Today in History:

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

Page 769 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 15, 1865-2.15 a. m.

Brevet Major-General BARNES,

Point Lookout, Md.:

Stop all vessels going down the river and hold all persons on them till further orders. An attempt has been made to-night to assassinate the President and Secretary of State. Hold all persons leaving Washington.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

POINT LOOKOUT, April 15, 1865. (Received 11.20 a. m.)

Major-General HALLECK:

Your dispatch was received and communicated at once to the gunboats, and the river and bay are closely watched. The District of Saint Mary's is being thoroughly patrolled by mounted men.

JAS. BARNES,

Brigadier-General.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., April 15, 1865.

Brigadier-General BARNES,
Commanding at Point Lookout:

The President of the United States has been assassinated. Arrest every person found moving within your district who cannot account for himself.

By command of Major-General Augur:

J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General.

POINT LOOKOUT, April 15, 1865. (Received 8.15 a. m.)

Major-General AUGUR:

The following dispatch is just received from the scouting party in the district.

I sent Lieutenant Davis with scouting party to-day and ascertained that a party of well-armed rebel soldiers were seen on Wednesday evening, 12th instant, between Newport and Crookshanks' Store, eighteen miles form Leonardtown, twenty-seven privates and three officers. The only definite information is that they started in the direction and three officers. The only definite information is that they started in the direction of the Patuxent River. The supposition is that they have a design to capture a Chesapeake Bay steamer. There is no doubt but that there are armed bands in the district. I will be on the alert and do all I can with the forces at my disposal. Captain Buckley left with an escort in the direction of the Government farms.

S. G. WILLAUER,

Captain, Commanding.

J. BARNES,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

49 R R-VOL XLVI, PT II


Page 769 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.