Today in History:

326 Series I Volume XLVI-III Serial 97 - Appomattox Campaign Part III

Page 326 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter 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 here-Brooks'. 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 impediments to the march.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. MERRITT,

Brevet Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
March 30, 1865.

Brigadier-General FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The reconnaissance on the Five Forks road reports meeting about two squadrons of enemy at a point about two miles from. J. boisseau's forks of the road. A reconnaissance which went from Brooks' forks of the road, on road toward infantry left, met the enemy two miles out. This party moved out to a point about amile 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 Baisseau's 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, 1865-12.30 [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 musketry became general. Our loss is reported at 9 killed and about 40 wounded. Enemy's loss unknown. Both sides appear to have been somewhat stampeded.

T. S. BOWERS.


Page 326 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LVIII.