Today in History:

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

Page 490 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LVIII.

house.) The road I am on is not indicated on the map. It leads by Seymour's and Miss Boisseau's. Mackenzie should feel up well this way.

W. MERRITT,

Brevet Major-General.

APRIL 2, 1865.

Brigadier-General FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have sent a force to Ford's Station (between here and Lynchburg), and will advance along the railroad toward Ford's road, where the Fifth Corps is going in. I am destroying the railroad from Ford's Station up toward Petersburg (Ford's Station, marked "A. Ford's on map, and depot is four miles toward Burkeville). I have ordered Custer to push to his front from Seymour's house and strike the railroad. Gregg has not come up yet. Will push him in with Custer. Look out for my force on your left. I will come up there if I can.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. MERRITT,

Brevet Major-General.

APRIL 2, 1865.

Brigadier-General FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: We are on the railroad and have commenced tearing it up. The enemy threatened us from the right flank. I will work as long as possible and retire, of forced, by Dinwiddie Court-House. We have seen nothing but cavalry yet. The information you send in note to Newhall corresponds with what I have. Mackenzie should be pushed this way.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. MERRITT,

Brevet Major-General.

APRIL 2, 1865.

Brigadier-General FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I wrote in my note, just dispatched, that if forced I shall go from Pool's house, on railroad, to White Oak road, and if General Custer can hold fast will go down White Oak, otherwise go to Dinwiddie. We are all right and will give them fits. General Custer, with two brigades, is at Seymour's house. One of his brigades is here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. MERRITT,

Brevet Major-General.

APRIL 2, 1865.

Brigadier-General FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I suppose your staff officers with me reported all of interest. A strong force was developed in our front near the forks of the road at Doctor Brandon's house. It became too dark to fight it to advantage. Wise's brigade and Hunton's, of Pickett's division, which


Page 490 N. AND SE. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LVIII.