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier- General. P. S.Colonel Cane reports that the enemy are feeling our right, and a prisoner reports A. P. Hills corps Page 278 278 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CITAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18G48 p. m. Genei al CRAWFORD: You have done very well indeed in getting forward through that difficult country so far. Make yourself as strong as you can and hold on. I will try and re-enforce you by Braggs brigade in the morning, and establish direct connection with the Ninth Corps pickets. We are going to hold on here. G. K. Major~eneral. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 18, 1864. [Major General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps:] GENERAL: I think the corn-field on onr right can be carried by a vigorous effort to-morrow, if you should consider it desirable. The enemy will work hard to-night, and indeed was at work on his line when I advanced this afternoon. 1 have two brigades in line of battle, but the line is not a) long one, as the First Brigade lost heavily when its flank was turned early in the action. There is a portion of the line unsupported. I sent the Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania to support my right, which I propose to refuse before dayli~ht. If my right is covered a section of artillery can be used to advantage in any ittack upon the enemys position in the corn-field. My loss has been severe in officers and men. S. W. CRAWFO1~D, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.This note was written before yours was received. I am grati- fied that you are satisfied with the advance made to-day. It was very hard work. S. W. CRAWFOIID, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18642.20 a. m. General PARRE: Is there anything more than cannonading intended by the enemy so far as you can ascertain ~ A. A. HUMPThREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Ord.) HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18642.30 a. m. General HUMPUREYS: I have sent out to the division commanders. As yet no report. As IVim as I can judge it has been simply a general cannonading. The reports of musketry continue the same as early in the night. Will forward reports from division commanders as soon as received. J. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 279 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 279 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18642.50 a. m. General HUMPHREYS: Generals Wilicox and Ferrero report that cannonading began on our right by the enemy and extended to the left. But little musketry dur- ing the shelling. No report yet from left of our line. J. G. PARKE, ]Jiliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Before Petersburg, Va., August 18, 18649 a. m. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS. Assistant A jutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Ii have the honor to inclose copy of report of general of the trenches. All is quiet on my front this morning. About 1.30 oclock this morning a heavy a tillery fire was opened from both sides. It commePcc(l on the rigli t by the enemy, and gradually worked to the left until the entire front was engaQe(l. From the new works of the enemy in front of the Third Division heavy mortar shells were thrown. This firing lasted, with more or less fury, until 3.30 oclock. In the e~ ny part of the evening the enemy kept up an active musketry fire on the Third Division front. During the cannonading the rebel infantry fired a few shots ~~I front of Second Division. General Potter, coin- manding Second Division, reports that his vedettes were warned by the enemy not to be alarmed if shells should fall in our lines before morning, as they intended shelling the negroes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. Will send list of casualties as soon as a report is received. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General PARKE, August 18, 18G410S0 a. m. Commanding Ninth Corps: The major-geuer 1 commanding wishes to know whether you have ascertained anything further as to the probable cause of the cannon ad- ing during the night, and also about the number of casualties that were incurred from it. A. A. HUMPHIREYS (Same to General Ord.) Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 18, 1864. Chief of & aff: Nothing definite has been ascertained as to the cause of the cannonad- ing. General Potter report that enemys l)ickets warned ours yeste Page 280 280 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. day afternoon that not to be alarmed, they were going to shell the negroes. The casualties have not been reported in full. T think, how- ever, they will be slight. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186412.15 p. m. Major-General PARKE: I am instructed to inform you that Major-General Warren had reached the Weldon railroad near l3licks house about 10 oclock this morning and is making a reconnaiSsance in force on the enemys right flank, with directions if he finds a favorable opportunity to try and carry their lines and gain the main ridge in rear of their front. The major-general commanding enjoins great vigilance on the part of your troops and prompt reports of any changes or movements on the part of the enemy that be observed, and that you be l)repared, in the event of General Warren attacking the enemys lines, to aid him by every means in your power and for such operations as the commanding gen- eral may find it desirable to undertake. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Ord.) - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC August 18, 1864i .45 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: General Warren, in a dispatch dated 11 a. in., from the Blick house, stated that he should throw out pickets to connect with yours. The commanding general directs that you throw forward that part of your picket-line where it is refused from the enemy and bring it up in the pres- ence of the enemys pickets, and connect with Warrens pickets. A. A. HUMPhIIEYS,, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 18, 18642.10 p. m. (Received 3 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Dispatch of 1.45 received and its provisions will be carried out. I pre- sume there are no maps that shoxv the Blick house or upon which War- rens position may be indicated. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 1864. Major-General PARKE: Yes; the Blick house is down on the maps. Warren was near the Buck house at a house called Flowers when he last reported, at 11 oclock. He must have advanced considerably from that since. I will ask Duane to send you at once a copy of map containing the houses named. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 281 CHAP, LIY.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 281 HEADQUARTERS NINTH AR1~IY CORPS, August 18, 18646.30 p. m. General IIUiVIPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The following dispatch just received from Captain Gowan, of my staff. I sent him out to establish the connection between General Warreii and my left. JOHN G. PAJIKE, Major- aeneral. AUG-UST 18, 18644.30 p. in. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps GENERAL: I have just seen General Warren and find his right too distant for us to connect with. He is on the railroad at the Buck house. We are now moving that portion of General Whites brigade that was refused forward, keeping the right of the brigade fast. When this is done our left will be about a mile or a mile and a half from General W[arren]s right. This interval is picketed by cavalry. This is the best we can do. I explained to General Warren how far we could come; he appeared satisfied, and said the cavalry would keep up the connection. General W[arren] does not seem to be very heavily engaged. There is a little artillery firing now. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. W. GOWAN, Acting Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18648.15 p. rn. (Ileceived 8.30 p. in.) Major-General PARKE: A division of the Second Corps will be sent to-night from Deep Bot- tom to relieve some of your troops, which will be used to re-enforce Major-Geiieral Warren. The major-general commanding directs that you be prepared to withdraw one of your divisions and to send it to General Warren upon the arrival of the division of the Second Corps, which may not reach you until after daylight. The troops you send should have four days rations on the person, some ambulances, some ammunition wagons, and proper proportion of intrenching tools. The commanding general desires that you will have in view the necessity that may arise of sending additional re-enforcements to General War- ren from your lines should the enemy withdraw largely from their limes to attack him. A. A. HUMPIIHEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18648.45 p. m. Major-General PARKE: General Motts division is ordered to relieve a part of your troops. His (livision is about 5,000 strong. A staff officer from here will be sent you to learn at what points General Mott shall come up to your lines and then meet General Mott and conduct him. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staf Page 282 282 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 18, 18649 p. m. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual has trans- pired on my front during the last twelve hours. General Potter, coin- manding Second Division, reports the enemys picket-line strengtheviecl during the day. The left of my line was swung round this p. in., as ordered. It was found impossible, on account of distance, to connect with the Fifth Corps. There is an interval of a mile, which is pick- eted by the Third New York Cavalry. General White, commanding First Division, reports that the commanding officer of his right bri- gade reports the enemys force in his front moving to our left, they having been relievcd by troops from the right. JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18649.20 jp. m. Major-General PARKE: How many men will you be able to relieve with Motts division and send to Warren~ GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18649.45 p. m. Major-General PAn KE: General Motts division is between 5,000 and 6,000 strong. The com- manding general desires you to send that number of your troops to General Warren. General Ord has some 1,500 men in reserve that he can dispense with. I will telegraph him to send them to you at once and that will relieve more of your troops that should go to Warren as soon as practicable. Please let him know where lie shall send them. A. A. JIUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. TIEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 186410 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I propose relieving General Potters and General Willeoxs divisions. They have about 4,000 men in the line. 1 propose to relieve the fatigue party, 500 men, that are now at work on the line. Is my or(ler suffi- cient to relieve them ~ JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General Page 283 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. ~83 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186410.30 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Certainly; relieve the working party, an(l send at least as many men to Warren as are relieved by Ord and Mott. A. A. IIUMPIIliEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186410.15 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Cornrnandinq Ninth Corps: The commanding general thinks it will be time enough to send the men that Ords troops relieved at about 3 a. in. See that some one takes them by the shortest route to Warren, probably by the Strong house instead of the Williams house. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ]Iliajor- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 186410.50 p. m. Major-General PARKE: have you any white troops to send in place of the 1,500 Ord will send you ~ They are white and black. Motts division has 5,300 enlisted men and 300 officers. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. (lieceived 11 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have white troops to sen in place of the 1,500 Ord will send me, and also enough to send about the same number as will be re- lieved by General Mott. This will include all the white troops, and leave General Ferreros division on the line and in the redoubts on the left. JNO. G. PATIKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, Major-General PARKE, August 18, 186410 p. m. Ninth Army Corps: GENERAL: I am informed by General Humphreys that you are going to send me 1,500 men in the morning. Let them turn oft at the Will- iams house. I intend also to establish a short picket-line from my righ Page 284 284 OPEUATION$ IN SE. VA. AND N. C. WHAP. LIV. to yours in front of the large redoubt in the morning, if I can. Please have your picket-line informed of the probability of my men approach- ing in that vicinity. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. (Copy to General ilumplireys.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18,186411 p. rn. Major-General WARREN: I will send you at least 1,500 men in the morning. I propose start- ing them at 3 a. in., if relieved in season. I will notify General White, in command of my left division, of your intention in reference to the picket-line. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, An gust 18, 186411.15 p. m. Brigadier-General WHITE, Commanding Division: - GENERAL: Accompanying please find copy of a dispatch* received from General Warren. Will you please notify the officers commanding on your left of the generals intention in reference to the picket-line. Please have your command prepared to march to re-enforce General Warren to-morrow morning, in case you are relieved by other trOOl)5. Your troops should have four days rations on their persons, and the men supplied with ammunition. A few ambulances should be t& iken along. If you are relieved it will be by a portion of General Motts division, of the Second Corps, which will probably reach this place by daylight. Lieutenant-Colonel Coale, chief commissary, has ordered rations and will have them ready for distribution by 6 oclock to-niorrow morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. P. S.Instead of carrying extra ammunition on the persons of the men take it mu wabons. Take also a proper proportion of intrenching tools. J. G. P., Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, August 18, 18648 a. m. Captain HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant. General, Ninth Co~ps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in the early part of the evening the enemy kept up an active musketry fire on my front. At about 1.30 a. m. a furious cannonading broke out, beginning on the right~ shot and shell being thrown at the batteries and rifle-pits, mostly 12-p~amnders, from nine points visible from Roemers battery. Roemer, * See Warren to Parke, 10 p. in., p. 283 Page 285 CHAP. LIV.] 285 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Twitchell, arid Battery Morton were vigorously cannonaded, but no casualties are as yet reported. The fire lasted one hour and a half without cessation, after which it continued, with intermissions, until 3.30 oclock. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, August l8~ 1864. Capt. ROBERT A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual has trans- pired on my front during the last twelve hours, the same amount of picket-firing and sharpshooting being kept up as heretofore. Very respectfully, ~. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTII CORPS, August 18, 1864. General FERRERO: I inclose for your information a copy of an order * from army head- quarters. Please be prepared to execute its provisions as early as practicable on receipt of orders. Yours, respectfully, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FOURTH Dry., NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1861. Captain HICKS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fourth Dirision, Ninth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the picket-firing in the early part of last evening was heavier than usual; also that about 1 oclock this a. in. the enemy ol)encd a very brisk artillery fire on our line which continued until near 4 oclock, during which we had eight men wounded in the brigade. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. THOMAS, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. IIDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 1864. Colonel MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report all quiet this morning, and that nothing new was observed during the night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. * See Humphreys to Parke, 12.15 p. in., p. 280 Page 286 286 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, August 18, 1864. (Received 9.40 a. in.) Major-General BUTLER: Lieutenant-General Grant desires that you h ye the spare pontoon bridge, now at Deep Bottom, thrown across the river near the lower pontoon bridge so as to have two bridges with the best approaches that can be got for Hancocks use by dark to-night. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS, August 18, 1864. Lient. Geii. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, e., GUy Point: We are garrisoning Fort i~owhatan and Fort Pocahontas (Wilsons Landing) with 100-days men, whose time is now quite out. We want two regiments for that purpose. There must be now a large surplus of new regiments of 100-days macn and others in and about Washington and Baltimore. Can we not have some of these inca, 100-days regi- ments, ordered down f It will not do to lose either of these points. It would shut us off from the river. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]Jildjor- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 18, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commaadin~, & c.: \~Tilcox~s Wharf and Fort Powhatan must be held. No troops, how- ever, can be had from Washington or Baltimore. They are calling on me for troops to take the l)laee of those now there soon to be dis- charged. You will have to send some of your colored troops. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 18, 186410.50 a. in. (Received 11.20 a. in.) Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, & e., City Poii t: Did Warren make the move which was contemplated? We have heard nothing on our front. I have heard no report of any result from the rapid firing at Petersburg. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, August 18, 1864. (~ eneral BUTLER: Our forces reached the Weldon road, meeting nothing but cavalry. They captured a few men belonging to the Seventh Confederate Cay. alry. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. (Copy to General Hancock. Page 287 CEAm LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 287 IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 18, 18643.50 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding, & c., City Point: I am informed from the 7ookont at Dutch Gap that a brigade of troops are crossing Coxs Ferry, going east. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ajor- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF ViRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 18, 18617.35 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer on Spriiig Hill reports that at 7.3() a. ni. seven cars, partly loa(icd with troops, passed The Junction toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 18, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer at Spring Bill reports that at 2.15 p. in. three open cars loaded with railroad iron passed the Junction toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. WASHINGTON A Col. II. L. ABBOT, , ugust 18, 1864p. m. Broadway Landing: From 800 to 1,000 24-pounder shells are now shipped for you daily. GEO. D. RAMSAY, Brigadier- General and Chief of Ordnance. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS Near Deep Bottom, August 18, 1861. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general coniinanding directs me to advise you that General Miles has been ordered to withdraw one of his brigades from the right and place it near its former position. General Miles wil Page 288 288 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. inform you of the time of withdrawing this brigade, so that you can make any further dispositions you deem necessary for the safety of your right. Very r~spectfu1ly, your obedient servant, F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 18, 186412 m. Brigadier-General TURNER, Commanding Line of intrenchments: Warren moved this morning at 8.30, the enemys pickets falling back before him. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. TL~ADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. Lientenaut-Colonel KENSEL, Chief of StatT: Our casualties last ~iight were 5 men killed, 1 officer and 14 men wounded. E.G. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 18642.25 a. m. General HUMPHREYS: it is nothing but a cannonade and mortar practice, with no definite aim that I can tell.* E.G. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Stauif: August 18, 1864. The enemys fire was principally on our reserve camp in the rear. Owing to the men being in the trenches, the loss was slight5 men killed, 1 officer and 14 men xvounded.t E.G. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS August 18, 1864. (Received 2.40 p. in.) General IIUMPHREYS, Chiqf of Staff: I have in reserve three small brigades, principally colored. Shall 1 put them nnder arms ~ E. 0. C. ORD; __ Major- General. Mn answer to Huinphreys of 2.20 a. in.; see P. 278. tIn an8wer to Humplireys of. i0.30a. in.; see p. 279. Page 289 CHAP, LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 289 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORD, August 18, 18G13.1O p. rn. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Your dispatch in reference to reserves is received. The commanding general wishes you to exercise your own discretion iii the matter. The last dispatch from General Warren was dated 11 a. in. A. A. HUMP1I1~EYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORB, August 18, 18619.50 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The major-general commanding thinks your reserve of 1,500 men might be sent to General Parkes front and relieve some of his troops, which he will send at once to General Warren. Please cominnnicate with General Parke, who is advised of this, and send the reserves as soon as practicable. A. A. HUMPHHEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. General IIUMPHREYS: Some of enemys sharpshooters on opposite bank of Appomattox reported withdrawn this p. m. at 4 oclock. Telegram to send reserve of 1,500 to relieve part of Ninth Corps received. Will send them. OIID. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 186411.15 p. m. General HUMPUREYS: I have telegraphed to General Parke to send an officer to show my reserve the ground they are to occupy. The troops are ready to march. Difficulty in finding the ground and other delays will make it 2 or 3 oclock before Parkes men will be relieved. E. 0. C. OItD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 18, 186410 p. m. General PARKE: I am directed to sen(l you my reserve of 1,500 to relieve part of your corps. How much space will they have to occupy and who will show it to theme? OJItD. 19 R RvOL XLII~ PT 1 Page 290 290 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS 4INTII Conrs, August 18, 186410.30 p. m. Major-General ORD: I am informed by Major-General Humphreys that you will relieve some of my men. I propose that you should relieve General Willeox. He has from 1,000 to 1,200 men on the line and will have an officer to show one of your officers the line to be occupied. His line is on the pro- longation of your line to the left. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. Maj. THEODORE IREAD, Assistant Adjutant- General, Eighteenth Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to state the officer commanding the division sharpshooters reports that the enemy withdrew their sharpshooters from the pits in front of the battery opposite the Beasley house this afternoon about 4 oclock, and have not since occupied them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. CARR, Brigadier- General. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 1ST DIV., 18TH ARMY CORPS, August 18, 1864. A telegram from headquarters Army of the Potomac has just been received, which states that Major General Warren has reached the Weldon railroad and is making a reconnaissance in force on the right flank of the enemy, with instructions to carry their lines and the main ridge in rear of their front if a favorable opportunity presents itself. The utmost vigilance is enjoined on the part of the troops and any changes or movements on the part of the enemy will be reported at these headquarters immediately. By command of Col. A. F. Stevens: GEG. A. BRUCE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS .ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 18, 18644 p. m. Brigadier-General KAUTz, Commanding Cavalry Division: The major-general commanding directs that you strengthen the cav- alry placed under the orders of General Warren by one of the regi- meiits on this side the Blackwater. The one that can be got to him most readily should he sent. A. A. HUMPHIREYS Major- General and Chief of ~taff Page 291 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 291 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 18, 18618 p. m. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Since receiving your order requiring me to send another regiment to General Warren I have learned that he has only availed himself of a portiou of one of the two already directed to report to him. The First District of Columbia has not moved, and only a por- tion of the Third ~ew York has gone. I notified General Warren that - Colonel Lewis had been directed to report to him with two regiments, and he replied that he would communicate his orders to Colonel Lewis as his command moved out past Colonel Lewis headquarters, which are immediately upon the Jerusalem plank road. Your orders have been properly transmitted so far as my command is concerned, and the third regiment has been directed to report to General Warren. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. ~ Brigadier- general, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Col. S. P. SPEAR, August 18, 1864. Commanding Second Brigade, Cavalry Division: I am instructed by the general comumnanding to inform you that the Third New York, First District of Columbia, and Eleventh Pennsyl- vania Cavalry were placed at the disposal of General Warren, who can make such disposition of them as he wishes. If the First District ot Columbia is needed by you General Warrens order is all that is necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servaut, M. ~ ASCII, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral. WAR DEPARTMENT, Lieutenant-General GRANT, August 19, 18642 p. m. City Point: The President directs me to express his gratification at your success in pushing across and seizing the Weldon road. He thinks that a heavy blow to the enemy if you are able to hold it, as he hopes you will. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, August 19, 186410 a. m. Lient. Geim. U. S. GRANT: One of General Augur~s scouts insists that Lomigstreets corps and Fitzhugh Lees cavalry have passed through Culpeper on their way to join Early. The information derived from this mau has heretofore proved very reliable. If this be true, the enemy is too strong for Sher- idan. H. W. HALLECK, Major- Ueneral and Chief of Staff Page 292 292 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CRAP, LIV. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 18647.30 p. m. (Received 2.40 p. in. 20th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. ~2: Our troops are firmly fixed across the Weldon road. There has been little or iio lighting to-day, either south of Petersburg or north of James River. Warren reports that the enemy~s dead in considerable numbers were found in his front this morning unburied. General Birney tele- graphs General Butler, as follows: HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 1864. The enemy attacked my line in heavy force last night and were repulsed with great loss. In front of one colored regiment eighty-two dead bodies of the enemy are counted. The colored troops behaved handsomely and are in fine spirits. The assault was in column, one division strong, and would have carried works not so well defended. The enemys loss was at least 1,000. Respectfully, D. B. BIRNEY, Major-General. We have had a great deal of rain about I~etersburg this week and a very grateful change in the temperature. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 18648 p. in. (Received 2.50 p. m. 20th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK: Fitz Lees cavalry and Kershaws division, of Longstreets corps, have gone from here to the Valley. No other troops have gone, and with the present distribution of troops here the enemy is much more likely to withdraw from the Valley than to send more there. The en~rny~s loss here this week in killed, wounded, and captured cannot fall much short of 4,000, if it does not exceed this number. They are now so extended that they are forced to keep every man on th3 watch, and from accounts of prisoners are running their men to death shifting them from one place to another. Sheridan has a force about equal to the enemy, and if the latter advances will have him at an advantage. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 18649 p. m. (Received 3 p. m. 20th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: The enemy came out this evening on ~ right, driving in the pickets connecting between him and the left of our old line on the Jerusalem plank road and forcing back the two right divisions of Warrens corps. A heavy fight took place, resulting in the re-estab- lishing of our lines and the capture of a good many prisoners. The prisoners were from Ileths, Mahones, and Hokes divisions. We also lost considerably in prisoners. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 293 CHAP, LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 293 IJEADQIJARTER5 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 18648 a. m. General GRANT: Ords reserves, consisting of two small brigades, were put in Parkes line last night, permitting Willeoxs division to go to Warren. Motts division has jnst arrived and will release men of the Ninth Corps to go to Warrens support. Warren reports, at 7 a. in., that he has driven the enemys cavalry down to Reams Station that the enemy are in force in his front, having been at work all night intrenching. Reports from pickets of the Ninth Corps would indicate a movement of the enemy to their rightour left. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 18648.50 a. rn. Major-General MEADE: I think General Hancock, by detaining a large force north of the James, makes our force at Petersburg relatively as strong as it would be if he was with it. It also seems to be a sensitive point with the enemy. I am anxious to force the enemy to withdraw from the Valley the re-enforcements he has sent to Early, and I think the best way to do it is to threaten as long a line as possible. If; therefore, there is no necessity for it, I shall not withdraw Hancock for the present. 15.8. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 18649.30 a. m. General GRANT: Your telegram of 8.50 received. I will confer with General Warren and advise you whether, in his judgment and miuc, more troops are re- quired on the Weldon road than those sent by Parke. My impression now is that they are not, so long as the enemy is threatened on the north bank of the James. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 186410.20 a. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS: Send the accompanying dispatch* of General Grant to General War- ren, and say that General Parke in the course of the day will send 4,000 men in addition to the 2,000 taken by Wilicox. Inquire whether, m Warrens judgment, these re-enforcements are sufficient for his pur- poses, that I may reply to General Grant. General Warren should at all hazards maintain his hold on the Weldon railroad, and, if prac- ticable, to extend his line to connect with the Ninth Corps. At the same time if the enemy can be pushed back nearer the lead-works, so as to make the line shorter to the left of the Ninth Vorps, it would be desirable to do so. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. See Grant to Meade, 8.50 a. in., second, ante Page 294 294 OPE1~ATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. tIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 186411 a. rn. General GRANT: Parke will be able to send Warren all his white troops, amounting to 6,000. This will be ample for all Warrens purposes, unless the enemy re-enforce strongly from their troops now north of the James. I have directed Warren to intrench himself strongly and to connect, if possible, with the left of~ the Ninth Corps; also, if practicable, to push the enemy back to their works around Petersburg, they being now, as I understand it, over a mile or more outside of these works. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TUE POTOMAC, August 19, 186412.15 p. m. ~enera1 GRANT: I send dispatch just received from Warren.* Jam going to see him. The telegraph iiow runs to his headquarters. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TUE POTOMAC, August 19, 18648 p. rn. General GRANT: I left Warrens at 4 p. m. All quiet. At 4.30 the enemy drove in the picket-line he had established connecting with our works on the Jerusalem plank road, and, turning his right flank, interposed their masses between Warren and Parke. Warren immediately attacked them, and after a severe fight drove them back and re-established his lines. I send you his dispatch,t just received. The roads are in a very bad condition, and if it continues to rain there will be trouble in sup- plying Warren. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 19, 18649.30 p. rn. Major-General MEADE: Your dispatch of 8 p. m. just received. Ii am pleased to see the promptness with which General Warren attacked the enemy when he came out. I hope he will not hesitate in such cases to abandon his line and take every man to fight every battle, and trust to regain- ing them afterward or to getting better. The enemy must have left their line guarded by a single division. U. S. GT~ANT, Lieutenant- General. * See Warren to llumphreys, 11 a. in., p. 306. t See Warren to Humplireys, 6.50 p. in., p. 307 Page 295 CHAP. lAY.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 295 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 18649.45 p. in. General GRANT: I send dispatch* just received from Warren. I think he is not aware that three of his regiments that were on picket are now in con- nection with Parkes pickets on the old line. This I get from Parke, who said he could not find ont whether these thr~e regirncnts had. any connection with the rest of the Fifth Corps. If Warren has included them in the missing it will reduce his losses in this respect. I have telegraphed him to inquire. I expect he will be attacked again in the morning, as the enemy are very tenacions of their hold on the Weldon road, and will not be likely to give it np without great effort. GEG. G. MEADE, Major General. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 186410.11 p. in. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, d?~c.: Can you not spare Mott~s division from the line to re-enforce Warren ~ The enemy have evidently taken everything from their line and would think of no attack except to dislodge our troops from the railroad. I will bring Hancock back to-morrow night, and then the Tenth Corps will relieve the Eighteenth, giving us more troops foot-loose. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 186411 p. m. General GRANT: It will not be possible to withdraw Mott from the lines, for it would leave the whole of the line recently held by the Fifth Corps to be held by the colored division of the Ninth Corps, less than 4,000 strong. Warren, I think, has men enough, provided the enemy do not re-enforce from the James. Warren, with his own corps and the two divisions of the Ninth Corps, ought to have, after his losses, nearly 20,000 men, and I cannot believe the enemy can have over 12,000. With this prepon- derance he ought not only maintain his lodgmnent on the railroad, but should be able to drive the enemy into his fortifications. I have sug- gested to him to try it to-morrow morning, as tj~e way to stop any further flanking by the enemy. I have, however, left it to his dis- cretion, dependent on the temper of his men, of which he is a better judge than I am. Instcad of rclieving the Eighteenth Corps, who are familiar with the line they now occnpy, I would suggest the Tenth relieving Mott and the colored division of the Ninth that is holding the lines up to the plank road. Then Hancock could go to the Weldon road and the Ninth hold between the plank ani Weldon road. GEG. G. MEADE, ]VEa jar- General. See Warren to Hurnphreys, 8.15 p. in., p. 308 Page 296 296 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE No. 275. Washington, August 19, 1864. * * * - * * * 13. First Lieut. C. C. Chaffee, Ordnance Department, is hereby relieved from the operation of Special Orders, No. 268, August 12 186 this office, on account of ill health. ~ * * * * * 36. By direction of the President, Byt. Maj. Gen. John G. Barnard, U. S. Volunteers, and chief engineer of the armies operating in Vir- ginia, is hereby assigned to duty according to his brevet rank. * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 19, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Stafi: GENERAL: The prisoners sent in this morning from the Fifth Corps are from Frys and Davis brigades, of Heths division. They report thatthe whole of that division moved down the railroad yesterday and engaged the Fifth Corps. They all think that no other troops took their place in the trenches. There are prisoners from Colquitts brigade, of Hokes division, who say that that brigade is the only one of the division which moved down the railroad. There are also prisoners from Dearings cavalry brigade. This brigade is composed of the Seventh Confederate Cavalry, the Fourth North Carolina, and the Sixty-second Georgia Regiments. They are in W. H. F. Lees division. They havebeen doing picket duty from the right of their infantry line as fi~r down as the Gurley house. Barringers brigade were doing picket duty on their right, extendii~g from the Gurley house down toward Lees Mill. These two brigades, they think, are all the cavalry left in that vicinity. Prisoners all report that the enemy have no works between the lead- works and the position n~w occupied by the Fifth Corps. They heard of no troops coining from the north side of the James River up to the time they were captured. One deserter from the Sixth Virginia. Infantry, Mahones old brigade, reports that he went on picket night before last; that his brigade was then in the trenches and that only two brigades of Mahones division (Wrights and Perrins) have left our front. He has not seen Harris brigade lately, and thinks it possible that they may have gone away. Colquitts brigade has been lying in reserve in the suburbs of Petersburg for sonic thue past, and moved down the railroad about 10 oclock yesterday morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & e. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 19, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief ~f Staff: GENERA: Five prisoners of war, taken by the Fifth Corps about 3 oclock this afternoon, have just arrived here. They are from Colquitt Page 297 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 297 and Clingman~s brigades, of Hokes division. Clingmans brigade was relieved by Ransoms brigade, of Johnsons division, this morning about 10 oclock, and marched down the railroad. Prisoners state that the two mentioned are all the brigades of Hokes division which have left their old position. They also state that Clingmans, Colquitts, and Mahones brigades made a charge on the left flank of time Fifth Corps this afternoon about 3 oclock. Up to the time they were captured the enemy had only driven in or captured our skirmish line. They know of no troops having arrived from the north side of the Appoinattox. One of the prisoners said he saw General 1). II. Hill near the lead-works this morning; another prisoner thinks that he is on General Beaure- gards staff. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ McENTEE, Captain, d~c. IIEADQIJARTER5 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point, Va.: Heths division and Colquitts brigade are now in front of Fifth Corps on railroad below lead-works. Colquitts is only brigade of ilokes division which moved yesterday. Dearings cavalry, composed of Seventh Confederate, Sixty-secoiid Georgia, and Fourth North Carolina, together with Barringers cavalry brigade, are also in front of Fifth Corps. Deserter from Sixth Virginia, who went on picket night of 17th, states that Mahones brigade was then in our front, and that Wrights and Perrins are the only brigades of Mahones division away from here. J. MeENTEE, Captain, d~c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 1864li p. m. Major-General HUMPTIPEYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Twenty-two prisoners of war, in which two officers are included, hate just arrived from the Fifth Corps. They are from Cob quitts, Cliugmans, and Mahones brigades, and report nothing in addition to last report. Very respectfully, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & c. PLANK ROAD SDZfNAL STATION, August 19, 18646.30 a. m. Major FISHER: A few stragglers passing to our left on line of Weldon railroad. All quiet. Camps unchanged. H. W. FULTOX, Sergeant Page 298 298 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. AUGUST 19, 18649.55 a. Ill. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: The rebel signal stations report one brigade of our infantry and. eighty-six wagons moving past Battery 5, toward onr front. Colonel B[rent] orders the rebel stations to keep a strict watch upon our move- ments this a. m. FULLER. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 19, 18649.05 a. m. Major FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: The long train of box-cars reported to right of factory was moved at 8 this a. in. toward the enemys depot on Petersburg and Richmond Railroad. All quiet. A. C. JORDAN. This is the only report left in telegraph office this morning. OPERATOR. GIBBONS HOUSE STATION, August 19, 18646 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: The camp of infantry reported as in the city yesterday has disap- peared. Too much wind this a. m. to read enemys signals. No observa- tion of account could be made after 10.30 a. m. on account of fog. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: My lookout at the plank road station reports that at 5 p. m. a battalion of infantry came into view to the left of the lead- works and halted, the rear being still covered. Four mounted men, apparently officers, were at the head and moved on to our left. Owing to the rain further observations could not be made. The lookout was of the opinion that it was the head of a column of troops. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The plank road lookout reports that a few stragglers are passing southward on the Weldon railroad. This might indicate some movement of troops before daylight. All quiet. Camps unchanged. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac Page 299 CHAP. LIV.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LTNION. 299 CITY POINT, August 19, 186410.15 a. m. General HANCOCK: The enemy claim to have captured 600 prisoners from you on Tiies- day and numbers at other tunes, making in all near 1,000. They also claim to have captured many horses. How far are these statements correct ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, August 19, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 10.40 a. in.) Major-General HANCOCK: The enemy are moving troops to Petersburg. How many have gone I do not know, but probably a division. If you can find an opportunity to attack any weak point do not hesitate to do so. I think it will be perfectly safe for you to have any portion of your lines guarded merely with pickets, whilst all the balance of the force is being used as an assaulting column. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186411 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Gregg reports that he does not know of any horses being Captured in his late fight. He had 300 kiLled and wounded and a few mired iii a swamp. He has 33 men missing, none of whom he believes to be wounded. WINFD S. hANCOCK, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, A ugust 19, 186411.40 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have sent for the list of missing to ascertain the number supposed to have been taken prisoners. I have never heard of any horses being taken, nor have I heard of any prisoners being taken, except that I supposed stragglers might have been. There may have been some loss, but it was considered a matter of so small moment that it never was presented to me in the light of captures by the enemy. When Gen- erals Miles and Gregg were pressed back on the Charles City road some men were missing, but it was supposed that they had been broken off in the jungle and had straggled to the rear. Gemieral Miles that even- ing reported 150 as unaccounted for t could collect. , he most of whom he supposed he WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 300 300 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. tOHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186412.10 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have not discovered anything going out of the enemys line in my front, yet I am having careful examination made with a view to assault. If, however, the lines appear to be well manned I cannot promise suc- cess. A movement down the Charles City road with 6,000 or 8,000 infantry and the cavalry might be more snccessfril than an assault on the lines here; but if you consider an assault preferable I will make it at the best point I can determine. WINFD S. HANCOCK. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 1864. Major-General HANCOCK: I did not intend to order how you should attack or whether you should attack at all. Assault, if you think it can be (lone saccessfully, and in the manner you deem best. All I have to say is that I feel no doubt but you can use all your force upon any point you deem best. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, August 19, 186412.40 p. m. (Received 1 p. in.) Major-General HANCOCK: If you can possibly spare a brigade of cavalry to go to our left to support the Fifth Corps, send it. There will be no necessity of waiting for night to start it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenanl- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18642.40 p. rn. General GRANT: I have ordered one brigade of cavalry to report to General Meade. The order went out a little before 2 p. in. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, ]Ifajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18644.25 p. m. General GRANT: I have just returned from a careful examination of my line. My commanders have also made careful reconnaissances. But one point is seen where an assault is considered practicable, this being just below the dam at Fussells Mill. The enemys line is about 200 paces from our skirmish line. As to whether it can be held if taken I cannot say. I think I will try it at daylight in the morning. This place is filled with men as close as though on parade. It is about the only place where the pickets do not fire on each other. WINFD S. HANCOCK Page 301 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 301 HEADQUARTERS SECOND AR~~v Conps, August 19, 18G47 p. m. General GRANT: Brigadier-General Girardeys death is noticed in the papers of the 19th, and the following appears in the editorial: The battles of Monday and Tuesday.We have authentic information that in the series of severe engagements fought on this side of the river during Monday aud Tuesday, culminating iu the battle below Whites Tavern on Tuesday evening, our entire losskilled, wounded, and missiiigdoes not exceed 1,000. We believe that our killed will scarcely number 100. The enemys killed alone will exceed our losses from all causesthe killed, wounded, and prisoners. Grants loss is not less than 7,000 or 8,000. WIiNFD S. HANCOCK, (Same to General Meade.) M~or- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18647.10 p. m. (Received 7.22 p. in.) General GRANT: Desiring to carry out your wishes here, I have had, since my last tele- graph, careful examinations of the enemys line by my chief of staff and (3 eneral Miles, to whom I propose to give the attacking column. They are of the opinion I expressed to you, that by putting iu a strong force at a certain point on my line we cau break through the enemys line, probably capturing 300 or 400 prisoners and possibly two guns, but that it is a question as to whether we could hold it, as the point to be attacked presents no peculiar feature and is not as high as the sur- rounding ground. It is an important question how many men the enemy have opposite me now. I can only say their pits are well filled. I would like to know the latest information you have on this point, and I would like your views on the matter of the assault, as you know what is occurring elsewhere as well as here. A rebel paper of 19th speaks of the engagements here, some admitting 1,000 casualties, claiming that we had 1,000 killed. They do not claim many prisoners. WINFD S. HANCOCK, ]JIajor- General. CiTY POINT, August 19, 18648 p. rn. General HANCOCK: I have no information of the withdrawal of any troops from the north side of the river further than I telegraphed you to-day, and those proved to be cavalry and in less numbers probably than a division. I do not think it advisable to assault unless you feel satisfied that you will gain a decided advantage. I want principally the enemy so occa- l)ied that he cannot send oft any of his forces, and attacks made only when he leaves a weak place or where he can be surprised. From your description I hardly think it advisable to let General Miles attack iu the morning, but you are a better judge of this matter than I am. Ex- ercise your owu judgment. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 302 302 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. I3IEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS August 19, 1864. General GRANT: Your dispatch is received. I had almost completed my preparations for attack and hoped to be successful, but with the proviso that a division of infantry had been withdrawn by the enemy. With their force not diminished I should anticipate a severe fight after carrying the line, without any advantage 6n my side, as my force would be con- siderably disorganized by the assault. I suppose I could fight 14,000 men, of which 3,000 are on picket, not including Greggs remaining bri- gade of cavalry. After reading your dispatch I have concluded not to assault in the morning, but to perfect my arrangements and take ad- vantage of any weakening of the enemy hereafter. The rain to-night softens the ground so where I wish to place artillery in close proximity to the enemy, making it very difficult to move 12-pounders, and I am, therefore, willing to postl)one for this additional reason. These pieces have to be put in position by hand. Gregg has 1,600 cavalry here. WINFD S. HANCOCK, JIEajor- ~i5eneral. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 18649.30 p. m. (Received 10.40 p. in.) Major-General HANCOCK: Hokes, Heths, and Mahones divisions came out and attacked War- reii this evening. A heavy fight ensued, with considerable loss in pris- oners captured on each side. As we understand, Johnsons division is also at Petersburg. This leaves Wilcox, Pickett, and Field, with the possibility of part of Picketts division gone to the Valley, to guard from Petersburg to the James and to confront you on the north side. There must be a weak point somewhere. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- general. (Copy to General Butler.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS August 19, 186410.40 p. m. (Received 11.50 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch is received. According to my information, which is necessarily imperfect, Field and Wilcox are here, and Wrights brigade, of Wilcoxs division. These troops must number nearly as many men as I have~ now that Mott is absent. From what General Birney informed me last night, I imagined that Pickett had left General Butlers front. I shall try and avoid being deceived here by the enemy weakening materially their force, and am willing to try whether the weak point is here or not. WINFD S. HANCOCK, lifajor- General Page 303 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 303 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186411 p. rn. General GRANT: That you may know exactly how matters are here, I will say that I consider a much larger force necessary here for the offensive than for the defensive; and though I should have to contract my hues, I can still spare a division of Tenth Corps and maintain a respectable show here. This is sent you on the supposition that you really feel desirous of calling for some of my force, as I have not been able to force the enemy here yet. WINFD S. HANCOCK, lUft0or- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186412 rn. General GRANT: Richmond Examiner of to-day has following telegram: PETERSBURG, August 18, 1864. A force of the Fifth Corps of the enemy, assisted by cavalry, broke through our cav- alry lines and succeeded in reaching the Weldon railroadjust above Six-Mile Station, tearing up a portion of the road, some say as much as two miles. H. H. Walkers and Davis (Mississippi) brigades coming onthe raiders, a sharp fight ensued the result of which is not fully ascertained. One hundred and fifty-eight prisoners, including eight officers captured in the light, have arrived here. The enemy is in retreat by the latest advices. The prisoners say the movement had a twofold object, to draw troops from our front, in order if possible to charge on works, and, secondly, to break the road. General Frank Gardner has been assigned to the Defenses of Mobile. Two thousand men are reported as having advanced from Pensacola toward Mobile. I will send you the paper by the mail-boat in the morning. WINFD S. HANCOCK Major. General, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 18618.45 a. m. (Received 9.45 a. in,) Maj. Gen. W. S. HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: General Warren had a sharp engagement with the enemy yesterday afternoon, but held his position, which is on the Weldon railroad, about a mile this side of the Buck house. The enemy were re-enforcing in front of Warren all yesterday afternoon and last night. General ~ division relieved a portion of the Ninth Corps this nuorning. and the troops so relieved have gone to Warren. Nothing decisive has as yet resulted from the movement of the Fifth Corps. At about 2 a. in. last night the enemy opened from several of his batteries in front of the Ninth and Eighteenth Corps. All is quiet now. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CONFIDENTIAL~ HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMy CORPS, CIRCULAR. 5 August 19, 186411.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General Graiut desires an assault made on some part of the line to-day. Commanding officers will therefore satisfy themselves how many troops they can spare for such a purpose, whether on thei Page 304 304 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. own line or not. It is the instruction of the major-general command. ing to leave the line pretty much with the pickets to hold, and to use nearly all his force for assault, if made. Commanders will have their lines carefully examined and carefully watched for any practicable point that may exist or any sign of weakness that may be shown. Two days rations will be issued at once. By order of Major-General Hancock: F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND Conps, August 19, 1864. Lient. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps: COLONEL: In reply to your telegram I have the honor to report that 151 are missing in this command, all from the Second Brigade, of which 102 are supposed to be taken prisoners. I am, colonel, very respectfUlly, your obedient servant, (+. MOTT, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS TILlRD DIVISION, SECOND Conps, August 19, 18618.10 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to report that prisoners taken by my pickets say that they broke through General Warrens right, through the Thirteenth [Nineteenth?] Indiana. The Seventh Wisconsin connects with my left, but report no connection on their left. Prisoners report three brig-ade~ as the attacking force, commanded by Archer, Cliugman, and Mahone. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, G. MOTT, Briga (her- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISION, SECOND ARMY CoRPS, Col. JOHN PULPORD, August 19, 1864. Commanding Second Brigade: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that the regi- ments belonging to General Braggs brigade be ordered by you to join your line the first thing in the morning, following the telegraph line. You will give the necessary attention to this matter, so as to have Gell- eral Warrens request (as above) carried out. General Warren tele- graphs at the same time that he has made his arrangements to fight at daybreak if the enemy chooses; if not, he will re-establish the line at that time. If the fight should take place and the line not be re-estab- lished, you will refuse your left somewhat, throwing out vedettes suffi- cient to keep n~ a connection. This matter must be attended to promptly. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN HANCOCK, ]Vfajor and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 305 Cxup. LIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 305 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18645 a. rn. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I send twenty-one prisoners taken yesterday. One of them, N. B. Smith, Twelfth Tennessee, says he is a deserter, and is disposed to be communicative. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Au gust 19, 1864. (Received 7 a. in.) Miijor-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Star: Colonel Spear has driven the enemys cavalry pickets as far down the railroad to within a mile of Reams Station, and pickets all the roads between that point and this coming in from the west. I have directed him to withdraw the 1)istrict of Columbia cavalry. General Ayres reports as follows: The enemy are in force on our front. They were at work most of the iiight strengthening their position. Picket-firing is going ou to some extent. I have not receive(l any report this morn- in g from General Crawford. I have sent out for him to mi~ake connec- tion with his lines with the Ninth Corps. General Willeox has arrived and is now near the Gurley house. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18648 a. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Cra~vford reports that there is no apparent change in the position or force of the enemy in his front, except that they have retired their skirmish line about 300 yards opposite the front of hi& left brigade. The skirmish line of that brigade has been advanced, accord- ingly, preserving the connection with the skirmishers of the Second Division. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 186410.45 a. m. Major-General WARREN: The accompanying dispatch* from Lieutenant-General Grant to the major-general commanding is sent for your information and guidance. In addition to the 2,000 men under Willcox ,4,000 men from General Parke will reach you during the (lay. The major-general commanding desires to know whether, in your judgment, these re-enforcements are sufficient for your 1)nrposes. You should at all hazards maintain your hold on the Weldon railroad, and, if l)racticable, extend your line to connect with See Grant to Meade, 8.50 a, in., p. 293. - 20 R RYOL XLI1~ PT I Page 306 306 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. MV. the Ninth Corps. If the enemy can be pushed back nearer to the lead- works so as to shorten the line connecting with the left of the Ninth Corps it is desirable that it should be done. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186411 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I think with the force you are sending me it will be safe to trust me to hold on to the railroad. I have been all the morning endeavoring to get up a proper connection with the Ninth Corps as close to Petersburg as possible, and have met no obstacle except the dense- ness of the woods, which seems to be a great difficulty to the officers in charge of the line. We are, however, progressing. The enemy left a good many dead on the ground we fought on yesterday. There are some indications that his main force has been withdrawn to Petersburg defenses, leaving a thin line in his intrenchments here. I am making eycry exertion to ascertain this. The destruction of the railroad depends so much upon the ability to burn the ties that it looks nuprom. ising now. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 186412.10 p. m. Major-General WARREN: Your telegram of 11 a. m. just received. General Humphreys is absent. As it is now determined to maintain our Iodgment on the railroad, its destruction becomes a matter of secondary importance. There is some delay in relieving Parkes troops, owing to the covered ways being filled with water. He is ordered to send them to you by brigades as fast as relieved. Is there not a shorter road for the infantry to move than by the Williams house~ I am now on my way to visit you. GEG. G. MEAI)E, Jliliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 18644 p. rn. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: A dispatch from Lieutenant-General Grant to the major-general com- manding, dated 3 p. in., states a brigade of cavalry has been ordered to report to you and that 200 railroad men have been sent to you to destroy the railroad. A. A. IILTMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 307 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 307 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18644.15 p. rn. Major-General MEADE: The enemy have just broken through the picket of General Bragg, between his brigade and the Ninth Corps. My troops are in position and I will give him a good tarn. G. K. WARREN,. Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 19, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch from the plank road signal sta- tion is respectfully forwarded: 2.30 r. i~i. The rear of a column of infantry (about two brigades) moved to our left between 1.45 and 2.15 p. m. on line of Weldon railroad. Head of column could not be seen on account of rain. Many stragglers followed. Battery in our front opened on a brigade of infantry passing by our station to the left. Battery near station is reply- ing. FULTON. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, ]~iIiajor and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. [Indorsement.] Received 4p. m. Respectfully forwarded for information of Major-General Warren. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, August 19, 18646.15 p. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that upon the arrival of the brigade of cavalry from Greggs division and of the railroad men you send them with a brigade of infantry and some artillery to clear the enemy from Reams Station and destroy the railroad as far south from your position as practicable. The commanding general directed General Parke to collect some reserve troops and drive back the enemy that had broken through the picket-line near his left, and re-establish the line. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18646.50 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: The enemy broke through the line I had just established between my position and that on the plank road, and moving rapidly on my righ Page 308 308 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. flank, compelled the whole of Crawfords and Ayres divisions to fall back. A heavy fight took place, and the whole line has been regained, taking many prisoners. They are from Mahones, ileths, and ilokes divisions. Our loss is heavy, being considerable in prisoners. I will report more definitely when I get returns. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, ]Jiliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, August 19, l8G4~-7.4O p. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: The commanding general desires to know whether you have re-estab- lished the l)icket-line where it was broken on your right. Upon his return he met yonr~snpply train on the Williams house road going out. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 1864. (Received 8.15 p. in.) Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I have made arrangements to connect my picket-line to-night along the road by Aikens. Potters division is at Aikens. We will straighten up all we can to-night and be ready for fight if necessary in the morning. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, August 19, 18648 p. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: Yonr dispatch announcing the falling back of Crawford and Ayres, and the subsequent driving back of the enemy and re-establishment of the line is received. The commanding general thinks you should make the connection with the intrenchments. at the plank road to-night with the re-enforcements sent you to-day, and that they should intrench there. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staffi - HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18648.15 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I find my losses in prisoners have been very considerable. Nearly all of the Pennsylvania Reserves are missing and a great many in the other brigades of General Crawford. Cutlers division will not be much reduced when we get it together. Ayres has lost very heavily an Page 309 CHAP. Liv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 309 General Hayes is missing. We have possession of all ground fought over, numerous prisoners, and two stand of colors. I do not think it possible to establish the line across to-night as suggested in your dis- patch. I have Willeox and White in good position to maintain my position. They have both been engaged. Potters men did not get further than the Aiken house and I have stationed them there for to- night. We are well disposed as we can be against the enemy if he attack in the morning. The enemy everywhere fell back from our attack to-night in confusion, and if the troops h d Only held a little against the flank attack they could have stood it. If I could reoccupy the line of the picket which was broken to-day I would not think it advisable. We will try it in the morning if not attacked, and if we are we are just right now. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 18648.30 p. rn. Major-General WARREN: I am delighted to hear the good news you send, and most heartily congratulate yon [and] yonr brave officers and men on your success. It will serve greatly to inspirit the whole army, and proves that we only want a fair chance to show our capacity to defeat the enemy. I hope he will try it again. In the meantime I would try and get the Ninth Corps on the left to prepare a line and slash it well, so as to secure the connection with the plank road. Parke has a few available troops and I will direct him to occupy as much of the line with them as he can. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18649.45 p. m. Major-General WARREN: The Seventh Wisconsin Regiment and, I believe, an Indiana regiment were cut off during the break this afternoon and are now with the left of General Motts line. I have directed General Mott to nse his utmost to re-establish the connection with your right. JNO. G. PARKE, ifrfrr- 6mei~ee,rd. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 186410.30 p. m. Major-General WARREN: I send you a dispatch* just received from the lieutenant-general com~ mauding. It will not be possible to withdraw Mott, as he suggests, as it would leave the whole of the line recently held by your corps to be held by the colored troops, less than 4,000 strong. A deserter has come in to Parke who belongs to a brigade of Heths yet in our front. He says only two of Heths brigades weut up to the railroad. On this See Grant to Meade, 10.11 p. in., p. 295 Page 310 310 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. I do not rely, bat the fact of his brigade being in our front shows that all of ileths is not in your front. Some prisoners taken this p. in. by Parkes people say the attack on your right flank was made by three brigades, one of Mahones and two of Ilokes division. I think you have in your front iiearly all of ileths, three brigades of Maliones and two of Hokes, probably a division and a half, say 10,000 men. Could you not attack them to-morrow with all your force before they are re-enforced froni the north of the James ~ I think if your men are in good spirits it will be your best chance, but I only make the sugges- tion. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- Generat. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, / August 19, 1864. (Received 12.15 a. in. 20th.) Major-General MEADE: We are prepared with the supports you have given us of the Ninth Corps to try to bold our own. We have lost in numbers but not in morale. The same number of our troops could not be better situated to show their strength than we are now, and it wonld be more satisfactory to me to have Motts division retained with Parke than to have it here. if we are not strong enough to beat the enemy we cannot be taken. I have given orders to advance at daylight in every direction and will govern my movement according to the developments nuder your sanc- tion where it is practicable. G. K. WARREN, Major- Genera HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 19, 18642 p. m. Major-General WARREN: General Potter is now moving to join you with a portion of the Second Division. The other brigade will follow as soon as relieved. He will have, all told, about 2,400 infantry, He has been instructed to report to you. General Willeox left this a. m. to report to you. I presume he has joined you ere this. General White will follow soon. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186410.30 p. m. General~ PARKE: I wish you would give directions to those regiments of General Braggs brigade to join us the first thing in the morning, following the telegraph line. I have made my arrangements to fight at daybreak if the enemy chooses; and if not, we will re-establish the line and put your corps on it. Your corps fought bravely to-day. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 311 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 311 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH CORPS, Befi~re Petersburg, Va., August 19, 1864. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor to state that I am directed by Major- General Parke, conunand ing the Ninth Corps, to move my command to your position and report to you for further instriletions. My command is now being relieved by other troops, and will be ready to move within two or three hours. I therefore respectfully request that the bearer, Captain Howe, of my staff; be informed as to the proximate l)osition I am to occupy, in order that the command may be guided there by him. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JULIUS WHITE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18643.45 p. m. Brigadier-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the enemy are reported moving down on General Ayres and Col- onel Lyles front in heavy force. lie directs you to at once put your command in readiness to move to the front and keep so until dark. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18649 a. m. Brigadier-General AYRES, Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding slesires you to have the timber in front of your line slashed as much as possible, so as to make it as strong as you can, and inform him frequently of the practicability of forcing the enemys line back. General Wilicoxs division, 2,0(X) strong, has arrived to our support. As soon as practicable please send in an approximate list of your casualties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. 5.If you need more axes for slashing purposes let me know. (Same to GeneraHI~rawford.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, General AYRES: August 19, 18649.30 a. m. The fact of the enemy leaving his dead on the ground may indicate that he has withdrawn to Petersburg and may have only a thin line i Page 312 312 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. his breast-works. I wish you would use every exertion to make out the real state of the case. I will send Hayes dispatch* to Crawford with the same request I make of you. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, lkW49.25 a. m. Brigadier-General AYRES, Commanding Second Dirision: GENERAL: The major-general commauding thinks you had better try and push the enemys pickets, so as to sce as far ahead as you can, and let him know as soon as practicable what is the result. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Ad General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 19, 1864. The brigadier-general commanding division directs that the above order be executed at once, and the result repOrte(l. By command of Brigadier-General Ayres: GEG. L. CHOISY, Lieutenant and Aide-dc- Camp and Actg. Asst. Adjt. (len. Colonel I)ushane will keep up the connection w-ith the l)ickets on his right. By command of Brigadier-General Ayres GEG. L. CHOISY, Lieutenant and Aide-dc- Camp and Actg. Asst. A4jt. (len. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTIL CORPS, August 19, 18641.lOp. m. Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutctnt- General, F~ft1t Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report sharp picket-firing on Colonel Lyles front for a short time. It has ceased. From all information that can be gained it is believed that the enemys line of battle is along the woods beyond the corn-field. It is supl)osed the picket-fire is sims- pended to allow us to bury theirs and our dead. I ordered that done and a list of the numbers sent in. My operations of yesterday termi- nated satisfactorily in the repulse of the enemys attempt to drive us from this position. I state this, as it may be thought by some because my line temporarily broke that I was repulsed. W hen the attack was made I was on the def~nsive. It was the enemy~s ttack. My picket- line has been pushed to the front of the woods. That is a better posi- tion for it than where it was yesterday; it then being in a corn-field had a very limited field of vision. When it fell back (the Twelfth U. S. Infantry composed it) it brought off all its wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. B. AYIIES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. *See hayes to Choisy, 9 a. iii., p. 313 Page 313 CRAP. LIY.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 313 HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRI~XDE, August 19, 18649 a. m. Lieutenant Cnoisv, Aety. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Dir., Fifth Army Corps: Sin: Our l)icket-liUe on the left of railroad has advanced to front of woods taking fifty of enemys dead. his line at this point is prob- ably beyond corn-field. Our pickets occupy his works on frout of woods. On right of railroad Colonel Lyles I)ickets have not advanced to front of woods. Our wounded report enemy moving to our left. We are bringing off our killed aud wounded. J. hAYES, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRK~ADE, A ugust 19, 18642.30 p. m. Lieutenant Cnois~, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: The officer of picket in front of my line reports the enemy sending heavy columns to our left across the railroad. Colonel Lyle has moved to right. I have placed Twelfth U. S. Infantry in front line on right of railroad. I will endeavor to ascertain how heavy the columns are. Yours, & c., JOSEPH HAYES, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, August 19, 18643 p. m. Lieutenant Cnoisv, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: The enemy are showing a heavy force in our front in corn-field. Colonel Lyle had a report twenty minutes since that the enemy were moving down on us in line of battle. JOSEPH HAYES, Brigadier. General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18649.15 a. m. General CRAWFORD: I send you a dispatch just received from Ayres.* It seems to indi- cate that the enemy has withdrawn. I wish every practicable effort made to ascertain. Have Lyle advance as Hayes has done. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, FIFTH CORPS, August 19, 1864. Lieut. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: COLONEL: The Third Brigade (Colonel hlartshorne) on the right of the division remains unchanged, the line ranging from 150 to 200 yards See Hayes to Choisy, 9. a. in., third, ante Page 314 314 OPERATIONS IN S}~. VA. AND N. C. [CHKP. LIV. froni the enemy~s main hue of works, who appear in the same force as yesterday. The Second Brigade (Colonel Wheelock) remains the same as last evening, both line of battle and skirmish line. The skirmish line is abont 150 yards in front of the battle line, and abont the same distance from the enemys line of works. No apparent change in the force or line of the enemy. The First Brigade (Colonel Lyle) also remains nnchanged, connecting on the left with the Second Division. The skirmish line of the enemy has retired 300 yards to the center ot the corn-field and Colonel Lyle has advanced his skirmishers to near the edge of woods. Wounded men report that in retiring the enemy gained ground to their right. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, S. W. CIIAWFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, FIFTH CORPS, August 19, 1864. Lieut. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Pifth Army Corps: COLONEL: There is no apparent change in the position or force of the enemy in my front, except that they have retired their skirmish line about 300 yards opposite the front of my left brigade. The skirmish line of that brigade has been advanced accordingly, preserving the con- nection with the skirmishers of the Second Division. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFOP~D, Brigadier- General, Commanding~ HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 19, 1864. Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: The connection with the Ninth Corps pickets is formed. They connect about one-fourth of a mile from the Aiken house, bearing 10 degrees north of east. I shall make the line as straight as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. C1IAWFOJ~D, Brigadier- General, Commandin~. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186410.15 a. m. General CRAWFORD: From what I call learn by Major IRoebhing, you have not got the con- nection with the Ninth Corps at all where I wanted it. I wish it to begin on the extreme right of the reserves, then in a northeast direction to the angle in the picket-line where I went with you, if it can be done. If not, then as nearly there as you can. This will enable the line to watch the enemy toward Petersburg; will not take half the men you no Page 315 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 315 have on, and will relieve much of the Ninth Corps pickets. I sent Cap- tain Cope to aid in this, but he has not returned yet. You will have to stir this matter up. Respectfully, G. K. WAR IlEN, Major- General. P. S.General Braggs line will have to be taken away from where it now is and J)ut where I want it, and he must superintend it person- ally and not employ a staff officer. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, [Major-General WARREN, August 19, 1864. Commanding Fifth Corps:] GENERAL: I have retaken the intrenebments but there is no connec- tion with my right. llartranfts brigade, of Willeoxs division, has only advanced as far as the road to my rear which they picket. My force is not strong enough to stretch out. I beg you will order that the connection be made to-night. I have a rebel color. The enemy burst in Braggs brigade on my right and caine dowim the line. Our artillery threw shells into our own intrenchments on my left, and greatly em- barrassed the men. I have lost Hartshorne and Carle and was once surrounded myself Very respectfully, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18647.30 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Captain Bache has just reported with General Motts division. General Willeoxs division got off between 4 and 5 oclock. He had, by the last return, 2,115 equipped men. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, General PARKE: August 19, 1864. (Received 9.20 a. in.) How many men will you be able to relieve with Motts division and send to ~\Tarren ~i GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 19, 18649.25 a. rn. General MEADE: I will be able to relieve Potters and Whites divisionsabout 4,000 men. Whites can be relieved at once and sent to Warren. There ma Page 316 316 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. be some d ~fflcalty in relieving Potters owing to the water holes in the covered ways compelling the troops to expose themselves; still we will - attempt it. Officers are now conducting Motts men to their positions. General iMIett will relieve a brigade of Ferrero to-night. General Will- cox got off about 5 a. in.; as yet no report from him. JNO. G. PAII~KE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18G41O.30 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Will you please let me know when General Barnard arrives. I will inform you the moment that Potters and Whites divisions are relieved and ready to march. Shall I order them to move to Warren as soon as relieved without further orders l - JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 1SGI1O.40 a. m. Major-General PARKE Commanding Nihth Corps: Have the last of the troops relieved by Motts division begun to move to Warren yet ~ Please report the disposition of the troops hold- ing the intrencliments in your front as soon as it is completed. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18G41O.45 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Yours of 10.40 received. Motts troops are now relieving Potter a~nd White. As soon as relieved I will report. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General PARKE, August 19, 18G41O.50 a. m. Commanding Ninth Corps: Your dispatch of 10.30 a. in. is received. Potter and White should move to Warren as soon as relieved, without waiting the one for the other or for further orders. I will let you know when General Barnard arrives, and if you cannot leave your headquarters he can go to you. Are you at Burusides old headquarters? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 317 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. ~J17 MOTTS LEFT BRIGADE, Chieves Hoase, August 19, 18647.30 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Colonel Pulford, commanding Motts left brigade, reports that the break was made through General Warrens picket-line, three regiments to the left of our connection. The colonel thinks that the enemy then turned to their right and were engaged by General Warreus troops. Colonel Pulfords men have 25 enlisted meu and 2 officers prisoners, who state that they became detached from the command and lost. Some of them were stretcher-bearers, and say they belong to Hokes brigade, Mahones division. Colonel Pulford had strengthened his line, and preserves his connection with Warrens regiment on our left. Colonel Pulford has sent out to ascertain, if possible, from those regi- ments of the Fifth Corps if their connection with the main body is per- fected. General Mott and I will remain here until we heai from this connection. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 19, 18617.45 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Has the picket-line been re-established between your left and War- rens right ~ Do you know anything of the force of the enemy that broke itthat is, what became of it ~ A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General PARKE, August 19, 18618 p. m. Commanding Ninth Corps: General Warren reports that the enemy, after breaking through the picket-line on his right, compelled Crawford and Ayres to fall back. A heavy fight ensued, and the ground was regained and the line re-estab- lished. Many prisoners were taken from Heths, Mahones, and Hokes divisions. General Warren is directed to establish his line to connect with yours to-night. The commanding general wishes you to aid in this with such available force as you have. A. A. HUMPHREYS, M~ijor-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18649.15 p. m. General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: I have just returned from the Chieves house and found your two dispatches of 7.45 and 8 p. m. My dispatch from the Chieves house gives all the information I could acquire.* Your dispatch, 8 p. in., I * Sec 7.30 p. in., third, ante Page 318 318 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. have forwarded to General Mott and requested that he do all in his nower to re-establish the connection with General Warren. I do not consider that the negro troops are fit for such a service, nnder the cir- cumstances, but should the commanding general desire it II will direct that a portion of these be employed ill this service. JNO. G. PARKE, Major. General HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, General HUMPHREYS August 19, 18649.30 p. rn. Chief of Staff: A deserter has just come in from the line of intrenchments; says he left the enemys picket-line; belongs to the Forty-eighth North Carolina, Cookes brigade, Heths division. Says two brigades of Heths division have gone down to the Weldon railroadWalkers and Davis. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General PARKE August 19, 18649.50 p. m. Commanding Nitth Corps: A dispatch from General Warren, just received, shows that his troops do not occupy the same line as before the fight. He says he will con- nect his picket-line to-night along the road by Aikens and straighten up all he can, and if not attacked to-morrow morning will endeavor to re- establish the line of to-day. I sent him your dispatch about his three regiments. Connect your picket-line with his to-night. His troops do not extend to his right farther than the Aiken house unless I misapprehend his dispatch. He does not consider it practicable or desirable to connect his troops with yours to-night and intrench them there. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General PARKE, August 19, 186410.40 p. m. Commanding Ninth Corps: Have the last of the troops relieved by Motts division begun to move to Warren yet ~ Please report the disposition of the troops holding the intrenchments in your front as soon as it is completed. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major.General PARKE, August 19, 186410.~50 p. m. Commanding Ninth Corps: A dispatch from Lieutenant-General Grant suggests to the major- general commanding sending Motts division to General Warren Page 319 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. cuAP. LIV.] 319 While the commanding general does not think all of Motts division could be spared, yet supposes you may be able to detach some part of it to General Warren. He desires to know about this and what part of it can, in your judgment, be spared. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. hEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS August 19, 186411.45 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The dispatch of 10.50 just received. General Motts entire division is in position on the line. One brigade of his might be spared by returning the brigade of colored troops to their old position on the line. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186412.15 p. m. General WHITE, Commanding Division, Ninth Corps, or COMMANDING OFFICER TROOPS RELIEVING GENERAL WHITE: SIR: I have just received the inclosed dispatch from General War- ren. The Strong house is not far distant from the Jones house, a little to the south of west. You will perceive that this materially shortens your original line. General Warren has directed his picket-line to move forward. Ion should direct your left to move forwPrd in con- nection with General Warrens, preserving the alignment and your con- nection to the right. Please be on the lookout for any movement of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, ~lliajor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 186411 a. m. General PARKE: GENERAL: I have thrown an infantry picket across from my right, striking yours at the Strong house. I have taken off the cavalry that connected with yours, and all that part of your line south of the Strong house can be withdrawn. My picket-line is directed to move forward, and I hope to get it tQ the front so a~ to connect with your most west- ern point. Respectfully. G. K. WARREN. Major- General Page 320 320 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Conps, August 19, 1864. Brigadier-General WHITE, Commanding Division: GENERAL: Major-General Warren (lirects me to say that you will bring your command to this J)Oint by the most direct route, and camp for the present near General Wilicox, whose location will be pointed out to you on your arrival. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 18643.45- p. m. Brigadier-General WILLOOX, Commanding Division: GENERAL: Major-General Warren directs me to inform you that the enemy are reported moving down in force on General Ayres front, also in front of Colonel Lyle. He desires you to have your command at once put in readiness to move to the front, and keep it so until dark. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FlFTII ARMY CORPS, August 19, 1864. (Received 10 p. in.) General P4RKE: The corps did finely to-day. General Warren compliments us highly. Hartranft and White stood the brunt of Mahones division and cap- tured some prisoners. Humphrey recaptured some works temporarily lost and captured 6 officers and 48 men. Potter got up just in time to save the road of communication. 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FOURTH DIv., NINTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 19, 18646.30 a. m. Captain HICKS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fourth Division, Ninth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report: There was very heavy cannonading along our lines from 11.30 to near morn- ing. Capt. George D. Moore, Twenty-third U. S. Colored Troops, was shot dead by a sharpshooter, the ball passing through the lungs. There were two men wounded in the Twenty.third, one in the Nine- teenth, and one in the Twenty-eighth. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. THOMAS, Colonel, Commanding Brigade Page 321 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 321 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, August 19, 1864. Colonel MORGAN, Chief of Star Second Army Corps: COLONEL: All quiet this morning. The enemy still holds the inter- section of the New Market and Charles City roads. My pickets cou- nect from 1)eep 1~un to Malvern lull, running down the Charles City road to the Second Creek, thence by a road west and near the road to Willis Church, and down the Quaker road to the Hill. In the affair of yesterday evening the dismounted cavalry held successfully the works at the intersection of the New Market and Charles City roads against the attack in front, and quit them only when the enemy had passed by the right and left to their rear. Last night the enemy fell back in rear of this line of works. Very respectfully, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Comdg. Second Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Augusjt 19, 18648 a. m. Colonel MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: The intersection of the New Market and Charles City roads is held by my pickets. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 1). MuM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Comdg. Second Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 19, 1864. [Brigadier-General GREGG:] GENERAL: The major-general couimanding directs that you send a brigade of cavalry as soon as practicable to report to Major-General Meade. With your remaining force you must arrange to give early information of any movement of the enemy on our right. Please send me word how many men you have left for duty. If necessary a brigade of infantry can hold the cross-roads where you were attacked last night. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 19, 18643 p. m. ~eneral GREGG: it is important that the brigade of cavalry should proceed without delay to the left for service with General Warren about the Weldon railroad. Lieutenant-General Grant said it wa~ not necessary to wait for orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCiS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. 21 R RYOL XLII~ PT I Page 322 322 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. AUGUST 19, 186410 a. m. Lientenant-Colollel COMSTOCK, City Point: Bridge will be ready at 8 p. in. There are two approaches on the north side of riverone very steep, directly up the hill, the other round the base of the bluff; the last fit for artillery and wagdns, the first entirely practicable for infantry. I would suggest that General Hancock send a staff officer to direct the wagons and artillery by the latter road, as if the former gets choked it will entirely block the col- unin by that route. B. F. BUTLEIt, Major- General. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHiEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 19, 1864. General U. S. GRANT: The following rebel signal messages were intercepted by the signal officer at the Mills house, on south bank of the Apponiattox, two miles above Spring Hill: AnduEns HOUSE STATION, August 19, 1864. 0. 0. U. C., Assistant Adjutant- General, Petersburg: Colonel Simmons, commanding General Thomas brigade, reports that his sharp- shooters stationed near pontoon bridge say that stragglers were crossing toward Prince George from daylight and are still passing, and about 7 a. m. a brigade of infantry went the same way. K. ARcHERS HOUSE STATION, August 19, 186410 a.rn. PETERSBURG STATION: What is the news from the fight to-day l Is the Weldon railroad cut l K. Answer from Petersburg: Have no news. The road is cut. 0. A. U. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 19, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & C.: Have you positive evidence of the presence of Picketts division any- where on your front~ I ask because General Halleck telegraphs that evidence which has heretofore proven reliable reports the whole of Lou gstreets corps moving from Culpeper into the Valley. I know iFields division is here, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 323 Ow. flY] conEsronENcE, ETO.URION. 828 HDQRS. Dr. or VaGina nw NORTH OnOLINA, I. the Field, Auguet 19, 1864840 p. en. Lieutenant.General GnNT, (1~~elnii 9.30 P. in.) (Jommasdimg, & o.: I have no positive evidence of PicketUs division lately. That a portion of it withdrew on Monday and Tuesday I have no doubt, because some dismounted cavalry was among a portion of the picket- line in our frontr but yesterday afternoon troops came back into the rebel lines who 1~ad been there before, because one of the captains in talking with an officer of the picket-line stated to me a circumstance which happened to his company two weeks ago. I believe that but a brigade or two of Pickett?s division is before us. .1 am surprised at your information that Fields division is not here. Most of the prison- en captured by the Tenth Corps were from brigades of that division. The Richmond Sentinel, which I sent you yesterday, speaks of Ben- brigade and another which I do not recollect, both of which are You elds division, having made a charge on our lines on Wednesday. will see by the intercepted signal message of the rebels that Lanes brigade is near the Appomattox. BENL F. BUTLER, M#jor-Gener4 OosmsnM.s,. HDQRS. DEPT. 01 VaGInA in NORTH OnoLnrA, Lieutenant-General GwT August 19,1864. Commanddsg Annie. of the United Skate: GmnL: From all I can hear the colored troops belonging to the Ninth Army Corps have been very much demoralized by loss of officers and by their repulse of the 30th. I would respectSilly suggest that the arrangement which was spoken of earlier in the season may bern- rledoutandtheybeassigned tome totakethe plaoeofthelO0-dayp men who are going home. Perhaps, by adding them to the Eighteenth Corps, we can get in condition by and by to stbrt that corps out in an efficient manner upon the expedition suggested. For long marches in the enemys country I much prefer colored troops; there are with them no stragglers. Allow me to suggest whether the Ninth Corps under the circumstances, might not be added to the Fifth and Tentix, as it has substantially lost its corps organization, and we might dispose of a troublesome question now pending. I have the be, very truly yours honor BEt!. F. BUTLER, Afqjor-Genw4 HEADQUARTERS AnY OP THE PoToMAC, General Buns: August 19, 186410 p. a. Warren, in occupying yesterday the Weldon railroad, was attacked by the enemy. Some confusion existed at hrst by the partial giving w of the Maryland Brigade, of Apes division, that were out-flanked. This was corrected and the enemy handsomely repulsed, Warren establishing himself in the railroad within about a mile of th Page 324 324 OPERATIONS IN SE, VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. enemys fortifications. To-day he was re-enforced by a portion of the Ninth Corps relieved by iMiotts division, but about 4 p. in. the enemy, having moved between Warrens position and the plank road, attacked him sharply in front and flank. Warren was obliged at first to with- draw his line to covei his flank, bnt as soon as he had executed this maneuver he attacked the enemy, driving him in disorder back, and re-establishing his former line. The losses are reported heavy on both sides. General Hayes, commanding Regular Brigade, is missing. GEG. G. MEADE, (Same to General hancock.) j ~eerai. DUTCH GAP, August 19, 18648 a. m. General BUTLER: Shelling last night by a light gun battery to the northwest. No damage done. LUDLOW, Major. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, CHIEF ENGINEERS OFFICE, Captain LUBEY, August 19, 186110 a. rn. Commanding Pontoon Bridge, Deep Bottom: Commence immediately to build the approaches for a second pontoon bridge just above the one below Four-Mile Creek, taking the 1)ontoon bridge brought up by Captain Hendei son. As soon as the approaches are all ready send me word. You will theii be instracted to build the bridge, so that it will be ready for use by 7 oclock this evening. It may be necessary for the roadways on the other side to be repaired, so that the passage over the two bridges will not interfere with each other. In this case, and in any other, if you wish a detail of infantry to aid you apply to the commanding officer in yous vicinity for aid by order of General Butler, showing this (lispatch if necessary for that l)nrpose. Answer if this can all be done. P P~TER S. MICHIE, First Lieutenant, U~ S. Engineers, Acting Chief Engineer. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 1864. The following dispatch received from the major-general commanding the department is promulgated for the information of this command: AUGUST 14, 1864. Major-General BIJiNEY: Dispatch received. All honor to the brave Tenth Army Corps. These four guns will make a gap in the enemys line by which I trust you will go through. You have done more than was expected of you by the lieutenant-general. B. F. BUTLER, Major-General. By order of Major-General I3irney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- general Page 325 CHAP. LIXT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 325 GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 25. In the Field, Fussells Miii, Va., August 19, 1864. The major-general commanding congratulates the Tenth Army Corps on its success. It has on each occasion when or(Iered broken the enemys strong lines, and has captured, during this short campaign, 4 siege gnns, protected by the most formidable works,~ colors, and many prisoners, It has prove(L itself worthy of its old Wagner and Sumter renown. Much fatigue, patience, and heroism may still be demanded of it, but the major-general commanding is confident of the response. To the colored troops recently added to ns and fighting with us the major-general commanding tenders his thanks for their uniform good conduct and soldierly bearing, setting a good example to our veterans by the entire absence of straggling on the march. By command of Maj. Gen. 1). B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, A ssista ut Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, command ing Second 1~ivision, will assume command of the troops at Deep Bottom. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQR S. SECOND Div., TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 75. * Near Hatchers, Va., August 19, 1864. * * -* * * 2. Pursuant to instructions from headquarters Tenth Army Corps, Brig. Geim. J. W. Turner hereby assumes command of the troops at Deep Bottom, Va. By order of Brigadier-General Turner: ISItAEL It. SEALY, Capt., Forty-seventh New York Vols., and Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, KAUTZS DIVISION, A ugust 19, 18644 p. m. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, WARRENS CORPS: SIR: In obedience to verbal orders from the commnandimmg general, I imave time hommor to report that my headquarters are on the railroad at Perkins house, sonth of the generals quarters about one mile. I am, sir, with high respect, your obedient servant, SAML. P. SPEAIt, Colonel Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS, & C., August 19, 18648.30 p. m. Licut. Col. E T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: About the center of my line was charged at 8 oclock by one company of rebel cavalry and the enemny handsomely repulsed. I sen Page 326 9q2 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. L1V. two prisoners captured. They report three regiments of cavalry on my front, on the Vaughan road. The First District of Columbia Cavalry will be here to-night. I h~ve strengthened my pickets and will make ii thorough reconnaissance at daylight, and report in person. If you could let me have one company of ii~fiintry at once I could use them at great advantage. One of the prisoners is a very intelligeiit, shrewd man. Very respectfnlly, S. P. SPEAIt, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAc, Angust 20, 186410 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send you two dispatches from General Warren, one received at 1 a. m. this day, from which I hoped Warren would be able to take the offensive. This morning, not hearing from him, a call was made for in- formation, to which was sent the dispatch of Colonel Locke, assistant adjutant-general, now forwarded. A deserter who caine in last night asserts, as many have done previously, that the enemy are mining on Beauregards front. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Angu& t 20, 186411.80 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I forward dispatch t just received from General Warren, from which you will see all hopes of any offensive movements on his part are at an end, and that it is now questionable whether he can establish a line with his present force from the Weldon road to tIme plank road. In- strnction-~ have been sent to him to employ Greggs cavalry and the working party-from City I~oint in destroying the railroad and not to detach any part of his infantry. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 186412.50 p. rn. Lienteriant-General GRANT: I send two dispatches received this a. in. Your attention is called to the statement of the deserter from Finegans brigad3, which is directly in conflict with the report from General LI ancock this a. in., both parties averring of their own knowledge that Wright an(l Perrin, of Mahone, are at the same time in front of Hancock an(l Warreu. GEG. G. MEADE. Major- General. See Locke to Humphreys, 9.20 a. in., p. 338. See Warren to Meade, 10 a. in., P. 338 Page 327 CHAP. L1V.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 327 [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of staff: GENERAL: A rebel deserter just sent in states that he left his regi- ment, Second Florida, Finegans brigade, still occupying their old position at about 11 p. m. yesterday. Finegans brigade, he thinks, is the only brigade of Mahones division left in the trenches. He states that Sanders and Wrights brigades returned from north side of James River night before last; says he is well acquainted with members of Wrights brigade, whom he saw yesterday, and was told by them that the other brigade of the division had also returned. He thinks they marched downthe railroad, as they did not take position in vicinity of Finegans command. Very respectfully, your obedie-at servant, J. MCENTEE. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, August 20, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A (leserter from the Forty-eighth North Carolina Regi- ment, Cookes brigade, Heths division, who left his picket-line last night and arrive(l here this morning, reports that his brigade was lying in the trenches when he saw it last (yesterday evening). The right of Cookes brigade rests on the fort in front of old Chimney, and extends to within about 400 yards of the mine. Kirklands brigade is on the right of Cookes. Frys (Walkers old), and Davis brigades, he states, have gone down the railroad below lead-works. This man seems quite confident that the enemy are mining somewhere on Beauregards line, as volunteer miners were called for, and several from his regiment were at work somewhere on the left of Heths division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & c. CITY POINT, VA., August 20, 18641.10 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: I have ordered General Hancock to withdraw from the north side of the river to-night and move back to his 01(1 position. When there you can send him to the support of Warren with the other brigade of Greggs cavalry. If the enemy comes out to attack, we will have the advantage of position. If they hold their lines only and persist in sending more troops to the Valley we can extend still farther. I am not so particular about holding the Weldort road permanently as I am to destroy it effectually, and to force the enemy to attack us, with advantages on our side. Two hundred railroad men with Hancock were ordered yesterday to report to Warren. They must be near there now, and will destroy more railroad in a day than a division of troops. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 328 328 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18641.4~ p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your telegram of 1.10 received. The working party referred to passed here at 9.30 a. m. and are without doubt now with Warren, but, I fear, like Greggs cavalry, they will report themselves exhausted and unfit for service from long marching. The roads are very bad and very trying to man and horse. Hancock will not probably be here before 8 or 9 to-morrow morning, and will then also be tired and exhausted. I propose to (letain him on the plank road and let him hold as far to the left of that road as practicable, thus freeing the Ninth Corps to operate with Warren on the Weldon railroad and covering the left flank. If the idea of extending beyond the Weldon railroad is entertained, it is absolutely essential a strongly fortified line should be constructed and held between that railroad and the Jerusalem plank road. Hancock can make such line to meet the line now held by Warren and part of the Ninth Corps. As it is made and strengthened hancock can extend to the line and free more of the Ninth or Fifth Corps. If such line is imot made any force on the railroad is liable to have both flanks turned. With this line the enemy will be compelled to maneuver on our left flank, where we can collect available reserves to meet him. GEG. G. MEADE, M~jor- General. CITY POINT VA Am Major-General MEADE, 20, 18643.40 p. m. Commanding, {c. You can nse the Second Corps as you propose. I have no idea of extending farther to the left, unless, as stated in my dispatch, the enemy should persist in sending more troops to the Valley. I want to hold the Weldon road, though, permanently if easily done, and to thoroughly destroy it if it cannot be held. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, XrA August 20, 18G48.1~ r. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c. Richmond papers of to-day claim to have captured 2,000 prisoners from Warren. Is not this far above his estimate~ What number did Warren capture, and what does lie estimate the loss of the enemy at~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18648.30 p. mu. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Warrens return of casualties for the 18th shows 392 missing. His report this morning, which 1 forwarded to you, gave 1,500 as all the losses of his corps yesterday, but did not discriminate between the killed, wounded, and missing. I have sent your telegram to Imim with directions to let inc know thc missing in his corps and the Ninth on th Page 329 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 329 20th. Ills losses, I know, from reports of others, were nearly all Ill prisoners. No succinct rel)ort of the aft~iir has beeii made, and I have sent.you all I have received. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- (Jeneral. CITY PoINT~ August 20, 186412 noon. QUARTERMA5~FER-GENERAL: Cavalry horses are needed to mount dismounted men. I will inform you shortly how many as soon as Generals Gregg and Kautz caim bc heard from. I had asked for 500, part of which have been received. Please cause more to be sent at once, if possible. Both these generals are doing successful fightiiig on the Weldon road, and if kept well sup- plied now with horses may be able soon to strike the Danville road. INGALLS. TTEADQIJARTER~ ARMY OF THE POTOMAC Col. G. II. SHARPE, August 20, 18641.30 p. m. City Point: Deserter from Finegan, who came in this a. in., states that Wrights and Sanders brigades returne(l from other side of James on night of 18th instant. 1 understand the following to be the position of the enemys troops: Mahones, harris, Perrins, Wrigl~t~s, Colquitts, Cling- mans, Frys and I)avis brigades, in front of time Fifth Corps; Ransom relieved Cliugman; Cooke and Kirkland are still in the trenches; Fine- gan with balance of Beauregards command still occupy their old posi- tions. J. McENTEE, Captain, d~c. hEADQUARTERs ARMY OF THE POTOMAC PROYO5T-MAR5IJAThGENERALS DEPARTMENT, Major-General IJUMPHREY5~ August 20, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from Richardsons battery of Washington Artillery, just examined, states sabstamitially as follows: He left Imis battery this morning about 10 oclock, and walked into our hues uiear the plank road. Time Washington Artillery is at present stationed in the enemys advanced fort on their right of the l)lank road. Tlmere are six guns (four howitzers amid two rifled guns) in that fort. The guns are removed from that position every night amid taken in rear of the main line of works. They are returned about 3 a. m. every day. Informant states that time three brigades of Maluones division, viz, Sanders, Harris, and Wrights, which were omm the north side of James River, returned to onr front yesterday evening. This is confirmed by a i)rison er from the Fourteenth Alabama Re oime Fifth Corps to-day. .~ imt, who was sent in by Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & c. Page 330 330 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, August 20, 1864. (Received 8.15 p. in.) Captain MCENTEE, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: We have news from Orange Court-House from our own men up to Wednesday morning last. No troops had passed there from General Lees army since the diviSion of Longstreets corps, which passed two weeks ago to-day, except Fitzhugh Lees cavalry. Both the old men agree that no infantry has passed either way fbr the past two weeks. Deserters sent in from General Hancock left their lines after sunrise this morning. Late last night Fields division and the two brigades of Andersons division were still on General Hancocks front. What else they did not know, if any, except that there was still right smart of cavalry on north side. The line of Picketts division between the txvo rivers remains unchanged. SH AiRPE, Colonel. (Same to Lieutenant Davenport.) HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTII CAROLINA, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSIIAL-GENERAL, In the Field, August 20, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, Deputy Provost-Marshal- General, City Point: Nothing new, save deserters report six regiments of Picketts divis- ion as having left our front and gone to the north side of the James. JOHN 1. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide- de - Camp, and Assistant Pro rost-ilfarshal. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 20, 18649.15 a. m. Major FISHER: All quiet. Camps unchanged. H. W. FULTOX. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 20, 186410 a. m. Maj.B. F. FISHER: Impossible to make observations on account of the unfavorable con- dition of the atmosphere. Heavy firing on our left on line of Weldon railroad. H. W. FULTON. STATION NEAR GIBBONS HOUSE, August 20, 186411.30 a. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: A brigade of about 1,500 rebel infantry moved out of Petersburg at 11 this a. in., moving to the left. The enemy are very busy strength- ening the four-gun battery to the left of white house on Cemetery Hill. A. C. JORDAN Page 331 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 331 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18641.25 p. rn. Major-General J-IUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch received from station near the Gibbon house: 12.30 r. M. Another column of infantry, about 2,000 in numl)er, has just moved out of city at a cross roads, going to the left. No trains or artillery. JORDAN. Very respectful iy, your obedient servant, B. ~. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Qfficer, Army of the Potomac. I have notified W[arren], and of the former rel)ort. A.A.H. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 20, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch received from the station near the Gibbon house: 4.20 P. M. Three regiments of infantry have inst passed out of the city, moving toward our left. They were followe4 by six ambulances and four wagons. Two caissons on the same road, movin5 toward the city. A. C. JORDAN. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. ~. FiSHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. STATION NEAR GIBIIONS HOUSE, August 20, 18646.20 p. rn. IVTaj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: Nothing new since report of 4.20 p. m. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 20, 18647 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: At 5.30 p. in. three regiments of infantry moved to our left on Wel- don railroad, many stragglers passing and repassing on same road during the day. No other movements visible frOm here to-day. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant Page 332 U 332 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. AUGUST 20, 1864. Capt. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: IRebel message received as follows: Colonel B[RENT], Assistant Acljutaat-GeneralJ: As soon as fog cleared up observed unusual activity, from which I supposed move- nients had been taking place. One regiment of infantry in old camp in open space to our left of Cobbs. Three companies of cavalry just crossing pontoon from Ches- terfield. Six pieces of artillery, with eight horse~ to each, and sixteen w~ gons crossed, going in the same direction. Eight ambulances passed Broadway road going toward City Point. Stragglers constantly crossing pontoon going toward Petersburg. Heavy works at the end of Gihliams farm have been manned. OPERATOR at C. (Same to A. B.) Very respectfully, THOS. H. FEAIREY, Second Lieutenant. CIRCULAR.1 hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18642.30 p. m. The following project for the disposition of the three corps, ill accord- ance with communications received from the lieutenant-general com- inanding armies in the field, is sent for your information and guidance: 1. Major-General Hancock will withdraw from Deep Bottom to-night and reach the vicinity of his former camp toward noon to-morrow, when, with his corps, he will hold the iutrenchments now held by Motts division and extend from the plank road toward the Weldon railroad, in the direction of-the position held by the Fifth Corps on that road, and intrench strongly, slashing wherever it can be done. 2. Major-General Parke, commanding Ninth Corps, will withdraw Ferreros division to-night from the redoubts and trenches, where it is now held in support of Motts division, and mass it in rear until the same are occupied by General Hancocks troops, when, with his corps, he will hold on Hancocks left, as far toward the Fifth Corps as practi- - cable, strengthening his position by intrenchments, slashing, & c. 3. Major-General Warren will occupy the remainder of the line to the Weldon railroad and the left of~ the army covering that road, and will strengthen his position by every means in Isis power. 4. The line from the plank road to the Weldon railroad need not be pushed up against the enemys works, but will be established by the corps commanders on the best ground for holding between the intrench- ments on the plank road and the position where the left must rest on the Weldon railroad. 5. The remainder of Greggs cavalry will be moved from Deep Bot- tom to-night, and the cavalry now with the army will picket on its left and rear and cover the operation of destroying the Weldon railroad. 6. So far as it can be done consistently with the security of his pres- ent position amid operations, General Warren will have such parts of the intrenchments and slashings made on the lines indicated as he may find practicable. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 333 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 33.3 HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, Capt. II. V. SLOSSON, City Point, Va., August 20, iSGI. Comdq. Company D, Fifteenth New York Vol. Engineers: You will proceed with eighty men and the two officers of your com- pany in charge of the raft now making up to Broadway Landing on the Appomattox, where you xviii lay your bridge. You will be careful not to go up the river fkr enough to be seen by the enemy until after dark. You will take tiii lanterns with you, taking care that they shall not be seen. In order to prevent this keep a man between the light and the enemy. To-morrow morning you will leave your two lieutenants and sixty men in charge of the bridge, and return yourself with the bal- ance of your coniinand to this place. The men who are to remain will take two days ratioiis with them. A tug will be in readiness to take you up the river between ~ an(l 5.30 this p. m. It is expected that the bridge will be laid befbre 9.30 p. in. By order df Brig. Gen. II. W. Benhain: CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, City Point, Va., August 20, 1864. Lieut. F. S. LIVINGSTON, Aide-de-Cainjp: As soon as General 11 ncocks troops have crossed the bridge at Broadway Landing you will cause it to be rafted and brought here again with Captain Slossons conipany, retaining the tug you have with you for this purpose. By order of Brig. Gen. H. W. Benhain: CJIANNING CLAPP. Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Ileports from General Gregg as to losses, & c., ba~ve not been received beyond that of last night. The fbhlowing are the numbers of missing, including stragglers and those supposed to be captured, exclusive of the cavalry operating on this side of the river (this includes the 14th instant). Missing, unaccounted for, 9 officers aiid 540 men; supposed to be captured, 7 officers and 363 meii. The report of the cavalry as to men and horses will be furnished you as soon as received. The losses were given l)y General Gregg last night, and are supl)osed to be cor- rect. They were trilling. NYTNFD S. HANCOCK, ]JfIiajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864. General GRANT, City Point: The following is General Greg~~s report of men and horses inissin g, corrected from that of last night. I send it that the report may be complete: Men, 36; horses, 35. The greater part of these horses wer Page 334 884 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. 0. [Ow. LIV. swamped in Deep Creek and abandoned. It is not known whether any of them lived tobe extricated by the enemy. While inthe swamp many were shot. HANCOCK, Mqjor-Gner.L CITY PoINT, August 20, 18649.40 a. a. Matior-General HANCOCK: You may withdraw from the north of the river to-night, marching by way of Bermuda Hndred and across the Appomattox at the pontoon bridge back to your old camp. Leave the Tenth Corps to cover the crossing of the Second Corps and cavalry. After you are entirely out of the way, the Tenth Corps will return to their places at once, or may take up a shorter line and hold it until to-morrow night, as you and General Birney may deem most advisable. If anything through the dayshonidgive youan advantagewhere you axe, thisorder willnot be observed. U. S. GBANT, L,eutesnt-Ge~seraL HEADQUARTERS Szoon An~ CORPS, August 20,1864. (Received 10.45 a. a) General GRANT: Adeserterfrom Forty-fourth Alabama, Lawsbrigade,Fieldsdlvlsion, came in this morning. He states that the enemy have one brigade in single rank and seven or eight guns on thehigh hill on the New Market road to the right andleft. Their troops are deployed in the usual order; does not know of any change In troops. He saw a brigade mon our right a little before dark last night but does not know where they came from or who they werej Says the talk among the menis that two division are there, and that there is no doubt but what Kershaws division has gone to Early but they are looking for it back. Thinks Pickettis still across the dames. His regiment has about 100 muskets; started with nearly.900, many of whom have deserted. Says Alabama is full of deserters. His regiment was under marching orders night before last~ during the firinp at Petersburg. He knows that this morn- ing, besides Fields division Sanders, late Perrins, brigade, and Wrightts brigade, of Mahones Aivision are there; also McGowans brigade, of Wilcoxs division. General ISee was there the evening the enemy attacked General Birne1. From his account this attack was a general affair, thewholeline being nder orders to advance if the attack on our right was successful. He says they knew that the Tenth Corps and part of the Second Corps are here. WIllY]) S. HANCOCK, (Same to Genetal Keade.) (1)07 HEADQUARTERS SECOND Ar CoRn, August 20, 18641ILIO p. a. General GRANT: Is there a pontoou bridge at Bermuda Hundred? I am ordered to march to Bermuda Hundred, but it is not stated whether a bridge has been thrown there or whether I am to cross at Point of Books. WtL~FFD S. HANCOC Page 335 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 335 CITY POINT, August 20, 18641.50 p. m. General HANCOCK: You will cross at Point of Rocks. If material for a bridge at Broad- way Landing can be raked together one will be thrown across there. Of this you will soon be advised. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS August 20, 18G1---2.45 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I sent you a dispatch this morning, asking whether I was to go back by way of Bermuda Hundred Landing, as might be implied from the order, or whether it was intended 1 should cross at Point of Rocks by the usual route. Thinking you may not have received the dispatch, I repeat the substance. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES August 20, 18643 p. rn. (Received 3.37 p. in.) Major-General hANCoCK: Lieutenant-General Graiit desires me to say that there will be two bridges for you to cross the Appomattox on, one at Point of Rocks, the other at Broadway, and that thus, with the two bridges at Beep Bottom, you will have two roads for your movement. I think but one of the bridges at Deep Bottom is prepared for wagons. C. B. CONSTOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. CITY POINT, August 20, 18643.10 p. m. (Received 3.35 p. in.) General HANCOCK: A pontoon will be laid at Broadway Landing this evening, and will be ready for you two hours after dark. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, August 20, 18644 p. m. General HANCOCK: (Received 4.26 p. in.) The word s Bermuda Hundred should not have occurred in my dis- patch. As Colonel Comstock telegraphed there will be two bridges across the Appomattox, one at Point of Rocks and one at Broadway, and you should take the best route from Deep Bottom to them. U. S. GRANT, Lie tenant- General Page 336 336 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, VA., August 20, 18644.20 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: There will be a bridge for you at Broadway, on the Appomattox, and the old bridge at Point of Rocks, giving you two lines to move on. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS, August 20, 1864. General GRANT: Richinond Sentinel of 20th says: About 3 oclock this evening, 19th, the arrangements being completed, our forces attacked in front and flank Warrens Yankee corps which had made a temporary lodginent on the Weldon railroad two miles below here, driving them two miles, capturing over 2,000 prisoners, incinding General Hayes and a number of stand of colors. No news from any other sources. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18649.30 ~. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: My chief of staff; who is at General Butlers headquarters, informs me that the roads are three feet in water in some places. lie says that the troops cannot be over before morning; therefore I have (lirected them to proceed under the orders to their destination. The iui~ht is very dark, and, of course, there will be a great deal of difficulty on that account. One divisiou complete is over and the other is crossing, as is the cavalry. General Birney will cross to-night. The Second Corps and the cavalry will be over at 11 oclock. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, (Same to General Meade.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864. (Received 5.10 p. in.) General BUTLER: Will you oblige me once more by picketing the road to your bridge with cavalry at points where a coJumu might go astray~ I will not trouble you to build fires. The infantry will go by yonr bridge. Gen- eral Gregg takes the left-hand road to Broadway, and will send a party of his own cavalry to picket that road. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HDQRS. l)EPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, Au gust 20, 1864. (Received 9.30 p. in.) General HANCOCK, Deep Bottom: I have come over the road this far. The train is getting along very well, though some of the wagons are overturned. The troops canno Page 337 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 337 get through to-night. The road is horrible, in many places being knee- deel) with water on account of the rain. Unless there is some pressing military necessity, the command ought to stop here and go on to-inor- row night. Not more than one-halt of them will get over the Appo- mattox by daylight. One traiii is taking that upper bridge, which was not the order. C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, ct~e. CIRCULATh] hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Conps, August 20, 1864. The following movements of troops are directed: 1. At dark the First Division, Second Corps, Brigadier-General Miles commanding, will move to the road running from near the cross-roads opposite the center of his division to the lower pontoon bridge and cross the James; thence across the Appomattox to its old camp near the Deserted house. 2. The Second Division, Colonel Sinyth commanding, will move by the New Market and Long Bridge road, following closely after the First Division, from the Gate Posts, and returning to its old camp near the Sonthall house. 3. The Tenth Corps at dark will move from its present position by the road to be indicated by a staff officer from these headquarters, and will mass in the clear ground next the bridge; remaining in position to cover the bridge until the withdrawal of the Second Corps and cavalry. 4. The cavalry, Brigadier-General Gregg commanding, will move at dark by way of Strawberry Plains to the bridge, cuossing immediately after Second Corps, an(l reporting to Major-General Meade, Army of the Potomac. 5. The artillery now on this side of the river, assigned to divisions Second Corps, will move with the divisions. The remaining batteries now on the south side of the river will be conducted to their former camps near the Deserted House by the chief of artillery, moving promptly at dark. 6. All wagons and ambnlances now with the troops will cross the bridge in rear of the commands to which they belong. Second Corps headqnam-ters train will move in rear of the First Division train. 7. The train of the Second Corps, now on the south side of the river, will move out at dark, followino the corps artillery, under charge of Captain McEntee, assistant quartermaster, an(l cross the Appomattox at Point of Rocks. This train must not obstruct the march of troops. S. The cavalry pickets will be withdrawn in time to cross the river with their command. General Gregg will miotify Major-General Birney before withdrawing his cavalry. 9. The infantry pickets will be withdrawn at 10 p. m. 10. Major-General Birney will resume his former position at Ber- muda 1-hundred, after crossing the James. By command of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. 22 R RYOL XLIJ~ PT I Page 338 [CHAP. L1V. 338 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. Cl~CuLARj hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Cones, August 20, 1864. There are two bridges for the use of the troops crossing the James River to-night. The order for recrossing is so far modified as to direct that the First and Second Divisions, Second Corps, cross the right- hand (upper) bridge, followed by their transportation now on this side of the river. The cavalry cross the left-hand (lower) bridge. The artillery and wagons of the cavalry will be obliged to take the upper bridge, unless the approaches to the lower one are made practicable. After the cavalry have passed C eneral Birney can make use of both bridges to cross his corps. After crossing the infantry will keep to the right, giving the left of the road to the cavalry. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18649.10 a. rn. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The commanding general is desirous of learning the condition of affairs with youwhether you attacked this morning and with what result. A. A. IIUMPHREYS Major- General and Chief of & ajf HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18649.20 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Your dispatch received. General Warren is oat on the line at present. I have the honor to report that all was quiet at. daybreak this morning, and since that hour there has been only a little picket-firing. The enemy are still where they were last night. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FiFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864~10 a. m.1. General MEADE: General Ayres lost about 400 men~ General Crawford, 800; General Cutler, about 300. I am getting the troops in order for fighting in case they attack again and assemble them in reserves. II do not think with our present force we can hold a line across where I established the picket-line yesterday. Nearly all my losses were occasioned by being turned on my right in the woods. The present picket-line runs east and west nearly by the Strong house. I will endeavor to re-establish the picket-line I had yesterday. I believe the enemy has retired into his defenses again, leaving out only a picket, or it may be prepar- ing for another demonstration somewhere. The cavalry from General Gregg~s division are just arriving; Shall I send thin down to Reams ~tation~ I believe they are enough to drive away the enemy there, an Page 339 CHAP. LIY.j CORRESPONDENCE, ETC,UNION. 339 I do not think it best to send a brigade of infantry away without first reporting so to you. I can add the District of Columbia Cavalry to that of Greggs division as well as not. Respectfully, G. K. WARREX, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, AuiThtst 20, 186411.30 a. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: Your dispatch dated 10 a. m. is received. You need not send the in- fantry with the cavalry to iReams Station. Greggs brigade, strength- ened by such other cavalry as you can add to it, will be sufficient. Have the working party of 200 men from the quartermasters depart- ment at City Point to be used in destroying the railroad reached you yet ~ They should accompany the cavalry. A. A. EITJMPHREYS, Majo. - General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRps, August 20, 186-111.35 a. m. General HUMPHREYS: Colonel Spear says he thinks the enemy, up to last night at least, had only a small brigade of cavalry on our left. He tbinks there were none at iReams Station last night. I can send Colonel Spear out at once and he is anxious; he caii go with 700 men, lie ranks Colonel Stedman. Colonel Stedmans command, I understand, though tired, is ready to march. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 186411 ~0 a m. General HUMPIIREyS: I have just received the dispatch you sent here to General Parke.- He is not here yet. The dispatch I semit you gives our l)icket-line quite nearly. It runs nearly east and west from the Strong house. I believe it there rejoins the old line. General Potters command now holds it, and he is reconnoitering to tIme front. The enemys pickets are in the same place on the railroad. My cavalry on the Vaughan road, as we call it, near Flowers, see nothing but the enemys cavalry. There are no cavalry movements south of us visible. A rebel ambulance man was captured, who said he had heard said their cavalry in some fbi-ce moved out of Petersburg this morning, but he did not see them. The enemy must have lost considerably in killed and wounded yesterday, but the woods l)revelit our getting any estimate of their dead. Colonel Spear reports to me that from his own reconnaissance lie has found the position of the enemy~s cavalry, and that he has now enough force to attack and rout them. Expecting General Greggs cavalry for some * See 11 a. lii., p.346 Page 340 340 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [ChAP. LIV. time, I have kept Colonel Spear waiting their arrival. General Greggs cavalry are now at the Gurley house, and report them selves very tired from marching all night. The working party has not come yet to de- stroy the railroad. I have sent for Colonel Spear and will see what cavalry he can send with the others and will let all go that I can. Do you wish the cavalry to wait for the working force ~ liespeetfully, G. K. WAJIREX, Major- General. IIEADQUAIITERS FiFTH Aiu~ixr CORPS August 20, 186412 m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief qf St~f: The detachment of railroad men have not arrived. C. K. WARREN, ill ajor- (iener~l. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 186412.45 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Conunanding Fifth Corps: The railroad party passed these headquarters on their way to you at 9.30 a. m. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Star. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18641.30 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding desires as soon as the railroad party come up that they be put to destroying the road, commencing where you are and working southward; that Colonel Stedmans brigade of cavalry be nsed to protect them during the operation, and that you send Colonel Spear to feel toward the left as you proposed, he co- operating in the protection of the railroad party when necessary. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864i .50 p. in. Major-General HUMPI-IREYS: The following, just sent in by General Willeox, is sent for your infor- mation: James Crowley, of Company A, Twenty-second Regiment of Virginia, Walkers brigade, H~ths division, A. P. Hills corps, states that he expects we will get out of here before night, because Corsairs [Corsesl division is expected up. This is a full division of Beauregards troops. He also states that there are heavy guns in strong earth-works on the railroad in front of us. HARRY LITTLEJOHN, Captain and A cting Assistant Adjutant- General. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 341 CHAP. Liv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 341 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18642 p. rn. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The signal officer at Gibbons house reports, at 12.30 p. in., a column of infantry, about 2,000 strong, moving out of Petersburg toward the enemys right. About two hours ago he reported a brigade of enemys infantry moving from Petersburg in same direction. A. A. HUMPHT~EYS, Major- Ueneral and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18642.15 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Your dispatch of 1.50 p. in. received. Corse commands a brigade iii Picketts division, which has been doing all the operations in front of Bermuda Hundred. Probably this is the body of troops reported by the signal officer at Gibbons house. A. A. HUMPHuIEYS, Major- General and Chief of $tafl~. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18642.40 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: GENERAL: I have exanmiimed James Crowley. He is an Irishman and talks singularly. He says he has no (loubt they will give mis a fight to-day to try and drive us out. lie does not know anything about what he calls Corsairs ~Corse~s] division, of Beauregards troops, but supposes they will use everything to get us away. His statement seems based upon his own opinions, and he is an ignorant fellow. I think, however, it is quite true that they will attack us, but I think we ought to be able to hold against evei ything. I am preparing to fight all around and not hold a long line so that our communications may be interrupted in case of an attack. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, ]Iih{jor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18645.20 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The signal officer at Gibbons house reports, at 4.20 p. inn., three regi- ments of infantry moving out of Petersburg south of the town. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Stafi Page 342 342 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS AR~ Y OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18646 p. m. Major-Gei eral WARREN, Commamding Fifth Corps: Have the railroad party reported to you, and have they commenced work ~ A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUAI TERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The railroad detachment has reported and has been directed to go to work at once. G. K. WARHEN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18645.20 p. in. Major-General HIJMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I think the man who came into General Butlers lines must have meant Kershaws brigade instead of Corses. G. K. WAIRREN, Major- Generat. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18646 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding P~fth Corps: Kershaws old brigade is believed to be in the Shenandoah Valley with Kershaws division. Why do you suppose the deserter to Butlers lines referred to Kershaws brigade? A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18646.30 p. m. Major-General JIUMPHPEYS, Chief of Staff: Colonel Locke wrote the dispatch for me. I meant him to say that the man Crowley that I took to-day might have meant Kershaw. He did not know exactly how to pronounce the name, and it might have been Corse or Kershaw. G. K. WAMiEIN, Major- General Page 343 CHAP. LIX~.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 343 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 1864. Major-General WARREN: General Butlers telegram about Corses brigade was in reply to one from General Meade inquiring for intelligence of Gorses brigade. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18648 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Comnc(nding Fifth Corps: The commanding general would like to know how your troops are dis- posed, in order to give instructions understandingly to General llaii- cock and General Parke in regard to the extent of line they will proba- bly be required to hold under the directions issued this afternoon. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18648.25 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding P~fth Corps The following dispatch* from the lieutenant-general commanding the armies in the field is sent yoa so that you may furnish the information asked for and enable the commanding general to answer it as soon as possible. Please include the losses, if any, of the troops of the Ninth Corps serving with you. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff~. AUGUST 20, 1864. (Received 3.40 p. in.) General WARREN: General Potters picket-line holds that honse in the corn-field and are intrenching themselves on a very hood line. The rebels have left the place where they were last night. W. A. ROEBLING. CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 109. August 20, 1864. In case we are attacked again, the commanding officers must take pains to control their mens firing, and, if possible, fire by front and rear rank alternately, being careful to reserve their fire for the line of ~See Grant to Meade, 8.15 p. flL, p. 328 Page 344 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. 344 [CHAP. LIV. battle. One good volley well put in will render the enemys line pow- erless. When the firing continues and but few bullets come back, the firin~ must cease and a thin skirmish line advanced, and a division commander can order a charge or an advance whenever lie deems it advisable without waiting for further sanction. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND l)IvISIoN, FIFTH CORPS, August 20, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the line remains the same. My pickets are confrontiiig the enemys. Occasional shots are exchanged. I sent you a repoi t from the cavalry officer sent out to the left. He speaks of a rai(I being in progress around to our left. My front is about as strong as it can be as a single line. The enemy made two attempts along the railroad last evening after the line was re-established and were driven back handsomely. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. AYRES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQ UARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS August 20, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the cavalry pickets re- port the enemy felling timber on my left beyond the road which comes into the railroad to our front. The work is going on briskly. I have just now a report that the enemy are marching a large force of infan- try down to our left of the road mentioned above. Very respectfully, yours, li. B. AYIRES, Brigadie - General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18647.30 a. m. Brigadier-General AYRES: GENERAL: The major-general commanding is of the opinion that what the enemy are endeavoring to [do] on your left is to get some ar- tillery around there to fire over this way, and if they do they will not be able to touch your line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 345 CHAP. LIV.] 345 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18645.45 p. m. General AYRES: I hear from General Humplireys, too, that some force has been sceit going out from Petersburg to-day. The same was seen yesterday. They may design to attack us again to-day and try the left this time, ov they may be extending their intreuchmnents to the left to keep us from investing Petersbnrg. G. K. WARREN. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, August 20, 186J. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the work of throwing down the breast-works in our frout will be finished, and a slashiiig mnade up to (or uear) the picket-line, by midnight or thereabouts. Colonel Ilof- iuann will also be in position aud intreuched by that time. I desire to know where I shall encamp my division, as but a small portion of it will be required in the line of the artillery around my headquarters. Yery respeetfally, R. B. AYIRES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SECOND I)IVISION, FIFTH CORPS No. 45. August 20, 1864. 1. The Fifteenth Regiment New York Artillery is hereby assigned temporarily to the First Brigade, and the commuanding ofticer of the regiment will report without delay to. Col, Frederick Winthrop, com- mauding brigade. By command of Brigadier-General Ayres: GEG. L. CHOISY, First Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp, and Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. No. } 2~ BRIcT., 2D DIV., 5TH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864. I. Major Mobley being wounded in the battle of the 18th instant, while gallantly leading his regiment, thus leaving the regiment without a field officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Barrett, Fourth Maryland Volunteers, is assigned to the command of the Seventh Maryland Volunteers. The men of this regiment are as good and faithful as any in the brigade, but have become sadly demoralized because of the inefficiency and want of attention ou the part of some of the line ofticers. It gives me pleasure to say that there are some honorable exceptions to this censure. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Barrett will have occasion to use all his well-known firm- ness and discretion in the effort to bring this regiment back to its former efficiency, and to this end lie will report to these headquarters all officers who do not freely and fully do their duty. This order to remaimm in effect~ until further orders. This order will be read at the head of the reginment at its first dress-parade after its reception. II. In case we are attacked again the commanding officers must take pains to control their men firing, and, if possible, fire by front amid rea Page 346 346 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. rank alternately, being careful to reserve their fire for the line of battle. One good volley well put in will render the enemys line powerless. Where the firing continues and few bullets come back, the firing must cease and their skirmish line advanced. III. Each regiment will detail five men to relieve those chopping and slashing at the timber in our front. Colonel Bowermans detail will include one sergeant. They will report at these headqnarters. By command of Colonel Dushane: J. BANKERD, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY Coups, August 20, 1864. (Received 3.40 p. in.) Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE: SIR: I have extended the rifle-pits from the left of the batteries to the little ravine. Does the general wish to have the line extended farther to the left on the next ridge? General Ayres thinks it is intended to cover that ground with the batteries near the railroad. Very respectfully, L. CUTLER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Coups, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 20, 18649.05 a. m. Chief of Stafl~: General Mott has just reported that the connection with General Warrens right is perfected. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 186411 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The major-general commanding desires to know where your picket- line on the left iswhere it connects with General Warrens, & c. Please describe it so that it may be marked on the maps, or send a map with the line indicated. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Coups,, Au gust 20, 186411.30 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have jnst arrived. I found your (lispatch of 11 a. in. As far as I now know General Warren has answered your dispatch.* After leav - ing the connection with Warrens left, I purpose returning along my line from Warrens right. JNO. G. PARKE, iilajor- General. See 11.20 a. in., p. 339 Page 347 ChAP. LiTh] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 347 HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18643.45 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Tin,th Corps: in the event of C eneral Warren being attacked this afternoon have you any troops that you can send to his support ~ Supports in the line of rear works might be withdrawn in such case. A. A. HITMPHHEYS, Major- General and Chief of /~taff. HEADQITARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 13644.30 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: in the absence of General Parke on the line I have the honor to reply to your dispatch of 3.45 that Thomas brigade (colored), Fourth Division, is in reserve. H. A. HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 20, 18643.50 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The order of 2.30 p. in., by which you are to withdraw to-night such troops as you may have in the redoubts, & c., of the second line of works, supporting Motts division, is not intended to refer to the redoubts on the plank road, which cover the left and are in the first line. A. A. HUMPHJmYS, Major- General and Chief of AS1taff HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTh ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18646.30 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Army Corps: COLONEL: Tue officer in charge of my skirmish line reports having advanced about half a mile and still advancing without finding the enemy. They will continue to advance if the line to their left advances. How far is it intended they should go ~ They have no connection on their right. Your obedient servant, HOBERT B. POTTEH, Brigadier- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 18647 a. m. IRespeetfully referred to General Willcox for his information. General Willcox will send a brigade with Major itoebling, aide-dc- camp, to establish the picket-line. General Warren thinks it best fo Page 348 348 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. General Potter to halt until the picket-line is established by Major Roebling, and General Willeox will please send word to General Potter to that effect. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND l)IVISION, ININTH CoRps, Lieutenant-Coloi~el LOCKE, August 20, 18G4. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: COLONEL: We have connected with some troops of your corps on the right who were cut off yesterday afternoon, They report that they con- nect with ilXtotts division, of the Second Corps, on the right. We have picked up a few stragglers. Your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTh ARMY CORPS, Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, August 20, 18G4. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have changed my headquarters to the center of a large field near the Gurley house to north of road. I aln, colollel, very respectfully, your obedient servant ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier- Generc 1, Commandinq. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, August 20, 18G410~3O a. m. Lient. Col. C. H. MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: The reports from my pickets this morning are to effect that there is an appearance of small parties of rebels oii the New Market road beyond its intersection with the Charles City road and on several of tne roads north of the Charles City road. At several places they have been seen removing barricades on those roads north of the Charles City road. The vedettes at I)eep Run report a movement of a force of perhaps two regiments across the front toward our rig-lit. Timely notice will be had of any advance. If this should be made, it would be better met by a force thrown a little farther out on the hill to the right of General Birneys present positioii. Yours, respectfully, D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General, ~e Page 349 War. LIII CORERSPONDENCIC, ETC.UNI0N. 849 HEADQUARTERS Sucon Coups, Brigadier-Genni GERGG, August *0, 1864. Commanding Cavalry: Gnna: Your command will cross at Broadway. You will per- lisps find some of our wagons on that road, though they will probably be over before you start. The eral suggests that you send a small party ahead to picket your road, spthere may be no mistake. Yours, & e.~ C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant-Colonel nd Chiqf of Staf HEADQUARTERS Sucon CavALRY DivisioN, CoL 0.11. SMITH, August *0,1864. Commanding Second Brigade, Second Division. (JoLonL: You will withdraw your brigade from its present position at dark, and move by wayof Malvern Hill to the plain on James River, qud there your brigade until the divisions of the Second Army Corps shall have crossed the bridge, when you will move over and pro- ceed by way of the pontoon bridge at Broadway, on the Appomattox, to the vicinity of headquarters Army of the Potomac, where you will receive forther orders. Tho pickets will not be withdrawn until 9p. m. The regiments on picket will be withdrawn by the Malvern Hill road. D.MoM. GREGG, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRs. Dr. OP VaGina AND NORTH CAROLiNA, I. the Field, August *0,1864i.40 p. m. (Received 2.25 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, - Commanding, te.: Two deserters frcin Picketts division have Just come in, one a very intelligent man. He informs me that six regiments have been taken from Picketts division and sent across the James River; that on our left, opposite Port Waithall, they have reduced the line, so that the line of battle is scarcely stronger than the skirmish line, being one man in every twenty feet I believe this statement I think the weak point now is in front of our line, and if we had the Tenth Corps herel have no doubt we could go out on the leftr at least I should be inclined to try it I do not think we have over Am men between the two rivers. That you may judge for yourself; I wili send you the desertet, with yes- terdays paper. Pleasequestion him. Aflow me also to call your atten- tionto the fact that the last of the 100-days regiments go away fr6in me toAay. Certainly in the absence of the Tenth ~,Ihave no one whom I can send to iort Powhatan or Fort Pocahontas. Allow me to suggest that.as the colored troops of the Ninth Corps are so much demoralized and broken up for want of oMcei~s, if they could be sent to me, by putting the weaker ones in Powhatan and Pocahontas, they might be recruited up and got into condition. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Mqjor.6Teneral Page 350 350 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, VA., August 20, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: The Tenth Corpsin fact, all the troops from north of the Jamesare ordered to return to-night. When this change is made it will probably induce the enemy to strengthen his weak point in your front before we can take advantage of it. If you can get through, however, I should like it very much. In regard to sending you the colored troops of the Ninth Corps, it is now impossible. The Eighteenth Corps and colored troops of the Ninth Corps are holding all of our line at Petersburg, - whilst the white troops of the Ninth are operatiri g with the Fifth Corps. U. S. GIIANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 20, 18642 r. m. Major-General BUTLER: Prisoners say Corse~s brigade, of Picketts division, is moving south of the Appomnattox to my left. have you any information bearing on the subject GEO. G. MEADE, ]Jlcijor- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 20, 18642.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding: I have a deserter from the Thirty- second Virginia Itegiment, Gorses brigade; came in 12 oclock last night. BENJ. F. BUTLEII, ]Jfajor- General, Commanding. (Copy sent by Meade to Warren.) HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, City Point, August 20, 1864. Capt. T. LUBEY, Commanding Pontoon Detachment, Deep Bottom: At daylight in the morning you will direct Captain Henderson to raft his bridge, preparatory to having it towed to this place. He will brin~ his company with him. A tug will be sent to tow the bridge down at 9 a. mu. By order of General Benham: CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF VA. AND N. C., No. 95. In the Field, Va., August 20, 1864. Col. It. C. Webster, quartermaster, having been assigned by the War Department as chief quartermaster of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, is announced as snch, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By command of Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler: It. S. DAVIS, ]hiliajor and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 351 ClIAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 351 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 20, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that he prefers you should not discharge the muskets nuless YOU consider it essential to the serviceable condition of your command. Unless some- thing new is developed to-day it is probable yonr command will recross to-night and you will have the opportunity to-morrow. The general would like to have you send your wagons, & c., during the afternoon, to paik near the bridge preparatory to your withdrawal, but not on any of the roads leading to the bridge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Jw. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 20, 18646 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. B. BIRNEY Commanding Tenth Army Corps: The m. jor-general commanding directs me to furnish you with the following extract from the telegraphic order for the movement of to-night, which embraces all the instructions with which he is charged for you after you cross: The Tenth Corps will return to their places at once, & c. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS August 20, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel MOGILVERY, Chief of Artillery: The major-general commanding directs that you watch the pontoons, and as soon as one is clear take your batteries across, and send them to their camps. Respectfully, El). W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.1 IIEADQUARTER.S TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864. Division commanders and chief of artillery will, during the after- noon, send to the rear all wagons, excepting five wagons of small-arm ammunition, preparatory to a withdrawal during the night to our former camps. All the sick able to march and non-combatants will be returned to their camp, and every care will be taken against straggling. Extraordinary care must be taken by division commanders in inspect- ing th~ picket-line, amid seeing that that duty is performed with grea Page 352 552 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. 0. [Ow. Ut vigilance. The pickets will be withdrawn under the corps officer of the day, and Ml instructions for the movement will be given in due time. The enemy are reported moving to our rigl4, and great caution must beiised. By order of Xa~jor-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant A4jutat4*eneraL CnIouLAR.j HunxauaTns TENtH Ann 0on~s August x, 18644.45;. in. The fohlowingmovements of the troops are directed: First At dark, precisely, the troops under BrigaterA*eneral Birney will move b a road to be indicated by a staff officer from these headquarters. Sec. ond. The batteries will follow and keep dosed up. Third. General Terrys division will follow the batteries and act, If necessary, as arear guard. Fourth. The corps picketswillbewithdiawn exactly at 10p.m., and follow under the direction of the corps officer of the day acting as a rear guard; Fifth. The corpawill mass on the cleared ground near the bridge and remain in position until Major-General Hancock has crossed his troops, in order to cover the bridge, then, resuming same order, each command will march to its former camp. Brigadier-Gen- eral Foster will relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Coan and his brigade at Deep Bottom. Sixth. Lieutenant-Colonel Washburn with his cavalry will brin; up the rear, seeing that all stragglers are kept up. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant A4jutant.-Ge,wrai. HEADQUARTERS TENTH Ann Corns, Brigadier-General August 20,1864. Commending JNrstk)ivision: The major-general commanding directs that you leave General Fos- ter with his command in the works on his side of the river until morn- ing, when he will cross and procebd to his old camp,relieving Lieuten- ant-Colonel Coan. Bespectftilly, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant A4jutont-Geseral. Snom~ Ourns, ~ Hixans. Snoon Div., 10TH Ann CORPS, No. 76. 5 Near Hatchers, Va., August 20,1864. 1. Major Btronp, Sixteenth Heavy Artillery, New York Volunteers, will report with his command to (Jol. N. M. Curtis, commanding First Brigade, Second Division Tenth Army Corps, without delay. By order of Brig. Gen. & . W. Turner: ISRAEL B. SEaY Capt., .Forty-seve,stk Ken, York This., and A etg. Asst. A4jL (ha. 9 Page 353 CHAP. LINT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 353 CITY POINT F Major-General ORD, A., August 20, 186412.40 p. rn. Gommanding Eighteenth Army Corps: Statements of deserters and refugees go to show that the enemy are mining in your front. Can you not countermine against them ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, August ~0, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have had reports of the mines in my front for some time. Have two counter mines going now; cant hear much yet in them. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864. (Received 4 p. in.) General HUMPHREYS: Nothing reliable denoting a change in my front. No prisoners in. No movements of troops have been seen, except some small squads reported unofficially as seen moving toward left and rear yesterday p.m. E. 0. C. ORD, ]tlajor. General. HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, KAUTZS DIVISION, Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, August 20, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General, Warrens Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the First I)istrict of Columbia Cavalry. From a reconnaissance I know the position of the enemys cavalry. I have sufficient force to attack and rout them, and respectfully ask permission to do so. With high respect, your obedient servant, S. P. SPEAR, Colonel, Commandi~eg Cavalry. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 186411 a. m. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 6 ~. in.) Washington, D. C.: Taking possession of the Weldon road has made the enemy appar- ently very nervous. They have been constantly attacking to regain possession. I cannot report accurately the result, but apparently our losses have been light in killed and wounded, whilst the enemys loss in that respect must have been heavy, from the fact of his being re- pulsed so often. The second day, however, we lost heavily in captured, 23 R RVOL XLII~ PT I Page 354 [CHAP. LIV. 354 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. from the fact that the enemy enveloped Warrens right before he was aware of it. I withdrew the troops from north of the James River last night, and now the Second Corps must be nearly in supporting distance of Warren. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 18641.30 p. m. (Received 22d.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: The enemy came out and attacked General Warren between 10 and 11 a. in., but were repulsed with great ease. No loss reported on our side except General Cutler, slightly wounded, and Colonel Dushane, killed. General Warren reports 400 prisoners captured that he knows of; there may be more. I am expecting a heavy attack this afternoon, and preparing for it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: Is the firing now heard on Warrens front ~ If so the enemy should be opened upon by the Ninth and Eighteenth Corps, and their line threatened. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186410 a. m. General GRANT: I send a dispatch* from Warren explanatory of the firing which has been resumed within the last few minutes. Hancock is moving up; also Parke with his Fourth Division. Warren, on the defensive, onght to be able not only to hold his position, but to punish the enemy severely, and undoubtedly would if we could only get our troops to act with the audacity thc enemy show. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186410.25 a. m. General GRANT: I have ordered Ord and Mott to open with their batteries and make all the demonstrations they can against the enemy. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. * See Warren to Humplireys, 9.30 a. in., ~. 36S Page 355 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 355 CITY POINT, August 21, 186411.20 a. in. Major-General MEADE: It is hard to say wliat ought to be done without being on the field, but it seems to me that when the enemy comes out of his works and attacks and is repulsed he ought to be followed vigorously to the last minute with every man. Holding a line is of no importance whilst troops are operating in front of it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- G eneral. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186412 m. General GRANT: Ord reports the enemy leaving his front. It is probably Martins brigade, of Hokes division, the only one left of that division in front of Ord last night, as reported by deserters. The enemy now holds his intrenched line with Johnsons division and part of Heths, that is between the Appomattox and the plank road. I have asked Ord,if he cannot assault in his front, whether he cannot extend to his left so as to relieve part of Motts division, Second Corps, now holding from Burnsides mine to the plank road. Hancock is ~0W at the Strong house, west of the plank road, slashing trees to make an obstacle to the enemys interposing between the plank road and Warren. If I can get a line of obstacles to be held by a skirmish line I can throw more troops to Warrens support. Warren reports the enemy moving to his left. I have sent him your dispatch, having previously advised him the way to stop the enemys flanking was to assume the offensive and make him look out for his flanks. The difficulty of Warrens position is, the roads are impassable and his artillery cannot be moved. It is absolutely essential he should maintain his position, and I have no doubt of his ability to do so unless the enemy should bring so superio~ a force as to turn his left flank, in which case we cannot get our men to stand. They dont mind any orders wheim they find themselves out- flanked, but move off bodily to the rear in spite of orders. GEG. G. MEADE, ililiajor- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 186412.45 p. m. Major-General MEADE: If the enemy are moving to tnrn Warrens left, why can he not move out and attack between them and Petersburg, and either cut their force in two or get in rear of it ~ If the roads are impassable for our artil- lery it must be so for the enemys, and it becomes an infantry fight. I will telegraph Ord either to assault or extend, so as to relieve more meim. The enemy evidently intend to use nearly their entire forceto drive Warren away, and we can either penetrate his line or hold ours with a very small force. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 356 356 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 18641 p. m. General GRANT: Telegram 12.45 received. Instructions have gone to Warren em- bodying the spirit of your suggestionsthat is, to assume the offensive. Ord has reported he can spare 800 men, and he has been requested to extend his left with that amount, and Mott allowed to extend his left proportionately. This will free so many men for Warren. I shall move Hancock up as soon as he can make anything of an obstacle to prevent the enemy getting in between Warrens position and the plank road. Telegraphic communication with Warren is interrupted just now. The main roads running into Petersburg are passable. It is the cross- roads which, by the passage of artillery and trains, have since the rains become impassable. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 18641.10 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, d~c.: Do you not think it likely the enemy are preparing for a heavy attack on Warren this afternoon l If such is the case, would it not be better to move Hancock up to his support at once, and leave the slashing to troops that will be set free by Ord l I have directed Ord either to assault on his front or to extend and relieve Mott, favoring the latter. You will know very soon which he thinks best. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIEAD~JARTER5 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 18641.30 p. m. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The following has just been received from General Warren. General Meade left here half an hour since for General Warrens headquarters. It is expected that we shall again have telegraphic communication with General Warrens headquarters in a few moments: IIEADQUAIITERS FIFTH CORPS, August 21, 186411 a. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The enemy attacked us both on the north ~snd west with Hills and Beauregards troops. We repulsed them, too, easily. They did not come on far enough to get the effect of our fire. 1 have a general order to push out, but the woods favor the escape of the troops. We have three battle-flags and probably 400 prisoners that I know of. I hope they will try again. General Cutler is wounded by a piece of shell in the face, not seriously. Colonel Dushane is killed. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. 11.30 a. m.All qi~et now. The line being down I send this by an orderly. G. K. W. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 357 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 357 JONES HOUSE, PLANK R~AD, August 21, 18G42.30 p. m. General GRANT: Telegram of 1.10 received. I had just ordered one division of Han- cocks to Warrens left. I have now ordered the other one. The third (Motts) is holding our intrenchments. I have sent you a dispatch from 1A arren announcing another repulse of the enemy. As soon as I get on the field and Hancock is up I will assume the offensivebefore if practicable. Hancocks people, however, are very weary and will not be fit for much to-day and will not much more than get into position. The condition of the roads is a great drawback. Everything has to be packed across the plank road. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, Weldon Railroad, August 21, 18645.25 p. m. General GRANT: Hancocks men are so exhausted with their long march that nothing can be expected ofthem this afternoon. Having moved Hancock over to the left I have placed Parke on the right, and he is extending to make the line and connection over to the plank road. The enemy appear to have abandoned their intention of turning Warrens left aiid now show some signs of a movement on his right. My solicitude in desiring to have a line of slashings across to the plank road is based on the fact that the enemy may move on Warrens left and turn our intrenchments restii4~~ on the plank road, which cannot be held if turned. This would compel the abandonment of this position and might embarrass us to recover our intrenchments. If the enemy do not make this move before night, Parke I think will prepare the line so as to prevent it. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 18648.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & e.: Between the Appomattox and Bakers [Bake-House] Creek the enemy are supposed to be very weak. General Butler is preparing two assault- ing columns to-night with the view of breaking that line at daylight in the morning. If successful he will endeavor to clear out the entire line of the enemy south from the Howlett house and establish himself with all his force on the line of Swift Creek. With the Tenth Corps be ought to be able to hold, his ground all day, if he gets through, and could only be driven away by drawing largely from Petersburg. I cannot say now what is best to be done with your forces in connection with this, but notify you so that you can take advantage of any weakness of the enemy. I shall hear and inform you the results of Butlers efforts, and can tell better then the best directions to give. U. S. GRANT, Gener4 Page 358 [CHAP. LIV. 358 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 18649.20 p. m. General GRANT: I have just returned from the front. I found it impracticable to arrange any offensive movements for to-morrow. Warren expressed every confidence in his command defending itself against any attack, but advised against attacking. Hancocks men are completely exhausted with their march, and nearly a third behind on the road. Parkes peo- ple will be working all night on the connecting lines. Under these cir- cumstances, I gave orders to act on the defensive, but in the event of the enemys attacking again to follow up their repulse. I think now we have thinned our line from the Appomattox to the plank road as much as we ought to do. Ord proposes to send more men, but I do not think it judicious to weaken him any more, because the enemy, finding an accumulation on our left, might mass, and by a bold assault break through our weakened line. I dont think this probable, but it is possi- ble. Warren reports taking some 400 prisoners to-day. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. - CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 186410 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c.: Your dispatch of 9.30 [9.20] p. m.just received. I send you a dispatch* in cipher, from which you will see, when received, that I do not expect offensive operations to-morrow except in case of a success in Butlers front making it practicable. If we can retain hold of the railroad it will be a great advantage. Has much of the railroad been destroyed ~ After the men get well rested it will be well to support the cavalry with a division of infantry to destroy as much of the road as we can, if an advantage is not gained in the meantime making it unnecessary. If Butler does not succeed in the morning he will relieve the Eighteenth Corps from the lines, leaving it loose. With that as a reserve, our lines will be strong. ~-. ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186411 p. m. General GRANT: Your dispatch in cipher received.* I will be prepared to-morrow to act according to developments. Prisoners say that General W. H. F. Lee was mortally wounded to-day. I send this for what it is worth. The railroad party have been at work to-day, but I have received no report of their progress. Greggs cavalry division are protecting them. In case it is necessary, a supporting force of infantry will be sent. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. * See Grant to Meade, 8.30 p. in., ~,. 357 Page 359 CHAP. LIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 359 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point, Va.: The whole of Mahones division is certainly here. They arrived here at 8 oclock yesterday morning. I understand the following to be the force in front of Fifth Corps: Clingmans, Colqnitts, Mahones, Harris, Sanders, Wrights, Frys, and Davis brigades. The balance of Beau- regards, Heths, and ~ commands are in the trenches on onr front, occupying their old positions. Three brigades of Mahone, which returned, are also in front of Warren, fighting hard at this moment. J. MOENTEE, Captain, d~c. AugusT 21, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, City Point: Hagoods and Ransoms brigades are now in front of Fifth Corps. W. H. F. Lees cavalry division was also engaged there this a. in., and General Rooney Lee badly wounded through lungs. So say prisoners from above commands. J. MCENTEE, Captain, & e. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 21, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Three deserters from Wrights (Georgia) brigade who came in this morning make the following report: They state that they have been on picket here for the last eleven days. During that time their brigade has been.to the north side of the James River, and returned yesterday morning about 8 oclock, together with Sanders and Harris brigades. They state that they camped in rear of their old position, and had orders to have their guns in order and be ready to march this morning about 2 oclock down the railroad. These men report that Brigadier-General Clingman was mortally wounded day before yesterday. They say that in the attack on the Fifth Corps General Colqnitt commanded his own, Clingmans, and Mahones brigades which attacked our right, and two brigades of Heths division (Frys and Davis) attacked our left. I understand the following to be the disposition of troops in ouf front from the enemys left to right: Bnshrod Johnsons division, Martins and llagood~s brigades, of ilokes division, and Kirklands and MacRaes brigades, of Heths division; Mahones division, and Frys and Davis brigades, of Heths division; Colquitts and Clingmans, of Hokes di- vision. We learn of no troops having arrived from the north side of the James River, except these three brigades of Heths division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MoENTEE, Captain, & e Page 360 360 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. tOHAP. MV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS l)EPARTMENT. August 21, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chuf of Staff: GENERAL: Among about 280 prisoners just sent in from Fifth Corps I find, in addition to those already reported, prisoners from Ha- goods bri~ade, of Hokes division, and Ransoms brigade, of Bushrod Johnsons division. There are also prisoners from W. H. F. Lees cav- alry division, and officers captured say that General W. II. F. Lee was badly wounded in the lungs in the action this a. m. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MoENTEE, Captain, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186411.30 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Among thirty-seven prisoners just sent in from General Warren 1 find, in addition to those already reported in General War- rens front, a few men from Cookes brigade, of Heths division. Prison- ers from Fifth North Carolina Cavalry confirm report that General W. H. F. Lee was severely wounded in the lungs to-day. He crossed the Appomattox River yesterday morning with Chambliss and Barringers brigades. Rossers and Butlers brigade are still on north side of James River, and Wickhams and Lomaxs brigades, under command of Fitz Lee, are in the Shenandoah Valley with General Early. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. McENTEE, 6~aptain, d~c. P. S.IDearings brigade is also here in W. H. F. Lees division. J. McE. AUGUST 21, 18649.30 a. m. Captain FISHER: All quiet in front. Right smart cannonading in direction of Fifth Army Corps. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 21, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chi~f of Staff: GENERAL: The following report has just been received and is respect- fully forwarded: PLANK ROAD STATION, August p111 a. rn. A column of about 600 inf utry moving to our right in rear of fort northwest from station have disappeare4 in woods. Enemy are shelling quite lively in our front; our batteries replying. FULTQN, Sergeant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKER, Acting Chief Signal Officer Page 361 CHAP. LIV.) CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 361 WALTUALL SIGNAL STATION, August 21, 186412 m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: The enemys signal officer reports that stragglers have been passing all the morning on the Broadway road, and infers a corps or divisioll has passed toward Petersburg. He also reports a squadron of cavalry passing toward City Point. CHARLES L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. GiBBONS HousE, August 21, 1864. Major FISHER: The musketry in front of this station was only a heavy picket-fire, both lines remaining in their works. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 21, 18642.30 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following message has just been received from the signal station at the Jordan house, and is respectfully forwarded: The enemys signal officer has just reported as follows: We drove the enemys left from the Weldon road and are still pursuing. DAVIS, Captain. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKER, Acting Chief Signal Officer. AUGUST 21, 18645 p. m. Captain FISHER: Firing by enemy in front of my station between 10 and 12 a. m. An embrasure is being built in a short work of the enemy at the place of the exploded fort. It will enable the enemy to enfilade our line in front of my station. I. S. LYON, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. AUGUST 21, 18646.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: A regiment of about 400 men moved out of town on same road, and taking same direction as those reported yesterday at 1.30 p. m. They were followed by two ambulances. I think the enemy has moved the artillery from four-gun battery to left of white house. A. C. JORDAN. Sergeant Page 362 362 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LiV. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 21, 18647 p. rn. Maj. B. F. FISHER: Between forty and fifty ambulances passed to our right on Weldon railroad toward Petersburg to-day, and many stragglers passing and repassing on same road. No movements visible since last report. Camps unchanged. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 21, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following rebel signal message, intercepted by the signal officer at the Jordan house: Colonel BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: Since fog cleared, as far as I can see to left of Cobbs and crossing pontoon and Broadway road, I notice a large number of stragglers passing, going toward Peters- burg, which leads me to think that a division or corps must have passed during the night. Two companies of cavalry passed along the Broadway road toward Peters- burg. The sharpshooters report the same. R., Sergeant at 114. (Same to A. B.) I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKEIt, Acting Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Augnst 21, 186410.85 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS: In consequence of the bad condition of the roads at this time the commanding general directs that for the present the subsistence sup- plies required for the troops west of the plank road be packed to them, and that the commanders of such troops make the necessary arrange- ments for this purpose. Until further orders no salt meat will be issued to the troops west of the plank road. The chief commissary has been directed to provide beef on the hoof instead. Please acknowledge. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-ileneral. (Same to commanding officers Fifth and Ninth Army Corps.) HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, City Point, Va., August 21, 1864. Capt. II. V. SLossoN, Corndg. Company D, Fifteenth New York Vol. Engineers: You will- remain until to-morrow morning, with sixty men and your bridge where it now is, with the draw either open or closed, as may be most convenient. The balance of your men will return to this cam Page 363 CHAP. LIV.] OORRESPONDLNCE, ETC.IJNION. 3(33 to-day. In the morning you will swing your bridge,, take up the abut- ments, and have everything ready to tow to this place in the way that was attempted last nightthat is, the whole bridge laid in one raft. The stern boats will be provided with oars and oarsmen to steer. A tug will report to you at 8 a. m. By order of Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham: CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186411.30 a. m. Major-General HA]NcOcK, Commanding Second Corps: According to statement of deserters the troops of the enemy in their intreuchments in front of us are Johnsons division, of Beauregards corps, one brigade of Hokes division, and two brigades of Heths division. The remainder are in front of Warren, namely, three bri- gades of ilokes division, two brigades of Heths division, and all of Mahones division. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to Major-General Ord.) HEKDQUARTERS ARMY OF TJIE POTOMAC, August 21, 186412 m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: With the enemys intrenchment held with as thin a line as he now holds it, Motts division need only hold the front line of works thinly and the large redoubt on the plank road, so as to leave every man pos- sible available for the left. The commanding general thinks that in the present almost impassable condition of the roads it is advisable not to take your artillery beyond the plank road. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. P. S.General Ord will send from 500 to 800 men to relieve that many of Motts. Please give directions accordingly, and let Mott communicate to General Ord where the troops can best get into the intrenchments. A.A.H. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186411.20 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Gurley House: I am instructed to say that circumstances may render it necessary to assume the offensive to-morrow, and the commanding general desires you to be prenared at an early hour of the morning. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Warren. Page 364 364 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. No preparations will be made for the troops going into permanent camp, as the command will probably be extended to the left to-day. The command will be held in readiness to move at short notice. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] . HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 21, 18642 p. rn. The command is informed that General Warren has repulsed the second attack made on him to-day, capturing several colors and inflict- ing great loss on tbe enemy. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Near Weldon Railroad, August 21, 18645 p. m. Excepting only the wagons for intrenching tools, no wagons what- ever will be brought this side of the plank road. Subsistence, forage, ammunition, and officers supplies must all be packed and brought up as required. Spring wagons are included in this particular. By order of Major-General Hancock: FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, August 21, 1864. Major HAZARD, Chief of Artillery, Second Army Corps: MAJOR: The brigadier-general commanding desires that you place a battery of light 12s in the square redoubt on the right of the Jerusalem plank road, in addition to the battery already there (Clarks). You will please have this attended to to-night as early as possible. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN HANCOCK Jffajor and Assistant Adjutant-Ge~eral. U ORDERS.] HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRIG-., SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. The command will move immediately in the following order: Captain Brown, Captain Burton, Captain McKnight, Lieutenant Beck, Captain Edgell, Captain Sleeper, Captain Ames, Lieutenant Roder, Captain Woerner, Captain Dow. Each battery will move out and follow the one preceding it without further orders. Captain Miller will command the column. By command of Capt. A. J. Clark: lIT. D. EDDY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 365 CHAP. LIV.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 365 IIEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 1864. (Received 11.30 p. ut.) Brigadier-G-eneral MOTT, Commanding Division, Second Corps: To save time orders are sent you direct that General Ord will send from 500 to 800 men to relieve as many of your men now holding the intrenchments as practicable. An engineer officer will see you and conduct Ords troops to that part of the trenches from which yours will be withdrawn upon being relieved by Ords men. General hancock is advised of this and will send you orders. Unless directed to the con- trary by General Hancock, please send the part of your division taken from the trenches to the vicinity of the Strong house. Have these orders e~eeuted as promptly as possible. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Stag. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 21, 18641.30 p. m. (Received 2.10 p. in.) General MoTT: Please send a staff officer to report to General Ames at once to show the latter the best way to the right of your trenches, where I wish General Ames to post all his available force (two or three regiments). They will be stretched out to cover about half your present line. Also please send at once another staff officer to report to General Carr, who has two or three regiments to post in the left half of your trenches. Let these staff officers know where to take the respective commands, and oblige, Yours, E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 21, 1864. (Received 2.45 p. in.) Brigadier-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to say that he is about to proceed with the balance of his command to the Gurley house (shown on the map). He will therefore be unable to relieve your pickets, and you will be obliged to look out for [your] own left. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. WALKER, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, Camp in the Trenches, August 21, 186412 m. [Maj. JOHN HANCOCK, Assistant Adjutant-General:] MAJOR: In compliance with orders from the general commanding the division, directing me to make a demonstration in front of the enemys works. I proceeded at once to the trenches. Orders were given to th Page 366 366 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. rdnAp. LIV. command to strike the shelters in front where they could be seen by the enemy, the men to sling their knapsacks and take arms. After the batteries had opened on our line orders were issued and repeated with a loud voice throughout our line to prepare to advance. Banners were unfurled and every demonstration made to jnmp over the breast- works by raising muskets and hats while the whole line was cheering. This had the effect to bring the enemy partly up on top of their works, apparently waiting for our advaiice. Opposite our center we observed a strong line of skirmishers, and behind an extensive abatis (Spanish riders) a line of battle, in strength fully equal to ours. On the right (their left) they did not appear quite so strong, owing to the continued fire kept up. The appearance on our left (their right) was about the same as in front of our center. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. MCALLISTER, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Augmst 21, 18645.30 a. rn. General HUMPHREY5, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to report that it is probable the estimate of prisoners taken from me reported in the Richmond papers is nearly right. Gen- eral Crawfords division lost in alJ, killed, wounded, and missing, 2,100 men. General Ayres in the two days has about 650 missing. So many fell out on the march here that we-cannot say how many were prisoners, but it must be the greater proportion of the above. General Cutler has also lost heavily. We drove the enemy back everywhere in confusion with our troops in reserve, but they had such an easy way to escape into their intrenchments that our prisoners were few, not exceeding 260. I will be able to send you a detailed report this morning, but as yet I have not got in reports from all the divisions. Respectfully, C. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18645.40 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I have the honor to report that yesterday I disposed my command on the three sides of a parallelogram with a view to prevent the possibility of being turned, and the whole command is about here in the space of little over a square mile. Until a perfect knowledge of the country is gained on which you propose to establish the intrenched line, I would advise some similar disposition of the Second Corps between here and the plank road, and then let us extend to meet each other. The country is so wooded that it will take some time to select the proper line, and in doing this the mass of the troops could rest till their position was determined. These long lines in the woods expose them to be easily broken, and it is impossible for the commander to provide against it i Page 367 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 367 done while the line is being established, unless it is securely intrenched, as we go, with a heavy flank force and immediate supports to cover the line while it is intrenching. IRespeetfully, U. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18648.30 a. m. General JJUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: It seems to me that a good point to concentrate the troops of the Second Corps before establishing any regular line is a little northeast of the Aiken house. A road very direct from the large redoubt runs by it to this place which will want a little cutting out where I made the slashing around the redoubt. The old line constructed as far as the bend southwest of the Jones house would do. It would then take across to some old works (it may be badly located) and then toward Dunlops; it would make a line about three miles long from the large redoubt to the railroad. Respectfully, U. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTE~RS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 18648.30 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: We hear heavy firing in your direction. What is the condition of affairs with you~ A. A. HUMPHBEYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18649 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The enemy have driven in my pickets on the north and west and opened with artillery, but his firing is from points where he cannot see. U. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 18649.30 a. m. Major-General WARREN; (Or any officer at his headquarters.) Heavy firing is heard in your direction. What is going on ~ GEG. U. MEADE, Major- General Page 368 368 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. A~D N. C. [CHAP. LIY. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18649.30 a. m. Major-Genera1 HUMPUREYS: GENERAL: The enemy showed an infanti~y line of battle at Flow- ers, but our artillery compelled it to leave. I dont think I can be whipped if dispositions will save me, for my line extends well around, with considerable reserves. If the enemy comes between me and the plank road to attack I wonld like to have his rear harassed if you have any little spare force to do it with. I consider the efforts this morn- ing as demonstration to get at a knowledge of my position. The liring has ceased for a few moments past. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186410 a. m. Major-General WARREN: Major-General Parke will move at once with Ferreros division toward your position to carry out the orders of yesterday. Major-Gen- eral hancocks troops will move at once to carry out the same orders, having arrived in this vicinity about 5 oclock this morning. Should the enemy endeavor to penetrate between you and the plank road and attack you Hancocks troops will be at once thrown upon him. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 21, 1861. (Received 10.30 a. in.) General HuMPHREYS: We have just repulsed an attack of Mahones division from the west of the railroad. Whipped it easily. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 186410.50 a. m. General HUMPTIREYS: We have now several hundred prisoners. They seem to belong to Mahone and iloke, and there is among the troops a brigade commanded by General ilagood. The enemy is reported all the time moving down to my left. G. K. WARREN, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, August 21, 186411.10 a. m. 61omrnanding Jf~fth Corps: General Hancocks two divisions are moving to the Strong house, from which point they will proceed to prepare the line to the left as indicated in yesterdays instructions. They will be held ready, how Page 369 CHAP. LJV.~ 369 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. ever, to move to you should any exigency require it. Parke is to move out at once with Ferreros division to you. Clinginans, Hagoods, and Colqnitts brigades all belong to Hokes division. According to a deserters statement you have those three brigades of iokes, Mahones division, and two brigades of Heths division opposed to you. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. The following dispatch from Lieutenant-General Grant is sent for your information and guidance.* A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jones House, August 21, 18642.20 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The commanding general directs me to inform you that ~ two divisions are ordered to the Gurley house. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. Parke is ordered to set Ferreros division to slashing front the Strong house west, and to concentrate Potters division near the Aiken house. A.A.ll. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18643 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have received yonr dispatch of 11.10 a. m. and the copy of the one from General Grant to General Meade of 11.20 a. m. for my information and guidance. If the enemy attacks me so as to get a crushing repulse, I will take every advantage of it. If he wishes to get inc off, as he has been trying for four days to do, I think he will make a more vigorous effort yet. I am holding myself prepared for it. On my north front he falls back at once into his intrenchments, and if I move west with my whole force I must make another detour to avoid a flank attack while doing it. I lose all the advantage of my artillery as soon as I move and get the effect of his. I believe I have fought against the army opposed to me to know pretty well what to do here on the field. General Parke is now here. He ranks me. G. K. WARREN. Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186410.40 p. m. Major-General WARREN, GVommanding Fifth Corps: Do you know how far the railroad party have destroyed the railroad to-day ~ A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. I have received your dispatch and will send it. ______________ A.A.II. See Grant to Meade, 11.20 a. in., p. 355. 24 R RYOL XLII, PT I Page 370 370 OPERATIONS IN SE. YA. AND N. C. [Cuir. MV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 186412 rn. General HuMPHREY S: The railroad party have destroyed about one mile and a half south of this placethe Globe Tavern. Thanks for your attention to my private dispatch. G. K. WARREN, ][fajor- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS No. 205. 5 August 21, 1864. 1. Col. Charles P. Stone, Fourteenth U. S. Infantry, having reported at these headquarters, in compliance with orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac, is assigned to duty with Brig. Gen. B. B. Ayres, commanding Second Division, and will report accordingly. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 110. 5 August 21, 18649.45 a. m Wherever our skirmishers have been driven in they will be immedi- ately pushed back again as soon as the firing ceases. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 110g. 5 Augusv 21, 18649 p. m. Division commanders will to-night strengthen their positions where they can, and have their men under arms at an early hour to-morrow morning. They will push their pickets oat as far as possible, the men, if necessary, creeping on their hands and knees so that they may be able to give timely warning of the approach of the enemy in case of a fog; and, in that event, if an alarm is given and the firing begins it must be stopped as soon as it appears that the enemy is not advancing. Instructions must be given in detail on these I)oints. Let sixty rounds of ammunition be kept on the persons of the men. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Brigadier-General AYRES, Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: There are about thirty men of General Willcoxs on the picket-line with your men in front of the old barn on the right of th Page 371 CHAP. UTh] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 371 railroad. The major-general commanding directs you to relieve them with your own men. All officer from General Willcox will point out the place. He accompanies this. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant A djutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DrVIsION, FIFTH CORPS, Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE August 21, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the left of the Ninth Corps are constructing a rifle-pit in rear of my right (Lieutenant Van Reeds) battery, cutting it off and rendering it impossible to draw it back if desired. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, . B. AYRES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General AYRES, August 21, 1864. Co manding & eond Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that if you would rather put rup] that work yourself he will take the Ninth Corps men off of it. He directed them to construct it last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.The general intends to have a roadway made, so that Van Reeds battery can be withdrawn by the right. F. T. L. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18649.30 a. rn. General AYRES: I wish you to occupy with your troops the place where the brigade of General Hartranft [is] if you think it necessary. I shall have to en- trust that part of the line to you and take him away. G. K. WARREN, Major- Generat. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18649 p. m. General AYRES: I wish you to take command of General ~ division while in its present position and distribute that force so as to strengthen any par Page 372 372 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. of yours if necessary. If you will have a roadway made around where I stated, I will send over a battery. On your north front I laid out the lines myself, thus: Between A and B and between C and ID I do not think any infantry should be placed. Tbe battery at A should have the parapet A B so fixed as to fire also in the direction a e that at iDE,da. I dont tell you this as necessary for your information, but to say I rely upon you to see that it is carried out. I think you can use Van Reeds bat- tery, now between B and C. It might be withdrawn by you if necessary and cover that space by the infantry taken from the flanks A B and ID C. I wish you on the front. I wish you to exercise the fullest au- thority and discretion, and do without consulting me, if Jam not present, whatever you think best. I intrust our left in the same way to General Griffin. I will look out for the center and reserves. I believe Lees army cant get us out of here if we fight well. Respectfully, ~. K. WARREN, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS No. 46. August 21, 1864. 1. Col. Charles P. Stone, Fourteenth Infantry, having been assigned to duty with this division, by virtue of order from corps headquarters of this date, is assigned to the command of the First Brigade. By command of Brigadier-General Ayres: GEO. L. CHOISY, First Lieutenant, Aide-dc-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, No. . August 21, 1864. The One hundred and ninetieth and One hundred and ninety-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, heretofore composing the Third Brigade, are hereby transferred to the First Brigade, and the Third Brigade will be discontinued until farther orders. By command of Brigadier-General Crawford: GEO. MONTEITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 373 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 373 HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. (Received 8 a. in.) Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have completed the work on Braggs left so as to be ready for the battery which the general proposed to put in there. Yours, respectfully, L. CUTLER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186410.15 a. m. (Received 10.30 a. in.) Captain HUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Army Corps: Will you please direct General Ferrero to move his division as soon as relieved by General Hancocks troops to the vicinity of the Aiken House, and then hold in readiness to move to the support of the balance of the Ninth Corps or the Second Corps. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jones House, August 21, 18642.20 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Hancocks two divisions are ordered to the Gurley house. Mott will hold as far as the Strong house, and further if he can. The command- ing general desires you to put Ferreros division to slashing and hold- ing from the Strong house toward Warren and to concentrate the division now at that work (Potters) about the Aiken house. A. A. .HLJMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. WARRENS HEADQUARTERS, August 21, 18642.45 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I did not fully understand with General Hancock that he was to extend his line to the left beyond that now held by Mott. Will you please have this understood, so that I can have Potters division moved to the left and strengthened. He now holds a long thin line in front of the Aiken house and White and Willeox join him in reserve. Ferrero has not yet arrived. His men in the redoubt on the plank road were to have been relieved by the Second Corps, and then he was to come on to the Aiken house. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 374 374 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18648 p.m. Brigadier-General WHITE, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding the army I am directed to have the work of slashing and making rifle-pits con- tinned all night until a close connection is perfected from the right of the Fifth Corps through to the line occupied by the Second Corps. I wish you to attend to this work in your front and make a complete con- nection between General Willcox and General Potter. Please report progress. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SECOND Div., NINTH ARMY CORPS, No. 98. Before Petersburg, Va., August 21, 1864. Col. John I. Curtin, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, and will report without delay accordingly. By command of Brigadier-General Potter: SAMUEL WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, At General Potters, near Gurleys House, August 21, 1864. Brigadier-General FERRERO, Commanding Fourth Division: GENERAL: I wish you to relieve the Second Division on the line it now .occupies, extending from Warrens position, the right of which is now picketed by General Whites division. I wish you to strengtheim this line by slashing obstructions and such defenses as may be found available. I wish you to be prepared with a portion of the troops under arms at all times to resist any advance of the enemy that may be made on your front. The Second Division will be massed in the vicinity of Aikens house. General Potters staff officer will show you the line. It is possible that the Second Corps, Motts troops, may ex- tend to the left from the vicinity of the Strong house. If so, you will close to the left, and thus strengthen your line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOlVrAc, Au0ust 21, 186410.15 a. m. Brigadier.General GREc~G, Commanding Cavalry: General Warren holds the Weldon railroad at Bucks, Dunlops, & c. A part of Kautzs cavalry, under command of Colonel Spear, is watching and picketing on his left, probably with one regiment, and the brigad Page 375 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 375 you sent yesterday is covering the railroad party engaged in destroy- ing the railroad from Bucks south toward Reams Station. The coin- manding general desires you to move out to the Weldon railroad with your force and co-operate with General Warren, under whose orders the destruction of the railroad was commenced. If, in your judgment, any part of Kautzs division should return to this side of the Black- water you can send them. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, August 21, 18644.45 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPITREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my headquarters are on the plank road below McCanns. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MuM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Comdg. Second Division. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, Six-Mile House, Weldon Railroad, August 21, 18G45.30 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: The major-general commanding directs that you move your brigade to this vicinity and cover the left of the army with your division, leaving Kautzs division to cover from the plank road to the James. Colonel Spear, who is in command of the cavalry now here, is at the Perkins house, about a mile below this, on the Weldon railroad. A. A. HUMPHREY S, Major- General and Chief of Staff. The cross roads are impracticable for wagons and artillery. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18646 a. m. Colonel STEDMAN: You will move your command out at once along the railroad and make dispositions to cover the party at work destroying it now about a mile south from here. Colonel Spears cavalry is out yet, and I have had no report since I saw you yesterday. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 21, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding: General Ord has extended so as to hold a greater front to relieve as many as I)ossible of the Army of the Potomac to go to General Warrens support. To hold what he now does, two or three more batteries ought to be sent to him. Have you got them to spare~ If so, send them. Two will probably be enough. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 376 376 OPERATIONS IN 8E. VA. AND N. C. (CEAP. LIV. AUGUST 21, 1864. Captain NORTON: Rebel message received at 2.20 p. in.: 0. 0. and Colonel B.: The enemy was driven from Weldon road. We are still pursuing him. 0., At B. Send to Lieutenant-General Grant. B. F. BUTLER. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & c.: The last dispatch from Geiieral Warren was dated at 11 a. m. He then stated that the enemy had attacked from the north and west, but were, too, easily repulsed. We did not get them close enough for his fire to have full elkct. He captured, however, 400 prisoners that he knows of. I hope there is a mistake in the intercepted signal. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 18641 p. m. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: The enemy is evidently massing everything he can to drive our troops from the Weldon road. To do this he is undoubtedly leaving his intrenched lines almost to their own care. Have a reconnaissance made, and 4, with the Tenth Corps, you can break through, do it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. AUGUST 21, 18642 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Birney and myself are at this moment consulting upon the movement which you suggest, and will try and do it to-morrow morning. If we do anything I must have all the batteries I have left. I have but seven in all on the line and in reserve on this side of the river. Will send the one at Spring Hill to Ord. General Hancock has twelve. BENJ. F. BUTLER. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 18643.50 p. m. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & c.: The operator at General Warrens headquarters, this moment, in reply to a question from me says every attack of the enemy has been repulsed, and Wairens position is now stronger than ever. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. (Copy transmitted to General Birney at 4 p. in. Page 377 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 377 AUGUST 21, 1864. Captain NORTON: Rebel message received 11.30 a. in.: 10.45 A. M. 0. 0., Colonel B., and A. B.: Since the smoke cleared, as near as I can see to the left of Cobbs crossing pon- toon, and also along the bridge road, I noticed a large number of stragglers passing going toward Petersburg, which led me to think a division or corps had passed during the night. Two companies of cavalry passed along the military road going toward City Point. General Thomas sharpshooters made the same report. R., Sergeant at C. K[RZYWOSZYNSKI], Lieutenant. AuGIJsT 21, 186410.35 p. in. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER: I would respectfully state that in answer to your inquiry the signal officers at Crows Nest, Water Battery, tower, and Spring Hill report that they have observed no movements or indications of movements of enemy to-day. I have the honor to be, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18G4. Colonel SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to announce my return with my troops to old camp during the night. 1 was left to protect the crossing of Generals Han- cocks and Greggs troops. D. B. BIIRNEY, Major- Ueneral. AUGUST 21, 18648 p. in. Major-General BIRNEY: It being now quite certain that the enemy have withdrawn very largely in front of our line between the James and Appomattox for the purpose of giving battle to General Warren, on the Weldon road, below Peters- burg, it is thought expedient that we should make the attempt to pierce their lilies in this front. For that purpose you will take, say, 4,000 of your best troops, and passing on to the plain near Port Walthall will, just before day, say 3.30 a. in., move upon the enemys lines between the Appomattox and Bake-House Creek, and up the valley of the creek, if found practicable. From the point at the old mill-pond near the picket-line held by us, it would be well to send off, say, two regiments or a brigade of not more than 800 men, to move with vigor up the road that leads to the left, at the same time to make a vigorous attack in that direction. A column of, say, 1,000 men should at the same time make demonstrations in the nature of a feint on the right, near Ware Bottom Church, so that the enemy shall be held in check there. Thi Page 378 378 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (Cu-& x~. LIV. column should be kept under cover as much as possible, so as to avoid the fire of the enemys batteries, and seek cover to all possible extent consist- ently with a demonstration. At the same time all our batteries should open on the center of the enemys line. As this movement, if properly timed, should be substantially over, let the troops take nothing but their cauteens filled and cartridge-boxes. So much depends on your executive energy and skill that I forbear making other details the sub- ject of an order. BENJ. F. BUTLER Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL BUTLERS IIEADQUARTERS, August 21, 18643.55 p. m. General BIRNEY: General Grant telegraphs as follows at 3.40 p. in.: The operator at General Warrens headqnarters this moment, in reply to a qnestion from me, says every attack of the enemy has been repnlsed and Warrens position is now stronger than ever. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. GEO. A. KENSEL, Lieutenant. Colonel, & c. CITY PoINT, August 21, 18645.30 p. m. General BIRNEY, (Via Butlers headquart~rs.) Tenth Army Corps: Get everything ready as we talked for the movement we spoke of. It is approved. We are to move on Petersburg, so we all say. Will be back at once. Let the meu take nothing but canteen of coffee and cartridge-box. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. AUGUST 21, 18647.15 p. m. General BIRNEY: Come over. If you could bring with you Terry and the commanders that are to lead the column it would be better. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. AUGUST 21, 186411.40 p. m. General BIRNEY: Telegram received. From what you have learned, what is your opin- ion as to the feasibility of the movement? You cau judge better than I, having seen the parties making report. BEXJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding Page 379 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 379 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18G4. (Sent 12.15 a. m. 22d.) Major-General BUTLER, Headquarters: My opinion is that they have restored the strength of their line to meet the return of my corps. Their line, like ours, will almost defend itself with artillery. Ihave confidence in the reports of re-enforcements. I dislike to abandon the movement, but regard it as perhaps a doubt- ful one as to success. A surprise might take the line. D. B. BJRXEY, Major- General. (Forwarded by Butler to Lieutenant-General Grant at 12.35 a. m. 22d.) AUGUST 21, 1864. Colonel SMITH Assistant A djutant- General: A small brigade of infantry and eight army wagons have moved toward our right on the road to Richmond. CHAS. F. CROSS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. CIRCULAR.J HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18G4. The following disposition of troops to execute the order will be made: Brigadier-General Terry, with Howells brigade, of his own division, one brigade of colored troops, under Brigadier-General Birney, and Cnr- tis brigade, of Turners division, will make the attack. He will be ready to make the attack by 3.30 a. m. to-morrow. He will pass on to the plain near Port Walthall and move upon the enemys lines between the Appomattox and Bake-Ho~use Creek, and up the valley of the creek, if found practicable. Brigadier-General Foster, with his three regiments, will make a demonstration in the nature of a feint on the right near Ware Bottom Church, so that the enemy shall be held in check there. He will keep his column under cover as much as possible so as to avoid artillery fire, and will (10 all that is possible to make a demonstration. He will move np so as to drive in the enemys pickets, cheering and yelling, at precisely 3.30 a. in. Colonel Curtis will detach a regiment from his brigade to m~ve up the mill-pond road on the right of Bake-House Creek. The regiment will then deploy to the left and make a vigorous attack on the enemys works. This movement will be made simultaneously with the attack by General Terrys division on the left. The regiment should be in position to make the attack at 3.30 a. m. to-morrow. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 380 380 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. CHAP. LIV. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CoRPS, August 21, 1864. The troops of this command will be held in readiness to move during the night in light marching order, without knapsacks. They will take one days rations and coffee in the canteens. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Brigadier-General TERRY: The major-general commanding directs that General Fosters com- mand be held in readiness to move and join his division, except his cay- alryand two infantry regiments. The garrisons of the redoubts will be relieved and march with their regiments. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Brigadier-General FOSTER, Deep Bottom: Have all your troops, except cavalry and two regiments of infantry to garrison the works, ready to march to your division. Orders in due course will reach you. ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. DEEP BOTTOM, August 21, 1864. Licut. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General: Everythiug is now in its former position. The pontoon was replaced before daylight. This morning both pontoons below the creek are taken away. Licatenant-Colonel Coan is about leaving at this time. The enemy tried Colonel Coans pickets about daylight on the right in small force. R. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Commanding AS~eeond Division: The major-general commanding directs that you cause the colored troops on the hue to be relieved and sent to their brigade. Respectfully, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant A0utant- General Page 381 (IIIAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 381 HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Commanding Second Division: The major-general commanding particularly (lesires to have Curtis brigade go entire, and he directs that you relieve it by one of yonr other brigades. Respectfully, ED. ~. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Col. N. M. CURTIS, Commanding Brigade: COLONEL: i[ am instrllcted by the brigadier-general commanding to direct you to picket the line the same as last night and from the same troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISRAEL R. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HDQRS. FOURTH RESUMENT MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY, In the Field, August 21, 1864. Lient. Col. ED. W. SMITH Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders from corps headquarters I reported for duty with my command to Brigadier-General Turner, on the evening of August 13, and was assigned to duty in the trenches under immediate command of Colonel Curtis. On the 17th of Angnst I reported for duty with my command to Major-General Birney at corps headquarters, and was ordered to picket and patrol that portion of the line connecting the right of Brigadier-General Birneys with the left of General Greggs picket- line. This duty was performed until August 20, at 10 p. in., when, in obedience to marching orders, I covered the rear of the retiring pickets to the pontoon bridge, reaching camp at 4 a. m. August 21. The only casualty to my command was an accidental injury to one man by gun- shot wound. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS WASHBURI~I, Lieutenant- Colonel Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel WASHBURN, Commanding Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry: The major-general commanding directs that you report, with your command (dismounted), to Brigadier-General Turner for duty in the intrenchments. Respectfully, ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 382 382 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV HEADQUARTERS, Major-General ORB, August 21, 18648.40 a. rn. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Whatdid the firing mean this morning? B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL: There is very heavy firing now going on five or six miles south of this apparently, probably a severe engagement on the left. It is too far to hear musketry. E.O.C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Colonel KENSEL, Chief of Staff: The firing this a. m. was a shelling along the whole line just as much as we have had for three mornings previous. I suppose it was intended to annoy us. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186410.30 a. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you open your batteries upon the enemy. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to Brigadier-General Mott.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORB, August 21, 186410.35 a. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that in addition to opening your batteries upon the enemy, you make every demonstration of attack upon them. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to Brigadier-General Mott. Page 383 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 383 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General Oju~, [August 21, 1864]11.25 a. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: All was going on well on the left. The enemy showed a line of bat- tle in front of Warrens left, when he opened his artillery npou them. It has been renewed. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of #~taff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 186411.30 a. m. General IIUMPHREYS: I have jnst received the following: Capt. S. A. CARTER: Have just discovered a movement of the rebels. They are moving in haste from the front of Colonel Fairchilds brigade to the rebel right ; the movement is qnite plain. Colonel Fairchild with me. E. WRIGHT, Colonel Command This near Burnsides mine. , ing Brigade. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- Generat. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. (Received 11.40 a. in.) General IIUMPHREYS: My ammunition in front was nearly all used up last night, and I cant keep up the firing long. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186411.40 a. m. Major-General ORB, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Your dispatch received. Can you concentrate your troops at any l)oint, leaving a very thin line in the intrenchments, and attack if the enemy thins oft~ much more, or can you extend your line and relieve some part of Motts troops, so that they can be sent toward the Wel- don railroad ~ Mahones division attacked Warren and was repulsed. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. (Received 12 in.) General HUMPHREYS: I will relieve a portion of my troops and send from 500 to 800 men to relieve General Mott on the left. Please send a staff officer to my head- quarters to show them the way. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General Page 384 384 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,~ August 21, 186411.55 a. m. General HUMPHREYS: The following has been received: Captain CARTER, Assistant Adjutant-General: The rebel movement reported to you continued about fifteen minutes, when our artillery opened on them and they at once hid in a covered way. E. WRIGHT, Colonel, Cornma~~ding Brigade. Respectfully, E. 0. C. OItD, ]tliajor- Generat HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 186412 m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: General Mott holds the intrenchments from your left to the plank road, and your troops had probably better extend to the left. I will advise General Hancock at once, and that Mott should send some one to point out how your troops should best euter the treuchesbut they are new to the intrenchments. A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. * HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. General GRANT: I have ordered portions of my meu to relieve Motts divisiou, by General Meades order. My parapet front line in places does not cover my men, having been washed down by rain, hence there is danger of reducing too much my trench gnard, having no reserves of either in- fantry or artillery. I should like two or three batteries from General Butler, Parke having withdrawii three batteries, and I have none to replace them. I have no battery to prevent the enemy crossing near Fort Clifton. E. 0. C. 0RD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 21, 18641 p. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Army Corps: The enemy evidently intend to use nearly their entire force to drive us from the Weldon road. This will enable us either to penetrate their line or to hold ours with a small force. Either make an attempt to break through on your front, or extend so as to relieve Motts division to go to Warren. I am inclined to think the latter to be the best policy, but leave it to your judgment. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 385 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 385 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTh ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. (Iteceived 3.50 p. in.) General BUTLER: I have asked General Grant for three batteries to replace three of General Parkes. He replies that you will let me have one and Gen- eral Hancock the other two. Will the one from you arrive before night ~ My line now is between three and four miles long. F. 0. C. ORD, ]Jiliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18648.05 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: The following has just been received: HEADQUARTERS FIFTH U. S. COLORED TRooPs, August 21, 18646.30 p. m. GENERAL: An intelligent man, whom I have had in a tree top to-day to observe the motions of the enemy, reports that three bodies of rebels moved toward the left (our left) at 5 p. in. He thinks about a regiment in each body. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. SHURTLEFF, Lieutenant-Colonel Fifth U. S. Colored I?00p8. F. 0. C. OItD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 186410 p. m. General HUMPUREYS: I do not feel confident as to strength of my line if attacked vigor- ously, with two little reserves two miles apart and enemy only 200 yards oIL Have made the best preparations I could. Shall to-morrow take the Spencer carbines from my detachment of cavalry and put thcse arms iu the trenches. E. 0. C. OItD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORD, August 21, 186410.40 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: The commanding general thinks it best that you should not weaken your line any further. He can get along very well without calling on you still more. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 21, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff, Department of Virginia and North Carolina: COLONEL: I have to report that my corps in the last ten days has been reduced, principally by sickness, from the 10th to the 19th, 25 R RVOL XLII, PT I Page 386 386 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. inclusive, 2,103 officers and men. The sick men, when J took command, averaged only 7 per cent. It is now from 17 to 20, and increasing rapidly. The fact that these men came here from a malarions district of th& South, that they had been more than two months in the trenches, and that in the last few days they have been exposed to heavy rains, which fill the pits, and to the enemys fire, which. prevents their obtain- ing rest, will account for this condition of the men. I have no hesita- tion in saying that unless the corps is relieved from its present duty and allowed rest, in the conrse of a month I shall not have 5,000 able- bodied men for duty out of the 10,000 ~ reported. 1 have RO reserves to relieve the men from tIme trenches, who are scattered along a line of over three miles, besides doing picket duty for five miles on the river front. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, & c., E. 0. C. GEl), ilLajor- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., Augu9t 21, 186410.05 a. in. Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: Get all your men under arms, including reserves. Send a staff officer to each of your brigades to let you know the condition of affairs, and whether there is any movement on the left. Be prepared to and re-enforce any threatened part of the line without waiting any further instructions. The batteries are directed to open all along the line. Please comply with inclosed telegram as near as you can. E.G.C. GIRD, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that as soon as a staff officer reports to you from General Mott, commanding division of Second Corps, you will send all yonr reserves by the road the officer will designate, to relieve the left half of the line imow held by General Mott, in the Ninth Corps front. If you can you will relieve and send the sharpshooters put in front this morning, and let General Grd know the whole number of troops sent. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfnlly, your obedient ser- vant, S. S. SEWAIRD, Major and Aide-dc-Camp. P. S.Send the best officer you have available to command the detached force Page 387 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 387 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTh CORPS, August 21, 18642.20 p. m. Brigadier-General CARR: GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct you to send one-half of your reserve force to report to Brigadier- General Ames for such instructions as he may give them. The other half you can retain as your own reserve. General Ames has all his men in the trenches, and is, therefore, without any reserve force. Very respectfully, THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, EIGHTEEN1 H ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1861. Maj. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General, F ighteenth Army Corps: MAJOR: In compliance with your communication of this date one- half of my reserve have been sent to General Ames, commanding Second Division. They reported to General Ames at 5 oclock this p. m. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. CARIR, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Col. A. F. STEVENS, Commanding First Brigade: SIR: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you move the regiments of your command now at the left of the Third Brigade and connect them with the other regiments of your brigade, holding the right of the line, this evening at dusk. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. JOHNSON, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864. Col. E. M. CULLEN, Commanding Second Brigade: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you send one-half of the force now with you (300 men under the proper officers) to report to Brigadier-General Ames, comnmanding Second Division. You will notify these headquarters so soon as you have complied with this order. Keep the Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers with yourself. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. JOHNSON, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 388 388 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. ANT) N. C. [CHAP. LIV. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH AIIi4Y CORPS, August ~ 1864. Col. S. II. ROBERTS, Comrncndinfl Third Brigade: SIR: The brigadier-general commanding directs me to say that the movement of your brigade toward the left of the line intended to be made last night will be carried into effect this evening. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. JOHNSON, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 21, 18641.15 p. m. Brig. Gen. A. AMES, Commanding Second Division: GENEWAL: I am directed to relieve General Mott, who occupies the trenches to your left, as far as the plank road at least. Mass all your reserve force to the left for that purpose. If you can find General Motts headquarters (I do not know where they are) get a staff officer from him to show you the best way to his (Motts) line, and relieve as large a part of his division as you can. General Carr~wil1 send two regiments, about 600 men, to relieve the remainder. Report when move commences. I telegraphed for a staff officei~ to you. As soon as he comes from General Mott (perhaps you had better mass your reserve and wait his arrival) let me know what force you send. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, 18TH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, 17a., August 21, 1864. In pursuance of instructions from corps headquarters, brigade coin- manders will have their reserves kept well in camp and ready for any emergency. By command of Brigadier-General Ames: - CHARLES A. CARLETON, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, August 21, 18649.30 a. m. Major-General HtTMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Colonel Kleinz, Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, stationed at Mount Sinai Church, reports the enemys l)ickets quite troublesome last night on the road to Surry Court-House and the Powhatan stage road; one horse killed; no casualties. Very respectfully, & c., AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 389 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. CHAP. LIV.] 389 HBQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIG-ABE, KAUTZS DIVISION, August 21, 1864. Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: In accordance to your directions I have the honor to report that all was quiet on my frout and if ank last night. I made a reconnais- sance yesterday afternoon; passed to the right of Reams Station. A small force, about 100, are at Reams. The enemy patrol front Reams, on a road west of the Vaughan road, all the way to Petersburg. The three regiments of cavalry have removed and are nOw encamped at a poiut three miles due west from the railroad. I shall make another reconnaissance this morning toward their camp. I routed two reserve picket stations of about thirty each yesterday. Very respectfully, ~. P. SPEAR, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIG-ABE, KAUTZS DIVISION, August 21, 18641 p. m. ~Lieut. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Army Corps:] COLOINEL: Your dispatch received. I ant ~n the extreme left. No force has yet been discovered. I am reconnoitering and will send you the first indication of any movement of the enemy. I have securely picketed every point. I am now with three regiments 011 the Vaughan road trying to ascertain their m~vements. The enemy have even drawn in their outer pickets. This means something which I am trying to discover. Very respectfully, S. P. SPEAR, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIG-ABE, August 21, 1864. Col. P. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General: I am now at Colonel Wyatts house, Vaughan road. The right flank of the enemy rests here. General W. II. F. Lee is in command. I had a sharp skirmish with his advance posts ; drove them all in; advanced to the main body; can get no farther without heavy loss. The roads are all barricaded in different places. The enemy are bivouacked; the distance between his line and ours cannot exceed one mile and a half. I have had some men wounded aud captured; some prisoners. I shall picket strongly every point. Yours, S. P. SPEAR, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIG-ABE, August 21, 18646 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: Since my last dispatch I have been to Reams Station. Destroyed two large water-tanks, pnmps, store-house, & c. A force 01 seventy of the enemy was there; small skirmish completely route Page 390 390 OPEkATIONS IN ~3E. VA. AND N. C. LOHAP. LIV~ them. Went two miles [beyond] Reams destroyed telegraph wire. Crossed the country and drove all pickets. Know where one regiment of cavalry is encamped eight miles from here; will visit them to. morrow. My flank is well guarded and the enemys right is well watched. It is still resting on Wyatts house. Very respectfully, S. P. SPEAR, Colonel, (Jommanding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION CAVALRY, Brig. Gen. A. V. KAUTZ, August 21, 1864. Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: General Gregg directs me to say that Colonel Spear will be relieved by this division on Weldon railroad, and that you will picket from James River to plank road, connecting with the pickets of the Second Division Cavalry at a point in vicinity of Garys Church, on plank road (Jerusalem). I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. C. WEIR, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 186410 jy. m. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 2 ix in. 23d.) Washington, D. C.: Everything quiet to-day. There were indications all day of the enemy collecting his strength to attempt to drive our forces from the railroad. The effort may be made to-morrow. I suspended about 2 a. m. to-day the order for an attack which had been prepared and was to have been made at daylight. Yesterdays operations cost the enemy very dearly in killed, wounded, and captured, whil8t our loss was very small. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, August 22, 1864. (Received 8 a. in.) Major- General MEADE, flead quarters Army of the Potomac: Lieutenant-General Grant desires me to say that in consequence of the reports of deserters that the enemys line in front of Butler had been reoccupied by the original force, no attempt will be made from Butlers front. I~ieutenant- ~o~n~f COMSTOCK, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 18648.15 a. m. General GRANT: Colonel Comnstocks telegram received. If the Tenth Corps is brought this side of the Appomattox, I beg leave to renew my sngge8tion tha Page 391 CHAP. LIV.] COI~UESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 391 it relieve the Second Corps, holding to the left of the Eighteenth. This would leave some reserve for the line of the Tenth and Eighteenth Corps, and would enable the concentration of the Second Corps for further operations. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 1864. Major-General MEABE, Commanding, & c.: It is my desire to hold the Weldon road, if it can be held, and to thoroughly destroy it as far south as possible. I do not expect to attack the enemy behind his intrenchments, unless he sends off a large part of his force. There is no necessity, therefore, for Warren moving from where he is unless he gains a better position by doing so. I intend to send all of the Tenth Corps that can be spared from Bermuda to take the place of the Eighteenth, and to place the latter back on high ground where jt will support our whole line from the Appomattox to the plank road, and will, at the same tir~e, be loose to go wherever it may be needed. Thinking it possible, however, that the enemy might, during to-day or to-morrow, concentrate all his forces to drive Warren away, I have directed General Butler to hold the Tenth Corps where it is, to make the attack contemplated for this morning should the enemy do so. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, YA., August 22, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & e.: Twenty-five hundred cavalry were seen moving toward Petersburg this morning. They will probably try to get to WalTens left to-day, either to drive in the working party on the railroad or to operate on his rear. Do you not think it advisable to move a division of infantry a few miles down the road to be ready for them ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Weldon Railroad, August 22, 186411.20 a. m. General GRANT: I find the enemy has left Warrens flank (left), and apparently his front between this point and the works in fromit of Petersburg. I also find that Warren is occupying the most favorable point in case a per- manent lodgment on the railroad is determimied on. There is no object, therefore, in advancing him unless it is intended to attack the enemys works. I have accordingly directed him to remain in his present posi- tion, pushing his skirmishers forward till they feel the enemy. Parkes corps is on the right, completing the line from here to the plank road. Hancock has one division in reserve and the other I have sent to assis Page 392 392 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. in destroying the railroad and covering the working party. I under- stand the railroad men yesterday became alarmed and mostly deserted the work. The enemys cavalry will uhidoubtedly endeavor to interfere with this work. I should be glad to know if these dispositions meet your views; also, whether you propose to re-enforce the intrenched line held by Ord and Mott by any of ~ troops, for I feel a little uneasy about this line. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Lieutenant-General GRANT, August 22, 18G412.30 p. rn. City Point: My telegram of 11.20 has been delayed by the wire ont of order. Since writing it Warrens pickets report the enemy in position in- trenched, about a mile back from the position occupied yesterday. I have directed any signal dispatches for me to be sent to you, as they may indicate movements requiring your action. G. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 22, 1864. Major-General MEADE: Two trains of cars loaded with troops moving to Petersburg have been reported this morning by the signal officer at Spring Hill. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WELDON RAILROAD, August 22, 18643.80 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Warrens skirmishers are in contact with the enemy~s about a mile from here, and the same distance from the enemys outworks on the railroad. They do not report any very heavy force, and there is no indi- cation at this moment of any attack, notwithstanding the reports of signal officers would seem to indicate an accumulation of troo s about the lead-works, which are on the railroad, inside the outer intrench- ments. A dispatch from General Ord asks for reserves of infantry an(1 artillery in case it is anticipated he may be attacked. I have directed him to call on General hunt for the artillery, as he has batteries in reserve; but I have no infantry to send him. Your dispatch, giving reasons for relieving the Eighteenth by the Tenth Corps, was not received by me till after seudino m dispatch .~, must be of 11~ wLi~4~ my excuse for referring in that dispatch to the subject. The railroad men have done very little work, and that very indifferently. Han- cocks division will soon be at work in addition. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. Commanding Page 393 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 393 CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & c. The object in relieving the Eighteenth Corps is, that from being kept so long in the Appoinattox Bottom a great many are now sick and the number is increasing very rapidly. Haviug the Eighteenth Corps free will give the same reserve as having any other corps free would. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & e.: Cars are running continually between Richmond and Petersbnrg, and this morning several trains have been seen to pass, heavily loaded with troops going south. Warren may be attacked this evening. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 18649.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I left the Weldon railroad at 6 p. m. At that time all was quiet. General Miles, commanding (livision Second Corps, had progressed within one mile and a half of Reams Station, destroying the railroad as he moved. Hearing the enemys cavalry occupied Reams Station, I directed General Gregg to send all his available cavalry force to assist General Miles in occupying the place. Since my return a dis- patch from General Gregg announces the occupation of Reams Station by his command. Colonel Spear, commanding brigade of Kautzs cav- alry, drove the enemys cavalry on the Vaughan and Bond roads in the direction of Petersburg, till he camc to a bridge destroyed by the enemy after crossing it, at which point the pursuit ceased. Prisoners report the death yesterday of General Sanders, conunanding brigade, and the wonnding severely of General W. H. F. Lee, but I place no reliance on the reports of prisoners in such matters, as they are generally only camp rumors. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 22, 1864. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Among fifteen prisoners of war just sent in from Fifth Corps I find men from Ransoms brigade, of Bushrod ~ division; Hagoods brigade, of Flokes division; Kirkland~s brigade, of Heths divis- ion, and Harris, Sanders, Wrights, and Finegans brigades, of Mahones (livision, and one man from Chambliss brigade, of XV. II. F. Lees cav- alry division. They all report that they were on picket last night, and that the commands to which they respectively belong moved during las Page 394 ~94 OPEUA~PiONS IN ~E. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. LIV. night and left them there. They were captured at daylight this morm lug. They had no knowledge as to where their commands went, but they all have an idea that they returned to their old positions in the trenches in front of Petersburg. They report that General Sanders was killed this morning, and they heard that General W. H. F. Lee died from wounds received yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MeENTEE, Captain, & c. [First indorsement.] Captain MOENTEE: You mention the rumor of General Sanders death this morning. Do you not mean yesterday morning ~ A. A. HUMPHPEYS, Mc~or- 6Yneral. [Second indorsement.] GENERAL: The prisoners say they heard that General Sanders was killed yesterday evening. I have seen them the second time. Respectfully, J. McENTEE, Cai~tain, & C. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROYOST-MARSHALGENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 22, 18G412 midnight. Major-General HUMPHREYs, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have just examined the three deserters from Finegans (Florida) brigade, sent in by General Mott to-night. They know that they left the Weldon railroad on Sunday night after dark and marched to their old position in the trenches. They say that Wrights brigade was in their rear on the march, and they think they are now lying in their rear. They know nothing of other troops, and say that General San- ders was killed on Sunday last. They say they have told inc all that they told General Mott. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MeENTEE, Captain, t~c. P. S.These men say that they heard that Scales brigade, of Wil- coxs division, was down on Weldon railroad on Sunday, but they did not see it. They think it a North Carolina brigade, in which supposi- tion they are correct, but I think it doubtful about the brigade being in our front. Respectfully, J. McENTEE Page 395 CHAP. LIV.] ~ORRESPONDENCL, ETC.UNION. 395 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoTol~IAc, August 22, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to forward the following messages: JORDAN HOUSE, August 228.30 a. m. Nothing unusual this morning. A train of twenty-three heavy wagons and live ambulances passed a point on the Richmond road west of this station, moving south. No movements of troops visible yet. JORDAN, Sergeant. STATION NEAR OLD FIFTH CORPS HEADQUARTERS, August 22, 1804. At 8 this a. m. a squad of. forty of the enemy, with arms and accouternients, left fort in front of this point and moved off in (lirection of their right. Number of tents in enemys works is diminished, and for a distance of 2,000 yards I counted only 120 of the enemy. No working parties seen. All quiet. WARTS, Lieutenant. WALTIIALL HousE, August 22, 18649.20 a. in. An hour ago about two regiments of infantry, followed by seven ambulances or Wfl gons, i)assed a point in the Richmond road north 40 degrees west from here, mov- ing toward the enemys front on our right of Fort Clifton. A half hour ago one regi- ment of infantry, ithout wagons, passed the open space in rear of Whiteheads Factory, moving toward the right. An extensive camp has appeared on the hill south of and on the outskirts of the city. Two engines have been standing at the Weldon Depot for the last hour. The enemys rifle-pits in front of Whiteheads Factory seem almost deserted this a. m. Several of the teiits have disappeared since yesterday. DAVIS, Captain. PLANK ROAD STATION, August 22, 18649.50 a. rn. About 1,100 infantry appeared marching in the intrenchments to the right of the Gregory Chimneys. They came from some point or points still farther to our right. They did not leave the cover of the intrenchments until under cover of the edge of the woods, about three-fourths of a mile to the left (our left) of the Chimneys above mentioned, when they filed to the rear. These men moved in about twenty-five subdivisions or detachments, apparently to not attract any attention. In addition, small squads seemed to join them as they passed various points of the line, thus weakening it. Afterward .about 200, in smaller detachments, Inarehed along the intrenebments in the opposite direction. These men were apparently a portion of the troops in our imumediate front and were detached to take the pi~mce of the others, as the lookout conid see them in small squads roll up their blankets amid then march toward the right (omir right), froma whence the first had come. Three wagons nmove(I southward on the road along the Weldon railroad. They were seen about one nille to the south of the lead-works, thus indicating the presence of tIme enemy, to some extent, in General Warrens front. The line in our front is aj)parently a weak one at present as regards the number of the enemy in it. B. F. FIShER, Major, 4c. JORDAN HousE, August 22, 186410.40 a. rn. A column of infantry has juist passe(1 open space in rear of Whitelmeads, moving in direction of Petersburg; twenty minutes imi passing. A column of cavalry marching by twos, liavin~ four large flags, has just passed through Petersburg moving to our left; twenty-live mimnutes ia passing. CLARK, Captain. JORDAN HOU5Ell.15 a. m. Another columim of cavalry seen as last reported; twenty mimmutes in passing Infantry reported in rear of Whiteheads have passed into Petersburg. CLARK, Captain. WM. S. STRYKER, Acting Chief Signal Officer Page 396 3% OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch receive(l from the plank road station: 7 A. M. Enemy planting more guns on works by the lead-works, bearing to our left down the Weldon railroad. Camps unchanged. II. W. FULTON. Very respectfully, your obedient servant7 B. F. FI~1IE~, Miajor and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. PLANK ItOAP STATION, Aug~~st 22, 186412.50 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The enemy has broken up a small camp immediately in front of this station. There seems to be a force of the enemy in line or massed immediately southward of the fort already mentioned as near and west of the Weldon railroad. It is impossible to tell the numbers, but they are visible at several points thiough openings in the timber. They are about one mile or more south of the lead-works. About 400 additional cavalry caine down the road from the direction of Petersburg. The indications are that all the troops seen this morning are massed iii the vicinity of that flirt or about one mile south of the lead-works. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISIIER iIIlajor and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, An gust 22, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to forward the following report just received: WALTHALL IIoUsE, Amtgnst ~2, 18G49.45 a. in.. Twenty-two wagons and six ambulances have just passed the point on the Rich- mond road north 40 (legrees west from here, moving toward Petersburg; squads of mounted men were mixed with the train. They probal)ly belong to the column that passed that point an hour and a quarter ago, arid which probably kept the Peters burg road instead of going to the right of Fort Clifton. DAVIS, Captain. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Acting Chief Signal Officer. PLANK liOAl) STATION, August 22, 18642 p. m. Major-General IITJMPIIREYS, Chief oJ Staff: GENERAL: The enemy is fortifying along the railroad. The line of works they are throwing up are on the cast side of the railroad anif seemingly parallel with it aimd close to it. The line is between the for Page 397 ChAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 397 heretofore mentioned and their main line of fortifications in the vicinity of the lead-works, though not extending to either point. The cavalry mentioned in former reports, accompanied by several (about two) thou- sand infantry, moved dowu the road west of the railroad toward or beyond General Warrens extreme left. Eighteen wagons followed the column. [cry respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHETh Major and Chief & gnal Officer. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 22, 1864. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report just received: JORDAN HOUSE, August 22, 18642.05 p. m. One large regiment of infantry, well closed up, a rear guard of about thirty men, and three wagons and two ambulances, have just passed Whiteheads, moving in direction of Petersburg. CLARK, Captain. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. SmYKER, Acting Chief Signal Officer. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SiGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 22, 1864. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staif: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following report just received: GIBBONs housE, August 22, 18642.50 p. m. Rebel infantry has been moving into town from enemys left for some time. They march very openly in squads of fifty to seventy-five, and I cannot estimate their numbers with any accuracy; should judge there might have been about 2,500 in all. When last seen they moved in a course about northwest, and were at a point west by southwest from this station. JORDAN, Sergeant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. SThYKEIR, Actiitg Chief Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD STATION, August 22, 18643 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Wagons and ambulances are passing rapidly toward the enemys rear, but in an irregular manner, as if coming from where there was danger. They come from the direction of the Bhick house, or where General Warrens forces were yesterday, and move upon severa Page 398 398 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP, LIV; parallel roads west of the Weldon railroad. A battery of artillery also came to the rear. It is my opinion tha.t the line of works being thrown up, and mentioned in last report, crosses the railroad south of the fort and extends a short distance westward. The train of passenger ears remains stationary abont a half mile south of the lead-works. It may be intended to remove wounded. At other portions of the enemys line in onr front it~ is quiet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer. WALTHALL HousE, August 22, 18644 p. rn [Lient. WILLIAM S. STRYKER, Acting Chief Signal Officer:] Four small regiments of infantry, nine wagons, and ten ambulances have just passed near Whiteheads Factory, on Richmond and Peters- burg Railroad, going toward Petersburg. Enemys signal officer reports wagons continually passing open space to left of Cobbs, and that there is a large transport just above pontoon, which frequently shifts its position so as to completely screen from his view whatever may be passing. FEAREY, Lieutenant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 22, 18645.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: At 4 p. in. a column of cavalry, numbering about 300, came out in vicinity ot lead-works and moved southward, passing east of large fort and parallel with railroad. A train of thirty-three ambulances and one of thirty-four wagons followed. A train of fifteen wagons moved to the right. H. W. FULTOK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HUMPHREYS, Augast 22, 18645.30 p. m. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatches received: JOI~nAN HOUSE STATION. The enemys camps, in rear of their line of intreneliments north-northwest from here and about one mile back of Fort Clifton, have disappeared. T. R. CLARK. STATION NEAR AVERY HousE. Enemy are eh~ .nging face of works near large white house on the crest of the hill, so as to command a portion of oar line with an enfilading tire. W. H. WARTS. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FIShER, Major and Chief Signal Officer Page 399 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 399 PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 22, 18647 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: Since last report thirty ambulances and twenty-seven wagons moved to our left southward on line of Weldon railroad. Troops east of rail- road and near tort are in same position as heretofore reported and con- tinue to throw up intrencliments. All quiet in immediate front of sta- tion, as also on our right. H. W. FULTOK, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 18647.40 a. rn. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: General Warren reports the enemy to have retired from his fiont. The commanding general directs that when he moves forward, you fol- low him. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 186412 m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps, Gurley House: I should have informed you that the enemy have left their position west of this point, but are in front, intrenched about a mile this side of their works. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Bliek House, Weldon Railroad, August 22, 18641 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: The commanding general directs me to say that the division you send to destroy the railroad will obtain implements for the purpose from General Warren, to whom the commander of the division will send. It is probable that the quartermasters party sent from City Point for the purpose of destroying the railroad have gone off altogether. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 18642.10 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: The brigade of cavalry covering the working party on railroad will be withdrawn upon the arrival of the division of your corps on the road. One regiment of it will be left, subject to the orders of the commander of the division, to scout and picket for him. Please direct General Miles to report his progress in destruction of the road from time to time. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chiqf of Staff Page 400 400 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 22, 18648.15 a. m. Brigadier-General MOTT, Commanding Division, Second Corps: General Warren reports that the enemy have left his front. His pickets are following, and his command may move forward. The coin- manding general desires to have you caution your command to great vigilance, as the enemy may look out for some weak point in our lines and endeavor to carry it. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, August 22, 1864. Official copy furnished for the information of brigade commanders. who will use the utmost vigilance. By command of Brigadier-General Mott: JOHN HANCOCK, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADI~UARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, August 22, 18649.10 p. i Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHR.EYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Some deserters who have just come over state that Mahone has withdrawn all his forces from the front of General Warren and now occupy the works in my front. I forward the deserters to army head- quarters. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. MOTT, Brigadier. General. (Copy to Major-General Warren.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS August 22, 18646 a. m. Major-General HUMPITREYS, Chief of Staff: General Ayres has just reported that the enemy has left his front. Skirmishers are now being pushed out on the left and in front. Signal officer reports our skirmishers advancing up the railroad and enemys skirmishers falling back without firing. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 18647.20 a. m, Major-General HUMPITREYS, Chief of Staff: The enemy seem to have retired toward Petersburg. I am pushing my pickets out in every direction, trying to find out where they are. As soon as I can ascertain anything definite I will at once inform you. Prisoners and deserters received this morning state that their loss yes- terday was heavy. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 401 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 401 HEADQUARTERS FIFTh ARMY CORPS, August 22, 18648 a. m. General HUMPHREyS: My infantry pickets are on the road at the Flowers house. No enemy in sight. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Staff: August 22, 1864. Where is General Gregg supposed to be ~ He has not arrived yet at the Perkins house, below here. Colonel Spear is still following npon the Vaughan road. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WARREN, August 22, 18648.10 a. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: General Gregg was ordered yesterday to move his brigade across to the railroad, and with his division to look after the left. It was supposed he was at the Perkins house or that vicinity. He is probably on the road from McCanns to Perkins. Can you conveniently send to meet him l A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Stat HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 22, 18649.50 a. m. General WARREN: The major-general desires to know how far your pickets have advanced and what they find in front of them. The major-general desires them advanced and supported. General Hancock is directed to follow you upon your moving forward. The major-general is at Hancocks headquarters, and will await your answer there. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 186410.30 a. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: My pickets have gone out to the Vaughan road on the west, and found no enemy. I sent the cavalry out long ago in that direction and expect a report every minute. General Ayres pickets also advanced toward Petersburg, and I have sent to ~ee exactly how far. The enemy can be seen on the railroad, where they have always been. If we are going to establish a line to hold, I believe the ground we are on is as good as any we can take up between us and Petersburg. If we wish 26 R RYOL XLII7 PT I Page 402 402 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. rOHAP. lAY. to get a battle at once out of the enemy, I think we should advance to the Danville railroad, which will undoubtedly bring the enemy out of his intrenchments, and we can have an open tight. At present we can- not take much artillery with us, and would not need much in snch a movement. We cant use any in an advance directly on Petersburg. I think our plan should be to establish a good line across to the plank road, with a good sized fort at this point where we can leave our artil- lery and a supply of ammunition, and then take every available man and go to the Danville road. If we advance against Petersburg I venture to say that we shall fare no better than heretofore in such attempts east of the Jerusalem plank road. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 1864. (Received 5.40 p. in.) Major-General WARREN: iDont overlook the destruction of the railroad within the limits of your pickets, which probably has not been destroyed by the railroad party. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 206. August 22, 1861. 1. Lient. Col. W. A. Throop, F~irst Regiment Michigan Volunteers, is assigned to the command of the First Brigade, First Division, in place of Col. W. S. Tilton, Twenty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, who is relieved and will l)roceed without delay to join his regiment at City Point. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 22, 1864. General WARREN: When you move forward I am ordered to follow you. Please let me know when you move. WINFD S. HANCOCK, ]tliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 18648.30 a. m. General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Army Corps: GENERAL: I have received no orders to move my command from this position. I am only moving out my pickets and skirmish line. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 403 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 403 HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 22, 1864. (Received 6 a. ni.) Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifth Corps: SIR: The general commanding division directs me to say that his ~picket-line is on the road running parallel to the railroad, and that no enemy is to be seen. GEG. L. CHOISY, Lient., Aide-dc-Camp, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, August 22, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have just now an officer of my staff who has been with my picket-line commanded by Colonel Winthrop. He rode with the colonel, and they saw the rebel troops along the woods beyond the corii-field. My picket-hue is along this line of the corn-field. Colonel Winthrop is satisfied that the enemy are there in force. My pickets are still l)ushing on ~lowly. Very respectfully, IR. B. AYRES, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 22, 1864. (Received 4 p. in.) [Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant A~jutant- General:] COLONEL: Colonel Stone went out with 100 men. He sends me word that with 400 additional men the present line can be held; and, second, if it is desired that the line shall fall back, he wishes to know. Very respectfully, H. B. AYRES, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, August 22, 1864. Lieutenant CIOISY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report that after much difficulty I succeeded in advancing my pickets to the white house, driviiig the enemys pickets back. After holding the house for a few momeiits the line fell back to their original position, reporting that they saw the enemy mov- ing to the left. My officers are all very poor and the men of the Second Brigade worse, and I have had great difficulty in getting the line up. I have again advanced the line; will report further. Very respectfrilly, F. WINTHROP, Colonel Fifth New York Veteran Volunteers Page 404 404 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIY. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, August 22, 1864. Lieutenant CHoISY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I now hold the house and have driven the enemys pickets a considerable distance beyond it. F. WINTHROP, Colonel Fifth New York Volunteers, General Officer of Pickets. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, August 22, 1864. Lieutenant CHOISY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the hoi~ior to report that my pickets have advanced beyond the house, and hold a portion of the enemys pits which were occupied previous to my advance. The enemys pickets are still in their pits off toward my right, as the Ninth Corps has not made any advaiice in that direction. The pits I now hold are in the same line as that held by the enemy on my right. I have directed the line to remain in its present position until further orders. Respectfully, F. WINTHROP, Colonel Fifth New York Vet. Vols., General Officer of Pickets. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, August 22, 1864. Lieutenant CHOISY: I hold the enemys maui line of works about seventy-five yards in advance of the white house. I send you in a prisoner. F. WINTHROP, Colonel Fifth New York Vet. Vols., General Officer of Pickets. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 1864. Lient. G. L. CHOISY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, iSeeond Division: LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to forward to you four rebel prisoners. One Michael Cary, Company A, Twelfth Mississippi, assumes to be able to give information in regard to mining operations by the enemy in front of Petersburg, and the disposition of their forces. Very respectfully, B. S. BRAGQ Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 18647.45 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps, Gurley 1?ouse: The commanding general desires to know what progress your com- mand made on the rifle-pits and slashing last night, and the present condition of your line. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 405 CHAP. LIV.] 405 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRPs, August 22, 18648 a. ni. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Major-General Parke is at present on the line. It will be impossible to give you the information required in yonr dispatch of 7.45 until his return, which will be within an hour. li. A. hUTCHINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, August 22, 18649.30 a. in.- Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Stafl: General Ferrero occupies from the Strong house the line occupied by one brigade of General Potter. lie has been at work all night and re- ports that by eveniiig the work will be completed. I shall then extend him to the left, relieving Potters other -brigade. The line in front of this brigade has been straightened and shortened to connect with the line of parapets and batteries in the Blick house opening. We are at work on this hue now, and I hope to have it finished by evening. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. GURLEY HOUSE, August 22, 186410.15 a. in. Major-General PARKE, Comnzamding Ninth Corps: General Warren has been directed to continne pushing forward his l)ickets aNd to support them. The commanding general directs that you advance the pickets of your line, keeping pace with those of Warren. Your dispatch about your line indicates that Willcoxs and Whites divisions are not upon your line preparing it. If that is so, the com- manding general directs that when General Warren moves forward you cover his right flank with these two divisions. A. A. HUMPIIREYS Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 1864. Major-General HUIWPHREYS: General Ferrero reports that scouts have advanced a mile in front of his division without finding the enemy. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 406 406 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS AR~IY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 22, 18642.50 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps, near Gurley House: The pickets of General Ayres have advanced and occupied part of a rifle-pit that was held by the enemy, who still hold it on his right. As the pickets of your corps have not advanced as far as his, they should be pushed forward as far as Ayres pickets. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, - No. 150. Before Petersburg, Va., August 22, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. The Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers is hereby relieved from duty as engineer regiment of First Division. The commanding officer will report in person without delay to the commanding officer of the First Division for further orders. By command of Maj. Gen. John G. Parke: JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. G. GRIFFIN, Commanding Second Brigade: GENERAL: You will continue work as rapidly as possible on the new line. Major-General Meade has just been here. He did not exactly understand the line where he ordered work suspended. He has coun- termanded the order and desires it (the work) pushed forward dili- gently. By order of Brigadier-General Potter: SAML. WJ~IGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Weldon Railroad, near ~ House, August 22,186411.15 a. m. Colonel HUMPHREY: COLONEL: General Warren has been directed to push forward his pickets and to support them. The brigadier-general commanding directs that you advance your pickets, keeping pace with those of General Warren. Will you please send out strong supports, and be ready with the rest of your brigade to support the troops of the Fifth Corps in case a general advance is made. I remain, colonel, your obedient servant, L. C. BRACKETT, Aide-de- Camp Page 407 Gun. LIti CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 407 HEADQUaTRRS ARMY OP T~. POTOMAC, Augun *2, 18647.40 a. a. Brigadier-General (jnGG, Owsaaesdiuu Vanity: (Through General Warrens headquarters.) General Warren reports the enemyto have retired from his front and that his pickets are moving forward, feeling. The commanding general directs that you maintain a corresponding movement on General War- rens left flank. Prisoners report W. H. P. Lees division and Dear- lugs brigade on the says right A. Mujord*neral Chief eibtsjt HE& DQUaTunS Ann ow in POTOMAC, BUck Hewn, Weivlos Railroad, August 22,186411.80 a. a. Brigadier-General GREGG, CwsusauMsg Vanity: The major-general cQmmanding directs that you report at once the disposition you have made of your force to protect the1arty destroying the railroad and cover theleft flank of the army;an hat youestab- lish 7our headquarters within easy communication of this point, coin- mumoating and co-operating with the commander of the infantry at this point, Major-General Warren, as well as with the commanding general. A division of infantry of the Second Corps will be sent to co-operate in the protection of the railroad party, and for the purpose of destroying it. A. A. HUMPHBBYS Aftsjot-GeueraI assd (7k4 oTher HuawQunTns Ann or in POTOMAC, August **~ 186412.80 p. a. Brigadier-General GREGG, Ceases cHug Vanity: GREnAL: Itwas the disposition of your whole force and not the mere picket-line that was wanted. It was expected that you would have a considerable part of your force concentrated on or near the rail- road, or the roads adjacent, for the operations required of you. The commanding-generalthinksit better to retain Colonel Spear to increase your force for such purposes. Some part of the country or line you are endeavoring to picket is represented to be impassable, and if so needs .- but very few pickets. It appears that the only point at which our cavalry is in contact with the enemy is about Colonel WyatUs. The commanding general directs that you feel for the enemys cavalry line, and ascertain how it is posted and connected with the enemys infantry. General Warren will furnish you an infantry support should you need poy g on ~ HUMPHBEYS~~ Page 408 408 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, BUck House, TVeldon Railroad, Aug~tst 22, 18G41.45 p. rn. Brigadier-General GREGc~, Gommanding Cavalry: The commanding general has just received a dispatch from Lieuten- ant-General Grant, stating that 2,500 cavalry were seen moving to Petersburg from the north side of the Appornattox, which it is surmised are destined to operate against our forces on or near the Weldon rail- road. Keep your command well in hand. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, (Jurley House, August 22, 18G45.25 p. m. Brig. Gen. b. MoM. GREGO, Commanding Cavalry: - If the enemy have possession of Reams Station the commanding general directs that you move with your cavalry and drive them from it, in co-operation with the division of infantry of the Second Corps now on the railroad. You will, of course, at once sen(l sufficient cavalry to the station to ascertain whether it is held in any force by the enemy. The operation of destroying the railroad will be continued as long as it is practicable for a day or two. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, August 22, 18646 p. m. Chief of AS~taff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Colonel Spear has just returned from his reconnaissance and reports having driven the enemys cavalry, about 300 or 400, from Wyatts across the country in the direction of Petersbllrg; his pursuit was stopped by a bridge which the enemy destroyed after having passed it. Colonel Spear learned from negroes that the enemys infantry last night moved back to a road in rear of the Bohn [Vaughan ~?] road. Yours, respectfully, D. ACM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Second Division. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS: August 22, 18648.40 p. m. Brig. Gemi. D. MeTVII. Gregg has advanced cavalry to Reams~ Station and finds nothing there, but learns that the enemy have one brigade of cavalry at a creek three miles beyond. W. HARPER. JR., Captain and Assistant Provost-iliarshal, Second Cavalry Division Page 409 Ca& r. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 409 IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AN~ NORTH CAROLINA, August 22, 186412.35 a. rn. (Iteceived 12.40 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Scouts report that at 5 oclock this evening the absent troops made their appearance again in their old places in front of our lines. The officer in charge of picket-line reports it as fully manned. I sent to General Birney for his opinion of the movement and lie telegraphs as follows.* Shall we move at 2 oclock as proposed ~ BENJ. F. BUTLE1~, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 18641.30 a. in. Major-General BUTLER, (Jommandinq, & e.: Your dispatch of 12.85 received. Under the circumstances, I think you had better not move. U. S. GIIANT, Lieutenant- Uenerctl. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send the followino- from signal officer. What can it mean? The night trains were very heavy. These troops did not cross Chaffins farm this morning: HEADQUARTERS DEPT. OF VIRGINIA ANT) NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF TIlE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August ~2, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The following dispatch has just been received and is respeetfully for- wardnd: SPRING hILL SIGNAL STATION, August 22, 18648.50 a. rn. Captain NORTON: Twenty ears heavily loaded with troops just passed the Junction toward Peters- burg. Also twenty-seven wagons and 100 cavalry on turnpike toward Petersburg. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 1864. Major- General BUTLER, Commanding, 4~e.: The troops reported inovin g toward Petersburg must be the same that were opposed to the Second and Tenth Corps north of the James. They probably crossed the river during the night so as to escape observation. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. See Birney to Bntlei, 21st (sent 12.15 a. ni. 22d), p. 379 Page 410 410 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C: [CHAP, LIV. TIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 22, 186410,10 a. m. General GRANT: Signal officer reports, 6.50, six trains passed during night toward Richmond. Fifteen cars loaded with troops 6.45 a. in. toward Rich- mond; 2,500 cavalry toward Petersbnrg; twenty cars with troops toward Petersburg. Is it not relieving the field troop~ in the trenches with fresh troops from the north side of James ~ BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]lfc(jor- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: Prisoners and deserters taken this morning report the enemys loss very heavy yesterday. I think it most likely the troops seen going to- ward Richmond are wounded men going to hospitals. Those moving toward Petersburg are likely troops getting back from the north side of the river. General W. H. F. Lee is reported mortally wouimded in yesterdays engagement. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: I think it will be well to hold the Tenth Corps ready to make the effort that was proposed for this morning for a day or two before moving it. The enemy may be induced to move most of his troops from your front in the hope of dislodging ns from the Weldon road. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 22, 186411.10 a. m. (Received 11.25 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I will keep the sharpest possible lookout upon th~ movements of the enemy in my front, and will be all ready to move at once, day or night. At 10.35 twenty-seven wagons, fourteen ambulances, and 300 cavalry passed toward Petersbnrg; thirteen ~vngons toward Richmond. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. - HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRG1NIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 22, 1864. Lient. Col. G. A. KENSEL, Acting Chief of Star: COLONEL: The signal officer at S~riug Hill reports at 12 m. that nine cars loaded with troops passed the Junction toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 411 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 411 Lieutenant-General GRANT: When they get all their troops on the south side we may be able to get out and have them all before us. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 22, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Comm ending, & c.: I see by yesterdays Chronicle that there is a large number of negro men at New Berne who will not enlist. ~ ewspaper articles are not entirely reliable authority to act upon, but as the chief quartermaster is much in need of abont 1,000 men to relieve the same number of enlisted men with, I thought I would inquire of you if this was so, and if it is, to send them here for employment, not to be enlisted. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Geueral. HDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 22, 186410.30 ~. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Telegram received in relation to theun employed negroes at New Berne. I have reason to believe that there is truth in the report. I will send an energetic staff officer to investigate report and bring up the negroes. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. DUTCH GAP, August 22, 1864. General BUTLER: The enemy have fired shot from a Coehorn mortar. Can two be sent LUDLOW, Major. HEADQUARTERS, August 22, 186410 a. in. Major LUDLOW, Dutch Gap: Have no Coehorns. Will send an officer from Grahams gun-boat who understands the Sawyer shells: You ought to be able to reach the range of a Coehorn mortar with your Sawyer canistey. Try them at 10 degrees elevation; they will give you 4500 yards. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. DUTCH GAP, August 22, 186410.50 a. m. General BUTLER: Enemy have opened another mortar on us. Got good range, but dis- tance not exact. LUDLOW, Major Page 412 412 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. ITDQRS, DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 22, 18649.45 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signa.l officer at Spring Hill reports that at 9.30 a. in. a column of cavalry, about 2,500, was seen on turnpike opposite rail- road junction, going toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA ANT) NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHiEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 22, 186411 a. m. Lieut. Col. G. A. KENSEL, Acting Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The signal officer OIL Spring lull reports that at 10.35 a. m. twenty-seven wagons, fourteen ainbnlances, and 300 cavalry passed the Junction on turnpike toward Petersburg; also thirteen wagons toward Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. B. NORTON, 6~aptain and Chief Signal Officer. BUTLERS hEADQUARTERS, Colonel AnnoT, . August 22, 1864. First Connecticut Artillery: The general commanding (lesires that you send to Dutch Gap two Coehorn mortars, with implements, and 100 rounds of aunnunition per piece. A. MORDECAT, Captain of Ordnance. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 22, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY: By order of the lieutenant-general, to whom I telegraphed the facts and your opinion, you will not iiiake the movement ordered. Please send notice to Ludlows troops not to come over. Acknowledge re~ ceipt. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 1864. Major- General BUTLER, Commanding: I have ordered troops back to position hi suspend the movement. , ving received dispatch to D. B. BiRNEY, Major- General Page 413 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC UNION. 413 HEADQUARTERS, August 22, 1864. Major-General BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Corps: The signal officers report six trains of cars passed the Junction last night toward Richmond, aiid a train of fifteen cars loaded with troops passing in the same direction this morning at 6.45. Have a little reconnaissance made and see if there is any change of troops in your front. Have you any deserters? BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 22, 186411.15 a. m. (Received 11.35 a. in.) Majoi-General BIRNEY: The movement ordered last night has not been abandoned, bat only postponed. Meanwhile let every preparation be made for it; the troops organized so as to move quickly and reconnaissances made so that offi- cers may be instructed in the features of the country exactly over which they are to operate. Let this be done quietly, so as not to attract observation. Large bodies of troops are moving to Petersburg to-day. Large bodies moved toward Richmond early this morning and last night. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY Conps, August 22, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding: The scout reports that the enemy are busily engage(1 in erecting a line of breast-works running from l)oint of woods toward the old Port Waithall railroad. He says it is three logs high. Their lines, he says, are three times stronger than day before yester(iay. He says this new line is some fifty yards in rear of their former advance line. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 18642 a. m. The movement of troops ordered for this morning is suspended, and the troops will resume their l)laces as before. By order of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTh ARMY CORPS, August 22, 1864. The movement of last night is only postpone(l. Commanding officers will quietly acquaint themselves to-day with the ground over whic Page 414 414 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. they are to move. This should be done without attracting observation. Officers and men should remain with their commands ready for any movement, as there is a great movement of troops, on foot, of the enemy. By order of Major-General Birney: El). W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 103. In the Field, August 22, 1864. 1. Divisions will resunie the usual picket duty, General Terry on the right, General Turner the center, and Brigadier-General Birney the left. The details will be nmde heavy enongli ft~r a strong l)icket-line and safety of the camp. The pickets will go on promptly at 5 p. in. 2. Brigadier-General Birney will move his brigade to the left of the line of fortifications, occupying the position recently vacated by the 100-days men. The troops of his brigade will picket the same line that General Terry did. He will send his brigade officer of the d y and ascertain the line and detail required~ * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assis taut Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, August 22, 1864. Col. J. B. Howell, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Col. N. M. Curtis, One hundred and forty-second New York Volunteers, commanding brigades, will proceed this afternoon in person to the Port Walthall plain and carefully examine the ground with reference to an attack on the enemys works between the Bake-House Creek and the i-ailroad, making themselves thoroughly acquainted with the best posi- tion for drawing up their troops preparatory to an attack. The com- manding officer of the One hundred and twelfth New York Volunteers will examine the Mill road with reference to a movenient on the enemys works by the road running from the mill-pond obliqnely to the right. By order of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry: A. TEltItY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HDQRS. FIRST DIvISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., August 22, 1864. Indications of nnusual activity on the part of the enemy having been reported, the officers amid mnemi of each l)o1tion of this command will not be permitted to leave their regiments, but be kept in readiness for any movement that may be directed. By order of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry: A. TEItIIY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 415 CHAi?. LIY.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 415 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 22, 18648.15 a. rn. Major-General ORD, Corn nanding Eighteenth Corps: General Warren reports the enemy gone from his front. His pickets aie moving np the railroad; his command will probably follow. The commanding general desires you to caution your command to great vigilance, as possibly the enemy may count upon finding some weak point in our lines. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of & aff. [Indorsernenti Please warn all your brigades accor(lingly and promptly. E. 0. C. GIRD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 1864. Major-General iIUMPHREYS: Dispatch as to enemy leaving Warrens front received. They would find my line (1 have but one) very thin, but all have been put on the alert. If I am expected to hold this long line against assaulting columns, reserves of artillery and infantry should be sent me without delay. I have but little confidence in nay colored regiments, which are nearly depleted of officers from sickness. 0111), Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Blicics House, Weldon Railroad, August 22, 18643.30 p. m. Major-General ORB, Commanding Eighteenth Army Corps: Your dispatch respecting the need of reserves of artillery and infantry in the event of your front being assaulted is received. The commanding general has no infantry to send you, but you can obtain some artillery by calling on General Hunt. The indications are that if an attack is made it will be directed against the position of General Warren, since a force is apparently being concentrated opposite to it. The command- ing general understands that you will shortly be relieved by the Tenth Corps. A. A. HUMPITIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., August 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I inclose report as to enemy having a battery which makes one I am directed to occupy, lately of Burusides front, now unten- able. Night before last they smashed things generally, dismoun Page 416 416 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. guns, breaking wheels, and cutting down parapet therein. Can you send an engineer officer (I have no one to send) to find a new place for these guns or have front of battery changed. The battery injured is near and to the right of the entrance of the covered way leading to Burnsides mine. E.O.C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. ORD, August 22, 1864. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: GENERAL: Major Duane, acting chief engineer, will at once send an engineer officer to exainiiie the battery reported in your dispatch of this morning to Major-General llumphreys as nutenable. General Meade and General liumphreys have gone to General Warrens headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~YJLLTA~S, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 18643.20 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: The following has been received from Colonel Wright, commanding Temith U. S. Colored Troops, stationed to the left of Bnrnsides mine: Doctor Lampson, of the Thirty-sixth, is juat from that regiment, and says the line officers reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Pratt that the rebels were seen to move, with knapsacks, along their line of works from their left toward their right (our left). Lieutenant Way, one of my aides, has ,just returned from the battery a little to our left, and reports that he learned there that this morning the rebels were massing troops about a mile to my left in the woods to their (the rebel) rear. E. 0. C. GIRD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 18648.10 p. m. General HUMPHEEYS: The enemy are sending up signal rockets in and to the left of town. E.0.C. GIRD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, (Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR:] August 22, 1864. GENERAL: The report of Colonel Shurtleff, Fifth Colored, as to what a man up a tree saw, was quite important. I have rigged a lookout, and wish you would direct all your brigades to keep men up trees so as to warn us of moving of troops in our front. Put your pickets on the lookout and listen at night, and have the enemys line of abatis care Page 417 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 417 fully watched to note if it is taken away, or if their parapets are re- moved to make openings for assaulting, so that you can, without waiting for orders, assemble your little reserve and notify the nearest batteries to be ready to repel attack. I have asked for a reserve force and may possibly get it. You had better detail division officer of the day with orderlies all along your line to warmi you of any changes. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 1864. Copy furnished for the informatiou qf the commanding officer, Third Brigade, who will see that a vigilant lookout is kept up along the line. Lookouts will be posted in position from which they can overlook the enemys line. All movements on the part of the enemy will be promptly reported to these headquarters. By command of Brig. Gen. J. B. Carr: J. JOHNSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 22, 18647.10 p. rn. Major FISHER: Since 10 a. m. nearly all the tents have disappeared from the line of rifle-pits on hill three miles northwest of here. I think there was about a brigade there. The enemys signal officer reports one trans- port goiie down the river this p. in. without troops aboard. A large camp smoke rising southeast and about a mile from city. CHAS. L. DAVIS, - Captain and Signal Officer. HEADQUNRTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. A. AMES, August 22, 1864. Gommanding Second Division: GENERAL: The corps officer of the day reports that the Thirty- sixth iRegimnent Colored Troops seem unsteady and unreliable, and the major-general commanding directs that you send one-half of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, who reported to you to-day, to report to the colonel of the Thirty-sixth, to be stationed among the men and restore confidence by their presence and by keeping down the enemys fire. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORE READ, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Perkins House, August 22, 186410 a. m. Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant A~ju tent-General: SIR: I have made a reconnaissance to where the enemys right rested last night. The right is still there; same as last night. If there are none on the Vanglian roa(l (as reported by a staff officer of General 27 R RVOL XLII, PT I Page 418 418 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [cHAP. Liv. Warrens this morning) then the enemy have swung around or divided. The enemys cavalry are acting very cautious, and are changing picket stations daily, which will require to be strictly watched for the security of your left flank. My front is now being relieved by two regiments of Greggs cavalry. I regret having to leave at this time, but will turu over my orders so that there can be no mistaking them. Will report in person shortly. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. SPEAR, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. P. 5.The enemy have re-established their pickets also on my left, on the Reiray [Reams 0?] road, on the Burt [Vaughan 0?] road, and cross- roads. I forgot to state that the breast-works at Reams are, about three-quarters of a mile in length, and only about fifty of a reserve were there, which I completely routed on yesterday. Have not seen Gen- eral Gregg yet. S. P.S. CITY POINT, August 23, 18646 p. m. (Received 24th.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Our position on the Weldon railroad now seems entirely secure. One division of infantry and the cavalry have been working south, de- stroying the road as they go. They met some opposition to-day from the enemys cavalry and were consequently further re-enforced. Pris- oners taken since the last repulse of the enemy repeat the report of W. H. F. Lee being mortally wounded, General Cliugman losing a leg, and General Sanders killed. These reports, however, may not be reliable. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POToMAc, August 23, 186410.30 a. m. General GRANT: I have nothing new to report this morning. Reports from deserters amid observed movements of the enemy led to the belief of the proba- bility of an attack on Motts front last night. Every preparation that was practicable was made to meet it. I have called on General War- ren for his views as to holding his present position with his own and the Ninth Corps extending to the l)lank road. It becomes a question omi which I desire your views, how far Miles division, Second Corps, should go down the railroad destroying it. This division is small, less than 4,000 effectives, and has a brigade of cavalry about 1,000 strong. From reports of deserters there is reason to believe the enemy sent infantry down the railroad on Sunday night, and we know he has two divisions of cavalry available for operations, besides troops now on the road that can be sent up from the south to meet Miles affvance. In my judgment, therefore, Miles ought not to go beyond support fromn Warrens posi- tion, say Rowanty Creek, some ten miles, which l)oint he will probably reach to-day. He has no artillery with him and it cannot be got ove Page 419 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 419 to him and he cannot carry any trains or reserve ammunition. He should, therefore, return or be re-enforced. If Warren replies he can take care of himself, and it is deemed the line from the plank road to the Appomattox is secure, Gibbons division can be sent to Miles, and another brigade of cavalry; but this is extending very far and leaves no means of repairing any casualties should the enemy, by a successful movement, penetrate our line at any point. I should be pleased to have your instructions upon these points. GEG. U. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, Va., August 23, 1864. Major-General MEADE: The Richmond papers of the 22d claim to have captured from War- ren on Saturday morning 2,700 prisoners. Did Warren lose any such number ~ No report yet received shows it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 1864.1O.45 a. m. General GRANT: Warrens official returns show as follows: August 18: Killed, 66; wounded, 478; missing, 392. August 19: Killed, 46; wounded, 218; missing, 2,457. General Warren was in hopes many of the above miss- ing were stragglers. It should be observed the above report is exclu- sive of the Ninth Corps, who also lost prisoners on the 19th. It is therefore probable the Richmond papers are not far in error. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 186412 m. General GRANT: I have a dispatch from Warren advising me he has so strengthened his position he feels secure against any attack without the aid of the Second Corps. In deciding upon the movements ~f this corps (Second) an important consideration must be held in viewthe present condi- tion of all but the main and old roads. All others, country and cross- roads, are impassable for artillery and wagons. The rain of last even- ing will, I fear, keep them so for some days, or until we have fair weathera warm sun and drying winds. The question therefore of supplying any large force at a distance from the main army or carry- ing supplies enters into the expediency of movements. With pack- mules we can keep up supplies if the troops are not too far removed from the trains. The trains cannot be taken along. This dispatch is intended as a continuation of the one sent this a. in. asking your views. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General Page 420 420 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. FORT POWHATAN, August 23, 18642.15 p. rn. Major-General MEADE: I think with you it would be imprudent to send General Miles with his small force beyond the support of the main army to dcstroy the railroad. If we can hold our present position until the roads get in good order Ord can be sent with the Eighteenth Corps and cavalry to complete the work if possible as far as Hieksford, at least so far as to inconvenience the enemy in hauling around the break, and so that it would take considerable time to repair it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Widow Smiths House, August 23, 18646 p. m. General GRANT: I have examined the line from the Strong house to Warrens right. It can be held securely by two divisions of the Ninth Corps, leaving two divisions in reserve. Warren can hold his line securely with three divisions, leaving him one in reserve. Under these circumstances, as Miles has had a skirmish with the enemys cavalry, and from prisoners learned tbat a division of cavalry was in his front, I have ordered Gib- bon down to Reams Station and sent Hancock down to take charge of the two divisions of infantry and the cavalry and to destroy the rail- road as far as practicable. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHALGENERALS DEPARTMENT, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 23, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from Forty-fourth North Carolina, Kirklands brigade, Heths division, who just arrived here, reports that he left his picket-lin.e last night; that he was on picket on the Weldon railroad a short distance below the lead-works. He states that on Sunday night last his brigade marched back from Fifth Corps front to a posi- tion between the lead-works and Petersburg. He states that they are lying on the railroad near the city, and hc thinks that all of Heths division is in that vicinity. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. MCENTEE, Captain, & e. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, MajoixGe~eral HUMPHREYS, August 23, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter from Finegans (Florida) brigade, who came in this morning, states that his bri~ade left the W eldon railroad on Sun- day night and marched back to their old position in the trenches. H Page 421 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 421 states that he straggled behind his regiment and did not catch up with it until about 10 a. in. yesterday. All the troops, he states, which were on the line of Weldon railroad in front of Fifth Corps have fallen back around Petersburg. He states that he saw no troops betwecit their lower line along railroad and the lead-works. They had all marched inside of breast-works north of lead-works. This man states that lie saw several men (stragglers) along the railroad inquiring for Scales brigade, and they stated that the brigade had gone off in the night and left them behind. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, August 23, 18G45.30 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of ~taff: GENERAL: Two deserters from Eighth Alabama, Sanders brigade, who caine into our lines this afternoon, report that their brigade is now lying in its old position in the trenches on the right of the plank road. The whole of Mahones division, they think, is in that immediate vicinity. They confirm the report of the death of General Sanders, and one of the men states that this morning he heard one of the officers of his regiment reading from Richmond paper an acconut of the death of A. P. Hill, the result of a wound received in his side on Sunday last. The other man thinks the truth of this report doubtful, as he thinks he would have heard of it from other sources if it were true. Neither of these mcii have been in service more thaii a month, and their information is consequently limited. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, dee. AUGUST 23, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: TREE STATIONa. m. All quiet. Enemy seems more numerous in front of this station than heretofore. Small party to work on fort on crest of the hill near large white house. This work is cut for two gnus and nearly completed. AVERY HOUSE STATION. Nothing unusual observed from this point. Observed a small wagon train consisting of eight wagons passing in the rear of enemys posi- tioim, moving tow rd enemys right. No movements of troops observed. Respectfully, WARTS, Lieutenant Page 422 422 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C.. [C~-& r. LIV. IIEADQIJARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 18647.30 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch received from the plank-road station: 7.30 A. M. The force at Weldon railroad occupy the same position as last evening. New works near fort on line of railroad, mentioned in yesterdays reports, look as if the enemy had worked on them all night. They extend into the woods left of fort, south of the fort on the one side and on the other disappear in woods near the brick house, and have assumed quite a formidable appearance. The brick house is about half a mile or less from the fort and toward Petersburg. No change in our imme- diate front, except about a dozen 6f tents being put up where smMl camp was broken up yesterday. All quiet. FULTON. Your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer. WALTUALL HOuSE, August 23, 18649.45 a. m. Major FISHER: There is a large camp, as of troops in bivouac, at a point left of the Weldon railroad as seen from here and bearing south 40 degrees west. The line of it runs east and west, and there appears to be considerable activity at that point. Two engines have been at the Weldon depot and on~ or more at the Lynchburg depot since daylight. Steam rising over trees at Pocahontas indicates the presence of an engine at that place. C. L. DAVIS, Captain and Signal Officer. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 23, 186411.15 a. rn. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The enemy are very busy fortifying in the vicinity of the Weldon railroad. In addition to the line of works reported as being constructed ou the east side of the railroad and crossing sonth of the fort and extending westward, they are throwing up another line in the woods to the rear of the fort. The fort is located west of the railroad. There seems to be a slight increase in the number of the enemy in the line of intrenchments in our immediate front, but it is still compara- tively a weak line as regards the number of men in them. At 9.40 a. m. a train of seventeen wagons and two ambulances passed southward west of the Weldon railroad. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer Page 423 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 423 AUGUST 23, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: TREE STATION. No change this p. m. Our pickets have compelled the enemy to cease work on two-gun fort on the hill. Enemy hauling logs to the front. All quiet. AVERY HOUSE STATION. Thirty-four wagons have passed over road in rear of Petersburg since 1 this p. in., moving toward enemys right. No movements of troops seen. This road is being almost constantly used by the enemy and think it is the same road seen from Lieutenant Duffs station. All quiet. WARTS, Lieutenant. AUGUST 23, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: This a. in. enemy~5 signal station reports three regiments on drill near Cobbs, and two regiments of cavalry going toward their front in Chesterfield. No movements of the rebels observed to-day. Weather this p. in. very smoky. The line of rebels reported this a. m. south of Petersburg remained the same till the haze prevented them from being seen. FULLER, Lieutenant. JORDAN hOUSE, August 23, 18644 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer: Good many stragglers seen this a. m. going toward Petersburg. Fif- teen wagons loaded with hay in bales, and about same number loaded with tops of trees, having the appearance of being cut for abatis, passing in same direction. A 20-pounder Parrott gun has disappeared from Archers battery. Wagons and ambulances have been passing both ways about the same as usual. T. R. CLARK, Acting Signal Officer. JORDAN HOPSE, August 23, 1864. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: Your note requesting information in regard to stragglers received. The stragglers came from direction of Richmond, passed on road in rear of Whiteheads Factory, and went in direction of Petersburg. They were infantry, and were seeii from daylight to about 12 m. None this p. in. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. R. CLARK, Captain and Acting Signal Officer Page 424 424 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. AUGUST 23, 18646.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: The enemy is building an angle to the four-gun battery to left of white house, facing to the left. There has been considerable stir among the enemys trains, but no general movement. Nothing else worthy of report. JORDAN, Sergeant. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, A ngnst 23, 18647 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER: No change visible in enemy~5 position south of lead-works and near fort. All quiet. II. W. FULTON, Sergeant. SPECIAL ORDERS, )~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 278. Washington, August 23, 1864. * * * * * * * 23. Leave of absence for thirty days on surgeons certificate of disa- bility is liereby granted Brig. Gen. S. S. Carroll, U. S. Volunteers. * * * * * * * 35. The Eighth U. S. Infantry, now serving in the Ninth Corps, Army of the Potomac, is hereby temporarily consolidated into four companies, A, B, C, and D. The commanding general Army of the Potomac is charged with the execution of this order. The officers and non-commissioned officers of the regiment, over and above the comple- ment required for duty with the companies, will report in person, with- out delay, to Brigadier-General Cooke, superintendent of general re- cruiting service, at New York City, for assignment to duty on regimental recruiting service. The quartermasters department will furnish the necessary transportation. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- Ceneral. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 78. 5 C~ity Point, Va., August 23, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. Commissaries of subsistence will sell subsistence stores to all citi- zens properly authorized to be within the lines of the armies operating against Richmond, who are not entitled to draw rations, such sales to be made in compliance with paragraph 1230, Revised Army Regula- tions. Citizens will not be allowed to purchase a greater amount o Page 425 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 425 stores than is required for their own use, nor more than a supply for ten days at any one time. The quartermasters department will also sell to such citizens forage in such quantities and at such rates as may be determined on by the chief quartermaster. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant AJiutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 18619.50 a. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: The commanding general desires me to say to you that the division destroying the railroad may be required to remain upon that work be- yond the time for which they are now supplied, and that arrangements for their supplies must be kept in view, and the supplies maintained. The division will not return without further directions from these head- quarters. It should leave some force at Reams Station to hold that point. It should not br the present go farther than Rowanty Creek, six miles beyond Reams Station. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 23, 1864. Official copy respectfully furnished the commanding officer First Division for his guidance. By order of Major-General Hancock: F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 23, 186111 a. m. Major-General JIUMPHREYS: I have received your dispatch regarding the command at Reams Station and have directed that your orders be carried out. WJNFI) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Blicks House, Weldon Railroad, August 23, 186411.30 a. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps: So far as any information has been obtained concerning the character of the ground between here nd the enemys iutrenchments, it appears to be the best position to hold on the railroad. Unless something should occur changing the conditions now existing, this position will be held; and as we shall not advance the commanding general directs that you send a division to aid in covering the party destroying the railroad, and at the same time to destroy the railroad. The working part Page 426 426 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. appears not to have effected much. General Gregg is ordered to cover the destruction of the railroad and picket the left. The working party is about a mile south of this point, the Buck house. The commander of the division should take the direction of the destruction of the road. That party belongs to the quartermasters department. A. A. HUMPUREYS Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS AR Y OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 186411.30 a. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding A~~eeond Corps: General Gregg was directed to send Spears bri~ade to your division on the railroad, instead of the regiment of cavalry with it this morning. General Greggs instructions of 1() a. m. have just been modified. He is now directed to concentrate his division at Reams Station and hold that point and picket to Warrens left and also to your division, de- stroying the railroad. General Miles need not therefore leave any force to hold Reams Station. Colonel Spears brigade will continue with Miles. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief ~f Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, August 23, 186412.10 p. m. General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have jnst received your dispatch of 11.30. General Miles division will be sent at once to comply with the order. I have sent some messengers to see what is wrong with the telegraph wire. W1NFD S. HANCOCK, M~or- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, August 23, 18647 p. m. General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENEuAL: I inclose a communication received from Colonel Spear, together with General Warrens note inclosing it. Ii have directed General Barlow, if Colonel Spear holds the field as is stated ,to have the rebel dead counted. This communication was received at 6.15 p. in. WJNFD S. hANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. [Thclosure. I HEADQUARTERS FIFTH Coups, August 23, 18645.30 p. m. General HANCOCK: I telegraph you a dispatch just received from Colonel Spear, with my reply. Some prisoners he sends in say when they left they, the enemy, were falling back. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 427 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, flTC.IYNIO~. 427 [Sub-inclosurel HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, In the Field, August 23, 18643 p. rn. Lieut. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: I reported to General Miles; he assigned me to duty. I proceeded up the Burt [Vaughan0?] road, and whenopposite Reams Station, on the right, encountered Hamptons cavalry; hard light; the enemy were ten times my number. I fought theni one hour. Sent for re-enforcements; could get none. Hamptons division had just arrived to join Lee. My loss is 8 killed, 32 wounded; Captain Sargent killed. I left dead on the field 184 rebels. I hold my own; have sent to General Gregg for help. He returned me word he had nothing to do with me. I then sent to General Miles; he sent me word he could give me but 100 men. The enemy are in strong force on my left. I can do great execution and rout them if I have one or two regiments of infantry. No one seems to assist me; can I not get it from General Warren 0? I am very pecu- liarly placed. My men are exhausted, but will protect Genera[ Warrens left at all hazards. Where Generals Gregg and Miles have gone there is no enemy, but on my front is the force above stated. I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, S. P. SPEAR, Colonel, Gommanding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 18647.15 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: Yoa did not send Warrens reply to Colonel Spears report. I should like to see it. I desire you to call on Generals Gregg and Miles for an explanation of the charge made by Colonel Spear, that they declined to send him assistance when he asked for it. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 23, 18647.25 p. m. (Received 7.45 p. ut) Major-General HANCOCK: General Warren is temporarily absent. I send you his reply to Colonel Spear. FRED. T. LOCKE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosuro.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRPS5.25 p. m. Colonel SPEAR Commant4ing Cavalry: COLONEL: Major-General Warren directs me to say that you are so far off that he will be unable to send you infantry from his command. If you cannot hold your own, you will have to fall back on General Miles. Very respectfully, & c., FRED. T. LOCKE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 428 428 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CoRPS, General HUMPITREYS, August 23, 18647.30 p. m. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: General Miles has worked up to within a mile of Reams. The heavy rain has pnt out part of his fires. The enemys pickets are at the Slater house, and General Miles pickets within 1,000 yards of them. General Gregg had ordered a regiment to drive them away from Reams. Colonel Spear says he drove the enemys skirmishers on the Vaughan or Bohn road two miles toward Petersburg, where a bridge had been destroyed. He states that their infantry pickets extended to this point. The cavalry retired in the direction of Petersburg. Slaters house is where the Vaughan road intersects the Reams Station road. Colonel Spear met nothing but cavalry. The rain has made it impossible for a horseman to ride to the railroad by the route General Miles took to-day. WINFI~ S. HANCOCK, ]Iiliajor- Ceneral. General Gregg pickets a mile and a half below where the plank road crosses the Blackwater. W. S. II. HEADQUARTERS SncoND ARMY CORPS, August 23, 18648.30 p. in. Major-General MEADE: Your dispatch of 7.15 received. I inclose you a dispatch from Gen- eral Warren, which was neglected to be inclosed by him at the time, and which was received afterward.* I had previously directed Gen- eral Barlow, who now commands Miles division, and General Gregg, to send out and ascertain the number of the enemys dead, if Colonel Spear held the field; and had directed that the road at a suitable l)lace, where a swamp passes through it, be intrenched,in order to hold it. I will call upon General Miles and General Gregg for the explanation you desire. WJNFI) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, August 23, 18641.30 p. in. (Received 2 p. in.) Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a misapprehension seems to exist as to the progress made by this division in destroying the rail- road. On my arrival this morning the railroad was -destroyed only to a point about one mile north of Reams Station. I have sent a brigade to Reams Station, which up to this time is unoccupied, and am destroy- ing the railroad south as fast as possible. General Gregg is co-oper- ating according to his orders, and is now with his command at Reams Station, and will occupy the station when we get farther south. The See 5.25 p. iii., p. 427 Page 429 CHAP. Liv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 429 instructions just received from General Meade seem to imply that one division is entirely to the south of Reams Station. It is still to the north of that point. Our communications are now best made by the plank road. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 23, 18647 p. m. Brigadier-General BARLOW, Commanding First Division, Second Corps: GENERAL: I inclose you a note just received from Colonel Spear together with one from General Warren.* General Gibbons division will be at the junctioii of the plank road with the road to Reams Sta- tion to-night, and will proceed to Reams Station at daylight and hold possession there, together with your artillery. General Gregg is going to picket from General Warrens left to cover that station and around toward the plank road. He will release your cavalry. You will continue the destruction of the railroad toward Rowanty Creek, and, if possible, as far as Stony Creek. I leave here at daylight to proceed to Reams Statiou to take command of all the troops there, including the cavalry. In the meantime, if you have any difficulty nearer to General Gibbon than I am, call upon him. I have instructed him to clear out the road toward Reams Station if it is obstructed. Genera] Gibbon has also been directed to obstruct the railroad near Reams Station by felling trees across it, if it does not interfere with your march to the rear or front. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major. General, Commanding. P. S.Please ascertain by a staff officer, if practicable, the number of rebel dead on the field where Colonel Spear had the fight this after- noon. Colonel Spear says that the field is in his possession. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 23, 1864. Brigadier-General BARLOW, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires an explanation concerning the charge made by Colonel Spear in the report inclosed to you this evening, that he was unable to obtain support. The charge was made directly against General Miles, but as it is supposed you were in command of the division, the general directs that you either submit a report of all the circumstances yourself or call on General Miles for au explanation, as the circumstances may warrant. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Stafr~. ~ See pp. 426, 427 Page 430 430 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. IREAMS STATiON, August 23, 18648.08 p. rn. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that this division has destroyed the railroad to Reams Station. I have the division to-night in the rifle-pits on the iDinwiddie Court-House road, about one mile and a half from the railroad to the west. Thcre has been skirmishing nearly all day between the brigade of Colonel Spears cavalry (assigned to my command), some of my infantry, and the enemy. Hampton Legion is repor.ted to be in Colonel Spears front farther to the south and left, one mile and a half from the railroad, just about west of Reams Sta- tion. General Greggs division has been quite heavily engaged this afternoon. The firing has been quite heavy. The cavalry have stood their ground and repulsed the enemy up to this time, though firing has just now ceased. It breaks out now and then afresh. General Gregg has just informed inc that his whole division has been engaged. He thinks the position a desirable one to hold and is afraid that from lack of ammunition he may have to withdraw his division to-night. He has intimated a desire to me to send a force to hold the position if he with- draws, but as my object is to destroy the railroad, I do not see the propriety of moving off to hold a position one mile or more from the railroad, which can be turned and which has ito importance as an as- sistant to the object for which I am sent here. In the morning, if things are quiet, I shall continue destroying the i~ailroad south. I have sent to General Gibbon for a battery, and if I am unable to obtain it there, shall send to corps headquarters for it to-night probably. Respectfully, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Brigadier- General. P. S.Infantry has occasionally been reported advancing on us, but I do not credit the report. F.C.B. (Copy to General Warren.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, [August 23, 1864]10.30 p. m. General BARLOW: The major-general commanding instructs me to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 8.08 p. in., and to say that your view of the object for which you are at work is correct; but that if the enemys resistance is so great as to prevent operations upon the railroad you will of course assist General Gr~gg~s cavalry until General Gibbon gets up either at your own place or at his, if safe in connection with your operations at Reams Station, for it is not supposed that the railroa(l can be destroyed before the enemy are driven off. General Gibbon has both your batteries, which you can call on at any moment. As Gen- eral Gregg is so heavily engaged it may modify somewhat the order concerning Colonel Spear until such time as the enemys resistance is removed. You had better send back for ammunition if you are likely to need more. By order of Major-General Hancock: F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Copy to General Warren. Page 431 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETC.UNION. 431 HEADQUARTERS THiRD I)IYJSIoN, SECOND CORPS, August 23, 18617.20 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HIJMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: 0-ENERAL: Officers in my front line report the enemy have taken down tents in the works and on the picket-line, and that something more than nsual seems to be going on. It may be they are to be relieved by other troops. I have given orders for increased vigilance, and will report if anything transpires that will be of service to the major-general commanding. Yery respectfully, yonr obedient servant, G. MOTT, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD I)ivISIoN, SECOND CORPS, August 23, 1864. Col. II. MCALLISTER, Commanding Third Brigade: COLONEL: In case of an attack on the First Brigade, you will be prepared to move with your whole force to General De Trobriands support. By command of Brigadier-General Mott: JOHN HANCOCK, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 23, 18648.30 a. m. Major-General MEADE: I have all my command at work straightening out the lines, putting in flanking batteries, slashing, and con~trncting abatis. I have no doubt I can get along now under any attack without the assistance of the Second Corps, so that that force can be used anywhere else. I am also completing the destruction of the railroad toward Petersburg. All is quiet here. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 186410 a. m. Major-General WARREN: Can you not, now that the line from the Strong house is completed, hold your position securely with only the Ninth Corps by making this line as strong as possible with slashings, abatis, & c. ~ It could be held with the colored division and one of white troops, having two divisions of white troops available as reserves. Also strengthening the Fifth Corps line with abatis, & c., would preserve portions of it. Deserters last night say Mahone returned night before last to the trenches near the plank road. I think the enemy did abandon offensive movements, but he may resume them. It is important to destroy as much as po Page 432 432 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIY. sible of tlie railroad, and I desire to send the other division of the Second Corps to assist in this work, as the enemy may send cavalry and infantry around your position to obstruct and defeat this work. Let inc have yonr views as soon as possible. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 23, 186410 a. m. General WARREN: The commanding general desires me to say that you mnst look out for your right ilank in advancing. General Parke will be directed to advance the pickets of his line with yours. You will, of course, direct Colonel Spear to advaiice his cavalry pickets and supports on your left, if Gener~l Gregg has notcome up and taken command of the cavalry. His instructions reqnire him to advance correspondingly with you. Have him advised of whatever may be necessary for him to know from your command to enable him to carry out his orders. Have an under- standing with Parke, who is now on his line. A. A. JIUMPHIIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-Gen5al WARREN, August 23, lSGi5.30p. in. 6~onnnanding Fifth Corps: I am instructed to inform you that General Gibbons division will be moved to Reams Station to-night to support Barlows in the operation of destroying the railroad as far as Rowanty Creek. General Gregg, who was directed to concentrate his division of cavalry at Reams to- day and picket to your left and in front of Barlows division, will receive his instructions from General Hancock. He will keep you advised of any movement of the enemy. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major. General and Chief of Staff~. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, August 23, 18646.15 p. m. (Received 7 p. in.) Major-General WARREN, 6~ommanding Fifth Army Corps: GENERAL: Your dispatch inclosing Colonel Spears received. Your reply to Colonel Spear did not accompany. Coloiiel Spear was under the orders of the commanding officer First Division, engaged in destroy- ing the railroad. I heard a half honr ago that General Miles had sent two companies to Colonel Spear, and that lie had a skirmish with Hampton Legion. General Gibbons division will camp to-night on the plank road, where the Reams Station road intersects, and will move to Reams at daylight. I do not know Colonel Spear, but am glad he killed so many rebels, and hope lie may get off their wounded, whic Page 433 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 433 must be in his hands. Greggs cavalry is under my orders, and I shall be at ~ at an early hour to-~morrow. I shall have Gregg cover your left around as far as Reams, holding particularly the road coming in from Petersburg two miles to your left, which I have heard called the Bohn [Vaughan] road. I suppose this is the road Colonel Spear calls the Burt road. Respectfully, yours, WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 23, 1861. (Received 7.45 p. in.) Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I am notified from my vedette on the top of the house in the corn-field that the enemys camp fires are to be seen about one mile and a half in the direction of the road; also camp to the (our) left of the road, on the prolongation of the line of the first above mentioned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, IR. B. AYRES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 23, 18648 p. m. [Lient. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General:] COLONEL: The railroad has been destroyed to a point opposite the white house beyond our picket-line about 250 yards. The ties have been burned and the rails bent up to the picket-line. Beyond that point the road has been turned over. The enemys cavalry appeared at the cap of the woods whilst we were at work near the house. They were fired upon and retired. As before reported the enemys works beyond the corn-field on the right are occupied by his forces. His pickets come to the cap of the woods in which our pickets now are. The ground was thoroughly searched, and all arms, & c., brought away. The men in camp near that part of the road previously destroyed are using the rails for various purposes in their camps. The ties still remain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 23, 1864. Lient. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that eleven rebel dead were buried by the men on the picket-line, on the night of the 21st instant, which were not included in my report. This will make up the number buried in front of the division seventy-six. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWD. S. BRAGG, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. 28 R HVOL XLII, PT I Page 434 434 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIF. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, August 23, 186410 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps, Gurley House: The commanding general desires to know the condition of your lines from the Strong house to Warrens right, whether the slashing is suf- ficiently extended to the front to render it impenetrable to any body of men. The line thus completed might be held thinly, with reserves at intervals, free communication between which and all parts of the line should be opened. All the remaining available force of your com- mand should be concentrated on the left for co-operation with the Fifth Corps. The commanding general desires to know what part of your command will be required to hold your line in this manner, and what disposition you have made or are making in view of it. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of A3taff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS August 23, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Yours of 10 a. m. received. I have now on the line from Stiongs house to Warrens right three divisionsFerreros, Potters, and Whites. The slashing, abatis, and parapet are not entirely completed, but nearly so. The heavy rain of last evening interfered seriously with our work. Willeox is now in reserve and I hope soon to withdraw White. I will have a detailed report of the condition in front of Ferrero, and if,asJ think, it is very strong I certainly can withdraw White. I propose erecting epanleinents for guns, one in the front of the line that Griffins brigade was at work on yesterday evening, and another in front of Ferrero, opposite an Ol)~li space. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IJDQRS. SECOND DIV., 9TH ARMY CORPS, No. 99. 5 Near Weldon Railroad, Va., August 23, 1864. I. The Forty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers is hereby restored to the First Brigade of this division, and the commanding offi- cer will report accordingly. II. The Second New York Mounted Rifles is hereby transferred from the First to the Second Brigade of the division, and the commanding officer will report accordingly. * * * ~- * * By command of Brigadier-General Potter: SAMUEL WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, August 23, 1864. Brigadier-General FERRERO, Commanding Fourth Dirision: GENERAL: The major-general commanding the army has visited a portion of your line and expres~c~ the opinion that the men were no Page 435 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 435 in condition to meet any sudden advance of the enemy; that most of the men were without their accouterments. At least half of the men of the different regiments should be oii duty all the time and ready to receive an attack, and pickets and vedettes should be posted sufficiently far out to warn the whole command. The regimental commanders do not fully realize the importance of their trust, and they should be instructed. I think it would be well that your inspector and those of the brigades should visit the lines frequently and see that these suggestions are car- ried out. This is not written with any desire to find fault, but sug- gested as a matter of instruction and precaution. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND .DJVJSJoN, CAVALRY CORPS, August 23, 18648.30 a. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS: General Miles division is moving to Reams Station with one regi- ment of cavalry. Is it required th t more cavalry shall operate with him, or shall the cavalry he kept concentrated on the left of the Sec- ond Corps in the interval between it and General Miles division l I have one brigade a mile north of Reams Station, where the road to Dinwiddie Court-House strikes off. A portion of the cavalry is out of forage and it is impracticable to supply it here. D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23~ 18649.40 a. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: (Throngh headquarters Fifth Corps.) Your dispatch of 8.80 a. m. is received. The change of circumstances since the order of yesterday renders it desirable that a brTgade of cav- alry shall accompany the division destroying the railroad. You will please give directions accordingly. The remainder of your cavalry in that quarter should be concentrated on the left, covering that flank, and held ready to operate as circumstances may reqnire. The animals of your supply train must be used to bring up forage. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General ~nd Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 18649.55 a. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: (Through Headquarters Fifth Corps.) The commanding general -suggests that you send Colonel Spears brigade with the division destroying the railroad. A. A. HUMPHREYS, ~lfajor- General and Chief of Staff Page 436 436 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHkr. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 18G411 a. m. Brigadier-General GREGO, Commanding Cavalry: Upon further consideration the commanding general directs that you concentrate your cavalry at Reams Station, and hold that point, picketing from there to Warrens left, and also from Reams Station to the infantry division destroying the railroad. That division will not leave any part of its force at Reams Station, and Spears brigade will remain with the division. Until further ordered it will not go beyond Rowanty Creek. Hold in view the contingency of additional infantry being joined to ~ command, and, in conjunction with your division of cavalry, moving beyond Rowanty Creek to destroy the railroad still farther south. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Widow Smiths House, A~~gust 23, 18645.30 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: I am instructed to inform you that Major-General Hancock will move Gibbons division to Reams Station to-night and assume command of the operations upon the Weldon railroad. You will receive your orders from him, carrying out the instructions already given you unless other- wise ordered. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvISIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, August 23, 18649.30 p. m. (Received 11.45 p. in.) Major-Generm~l HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I became engaged with the enemys cavalry this p. in. at 4.30 on the road from Reams Station to Dinwiddie Court-House and about one mile and a half from Reams. The enemy displayed a large force dismounted, rertainly more than a division. The fight lasted until nearly 9 oclock. The enemy displayed his force in open country and was repulsed in every attack made upon me. The enemy retired from my front at about 9 oclock. The enemy were principally armed with muskets, but I do not think there were any infantry present. The action was severe and we hold our position. My loss in killed and wounded will not exceed 75. - D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 23, 1864. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & e.: You may now send the Tenth Corps, or as much of it as can be spared from Bermuda Hundred, to relieve as far as possible the Eighteent Page 437 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. CHAP. LIV.] 437 Corps. When the Eighteenth Corps is relieved let them go into camp ott the high ground in rear of their present J)OsitiOii. So long as we hold the Weldon road it is prudent for us to keep all the force we can south of the Appomattox. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 23, 186112.35 p. in. (Received 1 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Telegram received. I will immediately proceed to relieve the Eigth- eenth, division by division, and encamp that corps as a reserve, so that fewer men can hold the trenches than if they were not so encamped. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, August 23, 1864. Lieutenant DAVENPORT, General Butlers StatY: Prisoners from iloke, Johnson, Heth, and Mahones divisions yester- day, and deserters this morning from Finegans brigade, agree that on Sunday night the troops in front of General Warren fell back to their old positions in the trenches. They admit that everything they dared spare was taken from the lines to drive us oft the Weldon railroad. They admit the completeness of their repulse, and there are evidences that their loss must have been very considerable. General Sanders was killed on Sunday. General W. H. F. Lee shot through the lungs; since reported dead. General Clingm an lost a leg, and reported mor- tally wounded. Have you anything on the foregoing points, or to show the enemys position yesterday and to-day along your entire line? SHARPE. Colonel. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE BUREAU OF INFORMATION, In the Field, August 23, 1864. Colonel SHARPE, Uity Point: Deserters report all of Fields division, save Bennings brigade, on the north side of the James. They think that brigade has gone to Petersburg. Pickett is in our front entire. There appears some reason for believing that all of Wilcoxs division has gone to Petersburg, although about one or two brigades there is some conflict of statements. JOHN I. DAVENPORT, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp, and Assistant Provost-Marshal Page 438 438 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CRAP. JAY. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VA. AND N. C., No. 96. Fortress Monroe, Va., August 23, 1864. The following is promulgated for the information of this command: STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: That the grateful thanks of the State of New Hampshire are hereby presented to Brig. Gen. Gilman Marston for the patriotic devotion and conspicuous gallantry by which he has won for himself imperishable fame, and. reflected honor upon the State of his nativity. Resolved, That the Secretary of State be directed to forward a copy of these resolu- tions to Brigadier-General Marston, anti a like copy to the commanding ofticer of each regiment of New Hampshire volunteers in the held, to be read nt the head of their respective commands. WILLIAM E. CHANDLER, Speaker of the House of Representatives. CHARLES H. BELL, President of the Senate. JOSEPH A. GILMORE, Governor. By command of Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler: ZR. S. DAVIS, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF YJRGJNJA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 23, 1864. Major-General BIRKEY: Will you ride over with me to meet General Ord and consult with him about relieving the Eighteenth Corps with a portion of the Tenth ~ We will leave my headquarters at 3.30 p. m. B. F. BUTLEIR, Major- Gene~ al, Gomman ding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. D. B. BIRNEY, Commanding Tenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I transmit herewith rebel colors taken by the forces under your command the 16th instant, that the same may be for. warded to the headquarters of the Armies of the United States through the department commander. I have also requested Lieutenant-Colonel Dent, aide-dc-camp, to turn over to you the three colors captured by your command on that date, and delivered to him by me the same day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 104. In the Field, August 23, 1864. * * * * * * 4. Pursuant to instructions from department headquarters, all detach- ments of the Third Pennsylvania Artillery now doing duty on General Turners line are hereby relieved, and will report to-day to Brig. Gen. C. K. Graham, commanding Naval Brigade. * * * * * * Page 439 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 439 8. Brig. Gen. H. S. Foster, commanding Third Brigade, First Divis- ion, is hereby temporarily assigned to the command of the Second Division during the absence of Brigadier-Geueral Turner. He will turn over his brigade to the next senior officer. By command of Major-General Birney: ED. W. SMITh, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 23, 186412.30 a.. m. General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: No lights reported in my front. Signal rockets seen early in the evening, but not reported since. Deserters just in report no change where they have been since yesterday morning. E.O.C. GIRD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 23, 18645 a. m. Major-General HITMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: The following is just received: HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, EIGHTEENTH CoRrs, August 83, 1864. Maj. THEO. READ, As8istanl A djutant-General, Eighteenth Corps: I have the honor to report that the officer commanding the pickets reports that a large body of the enemy are moving toward the ]eft of the line. Yery respectfully, J. B. CARR, lirigadier-General. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 23, 18G46.30 a. rn. General IIUMPHREYS: I have my little res~ves under arms since daylight, and three bat- teries harnessed in my rear. Shall I let them return to camp ~ E.0.C. GIRD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 23, 1864. Major-General ORD, Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Yes let them return to camp. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 440 440 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. llnq~s. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 23, 186412,40 oclock. Will General Ord meet General Birney and myself at his head- quarters at 5 p. m. ~ We will endeavor to be punctual. B. F. BUTLER. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 23, 1864. General BUTLER: I will be at General Birney~s headquarters at 5 oclock, as you re- quest. E. 0. C. ORD, ]Jliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, General HUMPHREYS, August 23, 1864. Chief of ~S~taff: General Butler sent for me to meet him at General Birney~s at 5 p. in., and I am about leaving. General Carr will be notified if anything occurs. E.0.C. GIRD, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR August 23, 1864. Commanding Division: GENERAL: General Mott thinks that some move is going on in his front. As it is possible that the enemy are massing for an attack upon the trenches in that quarter (Mott is next to our left) you will have your reserves under arms at daylight this morning. Notify your di- vision to be on the alert. Send staff officers along the different por- tioiis of your line to keep you informed of any move of the enemy, and prepare by every means to repel an attack. By order of Major-General Ord: S. S. SEWARD, Major and Aide-dc- Camp. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. J. B. CARR, August 23, 1864. Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you withdraw one- fourth of the men in trenches to give them rest. This in addition to those already out, who will relieve them in trenches as far as possible; the whole force to be stretched out so as to make the line continuous an Page 441 GEAr. UVJ ooinsroxDnon, ETC.UNIOL 441. uniform. The execution of this order is discretionary, depending upon the movements of the enemy,if any,since the last report that they were moving toward thefr right I have the honor to be, general, with res~ect~ ~our.~bedient servant, MW Major aied A~e-de-dau.p. HRhDQuAiTns EIGrrnNTH AnY Coin, August SS 1864. Brig. Gen. L B. Ciii: Gunia: I am instructed bythe mtjor.general commanding to say that you can allow your reserves to go into camp, keeping them ready for any call. Very respectfully, THEODORE BEAD, Aeaisttsut A4jutast-Oees.rtul. Orrion 01? ASsIsTANT PiovosT-MAisHA.L, Oswwook, F.., August 28, 1864. Dliii. FinK 3 Wmn provost -kea at, .haeevwe, ra: DWoi: Reliable Information has been received by a refugee just from Northumberland County, Ye., that five small-class vessels are now fitted out, with about 300 men, with avowed purpo~e of making a raid on Tangier and Smiths Islands or other points on this shore. I would ask that Lieutenant Throckmorton,. with his sloop, be sent back at once to cruise in this sound, to report to me that I may increase his force. Respectfully, . 3. W. STRONG, IAeutaso,at wed Assistant ProvoetMarelw,L CITY PoINT, VA., August 24, 18641O.8O p. en. Major-General Hnno; (Received 25th.). Wadfpgtou, D. 0.: Yesterday evening the enemy engaged our hich was pro- tecting the party destroying railroad near ReaZItation. General Gregg was about one mile end a half west from the station and main- tainedhisposition,the fight lastingfrom4.30p.m.till9p.m. He reports his los at seventy- five. Earlier in the atfternoon Colonel Spear, commanding brika4e of Kautz7s cavalry, had a sharp engagement with the enemys cavalry on the Vaughan road, near iteams Station, and, notwithstanding largely superior forces against him, maintained his ground, inflicting heavy loss on the enemy. He reports over 180 of the enemys dead left upon the field. The road is now thoroughly destroyed to Reams Station; the force on the road Was largely re-enforced last and will ush on the work. I send to-day a Richmond paper of the 234,. directed to the Secretory of War. You will see from that tha Page 442 442 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. great despondency was caused by the last affair on the Weldon road. in Richmond they have reports of five generals being killed in that action, but the death of but two of them (Sanders and Lamar) is posi- tively confirmed. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS Aniwv OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 24, 18G4R.15 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Late last night I received a dispatch from General Gregg reporting that he had been engaged with his whole cavalry force with the enemy~s cavalry, about one mile and a half west of Reams Station, on the Dinwiddie Court-House road. General Gregg maintained his ground, the fight lasting from 4.30 p. in. till 9 p. in., with reported casu- alties about 75. Earlier in the afternoon Colonel Spear, commanding brigade, Kautzs ~4ivision, had a sharp engageme~it with the enemys cavalry on the Bond [Vaughan ~ road, also in the vicinity of Reams Station, on which occasion, notwithstanding the largely superior force of the enemy, Colonel Spear held his gronnd, inflicting heavy loss, he reporting over 180 of the enemys dead on the field. The infantry di- vision of the Second Corps had reached Reams Station, thoroughly destroying the railroad up to that point. It will be joined early this morning by the Second Division, when Getieral Hancock will take charge of the whole command, infantry and cavah work of destruction as far as, in his judgment, it y, and push the practicable and ex- pedient to go. On the rest of the lines under my charge all was quiet. Major-General Ord reports the desertion to the enemy of a man who was believed to have been collecting information. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, Angnst 24, 18G41050 a. m. Major-General MEADE: Richmond papers of yesterday show great despondency over the affair on the Weldon road, and report five generals killed, but only know positively of two of them, Sanders and Lamar, being actually dead. They seem to be unable to learn anything official of the affair, but have to depend entirely upon citizens going from Petersburg to Richmond for information. They say, however, we have not. seTh the end of that affair yet.. U. S. GRANT, Lientenant- General. HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Angnst 24, 186411.30 a. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Deserters and prisoners have reported the wounding of the following- named Confederate generals in Warrens affrdr: W. H. F. Lee, Cling- man, Sanders, and Harris. If to these is added Lamar, reported dea Page 443 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 443 in the iRichmond papers, it would just make five. There is no doubt the enemy suffered severely in his attacks on the 21st. A deserter told me his brigade (Kirklands) had lost 300 men. CTEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Au gust 24, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Following telegram forwarded for your information: IIEADQUARTERS EICITTEENTIJ Conps, August 24, 1864. Major-General MEADE: The following additional report has just l)een receive(1 from Colonel Roberts: The troops reported as having stacked arms in line opposite my brigade front have withdrawn their right somewhat to seek shelter in the adjoining woods from the shells thrown l)y our l)atteries. There are two stand of colors visible along the stacks and the mcii are building fires, as if preparing their meal. From the above it does not appear probable that the enemy are massing in my front with a view to attack. F. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, August 24, 18641.30 p. m. General HUMPUREYS: A division of the Tenth Corps was yesterday ordered to Ords sup- port. General Grant has telegraphed to inquire if it is on the road and to harry it up. Tell Mott to be vigilant and have any reserve he may have ready to co-operate with Ord. In case of an attack notify Ord. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 24, 1864noon. (Received 6.10 a. m. 25th.) M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General: Cavalry horses are needed to inonnt dismounted men. I will inform you shortly how many, as soon as Generals Gregg and Kantz can be heard from. I had asked for 500, part of which had been received. Please canse more to be sent at once, if possible. Both these generals are doing snccessful fighting on the Weldon road, and if kept well sup- plied now with horses may be able soon to strike the Danvihle road. RUFUS INGALLS, Quartermaster Page 444 444 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP, LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Aug st 24, 18619.30 a. m. Major-General H UMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch received from the plank road station: The enemy at the Weldon railroad occupy the same position they did yesterday and the day before. They continue to work upon their intreuchineuts at that point. A party is also at work on the fort or large redoubt in that vicinity. All quiet at other points in the enemys lines visible from this station. II. W. FULTON. The forces seen south of the lead-works, according to report received yesterday from the officer at the Walthall house, are the same referred to above. Yery respectfully, your obedient servai~t~B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer. PLANK IROAD SIGNAL STATION, August 21, 186111 a. ~n. Maj. B. F. FISHER: At 9.40 a column of cavalry numbering about 500 came out of woods north of large fort on Weldon railroad, passed southward on the east side of fort and took a southwesterly direction, disappearing in woods. Enemy working on a new line of works connecting with the main line works in the vicinity of the lead-works and extending southward ou the east side of railroad, apparently to connect with new works men- tioned in former reports. H. W. FULTOK, Sergeant. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, August 24, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the following rebel signal me~sage intercepted by the officer at the Jordan house: IMPORTANT.] Colonel BRENT: Colonel Jordan reports the enemy in heavy force on our right in his front, near Swift Creek. From our point of observation we have just seeu four regiments of infantry pass open space to our left of Cobbs going to their front in Chesterfield, Bermuda Hundred road. Gun-boat a little above Point of Rocks. Gun-boat and steamer just gone down the river. B., Sergeant at C. (Same to Colonel Guyou [Gwynu] and A. B.) I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. STRYKEIR, Acting Chief Signal Otficer Page 445 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 445 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18644.25 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch received from the plank road station: At 12 m. 700 infantry, with guns (muskets, I suppose) and knapsacks, appeared from the woods in front of our line, moving in direction of Weldon railroad, and disap- peared in woods near large fort west of railroad. A fatigue party of 300 men, with picks and shovels, came out from vicinity of lead-works at 11.30 a. in., moved southward on railroad, and joined the working party in the woods on the right of the fort near the railroad. At 2.30 p. m. a column of infantry, numbering between 3,000 and 4,000 men, appeared from the woods, in the vicinity of the fort, along the Weldon railroad and moved southward on line of Weldon railroad. A battery of fonr pieces headed the column. At the same time another column of infantry, num- bering about 3,000, came to the east side of the fort, and after remaining a half hour returned in the same direction (westward) from which they came. About forty wagons and twenty-five ambulances moved westward on the same road in several trains. FULTON. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Officer. AUGUST 24, 18645.30 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: During the last hour I have observed in an open space southwest from me, and about half a mile from lead-works in Petersburg, four regi- ments of infantry moving from and out of Petersburg and in direction of their right. Soon after saw one regiment in same open space moving from their right and into Petersburg. Respectfully, yours, & c., F. FULLER, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18G4G.22 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch just received from plank road station: 5.3~ P. M. A column of infantry, consisting of four regiments, moved toward Petersburg on Weldon railroad and disappeared from our view near the lead-works A column of infantry, extending a mile and a quarter in length, four files deep and weti closed up, came from the direction of Petersburg on road west of Weldon railroad, passed on tbe east side of the fortthe fort about a mile south of the lead-worksand filed westward, disappearing in woods. Fifteen minutes afterward another column, numbering about 2,000, came [over] the same road from Petersburg and followed road running southward on line of Weldon railroad. Sixty-six wagons and seven- teen ambulances preceded the first column, going westward. FULTON. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, Major and Chief Signal Qfficer Page 446 446 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. Maj. B. F. FISHER. AUGUST 24, 18646.80 ~. iii. Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: The enemy have mounted one gun in the new angle of four-gun fort reported last night. Everything unusually quiet in enemys lines all day. No stir of account among trains. A. C. JORDAN, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18G4G.30 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff GENERAL: I learn from a report received from the Walthall house station that the four regiments reported by the plank road station as going toward Petersburg, after passing the lead-works, moved out toward their lines south or southeast from the city; one regiment il4to the city from their right. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, ilfajor and Chief Signal Officer. SIGNAL STATION, Near W. P. Davis House, August 24, 18617 p. m. Maj. B. F. FISHER, Chief Signal Officer, lid qrs. Army of the Potomac: I can see the lead-works from the station that I established. The enemy are engaged upon a line of works almost south of lead-works, about 600 or 700 yards therefrom, and running from thence east across the railroad. They have a large party employed upon it. GEG. J. CLARKE, Signal O~ cer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOiVEAC, August 24, 18647.45 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The following dispatch received from the plank road station: At 6 p. m. a heavy column of infantry, three-qnarters of a mile in lcngth, appeared in vicinity of lead-works, coming from direction of Petersburg on road west of Weldon railroad, passed east of large fort, and continued southward on line of Weldon railroad. Twelve ambulances, ten wa~ons, and two carriages followed tbe column. The force working on new line of works along the railroad is not more than one- thir4 as large as this morning. Two batteries of artillery accompanied the colunin. H. W. FULTON. Very respectKully, your obedient servant, B. F. FISHER, ~Wajor and Chief Signal Officer Page 447 CHAP. LW.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 447 SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 279. Washington, August 24, 1864. * * * * * * * 22. Second Lieut. J. A. Kress, Ordnance Department, is hereby re- lieved from duty at Fort Monroe Arsenal, and will report in person, without delay, to Major-General Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to relieve First Lient. A. Mordecai, Ord- n ance Department. 23. Capt. J. M. Linnard, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty on the staff of Brig. Gen. Regis de Trobriand, U. S. Volunteers, commanding First I3rigade, Third Division, Second Corps, and will immediately report in person to General I)e Trobriand for orders. 24. Col. P. P. Pitkin, Quartermasters Department, recently ap- pointed chief quartermaster of the depot at City Point, Va., will at once enter upon the duties of his office, and report by letter to the Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, also to Brigadier-General Ingalls, chief quartermaster of the armies operating before Richmond. * * * * * * * 26. Batteries C ~nd E, Second U. S. Artillery, are hereby tempo- rarily consolidated. Brig. Gen. A. P. Howe, inspector of artillery, Washington, D. C., is charged with the execution of this order. * * * * *. * * 28. Col. IR. C. Webster, Quartermasters Department, is hereby relieved from duty at New Berne, N. C., and will report in person without delay to the commanding general Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to relieve Col. Herman Biggs in his duties as chief quarter- master of that department. Colonel Biggs Will turn over to Colonel Webster all public property and funds now in his possession, and give him all instructions pertaining to the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. 29. On being relieved from his duties in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Col. Herman Biggs, Quartermasters Department, will report in person without delay to the Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, to enter upon his duties as inspector. * * * * * * * By order of Secretary of War E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 228. August 24,1864. * * * * * * * 2. Leave of absence is granted to the following-named officer: Brig. Gen. Francis C. Barlow, First Division, Second Army Corps, for twenty days, on surgeons certificate of disability. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistaut Adjutant- General Page 448 448 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18G412.30 a. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding & cond Corps: Your dispatch of 11.40 p. m. is received. The commanding general desires me to say that the instructions to General Barlow are approved.* The enemy must be disposed of before the road can be destroyed. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, iJijajor-General and Chief of AS1taff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 24, 18G41OSO c. m. (Received 2.30 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: General Gibbon is occupying the intrenchments here and General Miles pnshing on with the destruction of the railroad. His left is about one mile and a quarter beyond the station. The enemy show no force, retiring as we advance. Their cavalry, which was here in heavy force yesterday, all reported to have retired abont an hour since. They held, and still hold, the fork of the Dinwiddie and Reams Station road and stage road. Their vedettes are still opposite ours on this road. The cavalry picket from here over to Gary~s Chnrch on the~ plank road. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Copy to General Grant.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 24, 18648 p. m. General HUMPIIREYS, Chief of Statf: The road is destroyed for about three miles and a half beyond Reams. liowanty is still two miles or so beyond. General Miles division is behind the intrenchments here to-night. General Gibbons division will continue the work to-morrow. The enerny~s cavalry have been very quiet to-day. General Gregg tells me that they are at the fork of the roads, as described in dispatch of this a. m. My men are much hitigned. General Miles reports his men as tired out. They have not recovered from the fatigue of their late marches. General Gibbon will be separated some three or four miles from here to-morrow. He can, however, in case of need, fall back on the plank road, if the enemy should appear in force on some of the roads between him and Reams. A negro, who came in to-day, says they are expecting us at Dinwiddie Court-House, and their cavalry appear to be watching the roads in that direction principally. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. (Copy to General Warren.) * See Walker to Barlow, 23d, 10.30 p. in., p. 430 Page 449 CHAP. LLY.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 449 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18648.20 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Second Corps, Reams Station: Signal officers report large bodies of infantry passing south from their intrenchinents by the Halifax and Vaughan roads. They are probably destined to operate against General Warren or yourselfmost probably against your operations. The commanding general cautions you to look out for them. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. ~Copy to General Warren.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 24, 186411 p. rn. General HUMPUREYS: Your dispatch is received. The signal officer does not say about how many men he observed, nor the time. If the enemy have sent any considerable force to operate against me, I do not care about separating my force so far. IRowanty is now reported by citizens to be eight miles from here. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18642.30 p. in. Brigadier-General MoTT, Commanding Division, Second Corps: GENERAL: General Ord reports that a body of 5,000 of the enemy have taken up a position in rear of their lines opposite.~ his left division, and he apprehends an attack to-day or to-night. A division of Tenth Corps was ordered yesterday to his support. The commanding general desires you to be vigilant, and to be prepared to co-operate with Gen- eral Ord, in the event of his being attacked, with any reserved force you may have. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CoRPs, August 24, 1864. The troops will be formed in the rear line and be prepared for any movement at moments notice, in accordance with the above. Great vigilance is reqnired. By command of Brigadier-General Mott: JOHN HANCOCK, Major and Assistant Adjutant. & ~enerat. 29 R RYOL XLII~ PT I Page 450 450 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18643.40 p. m. Brigadier-General MOTT, Commanding Division, Second Corps: General Ord reports that the troops mentioned in his previous report (about 5,000 in number, who threatened his front) are moving into Petersburg, apparently on the return to the north side of the Appo- mattox. A. A. IIUMPHREYS Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, ~August 24, 1864. The order for the movement of troops is hereby countermanded. By command of Brigadier-General iJott: JOHN HANCOCK, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 24, 186412.30 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: From our advance signal station we can see the lead-works, and the enemys line of defenses, which are full of troops. There is only a picket-line visible outside. At W. P. Davis house would be an excel- lent position to place a redoubt. Having done this we could safely proceed to establish our lines closer Petersburg, or make that the start- ing point in a movement on the Danville road. This house is just oii the line which divides the slope toward Petersburg from that south- ward. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 186412.30 p. in, General HUMPHREYS: I forward you the following: SIGNAL STATION, W. P. Davi& Bfouse12.30 p. m. Colonel LOCKE: The enemy have a large party at work upon a line about 600 yards south 20 de~ grees east of lead-works and extending east across the railroad. No other moves ment visible. GEO. J. CLARKE, Signal Officer. The two boys confirm this. They say they are building a high fort in advance of th~ town and are afraid we will shell the town froln ouI~ advanced position. G. K. WAPAtEN, Major- General Page 451 ChAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 451 [lildorsement.] AUGUST 24, 18642.45 p. m. Forward all these to General iVicade at City Point. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- 4~eneral and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Angu8t 24, 18G41 p. m. General HUMPThREyS: I have just got two itiost intelligent boys, Northern bora, about four- teen years old. They ran oat of Petersburg yesterday. They saw General Lee and heard him say to General Hill and other officers that he would get us out of here by Saturday night. These boys say they are ROW wagoning supplies from Stony Creek Station, via the plank road, to Dii~~~iddie Court-Uou~se; thence by the Stony Creek road, and that all their cavalry are out in that direction. The road along the railroad goes into Petersburg at Halifax Creek; next west comes the Vaughan roa(Itlley live on it at Flowers; then eonies the Squirrel Level road; then the plank road. They say the rumor in 1~etersburg yesterday was that Early was coming back, They also say there was talk that they might charge oar line somewhere east of the Jerusalem road. They are afraid we will extend around and get the other road nitless Early gets back. These boys are so intelligeut that I scud them up to headquarters. They say the people of i~ctersburg are ~mnuch frightened; that General Lee told a boy that was shut in the town like themselves and night. , was crying, that hed have us out of here by last Friday G. K. WARHEN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC~ August 24, 18644.30 p. nt. General GRANT: I forward the above. I think General Lee meant last Saturday, when he tried and could not get us away. I hope he will try again. Ord seems to think now he will not be attacked. GEO. U. MEADE, Jlliajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 24, 18644.25 p. in. Major-General WARREN: The commanding general directs that you proceed at once to the erection of a redoubt at the point indicated in your dispatch to-day. Major Duane is directed to send an engineer officer and some engineer troops to report to you for the purpose. A. A. iIUMPHREY5, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 452 452 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 18645)2. m. Major-General IIuMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: I have sent out Major IRoebling to lay off the redoubt, but upon investigation I find that it will be difficult for inc to work on it to-night. My men are all at work draiuiiig, building batteries, and repairing roads that I have tools for. I can afford protection to any other work- ing party, however. The vahie of this ground demands prompt atten- tion, aud I am having it done as fast as possible. Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, August 24, 18645.30 p. rn. Major- General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corjps: Major Duane is ordered to send out intrenching tools for the redoubt, & c. General Parke will fu~uish some working ~)arty if lie can well do so, upon your notifying him. A. A. HUMPHiIEYS Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH Conps, August 2-4, 18649 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: I have received yonr report of the signal officer.* This force may be only working parties going out. All - the prisoners I sent you to-day say they are working on new line all along. I feel certain if they have gone out it is to interfere with General Hancock. They cannot do anything with me here. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, [August 24, 1864 J9.10 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The columns were too strong for working parties, probably 8,000 or 10,000 strong. More probably after Hancock than after you. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 18649.20 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: My signal officeif has a good station to see about the lead-works, bnt, unfortunately, he left there about 5 p. ni. Up to that time he had Sec Humphrcys to Hancock, 8.20 p. in., p. 449 Page 453 CHAP LIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 453 seen nothing but working parties. It seems to me singular if they designed to attack any one that they should have started out at that hour, as they could not get far before dark, and might as well have waited for that to cover their movern~nts. It looks like a feint if anything, to inc. G. K. WAIIItEK, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 207. 5 August 24, 18G4. I. Brigadier-General Braggs brigade, Fonrth Division, is tempo- rarily assigned to the Third Division, Brigadier-General Crawford com- manding. General Bragg will break up his present camp early to-mor- row morning and remove to the camp of the Third Division. II. Colonel llofmanns brigade, Fourth Division, is assigned tempo- rarily to the Second Division, Brigadier-General Ayres commanding. III. The headquarters staff and provost gnard of the Fourth Division will report to corps headquarters. By command of Major-General Warren: FIRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 24, 1864. Col. C. S. WAINWRIGHT, Commanding Artillery Brigade: COLONEL: The inclosed telegrain* is sent you ~or your information. The major-general commanding directs that you send a battery at day- break to-morrow morning down to the left near the railroad. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FIRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. 5.The battery to be sent will be taken from one of those near these headquarters. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that one officer and eight~--flve men of the enemys dead have been buried in my front. No flags were captured. This is exclusive of those buried on the front of the Fourth Division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. B. AYIRES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. See Humplireys to Warren, 8.20 p. in., p. 449 Page 454 454 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. (Received 9.20 p. in.) Brigadier-General CRAWFORD, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The inclosed telegram* is sent you for your information. The major-general commanding directs that you have your comman(l under arms at daybreak prepared to take position on the left of General Griffin, facing south. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD I)IvISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 24, 186410.15 p. m. Brigade commanders will have their comnjiands under arms at day- break. The men will be aroused at 3 a. in. without noise and get their breakfast. At daybreak the command will be prepared to take position on the left of General Griffin, facing south. By command of Brigadier-General Crawford: GEO. MONTEITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISION, FIFTH CORPS, August 24, 1864. Battery commanders will have their batteries in readiness to move at daybreak to-morrow morning, and wait further orders from these head- quarters. By couiinand of Brigadier-General Crawford: GEO. MONTEITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864il p. m. Brigadier-General BRAGG: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that in case it becomes necessary you will receive and obey orders from Brigadier- General Crawford from your present position, as General Crawford may find it necessary to send orders to you before you can change your camp. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant A djutan t- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC August 24, 18645.20 p. m. Major-General PARKE Commanding Ninth Corps: General Warren is directed to commence to-night the construction of a redoubt at P. XV. Jones, his most advance point on the Weldon rail- See Humplireys to Warren, 8.20 p. in., p. 449 Page 455 CHAP. LIV.] CORf~ESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 455 road, and an engineer officer with some engineer troops has been ordered to report to hini. If he should ask for aid from you in the work, please furnish it if yon can well do so. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. TIEATQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRPS, August 24, 18646 p. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Dispatch of 5.20 received. Will be happy to furnish General Warren all the aid in our power. Major Biddle inspected my line to-day. Will report the condition. Am having the slashing ex- teiided to the front. I ordered the roads in front of picket-line block- aded. . Hope to have a summary of my line made to-morrow. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, CIIIEF QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, August 24, 186411 p. m. Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Cavalry: GENERAL: General Hancock directs me to say that he has a dispatch from General Humphreys that signal officers report large bodies of in- fantry moving south from Petersburg on the Vaughan and Halifax roads, and Geii eral Humphrcys expresses his opinion that they are for operation against us. General Warren, however, is of the opinion that they are working parties on a new line the enemy are known to be building. The general would like you to see how strongly the enen~y hold the Vaughan road at daylight to-morrow, sending a squadron up the road as far as l)racticable. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, V A., August 24, 18641.20 p. m. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, due.: Bias a division of the Tenth Corps started yet to replace the Eight- eenth ~ General Ord has jusjt asked Meade for any spare troops he may have, stating that there are indications of an attack, and that a number of deserters having gone over to the enemy last night, who may have given information of his weakness, makes him fear the result. If a division of Birneys has not gone, how long will it take to get one ther& i U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS, August 24, 18641.45 p. m. Licut. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, & e., City Point: General Ord telegraphs me that his lookouts inform him that large bodies of troops, supposed to be 5,000, are concentrating in front of hi Page 456 456 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. (CHAP. Liv. lines, and asking for one division of General Birneys command, which I have ordered, he fearing attack either to-day or to-night. Deserters say that Ma~houes division was relieved by Picketts, which was cnt up in the fight of Sunday. The fact that Mahones division was in the fight appears in to-days Exainiiier, which I have sent yon. That there has been some change in my front between the James and Appomattox would appear from the fact that for the first time in many weeks picket-firing was started on our left near Port Waithall. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. IIBQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, In the Field, August 24, 18G42.OG p. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, City Point: Order was sent this morning for one division to move, and I suppose it is en route. I will hnrry it along. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major. General, Commanding. SPRING HILL, August 24, 18647.30 a. m. Captain NORTON, Chief Signal Officer: A train of ten cars, partly loaded with troops, just passed the Junction toward Petersburg. SIIVIONS, Lieutenant and eS1ignal Officer. SPRING HILL, August 24, 1864. Captain NORTON: All quiet on our picket-line now. A large addition to our picket arrived just now. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 24, 18643.50 p. m. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: The following rebel signal dispatch was intercepted by the officer on Mills house station: ARCHERS HOUSE, August 34, 18641.30 ~. m. Colonel B., Assistant Adjutant- General, Petersburg: Colonel Jordan reports the enemy in heavy force on our right (in his front) near Swift Creek. From our present observations we have just seen three regiments pass an open space to our left of Cobbs, going to their front3 in Chesterfield. Sergeant at C. Respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 457 CHAP. LIVJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 457 [Indorsement.] General ORD: This intercepted rebel dispatch may relieve you from apprehension of attack. BENJ. F. BUTLER. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, August 24, 1864. Colonel SHAFFER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: I have incidentally heard that the Tenth Corps moves this p. m. to relieve the Eighteenth. If this is so, and the Eighteenth comes here, will you please inform ~e, as II shall have to make some arrange- ments in regard to keeping up the communication with the James River after the Tenth Corps has taken its signal officers away. Respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, RDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VA. AND N. C., No. 23g. August 24, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. Major-General Birney, commanding Tenth Corps, will with his corps relieve the Eighteenth Corps, under command of Major-General Ord, from duty OH the left of the line of this army. Major-General Ord, upon being relieved by the troops under General Birney, will occupy the north side of the James with his brigade of negro troops at Deep Bottom. With Ames division he will occupy flue iutrenched line between the Appoumattox and the James. He will encamp at Spring Hill, the division nnder Brigadier-General Carr as a reserve. If Gen erals Birney and Ord will consult together and make snch movements of their troops as will allow this change without attracting the notice of the enemy, save that there is no objection that the enemy shall see the troops of the Tenth Corps marching to the left; the movement of the Eighteenth Corps to the right it would be better to conceal. The light artillery along the two lines will be quietly changed by detach- ments ~50 as to attract no notice and be all the time in a state of effi- ciency. So much of the artillery of the Eighteenth Corps as will re- place that which is now serving with the Eighteenth Corps from the Tenth Corps will be left on the line on the left, so as to preserve there the necessary number of guns. Further orders to arrange details, if necessary, will be issned as the movements progress. By command of Major-General Butler: R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 458 458 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 24, 186411 a. m. General BIRNEY: The following has just been received by signal from Spring Hill: There is a little firing between ours and the enemys pickets opposite this station in piece of woods on left of line. SIMONS, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. GEO. A. KENSEL, Lieutenant- Colonel. GENERAL BUTLERS hEADQUARTERS, August 24, 18641 p. m. (Received 1.04 p. in.) Major-General BIRNEY: Please march at ouce a division to General Ord., lie informs me that the enemy are massing troops in his front as if to make an attack. BENJ. F. BUTLEJI, ]IiLajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. (Received 1.28 p. in.) Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Deserters in to-day say that Picketts division has been ordered to relieve Mahones, which is badly cut up from Sundays fight. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. [Indorsement.] Respectfully sent to Lieutenant-General Grant. B. F. B. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CNROLINA, In the Field, August 24, 1864. (Received 2.05 p. in.) Major-General BIRNEY: Push at once all the troops you can to place of Eighteenth Corps. General Ord has started one division and says there is indication of an attack. Dont mind the division at i)eep Bottom. BENCJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 18645.15 p. m. Captain NORTON: Lieutenant Ireland reports a colnmn of infantry, from four to five regiments, nioving to our left across the meadow opposite the Crows Nest. C. F. CROSS, Lieutenant, Signal Corps Page 459 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC,UNJON. 459 AUGUST 24, 1864. Colonel MCGJLYERY, Tenth Corps: Please start your batteries as soon as yoa cam Our batteries are now all in position; none in reserve. Let me know when they start. A. PIPER, Colonel and Chief of Artillery. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 27. in the Field, near Hatchers, Va., August 24, 1864. The Third New Hampshire Volunteers having been left by the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Plimpton, killed in action at Fussells Mill, without a field officer present, M~j. James F. liandlett of that regiment is, at his own request, relieved from duty as provost-marshal at these headquarters and will report for duty with his regiment. II. Capt. J. E. Sweet, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers, acting aide-dc- camp, is hereby announced as provost-marshal at these headquarters. Major IRandlett will turn over to him all or(lers and instructions relative to the dnties of the office. By command of Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- Generel. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. Brigadier-General Terry, coininandiug First Division, will proceed with his command at once to the position occupied by the Eighteenth Corps before Petersburg, and report to Major-General Ord. Brigadier- General Foster, command ing Secon]. Division, will relieve the troops of the First Division on the line. By order of Major-General Birney: l~l). W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTh ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. Brigadier-General BIRNEY, - Couirrnanding Colored Brigade: The major-general commanding directs that you assnme command of the colored troops encamped in the neighborhood of the signal tower, and take them with you when you move. They will constitute a brigade under your command. There are several regiments in that vicinity. Respectfully, - ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS.1 HDQRS. 3D BRIG., 1ST Div., 10TH A. C., Deep Bottom, Va., August 24, 1864. In pursnance of orders from corps headquarters the brigadier- general commanding is temporarily relieved from command of this brigade an Page 460 460 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. tCHAP. LIV. ordered to another field of duty. In thus taking temporary leave of the brigade he takes pleasure in testifying to your uniform valor and good conduct and to the many gallant acts performed by you while it was his good fortune to command you. With many kind and sincere wishes for your future successes the general bids you a temporary good by. H. S. FOSTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. 3D BRIG 1 No. 25. Deep ST Div., 10TH A. C., Bottom, Va., August 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. S. Foster having been temporarily assigned to command the Second Division ,Tenth Army Corps, the undersigned Ii ereby assumes comman(l of the Third Brigade, First Division, Tenth Army Corps. H. iXI. PLAISTED, Colonel Eleventh Maine Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. Commanding officers will hold their commands ready to change camp at short notice. By order of Major.General Birney: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. (To division commanders.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Hatchers Va Am Col. N. M. CURTIS, , ., tgust 24, 1864. Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: Colonel Coan will take position in the line near I3attery No. 1, prolonging his line toward Battery No. 3. The general com- manding directs that you bivouac your troops in the intrenchinent~s on the left of Colonel Coan in prolongation of his line. This movement will not be made until dusk. Your command will be held in readiuess to man the breast-works in case of an attack of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD EDDY, JR., ]lIaj. Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Insp. Gen., and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Hatchers, Va., August 24, 1864. Col. N. N. CURTIS: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you move your command to the position on the line of intrenchmemmts before desig- nated at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD EDDY, JR., Maj. Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Insp. Gen., and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 461 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNJON. 461 HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, TENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Hatchers, Va., August 24, 1864. Licut. Col. W. B. COAN, (Jornmandin.q Second Brigade: COLONEL: By direction o~ the brigadier-general commanding you will bivouac your Commalid in the intreuchments, your right resting in rear of Battery No. 1. This movement will not be made until dusk. The command, however, will be held in readiness to niove to the posi- tion in case of an assault by the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, EI)WAIID EDDY, JR., iIIaj. Forty-seventh New York Vols., Acty. Asst. Iflsj). Gen., and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. I7IEADOUARTERS SECOND I)IYISIoN, TENTH AEMY CORPS, Near hatchers, Va., August 24, 1864. Col. F. A. OSBORN, Commanding Third Brigade: COLONEL: By direction of the brigadier- g~neial commanding you will I)lease detail at once 100 men to relieve time garrison of the redoubt in front of B~ittery No. 1, 100 men for the redoubt in front of Battery No. 3, and 50 men for the redoubt in front of Battery No. 6. Very respectfully, your obedient servai it, El)WAIIi) EI)T)Y, JR., Miaj. Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Insp. Gen., and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 186411.40 a. m. General HUMPHIiEYS, Chief of Staff, & c.: The following has just been received: HDQRs. TIllED BRIGADE, FIRST DIvisioN, ELGIITEENTIT ARMY Comirs, August 24, 18649.45 a. rn. Capt. J. JonxsoN, Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the lookout from our brigade reports the enemy as having re-enforced their line in front of our briga(le. A number of troops, estimated by the lookout as a briga(le, have stacked arms and laid down in rear of their front line, and One company double-quicked to the pits, which they entered about in front of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania, the third regiment from the right of our brigade. This force is thought to he a part of the troops reporte(l a short time since, this morning, as moving from Cemctcry Hill toward Petersburg. The left of this line of stacks is about opposite the right of our brigade, and the right extends off toward the city. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. ROBERTS, Colonel 139th A~w York, Commanding Brigade. E. 0. C. GIlD, ill ajor- General of Volunteers Page 462 462 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General ORD, August 21, 18612.30 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: Major-General Meade telegraphs that a division of the Tenth Corps was yesterday ordered to your support and will be hurried up. Gen- eral Mott will Co-operate with you as far as possible in the event of your being attacked. A. A. HUMPHREY~, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 21, 1861. Major-General MEADE: The following additional report has just been received from Colonel Roberts: The troops reported as having stacked arms in line opposite my brigade front have withdrawn their right somewhat to seek shelter in the adjoining woods from the shells thrown by our batteries. There are two stand of colors visible along the stacks and the iaen are building tires as if l)reparing their meal. From the above it does not appear probable that the enemy are massing in my front with a view to attack. E. 0. C. 0Th), Major- General. (Forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General Onn, August 21, 18641.30 p. m. Commanding Eighteenth Corps: At what time will your second line probably be ready for occupation by your troops~ A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQIJARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 18645.40 p. m. General HUMPHREYS: if you me an by my second line the redoubts in my front, they will not be finished in four days hard work, 400 men day and night. B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 24, 186412 m. General BUTLER: if you can send me a division, or a brigade at least, of General Bir- neys command it will be very acceptable. I have just learned fro Page 463 CHAP. LJY.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNJON. 463 lookouts that the rebels have placed about 5,000 men on a certain part of my front which is weak and vulnerable, and as the rebels have had intelligent deserters from my line with detailed information of its weak condition yesterday and the day before, I apprehend from this move of theirs an assault may be made by them to-day or to-night. E. 0. C. ORB, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. (Received 12.45 p. in.) General BUTLER: AM officer from General Birney is here and says that General I3irney is awaiting orders. 1 have none to give. Has any beeti sent. F. 0. C. OPi), Major- General. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF ViRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, August 24, 18641 p. m. (Received 1.30 p. in.) Major-General ORD: Your order and that of General Birney went at 11 o~clock to both of you. Have you received it ~ I have ordered Birney to send you a division at once. BENJ. F. BUTLER, ]Ifajor- General, Commanding. hEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. (Received 4 p. in.) Major DAVIS: Telegrams relating-to General Birney~s move and Colonel Howard received. All right. From further information I think the enemy are simply replacing reserves in my front. Will General Birneys division get here in time to have one of mine relieved and cross the Appomattox to-night l I have received no word from him as to his movements. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1864. Major-Gencial BIRNEY: Will you have enough men here to-night to relieve a division of ~,800 men; if so, what time may I expect them ~ E. 0. C. ORD, Major- Gcnert2 Page 464 464 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS, August 24, 18644.20 p. m. (Received 4.23 p. in.) General ORD, Eighteenth Corps: General Terry has marched with his division to report to you; should reach you by dusk. Directly one division of yours reaches me will relieve my command and march over. D. B. BIRNEY, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH CORPS, August 24, 1864. General CARR, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The report just received of the brigade (rebel) forming in rear of our Third Brigade rather indicates a re-enforcement, and perhaps attempt to assanlt. Please have a reserve called from your treiiches at onceif it can be done secretly all the betterand send them to the Hare house redonbt, and as re-enforcement to the point threatened. Send a detail to the Hare house redoubt of ThO men to finish some embrasures there nnder direction of Major Walker. Send the detail at once. Major Walker or some one to represent him will be there. Yours, & c., E. 0. C. GIRD, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. AUGUST 24, 18648.40 p. m. Colonel PIPER, Chief of Artillery, Eighteenth Army Corps: I have sent Lieutenant Worth with your orderly to Captain Ham with orders that if there are three disposable batteries to send one to relieve Angel. So mnch depends on the artillery now that it will not do to strip ourselves of it entirely. 1~lease let me know as soon as the Tenth Corps batteries arrive. They should be harried up so as to be here as early as possible to-morrow. HENRY J. HUNT, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Near Prince George Court-House, Va., August 24, 18649 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: General Gregg notified me two days since that he had directed the regiments of my command under Colonel Spear to report ~I.o me here. Yesterday Colonel Spear reported by letter that he had been directed by General Meade to report to General Gregg. Know- ing that General Gregg considers his cavalry force sufficient, 1 s aspec Page 465 CHAP. Mv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 465 that the order was given to Colonel Spear at his own request. If so, I question very much whether the interests of the service would be pro- inoted by detaching hini from his division on his own suggestion, as his judgment cannot be compared with his merits as an individual soldier. I respectfully request that the necessity of the case be submitted to General Gregg. At the same time I consider it my duty to report that there are two large gaps in the line between the Jerusalem road and the James Riverone on the left and the other on the right of IMount Sinai Church, my command being insufficient at present. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST V. KAUTZ, Brigadier- General, Cornmanding~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAc, Brigadier-General KAUTZ, August 24, 186411.30 a. m. Commanding Division Cavalry: Your dispatch of 9 a. mm is received. The commandimig general requests me to say that you misapprehend the circumstances under which Colonel Spears command was retained on the Weldon railroad. The commanding general gave the order without any representation from Colonel Spear, or any expression of opinion by him. It was based upon the strength of the enemys cavalry there (two divisions), and the active operations now going on on the Weldon railroad, which requii e all the force that can be rendered available without excessive weaken- ing of important points. With your reduced force the commanding general expects you to look after only those avenues of approach that are most likely to be used by the enemy. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, August 25, 1864. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I start at 4 p. m. for Fortress Monroe. Will start from there to return to-morrow night. - U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 25, 18645 p. m. (Received 7.15 a. in. 26th.) Hoim. EDWIN A. STANTON, Secretary of War: There are indications of the enemy attacking us this evening or in the morning. I shall not therefore go to Fort Monroe as I telegraphed you this morning. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. 30 R RYOL XLII~ PT I Page 466 466 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY POINT, VA., Augu~t 23~ 186411 a. rn. (Received 6 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: It is understood in Richmond that Fitz Lee has been ordered back from the Valley with his cavalry division. I have no doubt of the truth of the rumor. If the men of the Second 1Divi~ion now in Wash- ington can be remounted and returned here, and horses sent to r& mount those here without horses, we will be strong enough and can reuder their cavalry almost nseless. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant~ General. CITY POINT, V A., August 25, 18642.30 p. in. (Received 6 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Picketts and Fields divisions are here. You can say this to General Sheridan, an(I that there is no doubt about it. One regiment from each of the four brigades of Picketts division were detached a couple of weeks ago, and for sonic time I did not know but that they had gone to the Valley. These regiments are now back. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY PolNT, VA., August 25, 18648.30 p. in. (Received 7 a. in. 26th.) Maj. Gen. II. W HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Up to the last accounts this afternoon from General Hancock, who is south of Reams Station, he had been attacked several times to-day, but had repulsed every assault. Since the last dispatch very heavy and coiitinuous artillery firing has been heard in that direction, continuing until dark. When I hear from there will telegraph you again. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 25, 186410 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Everything is apparently quiet this morning. Last evening the sig- nal officers reported large bodies of the enemy moving along the Wel- don railroad near the lead-works, going soutliwardly, and this morn- ing they report the disappearance during the night of camps from our front. This intelligence has been communicated to Generals Warren and Hancock, and the latter instructed to move with caution and be on the alert, and in case he finds the enemy interposing between himself and Warreu to return and rejoin the army. The last dispatch from Hancock is 6 a. mm, in which he reports that in conseQuence of the above intelligence he has this morning ceased work on the railroad till he can satisfy himself the road is clear of the enemy and his rear unthreatened Page 467 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNiON. 467 The road has been thoroughly destroyed some thiee miles beyond Reams Station, and within two miles of Rowanty Creek. If it is de- terinined to maintain a permanent lodgment on the Weldon road, it will be necessary to erect some redoubtsand in other ways strengthen the position and our lines. If the lines from the plank road to the Ap- pomattox can be made seenre 1 see no difficulty in holding the Weldon road with the Fifth, Ninth, an(l part of the Second Corps, and perhaps extending beyond to the Lynchburg road. I do not deem it advisable, however, to commence the proposed work, involving considerable labor, nnless it is settled the position is to be maintained. Is it intended the Eighteenth Corps, on being relieved, are to return to I3erinuda Hun- dred, or will any portion be left as a reserve to the Tenth Corps ~ CEO. G. MEADE, ~Iiajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE I~OTOMAC, Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Angu8t 25, 1864. IIs8istant Adjutant- General, City Point: General Meade has jnst gone to General Hancocks headquarters. The force of cavalry between the plank roa(1 and James River is still small. The cattle should not return yet to Coggi~s Point. A. A. HUMPHREYs, Major- General and Chief of & aff. CITY POINT, August 25, 1864. General MEADE: (Care General Hancock.) I feel too unwell to-day to get to the front. Think I will take a boat this evening and go to Fortress Monroe and return to-morrow night. Would it not be safe for Hancock to pick up all the force he has on the railroad and make one (lays march toward Weldon and destroy there a few miles of road, and return by a road ~arther east than the one he goes oul U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS August 25, 18642 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Hancock reports the enemy passing his left and threatening the plank road in his rear. I dont think be can destroy much more of the railroad thami he has if the enemy interrupt him, because his force is so small that he must keep it in hand to meet attacks and have but small working parties. Movements reported by signal officers in con- nection with statements of deserters in this morning lead to the con- clusion that Lee is about making an effort to get us away from the railroad. This will take, Ii think, the form of passing our left and threatening our rear on the plank road. I am making preparations to meet this contingency. Should Hancock be pressed or the enemy interposed between him and Warren I shall withdraw him to the plank road. GEC. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 468 468 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. CITY PoINT, August 25, 1864. General MEADE: I think it advisable to get all our forces back on the line we now hold, and strengthen it well. When that is done we can detach 15,000 or 20,000 men ,and stait them early in the morning so as to make a march of twenty miles, and destroy the road that distance. We may be able at the same time to send the army gun-boats up the Chowan with a (letachinent of troops to destroy the triangle of roads between the Nottoway and Iloanoke. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, August 25, 18643 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: I send a dispatch-~ just received from Hancock. I have ordere~l Motts reserves and Wilicoxs division, Ninth Corps, down the plank road to the branching oft of the ilcamns Station road to watch Ran- cocks rear, and move up to his snpport if necessary. If the enemy will only attack either Hancock or Warren we are all right, but he may bother us by maneuvering and getting between the two forces. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. (Same to General Iluinphreys.) CiTY POINT, VA., August 25, 1864. Major-General MEADE, Commanding, & e.: I think from last dispatches received from General Hancock he had better be instructed to fall back at once to our line. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, August 25, 1864. Major-General MEADE: The following dispatch just received and forwarded for your infor- mation: BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS--4.05 p. m. General GRANT: The following rebel dispatch has just been deciphered by our signal officer: 2.30 r. mu. General PICKETT: Your dispatch of date 2 p. m. received. Be prepared to blow up your mine at any time, as Hokes two divisions are ordered to you. Poutoon bridge across Appomattox must be captured as soon as practicable. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General. I have sent copy to General Ord. J. W. SHAFFER, Colonel and Chief of Staff. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. * See Hancock to Ilumphreys, 11.40 a. ni., p. 482 Page 469 Own. LIt] OOEflSPoNnENcn, ETC.UNION. 469 4 General Mum: CITY PoDIT, Angus is, 18646 p. en. I desire to hold the Weldon railroad as long as possible. Bedoubts should be constructed on Warrens left, and the line generally stresgth- med. It is not intended to keep any more troops south of the Appo- uRattox than is necessary to hold the line. U. S. GRANT Lintennt4jes.rm. HnDQUAETunS ARMY 01F THE POTOMAC, August is, 18647.15 p. a General GnaT: Your .dispatch of Op, m. Just received on my return. Do you mean to holdto the Weldon railroad or to the Jerusalem plank road, or the line we now hold? I presume, as you said this morning to build the redonbts on the railroad, that you mean the line now held by Warren, butto nt misunderstanding ask for explicit instructions. When Ileft, Liancock had repulsed several attacks of the enemy; Willcox was moving up to his support. After leaving I heard rapid and con- tinuous artillery firing, which is now going on. No report from Hancock. He was directed to withdraw after dark as he could not work any more on the railroad for the presence of the enemy. GEO. G. MEADE, M*Jor-Gegser.L CITY Port, VA.., August is, 1864. Major-General & [EADE, (JemssaneZing, to.: I meant by my dispatch that we would ho west of the Weldon rallroat ld our present line to anil U. S. GRANT lAeutesuMt-4..raj. CITY POINT, August is, l864lO p. en. Major-General MEADE: Lieutenant-General Grant reqUests me to ask if anything has been heard from Hancock since your dispateh of IAeutasantOelosei s4 Aido4e (Yap. HEADQU& RnRS Ann oi~ Tnu PoTOMAC, August is, 1864,1OSO p. en. Lieutenant-Genjral GRANT: A staff officer has just wived from Hancock, leaving him at 7p. m. At that time the enemy having massed, assaulted Hancock with great vehemence in front and on beth flanks, carrying, I regret to say, his intrenched line on his right flank. At the time the staff officer left Hancock had rallied his men, reformed them, and was preparing to r Page 470 470 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. 0. row. Ut takehisline,whichhe hoped todo. The rolid in hisrear,leadingto the plank road, was yetopen, and the staff officer met Wiflcoxs column about two miles from the scene of action and hurried them up. I have sent orders to Warren and Puke to immediately send Crawfords and Whites divisions to Hancocks support and to assist him in with- drawing. Hancock was authorized several times during the day to withdraw if the security of his command required it or if the enemy interposed between him and Warren. On ~y return here at 7.30, find- ing a dispatch from him intimating he desired orders to withdraw, specific orders were sent, but, although the operator acknowledged the receipt and said they were deliveroli, I fear the enemy at that time had possession of the road between the operator and Hancock. I am in hopes the arrival of Wilcox has enabled Han~k to recover his in- trencbments, and that he will withdraw as soon as It is dark. Should the enemy follow to-morrow2 the re-enforcements carried by Crawford may enable Hancock to punish him. GEO. G. MEADE, Mqjor-6%e~seraL CITY POINT, VA., August 25, 186411.*0 p. in. Major-General MzAn2 Oomssamuiwsg, & c.: The enemy having carried Hancocks rifle-pits have probably cap- tured a good many prisoners. In that case, and finding, too, that Hancock is being re-enforced, they will be likely to return to-night with their prisoners and attack Warren in the morning. Warren ought to be well onhis guard. - u. S. GBAI~T IMutaat-4swaL HEADQUARTERs kANT 01? Tn PoToxia, August *5,186411.20 p. in. General GRANT. Another staff officer has arrived from General Hancock, who left him at 8p. m. At that time all was quiet Hancock had been unable to recover that portion of his line which the enemy got possession ot The staff officer reports the fighting very severe and desperate; he can form no Idea of our losses, though thinks they must be considerable. I regret to state he reports the loss of eipht pieces of artillery. It am pears the enemy got possession of a salient in the line where two bat- teries were posted. The staff officer says from the number of attacks repulsed the enemys losses must be far greater than ours. General Hancock was making his preparations to withdraw when this officer left, and as his rear was all open no difficulty in this operation is antici- pated. The woun4ed will all be brought 47, but the dead cannot be buried. I have directed the re-enforcements ordq~~ed to be halted and held in readiness for movement to-morrow in case Hancock is followed or attacked. GEO. G. MEADE, M4j074637 Page 471 CHAP LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 471 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 25, 186411.50 p. m. General GRANT: On learning that Hancock was withdrawin~ I ordered Parke and Warren to halt the re-enforcements on the way to him, and communi- cate with him as to the necessity of their advancing farther, and in case he (lid not require them to recall them. Warreu felt perfectly secure without these reserves; with them he will be prepared for any attack. I think it probable the etmemy may follow up Hancock on the plank road, though if he has been as severely punished as the accounts from Hancock would indicate, he will most probably be satisfied with Hancocks withdrawal and the capture of the guns. I have already reported that it was the opinion of the staff officer that the loss iii prisoners was small. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. WASHINGTON, August 25, 1864. Lient. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- (Jeumerai: Scouts report that no troops had moved to or from the Valley up to Tnesday night, 23d. Rebels re hauling considerable grain by wagon to Beaver Dam Station. GEG. K. LEET, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., August 25, 18642.80 p. m. (Received 6 p. in.) Brevet Major-General MEIG-S, Quartermaster- General: General Gregg has 700 dismounted men here, and wants that number of cavalry horses at once. He has 900 dismounted men in Washington, and would like to have them mounted and sent back. General Grant has sent orders to General Ilalleck on the subject. I have not heard front Kautz, but presume he will require 1,400. Five hundred have been received and issued to Kautz. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS uNTIl ARMY CORPS, August 25, 186412.20 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I have just arrived at Motts on my way. Have two deserters who were from Mahone. They said Mahone was not relieved this morning; that two of his brigades had gone up to the railroad; that the troops we saw yesterday in front of Ord were Scales brigade, Wilcoxs division, and that they continued on to the railroad; that the talk amoub the men was that Lee was accumulating all his available force on the rail- road determined to drive us off; that in front of Motts they had but one rank in the intreuchments, the line not being as strong as thei Page 472 472 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [OTTAP. Liv. picket-line, and that they depended on their artillery to hold this line. I directed Mott to have his reserves all ready to send to Hancock or Warren if reqnired. l~arke tells me there has been cannonading at Reams about an hour ago. GEG. G. MEADE. iVijajor- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, August 25, 18641 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Warren informs me that Hancock has sent word that the enemys cavalry have broken throngh his left, and indicates a fear of their get- ting possession of the plank road. l)irect General iVioft to send his available force inunediately down the plank road to the intersection of the Reams Station road. He will find some artillery of the Ninth Corps at the Williams house and can take all of the batteries. Tell him to communicate to Hancock as soon as he reaches there. Hancock is at Reams Station. GEG. G. MEADE, ]I/Eajor- General. HEADQIJARTER5 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General MEABE, August 25, 1864 flOp m. General ~ Headquarters: General W[arren] will show you dispatch from General H[ancock] dated 11.40 a. m. I send you one dated 10.20 a. in. I notified Mott at once, and Parke also, informing them of substance of hancocks dis- patch, and telling them to get all their commnauds under , Mott to hold the greater part of his ready to move. in any direction, all except a thin line in the intrenchments. I have ordered the cavalry at headquarters, provost-marshal-generals included, to get ready, and will send them down the plank road to look out there and report to the offi- cer commanding in that vicinity. I have notified Kautz. A. A. HUMPTUIEYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General MEADE, August 25, 1864. General Warrens Headquarters: Captain MeEntee reports the statement of two deserters from Harris brigade, Mahones division, who deserted from Picket-line this morning at~ 6 oclock. Wrights, Harris, and Finegans brigades are in the trenches. Weisigers and Sanders brigades, together with Scales brigade, of Wilcoxs division, went down the Weldon railroad about dark yesterday. Davis brigade, of Heths division, they say, is on the left of Finegan; the remainder of Heth, they think, is on the right of Mahone. They think Hagoods and Colquitts brigades marched with theirs last evening down the railroad. Major Fisher, signal officer, says the troops working on the intrenchments south of tha lead-work Page 473 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE,~ETC.UNION. 473 number about 2,000. I mention these statements so that Hancock may have what data there is for estimating the force about him. The deserP ers are, I suppose, those you saw this morning. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUAPJERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 25, 18644.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Comdg. Army of the Potomac, General Warrens Headquarters: Mott has sent 2,200 men down the plank road. I am supplying their places with engineer troops, about 1,000 strong, and the headquarters infantry. Patrick had but forty cavalry, which I sent with Motts troops. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Ililiajor- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 25, 18645.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE: The following dispatch from General Hancock just received: HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 25, 18644.15 p. rn. Just received your dispatch by Captain Rosencrantz. I fear it will be too late to have Wilicox get here for any practicable pnrposc, as he is between four and five miles~off now. Still I shall order up his division. Had the division come down the railroad it wonld have been here in time. I desire to know as soon as possible whether you wish me to retnrn from this station to-night in case we can get through safe. WINFD S. HANCOCK. P. 5.Skirmishing going on in my front. Do not know whether the next attack will be on my right or left. I think on my left. W. S. H. Hancock telegraphed at 3.40 p. in.: The enemy just assaulted Miles and were repulsed, and prisoners say badly broken. Andersons brigade, of Fields division, these prisoners say, the only one. A. A. HUMPHREYS. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, City Point, August 25, 18G48 a. m. Major- General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: One of our agents left Richmond about noon of day before yesterday, having arrived there on Monday afternoou about 4 oclock. By direction he inquired from many different sources, and seemed to be entirely satisfied that no troops had been sent either to the Valley or to Atlanta, but understood, on the contrary, that it was considere Page 474 474 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LW. necessary, and that the, order had already gone forth, that one of the cavalry divisions sent to Early should return. Some other citizens stated that the division recalled was already on its way back, but our agent was unable to fix this with certainty. Citizens iii IRichinorid said that Early had whipped the Yankees out of the Valley, and that lie was now on his way to Pennsylvania. A Mr. Slater, who is a clerk in the telegraph office at Richmond,. said thaPGeneral Sherman would be the worst used up man in this war, and that operations in his rear were in progress that would insure his defeat. Twenty-seven hundred pris- oners are claimed to have been taken in the fight on the Weldon rail- road, who are now on Belle Isle, but are to be shortly sent to Georgia. It is claimed that the Weldon railroad is to be retaken at whatever cost. A very large number of wounded men were brought into Richmond from the direction of Petersburg after the railroad fight, and the agent thinks that the trains running on Monday from Petersburg to Rich- mond and returning were loaded with the wounded going up, and going down were conveying the troops which had been operating on the north side of the river. He could not learn of any new movements of troops, except of the return of those which had been on the north side of the James. He did not see as much as a company of soldiers in Richmond while there. In going to Richmond on Monday saw no troops, except about 300 cavalry near Whites Tavern. He understood that they were going to Malvern Hill. The force which two weeks ago was caml)ed about four miles from Whites Tavern t oward the river, estimated at about seven regiments, is there still. The road for about thirteen miles southerly from Richmond is blocked with fallen trees. Flour, which a week ago was worth ~210, sold day before yesterday for ~300, and is still advancing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. H. SHARPE, Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 25, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The last deserters who know anything of Mahone came in on night of 23d instant and stated that Finegans and Wrights brigades were there, and they supposed the whole division was there. Inclosed please find telegram from General Butlers department, which is the latest we have in regard to Pickett.* Very respectfully, J. MORINTEE, Captain; J~c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, Major-General HUMPHREYS, August 25, 1864. Chief of StalT: GENERAL: Two deserters from Forty-eighth Mississippi, harris brigade, iViahones division, who left their picket-line this morning about ~3 oclock, just arrived here, and make the following report: See Davenport to Sliarpe, August 23, p. 437 Page 475 CHAP. LIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 475 Mahones (liviSioll lies in the trenches, occupying their old position, and is disposed in the following order from their right to left, viz, Wright, Harris, Finegan. The two other brigades~ Weisigers and Sanders, together with Scales brigade, of Wilcoxs division, marched down the Weldon railroad about dark. They were ordered to leave their tents standIng and to get away as quietly as possible. Duiing the latter part of yesterday afternoon informants saw Generals Lee avid Beauregard riding hurriedly tip the Weldon railroad in front of the lead-works. They are of impression that the enemy intend attacking our left again. Davis brigade, of Heths division, they say, is on the left of Finegans, and the balance of Beths division, they think, is on the right of Mahones division, lying to the right of the lead-works. They say that the enemy have no troops in reserve about the city; that all troops, except those marched down the railroad, are lying iii the trenches. They think that Hagoods and Colqnitts brigades marched down the railroad yesterday evening with troops of their division. One of them is certain that he saw Scales brigade marching in that direction (down the railroad) last evening, but saw no other brigade of Wilcoxs division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MoENTEE, Captain, & e. HEADQUARTERS GENERAL WARREN, [August 25, 1864]4.1O p. m. Major-General MEADE: The following from Captain MeEntee is just received: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, A ugust 25, 1864. Major-General HuMPmmEvs, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A deserter l~rom Forty-first Yir~inia Regiment, Mahones brigade and division, who left his picket-line, on the right of plank road, about 12 oclock to-day, that Mahones and Sanders briondes reports with exception of Forty-first virghAa Regiment, marched last evening, with three days rations. He heard the major of his regiment say that three divisions, besides the two mentioned brigades, were on the move, and he thought their destination was Stony Creek. An important move, he said, was on foot, and he thought they intended to get in rear of General Warren. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCENTEE, Captain, 4~c. P. S.He also states that there are very few men in onr front; that the men are in one rank in the trenches and have no reserve. J. MeE. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- (Jenerat and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 25, l8G47.1O p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Tnclosedplease find notejust received from Colonel Sharpe. Sanders and Mahones brigades, of Mahones division, mnay be in fron Page 476 476 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LIV. of General Butler, but I think the balance of the division still in our front. We had a deserter who left there at 12 oclock today, and he states that Finegan, Harris a Respectfully, ud Wright were theu in our front. J. McENTEE, Captain, ct~c. [Inclosure.] CITY POINT, August 25, 1864. Captaiu MOENTEE: I learn that the information of Gener I Butler to-day is to the effect that Field is still on the north side of the James. Nothing is knOwn there of Wilcox. IViahone arrived to the rear of Picketts division at 1 oclock this a. m. He is going to relieve Pickett, it is stated, who is going to Petersburg. Yours, G. H. SHARPE, Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel SHARPE, August 25, 18647.15 p. m. City Point: Mahones and Sanders brigades may be in General Butlers front, but the balance of that division was iii our front at 12 m. to-day, so says deserter. J. MoENTEE, Captain, & c