Today in History:

671 Series I Volume XLVI-II Serial 96 - Appomattox Campaign Part II

Page 671 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 24, 1865.

(Received 6.10 p. m.)

COMMANDING GENERAL ARMY OF THE POTOMAC:

Furlough all New Hampshire soldiers who will not be fit for duty within fifteen days, to enable them to be in New Hampshire on the 14th of March, with free transportation to and from their homes in New Hampshire.

By order of the Secretary of War:

SAML. BRECK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to General Ord.)

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 24, 1865.

(Received 9.25 p. m.)

COMMANDING OFFICER ARMY OF THE POTOMAC:

The telegram of to-day directing furloughs to be granted to New Hampshire soldiers should have read: Soldiers in hospitals. Acknowledge receipt.

By order of the Secretary of War:

SAML. BRECK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to General Ord.)

FEBRUARY 24, 1865.

Major General GEORGE G. MEADE,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

Deserters from Wallace's Ransom's and Gracie's brigades have just been examined. They report that orders have been issued for all surplus baggage to be sent to the rear or disposed of, hospitals to be struck, and sick sent away. A captain told one of his men that the men must be in very light order, so that they will not encumber the train. Batteries are moved away from their fronts, and light pieces placed in their stead. In one battery where there were five guns are small pieces now put in to replace them; this on Wallace's front. The tobacco and cotton were being moved to the depot of South Side Railroad.

PH. SCHUYLER.


HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT,
February 24, 1865.

Lieutenant DILLINGHAM,

Ninth Corps:

Deserters report the enemy sending their hospitals, surplus stuff, heavy guns, &c., to the rear. Please instruct your stations to keep a sharp lookout for any indications of this, and to keep a night watch for what they may see or hear. Instruct the Walthall station to watch closely the Richmond railroad and the point on the Richmond pike bearing north 50 degrees west, seen that station.

CHAS. L. DAVIS,

Captain, &c.


Page 671 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.