Today in History:

368 Series I Volume XXV-II Serial 40 - Chancellorsville Part II

Page 368 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XXXVII.

F SIGNAL STATION, May 2, 1863-6 p.m.

General GIBBON:

There are fifteen guns in position in rear of Fredericksburg. One or two regiments occupy the rifle-pits on Marye's Heights. Sedgwick is advancing and driving the enemy.

A new battery is just being put in position in rear of the Howison house.

JAS. S. HALL,

Captain and Signal Officer.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863-8.25 p.m.

Brigadier-General GIBBON:

Everything working well. Sickles is in the enemy's trains. Sedgwick is pursuing here. Be ready to spring with your will supplies whenever you receive the order. Expect it at any moment.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863.

Brigadier-General GIBBON:

Your command must cross the river to Fredericksburg to-night. Pontoon bridge now at the Lacy house. Get under way soon. General

Sedgwick is ordered to move through Fredericksburg toward Chancellorsville. Look out you do not come in contact with him. You must see to the laying of the bridges.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, May 2, 1863-10.45 p.m.

General BUTTERFIELD:

Is there a bridge at hand that I can make use of, or am I expected to cross at the ford at Falmouth?

JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 2, 1863.

Major-General REYNOLDS:

In regard to your line of march, the general indicated no route.* Under present circumstances the shortest line would seem to be the one, but you must consider whether the fire your troops would receive from the enemy's artillery while passing along the River road, the guns of the enemy in position, &c., would make it proper for you to diverge for a

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*See Butterfield to Sedgwick, 5 a.m., p.361.

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Page 368 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XXXVII.