TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 46 (Part III) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1895 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 ~tj ~PI~0rueU ~uivt~r0it~ ~fzbr~ THE GIFT OF Co ~ ~ (~~ilLLL~L~3. FIiA~ILL DULS ~t CI RCULATL I Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHEI) UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. DANIEL S. LAMONT, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XLVIIN THREE PARTS. PART 111-CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1894. jC Page 2 Page 3 PAiIRT 111.VOL. XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYL- VANIA, FROM MARCH 16, 1865, TO JUNE 30, 1865.* ITN 10N CO ESPOND~~CIE, ZETC. CITY POINT, VA., March 16, 1865. (Received 8.40 p. in.) Hon. C. A. DANA, Assistant & cretary of War: Daily Dispatch is the only paper issued to-day in Richmond. it says: The Dispatch is published this morning on half a sheet only, because of the fact that all of our employ~s, printers, reporters, and clerks are members of military organizations and were called out yesterday morning by the governor to perform special service for a short time. But for the kindness of a few friends who are exempt from service, and who volunteered their aid, the half loaf presented would of necessity been withheld. In a few days at farthest our forces will return to their posts, when we hope.to resume and continue uninterruptedly our full-sized sheet. No other news. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 16, 186510 a. m. Lientenant.General GRANT: Nothing new this morning. No further or very precise information obtained of the change of position in enemy~ s troops in my front. I think it likely some troops have been sent to hold the northern defenses of Richmond against anticipated attacks from Sheridan. Prior to moving this army I desire to make certain changes in the troops at and aronnd City Point. I should like to have the Eleventh U. S. Infantry at these headquarters, where I propose to collect the regular regiments as they return, and keep them for provost duty and as a reserve. There are several fragments of regimentsviz, three com- panies from Delaware, a battalion from Maine, and one from New Hampshirethat have been all winter at City Point and with General Benham. As these organizations are not filled or likely to be I pro- pose to attach them to organizations from the same States. Of course any troops removed from City Point would first be relieved by others. I propose to make that portion of the garrison of City Point belonging to this army a detachment under command of Brevet Brigadier-General Collis; hither to they have formed part of the provost guard of this * For Correspondence, etc., from January 1, 1865, to March 15, 1865, see Part II. (3 Page 4 4 N. AND SE. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. army. They can be returned through these headquarters, or, if deemed advisable, through your headquarters. Please let me know if you have no objection to the above, which are submitted because I consider City Point as only partially under my command. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 16, 1865. (Received 11 a. in.) Major-General MEADE: Make the changes you deem proper iu the garrison of City Point. Have all the returns of troops here sent to you. In making changes leave with General Patrick the regiment which he has always had with him. There are two colored regiments at City Point, one under the quartermaster. This I will have retained, but the other I will order back to the Twenty-fifth Corps. It will be necessary to replace it with a battalion. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 16, 1865. Maj. Gen. J. G. BARNARD, U. S. Army, City Point, Va.: Shall not be with you until Saturday. Notify Lieutenant-General Grant. G. V. FOX, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 16, 18652.55 p. m. Major-General MEADE: (Through Fifth Corps Headquarters.) The following dispatch has just been received from the acting chief signal officer: Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the following report has just been received from the signal station at the Avery house: The enemy along the front line, from the Crater to Fort Mahone, have their equip- ments all on, ready to move. No tents have been struck to-day. The most of them now sit down, as if trying to keep out of sight. CHAS. HERZOG, JJir8t Lieutenant, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. General Parke is here, and has seen the above report. CHAS. E. PEASE, Assistant Adjutant- General. PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, March 1 Capt. J. C. PAINE: 6, 18659 a. rn. At 8.30 a. m. about 400 of the enemy commenced moving from works extending from Fort Mahone a short distance to the right of plan Page 5 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 5 road, about 100 of them moving left toward large fort, 200 of them toward the picket-line at different points along our front, and the other 100 still remaining in line in rear of works northwest from station. The wind blows so hard as to prevent me from telling whether there has been any change in the forces garrisoning their front line. A. K. C[AItOTHERS], Sergeant. PLANK ItOAD SIGNAL STATION, March 16, 18655 p. m. Capt. J. C. PAINE: The enemy opened on a working party in vicinity of Battery 23, at 9.30 and 10.10 a. in., from Fort Mahone and next battery to its left, throwing about twenty shots. The firing developed their force in our front, which is much less (probably one-third) than the force occupying the hues yesterday. This dimiiuution extends from plank road as far left as yellow house battery. Men reported moving toward picket-line in report of 9 a. in., proved to be reliefs; those relieved moving back and scattering in works along our front. The enemys picket is a strong one, the men forming it having full marching equipments, including knapsacks; the latter not worn as a general thing by their reliefs. Small parties were drilling at different points during the day. The wind has prevented making any correct observations further left than the lead-works. Some movement of troops was visible in the vicinity of large fort at 1 p. in., but could not distinguish their numbers or what they were doing. A. K. CAROTHERS, Sergeant. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 52. City Point, Va., March 16, 1865. * * * * * * * II. The Tenth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops is relieved from duty at City Point, and will proceed without delay to the Army of the James and report to Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord for orders. The quartermasters department will furnish necessary transportation. * * * * * * * By command of Lientenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, )~ HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 12. March 16, 1865. I. Brig. Gen. M. R. Patrick, U. S. Volunteers, is relieved from duty as provost-marshal-general of this army. II. Bvt. Brig. Gen. G. N. Macy, colonel Twentieth Massachusetts Volnnteers, is announced as provost-marshal-general of the Army of the Potomac, and will be respected and obeyed accordingly. By command of Major-General Meade: GEO. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 6 6 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 16, 186511.33 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Some deserters from Hoffmans brigade (formerly Pegrams), Walk- ers division (formerly Pegrams), report that General Bushrod Johnson rode along their picket-line yesterday, and that when they left camp day before yesterday it was expected their brigade would move to the intrenchments near Petersbnrg on the following day. A. A. HUMPHiIEYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, March 16, 186512 m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The Secretary of War with a party leave City Point for these head- quarters at 12 to-day. I shall propose ~o him to witness a review of the Fifth Corps at 2.30 p. m. near the Cummings house. If he accedes the party will be carried there by rail. I shall be pleased to see you and such of your officers as you choose to bring with you either at these headquarters at 1 p. m. or on the review ground at 2.30 p. in. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. (Same to Major-Generals Wright and Parke.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRps, March 16, 186510 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: We have a deserter from Wallaces brigade, of Bushrod John sons division, picketing on the other side of Hatchers Run. He says they began picketing there yesterday morning and completed relieving the pickets of Gordons corps this morning. Johnsons division was to have completed the exchange of positioii with Walkers division to-day. If, however, Bushrod Johnsons division is as strong as he represents it it would take two of Gordons divisions to occupy the same line. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 16, 18657.30 a. m. General WARREN, Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding deems it proper to caution you against permitting too large a number of the officers or men of your corps to attend the races to-morrow. The attitude assumed by the enemy during the past few days requires watchfulness on our part and does not permit of any relaxation in the vigilance now required. Corps commanders will also see, through their provost-marshals, that n Page 7 Cni?. LYTII.1 7 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. improper use of public animals is made by officers or men visting the race-course. The commanding officer of the cavalry division will take especial pains to prevent any abuses of the animals of his command by the enlisted men ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of staff. (Same to General Parke, Ninth Corps, General Wright, Sixth Corps, General Davies, Cavalry Division.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 16, 1865. CoL GEORGE D. IRuGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet on this front during the past twenty-four honrs. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 16, 1865. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report one rebel deserter just receivedname, Emil Leath. He belongs to Grahams four-gun battery of horse artillery; has been stationed at Stony Creek, but is now on the march to Roneys Mill, where it is to go into camp. Three brigades of Lees cavalry are with the battery; all going into camp between IRoneys Mill and Din- widdie Court-House. This deserter thinks the rebel troops more demoralized than ever before. They will fight, but not so well as here- tofore. He knows of no movement of troops except as above; has heard nothing definite of Sherman; rumors very contradictory. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 16, 1865. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Three deserters have just arrivedone Forty ninth Virginia Infantry, and two Fifty-eighth Virginia Infantry, all of Colonel Kaseys brigade, Walkers division, Gordons corps. They report that Gordons corps has been moved to the front of Petersburg and its place supplied by Bnshrod Johnsons division. They report the rebel soldiers as very disconsolate, and many of the officers have lost confidence. A guard is now kept in the rear of the rebel troops to prevent desertions to the rear. These men will be forwarded immediately to army headquarters. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteer Page 8 8 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 16. March 16, 1865. The corps will be formed for review on the ground near Humplireys Station, leaving camp at 1 p. in., or as soon after as practicable. The First Division will be formed on the ground it occupied on the prelim- inary review of the 14th and in the same manner. The Second and Third Divisions will form on the same line occupied by the Third Divis- ion at that time, the Second Division being on the right of the Third. The formation will be by battalions en masse. The honorable Secretary of War will be present. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brecet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.Each division will turn out its pioneers in full marching order, with their tools. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 16, 1865. (Received 11.15 a. in.) Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours. One man from the Tenth New Jersey Volunteers deserted to the enemy. H. CT. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 16, 186510.20 p. m. (Received 10.30 p. in.) Major-General WEBB: Two deserters from ~ brigade report that no movements of troops have taken place of late, except the exchange of Pegrams for Johnsons division that Rodes division went to North Carolina about a week ago and Picketts to meet Sheridan, being replaced by Mahone~s; that Sherman was in Fayetteville some days ago; that the rebel troops are concentrating at Raleigh, where they expect a fight, and that an engagement took [place] about ten miles from Raleigh yesterday, in which onr forces were thrashed. No details given as to the forces engaged, but it is supposed to have been a cavalry affair only. Two batteries removed from the left of their line to accompany the troops which went off, but know of none other being withdrawn. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 16, 1865. (Received 9.55 a. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: No further demonstrations were made on our lines since the report of yesterday. Nothing definite or positive has been arrived at in refer Page 9 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 9 ence to relieving the force on our front. The work on the rear line is progressing well. No deserters have as yet been reported to these headquarters. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 16, 1865. (Received 3.35 p. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The following just received: hEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 16, 1865. Major-General PARKE: Have seen General Hartranft and sent to General Wilicox. General Hartranft thinks the disturbance in the enemys lines is about over. He does not think they mean anything aggressive. They were under arms for some purpose and seemed to be awaiting something. No tents struck. No more men apparent than yesterday. Lieutenant Wardwell, just returned from Averys house, agrees with this. J. L. VAN BUREN, Lieutenant-Colonel, 4-c. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 16, 1865. (Received 10.20 a. in.) Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: Nothing worthy of mention has occurred on my lines. II. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 16, 18658.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: The Blackwater, a branch of the Chowan, I am informed cannot be forded except near the Army of the Potomac. Cavalry would have to have a ferry or pontoons. The ferry is destroyed~ hence a dash cant be made now. Would it not be well to telegraph to Yorktown that a boat may be sent up, notifying Sumner~? E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 16, 1865. Major-General ORD: You can send a dispatch to Fort Monroe and Norfolk directing that when Sumner reaches there he will come on up the river without debarking his troops. I think he will not leave White House earlier than to-morrow noon. Last night Sheridan had not reached there. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 10 10 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LV~. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the held, March 16, 186510 a. m. General J. A. RAWLINS, City Point: Deserters from Bartons brigade say there were rumors in camp that part of Picketts [division J went on Sunday toward Lynchburg. where Sheridan had cut the canal, and another portion went to Hanover Junction and had a fight with some of Sheridans command. Heard that ~ickett was driven back. Dont know the day the fight occurred. E. 0. C. ORD. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES March 16 1 Brigadier-General IIAWLINS, 865. (Received 11.15 a. in.) Chief of & aff, City Point, Va.: Twenty-five deserters have come in since yesterday. They report that Harris brigade, Mahones division, has returned to our front, near Howletts house, and that Grimes division has relieved Johnsons division on lines at Petersburg, Johnson going to their extreme right. E. 0. C. ORD Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, Major.General ORD, City Point, Va., March 16, 1865. Army of the James: Secretary Stanton is here. JNO. A. RAWLINS Brigadier- General and Chief of AS~taff. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 75. ) Before Richmond, Va., March 16, 1865. 1. Maj. R. S. Davis, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty at these headquarters, and will report to the head- quarters of the armies at City Point for further orders. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR, ) HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 12. ) Before Richmond, Va., March 16, 1865. Organization and rules for the provost-marshals department, Army of the James: - The provost-marshal-general for the Army of the James will be on the staff of the general commanding the Army of the James with the rank of a field officer, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly Page 11 CHAP. LVIII.] 11 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. Each corps shall have a provost-marshal who shall be on the staff of the general commanding the corps, and will be obeyed and respected as such. His rank shall be that of a field officer, if practicable; other- wise, that of a captain. Each division shall have a provost-marshal, with the rank of captain, who shall be on the staff of the general commanding the division, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. Brigades will not be allowed provost-marshals. All prisoners of war or deserters coming within the lines will be forwarded without delay to the corps provost-marshals, and will be forwarded by corps provost- marshals to headquarters Army of the James. Corps provost-marshals shall make and keep a register of all sutlers, sutlers employ~s, and civilians doing bnsiness within their respective corps, and shall as soon as made forward a transcript of the same to the provost-marshal-general Army of the James. The provost-marshal-general Army of the Jaine~ shall make and keep a registry of all sutlers. siitlers employ~s, purveyors, and civiliaiis doing business within the Army of the James, and shall forward a transcript of the same to the provost-marshal-general of the depart- ment as soon as made. The commanding officer of each corps, division, and brigade can select a sutler, or registered sutlers clerk, to provide for commissioned officers, upon their orders, such goods as are not upon the Wilson bill. Liquors of all kinds excepted. Corps and division commanders may, if they desire, select purveyors for their headquarters other than sutlers and sutlers clerks, who shall have equal rights with regularly appointed regimental sutlers and be governed by the same rules. All permits to do bnsiuess within the Army of the James (sutlers excepted) shall be obtained from the provost-marshal-general Army of the James. Sutlers goods must be brought to the army on private vessels. The invoices on which they are brought must be on printed forms, approved by regimental commanders, and forwarded through intermediate commanders to the provost-marshal-general Army of the James, if within that army; otherwise, to the provost-marshal-general of the department, at Fort Monroe. All passes to leave the Army of the James must be given by Major- General Ord or the provost-marshal-general Army of the James. These passes will be vis6ed at Bermuda Hundred, and if they are to go out of the department must be visaed at Fort Monroe. - All passes will be exam- ined by the officer of the mail-boats, of which there shall be one, with a sufficient guard accompanying each boat. By command of Major-General Ord: H. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 16, 18653.45 p. m. General READ, Chief of Staff: Artillery firing is heard from here in the direction of Long Bridge, on the Chickahominy. Direct Colonel West to take his calvary force, leaving enough to relieve the present picket-line, with three days rations, and move at once dowmi along the Chickahominy, keeping his left flank well covered, and communicate with any force of General ~heridaus which may be on the north side of that river. He will hav Page 12 12 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. couriers to send back with information as soon as the cause of firing is known. Take axes to make a raft or temporary bridge if one shoald be found necessary. Direct forage to follow the ~~ommand if he has none issued. Leave an escort for the forage and start at once. E.G. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 16, 18654.50 p. m. Colonel WEST, Commanding Cavalry Division: You will march at once with your cavalry force, leaving only enough to relieve your picket-line, and taking with you three days rations, down along the Chickahominy. keeping your left flank well covered, and communicate with any force of Sheridans which may be on the north side of that river. You will send couriers back with information as soon as the cause of firing is known to you. Take axes to make a raft or temporary bridge if one should be found necessary. Direct forage to follow the command if you have none issued. Leave an escort for the forage and start at once. Report the receipt of this order and also when you move. By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant A djutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 16, 1865. (Received 5.45 p. in.) Lieutenant-Colonel READ: Dispatch received. Everything will be ready in a few minutes; will telegraph you when we start. Have had no report of any firing from the picket-line; will learn as I go out, if not before, and send back word. This order to move received 4.55. Respectfully, ROB. M. WEST Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 16, 1865. (Received 6.30 p. in.) Lieutenant-Colonel READ, Chief 0] Staff: The column is now moving down the New Market road. I start at once. ROB. M. WEST, Colonel, cfw. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 16, 186510.40 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA, Norfolk, Va.: When Colonel Sumner reaches Norfolk with his cavalry regiment order him to come on up the river without debarking. He will pro Page 13 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 13 ably not reach Norfolk before to-morrow, and if possible he will be stopped at Fort Monroe. He had been ordered from the White House to Norfolk. By command of Major- General Ord: THEODORE READ, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 16, 186510.40 a. m. Colonel ROBERTS, Commanding Fort Monroe: Try and stop Colonel Sumner as he comes down from the York River on transports with his regiment, and direct him to come on up the river without going to Norfolk, as previously ordered. He will probably not be down before to-morrow, when yon can send out a tug and if possible intercept him. By command Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. WHITE HOUSE, VA., March 16, 186512 m. (Received 7.45 p. in.) Maj. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS, Chief of & aff, City Point, Va.: Scouts sent out last night returned this morning, saying they went to within four miles of Hanover Court-House and conversed with the people in that vicinity, and all report a fight yesterday in vicinity of Ashland Station, though they say Sheridan had not crossed the South Anna.. The people say Picketts division and a brigade of cavalry went to Ashland to oppose Sheridan. The cavalry has gone out again to-day, and will go as far as Bottoms Bridge. No other information known. The steamer with this goes to Fort Monroe for stores for the steam-boats, and will bring back any dispatches for us. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel. Handed to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock, of Lieutenant-General Grants staff. JESSE J. UNDERHILL, Capt. and Aetg. Asst. Quartermaster to General Roberts Brigade. CITY POINT, VA., March 16, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel BABCOCK, White House: (Care of Captain James, quartermaster, Fort Monroe.) Your dispatch received. I sent orders for Colonel Roberts to return if Sheridan does not arrive by Saturday. Of course this does not apply if Sheridan is heard from and it is known that he is going to White Honse. Dispatches are received from Sherman himself from Fayetteville. All was well with him. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 14 14 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. L~IH. WHITE HOUSE, VA., March 16, 18657.15 p. m. General J. A. RAWLINS, (Received 10.55 a. in. 17th.) Chief of Staff: Two scouts from Sheridan just iu and bring dispatches. They say he has some over 2,000 negroes and a number of captured wagons. His horses are in good condition, but footsore. I have telegraphed from Yorktown for plank to plank the railroad bridge here. It is ready for planking. Scouts say the advance will be here in the morning. Please telegraph Captain James, at Fort Monroe, to send the plank at once. G.E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-dc- Camp. MANGOHICK CHURCH, VA., March 16, 1865. (Received 9.15 p. in. 17th.) Lieutenant-General GRA]~T: GENERAL: After my dispatch of yesterday* all but Colonel Penning- tons brigade, of Custers division, was withdrawn to the north side of the South Anna, and Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell, commanding the First Michigan Cavalry, who was at Hanover Court-House, was also with- drawn. Colonel Pennington was then directed to send forward from Ashland and develop the position of the enemy, who was found occu- pying the line of the north fork of the Chickahoininy near Ryalls mill- l)ond. Both cavalry and infantry were here encountered, and the fol- lowing additional information obtained in reference to the infantry force mentioned in my dispatch of yesterday: The adjutant of the - Fifteenth Virginia Infantry, who was captured yesterday, says that Longstreets corps marched out from Richmond. This is also stated by a colored man who came out from Richmond with Picketts division. After obtaining the above information I withdrew Penningtous bri- gade and crossed my command to the north side of the North Anna River. The enemy advanced with four regiments as far as Ashland after Peunington withdrew, and about seventy-five men to the South Anna. I left two scouts in Ashland to watch the movements of the enemy. They report the main force of the enemy at the Chickahominy, and that four regiments [wentj to Ashland and seventy-five men to the Soath Anna River. Five railroad bridges over the North and South Anna and Little Rivers were totally destroyed; also the trestle-work over Sextons Swamp at the Junction. In the reconnaissance made by the First Connecticut Cavalry, of Penningtons brigade, Third Division, we lost 1 officer killed and I officer and 7 men wounded. I made a short march to-day, as our horses are very tired; most of them, how- ever, are looking well. The majority of the horses lost was owing to the hoof rot caused by the mud. The roads since we reached Beaver Dam are very good, the roads being sandy. The column is encumbered by about 2,000 negroes. They have, however, rendered great assistance to our wagon trains on the bad roads we have had to pass over. They have aiso helped to consume the supplies of the country, which were abundant along the James River. We have not been pincheci for food or forage up to the present time, although we have only had of our own supplies coffee, sugar, and salt for sixteen days. P. II. SHERIDAN, Major- General. See Part II, p. 993 Page 15 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 15 MANGoHICK CHURCH, March 16, 1865. Col. ORVILLE E. BABCOCK: COLONEL: Information that seems to be reliable reached me this evening that Longstreet marched all last night and arrived with Pick- etts division at Peakes Turnout, near Hanover Court-House, and on the road to the White House. There is not much doubt but that Long- street, with two divisions and two battalions of artillery, marched out from Richmond to meet me and the indications from all nights march last night are that they will try to prevent my crossing at the White House. I will march to-morrow morning to Ayletts, near Dunkirk, and will open communication with you. The enemy can get to the White House before I can, in which case let the provisions and forage drop down to West Point under charge of one gun-boat. Let the other two remain at White House until we can settle the affair. Should they get the crossing at the White House I can cross the Mattapony and get rid of my 2,000 negroes and other d6bris at West Point. I think that the enemy will risk greatly at Petersburg to keep me from getting to the south side. It is possible that my information may be incorrect, so do not leave the White House with anything until it is verified. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 13. Man gohiek Church, March 16, 1865. I. The command will move to-morrow at 6 a. m. to Ayletts Station, in the tollowing order, viz: First, First Division; second, wagon train; third, Third Cavalry Division. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREADBURY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Mangohiek Church, Va., March 16, 1865. Brevet Major-General CUSTER, Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: You will detail fifty picked men and horses, with one commissioned officer, for the purpose of proceeding to White House. The detail will report to Brevet Brigadier-General Forsyth, chief of staff, army headquarters, with the least possible delay. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREADBURY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 16, 1865. General CUSTER: It is important that the force ordered to Hanovertown Ferry in ver- bal message by Captain Cooley, aide-de-camp, make the reconnaissance to that point as soon as possible and report promptly. As soon as you receive the report send it to these headquarters at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - W. MERRITT, Brevet Major-General, Commanding Page 16 16 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYIII. WINCHESTER VA Major-General HALLECK, JJiarch 16, 1865. Chief of Staff: The anomalous position occupied here by General Emory is a con- stant source of embarrassment to me. The organization of the Nine- teenth Corps is still kept complete, only one division being here. The transportation ol the division absent is held intact at Frederick. If his corps is not to be reunited here or elsewhere I should feel free to make such assignment of his troops and himself as the interest of the service may seem to demand. I contemplate taking a majority of the troops so long on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and replacing them with other troops, and in this arraugment might use General Emory and part of his troops, but it would interfere with the corps organization. Recent investigations, through inspections, exhibit a complete lack of discipline in some of the organizations on the rail- road, and I wish to put them where they will be properly disciplined and instructed. W. S. HANCOCK, Major- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., MCrch 16, 18652.20 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Wim~chester, Va.: General Grants attention was some time ago called to the condition of the Nineteenth Corps, but he was not then ready to make any change. Your dispatch will be sent to him. H. W. HALLECK, - Major- General and Chief of Staff. WINCHESTER, VA., Miarch 16, 1865. Maj. Gen. C. C. AUGUR, (Received 12 in.) Commanding Department of Washington: Colonel Thompson, First New Hampshire Cavalry, with about sixty men (mounted) start for Muddy Branch to-day to report to you. About the same number leaves Remount Camp to-day to report to you. Will you send the Delaware cavalry to report to General Tyler l Yours, A. T. A. TORBERT, Brevet Major- General, Comdg. Cavalry, Middle Military Division. U. S. S. DON, Saint Inigoes, Md., March 16, 1865. Major-General AUGUR, U. S. Army, (Received 10.10 a. in.) Washington, D. C.: With the home guards and Mosbys guerrillas the rebels ou the INorthern INeck now number about 800, most of whom are mounted. By landing a large cavalry force at Belle Plain these fellows could all be captured. I have now a sufficient force of gun-boats to encircle th Page 17 Ca~. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 17 whole ~ eck from Belle Plain, on the Potomac, to Port Royal, on the Rappahannock, at distances apart of fifteen miles, and can send a co-operating force ashore also. Please answer. F. A. PARKER, Commander, Commanding Potomac Flotilla. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22n ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 16, 1865.. Commander F. A. PARKER, U. S. Navy, Saint Inigoes, Aid.: My cavalry have just returned from a long scout, and it will be some days before they can go out again. J hope to be able to act with you by the first of next week. Respectfully, C. C. AUGUR, Major- General. YORKTOWN, March 16, 18652 p. m. Commander F. A. PARKER, Saint Inigoes, Md.: General Roberts occupied White House 14th instant. Was in- trenched. Sheridan had not arrived at 12 yesterday. His camp fires in sight. Pamunkey is patrolled by army gun-boats Mosswood and Jesup. PETER HAYES, U. S. Navy. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 16, 1865. Brevet Major-General TORBERT, Chief of Cavalry: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desir& you to send to-night a scouting party up the Valley as far as Woodstock or Edin- burg, by such roads as you may think proper; also, a detail of fifty men for special service, to be ready to move at 6 p. m. to-day, the officer commanding the detail to report for instructions at these head- quarters at 6 p. m. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. BEVERLY, W. VA., March 16, 1865. Colonel WILKINSON, Clarksburg: A deserter just in reports that all the rebel force about Crab Bottom and vicinity were ordered out to oppose Sheridan and haVe not returned, yet. I have scouts all through that country. W. H. ENOCHS, Colonel, Commandir& g. I~ RVOL XLVI~ PT II Page 18 18 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIH. WHITE HousE, March 17, 18653 p. m. General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Captains Moore and Allen of General Sheridans staff came in this morning. The general marched from Mangohick church this morning. His advance will be within twelve miles to-night. I send his dispatch* by Colonel Dent, who will telegraph it from York. town. We have sent a squadron of cavalry to New Castle to-day to see if they cau hear from Longstreet. They have been gone some five hours and sent in no report yet. We have several gun-boats now and shall give them a handsome fight if they come here before General Sheridan. General Sheridau has directed me what to do in case of an attack. Hudson has not returned yet. Dent brings all of Sheridans dispatches. I will see the general and then join you as soon as possible. Sheridan sends me word that he has pleiity of supplies in case of trouble. 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. P. S.Have just received note from General Sheridan. He will camp at King William Court-House to-night, ten miles from here. His note was written 10 a. m. 17th. He has no further information about Long- street. 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. YORKTOWN, March 17, 1865. (Received 9.35 p. in.) General J. A. IRAWLINS, Chief of Staff: Sheridan will be in early to-morrow morning at White House. Our scouts, up as far as Pipingtree, were not able to find Longstreet. Think he has gone back, but are on the watch for him. A cavalry scout to New Kent Court-House this morning ran into a rebel scouting party. We had two. men wounded. Killed one private; wounded and cap- tured a sergeant-major of the rebels. Colonel Babcock will leave as soon aN~ General Sheridan comes in. Will bring the staff officer of Sheridans directed with him. F. T. DENT, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de-Gamp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 17, 186510 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Provost- marshal -general reports thirty-nine deserters yesterday; corps commanders report thirteen this morning. No movements are reported but the relief of Johnson, though one man says he heard Rodes division had gone to North Carolina. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. *$eep. 1~ Page 19 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 19 MARCH 17, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Twenty-one deserters from the enemy have been forwarded to this office up to 1 p. m. to-day. * * * * * * * From their statements, which are somewhat contradictory, the fol- lowing is understood to be the present position of the rebel army south of the Appomattox: A. P. Hills corps: Hill sick and ileth in command of corps. All of Heths and Wilcoxs (livisions in line from the Wilcox house to Burgess Mills. Thomas brigade, of Wilcoxs division, is now on the left of Scales and left (enemys left) of the division. Mahones division in Picketts old position north of the Appomattox. Gordons corps: Evans division (Gordons old) and Grimes division (Pegrams old) are, together with Thomas brigade, of Wilcoxs division, holding the line recently held by Buslirod Johnsons division, from the Appomattox to the Wilcox house. Of Johnsons division (Rodes old) the rumors are divided. Some report it at Burkeville Junction~ throw- ing up fortifications; others say it has gone to North Carolina. The former report that it is at Burkeville appears the most reliable. One deserter from Forty-eighth North Carolina thinks this positive. Bushrod Johnsons division: This division still occupies the old camping-ground of Evans and Grimes divisions in the vicinity of Burgess Mills, and is keeping up a strong picket-line from Burgess Mills to Dabneys Mills, and thence southwest to Gravelly Run. No recent information from the cavalry. J. C. BABCOCK. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 17, 18659 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General SHARPE: Refugees from Richmond who came into our lines to-day report that Sheridan had a fight with Picketts division Wednesday. Wounded were brought into Richmond yesterday morning. They say Sheridan was moving toward White House. They came from Richmond to Drewrys Bluff this morning. Met a tug towing a qnantity of pontoon- boats up the river. The captain thought a bridge was to be put across the river above the city. One of them said it was reported that Sheri- dan lost two general officers and captured 700 of Picketts men. Local Defense troops all came back to the city yesterday. MANNING. HDQRS. ENG. BRIG. AND DEFENSES OF CITY POINT, VA., March 17, 1865. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: COLONEL: I was just at my table to offer some snggestions that occurred on reflecting upon the disposition General Meade mentioned to me yesterday as intended for the troops of this vicinity when the orders reached me. Though if too late for any change I may perhap Page 20 20 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LV~. mention what had occurred to my mind, being mainly this: that while it is obvious that if there were no danger to be anticipated no troops at all would be needed on the lines of defense of City Point. Yet if there is danger it would be, as I should most expect, from a sudden burst or rush of the enemy either upon oar left or directly in our front; and as I have but six and two-thirds companies of the Fifteenth Engineers on these lines, besides the one at the depot here, it could hardly be possible to insure the picketing on our left, which, as the minimum, I have found required 750 men, and provide for the guarding of these eight forts, over 18,000 to 20,000 feet of crest line; while if one more regiment were retained (say, the Sixty-first Massachusetts) in camp upon or near the lines on one side of the railroad, while the engineers held on the other side to be ready at hand in case of emergency, I should have a much greater feeling of security than if I had to send two or three miles to the rear, as would be the case, to get the assistance from General Collis command here. And it 6ccurs to me that possibly it might meet the views of the commanding general to retain this Sixty-first Massachusetts Regiment on the lines as at present, but subject to details for a portion of them at least, if necessary, for special service at this post. Very respectfully, your obedient, H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 17, 1865. Col. GEORGE 1). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet on this front during the past tweimty-four hours. Detail, 500 men on the new corduroy road. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major. General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 17, 1865. Col. G. D. RUGGLES: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours. II. G. WRIGIIT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 17, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Nothing new to report. Two deserters from the Forty-third North Carolina came in last night. They say they belong to Cowands bri- gade, Grin~es division, JNO. G. PARKE, .Miajor- Genera Page 21 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 21 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIvISIoN, March 17, 1865. General WEBB, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Nothing of importance has occurred on my line. A scouting party sent oat yesterday learned that the officer reported missing, and the man with him unaccounted for, had be en captured by a guerrilla party of the enemy. H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, ill arch 17, 186511.20 a. m. Lient. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, City Point: Twenty-nine deserters from the enemy came into our lines yesterday. THEODORE READ, Chief of Statf. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 17, 1865B p. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: Fifteen deserters from the enemy have been received here since 4 oclock yesterday. THEODORE READ, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field March 17, 18659 p. m. Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. ORD: (Care Headquarters Armies, City Point.) Colonel West reports that at daylight this morning he found it impossible to cross the swamp at White Oak bridge. He had just found a crossing, and would execute your orders at daylight to-morrow or before. He says he cannot take his wagons and ambulances with him, and wishes authority to send them back to camp with an escort. He says we will certainly lose a great many men. Perhaps the result will compensate. Has had parties along the Chickahominy to-day for several miles. All the fords are impassable; the streams much swollen. A scout reports our infantry at New Kemit Court-House. He received both your dispatches at 4 p. m. What shall I answer~ THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, March 17, 18659.45 p. m. General READ, Chief of Staff: Send word to Colonel West that he need not make the attack ordered in my dispatch of this afternoon, but remain between White Oa Page 22 22 N. AND ~E. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIII. Swamp and Bottoms Bridge, covering the latter and scouting above and below it on the Chickaborniiiy, sending back escorts for supplies as needed. If he is heavily threatened by a superior force of the enemy he can return. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CoRPS, March 17, 1865. (Sent 8.55 p. in.) Col. THEO. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: Dnrin~ the last hour several explosions have been heard iii the direc- tion of Fort Darling. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. MARCH 17, 18659.25 p. m. Col. T. READ, Assistant Adjutant-General: Another gun or explosion has just been heard in the direction of Richmond. This is the fifth or sixth heard since the last one and a half hours. G. WEJTZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS C AVALRY DIVISION, Near White Oak Bridge, March 17, 18654 a. rn. Lieutenant-Colonel READ, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the James: One brigade of this command (Evans) has just returned to this point from Long Bridge, on ihe Chickahominy. Nothing satisfactory has yet been learned of General Sheridans command. No firing was heard beyond the Chickahominy by any one we have met thus far. One report says Sheridans cavalry was in the upper part of New Kent County yesterday. This Colonel Evans thinks is unreliable. Several reports agree that Sheridan had a fight on Sunday last, seven miles north of Richmond, in Greens orchard, and another next day at Mechanics- ville. My orders require me to move down along the Chickahominy. I shall send parties to all the fords and crossings I know of. If Gen- eral Sheridan desires to cross the Chickahominy at Jones Bridge (which would seem probable) this point here should be held~ if at Bottoms Bridge I should cross the White Oak Swamp at this point and get a position between Bottoms Bridge and Richmond. This I will do if I hear nothing of General Sheridan down the Chickahominy and do not receive contrary orders from you. If he is in New Kent County I will learn the fact very soon. The staff~ officer who brings this will convey to me any instructions you may have to send. We have encountered only very slight oppositiomi thus far. ROB. M. WEST, Colonel, Commanding Division Page 23 CHAP. LVIfl.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 23 HDQRS. DEPT. OF VLRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 17, 1865. Col. IR. M. WEST, Commanding Cavalry Division: COLONEL: You can carry out your plan prOI)osed of crossing the White Oak Swamp and taking a position between Bottoms Bridge and Richmond. At the same time you make arrangements to leave if Gen- eral Sheridan has any force on the north side of Chickahominy in New Kent County. The report of guns heard may have been from some other quarter than Bottoms or Long Bridges and from some other foice than General Sheridans. In case you do not hear any reliable intelligence of General Sheridan or his parties by to-morrow morning in New Kent or vicinity, you can returim with your command. General Grant has no information that General Sheridan is at present in New Kent or is with his parties attempting to cross the Chickahominy, but is very desirous to communicate with him and give him such aid and supplies as he may need or his advance parties may require, should they be near that river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORE READ, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIvISIoN, March 17, 1865. (Received 7.40 p. in.) Brigadier-General TURNER: The following dispatch just received from Colonel West and respect- fully transmitted for consideration of the general commanding the Department of Virginia. Please reply with reference to ambulances: HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, In the Field4.lO p. m. Capt. H. C. WHIPPLE: In my dispatch of 4 a. in. I expressed the intention of crossing the swamp at White Oak bridge. When daylight came I found this impossible with the means at my command, because of the amount of labor necessary. I have just found a cross- ing and will execute the orders of the commanding general to the best of my ability early to-morrow morning, striking by or before daylight. I shall have to send iill my wheels, i. e., ambulances and headquarter wagons, in to-night by a special escort, as I cannot get them over the swamp. One of my staff officers saw a scout of Gen- eral Ords who had been on the north side of the Chickahominy last night. He reports a considerable force of onr infantry at Nev Kent Court-House. I have had parties along the Chickahominy to-day for several miles. All the fords are impassa- ble; the streams much swollen. The messenger arrived safely with both dispatches and they were delivered to me at Ip. m. I should much prefer to have authority for going without ambulances. We will certainly lose a great many men. Perhaps the result would compensate. If I cannot get the ambulances across shall I go without them? There will he time for your reply to reach me before I start. Very respectfully, ROB. M. WEST, Colonel, 4-c. Respectfully, & c., . H. C. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant. General Page 24 24 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 17, 186510 p. m. Capt. II. C. WHiPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Cava try Division: I send you the following for Colonel West, the receipt of which you will acknowledge: Colonel WEST, Commanding Cavalry Division: You need not make the attack ordered in the dispatch to you this afternoon, but remain between White Oak Swamp and Bottoms Bridge, covering the latter and scouting above and below it on the Chickahominy, sending back escorts for supplies as needed. If you are heavily threatened by a superior force of the enemy you can return. By commaiid of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Chief of ASta/f and Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 17, 1865. Maj. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN, White House, Va.: Your dispatch of the 15th is this moment received.* A brigade of troops as guard to sul)plies for your command has been at White House for two days to meet you. The evening of the 15th I sent all the cav- alry of the Army of the James, except necessary pickets, to the Chicka- hominy, to threaten in that direction and hold the enemys cavalry as far as possible. I have ordered them now to move up between White Oak Swamp and the Chickahominy, to attract as much attention as they can and go as far as they can. it has ieen so long since your dispatch was written, however, I fear you will receive no material benefit from movements made here. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, March 17,1865. Maj. W. L JAMES Chic f Quartermaster, Fort Monroe: Please send the plank to plank the railroad bridge required by Colonel Babcock to White House with all possible dispatch. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: JNO. A. IRAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of & aff. FIELD ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 14. ~ King William Court-House, March 17, 1865. I. The command will march to-morrow at 6 a. m. in the following order: First, Third Division; second, trains; third, First Division. II. The command will move to the crossing of the Pamunkey near the White House, this side of which it will mass and await orders. III. The march will be conducted slowly, each division commander requiring his command to walk and lead one hour in each three hours See Part II, p. 993 Page 25 CHAP. LVIII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 25 of the march. No horses will be abandoned or destroyed to-morrow. General IDevin will detach a strong rear guard to bring up all strag- glers and horses from on the road. This rear guard will be ordered to halt some distance on this side the White House and will picket the roads leading into that place. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREADBUIRY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ALEXANDRIA, March 17, 1865. Colonel TAYLOR: COLONEL: We have information that about 170 rebel cavalry intend making a raid into Fairfax County to-night. They will come from Prince William County. I have telegraphed this to Colonel Gamble, and have sent what men I have out. II. II. WELLS, Col. and Pro. Mar. Gen., Defenses South of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS SEPARATE BRIGADE, Fairfax Court-House, Va., March 17, 18655.30 p. m. Colonel WELLS, ProvostMarshal General, Alexandria: COLONEL: Your telegram received. The line notified. We are ready for a free fight. W. GAMBLE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 17,186510.05 a. m. General GAMBLE, Commanding, Fairfax Court-House: How soon can you spare about 800 cavalry, in good condition, to make an expedition to the Northern Neck l C. C. AUGUR, Major- General. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., March 17, 186510.30 p. m. (Received 11.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. C. C. AUGUR: GENERAL: I can have 800 cavalry ready to start Monday morning for the Northern Neck. The Eighth Illinois Cavalry are now drawing horses and arms. Colonel Clendenin will call on you to-morrow fore- noon. W. GAMBLE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade Page 26 26 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. MARCH 17, 18655.30 p. m. Colonel ALBRLGHT, Fairfax Station: COLONEL: Keep your command on the alert to-night; look out for rebel cavalry and knock the devil out of them if they come. W. GAMBLE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp Sheridan, Va., March 17, 186.51.24 p. m. Brevet Major-General EMORY, or Brevet Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Winchester, 17a.: The following telegram just received from General Davis. Have ordered him to send written report by first train: SUMMIT POINT, March 17, 1865. The regiment ordered on reconnaissance has just returned. Visited Myerstown, Kabletown, and fords. Report no enemy to be found anywhere. The force reported to have crossed the river on the 13th instant 1)assed through Myerstown, and num- bered 200. Small squad of fifteen passed through Berryville early yesterday morn- ing and went toward the river. Will forward written report to-morrow if required. E. P. DAVIS, Brevet Brigadier- General, Commanding, DUNCAN S. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HARPERS FERRY, March 17, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: I have received information I think reliable that Mosby with most of his command is in Loudoun County conscripting white men and negroes; that he purposes making a raid across Shenandoah as soon as the river will admit of crossing, and to make it effective will use the major part of his men, about 600. It was his purpose to have crossed this week; of course the present high water will prevent the crossing at present. The Potomac is very full and still rising rapidly. The indica- tions are that we shall lose the Potomac bridge trestle. We are using all efforts to preserve it, but I doubt our ability to do so, as all the feeders above this point are reported to be still rising, and the trestle is already in great danger. The bridges at Sleepy Creek and Great Cacapon west of this are so much injured as to stop the use of the road. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MiLITARY DIVISION, March 17, 1865. General J. D. STEVENSON, Harper~s Ferry: Is the bridge over the Shenandoah all right l If so the general desires you to send up and order the Loudoun County Rangers dow Page 27 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 27 to the Ferry. They should be at the Ferry to-morrow afternoon, and orders will be sent to you during the day. if there is any delay in the cavalry from Ilagerstown getting down you must replace the Rangers temporarily with infantry; but there cannot be much danger while the river is so high. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., March 17, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: The pontoon bridge was taken up to-day. The Shenandoah rose so rapidly I had to do so to save it. I cannot relay it until water subsides, as I have not enough boats on this side Potomac to lengthen it. Unless Shenandoah continues to rise can lay it down by day after to-morrow. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] IIDQRS. MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 17, 1865. General STEVENSON, Harpers Ferry: It is important that the bridge over the Shenandoah be down in the morning. If this can be affected please order down the Rangers as directed yesterday. Dispatches sent you by messenger this morning. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, VA., March 18, 18659 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I would recommend the discontinuance of the Nineteenth Corps organization and order General Emory to report to General Hancock for assignment. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 18, 1865. Hon. C. A. DANA, Assistant Secretary of War: Dispatches from White House up to 12 m. announce the arrival of Sheridan there with all his command. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 28 28 N. AND SE. VA.. W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIII. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., March 18, 18651.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: I am informed that General Ord is making arrangements to buy a quantity of tobacco now on the York River which he proposes to issue to his troops. Has this project your sanction ~ C. A. DANA, Assistant Secretary of War. CITY POINT, VA.. March 18, 18656 p.m. Hon. C. A. DANA, Washington: I understand General Ord is trying to buy some tobacco that is now at Yorktown to issue to his colored troops. They are selling their rub- ber blankets to rebels daily to procure the article, not having pay or credit to get it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 18, 18659 p. m. Brig. Gen. E. B. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General: Please notify General Crook that his exchange has been effected, and order him back to his department. As soon as he goes on duty I will have him relieved and ordered at once to command the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac. U. S. GRANT. Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 18, 186510.30 a. m. (Received 10.45 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Has the Secretary left City Point~ If not at what time does he expect to Leave ~ Does he return to Washington ~ GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. Answer the Secretary of War left early this morning for Washington. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 18, 186512.55 p. m. General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: I leave for City Point on the train leaving here at 1.10. GEO. G. MEADE, Major. General Page 29 Cii& p. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCIINION. 29 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 18, 18658 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Wheaton suffers from piles, and fears he would not be physi- cally able to do cavalry service. You can therefore send for General Crook. Deserters say we occupy Goldsborough. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. MARCH 18. 186F, Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: We have a report from an agent who came from Petersburg night before last, to the right of the enemys line, but on account of the unusual watchfulness of the enemys pickets, could not be communi- cated with until last night. Our agent briiigs information of the move- ment heretofore reported of Gordous division to the trenches in the place of Johnsons divisioii, and of the latter to the position on Bur- gess farm. We do not yet clearly understand whether both Gordon and Pegram replace Johnson, or only Gordous old division. The posi- tion on Burgess farm is said to be just half way between Dinwiddie Court-House and Petersburg, and our friends in Petersburg say that the enemy do not expect an attack from us there, as the works on Bargess farm are the strongest which the enemy have erected. Word is sent us that troops have been sent to a point between Lynch- burg and Richmond. Our friends in Petersburg do not say what troops are sent, nor designate the point, but they add that for four days no supplies came over the road on account of the movement of these troops and that snpplies generally are very short. Tobacco in Rich- mond is stored in large warehouses on Washington street packed with kindling wood, and cotton is stored in the same street, prepared in the same manner. The machinery has been removed from the four cotton mills on the Appomattox above Petersburg. William H. Lees cavalry has been moved from Stony Creek to Dinwiddie Court-House, and his division pickets the whole line from Stony Creek to the Boyd- ton plank road. The line is very thin. The position along White Oak road is said to be strong and strongly held. General Lee was in Peters- burg on Wednesday. GEO. H. SHARPE, Brevet Brigadier- General. P. 5.From the left of the enemys line we learn that day before yes- terday wounded men were brought into Richmond, said to be from Picketts division, which had been fighting with Sheridan. It was reported that Sheridan lost two general officers and captured 700 of Pick- etts men. The Local Defense troops, which had been moved down in New Kent County, all returned to Richmond day before yesterday. MARCH 18, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEABE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: * * * * * * * All three divisions of Gordons corps have been heard from in Bush- rod Johnsons old position, and if any of Gordons brigades are absent they must ha~ve been takeu from each of his divisions. JNO~ C9 BABCOCK Page 30 30 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.LVIII. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 54. City Point, Va., March 18, 1865. * * * * * * II. Maj. P. S. Davis, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, having been relieved from duty in the Department of Virginia, will proceed to his place of residence and from there report by letter to the Adju- tant-General of the Army, Washington, D. C., for orders. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 18, 186510.35 a. m. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Seventeen deserters came in last nightten from Cookes brigade, four from Gracies 01(1 brigade, three from Davis brigade. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 18, 1865. Col. GEORGE 1). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant-General: I have the honor to report all quiet on this front during the past twenty-four hours. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 18, 186510 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of iS~taff: Two scouts from General Sheridan have just come in. They left Sheridans army on the 10th instant. They left him at Columbia. They brought in one prisoner from Ninth Yirginia, whom they captured last iiight. The party will be sent up at once. General Warren being temporarily absent I have the honor to send this. FRED; T. LOCKE, Brevet- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. (Forwarded to General Grant at 11 a. in.) SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 72. Near Hatchers Run, Va., March 18, 1865. I. The First Maine Sharpshooters, Capt. George R. Abbott connuand- ing, having reported, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 69, head Page 31 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 quarters Army of the Potomac, of March 16, 1865, are assigne(l to the First Division, Brevet Major-General Griffin couiiuandiug, and will report accordingly. * * * * * * * IV. Capt. John N. Richards, conunanding battalion Eighth Dela- ware Volunteers, having reported, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 69, headquarters Army of the Potomac, of March 16, 1865, will report with his command to Byt. Maj. Gen. R. B. Ayres, commanding Second Division. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 18, 1865. (Received 10.25 a. ni.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Nothing new to report. No deserters yet reported. It is reported that a brigade of Louisiana troops is in front of us near the Crater. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 18, 1865. (Received 11 a. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Two deserters from Forty-fifth Georgia, Thonas brigade, caine into our lines last night, crossing the Appoinattox. They say that Mahones division relieved Pickett; that yesterdays papers report Sheridan at White House. One man from Twenty-third South Carolina came through with a negro woman dressed in mans clothing. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 18, 1865. COMMANDING OFFICER NINTH CORPS: Yorks brigade, of Evans division, of Gordons corps, is composed of Louisiana troops, and is iii your front as you report. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 18, 1865. (Received 5 p. in.) Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chi~f of Staff, City Point: Thirty-six deserters have been received imito our liiles since yester- day 4 oclock. THEODORE READ, Chief of Staff Page 32 32 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, March 18, 1865. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: The following dispatch is received from Colonel West, commanding Cavalry Division: The disposition ordered by the general commanding has been complied with. All is quiet. But few of the enemy have been seen. We had a very tedious time cross- ing the swamp. I have felt compelled to hold fast to Charles City Cross-Roads. Spear is there with his command covering communication. Without him there we should be entirely cut off, as the enemy in parties dismounted are annoying him considerably. He reports having lost thirteen men. Nothing of General Sheridan. We have a party on the north bank of the Chickahominy at Bottoms Bridge. R. M. WEST, Colonel, Commanding. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 18, 18657.45 p. m. Major.General ORB: General Sheridan reached White House to-day. He will remain there several days to shoe up his animals and then join the armies here. J want you to hold the crossings of the Chickahominy, but do not want to jeopardize the command there. It probably will be well for you to send a division of troops to meet Sheridan. They need not start, however, until about the time Sheridan starts, notice of which I will give you. If you deem a little infantry necessary for the support of your cavalry you may send it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIDQR8. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 18, 18658.40 p. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff: A deserter reports that on the occasion of our review yesterday the enemy anticipated an attack and formed in line of battle. Afterward they sent two brigades toward Mechanicsville to resist Sheridans cav- alry. I think the deserter mistakes, and the brigades were sent out because of the movement of my cavalry. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 18, 18659 p. m. Lieutenaiit-General GRANT, City Point: To keep the cavalry and infantry between Bottoms and White Oak Bridges exposes theni to easy attack, while they are cut off from me by White Oak swamp. Would it not be better to hi~ve Sheridan crQ~ Page 33 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 33 lower down, say at Jones Bridge? Feeding and foraging a party across White Oak Swamp at Bottoms Bridge will cost me some loss, and the road is reported very bad. E. 0. C. GIRD, Major-General. CITY PoINT, VA., March 18, 186510 p.m. Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. ORB: Probably it will be better to bring your cavalry in, and when Sheri- dan moves we will send out again. I feel some alarm for the safety of the cavalry where it is. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 18, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General SHARPE, City Point: Deserters from Bermuda front report all quiet. There were some movements along our front yesterday. The enemy are expecting an attack, and deserters report that a squad of our cavalry made a dash upon their extreme left and rear. Nothing from Sherman. FIRED. L. MANNING, Provost-Marshal- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS, March 18, 1865. (Received 2.45 p. in.) Major-General ORB, Commanding: A deserter has just come in who says that our review yesterday caused the enemy to anticipate an attack, and they formed in line of battle. Shortly afterward a report of the presence of some of Sheri- dans cavalry, near Mechanicsville, was received, and two brigades were sent off in that direction from the left of their line, and the other troops stretched out to fill the vacancy. Our cavalry got iii side their lines, bat retired when pressed and went down the Chickahominy. A party of deserters are coming in to-dight. JOHN GIBBON, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, No. 32. Before Richmond, Va., March 18, 1865. By authority of the major-general commanding the Army of the James, the heart is adopted as the badge of the Twenty-fourth Army Corps. The symbol selected is one which testifies our affectionate regard for all our brave comradesalike the living and the deadwho have braved the perils of this mighty conflict, and our devotion to the sacred causea cause which entitles us to the sympathy of every brave and true heart and the support of every strong and determined hand~ 3 H HVOL XLVI, PT II Page 34 34 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIIL The major-general commanding the corps does not doubt that sol- diers who have given their strength and blood to the fame of their former badges will unite in rendering the present one even more renowned than those under which they have heretofore marched to battle. The First Division will wear the red hearts; the Independent Divis- ion, the white hearts; aud the Third Division, the blue hearts. By command of Major.General Gibbon: A. II. EMBLER, Brevet Major, Aide-de- Camp, and Acig. Asst. Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, March 18, 18657.15 p. m. General HARTSUFF: Cobbs Hill signal officer reported at 3 p. m. that the enemy had placed double the usual number of pickets on the west of his tower. You had better increase your picket-line some on that part of your front. E. 0. C. GiRD, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, March 18, 18658.25 a. m. Captain WHIPPLE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cay. Div., Kautzs Headquarters: Send out along the lines of vedettes and direct a very close watch of the roads and enemys front to be kept and any firing or suspicions signs reported to these headquarters at once. Send scouts up to Whites Tavern and vicinity morning and night to examine the enemy~s line and report results. By order of Major-General Ord: H. B. SCOTT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 18, 186511.10 p. m. Colonel WEST, Commanding Cavalry Division, in the Field: Withdraw all your cavalry command at once and return to camp by the best route or routes. Let the portion of the division which covers your flank toward the enemy and guards the approaches from the north continue to guard them until your column has passed them, and as each covering party is passed it will fall in the rear in turn. Keep your dank, front, and rear, on the march well covered. By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 35 Cu.& p. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 35 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY l)IVISLoN, March 18, 186511 .50 p.m. Lieut. Col. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: I received orders directing Colonel West to withdraw his command. Have countermanded the order for the wagon. Couriers just left with orders for Colonel West. H. C. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. YORKTOWN, March 18, 1865. General IRAWLINS, Chief of Staff: I left General Sheridan at White House 12 m. His command is all there. I have telegraphed to Captain James for twenty-five portable forges and shoeing tools, & c. If Captain James cannot fill the order at once General Ingalls had better seiid them. General Forsyth is with me. We shall be at Fort Monroe by S p. m. and at City Point before morning. 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-dc- Camp. CITY PoiNT, VA., March 18, 1865. Col. 0. E. BABCOCK, Fort Monroe, Va.: The articles you require will be sent from here. They will leave in an hour. JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 15. ~ White House, Va., March 18, 1865. I. Division commanders will at once have each regiment in their respective commands inspected, and turn out all the negroes who have joined the cavalry during the expedition. This inspection will be most rigid. II, There are many negroes employed by both officers and men on the march who cannot be allowed to remain with the command. III. All negroes who have joined the command during the expedi- tion will be at once collected by the provost guards of the different commands and sent to the north end of the railway bridge, where they will be taken in charge by the provost-marshal of these headquarters. By comiuand of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREADBUIRY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FIELD ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 16. ~ White House, Va., Maich 18, 1865. I. A thorough inspection of their respective commands will imniedi- ately be ordered by division commanders, who will, without delay Page 36 36 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. report the number of horses needed to mount their commands, as also the number of unserviceable horses which will have to be sent to the rear (to the depot for recruitment). II. All mules not authorized by orders must be turned out, and the number reported to be sent to the rear. The number allowed to remain with the command as pack animals must not be greater than that which moved from Winchester with the column. III. Horses captured on the expedition must not be appropriated by officers, except in such cases as division commanders may see proper to give special permission. In all other cases they must be turned over to the men, and, together with all captured horses in the command, branded under the supervision of division and brigade inspectors. IV. It is expected that forges, with horseshoes and nails, will arrive to-morrow for the use of the command in shoeing, & c. In the mean- time a careful inspection of the horses will be required in each regi- ment and such means takemi as are possible to remedy, or at least to become acquainted with, all deficiencies now existing. V. All arms and ammunition lost or abandoned on the march will be charged to the men responsible for the same. Division commanders will at once report the number of unarmed men (if any) in their respect- ive commands. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPIREABBURY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FIELD ORDERS, IIEAD~UARTERS CAVALRY, No. 17. f - White Rouse, Va., March 18, 1865. I. The command will cross the Pamunkey River to-morrow morn- ing at 6 oclock. The First Division will move in advance, the trains will follow, and the Third Division cross in rear. The command will mass on the south side of the river, when camps will be assigned them. The pickets will remain as at present until the entire command crosses, when they will be withdrawn. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREADBURY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. WINCHESTER, VA., March 18, 1865. General GRANT, City Point, Va.: I have a report this morning that Sheridan is on the Tye River, in Nelson County, followed by Fitz Lees division and the remnant of Earlys troops, about 1,100 infamitry. I am disposed to disbelieve the whole story, as it sounds improbable, but if it should happen to be so I would render him assistance. Have you anything that would corrobo- rate the story l It comes through some loyal people who came up the Valley this morning. Rosser has left the Valley and gone to the Tye River. I had this information two or three days ago. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 37 CHAP. LVHI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 37 CITY POINT, March 18, 1865. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester, Va.: General Sheridan was last night ten miles from White House, north of the Pamunkey. I had previously sent troops and sapplies to White ilonse, and last evening the road between Sheridan and that base was open to travel. He is no doubt there now alid all safe. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., March 18, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: The Potomac and Shenandoah are both higher than at any time before this year. They are now on a stand. It will be impossible to relay pontoon to-day; shall do so the moment the water will admit of it, I think to-morrow morning, as the Shenandoah pours out its waters with great rapidity when it once begins to fall. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., March 18, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: Dispatch received by orderly at 7 p. m. The Shenandoah has fallen about two feet. It is falling very slowly owing to high water in Poto- mac. I will put down bridge, if possible, to-morrow. Colonel Reno is absent from his command at Harrisburg, Pa. Respectfully, JOHN ID. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 18, 1865. General J. D. STEVENSON, Biarjpers Ferry: By what authority is Colonel Reno absentl The movement con- templated is necessarily suspended. Have you ordered down the Rangers ~ Please send word to Halitown, to General Brooke, that the movement is suspended. If the orderly has the dispatch for Colonel Reno please tell him to bring it with him. By order: C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers and Chief of Staff Page 38 38 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CITY POINT, VA., March 19, 186510.30 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Will you please direct the Ordnance Department to send money here at oiice to pay for arms brought in by deserters. A great many are coming in now, bringing their arms with them. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT VA Hon. W. H. SEWARD, , ., March 19, 1865. Secretary of State: With this I have the honor of forwarding to you specimens of fuses capture(l at Fort Fisher, N. C., together with the certificate of Lient. Col. 0. E. Babcock, aide-de-camp on my staff, that they were so cap- tured, and the statement of Col. Tal. P. Shaffuer that the same were manufactured at the Woolwich Arsenal, England, an arsenal owned and run by the British Government. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS, March 19, 18651.20 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General SHARPE: Yesterday Picketts division returned from near Hanover, crossed the Mechanicsville bridge, marched toward Richmond to just through the second line of works, where they are encamped on the left-hand side of the road. Corse had a small skirmish with Sheridan at Ash- land, but nothing of much account. MANNING, Provost-Marshal- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 19 Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, , 18659.55 a. m. Assistant Adjutant-General: Four deserters came in last night. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 186510 a. m. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet on this front during the past twenty-four hours. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers Page 39 CHAP. LVIII4 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 39 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 18654 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: General Crawford has just sent the following. I send it to you for the information of the major-general commanding: HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvIsION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 1863. Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to forward, for the information of the major-general commanding the corps, the following extract from the report of the dlvlslon officer 0f outposts for the 14th and 18th instant: Parties of from two to six are frequently seen across the fields on our front; sup- posed to be rebel spies or scouts observing our lines. In the first place, four men appeared on the right of the line and seemed to follow along to the left, every now au(I then making their appearance outside the edge of the woods. One man came to the edge of the woods, in front of the left, and sat some time on the fence; and from time to time groups of two and three made their appearance at various points of the line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. CRAWFORD, Brevet Major-General. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. IIEADQIJARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 19, 18657.30 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The dispatch of General Crawford of to-day forwarded by you is received. The commanding general directs that the parties reported by General Crawfords division officer of outposts, of from two to six, frequently seen across the fields on your front, supposed to be rebel spies or scouts observing our lines, be arrested and brought in. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, March 19, 1865. Maj. E. T. TIERS, Commanding Division Pickets: MAJOR: The general commanding directs that you take a strong force and go out and see what is lir I your front. If there are any rebels there he expects that you will bring them in. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. SWAN, Brevet Major, U. S. Army, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 40 40 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 1865. Colonel RUGGLES: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 186510.20 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB: Deserters from Scales brigade report a rumor in their camp to-day that Raleigh is in our possession. No details given. No new move- ments of troops in our front. H. 0-. WRIGHT. Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 1865. Major-General WEBB: Nothing new to report. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRIGADE, NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. H. J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: The enemy opened the 8-inch columbiad and fired two shells, and. three shells from the rifle battery on Baxter road. Fort Avery replied. He then opened the mortar battery on Cemetery Hill and five mortars beyond the corn-field, to which Fort Morton aiid Battery 15 replied. No damage of consequence done. J. C. TIDBALL, Brevet Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 19, 1865. Major-General WEBB: Nothing of interest has occurred on my lines during past twenty-four hours. H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 1.9, 1865. (Received 2.40 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: At Corinth, when I commanded under General Grant, in 1862, that place was being over-run with cotton-buyers, speculators, whisky-sell. ers, and refugees from draft at the North. I ordered a draft and pu Page 41 CHAP. LYlIT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 41 some of these vagabonds in the rariks the result was a stampede of them by every outlet. I have ordered the same remedy at Norfolk, approved by General Grant, but the provost-marshal-general may not understand it and thnk I am interfering with his prerogatives, or Governor Peirpoint may interpose to appease the population. I do not propose to draft outside of infested localities, such as Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 19, 1865. Major-General ORD: General Sheridan has brought with him some 2,000 or 3,000 negroes. I have directed him to send them to the provost-marshal at Fort Mon- roe. The chief quartermaster (General Ingalls) will give you directions for the distribution and employment of the able-bodied men. The balance you may direct to be sent to such settlement as you may think can best employ them. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 19, 18659.20 a. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: I have the honor to report the safe return of my cavalry division to camp. When I receive a report from it I will telegraph results. A prisoner reports that Picketts division returned to Richmond yester- day afternoon and encamped below Richmond. B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 19, 186512 m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: Sumner is at Fort Monroe. Has orders from Sheridan to send his transports back from Norfolk as soon as possible. I think I can make him useful with other cavalry in a raid to Winton from Suffolk, and thence to Halifax or Weldon, if there is a crossing at Winton; or I can send pontoons. Shall I try it ~? B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 19, 18652 p. m. Major-General ORB: I think it will be advisable to start Sumner from Suffolk to go to Weldon when Sheridan starts from our left flank. It will be well to leave him in Norfolk, Portsmouth, or Newport News until time to start. About next Saturday will be the time for him to leave Suffolk. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 42 42 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, ilfarch 19, 1865. (Received 3.20 p. in.) General IRAWLINS, Chief of Staff: The cavalry report but 6ne man wounded and three captured as cas- ualties of the division during the expedition. E.G. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, March 19, 1865. General RAWLINS: Deserters from Brattons brigade near Darbytown road state: Was nuder marching orders last niaht; the rum or was that we were flanking the rebel line; heard that one regiment of negroes was on the Williamsburg road; a great many Geor~ians are going home; heard that 400 left last Tuesday night. Perhaps the Secretary would like to hear that the enemy thought our review meant an attack. They formed line of battle and massed men from near the James in front of the review. This accounts for the small number of them seen from Fort Harrison. Forty-six deserters reported since yesterday morning, generally with their arms. The Ordnance Department should send money to pay for them. Our- quar- terinaster has not the money, and it is important to pay them here, so that they can write or send word to their comrades of the fact. Only one of your orders just reached the company of Palmetto Sharpshooters and brought in eight this morning, with their guns. E.O.C. GIlD, Major- General of Volunteers. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES In the Field, March 19, 18657.05 p. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff: Sixteen deserters have been received here since 4 oclock yesterday. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, March 19. 1865. General READ, (Received 10.20 ~. in.) Assistant Adjutant- General: If Colonel Sumner is at his or my headquarters tell him that he can remain till 1 can see him to-morrow a. in. flis men, if up the river on their way, can also land and remain at camp till further orders; the transportation to report to Colonel Bradley. If his men are waiting at or near Norfolk they can obey the order to land at such point as Gen- eral Gordon may direct. E.G.C. ORD, Major- General Page 43 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 43 IIEADQIJARTERS DEPARTMENT, March 19, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: On the Bermuda front the order promising pay for arms and horses has been circulated with kites, bows and arrows, and newspapers. The cross of deserters from the division there is about twenty-five a night. There is no reason why the sanie cross should not be reached on the north of the James. You will take every measure to circulate the order at once and daily. E. 0. C. ORD. (Same to General Gibbon and Colonel West.) HEADQUARTERS TWENT Y-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 1865. Major-General ORD: Please send me some more of General Grants orders and a man who understands your mode of fixing them to a kite JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIViSIoN, 2liliarch 19, 18657.45 a. m. Lient. Col. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: I respectfully report the safe returu of the cavalry. I learned from a prisoner whom we captured last night, belonging to Picketts division, that that division returned to Richmond yesterday afternoou and encamped below Richmond. Very respectfully, ROB. M. WEST, Colonel, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 19, 1865. Lieut. Col. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant-General: The results of the late cavalry expedition may not be considered as positive, because the contingency it was designed to meet did not arise. 1 was not able to find that any of General Sheridans troops had been to the Chickahominy on the north bank at all. The holding of White Oak Swamp bridge and Charles City Cross-Roads was a disposition which would have secured freedom from interruption to any force of ours crossing the Chickahominy at Long Bridge, or at any point below there. The disposition of the force on the Williamsburg stage road south of the Chickahominy would have the same effect upon an attempt at crossing Bottoms Bridge. Beyond this, and a more definite knowl- edge of the localities passed over, I cannot claim that any result of any kind was accomplished. The enemys pickets made several stands fro Page 44 44 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LV~. the Swamp bridge to the Williamsburg road and up that road, engaging us briskly at times, but without any casualties on our side. At Charles City Cross-Roads and in that vicinity Colonel Spear had one man wounded and three men captured. The nonappearance of General Sheridans troops, an(l my inability to obtain any knowledge of his whereabouts, together with the unavoidable delay in crossing White Oak Swamp, which reqnired extensive bridging and corduroying, operated more than any indisposition on the part of the command to make the expedition fruitless. IROB. M. WEST, Colonel, Commanding Division. IIDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 19, 1865. Bvt. Brig. Gen. T. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Virginia: GENERAL: My order assuming command not having been issued until this morning the papers forwarded herewith and bearing date this morning have been examined and acted upon by General Ferrero. I have examined and approved his action on them all, but I suppose my formal approval on them to be unnecessary. By reference to the field report of this command, inclosed, it will be seen that the infantry numbers 4,094 and the artillery 1,045. I propose, if it meets the approval of the general comumanding, to organize the imifantry into one division of two brigades, under Brevet Major-General Ferrero, and the artillery into one brigade, the division to be called Infantry Division, Defenses of Bermuda Hundred, and the artillery, Artillery Brigade, Defenses of Bermuda Hundred, designation of the whole command to be unchanged. After a little further examination I will issue an order carrying out the above suggestions and submit it for the approval of the commanding general. Meantime, and until I can acquire more information of my command, I thought it simpler and better to have General Ferrero attend to the routine and detail duties of the com- mand, and have so ordered in my general order inclosed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. L. IIARTSUFF, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers. [Inelosure.] GENERAL ) IIDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., ORDERS, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 33. ) March 19, 1865. In accordance with orders from department headquarters the under- signed hereby assumes command of the Defenses of Bermuda Hun- dred, relieving Brigadier-General Graham. The command will as soon as practicable be reorganized. Until the reorganization Brevet Major. General Ferrero will continue to command the troops and attend to the routine and detail duties of the command. The staff of the general commanding will be announced hereafter. GEO. L. IIARTSUFF, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers Page 45 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 19, 1865. (Received 5.20 p. in.) General GEORGE H. GORDON, Norfolk: Colonel Sumner has been ordered to report to you with his cavalry command. He is now at Fort Monroe, and will go over at once. Have him land his command at a point least likely to attract attention and hold him near Norfolk or Portsmonth in readiness for any orders. He will probably have to remain in camp several days. Answer. By command of General Ord: THEG. READ, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff. NORFOLK, March 19, 1865. General READ: Yonr telegram received. 1 will dispose of Colonel Sumner as directed. GEO. II. GORDON, Brigadier- General. NORFOLK, March 19, 18656 p. m. General READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: Colonel Sumner has not reported yet. I will send word as soon as he does. I have not heard from him, thongh I saw troops coming into the harbor an honr ago. G. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General. FORT MONROE, March 19, 1865. Maj. W. HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General: Captain James, acting chief qnartermaster of department, informs me as follows: Colonel Sumner left here with a portion of his command in the C. Vanderbilt at 12 m. The Wenonah passed np James River at 4 with another portion. The steamer Andrew Harder was stopped here by Captain James by a telegraphic order from General Ord. She has the balance of the command. J. ROBERTS, Colonel, & e. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, [March] 19, 1865. Col. E. V. SUMNER, Fort Monroe: Report as soon as possible to Brigadier-General Gordon, at Norfolk, for orders. Go over to Norfolk and get orders from General Gordor Page 46 46 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. where to land your command so as not to attract attention. Let your coininaiid follow so that you can meet it before it reaches the city. I telegraph orders at once to General Gordon respecting your command. By order of General Ord: THEG. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 19, 1865. Col. E. V. SUMNER, Comdg. Detachment First Reyt. New York Mounted Rifles: COLONEL: I have the honor to transmit, inclosed herewith, copy of telegram just received from headquarters Army of the James, for your information: You will cause such of your command as may come up the river to be landed imme- diately, and the transportation to be ordered to report to Colonel Bradley, amsistant quartermaster at City Point. You will report in person to General B. 0. C. Ord, commanding Department of Virginia, early to-morrow morning, March 20, 1865. By order of Col. 11. M. West, commanding division: II. C. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 19, 1865. Maj. Gen. P. II. SHERIDAN, Commanding Middle Military Division: I have ordered steamers to White House to take your disabled horses and men back to Washington, the men to retnrn to Winchester. You may dismount one brigade, giving the serviceable horses to dismounted nien of the balance of the command, and send the brigade back with the broken-down horses, or you may send back broken-down horses and men, keeping with you all your organizations, as you deem best. We will probably be able to give you 1,000 horses when yoa arrive here. The dismounted men who you expect to take with you had better come here by water. Whilst you remain at White House you can retain a dispatch-boat to run betwen there and Yorktown; Yorktown and City Point are in telegraphic communication. Start for this place as soon as you conveniently can, but let me know as early as possible when you will start. I will send cavalry and infantry to Chickalmominy to meet you when you do start. Let me know whether you will wish to have them make Bottoms Bridge or Long Bridge, and whether you wish pontoons taken from here. When you start out from here you will be re-enforced with about 6,000 cavalry. I will also move out by the left at least 50,000 infantry and demonstrate on the enemys right, amid 1)robably remain out. Your problem will be to destroy the South Side amid Danville roads, and then either return to this army or go on to Sherman, as you may deem most practicable. I have a letter from Sherman of the 14th. At that time he had crossed the Cape Fear River at Fayetteville and wonld start the next day for Goldsborough. S~mhofield had possession of Kinston at that time, and the Richmond Whig of yesterday contains an extract from a Danville paper saying that he was in Goldsborough. After crossing the Dan River I believ Page 47 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 47 you would find no difficulty in keeping north of Johnston at Raleigh and making your way to Sherman. This, however, I care but little abont, the principal thing being the destruction of the only two roads left to the enemy at Richmond. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. P. S.Keep Colonel Roberts, with his infantry, with you to march across the country. The transports now with him can be used to expedite getting off your men that return to the Valley. CITY POINT, VA., March 19, 1865. Major.General SHERIDAN, White House: Send all your colored people to the provost-marshal at Fort Monroe. I will have them cared for there. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant. General. FIELD ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 18. ~ White House, Va., March 19, 1865. I. Transportation to the rear for all disabled horses and extra mules will be in waiting to-morrow morning at the White ilonse Landing. Division commanders will have all such animals turned out of the corn- mand at once and seni there to the landing at 5 oclock to-morrow morning. Captain Brown, chief quartermaster of the cavalry, will receive these animals and give the necessary instructions with refer- ence to their transportation. IL. The dismounted men of the conunand will be collected and organ- ized and held in readiness for shipment to the James River. W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. FIELD ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 19. ~ White House, Va., March 19, 1865. Maj. George A. Drew, Sixth Michigan Cavalry, is hereby detailed at these headqnarters for duty, and is announced as inspector-general of the cavalry. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly. W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. 0., March 19, 1865. General GAMBLE, Commanding at Fairfax Court-House: I wish yourself or Colonel Sweitzer to go in command of the expedi- tion I have mentioned in case it is sent, and whichever goes let him come in to-morrow and arrange details with me. C. C. AUGUR, Yliajor- General Page 48 48 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, March 19, 1865. (Received 8.35 p. in.) Major-General AUGUR: Your dispatch received. I will order Colonel Sweitzer to report to you to-morrow. Respectfully, W. GAMBLE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. WINCHESTER, March 19, 1865. General EMORY: The major-general commanding desires you to send from Summit Point a regiment of infantry to the fords of the Shenandoah in the vicinity of Myerstown and Kabletown, with the same instructions as given to the regiment March 15 by telegram. The general desires the troops to move to-morrow morning. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, March 19, 1865. Bvt. Brig. Gen. E. P DAVIS 6~ommanding, Sumnit Point: In pursuance of orders from headquarters you will send a regiment of infantry to the fords of the Shenandoah in the vicinity of Myers- town and Kabletown, with the same instructions as given to the regi- ment March 15 by telegraph. The regiment will move early to-morrow morning. Acknowledge receipt, giving name of regiment and its corn- mandin g officer, and time at which they start. As soon as they return report facts by telegraph. By order of Brevet Major-General Emory: DUNCAN S. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA:, March 19, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: One hundred and ninety-third Ohio arrived this morning. The agent of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad has just informed me that agent at Parkersburg has notified that 8,000 troops are arriving there for this post. The pontoon will be all right for to-morrow morning. Colonel Reno has returned. The Rangers are ordered up. If the general desires his order carried out everything is in readiness. Major-General Brooke, Colonel Reno, and commanding officer of Rangers have all been notified as directed. Since receiving extract from Colonel Pipers report I have not called on Captain Whittier for a report of cause of absence. He has been acting as provost-marshal, and I supposed Col- onel Piper, in noting his absence, was not aware of that fact. I will cause proper inquiry to be made into the cause of absence. Colone Page 49 Ci~& i~. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 49 Reno stated to me that he was absent with a view to secure the com- missioning of several officers absolutely necessary to the efficiency of his command. Having received the order detaching him from my command, should not his explanation come through General Egan l Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Briqadier- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] IIDQRS. MIDDLE MILITARY DIvIsIoN, March 19, 1865. General J. D. STEvENSON, Harpers Ferry: The general wishes the New York troops you speak of sent to Charles- town. They will be under General Egans command. General Egan will be at Harpers Ferry this morning and arrange with you. The Twenty-fifth Cavalry, New York, will report to you to-morrow to relieve the First Maryland, when the general desires you to send the One huu- dred and ninety-fifth and One hundred and ninety-second Pennsylvania to report to General Egan for reorganization, as directed by the War Department. These dispositions of troops are provisional, and perma- nent arrangements will not be niade until it is known how many new regiments are coming. You will have to keep a strict hand ou the Twenty-fifth New York, as it is said to [be] in not first-rate discipline, though full of officers. The geueral wishes you to hold the colonel strictly to the mark. You may have to send him before a board unless he reforms his habits. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIvIsIoN, March 19, 1865. General J. D. STEVENSON, Harpers Ferry: The general desires the expeditiou to move to-morrow morning. Please inform Colonel Reno and direct the commanding officer of the Rangers to report to him. Also send word to General Brooke for Col- onel Bird to report to Colonel Reno and to be in readiness to move with him. C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General~ HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIvISloN, March 19, 1865. General FESSENDEN, Commanding Post: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send a regiment of infantry to-morrow morning, with two days rations, to Berrys Ferry, thence to Snickers Ferry, and to return by Berryville. 4 R RVOL XLVI, PT II Page 50 50 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. The regiment can spend the [night] near Snickers Ferry. The com- manding officer will be governed by the instructions furnished for the regiment which went to Miliwood a few nights since. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. fl. MORGAN, Breiet Brigadier- General of Volunteers, & c. CITY POINT, VA., March 20, 1865iC a. m. (Received 3.20 p. in.) His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President of the United Stcites: Can you not visit City Point for a day or two l I would like very much to see you, and I think the rest would do you good. iRespeetftilly, yours, & c., U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 20, 18656 p. m. (Received 21st.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: Your kind invitation received. Had already thought of going imme- diately after the next rain. Will go soouer if any reasou for it. Mrs. L[incolnj and a few others will probably accompany me. Will notify you of exact time, once it shall be fixed upon. A. LINCOLN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 20, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The Chief of Ordnance reports that the ordnance officer, Lieutenant IDutton, has $2,500 of funds on hand for purchase of deserters arms, and that $10,000 will be sent this day. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 20, 186511 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I saw General Gordon at Norfolk. He is content to remain in com- mand there and unless you think differently it seems to me he will do better than any one else. Hartsuff will not be a good assignment to that place, in my judgment. EDWIN N. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 51 Ca& r. LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 51 CITY POINT, Vx., March 20, 1865. Hon. E. M. STKNTON, Secretary of War: The following items are from to-days Richmond papers: We are gratified to learn that telegraphic communication between this city and Mobile has been re-established, via Columbia and Aiken, S. C. SENATOBIA, March 14. It is reported that General Shelby defeated a Yankee force near Little Rock, cap- turing 400 prisoners and some artillery. FROM MISSISSIPPI. SENATOBIA, March 14. The cavalry raid under General Grierson has returned to Memphis, having gone no farther than Ripley. General Washburn has issued order permitting the citizens to purchase a limited amount of supplies. FROM GEORGIA. AUGUSTA, March 16. One hundred and eighty thousand dollars in money and over $50,000 worth of pro- visions have been contributed in this city for the benefit of the Columbia sufferers. The Georgia Legislature has passed a bill authorizing the governor to establish a line of mounted pickets to prevent the escape of slaves to the enemy at Savannah. The men are to be composed of such as arm and equip themselves. FROM ALABAMA. MonILR, March 16. No change to report in the immediate front. There is great activity among The fleet along the lewer bay. All quiet with the hostile fleet and army below. FROM FLORIDA. AUGUSTA, March 16. On the 6th instant the enemy, about 2,000 strong, landed on East R.iver near Saint Marks and burned Newport. Skirmishing continued at latest accounts. A large. number of the enemys vessels are at Spanish Hole, off Saint Marks. SHERIDAN GONE. It is no longer a state secret, we believe, that General Sheridan and his raiders came within fifteen or twenty miles of the city last week, produced one of those periodical bell-riugings which only serve to alarm timid women and children, and after resting his force escaped with them to Yankee lines below Richmond. Its the same old story, and we do not care to repeat it in detail. The raiders approach the city on the west; a force is to meet them; they dodge this force, and the next thing heard of theni is they have gone. The officers in command here seem to ignore the lesson of experience, or apparently prefer to give raiding parties an opportunity to escape. The only way in which these raiders can be punished is to head them off at points north and northeast of Richmond. It is useless to send troops to meet them, for they will not consent to a meeting when they can easily avoid one. FROM TIlE SOUTH SIDE. The Petersburg Express of Saturday says that the quiet on the lines in that vicin- ity remains unbroken. Whenever Grant moves he will find everything in readiness on our part to meet him. Our army awaits his movements with perfect confidence and will give him a reception he may not be prepared to meet. Congress passed in secret session, and the President has approved, an act entitled an act to raise coin for the purpose of furnishing necessary supplies for the army. FROM NORTH CAROLINA. Intelligence is said to have been received here that on the 16th four divisions of Shermans army attacked Hardee somewhere not a hundred miles from Fayetteville and were four times repulsed, with great loss, and turned from their route. There i Page 52 52 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. no doubt that this is essentially correct. The Sentinel says that the pleasant rumors yesterday from the south were not without foundation, and there is reason to hope for the reception of still more cheering intelligence before the expiration of the week. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 20, 186512 noon. Brig. Gen. D. H. IRUCKER, Chief Qitartermaster: Sheridan has some 2,000 poor horses to send from White House to Washington. I have sent several transports there for this purpose. He has plenty of subsistence and forage to last until he can join these armies by land. We want our fresh artillery and cavalry horses as early as possible. Please hurry them forward, and the empty trans- ports can return by White House. Were those North River barges chartered l We need such vessels very much. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. CITY POINT, VA., March 20, 1865. Col. S. L. BROWN, Quartermaster- Generals Office: General Sheridans cavalry, now at White House, will probably join us. I am feeding his horses now with forage sent from here. The number of animals will be largely increased; provide forage accord- ingly. We are entirely out of hay, and it is wanted now more than ever; do hurry it forward. The bran has not arrived~ it would do great good, and is daily called for; we could use 500 tons of it. II. INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 41. Washington, March 20, 1865. The Nineteenth Army Corps, as a corps organization, is hereby dis- continued. Bvt. Maj. Gen. W. H. Emory will report to Major-General Hancock for assignment. By order of the Secretary of War: E. B. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 42. 5 Washington, March 20, 1865. Maj. Gen. John Gibbon is, by direction of the President assi command the Twenty-fourth Army Corps. gned to By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 53 52 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. no doubt that this is essentially correct. The Sentinel says that the pleasant rumors yesterday from the south were not without foundation, and there is reason to hope for the reception of still more cheering intelligence hefore the expiration of the week. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY PoINT, VA., March 20, 186512 noon. Brig. Gen. D. H. IRUCKER, Chief Qaartermaster: Sheridan has some 2,000 poor horses to send from White House to Washington. I have sent several transports there for this purpose. He has plenty of subsistence and forage to last until he can join these armies by land. We want our fresh artillery and cavalry horses as early as possible. Please hurry them forward, and the empty trans. ports can return by White House. Were those North River barges chartered l We need such vessels very much. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. CITY POINT, VA., March 20, 1865. Col. S. L. BROWN, Quartermaster- Generals Office: General Sheridans cavalry, now at White House, will probably join us. I am feeding his horses now with forage sent from here. The number of animals will be largely increased; provide forage accord- ingly. We are entirely out of hay, and it is wanted now more than ever; do hurry it forward. The bran has not arrived~ it would do great good, and is daily called for; we could use 500 tons of it. H. INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 41. Washington, March 20, 1865. The Nineteenth Army Corps, as a corps organization, is hereby dis- continued. Bvt. Maj. Gen. W. H. Emory will report to Major-General Hancock for assignment. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 42. 5 Washington, March 20, 1865. Maj. Gen. John Gibbon is, by direction of the President assi command the Twenty-fourth Army Corps. gned to By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 54 54 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. VIH. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 20, 1865. (Received 11.55 p. in.) Major-General WEBB, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Deserters from MacRaes brigade report that Johnsons and Heths divisions are under marching orders, with two days cooked rations from to-morrow morning, and that it is rumored that they are to go to North Carolina to re-enforce Johnston; that four trains are ready on South Side road to carry them, as is supposed; and that persons returned from North Carolina report our forces skirmishing about ten miles from Raleigh. Johnsons division [is] at the toll-gate about two and a half miles from Burgess Mill. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 20, 1865. (Received 10 a. in.) Major-General WEBB: Nothing new to report. The Eighteenth New Hampshire Battalion has arrived, and as soon as report of strength is received the name of another New Hampshire regiment will be submitted for consolidation. J. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 20, 186.57.50 p. m. General MEADE: Since the storm we have had a fine opportunity to observe the enemys line. I have just returned from our lines. Could discover no changes. The usual number of men were to be seen on the picket and main line, and there seems to have been no change in the number of tents visible. General Griffin reports that he is satisfied that there is fl() change in the enemys [line] on his front and that his force has not been reduced. A deserter from the Sixth Alabama, Grimes divis- ion, came into our lines aboimt 1 p. m. He says he came from his main line; heard of no movement of troops, excepting sonie artillery- men who were relieved by men from a Virginia battery. The artillery- men were sent to their regiment; the gnus were left in position. His positive information, however, is confined to his own division. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 20, 1865. Major-General WEBB: Nothing of interest has occurred on my lines since last report. H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 55 CHAP. tvm.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 55 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 20, 1865. Major-General ORD: Your order respecting coiuscripting loafers, jobbers, & c., is approved. EDWiN M. STANTON. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 20, 18659.10 a. m. Brigadier-General RAwLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: The effective strength of my cavalry is 2,678 men. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, ill arch 20, 18653.50 jp. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS: Deserters from Brattons (South Carolina) brigade, between New Market and Darbytown roads, report that day before yesterday, with Bennings brigade, they moved to the vicinity of Savage Station, return- ing yesterday about noon. On the Charles City road yesterday they say General Pickett and staff and their headquarters wagon was being unloaded. Huntons and another brigade had stacked arms and appeared as if in bivouac. The division wagon train had come over from the Williamsburg road and was going up the Charles City road in direction of Richmond. The men said the rest of the division was on the Williamsburg road. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 20, 18655.07 p. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: Twenty-three deserters have been received at these headqnarters from the enemy since 4 p. m. yester(lay. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, ilD QRS. DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 79. Before Richmond, Va., March 20, 1865. * * * * * * * 13. Brig. Gen. B. S. Mackenzie, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned ~o the command of the Cavalry Division, and will relieve Brig. Gen. A.. V. Kautz, U. S. Volunteers Page 56 56 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. Brigadier-General Kautz, upon being relieved by Brigadier-General Mackenzie, will report to Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, commandiiig Twenty-fifth Army Corps, for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 20, 186510.25 a. m. Major-General HARTSUFF, Hatchers, Bermuda Defenses: Organize your command as you have proposed. By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL) HDQRS. DEFENSE8 OF BERMUDA HUNDRED,VA., ORDERS, ~ ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 34. 5 March 20, 1865. 1. By authority from department headquarters the troops of this command are hereby reorganized and will be divided and designated as follows, viz: Infantry Division, Defenses of Bermnda Hundred, Va.First En- gade: Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Heavy Artillery, armed amid doing duty as infantry; Forty-first Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry; One hundred and fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infaimtry; Battalion One hundred and third Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry. Second Brigade: Sixth Regiment New York Volunteer Heavy Artillery and Tenth Regiment New York Volunteer heavy Artillery, armed and acting as infantry. Brevet Major-General Ferrero is assigned to the command of the division and will designate the brigade commanders. Artillery Brigade, Defenses of Bermuda Hundred, Va., consisting of Companies D, F, G, and H, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery; Com- panies G and M, Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery; Seventh Battery New York Independent Artillery. To be commanded by Maj. George B. Cook, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery. 2. All other organizations, such as ambulance corps, supply trains, & c., will be unchanged. Existing general orders will remain in force, and the general and acting staff officers at these headquarters (except the personal staff of General Ferrero) will continue in performance of their duties until further orders. The following-named officers are further announced as on the staff of the major-general commanding: Bvt. Maj. J. M. Howard, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. E. 0. Brown, additional aide-de-camp; Capt. S. A. Russell, Seventh U. S. Infantry, aide.de-camp. By command of Major-General Ilartsuff: J. M. HOWARD, Assistant Adjutant- Genera~. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. INFANTRY DIVISION, DEFEN SES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., No. I. ) March 20, 1865. In compliance with General Orders, No. 34, headqnarters Defenses of Bermuda Hundred, of this date, the undersigned hereby assumes co Page 57 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 57 mand of the Infantry Division, ])efenses of Bermuda Hundred. Bvt. Brig. Gen. G. II. McKibbin, U. S. V ohinteers, is assigned to the com- mand of the First Brigade. Col. George C. Kibbe, Sixth New York Artillery, is assigned to the command of the Second Brigade. Brigade commanders will organize their staff and forward a roster of the same to these headquarters. All orders heretofore issued for the government of the troops of this command will remain in force until countermanded. The staff of the geimeral commanding will be announced in further orders. EDW. FERRERO, Brevet Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQIJARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 20, 18654 p. m. General GORDON, Norfolk, Va.: The Secretary of War says you can proceed with conscription in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton. 1 shall write you fartheiY instruc- tions. Part of Sumners command was directed to remain and report to you. Keep them at some quiet place. 1 propose an expedition for them in a few days, but want it kept very quiet. E.G. C. ORD, Major- General. NORFOLK, VA., March 20, 1865. Bi-igadier-Gen eral VOGDES, Portsmouth, Va.: A squadron of cavalry of Colonel Sumners command have arrived here and is ordered to report to you. You will please keep their movements qniet. Respectfully, & c., G. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, RD QRS. DISTRICT OF EASTERN VIRGINIA, No. 12. Nomfollc, Va., March 20, 1865. Brig. Gen. C. K. Graham, U. S. Volunteers, having reported to these headquarters, in pnrsance of orders from headquarters depart- ment, is hereby assigned to the command of the post of Norfolk and Portsmouth and its defenses. General Graham will relieve Brig. Gen. 1. Vogdes, U. S. Volunteers, relieved from duty in this department by order of the lieutenant-general, and will assume the command now exercised by General Vogdes. By order of Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon: WiCKIIAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 20, 1865. Colonel FORSYTH, Additional Aide-de-Camp: COLONEL: On my return to camp I find a consolidated report of the number of dismounted men, & c., aim abstract of which I submit for th Page 58 58 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA, MD., AND PA. ~CHAP. LVIII. information of the general commanding. There are 1,323 dismounted men of the command, 2,1(11 unserviceable horses, making the total of horses needed to mount the command effectively 3,484. There are 427 men without arms. The number of unserviceable horses, I think, can be reduced by a close inspection, which I will have to-morrow. Very respectfally, your obedient servant, ~ MERRITT, Brevet llfajor- General. Col. J. Q. ANDERSON, WHITE HousE, March 20, 1865. Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Remount Gamp, Pleasant Valley, or Winchester, Va.: You will at once join this command at the White House. General Sheridan a] so wishes you to order all line and regimental officers belonging to the cavalry here to join at once with you. Use the authority of General Sheridan or my own in carrying out this order. Captains McCann and Hull, assistant quartermasters, also Captain King, quartermaster First Division, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, Captain Britton, First New York Dragoons, Lieutenant Dean, Captain Bean, provost-marshal, and all other officers will join. See to it. W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., March 20, 18652 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK: Order Colonel Kellogg, chief commissary, Colonel Newhall, assistant adjutant-general, and Surgeon Ghiseliu to City Point immediately, to report to General Sheridan. These officers should start so as to take to-morrows boat from Baltimore or Washington. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 20, 18654.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. C. C. AUGUR, (Received 8.40 p. in.) Commanding Department of Washington: Is the Fifth Massachusetts Colored Cavalry longer needed at Point Lookout l if not, send it to the Army of the James. U. ~GRANT, General. SUMMIT POINT March 20 1 Col. D. S. WALKER: 865. Regiment sent on reconnaissance has just returned. Reports no enemy to be found this side of Shenandoah. Will forward written report as soon as possible. E. P. DAVIS, Brevet Brigadier. General. (Copy forwarded to Major-General Hancock at 0.55 p. in. Page 59 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 59 ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, March 20, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE CROOK, Gumberland, Md.: Your exchange has been effected. The general-in-chief directs that you immediately return to command of your department. Report receipt of this order without delay. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., March 20, 1865. Gemmeral MORGAN, Chief of Staff: Colonel iRenos expedition is crossing the river all right. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 20, 1865. General STEVENSON: The One hundred and ninety-fourth Ohio, Colonel McCook, passed through Cumberland at 9 a. m. to-day. Please order the regiment to Charlestown to retort to Brevet Major-General Egan. General han- cock will be down on a special just after the mail but will return at once. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDi9~RS, )~ TLDQRS. DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, No. 41. Gumberland, 11W., Mareh 20, 1865. In obedience to orders from the general-in-chief the undersigned assumes command of the Department of West Virginia. GEORGE CROOK, Major- General. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, March 20, 1865. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. DIX, Corn dg. Dept. of the East, Headquarters New York: GENERAL: I inclose for your information a copy of two letters of the 12th instant, addressed by Mr. D. Cambell McNab, of Richmond, Can- ada West, to the Secretary of War, giving warning of a proposed raid from Canada into the United States. I am, general, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. [Inclosuro No. 1.] RICHMOND, COUNTY CARLETON, WEST CANADA, March 13, 1865. The Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR, Washington: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that a plot is about being entered into by a number of rebel refugees which has for its object pillage and destruction. It is contemplated by these unprincipled par Page 60 60 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. ties to make an attack on some of the most wealthy frontier towns, plunder, and then burn them. The principal rendezvous of the rebels is Arnprior, which is situatcd about forty-five miles, or perhaps fifty miles, from Brockyille, with which it is connected by a railroad. Being distant from the front they imagined that their operations would be free from observation. The head of this organization is the Rev. 0. S. hackett, a refugee from Arkansas, who has been residing at Am- prior for the last five months. I have ever felt a deep sympathy for the Northern States in their noble efforts to stop and put dowu this nnnatural rebellion, aud eventually to liberate the slave; and therefore I give this information to your Government. Important information was communicated by me to our own Government, but althongh I received a courteous reply, I felt that the thanks I received were cold and formal, although they tended to lead to [the] reluctant capture of same of the Saint Albans raiders. I will communicate the whole details of the plot, and when they are going to make the attack, to any officer of your Government. I will meet him at Morristown any Saturday you may appoint, as my duties prevent me leaving home any other day, and all I ask is that my expenses be paid to Morristown; and when I shall have given the proper details, with the names of parties, I shall request of the Government to procure for me the degree of M. A. (Mas- ter of Arts) from Yale College, as it is the most renowned nniversity on this side of the Atlantic. The attack will not be made before the 1st of April, as they are busy mustering volunteers; but it is not safe for me to commit anything to paper and send it by post, as there are spies every. where. For magnitude, numbers, and munitions of war this company and plot is more to be dreaded than any that has yet been organized in Canada. I will meet any officer of your Government either at Mor- ristown, on the Saint Lawrence, or in Brockville, any Saturday that yon may appoint. Give me some token in your reply to this that I may know him, and I will afford your Government satisfactory proof of the conspi iacy, so that it may be foiled, You will please inclose my travel- ing expenses to Morrisburg and back as an evidence of good faith. B. CAMBELL McNAB, B. A., Principal Classical Academy and Head Master Grammar School, Richmond, Canada West. P. S.I enjoin the strictest privacy and silence till I put the whole into your hands. I have as an evidence of my good faith to say that one of my beloved nephews, Capt. James A. Lothian, Company C, Twenty- sixth Regiment Michigan Volunteers, was mortally wounded near Petersburg, and died at Washington in the service of the United States, and ever since that event I have looked upon the Southern canse with abhorrence. Being a member of a secret society, of which I am one of the county heads (or chiefs), I have come to a full knowledge of this projected attack and raid. D.C. M. N. B.As evidences of my respectability, I inclose envelopes of let- ters received by me at different times from the Hon. John A. McDonald, attorney-general of Upper Canada, and the Hon. W. McDougall, pro- vincial secretary. D.C. M. N. B., No. 2.I formerly lived at Arnprior, and I received my appoint- ment here in Jannary last. I have weekly communications with Amnprior. The inclosures I will bring with me Page 61 ChAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 61 [Inclosure No. 2.] IRICHMOND, March 12. 1865. The Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR, Washington: SIR: In addition to what I communicated to your Department this forenoon, I beg to state that it was through the influence of the Govern- ment I obtained my present situation, and if it were known here that I had given any information to the Government at Washington, with- out first reporting to our Government, I might be in danger of losing my situation here there fore J again request secrecy till I have com- municated all the details, with proofs, to your accredited agent. The ramifications of the conspiracy are more extended than any one on your side of the line can possibly have any conception of. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, D. CAMBELL MONAB. CITY POINT, VA., March 21, 18652.30 p. in. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I would recommend relieving Crook from command of his depart- ment amid ordering him to command the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac. I would call attention to the fact that our white troops are being paid, whilst the colored troops are not. If, paymasters could be ordered here immediately to commence paying them it would have a fine effect. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 21, 186510 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have ordered General Crook to be relieved and report to you for assignment to command, and have directed paymasters to be sent down to pay the colored troops. The reason for the difference was that at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury the troops were ordered to be paid by corps in their numerical order. We have not money to pay all at once, but can pay them progressively. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Lieut. Gen. ~ ~. GRANT, Washington, March 21, 1865. General-in- Chief, City Point, Va.: General Crook is now at Cumberland, and has received the order announcing his exchange and directing him to assume command of his department. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 62 62 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVHI. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., March 21, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: A person in confidential communication with Thompson and Tucker, the rebel agents in Canada, whence he has just arrived, reports that information had been received by them from Richmond to the 11th instant. It had been determined to unite the armies of Lee and John- ston, but at what point was still undecided. It was expected, but not yet absolutely resolved, that Lees army would leave Richmond for the purpose. C. A. DANA. NORFOLK, VA., March 21, 1865. (Received 2.40 p. in.) His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President of the United States: General Grant would like to see you, and I shall be in Washington to-morrow morning with this vessel (the Bat), in which you can leave in the afternoon. She is a regular armed man-of war and the fastest vessel on the river. I think it would be best for you to use her. G. V. FOX, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. CITY POINT, VA., March 21, 18657.45 a. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: General Grant desires to know the effective mounted strength of your cavalry. J. A. RAWLINS Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 18657.50 a. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS: The return of the Cavalry division for March 10 showed 6,000 enlisted men equipped and present. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 21, 186510 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Only twelve deserters yesterday. Some that came in late last night report that Johnsons and Heths divisions were under marching orders, with two days rations; that it was rumored they were going to North Carolina,the cars being ready on South Side Railroad for them; and that our troops were skirmishing within ten inile~ of Raleigh. I will keep a sharp lookout and advise you the moment I am satisfied of any movement. GEO. G. MEADE, ill ajor- General Page 63 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 1865. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters Armies of the United States: COL& NEL: Some time since a letter of Byt. Maj. Gen. J. G. Barnard recommending Brig. Gen. II. W. Benhain for promotion was referred to me. On returning this communication I indorsed on it the principle which had governed me in making nominations for brevets, and on which I had not considered the services of General Benhain and cer- tam of his staff officers as justifying me ~11 presenting their names. Mere meritorious and faithful services in connection with military oper- ations do not entitle officers, in my judgment, to promotion by brevet, which should be confined to distinguished good conduct and galiantry in the field and in the presence of the enemy. I find, however, that this rule does not govern the War Department in the appointments that have been made, numerous officers of this army of different staff departments precisely in the same category as Brigadier-General Ben- ham, besides many officers in the department at Washington and else- where, having been brevetted for faithful and meritorious services. I learn also that an application has been made for the promotion of Brigadier-General Benham, by my- predecessor in command of this army, for distinguished services in the presence of the emmemy at Chan- cellorsyille and elsewhere. Under these circumstances, fearing my action may operate to the injustice of General Benhamn by excluding him from a promotion gi yen to others who have no greater claims, but were more fortunate in the superiors through whom their claims were presented to the department, I have thought it my duty to state that the failure to adopt as a rnle the principle enunciated by me entitles Brigadier-General Benham and those officers of the staff recommended with him to the promotion asked for them. Brigadier-General Benharn has been most earnest and faithful in the discharge of all the duties assigned to him. He has, moreover, designed and introduced into the service a light shovel for pickets, which is universally approved, and is really a very valuable suggestion. And in view of all these facts I desire to withdraw any objection to his promotion and to recommend the same. This communication is forwarded for the information and action of the lieutenant-general commanding, as the letter of Brevet Major General Barnard was referret to me by his orders. Respectfully, yours, GEG. G. MEADE, ]llajor- General, Cornma~~ding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 21, 18659 a. rn. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet on this front during the past twenty-four hours. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major. General of Volunteers Page 64 64 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. Lviii. SPECIAL ORDERS HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Coups, No. 74. 5 Near Hatchers Run, Va., March 21, 1865. * * * * * * * V. Brevet Major-General Griffin will post a picket reserve of at least 300 men at the bridge-head across Hatchers Run. Brevet Major-Gen- eral Ayres will double his picket reserves. Brevet Major-General Crawford will post a picket reserve of 150 men at the Goshen house and the same number at the junction of the Church road with the Hal- ifax road. These reserves will be posted to-morrow morning, 22d instant. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DLVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 21, 1865. Col. F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- Generat: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have already 300 men on picket on the north side of Hatchers Run, with directions to fall back to the bridge-head if attacked. I respectfully ask to be informed whether Special Orders, No. 74, headquarters Fifth Army Corps, of March 21, 1865, directs me to double this number. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. GRIFFIN, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, ]Ilarch 21, 1865. Brevet Major-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: In reply to your letter of this p. m. I am instructed by the major-general commanding to say that you can post a force of 200 at the bridge-head at Hatchers Run, instead of 300 as previously ordered. This force to be in additiou to that you have on picket. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 21, 1865. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The enemy opened up yesterday afternoon with the columbiad upon the Avery house, and kept up a persistent fire until dark. Our bat- teries did not reply for some time, but as soon as they opened the enemy returned vigorously with mortars. Seven deserters have been reported. They represent three brigades of Grimes (Battles old) division. These are very intelligent men. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 65 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRIGADE, NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 21, 1865. Brevet Major-General HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: About 2 p. m. the enemy opened his 8-inch columbiad on the Avery house. His fire (after quite a number of shots had been fired) was replied to by the heavy guns in Forts Avery and Morton, and Battery 15. lie then opened his mortar batteries and rifle batteries, bearing on Forts Meikel, Sedgwick, and Morton. The fire was principally returned from the heavy guns on the line. No casualties or damage of conse- quence to report. J. C. TIDBALL, Brevet Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 1865. Brevet Major-General DAVIES, Commanding Cavalry Division: Major-General Meade desires to see you this evening. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 21, 1865. (Received 5.10 p. in.) General BAWLINS, Chief of Staff: Twenty-nine deserters have been received at these headquarters from the enemy since 4 p. m. yesterday. THEG. READ, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT March 21, 1865. (Received 6 p. in.) General READ: I go down to Fort Monroe to-night. Come back to-morrow. Notify General Gibbon. E. 0. C. ORD. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Before Richmond, Va., March 21, 1865. The following dispatch has been received from the major-general commanding Department of Virginia, and is published for the informa- tion of all concerned: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, March 21, 1865. Maj. Gen. JOHN GIBBON: Cannot something be done to stop desertions from your corps? I will give $100 reward and three months leave or furlough to any officer or soldier who shoots or brings in a deserter going to the enemy. Division commanders will cause corn- 5 R RVOL XLVI, PT II Page 66 66 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. manders of regiments in which such desertions may occur to make out and send to these headquarters lists of all suspected bounty jumpers in their commands. The department commander has decided that he will send all bounty jumpers to the Dry Tortugas. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. John Gibbon: A. H. EMBLER, Brevet Major, Aide-de Camp and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. GENERAL) HDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA, ORDERS, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 35. ) March 21, 1865. * * * * * * * 2. Byt. Brig. Gen. H. L. Abbot, colonel of the First Connecticut Artil. lery, is hereby annonnced as the commander of the Artillery Brigade of this command, instead of Maj. George B. Cook, assigned to the com- mand in General Orders, No. 34, from these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Hartsnff: J. M. HOWARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 25. ) Before Richmond, Va., March 21, 1865. In compliance with extract 13, Special Orders, No. 79, dated head- quarters Army of the James, before Richmond, March 20, 1865, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Cavalry Division, Army of the James. R. S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General, U. ~. Army, Commanding Division. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEAD QUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 58. ) Before Richmond, Va., March 21, 1865. * * * * * * * III. Col. A. W. Evans, First Maryland Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade, Cavalry Division, will report to Col. S. P. Spear, command. ing Second Brigade, Cavalry Division. IV. Col. S. P. Spear, commanding Second Brigade, Cavalry Divis- ion, will take np in his reports the First Maryland Cavalry, which will hereafter form portion of Second Brigade, Cavalry Division. By command of Brigadier-General Mackenzie: H. C. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant. General Page 67 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 67 CITY POINT, VA., March 21, 1865. (Received 22d.) Maj. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN, Commanding Middle Military Division: I do not wish to hurry you, and besides fully appreciate the necessity of both having your horses well shod and well rested before starting again on another long march. But there is now such a possibility, if not probability, of Lee and Johnston attempting to unite that I feel extremely desirous not only of cutting the lipes of communication between them, but of having a large and properly commanded cavalry force ready to act with in case such an attempt is made. I think that by Saturday next you had better start, even if you have to stop here to finish shoeing up. I will have a force moved out from north of the James to take possession of Long Bridge crossing and to lay a pon- toon for you. Some of the troops will push up as far as Bottoms Bridge, if they do not meet with too much opposition. This move will not be made at the date indicated unless it is known that you are ready to start; it will be made earlier if you indicate a readiness to start earlier. Stoneman started yesterday from Knoxville with a cavalry force of probably 5,000 men to penetrate Southwest Virginia as far toward Lynchburg as possible. Under his instructions he may strike from New River toward iDanville. This, however, I do not expect him to do. Wilson started at the same time from Eastport toward Selma with a splendidly equipped cavalry force of 12,000 men. Canby is in motion, and I have reason to believe that Sherman and Schofield have formed a junction at Goldsborough. IJ. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, White House, Va., March 21, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS, Chief of & aff: GENERAL: I send to-day to City Point, under command of Colonel Coppinger, Fifteenth New York Cavalry, 1,200 cavalrymen, armed and equipped, to be mounted on horses which the lieutenant-general notified me could be furnished. I find over 2,100 horses which had to be con- demned, and will be sent to Giesborough Point. Nearly all these horses are affected with the hoof rot and will not be serviceable for some time to come. This, of course, dismounts that number of men. There is to be added to this over 1,000 dismounted men who came in on foot and on mules, so that my cavalry force will be diminished over 3,000. A great exertion should be made to get horses to City Point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. II. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 186511.25 a. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of & aff, A rmies of the United AStates: The following telegram received from General Sheridan is respectfully referred to you for the information of the lieutenant-general command Page 68 68 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. ing. I have not telegraphed to Major Price. I wrote to General Sher- idan, and sent same by Captain Lincoln, that it would be impossible to get horses: WHITE HOUSE, March 10, 1865. (Via Fortress Monroe.) Brig. Gen. JAMES W. FORSYTH: (Care of General Meade.) The blacksmiths and forges came up yesterday evening. This will enable us to shoe only 300 horses daily. I will, however, turn out the regimental blacksmiths and do the best we can. The number of dismounted will be much greater than was at first supposed, owing to the hoof rot. Telegraph Price to send horses quickly. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General. JAS. W. FORSYTH, Brevet Brigadier- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 21, 18653 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN, White House, Va.: I have ordered twenty-five additional forges to facilitate your horse- shoeing. I have ordered Crook here to command the divisions of cavalry which will re-enforce your column. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 20. ~ White House, Va., March 21, 1865. I. Each division commander will organize without delay 600 dis- mounted men of his division, under a proper number of good officers and non-commissioned officers, to take boat at once for City Point, where they will be remounted. II. These men will go fully armed and equipped, save in the matter of horses. They will go supplied with two days rations. III. Each division commander will detail a competent field officer iu charge of the men of his division, and the commanding officer of the Third Division will detail a colonel to take command of the entire force. This officer will be ordered to report at these headquarters at once for instructions. IV. The men from each division will be organized and report to Cap- tain Brown, chief quartermaster, at the White House Landing by 2 p. m. to-day. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREABBURY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WINCHESTER, March 21, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch in cipher of 20th was received at 12 m. to-day. It will be complied with at once. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major. General Page 69 CHAP. LVIII.] 69 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC,UNION. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MiLITARY DIVISION, March 21, 1865. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Chief of k~taff, City Point, Va.: I would respectfully request to know whether under the provisions of Special Orders, No.48,1 am at liberty to permit family supplies to pass the lines I actually hold, under any circumstances. For example: I do not hold Loudoun County, but have in my command two com- panies of cavalry composed of men from that county, whose families live in Loudoun and have been in the habit of getting supplies across the Potomac. The same is the situation in parts of West Virginia. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HANCOCKS HEADQUARTERS, March 21, 1865. (Received 7 a. m. 22d.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of AS1taff: I learn to-night, through a dispatch from General Carroll, at Cum- berland, that Major-GeneralCrook has assumed command of the Depart- ment of West Virginia, with headquarters at Cumberland. The head- quarters of the department are at this place, and I am in command by the assignment of the President. I have no other official knowledge of General Crooks being in this division. I have ordered him, if he has assumed command, to replace matters as he fonud them, and report at Frederick, Md., in arrest, and will prefer charges against him as soon as practicable. WIINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, March 21, 1865. Maj. Gen. W. S. HANCOCK, Commanding Middle Military Division, Winchester, Va.: The Secretary of War directs that Maj. Gen. George Crook be immediately relieved from command of the Department of the Cumber- land and ordered to report in person without delay to Lieutenant- General Grant for assignment to a command. Acknowledge receipt. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CUMBERLAND, March 21, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of & aff, Winchester, Va.: Understanding from General Carroll this evening that Major-General Hancock was unaware of my being reassigned to the command of this department, I transmit herewith the order under which I yesterday assumed command.* GEORGE CROOK, Major- General. * See Townsend to Crook, March 20, p. 59 Page 70 70 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYITI. WASHINGTON, March 21, 18654.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry (colored) will be sent, as you have directed, as soon as they can exchange their muskets for carbines and transportation be obtained. C. C. AUGUR, ]Ilajor- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 21, 1865. Maj. Gen. C. C. AUGUR, Commanding Department of Washington: Major-General Hancock desires the Second Regiment, First Veteran Corps, Lieutenant-Colonel Kusserow commanding, to be ordered to report to Brevet Major-General Brooke at Halltown, near Harpers Ferry, as soon as practicable. A scout of one regiment of cavalry and one of infantry left here yesterday to go through Loudoun County and to Ashbys and Snickers Gaps. They were at Hillsborough last night. The fords of the Shenandoah are not yet passable, and Mosbys men will be obliged to move toward you. C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of StatJ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 21, 1865. General BARNES, Commanding at Point Lookout: General Grant wants the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry. Can you spare it ~ General Hoffman thinks 1,000 men there will be sufficient. By bringing in your detachments, except at the Government farms, will you not have more than that number l Please let me know at once. C. C. AUGUR, Major- General. POINT LOOKOUT, March 21, 1865. (Received 11.20 p. in.) Major-General AUGUR, Commanding: I should recommend that the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry be ordered to the front. I will make the best disposition of the force left here, and if necessary it would be far better to fill np the regiments of the Veteran Reserve Corps. As cavalry the Fifth Massachusetts are of no use here. It will make a good regiment in the performance of their regular duty as cavalry. J. BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 71 CHAP. LYIU.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 71 HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22n ARMY CORPS, Washington, P. C., March 21, 1865. General BARNES, Commanding, Point Lookout: Will you have 1,000 men at the post after the removal of the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry l If not, how near that; arid wil lyon have sufficient for the present ~ The two regiments then will be filled np as soon as possible. About how many men in the hospital then will be available for the Veteran Reserve Corps~ How many men and how many horses will there be in the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry to send ~i C. C. AUGUR, Major- General, Commanding. POINT LOOKOUT, March 21, 1865. (Received 6.20 p. in.) Maj. (len. C. C. AUGUR: The Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry will have 1,200 men and 900 horses, camp and garrison eqiripage, and six wagons. They had better turn over their muskets here, probably. There are about fifty men in the hospital fit for duty in the First Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, and thirty for the Second Battalion of those the board were permitted to have access to. Doctor Delany returns to Washington to-night, and will report the state of things there. I shall have over 1,000 men, including the detachments. I will manage to get along until the Veteran Reserves are filled up. I am informed that the Eleventh Regiment will be filled very soon. JAMES BARNES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, P. C., March 21, 1865. General BARNES, Commanding, Point Lookout: Let the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry make immediate requisition for carbines and such equipments as they require to fit them for the field. Send an officer with the requisitions to hasten the delivery of the articles. Their muskets may be turned over to your ordnance officer to be sent to the arsenal here, except such as you require for your own use. C. C. AUGUR, Major. General, Commanding. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 21, 1865. General GAMBLE, Commanding, Fairfax Court-House: General Hancock has a force in Loudoun County, and thinks the rebel force there will be driven over toward you. You had better have a force out to look for them. C. C. AUGUR, Major- General, Commanding Page 72 72 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYIIL HDQRS. DEPT. OF W. VA. AND MIDDLE MILITARY DIV., Major-General CROOK, Winchester, March 21, 1865. Cumberland: The major-general commanding has been informed that you have assumed command of the Department of West Virginia, with head- quarters at Cumberland. If you have assumed any command Major- General Hancock directs that you replace matters as you found them and report at Frederick City in arrest, reporting by telegraph your compliance with this order. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. MIDDLE MILITARY Div. AND DEPT. OF W. VA.~ Winchester, March 21, 1865. Brigadier-General STEVENSON: It is understood that Major-General Crook has assumed command of the Department of West Virginia, with headquarters ~t Cumberland. No orders emanating from this authority will be respected. By order of Major-General Hancock: C. II. MORGAN Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Carroll an eral Carroll.) , d copy for General Duval through Gen- WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 22, 18654.30 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your account of the way Crook talked on his return from Richmond, and other circumstances, induce me to suggest a careful consideratiou of the propriety of giving him a command so important as that of your cavalry. For that reason I ordered him to report to you without indi- cating any specific duty to which he was to be assigned. With this suggestion the matter is left entirely to your own judgment. Anything you may do in regard to it will be approved. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 22, 186510.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Twenty-two deserters yesterday; twenty are reported this morning. No movements. The whole Confederate army appear to have had two days cooked rations and told to be on the alert; I think due more to an expected attack from us than any projected movement on their part. I regret to state eight desertions to the enemy are reported last night six substitutes from the Ninth Corps and two from the Sixth. Sharp picket-firing last night on Ninth Corps front. GEO. G. MEADE, Major. General Page 73 73 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 22, 186510.45 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: In addition to the nineteen deserters just reported as coming in last night, Humphreys reports twenty-two coming in on his line, which makes forty-one in all. No special information reported. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. Memoranda shouing condition of the quartermasters department, for information of the lieutenant-general commanding U. S. Armies. OFFICE OF CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, City Point, Va., March 22, 1865. 1. Amount of forage on hand with the troops, as follows: Army of the Potomac Army of the James In depot City Point Shipped and to arrive Total provided Number of days forage of Grain. Hay. 6 5 12* 71 4* 251* 4j 2. Principal articles on hand for issue, as follows: Artillery horses Mules 6-mule teams Ambulances Blankets Blouses Shirts 3. Shipping: Arrived yesterday: Steamers Cleared: Steamers Schooners In harbor: Steamers 374 Trousers 5,223 683 Bootees 5, 917 175 Stockings 8,677 23 Drawers 6, 126 29, 074 Overcoats 6,681 34,966 Tents 11, 453 19, 383 In harborcontinued. 14 Propellers 10 Brigs 12 Bark 1 3 Schooners . 34 Tugs 8 9 Barges 43 4. Miscellaneous: Brevet Brigadier-General Ekin telegraphs that he is doing everything possible in dispatching cavalry and artillery horses; that the shipment of artillery horses will be completed this week; and that the storm and flood have temporarily deranged the receipts from the North. Colonel Brown, quartermaster, telegraphs that there is a sufficient amount of grain ordered and afloat; that every ton of hay possible to be reached will be shipped; that bran was ordered immediately upon the receipt of my former dispatches; and that he ordered two vessels loaded with forage for City Point to White House. * So in original, but the correct addition is 31j~. CHAP. LVIII. Page 74 74 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIIJ. The Army of the James has just sent in a telegraphic estimate for some 900 cavalry horses in addition to about 650 already supplied this month. That army should anticipate its wants and give more accurate and timely notice of public wants. The fault is frequently with divis- ion and subordinate commanders. All these estimates will be filled as fast as transports can be found to transport the animals here. Col. G. W. Bradley, chief quartermaster of this depot, leaves at 1 p. m. for White House to make arrangements for the abandonmeiit of that depot upon the departure of General Sheridan. Mr. Allen, the agent for Captain Strang, arrived here last night with 340 contrabands, all that he could obtain from those brought in by General Sheridan. The following-named vessels will have left for White House by the middle of the afternoon: Steamers Diamond State, Monitor, Lizzie Baker, Fulcan, Mary Washington, Maryland, and Win. Whildon. There have also left for the same point within the past forty-eight hours the steamers Cossack, Claymont, Curlew, D. H. Mount, Key- port, C. Vanderbilt, Nellie Pentz, John Brooks and Respectfully submitted. John A. Warner. RUFUS INGALLS, Brig. Gen. and Chief Q. M. Armies operating against Richmond. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, March 22, 18658.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. J. A. EKIN, First Division, Quartermaster- Generals Office: It is supposed Sheridan will be here by the 27th prepared for another march with the exception of 2,000 cavalry horses. The lieutenant. general directs me to obtain all that you can possibly send meantime. Both these armies require a large number yet. Please forward as rap- idly as possible. If Sheridan does not detain our transports unneces- sarily at White House, General Rucker should be able to furnish suffi- cient transportation. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General, Chief Quarterniaster. DEPOT ORDNANCE OFFICE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 22, 1865. Lieut. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant. General: SIR: I have been notified that arrangements have been made by which I am to pay deserters for their arms at the rate of $8 per arm. I respectfully request from you a written order directing these pay. ments to be used as a voucher of authority. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, C. E. DUTTON, Lieutenant, Ordnance, Commanding Depot Page 75 Onip. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.1JNION. 75 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 22, 1865. Lient. C. E. DUTTON, Ordnance Depot, City Point, Va.: It is arranged that you are to pay for arms brought in by deserters. They will be forwarded with their arms or with receipts from the pro- vost-marshal here. Pay them at the rate of $8 per arm on voucher No.17 for the present. You can get any orders you please from Colonel Bowers. In column of remarks state object of expenditure and quote order. I have telegraphed for $10,000 to be sent to you. A batch will be sent to-day. Answer. F. II. PARKER, Chief Ordnance Officer. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 57. City Point, Th., March 22, 1865. * * * * * * * IV. The Twenty-eighth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops is relieved from duty at City Point, and will proceed without delay to Varina Landing and report to Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord, commanding Depart- ment of Virginia, for orders. The quartermasters department will fur- nish necessary transportation. * * * * * * By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 22, 186510.25 a. m. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Twenty-two deserters came in last nightnine from Johnsons division, thirteen from Heths division. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, No. 73. March 22, 1865. 1. During the absence of Lient. Col. George A. Shallenberger, chief quartermaster, Maj. W. H. P. Cochrane will act as chief quartermas- ter of the corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General llnmphreys: CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 76 76 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 22, 1865. This corps will be reviewed to-morrow at 2.30 p. m. 1. The Second Division will reach the ground at 12.30 oclock, and in crossing the Vaughan road, railroad, and approaching the review ground will move so as not to interfere with the First and Third Divis- ions moving to their positions. 2. The First and Third Divisions will reach the ground at 1.30 oclock, approaching in such manner as not to interfere with each other or with the Second Division. 3. The artillery will reach the ground at 1 oclock. 4. The formation will be line of battalions in mass division front, brigade commanders to be opposite the right of their brigade. The troops will pass in review, closed in mass, cers only saluting. at quick time, mounted offi 5. The distance between battalions in line will be twenty-two paces except when a battalion is so large as to require more than that space to change direction by the flank. 6. Division commanders are requested to cause battalion command. ers to see that their companies are sized march before the battalion is formed. 7. Upon reaching a point 100 yards on the right of the reviewing officer (the point will be marked by a stake) the battalions leaving the field will move at double-quick. Division commanders will send a staff officer to the point indicated to see that the order is carried out at the proper time. 8. After passing the reviewing officer staff officers of the division and brigade commanders will form successively on the right of the corps staff; orderlies and escorts in line in they are attached. , rear of the staffs to which 9. The troops will appear in heavy marching order. 10. Troops of the Fifth Corps will occupy the line during the review. By command of Major-General llumphreys: CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 22, 1865. (Received 9.45 a. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have to report all quiet in my front during yesterday and last night. Three deserters from Fourth North Carolina Cavalry were received last evening. They report all quiet in the rebel lines. Their regiment has been moved up to Hatchers Run on picket duty. The Fourth North Carolina Cavalry belongs to Roberts brigade, of Lees division. It is composed of Fourth and Sixteenth North Carolina and Eighth Georgia Cavalry (the Eighth Georgia was recently sent to Raleigh), Grahams battery, four pieces, and Lyons battery, four pieces. This brigade is about 650 strong, all told. Barringers bri- gade of cavalry, about 1,000 strong, is near Stony Creek, and is the finest brigade they have. These men brought with them their arms and equipments and two horses. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Cornmandinq Page 77 Cn~. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 77 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 22, 1865. Col. GEORGE P. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the lionor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours. Two men from the Fourth New Jersey Yolunteers deserted to the enemy last night. H. G. WRIGHT, ill ajor- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 22, 1865. (Received 10.05 a. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of ~3taff: Picket-firing heavier than usual last night. Seventeen deserters from Grimes division been reported. We lost six substitutes last nightfour from Thirty-fifth Massachusetts and two from Forty-fifth Pennsylvania. J~O. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 22, 1865. Major-General WEBB: A scouting party on the Jerusalem plank road was yesterday ambus- caded by some guerrillas, and lost 3 men killed and 5 captured. The enemy were finally driven off. I sent out a large force this a. m. to thoroughly scout the country and drive out these men. Nothing else of moment occurred. H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 22, 18654.20 p. m. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Armies of the United States, City Point: General Gordon sends the following information, received through a deserter from the Twenty-fourth Virginia Cavalry, who reports that the position which he occupied at Weldon afforded him a good oppor- tunity to observe the amount of supplies passing through that place, the sources from whence they came, and their final destination: All of the forage for General Lees army passes through Weldon. It is brought there on the Seaboard, Raleigh and Gaston, and Weldon and Wilmington Railroads. Forage very scarce. All sugar and coffee lately issued to General Lees army has been carried throngh Weldon, and most of it came via Murfrees Depot. Four hundred bales of cotton stored in Weldon when informant left. Cotton seized by Confederate Government is turned over to commissary of sub- sistence, who appoints agents to carry it into our lines and dispose of it Page 78 78 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. These agents are obliged to give security to amount of $20,000, and are then allowed to take that amount of cotton out of the Confederacy and exchange it for coffee, sugar, and bacon. From 6,000 to 12,000 pounds of bacon usually passed through Weldon daily, and most oC it came from blockade-runners, who gave it in exchange for cotton. Cot- ton trade dull since late restrictions on all trade. Cannot be disposed of:, and is no longer sent to Murfrees Depot. Weldon is defended by one company, with five pieces of artillery stationed north side of Roan- oke River near railroad bridge. Bridge is good and very substantial; is used for carriages and foot passengers; is only bridge over river there. There are three companies of cavalry between Suffolk and Weldon, called Twelfth North Carolina Battalion, commanded by Cap- tain Holliday, two companies at Borgans Depot, and one, with head- quarters at Murfrees, pickets the Chowan and Blackwater. When General Sherman was last heard from he was at Favetteville. TIIEOD~5RE READ, Assistant Adjutant-General and- Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES ilarch 22, 1865. (Received 7 p. in.) General. RAWLINS: Forty-nine deserters came into the lines of this army since yesterday. THEG. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of Staff.. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE JAMES, March 22, 1865. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Will you appoint Bvt. Brig. Gen. T. M. Harris, colonel of the Tenth West Virginia, a brigadier-general of volunteers, so that I can retain him in service. His time is now up, and he must leave unless appointed. His appointment should date from the 12th instant, when his term of service expired. JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of T7olunteers, Commanding. OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHALGENERAL, ARMIES OPERATING AGAINST RICHMOND, VA., Major-General ORD, City Point, March 22, 1865. Commanding Army of the James: GENERAL: Our Scouts brought the following information from Rich- mond this morning, which could have been forwarded yesterday had they been able to make the connection night before last, which was not done. Our agent in Richmond saw on Sunday night a long train of cars, loaded with troops, pass out of the city on the Danville railroad. He does not know to what command these troops belong; and having received prior to seeing them the information which he was to brin Page 79 CHAP. Lviii.] 79 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. from our friends he did not dare communicate with them again before leaving town the next day. He describes the train, however, and the troops with great particularity, and we have no doubt from his state- - ment that troops were forwarded at that time. He heard a bare rumor that they were going to Amelia Court-House. Our friends in Richmond send us word that the Virginia Central Railroad is expected to be in running order as far as the Rivanna River in ten days from day before yesterday. They also say that the remnant of Hoods army, under General Cheatham, has reached General Joseph Johnston. The following is in writing, and, not being understood by us, is given exactly as forwarded: Morgans returned prisoners are being sent to Abingdon. If you do not take a hostage for Colonel Asworth (see dispatch of March 15), he will be hung. The Richmond Dispatch of March 15 contains the following: CASTLE THUNDER ITEMS. Yesterday one of the prisoners of war at the Libby, Col. J. H. Asworth, of the First Regiment U. S. Georgia Volunteers, was transferred from that place to Castle Thunder, he having been recognized as a former captain in the C. S. service. Our friends say that up to last Saturday, so far as they could learn, only three companies of negro troops had been raised. They are being drilled. It is, of course, possible that more than this number have been recruited, but our friends seem to be certain that no more have been organized into companies. The following is given as indicative of the present condition of Richmond: May God bless and bring you soon to deliver ns. We are in an awful situation here. There is great want of food. Word is sent us of the return of Picketts division, heretofore reported, to a position on the Williamsburg road, but our friends do not believe that the whole division is there, without saying, however, how much of it is or is not. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. H. SHARPE, Assistant Provost-Marshal- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, White House, Va., March 22, 1865. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: I will march from the White House on the morning fo the 25th instant, and ~will cross the Chickahominy at Jones Bridge, encamping that night between Charles City Court-House and West- over. The next day, the 26th, I can cross at Deep Bottom, and will require forage at some convenient point not far from the bridge. When the column reaches Harrisons Landing I will cross over to City Point to see you and make such preparations as may be necessary to. carry out the views expressed in your~ commuaication of March 19. I think the route by Charles City Court-House the best for me to take and the one which will give you no trouble by movement of troops; the road is good, the crossing of the Chickahominy not difficult We have with us 200 feet of bridging, which I think sufficient. To-morrow an engi Page 80 80 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. neer officer will be sent to Jones Bridge to examine, and if we have not bridging enough J will at once telegraph to you and pontoons can be sent to Long Bridge crossing. Very respectftilly, your obedient servant, P. H. SIIERJDAN, Major. General. CITY POINT, VA., March 22, 18G5. Maj. Gen. P. II. SHERIDAN, Commanding Middle Military Division: Please give Colonel Bradley, chief quartermaster of this depot, facilities for getting off all the transportation now at the White House that can be spared from there. The deteutiou of boats is preventing the accumulation of horses for remounting your cavalry. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. FIELD ORDERS, No. 21. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, S White House, Va., March 22, 1865. I. The commanding officer of the First Cavalry iDivi~ion will at once send 200 dismounted and unarmed men, and the commanding officer of the Third iDivision 100 dismounted and unarmed men, to be shipped from the landinc. to Remount Camp, Pleasant Valley. These men will be organized under a proper number of commissioned and non-commis- sioned officers, who will, while on the voyage, make out nominal lists of the men with them, sending a copy to the division commanders after arrival at Pleasant Valley. The men will go supplied with three days rations. The commanding officers will apply to Captain Brown, chief quartermaster, for transportation. II. The commanding officer of the Third Division will send 200 dis- abled horses to the landing immediately, to be shipped to Giesborough Point for recruitment. Five men (dismounLed), with a non-commis- sioned officer, must accompany each boat-load of these disabled horses. Lists of all men sent from the command at this point must be pre- served. By command of Brevet Major.General Merritt: J. SPREADBUIRY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FIELD ORDERS, No. 22. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, S White House, Va., March 22, 1865. I. Division commanders will report without delay the number of disabled horses remaining with the command after the shipments of this date are made. This report is required to ascertain the amount of transportation needed to ship all the unserviceable horses of the command before the morning of the 24th instant. II. A statement of the number of dismounted men, including those on unserviceable horses in the command, will be at once furnished, and a daily morning report showing the ekact state of the commands will be sent to these headquarters by 10 a. m. each day to include the morning of the 24th instant. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREADBURY, Acting Assistant Adjutant. General Page 81 CHAP. Lviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 81 WASHINGTON, ID. C., March 22, 18659.15 a. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester, Va.: Seeing your dispatch about General Crook, and fearing that, through misapprehension, something unpleasant may occur, I send you below two dispatches of General Grant, * which I suppose will fully explain General Crooks movements. A. LINCOLN. WINCHESTER, VA., March 22, 1865. His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President of the United states: There can be no trouble in General Crooks case if he has observed my order to restore matters as he found them and to proceed to Fred- erick in arrest, where my order suspending his arrest and order- ing him to report to Lieutenant-General Grant will reacli him. Accord- ing to just military principle I could pursue no other course, and there will be no delays on my part in the execution of the order of the Department to send General Crook to City Point. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General of Volunteers. CITY POINT, March 22, 1865. Maj. Gen. W. S. HANCOCK, Winchester, Va.: Under Special Orders, No. 48, you will under no circumstances permit family supplies to go into Virginia beyond the lines you actually hold. It will no doubt work hardship in many meritorious cases, but we cannot control the use they will be put to when beyond our reach, nor can those whom we would help. Hence the necessity of the strictest enforcement of said order. The order does not apply to West Virginia. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General and Chief of ~ta1J WASHINGTON, ID. C., March 22, 186510 a. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester: No orders have been issued from the War Department to General Crook. Very probably he has acted under orders direct from General Grant, and not sent here. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. (Copy to Adjutant-General.) * See Grant to Townsend, March 15, 9 p. in., and first sentence of Grant to Stan- ton, March 21, 2.30 p. in., pp. 28, 61. 6 R HVOL XLVI, PT II Page 82 82 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. WINCHESTER, VA., March 22, 186512.30 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff: MajorGeneral Crook has been ordered to report as directed, and will be afforded every facility for his journey. In view of the peculiar nature of his orders, and the fact that he has made an explanation to me, I have thought it better to release him entirely from arrest, and so end the matter. iRespectftilly, WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, WINCHESTER, VA., March 22, 1865. Chief of Staff: I sent on Monday an expedition into Loudoun, composed of one regi- ment of infantry of the First Veteran Corps and about 500 cavalry, all under Colonel iReno. Last night, near Harmony, he encountered Mosby, who had about 500 men, and had a slight skirmish, losing about twenty men. The enemys dead and wounded fell into our hands and Reno moved on to Upperville and Middleburg, where, it is reported, considerable stores are collected. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY IDIvISION, March 22, 1865. General TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General, War Department: Your dispatch of 9.20 of the 21st was received at 8 this morning. I notified Major-General ilalleck at 9.50 last night that Major-General Crook had been ordered to proceed in arrest to Frederick City. I regard General Crook as guilty of a gross breach of discipline, inex- cusable in a soldier of his experience, and which might have led to serious consequences, as he was exercisiiug my command for twenty- four hours without in any manner notifying me, nor had I received any notice of the intention to place him in such command. I will direct him to report in person at once to General Grant, suspending his arrest for that purpose. I presume General Crook is on the way to Frederick, and his orders will meet him at that place. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General of Volunteers. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, March 22, 1865. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Middle Military Division, Wi~tehester, Va.: Dispatch received. It was not certainly known where General Crook was. General Grant requires his services immediately, and the orde Page 83 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 83 was sent him direct to go on duty to avoid delay. General II. E. Paine is here waiting orders. What orders do you wish given him ~? It is supposed General Schnrz had an understanding with you about him. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 22, 1865. Brigadier-General TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General, War Department: I do not exactly understand your di~spatch. The order for General Crook to report to General Grant did come through me, and there will be no delay if General Crook has obeyed my order of yesterday. I have no nnderstanding whatever with General Schnrz or any one con- cerning General Paine, and have no use for him, as I know nothing about him; and as he is an officer of old date 1 might not be able to dispose of him. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, March 22, 1865. Major-General HANCOCK Winchester, Va.: Your dispatch just received. I referred to the first dispatch inform- ing General Crook of his exchange and returning him to duty, which was sent to him direct. It is now all right~ Will write you by mail. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. 0., March 22, 1865. (Received 6.10 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: The Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry numbers 1,200 men. They have 900 horses. Shall I send them as they are, or supply them with com- plement of horse& i They are armed with mnskets. Shall they be fur- nished with carbines instead ~ Shall they take wagons with them ~ C. C. AUGUR, Major- General. CITY POINT, YA., March 22, 18657 p. m. (Received 12.30 a. m. 23d.) Maj. Gen. C. C. AUGUR: You may send the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry as it is, transporta- tion and all. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 84 84 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP, LVIII. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 22, 1865. General C. C. AUGUR, Commanding Department of Washington: The regiment of infantry and of cavalry, under Colonel Reno, found Mosby near Harmony with about 500 men and had a skirmish in which we lost about twenty. Some of the rebel wounded including two offi- cers, fell into our hands, and Mosby fell back to Upperville, where it is reported he has collected considerable stores. The river is still high and Mosby must go down toward White Plains or disperse as Reno will follow him as far as Ashbys Gap at least. He has collected quite a large force for a raid, some of our informants putting it as high as 700, including Whites battalion, but 500 is thought a large number. Respectfully, C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General, & c. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., March 22, 1865. General GAMBLE, Commanding, Fairfax Court-House: The force sent out by General Hancock had a fight yesterday with a party of rebels about 500 strong. I wish you to send out about 500 men to-morrow to the vicinity of Upperville, where General Hancocks party has gone. Let your party look out for them, and not mistake them for rebels or rebels for them. The expedition to Northern Neck is abandoned for the present. Colonel Sweitzer will be out in the morning train. C. C. AUGUR, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. QF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, March 22, 1865. Colonel GANSEVOORT, Commanding, Prospect Hill: It is reported to me that while Lieutenant-Colonel Coles, of your regiment, was on a scout (to-morrow will be two weeks) he was informed that Mosby in person with a small party was near him, and that he made no effort to capture him, alleging as his reason that his orders were not to go beyond a certain stream. I desire to be informed if Lieutenant-Colonel Coles was on a scout that day, if he had informa- tion that Mosby in person was near him with a small party, and what effort he made to capture him, if any. Send, if true, the reason for it. Respectfully, yours, C. C. AUGUR, Maj3r- General, Commanding. [HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., March 22, 1865.] Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of ASrtaff: Just received the following dispatch for the major-general command- ing from Colonel Reno: NEAR HARMO~4Y, VA., March 56, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to state that I arrived at this place last evening and had a slight skirmish with the enemy, resulting in the following casualties tothem: 2 captains wounded, 2 privates killed and 2 wounded; all fell into our hands. Page 85 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 have not found many supplies yet, but have burned those I have found. I am informed there are large stores at Middleburg, Upperville, and Paris, which places I expect soon to reach. M. A. RENO, Colonel, Commanding. Eleven of our wounded (slight) have arrived; one rebel captain wounded; four seriously wounded of ours left near field. We had one officer killed. Our total loss reported by wounded officer of iRenos com- mand, 20. The enemy were commanded by Mosby in person, and were about 500 strong. They fell back toward Upperville. This information is derived from our wounded officer. Respectfully, JOIIN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISIoN, March 22, 1865. Major-General CRoOK, Frederick City, Md.: In obedience to orders from the Secretary of War you will proceed forthwith to City Point and report in person to Leutenant-General Grant. Your arrest is suspended for this purpose. By order of Major-General Hancock: - C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 22, 1865. Major-General CROOK, Cumberland: The following order has been sent to you at Frederick City, but is duplicated, as it is thought you may not have yet left Cumberland. Your aide, Captain Roberts, was sent to report to you this morning. You can get a special train if you wish to expedite matters. This is the order: In obedience to orders from the Secretary of War you will proceed forthwith to City Point and report in person to Lieutenant-General Grant. Your arrest is sus- pended for this purpose. By order of Major-General Hancock: C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, iNo. 42. Cumberiand, Md., March 22, 1865. In obedience to orders received from headquarters Middle Military Division the undersigned relinquishes command of the Department of West Virginia. All orders promulgated or official acts done by him since assuming command of the department in General Orders, No. 4t, current series, from these headquarters, are hereby revoked. GEORGE CROOK, - Major- General Page 86 86 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. LVIII. CUMBERLAND, Mn., March 22, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Winchester, Va.: I have the honor to transmit the following for your information.* GEORGE CROOK, Major- Qeneral. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 22, 1865. Major-General CROOK, Cumberland: The major-general commanding directs me to say that your explana- tion t is satisfactory, and he takes pleasare in believing that you assumed the command of the Department of West Virginia without reflecting upon the position your action placed him in. He would be very glad to see you at Winchester, but the nature of the orders here- tofore transmitted to you will prevent. The general directs me further to say that, in view of your telegram and the fact that your. orders con- template immediate and active service for you, he releases you entirely from arrest. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunleers and Chief of Sta4J. BEVERLY, W. VA., March 22, 1865. Colonel WILKINSON, Clarksburg: Two deserters from the Twenty-first Georgia came through from Richmond by way of Staunton; report no organized forces of the enemy this side of Staunton. Pocahontas and Bath Counties full of deserters- from their army, making their way to our lines. W. H. ENOCIIS, Colonel, Commanding. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, March 23, 1865noon. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: We start to you at 1 p. m. to-day. May lie over during the dark hours of the night. Very small party of us. A. LINCOLN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 23, 18658.45 p. m. President LINCOLN, Port Monroe: (Care of General Barnes, Point Lookout.) I reached the arsenal with Mrs. Stanton to see you depart a few minutes after you had got under way. 1 hope you have reached Point * See General Or.ders, No. 42, next, ante. tNot found Page 87 CILAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 87 Lookout safely, notwithstanding the furious gale that came on soon after you started. It did a great deal of damage here, blowing up trees, unroofing houses; wrecked a vessel at the wharf; killed a hack- man and his team in the street, upon whom a roof fell. No news from any quarter has come in to-day, except a report of Hancock showing much more force in his department laying around loose than was before known. This will be sent to General Grant. Please let me hear from you at Point Lookout and how you and Mrs. Lincoln stand the voyage. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASH1N~TON, ID. 0., March 23, 186512 m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: General Sheridan makes requisition for 3,000 cavalry horses, to be sent to him immediately. Only about 600 on hand, and to fill this requisition no more can be sent for some time to Armies of the Poto- mac and James. Shall this be done~ II. W. HALLEOK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, VA., March 23, 18654.30 p. rn. Brig. Gen. ID. H. IRUCKER, Chief Quartermaster: Please notify me of the number of cavalry horses which you may ship here between this and Sunday next. General Grant wishes to give General Sheridan as many as possiblesay, 2,000by Monday, on his arrival. The artillery horses and mules, though much needed, can follow after the cavalry. RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chi~f Quartermaster. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 141. 5 Washington, March 23, 1865. * * * * * * * 34. Bvt. Brig. Gen. Guy V. Henry, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person without delay to the commanding general Department of Mis- souri for duty. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. ID. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 58. 5 City Point, Va., Morch 23, 1865. * * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. C. A. Heckman, U. S. Volunteers, having been relieved from duty in the Department of Virginia and reported to these head Page 88 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. 88 (CHAP. i~vm. quarters, will proceed to his place of residence and from there report by letter to the Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington, ID. C., for orders. * * * *. * * * By command of Lientenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 23, 1865. This corps will be reviewed to-day at 2.30 p. m. The following instructions for the staff of the major-general commanding the corps are communicated: 1. Colonel Willian, aided by Captain Stacey, to have general super- vision. 2. Major Livermore will supervise the Third Division, to be accom- panied by Lieutenant Campbell. 3. Major Bingham will supervise the First Division. 4. Captain Wister will supervise the Second Division. These staff officers will notify division commanders of any imperfection, irregularity, or deviatiou from the programme. 5. Captain Pelton to take charge of extra saddle-horses or spring wagons, putting the latter in park on the left of the reviewing officer, or sufficiently near the line of march to command a good view of the troops. Upon the field the staff will.move in the line in rear of the general; the orderlies in the line in rear of staff; the cavalry in the line in rear of orderlies. By command of Major-General llumphreys: CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 23, 1865. Col. GEORGE ID. RUGGLES, Assistant-Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet on this front the past twenty- four hours. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, March 23, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General DENISON, Commanding & cond Brigade: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you take your brigade to Major- General Humphreys, commanding Second Corps, for temporary duty on his line while his corps is reviewed to-day. Yo Page 89 CHAP. LVIII.] 89 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. will please give the necessary orders to prepare yoar troops, and then go yourself to General Humphreys headquarters for instructions where to post them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. SWAN, Brevet Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 23, 1865. Brevet Major-General CRAWFORD, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send General Baxters brigade to report at once to Major-General llumphreys, commanding Second Army Corps, for temporary duty while that corps turns out on review. The men will be fully equipped with boxes full of ammunition. The brigade commander will report at General Hum- plireys headquarters and receive from him instructions where to post his men. 1 am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 23, 1865. Colonel RUGGLES: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS, March 23, 1865. General KEIFER: General Meade will review the Second Corps to-day, which will necessitate the withdrawal of the troops of that corps. I am directed to inform you that you will be required to take care of that portion ot the Second Corps line lying between Fort Sampson and Fort Gregg. You will, therefore, move three regiments to the point mentioned as soon as the Second Corps leaves the ground, which it will commence to do about 2 p. m. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ANDREW J. SMITH, Captain, Brevet-Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 23, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Nothing new to report along our lines. Four deserters from Battles brigade came in on General Curtins front. JNO. G. PARKE, Major.Generc4 Page 90 90 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYIIL HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 23, 186511.45 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Read quarters Army of the Potomac: Eight deserters from General Wilicoxs front have just reported one from Thirteenth Georgia, three from Thirty.eighth Georgia, one Seventh Louisiana, one Fourth Virginia, two Twenty-first North Caro- lina. An examination of them elicted nothing of importance. They bring an Examiner of the 22d, which I forward. J. L. VAN BUREN, Brevet Colonel, & c. CITY POINT, VA., March 23, 1865. Major-General ORD: I see what appears to be large fires due north from here, and also northward. Do you see what they are from your headquarters ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 23, 1865. (Received 9.45 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: The fires which you see are the woods burning inside my lines. I have given directions to have them extinguished as soon as possible. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 23, 186512 m.~ Major-General WEITZEL, Commanding Twenty-fifth Army Corps: The colored regiment at City Point has been ordered to your com- mand; also the colored cavalry from Point Lookout, numbering 900 horses and 1,200 men. They bring their transportation with them. They are now armed with muskets. General Ord thinks you had better make requisition for Sharps carbines for them. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIvISIoN, White House, Va., March 23, 1865. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: Your communication Qf the 21st instant, by hands of Major Ord, was received last night. I will certainly move from here on Saturday morning, the 25th instant. I intended to go via Jones Bridge and Charles City Court-House and sent a communication to you yes- terday by Captain Sheridan to that effect. The road via Jones Bridge and Charles City Court-House is good, and the difference in distance will only be about four miles, so that it will take about the same lengt Page 91 CHAP. LYHI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 of time to make the trip. If you wish me to go via Long Bridge tele- graph me at Yorktown. By going via Jones Bridge I can make two crossings and you need not move any troops or send any pontoon trains. The horses are being shod night and day. No transportation has been detained here; the boats have been loaded day and night arid notifica- tion has been sent to General Ingalls of the boats leaving. I think they may have been detained by the storm, and General Ingalls did not get the telegrams on acconnt of the wires being down. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, P.11. SHERIDAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 23, 18G5. Brigadier-General FORSYTH Chief of 3taff: GENERAL: A deserter just in from Richmond reporL; everything quiet there. Breadstuffs, & c., have risen very much in price in the last few days. There is a small picket at New Castle and Cold Har- bor, relieved from Richmond. The man belongs to the Richmond City Troop. He says Fitz Lee crossed to this side the James when we were in front of Richmond; does not know where he is now. Very respectfully, ~. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. WAR. DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 23, 18658.35 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester I am very much gratified by your energy in orgatrizing and adminis- tering the military affairs of your important command. Your dispatch* of this evening to General Halleck vindicates my judgment in assign- ing you to that position, and that you could not in any other render service so valuable and urgent to the Government. I would be glad to have a detailed report of the force and its locationa thing I have never before been able to procure. For what you have already done you have the thanks of this Department. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 23, 18651.30 p. rn. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester, I/a.: Whole number of new regiments nuder orders for your department is twelve. If these will be sufficient for your purpose I shall advise * See p. 92 Page 92 92 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. that all others be sent to the James River, on account of less facilities for desertion. Have you a supply of cavalry horses, so that we can send all received here to General Sheridan ~ Please answer. H. W. IIALLECK Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 23, 18654 p. m. (Received 6.30 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington: I do not understand exactly what you mean by the troops sent me being sufficient for my purpose. If I am simply to protect the railroad and remain on the defensive my force is very liberal. If I am to make a campaign the nature of it will determine the number of troops 1 ought to have. My idea is that there are too many troops here to have no definite offensive object in view, and I hav.e been expecting some intimationoftheobjectinconcentratingthem; whetherlamtomake a mobile army, or whether they are here as a reserve for instruction, it would be well for me to know as far as may be proper, because there is much to be done in the way of reorganizing commands, as intimated in my dispatch asking the status of the Nineteenth Corps. The Eighth ~ Corps is also in question. I could in May move nearly 25,000 pretty good infantry and 3,000 or 4,000 cavalry, and still leave a liberal force in block-houses along the railroad and to look after such irregular cav- alry as a movement would not drive up the Valley. There are in the Remount Camp here about 6,100 dismounted cavalry, mostly belonging to the divisions Sheridan took with him. He also took a brigade of West Virginia cavalry. I cannot answer your question concerning cavalry horses until I know what cavalry organizations are to remain here and what to remain with Sheridan. He has a good many men belonging to organizations still here. The hoof rot prevails among the horses to the extent of several hundred cases, which will affect the question of supply. The organized cavalry actually with me will require several hundred horses; I am~ unable to say just how many at this moment. I have about 2,000 serviceable for duty in this army, nearly 3,000 in the western part of the State, and General Augur has a brigade. I have gone somewhat into detail for your full information. I propose to communicate my views more fully by mail. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQUS. MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, No. 34. 5 Winchester, Va., March 23, 1865. The following orders prescribing the means of transportation and camp and garrison equipage allowed for the armies of the Middle Mil- itary Division are published: I. For the headquarters of the major-general commanding, such wagons, light spring carriges, saddle-horses, and camp equipage as may be deemed necessary by the commanding general. II. For the headquarters of an army corps, three wagons for bag- gage, & c., one two-horse spring wagon, four army wagons for subsist- ence, forage, & c., and ten extra saddle-horses for contingent wants Page 93 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 III. For the headquarters of a division, three wagons for baggage, forage, mess, & c., one two-horse spring wagon, and five extra saddle- horses for contingent wants. IV. For the headquarters of a brigade, two wagons for baggage, forage, subsistence, & c., one two-horse spring wagon, and two extra sad- dle-horse for contingencies. V. For each battery of artillery, one wagon for baggage, tents, forage for private animals, & c. VI. For each regiment of infantry, cavalry, or battalion of heavy artillery of 500 men, one wagon; more than 800 men, two wagons. VII. For artillery and small ammunition, the number 12-pound guns multiplied by 122 and divided by 112, the number of riffled guns mul- tiplied by 50 and divided by 140, will give the number of wagons allowed; the number of guns in horse batteries multipled by 100 and divided by 140. For every 1,000 men present, armed and equipped for duty, cavalry, infantry, and heavy artillery, for small-arm ammunition, three wagons. VIII. General supply train: For each 1,000 men, cavalry, infantry, and heavy artillery, for subsistence, seven wagons, sufficient to carry eight days supply. Forage for the teams must be carried in each wagon. IX. For the cavalry corps: For each 1,000 cavalry horses, twelve wagons exClusively for grain. To each battery, for its proportion of subsistence, forage, & c., four wagons. For each horse battery, for the same purpose, four wagons. For each brigade of cavalry, infantry, or heavy artillery, not less than 1,500 men, for hospital supplies, three wagons; for every additional 1,000 men, one wagon. For each brigade of cavalry, infantry, or heavy artillery, for commissary sales to officers, one wagon. For ambulance train of each division, two wagons; less than a division (except batteries), one wagon. For each infantry corps, eight wagons for intrenching tools. For each division, for armorers tools, parts of arms, extra arms, and accouterments, one wagon. Each wagon and ambulance will carry the necessary forage for its own ani- mals. The unit of organization for the supply train will be by division. Division quartermasters will be responsible for them. Brigade quar- termasters will be responsible for brigade teams, and regimental quar- termasters for regimental property. X. Regiments or detachments, when on duty separate from their divisions, will a to the division quartermaster for their proportion- ate amount of the supply train. XI. If corps, division, or brigade commanders take their guards and escorts from the commands already furnished with their allowance of transportation, their proportion of transportation will be taken with them. XII. Officers of the quartermasters department will attend in per- son to the drawing of necessary supplies, and will habitually accom- pany their trains on marches. XIII. All transportation in excess of the allowance specified in this order will be immediately turned in to the department quartermaster. XIV. Allowance of camp and garrison equipage: For headquarters of the army, such camp and garrison equipage as ~he commanding general may deem necessary. XV. For headquarters of an army corps, division, or brigade, one wall-tent for commanding general; one wall-tent for each two officers of his staff. For the colonel, field and staff; of a full regiment, three wall-tents. For all other commissioned officers, one shelter-tent fo Page 94 94 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. each. One hospital tent will be allowed for office purposes at corps headquarters, and one wall-tent for similar purposes at headquarters of a division or a brigade. XVI. A report of all property captured from the enemy or seized for the public service will be made monthly to the chief of the department to which it pertains at these headquarters. XVII. It has been shown by experience that the advantage of keep- ing up regularly organized pack trains is not commensurate with the expense. One hundred pack-saddles will be carried on the wagon train of each corps. Whenever it becomes necessary to pack officers baggage, provisions, or ammunition for short distances over rough roads and broken country pack trains will be made up temporarily by taking mules from the wagons, not to exceed two to any one wagon. By command of Major.43-eneral Hancock: GEORGE LEE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, March 23, 1865. General AUGUR, (Received 10 a. in.) Commanding: I start in half an hour for Upperville and vicinity with 500 Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and expect to be back day after to-morrow if nothing happens. Colonel Clendenin is sick, unable to go. WM. GAMBLE, Brevet Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 23, 1865. General DWIGHT, Commanding Nineteenth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you send a regiment of infantry, with two days rations, to-morrow morning, from Stephensons Depot to Snickers Ferry, to get such information as is practicable con- cerning the guerrilla parties and to arrest any people engaged in con- scripting, and to bring in all serviceable horses. At the ferry the regi- ment may hear from or communicate with possibly an expedition mov- ing down on the other side of the river. Send a few mounted men as couriers. C. H. MORGAN Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HARPERS FERRY VA March 23 General MORGAN, .~ 1865. Chief of Staff: The One hundred and fifty-second Indiana Volunteers have arrived, and have been sent to General Egan. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General Page 95 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 95 HARPERS FERRY, VA., March 23, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Stafr: I consider Loudoun County in the Department of West Virginia when we occupy it. The Twenty-fifth New York Cavalry have reported and have relieved First Maryland. First Maryland has gone to Duffields. One hundred and ninety-fifth and One hundred and ninety-second Penn- sylvania will report to General Egan to-morrow. Second U. S. Cavalry arrived at Point of Rocks to-day. Nothing further from Reno himself. A man from Harmony came in with body of Lieutenant Chase. Says Reno moved on toward Upperville yesterday morning; that Mosby col- lected about 200 of his men and followed Reno up. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. POINT OF RocKs, Mn., March 23, 1865. Brigadier-General STEVENSON: The regiment arrived here to-day, pursuant to the following tele- gram: HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 16, 1865. Captain NORRIS, Second U. S. Cavalry: Major-General Hancock directs that yoa proceed with your regiment to Point of Rocks, below Harpers Ferry, and relieve the Loudoun County Rangers, now picket- ing at that point. You will establish your camp of reorganization near Point of Rocks and will be charged with the duty of patrolling and picketlng the fords in the vicinity. You will be under the orders of the officer commanding the District of Har- pers Ferry. C. H. MORGAN, Chief of Staff. The Londoun County Cavalry Rangers nor commanding officer of the post are here. I respectfully request instructions from you. CHAS. E. NORRIS, Captain, Secor~d U. S. Cavalry, Commanding Regiment. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., March 23, 1865. Captain NORRIS, Second U. S. Cavalry, Point of Rocks: You will establish your camp at Point of Rocks. You are charged with picketing fords of Potomac River between Point of Rocks and month of Monocacy River. The adjutant-general will send you by mail the existent orders requiring reports. You will draw your supplies from this post. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General Page 96 96 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 23, 1865. General J. D. FESSENDEN, Commanding Post: The major-general commanding directs that you send a regiment of infantry to-morrow morning, with two days rations, to Berrys Ferry, to return by way of White Post, with instructions similar to those given the regiments you have previously sent out. if you will send word at what hour the regiment moves and the name of the regiment a few cavalrymen will be ordered to report to the commandiiig officer as orderlies. At Berrys Ferry the regiment may possibly communicate with or hear from an expedition which went through Loudoun County to Ashbys Gap to-day. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. NEW YORK, March 23, 1865. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: If I can be of any service to General Grant or General Sherman as a subordinate commander or aide-de-camp, or as a bearer of dispatches from you to either of them I telegraph to save time. , am quite ready. I avail myself of the A. E. BURNSIDE, Fifth Avenue Hotel. FORT MONROE, March 24, 1865. (Received 12.30 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: The President desires me to say he has just arrived at this point safely, and is now feeling well, having had a pretty fair passage. Your telegram he received. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. B. PENROSE, Captain and Commissary of Subsistence. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 24, 18654.30 p. m. The PRESIDENT, City Point: I was glad to hear your safe arrival at Fortress Monroe, and hope that by this time you and Mrs. Lincoln have reached General Grants head- quarters in health and comfort. Nothing new has transpired here. Your tormentors have taken wings and departed. Mr. Whiting, solici- tor of the Department, has tendered his resignation, which, with your permission, I will accept. From absence and ill-health he has been of no service for many months. What does General Grant say about Mr. Yeatman? The weather here is cold, windy, and very disagreeable, s Page 97 CHAP. Lviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 97 that I think you went to the Sunny South in good time. I would be glad to receive a telegram from you dated at Richmond before your return. Compliments to Mrs. Lincoln. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CITY PoiNT, March 21, 18659 p. m. (Received 10.55 p. iu.) lou. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The President desires me to say he has just arrived at this point safely, and both he and family are well, having entirely recovered from their indispositions of this morning. C. B. PENROSE, Captain and Commissary of Subsistence of Volunteers. CITY POINT, VA., March 24, 186512 m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington: I have no present purpose of making a campaiou with the forces in the Middle Department, but want them in the best possible condition for either offensive or defensive operations. If Lee should retreat south the surplus force under Hancock could be transferred to another field. If he should go to Lynchburg they will be required where they are. The Nineteenth Corps ought to be discontinued, or else all the new troops coming into the field added to it. We want here all the cavalry horses that can be delivered between now and next Wednesday. Direct all the cavalry horses to be sent to Canby that can be. His cavalry onght, however, to remount itself in the country where it is operating. Canby should be supplied from the West and by the Mis- sissippi River. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [MARcH 24, 1865.For Grants instructions to Meade, Ord, and Sheridan, for a general movement of the armies operating against Richmond, see Part I, p. 50.] HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 24, 186510.20 a. m. Capt. C. L. DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: Richmond Whig of yesterday states the heavy firing in front of Petersburg on Monday last was occasioned by an effort to destroy the Yankee observatory on the Avery house, about one mile and a half distant. J. C. PAINE, Brevet Major. 7 R RVOL XLYI~ PT II Page 98 98 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 143. Washington, March 24, 1865. * * * * * * * 63. By direction of the President, Bvt. Maj. Peter S. Michie, first lieutenant, U. S. Engineers, is hereby assigned to duty as assistant inspector-general of the Twenty-fifth Army Corps, with the rank and pay of lieutenant-colonel, under act of July 17, 1862, to date from March 23, 1865. * * * * * * * 75. The organizations in the Department of Washington known as the Provisional Brigades, under command of Major-General Casey, U. S. Volunteers, will be discontinued. The officers and enlisted men attached thereto will be sent to their proper Commands, under the direction of the department commander. This order will not relieve Major-General Casey from duty as presi- dent of the examining boards. * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 59. City Point, Va., March 24, 1865. The following-named officers are by anthority of the Secretary of War assigned to duty with their brevet rank, and will report to Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord, commanding Department of Virginia, for orders: Bvt. Maj. Gen. August V. Kautz, U. S. NTolunteers; Bvt. Maj. Gen. John W. Turner, U. S. Volunteers. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWEIRS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 24 18 Col. GEORGE Ii. I1UG~LES, , 6510.20 a. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: Eight deserters from Heths division came in last night. N. A. MILES, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. PiCKET-LINE, March 24, 1865. General MCALLISTER: GENERAL: on the left making connections with General Smyth the enemy charged the line across tIme field in strong force and forced it back, and now occupy their old picket-line. My mnemi are occupying the lines taken by Captain Holmes this morning. I do not think any men were captured. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SCHOONOVEIR, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Page 99 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 99 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 24, 1865. (Received 9.55 a. in.) Col. GEORGE D. IRUGGLES, Assistant A djutant- General: I have the hoiior to report all quiet ou this front during past twenty- four hours. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 24, 1865. (Received 10.35 a. in.) Col. G. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours. Four men from the Tenth ~ew Jersey Yolunteers deserted to the enemy last night. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 24, 1865. (Received 9.39 a. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Nothing new to report along our lines. The enemy appear to be strengthening their lines and making new works opposite Fort Has- kell. JNO. G. PARKE, -Major- General. (Forwarded to General Meade at 10.4() a. in.) HDQRS. DEPT. oF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 24, 1865. Licut. Geri. U. S. GRANT, City Point: GENERAL: Shall I tend out the division, some cavalry, and pon- toons to-morrow to meet General Sheridan l I can occupy the Charles City Cross-Roads, this side of White Oak bridge, that bridge also, and send the main body of ~y men to Long Bi-idge, thus covering the crossing at those approaches, and without sending any one to Bot- toms Bridge at alltha latter bridge being betwcen the two swamps, and its possession unnecessary to the purpose, besides being an ugly place to be canght in by forces approaching from the north. Yours, respectfully, E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding Page 100 100 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. Cur POINI VA March 24 Maj. Geui. E. 0. C. ORD, , ., , 1865. Commanding Army of the James: A dispatch from General Sheridan of Tuesday said that he would be able to start from White House on Saturday, and that he would come by Jones Bridge, if practicable. He had sent an officer to examine the route and would report to me. If he comes by that route, he thought he would require no co-operation from your troops. I have not heard from him since, and have deferred giving orders in consequence. In the absence of further instructions you may move out to-morrow and open the route by Long Bridge in the manner proposed in your note of this date. As there is no intention of using Bottoms Bridge, there is no necessity of risking detachments of troops there. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Crry POINT, VA., March 24, 18652 p. m. Major-General ORD: I spoke to Commodore lRadford about sending gun-boats up the Chickahominy when Sheridan started to cross. I believe he made all the preparations to do so. It can have no special protecting advantage to have the navy go up, as they cannot ascend to the point of crossing; but it may be desirable to see what is going on, and whilst the troops are crossing it will be safe to make it. Sheridan will encamp to-mor. row night on the Chickahominy. Please send this to Admiral Porter. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES. March 24, 18654 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: I have ordered General Turners division, the canvas pontoou train, arid cavalry out to-morrow to put the bridge across at Long Bridge. They start to-morrow morning. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 24, 1865. (Received 5.05 p. in.) Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chi~f of Staff, City Point: Eleven deserters from the enemy have been received since yesterday. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF ViRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES In the Field ]I General BARNARD, Klarch247 18651.30 ~ m. City Point: My canvas pontoon train is now on its way to this side, nuin bering twenty-five boats. I will send the whole train, for we may be able to Page 101 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 101 build two bridges and cross the men faster. I am only awaiting orders from General Ord to start them to Jones Bridge. I am very much indebted for the recommendation you speak of, and will try to merit this confidence. PETER S. MICHIE, Brevet Major. OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL- GENERAL, ARMIES OPERATING AGAINST RICHMOND, VA., City Point, March 24, 1865. Major.General ORD, Commanding Army of the James: GENERAL: We have news from Richmond yesterday. The agent who brought it out of the city was obliged to come by the Mechanics- ville pike, as no passes would be given to come out upon any road more southerly than that, and orders seem to have been issued to pass no one upon the roads south of the MechanicsviLle pike with or with- out a pass. As our agent caine along he saw a party of Sheridans cavalry within ten miles of Richmond, and heard that they were scat- tered in bodies well over the country. A party of Sheridans cavalry were said to be yesterday at the Forge on the Chickahominy. The most important information sent by our friends in Richmond is a report among army officers that a large tunnel is being dug under Fort Har- rison that it was commenced to the right of Fort Field on the ene- mys line, and is rapidly progressing, and that 180 yards have already been completed. It is said by rebel officers to promise a great success. This information comes to us from a source which has heretofore been well informed, and we believe that it has been obtained from officers of some rank in the rebel army. Our friends say that they have inquired into the report given out in Government circles that the canal would soon be in running order, but learn on inquiry from persons connected with the canal that it will be months before it can be repaired. The president of the company has applied to the farmers living along the line of the canal to contribute labor, money, and provisions, so that the work may progress as rapidly as possible. Our friends tell us that the loss of the canal is the most serious blow ever felt in Richmond, and they give us a long list of advanced prices since its destruction, bacon being sold yesterday morning at $20 a pound. Trains on the Central road have not yet comnienced to run, notwithstanding the reports to that effect; and the Danville road having been taken possession of by the Government, no provisions come that way for citizens generally. In addition to this, last week Government was pressing horses, and country people were afraid to come in to market. Upon one day, in fact, only two market wagons came in, so that, all combined, our friends say that people are really in a deplorable state. The most active efforts are being made to watch Sheridans movements. A parade has been made of the negro soldiers raised, and they were put in line with some white soldiers. Our friends say that the lowest class of negroes have been taken. The following is quoted as written: One of onr city officials has said that the Confederates intend to leave here in ten days from this time, but we cannot see any further sign of it except the continued removal of machinery, which is still going on by the Danville road, which is taxed to its utmost day and night carrying away boxes, most of which are marked Salis- bury and some Danville. A gentleman saw a great many boxes coming from th Page 102 102 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVHL capitol marked commissaries accounts. Of course this was intended to deceive. A train of pontoons went on the (entral road a short distance, but was brought back, and has now been sent to the Staunton River. An order ha.s been issued in the Howard Grove Hospital for all those who are fit for the field to be sent imme- diately to the front, and those not ready to be sent, and who will not be so in fif- teen days, are to be sent to Lynchbnrg or Farmyille. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE H. SHARPE, Assistant Provost-Marshal- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, March 24, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: I received information to-day that a staff officer of C. M. Wilcox was in High Point, IN. C., which is fifteen miles southwest of Greens- borough, about the 9th of this month. Although this is not positive information of the presence ot Wilcoxs division there, it may be con- firmation of other information which you may have, and I think it proper to report it. JOHN GJBBON, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, AR MY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 24, 186510.30 a. m. Major-General GIBBON, Twenty-fourth Corps: Signal officer at Cobb5 Hill signal station reports that twelve cars heavily laden with troops passed Port Walthall Junction at 7 a. 1. this morning, going to Petersburg. There is rapid firing of artillery on the Petersburg front reported. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HBQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field M Major-General GIBBON, , arch 24, 18657.30 p. m. Twenty-fourth Corps: The ma.jor-general commanding directs that you inform General Turner that the point where he is to go is Long Bridge, not Jones Bridge. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. 1)EPT. OF VIRGINIA, AR MY OF THE JAMES, in the Field M Major-General GIBBON, arch 24, 18657.30 p. rn. Twenty-fourth Corps: The major-general commanding repeats his verbal instructions to you this afternoon to feel the enemys lines in any way you can without bringing on an action. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 103 Cnii~. Lviii] 103 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 24, 18659.35 p. m. Major-General GIBBON, Commanding Twenty-fourth Corps: General Mackenzie reports that he relieved his whole line with the First New York Mounted Rifles this evening and ordered your infantry to report at his headquarters in the morning. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, B6fore Richmond, March 24, 1865. Brig. Gen. R. S. FOSTER, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you relieve the pickets of the Independent Division after dark to-night with 7 offi- cers and 41 non-commissioned officers and 227 privates of your com- mand. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. EMBLER, Bvt. M~j., Aide-de- Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLES CITY CROSS-ROADS, March 24, 186511.15 a. m. Col. THEODORE READ: SIR: The command arrived here about three hours ago. White Oak Swamp has been picketed, as directed by the general commanding. A squadron has been sent up the Charles City road two and one-half miles without meeting the enemy. There are a few of the enemy on picket on the other side of the stream at White Oak bridge. The stream has been obstructed at that point since the command last crossed. 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RANALD S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry Division. CHARLES CITY CROSS-ROADS, March 24, 18653.20 p. m. Lient. Col. THEODORE READ: A party sent out on the Charles City road found none of the enemy on this side of the old infantry picket-line, near Whites Tavern. Everything is quiet here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Vols., Comdg. Cavalry Division. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 24, 18655.40 p. m. Brigadier-General MACKENZIE, Commanding Cavalry Division: Leave a good officer of your command to take charge of your picket- line and receive and give instructions to both the infantry and cavalr Page 104 104 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. detail for pickets. Call on Colonel Sumners regiment, now under com- mand of Colonel Patton, for such cavalry detail for picket as you may require to be left behind. Corn innuicate this order to Colonel Patton, and tell him to come or send an officer to your headquarters to arrange for posting the pickets. This must be done to-night. Acknowledge receipt. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY Lieutenant-Colonel READ, March 24, 1865. Assistant Adjutant- General: Your communication is received. Has the infantry detail been ordered to report? If so, when is it to report? R. S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General, Cavalry Division. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 24, 18656.55 p. m. Brigadier-General MACKENZIE, Commanding Cavalry Divmswn: General Gibbon was ordered to send you 200 infantry to-night. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 24, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: Has the general commanding any farther instru~tions to give me with regard to the cavalry expedition other than those he gave me verbally? R. S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General, Cavalry Division. HDQRS. I)EPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 24, 18657.30 p. m. Brigadier-General MACKENZIE, Headquarters Cavalry Division: The major-general commanding has no further instructions to give yon. Send back freqnent couriers amid keep np a constant communi- cation between your forces by couriers. The infantry go to Long Bridge. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 105 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 105 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 24, 18659.20 p. m. Lieut. Col. THEODORE READ: I have relieved the picket-line with men froni the First New York Mounted Rifles. The infantry reported here a few moments since. I directed them to retnrn to their camp and to report at these headquar- ters at 8 a. m. to-morrow, the 25th instant. R. S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 24, 186511.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. R. S. MACKENZIE, Cavalry Division; After covering the coming in of the infantry to-morrow you will return with your command to camp. When the infantry and train no longer need covering withdraw your troops, each covering party remaining until the one beyond has passed by. Orders will be sent General Turner to come in starting at as early an hour as he can in the morning. By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISlON, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 24, 1865. Colonel WEST, Commanding Brigade, Cavalry Division: You will have your command in readiness to march at 5 a. m. to-inor- row, the 25th instant. You will take three days rations for men and three days short forage for animals. You will leave in your camps a sufficient number of men to take charge of the camp and property; these men will be taken from the dismounted men. The men from your command now on picket duty are to be relieved by infantry, when you will turn out the entire effective strength of your command. You will see that the pioneers of your command are properly eqnipped. By command of Brig. Gen. R. S. Mackenzie: H. C. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Colonel Spear, commanding brigade, Cavalry Division.) HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 24, 1865. Capt. D. L. NOGGLE, Commanding Fourth Wiscon~in Battery. CAPTAIN: You will have your battery in readiness to march at 5 a. in. to-morrow, the 25th instant. You will take thcee days rations for men and three days short forage for animals. By command ~of Brigadier-General Mackenzie: H. C. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 106 1O~ N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CuAi~. LVIII. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No.26. White House, TTa., March 24,1865. The command will march promptly at 6 a. in. to-morrow in the follow- ing order, viz: First, Third Division; second, wagon train third, First Division. The column will march via Jones Bridge and Charles City Court-House toward Westover, on the James River. The First Divis- ion, after crossing the Chickahominy, will throw a brigade in rear of the pontoon train, which brigade will protect the taking up of the bridge. By conimand of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPIREADBUItY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY i)IVISION, March 24, 1865. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: In conformity with the wish expressed in your telegram of yesterday, I have the honor to inclose herewith statements of the strength and disposition of the troops under my command and of the force that could be liberated for an offensive movement. I do not w-ish to be understood as proposing a campaign, but to express my readiness and willingness to move up the Valley, if it shall be thought at any time hereafter by the lieutenant-general or the War Department to be desirable. The force I could briiig together would perhaps be large enough to overcome any obstacle, except the difficulty of supplies. The only thing needful here is a proper class of commandersyoung, active, and enterprising; those who will inspect their commands con- stantly and enforce discipline. Some of the commanders along the line of tIme railroad are not exactly of this description, and are too much in the habit of acting only when ordered to correct evils pointed oat to them, and which they should themselves discover. There are two gen- erals in retirement at Hagerstown about whom I know nothing, except that they were sent to the rear by General Sheridan. and I have, no use for them. Their rank prevents their being used in any but important places. I refer to Generals Max Weber and Sullivan. The situation here will be satisfactory with the proper kind of officers in command. I shall not hesitate to bring to the strictest accountability any officer in command of troops who comes short of what the occasion demands. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WJNI~D S. HANCOCK, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. [Inciosure. No. 1.1 Statement, in round numbers, of aggregate for duty in the Middte Military Division, as shown by recent reports. Department. Infantry. Cavalry. Artlilery. Total. Department of washii~gton 10, 500 1, 500 10, 000 24, 000 Department of Pennsylvania 600 600 Middle Department 1, 300 250 250 1, 800 Department of west Virginia 7, 000 3, 500 2, 500 13, 000 Army of the Shenandoah 0, 500 2, 500 500 9, 500 New regiments near narpers Ferry 8, 000 i 8, 000 First Veteran Corps (estimated) 3, 100 3, 100 Total 17, 000 9, 750 aii, 250 60, 000 a Ineindes heavy and light artillery. MARCH 24, 1865 Page 107 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 107 [Inclosure No. 2.] Statement of probable number of infantry troops available for offensive purposes by the time the organization can be perfected. Nineteenth Corps (one division) 8, 000 Twelve new regiments, now organizing into two provisional divisions at Cliarlestown and Halitown 8,000 Available from line of Baitlinore and Ohio Railroad (Eighth Corps) 2, 500 Can be drawn from Department of Washington 3, 000 Troops of First Veteran Corps 3, 500 Total 25, 000 This estimate leaves the Department of Washington without mate- rial change, and is believed to be not excessive. The available force of cavalry can be best shown by the memorandum on next sheet [Inclo- sure No. ~1 MARCH 24, 1865. [Inclosure No. 3.] Memorandum suggesting probable operations of cavalry in an offensive campaign np the Valley of the Shenandoah. MARCH 24, 1865. The cavalry is at present stationed as follows: One brigade near Fairfax Court-house; about 2,500 with the Army of the Shenandoah; aboat 2,000 in the Kanawha Valley; one regiment at Philippi, and one at New Creek, in West Virginia. The infantry to be drawn from the line of the railroad and the regi- meiits at Philippi and New Creek could move safely down betweeii Rich and Cheat Mountains toward Warm Springs and effect a junction with the cavalry from Charlestomi, Va., the combined force meetiiig the main body of the army at Staunton, where a supply of rations would have to be accumulated. A sufficient force of cavalry would return with the supply trains and be kept along the railroad to look after the small parties of guerrillas left in rear. The cavalry from Fairfax would be available for a demonstration on the left and to look after Mosby, and couhi then return to its Dosition in front of Washington. I would move from Staunton with about 4,000 cavalry. Throughout the western part of the State I would seize every serv- iceable horse, no matter to whom it belonged, and destroy the supplies on which the roving bands of guerrillas are subsisting. The following disposition of troops left on the line of the railroad and at Washington would be made in case of an advance: All the cavalry, infantry, and artillery at Washington would be left intact, except one or two light batteries I might require and about 3,000 infantry; a strong garrison at Harpers Ferry and Maryland Heights. There are about forty-five block-houses along the railroad to be garrisoned by about 2,000 men. One fort at Parkersburg, one at the bridge over the Cheat River, one at New Creek, and one at Cumberland in which suit- able garrisons would be left. Cavalry would be left to picket the river below Harpers Ferry and a. regiment in front of New Creek. No extensive raid could be carried out, in my opinion, while the army is operating up the Valley if supplies are effectually destroyed as the army moves down Page 108 108 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVHI. [Inclosure No. 4.] Statement showing disposition of troops at present in Department of West Virginia. Effective Troops. Thsposition. strength FirstiDivision (Eighth Corps), Three regiments at Cumberland, one at Martinshurg, and 2,700 Brigadier-General 1) ii v a 1 one along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at bridges, & c. commanding. Second Division (E i g ii t h On railroad from Cumberland to Parkershnrg; three regi- 4, 000 Corps), Brigadier-General meats at New Creek, one at Grafton, one at Philippi, Carroll commanding. one at Buckhannon, one at Beverly. This division also guards the road to Hancock from Cumberland. Third Division (E i g h t h Guards railroad from Monocacy to Hancock, garrisons Har- a6, 500 Corps), Brigadier-General pers Ferry, Maryland Heights, and Martinsburg. Stevenson commanding. a Includes one regiment of cavalry temporarily attached, picketing along the Shenandoah. NOTEThe two cavalry regiments in the Xanawha Valley form the First Separate Brigade, under command of Brigadier-General Lighthnrn (at this moment Colonel Oley) - A division of new troops is forming at Halitown, under Brevet Major.General Brooke, and one at Charlestown, under Brevet Major-~eneral Egan. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., March 24, 18658 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel TAYLOR, (Received 9.10 i~. in.) Chief of staff and Assistant Adjutant- General: I have just returned with the detachment of the Eighth Illinois Cav- alry after a march of Sixty miles in two days. I connected with the command of Colonel Reno yesterday at 6 p. m. at Mountsville on the Snickersville pike. Colonel Reno, with his conunand of 300 cavalry and 700 infantry, started at 8 a. - m. on his return tllrough Snickers Gap, stating that he had a sufficient force to cope with all that Mosby could bring against hill. A detailed report will be forwarded to-morrow. W. GAMBLE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ llDQm~s. MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 55. 5 Baltimore, Md., March 24, 1865. Col. S. M. Bowman, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, i S hereby relieved from duty as commanding officer of the District of Delaware, and will report in person to these lleadquarters for orders. By command of Bvt. Brig. Gen. W. W. Morris, U. S. Army: SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 56. 5 Baltimore, Md., March 24, 1865. The District of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, as established by General Orders, No. 120, headquarters Middle Department, December 13, 1864, will be included hereafter in the command of the District of Delaware, which will be known as the District of Delaware and Eastern Shore of Maryland Page 109 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 109 Brig. Gen. J. R. Kenly, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of said district. Headquarters will be established at Wil- mington, Del. By command of Bvt. Brig. Gen. W. W. Morris, U. S. Army: SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, March 25, 18658.30 a. rn. (Received 10.20 a. in.) Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR: Arrived here all safe about 9 p. in. yesterday. No war news. Gen- eral Grant does not seem to know very much about Yeatman, but thinks very well of him so far as he does know. I like Mr. Whiting very much, and hence would wish him to remain or resign as best suits hinlselt~ Hearing this much from me, do as you think best in the matter. Gen- eral Lee has sent the Russell letter back, concluding, as I nuderstaud from Grant, that their dignity does not admit of their receiving the document from us. Robert just now tells there was a little rumpus up the line this morning, ending about where it began. A. LINCOLN. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. (Received 5 p. In.) Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I am here within five miles of the scene of this mornings action. I have nothing to add to what General Meade reports, except that I have seen the prisoners iuyself, and they look like there might be the num- ber he states1,600. A. LINCOLN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 25, 18658 p. m. To the PRESIDENT: Your telegram and Parkes report* of the scrimmage this morning are received. The rebel rooster looks a little the worse, as he could not hold the fence. We have nothing new here. Now you are away everything is qniet and the tormentors vanished. I hope you will remember General Harrisons advice to his men at Tippecanoe, that they can see as well a little farther off. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CITY POINT, VA., March 25, 18651.30 p. rn. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The following dispatch of General Parke is received from General Meade: The enemy attacked my front this morning at about 4.30 with three divisions, under command of General Gordon. By a sudden rush they seized the line held by * See next, post Page 110 110 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYHI. the Third Brigade, First Division, at the foot of the hill, to the right of Fort Sted- man, wheeled, and, overpowering the garrison, took possession of the fort. They established themselves on the hill, turning our guns upon us. Our troops on either flank stood firm. Soon after a determined attack was made on Fort Haskell, held by part of McLaughlens brigade, Willcoxs division, and was repulsed with great loss to the enemy. The First Brigade of Hartraufts division, held in reserve, was brought up, and a check given to any further advance. One or two attempts to re- take the hill were made, and were only temporarily successful, until the arrival of the Second Brigade, when a charge was made by that brigade, aided by the troops of the First Division, on either flank, and the enemy were driven out of the fort, with the loss of a number of prisoners, estimated at about 1,600. Two battle-flags have also been brought in. The enemy also lost heavily in killed outside of our lines. The whole line was immediately reoccupied, and the guns retaken uninjured. I regret to add that General McLaughlen was captured in Fort Stedman; our loss was other- wise not heavy. Great praise is due to General Hartranft for the skill and gallantry displayed in handling his division, which behaved with great spirit in this its first engagement. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Cornrnandi-~g. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 25, 18657.30 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I am not yet able to give the results of the day accurately, but the number of prisoners captured proves larger than at first reported. The slaughter of the enemy at the point where they entered our lines and in front of it was probably not less than 3,000. Our loss is estimated at 800, but may prove less. General Humphreys attacked on the left with great promptitude, capturing near 100 men, and causing the enemy to return troops to that part of his line rapidly. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT V Hon. E. M. STANTON, A., March 25, 18658 p~ m. Secretary of War: The number of prisoners received by the provost-marshal is 2,200 takeii by the Ninth Corps and ~00 by the Second Corps. There may be still some more to be brought in. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT VA March 25 Hon. E. M. STANTON, , ., , 1865. Secretary of War: The following dispatch just received from General Meade will show the result of operations of to-day iii full, except the casualties in the Second and Fifth Corps, which I think will prove numerically small.* U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. See Meade to Grant, 8.30 ~ in., p. 112 Page 111 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 111 WASHINGTON, P. C., March 25, 186510 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Th.: The troops for Shermans army passed Cincinnati on the 20th for Washington. Have l)eeii delayed by loss of railroad bridges. Ves- sels are here ready on their arrival to take them to Beaufort, N. C. The Nineteenth Corps has been discontinued. As soon as it is deter- mined what troops are to remain in West Virginia T think they should be consolidated as the Eighth Corps. II. W. HALLECK, Chief of staff. CITY POINT, VA.. March 25, 186512.30 p. rn. Major-General HALLECK, Washington I think all the troops in West Virginia should constitute the Eighth Corps, and General Hancock should be instructed to organize all not necessary for holding the line of the Baltimore and Ohio road into brigades and divisions and get them into condition to be used wherever required. U. S. GRANT, Lientenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 25, 1865. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Jones Landing: The enemy have attacked and broken through the right of our line at Petersburg. If they are permitted to get through they may march toward City Point. I would suggest patting one or two gnu-boats on the Apponiattox up as high as the pontoon bridge. U. S. GRANT, Lientenant- General. JONES LANDING 7lliarch 25 1865. (Received 10 a. in.) Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The gun-boats will go up the Appomattox at once. 1). 1). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. JONES LANDING March 25, 1865. (Received 10.20 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I sent one or two gnu-boats down the river to City Point yesterday; others are on their way now. Will you please direct any commander of gun-boat there to proceed to any point you wish to protect. I am ready to send light-draft gun-boats up the Chickahominy. Do you wish them sent ~ DAVID P. PORTER, Rear-Admiral Page 112 112 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CITY POINT, YA., March 25, 1865. Admiral I). D. PORTER, Jones Landing: I have just returned from the Army of the Potomac front and find yonr dispatch of this morning. Quiet is entirely restored and there is now no necessity of sending boats up the Appomattox. Sheridan will leave the Chickahominy to-morrow morning, so that if boats have not gone up it will be too late. Everything went off well. We captured about 2,000 prisoners and killed and wounded a large number of the enemy. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18G5[12 in]. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The enemy at daylight this morning attacked the right of my line, held by the Ninth Army Corps, succeeding in surprising and tempora- rily occupying a small portion of it till Hartranfts division, in reserve, was brought up, when the enemy was handsomely driven out and the line reoccupied. I forward Major-General Parkes detailed dispatch.* Immediately on learning of the attack, Wheatons division, Sixth Corps, the small brigade at these headquarters, and a brigade of cavalry were ordered up to Parkes support, but the affair was decided before any reached the scene of action. Two divisions of the Fifth Corps were also immediately put in motion, but were halted at these headquarters on learning repulse of the enemy. Instructions were also sent to Major:Generals Wright and Humphreys to push forward their skir- mishers and feel the enemys strength, and, in case he was found weak- ened, to attack. Griffins division, Fifth Corps, was ordered to sup. port Humphreys. The last dispatch from General llumphreys reported he had anticipated his orders, had driven in the enemys skirmishers, and would attack so soon as he could ascertain how strongly the lines in his front were manned, GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Since my report of 12 m. no ftirther operations have taken place on the Ninth Corps front. Ma.jor-General Parke reports his casualties as 64 killed, 323 wounded, and 481 missing. His captures amount to 8 battle-flags and 1,800 prisoners. The enemy were permitted, under a flag of truce, to carry away from our lines 120 dead and 15 very severely wounded. Under the orders sent Major-General Wright to feel the enemy the skirmishers of the Sixth Corps were advanced, but found the enemys picket strongly intrenched. Major-General Wright sup- ported his skirmishers by his Second Division, omie brigade of the Third Division, and two brigades of the First Division, and after a spirited contest, under a sharp fire of artillery and musketry, the enemys intrenched picket-line was carried, capturing 416 prisoners. This line *Embodied in Grant to 8tanton, l.~O ~p. in., p. 109 Page 113 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 113 is now held. Major- General llumphreys, commanding Second Corps, likewise advanced his skirmishers, well supported by his First and Third Divisions, and carried the enemys intrenched skirmish-line, taking over 200 prisoners. Subsequently the enemy was re enforced and made several vigorous and determined attacks, all of which were repulsed, llumphreys capturing in these last affairs 2 battle-flags and over 400 prisoners. The fighting on this part of the line contiufted till near 8 oclock. Numerous deserters have been reported since dark. Total captures reported today, 10 battle-flags and 2,800 prisoners. Griffins division, Fifth Corps, was sent to support llumnphreys, and was engaged with the Second Corps. Crawfords and Ayres divisions, of the Fifth Corps, and the cavalry division were held in reserve, and promptly moved to different parts of the line. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, V A., March 25, 186510.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Your last dispatch* was forwarded as received. It reflects great credit on the army for the promptness with which it became the attack. ino P)rce after repelling an unexpected attack from the enemy. Do b we now hold the intrenched picket-line captured from the enemy l I would like to know, as soon as you ascertain, the losses outside of the Ninth Corps. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. (Received 12.50 a. in. 26th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Wright holds his captured line. Humphreys had all of his at Sp. in., but I authorized his retaining only such positions as in his judgment it would be advantageous to hold. Parke sends in the return of casual- ties in his Artillery Brigade, to be added to his previous return, 4 killed, 14 wounded, and 25 missing; total, 43. llumphreys estimates his killed and wounded at about 450; very few missing. Thinks enemys losses in killed and wounded more than double his. Wright reported his loss small. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. [MARCH 25, l865]5.50 a. m. Major-General MEADE, City Point: Enemy are reported as having broken through our lines near Fort Stedlnan, and also that he is making a heavy attack on Willcoxs right. I have notified corps commanders and am sending down Wain. wrights artillery. The troops around us are getting under arms. HENRY J. HUNT, Brevet Major- General. *See Meade to Grant, next, ante. 8 R RYOL XLYI~ PT II Page 114 114 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ci~. LVIII. CITY POINT VA Major-General HUNT, , ., March 25, 1865. Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Have you sent troops to repel the enemy in froiit of Ninth Corps 7 Assistance should be sent them without delay. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. jMARCH 25, 1865]7.55 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I sent down at once to Jones house the ProvisionM Brigade and Fifth Corps artillery, near here, and requested General Wright to send a division. The division is passing these headquarters now. Craw- fords division is also moving, closely followed by Ayres; Griffins fol- lows as fhr as the Wyatt house, where he will await further orders. General Parke notified. HENRY J. HUNT. CITY POINT, VA., March 25, 18657.30 a. m. Col. G. B. RUGGLES, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: You will send the inclosed dispatch* to General Warren and direct him to move up with his whole force at once. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. MARCH 25, 18657.55 a. m. Major-General MEADE, City Point, Va.: General Warrens corps is already on the march under an order from General Parke. The dispatch inclosed I was sent him from here this morning. General Wheatons division has passed here on its way to Parke. The Provisional Brigade was sent an hour ago. GEG. B. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 18658 a. m. Major-General MEADE, City Point: In addition to the troops reported by me the Fifth Corps artillery, sixteen gnus, has been sent to General Parke. GEG. B. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Not found as an inclosure. Probably Ruggles to Warren, 6.20 a. in., p. 129 Page 115 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115 MARCH 25 18658.45 a. m. Major-General MEADE, City Point: General Parke announces the reoccupation of the whole line, capture of many prisoners, and that all is quiet. In obedience to his orders I have notified corps commanders and sent staft officers to halt Fifth Corps. Crawford is at Gurley house, Ayres behind him; Griffin at the Wyatt house. Wlieatons division probably reached Jones house by the time General Parke sent his dispatch. The troops halted are awaiting further orders. I have asked General Parke if he desires Provisional Brigade any longer. GEG. D. ItUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POiNT, March 25, 1865. Colonel RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Let the two leading divisions of Fifth Corps move ou until halted by General Parke. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General. CITY PoINT, March 25, 18659.15 a. in. Colonel RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: The orders halting Griffin at the Wyatt house are approved. Let the other two divisions move on, to be near Parke and right of Sixth Army Corps. Griffin will be moved up, to be iiear the Sixth and Sec- ond Corps, to support them. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of ~tafl~. MARCH 25 18659.45 a. m. Major- General WEBB, Chief of staff, City Point: Instructions as to Crawfords, Ayres, aiid Griffins divisions received. Orders sent to Generals Warren, Ayres, Griffin, Crawford, and Gen- erals Parke and Wright notified. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 186510.05 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of staff: In accordance with telegraphic request of General Parke I have just sent to halt Crawfords and Ayres divisions again. Crawford is now opposite these headonarters; Ayres behind him. GEO. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 116 116 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CLRCULAR.j lIEAJ)QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 186510.30 p. m. The dispatch* of the lieutenant-general is sent for your information. Please send the information required as soon as possible. How much of captured line does General Humphreys hold? ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stan (Sent to IVlajot-Gejierals Ilumphreys, Warren, Wright, aiid Parke.) HEAI)QUJARfERS ARMIES OF TIlE UNiTED STATES .,1865. Brig. Gen. ~. ~. BENHAM, City Point Va March 25 Commanding Defenses of City Point: The lieutenant-general directs that the bridge at Deep Bottom be dropped down to the position where Hancock crossed last summer, as we agreed this evening. A tug has been ordered to report at Strangs wharf for you, and will be in readiness. The general will be pleased to have the bridge in at daylight or as near then as possible. Very truly, your obedient servant, 0. E. BABCOCK, Lientena ut- Colonel and Aide-dc- Camp. I edorserneri t. For Captain Lubey to read. [ have promised that the bridge will be ready at the time required. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF ThE POTOMAC, March 25, 18656.15 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General COLLIS, City, Point: The general commamiding directs that you withdraw your brigade and leave the defense of the City Point intrenchments to General Benharns command. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General. MARCH 25. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, / 1865. Commanding Army of the Potomac: * * * * * * * The following organizations are now on the south side of the Appo- mattox: Gordons entire corps; Wilcoxs and Heths divisions, of Hills corps; Picketts division (three brigades of it); Bushrod Johnsons divis- ion. The following is the latest estimate strength of these commands: 60 regiments in Gordons corps, average 200, equals 12,000; 41 regi- ments in Wilcoxs and Heths divisions, average 250, equals 10,250; 15 regiments in Picketts division, average 250, eqnals 3,750; 20 regiments in Bushrod Johnsons division. av commands, 32,000. eragc 300, equals 6,000. Total in above J. C. BABCOCK. * See Grant to Meade, 10.15 p. in., p. 113 Page 117 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 117 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. Brigadier-General MACY: The major-general commanding directs that you move your continand down to the Jones house and there await further orders. GEG. P. IRUGGLES, A ssistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, March 25, 1865. Brigad icr- General PATRiCK, City Point: There are now about 300 more prisoier~ that will be sent down iii the morning. Total so far, 2,338. P11. SCIIUYLER, Captain and A eting A ssistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, March 25, 1865. Brigadier-General PATRICK, Provost-Marshal- General, Armies operating against Richmond, City Point: GENERAL: Continual arrivals of Prisoners have swelled the number forwarded to you this p. m. to 2,571. At 12 to-night I send you 440 prisoners of war. GEG. N. MACY, But. Brig. Gen. and Provost- Marshal- General, Army {f the Potomac. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ WAR l)ari., AD.TT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 145. Washington, March 25, 1865. * * * * * * * 38. Capt. L. B. Norton, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, is hereby relieved from duty iii the Department of Virginia, and will report to the chief signal officer, U. S. Army, at Washington, P. C., to be assigned to the position held at present by Capt. Joseph 11. Spencer, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. * * * * * * * 40. Bvt. Maj. J. C. Paine, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, is hereby relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac, and will report to Major-Gen- eral Ord, commanding the Department of Vim-ginia, to assume charge of the signal detachment connected with that department. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. 1). TOWNSEND, A ssistant A djutant- General Page 118 118 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQITARTER5 Am~v OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. General WEBB: The Waithall house station reports at 3 p. m. a column of about 1,000 men moving out of Petersburg on a road running westerly. Col- nmii moving westerly. This probably the same as the last column reported. CHAS. L. I)AVIS, Captain, (fTC. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. SIGNAL I)EPARPMENT, March 25 ~,1865. Major-General WEBB, head quarters Sixth Corps.: The station near the Friend honse reports at 3 p. m. 1,000 infantry moving on eastern slope of Cemetery Hill, heading toward the (Jox road; also about 300 nioving north on Richmond railroad, and a train of forty ambulances moving north on Pocahontas road. CHAS. L. DAVIS, Captain, & c. HDQRS. ARMY OF ~fJJ~ POTOMAC, SIGNAL 1)EPARTMENT, March 25, 18654.30 p. in. Major-General WEBB, ilead quarters Si. th Corps: At 4 p. m. the station at Fort Davis reports a column about 800, with another of about 400 parallel with it, moving past the large fort near the lead-works, going toward our left. A small regiment in line at the fort. CHAS. 14. DAVIS, Captain, (f~c. IIDQES. ARMY OF THE I~OTOMAC, SIGNAL 1)EPARTMENT, Mai ch 25, 18657 p. in. Major-General WEBB, Chief of kSta if: GENERAL: The following is front the tower at 6.10 p. mu.: Twelve regiments of inf~ntry are now moving to our left on Cox road eoiiiing from toward the city. At 6.15 p. m. he reports: They have crossed from the Cox to the Boydton road, and are still moving to our left. Head of the column now at Harrisons, and still moving. Very resl)ectfully, your obedient servant, OJIAS. L. DAVIS, Captain and Chief Signal Officer Page 119 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 119 WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 2~, 1R6~8 a. m. Major PAINE, Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps: Our line near Fort Stedman just advanced to its old position. Can see but little of the effects of the fight from here. Two trainsone of eleven box-cars and one coach at 6.35 a. in., the other of eight box- cars at 7.35passed toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, H. ~. HOLMAX, Sergeant. (Copy to Lieutenant Benson, ad~jntant, signal corps, Army of the Potomac.) WALTIIALL SIGNAL STATIoN, March 2.~, 1R6~1 .80 p. m. Major PAINE, Signal Officer, Ninth Arny Corps: A column of about 1,000 infantry just moved out of Petersburg on a road running in a westerly direction. Very respectfully, Il. W. HOLMAK, Sergeant. (Copy to Lieutenant Benson, adjutant, signal corps, Army of the Potomac.) WALTHALL SIGNAL STATIoN, March 28, 18685.15 p. m. Major PAINE, Chief Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps: At 4.45 p. in. artillery firing seen beyond Petersburg at a point about south 47 degrees west. Bodies of troops moving in a westerly direc- tion. Supposed to be cavalry, but not certain. Very respectfully, (lEO. W. HOPPINQ Sergeant. (Copy to Lieutenant Benson, ad~iitant, signal corps, Army of the Potomac.) WALTHALL SIGNAL STArIoN, March 25, 18655.80 p. m. Major PAINE, Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps. All quiet this p. in. At 9.45 a. in. two trainsone of seven coaches and nine box-cars, the other of seven box-carspassed toward Rich. inond. 12 in., a train of five box-cars passed toward Petersburg. At 12.30 p. m. about 500 prisoners that the enemy had captured from us were marched up the railroad track toward Dunlops. At 3 p. in. a train of ten box-cars and one fiat, one bo~ and the fiat crowded with men, passed toward Richmond Page 120 120 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., ~4D., AND PA. [CIIAP.LVIII. The following have been intercepted: MORNING. Major P.: One train of fourteen boxes crowded with troops just I)assed toward enemys left. A long column of troops passed in rear of Friends house toward enemys left. Great activity in enemys line. LATERThree more traiiis passed to~vard enemys left. Sergeant, at D. From Weisigers front, 4 P. in. Colonel B.: Yesterday eve I discovered a marked increase of tents at Signal Hill. Just at 11 two regiments, one of cavalry and the other of infantry, were drilling on north side. At same time one regiment infantry on skirmish drill behind Battery A and another at Battery C. (Same to A. C.) From 1)unns: ASSISTANT QUARrRuoAsrF:n: Four gun-boats off Port WaIthall. A steaiiier, l)rol)al)1y gtiii-boat, off Strahans Lower Landing. R., Sergeant, at C. Repeat the boats to Colonel Guioii. (This was s1l)plelneutar from Sergeant R.) Very reSl)ectfully, GEO. W. BOPPING, Sergeant. (Copy to Lienteinuit Benson, adjutant, signal corps, Army of the Potolnac.) WALTHALI, SIGNAL STATION, March 25, 18656 p. rn. Major PAINE, Chief Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corp8: Artillery firing still continues beyond Petersburg. A body of infan- try drawn up in lille in open field about south 58 degrees west beyond town. Owing to smoke the number cannot be determined. Mounted officers actively engaged in same vicinity. Very respectfully, GEG. W. BOPPING, Sergeant. (Copy to Lieutenant Benson, a(ljutaIIt, signal corps, Army of the Potomac.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18G55.40 a. m. General HUMPIIREYS: The enemy is reported by General Parke to have broken through our lines near Fort Stedinan. General Meade is not here. The attack seems to be proceeding. H. J. HUNT, Brevet Major- General. (Sanke to Major-Geiieials Warren and Wright. Page 121 CHAP. LYLIIl CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 121 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.25 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps: I ordered out a reconnaissance some time ago. Shall I drive in the enemys pickets all along my line, and, if I find his works slimly held, attack him? A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. IIEAI)QUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.45 a. m. General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The enemy hold Stedman and are pressing us. if their hues are weakened in your front I think it well to take advantage of it. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.10 a. m. Maj. Geut. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Commanding Second Corps: Warren has been sent to our right. You will not, therefore, be able to call upon him for re-enforcements. Should we find the attack on the right to be a feint, and should you determine any attack upon you to be too strong for you to withstand, you are antliorized to take up the old hue. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major-General and C Met of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.25 a. m. General IIUMPHREYS: General Parke reports that we have retaken the line, and directs me to inform you. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Generals Warren and Wright and commanding officer Cav- alry Division.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.30 a. m. General HuMPIIREYS: Push the enemy, if possible, and determine whether or not there is any change on your front. The attack on Parke has been repulsed. If you find that any advantage can be taken of this move of the enemy notity the general commanding. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Wright. Page 122 122 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC illarch 25, 18658.45 a. m. General IHUMPIIREYS: General Parke announces the reoccupation of the whole line, the capture of many prisoners, and that all is now quiet. He directs that troops on march to him be halted and await further orders. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Generals Warren and Wright and commanding officer Cav- alry Division.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18659 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: As soon as I heard that General Parke had repulsed the enemy I directed my division commanders to push out reconnaissances. I have now gone to see what they have developed. I have reason to believe that the enemy has weakened himself in my front. I will inform you jf I find such to be the case. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, Near First Division, March 25, 18659.15 a. m. Major-General MEADE. Commanding Army of the Potomac: I find my staff officer reported erroneonsly to you for me. As soon as I had given the preparatory orders for the movement of the corps I ordered out reconnaissances from each division at 6.45 a. in., with a view to attacking if the enemys line was held weakly. Telegraphed that to General Parke, and also asked authority to drive in the picket- line throughout and take advantage of any weakness in the enemys line. General Parke replied it would be well to take advantage of any weakness of the enemy. The reconnaissance on the right moved toward the Skinner house, drove in the enemys pickets, found the enemys works manned with a line of battle, single rank, whose fire they received. On the left of the Skinner house they did not drive in the pickets. On the right of the Watkins house party not heard from yet. The party in Watkins-honse field report the enemy manning their works, 400 yards of the works visible, with a line of battle, single rank. The same report from the vicinity of the Armstrong honse. Time sum of the whole is that the enemy have a strong picket-line in pits, five or six men in each pit, pits abont fifty feet apart; a thin line of battle in the works, single rank, men three feet apart, and artillery. If anything fnrther is done it should be something like this: To drive in their pickets near the Watkins honse, follow it up with a brigade, attacking the works there, and support the attack with the division, to be fol- lowed by the corps. A. A. HUMPJIREYS, Major- Gen~rai, Commanding. (Copy sent to Ninth Army Corps, General Meade having left City Point. Page 123 CHiP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 IIEAI)QUARTER$ ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, iMarch 25, 18G59.20 a. m. General ELUMPHREYS: Griffin is ordered to reinaiii near Wyatt house to support the Second or Sixth Corps, as he may be called upon. Two diviSionS of the Fifth Corps are still moving toward Parke, and will be directed to move toward left in case he reports that he will not attack. ALEX. S. WEBB, Bretet Major- General and Chief of Staffi MARCH 25, lSfi51() a. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Willeox reports that some of the prisoners state that Lee has been massing troops on his right, and that he will attack there. This I send for what it is worth. Other prisoners say that they will attack us again. We have a colonel of the Seventeenth South Carolina, a prisoner, of Johnsons division. Gpieral Gordon was on the field in person. JNO. C. PARKE, Major- General. (Same to Geiierals Warren aiid Wright.) MARCH 25, 1865---1O.15 a. In. Major-General IIuMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: We have evidence that two brigades of Johnsons division are here. We have prisoners from two brigades, and they say that the whole division came over last night. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18G51O.15 a. m. (Received 10.50 a. in.) Major-General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: A deserter from Cooke states that Cookes brigade left last night about 10 oclock. Some other troops came into Cookes place; dont know which way Cooke went. If I make an attempt on the enemys works probal)ly it would be better to try on each division front. I tele- gra~)hed General Parke and not yon, because the telegraph line to City Point was broken. I am attacking the enemys picket-line strongly at other poiiits. They have opened artillery on the forces near the Arm- strong house and Watkins house. I have driven in their pickets from the Watkins-house field. INo report from those two parties yet. A. A. ILUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding Page 124 124 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYILI. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186510.30 a. m. (Received 11.15 a. in.) Major-General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: We have taken the enemys picket-line in Watkins-house field and are pushing forward to their main works. We will hold all the ground we take. A lieutenant of First Confederate Regiment and several l)rivates were captured. He will not give us any information, but is pleasant, and 1 infer from what he said that Lee has not materially weakened his right, but I may be mistaken. Opposite Watkins house the enemy are driven into their main line, where they show some force. A. A. HUMPUHEYS, Major- General, Commanding. 11 EADQTJA RTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186511.15 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: We captured a lieutenant and 16 men in the Watkins field. They belong to Davis brigade. Their pickets were relieved as usual this morning between 8 and 9 oclock. One of them states Lanes brigade came into Cookes place this morning before daylight; that McComWs brigade (formerly Archers) also moved toward Petersburg last night, and he thinks some troops are now in their place. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186511.30 a. m. (Received 12.10 p. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The skirmish line of the First Division has driven in all the enemys picket-line in its front and is advanced some 200 yards beyond, except where the right connects with the picket-line of Sixth Corps. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General, Commanding. Major-Geieral WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: The above is sent to you for your iiiforma.tion. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. March 25, 186511.45 a. m. General HUMPIIREYS: Your plan of attack is approved by Major-General Meade. Griffin is ordered to support you, and the other two divisions of Warrens corps are held in readiness to support either you or Wright, whichever may first call for re-enforceinents. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 125 CHAP. LYlIi.] 125 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRPS, March 25, 186511.55 a. rn. Major-General WEBB, Chief of StajJ Headquarters Ninth Corps: Your dispatch authorizing me to exercise my own judgment in regard to my attack received. Is Wright ordered to attack enemys works or picket-line only l A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18G512.O5jp.m. Major-General IIuMPIIREYS: Wright has but two divisions now. He has reported the enemy strong on his front, but is ordered to attack their picket-line only, and to drive this within their works. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. General HUMPITREYS: Your dispatch has been received. General Wright reports the skir- mishers in his front ready to advance. He is ordered to attack. First Division, Fifth Corps, is ordered to report to you. Two brigades from Bushrod Johnson are said to be here. General M[eade] says exercise your judgment in regard to your attack. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18651 .15 p. rn. Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of StaiT: Motts division has driven the pickets of the enemy from their picket rifle-pits, capturing about 90 prisoners, with 2 or 3 officers, from Cookes brigade and Moodys (formerly Gracies), the latter occupying Cookes place at daylight this morning. The prisoners make the brigade about 1,800. Since we began driving them from their picket-line extensively the enemy has considerably increased the number of men in the intrench- ments opposite Mott and Miles. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18651.45 p. rn. (IReceived 2.20 p. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Upon careful examination I find the works of the enemy as fnlly manned as ever, and considering the chances of success very doubtful I have not attacked. I understand that it was left to my discretio Page 126 126 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. whether to make the attack or not. The troops still hold the picket- line taken from the enemy. I will order the dispositions for the attack to be made and await the decision of the commanding gelleral of my judgment. A. A. HUMPJIHEYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 25, 18652.50 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS: General Meade desires you to keep up a threatening attitude until night. He leaves it to you entirely to decide whether or not we shall attack, and only wishes one to be made to take advantage of discovered weakness. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major. General and Chief of itaff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18655 p. m. (Received 7.15 p. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I think that the enemy is attacking my whole line in strong force. If Wright has any troops to spare he should have them ready to send here. I have telegraphed him. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 25 1 Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: 8655.25 .r. m. The enemy attacked my right (General Miles division) at a quarter before 5, heavily. General M. drove them back. He amid Mott are so near the enemys works that they cannot advance without being under heavy fire of artillery and infantry from intrenchments. Hays is demonstrating iiear Hatchers Run; Mott on the left of his division. We have had sharp firing constamitly, they trying to retake their intrenched picket-line without success. They keep up the attack on Miles. One of Griffins brigades Las gone out to his right; the other is lust in the rear of Motts right near the Watkins house. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18656.20 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say to you that you are authorized to take any position you may deem most proper with your picket-line. You can either withdraw them or retain your position. If you withdraw you can do it after dark. ALEX. 5- WEBB, Brevet Major- General and t~hief of Staff Page 127 CH.u~. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 127 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18656.15 p. m. (Received 6.55 p. in.) Brevet Major-Geiieral WEBB, Chief of Staff: General Smyth, commanding brigade of Hays division, in making his demonstration, captured the iiitrenched picket-line of the enemy near Hatchers Run and about 100 prisoners. The enemy has several times attacked McAllisters new picket-line and has succeeded in recap- turing some of the pits taken by General McAllister. He is now about attacking them again. rfhey keep up the fire on Miles, but [not] with the vigor of heretofore. Motts left has constantly opened on them. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. 6.30. P. S.A heavy attack on Miles has just begun. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 186c6.35 p. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: As soon as you can dispense with General Griffins services the major-general commanding directs that he be ordered to report to Major-General Warren. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657 p. in. Brevet Major-General WEBB: The enemy attacke4, but has been repulsed. We captured the battle- flags of the Forty-third and Sixty-ninth Alabama. One hundred and six men and four officers have already come in. I find that Gracies and Wises brigades have been here all day, and that Cookes brigade returned about one hour ago. Many of the prisoners report Johnsons division here rind a large part of Hills corps. I will withdraw when I can properly do so. Over 400 prisoners are already reported. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18657.25 p. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: General Warren is ordered to support you. His two divisions are back in camp. You can call upomi Warren for all you may need. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 128 128 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA.~ MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.30 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: If the major-general commanding (loes not consider that there is some object to be gained by keeping my main force (Motts and Miles divisions) in their present advanced position I will withdraw them to the lines of works before occupied by them, holding most of the picket- line captured by me from the enemy. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.05 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Commanding Second Co~ps: The general commanding authorizes you to withdraw Miles and Motts divisions as you propose. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. (Received 10.10 p. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I estimate my losses to-day in killed and wounded as between 400 and 500; there will be few missing. All reports seem to indicate a much heavier ([think double that) loss in killed and wounded by the enemy. A report of the prisoners taken will be forwarded as soon as I can ascertain accurately. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186511.50 p. m. (Sent 1 a. m. 26th.) Major-General WEBB: We hold the intrenched picket-line of the enemy from the right of Miles division to the vicinity of the Armstrong house. From that point to Hatchers Run we hold a front intermediate between our former picket-line and the enemys. A. A. HIJMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186511 p. m. Lient. Col. T. A. MCPARLIN, Army of the Potomac: All to-days wounded are in from the front. I have 600 in hospital. Operations will be completed and patients ready for transportation to City Point by midday to-morrow. Hospitals are at Patricks Station. 0. EVERTS, Medical Director Second Army Corp8 Page 129 CHAP. LVIII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 ORDERS. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. The First and Third Divisions and Artillery Brigade of this corps, in connection with the Fifth Corps and cavalry division, will be reviewed to-day at 3 p. in. by the President. Division commanders and corn- inander of Artillery Brigade will send staft~ officers to report here punc- timally at 11 a. in. to Major Livermore, acting assistant inspector-general, who will indicate the positions imear the Cummings house to be occupied by the troops. The Third Division will reach the ground by 1.30, the artillery by 2, and the First Division by 2.30. The same general rules will obtain as indicated for the last review. Drums will beat a march as the colors drop, when the troops pass iii review. General Hays, commanding Second Division, will send a I)ortion of his division to the lines of the First and Third 1)ivisions. He will be notified of the num- ber to be sent and positions this morning by a staff officer from these headquarters. By command of Major-General Humnphreys: CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18656.20 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Army Corps: General Paike directs that you send all your available force to him aimd an officer to these headquarters for further instructions GEG. D. RUGGLES Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18656.45 a. m. Brevet Major-General HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: Please give such instructions as you may deem proper to General Wainwright, my chief of artillery, as to the disposition of his batteries. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18656.55 ci. m. Colonel IRUGGLES: I have ordered the whole corps under arms, to move at once to FQrt Dushane, leaving ont my pickets and one brigade at the bridge at Hatchers IRun. I can take the whole of this force to General Parke if circumstances make it necessary. G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. 9 H HVOL XLVI~ PT IL Page 130 130 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18657.06 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth (Jorp8 General Wright is sending one (livision to Parke. How many troops do you sendl GEG. IJ. iRUGGLES, Assi9tant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 18657.50 a. m. Colonel RUGGLES: General Crawfords division is about moving toward General Parke. General Ayres will follow him closely. Until things develop more I think it best not to move General Griffin further than to the Wyatt house. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. lIE AIDQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.20 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER FIFTH CORPS: General Parke directs that the Fifth Corps be halted and await fur- tlier or(lers. A dispatch immediately following says let Griffins division be halted at Wyatts house as General Warren suggests. GEO. 1). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 18659.30 a. in, Colonel RUGGLES: My divisions are halted and massed as follows, awaiting 01 ders: Gen- eral Crawfords at Gurleys honse; General Ayres at Fort Dushane; General Griffins at Wyatts house. About 7.30 a. in. I sent my escort, abont thirty men, down the Halifax road on a reconnaissance. Have not heard from them since. Respectftdly, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18659.40 a. m. (Received 9.50 a. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: In obedienc~ to instructions from Major-General Meade I have ordered Crawfords and Ayres divisions to move on till halted by General Parke. General Meade has approved the order halting Griffins division at the Wyatt house, and directs that it be moved up to be near the Sixth and Second Corps, to support them. GEG. ID. IRUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 131 Cn~p. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Colonel RUGGLES: I understood that Crawford and Ayres were already halted by General Parkes order. Do you mean by the dispatch of 9.45 a. m. that they 11 ave been again set in motion by General Meade to be halted by General Parke~ I should think General Meades instructioii was sent before knowing that General Parke had already halted these troops. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General Fifth Corps. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 186510.40 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: After Crawford and Ayres had been halted I received orders from General Meade to send them forward again till halted by Parke. I did so, and notified General Parke and General Webb. General Parke then asked me to halt them. I did so, and notified Generals Parke, Webb, and Wright. Crawford and Ayres are now opposite these head- quarters. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 186511.27 a. m. Major-General WARREN: The major-general commanding directs that General Griffin report to General Huinphreys, to support him in his attack. Crawford and Ayres will remain here until matters develop themselves. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186511.40 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have directed General Griffin to report to General Humphreys. As I have nothing here now to command I propose at once to join Gen- erals Crawford and Ayres. Colonel Locke will remain here, with a por- tion of the staff, to give any orders to the picket-line and wagons. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. P. S.The commander of my escort has just returned from the Per- kins crossing of Howanty Creek. Enemys pickets are on other side; found no one on this side Page 132 132 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. March 25, 186512.05 p. rn. Major-General WARREN: General Meade desires to see you here with your two divisions. The President of the United States will be here shortly. Will you meet him ~? ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186512.10 p. rn. General WEBB: I shall set out at once for your headquarters. G. K. W[ARREN], Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18G57.25 p. m. (Received 7.35 p. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: General Meade directs that you hold Crawford and Ayres ready to help Humplireys. He is directed to call upon you for support. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS March 25 Major-General WEBB, . 18658.30 ~ m. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: What is the latest word from General Humphreys? Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18659.15 p. m. Major-General WARREN: Latest from Huiriphreys is 400 prisoners and 2 battle-flags, the result of enemys 7.30 p. in. attack. He will hold their picket-line to-morrow. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 20. March 25, 1865. The enemy has broken through our hues on General Parkes front. The troops will at once be got under arias. Each division commande Page 133 CHAP. LVITI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNTON. 133 will put himself at the head of his division and move as follows: Gen- eral Crawford will at once move his division to Fort Dushane; General Ayres will follow General Crawford General Griffin will leave one bri- gade at the bridge on Hatchers Run and follow General Ayres with the rest of his division. Use every possible dispatch. The above line of march will be acted on so as to keep the Vaughan road clear for General Humphreys. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 1865. Major-General HIJMPHREYS: GENERAL: I suppose the affair this morning may derange the pro- posed review for to-day, but I can easily dispose my troops as you suggest. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. [HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865.] General HUMPHREYS: I have my whole corps ready to move up to Fort Dushane, and shall leave out my pickets and one brigade at Hatchers Run. I will let you know if all leave. Are you going to send any troops to General Parke? I anticipate a considerable battle to-day. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.15 a. rn. (Received 7.25 a. in.) Major-General WARREN: My corps is ready to move; no orders yet. Have sent oat recon- naissance to see the condition of the lines in my front. Wright informs me he has sent his First Division to General Parke. So far as I can learn the enemy has not yet debouched upon the plain in rear of Fort Stedman. A. A. H[UMPHREYS], Major- Generat. MARCH 25, 18657 .40 p.m. General HIJMPHREYS I have orders to send you Generals Ayres and Crawfords divisions to snpport you if needed. General Ayres is back in his camp now. What is the state of affairs on your front? Respectfnlly, . G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers Page 134 1134 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cnip. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658.50 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Comma~nding E~fth Corps: I am much obliged for the offer of re-enforcements, but shall not need them. Should I, I will call UJ)Ofl you The attack of the enemy was repulsed. All is now quiet. I hold the picket-line held by the enemy this morning, and we have taken at least 400 prisoners and punished them severely. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General. Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658.20 a. m. General GRIFFIN: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that lie has received information that the line has beeu regained, and that your troops cau halt. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Generals Ayres and Crawford.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658 a. m. General AYRES: Follow General Crawford as far as the Gurley house if you get no other orders. Send a staff officer to General Meades headquarters for instructions as to where you may be needed. I am somewhat uncer- tain whether there will not be a strong demonstration up the Halifax road, and shall keep Griffin at the Wyatt house until urgently needed elsewhere. I have sent my escort down the Halifax road to reconnoiter beyond our picket-line. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18659.20 a. nin. Brevet Major-General AYRES, Comdg. Division, Fifth Corps: GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from Major-General Meade, your division and that of Major-General Crawford will be moved up to be near General Parke and on the right of the Sixth Corps. General Griffin will be moved up to near the Sixth and Second Corps, and to support them. I have notified Generals Warren and Crawford. I am, & c., GEO. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.Siuce writing the above General Meade directs that your division and Crawfords move on till halted by General Parke. I have notified General Crawford. G.D.R.. Assistant Adjutant- General Page 135 CHAP. LYTITI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 135 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.35 p. m. Brevet Major-General AYRES, Gommanding Second Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you hold your command in readiness to support General Humplireys, as he has been directed to call upon the major-general commanding for support. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Asststant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18659 p. m. Brevet Major-General AYRES, Commanding Second Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that it is 1)robable your command will not be called upon to-night, but that you have your men get their breakfasts and be ready to move at day- light to-morrow morning. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQITARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.45 a. in. General CRAWFORD: Move on direct to the Gurley house, and send word by an officer in advance to General Meades headquarters, so that you can get orders there at the earliest possible time where you are wanted. I expect you will have to go direct to where the battle is now going on. Bank- head is at General Meades headquarters. iRespectfblly, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISION, FIFTH CORPS, Saturday, March 25, 18658.40 a. in. (Received 9.30 a. in.) [General WARREN:] GENERAL: I am ordered to halt my command and to send word to the division following to halt also. The line has been retaken by the Ninth Corps. Very respectfully, ~. W. CRAWFORD, Brevet Major- General. MARCH 25, 18659.20 a. in. Major-General CRAWFORD Commanding Division, Fifth Corps: GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from Major-General Meade your (livision and that of Major-General Ayres will be move Page 136 130 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. up to be near General Parke and on the right of the Sixth Corps. General Griffin will be Jnoved up to be near the Sixth and Second Corps and to support them. I send aii order to General Aires, which I request you will forward~ I fins division. , also inform General Warren as to Grif- I am, & c., GEG. I). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. 5.Since writing the above General Meade directs that your division and Ayres move on till halted by General Parke. I have notified General Ayres. G.D.R. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRPS, March 25, 18657.50 p. m. Brevet Major-General CRAWFORD, Commandinq Third Division GENERAL: I am directed to inform you that General Humphreys is still fighting and has beeii instructed to call upon the major-general commanding for support. You will hold your command in readiness to move at any moment should you be called upon. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. Bvt. Brig. Gen. C. S. WA1NWRIGHT, Commanding Artillery Brigade, Fifth Corps: GENERAL: I am directed by General flunt to inform you that he has received a communication from General Tidball, stating that some of his guns were disabled by the enemy this morning and calling attention to the necessity of keeping up a reserve of artillery for the line of the Ninth Corps in the present attitude of affairs, and to desire you to send a battery to report to him, General Tidball, early to-morrow morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. N. CRAIG, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Lieutenant RAWLES Commanding Artillery, Hatchers Bun: The enemy have broken through our lines on General Parkes front. You will at once get two of your batteries ieady and report to Brevet Major-General Griffin, and follow his column. By command of Major- General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 137 CHAP. tflII.1 CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETOITNION. 137 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. (Received 6 a. in.) Brevet Major-General HUNT: Does Parke need help ~ I can, if necessary, scud a division, and still hold my lines pretty stoutly. H. G. WRiGHT, ill ajor- General, Commanding Sixth Army Corps. (Copy to General Parke.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18656.05 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT: Send that division at once. The enemy is reported at McLaughlens headquarters. Notify one of die corps commanders next you of the fact. S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQITARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Col. S. F. BARSTOW: The First Division of this corps has gone to Major-General Parke. Generals Humphreys and Warren have been notified of the fact and of the enemys movements. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. H EADQIT ARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18656.20 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT: Are there any demonstrations on your front ~ Can you send me any troops~ It is reported that two corps are on our front, and 1 fear the enemy is gaining ground. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps. There are no demonstrations in my front. Ordeis have been sent for one division to report to you immediately. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. MARCH 25, 1865.j (Sent 9 a. in.) General WRIGHT: Thank you kindly. I think it would be well to let the division remain for some time until I can hear further from the line and from General Meade. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 138 138 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Major-General PARKE: Your dispatch received, and I have sent orders to halt the division and report to you before returning. My command is held ready for any emergency, as you suggest. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657 a. m. Major-General WRIo-wr: GENERAL: Thank you for your offer, but I think I have all I require at present. You might hold your available bati eries in readiness, in case of an emergency. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.20 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: Please Jet the division move on to the Jones house. The enemy still 1101(1 a l)art of our line. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Major-General PARKE: The (livision will be moved at once to the Jones house. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. MARCH 25, 18657.50 a. m. Major-General ~WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: General Parke (leSires your division to move over at once. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. (Received 8.15 a. in.) Col. GEORGE D. RIJGGLES, Assistant A dju taut- General: The division has gone. It will probably be at the Jones house in fif- teen minutes. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General Page 139 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 139 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658.15 a. rn. (Received 8.40 a. in.) General WEBB: One division has been sent to the Jones house to report to Major- General Parke; the remainder of the corps has been stretched out to hold this line, one brigade being held iii reserve on the extreme right. If the line is to be held at all it should not be further weakened unless under very pressing circumstances. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: Move all your available troops to your right to support Parkes left, but do not be induced to weaken your lines too much. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Statf. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. (Received 8.20 a. m. by Parke and 8.45 a. m. by Meade.) Major-General PARKE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: The corps officer of the day reports that the enemy~ s camps in front of Fort Fisher are vacated, but their picket-line has been strengthened with intervals at five paces and strong reserves. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. (Copy to General Meade, City Point.) [Thdorsement.] Will not Warren be in the right position to go in with Wright if the enemy have weakened in front of the Sixth Corps? U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 25, 1865. Major-General PARKE: As the enemy must have massed on the right of our line they must have left their own line weak. How would it do for us to attack along the whole length of our linel H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General Page 140 140 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHA~. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18659.10 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The general commanding wishes you to determine whether or not the enemy is in strength on his old line. Your pickets are to drive him to their works, and in case these works are not held in force your present line will be abandoned and your troops will all be available. Griffins division, of the Fifth Corps, is halted at the Wyatt house to support you. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 25, 18659.45 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: In obedience to instructions from Major-General Meade I have ordered Crawfords and Ayres divisions to move on till halted by General Parke, and to move up Griffins division, now at Wyatts house, to be near the Second and Sixth Corps, to support them. GEG. B. IRUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18659.40 a. m. Major-General WEBB: The skirmish line is ready to advance, but on all parts of the enemys line that can be seen there is no change, the lines and forts being fully manned. Shall the skirmish line advance under these circumstances l H. G. WRIGHT, Major. General. Yes. Drive in their pickets. General Wheaton is ordered to report to you again. By order of General Meade: A. S.WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 25, 186510.10 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: In accordance with telegraphic request from General Parke I have just sent to halt Crawford an(l Ayres. Crawford is now opposite these headquarters, Ayres following. Officer returns and reports they have halted. GEG. B. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 141 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 141 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CoRPs, March 25, 186510.50 a. m. (Received 11 a. in.) Major-General WEBB: Not hearing from you and learning that the picket-line of the Second Army Corps is ready I shall push forward at once. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. MARCH 25, 186511.02 a. m. General WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: Your dispatch is just received for General Webb. He and General Meade are near here on a special train. Will be here in a few minutes. You did not hear from him probably because he was on his way. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 186511.20 a. in. General WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: General Meade has arrived. I showed him your dispatch to General Webb. He said it was all right, and that he had sent you orders from Meades Station to push forward your pickets. Wheaton will be ordered to report to you. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18657.50 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The major-general commanding desires to rcceive a telegraphic report from you of to-days operations. He has received nothing since 11 a. in. Please send a short dispatch as soon as possible. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chif of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.54 p. m. Major-General WEBB: A division of this corps was sent at an early hour this morning to sup- port the Ninth Corps, reporting to Major-General Parke. Subsequently, on the receipt of orders to press the enemy and drive in his picket-line, the picket-line of the corps was advanced, without making much impression upon the enemy. The line then, supported by the Second Division, and subsequently by the Second and Third Brigades of the First Division and the Second Brigade of the Third Division, was again advanced, and the enemys intrenched picket-line carried, under a sharp fire of artillery and musketry. The line has been held and will be retained as a new and largely advanced picket-line. We hav Page 142 142 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. capture(l 416 prisoners, officers and men. The troops engaged behaved well. Our casualties will be reported as soon as returns are received; they are believed not to beheavy. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. P. S.Your dispatch calling for report is this moment received. H.G.W. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658.50 a. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have received the dispatch from the commanding general directed jointly to you and myselt Please tell me what you intend to do, so that we can act in concert. It is reported that the enemys camps in my front are abandoned, but that he has left a more than ordinarily strong 1)icket-line. An officer is now examining the front of the line, and 1 will have more definite information shortly. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18659.10 a. m. (Received 9.30 a. m~) Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: I ant ordered by General Meade to ascertain what changes, if any, have been made in the enemys lines in my front, and if I find advan- tage can be taken of this movement to notify him. 1 ordered out reconnaissances to ascertain this at 6.45 a. m. They find the enemy manning their works near the Skinner house and Armstrong house. Other reconnaissances are going on. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18659.25 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I have just received orders to advance my l)icket-line and drive that of the enemy into their works. Does yours advance also~ And if so, how soon will it be ready to move%~ H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, ~liarch 25 18 Major-General WRIGHT, ., 6510.30 a. m. Commanding Sixth Corps: My l)ickets are ready to move forward at once, and General Miles will order his pickets to advance the moment he sees you advance. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General, Commanding Page 143 Cuip. LVIII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 IIEAD(UARTERS SIXTH ARMY Coups, March 25, 186511.23 a. m. Major-General IIuMPIiREYs: Signal and other officers report the enemys line as strong as usual iii my front. I reported this sometime since to army headquarters, and am just advised that General Meade is on his way to the front. If I do not hear from him in ten minutes I shall advance my picket-line, in pursuance of previous orders. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. 11.30 A. M. I shall push forward iniiiiediately. H. G. WRIGHT. hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 186512 rn. (Ixeceived 12.40 p. 111.) Major-General WRiGHT, Commanding $ixth Corps: Please let me know at what hour you will ~)Lobably attack the enemys iiitrenchments. I do not mean their picket-hue, but the intrenchments. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CoRPs, March 25, 18651.15 p. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Commanding & cond Army Corps: My first attack on enemys picket-line has failed. I shall try it again with troops enongh for an assault, as soon as they can be got in I)osi- tion. The enemy is strong in my front, and 1 think I may fail. I shall try, however, and hope to be ready within an hour for the main assault. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18653.10 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I have just carried the enemys picket-line iii front of Fort Fisher, the enemy opening not heavily with artillery. I shall push forward to their main line with what troops I have, if further developments will justify. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. Send above also to Major-General Webb Page 144 144 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. 1JI(lorsdflIeJIt.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY COftPS, March 26, 1865. Major-General WErnI: DEAR GENERAL: 1 had the inclosed copy made out this morning, as showing that I did report progress after 11 a. m. yesterday, but neglected to take it with me when I visited army headquarters this morning. Truly, WRIGHT. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18656.45 p. m. (Received 7.15 p. iii.) Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The enemy is making a heavy attack upon almost my whole line. If you have troops to spare please have them ready to send to me in case I want them. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Wajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 25, 18657.30 p. m. General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: I have just returned from the line and have received your dispatch. Is the condition of things the same, and do you still wish the troops~ We have carried the enemys picket4line], and still hold it a taken upward of 400 prisoners. ud have H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865S p. m. (Received 8.48 p. in.) Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The attack of the enemy was repulsed, and all is quiet now. We hold the picket-line held by the enemy this morning. I thank you, but shall not need any re-enforcements. We have captured at least 400 prisoners. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding Page 145 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 145 Report of casualties iH the Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, near Fort Jii~8her, March ~5, 1865. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. ii Conunand. ,~ . ,~ a a a . a a . ~ bI~ a ~a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ First Division 1 9 7 04 3 8 76 84 Second Division 6 20 20 210 24 26 254 280 Third Division ~ 1 100 3 1 114 115 Artillery Brigade ..~ Total 7 40 28 :374 30 35 444 479 ORDERS. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 25, 1865. Division commanders ~vil1 hold their ccmmands in readiness to move at a moments notice, and will at once have everything packed, with traimins harnessed and hitched in. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. (Received 6.45 a. in.) Major-General WARREN: The enemy are reported to be at McLaughlens headquarters, on the Ninth Corps line, in the vicinity of Fort Stedman. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. (Received 7 a. in.) Major-General WARREN: The First Division of this corps has gone to report to Major-General Parke. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18656.10 a. in. General GRANT: The enemy have attacked and brokeii through our lines near Fort Stedmaini. I have reported to General Meade, but jast learn that he is not present. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. 10 R RYOJ~ XLVI, PT II Page 146 146 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MI)., AND PA. [CHAP. LV Ill. CITY POINT, YA., March 25, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Army Corps: (Jail for such assistance as you may require from the troops on your left. Address dispatches to General Hunt until (Jeneral Meade gets out. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 25, 18658.30 a. m. General GRANT: Fort Stedinaii au(l whole line reoccupied. No particulars as yet. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, March 25, 18655.30 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of StaO% It has just beeii reported to inc that the enemy have broken through our line near and to the right of Fort Stedman. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. 0 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18655.45 a. m. Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: It is reported that the enemy is quite through our main line, and an orderly reports that they fired UI)Ofl him near the artillery park, beyond Meades Station. I have ordered out Hartrantts division. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18655.45 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Gei~eral Wihicox reports that another attack iii force is made upon the right of his line resting on the river. JINO. G. PARKE, Major. General. MARCH 25, 18655.55 a. m. Major-General PARKE: General Meade is not here, and the command devolves on you. S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 147 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 147 MARCH 25, 18656.05 a. in. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: One of my staff has returned and reports the enemys skirmishers in the woods at MeLaughiens headquarters. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. CORPS COMMANDERS AND COMMANDER OF CAVALRY: The enemy have attacked arid carried niy lines near Fort Stedman, and are pressing through to Meades Station. Have your command ready to move at once. JINO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18656.02 a. m. General PARKE, Ninth Corps: I will start. at once two natteries to the Jones house, and the Provis- jonah Brigade. Wainwright has two more batteries. Do [you] want them? S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18656.10 a. in. General PARKE, Ninth Corps: General Hunt has taken the responsibility of sending one of Wrights divisions to the Jones house. Is it right? Do you want anything more? Will you send orders for them at the Jones house? S. F. BAIRSTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Colonel BARSTOW: Send one of Wrights divisions. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18656.20 a. m. Colonel BARSTOW: Start the Provisional Brigade, and direct General Warren to move all his available force, and send an officer to your headquarters for fuither instructions. Please send some of the engineer officers over here. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 148 148 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. MARCH 25, 18656.20 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding, Headquarters Ninth Corps: Your orders are received and promulgated. GEG. D. HUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 18657.20 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: General Wrights First Division has beeu stopped under your orders. Wai-ren has ordered the whole corps under arms, to move at once to Fort iDushane, leaving out his pickets and one brigade at the bridge at Hatchers Run. He reports that he can take the whole of this force to you if circumstances make it necessary. GEG. iD. HUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.40 a. m. Colonel RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Let General Wrights division move over at once. Please let me know whether you have heard from General Meade. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 26 [25], 18657.45 a. m. (Sent 8.03 a. in.) Major-General PARKE: Warren is ordered up, and Wright is directed to support you with his available reserves. Call on Wright if you are pressed. Dont let the enemy make a lodgment, but throw all your force on line at any point he breaks through. Let me know anything reliable that occurs. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18657.55 a. m. General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: General Meade is reported as still on the boat at City Point. Have heard nothing from him personally. Wrights division has passed these headquarters. General Meade just telegraphs to send down Warrens corps. GEG. B. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 149 ChAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 149 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Ninth Corps: The Fifth Corps artillery has oeen sent to you; two batteries to Jones house to await your orders; two more are following. Do you desire their destination changed l if so, General hunt will send orders to them if you do not do so. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: General Warren reports Crawfords division about moving toward you; Ayres to follow closely. He thinks best not to move Griffin fur- ther than the Wyatt house. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658.10 a. m. Col. GEORGE D. JIUGGLES: COLONEL: Let Griffins division be halted at the Wyatt house as General Warren suggests. JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18658.15 a. m. General MEADE, City Point: I have just heard that we reoccupy Stedman. Hartranft has just gone in with all his available force. No report as yet. One of Wrights divisions is moving over here now. if needed I will pnt it in. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.15 a. m. General PARKE: One of Wrights divisions has l)assed these headquarters; it will be at Jones house in fifteen minutes. Shall 1 send Crawfords and Ayres divisions down l They are on the way to Fort Dushane. Griffin will stop at Wyatt house for further directions. Send orders to Jones house for troops arriving there, or tell me what orders to give them Page 150 150 N. AND ~E. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. rOHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY o~ THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18658.20 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Dispatch received. The major-general comm an dirt g congratulates you upon retaking your line without assistance. He would like you to take the offensive, if practicable. If this is not practicable, and you are satisfied that the aft~iir is over and all is quiet on your front, you can send out and halt General Warren, who is moving up. Report where you find this corps, and let it await further orders. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of 8tafr MARCH 25. 18658.20 a. m. General hUNT, Headquarters Army of thc Potomac: Will you please let me know where Warrens troops now are. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18658.25 a. in. General MEADE: We have retaken the line. All is now quiet. Hartranft went in. No details as yet. I hear Hartranft is wounded. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658.25 a. m, Col. GEORGE D. HUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Notify corps commanders that we have retaken the line. Please halt the Fifth Corps. I await further orders. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18658.32 a. in, General HUNT: We have reoccupied Stedman and the whole line, capturing many prisoners. All is quiet now. Please send word to corps commanders to halt their troops and await further orders. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 151 CHAP. LVIII.] OOR~ESPONDENCE, ETCXIJNION. 151 MARCh 25, 1865--8.35 a. in. Major-General PARKE, Ninth Corps: Your dispatch, announcing reoccupation of line, capture of prisoners, and ordering halt of troops, received. Corps commanders have been informed an(l instructed. Do you (lesire the Provisional Brigade any longer l GEG. I). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRps, March 25 1d658.45 a. m. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES: COLONEL: I should like to retaiii the Provisional Brigade for the present here. JOHN G. PARKE, Major- Geiteral. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18G5. Major-General PARKE: You have not yet tefegraphed your positive decision as to whether you will attack or not. General Meade waits here for it. lie cannot decide upon his movements until he hears from you. If you can, meet General Meade at the point opposite your headquarters. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of Staff. P. S.If you are positive that you will mot attack halt the troops coming up at once. MARCH 25, 18659 a. rn. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Dispatch received. As far as I ~an learn the enemys artillery is still in position, and I hardly think it practicable to attack their line with niy available force. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 18659.10 a. in. General PARKE, Ninth Corps: Crawfords (livision at the Gurley house; A yrcs just behind him; Griffins at Wyatts. HENRY J. HUNT, Brevet Major- General Page 152 152 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. rCHAP~ LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18659.20 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Gommanding Ninth Corps: Have you determined who attacked you this morning l iDid the enemy mass for the purposel Is your decision (lefinitive that you can- not attack 0? Troops are halted, moving to support you. The two divis- ions of Fifth Corps will be ordered to move on until halted by your orders. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 25, 18659.30 a. m. Major-Genera] WEBB, Chief of Staff, City Point: Crawfords division at the Gurley house; Ayres just behind; Grif- fins at Wyatts; Wheatons division between ti-estle-work and .Tones house. - All is still at present. Colonel of the Seventeenth South Car- olina, Johnsons division, is a prisoner. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18659.30 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: 4~ordons command was, I think, re-enforced by Johnsons division. I think it too late to attack now. The enemys lines are unchanged. They made an attack with the determination of carrying our line, but failed. Have since made a slight demonstration, but withont result. Their lines are evidently now fully manned and prepared for us. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18659.30 a. m. Major-General PARKE: Since two divisions of Fifth Corps are still moving toward our right give your order to them to stop as soon as you shall have determined not to attack. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 25 1 Major-General PARKE, , 8659.40 a. m. Commanding Ninth Corps: Jn obedience to instructions from Major-General Meade I have directed Crawfords and Ayres divisions to move on till halted by you. GEG. D. IIUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 153 (IIAP. IXIH.1 153 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Conps, March 25, 18659.45 a. m. General HUNT: I believe that Johnsons division is here. A colonel of the Seven- teenth South Carolina was taken prisoner. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Conrs, March 25, 18659.55 a. m. Col. GEORGE D. IRUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Will you please have Crawfords and Ayres divisions halted. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. MARCH 25, 186510.02 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: I have sent to halt Crawfords and Ayres divisions, as requested by you. Crawfords division is now opposite these headquarters. GEG. I). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 25, 186512 m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Major-General Gordon has requested a flag of truce for the removal of the wouiided and dead between the lines. I have acceded to his request, and authorized General Hartranft to make the necessary arrangements. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. General PARKE Commanding Ninth Corps: Report to the major-general commanding as soon as possible by tele- graph the operations of this morning. Send a copy to General Grant, to be forwarded by him to Washington. When decided that Johnsons division left llnmphreys front and was present at this attack, tele- graph llumphreys. He is feeling the enemys right. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. [MARCH 25, 1865.For Parke to Webb, of 12.20 p. ni., in answer to next, ante, see Grant to Stanton, 1.30 p. in., p. 109. Page 154 154 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 186512.05 p. m. Major-General PARKE: The major-general commanding desires you to send a portion of the cavalry with you to scout within our picket-line of cavalry to seek enemys scouts, reported to have cut the telegraph wire. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. hEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS March 25, 1865. Byt. Mi. Gei. A. S. WEBB, Chief 9/ Staff: The brigade of cavalry has not reported at these headquarters, nor can I hear anything of it. As soon as it arrives I will send out. JNO. G. l~ARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoTOMAC March 25, 18651 p. m. COMMANDING OFFICER NINTH CORPS: The commanding general directs that you make all preliminary arrangements prior to receiving orders for attacking with your corps at the points proposed by Generals Potter and McLaughlen. flartranfts division will support McLaughlen, and another division will be sent to support Potter. This order is only preliminary and precautionary. Please acknowledge its receipt. Very respectfully, & c., GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: General Meade says if the enemys parties, while burying their (lead, appear inclined to hold intercourse with our troops, you can allow your officers and men to mingle freely with them. Please acknowledge this. GEG. D. IIUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS March 25 1 Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, ~ 8652.15 ~. m. Assistant Adjutant- General: Dispatch in reference to communicating with the enemy during the flag of truce received. I will forward it to the officer in charge of the flag. JNO. G. PARKE, Major. General Page 155 Ca& i. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENO E~ ETC.UN~0N. 155 HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, March 25, 18652.15 p. m. Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Five flags captured from the enemy are now here. As soon as the names of the parties capturing them are obtained they will be for- warded. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18655.05 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: A staff officer from a brigade (Brigadier-General MeLaughiens) reported the enemy massing on your left. Ayres division was sent to you at once. Was this reported to you? Can Ayres return to camp? Do you need him? ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, March 25, 18655 .25 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I do not know anything of the report made by one of IvlcLaughlens staff. No such report was made to me. I presume it is based upon the report made by prisoners, who stated they would keep at us until they took our line. Other prisoners said that Lee was massing on the extreme left of our army. I have sent to Colonel Robinson to ascertain if he knows anything of this report. I dont think the enemy will attempt onr line, and therefore do not think we will need General Ayres division. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18656.45 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: General Smith, commanding brigade of cavalry, reports that his men came off without rations. Shall 1 let them return to their camp or send for rations and forage? JNO. G. PARKE, ilajor- General Page 156 156 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIIL HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS; March 25, 18657.10 p. m. Major-General WEBB: GENERAL: The following dispatch has just been received from Gen- eral Hartranft: I have the honor to report that during the flag of truce this afternoon I turned over to the enemy 120 dead aiRi 15 badly wounded (the latter were between the lines), for which I hold a receipt from General Gordons adjutant-general. I also furnished a list of the names of the rebel wounded and captured officers to General Lewis (rebel). A like list of captnred Federal officers was to be furnished by the enemy, but was not made put in time. It is to be sent over in the morning, together with our wounded, if any, in their hands. JNO. F. HARTRANFT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major Shorkley and Captain Dalien, engineer officers of our staff, were wounded, the latter very seriously. BERTOLETTE, A S8istant Adjutant- General. JNO. G. PA1~KE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. March 25, 18657.30 p. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Major-General Davies is instructed to send forage and rations to bri- gade of cavalry now with you. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of AS~taff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.36 p. in. Col. G. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant-~eneral: The following are the casualties of the day, as near as can be ascer- tained: First Divisionkilled, 30; wounded, 137; missing, 481. Third Divisionkilled, 34; wounded, 186; missing, none. Total, killed, 64; wounded, 323; missing, 481. Grand total, 868. A corrected report on the prescribed form will be forwarded in the morning. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658 p. m. Major-General WEBB: GENERAL: I have six rebel flags at these headquarters an more have since been reported, making in all eight. d two JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 157 CHAP LVIH.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 HEADQUARTERS NINTh ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Col. G. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant-General: The following casualties occurred in Artillery Brigade to-day: Killed, 4; wounded, 14; missing, 25; total, 43. JiNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, [March 25, 1865.] Maj. Gen. J. B. GORDON, Commanding Corps: GENERAL: I am directed by Ma.j. Gen. J. G. Parke, commanding corps, to acknowledge the receipt of your communication in regard to an arrangement for the relief of the wounded and removal of the dead between the lines, and to say that Brig. Gen. J. F. Hartranft, corn- mandiig division, has been authorized to enter into such arrangement, and will meet a proper officer from your command. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. VAN BUREN, Rrevet Colonel and Aide-dc-Camp. HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRiGADE, NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18659.35 a. m. Brevet Major-General HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: The fightingis over and the line re-established. The Fifth Corps artillery have reported, but their services were not needed. JNO. C. TJDB ALL, Brevet Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Licut. Col. P. M. LYDIG, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: When the truce closed there remained some unfinished business; some of our wounded to be received, and a list of our officers in the hands of the enemy which General Ransom agreed with General Hartranft should be sent in. Please authorize me to let Colonel McCall, commanding brigade at Stedman, receive them. I have the pleasnre to inform you that we have two more rebel flags which will be for- warded. The orderly will wait for an answer. Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brevet Ma~jor- General, Commandin~ Page 158 158 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NiNTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Lieut. Col. W. H. H. MCCALL, Comdg. Brigade, Fort Stedman: SIR: In accordance with an understanding between General IRan- soin, C. S. Army, and General Hartranft, there will probably he a flag of truce nresented in front of your line to-morrow morning, for the pur- pose of receiving wounded men of ours, in lieu of those of the enemy sent over to them to-day, and also a list of prisoners taken. By direc. tion of the major-general commanding the army, this truce must be of as short duratiou as possible. For the purpose of carrying out this intent, the major- general commanding this division directs me to say to you that lie desires that you make preparations for receiving the flag early to-morrow morning, and if General Hartranft is not present when it is presented, you are authorized to receive it and carry out the purposes for which it exists with as much rapidity as possible. Ambulances and stretchers will be sent to Fort Stedmau by the surgeon-in-chief of the division. The same orders that existed to-day with regard to allowing our men outside the works will be rigidly observed to-morrow. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, WM. V. RICHARDS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. 0. B. WILECOX, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major- general commanding directs that you have your troops under arms at 3.30 to-morrow morning, ready for any emer- gency that may ai-ise. I have the houor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant A dintant- General. (Same to General Potter, commanding Second Division: General Hartrauft, commanding Third Divisioti, and General Tidball, eoiiimnaud- ing Artillery Brigade.) HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18655.40 a. m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. R. B. POTTER: GENERAL: The enemy is reported to have broken through our line near Fort Stedman. Will you please report the state of affairs in your front. V ely respectfully, yoai- obedient servant, P. M. LYI)JG, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARdI 25, 18656.30 a. m. Maj or-Genem-al POTTER, Commanding Second Division: One of Wrights (livisions is ordered to the Jones house. Please notify me immediately on its arrival. - JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 159 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 159 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18657.25 a. m. Major-General POTTER: GENERAL: The general commanding desires to be informed when the Provisional Brigade and when the division of the Sixth Corps arrive at your headquarters- Respectfully, yours, ~. . LYDIG, A ssistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865s a. m. Major-General POTTER: GENERAL: The commanding general desires that you order the Provisional Brigade to move without delay and report to General Hartranft. A staff officer will be ready to show them where the gen- eral is. P. M. LYDIG, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 25, 18658.20 a. m. Major-General POTTER: GENERAL: We have recaptured Fort Stedinan, and everything is again quiet. Hartranft is reported wounded, but not severely. P. M. LYDIG, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORP March 25, 18651.50 p. m. Major-General POTTER: A truce for the purpose of attending to dead and wOun(led between the lines will exist from 2 to 4 p. m. Its limits are from Fort Haskell to Battery 9. Please see that 110 communication or intercourse of any kind with the enemy takes place on your front. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 1865. Major-General DAVIES, Commanding Cavalry Division: Prepaie to move all yonr cavalry, dismounted, to General Parkes right. Move np at once one brigade with horses to serve as dismounted troops, and await orders for the others. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 160 160 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. Lviii. HEAD~UARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, i86512.40 p. m. Major-General DAVIES, Commanding Cavalry: It is reported that scouts of the enemy cut the telegraph wire this a. m. and fired into General Parkes headquarters. Please send out small parties inside of the lines to pi~k up stragglers or scouts. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of i~taff. Have you sent the brigade mounted to report to General Parke ~? He has not received them. Let them report at once. They will remain with General Parke to-day. Hold the other two ready to report at the line in front at a moments notice. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stat!. CAVALRY DIVIsION, March 25, 1865. General WEBB: A brigade has been sent to report to General Parke. After receiving order this a. m. to send brigade, a dispatch came directing troops on the march to him to be held and await further orders. I have sent out scouting parties as directed; also, on the left of the line, two brigades are formed and ready to move between Hancocks Station and my head- quarters; also, 1,400 dismounted men with carbines. H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 25, 18656.10 p. inn. General DAVIES, Commanding Cavalry Division: All the dismounted cavalry not needed to guard the supply trains will be ordered to report to General Benham for the defense of City Point. They are with him now. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, VA., March 25, 1865. Major-General ORD: General Sheridan crossed at Jones Ferry and is now going into camp at Harrisons Landing. You may send and bring back your troops from the Chickahomniny. in the fight to-day we captured 2,700 of the enemy, and killed and wounded a great number. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 25, 186512.15 p. m. (Received 12.30 p. in.) Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point, Va.: Captain DeKalb, Second Virginia Reserves, left Richmond yesterday. Was piloted through the line, between the Darbytown and Charles Cit Page 161 161 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. road, by a member of Greggs (Texas) brigade. Says Pickett was encamped between Fields division and the intermediate line. Guide told him last night after 9 oclock that both Pickett and Field were under orders to march this morning. He said furthermore that it might amount to nothing, for they had had several such orders lately. Rumors in Richmond were that Sherman had been defeated after a hard battle~ but it was not generally believed. The armory is being moved. The naval works are all packed up. Boxes are being sent by the Danville road. All the men who are not engaged in boxiiig up are making spikes, the men think for the purpose of spiking guns. People in Richmond are discouraged. Many supposed three weeks ago it would be evacuated before this time. Very few believe it will hold out three weeks longer. Provisions are scarce. Flour is $1,500 per barrel since Sheridan cut the canal. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 25, 1865. (Received 1.25 p. in.) General RAWLINS: The sergeant in charge Cobbs Hill Signal Tower reports that at 7 a. mu. a train of twelve cars heavily loaded with troops passed Port Walthall Junction geing toward Petersburg. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 25, 18653.30 p. m. (Received 3.45 p. in.) General J. A. RAWLINS, City Point: COBBS HILL TOWER. At 2.45 p. m. forty.four wagons and seven ambulances, with a guard of about 100 men, passed the Junction on turnpike, going toward Richmond. THOS. S. BAIRD, Sergeant, Signal Corps. Respectfully forwarded for the information of general commanding. E. 0. C. ORD, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 25, 1865. (Received 5.10 p. in.) Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of & aff: Thirteen deserters from the enemy have been received since yester. THEG. READ, Assistant Adjutant. General, 11 H R~-YOL XLVI, PT II Page 162 162 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. CHAP. LVIII. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 25, 18658.35 p. rn. Lient. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General: The following dispatch has just been received from General Turner: LONG BRIDGE, March 25, 18653 p. m. On my arrival here I sent a staff officer down to Jones Bridge, not finning Sheri- dan here. There were signs of a large cavalry force having crossed at Jones Bridge this p. in., which is also confirmed by negroes, who said it was Grants cavalry. I think Sheridau must have arrived at Jones Bridge. The pontoon bridge is finished. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT VA it/larch 25, 1865. , ., Maj. Gen. E. 0. ~. ()RD, (Received 10.35 p. in.) Commanding Army of the James: General Benhain has been ordered to move the pontoon bridge at Deep Bottom early in the morning to a l)oint below Four-Mile Creek, and to return it to its present position to-morrow as soon as General Sheridan has crossed over. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, it/larch 25, 1865. Bvt. Brig. Gen. T. READ, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The sergeant in charge of Cobbs Hill Tower reports that the artillery firing on the Petersburg front was resumed at 5.20 p. in. Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, CITY POINT, VA., March 25, 1865. Major-General GIBBON: The enemy have attacked on General Parkes front and broken through his line. This may be a signal for leaving. Be rea(ly to take advantage of it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 25, 1865. Major-General ORD, Commanding: Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, Eleventh Maine, went out with a couple of scouts last night and has just retHrHed. lie ComlrnIlHcated with a ilrs Page 163 CHAP. LVIIJ.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 163 sergeant of the enemys pickets. Their camps were in commotion at midnight, expecting an attack. Their picket-line was as strong as ours. My troops are all ready to move in consequence of a telegram received from General Grant. JOHN GIBBON, Major- General. llnQus. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 25, 186510.30 a. m. Major-General GIBBON, Commanding Twenty-fourth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that your troops return to their camp. All quiet along the line. We have reoccupied our lines in front of Petersburg. THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF TIlE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 25, 186512.30 a. m. Col. H. M. PLAISTED, Commanding Third Brigade: COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to instruct you to extend your left at daylight, and occupy the space in the line of breast-works caused by the withdrawal of General Turners troops. You will extend as far as the battery to the right of the New Market road. You will be on the ground sufficiently early to move in as General Turner moves out. II am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. A. SAWYER, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS~ ARMY OF THE JAMES, B~fore Richmond, TTa., March 25, 186512.30 a. m. Brig. Gen. CHARLES DEVENS, Commanding Third Division, Twenty-fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: By direction of General Gibbon I shall extend my left at daylight as far as the battery to the right of the New Market road, occupying the space caused by the withdrawal of Turners command. If this extension should not join your right I can send a regiment to lill the gap from my center. Please answer by bearer. Yours, truly, R. S. FOSTER. Brigadier-General, Commanding Division Page 164 164 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. Lviii. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, March 25, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Send good officer to look out and have watch with glass kept on enemys lines. Report every move. Let your men return to camp if they have been under arms, but keep a brigade ready to move at an hours notice. Report to me in person in an hour, if you can. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, in the Field, March 25, 18651.30 p. m. General HARTSUFF, Commanding, Bermuda Front: Have a careful reconnaissance of your right and left flanks made to-night and report result. Twelve cars loaded with troops reported leaving your front this a. m. at 7. Do you siglialize to Cobbs Hill Tower~ E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., In the Field, Hatchers, March 25, 18652.30 p. in. General READ: Will have reconnaissance made as directed. I signalize Cobbs Hill Tower via Fort Anderson. Twelve cars loaded with troops were reported to me this morning going from Richmond toward Petersburg, which dispatch I immediately sent to you. I was on Crows Nest Tower afterwards and found the same had been sent to you direct. G. L. IIARTSUFF, Major. General. IIDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, V A., March 25, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: What is the extent and character of the reconnaissance you require on my flanks to-night, and what the express object ~ No change observ- able in their line to-day of any kind. GEG. L. IIARTSUFF, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGiNIA. ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field March 25 General AARTSUFF, 18653.51 ~i. m. Bermud-t Front: Object is to learn what troops have left the line, what strength of pickets, and if there are any signs of evacuation. A few skillful officers and men can learn by communicating with enemys vedettes along the line through exchanges. I had satisfactory examination made on this front last night. B. 0. (3, OR]) Page 165 CHAP. LVIII.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 165 Oiws HEADQUARTERS, March 25, 1865. (Received 5.45 p. in.) General GRANT: Following just received: HATCHERS, March 25, 1865. General ORD: The following just received in answer to your inquiry: Couns HILL SIGNAL STATION. General HARTSUFF: The troops came from direction of Richmond. I think they were not taken from this front, as I cannot notice any change. A Irain of nine cars, partly loaded with troops, just passed toward Richmond. Some of the troops were dressed in our 11111 tbrm. THOS. S. BAIRD, Signal Officer. I inquired as to the character of the reconnaissance directed, hecanse an advance heyond the picket-posts in any place would l)ring on an engagement along the whole line. I desire to know whether it is the intention of the general corn manding that I should make such a reconnaissance, or whether only extra watchfulness and atten- tion along the picket-line is required for information. G. L. HARTSUFF, Major- C eneral. Quiet reconnaissance ordered to-ni gut. B. 0. C. ORD. IIDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., March 25, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General READ, Assistant Adjutant- General, Hdqrs. Dept. of Virginia: SIR: There is at present no light battery belonging to this command. One is here, but it belongs and reports to the Twenty-fourth Corps, being permitted to remain here, I understand, for the benefit to the horses of the stables erected for them when the battery was attached to this command. The thoroughly efficient defense of the line, I think, requires that a light battery should be a part of its armament. From Battery Burpee to the Appomattox the line has no gnus 111 position. The natural defense here is very strong and the pickets well advanced, so that there is very little likelihood of an attack, but it is a J)ossible contingency and is very inadequately provided for. In the event of a temporary lodgment by the enemy in any portion of the line the value of a light battery would also be very great. I therefore respectfully request that this battery, or some other, may be assigned to this com- mand. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. L. IIARTSUFF, Major- General, Commanding. HARRISONS LANDING, March 25, 18657.20 p. m. (Received 7.50 p. in.) General RAWLINS: I am here with my cavalry and General Roberts infantry. They are going into camp at Westover Church. P.11. SHERIDAN, Major- General Page 166 166 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CITY POINT, VA., March 25, 1865. Maj. Gen. P. II. SHERIDAN, Comdg. Middle Military Division, Westorer Church, Ye.: You will find a pontoon bridge at the point where Hancock crossed last summer below Four-Mile Creek, instead of Deep Bottom. The bridge at Deep Bottom will be dropped down to this position before 8 a. in. to-morrow. General Roberts command will move by the most direct route to their position iii the Army of the James. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 27. Near Westorer Church, Va., March 25, 1865. The command will march to-morrow at fJ a. in., via Malvern Hill and Deep Bottom, to the south side of the James River. The order of march will be as follows, viz, first, First Cavalry Division; second, trains; third, Third Cavalry 1)ivision. By command of Brevet Major-General Merritt: J. SPREADBURY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 25, 18654 p. m. (Received 4.05 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Your dispatch* to General Stevenson has been referred to me. The order was published before my arrival by General Stevenson when in command of the Department of West Virginia, and has been a source of embarrassment to me, and I propose to lay it before the lieutenant- general, thinking it opposed to the letter of his instructions. My investigation shows tlmat the order was issued on the instigation of the governor of West Virginia and the loyal people, who declared that a large numnber of refugees from the Confederate army, some with arms, were coming into the border settlements, their presence giving rise to considerable apprehension. The order has not been executed, but the following modification was directed: Wherever the loyal people were satisfied for the refugee or alleged deserter to remain he was allowed to do so, but where he could not obtain some guarantee from loyal citizens or local authorities that his presence was not dan- gerous he was sent farther north as a precaution. The Baltinmore and Ohio Railroad Company are euiploying numbers of these people on becoming their guarantors, and I understand that this modification meets the views of the governor, the people, and Mr. Smith, the mas- ter of transportation. It is a delicate question, and though General Stevensons order was too sweeping and rigorous, in my judgment, something was demanded to allay the apprehensions of the people. I respectfully ask whether the modification mneets your approval. In effect it treats each case on its own merits. W. ~. hANCOCK, Major- General. See Stanton to Stevenson, March 25, m 168 Page 167 CHAP LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.4INION. 167 WASHINGTON, 1). C., March 25, 181353.30 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester, Va.: General Grant suggests that all troops in the Department of West Virginia be organized as the Eighth Army Corps. Of course your veteran regiments of the First Corps are to be excepted. He also wants all troops not required for holding Baltimore and Ohio Railroad organized into brigades and divisions and prepared for the field. Have you an~ suggestions to make before the order is issued~ II. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 25, 1865. Maj. Gen. H. W HALLECK, Chief of Stafl~: I have no suggestions to make with regard to the contemplated order, except that the details will be very troublesome to arrange. I do not understand what relation the commander of the department would bear to that of the corps. I presume the matter has been considered. Is it the wish, in organizing brigades and divisions of troops not required to hold the road, to consider them as brigades and divisions of the Eighth Corps ~ If so, the corps must have a great many divisions and very moderate division commanders in point of capacity. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. WINCHESTER, VA., March 25, 18658 p.m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK~ Chief of Staff: Considering your dispatch more at length, I will say that I have not the information necessary to enable me to offer you any useful sug- gestions. I do not seek any information not proper to be communi- cated, but cannot exercise my judgment without it. For instance, the number of troops required to defend the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depends upon whether a force moves down the Valley or the front is uncovered by the troops being withdrawn. This also affects the ques- tion of place and manner of preparing the brigades and divisions for field service. I sent to the Secretary of War this morning by special messenger, at his request, a statement of the troops in the division, and how located. This may be useful in preparing the details of the order. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. WINCHESTER, VA., March 25, 18659.20 p. m. M~j. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Stafl~: I would like to know if there is any longer any objection to my throwing Winchester out of my lines and bringing my troops together where I can see to their organization and equipment ~ As they ar Page 168 168 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. LVIiI. now placed over a line thirty miles long I cannot properly attend to them, and fear Linay somO day be ordered to move when lily prepared. Moreover, this town is a source of infonmation to the enemy, and any arrangement for a movement will be very easily detected. I propose to hold the military railroad as far as the Opequon, but to concentrate this army near Charlestown and put it in condition to move. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. ALEXANDRIA, March 215, 1865. (Received 8.10 p. in.) Colonel TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General: Citizens report that Bnsh Underwood and twenty other guerrillas were killed in a fight with our forces above Leesbnrg yesterday. There was some picket-firing near Accotink last night. All quiet to day. II. H. WELLS, Colonel and Provost-Marshal- General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., March 25, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: Have just received from Secretary of War the following telegram: Brigadier-General STEVENSON: It is represented to this Department that by some order or regulation of yours persons taking the amnesty oath are required to leave their homes and go north of the Ohio River. It is not perceived that existing circumstances require such rigor toward those who wish to submit to the Government. if, therefore, you have made any such order or regulation you will revoke it immediately. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. This telegram refers to a department order issued by me from depart- ment headquarters; the number I have forgotten. I forward telegram for the information of the general commanding. Respectfully, JOHN B. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., March 25, 1865. (Received 1.25 p. in.) Hon. E.M. STANTON: Whilst temporarily in command of Department of West Virginia, at the instance of the governor of the State of West Virginia and loyal inhabitants of the State, representing that large numbers of pretended deserters were filling up their couhties, creating a great alarm in the minds of the loyal inhabitants from their numbers and their previous bad faith, that the peace of the State and the persons and property of loyal inhabitants were in jeopardy, I published an order requiring such persons to go beyond the Ohio River or 100 miles north of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; also, that refngees who were a burden to the Gov- ernment should go sufficiently far north to such points where they coul Page 169 CHAP. LYIiIl CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UN1ON. 169 ol)tam employment, and the Government would be relieved from the 1)urden ot their support. Since this, Major-General Hancock has assumed command of the Department of West Virginia. I will imme- diately communicate your telegram to Major-General Hancock. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., Il/Larch 25, 1865. General MORc~AN, Chief of Staff: Just received following from Colonel Reno for you: PURCELLYILLE, LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA., March 25, 1865. GENERAL~ I arrived at this point last night and will be in camp with my com- mand to-night or to-morrow. I shall delay here for some time to pick up some wounded men of mine. I have destroyed a good deal of corn and some of Moshys men. Will report details on my return. M. A. RENO, Colonel, Commanding. The Loudoun County Hangers brought in this dispatch. Did the general design this command to report back to me on return of the expedition? Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 26, 1865. (Received 11.30 a. in.) Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR: I approve your Fort Sumter programme.* Grant dont seem to know Yeatman very well, but thinks very well of him so fhx as he knows. Thinks it probable that Yeatinan is here now for the place. I told you this yesterday, as well as that von should do as you think best about Mr. Whitings resignation, but I suppose you did not receive the dis- patch. I am on the boat, aiid ha~ve no later war news than went to you last night. A. LINCOLN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, il/larch 26, 18651 p. rn. To the PRESIDENT, City Point: Your telegram of this date received. We have no news but what comes from you and General Grant. Yeatman is not here, and no application has been made by him or on his behalf. He was suggested by General Halleck, and had two or three times occurred to me~ I have a letter from H. W. Beecher, who thinks Owen has not the requi- site practical talent. The weather here is very cold, windy, and dis- agreeable. Your military news warms the blood, or we wonld be in danger of a March chill. EDWIN M. STANTON. * See Stanton to the President, March 25, Vol. XLVII, Part III Page 170 170 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CITY POINT, VA., March 26, 186510 p. rn. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I respeetfiuily request that Major-General ilumplireys be announced in orders as commander of the Second Corps, and Major-General Parke as commander of the Ninth Corps. I would also recommend that Brigadier-General Hartranft be brevetted a major-general, for con- spicuous gallantry in repulsing and driving back the enemy from the lodgment which he made yesterday on our lines. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, ID. C., March 26, 18651 j,~. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Gity Point, Va.: I will send you by mail a detailed report from General Hancock, showing that he can take into the field about 25,000 men, moving from Winchester as his base. No one has been named as commander of the Eighth Corps when organized. Would not General Crook be the best man for it~? General Hancock says he is very much in want of good division and brigade commanders for his new troops. Could not some of the brevet generals in the Armies of the Potomac and the James be spared for that purpose ~ General Gilimore has sent about 4,000 of his own and 7,000 of Shermans troops to North Carolina. Shermami has directed him to send 2,500 meu to destroy railroad stock and stores at Sumterville and Florence. A part of Crufts troops are expected to-day and will be sent forward at once. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, VA., March 26, 186510.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Wa8hington, D. C.: General Barlow, an excellent officer, is for duty, and can be assigned to General Hancock. If there is any other unemployed generals lie wants let him have them. I will see if aiiy can be sent from here. I would advise that no l)ermallent commander be named for the Eighth Corps fbr a few days. I may be able to send Crook back soon. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQIJARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1865~240 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I take advantage of the visit of the President to recall to yonr atten- tion the fact that neither Major-Generals Parke or Humphreys have been assigned by the President to the command of their respective corps. I do this with the less hesitation because I understand Major- General Gibbon, who has been in command a much shorter time and is junior to both these officers, has beeii, at General ~ request, assigned. I would also suggest the inimnediate brevetting of Brigadier- General Hartranft and his assignment to the permanent command o Page 171 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 171 the division he so handsomely commanded yesterday. i consider the retaking of Fort Stedman under the circumstances a meritorious serv- ice that should be l)ro~11pt1y acknowledged. GEO. G. MEADE, ]Iiiajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 2G, 186510.45 a. m. (Sent 11.30 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: All has been quiet since 8 p. m. last evening. Wright and Hum- J)hreys hold and have intrenched all the advanced line captured yester- day as far as the Armstrong house, which includes all but a small portion on the extreme left near Hatchers Run, which there was no military advantage in retaining. Hnmphreys now estimates his cas- nalties at 700, Wright at 400, which will make our total casualties from all parts of the line about 2,000. Deserters report the fighting very severe and the result as having a depressing and demoralizing effect on their army GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1& 54 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I would suggest a modification of your instructions of the 24th instant, viz: Instead of placing Ords command on the two roads used by Warren and Hnmphreys, let Ord mass on tbe Halifax road in rear of our works, and wl~n Humphreys moves out on the Vaughan road let Ord move to the crossing of Hatchers Run by this road and await developments. This will keep up communication with Wright and will cover my supply trains, which I shall order to park at the crossing of hatchers Run by the stage road, the one Warren takes. There are so few roads and the country so little open I do not deem it advisable to bring these trains nearer until we either move from Dinwiddie Court- House or have exhausted our feur days supplies. I propose also to have Hnmphreys pickets from Hatchers Run to Wrights left to be relieved by Ord, unless you direct otherwise. Do you wish any of the cavalry left on picket on oul rear line, or shall Davies take it aWl Collis has some 300 cavalry that might be sent to Parke and a small regiment left with Wright to watch the roads coming from the south and keep off guerrillas and scouts. Let inc know your views on these points at your earliest convenience. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 26, 1865. (Received 9.25 p. rn~) Major-General MEAPE: I have telegraphed to the Secretary of War asking to have orders published announcing Humphreys and Parke as the commanders of their respective corps; also asked to have Hartranft brevetted. Will probably receive answer in the morning. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 172 172 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CITY POINT, VA., March 26, 186510 p. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: I made the changes to-day suggested in your dispatch of 4 p. m. in Ords movement. Ilumphreys should, of course, leave l)ickets from Wrights left until their place is filled by Ords troops. One regiment of cavalry, in addition to that with General Collis, ha d better be left to report to General Parke in case the Sixth Corps moves, and subject to your directions until it does move. About 1,500 cavalry from Ords command will be with the army. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, March 26, l8G5lOp. m Lieutenant-General GRANT: Official returns from the several corps show the casualties of yester- day as follows: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Second Corps 51 462 177 Sixth Corps 47 402 30 Ninth Corps 68 337 506 Total 166 1,201 713 Or a graud total of 2,080, which is 80 larger than my approximate esti- mate of this morning. Of prisoners, the account now stands: Second Corps, 305; Sixth Corps, 409; Ninth Corps, 1,949; total, 2,783, or 13 less than reported last night. Of this number some 200 are wounded in our hospitals. It has been quiet along the lines to-day. Permission was granted the eneniy on application to remove their dead and wounded, under a flag of truce, both on the Second and Sixth Corps fronts. GEO. G. MEADE, ]lrajor- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., March 26, 1865. (Received 11.20 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: Is tile loss of the enemy in killed and wounded in front of the Second and Sixth Army Corps supposed to be as great as ours? U. GRANT, General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 186511.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Humphreys estimates the enemys losses in killed and wounded on his front as frilly tllree times his, and I have no doub Page 173 CHAP. LVIII.] 173 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. from the character of the fighting, the heaviest being repulsing their attacks, that their losses were very much greater. Wright also thinks they lost much heavier than we did. On Parkes front their losses were quite severe from the artillery fire of adjacent batteries, not only when their su~)ports were moving up but when they were withdraw- ing. On the whole, I think it would be reasonable to estimate the enemys losses in killed and wounded as 50 per cent. greater than ours. This would make them about 2,000, which, added to the prisoners, would give 4,800. Taking in stragglers and deserters I think it safe to estimate Lees loss for the day not less than 5,000 men. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. JONES LANDING, March 26, 1865. Lient. Geti. U. S. GRANT: I hear the President is at City Point, and likely to come here. Please inform me about what time he will leave City Point. D. 1). PORTEI~ Rear-Admiral. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, 17a., March 26, 1865. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Jones Landing: The President will start up the river about ii oclock this morning. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 26, 18656 p. m. General M. C. MEIGS: Complaints are louder and more frequent than ever of the scarcity of hay, particularly with the cavalry, at this time, on the eve of a move- ment up. R. INGALLS. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQ RS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, - No. 61. City Point, Va., March 26, 1865. Brig. Gen. II. W. Benham, chief engineer Defenses of City Point, will move the pontoon bridge at Be ep Bottom, at as early an hour to- day as practicable, to a point below Four-Mile Creek. He will return it to its present position so soon as the troops under Major-General Sheridan shall have crossed over. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 174 174 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 13.* } IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1865. The major-general commanding aniiounces to the army the success of the operations of yesterday. The enemy, with a temerity for which he has paid dearly, massed his forces and succeeded, through the reprehensible want of vigilance of the Third Brigade, First Division, Ninth Corps, in breaking through our lines, capturing Fort Stedman and Batteries 9, 10, and 11. The prompt nicasures taken by Major-General Parke, the firm bear- ing of the troops of the Ninth Corps in the adjacent portions of the line held by the enemy, and the conspicuous gallantry of the Third Division of this corps, for the first time under fire, together with the energy and skill displayed by Brigadier-General llartranft, its leader, quickly repaired this disaster, aud the enemy were driven from Fort Stedman and onr lines, with heavy losses in killed and wounded, leaving in our hands 8 battle-flags and over 1,900 prisoners. The enemy being driven from the front of the Ninth Corps, the offen- sive was assumed by the Sixth and Second Corps; the enemy by night was driven from his intrenched picket-line, and all his efforts to recover the same, which were particularly determined and persistent on the Second Corps front, were resisted and repulsed with heavy losses, Ieav- ing with the Sixth Corps over 400 prisoners and with the Second Corps 2 battle-flags and over 300 prisoners. The troops of the Sixth Corps reported by Major-General Wright as engaged in these operations were Gettys divisioii, Keifers brigade, Seymours division, and Hamblins and Edwards brigades, of Wheatons division. Of the Second Corps, Major-General llumphreys mentions Miles and Motts divisions and Smyths brigade, of Hays division, supported by Griffins division, Fifth Corps. The result of the day was the thorough defeat of the enemys plans, the capture of his strongly intrenched picket-line, under the artillery fire of his main works, and the capture of 10 battle-flags and about 2,800 prisoners, a result on which the major-general commanding heartily congratulates the army. Two lessons can be learned from these operations: One, that no fortified line, however strong, will protect an army from an intrepid and audacious enemy, unless vigilantly guarded; the other, that no disaster or misfortune is irreparable where energy and bravery are displayed in the determination to recover what is lost and to promptly assumethe offensive. The major-general commanding trusts these lessons will not be lost on this army. In conclusion, the major-general commanding desires to return his thanks to those commands of the army not specially mentioned in this oi~der for the promptitude displayed by all in their movements to dif- ferent parts of the lines under the exigencies of the hour. In connec- tion with this, subject, the promptitude of Major-General Warren and of Brevet Major-General Hunt, chief of artillery, in the early part of the operations during the accidental absence of the major-general com- manding, deserve commendation and thanks. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. This order after being partly distributed was suppressed. See correspondene~ between Meade, Parke, and others, March 2728 Page 175 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARi~IY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 6.43 a. in.) Brevet Major-Geiieral WEBB, Chief of Sta/f: I report that my troops are now back in their old camps. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 12.50 p. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief oJ. AStaff: The following has just been received by flag of truce on the picket- line near the Watkins house. The flag of truce was at once sent back: PICKET-LINE, C. S. FORCES, Near Hatchers Run, March 26, 1865. OFFICER IN ChARGE U. S. FORCES ON PICKET: SIR: I have just received authority from my commanding officer to effect with you an arrangement by which the ground between our two lines, which was fought over yesterday, can be searched for the killed and wounded still on the field. As it is believed that there are several Confederate and Federal dead and wounded on the field still unfound, I sincerely trust, in the name of humanity, that such an arrange- ment may be satisfactorily agreed upon. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, & c., W. R. DANA, Second Lieutenant, C. S. Army. I had thought of sending back reply that a communication from the officer in command of the forces opposite would be submitted to the proper authorities for action, but concluded not to communicate until authorized. There is no firing now and their dead are beyond our picket-line. We have no dead or wounded between the lines I am quite sure. Please let me know whether I shall give the authority asked for, or send word that the request must be made by proper offi- cers, or not send any reply. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, iJliajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 26, 186512.55 a. m. (Received 1 p. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The enemy have a line of battle in their picket-pits of the Armstrong- house field, which are now continuous. They have a second line of battle in pits close in rear, and strong supports again in rear of them; this on a front of aboat 500 yards. This shows their sensitiveness to oar getting closer to the works there, and no doubt a desigu to retake to- night their pits which we hold to their left. I have directed the neces- sary measures and precautions to be taken and certain examinations to be made,and will report to you if it should be deemed necessary to retake any of the enemys picket-line which we left or which they retook. Some ten of these pits on the Armstrong-house field were twice taken by McAllister yesterday and twice retaken by the enemy, they using a heavy line 01 battle covered by artillery. Just before dark General McAllister was directe4 tQ retake them, hit he did not Page 176 176 N. AND SE. YA., W. YA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. and, as it was considered best not to occupy the continuation of the enemys picket-line to the left of the Armstroiig house, unless the oper- atioiis were to be continued, the order to retake was suspended after dark. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. P. S.J have sent you the iuformation now, lest the facts might have other bearing. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 18651 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Coips: The general commanding authorizes you to grant the permission desired by the rebels, if they make the request, as you propose in your dispatch, through a propei officer, and you are also authorized to allow your men to mingle freely with their men. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 18651.05 p. a. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS: General Meade desires to know the number of prisoners taken by you yesterday, according to your latest returns. GEG. D. IRUGGLES, Assistant Adjntant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 18651.15 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The major-general commanding has no objections to any amount of fighting between the lines, an(l you are authorized to call upon all of the Fifth Corps to support you. General Warren is notified. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1865. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Army Corps: The major. general commanding directs that you relieve General Griffin, now holding the t~te-de-pont over Hatchers iRun, with troops of your owii command, in order that General -Wal?ren may move with his whole command when this order shall be issued. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 177 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 177 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 2G, 18651.40 p. m. Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff~: My latest return of prisoners taken yesterday is 14 officers and 327 men, and 1 officer and about 10 men besides in hospital. Report should have been sent before, but have been waiting for report from hospitals, which has not yet come. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1865. COMMANDiNG OFFICER SECOND CORPS: General Meade desires to know whether you have any rebel wounded in your hospitals not included in your returns of prisoners. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 26, 18653.10 p. rn. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: There are no rebel wounded in my hospital except those (about ten) inclnded in my last report of prisoners. I will send accurate report as to the number of those soon. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, ]Ilarch 26, 1865. (Received 5.45 p. in.) Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant-General: My losses yesterday were: First Division, 27 men killed, 10 officers and 256 men wounded, 1 officer and 56 men missing; Second Division, 4 men killed, 3 officers and 29 men wounded; Third Division, 1 officer and 19 men killed, 14 officers and 150 men wounded, 1 officer and 119 men missing; aggregate, 690. The number of missing is in excess of the number reported to me last night. A. A. HUMPHREY S, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 5.55 p. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: I find to-day that but one battle-flag was captured yesterday, instead of two as reported last night. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. 12 R RYOL XLVJ~ PT II Page 178 178 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1865. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS: General Meade desires to know whether the seventeen wounded rebels in hospital are included in your report of prisoners. GEG. D. HUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 7.30 p. in.) Col. GEORGE D. IRUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I reported this morning 14 officers and 327 men prisoners, and in addition to these 1 officer and about 10 men prisoners, wounded, in hospital. The 17 men, including 2 officers, reported this afternoon as wounded prisoners in hospital are the same as referred to this morning as 1 officer and about 10 men, and are in addition to the 14 officers and 327 men; making the total 16 officers and 342 men. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND kRMY CORPS, March 2t 18658.50 p. m. Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Brigadier-General Cooke, commanding brigade of Heths division, applied for a truce of one-half hour for the purpose of searching the vicinity of swamp near the Watkins house for dead of the enemy. By the authority graiited in your dispatch the truce was granted, and 6 oclock to 6.30 designated as the time, and they then made the search. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 26, 18659.80 p. m. (Received 9.45 p. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I did not find it necessary or advisable to attempt anything upon the enemys picket-line. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. ARTILLERY BRIG., 2D ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. Battery commanders are hereby directed to unhitch and unharness; but~ should there be any firing they will hitch and harness immedi- ately. By command of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Hazard: A. M. E. GORDON, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 179 CHAP. LVITh] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 179 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 186510.38 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: Please inform me if General Griffins brigades have returned to their camp. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 11.30 a. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: I sent them back last evening. 1 thought I had directed General Griffin to report to you. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, - Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report all quiet during the night. Large fires like picket-lines were observed in the direction of the Gravelly Run farm. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: A prisoner from Eleventh Mississippi just received from First Divis. ion. He belongs to Davis brigade, Heths division; was on the skir- mish line near Hatchers Run all day yesterday; reports the fight a very severe one, and their men greatly demoralized. Does not know much of the movements of the rebel forces. He will be sent up at once. G. K. XYARREN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 18651.15 p. m. Major-General WARREN: General Humphreys reports two lines of battle, with strong supports, in rear of his front. General Meade desires you to support him with your whole corps, if necessary. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 180 180 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA [CHAP. LVIII. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 18651.20 p. m. Division commanders will at once get their troops under arms and their regiments in line ready to move to any point at a moments notice. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 18651.20 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General WAINWRIGHT, Commanding Artillery Brigade: GENERAL: The major -general commanding directs that you send Colonel Fitzhugh to take charge of the batteries near Hatchers Run, and to remain with them. The batteries at that point will be moved up near these headquarters at once. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. Lieutenant RAWLES, Commanding Artillery, Hatchers Run: LIEUTENANT: The major-general commanding directs that yau have your batteries hitched up and ready to move in any direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. N. B.As soon as you are ready move your batteries up near thes ~ headquarters. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. General GRIFFIN: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that it is not probable you will be called on this evening. You need not Ijeep your troops under arms any longer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Generals Ayres and Crawford. Page 181 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 181 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Miarch 26, 18659.10 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: Major-General Meade is desirous of knowing your casualties yester- day. About what loss~ We bave 10 battle-flags and over 3,000 pris- oners. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 186510.20 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB: I have not been able as yet to get a full return of the casualties yes- terday, but will send it as soon as received. Our loss will, I think, reach 400. We have advanced our line an estimated average distance of half a mile, and the general position, which is better than the old one, has been well strengthened during the night. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 11 a. in.) Col. GEORGE D.RUGGLES: I have the honor to report that during the past twenty-four hours our picket-line has been advanced about half a mile, our troops now occupying the intrenched picket-line of the enemy. Four hundred and thirty-one prisoners were captured and forty-four deserters caine in during the night. Our casualties will be between 400 and 500. Further details have been given in previous dispatches. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 186511.29 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT: Please telegraph the names of the commanding officers of your bri- gades engaged yesterday as soon as you conveniently can. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 186511.35 a. m. Major-General WEBB: In reply to your dispatch I give the names of the, commanding offi- cers of the brigades engaged yesterday: Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. E. Ham- bun, Second Brigade, First Division; Bvt. Brig. Gen. 0. Edwards, Third Brigade, First Division; Byt. Brig. Gen. J. M. Warner, Firs Page 182 182 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. Brigade, Second Divi8ion; Byt. Maj. Gen. L. A. Grant, Second Brigade, Second Division; Col. T. W. Hyde, First Maine Volunteers Thi gade, Second Division; Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. W Keifer rd Bri Third Division. . , Second Brigade, II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CoRPS March 26, 1865. (Received 12.15 p. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: To the list of brigade commanders sent you this morning I desire to add Bvt. Maj. George W. Adams, First Rhode Island Artillery, corn- manding Artillery Brigade. H. G. WRIGHT, ill ajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 6.10 p. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB: Only three rebel wounded were included in the number of prisoners reported this morning as captured yesterday, when it should have been eleven. I also wish to correct that report, since the aggregate captured is found to be 547, instead of 431, the excess being men sent through misapprehension of their guards directly to army headquarters and the eight rebel wounded not previously reported. The number credited to this corps by the provost-marshal-general is 536; add ii wounded rebels in hospital makes the aggregate of 547, as above. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 6.15 p. in.) Major-General WEBB: As I did not open the communication addressed to commanding officer near Jones house, I dont know the purpose mentioned for which a suspension of hostilities for an hour is to be granted. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. [Indorsement.] MARCH 26, 18657.20 p. m. Answered by General Meade in note to General Wright, inclosing communication referred to. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 183 CHAP. LVIII.] 183 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1865. COMMANDING OFFICER SIXTH CORPS: General Heth, rebel, requests suspension of hostilities for one hour to bury dead. I thought you had opened the letter, since it was addressed to you. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. With a view to probable movements of the corps, all surplus bag- gage, material, stores, & c., will be sent to the rear to-morrow, and the troops kept in condition to move at a moments notice. Four days rations will be served to the troops and eight days rations kept in the wagons, in accordance with instructions contained in circular from headquarters Army of the Potomac, March 14, 1865. The troops will also be provided with the amount of ammunition specified in said cir- cular. When the corps moves but five batteries of four guns each will be taken, of which three will be smooth-bore and two rifled, and these will be provided with 270 rounds of ammunition per gun. The bat- teries to be taken will be designated by the chief of artillery, and the remainder will be sent to City Point. The wagons with the intrench- ing tools will be assigned to the respective divisions and accompany them. One-half of the ambulances, one medical wagon, and one army wagon with hospital supplies to each brigade, and one wagon with forage to each division; ambulance train will accompany the troops, and the remainder of the ambulances and hospital train will be held subject to further orders. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 26, 1865. Division commanders will have their troops under arms at 4 a. m. to-morrow, and will remain so until one hour after daylight. Also, ut 4 a. m. the picket-line of the respective divisions will be supported by two regiments, at least equal in strength to their present picket detail, to remain in position until it is light enough to plainly distinguish the enemys position. The artillery will also be held in readiness as above. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 26, 1865. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: The officers of the day, corps and division, report that the right of your picket-line has not advanced so far as our left, and that the latte Page 184 184 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIJJ. has in consequence been compelled to incliiie to the rear, leaving the old rebel picket-line in order to keep up the connection. Can this be corrected by an advance of your right ~ H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Major-General WRIGHT, March 26, 1865. Commanding Sixth Corps: I have sent out to ascertain about the right of my picket-line, and will inform you as soon as I learn the condition existing there. 1 must correct your statement, however. I took the enemys intrenched picket-line on my front, from near my right to the vicinity of the Arm- strong house, some time before the Sixth Corps took any part of tlie intrenched picket-line in their front, and the right of my rear picket- hue had to be refused from the enemys old picket-line because the picket-line of the Sixth Corps had not advanced, instead of the reverse. A. A. HUMPHujEYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS March 26, 18651.10 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: Having referred your telegram to General Miles, commanding the right division of the corps, he says: My line is as far advanced as that of the Sixth Corps on my right. I have sent a request to the officer of the day on the line of the Sixth Corps on my right to advance his line with mine so as to strengthen it. I will send a staff officer to advance the right of my line if the Sixth Corps will keep up connec- tion. A. A. HUMPHREYS Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS March 26, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Nothing unusual has transpired since the repulse of the enemy yes- terday and the re-establishment of our lines. The usual picket firing was kept up during the night. Two deserters from Sixth North Caro- lina, Lewis brigade, caine in. One of them states that Scales brigade was engaged yesterday. Three regiments from the Third Division remained on the main line in the vicinity of Fort Stedman during the night. As soon as General Willcox can relieve these return the Third Division to its old position. regiments I will JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 185 CHAP. LVIII.] 185 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. General WEBB: Two more deserters from Forty-fifth North Carolina have just been reported. A staff officer from General Davies desires to know whether or not General D[avies] can relieve the cavalry brigade on duty here with the dismounted men. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 186510.25 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The major-general commanding authorizes you to relieve the cav- alry and return it to General Davies whenever you shall be able to place Hartranft in reserve again. ALEX. ~. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 1865. COMMANDING OFFICER NINTH CORPS: General Meade desires to know the number of prisoners taken by you yesterday according to your latest returns. How many rebel wounded have you, and are they included in the returu0~ GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 18653.05 p. m. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report total number of prisoners received, 1,949, including officers, 71. Of the total, 191 were wounded, of whom 21 have since died. JNO. G. PARKE, M~jor- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. (Received 3.10 p. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff~: I have it from two or three sources that the rebel general Terry was severely wounded in the engagement yesterday. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 186 186 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. Byt. Brig. Gen. J. C. TIDBALL, Commanding Artillery Brigade, Ninth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you have your troops up at 4 oclock to-morrow morning ready for any emergency that may arise. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to division commanders.) HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH CORPS, March 26, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel LYDIG, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to send you the colors of the Twenty- sixth South Carolina and Fifth North Carolina Regiments, captured yesterday by the Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery and Fifty- seventh Massachusetts infantry, respectively, making eight flags cap- tured by this division. I will send names of captors to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 26, 1865. Adjt. Gen. JOHN ROBERTSON, Detroit, Mich.: We fairly have wiped out the Miiie affair. My division captured 8 flags and 953 prisoners. The Second, Seventeenth, and Twentieth Michigan Infantry fought with their accustomed valor. Very respectfully, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 26, 1865. General WEBB, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Nothing of moment has occurred on my line. Scouting [parties] sent out before daylight this a. m. have returned, seeing no indication of presence of an enemy. How long is the brigade sent to General Parke yesterday to remain there I H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier- General Page 187 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 187 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 186512.10 p. m. Major-General DAVIES, (Jomntanding Cavalry Division: The cavalry brigade will be sent to report to you by General Parke as soon as his reserve division shall be withdrawn. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 26, 186511.45 p. m. Brevet Major-General DAVIES, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to say that when you are ordered to move by Major-General Sheridan you will withdraw all your pickets, and that when you leave you will direct a small and efficient regiment of not less than 300 men to report to Major-General Parke, commanding Ninth Corps. This regimemit will not, however, be transferred from your returns. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Jones Landing, March 26, 18652.30 p. m. Brevet Major-General I )AVLES, Comdg. Second ~av. Div., Army of the Potomac: Lieutenant-General Grant informs me that your division will be under my command, and directs me to notify you to have arrangements made so that at a moments warning you can start with all your effective force, supplied as follows: One hundred and forty rounds of ammuni- tion per man, 40 on their person and 100 rounds in wagons lightly loaded and with good teams; five days rations, to be carried on the persons of the men; and thirty pounds of forage on each horse. You will,in addition, take with you in wagons ten days rations of coffee, sugar~ and salt. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 26, 186510.30 a. m. General RAWLINS, City Point: One or two brigades of Picketts are reported moving yesterday from enemys left toward their right and bridge over the James. I should like to know when General Sheridan gets over, or if th,e Deep Bottom Bridge will be ready for my use to-morrow morning. I shall require it. E. 0. C. OIRD Page 188 188 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CRAP. LVIII. CITY POINT, March 26, 186510.50 a. in. Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. ORD: General Sheridan will cross all his men to-day, and the bridge will oe returned and be ready for your use by midnight to-night.. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 26,1865. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, City Point: Twenty deserters from the enemy have beeii received since yester- day. THEODORE READ, Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, March 26, 1865.5.30 p. m. Major-General ORB: I am now starting a tug to the pontoon bridge with maps for you. Please send some one down to the bridge, where Sheridan is crossing, to receive them. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 26, 18659 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: I shall leave my wood pontoons on the river. Will I want any can- vas pontoons or engineer troops? E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 26, 186512.45 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General SHARPE, City Point: Deserters from the reserves left Richmond about 9 oclock yesterday evening; say Picketts division arrived there yesterday morning en route for Petersburg, but the order was countermanded, and they marched back toward the left at about 11 in the forenoon. One of them talked with men of Corses brigade. FRED. L. MANNING, Provost -Marshal- General Page 189 CHAP. LYHI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 189 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, OFFiCE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, March 26, 1865. Byt. Brig. Gen. T. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: The signal sergeant on Cobbs Hill Tower reports that at 10.40 a. m. another extra train of ten cars, heavily loaded with troops, passed the Junction, going toward Petersbnrg.~~ Very respectfully, & c., L. B. NORTON, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. GENERAL ORDERS,) HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 37. $ Before Richmond, Va., March 26, 1865. I. Fosters and Turners divisions of the Twenty-fourth Corps will be prepared to march at p. m. on the 27th instant. Order of march: First, Turners division; second, Auth onys battery; third, ambulances of Turners division and Anthonys battery; fourth, Fosters division; fifth, Elders and Muhlenbergs batteries; sixth, ambulances of Fos- ters division and Elders and Muhlenbergs batteries; seventh, ammu- nition and medical wagons of general and division headquarters trains; eighth, commissary trains, in the same order as the troops; ninth, quartermasters trains. II. The infantry will carry forty rou~ids of ammunition in the boxes and sixty rounds per man will be taken in wagons. Troops of all arms will carry four days rations in their haversacks and eight days rations for the whole command will be taken in wagons. III. A strong guard will march in the rear of each division and will take stringent measures to prevent straggling. IV. No citizens, other than Government employPs and officers serv- ants, or wagons, carts, or other mean s of transportation, except such as belong to the Government, will be allowed to accompany the command. The provost-marshal will place guards at all convenient points and prevent the passage of all unauthorized persons or means of transpor- tation. V. The allowance of transportation for the command will be in accord- ance with General Orders, No. 37, current series, headquarters Armies of the United States. VI. Chiefs of staff departments will give all necessary orders and details to carry out the provisions of this order. By command of Maj. Gen. John Gibbon: EDWARD MOALE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Before Richmond, March 26, 1865. Brig. Gen. R. S. FOSTER, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding the corps, the Twenty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers will break camp to-mo Page 190 190 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. row morning at 7 oclock and proceed to Deep Bottom, reporting on their arrival to Brig. Gen. J. W. Turnef~, commanding Independent Division. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD MOALE, Lieutenant~ Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRs. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, ]Jliarch 26, 1865. Col. S. II. ROBERTS, Commanding Third Brigade: Upon your arrival outside the works you will dispose of your troops in the following manner: You will occupy the camps and the line of works now occupied and held by Colonel Fairchilds (formerly General Jourdans) brigade, who is to move his troops to the rear upon your arrival. Your brigade being larger, you will occupy as much ground to the left as possible after covering Colonel Fairchilds line. Captaiii Deacon, acting aide-de-camp, will hand you this order in person, and render you what assistance you may desire, and report to these head- quarters as soon as the disposition of your command is completed. You will relieve the picket of Colonel Fairchilds brigade. By order of Brigadier-General Devens: GEG. W. HOOKER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. MARCH 26, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General READ, Chief of Staff: Officer of the day reports change in enemys line in our front. New troops on picket with fancy uniform, probably Richmond reserves. Pickets increased in number. G. WEJTZEL, Major- General. IIDQRs. INFANTRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 26, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General MCKIBBIN, Commanding First Brigade: SIR: You will have a staff officer sent out to some prominent l)laee on your picket-line to watch the movements of thc enemy. Caution your whole line to do the same, and report the least movement to these headquarters. The enemy are evidently moving troops from our front. By order of Brevet Major-General Ferrero: GEO. A. HICKS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Col. G. C. Kibbe, commanding Second Brigade. Page 191 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 191 HDQRS. DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., March 26, 1865. COMMANDING OFFICER, Battery Dutton: It is reported that the eiiemy is withdrawing from a portion of our front and that Changes are being made. Keep a constant lookout and report promptly any changes of any kind you may observe. Send reports to Battery Anderson to be transmitted to the signal party. GEG. L. HARTSUFF, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, March 26, 18658.40 a. rn. Lient. Col. THEODORE READ: COLONEL: A deserter from the Fifteenth Sf irginia, Corses brigade, Picketts division, reports its position yesterday morning the same that it has occupied for the past week on the Williamsburg road, about three miles nearer Richmond than Savage Station. Another deserter from a heavy artillery company stationed at Chaffins farm stat~s that he has heard that they were milling opposite Fort Harrison, but has never seen the mine. He says that he thinks the work has beeu dis- continued, and states that the report was that they were only construct- ing listening galleries. The order for the command to move in after General Tnrner has been received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, IIANALD S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Corn dg. Cavalry Division. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EASTERN VIRGINIA, No. 18. Norfolk, Va., March 26, 1865. Maj. Wickham Hoffman, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, having been ordered by th~ War Department to report to Major-Gen- eral Canby, commanding Military Division of West Mississippi, is hereby relieved from duty at these headquarters. Lieut. Col. T. H. Harris, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, having reported at these headquarters in pursuance of orders from headquarters depart- ment, is hereby assi~-ned to duty as assistant adjutant-general of the District of Eastern Virginia, and is announced as such. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By order of Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon: WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, No. 28. Jones Landing, Va., March 26, 1865. The command will march to-morrow at 6 a. m. in the following order: First, Third Division; second, First Division; third, trains. The commanding officer of the First Division will throw one regiment i Page 192 192 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. rear of the trains, and during the march will leave guides when neces- sary to direct the trains on the proper road. The command will march to Meades old station, on the military railroad from City Point. W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. JONES LANDING, March 26, 1865. Capt. CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General, Engineer Brigade: Left City Point at 11.10 last night. Arrived here at 3.15 this morn- ing. Bridge ready for use at 6.30 a. in., but was not used till 1 oclock. Experienced much trouble in building approaches, owing to the very low tide. As soon as my men have a few hours rest I will replace the bridge in its original position and return to City Point. T. LUBEY, Captain of Engineers. JONES LANDING, March 26, 1865. Capt. CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant-General: Your dispatch received. I have just reported. I would have done so this morning, lzut I did not leave bridge till 6.15 this evening, when crossing was completed. T. LUBEY, Captain of Engineers. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 26, 1865. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester: The modification of General Stevensons order is satisfactory. My attention was called to the subject by complaints of West Virginians, who thought that except in certain cases parties should be suffered to remain. As the matter is under your observation I leave it with you. EDWIN M. STANTON, & cretary of War WASHINGTON, ID. C., March 26, 18651 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester, Va.: General Grant is opposed to giving up Winchester for the present. If Lee should fall back to Lynchburg your forces will be required in West Virginia. If he should move against Sherman your available forces will be required elsewhere. General Grant cannot decide defi- nitely till Lees plans are more developed. He wants you, however, to be ready for the field at any moment with all your available forces. The number you can take with you will, of course, depend much upon your line of operations, which cannot be determined at present. In regard to organizing the Eighth Corps, no one has yet been suggested as corps commander. Do you recommend any one ~ I have telegraphed to General Grant for his opinion. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 193 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 193 HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILLTARY DIVISiON, March 26, 1865. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK Chief of Staff: GENERAL: With respect to the Eighth Corps, my intention was to suggest the formation into a corps of all the infantry troops not required along the railroad, and to recommend Major-General Conch for the command. I do not know a more reliable major-general. But I did not propose to include the troops along the railroad, many of whom are enlisted for that special service. There is also a considerabl& amount of cavalry in the department. Would it form part of the corps l I do not see the advantage of the corps organization unless composed of the troops likely to serve together here or elsewhere. The department commander of West Virginia and his district commanders can, ordi- narily, manage affairs along the railroad with the troops permanently under their command. But it seems to me in forming a corps it would be better to exclude the troops along the railroad. A corps could be composed of the remains of the Nineteenthtwo new divisions under Generals Brooke and Egan, and, I hope, another under General Carroll. If the corps so formed was called on for service elsewhere the cavalry falling under command of the department commander would, with the permanent garrisons, suffice to protect the railroad. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major. General. HARPERS FERRY, March 26, 1865. Brigadier-Geiieral MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Winchester: I will be at Stephensons Depot by this afternoon train, and will come up to-morrow to report. If necessary I can come up to-night. W. II. EMORY, Brevet Major- General. HARPERS FERRY, VA., March 26, .1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: The One hundred and ninety-fifth Ohio arrived to-day and were sent to Charlestown. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 26, 1865. General J. D. STEVENSON: Please inform General Brooke that Colonel Duryea, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, has been ordered to report to him for assign- ment to the command of a brigade. He will probably arrive to-morrow. C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General. 13 R RVOL XLVI~ PT II Page 194 194 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 26, 1865. General S. S. CARROLL, Cumberland: The order of General Stevenson and your modification concerning deserters from rebel army have beei laid before the Secretary of War, who approves of the modification. The general desires it to be understood that only those persons are to be moved North who are considered dangerous by their loyal neighbors or the governor, and wishes your modificatioii to be generally known, so that no trouble may arise hereafter. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General, ct~c. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE l)EPARTNENT, Baltimore March 26 Colonel SEWALL, , , 1865. Commanding Officer, A nnajpoiis: Do the best you can to capture Boyle. General Tyler has been directed to send a squadron of cavalry to report to you, but it will be over twenty-four hours before it will reach you. Call upon the nearest commanding officer in General Augurs department for assistance if you need it. Perhaps he cau give you sonic cavalry at once. By order, & c.: SAML. B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. ANNAPOLiS, MD., March 26, 1865. Lient. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, (Received 8 I~. in.) Assistant Adjutant- General: Brigadier-General Morris directs me to call upon nearest command- ing o~cer in Major-General Augurs department for assistance in arresting murderers of Captain Watkii s. Have you any cavalry in Prince Georges or Calvert Counties ~ If so, will you l)lease direct them to aid in the cal)ture of these men. I have sent a staff officer to Crowns- ville and Upper Marlborough, who will communicate all necessary intelligence. General Morris informs me that cavalry from his depart- ment will report to me to-morrow. I shall send it to Prince Georges, Calvert, and Charles Counties. Governor Bradford informs me he has communicated with Major-General Augur. iF. D. SEWALL, Colonel, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 186510.30 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The battle of the 25th resulted in the following lOss on our side: Sec- ond Corpskilled, 51; wounded, 462; missing, 177. Sixth Corps killed, 47; wounded, 401; missing, 30. Ninth Corpskilled, 68 Page 195 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LJNION. 195 wounded, 337; missing, 506. Our captures were: by the Second Corps, 365; Sixth Corps, 469; Ninth Corps, 1,949. The Second and Sixth Corps pushed forward and captured the enemys strong intrenched picket-line and turned it against him, and still hold it. In trying to retake this the battle was continued until 8 oclock at night, the enemy losing very heavy. llumphreys estimates the loss of the enemy in his front at three times his own, and General Wright estimates it in his front as double. The enemy sent a flag of truce yesterday for permis- sion to collect his wounded and bury his dead, which were between what had been their picket-line and their maui line of fortifications. The permission was granted. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 27, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The annexed order has been made.* General flartranfts appoint- ment as brevet has been made and forwarded to you by mail. Crufts command is embarking. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, iNo. 49. Washington, March 27, 1865. By direction of the President, the following assignments are hereby made: I. Maj. Gen. A. A. llumphreys, to the command of the Second Army Corps. II. Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke, to the command of the Ninth Army Corps. III. Maj. Gen. J. D. Cox, to the command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. IV. All other troops in North Carolina not belonging to corps in General Shermans army will constitute the Tenth Army Corps, of which Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry is assigned to the command. By order ot the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 18651 p. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Ord telegraphs t he is directed to take the position occupied by the Second Corps, and his command will be at Broadway by noon to-morrow ready to move. This would indicate his crossing the bridge by daylight and making known his movement to the enemy. Do you intend this, and do you design he should occupy llumphreys line ~i I * See next,po8t. tSee 11.30 a. in., p. 209 Page 196 196 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD.~ AND PA. [CHAP. NIII. do not know of any objection to the latter, except his troops will not be quite so well in hand as if massed near Hatchers iRun. J think, how- ever, his movement ought to be concealed from the enemy if practh~ab1e. GEG. G. MEADE, Major. General. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 18653 p. m. Major-Genera] MEADE: General Ord draws his troops out of the position they now occupy to-night. They cannot march at night, however, the whole distance without losing a great number of men by straggling, and as they will be in view of the enemy most of the time after they reach Broadway Landing I do not think it possible to conceal his movement. His instructions are to get up so as to relieve the Second Corps pickets as early on Wednesday as possible. I will also instruct Ord to conceal his movements from the enemy if he can. It is only the place of the pickets of the Second Corps that Ord will replace, and the command will be in compact marching order near to Hatchers Run. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 1865. Major-General MEADE: A prisoner who returned from Richmond makes the following state- ment: I saw General McLaughlen yesterday morning in Richmond. He wished me to communicate with General Grant that the works in front of Battery 5 were not strong enough. The enemy intended to make another demonstration on that point and was strengthening his own works on that line. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 1865. Major-General MEADE: General Sherman is here and will remain until about noon to-morrow. I did not ask you to come in to-night because I did not know but you might be needed where you are in the morning. If all is quiet suppose you come in to-morrow morning. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 186510 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I will be at City Point by 9 a. m. to-morrow, and will be most happy to see General Sherman, and beg leave to thank you for the oppor- tunity to do so. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 197 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 197 CITY POINT, VA., ilfttrch 27. 1865. Major-General MEADE: The Chronicle of yesterday gives my dispatches differently from what they were written; I had no estimate of onr losses in the Ninth Corps, and placed onr loss there at about 800, probably less. The enemys loss in front of that corps I estimated at 3,000 all told, killed, wounded, and captured. I was not aware at the time the published dispatches were written that the Sixth Corps had accomplished anything or lost any- thing. Subsequent dispatches, which will probably be published in to-days papers, give the latest information corrected, so far as I know it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, March 27, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General SHARPE, City Point: Stenarts brigade, of Picketts division, arrived in our front yesterday morning; is camped near Battery 45; said to be all of the division that came this way. No other changes of importance. J. C. B[ABCOCK]. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 27, 18656.30 p. m. Major PAINE, Chief signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps, Lieutenant BENSON, Adjutant, t~ignal Corps, Army of the Potomac: All quiet this p. m. At 1.30 p. m. a train of fonr box-cars passed toward Richmond. At 4 p. m. a company infantry drilling on Dunns Hill. The following have been intercepted: 10.15 A. M. Major P.: One company infantry just passed Battery 5 toward enemys left. Sergeant, at D. 11.40 A. M. Colonel B.: No change. Two gun-boats off Port Waithall; one below Point of Rocks. R., Sergeant, at C. (Same to A. B.) 12.40 P. M. Major P.: The body of cavalry reported abont a brigade took forty minutes at a walk to pass a given point, and was lollowed by six wagons. Three more bodies, supposed to be regiments, passed to enemys left. Sergeant, at D Page 198 198 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. From Weisigers front: Colonel B.: At 10 morning two regiments infantry on drill behind Battery A and two to right of Battery C. At 12 in., one regiment infantry drilling behindBattery A and one to right of Battery C. (Same to A. B.) Sergeant, at C. 5 r. M. Major P.: One train of fifteen box-cars loaded with troops just passed toward enemys left. Sergeant, at D. Very respectfully, GEO. W. HOPPING,~ Sergeant. SPE~IAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UI~ITED STATES, No. 62. City Point, Va., March 27, 1865. I. Maj. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Volunteers, will report iu person without delay to Maj. Gem George G. Meade, commanding Army of the Potomac, for assignment to command of cavalry. * * * * * * * By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, illarch 27, 1865. The following movements of the corps of this army are ordered: First. At 3 a. m. of the 29th instant the Fifth Army Corps, Major- General Warren commanding, will move to the crossing of Hatchers iRun at W. Perkins house; thence west to the junction of the old stage road and the Vaughan road, and from this point will open cominuni- cations with the Second Corps on the Vaughan road. This accom- plished, the Fifth Corps will be moved to occupy a position in the vicinity of Dinwiddie Court-House. Second. At 6 a. m. of the same day the Second Corps, Major-General Humphreys commanding, leaving their pickets to be relieved by troops from Major-General Ords command, will move down the Vaughan road, cross Hatchers Run and Gravelly Run, and open communication with Major-General Warrens corps. This done, the Second Corps will be posted at the intersection of the old stage road and Quaker or military road. Third. The Sixth Army Corps will be held in readiness to abandon the line of works now held by it, under orders from these headquarters, when its line of march will be indicated. The commanding officer of the Sixth Army Corps will occupy the line of works to Fort Cummings, putting the surplus artillery in the rear line of works. Fourth. The commanding officer of the Ninth Army Corps will hold his present line until notified of the abandonment of the Sixth Corps line by that corps, when he will take up the return from Fort Davis to his left. Fifth. The Second, Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth Corps will be supplied as directed in circular of March 14, 1865, from these headquarters Page 199 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.UNION. 199 Sixth. The trains of the Second and Fifth Corps not directed to go with the troops, and the general headquarters train, will be parked under the direction of the chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, in the neighborhood of W. Perkins house, on Hatchers Run, arid will be guarded by the Provisional Brigade and Colonel Spauldings command, Engineer Brigade. Seventh. The trains of the Sixth and Ninth Corps will be held in readiness to move, nuder the direction of the chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac. Eighth. The chief engineer Army of the Potomac will detail a pon. tooim train of about 1O() feet of bridge to accompany the Fifth Corps to Hatchers Run. The remainder of the train will await orders in their present camps, and will be prepared to move within lines of the Ninth Corps, arid eventually to City Point, nnless other orders be sent to them. Ninth. The commanding officer cavalry division will at once prepare his dommand to move under the special instructions sent to him. Tenth. Each corps will be prepared to move with five four-gun bat. teries (three smooth-bore and two rifled), instead of with nine four-gun batteries, ordered in paragraph 6 of circular of March 14. But one bat- tery wagon will be taken with Second and Fifth Corps, the remainder will be parked with genenVl train at W. Perkins house. The artillery will in all other respects be made to correspond to instructions of that paragraph. Eleventh. With each corps will be taken the intrenching tools, one- half the ambulances, one medical wagon, one army wagon with hospital supplies to each brigade, and one army wagon with forage to each division ambulance train. The remainder of the ambulance train of the Second and Fifth Corps will be parked with the general train at W. Perkins. Twelfth. Ammunition wagons sufficient to carry twenty rounds of ammunition per man will accompany each division. Thirteenth. Major-General Parke will assume command of the line of works from Fort Cummings to the Appomattox, including the defenses of City Point and the troops now garrisoning that post and line of works. He will keep up a threatening attitude with the force at his disposal, and in case he should discover any weakness on the part of the enemy he will attack at once, and with his whole force if neces- sarv. With the cavalry now at his disposal and to be assigned to him he will watch and picket the roads in rear of his line. Fourteenth. The commanding officer of the cavalry division will, before leaving, detail a mounted regiment to report to Major-General Parke. Fifteenth. General headquarters will be near Second Corps. By command of Major-General Meade: GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 27, 18G5. Col. GEORGE D. iRUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Since last report the troops of Fifth Corps on the left of the line have been relieved by a part of Hays division of this corps, Battery F, First Pennsylvania Artillery, and a section of Battery B, First Rhode Island. A deserter from Cookes brigade came in last night. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General, Commanding Page 200 200 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. LVIIL HEADQUARTERS SI~cOND. ARMY CORPS, March 27, 1865. I3vt. Brig. Gen. E. D. TOWNSEND, A. A. ~L, U. S. Army, War Dept.: GENERAL: Having been assigned to the command of the Second Corps by the President of the United States, I beg leave to present the names of the following officers for appointment as aides-de-camp: Lient. and Bvt. Capt. 11.11. Humphreys, One hundred and twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, to be aide-de-camp, with the rank of major. Captain Hum- phreys has served as one of my aides ever since I commanded troops, and was recommended for promotion by brevet for distinguished gal. lantry at Fredericksburg and at Gettysbnrg. At the former battle he was slightly, and at the latter severely, wonnded. Mr. Henry C. Chris- tiancy, of Michigan, to be aide-de-camp, with the rank of captain. Lieutenant Christiancy served as my aide from November, 1862, to September, 1864, and was recommended for promotion by brevet for gallantry at the battles of Fredericksbnrg and Gettysburg, rendering me very intelligent service at the latter battle. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- Generals Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS March 27, 1865. Major-General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I beg leave to present for your consideration a statement concerning the position in which Lieutenant-Colonel Hazard c artillery, Second Corps, is placed. He has been, ~ hief of understand, for a very long period chief of artillery of the Second Corps, rendering in that capacity efficient service highly creditable to him. In common with the chiefs of artillery of the other corps of the army, he received a promotion of one grade by brevet for his services. But as he was major of an artillery regiment, while the others were colonels of such regi- ments, he received the rank of lieutenant-colonel by brevet, while they received that of brigadier-general by brevet, the service being in each case of a similar character. The return of a large number of general officers to the Army of the Potomac may result in the displacement of Colonel Hazard from his position, simply because he has not the rank of a general officer. in view of that fact and of his services as chief of artillery of the Second Corps (which, during the period I have com- manded the corps, have been in every respect creditable to him), I would suggest that he should be promoted to the rank of brigadier- general by brevet, and I recommend him cordially for that rank. Very respectfully, yours, & c., A. A. HUMPHIREYS,. Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 18656.20 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Grant telegraphs that the Chronicle of yesterday gives his dispatches differently from what they were written. Subsequent dis- patches will give the latest information. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl. (Same to Major-General Wright and Parke. Page 201 CHAP. LVIII.] 201 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. GENERAL ORDERS, )~ IIDQRS. FIRST Div., SECOND ARMY CoRPS, No. 28. Illarch 27, 1865. The attention of all officers is called to the wasteful use of ammunition in time of action. A great deal of random firing is indulged in bythe men, which is perfectly useless and must be restrained by the officers. Men are often seen going to the rear while their regiments are engaged, their only excuse being that they are without ammunition. This will be no excuse. Ammunition can always be procured close behind the line of battle, but must be sent for by brigade or regimental commanders. The troops should rely more upon the bayonet, which is the most power- ful weapon. On the last campaign several regiments broke up and scattered in the most disgraceful manner. All commanders will main- tain the organizations of their commands under all circumstances, whether it be a regiment, company, or platoon. If a regiment receive orders to advance or fall back, it will do so in good order,and every officer must know where all his men are and hold them well in hand, so as to be able to move them in a body in any direction. In the coming campaign any organization which breaks and disperses in the manner above referred to will berecommended to be disbanded. When attacked by the enemy, the skirmish-line, instead of falling back at once upon the main iine, will resist to the utmost and contest every foot of ground. If fairly compelled to retire, the skirmishers will be assembled upon the flanks of the regiments in their rear and participate in the engagement there. Brigade commanders will never allow skirmishers to pass to the rear of the line of battle. They will rally on it, and fight with it, and when the enemy are repulsed will be again advanced. The com- manding general takes this opportunity to express his gratification at the gallant and determined manner in which the division fought on the 25th instant. It was attacked outside its works by superior numbers of A. P. Hills corps, and the attack was repulsed and the enemy hand- somely whipped and forced back to his works. Every regiment did its duty, and scarcely a single skulker or coward was noticed in the rear. The coolness and skill of the officers and the valor and enthusiasm of the troops throughout the command demonstrates their superiority over the enemy and justifies their commander in the confidence which he reposes in them. By order of Brevet Major-General Miles: RICIID. A. BROWN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 27, 1865. (Received 8.45 a. in.) Col. GEORGE D. IRUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: Nothing of importance has occurred during the past twenty-four hours. One prisoner from the Eleventh Mississippi and one deserter from Ninth Virginia Cavalry, both forwarded to headquarters Army of the Potomac. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers Page 202 202 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 186511.55 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The major-general commanding has learned with regret that a por- tion of the picket-line taken up by you on the 25th has been taken from you by the enemy. If not considered by you important to be retained, he considers that you would have done better had you retire(l from it the first night. At present he feels disposed to see it recaptured and is not anxious to avoid any fighting between the lines; but still leaves it to your judgment to decide, after the flag of truce shall be over, whether or not you will retake it. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Star. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 27, 1865. The following communication, received from headquarters Army of the Potomac, is promulgated for the information and guidance of division commanders. Until a movement takes place this will be con- sidered confidential: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 1865. Maj. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that the following extract from a letter of instructions from the lieutenant-general be furnished for your information and guidance: By these instructions a large part of the armies operating against Richmond are left behind. The enemy, knowing this, may, as an only chance, strip their lines to the merest skeleton, in the hope of advantage not being taken of it, whilst they hurl everything upon the moving column an(l return. It cannot be impressed too strongly upon the commanders of troops left in the trenches not to allow this to occur without taking advantage of it. The very fact of the enemy coming out to attack, if he does so, might be regarded as almost conclusive evidence of such a weakening of his lines. I would have it particularly enjoined upon corps commanders that, in case of an attack from the enemy, those not attacked are not to wait for orders from the commanding officer of the army, but that they will move promptly and notify the commander of this action. I would also enjoin the same action on the part of division commanders when other parts of their corps are engaged. In like manner I would urge the importance of following up a repulse of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. In connection with the above, the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac desires to particularly impress upon corps commanders and commanders of divisions the neccssity of vigorous action and prompt and active resistance in case the enemy should take the offensive. He reminds all that it is only by this course that we can insnre immediate success. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. By command of Major-General Wright: C. II. WHLTTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 203 CHAP. LYrn.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 203 ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIxTH CORPS, March 27, 1865. With a view to probable movements of the corps, all surplus bag- gage, material, stores, & c., will be sent to the rear to-morrow and the troops kept in condition to move at a moments notice. Four days rations will be issued to the troops and eight days rations kept in the wagons, in accordance with instructions contained in circular from headquarters Army of the Potomac, March 14, 1865. The troops will also be provided with the amount of ammunition specified in said circular. When the corps moves, but five batteries of four guns each will be taken, of which three will be smooth-bore and two rifled, and these will be provided with 270 rounds of ammunition per gun. The batteries to be taken will be designated by the chief of artillery, and the remainder will be sent to City Point. The wagons with intrench- ing tools will be assigned to the respective divisions and accompany them. One-half of the ambulances, one medicine wagon, and one army wagon with hospital supplies to each brigade, and one wagon with forage to each division ambulance train will accompany the troops, and the remainder of the ambulance and hospital trains will be held subject to further orders. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 27, 1865. Division commanders will have their troops under arms at 4 a. m. to-morrow, and will remain so until one hour after daylight. Also at 4 a. m. the picket-lines of the respective divisions will be supported by two regiments (or more, if the division commanders should deem it advis- able), at least equal in strength to the present picket detail, to remain in position until it is light enough to plainly distinguish the enemys position. The artillery will also be held iii readiness as above. There are certain indications on the part of the enemy that lead the major- general commanding to suspect that an attack may be made upon the lines of this corps to-morrow morning. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. OFFICIAL.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvISION, SIXTH CORPS, March 27, 1865. In compliance with the above instructions, brigade commanders will each detail a regiment, at least 250 strong, as a support to the picket- line. The regiments of the Third Brigade will be posted on or near the line of the Weldon railroad, and each regimental commander ot the regiments thus detailed, when in position, will report in person to Lieu. tenant-Colonel Rhodes, division officer of the day. The details from the First and Second Brigades will in ljke manner be so posted as best to support any attack that may be made upon their respective brigade picket-lines. By command of Brevet Major-General Wheaton: A. M. TYLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 204 204 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS NINTH CORPS, March 27 1 Major-General WEBB, a. m. Chief of Staff: All is quiet along my lines. Picket-firing, as usual, is kept up on portions of the line. Two deserters came in. One has reported from Fifty-third North Carolina. He has no news. The other is from a Louisiana regiment. The communication, under a flag, between General Hartranft and the rebel general Lewis ceased yesterday. They fur- nished us a list of our officers prisouers, and reported that there were none of our wounded at the hospital of Gordons corps. A list of their wounded officers in our hands was furnished them, as was agreed on the day previous; also two more of their dead passed over to them, found after the truce had ceased of the day before. More deserters are now arriving at these headquarters, but have not yet been examined. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 186511 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Major-General Meade directs that the brigade of cavalry now with you be returned to General Davies as soon as possible. ALEX. S. WEBB Breret Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS March 27, 1865. (Received 11.45 a. in.) Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: All of Hartranfts regiments are now relieved and in reserve except one. This I propose having relieved to-night by the Eighteenth New Hampshire, which I have proposed assigning to Willcoxs division, instead of consolidating with the Sixth New Hampshire, as was sug- gested some days ago. I will relieve the cavalry brigade at once and direct the commanding officer to report to General Davies. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 27, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Geii. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: Five deserters have been examinedfour from Thirty-eighth Georgia and one from Ninth Louisiana. They have nothing new. Heard that General Terry was slightly wounded and that another general officer was killed. This 8tatement is also made by the deserter mentioned in my first dispatch. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 205 Cu& r. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 205 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRps, March 27, 1865. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have the honor to recommend that the rank of brevet major-general of volunteers may be conferred upon Brig. Gen. John F. Hartranft, commanding Third Division, Ninth Army Corps, for his conspicuous gallantry in charging the enemy with his command and recaptnring Fort Stedman during the affair of 25th instant, as well as for his industry and efficiency in organizing and disciplining his divis- ion, composed entirely of new regiments. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 1865. Respectfillly forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant, and a reference made to my telegram of yesterday upon this subject, to which a reply was received that the nomination had been made to the Secretary of War and information returned that the appointment would be made. I forward this communication approved, in order that the facts may be placed on record in a more enduring form. GEG. G. MEAPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date recommending Brigadier-General Hartranft, U. S. Yolunteers, for the brevet of major-general of volun- teers for his conspicuous gallantry in recapturing Fort Stedman during the action of the 25th instant, as well as for his industry and efficiency in organizing and disciplining his division, composed of new regiments. In reply, I am directed to inform you that before the receipt of your letter a recommendation to this same effect had been made by the coui- manding general to Lieutenant-General Grant, to which a response was received that this nomination had been made to the Secretary of War and a telegraphic answer returned that the appointment should be made. Since then the commanding general is informed by tele- graph that Brigadier-General Hartranft is brevetted major-general, and the appointment has been forwarded by mail. Your recommen- dation is hereby forwarded to complete the record. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. D. BUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 206 206 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRPS, March 27, 18658.55 p. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: As the second paragraph of General Orders, No. I 3,~ reflects so severely upon the reputation and character of Bvt. Brig. Gen. N. B. McLaughlen, now a prisoner of war, and as it is otherwise incorrect as to a statement of fact, I most respectfully beg that the order may be suspended and not promulgated until that paragraph is amended. dING. G. PARKE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 18659 p. m. Major-General PARKE: General McLaughlen is not mentioned in General Orders, No. 13, and no censure was intended to be put on him, but his command is consid- ered as wanting in vigilance. Whenever the assertion that the order is incorrect in fact is made apparent by evidence it will be amended, but till then I shall f~el it my duty to let it stand. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 186510 p. m. Major General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Can you promptly furnish me with a report and facts showing wherein the statement that due vigilance was not exercised by the Third Brigade, First Division, on the 25th, is incorrect and other points that may, in your judgment, be wrong in General Orders, No. 13. When your last dispatch was received the order had been sent to the Sixth and the INinth Corps. I have directed it not to be distributed. I should regret doing ii~justice. but I~ cannot understand how this work and line could be carried by a rush, as you reported, if the defenders directed to be there were on the alert. If it had been carried after a prolonged struggle by overpowering numbers and continued efforts before supports could arrive, it would be intelligible to me; but, as I understand it, no defense was made, but the work was in the hands of the enemy as soon as it was attacRed. I shall be greatly gratified to be corrected, but I must request the statement to be at once sent, as I presume you are by this time prepared to do so. GEG. G MEADE Major- General, Commanding. *See p.174 Page 207 CHAP. LYIJIl CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 207 HEADQUARIERS NINTH ARMY CoRPS, March 27, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. 0. B. WILLOOX, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: Major-General Parke directs me to say to you, in connec- tion with your note just received, that he had heard no unusual firing here, but that he desires you to keep up all due vigilance through the night. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servan ~, JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 27, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. 0. B. WILLOOX, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: In addition to the instructions contained in the confiden- tial circular sent you on March 15 instant, in contemplation of a movement of this corps, the following is furnished for your information and guidance: 1. By 5 oclock on the morniiig of March 29 instant the troops will be rationed, as directed, in above-mentioned circular. The supply and ammunition trains will t~e loaded as therein and hereinafter directed and be in readiness to move. 2. Ammunition wagons sufficient for and provided with twenty rounds of ammunition per man will accompany each division. 3. Division commanders are instructed to make every provision to have their command in thorough condition for field operations by 5 oclock on the morning of the 29th and to be in coi;iplete readiness to move at a moments notice. By command of Major-General Parke: JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant- Gen3ral. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 186510 a. m. Major-General ORD: Von will want to take your canvas pontoons and engineer troops with you. As early as possible on Wednesday morning get your troops in the position now held by the Second Corps and relieve their picket that will be left nntil you arrive. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27, 186511 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: I shall send fifteen pontoons with Sumner; have fifteen left. I shall send the pontoons for Sumner without mules, as I have only mules enough for fifteen canvas pontoons to go with column here. E. 0. C. GIlD, Major-Uener~d Page 208 208 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHkP. LVIII. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 18653 p. m. Major-General ORD: It is only the pickets of the Second Corps I want you to replace. Your command will be moved up in compact marching order near to Hatchers Run, on the left of our line. This is the ground occupied now by the Second Corps, only they are scattered to cover a long line. If you can possibly get to the ground which you are to occupy to-morrow night without being observed by the enemy, I would like you to do it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27 1 Lieutenant-General GRANT, , 8653.30 p. m. City Point: I am to start to-night, cross two rivers, one has but single bridge. Can I march new troops thirty miles by to-morrow night and relieve Second Corps next morning at 6 a. m. ~ Should not Second Corps hold their line till relieved, if their line is important~ The route General Meade sends me is thirty miles from my camp. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 18655.30 p. m. Major-General ORD: It is not particularly necessary that you should relieve the pickets of Second Corps at 6 a. m. on the 29th. Make your marches so as not to over fatigue your men, and when you get up relieve them. Starting to-night and then early Wednesday, you will be at Hatchers Run at an early hour on I~hat day. U. S. GRANT, - Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27, 18655.30 p. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: Will try to get ~ division up. iDo not expect to get more, as it would scatter them for miles. Sumner reports river at Winton 900 feet. All my canvas pontoons -together reach but 600 feet. He will have to get the admiral to send up and occupy Winton and ferry him over, or give up the expedition. E.G. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27, 1865. (Received 6.35 p. in.) Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff: Eight deserters from the enemy have been received since yesterday. THEG. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 209 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27, 1865. Brigadier-General IRAWLINS, Chief of Staff: General Ludlow thinks that if the telegraph wire, instead of cross- lug Back River on Jamestown Island at the upper end, were to run down the island and cross over Back River at the lower end, following the beach to the mouth of College Creek, where there is a small post, and thence to Fort Magruder, it would be un(ler better control than it now is. Can this alteration be niade~ E. 0. C. ORD, Major-General, Co rnmandinq. HEADQUARTERS ARMY (F THE JAMES, March 27, 18659.30 a. m. Major-General MEADE: I am ordered to move a command to near where left of your army rests. Shall start it in tomorrow. Where had I better encamp them so as not to be in the way and have good ground, and by what roads better reach destination l Please answer at once. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ~ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 186510.35 a. m. Major-General ORD: Your troops had better encamp on the Weldon railroad south of Fort Dushane, in the vicinity of the Robertson house. The best road to avoid being seen by the enemy is from the Point of Rocks bridge to City Point railroad at Blands house; thence along that road to Shands~ thence southerly past Bowles and Birchetts to McCanns Station, on Norfolk road; thence westerly by the Gurley house to the Weldon railroad. I will have a staff officer to meet you at the bridge, or report to your headquarters, as you may deem best. If you cross the bridge at night, and desire to conceal your movement, let me suggest you have a guard on the bridge, and do not allow any trains, stragglers, & c., to pass after daylight. I make this suggestion because intercepted rebel messages clearly prove that similar movements have been hitherto detected from the above causes. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27, 186511.30 a. m. Major-General MEADE: I have been ordered to take my command to the position occupied by the Second Corps. Please send me definite information in regard to the portion of your line occupied by this corps, and I would like tQ 14 R RYOL XLVI, PT 111 Page 210 210 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. have you send two staff officers to meet my columns and direct them by the proper roads from their camps near Broadway, which they will reach to-morrow before noon. B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ]lia~ ch 27, 186512.45 p. m. Major-General GilD, Commanding Army nj the Jame~, General Humphreys, commanding Second Corps, holds from Fort Sampson to Hatchers Run. Is or(lered to move at 6 a. in., leaving his pickets to be relieved by you. The staff officers you ask for will be furnished you. The route indicated by General Meade in his dispatch was predicated upon the supposition that you were to cross the bridge at night. Should you move in the daytime the shortest route for you to take will be from Doctor Shands house down the railroad past these headquarters. In the absence of Major-General Meade, I send you this dispatch, in accordance with instructions received from him. Respectfully, ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 34. ) Before Bichmond, Va., March 27, 1865. In the movements of this army no wagons or vehicles of any descrip- tion belonging to sutlers, traders, or camp-followers will be permitted to go along, and whenever such are found in the midst of or impeding the wagon trains or troops they will be at once turned out, and the goods contained in them will be confiscated and distributed to the troops. This order will at once be published to the class of persons intended. By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMORANDUM HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, ORDERS. March 27, 1865. I. Three divisions of the Army of the James, two of the Twenty. fourth, and one of the Twenty-fifth Corps will march to-night, General Turners division leading. His wagons will cross in advance at Deep Bottom this p. m. and at Broadway as soon after dark as practicable. He will camp near the railroad from City Point to the left of the Army of the Potomac. II. General Birneys division will start at dark this p. in., trains in advance, crossing at Aikens, and in crossing at Broadway its trains will follow General Turners division and in advance of its troops (Birneys), and when crossed will encamp in rear of General Turners division Page 211 CHAP. LVIH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 211 III. Shortly after dark General Fosters division, trains leading, will start, crossing at Deep Bottom, and move across to the bottom on this side of the Appomattox, resting where the one years Pennsylvania troops were encamped, remaining there until the division of General Birney has crossed that stream, and, if possible, put their trains and men across that night so as to encamp with the leading divisions. If that cannot be done, they will remain in camp this side of the Appo- mattox and follow the leading divisions to-morrow night. IV. The cavalry under command of General Mackenzie will to-mor- row night cross at the Aiken bridge, crossing as early as possible after dark, and follow the infantry as rapidly as may be. V. The whole command is expected to reach the gronud occupied by the Second Corps Wednesday morning. Arrangements will be made by division commanders to collect and punish stragglers at each bridge and not to let them pass the bridges scattered. The engineer troops will form the rear of the other infantry and camp with head- quarters of the army. All the troops will move with four days rations in haversacks and eight days in wagons. To avoid hauling as much as possible, commissaries and quartermasters will have sufficient sup- plies delivered by rail at the railroads at a point which will be desig- nated to fill up the wagons. Sixty rounds of ammnnition per man will be taken in wagons, and as much grain as the transportation on hand will carry after taking the specified amount of supplies. In regard to other details, commanders will be governed by the verbal instructions received from these headquarters. By command of Major-General Ord: THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 27, 1865. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Commanding Division: GENERAL: The following telegram has just been received.* In the absence of General Ord I send you this for your guidance. Very respectfully, THEODORE READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Before Richmond, Va., March 27, 1865. [General TURNER:] GENERAL: I hope you will be able to get into camp early enough to-night to give your men a good rest. Start your division at sunrise in the morning, taking the route laid down in General Meades tele- gram.t If Foster is up with you, he will follow your troops; if he is not, let your train follow directly after you. If both divisions and trains are across the Appomattox before daylight the troops will go ahead and be followed by the whole train. My headquarters to-night will be at Broadway Landing, probably on the south side. Respectfully, yours, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General. * See Grant to Ord, 5.30 p. iii., p. 208. tSee 10.35 a.mn., p. 209 Page 212 212 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HDQRS. DEPT. OF ViRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, March 27, 1865. General WEITZEL, Commanding Twenty-fifth Corps GENERAL: If an evacuation occurs in my absence look out for tor- pedoes and mines. It is now reported that large numbers of the former are put down on Chaffins farm and Bermuda front. ~ let your columns take the roads; keep them in the woods and bypaths. Send cattle and old horses up the roads first. To-night and to-morrow keep camp-fires going as usual in empty camps, and the usual picket on. Make as little change as possible at conspicuous points. If you can do so, cover the prominent part of the vacated camps with shelter-tents for a day or two, or old newspapers; go on with drills and parades in sight as usual. Adams Fifth Massachusetts Colored Cavalry is on its way to Deep Bottom; may arrive to-morrow or day after. Better camp them near where Mackenzies outside camps were. It is very full. Besides this, I leave about 4~OO of Mackenzies division, commanding officer to report to you. Birneys division will move very quietly soon as it is dark; cross at Aikens, thence cross at Broadway, behind Turner; both put wagons in front. Yours, & c., E. 0. C. ORD. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, March 27, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: In regard to all ordinary business your action will be final. The office of the department will be open here for the recording of papers. THEG. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., March 27, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: GENERAL: A deserter from the enemy reports that three brigades of Fields division moved toward the enemys right about 3 or 4 oclock this evening; that several batteries that have been held in reserve moved this afternoon to the enemys left. He has been sent to you. CHAS. DEVENS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 85. ) in the Field, Va., March 27, 1865. * * * * * * * 3. .Brig. Gen. and Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. V. Kautz, U. S. Volunteers, having reported for duty in compliance with Special Orders, No. 79, headquarters Department of Virginia, dated March 20, 1865, is hereb Page 213 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC UNION. 213 assigned to the command of the First Division of this corps, and will relieve Brigadier-General Wild at once. Brigadier-General Wild will be assigned to duty by General Kautz. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General Weitzel: W. L. GOODRICH, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HD QRS. TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 85. ) in the Field, Va., March 27, 1865. * * * * * * * 8. After dark to-night the One hnndred and fifteenth U. S. Colored Troops will be temporarily attached to the Second Brigade of the First Division. The Twenty-eighth and Tenth U. S. Colored Troops, will con- stitute a brigade under Bvt. Brig. Geii. C. S. Russell, colonel Twetity- eighth U. S. Colored Troops, to be called the Attached Brigade of the First Division, and will report to the commanding officer of the First Division. The Third Brigade~ of the First Division will move at once to the camp formerly occupied by Brevet Brigadier-General Henrys troops, near the headquarters of the Third Division of the Twenty- fourth Corps, and will obey any orders regarding movements, & c., from General Charles Devens, but report, as far as papers, drill, and instruc- tion is concerned, to the commanding officer of the First Division, Twenty-fifth Corps. General Ru~sells brigade will move at daylight to-morrow morning to the deserted camps of General Thomas brigade, near First Division headquarters. General Draper~s brigade will be responsible for the whole line from Fort Burnham (exclusive) to Fort Brady (inclusive). The commanding officer of the First Division will see that camp-tires are kept burning as usual in all the camps, that as little change as possible is made at con- spicnous points, and as far as possible cover the line of vacant tents nearest to the enemy with shelter-tents, and preferably occupy the two lines of tents near the line instead of encamping in column. Until fur- ther orders the drum corps of each regiment will beat tattoo aiid reveille twice, and at different points. Reveille will, until further orders, be beaten at daybreak. Parades and drills in view of the enemy will be continued as usual. The whole command will be stripped for a move- ment and a tight; everything surplus sent across the James River. By command of Major-General Weitzel: W. L. GOODRICH, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 27, 1865. General CARR, Fort Pocahontas: General Ord directs that you send the spare battery you mentioned to him that you had (Wheelers) to report to General Hartsuff, Ber- muda Hundred, without unnecessary delay. Call on the quartermaster for transportation, if you havent it. H. B. SCOTT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 214 214 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. tvIII. HEADQUARTERs SEPARATE BRIGADE, Capt. H. B. SCOTT, Fort Pocahontas, Va., March 27, 1865. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Army of the James: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your tele- gram of this date, directing me to order the light battery at this post to report to General Hartsnffl The guns of the battery constitute the artillery armament of this post. I have made a requisition for gnus to take their place. As soon as the requisition is filled the battery will be ordered to report as directed. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. CARR, Brigadier- General. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., March 27, 18656.30 a. m. General INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster, Armies in the Field, City Point: Captain Strang, without giving me the slightest notice, has ordered away all my fifty wagons, not even having the courtesy to inform me that lie had done so. I had received a very important order for to-night, which this would have prevented me from executing except for the accident that the train had started. I learn that he has sent a mes- senger to call back even those. As I have over 150 heavy guns in position and am constantly receiving orders relative to them or their supply, I need a train not less than the above, and would respect- fully request that Captain Strang be ordered to su~)ply it and here- after not to recall it without my consent. HENRY L. ABBOT Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Cvmy POINT, March 27, 1865. Brig. Gen. H. L. AIrBOT: Colonel Batchelder, chief quartermaster, Army of the Potomac, mnformed me that the Artillery Reserve wagons would be able to per- form the distribution of siege ammunition, as they were not to accom- pany the army. On the strength of this I ordered Captain Strang to withdraw the trains furnished by him, but he should miot have taken them away without notifying you. I have telegraphed to Colonel Batchelder to send the wagons from the Reserve Artillery train at once. RUFUS IN GALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27, 1865. General GORDON: General Ord wishes to know whether the ferry-boats plying between Portsmouth and Norfolk can go through the Dismal Swamp Canal. Answer as soon as possible. PETER S. MICHIE, Chief Engineer Page 215 OTIAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 215 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 27, 1865. General GORDON, 3forfolk: Is Colonel Sumner en route here~ E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. General GORDON: Colonel Sumner left here last night for the front. OPERATOR, Fortress Monroe. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Greggs Station, March 27, 1865. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of StajJ Head quarters Armies of the United States: 1 have established my headquarters at this place (Greggs Station). P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 1865. Major-General SHERIDAN, Greggs Station: General Sherman will be here this evening to spend a few hours. I would like to have you come down. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY I)IVISION, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 27, 1865. (Received 6 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I will be down on the first train. P. II. SHERIDAN, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 27, 1865. Maj. Gen. W. S. HANCOCK, _ Winchester, Va. Please order all medical officers belonging to regiments of cavalry now with General Sheridan to proceed to this I)lace at once. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. WINCHESTER, March 27, 1865. (Received 10.15 a. in. 28th.) General J. A. RAWLINS: There are six medical officers at the Remount Camp, all but one belonging to regiments now with Sheridan. There are 6,100 me Page 216 216 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIIL there, mostly belonging to Sheridans command. I send three of them in the morning, and will send the rest as soon as I can find surgeons to relieve them. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRs. MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, No. 35. Wnches~er, Va, March 27, 1865. Commanders of troops are enjoined to see that their commands are at once prepared for active service. The troops should vacate their winter quarters and dispose of all surplus baggage and be fully equipped with the proper camp and gar- rison equipage. The transportation will be at once fixed as prescribed iii General Orders, No. 34, current series, from these headquarters, all surplus being turned in to the quartermasters department. Every ambulance used in the quartermasters department as spring wagon must be at once marked, so as to be easily identified as such, and no others will be allowed to be used under any pretense except by the sick. The penalties prescribed in the act of Congress approved March 11, 1864, organizing the Ambulance Corps, for persons riding in an ambulance except when sick, will be rigidly enforced on and after the 3d day of April, by which time the authorized wagons must be pro- cured and marked so as to be distinguished from ambulances. Quartermasters will turn in to the depot all ambulances in their pos- session not required by the medical department, and are forbidden to have any in their possession. By command of Major-General Hancock: GEORGE LEE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 27, 1865. Brevet Major-General TORBERT, Chif of Cavalry: The major-general commanding desires you to send a cavalry scout to-morrow morning to Woodstock for the purpose of getting as accu- rate information as possible concerning the location and strength of the parties of the enemy in the Valley. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers and Chief of $taff. HEADQUARTERS, Weston, W. Va., March 27, 1865. Lient. J. P. WILKINSON, Acting Assistant A djutant- General. C!arksburg, W. Va.: SIR: Inclosed find the letter written by Capt. W. T. Wiant, dated Glenville, W. Va., 20th instant, of which I beg leave to make the fol- lowing statement : On the 18th instant Mr. Cather, a citizen of Taylo Page 217 CRAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 217 County, W. Ya., reported to me near 11 at night that the servants of Mr. Arnold reported to him (the Citizen) that there were thirty or forty rebels in Troy. Immediately after receiving information of said report I directed a detail of a sergeant and ten men to patrol the road between Weston and Troy, in order to ascertain the facts in the case, giving the sergeant in charge orders to patrol as far as Troy; if not meeting with the enemy, to return, which he did and reported all untrue. This was done on my own responsibility without knowing of anything stated in the letter of Captain Wiant. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. ALLEN, Captain, Commanding. [Inclosure.] GLENVILLE, W. VA., March 20 1865 Colonel WILKINSoN: DEAR SIR: On Saturday, the 18th instant, there was a squad of cav- alry came from Weston to within five miles of this place, and then returned to Weston without coming as far as this place. At the same time there were two squads of rebels five miles from here, on the south side of the river. If they had come on, with what mcii I had we could have crossed the river, and, if nothing else, might have driven them out of the country. I [suppose] those cavalry met some rebel citizens before reaching here, and they induced them to retreat by making false state- ments. There are still several bands of these rebel thieves roaming over this country that ought to be broken up and the parties extermi- nated, and I do not know of any other way to do it but to order a com- pany of infantry here to assist my company in scouting the country south of the Kanawba River and kill as many of them as possible. Yours, respectfully, W. T. WIANT, Captain, Commanding Independent Company. CLARKSBURQ March 27, 1865. Col. CHARLES H. DAY, Commanding, Builtown: Capt. W. T. Wiant, State Scouts, writes as follows from Glenville: Citizens coming in from the neighborhood of Doctor Cutlipps, on Cedar Creek, in Braxton County, which is about eighteen miles southwest of Bulitown, state that they saw there over 100 rebel soldiers, and others say that there are over 200 of them, with one howitzer. How much truth I cannot say. You will at once send a sufficient force, under reliable officers, to ascer- tam the truthfulness of these reports, and with instructions to scout the country thoroughly and kill or capture as many of the enemy as possible. By order of Col. N. Wilkinson: JAS. P. WILKINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 28, 1865. (Received 7.35 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: The assignment of Hancock to the Middle Division and the Depart- ment of West Virginia is only temporary during Sheridans absence Page 218 218 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CiixP. LVIII. and with the express understanding that it ceases whenever Sheridan returns. Hancock was reluctant to take the command until I assured him it should only be temporary and that Crocker would take the department and Sheridan relieve huin of the division. No order was made relieving Sheridan. Hancock wants field (ility. I thought the command safer with him in Sheridans absence thau it would be with any one else. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 28, 1865, Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: Orders have been received here, issued by General Sheridan, March 20, at White House, as commanding Middle Military Division. The headquarters of that division i~ Winchester, and Major-General Haii- cock has commanded the division since General Sheridan left, by the assignment of the President. There cannot be at the same time two commanders of the same division. Please call General Sheridans attention to this in order to avoid conflict of orders. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. CITY POINT, VA., March 28, 18653 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: If orders have been made relieving General Sheridan from the com- mand of the Middle Division I would ask to have it revoked. I under. stand that General Hancock was temporarily in command of the troops in the division in Sheridans absence. Hancock might be assigned to the command of the Departmemmt of West Virginia permanently, and succeed Sheridan iii command of the division wheu the latter is absent. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOiVIAC, March 28, 18653.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Deserters report Terrys, Huntons, and Stenarts brigades, of Pick. etts division, as on my front, in addition to Gordons corps, Heths and Wilcoxs divisions, of Hills corps, and Bushrod Johnsons division. It has also been reported that Thomas brigade, hitherto miorth of the Appomattox,is also here. This leaves Kershaw and Mahone north of the James and between it and the Appomattox. GEO. G. MEADE, Major. General Page 219 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 219 CITY POINT, VA., March 2S, 1865. Major-General MEADE: Does your order require all the troops at City Point to report to General Benham ~ I have not seen the order, but have seen the amend- ment made to the original.* U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 18658.45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The order for to-morrows movement was sent in this mornings mail to City Point, under cover, to Colonel Bowers. Parke was directed to take command of all the troops in the trenches and those garrison- ing and defending City Point. The order constituting the garrison of City Point a separate command specified that, when necessity required, this garrison would be moved to the line of outer defenses, and its commander would then report to Brigadier-General Benham. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 1865. ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to transmit nine battle-flags and one staff with remnant of flag captured from the enemy in the engagement of the 25th instant, together with copies of letters from the commanding officers of the Ninth Corps and One hundred and twenty-fourth New York Volunteers, Second Corps, iii regard to the capture of these colors. The names of the captors of the flags taken by the 1~inth Corps will be forwarded as soon as received. Iii consid- eration of the gallantry displayed by Private George W. Tompkins,t of Company F, One hundred aiid twenty-fourth New York Volunteers, Second Corps, I have the honor to request that a medal of honor be conferred upon him. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. [hiclosuro No. 1.1 HEADQITARTERS 124TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, March 26, 1865. ADJUTANT-GENERAL FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., SECOND CORPS: SIR: I have the honor to forward the following statement regarding the capture of the battle-flag of the Fifty-ninth Alabama Regiment: Being in line of battle in rear of temporary breast-works on the left of the Watkins house, about 7 oclock on the evening of March 25, 1865, three regiments of the enemy charged immediately in my front, driving in our pickets and advancing to within sixty yards of my line. They See p. 224. tAwarded a Medal of Honor Page 220 220 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. were handsomely repulsed, and were endeavoring to rally in the rifle- pits of the pickets when I gave the orders for a countercharge. Lient. Col. D. S. Troy, of the Sixtieth Alabama, in charge of the enemys force, was waving the colors of the Fifty-ninth Alabama Regiment, and was urging his men forward, when Private George W. Tompkins, of Company F, One hundred and twenty-fourth New York Volunteers, who was in the front of the charge, shot him down, and rushing for- ward, seized the colors, waving them in triumph in the front of his regi- ment. Very respectfully, CHARLES H. WEYGANT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding 124th New York Volunteers. [Inclosuro No. 2.) HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Varch 27, 1865. Co]. GEORGE D. IRUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: COLONEL: I have the honor to forward herewith the colors captured from the enemy during the affair of Fort Stedman, on 25th instant, as follows: One Virginia regimental color, number of regiment unknowii; battle-flag of a iNorth Carolina reginment, number unknown; battle-flag of Twenty-sixth South Carolina Regiment; four battle-flags, regi- ments unknown; one staff with remnant of flag attached, designation unknown. The names of the soldiers who captured these colors will be forwarded as soon as they can be correctly ascertained. I have the honor to be~ colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 34 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: COLONEL: I have the honor to forward herewith a rebel battle-flag, regiment unknown, captured on the 25th instant. It is probable that not knowiiig its value, many pieces were torn from this flag by soldiers before it was made known to the officers that it was in their possession. The name of the soldier who captured it will be forwarded when prop- erly ascertained. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 186510.45 a. m. Brig. Gen. JAMES A. HARmE, War Department, Washington: Mr. Driscoll, the correspondent of the Tribune, has gone to Washing- ton and probably to New York. McGregor, the correspondent of th Page 221 CHAr. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, RTC.UNION. 221 Associated Press, I learn has also gone. They have with them copy of General Orders, No. 13, congratulating the army on affair of 25th of March. General Meade recalled the order last night in time to l)reverlt its general distribution. I telegraphed then to City Point to Driscoll, and just received an answer that he cannot be found. I cannot find McGregor. It is important that the order should not get into the papers. Will you please have the editors of the Tribune, Herald, Times, Chronicle, and Associated Press instructed to suppress it. Please answer. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 28, 18653 p. ?n. Colonel RETGGLES, Assistant Adjutant-General: I have telegraphed to New York on the subject of your telegram relating to the non-pablication of General Orders, No. 13, of March 25, 1865. The publishers of the Tribune, Times, Herald, and World will be requested not to publish that order.~ JAS. A. HARDIE, Inspector- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 1865. General J. A. HARDIE, War Department: I have found McGregor at City Point, and he is notified. It will be best, however, to notify the editors that the order is suppressed. GEO. D. BUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 18658.05 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General COLLIS, Commanding, City Point: The major-general has been informed that extracts of General Orders, No. 13, have been sent North by you for publication. The order is sup- pressed. He directs that you telegraph to the parties to whom you sent these extracts and stop the publication. Please report your action. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant General. HEADQUARTERS POST, City Point, Va., March 28, 1865. Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: COLONEL: The major-general commanding has been misinformed iu regard to my sending North General Orders, No. 13, or any part of it Page 222 222 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYIIL A reporter of a Philadelphia newspaper obtained a copy of the order in my office, and the moment I heard it was suppressed I made search for him, but was unable to find him. The order was received by me at noon yesterday, and three copies sent to each regiment, but were recalled to-day. Upon being informed by the printer that the order was suppressed, I made it my personal business to visit the reporters and notify them. CHARLES H. T. COLLIS, Brevet Brigadier. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 186510.45 a. rn. C. A. BROWN, Si{perintendent Printing, City Point: Recall Collis orders. See that you get every one issued by you. See Cadwallader, and, if possible, Driscoll, correspondent Tribune, and McGregor, correspondent Associated Press, and get their copies. Tell them for inc the order is suppressed. I think they will go up in to-days boat; perhaps they are already gone. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. PRINTING DEPARTMENT, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, City Point, Va., March 28, 1865. Colonel RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army ~f the Potomac: 1 have recalled all the orders both from Generals Collis and Patrick. I saw Cadwallader and McGregor and notified them. The order was read on parade here last night. Several copies have gone to Washing- ton from General Collis headquarters and extracts by mail for publi- cation. What shall I do in the matter l C. A. BROWN. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 28, 18659 a. m. Lieutenant BENSON, Adjutant, Signal Corps, Army of the Potomac: Owing to fog, no observations have been made this a. in. During the night two trains passed toward Petersburg and one toward Rich- mond. At 6.20 this a. m. two trains passed toward Richmond. Very respectfully, G. W. HOPPING, Sergeant. (Copy to Major Paine, chief signal officer, Ninth Army Corps. Page 223 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 WALTRALL SIGNAL STATION, March 28, 18656.30 p. m. Lieut. F. S. BENSON, Adjutant, Signal Corps, Army of the Potomac: All quiet this a. m. Two field pieces in works to right of Dunns Hill are limbered up. At 9.05 a. in. one train passed toward Peters- burg. Very respectfully, GEO. ~. HOPPING, Sergeant. (Copy to Major Paine, chief signal officer, Ninth Army Corps.) SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR I)EPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 149. 5 Washington, March 28, 1865. * * * * * * * 23. Byt.. Miij. Gen. Francis C. Barlow, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person to Major-General Hancock, U. S. Volunteers, at Cumberlaud, Md., for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. P. TOWN.SEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 1865. In sending dispatches to corps commanders after starting to-morrow, I cousider it necessary to number each dispatch to a corps commander and to state by whom sent or whether sent by telegraph. This will be done, and corps commanders are requested to do the same with their dispatches. Hatchers Hun becomes iRowanty Creek below its junction with Gravelly Hun. Let reveille be as usual, not at the hour of march, or increased, but as sounded under ordinary circumstances. General Warren has kindly furnished these suggestions, and I adopt them. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. (To corps commanders.) CIRCULAR. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 1865. In the contemplated movement corps commissaries will remain habitually at the headquarters of their corps. Division commissaries will always accompany and be present with their trains. Brigade com- missaries, when not actually engaged in making issues of supplies, will be~present with the headquarters of their brigades. By command of Major-General Meade: GRO. P. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 224 224 N. - AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 1865. Paragraphs 1 and 2 of instructions of March 27 are modified as follows: 1. Major-General Humplireys will not move before 9 a. in., unless pre- viously notified that the troops of the Army of the James are in posh tion. On moving, Major-General Jlumpbreys will take up a position, his right resting on or near Hatchers Run and his left extending to the Qnaker road. He will advance his skirmishers, well supported, and feel for the enemy. If found in force outside his works, he will attack and endeavor to force him into his works. 2. Major-General Warren will move at the hour designated, but will not proceed beyond the junction of the Vaughan and Quaker roads till notified that Major-General Humnphreys is in position or nearly so. On being so notified, Major-General Warren will advance on the Boydton plank road, taking position with his right in connection with General Humphreys and reserving sufficient force to refuse and guard his left. Major-General Warren will also advance skirmishers, well supported, and in case the enemy is found outside his works, attack and endeavor to force him back to them. The Second Corps train will be parked in the vicinity of the Cum- mings house. Corps commanders are notified that the cavalry will be operating on the left of the Fifth Corps. By command of Major-General Meade: GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsemeut.] MARCH 28, 18653 p. m. [General Grant:] I send you the within modifications, based on our conversation this a. m. and the position to be occupied by Ords command. If there is anything that does not meet your approval please let me know by bearer. Griffins column is now passing. I think llumphreys will be able to move by 7 a. in., if not earlier. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, ]Jlarch 28, 186511.30 a. rn. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Will I find General Meade in if I ride over to headquarters h A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General~ He is here now. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 225 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 225 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 28, 1865. (Received 12.30 p. in.) Major-General HUMPHREYS At ilead quarters Army of the Potomac: General Miles reports that the pits of the enemy on picket-line, which were held yesterday by eight or ten men, have this moriiing but three in them. CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS, Tuckers House, March 28, 1865. (General A. A. HUMPHREYS :j GENERAL: My men have but jnst reached camp, and I do not think I can well arrange it to relieve yonr pickets before daylight. I have directed them to be relieved immediately after your corps is relieved. I wrote you that we would leave here at 4 in the morning. My men, orderlies and all, are very much worn out, and I trust this arrangement will suit. Please send me two staff officers at 4 a. m. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General, Corn manding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. (Received 10.50 p. in.) Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chi~f of AS1taff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: This afternoon about 3 oclock a train of some thirty-six of the enemys wagons was seen passing toward their right, about 300 yards in front of General Miles picket-line. Exact information of this fact has only just been obtained. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. ORDERS.} HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. 1. This corps will be held ready to move to-morrow morning, the 29th instant, at 0 oclock. The pickets will remain until relieved by troops from another corps, respecting which orders will be sent. 2. The troops will carry fifty rounds of ammunition upon the person and four days rations of hard bread, coffee, and sugar, one days salt meat, and three days salt. Three days beef on the hoof will be driven with the troops in division herds. 3. Each division will take with it twenty rounds of ammunition in wagons, one-half of the ambulances, one medical and one hospitaL wagon to each brigade, and one army wagon with forage for each divis- ion ambul~uce traiizi.. The light headquarters wagons will accompany the troops, as will the wagons of intrenching tools. Of the latter, one will accompany each division, the remainder to move with the corps headquarters train.. 1J5RRYOL XLVI, PT J Page 226 226 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. 4. Eight days hard bread, coffee, sugar, and salt will be carried in the division supply train. Tell days beef on the hoof will be driven with the corps herd, which will accompany the main train. Forage for eight days will be taken. 5. The chief of artillery will direct one twelve-pounder and one three- inch rifled battery to report to each division commander. They will be prepared to move with the division at 6 a. m. the 29th instant, with 270 rounds of ammunition per gun. The other three batteries of the corps and any others now with it will be sent to Brevet Brigadier-General Tidball, chief of artillery, Ninth Corps, as directed in the order of the 14th instant. Bnt one of the battery wagons of the six batteries remain- ing with the corps will accompany the batteries; the remaining five will move and be parked with the general trains. Rations and forage for the artillery will be the same as for the other troops. 6. All other trains, wagons, and ambulances than those designated in paragraph 3 to accompany the troops will be moved and parked under the direction of thechief quartermaster of the corps, who will receive his instructions from the chief quartermaster of the Army of the Poto- mac. By command of Major-General Hnmphreys: CHAS. A. WHiTTIER Lieutenant- Colonel, Assistant Adjutant- (JeHeral. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, lllarch 28, 1865. 1. The corps will move out the Vaughan road to-morrow morning at 6 oclock. Each division and the artillery will take with the troops the ammunition wagons, ambulances, & c., and light headquarters wagons designated in the order of this morning to accompany the troops, and in taking position will have theni parked well in rear. 2. The main trains will be moved to and parked in the Cummings house field, under the direction of the chief quartermaster of the corps. 3. The Second Division will lead, and after crossing Hatchers Run will take position on the north side of the Vaughan road, about half a mile from it; the right near enough to 1-latchers Run to be covered by the artillery, holding the Vaughan road crossing of the run. This division will lie across and hold the Dabney Mill road. 4. The Third Division will follow the Second and form on its left, extending in the direction of the Gravelly Run Friends Meeting- house, on the Quaker road north of Gravelly Rnn. 5. The First Division will follow the Third and take post on its left, extending toward the vicinity of Gravelly Run Friends Meeting-house, and if practicable, without making a weak line across the Quaker road, so as to hold that road. 6. Each division will keep one-third of its force in reserve. The skirmishers will be well thrown out and strongly supported. After the corps is in position, orders will be given by the corps commander to advance the skirmishers and feel for the enemy, with a view to attack- ing him if found outside of his works. 7. The Fifth Corps is directed to take pOsition on the left of the Sec- ond Corps, uniting with it near the Quaker road, and will, like the Second Corps, advance its skirmishers and feel for the enemy. 8. Major-General Gibbon will send troops to occupy the line now held by the Second Corps at about 5 a. m. The Second Division wil Page 227 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 move without regard to their arrival. The Third Division will leave a brigade iiear the Tucker house battery and sonic troops near Batteries C and ID. If General Gibbons troops should not have arrived at the time the division leaves, the troops, if any, left behind will proceed to join the corps as soon as General Gibbons troops come up. The First Division in like manner will, under similar circumstances, leave a brigade near Battery A. The pickets of the Second Corps will be relieved by General Gibbons troops, and will then join their respect- ive divisions, under the direction of the division officer of the day. General Gibbons officers will report at the headquarters of the division of this corps at 5 a. in., to be I)ut in communication with the division officers of the day. 9. lieveilie will be as usual, not at the hour of march or. increased, but as sounded under ordinary circumstances. In acknowledging with great satisfaction the promptitude, skill, and courage which distinguished the troops in the recent ol)erations, the commanding general desires to say that he relies confidently upon them exhibiting the same on this occasion. NOTECOTWIDENTJAL.The cavalry in strong force will operate npon the left of the Fifth Corps. General Ords troops and General Wrights may take part in the operation. By command of Major-General Humphreys: CHAS. A. WHITTJEIR, Assistant Adjutant- General. ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel HAZARD, Commanding Artillery, Headquarters & cond Corps: General Wright says you propose to withdraw your guns from Forts Welch, Gregg, and Sampson to-morrow morning. General Meade says that Geheral Wright will hold the Sixth Corps here to-morrow at least, and these forts must have their artillery. Arrangements must be made accordingly. The forts on your line, A, B, C, ID, E ,yoa report March 26 as having twenty guns; General Ord can replace sixteen. You reported Welch, Gregg, and Sampson twelve guns; sixteen are thins required for the lines. You report forty-eight guns in your corps, of these I understand that twelve are of surplus sections. If these are all sent back it will take twenty-eight guns from your artillery, leaving you but five batteries, and General Meade directs that rather than strip the forts you take but twenty guns, five batteries, with your corps. I wish you, therefore, to arrange to keep the guns in Forts Sampson, Welch, and Gregg. If you can put two surplus sections in, you will keep your six batteries with the corps. Time batteries you pro- pose to send to Colonel Tidball will therefore be left, four guns with General Ord and twelve with General Wright, which will remain with hini until the Sixth Corps line is abandoned, and will then report to General Tidbahl, unless otherwise ordered. These arrangements must be made at once, and you will report to inc what batteries move with your corps, and that provision is made to leave the sixteen guns on the line as directed. HENRY J. HUNT, Brevet Major- General Page 228 228 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRPS, March 28, 1865. Brevet Major- General HUNT, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac: I have arranged to leave four guns in Fort Gregg, four in Fort Samp- son, and four in Battery A, and to take six batteries with me. If Geu- eral Ord brings with him sixteen guns it will be sufficient to arm the line to the left of Battery A. Shall take two of my guns from Fort Welch, leaving four iu it belonging to Sixth Corps. I trust this arrange- ment will be satisfactory. Shall take with me Battery B, Rhode Island; B,New Jersey; K, Fourth United States; M, First New Hampshire~ Tenth Massachusetts, and Eleventh New York, leaving on the line, iii command of Capt. C. A. Clark, Twelfth New York, Sixth Maine, and F, First Pennsylvania. Please answer by telegraph as soon as conve- nient if this arrangement meets with your approbation. JNO. C. HAZARD, Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Artillery. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: The wagons seen by may pickets this afternoon were just in rear of the enemys outposts and but about 300 yards from my picket-line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, NELSON A. MILES, Brevet ]Iiliajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: We shall undoubtedly have a lot of dispatch writing to do in the contemplated movement. I fear some confusion. Cannot we adopt some system of numbering them so that we can tell whether any are omitted; have them stated by whom sent in charge of, & c. I was in great doubt in one of your dispatches on the movement in February, whether or not you meant Captain Emory to take a dispatch he brought for General Gregg, or for me to send it to him. The dis- patch said I must furnish the necessary escort, as I thought to him, but he said he had imo directions to go to General Gregg, and did not go. There is some confusion in the names Hatchers Run and Rowanty Creek. Sometimes they are used indiscriminately I believe. It is called Hatchers Run till it meets Gravelly Run, and these two united take the name Rowanty Creek. Thus I cross Rowanty Creek at W. Perkins. General Humphreys crosses Hatchers Run and Gravelly Rumi by the Vaughan road. This, which is only an easily explained confusion to any of us who are familiar with the maps, may not be so to others. Arrangements should be mnade to have the telegraph run dQwu the Vaughan road with General Humphreys, which I suppose wil Page 229 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 229 be done.~ I would also call attention to the fact that unless specially directed otherwise, perhaps commands will sound reveille at some unusually early hour and this can be heard in the stillness of the morn- ing a long distance. General Humphreys and myself will look out for that, but I am apprehensive General Ords troops may not have had warning on this point, and that would warn the enemy and put him on his guard. If that officer that came in last night gained correct information the enemy will be ready for us at Dinwiddie Court-House, unless we make a rapid movement to that point. It might be exceedingly useful to me to know the probable route of General Sheridan. I probably am anticipating in writing this, but it can do no harm. Respectfully, G. K. WAIRREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 18U58.15 p. rn. (Received 8.25 p. in.) Major-General WARREN: General Humphreys is not certain that he can reach to the Quaker roa(l. He is instructed to place his right within supporting distance of General Ord and to form his line and determine his left by his for- ination of his corps. He is informed that you will probably move up the Quaker road to connect with his left after being informed of his being in position. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. [MARCH 28, 1865.For General Orders, No. 22, Fifth Army Corps, (excepting paragraph 11, which was issued as Circular, No. 27, follow- ing), announcing order of march for the 29th instant, see Part I, p. 797.] CIRCULAR, HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 27. 5 Near Hatchers Run, Va., March 28, 1865. In the contemplated movement to-morrow, the musicians will be left in camp to sound reveille as usual, not at the hour of march, but as sounded under ordinary circumstances. Commanders are requested to give this matter their particular attention. After the usual hour of reveille has been sounded the umusicians can join their respective com- mauds. When the troops leave C~1fll) to-morrow morning they will do so as quietly as possible. Great care will be taken that liothing in the camps is set on fire. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 230 230 N. ANI) SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYHI. CIRCULAR.] hEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. When the troops leave camp to-morrow morning they will do so as quietly as possible. Great care will be taken that nothing in the camp is set on fire. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, 111 arch 28, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General WAINWRIGHT, Commanding Artillery Brigade. GENERAL: The following extract is furnished for your information and guidance: 10. Each corps will be prepared to move with five four-gun batteries (three smooth- bore, two rifled), instead of with nine four-gun batteries ordered in paragraph 6 of circular of March 14. But one battery wagon will be taken with Second and Fifth Corps; the remainder will be parked with general train at W. Perkins honse. The artillery will in all other respects be made to correspond to instructions of that par- agraph. In compliance with the above instructions, the major-general com- manding directs that you move at once with your batteries near to these headquarters and park them in some suitable position, it being necessary to have your trains entirely out of the way, so that they shall not iuterfere with other movements. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. Col. GEORGE P. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours. A sus- pension of hostilities took place in front of the corps between the hours of 11.30 a. m. and 12.30 noon. Only one deserter received. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28, 1865. General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: If any copies of Geueral Orders, No. 13, have gotten into the hands of newspaper correspondents with your corps, please have them recov- ered. It is all important that this order be not published in the papers. GEO,. P. RUGGLES. Assistant A djntant- General. (Same to commanding officer Ninth Army Corps. Page 231 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 231 ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 28, 1865. Division commanders will have their troops under arms at 4 a. m. to- morrow, and will remain so until one hour after daylight; also at 4 a. m. the picket-lines of the respective divisions will be supported by two regiments (or more if the division commanders should deem it advis- able), at least equal in strength to the present picket detail, to remain in position until it is light enough to plainly distinguish the enemys position. The artillery will also be held in readiness as above. IBy command of Major-General Wright: 0. II. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. CONFiDENTIAL.] IIEADQITARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. The following is fnrnished for the information and gnidance of divis- ion commanders: The operations ordered from headquarters Army of the Potomac for to-morrow are: First. The Fifth Corps to muove to Boydton plank road, in vicinity of Dinwiddie Court-House, with its right resting near the Quaker road. Second. The Second Corps is to extend from Hatchers Run to the Quaker road, connecting with right of Fifth Corps, and both corps are to push forward strong skirmish-lines. If the enemy offers battle out- side his works, lie is to be attacked. Third. The cavalry is to operate to the left of the Fifth Corps. Fourth. Three divisions of the Army of the James are to take posi- tion near Hatchers Hun, relieving the Second Corps picket-line, and being held ready to operate to the right or left. Fifth. The Ninth and Sixth Corps to remain in position, and to attack in case the enemy withdraws largely from his present line to meet our movements on the left. Division commanders are enjoined to have close watch kept upon the enemy and to report any movements that may be discovered. Should he detach largely from our front, the corps will attack, moving prob- ably to the lelt of the house burned on Saturday, in order to avoid the inundation to the right of that point. Such an attack must be made with vigor, as we must carry the enemys line if we attempt it. This accomplished, it will be determined whether to move to the right, toward Petersburg, or to the left, in the direction of the Boydton plank road, to take in flank the enemys force operating against the Second and Fifth Corps. The latter will be the more brilliant and decisive operation, and will be chosen, unless there should be good reason to the contrary. Corps headquarters will remain as at present till a movement is ordered or notification of a change sent; but a telegraph office will be established near the signal tower, in the vicinity of General Gettys headquarters, by 6 a. m. to-morrow, to remain till a movement is ordered. Troops will be kept well in hand during to-morrow, to be ready for the forward movement mentioned above, or to the right or left, as may be ordered. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 232 232 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS 4INTII ARMY CORPS 3farch 27, 1865. (Sent 12.30 a. m. 28th.) Maj. Gee. G. G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: The point in paragraph 2 which I mentioned as being incorrect was the statement of the capture of Battery No. 9. It was the object of a determined assault, bnt was not at any time carried by the enemy. I have not received official reports of the affair, but should hesitate to believe that the line in any portion was surprised. General McLaugh- len was noted for his vigilance. But the distance between the two lines is so slight at the point where ours was broken that a small force, as ours inn~t necessarily be on so extended a front, could hold in check a large mass of troops only for a few moments, when the time of night precluded the possibility of the movement being seen by troops in the batteries to the right and left. Fort Stedman, the only inclosed work taken, was not surprised, but overwhelmed, after a sturdy resistance. it was surrounded on all sides. The ground in the rear is nearly on a level with the parapet. The commander of the fort, Major Randall, avers that the men fought bravely, even nsing the butts of their muskets in a hand-to hand fight. That the fort was not taken at once is shown by the capture therein of General McLaughlen, who came from his headquarters from 800 to 900 yards distant. The conviction that you would be gratified to correct any misapprehension of the facts in the case, as well as my desire to defend the honor and reputation of an absent officer, which are involved when his command is censured, prompted me to forward my dispatch. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March28, 18656.15 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Your telegram of 12.30 a. m. was received after I had retired. 17 admit the error of fact in regard to Battery 9, my information coming from a dispatch from some artillery officer during the operations, and I am willing to give the Third Brigade, First Division, the benefit of the doubt which your telegram throws over the conviction I previously entertained that they had been surprised from want of vigilance. Thia was all I charged. I have therefore ordered the suppression of General Orders, No. 13, as it is too late to amend it. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staf: Nothing unusual occurred along our lines during the past twenty- four hours. The enemy opened with the columbiad upon the cavalry moving over the plain this side of Meades Station. A brigade office Page 233 Cimr. Lviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 233 of day of First Division reports movement of train or artillery during the night. No deserters have as yet arrived. I forward by orderly IRichmond paper of 27th with General Lees report of operations on our front. JINO. G. PARKE, Major- General. IIEAI)QiTARTER8 NINTH ARMY CoRPS, March 28, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: I have sent by orderly a copy of to-days Examiner. They acknowlL~ edge three general officers wounded. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. FIRST DIvisioN, NINTH ARMY CORPS~, March 28~ 1RG5~ In accordance with instructions received from corps heaLqrrarter~ the trench guards of this division will be doubled to-night~ and brigade commanders will enjoin the strictest vigilance upon the. officeis thereof and upon those of the picket-line. This colnmand, including the artil- lery on the line in position, will be held nuder arms promptly at ~& eloek to-morrow morning. All deserters will be exalnined immediately on their arrival at bri- gade headquarters, and any information they may have reported at once to these headquarters. It is of importance that any change or movement in the enemys line be acquired and reported as soon as pos- sible. In case of any demonstration by the enemy, brigade com- manders will forWard at once the information to corps headquarters at the same time that they forward to these headquarters. By command of Brevet Major-General Wilicox: WM. V. RICHAIRI3S, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] IIDQRS. FIRST I)JvJSioN, NINTh ARMY CORPS, March 28, 1865. In accordance with instructions received from corps headquarters, the following, in addition to instructions contained in the confidential circular sent you on March 15 instant, in contemplation of a move- ment of this division, is furnished for your information and guidance: First, by 5 oclock on tIme morning of the 29th instant the troops will be rationed as directed in the above-mentioned circular. The snpply and ammunition will be loaded as therein and hereinafter directed and be i n readiness to move. Second, ammunition wagons sufficient for and pro- vided with twenty rounds of ammunition per man will accompany each division. Third, brigade commanders are instructed to make every provision to have their commands in thorough condition for field opera- tions by 5 oclock on the morning of the 29th and to be in complete. readiness to move at a moments notice. By command of Brevet Major-General Wilicox: WM. V. RICHARDS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.. Page 234 234 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CITY POINT, VA., ilfarch 28, 1865. Maj. Gen. P. II. SHERIDAN, Commanding Middle Military Divi8ion: The Fifth Army Corps will move by the Vaughan road at 3 a. m. to-morrow morning. The Second moves at about 9 a. in., having but about three miles to march to reach the point designated for it to take on the right of the Fifth Corps after the latter reaching Pinwiddie Court-House. Move your cavalry at as early an hour as you can and without being confined to any particular road or roads. You may go ont by the nearest roads in rear of the Fifth Corps, pass by its left, and passing near to or through Dinwiddie, reach the right and rear of the enemy as soon as you can. It is not the intention to attack the enemy in his intrenched position, but to force him out if possible. Should he come out and attack us or get himself where he can be attacked, move in with your entire force in your own way and with the fall reliance that the army will engage or follow the enemy as circumstances will dictate. I shall be on the field and will probably be able to communicate with you. Should I not do so, and you find that the enemy keeps within his maui intrenched line, you may cut loose and push for the Danville road. If you find it practicable, I would like you to cross the South Side road between Petersburg and Burkeville and destroy it to some extent. I would not advise much detention, however, until you reach the iDanville road, which I would like you to strike as near to the Appomattox as possible. Make your destruction on that road as complete as possible. You can then pass on to the South Side road west of Burkeville and destroy that in like manner. After having accomplished the destine- tiomi of the two railroads, which are now the only avenues of supply to Lees army, you may retnrn to this army, selecting your road farther south, or you may go on into North Carolina andjoiu General Sherman. Should you select the latter course, get the information to me as early as possible, so that I may send orders to meet you at Goldsborough. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ORDERS.j CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, Greggs AS1tation, March 28, 1865. The cavalry command will move to-morrow morning in the following order, on the following designated roads and at the following hours: The Second Division will move at 5 a. m. to Dinwiddie Court-House, via the Jerusalem plank road, Garys Church, Reams Station, and Malones crossing of the Rowanty Creek. As soon as the Second Divis- ion has moved out, the First and Third Cavalry Divisions, Brevet Major-General Merritt commanding, will move out, following the Sec- ond Division to the same point. Three pontoon boats will be ordered to report to Major-General Crook at 5 a. m. to-morrow, and will be taken to the crossing of liowanty Creek, and, if necessary, a bridge will be constructed. All the wagons will be collected on the Jerusalem plank road, and will be formed into one train. and will be escorted in rear of the command by one brigade of Brevet Major-General Merritts command. The ambulances will accompany their respective divisions. Strong scouting parties must be sent well out on all roads coming in on the left flank, and after the crossing of Rowanty Creek these scout- ing parties must be pushed out as far as Stony Creek. The infantr Page 235 CHAP. LVIII.] 235 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. will be moving and operating on our right flank to-morrow. The head- quarters of the major-general commanding will be with the Second Cavalry Division. By command of Major-Geiieral Sheridan: JAS. W. FORSYTil, Brevet Briqadier- General and (Thief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MiLITARY DIvISION, Ma reh 28, 1865. Brigadier-General FORSYTH, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have detailed Colonel Anderson to take command of the dismounted men left at City Point. I have given him directions to organize and take care of them generally. I could not tell him who he would report to after we had left. Will you lay the matter before the general and get his orders in reference to the matter. The artillery horses which I sent for to your headquarters have iwt yet come here. Can you let me know anything of them l Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 28, 1865. Brigadier-General FORSYTH, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: As yet the remainder of the forage to supply my com- mand, as ordered, has not arrived. Both divisions are deficient. The forage was promised at 6 p. m. Can it not be obtained from a surplus in General Crooks command l I have ordered details to be kept at depot till the forage comes. The artillery horses have arrived and are issued. The command is in readiness to move, save in the matter of forage. Shall I give my orders to pontoon train l Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQITARTERS CAVALRY, Mare/i 28, 1865. Brigadier-General FORSYTH, Chief of Staf: GENERAL: I find that I need 200,000 pounds of forage to supply my command above the amount received. I have telegraphed to General Ingalls and the depot quartermaster a.t City Point for the amount require(l. Will you please telegraph, to prevent accident. The am- munition is received all right. I have ordered my batteries to refit and supJ)ly themselves with ammunition from the Second Division battery left behind. Will you give necessary orders. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General Page 236 236 N. AND SE. VA., W VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. LVIII. IIEADQIJARTERS DISMOUNTED CAMP, March 28, 1865. Brevet Major-General MERRITT, (Jommanding Cavalry Corps, Greggs Switch: I have 1,000 men who have arms and equipments. No horses have arrived yet. U. MIDDLETON, Lieutenant- Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION Hancocks Station, Va., March 28, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE CROOK, Commanding Second Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you have your command in readiness to march at 6 oclock to-morrow morning. Further instructions will be given to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Stafl HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAc, March 28, 18655.85 p. m. Major-General CROOK, Commanding Second Cavalry Division: The horse battery which General Davies was told to retaiim subject to an order from these headquarters will not be required. If you do not desire to take it with you, General Meade directs that it be sent to General Parke. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, Broadway Landing, March 28, 18657.40 a. m. Lieut. Gemi. U. S. GRANT: My men are all across. General Turner about six miles ahead of this; may get to Fort Sampson to-night. Trains much delayed and not across; bad roads, & c. Fosters and Birneys divisions must rest till 10 or 12 oclock, and cannot make more than ten miles to-day. iBeen up all night and march poorly. F. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 28, 1865. Major-Geueral ()RD, Commanding Army of the James: General Meade suggests that if you have any telegraph operators to spare they be sent over to him, as in extending tbe telegraph the mmum- ber of stations on this side are not reduced. II. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 237 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 237 HEADQUARTERS, Tuckers House, March 28, 1865. General TURNER Commanding Division: GENERAL: Your division will move at 5 a. in., following Fosters division, taking the same battery with you. You will probably be iu reserve in the vicinity of the Tucker house. I will see to putting you in position. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. CITY POINT, March 28, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Report of deserters on the Petersburg front shows that Gordons corps, Johnsons division, Picketts division, Heths and Wilcoxs divisions are now south of the Appomattox. This leaves only Ker- shaws and Mahones divisions Ilortli of the James and between the two rivers. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 28, 18654.40 p. m. Lient. Gem U. S. GRANT, City Point: Deserters of last night on my front report the same thing, but that leaves Mahones division between the Appomattox and James, and Custis Lees command, three brigades of Kershaws division, and Fields division north of the James. The total force of the enemy at this moment north of the James is as follows: Custis Lees command, about 2,000, composed of the following: Eighteenth Georgia and Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, Tenth, Twenty-fifth, Fortieth, Fifty-fifth, Forty- seventh, Twenty-second Virginia Battalions; Kershaws three brigades, abQut 1,450; Woffords brigade, 600; Bryans brigade, 450; and Hum- phreys bi-igade, 400; Fields division, 3,935 men; Brattons brigade, 1,325; Bennings brigade, 700; Laws brigade, 710; Andersons brigade, 900; Greggs brigade, 300. Total north of the James, 7,385 men. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. MARCH 28 186510.10 p. in. Licut. Gcn. U. S. GRANT, City Point: A most intelligent deserter, who says he only caine in because he knocked his captain (who had insulted him) down, says that he saw Corses brigade, of Picketts division, this morning; that it was then on their left; that three brigades of Picketts division crossed on Fri- day night, and were to support Gordons attack; that Pickett is blamed because he was late; that he loitered on the way at his old headquarters. This deserter belongs to Humphreys brigade, of Ker- shaws division. He says the whole of Fields division is over here. G. WEITZEL, Major- General Page 238 238 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CiTY POINT, VA., iiarch 28, 1865. Major- General WEITZEL: The information which you telegraphed is the same that I got from other sources, except as to the location of Corses brigade. Deserters to the Army of the Potomac report three brigades of Picketts division as confronting our left, and I understood the other brigade to be between Swift Creek and the Appomattox. Fields division and three brigades of Kershaws are north of the James, besides the City Battal- ions. Your informant may be right about the location of Corse. U. S. GRANT, Lieatenant- General. I)EPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, March 28, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Deserters from Bermuda front report that l)art, if not all, of Pick- etts division is on the south side of the James, having come from Richmond Saturday morning, immediately after the fight before Peters- burg. One man says the mail-carrier brought in the report that some of the division was encamped Saturday on the telegraph road a mile below Chester Station. No change of Mahomme on Bermuda front. FRED. L. MANNING, Lieutenant- Colonel and Provost-Marshal- General. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., March 28, 1865. General WEITZEL, Commanding: A man was captured on our right while exchanging papers. All com- manders below me think he ought to be sent back. I do not think he ought to have been taken or that he ought to be sent back. It may prevent our getting information, but we can afford non-intercourse better than they, I think. I request your decision regarding the dispo- sition to be made of tIme prisoner. I have no idea of what the practice has been, or whether there has been any practice concerning it. GEG. 1. HARTSUFF, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. CAV. Div., ARMY OF THE JAMES, No. 27. In the Field, March 28, 1865. This division will move this p. m. at 6 oclock. The men will have three days cooked rations in haversacks, and two days forage will be carried on the horses; six days rations and forage will be carried in wagons. Commanding officers of brigades will have their brigades supplied with sixty rounds of ammunition per man: sixty rounds per man, in addition, will be carried in wagons. The dismounted men of each regiment, if more than twenty, will be left in charge of a corn- missioned officer- if less than twenty, in charge of a non-commissioned officer. All detachments of dismounted men will report at ommee to time commanding officer of the Txventietlm New York Cavalry for duty. The Twentieth New York Cavalry will remain in its uresent camp and wil Page 239 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 239 not move with the division. Captain Noggle, commanding Fourth Wisconsin Battery, will report temporarily to the comm~iiiding officer of the Twentieth New York Cavalry. The commanding officer of the Twentieth New York Cavalry will report to Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel for duty. Commanding officers will take care that any property left in the several camps is packed up and prepared for removal, as it is probable the camps will not be again occupied by this division. The commanding officer of the Twentieth New York Cavalry will at once relieve the pickets of this division. By command of Brig. Gen. li. S. Mackenzie: AUGUSTUS H. PENN, Major and Acting Assistant Adfrttant- General. ARTILLERY HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 28 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General ABBOT, Cornmandinq Siege Train: GENERAL: On the movement of to-morrow taking place you will report to Major-General Parke, who remains in command of the lines of Petersburg and City Point. Should you require wagons for trans- porting ammunition to the lines you will obtain them on application to the commander of the Artillery Reserve, with whom and General Tid- ball, who will be in command of the artillery, you will make the neces- sary arrangements. This is rendered necessary because the quarter- masters department needs the wagons you have heretofore used. Respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Artillery. WINCHESTER, March 28, 18651 1 a. m. (Received 12.15 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff: If General Couch is not available, 1 would suggest General Franklin. It should be remembered that each of those officers is senior to me, however. WIN PD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MiLITARY DIVISION, March 28, 1865. General EMORY: Major-General Hancock directs me to say that if, from the information you have, you think a force sent out by Colonel Reno can effect any- thing against the guerrillas imear your place, you can send a dispatch, in the generals name, by special engine, to General Egan to send out a squadron of Renos regiment, giving him such information as you may have as to the proper direction for the squadron to tak~. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General Page 240 :240 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Stephensons Depot, March 28, 18654.15 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of Staff, Winchester, Va.: The following telegram just received from General MeMillan, com- manding at Summit Point: Bvt. Maj. Gen. W. H. EMORY, Commanding: A small band of the enemy, thought to be about fifty strong, attacked the wood party near Mrs. Baylors. They were easily (iriven. I am now scouting the neighborhood for inforniation. A few awn are wounded. XVill sead farther jafor- mation as soon as obtained. They retreated northwest, in the direction of Smith- field. J. W. McMILLAN, Brevet Major-General. WM. H. EMORY, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Stephensons Depot, March 28, 186512 p. m. Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: Captain Inwood, just returned, reports guerrilla band of twenty-six under a Lieutenant Russell. Tracked them to Bunker Hill and Smith- field, thence iu direction of Charlestown. They were recognized by citizens as men froni Jefferson County, part of Mosbys original gang, but now nnder command of Ross, who is said to have 500 of these rob- bers divided up into small parties. At Bunker Hill they robbed post- office and committed many other robberies along the line of march. W. H. EMORY, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 28, 1865. General TORBERT: GENERAL: A party of guerrillas, estimated at about fifty, attacked a wood party near Stephensons this p. in., wounding several men, but were driven off. They retreated toward Smithfield. The general desires an energetic pursuit or attempt to capture some of them by the party sent out. Colonel Reno will send out a party from his camp toward Smithfield and Bunker Hill. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General, & c. HARPERS FERRY, VA., March 28, 1865. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Loudonit County has been badly scourged by a small band of guer- rillas under the lead of a man by the name of Mobberly. He is one of Mosbys understrapjers; i~ a desperate~v.illain; and~has made frequen Page 241 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 241 destractive raids on the railroad into Maryland. A party of citizens of Loudoun propose to capture the party, if armed by the Government, and ask that they shall have such reward for the service as will enable them temporarily to live elsewhere, which they will be compelled to do if they are successfnl. I think the result would justify the experiment. J. D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISIoN, March 28, 1865. General STEVENSON: Some guerrillas, from thirty to fifty in number, have been reported. They attacked a wood party at Mrs. Baylors between Summit Point and Charlestown, I believe, but were driven oft; with few of our men wounded. They also robbed some citizens on the road about three miles from Stephensons. When last heard from the attack of the wood party they were going toward Smithfield. Please notify Geiieral Brooke and General Egan. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 29, 1865. lou. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Richmond papers of to-day have been received. The Dispatch says: There was a flying rumor yesterday that the Yankees had made a flying move toward the South Side Railroad, but we think this was only a guess, founded on the knowledgo that Sheridan had joined Grant. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 29, 18658.30 p. m. The PRESIDENT, City Point: We have no news here. All eyes are eagerly bent to the James River and Petersburg. I hope the present fine weather will afford you relaxation, exercise, and improved health. I am not aware of anything requiring yoar attention here, and feel that your presence with the army will be gratifying to officers and soldiers, while reliev- ing you from torment. 1 beg to present my compliments to Mrs~ Lincoln. EDWIN M. STANTON. CITY POINT, VA., March 29, 1865. General JOHN A. RAWLINS General Grants Headquarters: - Colonel Sumner has gone down with his cavalry. He has no orders. Pleasetelegraphmehisorders,thatlmayforwardthemtohim. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. 16 a RVOL XLVI~ PT II Page 242 242 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. GRAVELLY RUN, March 29, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, City Point: Give Colonel Sumner extract from General Ords orders which directs the movement against the Weldon road. Ord shonld have given him orders and can do so yet. He is at Hnmphreys Station. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 29, 186511 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, City Point: Warren reports his loss this afternoon at about 200 killed and wounded. He does not estimate the loss of the enemy, but says his dead and badly wounded are in our hands; also abont 100 prisoners. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIEAI)QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 29, 1865. (Received 9.15 p. in.) Lieut. Col. T. S. BOWERS: The two corps moved out, meeting with 110 serious opposition until quite late in the afternoon, when Griffins division, of ~ corps, struck the enemy and had quite a fight. Griffin captured abont 100 of the enemy. His loss not reported. Warren promptly brought up his whole corps, and upomi advancing he found that the enemy had retired to his main works. Humphreys met with no opposition in his advance. Warrens left is across the plank road. Hnmphreys right is on Hatch- ers. Sheridan is at Dinwiddie, and no enemy to oppose him. B. S. PARKER, Lieutenant- Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18658.50 a. m. (Received 8.55 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Humnphmeys moved at 0 a. ni. and is now taking position. Warren crossed Hatchers Run at 8 a. in. Few shots exchanged. No opposi- tion. The telegraph is being extended across Hatchers to Hum- phreys headquarters. I will be found . there. Deserters just in report no movement or any information of importance. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 13655.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT:. Major-General Warren reports that Griffin, whemi advancing on the Quaker road, was met and attacked by the enemy. Griffin handsomely repulsed the attack, taking 100 prisoners, representing portions of Johnsons and Andersons divisions. Major-General Warren reports h Page 243 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 243 is briiiging up Crawford and Ayres, and as soon as they are in posi- tion, or by 6 p. in., if not again attacked, he will attack the enemy. Major-General ilumplireys reports the Second Corps in position, but no enemy in his front as yet, he still advancing. Orders have been sent to him to push his nearest division to the support of Warren. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. (Above sent also for information of commanding officers Sixth and Ninth Corps.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18656.55 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: A dispatch of 5.50 p. m. from General Warren reports that on advancing to attack the enemy the enemy was found to have retired, and is supposed to have withdrawn to his main line of works. Major- General Warren is following him. The fighting was quite severe for a while. Casualties not yet reported. Brevet Brigadier-General Sickel wounded. General Warrens left is on the Boydton pike. He states his skirmishers on the left report the enemys cavalry moving rapidly north from Dinwiddie: undoubtedly before Sheridan. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, Gravelly Creek, March 29, 1865. Maj. Geii. G. G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Genera! Warrens report of 5.50 p. m. looks as if the enemy may fall back behind Hatchers Run during the night, leaving the road open to us to Burgess Tavern, if so, we will want to wheel to the right so as to cover all the crossings of the mn as soon as we can. If the enemy does not fall back, we will then pnsh up close to him and feel out to our left and endeavor to force him to this course. Sheridan has received orders to push for the enemys right rear in the morning, unless the position of their cavalry makes a different course necessary, and not to leave us until he receives fnrther orders. Respectfully, & c., U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, - March 29, 18658.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General llumphreys line of battle occupies IDabneys Mill. There has been some sharp skirmishing about sunset at that point, the enemy evidently feeling for our position. Ilumphreys right is miow in advance of Ords left. Ords line is, however, a good one to retain for the present, but as it call be held with two divisions I would snggest his third division being sent across Hatchers Run, to take position on Humplireys right and advance with hint in the morning, when, if an Page 244 244 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVJH. appreciable alarm is made, Ord can throw forward his left. If this sug- gestion is approved General Ord should send a staff officer to General Humphreys, who will designate the ground to be occupied. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. GRAVELLY CREEK, March 29, 1865. Maj. Gen. G. G. MEADE: I ordered Ord to move one division at S a. m. south of Hatchers iRun to the support of llumphreys right; also to send a sta1l~ officer to report to General Humphreys at the same hour, to leave when the division should be posted. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18659.b p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The inclosed order for to-morrows movement was written prior to the receipt of your views. I think it embodies them. Since writing it the inclosed dispatch from Warren has been received. I judge from it that Griffin (at, 1 think, intersection of Quaker and Boydton roads) is up to the enemys line of worksthese works, as I understand, ex tending in front of the White Oak road and south of Hatchers Run. I have written to Warren that if this is the case, that Griffin is up to these works, then he must deploy to the left as far as he can, securing his flank, and develop their line. Humphreys will push up to Warrens right and between that and Hatchers Run. The enemys line crosses the run about on the prolongation of the White Oak road. If they have not got a continuous line Humphreys movement will develop the fact and will turn their works on the Boydton plank in front of Griffin if they are detached. This order has been issued, but can be modified if you wish it. Respectfully, yours, GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. [Thelosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 1865. Major-General Warren will advance his line at 6 a. m. to-morrow, let- ting his right rest over and across the Quaker road and his left extend- ing as far as consistent with a due covering and guarding of his flank. Major-General Humphreys will at the same time advance his line, keeping his left connected with Major-General Warren and throwing his right forward as far as Crows. The ob,j ect of this movement is to force the enemy into his line of works and develop the same, and if he is found out of his line to give battle. Corps commanders will endeavor to have reserves suitably posted along their lines, and will render each other such mutual support as the exigencies of the hour may demand. By command of Major-General. Meade: GEG. I). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 245 CHAP. LVHI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 245 [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18657.30 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff General Griffin followed up the enemy, who presented only a skirmish line which he rapidly drove back. rihe One hundred and eighteenth Pennsylvania drove them out of their position around J. Strouds on the Boydton plank road. The enemy opened then with two pieces of artil- lery from near the White Oak4oad, there being an intervening clear field half a mile or more across. The difficult woods on each flank pre- vented either Generals Miles or Crawford keeping up on the right and left, and it was dark before they could be informed of General Griffins position. I think General Griffins farther advance due north imprac- ticable if the enemy offers any resistance. Skirmish firing was heard to the right and rear of Griffins advance, and infantry of the enemy could be seen withdrawing to the White Oak road moving away from General Humphreys front. I have intrenched a brigade and two batteries at J. Stronds, placed Crawfords division on and facing the plank road from that point to Gravelly Run. General Miles will move np to General Griffins right (which in the meantime is secure) at daybreak, and Gen- eral Ayres division is in reserve and picketing the rear. Our killed and wounded the surgeons estimate as rising 300. I have no means yet of estimating the enemys loss, but his dead and severely wounded are in our hands. My escort, under Captain ilorrell, had a very creditable fight on General Griffins left flank and performed essential service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 29, 1865. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron: In view of the possibility of the enemy attempting to come to City Point, or by crossing the Appomattox at Broadway Landing getting to Bermuda Hundred, during the absence of the greater part of the army, I would respectfully request that you direct one or two gnu- boats to lay in the Appomattox near the pontoon bridge and two more in the James River near the mouth of Bakers Creek, the first stream entering the James River below City Point. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 29, 18651 .40 p.m. Captain DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer, lid qrs. Army of the Potomac: No changes on this portion of the line. The following was just received from Sergeant Carothers: At 11.30 a. m. two pieces of artillery were observed through opening in the timber one mile south-southwest from large fort. Eight working parties improving works at different points. L. A. DILLINGIIAM, Lieutenant, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. (Same to Major Paine, headquarters Ninth Army Corps. Page 246 24E5 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 29, 18659 a. m. Lieutenant BENSON, Adjutant, Signal Corps, Army of the Potomac: Two trains have passed toward Richmond since last report, and one toward Petersburg. A report of movements in our lines was sent from Fort Clifton at 2 this a. in., and signed Clifton. It was impossible to get the message entire. The fort station called the shanty statiou for an hour and a half after 2.30 this a.. in. The following was intercepted at 7 a. in.: Sergeant W.: Be on the lookout for an artillery traii~ oil eliemys line. CLIFTON. Very respectfully, G. W. HOPPJNG, Sergeant. (Same to Major Paine, chief signal officer, Ninth Army Corps.) WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 29, 186511.30 a. m. Major PAINE, Chief Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps: The following is the latter and largest part of the message: 2 A. M. Colonel B.: Some river-bank or 01)))osite to Fort Clifton. SeVen or eight wagons l)assed to the right also. CLIFTON. (Same to A. B.) Very respectfully, G. W. hOPPING, Sergeant. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 29, 18652.10 p. m. Lieutenant BENSON, Adjutant, Signal Corps, Army of the Potomac: Large body of cavalry and wagon train passing toward our left on road rear of Whiteheads factory. Very respectfully, G. W. HOPPING, Sergeant. (Same to Major Paine, chief signal officer, Ninth Army Corps.) WALTHALL SIGNAL STATiON, March 29, 18652.45 p. m. Lieutenant BENSON, Adjutant, Signal Corps, Army of the Potomac: The cavalry reported at 2.10 occupied thirty minutes at a walk to pass a given point. The traimi consisted of about sixty wagons and ten ambulances, guarded by cavalry. At a point rear of Whiteheads fac tory both the column and train tnrned to the westward. Very respectfully, GEG. W. HOPPING. (Same to Major Paine, chief signal officer, Ninth Army Corps. Page 247 CHAP. LVHI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 247 WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 29, 18653.30 p. m. Lieutenant BENSoN, Adjutant, Signal Corps, Army of the Potomac: Nine regiments of infantry, amounting to about 2,800,just passed on road north 85 degrees west, toward our left. Distance, about five miles. GEG. W. IIOPPINQ Sergeant. (Same to Major Paine, chief signal officer, Ninth Army Corps.) WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 29, 18654 p. m. Major PAINE, Chief Signal O~icer, Ninth Army Corps: Twenty-four wagons and seven ambulances just passed toward our left on road rear Whiteheads. GEG. W. HOPPING, Sergeant. MARCH 29, 18655 p. m. Captain DAvIS Chi~f Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: A column of rebel cavalry moving to our left on Pocahontas road, well closed; half in two ranks and half in four ranks. Were twenty minutes iii passing a given point. Estimated at 2,400. Trains now passing. Column of cavalry, twenty-six minutes passing, moving to our left on road near and parallel with Richmond pike. Heavy train following. JORDAN. Sixty wagons followed the cavalry. JUDSON. L. A. DILLINGHAM, Lieutenant, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. (Same to Major Paine, headquarters Ninth Army Corps, and Cap- tain Norton, General Ords headquarters.) MARCH 29, 18655.30 p. m. Captain DAVIS Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Working parties along enemys lines have retired. The p~irty reported at work on new line, with time exception of about 200 at work on small fort to our left of the line, have struck their tents that were in rear of that line and moved toward the city on Boydton road. No furtht~ change observed. I should think there were about 2,500 cavalry and about 4,000 infantry passed to our left in the columns previously reported. L. A. DILLINGHAM, Lieutenant, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. (Same to Major Paine, headquarters Ninth Army Corps; Captain Norton, General Ords headquarters. Page 248 248 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, Major PAINE, March 29, 18656.20 p. m. Chief Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps: Between 4 and 5 p. m. thirteen wagons and six ambulances guarded by infantry passed toward our left on road rear of Whiteheads factory. At 4.45 twenty-six pioneers went toward Goose-neck battery, and at 5.05 nineteen infantry went from Goose-neck toward Chesterfield bat- tery. The following have been intercepted: A. M. Major P.: A train of thirty wagons just passed Battery 5 toward enemys left. Serqeant, (It D. A. M. Major P.: One train of nine boxes loaded with men just passed toward City Point. Sergeant, at P. 1.15 1~. M. Colonel B.: Three regiments infantry drilling in open space. A small increase of tents in woods to left of open space. No boats visible in the river. R., Sergeant, at C. (Same to A. B.) Very respectfully, G. W. HOPPING, Sergeant. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 64. City Pbint, Va., March 29, 1865. * * * * * * S II. Maj. Gen. P. II. Sheridan, commanding Middle Military Division. wIll order the detachment of Company ID, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, now serving with hini to report immediately to these headqnarters, where- ever they may be, in the field. By command of Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant: E. S. PARKER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JIIEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 29, 18656.15 a. m. Major-General WEBB: We have three deserters this morning, one of them a lieutenant of Gracies brigade. He says Gracies and Wises brigades have remained in the intrenchments here as they were on Saturday, in addition to the force previously here. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, (ommanding Page 249 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNTON. 249 HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 29, 18657.15 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I am just informed by the division officer of the day Second Division that two men of the Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers who went on picket last night deserted to the enemy a little before daylight this morning. The Second Division did not begin to move until 6.30. They were ordered to move at 0. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18658 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: My troops were ordered to move at 6 oclock without reference to General Gibbons troops, and moved at 6.30. General Gibbons troops have relieved mine. A. A. HUMPHHEYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18658.45 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I am now establishing my line. Am about a quarter of a mile from Gravelly Thin, on Yanghan road. A. A. HUMPIIHEYS, Major- General, Commanding. (Sent by orderly.) HEABQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 29, 18652 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have opened the road, which was blocked, and taken the intrenched picket-line which was scarcely more than watched. I believe that it runs to Dabucys Mill on our right. Have sent to see, and expect every moment to hear from General Hays that his reconnaissance of 300 men is there. This intrenched line however, does not cross the Quaker road a mile north of Quaker Meeting-house, but turns toward Gravelly Run, passing by Miles left. I sent out the escort to follow out the road which intersects the Quaker road about one mile north of Quaker Meeting- house. A. A. HUMPIIBEYS, Major- General Page 250 250 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CROSSINcf OF GRAVELLY IRUN AND QUAKER ROAD, March 29, 18652.15 p. m. Major-General HIJMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: General Griffin is getting slowly over the mn. Bridge down. He reports that he has pushed past a grave-yard, but has not seen any chapel. General Meade desires you to push out toward him and send an officer to communicate with him. He seems to be puzzled about his position. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of staff. (Copy to General Warren.) P. S.All moving now. Bridge built. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18654.50 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Griffin has been attacked by two divisions of the enemy. The staff officer was not able to find you and has been directed to order General Miles to go to Griffins support in case he shonld overlap General Warrens right, but he is also ordered not to break up the connection with onr right. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staft~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18655.40 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYs: General Warren will attack at 6 p. m. The general commanding wishes you to support him with Miles at that hour, if you can spare Miles. Attack with your line at the same time if you can gain anything, but be sure to follow up Warren. ALEX. S. WEBB, Rrevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, At Miles Division, March 29, 18656.15 p. m. Major-General WEBB Chief of Staff: Miles is moving forward with Griffin and will attack with him if the enemy are found; Mott the same, arid Hays. Our line of battle has beeii advanced through the densest small growth more than a mile. I send you a dispatch* from Major Biughama, which reached me after a long circuit. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. * Not found Page 251 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .IJNION. 251 IHEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186511 p. rn. Major-General WEBB: Will General Ord send a (livislon to take position on my right and move when we dol ~\. A. TIIJMPHIREYS, Major- General. Yes; and a staff officer will report to you. ALEX. S. WEBB, Chief of $ta~ HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. The following instructions from the major-general commanding the army for the movement to-morrow are furnished br your information and guidance: Before advancing Brigadier-General Hays will contract his right so that it will move nearly along the road from Dabneys Mill to J. Crows. He will have one brigade in re~erve, as will each of the other division commanders. A division of General Ords army will move on the right of Hays and licep connected with it. Division commanders will mutually sup- port each other when called upon to do so. General Hays will maintain the connection of his pickets with those of the troops from the Army of the James. General Miles will maintain connection with General Griffin and sup- port him if necessary. Division commanders will keep the commanding general of the corps constantly advised of their progress and the character of the ground they are occupying. The headquarters of the corps will be about the center of the line of battle. By command of Major-Geiieral Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 29, 18654.10 p. m. General IIUMPHREYS: We have prisoners from Bushrod Johnsons division. They report many troops coming down the road to attack ns. Our two advances met and drove them back. They are now deploying on our front. I should like re-enforcements if your line will permit. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 252 252 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18651.30 p. m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. N. A. MILES, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding the corps directs me to say that parties have been sent out by Generals Mott and Hays with a view to finding the in trenched picket-line of the enemy and secciring it. General Hays is ordered to go to Dabneys Mill. General Humplireys wishes you to send out a party of, say, about 300 men from your front with the same object, viz, to ascertain where the picket-line of the enemy is; obtain possession of it. Very respectfully, C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvISIoN, SECOND ARMY CORPS March 29, 18652.20 p. m. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: The Fifth Corps has advanced its line of battle about 1,000 yards. It is now at the Friends Meeting-house. Its picket-line is advanced still farther (about 800 yards). I have sent out 300 nie5i to drive iii the enemys pickets, and have also ordered my picket-line forward some 500 yards. Men have been sent to extend my picket-line to the left so as to connect with that of the Fifth Corps. NELSON A. MILES, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29 18 Brevet Major-General MILES, 654.50 P. m. Commanding First Division: GENERAL: General Humphreys directs that, in case General Warren should be attacked or should attack and need re-enforcements and apply to you for them, you will support him but will not break your connection with General Mott. Very respectfully, C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18656 p. rn. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commandinq Third Division: GENERAL: General Miles will probably move to the left to keep up the connection with General Warren. You will please extend your left when necessary, keeping connected with General Mjles. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 253 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 253 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRPS, March 29, 18656.25 p. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: General Humplireys directs me to say that General Miles will soon advance. You will advance with him, keeping up the connection. General Miles may incline somewhat to the left, but you will keep np the connection. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. General M. is now advancing. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my main and picket lines are formed and the instructions complete. General Miles moved so far to the left that it took three regiments from my reserve brigade to fill in the vacancy. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, March 29, 186510 p. m. Brigade commanders will cause strict vigilance to be maintained during the night. The command will be under arms half an hour before daylight to-morrow morning. By command of Brevet Major-General Mott: WM. iR. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. ROWANTY CREEK, March 29, 18655.30 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The head of my column reached here at 4.45 a. m. One or two shots were fired, probably as an alarm, for no opposition was made to our crossing. My infantry are crossing on the wreck of my former bridge and the engineers are laying a bridge for the artillery. f he roads are good, except occasional mud-holes. Respectfn]ly, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. Sent by orderly to Second Corps headquarters to be telegraphed. G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 254 254 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. MARCH 29, 18658.15 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: My column is just passing the junction of the stage road with the Vaughan road. No sign of enemy. I have an old negro who has been hiding around in the woods near Crawford Church. He says he saw a man from Dinwiddie Court-House yesterday, and there were no troops there. I cannot rely much upon what he says. I send this up the Vaughan road by Captain Winslow with an escort of ten men. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18658.45 a. m. (Received 10.20 a. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Major.General Meade directs you to move up the Quaker road to Gravelly Run crossing. By throwing out parties to your right you will be able to find General Hnmphreys in direction of J. Slaughters (the most northerly). He is feeling out in that direction. ALEX. S. WEBB Breret Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29 1 Major-General WEBB, 86510.30 a. m. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have just received the dispatch by Major Jay. I think my skirmishers are out on the Quaker road as far as Gravelly Run. They had been ordered there, and Ill see that it is done. My command will be posted as follows: One brigade, with the trains, at the junction of Vaughan road and stage road; two brigades at the crossing of the Quaker and Vaughan roads; a brigade up the Quaker road; one upon the road leading to R. Boisseans; Griffins division near Chapel [Chappell], Scott, and Hargrave. Skirmish lines will be put well out, and as soon as things are in hand I will push a force out to R. Bois- seans on the plank road. Barringers brigade, and perhaps a division of cavalry, passed down Quaker road to Stony Creek yesterday. No enemy met; a few scouts seen. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, Vaughan Road March 29 1 LGeneral WARREN:] 86510.30 a. m. GENERAL: General Crawford has just passed this point. General Humphreys skirmishers are extended nearly to the stage road and are now passing Hargraves house. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Colonel and Assistant A(jutant- General Page 255 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRE~3PONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 255 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 106511.20 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: From your last dispatch the major-general commanding would infer that you did not understand his last order by Major Jay. Your dispo- sitions to cover your left and rear are approved, but this must not pre- vent your moving your corps up the Quaker road across Gravelly Runt and then taking position, facing north, with your right connecting with General Humphreys. This done, you can make dispositions to cover your left, and you will cover and hold the plank road, if possible, with your corps. ALEX. ~. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186512 m. General WEBB: I did not understand till Captain Emory came that I was to move my corps np the Quaker road. My dispositions were preliminary to feeling out from my assigned position here. I have sent my escort out toward H. Boisseaus and they have not yet returned. General Griffins division is now moving up the Quaker road, as directed, and I will send Crawford after him and dispose of the troops according to develop- ments and as directed in the dispatch just received. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18654 p. m. General WEBB: General Griffin struck the enemy in some force about one mile from where we left you, and his men became pretty warmly engaged. I am deploying Crawford on his left. It is our artillery that is bring. I shall bring up Ayres, if necessary, as the enemys infantry keep extend -ing to our left toward Gravelly Run. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865]4.45 p. m. General WEBB Chief of Staff: General Griffin met on the march both Johnsons and Andersons divisiohs and drove them back, capturing about 100 prisoners. I am getting Crawford into position and also the artillery, bringing up two brigade~ of Ayre~, and am ready to go forward as soon as 1 can ge Page 256 256 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. connection with the Secoiid Corps. I shall attack anyhow about 6 p. in., if not attacked sooner myself. The enemy was marching dowii and not in breast-works. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. (Same to General Huinphreys, commanding Second Corps.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18655.40 p. m. General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Oorps: I am directed by Major-General Meade to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch announcing General Griffins success and your intention to attack. He is gratified to learn that your intention is to push the enemy, and wishes you every success. General llnmphreys has been ordered to support you with Miles division and to pnsh forward with his line. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18655.50 p. m. Geiieral WEBB: General Griffins skirmish line advanced as soon as the enemy gave way and found that they had retired, probably to their intrenchinents. General Crawfords skirmishers on the left, as soon as they could be posted, advanced to beyond the Boydton pike. My lines are now fol- lowing np the skirmish line. The light occurred just north of alt old saw-mill, about a mile from Gravelly Run. General Ayres sends me word that our picket-line sees the enemys cavalry flying north from Dinwiddie, and think Sheridan is after them. The lighting was very severe for a while. I cannot yet estimate the killed and wounded of either side. General Sickel is wounded; Major iVlaccuen is killed; General Chamberlain was slightly wounded. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18657 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to congratulate you and Major-General Griffin upon your success to-day. The telegraph will soon be at your headquarters, and you will then be in communication with these headquarters. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of $taff. [MARCH 29, 1865.For Warren to Webb, 7.30 p. in., rel)orting opera- tions, & c., see p. 245. Page 257 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~UNION. 257 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18659.20 p. in. Major-General WARREN, Commanding E~fth Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to state that from your dispatch he infers that the main points of the order* now sent to yoa have been practically carried out by General Griffin. You will, however~ determine this definitely in the morning, and the enemy being driven within his works you will extend your line to the left and will determine the position of his works. General ilumplireys will push on and will do the same in his front. You will develop to your left as far as possi- ble consistent with the instrnctions to protect your flank. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chiefof Staff, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29, 18659.20 p. m. (Received 10.40 p. m.,~ Major-General WARREN, Fifth Corps: The trains of Fifth Corps are ordered to move up and to cross Grav- elly Run and park on open field on north side. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 29, 1865. (Received 10.45 p. in.) Colonel LOCKE: General Meade wishes to know whether the pontoon bridge has been thrown over Gravelly Run. J. C. DUANE, Major of Engineers and Brevet Colonel. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Colonel DUANE, Chief Engineer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: The pontoon bridge was laid over Gravelly Run this afternoon. FRED. T. LOCKE Colonel, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186511.20 p. m. Division commanders will hold their commands in readiness atO a. m. to-morrow either to advance upon the enemy or to repel any attempt on his part. The order is to advance. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant AdjUtant-General. See inclosure No. 1, p. 244. 17 R RVOL XLVII PT II Page 258 258 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIIi. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18657.50 a. m. -Brevet Major-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The ma,jor-general commanding desires that you leave one brigade of pioneers to march ahead of the artillery, which follows your division. Very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, FRED. T. LOCKE, Breeet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Major-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: If there are any portions of the batteries obstructing the - passage of your column the major-general commanding directs that you pass them and come right on. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18656.15 a. m. Brevet Major-General AYRES, Commandnig Second Division: GENERAL: As your position is now so covered by the troops this side of the run withdraw all your pickets to the main body. For the - present have one brigade near your present headquarters, having one of its regiments posted at the intersection of the Vaughan and Quaker roads. Bring the other brigades up to join Winthrops brigade, and come yourself. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18657.50 a. m. General CRAWFORD, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The major-geueral commanding directs that the pioneers of your division accompany the ammunition train. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant, Adjutant- General Page 259 Ca~. LVIlI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 259 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18659.10 a. m. Brevet Major-General CRAWFORD, Commanding Third Division: Gr~RAL: The major-general commanding desires you to let one of your brigades escort the portion of our train which crosses the Row- anty up to the point where the Vaughan road forms a junction with the stage road. Headquarters are at present at this point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. ORDERS.] HDQRS THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH Au~r~ CORPS, March 29, 1865. Brigade commanders will have their men aroused to-morrow morn- ing in time to have their coffee and to be under arms an hour before daylight. By command of Brevet Major-General Crawford: J. HARRISON LAMBDJN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, JIiarch 29, 1865. Col. GEORGE ID. RIJGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired on the lines of this corps during the past twenty-four hours. Six deserters were received. H. G. WRiGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, illiarch 29, 18657 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: Since the dispatch of General Meade to General Grant the following has been received: General Warren reports that since attack of the enemy upon General Griffin the enemy has withdrawn. General Warren is following them up. They are sup~iosed to be within their line of works. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff~ (Same to Major-General Parke, Ninth Corps.) HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 29, 18658.30 p. m. President LINCOLN: Everything has been quiet ou my front to-day, the enemy having neither increased nor diminished his force up to dark. His working parties have been somewhat larger and more active than usual Page 260 260 N. AN]) SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. During the afternoon troops from the right have passed my front going toward the left. Their numbers were perhaps 4,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. H. G. WRIGHT, - Major- General, CQmmanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, Jlarch 29, 18659.45 p. m. Major-General PARKE: A lieutenant and six men from Stenarts brigade, of Picketts divis- ion, have just come in. The officer reports that his brigade was on the line near the Squirrel Level road and the other brigades of the division were on the Cox road, three miles from town; that his brigade moved about two hours before dark toward their right to form a j auction, as was understood, with the other brigades, the whole to continue toward the right, but to what point was not known. One other brigade, which one not known, was under similar orders. He knows of no other movement of troops. Two deserters from Scales brigade report that the line of their division has been extended to the right, their own brigade having been extended a little. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. (Same to Generals Webb and Ord.) HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18659 .55 jp. rn. Major-General ORD: It appears ou further investigation, that the brigades of Wilcoxs division, instead of stretching out, moved a little to their right with. out extending their front. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. (Same to Generals Parke and Webb.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 29 1 Major-General WRIGHT, 86510.15 ~. m. tigation. on Sixth Corps: No report any movement received until you speak of further inves A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186510.45 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB: All reports agree in stating that the only change on the part of the enemy iu my front up to this time is the increased activity of his working parties engaged in perfecting his line. It is believed no troops have been withdrawn from the front of the corps. II. G. WRiGHT, Major- General, Commanding Page 261 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 261 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 29, 18654.10 p. m. Major-General PARKE The enemy show more activity and stronger working parties in my front than heretofore; otherwise there is no movement of any kind dis- coverable by the pickets or from the signal tower. Your dispatch in reference to a movement of troops in your front just received, and I have directed a good lookout to bt~ kept in consequence to detect any movement. H. G. WRIGHT,, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Major-General WRIGHT: Heavy cannonading on my lines. No report as yet. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186510.45 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The enemy threw up a number of rockets and then opened with mor- tars, and picket-firing increased all along the line. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186511.05 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: The cannonading is confined entirely to my front. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Col. W. S. TRUEX, Commanding First Brigade: COLONEL: The general commanding the division directs that you immediately send the two largest regiments of your brigade to occupy the line from Fort Gregg to Fort Cummings (inclusive of the last fort), the senior officer of the two regiments to report here at once for instruc- tions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. TRACY, 0. Brevet Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 262 262 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186:53 p. m. Capt. C. L. DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer: Column of infantry passing west between South Side Itailroad and the river; twenty-eight minutes passing point west 10 from station, followed by twenty-one wagons and seven ambulances- did not see the head of column. Also column of cavalry moving west on Cox road; twelve colors seen; twenty-four minutes passing point due north from station; not well closed up. No changes in lines in our immediate front. Will ieport again in a few minutes. L. A. DILLINGEAM, Lieutenant, Signal Corp.~. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS March 29, 18657.40 p. m. Capt. C. L. DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac: Your dispatch received. Until 10 a. m. the atmosphere was unfavor- able for observation. All quiet was reported along the line until after noon. 2.10 p. m. Walthall station reported large body of cavalry and a wagon train passing toward our left on road rear of Whiteheads fac- tory; thirty minutes passing a given point. Train consisted of sixty wagons and ten ambulances. This report was sustained by Sergeants Judson, C arothers, and Jordan in almost precisely the same words. Again at 3.30 Walthall station reported nine regiments of infantry, amounting to about 2,800, passing to our left, on road north 85 degrees west from that point, distant five miles. Of this same column Sergeant Jndson says: Column of infantry passing to our left on Pocahontas roa(1, marching common time and well closed np, twenty-five minutes passing a point. Lieutenant Dilliughams report of both infantry and cavalry was a repetition of the above. No unusual activity in our front, and remark- able quiet has prevailed all day. J. C. PAINE, Brevet Major. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186:5. The PRESIDENT, City Point: Owing to smoke and haze no observations were made beyond the enemys picket-line until 10 a. in.; then small working parties were engaged at several points. No unusual activity observed among their troops, nor indications of a movement on our immediate front. Betweeti 2 and 5 p. mu. about 3,000 infantry and a brigade of cavalry passed our front from toward Swift Creek, going out on Coxs road toward the left. General Wright reports that The enemy show more activity and stronger working parties in my front than heretofore; otherwise there is no movement of any kind discoverable by the pickets or from the signal tower. Your dispatch in reference to a movement of troops in your front jnst received, and have directed a good lookout to be kept in consequence to detect any movement. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 263 CHAP. LYm.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 263 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186510.45 p. rn. The PRESIDENT, City Point: About 10.15 the enemy threw up a number of signal-rockets on dif- ferent parts of his lines, then opened with mortars, and picket-firing greatly increased. I hardly can believe it is intended as an attack on my front, but may be intended to cover movements elsewhere. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. (Copies to Major-Generals Meade and Wright.) GRAVELLY CREEK, March 29, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: A large body of cavalry were reported to have gone southeast yester- day. It may be barely possible that Sheridan will pass out west of them, leaving them to annoy your rear. You had better send a scout- ing party of cavalry far out to the rear to watch. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186510.45 p. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Two of Shermans men, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania, Thirty-eighth Indiana, taken prisoners near Fayetteville and escaped from their guard at Roanoke Station, have just come in. They crossed the Notto- way below the railroad bridge. Saw and heard nothing of any large body of cavalry. The negroes told them that the rebel cavalry had gone to Dinwiddie to meet an expected raid from us. I sent out scouts, but have elicited nothing as yet. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NiNTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 186510 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The corps officer of the day reports that the enemy were very busy on their works on different parts of the line during the past twenty-four hours. There was considerable stir in Petersburg during the night, and sharp picket-firing was kept up at many points. Sixteen deserters came in on Potters front, representing three brigades of Grimes division Fifty-third North Carolina, Forty-fourth Georgia, Twelfth Alabama. No change is observable in enemys line this a. m. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 264 2G4 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP, LVIII. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, March 29, 1865. Chief of & aff: Twelve deserters from Cooks and Battles brigades came in oii Gen- eral Potters front. One man came from the rear at dusk. They know of no movement of troops. Coxs brigade was expected to strengthen their line, which has been weak since the 25th. Colonel Robinson, commanding MeLaughiens brigade, reports three deserters from Lewis brigade, who state that they anticipate a heavy fight on their right and an attack here. I have as yet heard nothing from the mounted regi- ment that was to report to me. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of & aff: Two of Shermans men, after having been taken prisoners escaped from their guard, came into our lines this afternoon and make the fol- lowing statement: HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, PROVOST-MARSHALS OFFICE, March 89, 1865. Hiram Witmer, of Company H, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Bizy C. Gray, Company 1, Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, state that they were cap- tured on the 10th instant by Wade Hamptons cavalry seven miles south of Fayette- yule, N. C. They were taken from there same night, crossing the Cape Fear River; next day were marched to Raleigh, N. C.; next day were put on the cars and taken to Henderson Station, Weldon and Petersburg Railroad; from there were three days marching to Richmond and Danville Railroad; struck this railroad at Roanoke Station, then broke guard and left on the 21st for the Union lines, crossing the Not- toway between Blacks and Whites Station and Jonesborough; followed the north side of the Nottoway to the junction of that river and the Weldon railroad about five [miles] south of the month of Stony Creek; then struck north; passed Sussex Court-House, keeping the Nottoway to onr left, recrossing it near the Weldon rail- road in a boat, and. came into our lines near Reams Station. Heard of none of the enemys forces except about 200 cavalry at Jonesborongh, 500 at Stony Creek bridge. Heard the rest had gone to the left of the cncmys lines, looking for Sheridan. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS March 29, 186510.30 p. rn. Major-General MEADE: Heavy cannonading on my front just commenced. No report as yet. JNO. G. PARKE. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST DIV., NINTH ARMY CORPS, No. 8. 5 March 29, 1865. A sufficient time having elapsed for a candid examination into the action of the 25th instant, the brevet major-general commanding desires to congratulate the troops of this division. You have passe Page 265 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 265 through one of the most trying hazards of battle and acquitted your- selves as veterans only could. Your center was assaulted by over- whelming odds and pierced. Battery No. 10 and Fort Stedman were captured. From these works, standing on a commanding hill, the enemy pushed his victorious troops on your flanks and rear. On the right his advance toward Battery No. 9 was checked promptly at the foot of the hill by the brave troops of the Second Brigade and some 400 prisoners [taken]. On the left the enemy made a vigorous assault on Fort Haskell, but were as handsomely repulsed by the rallied troops of the Third Brigade, whose ranks had beeii crushed but whose spirit was nnbroked by so alarming a disaster. When the lines of the Third Division advanced toward Fort Stedman your skirmishers mingled with the foremost of that gallant division, and at the first sign of the enemys retreat you pushed forward along the trenches on the right and left, captured the occupants of your works, gained the rear of the enemy who had advanced from your lines, cut off their retreat and assisted in the capture of the main body. To some of your number, officers and men of the Third Maryland and One hundredth Pennsyl- vania, seems to be justly due the praise of being the first to re-enter the captnred fort. The flag of the One hundredth Pennsylvania was the first planted on the ramparts. You count among your trophies, seven rebel flags, together with one of ours recaptured, and fully 1,000 l)ris- oners, while we have lost neither guns nor colors and only one-fifth as many prisoners as they. As you have been congratulated on your gal- lantry by the corps commander, it would be superfluous in your divis- ion commander to add a word of praise beyond that contained in the statement of this signal repulse of the enemy and its brilliant results. He can only add his grateful thanks for the past and renewed confi- dence in you for the future. 0. B. WILLOOX, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. FIRST IDIvIsIoN, NiNTH ARMY CoRPS, March 29, 1865. The troops of this command will stand to arms this p. in., with their accounterments, at 4 oclock, and remain so until after dark. Unless orders are given to the contrary, the same instructions embodied in circular of last night in regard to trench guard and general vigilance will be strictly carried out. By command of Bvt. Maj. Gen. 0. B. Wilicox: WM. V. RICHARDS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] ARTY. IIDQRS., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, In Front of Petersburg, Va., March 29, 1865. Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. C. TIBBALL, Commanding Artillery Brigade, Ninth Corps: GENERAL: The corps that moveSecond, Fifth, and Sixthtake but five four-gun batteries. The others will report to you to be governed by the order formerly issued, viz, keep such as you want and send the rest to City Point. I understand that the Second Corps will keep si Page 266 266 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. of its batteries. You will take command of all the artillery left in the lines. If General Abbot ranks you, you will retain the command of the field artillery, leaving the siege artillery to him. Of course Gen- eral Parke will give Abbot such orders as he may consider necessary. All the ammunition trains of the corps artillery, Second, Fifth, and Sixth, should be sent to City Point lines, and be held ready to come up to the corps, should we need them, with the forage wagons. The sup. plies ordered, forage and rations, should be kept up for the trains and batteries so that they can move without delay. They should, therefore~ draw on return for current use. By command of Brevet Major-General Hunt: JNO. N. CRAIG, Assistant A djutant- General. GRAVELLY CREEK, March 2.9,1865. Major-General SHERiDAN: Our line is now unbroken from the Appomattox to IDinwiddie. We are all ready, however, to give up all from the Jerusalem plank road to Hatchers Run whenever the force can be used advantageously. After getting into line south of Hatchers we pushed forward to find the ene- mys position. General Griffin was attacked near where the Quaker road intersects the Boydton road, but repulsed it easily, capturing about 1100 men. Humphreys reached Dabneys Mill and was pushing on when last heard from. I now feel like ending the matter if it is possible to do so before going back. I do not want you, therefore, to cut loose and go after the enemys roads at present. In the morning push round the enemy if you can and get onto his right rear. The movements of the enemys cavalry may, of course, modify your action. We will act altogether as one army here until it is seen what can be done with the enemy. The signal officer at Cobbs Hill reported at 11.30 a. in. a cavalry column had passed that point from Richmond toward Petersburg, taking forty minutes to pass. U. S. GRANT, General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18659.10 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN. Commanding Cavalry: GENERAL: The corps is now in position near the Boydton plank road from near Gravelly Run to where it is joined by the Quaker road. The Second Corps connects with us on the right. In our advance to-day General Griffins division was met by Bushrod Johnsons and Ander- sons divisions, which he drove back with severe loss. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, Dinwiddie Court-House, Va., March 29, 1865. Brevet Major-General Merritt will move his command to Dinwiddie Court-House at 6 oclock to-morrow morning, when he will receive spe Page 267 CHAP. LViII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 2437 cial instructions. He will be required to escort the trains to that point, when he will be relieved from that duty by the Second Cavalry Division, which will take charge of them. The Second Division will be in readi- ness to move at 6 oclock to-morrow morning, but will not move until ordered from these headquarters. By command of Major-General Sheridan: JAS. W. FORSYTH, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DrvIsIoN, March 29, 1865. Brigadier-General FORSYTH, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I am very much afraid the train will not make this point to-night. The roads are cntting up horribly. The artillery of the First Division is stuck not far back. I ordered fires to be built on the line of march and have turned out all the pioneers in the First Division to mend the roads. I will send word if anything new occurs. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March 29, 1865. Brigadier-General FORSYTH, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The train will not make this to-night. It is seven miles back at last accounts. The roads between here and the trains are in good condition, except one or two bad places, but the roads are so nar- row that the wagons cannot move in the dark. I will have the train moved up the first thing in the morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, March. 29, 1865. Major-General CROOK, CQrnmanding Second Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you have your command saddled up at 5 a. m. to-morrow and in readiness to move out at 6 oclock. All the wagons of the command must be hitched up at 5 a. m. to-morrow. Very respectfully, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Chief of Sta/f. GRAVELLY RUN, March 29, 18651.20 jp~ rn. Major-General ORD: Deserters just in to Humphreys corps report Heths and Wilcoxs divisions this side of Hatchers Run. If this is so it only leaves Go Page 268 2438 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. dons corps confronting Parke, Wright, and you. I do not want to change the orders previously sent to you, but send this for your infor- mation. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN ]Iliarch 29 1 Major-General ORD, , , 865. Hump hreys~ Station: I think the movement of Humphreys south of Hatchers iRun up to the Crow house must have moved the enemy back from the front of your left next to the run. If you can push up on the north side of the run to the Armstrong house, or farther, it will release a whole division on the south side. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY IRUN, March 29, 1865. (Received 5.30 p. in.) General ORD, I1umphreys~ Station: Did your cavalry get off this afternoon? How do things look in your front? Does the enemy seem to be drawing off any forces from there? If he weakens much you might try to make a hole through his line and move np the north side of Hatchers Run. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES March 29, 18659.45 p. m. General U. S. GRANT: Your dispatch calling for cavalry caine about 5.30. Mackenzie was a mile oTh He came here about 7, knew nothing of the road, asked for a guide; too dark without oae. The guide has just come, and Mac- kenzie will be off in a few minutes. The enemy show a stronger line than mine. Do not think they have drawn troops from here. E.O.C GIRD Major- Ge~eral. GRAVELLY RUN, March 29, 1865. Major-General ORD, Humphreys Station: Send your cavalry by the road takeu by the Fifth Corps to the cross- ing of Hatchers Ruu, to guard the army trains, which are now insuffi- ciently protected. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 269 Can. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--UNION. 269 HUMPHREYS STATION, March 29, 1865. General GRANT: Which is the road the Fifth Corps took to Hatchers Run ~ Is it the one by Perkins~ E. 0. C. OIRD. GRAVELLY RuN, March 29, 1865. Major-General ORD: The road taken by Warrens corps is the next one east of the Vaughan road. I believe it does go by Perkins house. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 29, 186510 p. m. Major-General ORD, llumphreys Station: Throw one division of your troops south of Hatchers Run to the sup- port of the Second Corps in the morning, starting at 5 a. m. Send a staff officer at the same hour to General Humphreys to learn the posi- tion the division sent will occupy. Answer. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GENERAL ORDs HEADQUARTERS, March 29, 1865. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding: Dispatch received and orders issued. The guide for General Mac- kenzie was not obtained until 10 oclock, when he started off. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 29, 1865. Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. ORD, Ifumphreys Station: Please send to me the orders you have to give to Colonel Sumner~ and I will forward them to him. He passed down to-day, and says he has no definite orders. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 29, 18651 p. m. General READ Chief of Staff: Cipher telegrams you can open, and if my proposition is approved telegraph to Gordon to have Sumner land where may be best to not attract attention. E.O.C. ORD, Major- General Page 270 270 N. AND SF.. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CoRps, Marek 29~ 1865. The general commanding directs that the supplies be drawn so that the men will have four days rations in their haversacks, and that the wagons have supplies for eight days, this to be drawn at once. Take all the forage that can be carried. By command of Ma.j. Gen. John Gibbon: J. H. POTTER, Colonel and Chief of f~taff. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Va., March 29, 1865. Brig. Gen. R. S. FOSTER, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The commanding rgenerafl directs that any iuformation you may gain during the night be forwarded to these headquarters without delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD MOALE, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS, March 29, 18659 a. m. General TURNER: General Gibbon directs that you have two regiments ready to occupy the ground just to the left of the Vaughan road at Hatchers Run. There is a battery of four guns about 600 yards from the intersection of the Vaughan road with our line. This battery is not protected. By command of General Gibbon: J. H. POTTER Colonel and Chief of ~3taff. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Before Richmond, 17a., March 29, 186510.45 p. m. Brevet Major-General TURNER, Commanding Division: GENERAL: You will move at 5 a. m. your division to the south of Hatchers Run in support of the Second Corps. Major Embler, of my staff, will start at the same hour for General Huinphreys headquarters to ascertain the position the division is to occupy. Send one of your own staff officers here at 5 a. m. to report to and accompany Major Emblcr to General Humphreys headquarters, and give him fullinstruc- tions as to the information you wish to get from General Humphreys. Major Embler knows something of the ground. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding Page 271 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LJNION. 271 ORDERS.I UDQUS. iNDEPENDENT Div., 24TH ARMY Coups, March 29, 186511.30 p. m. The division will be under arms at 4.45 to-morrow morning and march at 5 precisely. Colonel Curtis will move his brigade in time to join General Harris brigade at 5 oclock. Colonel Potters brigade will lead, followed by General Harris brigade. The brigade pioneers will be sent to report to Colonel Potter, so that they can take their places at the head of the column. The brigade trains will be concentrated and held in readiness to move, when orders are sent to them, near Col- onel Potters headquarters. JNO. W. TURNER, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. CITY POINT, Mareh 29, 1865. General WEITZEL: What, if anything, have you observed on your front to-day? A. LINCOLN. MARCH 29, 18658.10 p. m. President A. LINCOLN, City Point: I have only heard that Fitzhugh Lee s cavalry passed through Rich- mond yesterday, and at 11.25 this morning it was seen passing Port Walthall Junction, toward Petersburg, at a fast gait. No movements have been observed other than the above. I expect deserters every moment, and as soon as I hear anything new I will telegraph you. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. MARCH 29, 1865. President A. LINCOLN, City Point: A lieutenant and two men have just come in from the enemy. They report no change on this front up to the time they left. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, March 29, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Keep me informed of any movements in your front so long as tele- graphic communication is kept up. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 272 272 N. AND SE.VA.~ W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Lent. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The following dispatch has just been received from Cobbs Hill tower, 11 a. in.: A colamn of about 4,000 cavalry passed on the turnpike, going toward Petersburg, and are still passing. G. WEJTZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-PIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following dispatch just received from Cobbs Hill tower, 11.25 a. in.: About 1,000 more cavalry pfissed in same direction. The whole comma occupied fifty minutes in passing. Were marching fast. Their wagons are now passing. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 1865. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Huntons brigade, of Picketts division, is on this side James~ instead of Corses. Three brigades of Fitzhugh Lees cavalry went through Richmond yesterday toward South Side road. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, Va., March 29, 1865. (Via City Point.) Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT: A reconnaissance on my left this morning, where it was reported the enemy had withdrawn forces, developed no change. No change ob- served or reported anywhere else in my front. G. WEJTZEL, Major- General. CITY POINT, March 29, 1865. General WEITZEL: About 4 p. m. the enemy attacked Griffins division, of the Fifth Army Corps, at the point where the Quaker road intersects the Boyd- ton plank. Griffin repulsed him, capturing sixty prisoners. No further particulars. Will furnish you all the news J receive. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 273 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 273 DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, March 29, 1865. Major-General WELTZEL: Deserter from Finegans brigade, Mahones division, on Bermuda front, says that yesterday at 12 in., when he left, everything was quiet and no movements. Sheridans cavalry were heard plainly when they crossed the James. That accounts for Fitzhugh Lees cavalry moving yesterday. FRED. L. MANKING, Lieutenant- Colonel and Provost-Marshal- General. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., March 29, 1865. Major General WEJTZEL, Commanding: Name of battery here is Seventh New York Itidepeudent Battery, commanded now by First Lient. M. V. McIntyre. Following dispatch just received from Cobbs Hill tower: A column of al)out 5,000 cavalry passed on the turnpike going toward Petersburg. The enemy has apparently diminished his force in front of this tower, as very few men can be seen. I would have sent it to you, but sapposed it had been sent direct. Is there any discretion permitted you about moving on the enemys work s in any contingency l GEG. L. HARTSUFF, Major- General. HATCHERS FARM, March 29, 1865. Major- General WEITZEL, Commanding: No change on the right. Had a reconnaissance on left last night; result not yet known; will inform you immediately. Two deserters from beyond the river near Petersburg think there is a change on left. Do you know where the terrific cannonading was last night, its objects and resultsl GEG. L. HARTSUFF, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE JAMES, March 29, 1865. Brigadier-General DEvENS Commanding Twenty-fourth Army Corps: The following dispatch just received.* W. L. GOODRICH, ____ Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ~ See Parker to Bowers, p. 242. 18 R RVOL. XLVI, PT II Page 274 274 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. MARdI 29, 186510.30 p. m. Brigadier-General DEVENS, Twenty-fourth Army Corps: The enemy are attacking the iNinth Corps; heavy battle going on; rockets are visible on our left. Be on the alert for an attack. G. F. STIEPLEY, Chief of Staff. MARCH 29, 1865. [General BENHAM:] It appears that the enemy opened upon the Ninth Corps front with musketry and mortars. The heaviest firing is at or near Fort Stedman. I have no particulars. Will send you any news I may get. All quiet north of the James. Respectfully, T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General, HDQRS. ENGINEER BRIG. AND DEFENSES CITY POINT, March 29, 18659.30 a. m Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: General Collis has just informed me that you have directed him to have the positions in advance of my lines of defense picketed by his cavalry. If I am, as I nnderstand, the commander and held respon- sible for these lines of defense would you not wish all troops or pickets in front of these lines to be placed there under my orders l H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY C ()RPS~ March 29, 1865. Brigadier-General BENHAM: I have no desire nor intention to interfere with the duties of picket- ing the ground in advance of your line. What I wished to do was to have the approaches from the rear to our hues of communication between the left of your line and the Blackwater carefully watched, picketed, and scouted by cavalry. Not receiving any report from you, and Bre- vet Brigadier-General Colhis having sent me a field return containing a regiment of cavalry, I directed him to thus make use of his cavalry. I should be most happy to have you take charge of this picketing. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. IIDQRS. ENGINEER BRIG. AND I)EFENSES CITY POINT, March 29, 186511 a. m. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: I have the honor to acknowledge your telegram. The order placing you in command of this post and defenses only reached me about fifteeu minutes since. I will, as desired, take the charge of all outsid Page 275 CHAP. LVIH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 defenses, and if not l)reveflted by this duty will ride up to see you to-morrow on the subject, or to-day, if you so desire or direct. Could you inform me if you now have cavalry at Prince George Court-house. H. W. BEXHAM, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS MN TH ARMY CoRPS, March 29, 186512.20 p. m. Brigadier-General BENHAM, Commanding Defenses, City Point: Your dispatch of 11 a. nt received. I have justlearued that the cav- alry picket-line from James River was withdrawn this a. in. There.is, therefore, no cavalry at Prince George Court-House. General Collis having arrived here I told him to send the cavalry regiment to Prince George Court-House and picket and patrol the roads between the Blackwater and the left of your line. He now returns to City Point, and will turn this regiment temporarily over to your cominamid. He has directed the commanding officer to send reports direct to me as well as to your headquarters. This I think will completely protect our rear from ini-oads of scouts and guerrillas. Any additional l)recautions you think necessary you are fully empowered to carry out. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQITARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 29, 18651.20 p. m. Brigadier-General BENHAM, City Point: You will please direct a scouting party of cavalry to push well out to the southeast an(l endeavor to ascertain if there are any bodies of the enemys cavalry occupying the country in that (lirection. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE, March 29, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: Your dispatch ordering a cavalry scout was received at 2.15. Au onder was immediately sent to the commanding officer at Prince George Court-House to scud out a scouting party. A map was sent him show- ing the country to be scouted over. IT. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- Generwi. HDQRS. ARTY. RESERVES, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, DEFENSES OF CITY POINT VA , ., March 29, 1865. Capt. C. CLAFF, Assistant Adjutant- General, Engineer Brigade: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inclose herewith report of the posi- tion of the batteries of this command. Captain Gilbert does not repor Page 276 276 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. to me. But by direction of General Hunt I have been accustomed to embody in my report of the stations of batteries the number and posi- tion of heavy guns on this line. Very respectfully, your obedieoit servant, E. H. MAYO, Captain Third Maine Battery, Commanding Reserves. [Inclosure.] Report of stations of batteries serring with the Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, in Defenses of City Point, March 25, 1865. Rounds Battery. Commanding officer. Guns. Caliber, of asnmnu- Station. nition. 2 400 Fort Abbott. 3d Maine Captain Mayo ..do....:::. 00 Fort McKeen. ....do....~.... 00 Fort Graves. 2d Maine Captain Stubba 2 --- do 400 Fort Merriam. 4 --- do 800 Fort Porter. 14th Massachusetts. Captain Wright. 4 10-pounder Par. ) On detached service. i-ott. 3d Vermont Captain Start 6 Lightl2-ponnder Sixth Army Corps. Respectfully submitted. B. B. MAYO, Captain Third Maine Battery, Commanding Artillery Reserves. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRPS, March 29, 186512.45 a. m. General COLLIS: I woul(l like to see you in the morning. You will please have your cavalry watch and picket the roads entering our lines in our rear, extending from the defenses of City Point to the Blackwater. More detailed verbal instructions will be furnished you in the morning. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 2-9, 186512.20 p. m. Cal)t. J. M. SCHOONMAKEE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: Direct Major Tewksbnry* to l)roceed to Prince George Court-House with his regiment and picket the roads from Old Court-House to the Blackwater, aud there conileet with the dismounted men of Colonel Sanders. He can leave a small guard in camp. Please also notify Generals Patrick and Benhanl of this disposition. CHARLES H. T. COMAS, Brevet Brigadier- General. * First Massachusetts Cavalry Page 277 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 277 HEADQUARTERS POST, City Point, Va., March 29, 1865. Capt. C. CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I am directed by the general commanding to inform you, for the information of Brigadier-General Benhain, commanding Engi- neer Brigade, that the First Massachusetts Cavalry have been ordered to l)iCkft the roads from Old Court-house to the Blackwater md there connect with the dismounted ineii of Colonel Sanders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOONMAKER, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WINCHESTER, VA., March 29, 1865. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: A party of scouts from General Stevensons command captured last night Major llibbs, Captain James (Mosbys quartermaster), and Lieu- tenant Mosby (Mosbys nephew) with their arms and horses, and brought theum into our lines. WINFD S. HANCOCK, Major- General, Commanding. WINCHESTER, VA., March 29, 1865. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK Chief ~f Staff: There is no bridge traimi with this army, except the one at Harpers Ferry for the Shenandoah, which is not suitable for transportation. I would like a canvas boat traiii for a bridge 275 [yards] long, so that if 1 required it there may not be ammy delay in the matter. WJNFD S. HANCOCK, Major- Genera 1. WASHINGTON, I). C., March 29, 18651.30 p. m. Major-General HANCoCK, Winchester, Va.: General Delafield thinks that General Sheridan took with him only a l)art of the canvas boats sent up, and that you should have eight or ten on hand. Please ascertain, as we have only a few here. Your requisition will take all. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. WINCHESTER, VA., March 29, 1865. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chwf of Staff: There are five boats here and no trestles. On reviewing the infor- mation on which I acted in making my requisition this morning, I con Page 278 278 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAP. LVIII. dude that 150 yards would be ample, as there would be no circum- stances, perhaps, where the advantage of a double bridge would compensate for the increased length of the wagon train. WJNF1) S. HANCOCK, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 151. Washington, March 29, 1865. * * * * * * 59. Brig. Gen. G. B. Rauin, U. S. Volunteers, xviii report in person without (lelay to Major-General Hancock, U. S. Volunteers, at Win- chester, Va., for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War E. D. TOWNSEND, A ssistant A djutant- General. H EAI)QIJARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIViSION, March 29, 186w. Brevet Major-General TORBERT, Chief of Cavalry: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you place a strong squadron, or at least 100 cavalry, at Smithfield, to picket and patrol the country in the vicinity and hi the direction of Bunker Hill and to pursue any force of gilerrillas appearing on this 5i(le of Apple Pie Ridge. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of AStaff. HEADQUARTERS M IDI)LE M ILITARY DIVISION, March 29, 1865. General STEVENSON: General Carroll reports Rosser as iii his front in Hampshire County. The information is doubted here, but if reliable you may have some trouble on the right of your lines. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General, cf~e. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 29, 1865. Brigadier-General STEVENSON, Harpers Ferry: Please send word to General Brooke to send all troops of the First Corps to Berryville without delay with their allowance of ambulances and transportation. They will draw their supplies from Sulnulit Point. Lieutenant-Colouel Bird will report in person for instructions at thes Page 279 CHAP. LVHI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 279 headquarters. The One hundred and ninety-sixth Ohio, new regiment, left State yeSter(lay. Please order it to report to General Brooke, and notify him. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Briqadier- General of Volunteers. MARTINSBIJRG, March 29, 1865. General STEVENSON: A party of twenty-five rebels were iii Smithfield last night. They crossed the railroad near Summit Point on their way back toward the Shenandoah. W. H. SEWARD, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, March 2.9, 1865. Captain CHAMBERLIN, Provost-Marshal, Point of Rocks: Sergeant ilough and three men of Loudoun Rangers, the same party who cal)tured rebel officers, are ordered to scout in Loudoun for ten days, crossing at Point of Rocks. Captain Means is to go with the party. JOHN I). STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. IIEADQITARTERS MImmE MILITARY DIVISION, March 29, 1865. General CARROLL, Cumberland: You must be mistaken about any large part of Mosby being in your front, as the information we have places him in Londoun quite lately. There is a rumor that he crossed to this side yesterday. Please let us know where your information locates him. A scouting party from Woodstock to-day reports Rosser is at Gordonsyille. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General. CLARKSBURG, W. VA., March 29, 1865. Maj. AUGUSTUS DOTZE, Commanding, Philipjpi: The mail for Beverly was captured yesterday the other side of Belington by six guerrillas. Scout the country thoroughly in that direction, and for every train passing through to Beverly send a guard of not less than two men to each wagon. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 64. Baltimore, Md., March 29, 1865. Capt. W. H. Wiegel, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. %iunteers, having beeii promoted by the President of the United States to ran Page 280 280 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. as major and assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, will remain on duty as assistant provost-marshal, Eighth Army Corps, as announced in General Orders, No. 3, current series, these head be obeyed and respected accordingly. quarters. He will By command of Bvt. Brig. Geii. W. W. Morris, U. S. Army: SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, Assistant A djut ant- General. SAINT ALEANS, Vi., March 29 186.5. Hon. W. H. SEWARD, (Received 11.45 p. in.) Secretary of State: Telegram from our consul in Montreal says raiders discharged; their acts fully snstained. Have arrested them on another warrant. J. GREGORY SMITH, Governor of Vermont. NEW YORK, March 29, 1865. Hon. W. H. SEWARD, (Received 11.40 ii. in.) Secretary of State: Saint Albans raiders discharged. Have instructed Montreal con- sul to take no more steps in our behalf If you desire otherwise, please inform me here. GEG. F. EDMUNDS. CITY POINi, VA., March 30, 18657.30 p. m. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR: I begin to feel that I ought to be at home, and yet I dislike to leave without seeing nearer to the end of General Grants present movement. He has now beeii out since yesterday morning, and although lie has not been diverted from his programme, no considerable effect has yet been produced, so far as we know here. Last night at 10.15, when it was dark as a rainy night without a moon could be a furious cannon- ade, soon joined in by a heavy musketry-fire, opened iiear Petersburg and lasted about two hours. The sound was very distinct here, as also were the flashes of the guns up the clouds. It seemed to me a great battle, but the older hands here scarcely noticed it, and, snre enough, this morning it was found that very little had been done. A. LiNCOLN. GRAvELLY RITN, March30, 18652 p.m. President A. LINCOLN, City Point, Va.: I understand the number of dead left by the enemy yesterday for us to bury was much greater thaii our own dead. The captures were larger than reported also, amounting to about 160. This morning our troops have all been pushed forward, and now occupy a hue from what you will see marked on the map as the Crow house across the Boydto Page 281 281 CHAP. LYIIil CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. plank road north of where the Quaker road intersects it. Sheridans cavalry is pushing forward toward the White Oak road, and I think this afternoon or to-morrow may push on to the South Side road. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQITARTER8 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18652 p. in. President A. LINCOLN, City Point: General Warren reports haviiig buried 126 dead rebels, including 12 officers. His own killed is 5 officers and 46 men. U. S. GRANT, Lienten ant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES oF THE UNITED STATES, March 30, 186512.10 p. rn. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAwLINS: GENERAL: A messenger just in from General Merritt says that the reconnaissance sent out from near Boisseaus encountered the enemy in considerable force. They went to about two miles of the Five Forks, and found the enemy occupying the road. Those going north pro- ceeded to about a mile of the White Oak road, and found the road also occupied by the enemy. Nearly all the forces met were cavalry. All the roads leading toward the White Onk road are covered by the enemy. No en ga gem cut reported. E. S. PARKER, Actinq Assistant Adjutant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. (Received 8.45 p. in.) Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, City Point: Warren and Huinphreys have pushed forward until the enemy now occupy the same position about Burgess Mill they did when General Hancock had his battle last fall. There has been some pretty sharp fighting, but I do not know the result, further than the enemy were forced back. Merritts division of cavalry met the enemys cavalry at J. Boisseans, and drove theni back on both roads from that point. Merritt followed up his success, and now holds Five Forks, on the White Oak road, and also where the right-hand road from Boisseaus house intersects the same road. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Lieut. (Jol. T. S. BOWERS, City Point, Va.: There is nothing to communicate since my last dispatch. The rain of to-day has made the roads horrible, and our operations have been con- fined to advancing our lines closer to the enemy and in making cord Page 282 282 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. roy roads. There has been some skirmishing all along the lines, result- ing in a few casualties on both sides. We have captured and also lost a few mcii by capture. To-night the enemy seem to be concentrating a force on our left, arid I do not think an attack 111)011 115 there in the morning improbable. All the orders that I can give to prepare for it have been given. Ii. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1363. Major-General MEADE: As Warren and Humphreys advance, thus shortening their line, I think the former had better move by the left flank as far as he can stretch out with safety, and cover the White Oak road if he can. This will enable Sheridan to reach the South Side road by Fords road, and, it may be, 4onble the enemy up, so as to drive him out of his works south of hatchers Run. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18659 a. m. Licut. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I forward dispatch received from Major-General Warren.* I have di- rected him not to advance on the Boydton road, but to develop to the left, securing his flank independently of Sheridans movements. I also transmit report from l)rovost-marshals department, showing it was only Bushrod Johnsons division in the fight yesterday. Dese~ters again report Pickett as here or coming. Major-General Parke reports numer- ous signal-rockets last night and a heavy cannonading on their part from 8 to 10 p. m. Not feeling secure about the trains at the lower crossing of Thatchers Run, I ordered them up to the Vaughan road. The movement commenced about 2 a. in., but the rain has involved delay, making the roads impassable and requiring the engineers to repair them. Whilst writing the foregoing your dispatch per Colonel Dent received. You will perceive your suggestions of extending Warren have been attended to. The enemy cover the White Oak road, and I understand you to mean Warren to confront them. I for- ward another dispatch from Warren.+ He seems a little anxious about his positioml till Humnphreys gets up, bnt I think Humphreys move- ments will protect Warrens right dank. GLO. G . MEADE, Major- General. [Inciosure] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 186-5. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Deserters (six) from Gracies, Wises, and iRausomns brigades, of B. Johnsons division, caine into Secolid Corps tbi~ n. m. See 5.50 a. in., p. 298. See 8.30 a. in., p. 299 Page 283 CHAP. L~Ifl. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 283 Left picket-line. Have no reliable information. Think only B. John- sons division on this side of Hatchers Run. All of it moved to the right last evening. Heard that Picketts division was to be here this a. m. Was Only two regiments on picket yesterday on enemys left of line this side of Hatchers Run. Two more deserters from Wallace just received. They can give no information whatever. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BABCOCK. P. S.One hundred and eight prisoners of war received from the Fifth Corps. They are from all the brigades of B. Johnsons division. No other organization is represented. ~ine commissioned officers received not included in above. GRAVELLY RuN, March 30, 1863. (Received 10.57 a. in.) Major-General MEADE: My idea was that we should try to extend our left so as to cross the White Oak road, say at W. Dabney~s, or as near up to the enemy as we can. This would seem to .cover all the roads np to Fords road, by which Sheridan might then move* and gets onto the South Side road, and possibly double np the enemy and drive him north of Hatchers Run. Ti. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. 11.15. (Received 12 in.) General WARREN: S This dispatch is forwarded to you for your information simply. Your dispatch has been received. The commanding general sees no reason for any change in his previous orders to you. lIe has n~ infor- mation of General Sheridans movements, beyond the general state- ment that General S. is to turn the enemys right. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chi6f of ~tafl~. GRAVELLY CREEK, March 30, 1865. Major-General MEADE: General Merritt met the enemys cavalry at J. Boisseans and drove him on the right and left roads and pushed on himself, driving the enemy, and now occupies the White Oak road at Five Forks, and also where the right hand branch intercepts it. Merritt lost fifteen I men wounded. V. S. GRANT, Lienten an t- General. (Copy to Generals Humphreys and Warren.) * As written by Grant and repeated by Webb it reads move, hut as received by Warren it reads give. tIn some copies on file it reads 150 men Page 284 284 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, March 30, 186.57 p. m. (Received 10.30 p. in.) General MEADE: Would not the trains be in a better position and nearer the troops if they were west of the Vaughan road and between here and Hatchers Run than where they are l 1)o yon know of any troops between where my headquarters are and Stony Creek Station l I have but about forty men at ]ieadquarters and half of them are orderlies. I have just been thinking it a limited protection if the enemy should have any enterprising scouts about. U. S. GRANT, Jijeutenan t- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: This dispatch just received. Wire hard to work over: A portion of Wilcoxs division made a demonstration against Griffin about twenty minutes ago and were driven back into their lines. We took a few prisonersbroken~ down men lately forced into the service. They dont know much, hut think John- sons division moved to their right when they can~e down this morning. General Heth is here, hut they dont think his division is. They think Heth commands the corps, and Hill all the defenses south of the James. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. GEG. G. MEADE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 186.57.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send (lispatch just received from Warren.* Line working badly. I think his suggestion the best timing we can do nuder existing circum- stancesthat is, let Hnmphreys relieve Griffin, and let Warren move on to the White Oak road and endeavor to turn enemys right. As I under- stand Warren, Ayres is now between S. and W. Dabneys, liable to be isolated. He must either be supported or withdrawn. By adopting the proposed plan lie will be supported by the whole of the Fifth Corps, and they onght to Overcome any opposition the enemy can make from stroiig intrenebments. excel)t GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18658.30 p. in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send dispatch from Parke.t Wright also reports no change vis- ible in his front. I should like to know at the earliest moment whether they are to attack to-morrow. I also would like to have as much time as possible to-night for Humphreys to relieve Griffin, in case this is decided on. Parke reports his casualties in the affair of pickets last night as 9 killed, 40 wounded, 2 missing. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. See Warren to Webb. 4 p. in., p. 304. ISee 7.15 p.m., p. 317 Page 285 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 285 GRANTS hEADQuARTERS, March 30, 18658.30 p. rn. (Received 8.35 p. in.) General MEADE: You may notify Parke and Wright that they need not assault in the morning. They should, of course, watch their fronts and go in if the enemy strips to attack on our left; but the idea of a general attack by them is suspended. I have pretty much made up my mind on the course to pnrsue, and will inform you iu the morning what it is. Hum- phreys and Warren may simply make secure their present position and await further orders. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Since writing the above your dispatch of 7.30 received. It will just suit what I intended to proposeto let llumphreys relieve Griffins division and let that move fhrther to the left. Warren should get him self strong to-night. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RuN, March 30, 1865. Major-General MEADE: Vv arren proposes, if Griffin can be relieved by Humphrcys, to get possession of the White Oak road at W. Dabneys; and to enable him to carry out his proposition hlnmphreys has been directed to relieve Griffia at once. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, March 30, 18658.45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have sent orders to Hnmphreys to at once relieve Wai-rens troops holding the Boydton plank road. I have directed Warren to re-enforce and strengthen Ayres and to hold his whole corps ready to move at daylight under orders that will be sent him. I have not given him orders What to do because I infer from your dispatch you will send them to iue. I have directed Parke and Wright not to attack to mor- row morning, but to be prepared to assume a threatening attitude and eventually attack if any opportunity presents itself or orders are sent to them. I am at a loss to account for the delay in the transmission of my dispatch of 7.45; this delay will account for my last dispatch. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. Mr. Caidwell will report the receipt by General Grant of this dispatch. G.G.M. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General MEADE: Your orders to Warren are right. I do not expect to advance him in the morning. I supposed, however, that he was now up to the White Oak road. If he is not 1 do not want him to move up without further order s. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 286 286 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 18659.50 p. m. (Received 9.55 p. ilL) General MEADE: From what General Sheridan reports of the enemy on XYhute Oak road and the position of his cavalry to-night I do not think an attack on Warrens left in the morning improbable. I have notified Sheridan of this and directed huim to be prepare(l to push in to his assistance if he is attacked. Warren, I suppose, will put himself in the best possi- ble position to defend himself, with the notice he has already received; but in adding to this I think it will be well to notify hun again of the position of Sheridans cavalry, what lie reports the enemys position on White Oak road, and the orders he has received. If the enemy does attack I think it will be well to instinct Humphreys also to help War- ren,if he is attacked, either by sending troops to him or by a direct attack on his own front. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TUE POTOMAC, ]Jfarch 30, 18659.55 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Dispatch of 9.50 rCCCiVe(l. I sent Wai ren Sheridans dispatch; told him to put Ayres on his guard, as he might be attacked at daylight; directed he should move Crawlbrd up at once to his snpport, if not already there, and move Griffin into supporting distance as soon as relieved. Warren by daylight should have his whole corps in hand ready for the defensive or olfeiusive, and ought to be secure in either con- tingency, particularly as he can always fall back on llnmphreys; but I caniuot see how the enemy can have a sufficient fbrce to do him any dam- age. The orders to llumphreys will be sent as you snggest. I presume you understand Warren has no orders to advance, but simply to strengthen and secure his position. He will not be ordered to advance unless you so direct. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 186511.50 p. m. Lietit. Gen. U. S. GRANT: This is referred to you for your informatioiu.* There are so many other movements involved that I have not ordered any attack, bn thave merely directed that the troops be massed and prepared to attack when ordered. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General MEADE: I think now it has got to be so late for getting out orders that it will be doubtful whether Wright could be fully co-operated with by all parts Probably Wright to Meade, 10.35 m ., p. 313 Page 287 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 287 of the army if he was to assault as he proposes. I ~is1ike,too, check- ing him when he thinks success will attend his efforts. You might notify him to arrange his preliminaries, and see if Parke can get ready also, and if so, give him definite orders as soon as it is known. I will telegraph to Ord and ascertain if lie can get ready. Warren and Humphreys would have nothing to do but to push forward where they are. Possibly the latter might have to move by his right dank across Hatchers Run if the attack was snccessfnl. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186~1 a. m. Major-General Wright, in accordance with the above, will make all the necessary arrangements preliminary to an attack, and orders will be sent you if anything definite be determined upon. ALEX. S. WEBB, l3revet Major-General and Chief of Star. Copy complete furnished General Parke. Major-General Parke will make l)reparation to co-operate with General Wright should an assault be ordered, of which he will be notified. ALEX. S. WEBB, Bret~et Major- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the field, March 30, 186512.28 p. m. Brevet Brigadier-General SHARPE, City Point: Troops in our front unchanged. Picketts division, with perhaps the exception of one brigade, is on the south side; Lees cavalry also. Deserter that saw them pass through Richmond day before yesterday, and their stragglers yesterday, says the horses are in wretched condi- tion. What was the firing last nig1it~ MANNING. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 30, 18659 a. m. Major PAINE, Chief Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corp8: Owing to fog no observations have been made this morning. I)ur- ing the night one train passed toward Richmond. At 6.20 a. in. one traimi I)assed toward Richmond, and at 7.15 one train passed toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, G. W. HOPPING, Sergeant Page 288 288 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 30, 18656.30 p. m. Major PAINE, Chief Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps: At 11.30 a. m. one train passed toward Petersburg. One train at 12.20 p. in., one at 1.10, and one at 2.45, passed toward Richmond. At 5.30 p. in. one traiti passed toward Petersburg. All quiet this p. m. Very respectfully, GEG. W HOPPINQ Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18657.50 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS: The commanding general directs that upon the requisition of the chief engineer you furnish a detail of not less thaii 500 men to repair roads. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to commanding officer Fifth Corps.) hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS March 30, 18656.50 a. in. Major-General WEBB: Four deserters from Grades brigade have just come in; report that the enemys pickets retired to their main line, which crosses Hatchers Run at Burgess Mill, extending along the Boydton plank road about a quarter of a. mile amid there crosses it. It was m-eported on their picket-line that Picketts division had gone into 1)OsitiOll on Johnsons right. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18658.20 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Ck.ief of Sta/f: Hays division has reached the Crow house and extends to within 200 yards of Hatchers Bun. Turners division, of Twenty-fourth Corps, is on the right of Hays, and will form. oim the right, extending down the mu, and will be virtually in connection with our artillery in the intrench- ments. The enemy has some artillery on the other side of the run, with woods cleared, so as to cover the field of the Crow house. The Third and First Divisions have moved forward through dense undergrowth and swamps and the connection is somewhat broken. I do not exactly know where Miles left touches the Boydton plank, but am about t Page 289 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 289 ride doWn there and will let you know. I shall keep pushing forward as soon as my comiections are established, to see where the enemy is on my whole front. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. P. S.Redoubt of main line is visible on the other side of the run. Miles left is now in connection with Warrens right. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18659.40 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Meade directs me to acknowledge your dispatch by Lienten. ant Humphreys. He thinks you will be able to hold with your corps to Hatchers Run, thus renderiiig General Turners division available to cross Hatchers Run and assist an advance of General Ords troops. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18651 1 a. m. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: It looks to me as if the attack were going to be on Warren aiid not on Gid. A. A. HUMPHBEYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS~ Boydton Plank Road, March 30, 186511.15 a. m. Brevet Major General WEBB: In reply to your communication of 9.40, just received, I can spare General Turners division for the purpose desired. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General. MARCH 30, 1865. (Received 12.15 p. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have two desertersone from Thirteenth, the other from Thirty. eighth North Carolina, Scales brigade, Wilcoxs division. They left Petersburg between 2 and 3 this morning, and report that the whole of Wilcoxs and Heths divisions came across Hatchers Run at Burgess Mill and are now in their intrenebments this side of the run. So far as they know Mahone remained near Petersburg. We have two de. serters from their skirmish line opposite our left belonging to Gracies brigade. In a previous dispatch I said that Turners division could be spared by me. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Con? manding. 19 R RvOL XLYJ, PT II Page 290 290 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC ~IIarch 30, 186512.20 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS: As soon as you can get in position connecting well with Warrens left the general commanding desires you to intreuch, so that your line can be held with a diminished force. Report then and state what can be spared from your corps. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18651.15 p. m. Major.General HUMPHREYS: A dispatch has been sent to you directing you to move up as close as possible to the enemy, holding from the Boydton plank road to Hatchers Run. You are then to intrench and to report what force will be able to hold the line. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18651.30 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB Chief of Staff: Colonel Willian, of my staff, has been within ~i00 yards of the redoubt north of the Crow house, and reports it to be on this side of Hatchers Run. All other information confirms this statement. The timber is slashed in front of the redoubt. From all the information received I judge that the redoubt is a part of a line of works on this side of Hatchers Run. The inhabitants of Crows house corroborate this. A. A. HUMPEREYS, Major- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18654 p. m. Major-General WEBB: The line of the Second Corps extends from Hatchers Run, at a point 400 yam-ds east of Crows house, to the Boydton plank road at the inter- section of the Dabneys Mill road. At both flanks the enemys redoubts, about 800 yards distant, fire at ns from time to time, as does an interme- diate battery or redoubt at greater distance. On both flanks our skirmishers have pressed the enemys skirmishers in so far that in advancing a flank fire of artillery and infantry is opened upon them. My line, which is already tolerably intrenched, can be held strongly with Motts and Hays divisions. This would leave Miles division available for other work, supposing our left flank protected. I have supposed, in making this statement, that Turnem-s division was removed, and that some of Hays would be required to cover his right flank along a line of breast-works running from Hatchers Run past Dabneys Mill Page 291 CHAP. LVIII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 291 a skirmish-line to connect with our pickets at Armstrongs Mill. Miles division, last report, was 7,192 enlisted men present for duty; Mott had, by last report, 7,776 enlisted men present for duty. Over 8,000 of these had muskets for the first time the day before yesterday. Hays division reports 4,699 enlisted men present for duty; 1,300 men are now with or ordered to Captain Howell, U. S. Enginers, to work on roads. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18657 p. m. Major-General HIJMPIIREYS, Commanding Second Corps: General Meade directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your dis- patch in regard to your position. It is supposed that Ord has already pushed out his pickets and advanced his line. Has Hays determined whether or iiot this is so? Does Gids line connect yet with Hays? Please direct this examination to be made. Will you return to your old headquarters to-night? Should you do so General Meade would like to see you. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvISIoN, March 30, 18657 p. m. General WEBB: I will leave my telegraph operators, with orderlies, at General Motts headquarters. I will rcturii to the same place I had my headquarters last night. A. A. HUMPHHEYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18658.50 p. m. Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Commanding Second Corps: As soon as possible after the receipt of this order you will relieve General Griffin with Miles division and will take up the line now held by Griffin and the return to the left on the Boydton plank road. You will support your left with a brigade of Motts division. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet illajor-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18651 0 p. rn. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Sheridan reports his advanced parties have been driven from the White Oak road, and that prisoners report Picketts division occu- pying that road as far down as Five Forks. Warren has been directe Page 292 292 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. to re-enforce Ayres at S. iDabneys by Crawford, asAyresinaybeattacked early to-morrow morning. In case Warren is heavily attacked it may be necessary for you to support huin by an attack in your front. The commanding general desires this contingency held in view, and req-ae~ts you to act without specific orders and to the best of your judgiheilt, either attacking or sending reenforcements to Wan-en. His own opinion is in fivor of the former, but h~ is not able to judge except on general principles. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet illajor.General and Chief of Statj. MARCH 30, 18656 a. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS: I do not think it best to advance any farther till General Miles gets up in position on my right, which, as the woods are difficult, will take some time. A broad, open field is in my front, with the enemy in force last night on the Ol)pOSite si(le. Will you let me know as soon as your line is established as near the enemys line as may be without assanit- ingit. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18658 a. m. (Received 8.45 a. a.) Major-General WARREN: Your (lispatch of 6 a. m. is just received. My Third and Second Divisions are moving, bnt through a demise and most impenetrable swamp, aiid their progress is necessarily slow. - General Miles has orders to keep moving, keeping his connection with you. I have just repeated these orders to him. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Army Corps: GENERAL: My line of battle now extends in a straight line past the Crow house to your right. I have ordered the skirmishers of the Second l)ivisioii on the right, and those of the right of Miles division to be advanced and get to Hatchers Run if they can. Please let me know if you are going to advance your skirmnisli.line or line of battle that I may have my movements conform to yours. The enemys main line of works on the other side of Hatchers Run are in view at the Crow house, being 600 or 800 yards distant there. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General Page 293 CHAP. LVIII.1 OOHTtESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 293 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511.20 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: GENERAL: My position on the plank road at the junctiou of the Quaker road cannot be advanced aiiy farther, the enemy being reported strongly intrenched. There niay be a little portiou of my extreme right retired last night for want of connection, which can be thrown out if your line can be advanced. Any straightening out on that part of the line that General Miles thinks practicable shall be done. 1 am about sending out a division from the plank road north-northwest from Mrs. Biaters [Butlers0?] to reconnoiter and drive back the enemy, and shall follow up any engagement that may take place outside of the enemys line of works with nearly all the corps. Your line must now be very much shorter than it was when first taken up yesterday. Telegraph line is at my headquarters. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, iiarch )0, IF65. (Received 12.10 a. in. 31st.) Major-General WARREN: GENERAL: I am directed to relieve General Griffin with Miles divis- ion, and take up the line now held by Griffin and take up the relieve [return] on Boydtou plank road. I am to send a brigade from Motts division to support the left of the line after Griffin leaves. I have given the necessary orders to carry this out as soon as possible. Can you send me some description of the l)osition held by Griffin indicated in the instructions I have received as above stated 0? A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General. [Indorsernent.] The left of the picket-line rests near a large branch of Gravelly Run. General Griffins division occupies a line of works from the left of your line, on the Boydton plank road, one-fourth of a mile west, then refused to the rear until it again strikes the plank road near the j unction of the Quaker road; from there south on the plank road a few hundred yards. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18653.35 p. m. Brevet Captain HOWELL, U. S. Engineers, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Two hundred men, officered, have started to report to you at our headquarters of last iiight. 1 gave the officer in command an order to anyone there to furnish axes. There are none up here which can be spared. Please apply to anyone there for the axes. C. A. WHiTTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 294 294 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186512.30 p. m.* General MILI~s, Commanding First Division: Division commanders will at daylight to-morron take measures to ascertain whether the enemy in our front can probably be attacked with success. It is of the utmost importance that General Griffin be relieved at the earliest l)ossible moment, and every exertion must be made immediately to do it with the utmost expedition. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to General Hays, commanding Second Division, and General Mott, commanding Third Division.) HEADQTTARTEE S SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. BrigadierGeneral MILES, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The following changes in the positions of the troops are ordered to take place to-night: 1st. Brigadier-General Hays, commanding Second Division, will immediately upon receipt.of this order put all his division in the line, occupying it with a single line, relieving General Motts troops from as much of the line as possible and relieving his pickets also. 2d. As soon as General Hays has relieved General Mott as far as he can, General Mott will relieve General Miles, and will hold the line to the Boydtoii plank road with two brigades. 3d. General Miles, upon being relieved by General Mott, will relieve General Griffin in the line he now holds, taking up the return on the Boydton l)lank road. 4th. General Mott will send a brigade to support the left of the line held by General Miles after relieving General Griffin. 5th. Each division commander will report when they have carried out this order. By command of Major-General Hnmphreys: C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Generals Hays and Mott.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18657.20 a. m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: General Humphreys wishes to know if you conneCt with the Fifth Corps, how far you have advanced this line, and if you are still advancing~ How is the country through which you movel Very respectfully, C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Probably 12.30 a. m. March 31 Page 295 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 295 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18657.55 a. m. General MILES: General Warren telegraphs, dated 6 a. in., just received I do not think it best to advance any farther until General Miles gets into posi- tion on my right, which, as the woods are difficult, will take some time. A broad, open held is in my front, with the enemy in force on the opposite side last night. General Humplireys directs that you keep moving forward, keeping your connection with General Warren. Report constantly. Nothing has been heard here since early this morning. CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186512 m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: General Warren has just sent word that I am about sending out a division from the plank road north-northwest from Mrs. I3iaters [Butlers] to reconnoiter and drive back the enemy, and shall follow up any engagement that may take place outside of the enemys line of works with nearly all the corps. The general commanding directs that you conform your movements to those of General Warren, extending to the left, if necessary, and remembering to notify General Mott of any movements which may become necessary on his part to keep up his connection with you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18651.50 p. m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: Have you moved enough forward to see the enemys main line of works~ General Mott is about to push out his skirmishers to try to see their works, and General flumphreys is very anxious to get to the run to see what, if anything, is between here and there. Please report all you see. CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18652.10 ~. m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you intrench your line strongly and report at once by bearer, if possible, the number of troops you can spare to be sent away and the number of pieces in your front. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 296 296 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18656.15 p. m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: The headquarters of the corps will be at the same place as last night. There will be a telegraphic station at General Motts headquarters, which are near his line in rear of center, from which any communication may be sent to these headquarters. By command of Major-Genera] Hurnphreys: C. A. WHITTiER, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS Fursr DIVISION SECOND ARMY CORPS March. 30, 1R65. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: Fit-st Division headquarters are established on the l)abneys Mill road, on a hill about 250 yards in rear of the line. Very respectfully, ZR. A. BROWN, Acting A ssistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, [March 30, 1865.] General [MILES]: Certainly. Your baud can come up. Send order for whisky; dont know how youll get it. The general wants you to send word by tele- graph how much you have corduroyed iDabneys Mill road, and wants you to put every man you can spare on it in the morning. C. A. WHITTIER, A ssistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvIsION, SECOND CORPS March 30, 1865. Lieut. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: Not more than a mile of the IDabneys Mill road is corda- toyed, as I have just succeeded iu getting tools. There are enough musicians at the hospitals to bring up four or five loads, and I have just got a load up in that way. I can spare 2 00() in road in the morning. en to work on the Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - N. A. MILES, Brevet Major- General. ORDERS.] HDQRS. FIRST DIvISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18652 a, m. This division will be in complete readiness to move at 6 a. m. this 30th of March. By command of Brevet Major-General Miles: ItICHD. A. BROWN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Acting Assistant A djutant- General Page 297 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 297 ORDERS.] HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Brigade commanders will see that strong guards are posted in front of the lines of stacks at night, with instructions to alarm the command in case of any unusual firing on the picket-line. All the troops of this command will be got under arms at 4.30 a. in. daily, until further orders, and will so remain until daylight. A large number of men are noticed out of the ranks, who claim to be hospital attendants, company cooks, servants not mustered, orderlies for regimental and company commanders, & c. All such men will be placed in the ranks at once; no exceptions will be made. By order of Brevet Ma~jor-General Miles: RICHD. A. BROWN, Lieutenant Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: I would respectfully report that I can spare one brigade, about 1,000 strong, which leaves 3,000 men in my command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HAYS, Brigadier- General ~f Volunteers, Commanding. HE AI)QU ARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186512 m. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: General Warren has just sent the following dispatch I am about sending out a division from the plank road north-northwest from Mrs. Biaters [Butlers?] to reconnoiter and drive back the enemy, and shall follow up any engagement that may take place outside of the enemys line of works with nearly all the corps. General Miles has been instructed to conform to this movement of General Warren if it will be necessary to do so to keep his connection, and to notify you of any movement which may be necessary on your part for the same purpose, in which case the general commanding directs that you conform to his movement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER. Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: My division officer of the day reports that he has driven the enemys skirmishers into their advanced rifle-pits. My skirmish line is in advance of the Second Division and has halted. Very respectfully, G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General Page 298 298 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. LVIII. HEADQITARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Brevet Major-General MOTT, March 30, 186510.15 ~i. m. Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: General Miles is about to move forward his right about one-half his line. General Hninphreys directs that you move your left about half of it, the object to straighten the line inaki~g as straight a line as possible from the iRainey house, keeping connection with Gen- eral Miles. By conimand of Major-General Hnmphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18655.50 a. rn. (Received 7.07 a. in.) Major-General WEBB: I have my command all in readiness, but my advance is so far ahead of General Humpbreys and in sight of the enemy across the open ground that I do not think it advisable to attempt anything more northward till General Humphreys gets into position on my right. My left, on the plank road, cannot be extended with propriety till I can get some idea of General Sheridans movements, and now rests on Gravelly Run, and, if I move, it will be in the air. I believe I am ROW in the best position I can be, unless an assault is intended upon the enemys lines near the Quaker road. I cannot move forward, and it does not appear a favorable place in front of Griffin. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18657.30 a. m. (Received 8.30 a. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Your dispatch is received. General Meade does not think you hold as much of the front line as the strength of your command would war- rant. He desires to have you make use of both Crawford and Ayres to develop to the left. He cannot give you any more definite information of General Sheridans movements than to state that he is ordered to attack or turn the enemys right. You must act independently of Sheridan, and, protecting your flanks, extend to your left as far as possi- ble. If the enemy comes out and turns your left you must attack him. You will be supported with all the available force to be procured. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18658.10 a. m. (Received 8.30 a. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Major-General Meade, in consequence of the condition of the road, has ordered the Fifth Corps train to move up to the intersection of th Page 299 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETC.UNION. 299 Vaughan and old stage roads, and to halt there. Mackenzies cavalry is at the crossing of Hatchers Run at XV. Perkins. Three hundred cavalry are at the junction of Quaker and old stage roads. Have you used any troops of Ayres at that point? ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General a ad Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18658.30 a. rn. (Received 9.15 a. nt) Brevet Major-General WEBB: I have just received your dispatch dated 7.50 a. m. If I extend my line to the left as far as possible, using both Crawford and Ayres, and the enemy turns my left, what ~vi1I I have to attack him with? G. K. WARREN, Major- General. [HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,] March 30, 186.58.40 a. m. General WEBB, Chief of Stafl~: I have withdrawn all of Ayres troops from that point On the Vaughan road and all of Colonel Walshs cavalry except 100 men. I have ordered all the trains which were brought over the Rowanty to this side of Gravelly Run. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18658.40 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: From deserters and prisoners we learn that the enemys line runs along the White Oak Ridge road to Boydton plank road, then back on the road to Burgess Mill, then down Hatchers Run. Humnphreys has possession of Dabneys Mill. Their picket-line is a rifle-pit and was easily taken~ ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Star. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18659.20 a. m. (Received 9.35 a. in.) Major.General WEBB: Your dispatch of 8.40 a. m. (No. 3) just received. The information I have received is of the same effect as that you send me. Two deserters report the line immediately in front of General Griflin as what they think a strong one with two lines of obstructions in front. They had a large number of negroes at work upon it yesterday. General Crawfor Page 300 300 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD,, AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. is at present making a temporary line near the plank road on which we can reform in case of a reverse after advancing. I will then extend my left as far as practicable. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- (leneral, Comm an ding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 1865,9.3O a. m. (Received 9.~5 a. in.) General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: General Meade directs that you send Colonel Walsh to his ])Osition at the ,junction of the old stage and Quaker roads, and direct him to report from that J)oint to General Macy, provost-marshal general. He is very anxious to have you cover as much of the front line as possible consistent with the safety of your command, and his idea was that you would l)ut both Griffin and Crawford in front, keeping a portion of each as a reserve, and keeping Ayres to cover your left dank. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief 01 Sta1J~ HEADQUARTERS FJFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18659.50 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Captain Gillespie has just come from General Sheridans headquar- tei-s at Dinwiddie Court-House on his way to General Grant. He came np the Boydton plank road. When he left Dinwiddie Court-House one division of the cavalry was to move out on the road due north of iDinwiddie arid mass at J. Boisseans, then feel out toward the White Oak road. General Sheridan remaiiis at I)inwiddie with one other division and the other division is upon Stony Creek where the Van ghan road crosses. I shall soon send out General Ayres divisioii on a reconnaissance from Mrs. Butlers northwesterly toward S. IDabneys. He will be in position to develop the enemys line and where I can sup- port him with General Crawford, and where he can co-operate with General Sheridan if he comes within reach. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. IIEADQITARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS March 30, 1865lo.n a. m. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: My idea of the way I should extend ~ny line I have indi- cated in my dispatch of 9.50. Having my troops all well in hand I can move out Ayres in column to-day as I did Griffin yesterday, and if he meets the enemy give him battle. I can support hurt if neede Page 301 CHAP. LYIJi.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 301 with nearly the whole corps and follow up any advantage gained, and if I am worsted I have a good place to reform on. This may seem a little slow, but it is the only way we can keel) our troops working together and conduct operations with certainty. The amount of line I can occupy will depend upon the character of country I develop. The roads and fields are getting too bad for artillery, and I do not believe General Sheridan can operate advantageously. If General Hnmphreys is able to straighten out his line between my right and the vicinity of the Crow house, he will hold it in pretty strong force, bat the roads are so bad they alone will keep him nearly all day finding out how matters stand. The orders abOLLL the cavalry reporting to General Macy have been sent out. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Volunteers. IIEADQIJARTEIZS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511.30 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The following report of casualties has just been received: Battery B, Fifth [Foucth l] U. S. Artillery, I nian killed, 1 officer and 3 men wounded First Brigade, First Division, 2 officers and 42 men killed, 15 officers and 269 men wounded; Second Brigade, 1 officer and 3 men killed, 11 men wounded; Third Brigade, 1 officer and 1 man killed, 1 officer and 18 men wounded. Total, 4 officers aiid 47 men killed, 17 officers and 301 men wounded. Prisoners captured, 3 officers, 115 men. Major Fitch, pioneer officer First Division, reports the burial of 126 rebel dea(l, including 12 officers. Three deserters were also received. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511.30 a. rn. Major-General WEBB: General Ayres is now moving out to extend my line. If he meets more force within a mile than lie cami dispose of Crawford will go to his support, and I can also use a brigade from Griffin. If the enemy is outside of his line, or comes out, we shall have a considerable fight pretty soon. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. [Indorsement.] General GRANT: For your information. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff Page 302 302 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LYlII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, [March 30, 1865]12 in. General WEBB: I have received your dispatch* inclosing one from General Grant, in which you say the commanding general sees no reason to change his previous orders. Your instructions have never said definitely how far I was expected to extend nor the object desired. General Grants is definite on both points, and if I am to attempt that myself at all haz- aids I dont shrink from it. General Huinphreys can perhaps extend farther to the left if required. Common experience requires that I should extend my left toward the White Oak road with strong force and precaution against an attack from the enemy. I am very glad to know the object and extent of my farther movement to the left. I have seen General Sheridan. He has ordered a division to move north to the White Oak road, which greatly simplifies my movement. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FiFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 136512.40 p. in. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have just received notice from General Huinphreys that deserters inform him that Heths and Wilcoxs divisions left Petersburg this morning aiid are now in their hues this side of Hatchers Run. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. P. S.Prisoners just captured (four of them), in front of First Divis- ion picket-line, report that they understood that two of the divisions that came down were Heths and Picketts. G. K. W. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 1865i 2.45 p. in. (Received 1.20 p. in.) General WARREN: Copy furnished for your information: GENERAL: The general t just in from General Merritt with (lispatches from Sheri- dan. Merritt says that the reconnaissance sent ont from near Boissean s encountered the enemy in considerable force. They went to about two miles of the Five Forks and found the enemy occupying the road. Those going north i)ioceeded to about a mile of the White Oak road, and found the road also occupied by the enemy. Nearly all the forces met were cavalry. All the roads leading toward the White Oak road are covered by the enemy. No engagement reported. E. S. PARKER. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of staff. * See Webb to Warren, 11.15 a. in., forwarding dispatch from Grant to Meade, p. 283. As received by Warren. As originally written by Parker it reads A messen- ger Page 303 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 303 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 186512.55 p. rn. (Sent 1.05 p. in.) Maj. Gen. G. K. WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: In view of the information received from the cavalry and of the state of the weather General Meade directs me to state that you are not to shorten any line you may have developed, but you will push that well up to the enemy, and, havingiutrenched, you will await orders. Your dispatch of 12.50 [12.40 ii is received. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Sta ft. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18652.30 p. m. (Received 3.50 p. in.) General WEBB: GENERAL: I have advanced my line of battle to cover the junction of the Dabney Mill road with the plank road, and made a heavy advance with my skirmishers. The enemy opened with artillery from a fort near Burgess Tavern, and also from a poii~t near T. Pentecoasts. General Ayres advance is near S. Dabiieys, meeting that far with iio opposition. From his advanced point he saw inthutry moving west on the White Oak road. As soon as our attack began near the plank road there was a movement of their troops back toward Burgess Mill. The reports about their late movements are a little uncertain. I have received the report of General Merritts operations. His skirinishiiig could be heard due west from J. Strouds. Respectfully, G. K. WAhREN, Major- General. Delayed by line working badly. OPERATOR. [Indor.~ement.] Respectfully forwarded for information of lieutenant-general com- mandiug. Please return, having no copy. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. MARCH 30, 18653.15 p. in. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: We have captured one officer of Picketts division near S. Dabneys. He was in charge of a guard to the train that was pass- ing west. 1 was mistaken about Griffins firing causing these troops to return; they have all goue on. Cannot Geiieral Huinphreys extend a. little more to the left, and let me have Griffins division to move out with, as well as Ayres and Crawford ~ I am already advanced as far as I think it would be prudent to take up a continuous line. The eav~ alry skirmishing is now heard southwest from S. Dabneys. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 304 304 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII HEADQUARTRRS FIFTH ARMY CORPs, March 30, 18654 p. rn. General WEBB, Chief of & aff: GENERAL: General Ayres advance now sees the White Oak road near W. Dabneys for three-quarters of a mile. There is a difficult swamp between the plank road and that place. I have now a contin- ous intrenched line from my right across Griffins front, and along the plank road nearly down to Gravelly Rnn. If General llnmphreys can take charge of Griffins front, about 500 yards west of plank road, with the return down it, I can take my corps and block the White Oak road. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. (Copy furnished by Meade to Grant 7.30 p. ni.) MARCH 30, 18654.50 p. m.* General WEBB: A portion of Wilcoxs division made a demonstration against Grif. fin about twenty minutes ago, and were easily driven back into their lines. We took a fexv prisonersbroken-down men lately forced into the service. They dont know much, but think Johnsons division moved to their i-ight when they came down this morning. General Iletli is here, but they do not think his division is. They think Heth commands the corps, and Hill all the defenses south of the James. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ilfarch 30, 18657.10 p. in. Major-General WARREN, (Sent 7.25 p. in., received 7.30 p. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: Your dispatch dated 5 p. in. has just been received. Please find out and telegraph if possible what brigades of Wilcoxs are in your front. What grounds have those men for thinking more of his brigades than their own are there? ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS~ ilfareh 30, 18658.15 p. in. General WEBB: To-night when the sun was about an hour high I ordered General Griffimi to advance his whole line of skirmishers to demonstrate the prac- ticability of an assault upon the enemys works. I have not yet received his report. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. The copy furnished by Meade to Grant is tuned 5 p. in Page 305 Cuir. LV~.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 305 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18658.15 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: General Griffin has taken no prisoners to-day except from Scales brigade. One of them, Private Guest, Thirty-fourth North Carolina, states his brigade is composed of Thirty-fourth, Twenty-second, and Six. teenth North Carolina. Scales was not present in their charge to-day; the brigade was led by Major Norman [Norment]. There are four brigades in Wilcoxs division, commanded by General Scales, Colonels Howe [Hyman], Gallaway, and Stowe. They left the works in front of our signal tower at 3 oclock this morning. Thinks all the brigades of his division were present to-day, but is not sure. General Wilcox is absent on leave. Respectfully, - G. K. WARREN, Major- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18659.20 p. m. General WRIGHT: The above is sent for your information. It is evident that Scales has left your front. GEG. G. MEADE, M~jor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18659 p. m. Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: General Humphreys has been ordered to relieve General Griffin with General Miles, and one brigade of General Motts divisionin all 10,000 menand is directed to hold the return on* the Boydton plank road and General Griffins line. Griffin relieved, you will support General Ayres in his position and strengthen yourself at that point. You will hold your corps ready to attack and await further orders. By command of Major-General Meade: ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafi. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18659.45 p. m. General WEBB: Your dispatch received. When will General Griffin be relieved ~ G. K. WARREN, Major- General. * Words in italics not in dispatch as received by General Warren. 20 R RVOL XLVI, PT II Page 306 306 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18659.45 p. m. (Received 11 p. in.) Major-General WARREN: The accompanying dispatch from Major-General Sheridan is sent to YOU for your information.* In consequence of the state of affairs here reported it will be necessary that General Ayres should be put on his guard and that he should be re-enforced without delay, as the enemy may attack him at daylight. As Major-General Humphreys will hold the right and relieve General Griffin it is presumed Crawford can be sent to Ayres support, if not there now. Acknowledge receipt. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 30, 186510.35 p. m. (Received 12.10 a. m. 31st.) Major-General WARREN: General Griffin will be relieved as soon as possible. General Hum. plireys will be instructed to report to you when the division starts. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet ]lfajor- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Your dispatch referring to General Ayres being re-enforced, and dis- patch of General Sheridans, received. General Griffin reports that he has been unable to form any definite opinion as to the practicability of making an assault. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511 p. m. General Ayres will re-enforce his advance at daylight to-morrow morn- ing with his whole division. General Crawford will hold his command ready to follow General Ayres. General Griffin, as soon as relieved by General Hnmphreys troops, will move down the Boydton plank road to where General Ayres now is. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. * See Sheridan to Grant, 7 p. m. March 30, p. 324. As received by Warren the dispatch reads Picketts division is developed along the White Oak road, its right at Five Forks, and extends toward Petersbui-g. After the small force at Five Forks was driven hack no attempt was made to follow up, and the enemy did not appear ~o be in strong force there. Hicketts division is on the White Oak road, his right extending as far as Five Forks. Pioneers report the enemys cavalry concen- trated at Five Forks. I have, however, no positive information of this. General Merritt pickets nearly sip to the White Oak, and is encamped at J. Boisseaus house Page 307 CHAP. LYIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 307 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18656 a. m. General GRIFFIN: Have General Bartletts skirmish line feel the enemy in his front and ascertain if they are in the same position as last night, if lie has not already determined it, and send me a report in writing. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186510.30 a. m. General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to send a brigade of pioneers to repair the road between these headquarters and your own. They will be under the direction of Captain Benyaurd, U. S. Engineer Corps. Please have them report at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511.15 a. m. Brevet Major-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding wishes you to swing round on the left as soon as General Ayres moves out. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18659.20 p. m. Brevet Major-General GRIFFIN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The major-generalcommanding desires to receive as soon as possible this evening your report of your opinion as to the practica- bility of assaulting the enemys works. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. (Received 11 p. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Army Corps: GENERAL: I regret to say that I hav& been unable to form any defi- nite opinion as to the pra~ticability of an assault upon the enemy Page 308 308 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIIL works. My skirmish line was unable to press forward as they encoun~ tered a skirmish line of the enemy of superior numbers, and to-morrow things may be changed. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. GRIFFIN, Brevet Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST DIV., FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 36. 5 March 30, 1865. The general commanding congratulates the troops of his division and especially those of the First Brigade, upon the gallantry displayed by them in the attack upon the enemy yesterday, and the firmness with which they met and repulsed a counter attack made by largely superior numbers. The Third Brigade is entitled to great praise for their alacrity in forming and advancing under a most severe fire. Their conduct on the occasion has added greatly to their long-established reputation. The behavior of the entire division was such as to elicit the written commendation of the major-general commanding the army. By command of Brevet Major-General Griffin: WM. FOWLER, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL) HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, ORDERS, ~ FIRST DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 2. ) Gamp in Field, near Boydton Plank Road, March 30, 1865. The general commanding congratulates the troops of this brigade on their admirable conduct in the engagement of yesterday, the steadi- ness of their advance, the gallantry of their attack, the courage with which they withstood the repeated assaults of a largely superior force of the enemy for nearly two hours without support, undismayed by the heavy cross-fire of the enemy or their own severe losses; the good order which they maintained when compelled to yield ground only by the exhaustion of their ammunition; the handsome manner which they then formed to cover the artillery, having given a character to this brigade of which their general is proud. By command of Brigadier-General Chamberlain: THOMAS MITCHELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION FIFTH CORPS, March 30, 18656.30 a. m. (Received by Warren 7.30 a. in.) [General GRIFFIN:] GENERAL: Since the fog has lifted a little I find the right of my skirmish line within 150 yards of a complete line of rifle-pits now held in, as far as developed, the usual force for such a line. I have made a demonstration with my skirmish line, which is in the open field, an Page 309 CHAP. Lviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 309 am satisfied that the position will be hotly contested. No connection has yet been made with me on my right or left, either by line of battle or skirmish line. Respectfully, ~. ~. BARTLETT, Brevet Major- General, Commanding Brigade. Since the above was written it has been reported that the Second Corps connects. CHAS. GRIFFIN, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18658 a. m. General WEBB: I send the above for your information. General Crawford is in force, and there is a swamp on Griffins left. We have a corporal from Johnsons division, captnred this morning on the skirmish line. From the shape of the enemys line I think there must be a considerable salient or bend near Dabneys Mill. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186510.14 a. m. General AYRES: General Meade directs me to post all that cavalry at the junction of the Vaughan and Quaker roads where it was, so if any have come up to join you, as I directed, send it back again. Instruct the command- ing officer to remain in position there, and report to General Macy, nuder whose orders he will consider himself again to be. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186510.30 a. m. Major-General AYRES: GENERAL: I wish you would take your division (with a battery of artillery, if you think it practicable) and move out on a reconnaissance northwest from Mrs. Butlers, or as near that direction as may be prac- ticable, keeping with your own men a connection with our present picket-line, which must remain as it is. Major Cope, of my staff, will accompany you. If within a mile beyond the plank road you find any enemy drive him back, but do not advance your main force farther than that, unless to pursue some obvious advantage gained, till you report to me the result. With your main body thus in good position, protecting your own flanks, advance your skirmishers out as far as prudent to reconnoiter and develop the character of the country and the enemys position. A portion of my escort will accompany you. General Merritts cavalry division is massed at J. Boisseaus and ar Page 310 310 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. feeling on the roads north from that toward White Oak road. If you become engaged with a superior force, and can hold on, I will re-enforce you with Crawfords division as soon as called for. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major. General. CIRCULAR.] IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, March 30, 1865. Brigade and battery coinmailders will hold themselves in readiness to move at 6 a in., or to repel an attack of the enemy, should he attempt one. The order is to advance. By command of Brevet Major-General Ayres: 174T w~ SWAN Brevet Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, March 30, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General DENISON, Commanding & cond Brigade: GENERAL: The division commander directs that you draw back the regiment which has been posted at the junction of the Vaughan and Quaker roads. The commander of Battery II, First New York, has been ordered to report to you; also the commander of cavalry regi- inent in military road. You will hold your command in readiness to face either way to repel an attack from front or rear. The cavalry can remain where it is. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~. SWAN, Brevet Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, IIDQRS. 3D DIV., 5TH ARMY CORPS, No. 2. March 30, 1865. I. Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson will with his regiment (Seventh Wisconsin) picket the front of the division. Captain Knight, Ninety- fifth New York, upon being relieved will rejoin his brigade. II. Brigadier-General Baxter, commanding Second Brigade, will relievethe One hundred and forty-seventh New York, Lieuteiiant-Colonel I)ailey commanding, by a regiment at least 200 strong. This regiment will be posted as a picket reserve in the deserted rebel camp in front of Mrs. Butlers house. The regimental commander will report to Lieu- ten ant-Colonel Richardson, Seventh Wisconsin. By command of Brevet Major-General Crawford. J. HARRISON LAMBDIN Assistant Adjutant- General Page 311 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 311 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH Conps, March 30, 18654.30 p. m. Maj. T. S. BOWERS, City Point: Everything is quiet on my front, but there is sharp firing on my left, either from the force beyond Hatchers Run or from General Ords line. I will report on getting further information. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to report that everything has been perfectly quiet on my lines during the past twenty-four hours. Sixteen deserters were received, and one man from the Tenth New Jersey Yolunteers deserted to the enemy. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. (Copy to Major-General Parke.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18651 p. m. Major-General PARKE: Deserters to llumphreys report Heths and Wilcoxs divisions as moved to the enemys right, across Hatchers Run. It is not supposed the whole of these divisions have moved, but the enemy has undoubt- edly weakened himself in your front. If this information should be con- firmed during the day, you will be required to attack at early daylight to-morrow. You will, therefore, make all preliminary arrangements with that object in view. GEO. G. MEADE. (Same to General Wright.) HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Major-General MEADE: Your dispatch of 1 p. m. received. It is so foggy that the enemys mov~ements cannot be distinctly discovered from here, but there is noth- ing to indicate that his force in my front is diminished, except by Pick- etts division. A good lookout will be kept and deserters carefully examined and results reported. I~he troops will be prepared for prompt attack at daylight and ready for orders, which I understand you will send if you desire the attack made. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General Page 312 312 i~. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18657.45 p. m. Major-General WEBB: Can you send me instructions before 10 p. m. for to-morrow? I shall need all the time between that and daylight for getting into position, as part of the troops have quite a distance to march. The orders will be issued at that hour, if I do not hear from you before. Reports up to dark represent no change in my front. H. G. WRIGHT~ Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 18658.15 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: Every effort will be made to send you your orders as soon as practi- cable. It is now hoped that they will be out before 12 oclock. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major-General and Chief of iStaff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 1& 658.40 p. m. Major-General PARKE: The order to attack to-morrow is suspended. Keep a vigilant watch on the enemy and take advantage of any opportunity presenting itself. Be prepared also for orders to assume a threatening attitude, and also to attack; for this pnrpose have your reserves so massed and situated as to assist in either the defensive or offensive. Acknowledge receipt. GEG. G. MEADE, (Same to General Wright.) Afaj~~~ General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18659.45 p. m. General MEADE: Your dispatch of 8.40 this p. m. and that of General Webb of 8.15 are received, and orders have been issued in accordance with the former. As I have a long line to hold it should be borne in mind that consid- erable time is necessary for assembling the troops, and I would there- fore ask that as long notice as practicable of any intended movement be given me. I would also state that there is only one position on my long line where an attack can be made with a reasonable chance of success, and must have sufficient time to assemble my troops at that point before attacking. At that point I believe we can go through the enemys line. II. G. WRIGHT, Major. General Page 313 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 313 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 186510.30 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT: Your dispatch of 9.45 received. It is impossible to give you the time you seem to require before the orders for attack are sent. All informa- tion tends to show the enemy are massing all available troops on their right. It is positively known that one brigade (Scales) has left your front, and reported that all of Wilcoxs division has been withdrawn. I think sufficient is known to warrant the belief that for the present you are secure from attack, and I think you would be perfectly secure in leaving your lines to two divisions, as you did on the 25th, and mass- ing your third division in the vicinity of the proposed point of attack, where it will be ready promptly to attack and will also be on hand to meet any offensive movement of the enemy. With one division to attack with you will have time to collect other troops to follow up any success gained. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186510.35 p. m. General MEADE: Your dispatch* transmitting that of General Warrens of 8.15 p. m. is just received. If so much of the force on my front has left, would it not be well for me to attack at daylight in the morning, according to the original programme ~ I believe I can go through the enemys lines, and then, turning to our left, attack the enemy in flank while he is occupied by the attack in front by the Second and Fifth Corps; corresponding movement should, of course, be made by the Ninth Corps and General Ords command on my left. My division and brigade commanders fully understand what is tobe done, and. if your orders can reach me promptly, I can be ready to start the assaulting columns at early daylight. This is indispensable to the success of the movement. We must get the troops in position before daylight; if we do, we will be almost sure of success. On carrying his line we will turn to the left and sweep down on his flank while the other corps are attacking in front. H. G. WRIGHT, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511.07 p. m. General WEBB: Deserters just in from Scales brigade know nothing of any movements of that brigade, but as they were not relieved this morning, as they expected, and from the accounts they give of their different regiments, it seems probable that the statements made to General Warren are true and that a part of the brigade may have been withdrawn from . my front last night. General Scales is said to be absent sick. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. * See indorsemeut of General Meade, of 9.20 p.m., on dispatch Warren to Webb, 8.15 p. in., p. 305 Page 314 314 N. AND SE. YA., W. YA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIflI HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 186511.15 p. m. General MEADE: All right. Give me all the time you can. The command is held in readiness for any movement, though 1 should like to attack with the whole corps, massed, if possible, to insure success. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, Hump hreys Station, & llarch 30, 1865. General WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Corps: Have you any reliable information of changes on enemy~s front last night or this morning ~ Six deserters (rebels) from my front last even- ing. They report no changes when they left the line, which was on the 28th. Can you send me an estimate of enemys strength on my front ~ I found no one here to tell me a word. E.O. C. ORD, Commandina -I HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30. 18659.35 a. m. Major-General ORD: No changes have been discovered on my front other than those reported to you last night. During the past few days changes have been made in the troops on the greater part of the line. Previous to Saturday two divisions of Gordons corps, together with Bushrod Johnsons division and part of Heths division, were to the left of my line, and consequently in front of your present position. General Webb ought to be able to give you the latest information. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. MARCH 30, 1865. Maj. Gen. II. G. WRIGHT, Commanding Sixth Army Corps: The enemy drove in our pickets last night at about 10our line in vicinity of Fort Stedmanand made a demonstration along our front. Signal-rockets were thrown up by them, and a general cannonading ensued, accompanied by heavy musketry on both sides. The main line was not touched, and the picket was re-established. JNO. G. PARKE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. General WEBB: My last orders, received less than an hour ago, are to be ready to attack at daylight to-morrow. Had you not better have a full under- standing with General Meade, so that we may operate together? Page 315 CHAP. LVIII.1 315 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. think so decidedly. I am authorized to attack whenever in my judg- ment the enemy has so weakened his line in my front as to render the success of such attack probable, but I have no reason to think the enemy less strong there now than heretofore. If yonr right advances I will attack also, but shall probably fail if the enemy contests strongly. The whole of his works at that point are plainly seen from my line. Please keep me advised ot any movement on your part and I will do the same. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. MARCH 30, 18653.10 p. m. General WRIGHT: A dispatch received from you in regard to orders for an attack to- morrow morning, I do not nnderstand. Did you not mean to send to General Ord? A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, Hump hreys Station, March 30, 18652 p. m. General WRIGHT: I am about to move my left forward and to the north, and may move the whole line to attack, if the left is successful. Will you make an advance in concert? Please answer. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. (Same to General Parke.) HEADQUARTERS, March 30, 18656.45 p. m. General WRIGHT: Commanding Sixth Corps: I have advanced my line so as to run about northeast and southwest from little north of Thorns house, to cross Hatchers about the Crow house. Army of the Potomac connects with me and runs nearly west, including Boydton plank road, a little south of Burgess Mill. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 30, 1865. The order to attack at daylight to-morrow is suspended by direction of Major-General Meade, but a vigilant watch will be kept upon the enemy and advantage taken of any opportunity presenting itself. Orders may be received to assume a threatening attitude, and troops not actually on the line must be held ready for offensive or defensive operations Page 316 31~ N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP LVIII. The usual precautions must be taken of having the troops under arms at 4 a. m. to-morrow and the picket-line supported. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18651.05 a. m. (Jol. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant. General, City Point: The enemy drove in our pickets on line in vicinity of Stedman, and made demonstrations on other portions of the line. Signal-rockets were thrown up by enemy, and general cannonading ensued, accom- J)anied with heavy musketry on both sides. The main line was not tonched, and the picket-line re-established. The casualties not yet reported. Major of the Eighteenth New Hampshire killed. JNG. G. PARKE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Two deserters from the Twelfth Alabama came in on General Pot. ters front. They know of no movement or change in their line. Had a camp rumor of an attack upon us. As far as can be observed this a. m. no change is discovered in the enemys lines. JNO. G. PARKE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18656 .35 jp. m. (Received 7.50 p. in.) Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant. General: I have just returned and find your dispatch. I have no news what- ever from the left. Colonel Loring informed you of the heavy cannon- ading in the distance, probably in front of General Ord. There is now light cannonading in the same direction. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30 1 Major-General WEBB, 8659.35 a. m. Chief of i3taff: The enemy drove in our pickets on a portion of the line from Morton to Stedman. Much musketry and heavy cannonading ensued. The picket-line was again established, and about 2 a. m. everything quieted down. No change is observed in the enemys lines this a. m. Deserters from the Twelfth Alabama and Louisiana regiments came in during the night. Knew of no change in movements of their troops; had a camp rumor of an attack upon us. JNO. G. PARKE, Major.General Page 317 CRAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 317 HEADQUARTERS NiNTH ARMY CoRPS, March 30, 18652.10 p. nz. Major-General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Your dispatch in reference to report to Heths and Wilcoxs divis- ions received 1.30 p. m. I will at once make preliminary arrangements. We have as yet no evidence indicating any movement or change in our immediate front. I will telegraph you more fully as soon as I meet the division commanders. The signal people report the same amount of canvas visible. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18657.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Since the storm we have had a fine opportunity to observe the enemys lines. I have just returned from our lines. Could discover no changes. The usual number of men were to be seen on the picket and main lines, and there seems to have been no change in the number of tents visible. General Potter reports that he is satisfied there is no change in the enemys line on his front, and that his force has not been reduced. A deserter from the Sixth Alabama, Grimes division, came into our lines about 1 p. m. He says he came from the main line, heard of no move- ment of troops excepting some artillerymen, who were relieved by men from a Virginia battalion. The artillerymen were sent to their right; the guns were left in position. His positive information, however, is confined to his own division. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18659.20 p. m. (Received 11 p. in.) Maj. Gen. G. G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Your dispatch of 8.40 is received.* JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General~ HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Captain DAVIS Chief Signal Officer: Owing to the weather the stati9ns in this front have not been able to report observations beyond the enemys main line. No changes are reported nor indications of movement of the troops in this front. All quiet. J. C. PAINE, Major, ccc. ~Seep. 312 Page 318 318 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Lient. Col. P. M. LyinG, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the hoiior to report that last night about 10.30 oclock the enemy threw up Signal-rockets and opened a heavy fire along my whole front. The artillery fire in front of the First Brigade was concentrated on Fort Morton, that in front of the Third Brigade on Fort Stedman, while the Chesterfield and Goose-neck batteries enfiladed the Second Brigade. At the same time the enemy poured on us with infantry from his main works. They also advanced a line as far as the skirmish pits on front of the left of the Third Brigade, near the Norfolk railroad bridge. The pickets fought them their best, but were temporarily driven in at this point. The enemys fimrther advance was checked by the fire from our main works. At 11 the enemys artillery ceased for a few minutes, and I apprehended an assault, but our fire kept up vigorously, both artillery and musketry, no part of the line being driven out or silenced by this the heaviest fire of all arms combined I have ever known from the enemy on this line. Great credit is due the troops for their steadiness. The casual- ties are 51; viz, 9 killed, 40 wounded 2 missing. Among the killed is the major of the Eighteenth New Hampshire, and among the wounded is the lieutenant-colonel, J. M. Clough, of the same regiment. The attack was kept up till 12.30 a. in., when it fell off into desultory mus- ketry, and so continued till morning. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18652 a. m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. IR. B. POTTER: General Willeox has just telegraphed me that the attack may b~ considered as fairly repulsed. He has ordered Robinson to re-establish his picket-line. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. H. B. POTTER: Will you please meet me at General Hartranfts headquarters at 2.30. JNO. G. PARKE, (Same to General 0. B. Willeox.) Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, ffumphreys AStation, March 30, 186510.15 a. m. General U. S. GRANT: I placed old soldiers on picket last iiight. One of them is reported this a. m. as having deserted. No changes discoverable since th Page 319 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 319 movement reported yesterday afternoon from General Wrights front of a division of infantry and some cavalry along enemy~s line toward their right. Six deserters in last night; left the lines on 29th; no changes then. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General ORB: General Turner is now near the Crow house; and is relieved and directed to join you. He will probably be able to cross Hatchers Run at Armstrongs Mill. If so, it will enable you to push your line up. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Indorsement.] MARCH 30, 18651.45 p. in. General TURNER, Commanding Division: GENERAL: The within is sent for your information and guidance. Let me know whether you are able to pass Hatchers Run at Arm- strongs Mill. Fosters left will advance at once and connect with you if you cross. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HUMPHREYS STATION, March 30, 18651 p. m. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gravelly Run: Your dispatch informing me of General Humphreys move to Crow house is just received. It is the first notice I have had of an~ move not in my command. I have ordered a brigade to swing round from my left and try to get up as far as Armstrongs, the picket-line moving forward to cover it and feel enemy. I should like to know more defi- nitely what force is on my left, and if the Crow house is the one laid down on the map at one-quarter of a mile from Hatchers Run, about one mile and a half up the run from my left. The brigade will not get forward for some time, as the ground is marshy, wooded, and unknown, and will have to be reconnoitered. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865i .20 p. m. Major-General ORB: Send an officer to Turner to see if he cannot cross Hatchers Run at the Crow house, and if so let him cross there and push out and estab- lisli yourself as high up the run as you can and intrench. You can start your new line from such point of your present line as you deem best. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 320 320 N. AND SE. VA.~ W VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS, Hurnphreys, March 30, 1865. Lient. Gen. U. S~ GRANT: I have advanced my line on the left, north of iR. Armstrongs house, to Crow house, making it nearly straight to little north of Thorns. We did not get very near to enemys works; encounter too much resist- ance; return of casualties not in. I am intrenching ou the new line. I connect with Second Corps. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 18657.20 p. m. Major-General ORD, Hurnjphreys Station: It is reported by deserters that Wilcoxs, Heths, and Picketts divis- ions are here. I do not believe that all of them are, but deserters have been received from one brigade of each of two of these divisions. Ju case this information proves true, or even if it is found that the enemy have considerably weakened north of Hatchers Run, Parke and Wright will be ordered to assault. They have been ordered to prepare accord- ingly. If they do assault I want you to go in at the same time. Make your preparations for receiving such an order. Where does your left strike Hatchers Run now? U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, March 30, 1865. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Your dispatch notifying me to prepare to assault is received. What time is it to take place? E.G. C. ORD, Major- General of Volunteers. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General ORD, Humphreys Station: The attack on your front will not be made to-morrow morning. Keep up your preparations so that if the enemy withdraw from your front you can push forward in the absence of orders. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ORDs HEADQUARTERS, March 30, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: A lieutenant of rebel army left their lines to-night; belongs to Jo. Davis brigade, ileths division. Says that two brigades of the division are still on this front, and that only two brigades have crossed to th Page 321 C~ui~. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 321 south of Hatchers Run; that a portion of Picketts division went up toward Lynchburg, but dont know if it remained there. Says the rebel rifle-pits are fifteen yards apart and five men in each; that the men go on once every three or four days. This would give a line of one man to the yard. General Michie corroborates the report as to distance and contents of their rifle-pits. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. (Copy sent by Grant to Meade, 1 a m. 31st.) ORDS HEADQUA~RTERS, March 30, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Dispatch received deferring attack and to keep up preparations. Will do so. E. 0. C. ORD, Miajor- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 186510.58 p. m. Major-General Gun: If you have not already got it, have a road made across Hatchers Run at your left near the Crow house, so that troops can be moved rapidly from your position to this side of the run. Also spread your troops out so as to have one division in reserve. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. I notified you some hours ago that the order for assault in the morn ing had been suspended. ~ ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865-.---11 p. m.~ Major-General ORD, Humjphreys Station: IDo you know where Mackenzies cavalry is to-night~ U.S. GRANT,~ Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General ORD, Hump hreys Station: General Wright reports that he thinks he can assault at daylight in the morning with a good prospect of success. I had suspended the order, but authorized General Meade to direct him to make the prelim- inary preparations. Are your men so arranged as to enable you to assault at the same time ~ It will require the massing of your troops at point where you intend attacking. Answer, and I will give definite orders. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. 21 u RYOL XLVI, PT II Page 322 322 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18652.20 ~p. rn. Major-General ORD: Yours of 2 [oclock] just received. I liave just received orders, in cori~junction with General Wright, from Major-General Meade to make preliminary arrangements for an attack at early daylight to-morrow morning. These arrangements I am now about preparing. Under these orders from General lVleade and with the reports made me I do not see how I can advance at present. I will forward your dispatch to General Wright with this reply. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. HEADQiJARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30, 18655.15 a. m. Major-General GIBBON, Commanding Twenty-fourth Corps: A division of Ords army is to support my right, and a staff officer was to report to me at 5 a. m. to learn where the division should be posted. He is not here. My headquarters are on the Vaughan road about one-quarter of a mile from Gravelly Run. I suppose the division comes from your corps. It should first be posted, with its left at Dab- neys Mill, where my right is, and its right near Hatchers IRun, at or above Armstrongs Mill. It should advance with my line at 6 oclock to J. Crows, where my right will be. The division should extend to Hatchers Run and down that stream, having the right refused and strongly supported. The general direction of its line of battle should be about east and west. Hays division on my right, and the division of your corps should mutually support each other. My line is intended to extend from J. Crows across to the Boydton road, about the site of Arnolds Mill. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. TELEGRAPH OPERATOR: Please let me have a copy of this as soon as it is sent. A.A.H. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Maj. JOHN COOLEY, Commanding Sharpshooters: MAJOR: The commanding general directs that you remain in your present position during the night, but start at an early hour to-morrow morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD MOALE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 323 CHAP. Lviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 323 HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CoRPS, March 30, 1865. Major-General TURNER, Commanding Division: GENERAL: Please let me know at once the condition of affairs in your front and whether there is any point on the enemys line where yon think a successful assault can be made in the morning. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Major. General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARIY CORPS, Before Richmond, Va., March 30, 1865. Maj. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Commanding Independent Division, Twenty-fourth Gorp~: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that if you have not already got it you will have a bridge made across Hatchers Run at your left, near the Crow house, so that troops can be moved rapidly to the other side of the run from your position. This must be done to-night, as it is a matter of great importance. Respectfully, yours, J. H. POTTER, Colonel and Chief of Staff. CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, March 30, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: General Merritt is moving out this morning on the road leading from Dinwiddie Court-House to the Five Forks. He will not go as far west as the Five Forks, but will, if there is no opposition, take the right-hand road at J. Boisseaus and get onto the White Oak road. General W. H. F. Lees division was still at Stony Creek last night. Our trains did not get up last night. The road at the crossing of the swamps was very bad. Yery respectfully, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. - CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, Dinwiddie, March 30, 18652.45 p. m. Lieutenant.General GRANT Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: General Merritt met the enemys cavalry with one divis- ion of cavalry at J. Boisseaus, on the Ford Church road, and drove them right and left on the right and left lbrks of the road, and now has pos- session of the White Oak road at Five Forks, t~lso where, the right- hand road intersects the White Oak road. Our lcss was slight, 15 or 20 wounded. Very respectfully, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding Page 324 324 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD,, AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, Dinwiddie Court-House, March 30, 18G5. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: The enemy has moved out infantry on the White Oak road. Picketts division drove back a small cavalry force which was at the Five Forks cross-roads. A prisoner from Picketts division 1-eports a concentration of the enemys cavalry there. We have cap- tured forty or fifty prisoners. I will be able to give you more detailed accounts this evening. Picketts division came up from Burkeville. Very respectfully, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. Forward to the President, at City Point, and General Meade. U. S. G. CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, Dinwiddie Court-House, March 30, 18657 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: Picketts division is deployed along the White Oak road, its right at Five Forks, and ei~tending toward Petersburg. After the small force at Five Forks was driven back no attempt was made to fol- low up, and the enemy did not appear to be in strong force. There is no doubt but that Picketts division is on the White Oak road, his right extending as far as Five Forks. Prisoners report the enemys cavalry concentrated at Five Forks. I have, however, no positive information of this. General Merritts pickets nearly up to the White Oak, and is cncarnped at J. Boisseaus house. Very respectfully, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General, Commanding. General MEADE: The above dispatch just received. Warren will not, from this dis- patch, have the cavalry support on his left flank that I expected. This information had better be sent to him, with instructions to watch closely on his left flank. U. S. GRANT, Lientena~t- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General SHERIDAN: Your positions on the White Oak road are so important that they should be held even if it prevents sending back any of your cavalry to Humphreys Station to be fed. The fifty wagon-loads of forage ordered will be increased if you think it necessary. Let the officer who goes back to conduct it t quarters. o your cavalry call on General Ingalls at my head- U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. P. S.Can you not push up toward Burgess Mills on the White Oak road Page 325 CHAP LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 325 GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General SHERIDAN: The heavy rain of today will make it impossible for us to do much until it dries up a little or we get roads around our rear repaired. You may therefore leave what cavalry you deem necessary to protect the left and hold such positions as you deem necessary for that purpose, and send the remainder back to llumphreys Station, where they cau get hay and grain. Fifty wagons loaded with forage will be sent to you in the morning. Send an officer back to direct the wagons back to where you want them. Report to me the cavalry you will leave back and the positions you will occupy. Could not your cavalry go back by the way of Stony Creek Depot and destroy or capture the store of supplies there ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General SHERIDAN: From the information I have previously sent you of Warrens posi- tion you will see that heis in danger of being attacked on his left flank in the morning. If such occurs, be prepared to push up with all your force to his assistance. Do not send any of your cavalry to Hum- phreys Station to-morrow~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30, 1865. Major-General SHERIDAN: If your situation in the morning is such as to justify the belief that you can turn the enemys right with the assistance of a corps of infan- try, entirely detached from the balance of the army, I will so detach the Fifth Corps, and place the whole under your command for the opera- tion. Let me know as early in the morning as you can your judgment in the matter, and I will make the necessary orders. Orders have beeu given Ord, Wright, and Parke to be ready to assault at daylight to-mor- row morning. They will not make the assault, however, without further directiGus. The giving of this order will depend upon receiving confir- mnation of the withdrawal of a part of the enemys forces on their front. If this attempt is made it will not be advisable to be detaching troops at such a distance from the field of operations. If the assault is not ordered in the morning, then it can be directed at such time as to come in co-operation with you on the left. Picketts entire division cannot be in front of your cavalry. Deserters from Stenarts brigade, of that divis- ion, came into llumphreys front this afternoon. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IIEADQIYARTERS CAVALRY, March 30, 1865. Major-General SHERIDAN, Commanding: GENERAL: I have reached the forks at Brooks. No enemy. I have sent to the forks at Boisseans, and from there have ordered the reco Page 326 326 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. naissance to Five Forks and White Oak road. There has been no enemy here, save cavalry (a few) yesterday, and they came from toward Dinwiddie. The Boydton plank road is three-quarters of a mile from hereBrooks. I have sent out on it. I will report as soon as I hear anything. A few trees were felled on the road. There were no impedi- ments to the march. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 30, 1865. BrigadierGeneral FORSYTH, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The reconnaissance on the Five Forks road reports meet- ing about two squadrons of enemy at a point about two miles from J. Boisseaus forks of the road. A reconnaissance which went from Brooks forks of the road, oii road toward infantry left, met the enemy two miles out. This party moved out to a point about a mile away from forks above mentioned, and turning to the left proceeded a mile farther and struck the enemy. The force on road toward White Oak road from Boisseans found the enemy a mile out on that road, all cavalry. The enemy seen occupying all roads in that direction in a line covering White Oak road and Five Forks. The enemy are in considerable force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. MARCH 30, 186512.30 [p.] m. Brigadier-General FORSYTH, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I think there is a brigade at Five Forks. As soon as I develop force on the flanks, I will try to get Five Forks. I have ordered General Custer up as soon as he reaches Dinwiddie. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brevet Major- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 30, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Have no definite information of the affair on front of the Ninth Corps last night. The enemy opened upon us, and scared a portion of our picket-line. This was recovered, and the firing of artillery and inns- ketry became general. Our loss is reported at 9 killed and about 40 wonnded. Enemys loss unknown. Both sides appear to have been somewhat stampeded. T. S. BOWERS Page 327 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 327 MARCH 30, 1865. (Received 12.45 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: A reconnaissance on my left this morning, where it was reported the enemy had withdrawn forces, developed no change. No change observed or reported anywhere else in my front. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. CITY PoINT, March 30, 1865. General WEITZEL: Warren and Humphreys have pushed forward until the enemy now occupy the same position about Burgess Mill that they did when Han- cock had his battle last fall. There has been some pretty sharp fight- ing, but I have no details further than that the enemy were pushed back. Sheridan has driven the cavalry, and now holds the Five Fork roads. The mud is deep. In the affair of yesterday our men did hand- somely. Johnsons division attacked Griffin, and were promptly repulsed. We lost forty-two killed and several hundred wounded. We buried twenty-five of enemy. The army is in fine spirits over the result. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, March 30, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: The President directs to ask you to furnish him any news or informa- tion you may have. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 30, 1865. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point: Please tell the President that hearing that some of the enemy had gone away in front of my left, a reconnaissance was sent out this morn- ing. It developed iio change in the enemys line. I have had a con- stant successiou of deserters all last night and this morning. They all report no change on my front and no knowledge of our movements from this front. I will inform him of any change as soon as it occurs. I just sent to-days Richmond papers to you. No news. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Colonel BOWERS: Please tell the President that only the regular trains ran between Petersburg and Richmond to-day. G. WEITZEL, Major- General Page 328 328 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. MARCH 30, 186510 p. m. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point: Please tell the President I have seen some deserters to-night. The enemy does not yet seem to comprehend the movement. No change. G. WEJTZEL, Major. General. MARCH 30, 1865. (Via City Point.) Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Signal officers report that only the regular trains ran to-day between Richmond and Petersburg. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. MARCH 30, 186510 p. m. (Via City Point.) Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Up to this hour the enemy on my front does not seem to have com prehended your movement. Deserter just in. No change. All seem to think it a raid of Sheridan on South Side road. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. General DEVENS: Is there anything new on your front this morning ~ G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, March 30, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Nothing whatever. One deserter to the enemy from the Fifth Mary- land last night. CHAS. DEVENS, Brigadier- General. IIDQRS. DISMOUNTED DETACHMENTS CAVALRY CORPS, Near City Point, Va., March 30, 1865. Capt. C. CLAPP, As8i8tant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: Will you please inform me whether, in case I were to draw the horses and mount 280 men, you would have any use for them. I can draw the horses and mount the men, but unless the men can be o Page 329 CHAP. Lviii.] CORRESPOND]~NCE, ETC.UNION. 329 service to and used by you, I would prefer not drawing the horses, as there is no convenient place here to keep them. Please inform me at your earliest convenience. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. H. DARLJNQ Major Seventh Michigan Cavalry, Commanding. I will draw twenty-five horses, and mount the men immediately, to supply the detail called for by you this morning, and more if they can be used. Coloiiel Anderson is unable to assume the command of the corps, owing to sickness, and I, being senior officer, still have command of the camp. PORTSMOUTH, March 30, 1865. Colonel LEWIS, Third New York Cavalry, Suffolk, Va.: Pursuant to instructions from district headquarters, you will make immediate preparations to march with your available force at daylight on Saturday, the 1st of April, for an absence of ten days. Written orders will be sent. During your absence Suffolk will be held hr your dismounted men. By order of Brigadier-General Graham: Th DALE BENSON, Lientenant and A ide.de- Camp. HARPERS FERRY, March 30, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: I would respectfully state, for the information of the general com- manding, that the Shenandoah between Keyes Ford and Evetts Creek is a series of fords, and will require not less than 600 men (infantry) to picket it securely. To furnish this force I shall be without adequate force to do the absolutely necessary duty of the post. Respectfully, JOHN I). STEVENSON, J3rigadier- General. HEADQITARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 30, 1865. General J. I). STEVENSON, Harper~s Ferry: You will be required to picket the river to Cat-tail Run, where Gen- eral Brooke will meet you. TIme general desires you to send him by next train an official copy of this telegram for his guidance. The principal crossing places are to be picketed with vigilance and frequent patrols between the main posts. With these general directions Gen- eral Brooke will establish such a system of guards at the river as he may see proper, reporting his arrangement to these headquarters. Colonel Bird will picket the main fords as low down as the next prac- ticable ford above Rock Ford, and patrol between his picket-posts. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff Page 330 330 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA,, MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, lliliarch 30, 1865. General STEVENSON: Please send by telegraph a description of the fords between llarpe~-s Ferry and Evetts Creek. C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, March 30, 1865. General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: I can give you no accurate information of the fords. During the past summer I had the Shenandoah picketed at Keyes Ford and Kable- town. My officers reported to me frequently that cavalry could and did cross the river at various points in between the main fords; that the river could be crossed by parties knowing the river at a dozen different points between this post and Kabletown. The only fords that I know of are Keyes Ford and Upper and Lower, about three-quarters of a mile apart, with shallow water between, and ford at ilopewell. The dis- tance along the river I shall have to picket is about four miles, a~d will make my most distant picket from this post about seven miles. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. Brigadier-General MORGAN, CUMBERLAND, MD., March 30, 1865. Chief of Staff, Winchester, Fa.: The railroad train was captured at 7 oclock this evening, about three miles east of Pattersons Run, by a gang of rebels. I have sent troops to that point. I have also sent out cavalry from New Creek to try to inter- cept the party. Will give you particulars as soon as possible. S.S. CARROLL, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding. CUMBERLAND MD Brigadier-General MORGAN, , ., March 30, 1865. Chief of Staff, Winchester: I am just in receipt of the following details of the capture of the train from the post commandant at Green Spring Run: The rebels, numbering about thirty or forty, made a dash on the mail train three miles west of Green Spring Run and robbed the passengers. I have sent a cavalry force from New Creek on Romney road and also a force from Green Spring Run to intercept them if possible. Every effort will be made to capture the party. S. S. CARROLL, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding. The train was fired, but put out; no one hurt Page 331 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 331 HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 30, 1865. General S. S. CARROLL: You can have all the troops of First Corps. There are two regi- merits in the field at Berryville, one to leave Washington this week, arid a fourth to leave next week. There will be in all six regiments, say, or about 4,500 men, or two brigades. Owing to the peculiar nature of the command it is difficult to say whether other troops can be permanently associated with them, but they are a strong body by themselves. You will have a division, whether any one else does or not, and by taking this command you will always be near him, where he can see to it. If you think proper to come down and take command of the troops as they are raised General Emory will be sent np to Cum- berland. I think if you are well enough it is for your interest to take the command, as it is in itself a mark of distinction, and there may be more raised than now appears probable. C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General and Chief of L~taff. CUMBERLAND, March 30, 1865. Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of & aff: I have no further news of the rebel gang in Hampshire. It is a small portion (some thirty or forty men) of Mosbys and iRo55er~5 commands engaged in conscripting, & c. A Captain McLean is in command. I have scouts out from New Creek. Will advise you of their return. S. S. CARROLL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY. March 30, 1865. General SEWARD, lllartinsburg: General Carroll reports Itosser with his command in Hampshire County. You had better send scout in direction of Romney, through Back Creek Valley, and notify your command west of Martinsburg to be on lookout. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 31, 18658.30 p. m. JOHN F. POTTER, U. ~. Consul- General, Montreal: If Canadian Government detains Saint Albans raiders on their own charges, let proceedings on behalf of this Government be suspended. if not, then proceed under requisitions for surrender. WM. H. SEWARD, & cretary of State Page 332 332 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 31, 18659.30 a. rn. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I hope you will stay to see it out, or for a few days at least. I have strong faith that your presence will have great influence in inducing exertions that will bring Richmond; compared to that no other duty cau weigh a feather. There is, in fact, nothing to be done here but petty private ends that you should not be annoyed with. A pause by the army now would do harm; if you are on the ground there will be no l)anse. All well here. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CITY POINT, VA., March 31, 1865R.30 p. m. flow EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: At 12.30 p. m. to-day General Grant telegraphed me as follows: There has been much hard fighting this morning. The enemy drove our left from near JJabneys house back well toward the Boydton plank road. We are now about to take the offensive at that point, and I hope will more than recover the lost ground. Later he telegraphed again as follows: Our troops, after being driven back on the Boydton plank road, turned and drove the enemy in turn and took the White Oak road, which we now have. This gives us the ground occupied by the enemy this morning. I will send you a rebel flag captured by our troops in driving the enemy back. There have been four flags cap- tured to-day. Judging hy the two points from which General Grant telegraphs, I infer that he moved his headquarters about one mile since he sent the first of the two dispatches. A. LINCOLN. GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 186512.50 p. m. President A. LINCOLN, City Point, Va.: There has been much hard fighting this morning. The enemy drove our left from near W. Dabneys house back well toward the Boydton plank road. We are now about to take the offensive at that point, and I hope will more than recover the lost ground. The heavy rains and horrid road have prevented the execution of my designs, or attempting them, up to this time. General Ord reports the capture of some pris- oners this morning, but does not say how many. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILLS, March 31, 1865. President A. LINCOLN, City Point: Sheridan has had hard fighting to-day. I can only communicate with him by courier. At dark he was hotly engaged near Dinwiddie. I am very anxious to hear the result; will let you know when I do hear Page 333 CHAP. LviiI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION~ 333 All else is apparently favorable at this time, and I hope that will prove so also. Infantry has been sent down the Boydton road to his assistance. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT March 31, 18G5. Hon. C. A. DANA, Assistant Secretary of War: Richmond papers of to-day received. The Sentinel says: The city was much excited yesterday by accounts of a great battle on Wednesday near Petersburg. The truth of the matter, as we learned yesterday evening, was that there was indeed a grand exhibition of fireworks, but no battle and scarcely any one hurt. The troops holding Gordons line, taking advantage of the darkness, were strengthening their chevaux-de-frise and abatis in front of their works. The Yankees opposite, hearing the noise, and supposing Gordon was coming after them, again opened a heavy fire of artillery, which was replied to on our side. The two picket-lines also opened a noisy mnsketry fire, which was kept up for several hours. A very few men were wounded on our side. The enemy probably suffered no more. From East Tennessee: The Lynchburg virginian of the 29th says that the enemy, we suppose Stonemans cavalry, have flanked Bristol, leaving it to the left, and are passing by way of Tay- lorsville in the direction of Glade Spring. Taylorsville is in Johnson County, Teun., in the extreme northeastern corner of the State. Of course this movement will compel the evacuation of Bristol. From the Whig: SHERIDAN ON A RAIDREcONNAISSANcE NEAR HATChER S RUNIMPORTANT OPERA- TIONS ARE IN PROGRESS ON OUR RIGHT. The Petersburg Express says that at an early hour Wednesday morning a heavy force of the enemy, consisting of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, supposed to be headed by cavalry (Sheridan), made a detour around ~ur lines and advanced toward the Boydton plank road, and between 7 and 5 oclock struck this thoroughfare some six miles beyond Dinwiddie Court-House. Toward 11 oclock we understand this Three was in the vicinity of the Court-House, our forces skirmishing heavily with their advance. Last evening it was reported that the enemy had reached the Court- House and was demonstrating toward Bllrgess Mill. It is believed that the destina- tion of this force is the South Side Railroad, which Grant wishes to destroy, and thereby cut off General Lees communications an& diminish his supplies. While demonstrating on the plank road, it is thought the main body of the cavalry struck out through the country in the direction of the railroad this, howe ver, is not posi- tively known. The Raleigh Conservative learns that there are no less than from 300 to 600 desert- ers in the lower end of Pitt County, N. C., committing all sorts of depredations on her citizens, stealing horses, negroes, provisions, & c. Prices at Raleighbacon, $7; butter, $10; corn, $30 per bushel; eggs, $5; wheat, $50; and other articles in proportion. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CITY POINT, VA., March 31, 18G5. FREDERICK W. SEWARD, Assistant Secretary of State: A battle in front this morning. Our force driven back. In after- noon battle renewed, and the enemy driven from the ground. Four battle-flags taken by our troops. WM. II. SEWARD Page 334 334 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651 p. m. General RAWLINS: Enemy completely checked, and Warren is now pushing his command after them. They seem to be falling away from his center, and reported going both ways. He will attack them with all his force. Prisoners from each division of Hills corps and Bashrod Johnsons division. 0. E. BABCoCK, Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. CITY POINT, March 31, 1865. General RAWLINS: General Weitzel telegraphs that Richmond papers of to-day speak of the move as a raid of Sheridan. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186512.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Mackenzie is at W. Perkins house, at Hatchers Run, with pickets out to Reams Station, also down to Great Cat-tail Creek. The Fifth Corps trains, guarded by the Eleventh and Fourteenth U. S. In- fantry, are at the junction of the Vaughan and old stage roads, and in park there. Three hundred cavalry are at the junction of Quaker and Vaughan roads. To-morrow the trains will move at daylight down to the junction of the stage and Quaker roads, thence north across Grav- elly Run, and be parked in the neighborhood of the meeting-house. It might be well to order up some of Mackenzies cavalry to picket east and southeast of your camp. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. GRAVELLY RuN, March 31, 18651.55 a. m. (Received 2.10 a. in.) Major-General MEADE: General Ord replies to my dispatch that he cannot be ready for assault at daylight. It will be postponed therefore. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. (Copy sent to Major.General Wright, commanding Sixth Corps, and Major-General Parke, commanding Ninth Corps.) GRAVELLY RUN, March 31. 18657.40 a. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Owing to the heavy rain this morning the troops will remain sub- stantially as they now are, but the Fifth Corps should to-day draw three days more rations. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 335 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 335 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18657.15 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch of 7.40 received. Is there any reason the Second Corps should not draw three days rations, together with the Fifth? The empty supply wagons can be sent to the railroad terminus and refilled. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. MARCH 31, 1865. Major-General MEADE: The Second Corps can also draw their rations the same as the Fifth. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18658.05 a. m. (Received 8.25 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send a dispatch* just received from Major-General Warren, which will show the position of his troops and give topographical information. Additional tools will be sent to him as soon as they can be gotten up, so that the road he is on can be made passable for artillery and wagons at the earliest moment. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18658.40 a. m. (Received 8.50 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Firing is heard apparently on left and left center of Second Corps. No report yet. Orders have been sent to Warren to support Hum- phreys if necessary. Perhaps it would be well to send same to Ord. Orders for rations issued, but I fear the condition of the roads will make their executiou almost impossible. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 1865. (Received 10.15 a. in.) Major-General MEADE: Rations must be got forward to Warren, and no exertions must be spared to execute your orders for the same. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. * See Warren to Webb, 7.35 a. m. March 31, p. 361 Page 336 336 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, ]Jiarch 31, 186510.23 a. m. Major-General WEBB, (Received 10.28 a. in.) At General Grants Headquarters: General Grants dispatch to General Meade as to sparing no exer- tion in the execution of orders to get rations forward to Warren received. The chief quartermaster has given such instructions, and to take the rations on pack-mules if the train cant be got up. GEG. D. SRTJGGLES, Assistant Af~jutant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 18G51i.50 a. in. Major-General MEADE, At P~fth Corps Head quarters: ilumplireys should not push to the front without a fair chance and fnll determination to go through. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186512 in. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Generals Crawford and A~~res have been driven back on Griffin. Griffin is about to resume the offensive, supported by an attack of Humphreys left. llumphreys will withdraw from his right all he can spare to attack with Miles. Since the enemy are trying to turn our left I deem it important to attack with Sheridan and to let Ord assnme the offensive if practicable. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 1865. (Received 12.40 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: it will take so long to communicate with Sheridan that he cannot be brought up in co-operation unless he comes up in obedience to orders sent him last night. I understood General Forsyth to say, however, that as soon as another division of cavalry got up he would push it forward with Merritt. It may be there now. I will send to him again at once. I will also direct Ord to keep the enemy busy in his front and go through if he can. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. BOYDTON PLANK ROAD, March 31, 186512A5 p. in. Lieutenant.General GRANT: Tell General llumphreys that Miles is driving the enemy. A brigade is moving out to support him and to push him; another is held in readi- ness to move out. Fire in front of Warren is receding. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 337 CH~. LVIH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 337 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18651 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Warren reports by staff officer that Ayres advance on White Oak road was repulsed. Ayres fell back to Crawford, the enemy fol- lowing and attacking both Ayres and Crawford and compelling both to fall back to Griffin. Here the enemy was checked, the fighting still continuing. General Warren expresses confidence in his ability to hold his present position. Miles has been ordered to be prepared to support Warren. llumphreys will be ordered to attack as soon as 1 can com- municate with him by telegraph, if the affair is not over by that time. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 18651 p. m. Major-General MEADE, At Iiifth Corps Headquarters: If the enemy has been checked in Warrens front, what is to prevent him from pitching in with his whole corps and attacking before giving him time to intrench or return in good order to his old intrench- ments? I do not understand why Warren permitted his corps to be fought in detail. When Ayres was pushed forward he should have sent other troops to their support. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch of 11.40 [11.5~1] relative to Humphreys advancing on his front received. As soon as I reached the field I met General Humphreys on the Boydton plank, and it was determined between us not to attack on his front, but to put all his available troops under Miles, to move forward from his left and attack the enemy in front of Warren in flank. This was done, and the enemy compelled to fall back. Warren is preparing to advance his whole force in conjunction with Miles, and will endeavor to drive the enemy back to and across the White Oak road. Any movement of the cavalry on his left will mate- rially aid this operation. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18651.30 p.m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: In answer to your telegram of inquiry about Warren pushing ahead, I send you a report just received from him, which will explain itself. * I infer that both Ayres and Crawfords divisions cannot be relied on for a great deal to-day. We will push all we can. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. * See Warren to Webb, 1 p. m. March 31, p. 36!. 22 R RVOL XLVI, PT II Page 338 338 N. AND SE. VA., -~VA., MD., AND PA! ~ [CHAP. LVIII. 4 DABNEYS MILL, March 31, 1865. Major-General MEADE: The operators at my headquarters have gone to the wrong place, or are still back. If at your headquarters will you please have them sent here tonight. I think Warren should be instructed to send well down the White Oak road, and also southwest from his left, to watch and see if there is an enemy in either direction. I would much rather have Warren back on the plank road than to be attacked front and rear where he is. He should intrench front and rear of his left at least, and be ready to make a good fight of it if he is attacked in the morn- ing. We will make no offensive move ourselves to-morrow. If rations were not got np to-day they shonld be in the morning. U. S. GI~ANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRPS, March 31, 1865S .30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Sheridans firing was heard soon after you left. I have sent word to Warren to push a force down the White Oak road to co-operate with Sheridan. I will send you a list of casualties as soon as possible. At present Second Corps hospitals report 200 wounded; Fifth Corps, 600. I think the casualties for this day of killed and wounded in both corps will be under 1,000. Some 60 prisoners have been reported by the Second Corps and 70 by the Fifth Corps. This will doubtless be increased, as all have not yet come in. Second Corps reports 2 battle-flags and Fifth Corps 1. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS. March 31, 18656.35 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: A staff officer from General Merritt was cut off by what is reported two brigades of Picketts division. These are the brigades reported to be on our left, but not in our fight to-day. The firing has receded toward Dinwiddie CourtHouse. If General Sheridan reports that he cannot overcome the force now opposed to him I will be obliged to contract my lines, and I must do it to-night. I have directed Warren to send a force down Boydton plank road to try and open communica- tion with Sheridan. Under the present state of affairs it was impos- sible to send (lown the White Oak road, as first ordered. Please let me know in regard to Sheridans report as soon as convenient; my disposition against these brigades should be made shortly. I leave br my headquarters at old camp. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. DABNEYS MILL, March 31, 1865. Major-General MEADE: I send you copy of a report just seiit by Sheridan.* You will see that he reports Hokes division, which we know was in North Carolina. See Sheridan to Grai,t, 2.30 p. ni., next, po8t Page 339 CHAP. LVIII.] 339 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Since this was received Colonel Porter has returned from Sheridan. He says that Devin had been driven back in considerable confusion south of J. Boisseans house. Crook was then going up west of the road and expected to turn the enemy and drive him back. The effort has been to get our cavalry onto the White Oak road west of Dabneys house. So far this has failed, and there is no assurance that it will succeed. This will make it necessary for Warren to watch his left all round. The cavalry being where it is will probably make the enemy very careful about coming round much in his rear, but he cannot be too much on his guard. Let your provost question prisoners as to whether troops from North Carolina have come up. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILL, March 31, 1865. Major-General MEADE: The following dispatch forwarded for your information: CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 18653.30 p. rn. Lieutenant General GRANT: GENERAL: Hokes divison and three brigades of Picketts division are at the Five Forks, or were there last night. Their picket-line is now in front of Devins divis- ion. W. H. F. Lee attacked Smiths brigade, of Crooks division, on Chamberlains Creek, and got cleaned out. I will now attack him, and push the First Cavalry Division against their infantry line. I have ordered up one brigade of Cuslers division, which is yet back with our ammunition train. It has been impossible to get up this train on account of the swamps. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Generat. HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18657.10 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: It is not impossible troops may have been sent up from the south, though 11 have heard nothing of it before. One prisoner said lie heard Picketts division had come up from Burkeville, but as I knew Pickett had not been there I presumed he had been down the South Side Rail- road to watch for our cavalry. If Hoke or any considerable force of infantry is in Sheridans front it opens the rear of our army, as I under- stood from Captain Sheridan, the bearer of this, that the road from I. M. Brocks [J. M. Brooks?] to H. Boisseans to the Boydton plank is now open to the enemy. General Sheridan, I think from the account of Captain Sheridan, will be pressed to-morrow. He will either have to come in or support must be sent to him. My line is so extended and flank in air that I dont see how I can detach for this purpose, unless I contract my lines, when I shall have troops to spare. Let me hear as ~oou as possible what you desire done. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 340 340 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18657.40 p. m. (Received 8.40 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Captain Sheridan, from Sheridans cavalry, is here, and is directed to you by a staff officer. He reports that General Sheridan is just north of Dinwiddie Court-House, having been repulsed by the enemys infantry on the dirt road running north and also on the road running northwest from north of Dinwiddie. General Sheridan states that if he is forced to retire it will be on the Vaughan road. The staff officer leaves here to report to you. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18658 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: From what Colonel Kellogg, the bearer, says it is evident Sheridan cannot hold IDinwiddie and will have to fall back to-morrow. If I do not contract my lines, cannot Ferrero [Turner] be sent at once out the Vaughan road to support Sheridan ~ I think this will be the quickest thing that can be done. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 18658.45 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Your dispatch of 6.35 and your note of 7.30 [7.40 l] are just received. Captain Sheridan has reported to you the situation of affairs with Sheridan. Let Warren draw back at once to his position on Boydton road and send a division of infantry to Sheridans relief. The troops to Sheridan should start at once and go down Boydton road. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- Genera~. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 31, 18658.45 p. m. (Sent 9 p. 111.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Orders have been sent to General Warren to draw in at once to the Boydton plank road, and send, on receipt of orders, Griffins division to report to General Sheridan, they to move down the Boydton road. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18659 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have ordered my medical director to send the ambulances of the Sixth Corps for Sheridans wounded. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 341 CHAP. LVIII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLOIN~. 341 DABNEYS MILL, March 31, i865--9 .10 p. m. Major-General MEADE: I wish you would send out some cavalry to iDinwiddie to see if infor. mation can be got from Sheridan. It will only take about half the time to go from your headquarters it will from mine, and I have no one to send. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILL, March 31, 18659.45 p. m. Major-General MEADE: If you can get orders to Mackenzie to move his cavalry to the sup- port of Sheridan, by way of the Vaughan road, do so. I have sent the same directions to General Ord. Please let me know when Griffin gets started. If he pushes promptly I think there may be a chance for cut- ting up the infantry the enemy have intrusted so far from home. Urge prompt movement on Griffin. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEY8 MILL, March 31, 18659.45 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Ord has driven in the enemys pickets and sharpshooters near Hatch- ers Run and got possession of a knoll which takes the enemys works on Humphreys right in reverse. He is building a battery there to-night. This will drive the enemy out and give llumphreys an oppor- tunity of advancing his right and possibly of gaining a position which will take the works north of the run in reverse so as to let Ord throngh. Humphreys has been notified of this, but has no orders. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18659 .45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Would it not be well for Warren to go down with his whole corps and smash up the force in front of Sheridan ~ Humphreys can hold the line to the Boydton plank road and the refusal along it. Bartletts brigade is now on the road from J. Boisseans running north, where it crosses Gravelly Run~ he having gone there down the White Oak road. Warren could move at once that way and take the force threatening Sheridan in rear, or he could send one division to support Sheridan at Diuwiddie and move on the enemys rear with the other two. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 342 342 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LV1II HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186510 p. m. (Received 10.20 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: The only disposable cavalry I have is my escort. I will send an offi- cer and forty men to communicate with Sheridan. J believe the road is all open to him. I have sent the orders to Mackenzie. GEG. G. MEADE, Major. General. DADNEYS, March 31, 186510.15 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Let Warren move in the way you propose and urge him not to stop for anything. Let Griffin go on as he was first directed. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant. General. J)AENEYS MiLL, March 31, 186510.30 p. rn. Major.General MEADE: As you are sending to Sheridan send him word of all the dispositions making to aid him and tell him to take general direction of the forces sent to him until the emergency for which they are sent is over. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186510.45 p. in. (Sent 2.25 a. m. April 1.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Warren was ordered some time since to push Griffin promptly down the plank road to Sheridan. I have now ordered him to move with the rest of his corps as light as possible and 1)ush down the road running south from the White Oak road to Dinwiddie to attack the enemy in rear, and look out to get over to the plank road if they turn on him too strongly. The messenger to Sheridan had not left when these orders were sent and Sheridan was notified of them. The officer has gone now, so that I cannot add what you desire about his taking command, but I take it for granted he will do so, as he is the senior. I will instruct Warren to report to him. I find it reported that among Sheridans prisoners is one from Lilley~s brigade, Walkers division, Gordons corps. Formerly iloke commanded a brigade in this division, from whence I think has arisen the rumor that iloke is in front of Sheridan, the men often givin ~ the old name of their organizations. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186511.45 p. m. (Received 1.30 a. m. April 1.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: A dispatch just received from Warren reports bridge on Boydton plank road across Gravelly Run destroyed, and that it will take con Page 343 CHAt. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 343 siderable time to rebuild. Orders have been sent to him, if this is the case, to send troops to Sheridan by the Qnaker road, or by both roads if necessary, even if he gives np the rear attack. Every exertion to re-enforce Sheridan at the earliest moment, and the vital importance of it has been impressed on him. He has been informed Sheridan, if not re-enforced and compelled to retire, will ~~ithdraw by the Vaughan road. I think it is possible the enemy may retire from Sheridans front to-night, fearing an attack from the rear. I have sent orders to Hum- phreys to co-operate with Ord and take the works in his front if Ords artillery fire renders it practicable. GEG. C-. MEADE, Major- General, GRAVELLY Rux, March 31, 1865. Lient. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point: Major Wiley will call on you for an escort to guard cattle for Sheri- dan. You will order the escort from Sheridans remounted men. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: E. S. PARKER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 1865. Brig. C-en. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: Paragraph 21 of Special Orders, No. 473, of December 29, 1864, assigned Brig. Gen. J. J. Bartlett, U. S. Volunteers, to duty according to the brevet rank of major-general. On the 3d of January, 1865, I was notified by Major Chalfin, assistant adjutant-general, that the appointment of General Bartlett as brevet major-general was not yet issued. He has recently been confirmed by the Senate as brevet major-general from August 1, 1864. The order cited was issued on my applicatioii at the time I recommended him for promotion under the presumption that lie would be appointed before the meeting of Con- gress. But he was not so appointed, and had to be confirmed and com- missioned before he had any brevet rank. In the meantime the com- mand I designed for him has been given to aimother, and the necessity for his being so assigned imo longer exists. In view of this fact, and the doubtful legality of the order assigning an officer before he actually had the rank to which he was assigned, I have suspended it. I would respectfully inquire whether my action meets with the approval of time Secretary of War and whether this order under the circumstances ought not to be rescinded. Whenever there is a command to which Brevet Major-General Bartlett may be assigned I shall apply for another order in his case. Very respectfully, C-EO. C-. MEADE, Major- General Page 344 344 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD. AND PA. CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 1865. ADJUTANT-GENERAL: I have the honor to transini~ herewith by the hands of Corporal Lutes, C oinpany D, One hundred and eleventh New York Volunteers, the battle-flag of the Forty-first Alabama Volunteers, captured by him during the charge of the enemy npon our lines at about 4 oclock this afternoon. Corporal Lutes also brought in the rebel color-bearer and one of the rebel color guard as prisoners. I have the honor to recoin- mend that a medal of honor be awarded him for his gallantry upon this occasion. In consideration of his conduct he has been granted a fur- lough for thirty days. Very respectfully, GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. TOWER SIGNAL STATION, March 31, 1865a. m. Captain DAVIS, Chief ASrignal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: At 10 a. in. enemy moved two pieces light artillery (12-pounders) from rear line, placing them in small battery in front line north from station. At 10.30 a. m. same guns were taken out of fort and now stand on Boydton road headed toward city. Three guns that were in enemys works in front of Hammonds have disappeared. Pickets relieved at 10.30 a. in., portion of them returned to camp near Daggetts, the remainder to camp in rear of pines north 20 degrees west from station. Party of seventy-five negroes at work on enemys new line, most of them on. new fort on left of line. Camp of two or three regi- ments to our right of Mrs. Harts appear unoccupied. Other camps appear same as usual. E. H. WARDWELL, Lieutenant, ~ignat Officer. (Same to Lieutenant Dilliugham, headquarters Ninth Army Corps, and Captain Norton, headquarters Twenty-fourth Army Corps.) TOWER SIGNAL STATION, March 31, 18652.20 p. m. Captain DAVIS, Chief 8ignal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: One thousand men just came from the right and deployed along the works from point in front of Boswells house to point north 50 degrees west, near Harmons house. E. II. WARDWELL, Lieutenant, ~3ignal Officer. (Same to Brevet Major Paine, G~~ra1 Ords headquarters, and Lieu- tenant Dilliugham, headquarters 1~frth Corps.) TOWER SIGNAL STATION, March 31, l8652.SSp~ m. Captain DAVIS, Chief k5ignal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: The 150 infantry reported as halted beyond Jones house with arms 8tacked relieved picket on this front. A portion of those relieved wen Page 345 CHAP. LVIII.1 845 COI~RESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. into camp in rear of pines north 20 degrees west from station. The remainder went into small camp north 10 degrees west from station. At 1 p. m. regiment with one color came out from works left of Mrs. Harts and disappeared to the left. This color is the one reported as seen on the works near Mrs. Harts. One regiment of 156 men with color came out of camp near Boisseaus, marched to left as far as Bat- tery 54, and then deployed along the works toward our right. E. II. WAJIDWELL, Lieutenant, Signal Officer. (Same to Brevet Major Paine, General Ords heailquarters, and Lien. tenant Dillingham, Ninth Army Corps headqnarters.) WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, March 31, 18656.30 p. m. Major PAINE, Chief Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps: At 3 p. m. a train of twenty-five wagons passed toward our left on road rear of Whiteheads. At 6 p. m. two trains, each twenty wagons, passed from Petersburg toward enemys right on a road beyond town south 60 west. At 9.05 a. m. one train of cars passed toward Petersburg. Very respectfully, GEG. ~. HOPPING, Sergeant. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18659 p. m. General SHARPE, Assistant Provost-Marshal- General at Lieutenant- Goneral Grants headquarters in the Field: Examinations to-day show B. Johnsons entire division in front of the Second Army Corps; two brigades of Wilcoxs division, Scales and McGowans, and two brigades of Picketts division, Stenarts and Hun- tons in front of Fifth Army Corps; balance of Picketts division not accounted for. Prisoners from the Fifty-eighth Virginia, of Gordons corps, said to have been taken by Sheridan, who has been fighting infantry. J. C. B[ABCOCK]. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18657.30 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Second Corps: The major-general commanding desires you to report the position of your troops this a. m. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 346 346 N. AND S~. VA., W. VA., MTh, ANP PA. t4~HAP. INIIL HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 31 1 Brevet Major-General WEBB, 8658.40 a. m.* Chief of & aff: The position of my troops this morning is: Hays extending from right, near Crow house, to Taylor house; Mott from Taylor house to Boydton plank road. Miles has relieved Griffin in his position, but Griffin has remained some hours. I find that Miles is strong enough in Griffins position to admit of my putting De Trobriands brigade in a little more central position fro the left. . , in which it can move in a few minutes to A. A. llUMPliH1~iYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 1865. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND ARMY CORPS: Owing to the weather no change will to-day be made in the present position of the troops. Three days rations of subsistence and forage will be brought up and issued to the troops and the artillery and wagons authorized to accompany them. The empty supply wagons will be sent to the rear to be refilled at the railroad terminus. The chief engineer and corps commanders will use every exertion to make practicable the roads to the rear and communicating with their several corn mands. By command of Major-General Meade: GEO. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to other corps coninianders.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March ~1 Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, ,18659.10 a. m. Chief of & aff: There has beeis and is some picket-hi-lug on the left of Miles. This is all the firing I have heard, though I have directed all the division commanders to feel in their fronts, try to capture some prisoners, and ascertain what force of the enemy is on my front, and where II could attack, if it should be necessary. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186510.15 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of & aff: In answer to inquiry as to cause of firing, I have the honor to report that General Miles sent out about sixty men, who attacked the eueniys ~In Humplireys telegrams-sent book this dispatch is timed 7.40 a. m Page 347 CaAp. LYIIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 347 pickets and drove them to their works, capturing sixteen men. The enemy then sent out a small party and attempted to drive Miles back, but failed. The prisoners were from McGowans brigade, Wilcoxs division, and report Scales brigade of Wilcoxs division also here, on their left. A. A. HUXIPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, March 31, 186510.15 a. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: General Ords dispatch is forwarded for your information.* General Meade wishes you to act according to your judgment, either attack- ing to relieve Ord or sending your reserves to him. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Copy to Generals Wright and Ord.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. General WEBB: I have sent De Trobriands brigade to be near the Crow house for supporting any one needing it there. Just at the time of receiving your dispatch and the one from General Ord there is quite heavy firing upon right of the picket-line of the Fifth Corps. Hays is directed to attack the enemy if they press Turner. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186510.45 a. m. General WEBB: The division officer of the day of General Motts reports that about 9.30 this morning troops of the enemy, at least one brigade, were seen moving toward their right in front of left of Motts division. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865il a. m. General WEBB: It looks to me as if the attack were going to be ou Warren, and not on Ord. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. * See Ord to Grant, 9.30 a. in., p. 374 Page 348 348 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LviII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186511.40 a. rn. Geiteral WEBB, Chief of Stafl~: I have received your message by Major Meade and note by Rosen- crantz. Miles is already moving out to attack on Warrens right. I have ordered the attack to be extended completely over my lines. Griffin sent me word when I communicated the above to him that he conid hold his own. My staff~ officer was seeking Warren when he came across Griffin. A. A. HUMPIIjREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651 .05 p. m. General WEBB: General Mott reports that General McAllister attacked with a part of his brigade, drove the enemys pickets, and went within 100 yards of his works. He found a strong line of works, well manned, and with a close abatis. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General. To General Graut1.40 p. m. G. G. MEADE. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651.45 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of & afl: Dispatch by Stacey sent to Miles for his government. At same time Miles sent me word he thought he could take the enemys works if his right was supported by a brigade en potence. I have ordered him to do it. Have ordered iDe Trobriand out to support Miles right. Have notified Mott that he may be obliged to move another of his brigades to the left. He has one in reserve, one in his line. Hays I ordered some time ago to draw out a brigade and hold it in reserve in his center. Mott can call on him. He on Miles, if heavily attacked. A. A. HUMPHREY5, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30 [31~], 18652 p. m. Major-General WEBB: Miles sends me word that he has broken the enemys line of battle; has prisoners and flags; wants support on his left; is ahead of the Fifth Corps. As already stated, have sent IDe Trobriand to his right. A. A. HUMPHREY5, Major- General Page 349 CHAP. LYIlI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 349 HEADQUARTERS SECOMI ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18652.15 p. m. Major-General WEBB: From the prisoners taken it is apparent that the left of Picketts division is opposite the center of Miles. An advance of the Fifth Corps swinging aronnd must necessarily take Pickett on his right flank. Pickett is the right of their line. A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18652.25 [p. in.] General HTJMPHREYS: If you can support Miles with your own corps do so, and act inde- pendent of the Fifth Corps. The general commanding approves of yonr taking the enemys line. A. S. WEBB, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 31, 18652.30 pm. General WEBB: The batteries upon the flank of our troops fire as the troops advance, and upon the enemys artillery as far as they can see them. A. A. HUMPHItEYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Eleven prisoners from Wises brigade have just come in from Miles front, and report Pickett, Johnson, and some of Heth engaged in the attack. It is probable that Wilcox is engaged also. As yet I have no evidence of ileths being engaged in this fighting on Miles front. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18652.30 p. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: General Warren did not retire [intend] to move forward his right, but to swing on it, moving his left. I have sent him your dispatch, and suggested his pushing his right forward. At the same time I desire you [to] govern Miles movement by the supports you can give him, and if he does not feel secure in advancing without Warren let him hold on till Warren does move his right or he has himself force enough to watch his left. You know the difficulty of getting two bodie Page 350 350 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CITAP. LVIII. to advance simultaneously. Miles has done handsomely in relieving Warren, and I should be glad to see him take the enemys line. But if this is dependent on a simultaneous movement past experience bids me despair. Let him do the best [and all he can] with such support as he you] can give him.* GEG. G. MEADE, Major General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 31, 18653.45 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: General Warren is on the White Oak road, and states that he has moved his whole corps up except one brigade, and will hold it. Cap- tured flag from Fifty-sixth Virginia, iluntons brigade. Sent you for your information. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Jllarch 31, 18655 p. m. Major-General IIIJMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: Major-General Warren has been ordered to intrench himself iu his present position on the White Oak road. You are to connect your left with his right to hold as much of the new line as possible to enable him to have the maximum reserves to protect his left flank. You will intrench your portion of the new line. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18655.25 p. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Four officers and flfty-uine prisoners have been sent in from Miles centerfour from Huntons brigade, Picketts division, the rest from Wises brigade. Other prisoners are coming in. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- General. [MARCH 31, 1865]5.30 oclock. Major-General WEBB: I have a very long line. I think it must be something like five miles long, with very little artillery. I have moved out McAllister, as well as De Trobriand,in order that Miles might send a brigade, which in * The insertions in brackets indicate the differences between two copies of this dispatch on file Page 351 CHAP. LVIH.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 351 connection with one of Warrens would close the line between them. Upon reading your dispatch (respecting Warrens having the White Oak road) to General Miles, as I was riding with him from the left of his line, where a road ran to the White Oak road at the point held by Warren, he said that he had held that point in the White Oak road, but had moved from it to his right to connect, as both his flanks were in air. He asked me to say so, which I therefore do. I have ordered the line to be intrenched and slashed. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18658.15 p. m. (Received 2.45 a. in. April 1.) General WEBB: I think I have about 400 men killed and wounded to-day. There are 375 wounded in hospital now reported. My provost-marshal has received about 150 prisoners, but General Miles reports his provost-marshal send- ing more than 100 and that his Fourth Brigade sent in 160 prisoners besides, and his Third Brigade 124. General Miles says he thinks that a large portion of the prisoners captured by his division passed through the Fifth Corps lines. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18658.55 p. m. (Sent 9.10 p. in.) General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you will retake the position of this morning, holding as far as Mrs. Butlers * and the return. Gen- eral Warren will be massed, free to go in any direction. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18659.15 p. m. (Sent 9.25 p. in). General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you retake the position of this morning, holding as far as Mrs. Butler and the return to the left. General Warren is to be left free to act and is to send a division to General Sheridan at once. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. * In the copy received by General Humplireys the dispatch reads after Mrs. But- lers as foflows: General Warren wiP hold the hue within the Boydton plank road Page 352 352 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. LYIil. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. March 31, 186510.45 p. m. (Sent 10.55 p. in.) Major-General HTJMPHREYS, Second Corps: General Warren is to move down dirt* road to attack the force opposing Sheridan in rear, with two divisions. He is to send a division down the Boydton plank road to join Sheridan. You are to remain on the defensive and strengthen your position. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS March 31, 186511 p. m. Major-General WEBB, (Received 2.45 a. in. April 1.) Chief of Staff: If I resume the position of this morning just before daylight I sup. pose it will answer. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, CommandIng. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 31, 186511.30 p.m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Second Corps: General Ord reports he will establish batteries, taking in reverse a work of the enemy in front of your right, which he thinks he can render so untenable as to make its capture by you easy. Should this be the case you will endeavor to take it. Confer with General Ord on the subject and co-operate with him. You have been notified that the Fifth Corps will be withdrawn to operate against Dinwiddie. What- ever you do must be done with your own troops. GEG. G. MEADE. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31 18 Major-General HUMPHREYS, 6512.25 a. m. Commanding Second Corps: In reply to your dispatch of l2p. in., General Warren having retired, I have the honor to state that General Griffin occupies a line of works from the left of your line on the Boydton plank road, running one-quar- ter of a mile west, then refused to the rear until it again strikes the plank road near the junction of the Quaker road; from thence south on the plank road a few hundred yards. The left of his picket-line rests near a large branch of Gravelly Run. Respectfully, FRED. T. LOCKE, Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. * Reads direct, as received by Humphreys Page 353 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 353 IIEADQIJARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 30 [31], 1864 [1865]7.40 m [8ic]. (iReceived 8.50 a. in). Major-General WARREN, Gommanding F{fth Army Corps: Please let me know where your right will rest that I may connect with you. General Miles has already relieved General Griffin, and I find a vacant space on his left. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18659 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: I send you a sketch* of the country west of the plank road and a copy of my communication to General Webb as to my position.t I cannot take np any regular line of battle on account of the woods and swamps, but have assembled each division at a point so they can fight in any direction, with the line refused. I had Griffins and a battery stationed at Strouds, with support. I dont think your left could be turned, even if I moved away, without your having full information; but as my troops now are, I could move Griffin right up on your flank with my artillery. I shall work hard all day to get the road through the woods in order. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, March 31, 18659.45 p. m. (Received 2.55 a. m. April 1.) General WARREN: I am directed to resume the position of this morning, holding as far as Mrs. Butlers and the return. As the return is your work, and as I do not know it, will you let inc know if it rests on Gravelly Run, and if not, upon what it does rest. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- GeneraL MARCH 31, 186511.30 p. m. (Received 12.40 a. m. April 1.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: I am directed to resume my position of this morning, & c. At what time do you propose to move ~ I propose to move simultaneously with you. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General. tSee 7.35 a. in., p.361. * Not found. 23 R RYOL XLVI, PT II Page 354 354 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. General MILES, Commanding First Division: The following changes in the position of the troops are ordered and will take place to-night: First. Brigadier-General Hays, commanding Second Division, will immediately on receipt of this order put all his division in the line occupying it with a single line, relieving General Motts troops from as much of the line as practicable and relieving his pickets also. Second. Soon as General Hays has relieved, General Mott will relieve Miles and hold the line to the Boydton plank road with two brigades. Third. General Miles upon being relieved by Mott will relieve Gen- eral Griffin in the line lie now holds, taking up the return ou the Boyd- ton plank road. Fourth. General Mott will send a brigade to support the left of the line held by Miles after relieving Griffin. Fifth. Each division commander will report when they have carried out this order. Acknowledge receipt by telegram. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER. Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Generals Hays and Mott.) HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651.45 a. m. Lent. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General: Order for movement received. It directs me to relieve General Grif- fin in the line he now holds, taking np the return on the Boydton plank road. Am I expected by this to relieve anything more than General Griffins division ~ N. A. MILES, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18653.15 a. m. Brevet Major-C-eneral MILES, (Jommnanding First Division: Yoa are not expected to relieve aimything more than General Griffin~s division. By command of Major-General Hninphreys: C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQIJARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18653.05 p. m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: General Hnmphreys directs me to say that if in the course of your attack you are hard pressed and absolutely need re-en Page 355 CHAP. LYIH.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 355 forcements, you may draw from Dc Trobriands right, and General II. will see that the connections are preserved on the right. General De Trobriand is subject to yonr orders in the matter. Very respectfully, C. A. WhITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18G53.30 p. rn. [Col. C. A. WHITTIER:] COLONEL: My line of battle now inns parallel to the enemys works and facing them. The Fifth Corps moved np on my left, but are now moving by the left flank, leaving a wide gap. I am holding part of my line in single rank and am moving one brigade to left, trying to fill the gap. NELSON A. MILES, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865G p.m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: The major-general commanding the corps directs that you at once intrench the line you now hold. See that your left is connected with Warrens right. General Mott is ordered to resume command of De Trobriands brigade. By command of Major-General llumphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjntant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18G5. General MILES: You can call in your party working on the Dabucy Mill road. You must make your line very strong by intrenching and slashing. Please send approximate report by orderly, who brings this, of the number of men wounded to-day in your division, number of men eaptnred from the enemy, and number of battle-flags captured. If you can send accurate report this evening, please do so in addition to this. By command of Major-General llumphreys: C. A. WIIITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18G5G.20 p. m. [Colonel WHITTIER:] COLONEL: I think I have lost about 400 men killed and wounded, and captured one battle-flag. My provost-marshal sent something more than 300 prisoners, including 4 officers, captured by this divi Page 356 356 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. ion, to corps headquarters the Fourth Brigade sent in 160 prisoners besides the above; the Third Brigade sent in 124. I think that a large portion of the prisoners captured by this division passed in through the Fifth Corps lines. I request that my pickets now in front of part of the Third Division may be relieved by troops from that division. NELSON A. MJLES, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRPS, March 31, 1865. Brevet Major-General MILES, First Division: General Mott has been ordered to relieve your pickets in front of his hue. Headquarters of the corps will be to-night a little more than half a mile from Mrs. IRaineys house. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: I have the honor to transmit herewith a battle-flag late of the Forty- seventh Alabama Regiment, captured to-day by the One hundred and eleventh New York Volunteers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. A. MILES, Brevet Major- General, Commandinq. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOI~D ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18655.50 a. m. Lieut. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps: I have the honor to report that my command is iii the position ordered last evening. WM. HAYS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Divsston. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18654.10 a. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT Commanding Third Division: The general commanding desires to know what time you relieve Gen- eral Miles. Please answer at once. C. J. MILLS Page 357 CHAP. Lviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 357 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: I have relieved General Miles troops at 4.30 a. m. G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Mrs. Raineys, March 31, 18658.50 a. m. Brevet Major-General MoTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The general Commanding desires that you capture, if possible, some of the pickets in our front, and ascertain to what force they belong, after which he desires that they be sent to these head- quarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General. He also desires me to state that General Dc Trobriands brigade will be used as a reserve for yourself or for General Hays if he should call for re-enforcements. C. J. MILLS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. General MOTT: From all 1 can learn from deserters the main line of the enemy is on the other side of Hatchers Run between Crow house and Boydton, and that they have small force this side of the run between those points. Dont you think that this part of the line can be held by one brigade of yours and Hays divisions, so that you can draw out a brigade and bring down here where the attack is being made. Send answer. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186512.3Ojp.m. General MOTT: General Humphreys directs that if you dont find the enemy in force and it is practicable you withdraw one of your brigades from the line and hold it in reserve in rear of your line ready to move it where it may be needed. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 358 358 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIlI. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, March 31, 186512.30 p. m. [General HUMPHREYS:] GENERAL: Both of my brigades are attacking with part of their strength. I dont like to withdraw until I know the result. General Dc Trobriand is here with his brigade. G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SEC OND CORPS, March 31, 18651.05 p. m. Lieut. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: General McAllister attacked with part of his brigade, drove in the enemys pickets, and went within 100 yards of his works. He found a strong line of works well manned and with a close abatis. Very respectfully, G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651.12 p. m. General MoTT: Dispatch about McAllister received. De Trobriand now connects with your left and is subject to your orders. General II. says he may have to move you still farther to the left. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651.30 p. m. General MOTT: General Hays has been notified that your line has been somewhat weakened, and has l)een directed to furnish support to you upon your applying to him for the same. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEA~DQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18653 oclock. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The general commamidino the corps wishes you to be sure to keep your connection with Dc Trobriands right. General Miles may draw off troops from De Trobrian ds right. You will please see that no gap is left, calling upon Hays for his reserve brigade (which will be in rear of your right) whenever you may miced it. Very res~)ectfully, C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 359 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 359 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18654.35 p. in. Brevet Major-General MoTT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: General Miles is moving to the left. General Hum- plireys directs that you keep De Trobriand moving to the left in con- nection ,and that you keep up the connection with him (Dc Trobriand). Send for the brigade of the Second Division if you need it. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31,18655.50 p. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: The general commanding the corps wishes you to make your line very strong by intrenching and slashing. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18655 .56 p. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT: You will now resume command of General Dc Trobriands division [brigade] and communicate with General Miles. General Miles has been advised that you will resume command. You will please have whatever force of your line is not now intrenched intrenched at once. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- Generat. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Dirision: General Miles reports that he has pickets in front of part of the line now occupied by your division; you will please relieve them as soon as possible. Headquarters will be brought down the Quaker road about half a mile from Mrs. Raineys house. By commai~d of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 31, 186510 a. m. Major DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: Does not the brevet major-general commanding think that my position is too far to the left, in consequence of your last note l If called upon to re-enforce the Second Division am I not very far from it to be promptly on the ground ~ Respectfully, yours, R. DE TROBRIAND, Brigadier- General Page 360 360 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. INIH. HEADQUARTERS ThInD l)IvIsIoN, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. Brig. Gen. li. DE TROBRIAND, Commanding First Brigade: GENERAL: The brevet major-general commanding directs me to inform you that General Hays, commanding Second Division, has been directed to relieve at once the line and pickets of this division as far as practicable. Immediately npon being relieved the troops of this divis- ion will relieve those of General Miles as far as the Boydton road. Staff officers from these headquarters will be npon the line. The Second and Third Brigades will occupy the new line. Very respectfully, WM. R. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General.. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRI~AD~r March 31 .~ 1865.. Major DRiVER: MAJOR: I have the honor to send you hereby two rebel ~wisoners~. We advanced, and the first line was driven. They are near the ravine now, exposed to an enfilading fire. I have sent re-enforcem~nts to our- left. I dont think we can do anything. li. McALLISTER,, Brevet Brigadier- Generat. IIDQR~. THIRD BRIG~, THIRD DIV., SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. ~Major DRIVER :J MAJOR: I have the honor to report the result of a reconnaissance of fifty men sent, under charge of Lieutenant Harrington, Eleventh Massa- chusetts Volunteers, in compliance with orders received from division headquarters. The party advanced about fifty yards in front of our pickets to within about fifteen yards of the enemys rifle-pits. They were found to be a large and continuous line of pits, making a double line of battle. They at once opened a heavy fire, which prevented our small force from advancing any farther, and kept up the fire until we were obliged to fall back to our line of works. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, It. McALLISTER, Brevet Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18657.30 a. m. (Received 7.42 a. in.) Major-General WARREN: The general commanding desires you to report the position of yonr - troops this a. m. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of staff. Page 361 CHAP, LVIII.] 361 CORRE~PONDEITC~E, l~TC,UNION. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Coups, March 31, 18G57.35 ~7.45?] a. m. (Received 8 a. in.) General WImB, Chief of Staff: General Griffins troops will be massed near Mrs. Butlers; General Ayres near S. Dabneys; General Crawford about half way between. They are along a wood road running from near Mrs. Butlers to W. Dabneys, on the White Oak road. It is not practicable now for wheels and there is a very difficult branch of Gravelly Run that runs south from the White Oak Ridge, joining the main stream at the crossing of the plank road, which will take a long time to make practicable for wagons. I have all the pioneers I can spare at work on it. I will send you a sketch. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. (Copy sent by Webb to llumphreys.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18G58.25 a. m. (Received 8.40 a. in.) Maj. Gen. G. K. WAMREN, Fifth Corps: There is firing along Humphreys front. The major-general command- ing desires you be ready to send your reserve, if it should be called for, to support Humphreys. There will be no movement of troops to-day. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General. (Copy sent by Webb to Humphreys.) HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18G5d.40 [a. m.l (Sent 9.30 a. in.) General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Your dispatch of 8.25 is just received. There is a good deal of inns- ketry firing going on in our lines by the mcii firing off their guns to put in fresh loads. Unless I break loose entirely fi-om General Hum- phreys, I think the force he sent to relieve General Griffin is much more than under any circumstances could be needed there. My troops are, however, at all times as ready to move as it is possible to keep them for a long time. If the enemy break General Humphreys line at any time, or threaten to do so, I shall not wait for orders to assist him if I can. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers Page 362 362 N. AND SE VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18659.40 a. m. (Received 10.30 a. in.) General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have just received report from General Ayres that the enemy have their pickets still this side of the White Oak road so that their com- munication is continuous along it. I have sent out word to him to try and drive them off or develop with what force the road is held by them. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OPERATING AGAINST RICHMOND, March 31, 186510.30 a. m. (Received 11.40 a. in.) Maj. Gen. G. K. WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Your dispatch giving Ayres position is received. General Meade directs that should you determine by your reconnaissance that you can get possession of and hold the White Oak road you are to do so not- withstanding the orders to suspend operations to-day. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 31, 18651 p. m. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: General Ayres made an advance with a small force at 10 a. m. which the enemy drove back and followed up in heavy force, compelling both Ayres and Crawford to fall back on Griffin, and of course in much con- fusion. Griffins troops held the enemy at the run, west of the plank road General Miles division afterward attacked the enemy and were forced back on my right. My skirmish line in front of Griffin (most of it) has advanced on the left. I am going to send forward a brigade from my left, supported by all I can get of Crawford and Ayres, and attack, swinging on our right. Arrangements are being made for this, and it will take place about 1.45 p. in., if the enemy does not attack sooner. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31 1 Major-General WARREN, , 8652.50 p. m. Commanding Fifth Corps: The following received from General llumphreys: From the prisoners taken it is apparent that the left of Picketts division is oppo- site the center of Miles. An advance of the Fifth Corps, swinging round, must nec- essarily take Pickett on his right thank. Pickett is the right of their line. A. A. H., Major- General Page 363 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 363 Since Miles is already well forward from your right flank the general commanding considers that that must be secure. Miles is ordered to take the enemys works supported by his own corps. You will see the necessity of moving as soon as possible. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. [MARcH 31, 1865]3.40 p. m. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: We have driven the enemy, I think, into his works. The prisoners report General Lee here to-day, and that their breast-works are frill of men. We have prisoners from a portion of Picketts and John- sons divisions. The enemy fire artillery up the White Oak road from their works nearly a mile to our right of where we struck the road. At this point their right retires to the rear. I have just seen General Miles, who is close up, he says, to their works, which have beavy abatis in their front. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18G54.3Ojp. m. Maj. Gem G. K. WARREN Commanding ~F~fth Corps: Secure your position and protect as well as possible your left flank. Word has been sent to Sheridan, and it is believed that he is pushing up. llumphreys will be ordered to push up and to connect with your right. Ycu might, if you think it worth while, push a small force down the White Oak road and try to communicate with Sheridami, but they must take care not to fire into his advance. By order of General Meade: ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet 2lJiajor- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18G55.15 p. m. (Received 5.45 p. in.) Major-General WARREN: The major-general commanding directs that you push a brigade down the White Oak road to open it for General Sheridan, and support the same if necessary. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Jllajor-General and Chief of Staff. P. S.The firing is so near that the general presumes that the com- mand will not have far to go. The distance you will push out must depend on the circumstances of the movement and the support you can give them. A. S. W Page 364 364 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. MARCH 31, 18655.50 p. m. General WEBB: I have just seen an officer and a sergeant from General Sheridan, who were cnt off in an attack by the enemy and escaped. From what they say onr cavalry was attacked about noon by cavalry and infantry and rapidly driven back, two divisions (Crooks and Devins) being engaged. The firing seems to recede from me toward iDinwiddie. I have sent General Bartlett and my escort in that direction, but I think they cannot be in time. I hear cannonading that I think is from near Iiinwiddie Court-House. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAc Major-General WARREN, March 31, 1865. Commanding Fifth Corps: A staff officer of General Merritts has made a report that ~he enemy has penetrated between Sheridans main command and your position. This is a portion of Picketts division. Let the force ordered to move out the White Oak road move down the Boydton plank road as promptly as possible. A. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 31, 18656.30 p. m. General WEBB: I have ordered General Pearson, with three regiments that are now on the plank road, right down toward iDinwiddie Court-House. I will let Bartlett work and report result, as it is too late to stop him. We can see the enemys breast-works for two miles east along the White Oak road. If they are well m anned they cannot be carried. I am ~rithin 200 yards of where they turn off north from the White Oak road. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18657.30 p. m. (Received 8 p. in.) Major-General WARREN: Dispatches from General Sheridan say he was forced back to Dinwid- die Court-House by a strong force of cavalry, supported by infantry. This leaves your rear and that of the Second Corps on the Boydtou plank open and will require great vigilance on your part. If you have sent the brigade down the Boydton plank it should not go farther than Gravelly Run, as I dont think it will render any service but to protect your rear.* GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. * From original. For dispatch as received by Warren, see Part I, p. 818 Page 365 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 365 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CoRps, March 31, 18658.20 p. rn. General WEBB Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I sent General Bartlett out on the road running south from the White Oak road and left him there. He is nearly down to the crossing of Gravelly Run. This will prevent the enemy communicat- ing by that road to-night. I have about two regiments and the artillery to hold the plank road toward Dinwiddie Court-House. It seems to me the enemy cannot remain between me and Dinwiddie if Sheridan keeps lighting them, and I believe they will have to fall back to the Five Forks. If I have to move to-night I shall leave a good many men who have lost their way. Does General Sheridan still hold iDinwiddie Court- House ~ Respectfully, - G. K. WARREN, Major- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18658.30 p. m. (Received 8.35 p. in.) Major-General WARREN: The probability is that we will have to contract our lines to-night. You will be required to hold, if possible, the Boydtou plank road and to Gravelly Run; Humphreys and Ord along the run. Be prepared to do this upon short notice. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. MARCH 31, 18658.40 p. m. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The line along the plank road is very strong. One division, with my artillery, I think can hold it if we are not threatened south of Gravelly Run, east of the plank road. General Huinphreys and my batteries, I think, could hold this securely, and let me move down and attack the enemy at Dinwiddle on one side and Sheridan on the other. From Bartletts position they will have to make a considerable detour to re-enforce their troops at that point from the north. Unless Sheridan has been too badly handled, I think we have a chance for an open field fight that should be made use of. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 18659 p. m. (Received 9.17 p. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: You will, by the direction of the major-general commanding, draw back at once to your position within the Boydton plank road and sen Page 366 366 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. a division down to Dinwiddie Court-House to report to General Sheri- dan. This division will go down the Boydtou plank road. Send Grif- fins division. General Humphreys will hold to Mrs. Butlers. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet ]Jiajor- General and Chief of & aff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, l8659.2Ojp. m. (Received 9.45 p. in.) Major.General WARREN, Fifth Corps: The division to be sent to Sheridan will start at once. You are to be held free to act within the Boydton I)lank road. General Hum. phreys will hold to the road and the return. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of ~3taff HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 31, 18659.10 p. m. (Received 10.i5 p. in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: Since your dispatch of 8.20 this p. m. the general commanding finds that it is impossible for Bartlett to join Griffin in time to move with aiiy promptitude down the Boydton plank road. He therefore directs that you send another good brigade to joiu Griffin in the place of Bartlett for this movement. Sheridan was attacked by four brigades, one from Gordons corps, three from Pickettspossibly by two from Gordons, one of them being Hokes old brigade. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, i86510 p. m. Major.General WEBB: Your dispatch of 9.20 is just received. I had already sent out my orders, of which I send you a copy.* You asked General Griffin to be sent to General Sheridan and at ouce. It will take so much time to get his command together that 1 withdraw the other divisions first, they being unengaged, but this will not retard General Griffin. The bridge is broken on the plank road, and will take I hardly know how long to make passable for infantry. I sent an officer to examine it as soon as your first order was received. He now reports it not fordable for infantry. It requires a span of forty feet to complete the bridge, and the stream is too deep to ford. Nevertheless, I will use everything I can get to make it passable by the time General Griffins division reaches it. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. See General Orders No. 23, Fifth Army Corps, 9.35 p. in., March 31, p. 368 Page 367 CHA-i~. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 367 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186510.15 p. m. (Received 10.48 p. in.) Major-General WARREN, Fifth Corps: Send Griffin promptly, as ordered, by the Boydton plank road, but move the balance of yonr command by the road Bartlett is on, and strike the enemy in rear, who is between him and Dinwiddie. General Sheridan reported his last position as north of Dinwiddie Court-House, near Dr. Smiths, the ei~emy holding the cross-roads at that point. Should the enemy turn on you your line of retreat will be by J. M. Brooks and H. Boisseans, on Boydtoa plank road (see 1-inch map). You must be very prompt in this movement, and get the forks of the road at J. M. Brooks before the enemy, so as to open the road* to H. Boisseans. The enemy will probably retire toward the Five Forks, that being the direction of their main attack this day. Dont encnmber yourself with anything that will impede ybnr progress or prevent your moving in any direction across the country. Let me know when Griffin starts and when ~u start. Acknowledge receipt. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186510.55 p. m. General MEADE: I issued my orders on General Webbs first dispatch to fall back, which made the divisions retire in the order of Ayres, Crawford, and Griffin, which was the order they could most rapidly move in. I can- not change them to-night withont producing confusion that will render all my operations nugatory. I will now send General Ayres to Gen- eral Sheridan, and take General Griffin and General Crawford to move against the enemy, as this last dispatch directs I should. I can- not accomplish the apparent objects of the orders I have received. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 186511.45 p. m. (Received 1 a. m. April 1.) Major-General WARREN, Ffth Corps: A dispatch, partially transmitted, is received, indicating the bridge over Gravelly Run is destroyed, and time will be required to rebuild it. If this is the case, would not time be gained by sending the troops by the Quaker road~ Time is of the utmost importance. Sheridan can- not maintain himself at Dinwiddie without re-enforcements, and yours are the only ones that can be sent. Use every exertion to get the troops to him as soon as possible. If necessary, send troops by both roads and give up the rear attack. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. If Sheridan is not re-enforced in timet and compelled to fall back he will retire by the Vaughan road. GEG. G. MEADE. * In dispatch as received by Warren the words the road are omitted. In a duplicate of this dispatch the words in time are omitted Page 368 368 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. GENERAL ORDERS, HEAD QUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. [23]. * March 31, 18659.35 p. m. * * * * * * I. General Ayres will immediately withdraw his division back to where it was massed yesterday near the Boydton plank road. II. General Crawford will follow General Ayres and mass his troops behind the intrenchments near Mrs. Butlers. III. General Griffin will immediately withdraw General Bartlett to his present position, then move back to the plank road and down it to Dinwiddie Court-ilonse and report to General Sheridan. IV. Captain Horrell with the escort will remain where General Griffins headquarters now are till daybreak and then conic back to the plank road bringing in all stragglers. V. Division commanders in executing this movement, which is ordered by General Meade, [sic] to ~ee that none of their pickets or any por- tion of their troops are left behind. VI. General Ayres and General Crawford will hav~their troops under arms at daybreak, and the chief of artillery will have all the batteries in readiness to move. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDER.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186511 p. m. General Griffin and General Crawford will mass their divisions at the point at which this order reaches them amid report their positions by the officer that brings it. A change of plan makes this necessary. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, March 31, 1865. (Received 6.10 a. in.) Col. FRED. T. LOCKE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Fifth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to request that the line of pickets now extending to the Dabney house may be relieved by other troops as soon as my division takes up its new position. I would relieve them by other troops of this division, but those troops now on are so well tired out (having been on picket at the last position on the Vaughan road), that I cant expect much service from them to-day, and the effec- tive force of the division would thus be reduced. R. B. AYRES, Brevet Major- General, Commanding Divsswn. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18656.15 a. m. Brevet Major-General AYRES, Comdg. Second Div., Fifth Corps: GENERAL: In reply to your dispatch just received the major-general commanding directs me [to say] that the niatter of relieving the pickets will be attended [to] at once. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 369 369 CIL4I-. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS FiFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30 [31], 18658.15 a. m. General AYRES: GENERAL: During the night I received a dispatch of which the iiiclosed is a copy.~ I infer from that that the small force of General Merritt, which gained the White Oak road, fell back again a short dis- tance. The point called Five Forks alluded to is on the White Oak road, about four miles due west from S. Dabneys. You must therefoie have your dispositions made to look out for any force coining against your left flank from the west as well as from the north. General Craw- ford is to mass at the negro house in a field which you passe(1 on your way out. General Griffin is where you camped last night. I 5c11(1 you a tracing.t G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Comm an ding. FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet- Colonel an(l Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186511 p. w. General AYRES: GENEE AL: Instead of halting your command as directed in your last order you will proceed down the plank road to Dinwiddie Court-House, and report to General Sheridan. Send a staff officer to report here at this house when the head of your column gets here. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet- (Jolon el and Assistant A djn tan t- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND l)LYISION, FIFTH CORPS, March 31, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General WINTHROP, Commanding First Brigade: GENERAL: General Ayres directs me to say that if it is dark at 5 oclock you need not move out until you have, in your own opinion, sufficient light. Please send word when you move. Very respectfully, your obedient servant., W. W. SWAN, Bre ret Major, U. S. Army, and Acting Assistant b(jutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, March 31, 1865. Col. R. N. BowERMAN. Commanding Second Brigade: COLONEL: The division picket officer reports that your pickets (10 not connect with anything on the left. As your brigadc is covering the See Webb to Warren, 9.45 p. iu., embodying Sheridan to Grant, 7 v. in., March 30, P 306. tNot found as aa juclosure. 24 i~ RVOL XLVI~ PT II Page 370 370 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA, [CHAP. LVIII. left flank of the corps the conimandin g general wishes you to give this your especial attention, strengthening your lines and extending them farther to the left and rear. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~. SWAN, Brevet lliiajor, U. S. Army, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] HDQIIS. SECOND l)IVI5ION, FIFTH CORPS, March 31, 186512.30 a. m. Brigade conuinanders will be ready to move promptly at 5 oclock this morning. General Winthrop leading, left in front, will without further orders take up a position near the Dabney house. General Gwyn will follow General Winthrop, followed in turn by General Deni- son. There will be as little disturbance as possible. By command of Brevet Major-General Ayres: W. W. SWAN, Brevet Major and A cting Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CoRps, March 31, 1865. The division will immediately be drawn back to where it was massed yesterday, near the Boydton plamik road. The troops will move in the following order: First Brigade, Third Brigade, Second Brigade. Each brigade commander will withdraw his own pickets, and the greatest care will be taheit to see that none of them nor any others are left behind. By command of Brevet Major-General Ayres: W. W. SWAN Brevet Major and A cting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 30 [31], 18657 a. rn. Brevet Major-General CRAWFORD: Withdraw all your pickets south of those established by General Ayi-es; then move with your whole division out and mass it by a house occupied by a colored maim, and then replace General Ayres pickets from left of General llnmphreys up to a point north of the negros house; make your headquarters at that house. Leave the pioneers of two brigades to begin to make a bridge across tIme stream for the pas- sage of artillery. Major Cope will go with you and assist you in carry- ing out this order. By command of Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18651.25 a. rn. (Received 1.35 a. in.) Major.General WEBB: Deserters in from Scales and Mac Raes reportthe former, thattheir brigade went to the right night before last and were replaced by Coxs - brigade of Gordons corps; the latter, that their brigade and McCombs moved as above. Your dispatches of this a. m. are received, and order Page 371 CHAP LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 371 will be issued for getting ready for the attack at once. If others can- not get ready please notify me at once, so that I may stop all move- ments before daylight. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18652.10 a. m. Major-General WEBB: Orders have gone for the corps to be in position as designated by (laylight, though the time is short. It is of so much importance to any future success thatthe movement of thetroops should not be showntothe enemy that I would ask that any counterinandin~ orders, based upon the insufficiency of time for the others to get ready, be sent me at once. If the troops are to m-eturn I would like to have them back in their camps by daylight. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 31,1865. General WEBB: At 10 a. in. enemy moved two l)ieces light artillery (12-pounders) from rear line, placing them in small battery in front line north from station. At 10.30 a. in. same guns were taken out of fort and now stand on Boydton road headed toward city. Three guns that were in enemys works in front of Hammonds have disappeared. Pickets relieved at 10.30 a. In., portion of them returned to camp near Bag- getts, the remainder to camp in rear of pines. W [RIGHT]. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 186512.40 p. m. General A. S. WEBB: I infer from the reports from my line and signal tower that 110 great change has taken place in my froimt other than the withdrawal of part of the troops to points in rear of their line, where they are evidently held ready for movement in any direction. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 18651 p.m. General WRIGHT: My left has advanced; captured 140 prisoners. If you keep a brigade massed this side the slough on my right we can l)uIIish the enemy if he comes on my right. E. 0. C. ORB, Major- General Page 372 372 N. AND SE. VA., W. XA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVJII. MARCH 31, 186~1.2O p. in. Major-General ORD: I now have a brigade oii your side of the slough, in the neighborhood of Fort Sampson. Do you desire to advance; and, if so, to what poiiit~ That is, iii what direction and how far from Fort Sampson ~ H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 1865. General WRIGHT: I think there is no serious attack yet, and that the enemy are shell- ing our working.parties. Most of the musketry firing is from our own mcii. B. 0. C. Old), Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 31, 1865. General Ord reports that the enemys line in his front has been strengthened with troops brought from the enemys left. This may forbode an attack oti his line and an attempt to come in omi our left flank. All the troops, with the exception of the garrisons and the one- tenth of the force (required to hold the rifle-pits) shonid be held in per- fect readiness to move toward that point. By command of Major-General Wright: C. II. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, March 31, 1865. Division commanders will have their troops under arms at 4 a. in. to-mormw, and will remain so until one hour after daylight; also at 4 a. m. the picket-lines of the respective divisions will be supported by two regiments (or more if the division commanders should deem it advisable) at least equal in strength to the present picket detail, to reinaimi in position until it is light enough to plainly distinguish the enemys position. The artillery will also be held in readiness as above. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant A djutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18652.15 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Your dispatch of 1 a. m. with dispatch from the lieutenant-general and also a dispatch to General Wright received. Arrangements have been made for assembling and massing my reserved troops in the man- ner suggested by the major-general commanding in his dispatch to Major-General Wright, of 10.40 p. m. of the 29th. I will notify you a Page 373 CHAP. 1V1112 CORRESPONDENC1~, ETC.IJNION. 373 soon as these troops are massed. The usual amount of picket-firing is kept up along my lines. General Willcox reports that a deserter from the First Louisiana caine in about 11 oclock, who states there is u~ change in the enemys force in our front. JNO. C-. PARKE, Major- General. HEAI)QUARTERS NINTH ARMY Coups, March 31, 186510.40 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: All quiet this a. m. on my front. Picket-firing kept up through the night. One deserter from Second North Carolina Battalion left tlke picket-line about midnight. 1-leard from the main line at sundown. No movement known, nor orders iii his brigade at that time. Colonel Saii ders, commanding Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, reports return of scouting parties and all quiet at Reams Station, l)lank road crossing of Stony Creek, and at l)octor I3ryants. Scouting parties from Prince George Court-base rel)ort all quiet. JNO. C-. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Coups, March 31, 1865lla.rn. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Five deserters have just been reported, two from Fifth Louisiana, one from Seventh Louisiana, one from Sixth Louisiana, one from Twenty- sixth Georgia. Three of these mcii left the picket-line about reveille. Heard of no movement in their immediate lines, excepting that Coxs brigade came into the main hue since the 25th and are now on Gordons left. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY Coups, March 31, 18652.30 a. m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. 0. B. WILLCOX: The contemplated movement has been suspended. You will please hold your command as formerly, ready for any movement of the enemy, oftensive or otherwise. JNO. C-. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH Au y Coups, March 31, 1865. Major-General POTTER: The assault is postponed. You will l)lease suspend all movements. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 374 374 N. AND SE, VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVHT. HEADQUARTERS SECOND I)lvjslON, NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18658.45 p. rn. Geiieral PARKE: Two deserters just in from Forty-third North Carolina report that twelve miles of South Side road was destroyed; saw a dozen of Sheri- dans men taken in the aihir. No change in our front. F. B. POTTER, Breret Major- General. (Forwarded by Parke to Webb, 11 p. in.) GRAVELLY RUN ]llarch 31, 18651.55 a. m. Major-General ORB, llurnjphreys Station: The assault will not take place in the morning. T)id you inflict a loss on the enemy to-day equal to your own~ IT. S. GRANT, hjeutenant- General. ORBS hEADQUARTERS, March 31, 18652 a. m. Lieuteiiant-General GRANT: I think the enemys loss was considerable, though not as great as ours on accotrnt of nature of woods and swamps through which we approached. B. 0. C. ORb, Major-General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 1865. Major-General ORB: No one here has ordered your operators forward. Please order them forward at once. General Meade reports firing on Ilumphreys left and left center. hold yourself in rea(liness to 511p1)ort him in case he is attacked. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ORBS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 18659.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The enemy appear to be making an attack on my left in some force, ])erhaps to drive Turner and Foster from their p9sitions near Crows and F. Armstrongs. The Second Corps should be ready to attack on their flank promptly if necessary. B. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. (Copy by Webb to Generals Humphreys and Wright. Page 375 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 375 ORff s HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 1865. (Received 10.35 a. in.) General MEADE: The cannonading is, I think, to shell our working parties. The mus- ketry is, I think, from our own nien mostly. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. (Sent by Meade to Grant 10.38 a. in.) GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 186510.40 a. m. Major-General ORD: Generals Humphreys and Wright have been ordered to assist you if you are attacked, either by making a direct attack or by sending their reserves to you. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GENERAL ORDS HEADQUARTERS, March 31 186511 a. m. General GRANT: The following from the front, date 10.20 a. in.: Sharp firing still going on in front of Foster. Foster is in center to left. The fir- ing is going off toward our right. General Turner has pushed his skirmishers for- ward. A number of pI-Isoners are coming in. GIBBON- I am in coimnunication with Wright, who holds a division ready. I think my new line strong enough to be held. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. ORDs HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 186511.30 a. m. General U. S. GRANT: Prisoners in this a. ni., mostly North Carolinians, report the line in my front strongly re-enforced from their left. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. ORDs HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 186512.05 p. m. General MEADE: Turner has pushed two brigades forward till his J)ickets are in sight of enemys main line. General Humphrcys should connect with him. It weakens Turner to go far up Hatchers Run. Enemy re-enforced in my front last night. One hundred and forty-two prisoners in. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General Page 376 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. CHAP. LVIII. GEAVI:L~x RUN, March 31, 1~65 12.50 p. m. iXlajor-Geiiera.l Ola) Jliumjphrey8 Station Ayres division has been driven from near XV. i)abneys back to the Boydton road. The Fifth Corps is now preparing to take the offensive in turn, aided by the Second Corps. Keep the enemy busy in your front and if a chance J)resents itself for attacking do so. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GENERAL ORDS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 18652 p. m. General GRANT: Your dispatch to occupy the enemy receive(l and orders issued. They have been kept pretty busy since 9 a. in. by Turner and Foster. All my men are still occupying them, so that deserters in this a. m. report they have strongly re-enforced their line. Where it is seen it is rel)orte(l by General Turner as much cnt up, heavily slashed, and (leserters say has two or three lines of al)atis. We will 50011 learn more of it. V. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, [MarchJ 31, 18653 p. m. (i-ciieral U. S. GRANT: I have received rel)ort from Turners front of that l)art of enemys line which is near hun. It is not favorable to an assault by his men this afternoon, because his men have been up all night intrenching and engaged last p. in. and all day to-day, and the ground is very difficult. The rest of the enemys line is too far and too covered with woods for me to find it out until I can drive their pickets in. If you let me do this and establish my line with l)ickets near their sharpshooters in front and artillery in positiomi to silence their batteries I can then advance with some idea of what is before inc. V. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, March 31, 1865. Major-General ORD, Humphreys Station: You may advance your pickets it you deem it advisable. I do not want you to make an assault unless it becomes necessary to make it general at different points of the line. At l)resent I want the eliemny to keep the force he iiow has north of IIatchm~rs Run, where it is. Warren has advanced since his repulse amid now holds the White Oak road. My headquarters will be to-night at T)abneys Mill. U. S. GRANT, Lien tenant- General Page 377 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOKN. 377 Oms HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Dispatch on assault received. My men are not arranged so that they can assault at the same time. None of my officers have yet seen the enemys line on account of swamps and woods and the quicksands, and the only approachable place on their front is reported impracti- cable as yet for artillery required to open a passage. Men are hard at work; loss pretty severe to-day. E. 0. C. ORD. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 1865.~ General U. S. GRANT: A boy, one of General Sheridans scouts, who was cal)tured on the~ Chickahominy and escaped from the enemy yesterday morning, reports that the enemy had at Stony Creek, near Diuwiddie Court-House, tw& brigades of cavalry, one of iuThntry, and two pieces of artillery. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General ORDS HEADQUARTERS,, March 31, 1865. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Dabneys Mills: General Mackenzie reports that the trains he has been guarding with his cavalry command have crossed the creek, and there is no apparent iiecessity for his remaining longer. Have you any orders to give iii regard to his command ~ E. 0. C. ORD. Major- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 18659.30 p. m. Lientenant.General GRANT: Have moved my center line of skirmishers and sharpshooters and driven enemys l)ickets in; shall establish batteries to-night; 189 pris- oners, 2 offl~ers and 18 deserters (one a lieutenant) in so far. The eiieinys battery near and south of Hatchers Run is so situated that it can be taken in reverse from my left, where Miehie proposes erecting: a battery. We can render it untenable, so that General Hutuphreys; ~an take it. Prisoners state there is a contiirnous line of ~vorks aloiig Heths division, and on his left, with strong lines of abatis in rear ot~ Heths divisionwas this morniag. Mahone and Cookes right rests on the ruii, and they are on the extreme right of Heths division. They say their line is well stretched, but their reserve is good. E. 0. C. ORD. Page 378 378 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. DABNEY8 MILLS, March 31, 18659.45 p. m. Major-General ORD, Ifumplireys Station: Send Mackenzie at once to Dinwiddie to the support of Sheridan. He has been attacked by cavalry and infantry and driven into Din- wi(ldie. Fighting was still going on when I last heard from him, which was after dark. He will probably be back on the Vaughan road. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ORD~S HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 186510.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch received. Have sent orders to Mackenzie to get off as soon in the morning as possible. Copy of your dispatch sent him to go by. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. MARCH 31, 1865. Major-General ORD, ilampitreys Station: I want Mackenzie to go to-night. It may be too late to-morrow morning. IL S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILL, March ~1 1 Mor-General ORD, 36510.30 ~. rn. Humpitrells Station Huniphreys has been informed of the battery which you are building to take the enemys line south of hatchers Run in reverse, and iiiade dispositions to take advantage of it. If successful he will endeavor to push up the south side high enough to take the works in your front iu reverse in return. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 31, 186510.40 a. m. General ORD: I will hold one division ready to move to your assistance and the others to follow, if necessary. Advise me if you wish them and desig- nate their nearest route. H. G. WRIGHT. MARCH 31, 1865h1.:3o a. m. Major-General ORD: Report from the picket-line is that the enemy has been strongly re-enforced iii front of my left. Will have later information shortly. Possibly this concentration may be to attack on your front. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General Page 379 CHAP. LVAiI.] 379 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. ()I~D~8 ITEADQUARTER8, March 31, 1~G52 p. m. General WRiGhT, Sixth Corps: I li~iV~ ordered a reconnaissance on my right, aiid if it is reported feasible shall order an a(lvanee; but from reports of deserters I appre- lIeu(l we will not get farther than their picket, as main line is said to l)e heavily slashed and abatised. Shall let you know result of exami- llatu)n. My left has driven their pickets in their works. F. 0. C. 0Th), Major- General. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF VuiGIN IA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, B(fore Richmond, Va March 31, 186~. Major-General WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: 1 have advanced the left au(1 center of my line, anti have driven the enemys pickets iuto the main line. The cxa~ination along the right of my line does not develop any point where I think it advisable to attack this evening, and not until I can place batteries in position to keep down the fire from the enemy will I assault. F. 0. C. OIID, Major- General. GEN ERAL Oiins IIEADQUARTERS, March 31, 1865. General GIBBON: If Tnrner is successful 1)11511 reserves in after him to hold what lie gets. F. 0. C. 0111), Major- General. [MARCH ~4, [?] 1865.] [General J. W. TURNER:] GENERAL: Let me know at once what you are doing, whether you have advanced your line of battle, and what is the chance for an assault in your front. If you want any more troops send me word and order up aiiy of General Fosters troops that are available. Take charge of what forces General Foster has immediately on your right. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, ]Ir(yor- General. Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS, March 31, 1865. M~ DEAR TURNER: General Ord agrees with inc that the enemy will not let us hold our present position if he can help it, so keep your pickets on the alert and be under arms before daylight. Use a part of your force to-night in strengthening your line and connecting with Fosters line. I do not think the assault will be ordered in the morning. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General, Commanding Page 380 380 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, March 31, 1865. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: My scouts report the enemy busy all last night IR Colt structing breast-works at Five Forks, and as far as one mile west of that point. There was great activity on the railroad; trains all going west. If the ground would permit I believe I could, with the Sixth Corps, turn the enemys left or break through his lines, but I would not like the Fifth Corps to make such an attempt. The ground is very soft west of the Boydton plank road. Scouts report no re-enforceinents from Johnston. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General. (iRAVELLY RUN, ]Ilurch 3l~ fSb5. Major-Geiieral SHERIDAN: It will be impossible to give you the Sixth Corps fhr the operation by our left. It is in the ceiitcr of our line between hatchers Ruii and the Appoinattox. Besides, Wright thinks lie can go through the line where he is, and it is advisable to have troops and a commander there who feels so, to cooperate with you when you get around. I could relieve the Second with the Fifth Corps and give you that. If this is done it will be necessary to give the orders soon to have the troops ready for to-morrow morning. 17. 5. GRANT, Lien tenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 30 [31j, 186512.50. Major-Getieral SHERIDAN: The enemy have driven Ayres and Crawfords divisions back to near the Boydton road. Tile whole Fifth Corps is now about to attack the enemy in turn. It is desirable that you get up as much of your cavalry as you can, and push toward the White Oak road on the right branch taken by Merritt yesterday. If the enemy does not go back to his old position by turning to the right you may be able to hit the enemy in the rear. U. S. GRANT. Lientenant- General. GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 18455. Major-General SHERIDAN: I am now at Mrs. Butlers house, on Boydton plank road. My head- (luarters will be at I)abueys saw-mill to-night. Warren and Miles division of Second Coris are now advancing. I hope your cavalry is up where it will be of assistance. Let me know how matters stand now with the cavalrywhere they are, what their orders, & c. If it had been possible to have had a division or two of them well up on the right-hand road taken by Merritt yesterday they could have fallen on the enemys rear as they were pursuing Ayres and Crawford. I would like you to get information front the Weldon road. I understand the enemy have some infantry and a brigade of cavalry at Stony Cree Page 381 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 381 Station. I think it possible, too, that Jolrnson [Johnston] may be brought up that road to attack us in the rear. They will see now that Sherman has halte(l at Goldsborough, and may think they can leave Raleigh with a small force. Word has just been brought in that War- ren has got possession of the White Oak road. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, Dinwiddie Court-House, March 31, 1865. Lieutenant General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States: GENERAL: The enemys cavalry attacked me about 10 a. m. to-day on the road coming in from the west and little north of Dinwiddie Court- House. This attack was very handsomely repulsed by General Smiths brigade of Crooks division, and the enemy driven across Chamber- lains Creek. Shortly afterward the enemys infantry attack[ed] on the same creek in heavy force and drove in General Davies brigade, and advancing rapidly gained the forks of the roads at J. Boisseaus. This forced Devin, who was in advance, and Davies to cross to the Boydton road. General Greggs bm-igade and General Gibbs brigade, which were toward Diiiwiddie Court-House, then attacked the enemy in rcar very handsomely. This stopped their march toward the left of our infantry, and finally caused them to turn to~vard Dinwiddie and attack us in heavy force. The enemy then again attacked at Chamnberlains Creek and forced General Smiths position. At this time Penniiigtons and Capeharts brigades of Custers division came up and a very hand- some fight occnrred. The enemy have gained some ground, but we still hold in front of Dinwiddie Court-House and Devin and Davies are coming down the Boydton road to join us. The opposing force was Picketts division, Wises independent brigade, and Fitz Lees, Ros- sers, and W. H. Lees cavalry commands. The men have behaved splendidly. Our loss in killed and wounded will probably nuinbt~r 450 men; very few men were lost as prisoners. We have of the enemy a number of l)risoners. This force is too strong tom- us. I will hold on to Dinwiddie Court-House until I am compelled to leave. We have also some prisoners from Johnsons division. Very respectfully, Major- General, Commanding. P. 5.Our fighting to-day ~vas all (lismuoumited. DAImNEYS MILL, March 51, 186510.45 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN: The Fifth Corps has been ordered to your support. Two divisions will go by J. Boisseaas and one down the Boydton road. In addition to this 1 have sent Mackenzies cavalry, which will reach you by the Vaughan road. All these forces except the cavalry should reach you by 12 to-night. You will assume comnmand of the whole force sent to operate with you and use it to the best of your ability to destroy the force which your command has fought so gallantly to-day. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 382 382 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTEES ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, l8GSGp. m.* Major-General SHERIDAN: General Meade has directed all the spare ambulances he can get hold of to go down to Dinwiddie. Bartletts brigade is at Crumps house, on Gravelly Run. Griffin, with three brigades, is ordered dowit Boydton plank to attack iii rear of force menacing you. General Grant is requested to authorize the sending of Warrens other two divisions down the dirt road past Cruinps to hold and cover that road and to attack at daylight. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of & a~ P. 5.Griffin will joiu you by the plank road and Warren will attack with two divisions. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CoRPs, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 31, 1865. Brigadier-General SMITH, Commanding Third Brigade: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that General Sheridan says that the same line is held by Merritt and Ciis- ter as when you left. Will organize your command and supply it with ammunition as speedily as possible. Very respectfully, H. C. WEIR, AssThtant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Xear Hatch ers Run, Va., March 31, i8657.40 p. in. Bvt. Brig. Gemi. THEO. READ, Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: I was directed (oil arriving here) by Brevet Major-Gen- eral Webb to remain until ordered away. The trains of the Army of the Potomac which were collected here have just finished crossing, and there is no apparent necessity of my command remaining here longer. Are there any orders for my command l Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RAXALD S. MACKENZIE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteer~, Comdg. Caealry DivIsion. GRAVELLY RUN, March 31, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Prisoners captured near Hatchers Run this morning report that part of their line strongly re-enforced from their left. What news do you get from your front ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. So recorded in Meades letter-book and so dated in the original draft. But in thc latter the date is in ink (while the dispatch is in pencil) and in a different hand from the text. It was probably written between 10.15 and 10.45 p. in. March 31, 1865. See Grant to Meade, 10.15 p. in., p. 342, and Meadc to Grant, 10.45 p. in., p. 342 Page 383 CHAP LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION 383 TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY Coups, March 31, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: There is no evidence of any kind U[) to this moment that anything but three brigades of Picketts division have left my front since toAay. I have a scouting party out on my right now and will send you report as soon as it returns. Richmond papers, secured a few moments ago, say that Sheridan, with cavalry, infantry, and artillery, is evidently trying to get to the South Side Railroad. I have sent you the papers. I am using every method to get information and as soon as I can report any change I will do so at once. The hues in my front here show no change whatever and General llartsuff reports none in his. Please let me know if you hear anything of Hamptons [Huntons ?j brigade, Picketts division, or of Fields division. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. DABNEY8 MILL, [March] 31, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: All of Picketts division is here. We have prisoners from Huntons brigade and I believe all other brigades of the division. Nothing has been seen of any of Fields or Kershaws divisions, nor of Mahones. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILL, March 31, 1865. (Received 10.45 p. in.) Major-General WEITZEL: Mahones division is reported here this evening. This leaves, as I understand, Field, Kershaw, and Bratton holding in front of you, includ- ing your Bermnda front. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MARCH 31, 186510.45 p. in. Via City Point. Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT: My scouting party has just returned. It reports the enemys line unchanged as far as Charles City road. Could not get across White Oak Swamp to Williamsburg road on account of high water in swamp. I have nothing further new. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. MARCH 31. 186510.11 a. m. Brigadier-General DEVENS: General Grant thinks some troops have left our front. Have you any such information l We think here nothing more than a brigade of Mahones division left. G. F. SHEPLEY, Chief of Staff Page 384 384 N. AND SE. VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVUL HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTh ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Captain Elder, a~ide~de-Cam1), reports nO apparent change in enemys camps. He has visited all our picket line in front. Colonel Ripley, First Brigade, has lookouts on trees in three places along his line. They report that they can observe no change. CHAS. I)EVENS, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, Va., March 31, 1865. Brigadier-General DEVENS, Commanding Twenty-Jourth Army Corps: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you send out a cav- alry scouting party this afternoon in the direction of the Darbytown and Charles City road, as far to the right as they can go with safety. Very respectfully, your obedient servait, GEG. F. SHEPLEY, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. General WEITZEL: Nothing. J do not expect them in till late at night. After reaching the Charles City road, where the enemys vedettes are, they propose to pass ou foot inside the vedette line. A lientenant and six men make the party. CHAS. I)EVENS, Brigadier- General. March 31, 1865. Major-General WE[TZEL: The scouting l)alty under Lieutenant Robb, Twentieth Nexv Yom-k Cavalry, has returned. He crossed to the Charles City road, striking it at Whites Tavern. He found it was impossible to go through White Oak Swamp, as had been his intention, on account of the height of the water. He therefore proceeded up the road, and found the rebel picket about a mile above Whites. Observed the camp, xvhich was apparently as large as it had ever been, and saw soldiers moving about among the tents. Lieutenant Robb was about a mile from the camp, which was behind the enemys breast-work, and, apparemitly, infantry. The picket was mounted and about half a mile in front of the breast-work. The picket has usually been found at Whites Tav- ern. Mrs. White says it has been drawn in within the last ten days. There were no tracks on the Charles City road since the rain of this morning above Whites. On Wednesday a scouting party of the enemy came down near our picket at Fussells Mill, as reported to Lieu- tenant Robb. CHAS. DEVENS, Brigadier- General. All quiet along the cavalry picket to-day. heard a few shots fired at the colored troops when first posted Page 385 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U410N. 385 HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., March [31], 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: GENERAL: Nothing new along my line. Have yon any news? GEO. L. HARTSUFF, Major- General. MARCH 31, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE L. HARTSUFF, Commanding Bermuda Front: Nothing new here. Our troops on the other side of Petersburg had some sharp fighting yesterday, but were in good spirits aud were steadily driving the enemy, who last night had taken position at Bur- gess Mill. Sheridan was at Five Forks Cross Roads, a bout twelve miles west by south of Petersburg, and about lhree miles from the South Side road. G. WEJTZEL, -- ilfajor- General. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., March 31, 18655.40 p. in.; Colonel BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Hdqrs. General Grant, City Point: The chief telegraph operator, Army of the James, has assumed to order away my operator here and break up the office. It was estab- lished by special order of General Grant after two serious instances of difficulty arising from there being no office here. It was never more nvcessary than now, and I respectfully request you to order that the operator remain. He is as much needed for the Army of the Potomac as for the Army of the James, and, in fact was ordered here as much for one as the other. HENRY L. ABBOT Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Coindy. Siege Artillery.~ BROADWAY LANDiNG, VA., March 31, 1865. Major-General ORD, Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: I am informed that, by your order, my telegraph office is to be broken up. I would earnestly request that instead of it the one at Point of Rocks be discontinued, and I will be responsible that the hospital mes- sages are delivered. I do this because my whole system of supply for batteries extending seventeen miles is based upon the prompt receipt of notifications of expenditures. Formerly, I had to depend on the Point of Rocks station and failed to receive two so important messages that General Grant himself directed a special office for my (lepot. If either must give way, I think that the business of a hospital is less important than that of so long a line of highly iniportant batteries. At any rate for my own security, I feel it necessary to make known these facts to you before final action is takemi. HENRY L. ABBOT, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Comdg. Siege Artillery. 25 R RYOL XLYI~ PT Il Page 386 386 N. AND SE. VA., W. vX., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. BROADWAY LANDING, YA, March 31, 1865. CHIEF OPERAToR, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES: My telegraph office was established by special order of Lieutenant- General Grant after two serious interruptions of important business which resulted from your order before breaking it up. A special order for au operator was sent to Fort Monroe. He does not belong to the Army of the James any more than to the Army of the Potomac, and you will take no steps without at least showing this telegram to Gen- eral Ord and getting his orders. HENRY L. ABBOT, Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Comdg. Siege Artillery. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., March 31, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: I have just received a rebel battle-flag belonging to the Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiment, which was captured in Battery 12 on 25th instant by Private George E. McDonald, Company L, First Connecticut Artillery. This company followed up the assaulting column ~o rapidly to their battery as to capture several rebels, among the rest a coutmis- sioned officer, before they could escape. This flag was secured by Pri- vate McDonald, and 1 would request that his name be put down for a medal of honor. I will forward the flag to your headquarters. HENRY L. ABBOT, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Corndg. Siege Artillery. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. General HENRY L. ABBOT, Broadway Landing: I am delighted to receive your dispatch, and Private McDonalds name will be forwarded with the others for medals of honor. This flag puts us on a new track. I find from my register that the Twenty-sixth North Carolina is in MacRaes brigade, Heths division. This is the first evidence I have had that any of A. P. Hills troops were here. Do you know what became of the prisoners or to what regiment the commissioned officer belongs ~ JI~O. G. PARKE, Major- General. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., March 31, 1865. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The prisoners were sent to the rear with the rest. I will make inquiries as to the regiment of the officer. The flag bears no mark of any regiment, being the usual square battle-flag with blue cross on red ground. McDonald gave me the name of the regiment to which it belonged as he got it from time l)risoners. HENRY L. ABBOT, Bvt. Brig. Gen. of Vols., Commanding Siege Artillery Page 387 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 387 HEADQUARTERS ININTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18G5.: General HENRY L. ABBOT, Broadway Landing: Is not the hag marked Twenty-sixth South Carolina instead of Twenty-sixth North Carolina~ The Twenty-sixth South Carolina is in Johnsons division, and we have officers from that regiment. JNO. G. PARKE, Major Gener~tl. BROADWAY LANDING, VA., March 31, 18G5. Major-General PARKE, Commanding Ninth Corps: The lieutenant captured belonged to the Twenty-sixth Georgia Regi- ment. I suspect that McDonald confounded the Twenty-sixth Georgia with the Twenty-sixth North Carolina. HENRY L. ABBOT, Bri. Brig. Gen. of Vols., Commanding & ege Artillery. HDQRS. FIRST MASS~dHUSETTS CAVALRY PICKETS, Prince George Court-House, March 31, 186510.30 a. in. (Received 12 in.) Capt. CHANNING CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General, Engineer Brigade: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that I sent scouting parties on the 29th and 30th in all the different directions, pursuant to your orders, with no signs of the enemy discovered, not even the usual scouts that have infested this locality. I also sent out parties this morning at daylight. Nothing to be seen. I have established a line of vedettes outside the dismounted line, so as to thoroughly cover all roads approachable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN TEWKSBURY, Major, Commanding. I reported yesterday to assistant adjutant-general Ninth Corps, as also this morning. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 1865. Maj. JOHN TEWKSBURY, Commanding First Massachusetts Cavalry: MAJOR: I am instracted by the major-general commanding to acknowledge receipt of your report of this date, and to say for him that he is much obliged to you for the very efficient and satisfactory manner in which you are performing the duty assigned you. He desires you to continue to send out scouting parties, taking care, however, not to run down your horses. He wishes you also to continue sending him, as well as General Benham, any information you can gain of the move- ments and designs of the enemy. I have the honor to be, very respectftilly, your obedient servant, JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 388 388 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, March 31, 18G5. Maj. JOHN TEWKSBURY, Commanding First Massachusetts Cavalry: MAJOR: The major-general cominaiiding directs that you arrest all stragglers from our army found outside the lines and forward them to these headquarters. He directs also that you allow no one to enter the lines, excepting deserters from rebel army and refugees seeking to escape from the enemy. I have the honor to be, ma very respectfully, your obedient ser- vant, JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NORFOLK, PORTSMOUTH, AND DEFENSES, Portsmouth, Va., March 31, 18G5. CoJ. E. FARDELLA, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, Commanding Outposts: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you will withdraw the picket recently ordered to be established at the cause- way over the Great Marsl~,and form a new line as follows, viz: At Great Bridge, North Landing, and Sand Bridge Mills, establishing such posts between North Landing and Sand Bridge as will close the roads to smugglers. The posts at Pungo will likewise be continued. The dis- position of the force on the line is entirely under your control. You will, of course, place the dismounted cavalry, armed with sabers and pistols, in the position where it will beexposed as little as possible. 1f in your judgment, it is advisable to have some infantry at Great Bridge, you may take a portion of the detachment of the Pennsylvania artillery, ordered to report to you some days since, and place it there. With that detachment there were three officers, lie also directs that you report as early as practicable the new dispositions made by you, and wishes me to state that requisitions have been made for carbines for the disniounted cavalry, and it is hoped they will be soon furnished. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. I)ALE BENSON, Lieutenant and Aide-dc- Camp, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WINCHESTER, ]Jflarch 31, 1~J5. (Received 2.15 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK: A small party of guerrillas, numbering about thirty, captured the mail train west on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, near Pattersons Creek last evening, about 7, robbing the passengers but doing no other harm. They attempted unsuccessfrilly to burn the train. The tele- graph wire was not cut. Efforts are being made to capture the party. W. S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 389 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 389 HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, March 31, 1865. General STEVENSON: You will be required to picket the river to Cat-tail Run, where General Brooke will meet you. The generM desires you to send him by next train an official copy of this telegram for his guidance. The principal crossing places are to be picketed with vigilance and frequent patrols between the main posts. With these general directions General Brooke will establish such a system of guards at the river as he may see proper, reporting his arrangements to these headquarters. Colonel Bird will picket the main fords so low as down to the next practicable ford above Back Ford and patrol between his picket posts. C. H. M& RGAN, Breret Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY. March 31, 1865. Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: A small scout of Loudoun Rangers, sent into Loudoun yesterday, returned last night and brought iu four of Mosbys nieu, among them a notorious rascal and assassin by the iiame of Painter. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. Abstract from retitrn of the Army of the Potomac, Aiaj. Gen. George Army, commanding, for the month of March, 1865. G. Meade, U. S. Present for n Pieces of artil duty. a lery. a ~ a Command. a SID ur~ a an - . a . ~ -~C~ ~ ~ -~ a n~ nj a a s~ u~ ~ ~ o 0 ~ General headquarters 38 38 40 Provost Guard (Macy) 35 1, 631 1, 872 2, 251 Post of City Point (Collis) 92 2, 276 2, 919 3, 584 Engineer Brigade (Benhans) 61 2, 467 2. 965 3, 812 Battalion U. ~. Engineers (uarwood) 7 209 264 321 Independent Company Oneida (N. Y.) Cavalry (Batcheldeil 2 16 66 102 Artillery (Runt) 41 1, 139 1, 229 2, 562 59 24 70 signal Corps (Davis) 9 133 149 161 Second Army Corps (Hnmphreys) 1, 064 20,107 26, 230 45 923 - -- .. 30 Fifth Army Corps (Warren) 685 15, 576 20, 979 33, 307 36 Sixth Army Corps (Wright) 820 18, 761 23, 819 33, 363 44 Ninth Army Corps (Parke) 95 18, 931 21, 990 34, 744 36 Total* 3, 649 81, 246 104, 520 160, 170 59 170 70 * For the effective strength of the armies operating against Richmond, see Part I, p. 62 Page 390 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. Abstract from return of thc Department of Virginia, Maj. Gen. Edward 0. C. Ord, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of March, 1865. Present for -~ Pieces of a duty. ~ artillery. ~ 0, , a a-~ Command. ~ a n wu a aO 1~ ~ ~a ~ as a ~ 0 ~ General headquarters 26 26 28 Signal Corps tNortou) 13 104 117 152 First New York Engineers (Hall) 15 579 642 824 Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry (Washburn) 14 280 137 901 First New York Mounted Rifles (Sumner) 35 689 789 1, 092 Cavalry Division (Mackenzie) 60 1, 738 2, 034 4, 412 Twenty-fourth Army Corps (Gibbont 410 9, 630 10. 843 44, 109 54 Twenty-fifth Army Corps (Weltzel) 392 13, 486 14, 942 32, 180 Defenses of Bermuda Hundred (llartsuff) 160 3, 684 4, 443 7, 135 Actin, Pontoniers (Michie) 4 96 110 232 Fifth Massachusetts Colored Cavalry (Adams) 38 931 1, 050 1, 216 Separate Brigade )Carr) 49 1, 174 1, 359 1, 943 District of Eastern Virginia (Gordon) 142 4 143 5, 633 10, 991 194 12 Total 3,358 36,534 42,325 105,215 194 66 Abstract from return of the Middle Military Division, Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, temporarily commanding, for the month of March, 1865.~ Present for ~ Pieces of duty. ~ ~ artillery. a -0 P.a 0~ .0 Command. .~ -~ a Ileadqnarters. a a-0 55 ~ ~a ~ 55 55 ~ a as 55 ~ 0 ~ General headquarters: Staff Infantry Cavalry Detachment of Signal Corps --- - Total Department of Washington (Augur): Staff and infantry Cavalry Artillery Detachment of Signal Corps Total Department of Pennsylvania (Cad- walader): Staff and infantry Artillery Detachment of Signal Corps Total Middle Department (Morris): Staff and infantry Cavalry Artillery Department of West Virginia (Han- cock): Staff and infantry Cavalry Artillery Total I 493 61 15 28 Total 104 25 13 27 7 93 266 96 25 307 357 103 25 465 987 148 72 455 792 1,625 288 8,593 11,343 13,604 78 2022 2,874 4,347 377 10,102 32,539 14,491 1,113 436 10 96 132 138 753 20,813 26,888 32,580 1,113 436 104 1,203 1,686 2,802 1 94 103 210 87 3 3 60 63 71 108 3,357 1,852 3,08? 87 3 1, 501 484 710 2, 695 1,794 572 931 3, 297 2,578 651 1, 865 5, 094 333 9,103 10, 593 13, 253 113 3,192 3,814 4,846 47 2, 710 3,180 4, 347 15, 005 17, 587 Winchester, Va. Washington, D. C. Philadelphia, Pa. Baltimore, Md. Cumberland, Md. ~33 67 22,446 i 33 67 * Maj. Gen. Philip H.-Sheridan, time proper commander of the division, ternporarily absent in command of cavalry operating against Richmond. 39 Page 391 CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 391 Abstract from return, of the Middle Military Division, ~c.Contiuned. Present for -d a Pieces of a a duty. ~ ~ artillery. a ,~ a.a Command. I ~ -~ ~ Headquarters. a a ma a aa ~ a . ~ ~-:a ~ a ~ a ec cc a cc cc Cavalry forces (Torbert): Winchester, Va. Staff and cavalry 138 3, 729 4, 833 31, 555 Artillery 20 593 751 898 Total 158 4, 322 5, 584 32, 453 Military District of Stephensons S t e p h e n s ons Depot (Emory): l)epot, Va. Staff and infantry 295 5, 770 7, 355 10, 578 Artillery 19 624 666 763 Total 314 0,394 8,021 11,341 First Provisional Division (Brooke): Near Charlestown, W. Va. Staff and infantry 203 4, 336 4, 913 5, 894 Grand total 2, 205 55, 377 08, 934 114, 536 Abstract from returns of the cavalry forces, commanded by Maj. Gem. Philip II. Sheridan, U. S. Army, for the month of March, 1865. [Compiled from subordinate returns.] Present for ~ a Pieces of a a duty. a a a a - artillery. a ~. a a Command. a aa 4~ a a a a ~c cc-a a aa ~ a ~ ~a ~- a ~ a cc cc a a ~1 ~.c a a 0 Army of the Shenandoah (Merritt): First Division (Devin): General headquarters 5 5 n First Brigade ~Stagg) 48 956 1, 344 4, 801 Second Bri~ade (Fitzhugh) 82 1, 168 1, 495 5, 417 - -- Reserve Brigade (Gibbs) 29 659 825 3, 365 Artillery (Miller) 2 47 50 157 2 Total 166 2, 830 3, 719 13, 745 2 Third Division (Custer) General headquarters 3 3 3 First Brigade (Pennington) 81 1, 294 1, 570 4, 747 Second Brigade (Wells) 70 1, 725 1, 939 3, 884 Third Brigade (Capehart) 55 1, 336 1, 725 3,196 Total 209 4,355 5,257 11,830 i Grand total Army of the Shenandoah 375 7, 185 8, 976 25, 575 2 Army of the Potomac: K::::: Second Division (Crook): General headquarters 5 5 5 First Erigade )I)avies) 93 2,147 2,776 3,950 Second Brigade (Gregg) 66 1, 752 3, 366 4, 651 Third Brigade (Smith) 48 1, 516 2, 270 4,104 Artillery 6 235 265 238 8 Total 216 3, 650 8, 685 13, 048 8 Grand total 591 12. 835 17, 658 38, 623 10 CHAP. tVTII. Page 392 392 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. Ab8tract from return of the Department of the Ea8t, Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, * U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of March, 1865. Present for ~ ~ Pieces of duty. ~ ~ artillery. a ~ ~, a a a.~ Command. urn a a~ ~ a - ~a ~ a ~ a a a Sr a a 0 General headquarters 119 119 119 City and Harbor of New York (Hunt) 38 1,167 1, 638 2,473 Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Sea-coast Defenses 38 1, 331 1, 713 1, 818 251 (Huston). Portsmouth Harbor and Maine Sea-coast Defenses 15 548 GM 764 (Dawsou). Military District of Northern New York (Robinson) - . -. 18 755 929 1, 338 Military District of Western New York (Diven) 81 1,967 2,794 3,980 Other forts - 20 828 1, 098 1,181 Total 329 6, 596 8, 895 11.673 [MARCH 31, 1865.For roster of troops operating against Richmond at this date, see Part I, p. 564.] CITY POINT, VA., April 1, 18651 p. m. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, - Secretary of War: I have had two dispatches from General Grant since my last to you, but they contain little additional, except that General Sheridan also had pretty hot work yesterday; that infantry was sent to his support daring the night, and that he (Grant) has not since heard from Sheridan. Mrs. -Lincoln has started home, and I will thank you to see that our coachman is at the arsenal wharf at 8 oclock to-morrow morning, there to wait until she arrives. A. LINCOLN. CITY POINT, VA., April 1, 18655.30 p. rn. Hon. W. II. SEWARD, Secretary of State Fort Monroe: Dispatch just received, showing that Sheridan, aided by Warren, had, at 2 p. in., pushed the enemy back, so as to retake the Five Forks andbringhis own headquarters HI) to J. Boisseaus. The Five Forks were barricaded by the enemy and carried by Devins division of cavalry. This l)art of the enemy seem to now be trying to work along the White Oak road, to join the main force in front of Grant, while Sheridan and Warren ai~e pressing them as closely as possible. A. LINCOLN. (Same to Hon. Edwin M. Stantou, Secretary of War.) 5Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army, second in command Page 393 CHAP. LVHI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 393 IDABNEYS MILL, April 1, 18659.15 a. m. President A. LINCoLN, City Point, Va.: Yesterday, as reported, the left of the Fifth Corps attempted to push north so as to cross the White Oak road about W. Dabneys house, but were driven back. Sheridan at the same time was pushing up the right branch of the two roads from J. Boisseans north to the same road. He was at the same time holding I)inwiddie Court-House and the line of Chamberlains Creek. He was met byall the enemys cavalry and four or five brigades of iiifantry, and gradually forced back until at 8 p. in. last evening he was holding a line from Chamberlains Creek to the Boydton road, probably not more thau one mile from the Court-House. After the falling back of two divisions of the Fifth Corps they again pushed forward and gained the position omi the White Oak road first sought. Finding, however, the situation Sheridan was in, orders were sent Warren after dark to leave the position he held, and to push two divis- ions down by J. Boisseaus and one down the Boydton to his relief. I had much hopes of destroying the force detached by the eiiemny so far to our rear. I have uot yet heard the result, but I knew that Sheridan took the offensive this a. nin. Ord yesterday pushed the enemys pickets from the left of his (Ords) line next to Hatchers Run, capturing 189 men and two officers, with but very little loss to ns. This put Ord so close to the enemy that he cannot put out pickets in front. rfhis morn- ing before day the enemy attempted to drive him from his position, but was repulsed without loss on our side, and leaving over sixty prisoners in our hands. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IDABI~IEYS MILL, April 1, 186510.30 a. m. President A. LINCOLN, City Point, Va.: In my dispatch this morning I made a mistake in saying Ord lost nothing in the attack made on him this a. m. 1-us casualties were about thirty killed and wounded. He reported no casualties in Turners division, which led me into the error. The juicksauds of this section exceed anything I have ever seen. Roads have to be corduroyed in front of teams and artillery as they advance. We were fifty-six hours moving 600 teams five miles with 1,200 men to help them. Through the woods where it is perfectly dry for infantry, horses will go through so deep as to scarcely be able to extricate themselves. I have nothing special to report at this hour. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILL, April 1, 186511.10 a. rn. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, City Point, Va.: I understand the Secretary of War is at City Point. Present my respects to him, and say we would have had Petersburg before this but for the rain which unfortunately set in the first night we were out. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 394 394 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. LVIII. CITY PoINT, April 1, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Yours to Colonel Bowers about the Secretary of War is shown to me. lie is not here, nor have I any notice that he is coming. I pre- sume the mistake comes of the fact that the Secretary of State was here. He started back to Washington this morning. I have your two dispatches of this morning, and am anxious to hear from Sheridan. A. LINCOLN. APRIL 1, 18657.45 p. m. Colonel BOWERS, City Point, Va.: Sheridan with his cavalry and the Fifth Corps has evidently had a big fight this evening. The distance he is oft is so great, however, that I shall not probably be able to report the result for an hour or two. Except that, there is nothing to report. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEY5 MILL, April 1, 18659.30 p. rn. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point: I have jast heard from Sheridan. He has carried everything before him. Captain Hudson has just returned from him and reports that he has captured three brigades of infantry and a train of wagons and is now pushing up his success. I have ordered everything else to advance and prevent a concentration of the enemy against Sheridan. Several batteries were captured. The prisoners captured will amount to several thousand. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, April 1, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Yours showing Sheridans success of to-day is just received and highly appreciated. Having no great deal to do here, I am still sending the substance of your dispatches to the Secretary of War. A. LINCOLN. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865. (Received 12 a. in. 2d.) Colonel BOWERS: As to past events you are posted. Orders have been issued for all the corps to attack at once or as soon as the assaulting columns can be formed. All this will be preceded by an artillery attack. Wrigh tfeels confident that fifteen minutes from the time he starts he will have the enemys works, and he says lie can amid will hold them. Great enthusiasm and coimfidence of success seem to exist amuong the officers and men. Miles division goes to Sheridau at 12 to-night. E. S. PARKER Page 395 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 395 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, No. 67. City Point, 17a., April 1, 1865. J. Maj. Gen. C. Schurz, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the First Army Corps, and will report in person to Maj. Geii. W. T. Sherman, commanding Military Division of the Mississippi, for assignment. The following staff officers will accompany General Schurz: Maj. E. F. lloffThann, additional aide-dc-camp; Capt. Charles Spraul, additional aide-de-camp; Capt. J. C. A. Schenofsky, additional aide-de-caiup. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation for officers, horses, servants, & c. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18656 a. m. (Received 6.25 a. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: The officer Aent to Sheridan returned between 2 and 3 a. m. without any written communication, but giving General S[heridan]s opinion that the enemy were retiring from his front. The absence of firing this morning would seem to con firm this. I was asleep at the time this offi- cer returned and did not get the information till just now. Should this prove true Warren will be at or near Dinwiddie soon with his whole corps and will require further orders. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. DABNEYS MILL, April 1, 186511.30 a. m. Major-General MEADE, ~ecoud Corps Headquarters: General Barnard has been out examining the left of Ords and right of Humnphreys lines and says that Ord is furthest in advance, and that he thinks Humphreys can be thrown up even with it without dif- ficulty. 1 am iu hopes llumphreys will be able to carry the enemys line next to the creek when Ords battery is established. The engineer officer thinks this will be done by 2 p. in. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS, April 1, 18654.25 p. rn. General MEADE: General Weitzel reports that Hartsnff has captured a man from Mahones division. llartsuff says that he is morally certain that Mahone has not moved. U.S. GRANT, Liehtenant- General. (Copy by Webb to Generals Ord, Wright, and Parke. Page 396 396 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVHI. DABNEYS MILL, April 1, 18655.35 p. m. Major-General MEADE: The guns have not been put into the battery opposite Hays right, but will be put iu to-night. You will therefore order that Hays attack be made simultaneously with the other corps on the north side in the morning. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. IDABNEYS MILL, April 1, 1865. Major-General MEADE: General Ords engineer officer did not get the guns in his new bat- tery opposite Hays right to-day. They will be in, however, to-night, and Hays movement on this side the run can be made in the morning with the other movement. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DARNEYS, April 1, 18655 .40 p. rn. (Received 5.50 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: Mackeuzie is now on White Oak road where the right branch from J. Boisseaus intersects it. Sheridan, with his cavalry, and the Fifth Corps are about assaulting at the Five Forks, and feel no doubt of succeeding in carrying it. I think Miles division should be wheeled by the right immediately so as to take the position Griffin had yester- day, and to prevent re-enforcing against Sheridaii. Miles will be in position where he can light or resume his present position as may becoin e necessary. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Indorsement.] 5.50 m M. General HUMPHREYS: You will comply with the following [above] order as far as practi- table. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18656 p. in. (Sent (3.10 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your dispatch iii regard to Hutnphreys left sent to him with orders in case the enemy turn his left and rear, which will now be in the air, he must return. I send you a telegram just received from him. Two of the brigades reported in front of Sheridan are in his front, Wises and Huntons. Humphreys reports the enemy about 3.30 made a dem- onstration on him with about a brigade, but retired before attacking. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General Page 397 CHAP. LVI LI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 397 GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, Apri~ 1, 13G5. (Received 8.35 p. m.~ Major-General MEADE: Captain hudson has just returned from Sheridan. Sheridan has captured everything before him. He has Stenarts and two other bri- gade wagon trains, & c., and is pushing now. Humplireys must push now, or everything xviii leave his front and be concentrated against Sheridan. Inform Parke of this and tell fun to be on the watch to go in. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18658.40 p. rn. General GRANT: l)ispatch giving Hudsons report received. General Humphreys was ordered to push his left out to the White Oak road and at 7 p. m. he reported Miles moving out to place his division across that road. Mott has one and a half brigades of his (livision extended in single rank keeping up connection with Miles. In pursuance of your instructions orders have been sent to Huinphreys to assault at 4 a. m. to-morrow the Crow House battery, and he was authorized [at] the same time to assault from any point iiear his center or left where he deemed it prac- ticable to do so; if successful, he is to push up the Boydton road. Your dispatch says, Humphreys is to push now. Do you mean he is to attack to-night? Orders were sent to both Wright and Parke to attack to-morrow at 4 a. in. These orders were peremptory, no discre- tion being left to them except as to point of attack and formation of troops. Your last dispatch says, ~ Parke should be notified to watch. Do you mean his orders are to be changed? GEO. G. MEAI)E, Major- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 18658.40 p. m. (Received 8.56 l~ in.) General MEADE: Generals Wright and Parke should both be directed to feel for a chance to get through the enemys lines at once, and if they can get through should push on to-night. All our batteries might be opened at once without waiting for preparing assaulting columns. Let the corps commanders know the result on the left, and that it is still being pushed. Several batteries were captured and over 4,000 prisoners. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILL, April 1, 18659.05 p. m. (Received 9.24 p. in.) Major-General MEADE: My dispatch of which yours of 8.40 is a reply was not safficiently (us- tinet. One sent since, though, gives my wishes more distinctly. Col- onel Porter left Sheridan since 7 p. in. At that time Sheridan was pushing west from Five Forks, driving the remnant of the enem Page 398 398 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. before him. Mackenzie pushed north on the Ford road. I believe with a bombardment beforehand the enemy will abandon his works. If not pursued Sheridan may find everything against him. Hnmphreys can push every reserve he has to his left, and if he finds the enemy breaking in his front then push the single line left directly to the front. If there is no break made by the enemy then Miles division can be pnshed directly down the White Oak road. Parke and Wright can open with artillery arid feel with skirmishers and sharpshooters, and if the enemy is giving way push directly after him. Ord has been instructed the same way. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEY5 MILL, April 1, 18659.30 p. m. (Received 10.05 p. in.) General MEADE: I would fix 12 oclock to-night for starting Miles division down White Oak road to join Sheridan, if the enemy is not starte(l by that time, and the Second Corps in pursuit. With Miles division and what lie already has I think Sheridan could hold all of Lees army that could be got against him until we could get up. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. 10.15 P. N. Major-General HUMPHREYS: For your information. Can you get through operations on your left in time to move Miles down W[hite] O[ak] road at 12 oclock ~ ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. IIEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1,~ 18659.25 p. m. (Received 9.45~ p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have sent you copy of order to Humphreys, Wright, and Parke.* llumphreys has gone to him, but the line being down between here and Ords I have sent Wrights and Parkes to be telegraphed from Hnmphreys Station by the railroad line to those officers. I am truly delighted with the news from Sheridan. What part did Warren tak& i I take it for granted he was engaged. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18659.40 p. m. Lieutenant.General GRANT: I have modified my orders to conform with your dispatch of 9.20 [9.05~?] p. in., viz: Ordered Hnmphreys to push ontat once from his left; if the enemy yields follow with everything; if he canniot make any See 9 p. in., p. 407 Page 399 CHAP. LYIILI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 399 impression move Miles at once down the White Oak road. Parke and Wright to open with artillery, feel with skirmishers and sharpshooters, and follow up any success. Telegraphic communication now with all. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General: DABNEYS MILL, April 1, 18659.50 p. m. (Received 10 p. in.) General MEADE: Your dispatch to corps commanders received.* I did not mean that attack should be made without forming assaulting columns, but that batteries should open on receipt of orders. They can feel out with skirmishers and sharpshooters if the enemy is leaving, and attack in their own way. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 186510.10 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Your (lispatch of 9.30 has been sent to General Huinphreys. At what time would you like the Second Corps to follow Miles to join Sheridan l For if this movement is made it will be necessary to remove the hospitals and wagon train to the other side of Hatchers Run. G. G. MEADE, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 186511.05 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I forward you Wrights dispatch.t The preparations are in accord- ance with my original order. I approve of his plans, and, if authorized, will give him the order to carry them out. GEG. G. MEADE. GRANTS hEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865. (Received 11.10 p. in.) General MEADE: I like the way Wright talks; it argues success. 1 heartily approve. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRANTS hEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865. (Received 11.10 p. in.) General MEADE: The Fifth Corps was in and did splendidly, but Sheridan had to relieve Warren on the field after the fight began. IT. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. *See9p in., p.407. tSee lip. in., p.423 Page 400 400 N. AND SE. VA, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18G511.35 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Humphreys inquires whether he is to attack the Crow house battery now or at 4 a. m. to-morrow, as previously ordered, or at all in case Miles fails to break through on the left. What do you say? GEO. G. MEADE, Major- G eneral. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18G51L45 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States: General Humphreys inquires if Miles [is] to move dowii the White Oak road promptly at 12, without reference to whether he has been able by that time to attack the enemy. I have informed him the order was pred- icated on the supposition that General Miles would by that time have made his attack and settled this question, and I consider an hour or two of less importance than settling the question of the enemys strength in Miles front. Am I right, or must Miles move down promptly at 12, in case by that time he has not attacked? Please answer as soon as pos- sible. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. APRIL 1, 18~5l1.5O p. in. Major-General MEADE: I do not know that the battery in front of the Crow house is the best place for Humphreys to attack. Wherever he thiuks he stands the best chance for breaking through will satisfy all conditions. If he is satis- fied on feeling that the enemy has not weakened his lines then I do not care to have him attack, bnt to send Miles division as previously directed and look out for his left with what remains. I do not want hi:ii to attack and send Miles oft both. Before starting Miles he had better wait now until say 2 a. in., until we have a further opportunity of see- ing what the eiiemy is doing. Jf the enemy are now leaving it is not impossible that he may be going on the White Oak road, the very one Miles will have to move on. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, April 1, 18651.05 p. rn. Major-General MEADE: The Secretary of War desires to know whether you wish General Francis C. Barlow ordered to duty in your army. B. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 401 CHAP. LVIII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 401 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 1865. General J. A. HARDIE: Notwithstandiiig the precautions taken, General Meades order* j5 1)nblished in all the papers of Thursday, including the Chronicle, as coming from General Grant. The general wishes me to ask you if this cannot be looked into. GEG. ft RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL- GENERAL, ARMIES OPERATING- AGAINST RICHMOND, April 1~ 1865. General SHARPE, Headquarters General Grant: With exception of Picket~s division, which is now iii your front, no change in enemys lines in front of Bermuda Hundred and on north side of the James. Sent parties through as you directed expect them back in the morning. K not back yet. Prisoners aiid deserters know nothing of aity troops coming from North Carolina. Dont think any have come. OLIVER. OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL, ARMIES OPERATING- AGAINST RICHMOND, April 1, 1865. J. C. BABCOCK, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Nothing known by prisoners and deserters in reference to troops coming ft oni ~orth Carolina. Position on north side James and Bermuda front unchanged, except that all of Picketts division is now in your front. OLIVER. TOWER SIGNAL STATION. April 1, 18659 a. ni. Captain DAVIS, Chief $ignal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: At S a. in. wagon train, reported last eve as parked near Coxs road, moved left on same road. At same time five pieces of artillery (light 12-pounders) with four caissons came from the right (our right) and moved along with the wagon train, disappearing on the left. Camp near Daggetts seems partially deserted. Pickets relieved as usual. The wagon train above mentioned was increased since last report by twenty wagons, six of them having black covers. The two pieces of artillery, reported halted on Coxs road yesterday, disappeared last night. E. H. WARDWELL. Lieutenant and Signal Officer. i~Same to Lieutenant Dilliughamn, headqnarters Ninth Army Corps, an(1 Brevet Major Paine, General Ords headquarters.) * See General Orders, No. 13, p. 174, 26 R RVOL XLVII PT II Page 402 402 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. APRIL 1, 18659.30 a. m. Captain DAVIS: Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: All quiet. CAROTHERS: Train of cars standing at Richmond railroad station 8 oclock. A train of nineteen wagons and some led horses and niules just moved to onr left on Pocahontas road. Think the wagons loaded from the railroad train. .JUDSON. New camp of seven A-tents in open space ~vest of Richmond road. Saw no trains on Richmond and Petersburg Railroad. Conid hear trains on South Side Railroad and in the city. JORDAN. All quiet at this time. L. A. I)ILLJNGHAM, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. Ninth Army Corps. (Same to Lieutenant Fearey, headquarters Sixth Army Corps.) TOWElI SIGNAL STATION, April 1, 18G511 a. m. Captain DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Battery of three pieces (light 12-pounders) and three caissons came front city on Boydton road and passed l)oint north from this station at 10.30, moving left, going at a trot, followed by one ambulance. One hundred of our luen, prisoners, under guard, moved toward city on Boydton road at 9.30 a. in. B. H. WARDWELL, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. (Same to Lieutenant Dillingliam, headquarters Ninth Army Corps, and Brevet Major Paine, General Ords headquarters.) TOWER SIGNAL STATION, April 1, 18654.55 p. m. Captain DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: l)rove of 100 horses passed toward enemys left at 11.30 a. in., on Coxs road. Four wagons caine to west end of Mahones caump and apparently issued rations to about 100 men who assembled about the wagons at that point. The wagons then went toward the city from whence they came. Two wagons issued rations to men who came out front camp to left of Oak Grove, the wagons standing in Boydtou road. Three wagons left rations at camp to our left of Mrs. Harts. Two wagons issued rations at camp to our left of Battery 54. At 3 p. ni. about sixty horses and mules in drove passed toward city on Coxs road. Fourteen wagons passed to our left on Coxs road at 4.30 p. m. About 100 men without arms passed toward our left at 4 p. m. An unusual number of wagons moving back and forth on both Boydton and Coxs roads, most of them with black covers. Few men seen i Page 403 CHAP. LVIII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 403 front line of works to-day. From appearance of camps and number of men seen shonid estimate Pie force in this front, viz, from Battery 45 to Battery 54, at about seven regiments of mcdium size. The following trains have passed during the day on South Side liajiroad: At 6.30 a. in. one traiii of five passenger and one box car went west; at 7 a. m. train of nine box and two flats went west; at 2 p. in. wood train of seven cars passed toward city. At present writing 100 mcii are passing towar(l our right. They are armed and equip~ied and just stopped to rest. Party of about fifty men still at work on small fort at the ene- mys left of new line. Two steel guns mouiited in fort. E. H. WARDWELL, Lieutenant and ~S7iqnal Officer. (Same to Lieutenant Dillingham, headquarters Ninth Army Corps, and Brevet Major Paine, General Ords headquarters.) APRIL 1, 18656 p. in. Captain l)AVIs, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army oJ the Potomac: Everything has been quiet on this front today. The enemy are moving large numbers of wagons in both directions, to and from the direction of Richmond, but mostly toward ou~ left, and they are not in large trains, but a few at a time. Working party near Chesterfield on the work in the rear of that battery. One hundred Union prisoners moving toward Dunlops from the left has been reported by Hopping and Jordan. I feel that 1 cannot spare Holinan now, and have sent Nicholls to relieve Moftatt. Do you objeet~ L. A. l)tLLINGHAAi, Lice tenant and Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps. (Same to Licutemialit Fearcy, headquarters Sixth Army Corps.) HEADQIJARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 186511.20 a. in. Bvt. Col. J. C. DUANE, Chi~J Engineer: General Meade directs you to send an engineer officer to advise with General hays and to ascertain the practicability of carrying the work on his right. General Hays is near the Crow house. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. I). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS. April 1, 18656.30 a. m. Major-Geimeral WEBB: I have resumed the position occupied by inc yesterday morning, extending down the l)lalik road and on the return. The movement commenced at 3.30 a. in. A. A. HUMPIIREYS Page 404 404 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General HUMPIIREYS, April 1, 18G58.3O a. m. Commanding Second Corps: GENERAL: The commanding general desires, if it has not already beeii (lone, that the amount of ammunition with the men be brought ill) to that prescribed by replacing that expended, and that your empty wagons be sent to the rear for a fresh supply. Respectfully, GEG. 1). RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865 9 a. m. (Received 9.15 a. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief of StaW: I find General Warren occupies a small part of the line in the vicinity of Mrs. Butlers and the return; as soou as lie moves out Miles will fill it. A. A. IIUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 186512.4~ p. m. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The commanding general desires you to throw forward your right until it is on a line with General Ords line. He nnderstands that it is now as far back as Crows house. The bridge across Hatchers Run is finished near this point. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of Staff. Sent to General Hays 1.50 p. in., directing him to move forward his right as above. C. A. W[HJTTJER], Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18651.30 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Sta,~f: 1 have just received your dispatch of 12.45 p. m. General Ord replied to my communication of an early hour this morning: My battery may be placed to-(lay, hot, the men are fatigued and work slowly. Shall let you know when it is ready. I have received no communication since respecting the right of Hays. I shall order it to be advanced ~n a line with General Ords immediately. I have not examined personally the connection of the two lines, but Page 405 CHAP. LVIII.1 COT~RESPONDENCE, ETOITNION. 405 ordered the division commander t.o keep his line advanced with Ords, and had it examined yesterday by one of my best staff officers. It was reported to me yesterday that Ords line was farther upstream than mine, but that the reason was that the guound on my side was better where Hays line was for every object then in view than a po~ition on line with General Turners, and that it was thus mutually understood between the two division commanders. I was about proceeding to the right of my line when your communication reached me. I was on my way there when I was recalled to my headquarters by a message from General Meade. I inclose copies of General Ords dispatch and of General hays report of an attempted attack upon the Crow house work yesterday. I should add that directions were issued by me this morning for every preparation to be made to carry out the instructions respecting the Crow house work. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Corn nianding. P. 5.Colonel Hazard, whom I sent to examine the work again today, has just returned and informs me that the chief of artillery of General Gibbon (or perhaps of General Ord) stated to him that the batteries will not be fiuiislied before uiight9 a statement which his own opinion confirmed upon an examination of them. A.A.H., Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18653.15 p. in. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of StaW: A prisoner just picked up and sent in, belonging to McIntoshs bat- talioll, Chamberlaynes battery of artillery, reports that he saw 1)art of Longstreets corps moving to their might this morning. He saw only (JOG or 800. Says men in his company had been told that there were 12,00th Wises brigade is supporting time battery to which this man belongs. Gracies brigade is on right of Wise, and Hunton on right of Gracie. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18653.45 p.m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of AStaff: General Mott reports, dated 3 p. mu., that his officer of the day has just reported the enemy to l)e advancing on his extreme left across the open field in front of his picket-line in force of at least a brigade. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Qommanding Page 406 406 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CITAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC April 1, 18656 p.m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Second Corps: If Mott is on your left the dispatch of General Grant will refer to him. You must take care of your left. If the enemy comes out to attack it iii force you must look out for it and, if necessary, fall back to your old line. By order of General Meade: ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- (Jeneral and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18656.30 p. m. (Received 7.05 v. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have (lirected General Miles to place his division across the White Oak road, near the l)oint where lie reached it yester(lay. I have directed General Mott to use IDe Trobriands brigade and one-half of McAllis- ters to hold in single rank as much of the line of yesterday as possible and connect with Miles. This is the only manner in which I can get Miles onto the White Oak road and keep up connection with our line to Hatchers Run. Yesterday Miles did not reach it while holding the line in any strength. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18656.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Commanding Second Corps: You will attack the Crow house work at 4 a. m. to-morrow, at which time an assault will be delivered on the front of the Army of the James, Sixth and Ninth Corps. If you can, in your judgment, eft~ct a lodg- inent on any other point you are authorized to attack at the same time you assault the Crow house work, viz, 4 a. in. Should your assault be successful you will throw forward your whole command in the direction of the Boydton plank road, endeavoring to communicate with the.troops on your right and looking well to your left. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18657.40 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: Has your provost-marshal sent in all your prisoners? How many do you report for yesterday? A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stat! Page 407 CHA?. tVIfl.l CORRt~SPONDl9~NCE, ETC.UNION. 407 IIEADQITARTER5 SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18G58.49 p. m. Brevet MajOr-(~Teneral WEBB, Chief of Staff: My provost-marshal sent 150 prisoners forward yesterday. There is some misnuderstandiiiig as to the iinmber sent from Miles, and I have not yet a full exl)lanation. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- Ge~ eral, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18659 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I understand the concluding paragraph of your direc- tions to assault the work near the Crow house to mean that the por- tion of my command on the right of the Boydton plank road will be thrown forward in the direction of that road, and that the position on the left will be made to conform to the movement of the other part, and the new conditions. I inclose a copy of my direction to General Hays.* A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 1~56-59 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Sheridan has had a severe fight with the enemy west of Din- widdie Court-House; cavalry and Fifth Corps engaged. Sheridan has completely routed the enemy, capturing several batteries, over 4,000 prisoners, and numerous trains. To prevent re-enforcements being sent to the forces operating against Sheridan it is necessary you should feel for a chance to get through the enemys lines at once, and if you can get through pnsh on to-night. Let your batteries be opened without waiting for the time to form assaulting columns; attack without delay. Sheridan is still pushing the enemy. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. (Same to Generals Wright and Parke, and copy to General Grant.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18659.15 p. m. (Received 9.45 p. in.) Major-General MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Your telegram received. The order to assault at once applies to the Crow house work as well as all other points I suppose. I shall order accordingly. Please let me know if I am right in this~? A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. *See 8p.m., p.413 Page 408 408 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEA1)QITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, l8659 .5~5 p. m. Major-General HIJMPHREYS: The following instructions from the lieutenant-general are sent to you for your iiiforrnatioii, and previous instructions ate Ino(lified accord- ingly: Huroplircys can push every reserve he has from his left, and if he finds the enemy breaking from his front then push his single line left directly to the front. If he cannot break the enemy then Miles division shonid he pushed right (lown the White Oak road. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. OFFICIAL.] 10.15 P. M. General MILES: Be prepared to move down the White Oak road at 12 oclock to-night to join General Sheridan if you cannot start the enen)y l)y that time. Report to General Humphreys as soon as you can what is the con- dition of affairs with you and what are the probabilities of attacking the enemy snccessfully and of starting him. By command of Major-General Hnmphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General TTITMPHREYS, April 1, 18659.50 p. rn. Second Corps: General Meade says that you construed his dispatch correctly, but the last dispatch front General Grant has modified the order, and you need only attack from yonr left. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breiet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, i86510.25 p. rn. (Received 10.50 p. in.) Major-General WEBB: Chief of Staff: I directed General Miles to let inc know as soon as possible whether he can attack the enemys line successfully or start them, and informed him it lie could not, to be ready to move at 12 oclock down the White Oak road to join Sheridan. I think the question can be decided by 12 oclock. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General. APRIL 1, 1865. (Received 10.50 p. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief q/ Stafi: Then the order to Hays remains as it wasto-morrow morning. A. A. IIUMPHREYS, Major- & eneral Page 409 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.1JNION. 409 SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186511.20 p. rn. (Received 11.35 p. in.) Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I understand my orders to be to push General Miles down the White Oak road to join Sheridan if he has not by 12 oclock started the eneniy or broken through their lines and that I am not to await any further orders from General Meade upon that subject. Let me know if I am right, it takes much time to communicate with General Miles, he is so distant. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 186511.40 p. m. Ma,jor-General HUMPHREYS: Your construction of the order iu reference to Miles movement is correct. Has he advanced any l Of course if he is about advancing, or in the act of attacking, I dont understand the l)recise order is to halt him. The order was predicated on the supposition he could have set- tled the question in his front by that time. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, April 1, 186511.55 p. m. Major-General MEADE. Commanding Army of the Potomac: 1 have received no report from General Miles since I sent him your first orders to attack. There is firing now on his front by fits and starts. lie must have advanced. The officer who took him the last order has not returned. He was directed to wait aud bring back a report of the conditions of things. Their artillery has opened on Miles. They cheer from time to time in their works, but the cheering is not extensive. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. APRIL 1, 1865. General HUMPUREYS, Second Corps: General Meade directs that corps commanders will take their time from these headquarters in order to insure uniformity to-morrow. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Wright, Sixth Corps, and General Parke, Ninth Corps. Page 410 410 N. AND Sl~. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICRAP. tVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865R.SO p. m. Brevet Captain lOWELL, U. S. Engineers, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: General Huiuphreys wishes the 1,100 men at work corduroyja - sent back to their commands at otice, and they will be returned to YOU as soon as they can be spared. Please notify me of your action. CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, April 1, 1865. Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: I shall need the detail of 1,100 men and tools for three days more, if you can spare themmi, to corduroy a road immediately in req.r of Second Corps from Armstrongs Mill to Boydton road. C. W. HOWELL, Corps of Engineers. APRIL 1, 186512.40 a. in. General HUMPHREYS: I have just received your dispatch by Captain Wister. Under the order to withdraw at once I thought we each could do so individually, under the cover of darkness, and so ordered. I have since received orders to attack time enemy with two divisions, sending one down the plank road to report to General Sheridan, and do so to-morrow. My artillery, five four-gun batteries, under General Wainwright, will remain on the line of the plank road. I think the enemy that drove General Sheridan to-day must withdraw to-night. 1 have a brigade on the road north from J. Boisseans. I have now orders to move agaInst the tbrce that attacked Sheridan to-day and shall send all I have to move there or wherever the firing of a battle near us may indicate. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. APRIL 1, 18651 a. m. General Crawford, omi receipt of or(ler by return of staff officer, to halt and wait further orders. G. K. W. APRIL 1, 18653.24 a. m. Major-General IIUMPHREYS: The line at preselit does not rest on Gravelly Run, bnt one-third of a mile from a large branch of the run. For Major-General Warren: FRED. T. LOCKE, Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 411 CHAP. LVIII.l CO1IR1~SPONDENCE, fl~C.tYNIO~. 411 FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18652.50 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: GENERAL: General Warren has .j ust ordered corps headquarters to be moved to the front; also a train of supplies and two batteries. The conunand now at this point under Brevet Brigadier-General Pearson is to go with the train as escort. General Pearson will withdraw his pickets an(l guard at the bridge over the run. He said he would iiotify General Miles of the withdrawal ot his pickets. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistaut Adjutant- (Jeneral. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS. April 1, 18651.30 a. rn. This corps will resume the position which it occupied yesterday morning. The movement will be made simultaneously by the Second and Third I)ivisions at 3.30 oclock punctually this morning. General Hays will occupy from his present right to where his left was at 6 oclock yesterday morning. General Mott will occupy from the place last referred to, to the Rainey house, at the intersection of the Boydton plank road and Quaker road. General Miles will hold from the Rainey house down the Boydton plank road, and the return toward Gravelly Run. The pickets of the First and Third Divisions will be modified to meet this new position. Everything will bedone to strengthen the positions takeii up as much as possible. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, - Assistant Adjutant-General. ORI)ERS.j HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. I. Brigadier-General Hays, commanding Second Division,will assault the work in the vicinity of time Crow house at 4 oclock to-morrow morning. At the same time the Army of the James, the Sixth and Ninth Corps, will assault the works in their front. II. In the event of being successful that l)OrtiOlL of the corps on the right of the Boydton plank road will be thrown forward toward it. That portion on the left of the Boydton plank road will be made to conform to the movements of the portion on the right. Ill. The whole corps will be ready to move at 4 a. in. The corn- manding-general will be found at that hour near the point of assault. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant A.f4iutant- General Page 412 412 N. AND SE. VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LV~. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18G51.3O a. m. General MILES: in case your wagons cannot be got out of the way, you will be obliged to modify your line from what is directed in the accompanying order,* so as to include the wagons, for awhile at any rate. Let me know, for Mott must modify his line if you have to yours. Very respectfully, C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, Lient. Col. C. A. WHiTTIER, April 1, 1865. Assistant A ~jntant- Gener~i 1, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: I have directed my picket-line to fall back to the line of works occupied by the line of this division. This will be (lone just before daylight. IN. A. MILES, Brevet illiajor- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST T)IYIsION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18658.45 a. m. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps: COLONEL: I hax-e advanced and occupied the works held last night by the Fifth Corps, the Third Brigade on the right, the Fourth in center, and the First on the left. The Second Brigade will be moved up in rear of the left flank. My right is near where it rested last night. My left brigade at the White Oak road with its left refused. Have sent party of twenty-five ineit down the White Oak road to communi- cate with the cavalry or whatever may be there. The enemy occupy their picket-line in front of their line of works. The firing is DOW between the skirmishers. The Third Division connects on my right in a thin line, and I would suggest that fires be built along it to make the enemy think we have a strong line. I)ivision headquarters are iu rear of Second Brigade, iii large opemi field and near White Oak road. I would like a small party of monnte(l men as a patrol to keep up com- munication with the cavalry if I sneceed in opening it. NELSON A. MILES, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18653 p. m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: General Warren has just ordered his headquarters, a train of supplies, and two batteries to be moved to the fr~nt. The command which has been left here under Brevet Brigadier-General Pearson is to * See 1.30 a. in., p. 411 Page 413 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 413 guard the train as escort. General Pearson xviii withdraw his pickets and the guard at the bridge on the run. You will have to take the place of both of the latter. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant A dpttant- General. General Mott reports that the division officer of the day reports the enemy advancing on his extreme left in force of at least a brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY Coups, April 1, 18659.45 a. in. Major.General llu1~IPnREYs: SIR: Yesterday I attempted to take the redoubt, but found it impos- sible to effect it. The heavy slashing is impassable. The tire of the artillery from the redoubt amonuted to nothing. We got so iiear the fort that the artillery of the enemy was not used. Will you please send one of your engineer officers to look at the groundl W. HAYS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding i)ivision. HEAIXtUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CoaLS, April 1, 1865. Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Commanding Second Corps: SIR: With regard to an attack upon the redoubt on my front, I have to state that I looked at the redoubt this morning and found it to contain two guns. It is at the intersection of the enemys works in front of me with those in front of the Twenty-fourth Corps. It is on this side of Hatchers Run. Our pickets are about 200 yards from it, SO close that the guns can not be useL The slashing in front of the redoubt is very heavy. I conid see no troops in that part of the enemys line in front of the Twenty-fourth Corps. I think if there are but frw troops in and near the redoubt it could be taken by a sin all force400 or 500 of sharp- shootersbut if there is considerable force defending it I think any force could not without great loss take it. If a force of 1,000 or more should get in the lines and the enemy should concentrate upon them our troops would find it impossible to retire without great loss. I am in favor of attacking with a force of l)icked ineux (sharpshooters) in preference to a large one. The attacking party can be supported by a force to take advantage of any success we might gain. There is iio (lifficulty in getting a large force to within 300 or 400 yards of the works. I am, general, very respectfullyq your obedient servant, W. HAYS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, April 1, 18658 p. in. Brigadier-General HAYS, Commanding Second Division: You will assault the work in the vicinity of the Crow house to-inor- row morning at 4 oclock. At the same t-ime the Army of the James and the Sixth and Ninth Corps will attack the enemys works in thei Page 414 414 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. fronts. The inspector-general of the corps, Colonel Willian, your engineer officer, Captain Russell, and Captain Howell, the engineer officer frotn the headquarters of the Army, unite, I am informed, in the opinion, from their examinations to-day, that a column of fours cau approach the work without serious difficulty arising from obstructions, such as slashing, & c., along the bank of Hatchers Run. You will accordingly attack in that manmier and follow up the attack with your whole division. Should your assault be successful you will endeavor to connect with General Turners division (the division oii your right) and move in the direction of the Boydton plank road. The assaulting column should be supplied with axes to break through abatis and such impediments. The pioneers should be close at hand with their tools. The intrenching tools should be at hand. It would be well to strengthen materially your picket-line, perhaps double it. The fire of your sharp- shooters should keep (lown the artillery fire of the fort. Your artillery fire should be nsed only in the event of a failure in order to cover your withdrawal. Please inform me where your headquarters will be at the time of the assault. I shall be on the ground. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPIThEYS, Jlajor- General. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1& i5. 1. Colonel iMelvor, commanding Secon(l Brigade, will assault in col- umn of fours, with the One hundred and fifty-fifth New York Volun- teers, One hundred and seventieth New York Volunteers, and Sixty- ninth New York Volunteers, at 4 a. in. to-morrow. 2. Captain Russell, chief of pioneers and engineer officer, will supply Colonel Melvor with twenty axes and conduct his command. The head of the column will be in position by 3 a. in. 3. The commanding officers of the First and Third Brigades will send their sharpshooters forward and pitt theni in position to silence the bat- tery in the work by 3 a. in. All the other troops will be held in readi- ness to move to support if Colonel Mclvor is successful. Division head- quarters will be at the Crow house. By command of Brigadier-General Hays: JNO. M. NORVELL, Major and Assistant Adjntant- General. HEADQUARTERS THiRD i)mvlsmON, SECON~ ARMX CORPS, April 1, 18653 p. m. Lieut. Col. C. A. WHiTTIER, Assistant Adjntant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: The officer of the day of this division has just reported the enemy to be advancing on my extreme left, across the open field in front of my picket-line, in force of at least a brigade. G. MOTT, Brevet JlIajor- General Page 415 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 415 APRIL 1, 18654 p. in. (Received 4.45 p. in.) Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division, Second Army Corps: The force of the enemy that was observed demonstrating in front of the First Brigades picket-line has moved to the left and passed this division. Six regiments were seen by me to come over their works in front of the right of the First Brigades picket-line. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. GIFFORD, Lieutenant- Colonel Ninety-third New York Volunteers, Division Officer of the Day. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18656.20 p. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Third Division: General Miles is ordered to move out with his whole division to the White Oak road so as to hold it where his left touched it yesterday afternoon. You will at once send be Trobriand out along the advanced line we held yesterday afternoon, to occupy it ill single rank to connect with Miles on his left. send about one-half of McAllisters command on the same line as yesterday to hold it with single rank, his left to connect with 1)e Trobriand. By command of Major-General Humphr~ys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18657.10 p. m. (Received 7.25 p. in.) General 1VIOTT: General hays has been directed to send a brigade to report to you. You can use it in support of your left, which will be thin from the dis- positions ordered. Keep it in reserve for this purpose. It may be wanted for something else. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHiTTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] GENERAL: In case this brigade reports before you return shall I send it into the line just lett by General Miles O~? WM. R. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18657 45p. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Co]nmanding Third Division: You will please send back the brigade ordered to report to you to General Hays. General Hays has been notified not to send it in case he has not already done so. By command of 1\iajor-General Humplireys: CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 416 416 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. I~YILI. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, April 1, 186510.40 p. m. Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: Generals De Trobriand and McAllister are now in siiigle line, and part of Genera] Pierce also. Shall I take troops from the line for an attack l I ha ye already ordered out parties to recon riioiter. Very respectfully, G. MGTT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. H. DE TROBRIAND, April 1, 1865. Commanding First Brigade: GENERAL: The brevet major-general commanding directs that you send one regiment of not less than 250 men to report to General MeAl- lister at once. Very respectfully, WM. H. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 1, 186511 p. m. Major DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: The order just received. I send forward the Seventy-third New York, Oiie hundred and txventy-fourth New York, and One hun- dred and tenth Pennsylvania under Colonel Burns. In the meantime please answer these questions: First. If the enemy is weak and I break through shall Ii follow with all my command~ Second. if I am repulsed shall I resume my position in line or renew the attack with more force l Third. Is General Madill on m Respectfully, , yleft, instructed to follow, if successful ~ H. DE THOBRIAND. As we are not in the same position as yesterday, we dont know exactly where we better strike. Colonel Burns will feel his way and act according to what he finds in his front. H. DE T. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Major DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: According to orders received from headquarters Third Division, I sent out a reconnoitering party of about twenty men. They passed our picket-line and advanced up to the enemys pickets, wh Page 417 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 417 fired heavy volleys along the line, rendering it impossible for us to take the pits without a heavy force. The developments show they have a very strong force of picket resembling a line of battle. The picket officer reports it fully as strong as it was when we arrived here. Respectfully, yours, R. McALLISTER, Brevet Brigadier- ndeneral. HEADQUARTERS ThiRD I) 1VISLON~ 5E OND ARMY Co uPs, April 1, 1865. Bvt. Brig. Gen. H. MCALLISTER, Commanding Third Brigade: GENERAL: The brevet major-general commanding directs me to inform you that General De Trobriand has been directed to send a regiment to report to you. He directs that you mass it on the high ground to the left of the swamp in readiness to support the line there in the event of aii attack. He also direds that you leave works in front of your lin~,and make the line through the swamp and your whole line very strong by intrenching and slashing. It is important that this be done at once. Very respectfully, WM. H. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. TIEAI)QUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, April 1, 186512.30 a. m. General WEBB, Chief of & aff: I find that the dispatch* copied on the next leaf has not been sent you because of a break in the telegraph line. I believe it impossible efficiently to change the (lirections I have given before daybreak. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186512.20 [1.20?] a. m. General MEADE: I think we will have au infantry bridge over Gravelly Run sooner than I could send troops around by the Quaker road, but if I find any failure I will send that way. I have sent Benyaurd (two hours ago) with what he thought necessary to make it practicable in one hour, and I trust to that. I am sending to General Sheridan my most available force. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN Major- General. * See Warren to Meade, 10.55 p. in., March 31, P. 367. 27 R hVOL XLVI~ PT II Page 418 418 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP, LVIII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18652.05 a. m. (Received 2.40 a. in.) General WEBB: The bridge over Gravelly Run Captain Beriyaurd reports now prac- ticable for infrmn try, and General Ayres division advancing across it toward Dinwiddie Court-House. I have given General Ayres orders to report to General Sheridan. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18656 a. m. Major-General WARREN, Fifth Corps: General Meade directs that in the movements following your junction with General Sheridan you will be under his orde~and will report to him. Please send a report of progress. ALEX. S. WEBB, Bre ret Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18658.45 a. m. (Received 12 in.) Major-General WARREN, Commanding Fifth Corps: GENERAL: General Meade desires me to say that he has directed Lieutenant Parker, chief ordnance officer of the Army, to instruct your chief ordnance officer to replenish the ammunition with the meii, so as to bring it up to the allowance prescribed, arid then to send his empty wagons to the rear for a fresh supply. GEG. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. APIIIL 1, l8659.30 a. in. Major- General WEBB, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Ii reached the crossing of the Gravelly Run early this morning and met General Sheridan there. We are niassed at that point by his direction. I did inot meet General Sheridan personally; Gen- eral Griffin, leading the column, saw him. If we remain in this vicinity we can get ratiomrs by the Boydton plank road; we were unable, except in part, to replenish yesterday, as ordered. The enemy did not fQllow with a single man when we left the White Oak road this morning. Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, Major- General Page 419 Cnip. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 419 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186511 a m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to send the following report: Capt. B. C. Clement, with one sergeant and thirteen men of Sixteenth North Carolina Cav- alry, Roberts brigade, Lees division, have just been received. They were captured this morning by three men of the First Division sharp- shDoters, Major Jacklin commanding. These three men went through the lines of the Second Corps to find the First Division (which had moved early this morning from its former position), and after passing arouiid the picket-line of the Second Corps came upon these men in two squads and captured them. The names of the captors are W. M. Cronkite, A. MeCrory, and William Stubel, all of the Sixteenth Michigan Veteran Volunteers, detailed as sharpshooters. The horses of the prisoners were brought in with them. Our escoi-t being short of horses they have been retained here. The prisoners will be sent up at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.Geueral Warreii being absent at the front I seIi(l the above ORDERS.*I APRIL 1, 1b6512.40 p. m. I. Division commanders will send for ammunition sufficient to fill up to the amount required to be carried on the persons of the men, and send the empty wagons back to replenish. II. The commissaries will also bring up supplies so as to give the men their full required quantity from to-morrow morning. III. Spring wagons for headquarters can also be brought up to the command. IV. The chief of artillery will send up two batteries and the medical director the ambulances, and they will be escorted, as well as the other train, by the command remaining on the plank road under General Pearson, belonging to Third Brigade, First Division. V. General Wainwright will report the other batteries to General Webb, chief of staff for his disposal. The route will be by the plank road, and corps headquarters will come up with the other spring wagons. G. K. WARREN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIvisIoN, Dinwiddie Court-House, April 1, 1865. (Received 4.50 a. in.) Major-General WARREN, Gommanding Fifth Army Corps: I am holding in front of Dinwiddie Court-House, on the road leading to Five Forks, for three-quarters of a mile, with General Custers division. The enemy are in his immediate front, lying so as to cover Appears in Warrens order book as General Orders, No. 24 Page 420 420 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MI)., AND PA. [CHAP. Lvm. the road just this side of A. Adams house, which leads out across Chamberlains bed or run. I understand you have a division at J. Boisseaus; if so, you are in rear of the enemys line and almost on his flank. I will hold on here. Possibly they may attack Custer at day- light; if so, have this division attack instantly and in full force. Attack at daylight anyway, and I will make an effort to get the roa(l this side of Adams house, and if I do you caii capture the whole of them. Any force moving down the road I am holding, or on the White Oak road, will be in the enemys rear, and in all probability get any force that may escape you by a flank attack. Do not fear my leaving here. If the enemy remain I shall fight at daylight. P.11. SHERIDAN, Major- General. FIELD ORDERS, CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, No. 5 April 1, 1865. Major-General Warren, commanding Fifth Army Corps, is relieved from duty, and will report at once for orders to Lieutenant-General Grant, commanding Armies of the United States. By command of Major-General Sheridan: JAS. W. FORSYTH, Brevet Briqadier- General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, ?~ HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, No. 25. 5 April 1, 1865. In obedience to orders received from Major-General Sheridan, the undersigned assumes command of the Fifth Army Corps. CHAS. GRIFFIN, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTu ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Division commanders will at once take measures to have their com- mands supplied with ammunition to-Imight. By command of Brevet Major-Genem-al Griffin: FRED. T. LOCKE, Colonel a.ad Assistant A ~jutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18655.15 a. rn. General WAINWRIGHT: Withdraw all the artillery to the defenses on the plank road, and place it in the best positions to hold that line which you were to hold in conjunction with the Second Corps. General Ayres has gone dowit to support General Sheridan at Dinwiddie Court-House, and I am going to operate iii front with Griffin and Crawford independently. G. K. WARREN, Major- General, Commanding. FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and A ssistant Adjutant- General Page 421 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 421 GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIRST Div., FIFTH CORPS, No. 7. April 1, 1865. Iii compliance with instructions from Major-General Sheridan, the undersigned assumes eo~nmand of the First Division, Fifth Corps. J. J. BARTLETT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18653.45 p. rn. The PRESIDENT: Your dispatch of l.4~ p. in. just received. No part of the corps has moved from its old line, and nothing unusual is observed in front, except that the enemy is less strong than formerly. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SiXTH CORPS, April 1, 186510 a. m. The following dispatch is furnished for the information of division comnianders and the commanding officer of the Artillery Brigade: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18657.45 a. rn. Major-General PARKE: Owing to the press of business last night the dispatches to you giving our opera- tions of the day were omitted. Huniphreys and Warren gained a position, running from Crows house across the Boydton plank and over the White Oak road. In the morning an attack upon Warren was for the time successful, and Crawford and Ayres were driven back on Griffin, but Warren, assisted by Humphreys, gained his point by 4 p. ni. and occupied a point on the White Oak road. Sheridan was then supposed to be coining up on our left, but at 6 p. m. it was reported that he had been pressed by infantry and driven back to near Dinwiddie Court-House. Owing to the presence of this infantry force in rear of our left flank, and owing to Sheridans position, and with the hope of destroying the enemy, Warrens whole corps was sent to Sheridan, and Humphreys was during the night withdrawn to the Boydton plank, holding a return south to Gravelly Run. It is reported this a. in. that the enemy left Sheri dans front last night. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Mojor- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Wright.) By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WIJITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186510.30 a. m. Major-General WEBB: I have the honor to report all quiet on immy front during the past twenty-four hours. Three men deserted to the enemy from the Fortieth New Jersey Volunteers and [one] from Fourth New Jersey Volunteers, amid five deserters were received, the latter from North Carolina regi- ments in Lanes and Scales brigades. Reports from different parts of the picket-line state that the enemys line was strengthened during the night with infantry and artillery. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General Page 422 4~2 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18654 Major-General WRIGHT, Sixth Army Corps: You will assault the enemys works in your front at 4 a. m. to-morrow morning. Should this assault prove successful you will follow it up with all the force under your command, except the garrisons of the inclosed works and supports to the batteries you leave in the lines. After carrying the enemys line you will push for the Boydton plank road and endeavor to establish communication with the assaulting columns on your right and left. Major-Generals Parke and Ord will assault at the same time. The point for attacking will be left to your judg- ment and knowledge of the enemys works. G. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. MEADES HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 18659.35 p. m. General WRIGHT: The following instructions just received from the lieutenant-general are sent to you for your information and guidance, and your previous instructions are modified accordingly: Parke and Wright should open with artillery and feel with skirmishers and sharp- shooters, and if the enemy gives way push directly after him. Ord has been similarly instructed. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. (Same to General Parke.) SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186510.05 p. m. General MEADE: Your dispatches of 9 p. m. and 9.35 p. m. just received, and orders given for the artillery to open and the skirmish line to advance at once. Orders have also beei~ sent for two divisions to move out and be ready to attack. The third will be held ready to follow this movement. II. G. WRIGHT, ill ajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC April 1, 186510.15 p. m. General WRIGHT: Assault as you please, but feel with your skirmishers and batteries as proposed by the lieutenant-general while you are preparing your columns. By order of General Meade: A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Parke. Page 423 CHAP. LVIII.] 423 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS SIXTI{ ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186511 p. in. Brevet-Major General WEBB, Chief of Staff, & c.: Your dispatch by Captain Worth is received. Everything will be ready. The corps will go in solid, and I am sure will make the fur fly. The general plan being understood well by the various command- ers there will be no hesitation from want of knowledge of what is expected. If the corps does half as well as I expect we will have broken through the rebel lines fifteen minutes from the word go. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, April 1, 186.511.35 p. in. Major-General WRIGHT: I have just seen your dispatch of 10.30 indicating you are going on all right. I am quite sick, and trusted to General Webb to attend to matters. This must be my apology for my last dispatch, written under the impression you would not attack till 4 a. in., as previously ordered. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186511.45 p. in. General MEADE: Your dispatch of 11.25 p. m. received. In accordance with your pre- vious orders the artillery has ol)ened and the pickets are firing. The assaulting columns are in process of formation and will attack promptly at 4 a. m. It will hardly be possible to make necessary arrangements and have everything in perfect readiness at an earlier hour. I shall go in at that hour if I do not receive previous orders. H. G. WHIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186512 p. m. (Received 12.05 a. in. April .2.) ~eneral MEADE: Your dispatch of 11.35 p. in. is just received. I may be able to attack at an earlier hour, but in order to almost insure success II think the attack better be made at 4 a. in.,. when my formation will be fully made. I am decidedly of the opinion that we should not attack before the hour indicated, for I cannot be ready sooner with my whole force. I can attack by (livisions at an earlier hour, but think it much mere advantageous to push forward with the cores. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. ORDERS.} HEADQUARTERS SiXTh ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. In accordance with instructiolis receive(l from Major-General Meade, an attack will be made at 4 a. in. to-morrow upon that part of th Page 424 424 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. CHAP. LVIII. enemys line between the house burnt by us on Saturday (the Jones house) aiid our left. The First Division will take the iight, the Sec- ond Division the center, and the Third Division ou the left; the Second Division being in advance, the First and Third on the right and left being in echelon, the entire formation being by brigade, with regimen- tal front, small regiments being consolidated so as nottooinuch to extend the coluin ii, and the Third l)ivisiou being well advanced, though still in echelon. The divisions, being moved to as near the picket-line as l)racticable, will advance promptly at 4 a. in. on the firing of a gun from Fort Fisher. The entire picket-line will be advanced at the same tirn~, and that part of it on the right of the attacking columns will gain any point in the enemys works that it may be practicable for it to carry, the l)arts of the line which it may be impossible to advance keeping up a heavy fire upon the enemy. The garrisons of the works from Fort Howard to Fort Urmston, reduced to the minimum, will be maintained, as will also those of Forts Gregg, Sampson, and Cummings, and also time one-tenth of the force in the rifle-pits connecting the works named, the line between Forts Urmston and Gregg being abandoned. The five batteries already designated to move with the corps will accompany the attack, one beiimg assigned to each division, and the other two being held in reserve while the remainder of the batteries now present will renmaimi in the works to the right of Fort Fisher and to the left of Fort Gregg, as may be directed by the chief of artil- lery, under special instructions. The troops in the forts on the rear hue, to the left of Fort Cummings, will be returned to their commands to-night in time to take part in the attack. Pioneers should be distributed alomug the front of the assaulting col- umns to clear away abatis and other obstructions, and the divisiou sharpshooters will be so disposed as to be rendered most effective. The garrisons left behind will be held ready to repulse any counter attack of the enemy, an(l the infantry promptly to join their commands, an(l the artillery to go to time rear upon receiving orders to that effect. Jn forming the column for attack it is recommended that the First Division be formed left in front, and the Third Division right in front, so as to form readily to the right and left, respectively, if necessary. The troops should start fiomrm their camps to-mm ight and proceed to the vicinity of Forts Fisher and Welch in time to move to the positions assigned themu near the picket line and complete their formnation before 4 a. m. The quartermaster, commissary, and medical (lepartments will be in readiness to conform to tlme movements above referred to. The necessity of perfect silence imi this movement, up to the time of making the assault, caumnot be too strongly impressed upon the com- mand. Should we succeed in breaking the enemys line ammd gaining the Boydton plank road the subsequent movements of the corps will be in conformity with time orders of Major-General Meade already promul- gated. By coummand of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHiTTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 425 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 425 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18G5. DIVISION COMMANDERS and COMMANDER OF ARTY. BRIGADE: The accompanying orders* from General Meade is sent for your infor- mation and to enable you to make such further examination of the ground over which the assaulting columns are to move and of the line to be carried as you may deem necessary, care being taken not too much to attract the enemys attention by such examination. The col- umns will move generally as directed in the attack proposed for the morning of the 31st nitimo, and more specific orders will be sent in full time for the formation of the troops. These orders are to be con- sidered strictly confidential, and to this end only reliable men will be kept on the advance picket-line, all doubtful oues being relieved at once. By comman(l of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186510.55 p. m. DIVISION COMMANDERS and COMMANDER OF ARTY. BRIGADE: In accordance with later instructions, the assaulting columns will be formed as directed in orders from these headquarters to be ready to move at 4 a. in. The battery ordered outside the line between Forts Fisher and Welch will be withdrawn in time for the formation of the troops and the picket-firing stopped. We will attack at 4 a. in., as directed in the previous order. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 186511.30 a. rn. General WRIGHT: Enemy attempted to recover their picket-line by a dash this morning before day. Were handsomely repulsed. We took about sixty pris- oners. Fifty-five well men have reported, aud a number of their dead and wounded are in our front and possession. My loss, nine prisoners. My picket-line on the left still holds them in their works. Am estab- lishing batteries and making reconnaissance for further action. Per last accounts (2 a. in.) Sheridan was driving Pickett. Have you a bri- gade still this side of the slough on my left ~ E. 0. C. OiRD. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865i p. in. Major-General ORB: Your dispatch just received. I have a brigade on your side of the slough, but it is inside our line of works, contiguous to Fort Sampson. Do you desire it meved from its present position i H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. * See 9 and 9.35 p. iii., ~ 407, 422 Page 426 426 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. tYITI. HEADQUARTERS FIR ST DIVISION, SI XTH CORPS, April 1, 186.5. Maj. C. II. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General, AS~jXth Corps: MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of operations in my command during the past twentyfour hours: At 7 p. in. the division officer of the day reported the enemys skirmish line being re-enforced and asked for 200 men to strengthen his own line, which were immediately furnished from the Third Brigade. All through the night he reported great activity in the enemys line, as the moving of wagons, artillery, and troops. Occasional firing ou the line occurred, and at2a.m. a small volley was heard about the center of the,line, npon hearing which several men of the Second Rhode Island Volun- teers, on guard in the trenches, fired their pieces and aroused the whole division. These last offenders proved to have been boys wiLh- out proper instruction or experience. At 12 p. m. one man deserted from the Fourth New Jersey Volunteers, and at 3 a. m. three men from the Fortieth New Jersey Volunteers deserted to the enemy also. One deserter from the enemy came in about the same time. All quiet this a. Iii. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. WHEATON, Brevet ]Ifajor- General, U. ~. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS, April 1, 1865. BRIGADE COMMANDERS AND DIVISION OFFICER OF THE DAY: SIR: I am directed by the general commanding to inform you that from personal inspection he is convinced that the officers in charge of picket details are not sufficiently particular in the instruction of the (letails in their charge, especially in the case of recruits and inexpe- rienced men. You are desired to give this matter your immediate and earnest attention. Brigade officers of the day must be held to the strictest account of their own and the conduct of their commands while on picket. None but experienced soldiers should be put on duty as vedettes. The picket-line in front of each brigade is unusually strong, perhaps the most easily defended line we ever had, and the brigade officers of the day should impress upon their subordinates the fact that the picket-line front has been prepared for the purpose of affoi-d- ing every facility for the most desperate resistance to any line of battle that might be brought against it. Any attacking force less than a line of battle our pickets should destroy with ease. They are expected to hold and fight the line that has been prepared for that purpose against any force that may be brought against it, and we are not under any cir- cumstances to withdraw and give up this line to the enemy unless ordered by proper authority. They are to distinctly understand that while on picket they are not intended as camp guards to alarm and notify the troops of an enemys approach, but they are placed in a carefully prepared and strong position as a fighting force. That posi- tion they are to hold, and they will be furnished with more ammunition and supports when attacked. The duties of the division officers of the day are more supervisory and administrative than executive. Each brigade officer of the day should be able to fight his own picket front Page 427 CHAP. LYIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, EtC.UNION. 427 be responsible for the proper instruction of his officers and men, and each brigade commander should exact written reports from his officer of the day, as well as written reports of whatever of interest transpires on his front at any time during his tour. He is to obey the orders of his brigade commander, as well as those of the division officer of the day. Should these orders conflict, which is not expected, any ques- tion raised will promptly be settled at these headquarters. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. CLENDENIN, JR., AsRistant Adjutant- General. CONFIDENTIAL HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS, ORDERS. ~ Arril 1, 186510 p. rn. The division will be massed near Fort Fisher inside the line of works at 1 oclock to-morrow morning, the Third Brigade, Colonel Edwards leading, followed by the First Brigade, General Penrose, the Second Brigade, General Hamblin, following the First. The verbal and writ- ten instructions given for the attack that was ordered for the 31st ultimo will be the guide for the attack proposed at 4 a. ln. to-morrow, in compliance with accompanying orders from headquarters Sixth Corps. The same disposition of the brigades in echelon will be made. Each bi-igade will cover its front with a skirmish-line which will extend a sufficient distance to the right of each brigade front to more than cover and protect its flank. Not less than thirty-five axes will be carried by the advance line of each brigade, with which to remove the abatis in front of the enemys works. in the advance the brigade will preserve a sufficient distance to prevent the front line of one being mingled with the rear line of another. The lines in each brigade will be kept well apart, not less than fifty paces, and one line must not be permitted to crowd or touch another. The distance between lines may be increased to conform to the character of the advance we may be able to make, the nature of the ground, & c. it will probably be necessary for the Thirt Brigade to move more rapidly than the other two. If the troops of the Second Division should gain ground to the right or left in the advance the Third Brigade must be particularly careful to conform to their movements, it will be the guiding brigade of the division and its guide will be left. After taking the enemys works in his front Col- onel Edwards will hold them and make such disposition of the right of his brigade as will most aid the First Brigade in gaining its position on his right. The First Brigade when in position on or in the enemys line will similarly aid the Second Brigade in its advance. If either brigade after reaching the enemys works finds the ditch in their front impassable, its commander will halt its front line, and while it engages the enemy, move his other lines to the right or left and break through at the nearest point. No lights will be permitted or matches ignited after we pass outside the main works to-night. The least noise will be made in marching to and forming at the position already indicated to brigade commanders. Orders will be given in a low tone by all com- manders, and it is suggested not to cap the pieces of the second and third lines of each brigade. The division sharpshooters under Captain Stuart will move with the Second Brigade, reporting to General llamb- hn for service on his right flank or wherever he may require them. By command of Brevet Major-General Wheaton: GEG. CLENDENIN, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General Page 428 428 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: All quiet this a. m. along our lines. Slight cannonading yesterday afternoon. During yesterday small working parties of the enemy were engaged on different parts of the line, and some movements indicating a slight increase of strength on General Wilicoxs front, dne probably to the story of one of our men who is reported missing. He was detailed as an axman for our contemplated movement. The usual amount of picket-firing was kept up through the night. Some desert- ers came in on both Generals Potters and Willcoxs fronts. Know of imo movements of troops omi our immediate front. Colonel Sanders reports all quiet along~ the rear line. He keeps his scouts well out. The First Massachusetts Cavalry scout and patrol the roads between the James and Blackwater, with headquarters at Prince George Court- House. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have just received your order of this date per Captain Worth. Preparations will at once be made for carrying the order into executiomi at the hour appointed. No change has been observed in the enemy~s lines during to-day. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE: I received an order by Captain Worth about 4.30 this p. ni. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: Dispatches of 9 and 9.35 p. m. received.~ JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. See pp. 407, 422 Page 429 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 429 HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRPS, April 1, 1865. DIVISION COMMANDERS: In accordance with instructions from the major-general commanding the army the following orders are issred: An assault upon the enemys work in front of Fort Sedgwick will be made at 4 a. mu. to~morrow by the Second and Third Divisions and the First Brigade of the First Division. I. Brigadier-General Hartranft, commanding Third Division, will mass his division in rear of the line between J~ort Sedgwick and Fort Rice by 3 a. m. II. Major-General Potter, commanding Second Division, will with- draw his division from the line and mass it in rear and to the left of Fort Sedgwick and on the left of the Third Division at the same time. III. Major-General Wilicox, commanding First Division, will with- draw his First Brigade, Colonel Harriman commanding, from the line and mass it on the right of the Third Division at the same time. IV. Major-General Willcox arid Major-General Potter will leave their picket-line out and garrisons in the forts. V. At 4 a. m. the entire picket will advance, endeavoring to hold all ground gained and the assaulting columns will charge. Strong pioneer parties, provided with spades and axes, will be arranged by the commanders of divisions. VI. Major-General Wilicox will hold his other two brigades in readi- ness to advance upon the enemys work in his front on receipt of orders. They will not be withdrawn from the line till farther orders. VII. Quartermasters, commissary of subsistence, and medical depart- ments will make their dispositions accordingly. VIII. After 3.30 a. m. corps headquarters will be at the Avery house, Third Division headquarters. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 186510.15 p. m. General BENLIAM, Commanding Defenses q,f~ City Point: 1 have been instructed to feel the enemys line with skirmishers aiid open with artillery along my line. General Sheridan has captured 4,000 prisoners and several guns. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. GENERAL On DS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The firing you heard this a. m. was an attack of the enemy on my new line; having notified my command to be ready the rebels wer Page 430 430 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Caip. LVIII. handsomely repulsed60 prisoners taken and a number killed. Rebels in front of our lines. On Fosters front our pickets gave way and we lost 8 men. Turners men behaved handsomely. Lost none. Our picket is re-established. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 18653 p. m. Colonel BOWERS, City Point: Nothing new since the rebel attempt this morning to re-establish their picket-line, which we had driven into their works the attempt handsomely repulsed, and we captured 61 prisoners, killed and wounded a number, and lost but 4 men. Their prisoners state that General ileth, commanding the corps, was present at work there from 1 till 4 a. in., arranging to recover their line, which he looked upon as of the utmost importance. We are erecting batteries with a view to farther advance. My loss so far about 240 killed and wounded; gain so far about 300 prisoners, not counting rebel killed and wounded. E. 0. C. 01ff), Major- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United Sta7tes: GENERAL: I have made arranghnents to have an artillery lire and sharpshooters do their best to keep re-enforceinents from the work south of Hatchers Run. I have ordered the engineers to push the battery that is to counter-batter those of the enemy covering the approach to their work which I spoke of as appearing feasible. Since then I learn from General Foster, on whose front it is, that deserters from the enemy have to cross an intervening bay-gall, on logs, which 1 presume is what delayed General Heths party last night. I shall mass a column anyhow in front of the place, send out several scouts to reconnoiter the bay-gall, or morass, and if it is found practicable shall try it. I am very sorry, general, that I find it necessary to report these obstacles, and wish very much you would let some one else take this line and put my command out in the open country. I have no doubt my officers and men can give as good account of the euemy~s works as any one, but I think they could give a better account of the enemy on an open, and I would not be compelled to report so many impracticable lines of rebel works. Yours, E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General Page 431 CHAP. Lviii.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 431 APRIL 1, 1865. Major-General ORD, Ilumphreys station: 1 have just heard from Sheridan. He has captured three brigades of the enemy and is pushing huin still. Everything the enemy has will probably be pushed against him. Get your men up and feel the enemy and push him if he shows signs of giving way. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILLS, April 1, 1865. Major-General ORD: General Wright speaks with great confidence of his ability to go through the enemys lines. I think as you have such difficult ground to go over your reserves had better be pushed well over to the right, so that they can help him or go iu with you, as may be required. U. S. GRAiNT, Lieutenant- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 186510.40 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Dispatch received announcing Sheridans victory. Have ordered my men to mass, and will obey the order. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. DABNEYS MILLS, April 1, 1865. Major General ORD: Your dispatch of this evening received. You have received my dis- patch announcing Sheridans victory since writing yours. If it is iml)racticable for you to get through in your fromit I do not want you to try it, but you can in that case draw out of your lines more men as a reserve, and hold them to throw iu where some one else may pene- trate. My opinion is you will have 110 enemy confronting you in the morning. You may find them leaving now. Understand, I do not wish you to fight your way over difficult barriers against defended lines. I want you to see, though, if the enemy is leaving, and if so follow hini up. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865lip. m. General U. S. GRANT: Your dispatch to follow Wright is received. I think if the enemy concentrates on Sheridan I am near enough to he of service to him, and if Wi-ight gets in he is strong enough to stay there without my help. I agree with you that it is probable the enemy has given up the line in our immediate front, and I hope to he able to send you the first reliable information on the subject, as my scouts and pickets are feel Page 432 432 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. lug his main line now. My ineit are massing on my left a mile and a half from your headquarters. Had I not better hold them there sub- ject to your orders l E. 0. C. GIlD, Major- General. 1)ABNEYS MILLS, April 1, 186511.20 r. m. Major-General ORD: Your dispatch of 11 p. m. received. You can follow the course pro- posed in your dispatch of that hour. Has the enemy returned the fire along our line with any vigor ~ U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. ORDS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 186511.40 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Dispatch received of 11.20. The enemy returned fire of musketry on my front but rarely this p. in.. and it seems to have ceased to-night. This, the wind from the north, I cannot tell. You are only 500 yards from Turners right and can hear any firing better. The cessation of firing is not a reliable sign and so I have sent out scouts who will soon report. E. 0. C. GIll), Major- General. HEADQITARTEIIS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Major-General ORD, April 1, 18656.45 a. m. Commanding Army of the James: I am directed to communicate with you in reference to the operations agaiiist the redoubt of the enemy on the south side of Hatchers Run and north of the Crow house. A. A. HUMPH1~EYS, Major- General, Comm ending. GENERAL ORDS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1(565. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The work ~outh of the run is on a hill slopimig toward it and shaped like a capital V. The enemys approach to this work is on the side of time hill sloping toward my line. My sharpshooters and artillery, when I can get it there, can keel) reenforcements out of the rebel work. Your troops are on the other face of the V. I am told our fire if it misses the work may hit your men, but we will be careful. My battery may be placed to-day, but the men are fatigued and work slowly. I shall let you know when it is ready. The brigade commanders on the two sides of the V should have some signal when to begid firing on our side and to attack on yours. We can not put men across the run here. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General Page 433 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 433 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 1, 18659.45 a. m. Major-General ORD, Commanding Army of the James: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch and have communicated contents to Brigadier-General II ays, commanding Second Division, repeating my directions to him to have the most careful examinations made again from every point of view practicable to reach. It has been reported to me that the work is surrounded with wide slashing. I infer from your dispatch that on the face toward General Turner it is not so. The work can receive re-enforcements from two directions, from the north side of Hatchers Run, and from the intrenched line on the south side of Hatchers Run, which connects the Crow house work with the works at Burgess Mill. Both these approaches I understand from your dispatch your sharpshooters and artillery control. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General, Commanding. ORDS hEADQUARTERS, April 1, 18657 p. in. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Your dispatch of 9.45 a. m. just received this 7 p. m. From all that I can learn and from observation we do command the approaches to the fort so as to keep any large body of men from marching in there. A few might by stooping get in under cover. I think you will have to open a l)retty sharp artillery fire to break their abatis and slashings so as to opeim a way for your assault. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS, April 1, 1865. Major-General TURNER, Commanding independent Division, Twenty-fourth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that you express to Coloi~el Potter his satisfaction for the gallantry displayed by him- self and troops this morning. Respectfully, yours, J. H. POTTER, Colonel and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS, April 1, 1865. Brevet Major-General TURNER, Commanding Divisi6n: GENERAL: Immediately after dark to-night Osborns brigade, First Division, will be sent .to relieve the right of your line. You can then withdraw one of your brigades, or more, according to the m~umber of men Osborn has, and put them in reserve to rest. Do not, however, 28 R RYOL XLYJ~ PT II Page 434 434 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIIL relieve your picket-line, so that the enemy will know nothing of the change. Foster will send you word how many men Osborn will bring with him. Respectfully, JOHN GIBBON, Major- General o/ Volunteers, Commanding. ORDERS.] HDQRS. INDEPENDENT Div., 24TH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE JAMES, April 1, 1865. Colonel Curtis and Colonel Potter will withdraw their brigades so soon after dark as they can do so without having the movement observed by the enemy, and will put them in line in rear of the belt of woods now occupied b.y Colonel Curtis troops. General Harris will so stretch out his line as to cover the ground now occupied by him- self and Colonel Potter, having his line strongest upon his right. Col- onel Potter will leave his pickets. The trool)s will be held in readiness to move. By command of Brevet Major-General Turner: C. H. HURD, Assistcint Adjutant- General. DABNEYS MILL, April 1, 1865. Major-General SHERIDAN: Miles division has been ordeied to swing round onto the White Oak road. It was so late, however, before I learned of Mackenzies posi- tion that I (10 not think he will reach there before 9 this evening. An attack is ordered for 4 a. in. in the morning at three points on the Petersburg front; one by the Ninth Corps between the Appomattox and Jerusalem plank road, one west of the Weldon road, and the third between that and Hatchers Run. From your isolated position I can give you no specific directions, but leave you to act according to ch-- cumnstances. I would like you, however, to get something done to the South Side road eveu if they do not tear up a mile of it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, April 1, 1865. Brigadier-General FORSYTH: GENERAL: As yet nothing has been developed on the left front but cavalry. I think there is no doubt but the rebel infantry has removed to the right to connect with the right of their main line. Rebel infantry covers the road to the Five Forks. The First Division is skirmishing with cavalry on the left of the First Division line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, ~revet Major- General Page 435 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 435 HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, April 1, 1865. General CROOK: Major-General Sheridan directs you to be in readiness to move imme- diately. General Warren will attack the enemy at daylight in flank from the Boydton road. There is near your camp 100,000 pounds of forage in charge of Captain Hickey, acting assistant quartermaster. About one-third is for your command. Respectfully, M. V. SHERIDAN, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 18659.20 p. m. Major-General CROOK, Commanding Second Cavalr~, Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you hold fast at iDinwiddie Court-House with the brigade that you have there. The general thinks that you had better remain there yourself with this com- mand. Very respectfully, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS TRAIN, April 1, 18654.30 a. m. Major WEIR, Assistant Adjutant- General, General Crooks Headquarters: MAJOR: About twenty wagons and the pontoon train are still on the road where Major Treichel saw the ammunition train at 11 p. m. They have not yet turned off into the telegraph road leading into the Vaughan road. The men and mules are almost exhausted, and it is impossible to get all the train into the Vaughan road by daylight, and probably not before 9 or 10 a. m. Colonel Wells, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, has detailed all but one battalion of his brigade and can spare xio more. We are still doing all in our power. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. KING, Major and Quartermaster in Charge. The ammunition and ambulance trains will probably reach the Vaughan road by daylight. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, Five Forks, [April 1,] 1865dusk. General CROOK: GENERAL: We have routed the enemy at all points, capturing all his artillery We claim to have 6,000 or 7,000 prisoners; I saw 2,000. The cavalry arc doing most splendid. The enemy are going to th Page 436 436 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LV~. rear so fast I despair of getting to the front. Our casualties are not large as far as I can learn. The infantry flanked them; the cavalry took breast-works. Divide the glory. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant A. H. BIBBEE, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., CAVALRY CORPS, April 1, 18653 p. rn. [a. in.?] [General SHERIDAN:] GENERAL: Colonel Savage, Thirteenth Virginia Cavalry, is here wounded; leg amputated. Picketts division went to Five Forks last evening, and the rebel cavalry are said to have left for there about 10 or 11 a. m. ]p. m. l] I have sent a reconnaissance toward the Forks. Very respectfully, J. IRVIN GREGG, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HDQRS. SECOND BRiG., SECOND Div., CAVALRY CORPS, April 1, 1865. [General SHERIDAN:] GENERAL: I am at the junction of the Ford road and Dinwiddie road. Have connected with the Second West Virginia Cavalry one mile from this point in direction of the Forks. A few rebels are in my front, on what I call the Dinwiddie road. Have just sent a regiment to drive them. Will send a scout to bridge across Stony Creek, one mile and a half from this point. Very respectfully, J. IRVIN GREGG, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers. P. S.A rebel deserter says the infantry went toward Stony Creek from this point. I give the rumor for what it is worth and for your information. Will try to ascertain the truth. J. I. G. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., CAVALRY CORPS, April 1, 1865. [General SHERIDAN:] GENERAL: I am just in receipt of report from Lieutenant-Colonel Corrie, commanding Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in which he says he has driven the enemy two miles from this point, on what I call the Dinwiddie Court-House road. From the firing the resistance seems to be determined. The country is all woods. No enemy has~ moved in the direction of Stony Creek, except a picket of fifteen or twenty men. 1 send a dispatch of General Lee. Very respectfully, & c., J. IRVIN GREGG, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers Page 437 CHAP. LVIII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 437 [Inclosure.] APRIL 1 18652 a. m. General BEALE: GENERAL: General Lee wishes you to withdraw your command to this side of the creek when General Picketts infantry is withdrawn at 4 a. m. You will bivouac on this side. L. TIERNAN BRIEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Thy., CAVALRY CORPS, April 1, 1865. IGeneral SHERIDAN:] GENERAL: I connect with the left of General Custer, whose command is between me and the Five Forks. I have pushed directly west from this point one regiment, which has met a stubborn resistance; and as most of the rebel cavalry have [copy mutilated] I do not think it pru- dent to abandon this point unless forced to do so. J. IRVIN GREGG. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 1865. Maj. II. C. WEIR, A. A. G., Second Cavalry Division: I have received instructions from General Sheridan to report with my command to him, and am now moving out. There aro now no pickets, except those of the First Brigade, at Chamberlains Creek. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. IRVIN GREGG, Brevet Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1, 18657.30 p. m. Maj. II. C. WEIR, A A. G., Second Division, Cavalry Corps: I can reach General Sheridan at Five Forks, but I could not have concentrated my command and have reached him before this hour (7.30 p. In.), consequently could only have joined him with between 300 and 400 men. I will report through a staff officer to General Sheridan and move as he directs. Very respectfully, ~. IRVIN GREGG, Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General llartsuff reports no discernible change ii his front. I have tried everything here to ascertain any, and have found none or little. is it certain that Mahones division is iii your front~ You say that is so reported. G. WEITZEL, ]IThjor- General Page 438 438 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (Uiw..LVtfl. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRKNT: All the regular trains between Richmond and Petersburg ran to-day excepting the 3 and 5 oclock trains. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Lieutenant.(~Teneral GRANT: Hartsuff has captured a man from Mahones division and has care- tully observed his front. He says he is morally certain that Mahones division has moved. I have directed him to open all his artillery oii the enemy. If this develops anything to advance and feel the position. I wish I had a little brigade to send him. There is no change on my front. G. WEITZEL, Major. General. - GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 18657 p. m. Major-General WE1TZEL: The only information we have of the presence of Mahones division south of the Appomattox is from prisoners who say they understand it is in reserve on this side. I do not think it has moved unless it was this p. m. Prisoners say they nnderstand 12,000 men are coIning from north side. U. S. GRAiNT, Lieutenant- General. DABNEYS MILL, April 1, 1865..9.50 p.m. Major-General WEITZEL, Army of the James: I have directed Colonel Bowers to send you the report of Sheridaigs success this afternoon. I have since ordered an attack to-night and pnrsnit. Communicate the result to your troops. Be ready also to push any wavering that may be shown in your front. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, ARMIES OPERATING AGAINST RIChMOND, Lieuteiiant.ColoneL MANNING, April 1, 1865. Provost -Marshal, Army of the James: The whole of Picketts division is on the south side of Appomattox. What is on the Bermuda and your front np to last night0? OLIVER Page 439 439 Cnxr. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: JI am telegraphed from City Point that Picketts entire division is on the south side of the river. MANNING. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, April 1, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: Can you learn if there are signs of evacaating 1 Is your fire returned, or have you tried rebel batteries to-night I If Dot, try them. E.G. C. ORD, Major- Genera~. HATCHERS FARM. April 1, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL, Commanding The following report just received: hEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE April i, 1865. There are fewer troops on our line than nsual. Some of the camps that were inhabited yesterday are this morning deserted. The enemy would neither exchange papers nor give any information. They relieve their pickets at 9 oclock; after they do so I will report what further information I can gain. G. H. McKIBBIN, Brevet Brigadier-General. G. L. HAIRTSUFF, Major- General. APRIL 1,1865. Major-General HARTSUFF, Bermuda Hundred: General Grant says that Mahones division is reported in his front, at Dabneys Mill. Do you know anything about it? G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HATCHERS FARM, April 1, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: No change discoverable from signal tower, or by officer of the day. Certainly the same number of men on picket. It is impossible to learn more, except by an attack. Shall one be made I Will report anything further soon as known. G. L. HARTSUFF, Major- General Page 440 440 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. APRIL ii, 1865. Maj. Gei. GEORGE L. IIARTSUFF, Bermuda Front: What have you to attack with l How many men cau you lose and still hold your linel G. WEJTZEL, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., April 1, 1865. General WELTZEL, Commanding: If any portion of the enemys line has becit weakened it must be the right. I think we might attack there without endangering our lines if you think it advisable. There is a gun-boat I understand at Broadway Landing which might move np and assist to cover the retreat if we were repulsed. I do not know the strength of the enemys line there or the position of his guns. I expect soon to get another report from General McKibbin. GEO. L. HAIRTSUFF, Major- General. APRIL 1, 1865. Maj. Gen. GEORGE L. HARTSUFF, Bermuda Fi~ront: Please investigate and report if enough troops have left your front to make an attack by you feasible. G. WEITZEL, Major. General. BERMUDA FRONT, April 1, 1865. General WEITZEL: General Abbot is now here. lie knows the rebel line well, which I do not. He says the flat ground on the enemys right is perfectly cov- ered by the guns on hills in rear, and that their whole line is exceed- ingly strong. General Ferrero has sent to capture a picket at any haz- ards. I will open on them from the artillery in position at 3 oclock, keep it up for half an hour, an(1 if not replied to will about 4 oclock advance a skirmish line and try to develop their line, subject to your approval. Please answer immediately. G. L. HAIITSUFF, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Major-General HARTSUFF: I think you had better try your artillery in position on them, and see what it will develop. G. WEITZEL, Major- General Page 441 Caip. LVHI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 441 BERMUDA FRONT, April 1, 1865. General WEITZEL: A man was captured belonging to Finegans brigade who reports rio change. Communication with pickets on right developed no change. It is morally certain that Mahones division, undiminished, is still in our front. If nothing is developed by the artillery firing I will not send out the skirmish line I think. G. L. HAIRTSUFF, Major- General. APRIL 1, 18652 p. m. Maj. Gen. G. L. HARTSUFF: I approve that plan. I know the line. It is very strong. That plain on the left is swept by batteries on the hill. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HATCHERS FARM, April 1, 1865. General WEITZEL: Firing developed nothing at all. Only two guns fired in return from battery directly in front of Battery Anderson. Skirmish line not sent out. G. L. HAIRTSUFF, Major- General. APRIL 1, 18659 p. in. Maj. Gen. G. L. IIARTsuFF, Bermuda Front: General Grant feels convinced that if Mahones division left your front it left this p. m. G. WEITZEL, Major- General. HATCHERS FARM, April 1, 1865. Major-General WEITZEL: I know nothing of any change; will investigate immediately. G. L. HARTSUFF, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ,TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865. Major-General HARTSUFF: Open all your batteries on the enemy for half an hour and see what reault it will produce. We have had great success. On the left this p. m. an evacuation in our front is anticipated. Use your utmost endeavors to ascertain the enemys movements and report to me at once. G. WEITZEL, Major- General Page 442 442 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, April 1, 1865. General II. L. AIIBOT, Commanding Siege Artillery: No orders were issued in regard to what operators should be taken from the Army of the James. General Grant called for a certain num- ber, and the chief operator selected those whom he deemed could best be spared. As its but a short distance to the hospital from Broadway and couriers at your command I think the service need not suffer by the present arrangement. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General SHEPLEY, April 1, 1865. Chief of Staff: Everything is reported as apparently the same. No indication of any troops leaving has been observed. Got no deserters last night. CHAS. DEVENS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General SHEPLEY, April 1, 1865. Chief of Staff: Have got a picket for you. He is on his way from the picket-line. Was taken coming over to trade. CHAS. DEVENS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, Va., April 1, 1865. Brevet Major-General KAUTZ, Commanding First Division, Twenty-fifth Army Corps: GENERAL: We have had important successes on our left this p. m. An evacuation in our front is anticipated. Watch the enemy carefully and report to me his movements at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,. W. L. GOODRICH, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- Generat. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, Va., April 1, 1865. Brevet Brigadier-General RUSSELL, Comdg. Attached Brigade, First Division, Twenty-fifth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you break camp at once and march your command across the pontoons to th Page 443 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 443 south side of the James River and there bivouac. As soon as your brigade is under arms you will report in persou to these headquarters. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. GOODRICH, Captain and Acting Assistant A djutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN VIRGINIA, Norfolk, Va., April 1, 18G~. Brig. Gen. L. THoMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose you the last report of desert- ers, & c. You will see that the so-called loyal people that have been supplied from the l)epartment of Virginia and North Carolina have been able to sell much bacon to rebels for cotton, which cotton far- nished supplies to enable rebels to raise bacon. I have stopped all supplies going beyond my actual picket-line. If coffee, candles, and sugar find their way to Murfrees Depot they must either run the block- ade from North Carolina, be smuggled out by traders, or run the blockade up the James from some domestic port. I know the goods do not go out from my command. I know that none of the cotton comes into my district. I append the information: I have the honor to report the following information, elicited from refugees and ~deserters examined this morning (March 31): Several mechanics and employ6s, lately engage(l on the Seaboard Railroad, report that the average axnonnt of cottou carried over that road is about 50 bales per day. The amount carried to Mnrfrees Depot depends somewhat on the amonnt of supplies which they expect to receive in return for the cotton. Some days three car loads are sent down, and every day there is at least one car load, a car carrying about 30 bales. The average amount of bacon carrie(l over the road is about 10,000 pounds daily. Sugar, coffee, molasses, codfish, adamantine candles, & c., are also sent on that road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General~ Commanding. WINCHESTER, VA., April 1, 18G51O a. m. (Received 10.40 a. in.) Naj. ~i1en. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Stafl~: Some of the parties who robbed the train on the 3Otlt have been cap- tured, and more may be. I offered yesterday to place a guard of about a company of infantry on every passenger train or other train contain- ing valuable Government stores, and asked MI. P. Smith if he could furnish a proper car for such guards. From his answer it appears to me that he expects the Government to pay the company for transport- ing the guards. Before entering into any such operation I shall ask br orders. Nothing can prevent an occasional disturbance of the road, but a good guard would force the enemy to come in larger numbers, and so give inc a better opportunity of reaching them. A small party of thirty, after capturing a train, will disperse entirely, each man to his own hiding place. I do not see why the Government should pay transportation, however, for guards protecting the property of the company. W. S. HANCOCK, Major- General Page 444 444 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. WASHINGTON, B. C., April 1, 18653.40 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester; The Secretary of War directs that if the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road require pay for transporting guards to their trains no guards be furnished to them. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQITARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHiNGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CoRPS, Washington, P. C., April 1, 18658 .45 p. m. Major-General HANCOCK, Commanding Middle Military Division, Winchester: General Gamble, commanding at Fairfax Court-House, reports that a rebel deserter just airived there states that Picketts division passed through Staunton on Monday last to join Early in the Valley. I send the report for your consideration. I will have the deserter sent in here in the morning and get his story in full. C. C. AUGUR, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, General GAMBLE, Washington, D. C., April 1, 1865. Commanding at Fairfax Court-louse: Have the rebel deserter who brings the story of Picketts division having gone to the Shenandoah sent in to me in the morning under guard. C. C. AUGUR, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Brevet Major-General TORBERT, April 1, 1865. Chief of Cavalry: General Augur telegraphs that a rebel deserter states that Picketts division passed through Staunton on Monday last. The general qesires you to send the scouting party well down the Valley and get such information as you can. C. H. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers and Chief of Staff. HARPERS FERRY, April 1, 1865. Brigadier-General MORGAN, Chief of Staff: There is a gang of murderers infesting Loudoun, who have done incal- culable service for the rebels for the last four years. The leader of the band is named Mobberly, and is one of Mosbys right-hand men Page 445 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 445 Some citizens of Loudoun have proposed to me that if I will arm them and give them the means of living away from home for awhile they will kill or capture the band. The baud consists of Mobberly, Riley, S. M6cks, and Tribbet. All of them have murdered our soldiers time and again. The band originally consisted of about fifteen men. During the last summer we have killed most of the band, leaving these four men, who are the head devils of the concern. I think promising these men a reward of $1,000 for Mobberly and $500 for each of the others, dead or alive, will clean out the concern. The Government could readily afford to pay $50,000 for them and save the amount in the prevention of the destruction of public property in six months operations of the band. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILiTARY DIVISION, April 1, 1865. General STEVENSON: With reference to your dispatch of this morning the general desires me to say that you can arm and subsist the men you refer to, if you are satisfied that it is for the interest of the service. He does not think it proper to offer a reward openly, bnt will reward the men lib- erally in proportion to the service they may render. From all he can learn he regards the men of Mobberlys gang as outlaws, and if the citi- zens desire to rid themselves of them the general will assist them lib- erally, and the men engaged, besides their reward, shall be provided for while it is necessary for theta to remain away from home. The general (lesires that the whole matter shall be kept secret. C. II. MORGAN, Brevet Brigadier- General. Lou~ CREEK, April 1, 1865. Col. J. H. OLEY, Commanding, & c.: Captain Guion informs me that there is a rebel force of about 200 in the vicinity of Gauley. They were at Monntain Cove at 4 p. m. They are Amicks, Alsteads, and Thurmonds men, or so reported. I have sent re-enforcements to Gauley. J. WHITLEY, JR., Captain, Commanding Post. Lou~ CREEK, April 1, 1865. Col. J. H. OLEY Commanding, ct~e., Charleston: I have just learned that a party of rebels nnder Captain Amick has been committing some depredations in Nicholas County, in the vicinity of Captains Manns and Ram says camps, their men being absent in Greenbrier at the time. There were about forty of the rebels. The most d~mage done by them was stealing a few horses. They did not stay long. J.WHITLEY, Ji~., Captain, Commanding Post Page 446 446 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIJI.~ CHARLESTON, W. VA., April 1, 1865. Capt. E. P. WILBER, Gomdg. Det. 7th W. Va. Cay., Camp Piatt, W. Va.: Captain Claflin has just arrived under orders to make a very thorough inspection. The detachment of the First New York will not go with you. You will not cross Guyandotte River and will make arrange- ments to reach here next Thursday without fail. The troops from Coalsmouth and Guyandotte will not move. You will go where you. think advisable in the time given you. Answer. JOHN H. OLEY, Colonel, Commanding... CHARLESTON, W. VA., April 1, 1865. Maj. TI. SLACK, Commanding, Guyandotte, W. Va.: Captain Wilber, with 150 men, leaves for Logan County to-morrow morning. He will be at Logan Court-House Monday, and will go to Harts Creek. Captain Smith will move that way also. Send out 100 men early Monday morning toward the head of Harts Creek, taking such roads as you deem advisable. Have you any suggestions t Answer at once. JOHN H. OLEY, Colonel, Commanding.. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 2, 186511 a. in.. The PRESIDENT, City Point: Mrs. Lincoln arrived safely this morning. General Augurs head- quarters were burned up last night; whether the fire was caused by negligence or design is unknown. I congratulate you and General Grant upon the prospect of great success. Every one is eager for news. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of Wa.. CITY POINT, VA., April 2, 186511 a. m. (Received noon.) Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary p~ War: Dispatches frequently coming in. All going finely. Parke, Wright, and Ord, extending from the Appomattox to Hatchers Run, have all broken through the eneJny~s intrenched lines, taking some forts, guns, and prisoners. Sheridan, with his own cavalry, Fifth Corps, and part of the Second, is coming in from the west on the enemys flank, and Wright is ~Jready tearing up the South side Railroad. A. LINCOLN Page 447 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 447 CiTY POINT, VA., April 2, 18652 p. m. (Received 2.30 p. in.) Hon. EDwIN M. STANToN, Secretary of l4Tar: At 10.45 a. in. General Grant telegraphed as ftflows: Every thing has been carried from the left of the Ninth Corps. The Sixth Corps alone captured more than 3,000 prisoners. The Second and Twenty-fourth Corps both captured forts, guns, and prisoners from the enemy, but I cannot tell the irnm- her. We are now closing around the works of the line immediately enveloping Petersburg. All looks remarkably well. I have not yet heard from Sheridan. His headquarters have been moved up to T. Banks house, near the Boydton road, about three miles southwest of Petersburg. A. LINCOLN. CITY POINT, VA., April 2, 18658.30 p. m. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: At 4.30 p. in. to-day General Grant telegraphed as follows: We are now up, and have a continuous line of troops, and in a few hours will be intrenched from the Appomattox, below Petersburg, to the river above. Heths and Wilcoxs divisioiissuch part of them as were not capturedwere cut off from town, either designedly on their part or because they could not help it. Sheridan, with the cavalry and Fifth Corps, is above theni. Miles division, Second Corps, was sent from the White Oak road to Sullivan [Sutherlands] Station, on the South Side Railroad, where he met them, and at last accounts was engaged with them. Not knowing whether Sheridan would get up in time Humphreys was sent with another division from here. The whole captures since the army started out will not amount to less than 12,000 men, and probably 50 pieces of artillery. I do not know the number of men and guns accurately, however. A portion of Fosters division, Twenty-fourth Corps, made a most oillant charge this afternoon, and captured a very important fort from the enemy, with its entire garrison. All seems well with us, and everything quiet just now. A. LINCOLN. CITY POINT, VA.. April 2, 18658.30 a. m. (Received 9 a. in.) Mrs. A. LINCOLN, Executire Mansion: Last night General Grant telegraphed that General Sheridan with his cavalry and the Fifth Corps had captured three brigades of infantry, a train of wagons, and several batteries, prisoners amounting to several thousand. This morning General Grant having ordered an attack along the whole line telegraphs as follows. * Robert yesterday wrote a little cheerful note to Captain Penrose, which is all he has heard of him since you left. A. LINCOLN. CITY POINT, VA., April 2, 1865. Mrs. LINCOLN: At 4.30 p. in. to-day General c~rant telegraphs that he has Peters. burg completely enveloped from river below to river ~bove, and has See Grant to Bowers, 6.40 a. in., p. 448 Page 448 448 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. captured, since he started last Wednesday, about 12,000 prisoners and 50 guns. He suggests that I shall go out and see him in the morning, which I think I will do. Tad and I are both well, and will be glad to see you and your party here at the time you name. A. LINCOLN. DABNEYS MILL, April 2, 18656.40 a. m. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point Va.: Both Wright and Parke got through the enemys lines. The battle now rages furiously. Sheridan with his cavalry, the Fifth Corps, and Miles division of the Second Corps, which was sent to him since 1 this morning, is now sweeping down from the west. All now looks highly favorable. Ord is engaged, but 1 have not yet heard the result in his front. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. APRIL 2, 1865. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point, Va.: Instruct Benham to get the men at City Point out to the outer lines and have them ready. While all our forces are going in some enter- prising rebels may possibly go through and down there in a fit of desperation to do what damage they can. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18658.25 a. m. (Received 8.45 a. in.) Colonel BOWERS, City Point, Va.: Wright has gone through the enemys line, and now has a regiment; tearing up the track on the South Side r6ad west of Petersburg. Hum- phreys, with two divisions, is south of Hatchers Run crossing the Boydton road. Sheridan with his cavalry, the Fifth Corps, and one division of the Second Corps, is moving from the west toward Peters- burg. Ord has gone in with Wright. I do not see how the portion of the rebel army south where Wright broke through (Oak Grove) are to escape. Dispatch just received from Ord states that some of his troops have just captured the enemys works south of* Hatchers Run, north side, and are pushing on. This is bringing our troops rapidly to a focus with a portion of the rebels in the center. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Another copy reacts next to , instea(1 of south of Page 449 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 449 APRIL 2, 1S05. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point, Va.: Notify Colonel Mulford to make no more deliveries of rebel prisoners whilst the battle is going on. Parke captured two forts and two redoiibts this morning with their guns. J have not yet heard from Sheridan, but I have an abiding faith that he is in the right place and at the right time. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. T. BANKS HousE, April 2, 186510.45 a. in. Colonel BOWERS, City Point, Va.: Everything has been carried from the left of the Ninth Corps. The Sixth Corps alone captured more than 3,000 prisoners. The Second and Twenty-fourth Corps both captured forts, guns, and prisoners from the enemy, but I cannot yet tell the number. We are now closing around the works of the city immediately enveloping Petersburg. All looks remarkably well. I have not yet heard from Sheridan. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. BOYDTON ROAD, NEAR PETERSBURG, Col. T. S. BOWERS, April 2, 18654.40. City Point: We are now up, and have a continuous line of troops, and in a rew hours will be intrenched from the Appomattox, below Petersburg, to the river above. ileths and Wilcoxs divisioiissucli part of theni as were not capturedwere cut off from town, either designedly on their part or because they could not help it. Sheridan, with the cavalry and Fifth Corps, is above them. Miles division, Second Corps, was sent from the White Oak road to Sutherlands Station, on the South Side Railroad, where he met them, and at last accounts was engaged with them. Not knowing whether Sheridan would get up in time General Hum- phreys was sent with another division from here. The whole captures since the army started out gunning will not amount to less than 12,000 men, and probably 30 pieces of artillery. I do not know the number of men, and guns accurately, however. A portion of General Fosters divis- ion, Twenty-fourth Corps, made one of the most gallant charges and cal)tured a very important fort from the enemy, with its entire garrison. All seems well with us, and everything quiet just now. I think the 1~residcnt might conic out and pay us a visit tomorrow. IJ. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, April 2, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Allow me to tender to you and all with you the n4ions grateful thanks for this additional and magnificent success. At your kind sug- gestion I think I will meet you to-morrow. A. LLNCOLN. 29 R RVOL XLVI, PT II Page 450 450 N. AND SE. YA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. APRIL 2, 1865. Col. T. S. BOWERS: If the President will come out on the 9 a. in. train to Patricks Station I will send a horse and an escort to meet him. It would affbrd me much pleasure to meet the President in person at the station,but I know he will excuse me for not doing so when my services are so liable to be needed at any moment. if 9 is an inconvenient hour telegraph me the hour when the President will start and he will find his escort awaiting him when he arrives. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. APRIL 2, 18657.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Ord telegraphed me at noon that lie had a large number of prisoners and no troops to guard them, and asked for a regiment to be sent to him. As there are not over 100 men at City Point, and they are on duty, I applied to Admiral Porter for marines. He kindly furnished 500, which I sent to the front. They have returned with over :3,000 prisoners, whom they are now guarding. If Collis brigade is not to return I will have to call on the admiral for all guards for prisoners. T. S. BOWERS, As~istant A dj ntant- General. APRIL ~, 18658.40. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point, Va.: I have just heard from General Miles. lie attacked what was left of Heths and Wilcoxs divisions at Sutherlands Station and routed them, capturing about 1,000 prisoners. The enemy took the route north toward the Appomattox. As Sheridan was in above them I am in hopes but few of them will escape. General Miles also captured two field pieces in this attack. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. APRIL 2, 1865. Col. T. S. BOWERS, City Point: Send all my dispatches that have gone concerning operations to Sherman. What you receive hereafter send to Fort~ Monroe by tele- graph to be forwarded by first steamer to Morehead City. Have you stopped Mulford from delivering prisoners~ If he has any on hamid for delivery tell him to hold on to them. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CITY POINT, VA., April 2, 18651 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON: A dispatch from General Grant states that General Sheridan, com- manding cavalry and infantry, has carried everything before him. He captured three brigades of infantry, a wagon train, and several bat Page 451 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 451 teries of artillery. The prisoners captured will amount to several thou- sand. I will forward you the dispatch in cipher in the morning with such other information as may come in. T. S. BOWEIRS, A8sistan t Adjutant- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 186512.15 a. m. General MEAPE: has Miles possession of the White Oak roadl If he has let him move dowii it at once aiid join Sheridan as rapidly as possible without awaiting anything. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. GRANTS TIEADQUARTERS, April 2, 186512.30 a. m. General MEAPE: if Miles has iiot got possession of White Oak, so as to follow that up, he might move by J. Boisseans, and from there to Five Forks. U. S. GRANT, General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 186512.32 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: What say you to my dispatch about the attack on the Crow house by hays on light of Second Corp& ? Shall it be at 4 a. in. or iiot0? U. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRANTS hEADQUARTERS, April 2, 186512.50 a. in. Major-General MEADE: The attack on Crow House battery may be suspended altogether. It was ordered at 4 a. m. in conjunction with other attacks that had then been ordered, but which have been ordered earlier and under a state of facts th~t were imot themi known. If they are successful there will be no necessity for the attack. If they are riot it cannot be told that we will be in a condition to make it. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. MEADES HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18651 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I (lOubt very much any of the corps commanders making their attacks bef ore 4 a. in., since their columns are not yet formed. I have or(lered Page 452 452 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LCHAP. LVIII. Humphreys to attack the Crow battery at 4 a. in., and he will do so, and probably in conjunction with the other attacks unless the order shall be countermanded. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18651.2~ a. rn. Major- General MEADE: Direct the attack of the corps commanders to be made promptly at 4 oclock this a. in. as first ordered, if they have not already been made. As one division of the Second Corps is now ordered away, General lluinphreys need not attack at the Crow house, but be in readiness to take advantage of any weakening of the enemy in his front. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. APRIL 2, 186~l.~5 a. in. General JIUMPHREYS, & cond Corps: In order that you may be ready to co-ol)erate in the movement I send you the above for your information. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18652.10 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The following dispatches just received froiii Ninth Corps.* Parke is ordered to attack at 4 a. m. And this front General Humphrcys.~ U. G. MEAi)E, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18654.05 a. rn. Lieutenant.General GRANT: General Parke telegraphs that reports from First and Second Divis- ions of Ninth Corps indicate the enemys line as far as developed con- sists only of skirmishers, and that a heavy explosion occurred a little after 3 a. ni. in heart of Petersburg. General Parke further states that lie is ascertaining whether the enemy has 1 etired. I have communicated this information to Generals Ord and Wright, and directed Generals Parke and Wright to push forward strong lines of skirmishers and use every effort to ascertain the condition of the enemy. GEG. G. MEADE, Major-Genera. * See Parke to Webb, 1.15 a. in., 1.30 a. in., an4 1.45 a. ni., April 2, pp. 482, 483. tSee Huinphreys to Webb, 1 a. ni., p. 463 Page 453 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 453 MEADES HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The Sixth Corps has carried the enemys works. Parke is ordered to send up his reserves if he is riot now using them. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18655.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Wright has carried the enemys works. General Parke has been ordered to support Wrioht with his reserves if he is not now using them. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of & aff. (Copies sent to Generals Ord and Humphreys.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Forwarded. SIGNAL TowEu, April 2, 186.56 a. in,. Ceneral WEBB: We have capture(l 2 guns and 3 caissons, 3 flags and several hundred prisoners. Have also cnt telegraph wire on Boydton road. This only for - one division Wheatons. WRIGH F, General. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18656.20. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Forwarded. Parke is to push on if i)ossible. NINTH ARMY CoRPs5.55 a. m. Major-Geaeral XVEBB: We have carried lines opposite Fort Sedgwick, hut the enemy still hold works in the rear. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18656.40. Major-General MEADE: Is Hurnphreys engaged yetl U. S. GRAINT, Lieutenant- General Page 454 454 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. LVIII. GENERAL MEADES HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18G56.45 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Humplireys attack was suspended last night, but as soon as I heard of our success on the right I ordered him to push out and to do all lie could. 1 presume his skirmishers are engaged by this time. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS April 2, 18656.45 a. m. General MEADE: Wright can put in everything lie has except the garrisons of inclosed works. Ord is pushing by the shortest road to help Wright. I heard from Sheridan at 12.30 this a. m. He intended to start at daybreak and sweep the White Oak road and all north of it down to Petersburg. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18656.55 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I presume that the best way for Ord to assist Wright will be for him to make a vigorous attack on his front if there is any hope of his carry- ing them. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18656.57 a. m. Lieutenaiit-General GRANT: General Parke reports the capture of 2 redans, 2 forts, and 12 guns, opposite Fort Sedgwick, but the enemy have a line in the rear. GEG. G. 1\IEADE, Mc~jor- General, Commanding. APRIL 2, 18657.10 a. m. Major-General MEADE: There is more necessity for care on (he part of Parke than either of the others of our corps commanders. As I understand it, he is attack- ing the main line of works around Petersburg, whilst the others are only attacking an outer line, which the enemy might give up without giving up Petersburg. Parke should either advance rapidly or cover his men and hold all he gets. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 455 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 455 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18458 a. rn. (Received 8.05 a. in.) lieutenant-General GRANT: Orders have been sent to Parke to hold all he has got and to proceed cautiously in advancing. Wright, if Ord cannot penetrate, should not go too far forward until Sheridan has broken through or liumphreys or Ord. If he does he will be isolated. I have not sent him any orders, relying on his judgment and the fact of his knowing the operations oii his right and left. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. GENERAL MEADES HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18458.10 a. rn. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Forwarded. Towun7.15 a. m. General WEBB: General Seymour, Third Division, reports eight gnus captured. This is in addi- tion to those already reporte(1. The Fortieth [New Jersey] Volunteers is now tear- ing up the South Side Railroad. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. GEO. (1. MEADE, Mic(jor- General. 8.10 A. M. General GRANT: This rcl)ort, which 1 hope will be confirmed, is front assistant adjutant- general at Parkes headquarters: ITEADQITARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Api-il 2, 18656.05 a. m. Captain BAnnows Headquarters Army of the Potomac: An officer just from Fort Rice reports that the enemys line of works in front of the Second Division have been captured and are held. 1-Jave heard nothing from General Parke or staff. General l~otter is mortally wouuded.~ INO. C. YOUNGMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. GEG. G. MEADE, Major-General. APRIL 2, 18658.35 a. in. Major-General MEADE: We have the foi-ts next to Hatchers Run on both sides. I think there will be no difficulty in llumphreys marching forward now, toward Petersburg or toward the retreating foe. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Potter was wo in (1 e(lu ot mortally Page 456 456 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. CHAP. LVIII. General GRANT: 8.45 A. M. Hnmphreys has already been ordered forward, 1 being aware of the capture of the forts. He will try and connect with Wright. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18659.15. a. m. General WEBB: General Meade has gone with General Grant to the front across the bridge made by Miclile, near the Crow honse, and wishes his staff to join him. SHAH PE, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC April 2, 18659.30 a~ m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The enemy has abandoned Hutnphreys front. I am pushing Hum- phreys troops up the Boydton plank road and Claiborue road to try to connect on the right and left. Miles has returned here. If we hear fir- ing on left from Sheridan, I shall attack there with llumphreys corps. The enemy is moving apparently to his right and may be confronting Sheridan. GEG. G. MEADE. HEADQITARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18659.30 a. m. General WEBB or Colonel IRUGGLES, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: Direct General Macy to come here with what cavalry he can collect. Enemy has abandoned his line in Humphreys front. Our troops are movim)g out on Boydton and Claiborne roads. Communicate this to Ord, Wright, and Parke. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 186510.30 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Humphreys reports Miles moving up the Cox road and the enemy flying before him. The Fifth, I understand, is followim~g Miles. I have sent an officer to Sheridan suggesting his force should move by the Cox and River roads and if he pushes the cavalry rapidly he ought to cut some of them off if they are going across th~ Appomattox as I suppose. I have ordered up the pontoon traijii in Wrights rear. Humphreys has reassuined the command of Miles. Fifth Corps left with Sheridan till your orders return it. GEG. G. MEADE Page 457 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 457 GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 1865. Major-General MEADE: The following just received: Brigadier-General RAWLINS: General Sheridan desired me to inform you that the Second Corps is marching up the Boydton road toward Petersburg, and that Lee and his forces are moving this direction. We have come up to their rear guard, about two miles on the Claihorne road from their works in front of that road, prohahly; but few stragglers. P. T. HUDSON, Aide-de- Camp. 11 A. M. Miles has carried all the main works on the Claihorne road. We are following the enemy np that road. The enemy evacuated the works about 10 oclock. Will send particulars as soon as heard. P. T. HUDSON, Aide-de-Camp. B. S. PARKER, Licaten ant- Colonel and Acting Assistant A djntant- General. IIEADQIJARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT: I send Major Rosencrantz, just from Miles. Brevet Major-General Miles reports that he made three assaults on the enemys position, the last being made about 3.30 p. m. One brigade attacked on their flank, and succeeded in completely routing them, capturing from 600 to 1,000 prisoners, 2 guns, and 2 colors. General Miles has formed connection with Major-General llumphreys, but it was found that the enemy had retired, but Miles is still ~)ursuiug them. Major Rosencrantz will give you any further details. Miles has abont 400 rebel wounded, which are included in the 1,000. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18657.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: An officer who accompanied General llumphreys has returned. llumnphreys effected a junction with Miles, but the enemy had with- drawn. Hnmphreys was in pursuit. Miles had a very brisk engage inent this afterimoon, was severely pressed, and at one time a part of his command gave way. He, however, stubbornly maintained his position till llumphreys arrived. Both divisions must be greatly fatigued from constant marching and Miles with fighting. I expect, therefore, that the enemy will get away. Nothing was heard of Sheridan when this officer returned. What orders shall be sent Humphreys ~ GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding Page 458 458 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. APRIL 2, 18657.40 p. in. Major-General MEADE: I would send Humplireys 110 orders further than to report to Sheri- dan and return or cross the Appomattox as he wishes. I have just heard from Sheridan. Lee himself escaped up the river. Sheridan thinks that all of the rebel army that was outside the works immedi- ately around the city are trying to make their escape out that way. He is making dispositions to cut theiu off if lie can. The Fifth Corps is now with or near the Second and should not be moved in this direc- tion to-night. I think there is nothing in Petersburg, except the rem- naiit of Gordons corps and a few men brought from the north side to-day. 1 believe it will pay to commence a furious bombardment at 5 a. m. to be followed by an assanit at 6, only if there is a good reason for believing the enemy is leaving. Unless Lee reaches the Danville road to-night he will not be able to reach his army to command here. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18658 p. m. (Received 8.30 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I nnderstand the enemy have had a pontoon bridge at Exeter Mills, about four miles north of Sutherlands Station, and they were fighting this afternoon to get their trains oft on that road. It is a pity Sheri- dan did not move as I suggested on the Cox and River roads, for had he done so these fellows would have been cut off. Had I not better send our pontoon train to Humphreys at Sutherlands Station, and authorize his advancing by the Exeter Mills and crossing the river, if in his judgment or from the information lie obtains lie thinks he can do anything~? I have just received your note by Captain Dunn. The inforunition I send you of the crossing of Heth and Wilcox at Exeter Mills is inconsistent with General Sheridans theory. You say not to send orders to the Fifth Corps. I shall, of course, not do so till that corps is returned to my command; but I would suggest Humphreys taking the Fifth Corps and the two divisions of the Second, and cross- ing at Exeter Mills, I sending him a bridge train. He can, when across, co-operate with or take orders from Sheridan. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. I will give orders abont bombardment and preparations to assault. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18659 p. m. Major-General MEADE: Direct General Parke to use his siege artillery upon the railroad bridge during the night. If we can hit the bridge oiice it will pay. It will be well to scud the pontoon train up to Humphreys, but the troops not to cross till Sheridan gets there. Sheridaui now has his cavalry out after trains of the enemy which he has heard of and will probably collect them to-night and be with Humnphreys by 8 a. m. to-morrow. Page 459 CHAP. LYILI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 459 sent him orders to-day to cross the river, which he will do as soon as the enemy on this side is captured or driven off. He is marching on the Cox and River roads. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18659 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The pontoon train has already beeii ordered to the left. Major- General Humphreys has been ordered to report to Major-General Sheridan. GEt). G. MEADE, Major- General. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2, 18659.30 p. m. General MEADE: Miles has made a big thing of it and deserves the highest praise f~r the pertinacity with which lie stuck to the enemy until lie wrung from him victory. As the cavalry was coining down the Cox and River roads I am very much in hopes we will hear to-nio-ht of the capture of the balance of Heths and Wilcoxs (livisions. I think a cavalry force had been thrown to the very bridge over which they expected to escape, in advance. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, ARMIES OPERATINcT AGAINST RICHMOND, City Point, April 2, 1865. General W. HOFFMAN, Commissary- General of Prisoners, Washington: Number of prisoners captured about 10,000. Have river transporta- tion for about 5,000; sea transportation for not more than 400. Please answer immediately, giving instructions regarding their shipment. M. R. PATRICK, Provost- Marshal- General. OLD HEADQITARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1865. Major-General MEADE: Headquarters Armies of the United States will be at Banks house, north of Fort Fisher and near the Boydton plank road. By order: B. S. PARKER, Lieutenant- Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 462 462 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LV1II. charges of the enemy have been repulsed handsomely. About forty messages have been received to-day from the (lifferelit stations. I fear I shall run entirely out of turpentine to-night, and I think Lieutenant Caproii should have sent me some to-day, as requested last night. L. A. DILLINGHAM, Lieutenant and ASignal Officer, Ninth Army Corps. (Copy to Lieutenant Fearey, headquarters Sixth Army Corps.) APRIL 2, 18658.30 p. m. Captain DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the 1~otonmac: Since last report have had no good view of left. The firing on line of Weldon railroad appears unchanged. All artillery visible in large fort by lead-works has been removed, and a few horses remaining in the fort all saddled, with blankets, & c., on saddles, apparently pre- pared for a night move. On inside facings of Fort Mahone the enemy show a strong line of battle. At other points they are so well screened as to prevent a view of their numbers. L. A. DILLINGUAM, Lieutenant and Signal Officer, Ninth Army Corps. (Copy to Lieutenant Fearey, headquarters Sixth Army Corps.) HDQRS. I)EPr. OF VIRGINIA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, April 2, 186510.20 a. m. Captain OLIVER, City Point: Deserters who left difthrent points~ on the enemys line as late as 2 oclock this morning report no movement or indications of a move along our front. MANNiNG, Lieutenant-Colonel and Prorost-Marshal- General. SPECiAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMIES OF TIlE UNITED STATES, No. 68. In the Field, April 2, 1865. Maj. Gen. G. K. Warren, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the Defenses of City Point and Bermuda Hundred. Gen- eral Warren will assume command without delay. By command of Lieutenant General Grant: E. S. PAliKER, Lieutenant- Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Major-General MEADE, April 2, 186512.35 a. m. Commanding Army of the Potomac: Miles has possession of the White Oak road. I have ordered him to move out it at once and join General Sheridan as rapidly as possible. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, Major- General Page 461 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 461 GENERAL~ GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, April 2,1865. Supt. G. M. H[UNTIN& TON]: You will have a special train ready at 9 a. m. to-morrow to bring the President from City Point to Patricks Station. You will inform me if he leaves at that time, and also notify him wheim the train is ready for him. HUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General, & c. APRIL 9, 1865 10 a. m. Captain l)AvIs, Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the 1~otomac: The Ninth Corps has taken Fort Mahone and the main line almost as far right as the sand-bag battery; also a portion to the left of the fort. Two large fires are now burning in Petersburg and one near the lead- works, as seen from here. I am with General Parke in Fort Rice, and in communication with the whole line. I hope to communicate with you from Petersburg soon. Nicholls is useless where he now is but he may yet be needed there. L. A. DILLINGHA.M, Lieutenant and & gn((l Officer, Ninth Army Corps. (Copy to Lieutenant Fearey, headquarters Sixth Army CorpK) NINTH ARMY Coups, April 2, 18651.30 oclock. Captain DAViS, Signal officer: A column of troops fifteen minutes longjast moved to onr lef ~n road west of the city. Heavy traiim moving on same road and in same direc- tion. The South Side depot in Petersbnrg is bnrned. DILLINGHAM, Lieutenant. WALTHALL, April 2, 18652.15 p. m. Lieiitenaiit DILLINGRAM: The enemy have been moving a train of wagons toward Richmond, on roa(l north, 85 degrees west. They were closely massed and were thirty minutes in passirm g. J. 11. HUMPHREY. APRW 9, 186~ ~.30 p. m. Captain DAVIS, Chief Signal Officer, headquarters Army of the Potomac: The station at headquarters has been in charge of Sergeant Holman, alI(l he was directed to send all reports to you. The Sixth and Second Army Corps are in sight of the army station on the Cox road, and the enemy appears to be falling back toward Petersburg. The repeate Page 460 460 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. WASHINGTON, April 2, 1865. (Received (3.15 p. in~ Col. 0-. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac: The publicatioii ref~red to was made in the National Republicait of this city, the correspondents of which are with you. The matter can be readily investigated, therelbre. by yourself on the spot. JAS. A. HARDLE, Inspector- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1865. General E. I). TOWNSEND: I have no objections to the assignment of Brevet Major-General Barlow to this army. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. WAIL 1)EPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, April 2, 1865. Brevet Major-General BARLOW, U. S. Volunteers, Eutaw House, Baltimore, Md.: The Secretary of War desires to see you here as soon as practicable. Acknowledge receipt. E. D. TOWNSEND. Assistant Adjutant- Genera4 GENERAL GRANTS HEAI)QUARTERS, April 2, 1865. Mr. 0-. M. HUNTINGTON: The lieutenant-general directs that Huinphreys Station be aban- doned, and that Patricks Station be the terminus of the City Point and Army Line Railroad. You will take measures to remove all material from the main line to Patricks Station Humplireys Station to that point. , and to move all supplies from RUFUS INGALLS, Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. GRANTS HEADQUARTERS, [Mr. G. M. HUNTINGTON,] April 2, 1865. ~S~aperintendent Railroad: It is probable I shall direct you to move your force out to-niorrow to put the road in working order through Petersburg. have you bridge material ~ Please report to me by telegraph the amount of rolling stock and employ~s you have at City Point. Our main stations will be at Patricks and Humnphreys until otherwise ordered. We have had sl)lelldid success. R. INGALLS, Brigadier- General, die Page 463 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 463 [Indorsement. I General GRANT: For his information. GEO. G. MEAI)E, Major- G eneral. [APRIL 2. 1865]12.55 a. m. General HUMPHREYS, Corn m anding Second Corps: The major-general commanding takes it for granted that Miles is iiow on the White Oak road. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. APRiL 2, 18651 a. in. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: Yes; General Miles has the White Oak road. I telegraphed at 12.35 a. in. that he had the White Oak road and was ordered to move out it at once and join Sheridan as quickly as possible. A. A. IIITMPHIIEYS, Major- General, Commanding HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April -2, 18651 a. m. General HUMPIIREYS: Uiiless you receive orders to attack sooner, the general coinmaiiding directs that you attack the Crow house battery at 4 a. in. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. APRiL ~ 18651.30 a. m. Major-General HUMPIIREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The order for you to attack the enemy near the Crow house has been suspended. You will 1101(1 yourself in readiness to take advantage of anything that may arise in the operation of the remainder of the army. A. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. - hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18651.10 a. m. General HUMP UREYS: General commanding says be careful of your left. A small body of the enemy may turn your flank. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breeet Major-General and Chief of Staff Page 464 464 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18655.20 a. m. Brevet Major- General WEBB: General Miles has just sent ill an orderly, who states that General Miles with his command has joiiied the cavalry. A. A. HUMPUREYS, Major- General, Commanding. IIEAI)QUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18656.05 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: I have ordered Hays to send out party from his left center to feel the enemy, and Mott a party from opposite this (Raineys) house, and to continually do this and to report at once if they found him weak. Sub- sequently I ordered Hays to assist Ord in his attack by attacking if he possibly can. I being near Motts line can myself give the order there to attack. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18656.20 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: The major-general commanding directs that you exercise your own judgment and gaiti any advantage you can. Wright certainly holds a portion of the enemys lines, and a staff officer reports that the line in front of Fort Rice is carried. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brecet Major- General and Chief of Staff. P. S.Parkc reports it officially. A. S. W. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. April 2, 18656.55 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: General Grant ordered Sheridan to push up the White Oak road at daybreak and to drive everything before him. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of ShifT hEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Cones April 2, 18657 a. m. General WEBB: I have ordered Mott to keep a watch on Sheridans approach and to he prepared to move along with him. A. A. HIIJMPHI{EYS, Major- General Page 465 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 465 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18657.25 a. rn. Brevet Major-General WEBB: The firing here has grown out of McAllister feeling the enemy. Mc- Allister has not yet reported. A. A. HUMPHIIEYS, ]llajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18657.40 a. rn. (Received 7.45 a. in.) General WEBB: General McAllister captured the picket-line of the enemy and still holds it, taking 120 prisoners from Scales and MacRaes brigades. Gen- eral Mott reports that the prisoners state that they came on l)icket at 4 oclock this morning, at which time their brigades were ordered to be moved to their right. The prisoners will soon be here and I will examine them and report. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. [Indorsement.] 7.50 A. N. The above just received from Humphreys, who is ordered to (10 all he can to help Sheridans movement. GEG. (4. MEAI)E. HEADQITARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18658.30 a. m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB Chief of ,~taff: General Hays has just reported to me that he has taken the redoubt of the enemy near the Crow house. He is pushing forward his divis- ion; has captared a number of men; does not say how many, nor does he say whether the enemy occupies the works on the other si(le of the run. I expect more information soon. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. [In(lorsernent.] 8.40 A. M. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Forwarded. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARThRS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18658.45 a. in. General WEBB: General Mott reports the enemy moving their guns out of the work at Burgess Mill and leaving it, moving at double-quick to their right their men and artillery. I have ordered him to take the works. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. 30 R RYOL XLVI~ PT 11 Page 466 466 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18658.50 a. rn. General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The following is received from General Mott: My officer of the day reports that infantry is moving at double-quick to oar left inside the enemys works. The regiment sent out by General McAllister reports the same thing. G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18659 a. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS: Dispatch from Mott, about movement of enemy to left, received. Move with caution till you join Sheridan, as all troops are engaged and I have no supports to send you. You must take care of yourself. GEG. G. MEADE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1865. Major-General HUMPHREYS: The general commanding directs that you accompany the division sent to Miles and return with it when the work laid out shall be accom- plished. The remaining division will report to General Meade tempo- rarily. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18659.03 a. in. General WEBB: General Miles is on the way here, arid is now about two miles from where he staid last Bight. I have sent him word that I will connect with him. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18659.05 a. m. General WEBB: What is the condition of things with the Sixth Army Corps and Ninth? Are the enemy in my front cut off from Petersburg? If they are I will draw Hays to the left to aid in my attack on them. A. A. HUMPHREYS. Yes, you can draw in Hays to the left, I think. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General Page 467 CHAr. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 467 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Coups, April 2, 18651.50 p. m. Major-General WEBB, Chief of Staff: The following from General Miles is forwarded for information of the general commanding: 12.30 P. M. A party from the Third Brigade attacked the enemy and drew the fire from at least a heavy skirmish line, but owing to the difficulty of getting through the abatis they were unable to enter the enemys works. They also drew the tire from the enemys artillery from three different points. Comninnication with the cavalry has been opened down the White Oak road. NELSON A. MILES, Brevet Major-General, Commanding. General Miles received the order to move to Sheridan at 12.55 and issued the order and started at once. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18651.55 p. m. Major-C eneral HUNPUREYS: Lieutenant Stickney, Signal Corps, brings information which shows that Miles needs supporting. You will give him aid, sending a divis- ion if you can spare it. This officer will show the road. This division to return after accomplishing its purpose. By order of General Meade: ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, April 2, 186512.45 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff, Head quarters Army of the Potomac: General Wright is sweeping down toward our right, and his advance is now in full view of Petersburg. The Twenty-fourth Corps is acting in coi~junction with him and have just taken a work after some resist- amice. General Wright has seen nothing of General Humphreys as yet. Respectfully, WILLIAM JAY, Brevet Major and Aide-de-Camp. WHITWORTH HoUSE, April 2, 18652.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff, Head quarters Army of the Potomac: General Humphreys has arrived. He is going into position on Gen- eral Wrights right, between him and the Twenty-fourth Corps. Gen- eral Wrights left rests on the Appomattox, but he has one division on the right of the Twenty-fourth Corps. The enemys interior line is but a short distance in our front, about three-fourths of a mile, or a mile. Respectfully, WILLIAM JAY, Brecet Major and Aide-dc-Camp Page 468 468 N. AND SE. VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. Major-General MEADE, APRIL 2, 18653.30 ~. m. Commanding Army of the Potomac: I found General Sheridan at the Moody house. He informs me that he is convinced from his information that Lees army is retreating rapidly up the Appomattox; that they began evacuating Petersburg last night. He had ordered Miles np the Claiborne road, and advises the movement in that direction of the whole of the Second Corps. He informed me that he had not intended to return the command of Miles division by ordering it to its former position, yet insists upon my taking command of it. He says that the whole Second Corps moving out on the Claiborne road will not jam him. I have not seen General Miles yet, but he is moving out the Claiborne road. There is some skirmishing ahead. No part of the Fifth Corps is following Miles. As General Sheridan had not intended to return the command of Miles division to me I think I had better leave it to him and return to the command of my two divis- ions. Please send me instructions. In the meantime I shall let Miles push on as ordered by General Sheridan. Miles can be brought up in conjunction on the Cox road without jamming if you think it best. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CoRPs, April 2, 18653.50 p. m. Major-General WEBB: The following telegram received a short time ago: HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, A15 p. m. Liect. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assz8tant Adjutant-General: The officer of the day of General McAllisters brigade reports that he hears skir- mishing apparently in the enemys rear. I send it for what it is worth. G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. General Mott was directed to send a reliable officer to ascertain if so, and to feel the enemy there, and if weak to organize a strong attack and make it as soon after 4 oclock as possible. A. A. HUMPIIHEYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18659.35 p. m. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you report for orders to Major-General Sheridan, and that you will cross the river or not as he may direct. A pontoon train is sent to you to be used in case you cross. Please notify Major-General Sheridan of this. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. D. lIUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 469 CHAP. LVflI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 469 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMr CORPS, April 2, 1865. Brevet Captain HOWELL, U. S. Engineers, Army Headquarters: At what time were the men working with you relieved and ordered to the corpsl They are very necessary here, and if they have not yet been sent General Hnmphreys wishes them sent at once. Miles divis- ion men should be directed to White Oak road. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, April 2, 1865. Major-General IIUMPHREYS, Commanding Second Corps: GENERAL: I am across Hatchers iRun and pushing down the Cox road. Please send forward all my ambulances, teams, animunition, & c. I am close behind the enemy, who are flying in perfect disorder. NELSON A. MILES, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1865. Major-General MILES, Commanding Division: General Humphreys is moving down the Cox road to your support with a division. Send out and try and communicate with him. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: If the left of your picket-line makes a right wheel they will connect with the right of mine, which is in the works I held last night between Dabneys and Butlers houses. N. A. MILES, Brevet Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. General MEADE: At the third assault of the enemys position along the South Side Railroad, made at 3.30 a. m. [p. in.], one brigade attacked on their flank and succeeded in completely routing them. Have captured abont 1,000 prisoners, 2 guns, and 2 colors. Am now advancing toward Petersburg along the South Side road with one brigade upon the River road. NELSON A. MILES, Brevet Major- General Page 470 470 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MJ)., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, April 2, i8654.30 p. m. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: My last assault was successful. I struck the enemys left flank and chased hlm out of his breast-works. Those who escaped me ran away toward Mrs. Wells, ou the road which crosses the South Side. I have got about 600 prisoners, 2 guns, and several colors. My line lies across the South Side road, also Sutherlands Post-Office, and I am now advancing toward Petersburg. Have just received a dispatch from General Sheridan, in which he relinquishes command of my divis- ion, althoigh I am quite alone here. I would like to have some one to associate with and so request orders. N. A. MILES, Brevet Major- General. CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS, South Side Railroad, April 2, 18652.40 p. m. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding Division, Second Corps: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Sheridan to inform you that we are now on the South Side Railroad and to hold on, and we will move down on the force opposing you and strike them in the flank. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. W. FORSYTH, Chief of Staff. P. S.We moved up to this point on the Ford road. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, April 2, 1865. Brevet Major-General MILES, Commanding Division, Second Army Corps: GENERAL: I am now advancing on the Ford Church road. The whole cavalry force has crossed Hatchers Run, some miles on my left, and must now be on the railroad. The enemy makes some resistance here at the crossing of Hatchers Run. I told General Humphreys, whom I saw, that I would relinquish command of your division, having receiVed a note from Major-General Meade that General Humphreys was directed to assume command. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General. P. S.We have just crossed Hatchers Run, and are rapidly advanc- ing toward the railroad. APRIL 2, 18659.10 a. in. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Corps: COLONEL: General Hays has captured three of the enemys forts, with three pieces of artillery. I have ordered my artillerymen to ma Page 471 CWAP. LVIII. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 471 the guns. The Twenty-fourth Corps have advanced. General Hays occupies the enemys old works from the redoubt in the direction of Burgess Mill. lie is extending along the line. JNO. G. HAZARD, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Artillery. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 186512.25 a. m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. G. MOTT, Commanding Third Division: General Miles has been ordered to move down the White Oak road at once to General Sheridan. You will draw McAllister and iDe Tro- briand at once into line held by you to-day, and extend De Trobriand in single rank along the line held by Miles to-day as far as possible. Miles will notify iDe Trobriand the moment the brigade connecting with De Trobriand begins to draw off. Miles pickets and yours will remain as they now are until just before daylight, when they will both withdraw to the picket-line they held to-day. You will then hold all your command ready for the results of the assault at 4 this morning. By command of Major-General llumphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 186512.50 a. m. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, second Army Corps: COLONEL: General IDe Trobriand sent three regiments to the front of his line. They drove in the enemys pickets and advanced into his slashing, which they found very heavy; found the works manned and received fire from them. Very respectfully, G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18651.40 a. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: The order for the assault upon the battery near Crows house at 4 this a. m. has been suspended. You will keep your troops in readiness to take advantage of anything that may arise on the other parts of the line. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 472 [CHAP. LVHI. 472 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. HEKDQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18653.30 a. m. (Received 4.10 a. in.) Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division,: Send out a reliable officer to ascertaiii positively if skirmishing in the enemys rear be heard, and if heard feel the enemy there, and if weak organize a strong attack to take effect as sooii after 4 oclock as possible. A. A. HUMPHIREYS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18654.45 a. m. Brevet Major-General MoTT: General Hays has been directed to take a brigade out of his line and place it in rear of your right. The commanding officer of the brigade will report to you, and if necessary you will use it. In case General Hays should be heavily pressed as a last resort he may order the bri- gade as he pleases. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. As soon as daylight my headquarters will be at Raineys house. HEAI)QUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS April 2, 1865. General MOTT: You will please move the brigade of the Second Division, which has or will report to you, to McAllisters left, where it will be better posted than anywhere else for support. Notify General Hays that you have taken it away. Bring the brigade across concealed if it should be day- light before it moves. By command of Major-General Humplireys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18655.40 a. m. General MOTT: General Humphreys wishes you to send out a small force at about the left of McAllister to feel the enemy and try to give him the impres- sion that we are about to attack him. Keep this up. General Hays has been ordered to send out in front of his left a party for the same purpose. Report at once if you find the enemy weak. By command of Major-General Hnmphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 473 CHAP. LVlII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 473 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18656 a. m. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Third Division: I send you a dispatch from General Grant Send out a small force near the picket-line at the nearest point to the White Oak road to watch the approach of Sheridan along that road and be prepared to move forward with him with J)e Trobriand and McAllister. MajorLiver- more will show you where to place the small party, which is merely to give information. By command of Major-General Hnrnphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18656.50 a. m. Brevet Major-General MoTT, Commanding Third Division: Please have it announced to your troops that Wright holds a por-. tion of the enemys hue and that General Parke reports officially that the line in front of Fort iRice has beeu carried. CHAS. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 186~~ General MOTT: General Humphreys has ordered De Trobriand to move out. He will connect with you. C. A. WHITTIER, Assi~tant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, April 2, 18657.45 a. m. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLOINEL: General McAllister attacked the enemy and captared his picket-line with 124 prisoners, among whom are four officers. They are from MacRaes and Scales brigades. Prisoners say that they caine on picket at 4 oclock this morning and that Scales brigade moved up to their right this morning. Respectfully, G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18658.30 a. m. Lieut. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: My officer of the day reports that infantry is moving at double-quick to our left inside the enemys works. G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General Page 474 474 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CwAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, General MOTT, April 2, 18658.40 a. rn. Commanding Third Division: The general commanding directs that you move the regiment of Second Division, in reserve, immediately down to the center of De Trobriand. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18658.45 a. m. General MOTT: General llumphreys thinks that McAllister had better try to find out whether the enemy are evacuating the works in his front. (5. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, April 2, 1865. General MOTT: Instead of moving to the left as before ordered move up by the Boydton plank road toward Petersbnrg and connect with Wright. By command of Major-General Hnmphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 186511.25 a. rn. Lient. Col. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Army Corps: COLONEL: I am now going into position on the left of General Wright. My right will rest near the Sully house. Very respectfully, G. MOTT, Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. Brevet Major-General MOTT, Commanding Third Division: Yoa will report to General Wright with your division, remaining with him until further orders. By command of Major-General Humphreys: C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 475 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 475 ORDERS.] TIEADQIJARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, April 2, 18651.20 a. rn. The following changes in the disposition of troops are ordered: Brigadier-General Pierce will close up his brigade till it occupies the same line as yesterday. Brevet Brigadier-General McAllister will withdraw his command to the same line that he held yesterday. Brigadier-General De Trobriand will place his brigade in single rank in the line held by General Miles division yesterday, his right con- necting with General McAllisters left where General Miles division did during the day yesterday. General Miles will notify General De Trobriand the moment when the brigade connecting with him begins to draw off. General De Tro- briand will then withdraw to the position indicated, and notify General McAllister when he begins to move. General Pierce will not move until General McAllister notifies him that he is ready to close up to him. The pickets of this division and of General Miles will remain as they now are until just before daylight, when they will both withdraw to the picket-line they held yesterday~ Lieutenant-Colonel Gifford, division officer of the day, will attend to the pickets of this division. The command will then be held ready for the resnlts of the assault at 4 this morning. By command of Brevet Major-General Mott: WM. R. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION SECOND ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. Brig. Gen. R. DE TROBRIAND, Commandiiig First Brigade: GENERAL: The brevet major-general commanding directs that you perfect your line of works as mach as possible to-night, and that due vigilance be exercised. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. iR. DRIVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. (same to Bvt. Brig. Gen. R. McAllister, commanding Third Brigade.) PICKET-LINE, SECOND BRIGADE, April 2, 1865. Brigadier-General PIERCE: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that a considerable force of the enemy is moving toward their right (our left). I cannot give a cor- rect estimate of the number, probably one division. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant. E. C. STROUSS, Captain, Fifty-seventh Peunsyl ~ania Veteran Volunteers, In charge of the Second Brigade Pickets Page 476 476 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 186510.30 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER FIFTH CoRps: I have ordered your supply train to junction of Quaker and Boydton roads, where you will have to protect it, as my headquarters troops are required to guard prisoners. GEG. G. MEADE, Major- General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18651 a. m. Division commanders are directed to have their commands in readi- ness to move at daybreak. By command of Brevet Major-General Griffin: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. Rations will be issued to the troops on the 3d instant so as to make four days on the persons of the men from the morning of the 4th instant. The wagons, as soon as emptied, will be sent back to Hum- phreys Station to be replenished. The corps train has been ordered up to this point. By command of Brevet Major-General Griffin: FRED. T. LOCKE, Brevet Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 186511 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN: GENERAL: General Crawford reports two divisions of infantry and one division of cavalry in his front. He advanced his skirmish line and developed the enemys position. He took S prisoners and had from 20 to 25 men wounded. General Crawford is of the opinion that the enemy is too strong for him to attack. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. GRIFFIN, Brevet Major- General. CAVALRY HEADQ UARTERS, Major-General BARTLETT: April 2, 1865. GENERAL: I am instructed to inform you that this morning Generals Parke and Wright carried the enemys works in front of Petersburg. General Grant writes that he thinks nothing now necessary to finish the job but the approach of Sheridans force from the west. Genera Page 477 CHAP. LVIH.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 477 Sheridan desires that you communicate this information to your com- mand. This is not intended to affect your movements till you receive orders to move. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. KELLOGG, Lieutenant- Colonel and Commissary of Subsistence. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18651.20 p. rn. Brevet Major-General CRAWFORD: The general commanding directs me to say that you will have to pro- tect your own flanks. There is cavalry on both flanks, but it is a mile or two out. I am, very respectfully, & c., FRED. T. LOCKE, Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to General Ayres.) CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. SECOND DIvISIoN, FIFTH CORPS, April 2, 18651.30 a. m. Brigade commanders are directed to have their commands in readi- ness to move at daybreak. By command of Brevet Major-General Ayrcs: W. W. SWAN, Brecet Major, U. S. Army, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 186512.25 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: The orders of the lieutenant-general are for you to attack as soon as possible. The orders from General Meade are written in that spirit, and you are urged to make your attack as soon as you can do so with any hope of success. Of course the order is, attack when in your judgment there is a chance of success, and as soon as possible. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 1 [2], 18651.30 a. m. General WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: You will attack the enemys line at 4 a. in. to-day. All orders con- flicting with this are suspended. By order of General Meade: ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. (Same to General Parke, commanding Ninth Corps.) Page 478 478 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18655.15 [a. in.] Major-General WEBB: The corps has carried the works in front and to the left of the Jones house. Prisoners are now coming in. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WRIGHT, April 2, 18655.30 a. rn. Commanding Sixth Corps: Your dispatch has been received. The Inajor-genelal cong2atlllates you and the troops in your command. Major-General Parke has been ordered to support with his reserve if he is not now using them. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staf. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WRIGHT, April 2, 1865--6.15 a. m. Commanding Sixth Corps: General Parke has been instructed to hold all he has taken and to cover his men. Since he cannot advance, and since General Ord has not taken any of the line in his front, the general commanding directs me to tell you to make yourself as strong in your position as possible, and hold all you now have. Report your position as exactly as possible. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. (Not sent; wire down.) HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18656.25 a. m. Major-General WRIGHT: General Parke reports that he carried the works in front of Fort Sedgwick. Found works in rear. Will try and carry them. Cant you help him in reducing these works ~? ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Statf. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18659 a. rn. Major-General WRIGHT: Since the enemy has been driven out by Ord and Humphreys the general commanding is confident that you will be attacked by their troops now concentrating against you. We will 1 after them rapidly. ,, ~owever, push up ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of Staff. Page 479 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 479 HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. General WEBB: Your dispatch of 9 a. in. received. I have shown it to General Grant, and he thinks with me that there is no danger of an attack. I have returned to the point where we broke through this morning. Have sent a brigade to support General Parkes left, and will move immediately against Petersburg with the rest of the force. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS S1XTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18659 a. m. Major-General WEBB, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: I am holding my old line from Fort Howard to Fort Welch. it seems to me that if I continue to advance I should bring in the garrisons and picket-line and send the artillery to City Point; and is there any objec- tion to bringing my trains up here? II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. (Received 9.15 a. in.) Major-General WEBB: We have swept along the enemys line for considerable distance. Am now halting to reform our lines and await support. We have captured 1,000 prisoners and a great many guns. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. Major-General WEBB: I have succeeded perfectly so far. I have captured many guns and flags, and I think from 2,000 to 3,000 prisoners. We are miow about a mile from Hatchers Run, having moved to our left, down enemys works from the front where we attacked. I must be re-enforced or I shall lose all that I have gained. My rear also should be looked after, as I only left a brigade where I broke through. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, April 2, 18659.40 a. in. Major-General WRIGHT: General Grant has ordered General Ord to cover your left and assist you. Our troops are accumulated on the left and are moving up the Boydton road. Lookout for your right and rear. GEG. G. MEADE Page 480 480 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 1865. General WRIG-HT: Can you spare a division from your command to support Parke? You now have a division of Second Corps. ALEX. S. WEBB Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staft HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, Major-General WEBB, April 2, 18651.45 p. m. Chief of Staff: What shall I do with the nineteen guns captured by this corps to-day? They are now in Fort Welch, but I have no horses with which to (Iraw them away. The provost-marshal reports 2,600 prisoners. II. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18655.25 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT: General Meade directs that you withdraw your troops from your old line and either send your artillery to the rear or put it on your new line, as in your judgment you may think best. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Stafl~. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General WRIGHT, April 2, 18658.30 p. rn. Commanding Sixth Corps: The commanding general directs that you place all your artillery in position and open with your guns upon the enemy at 5 a. m. to-morrow. In case you should discover on his part any intention to evacuate his position, or any evidence of weakness, you will follow this bombard- ment by an assault on his lines. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. D. ItUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to General Parke.) HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Port Rice, April 2, 186511.45 a. m. (Received 1.50 p. in.) Major-General WRIGHT: I have as much as I can do to take care of my line. We hold Fort Mahone and a long stretch of the enemys line to our right with twelve guns and several hundred prisoners. The enemy are pressing our left, having apparently massed there, and have been placing fresh artiller Page 481 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 481 there. All my troops are in, exccl)t two brigades holding Wilicoxs front. I do not see how I can possibly look after your rear. Signal officers report rebel infantry moving into Petersburg from across the Appom attox. JiNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NiNTh ARMY CORPS, Fort Rice, April 2, 1865. Major-General WRIGHT, Sixth Corps: The enemy have made a heavy assault on the left of my advance. We still hold our ground, but are seriously threatened. We hope to hold our own, but I fear the enemy may possibly turn oar left and get between you and me. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18651.50 p. rn. Major-General PARKE: Since the date of your dispatch, which is just leceived, I have sent you one division an(l one brigade, and I learn that a colored division from General ~ command has been sent to yon, which will probably make your line secure. Ii. G. WRIGHT, ]lliajor- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 1865. The troops now remaining on the old line of this corps, including the garrisons of tIme forts, the one-tenth of the forces required to hold the rifle-pits oim the picket-line, will be withdrawn, under direction of Col. 0. H. Binkley, One hundred and tenth Ohio Volunteers, corps officer of the day. If any part of the picket-line covers a portion of the Ninth Corps front that part will not be withdrawn until relieved by troops from that corps. All the batteries of the corps now in the works, with the exceptioim of one rifled battery, to be selected by the chief of artil- lery, will proceed to City Point, reporting to time chief of artillery at that place. The batteries will take with themn the captured guns now in Fort Welch. The troops to be withdrawn from the forts, & c., will form a guard to any trains that may be on their way to the corps. They should not, however, be withdrawn until the batteries have left for City Point. By command of Major-General Wright: C. H. WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY Coups, April 2, 1865. The troops will be under aims at 4 a. inn. to-umorrow; the artillery will open upon the enemy at 5 a. mu. The guns will be put in position and 31 R RYOL XLVI, PT II Page 482 482 N. AND SE. VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. LVJJI. intrenched to-night; those with divisions under the direction of divis- ion commanders, the others tinder direction of chief of artillery. The command will be held in readiness to assault the enemys works in case he should be found to be evacuating or show signs of weakness. By command of Major-General Wright: R F. HALSTED, Captain and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRps, April 2, 186512.20 a. in. (Received 12.40 a. in.) Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: The chief of artillery reports that the enemy reply to our artillery fire as usual. JNO. G. PARKE, lJft{jor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, General PARKE, April 2, 186512.45 a. m. Ninth Corps: What about your skirmishers? What about your columns of assault? ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18651.15 a. m. Brevet Major-General WEBB, Chief of Stafl~: The enemy reply to our artillery with all their batteries, and the skirmishers develop an infantry force still in our front. I fear that unless we find a weak place the attack ordered at 4 wiLl not be attended with success. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. General WEBB: General Parke is at the Avery house. He had not received your telegram. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, April 2, 18651.30 a. rn. Head qnarters Army of the Potomac: My skirmishers have as yet found no weak place for an assault to-night. If found columns will be pushed in. No change in their infantry or artillery lia~ been developed. I fear the demonstration will render an assault at 4 oclock abortive. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General Page 483 CHAP. LVIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 483 HE ADQUARTERS NINTH Aiilwv Co RI~ 5, April 2, 18651.45 a. m. Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of AStaff: Our only hope of success in the assault ordered at 4 oclock was in a surprise. That is now entirely lost. Does the major-general command- ing intend that under these circumstances the assault shall be mnadel My previous dispatches show that the enemy is still in our front. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Avery House, April 2, 18651.50 a. m. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of A~tafJ: 1 have just received the dispatch of 1.30 a. iii., ordering the attack at 4 a. m.* JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18652.55 a. m. Major-General PARKE: Your dispatches of 1.15, 1.30, and 1.45 a. 111. were received and referred to the lieutenant-general who ordered this attack. No answer. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet MajQr- General and Chief of Stafl~. [APRIL 2, 1865.For Parke to Webb, 5.55 a. in., reporting capture of lines opposite Fort Sedgwick, see ~. 453.] HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Fort Rice, April 2, 18656.50 a. m. Byt. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Staff: We have captured 2 redans, 2 forts, and 12 gmis, but the enemy hold works in the rear. We cannot spare troops for General Wright. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18656.57 a. m. Major-General PARKE: Major-General Meade is pleased to hear of your success. He does not wish you to send troops to Wright when you are so successful on your owu front. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of Staff. See Webb to Wright and Parke, 1.30 a. in., p. 477 Page 484 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. LVIII. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18657.2G a. m. Major-General PARKE: General Meade sends for your information the following from the lientenant-geiieral: As I understand. it, Parke is attacking the main line of works around Petersburg, whilst the others are only attacking an outer line, which the enemy might give up without giving up Petersburg. Parke should either advance rapidly or cover his men and hold all he gets. ALEX. S. WEBB, Brevet Major- General and Chief of staff. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18G57.34 a. m. Byt. Maj. Gemi. A. S. WEBB, Chief of i~taft: We still hold the enemys line in front of Sedgwick. Wilcox took a part of the line on river-bank, but has been forced out. Our artillery people are using enemys guns, sending forward ammunition. I regret to report General Potter wounded, said to be mortal. Generals Hart- rauft and Griffin are of the opinion they can hold the line gained, but fear they cannot advance. If possible we will (10 50, but fear not. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 2, 18657. 40 a. in. Major-General PARKE: General commanding directs that you hold on to all you have got and not to advance unless you see your way clear. ALEX. S. WEBB, Breret Major- General and Chief of Stafi. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, April 2, 18657.55 a. in. Bvt. Maj. Geti. A. S. WEBB, Chief of Stafi: I have just received yours of 7.26. My inca are covering themselves and I think we can hold all we have captured. There are indications of an attempt to retake the line. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General~ HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Port Rice, April 2, 186511.45 a. in. Maj. Gen. A. S. WEBB, Army of the Potomac: We hold all the line taken by us, but all my troops are in, except Will