Today in History:

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

Page 420 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XXXVII.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 5, 1863.

Major-General SEDGWICK:

The major-general commanding desires to know if you inflicted any serious damage upon the enemy; if so, what?

BUTTERFIELD.


HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS,
May 5, 1863 - 7.30 a. m.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

It is impossible to estimate the enemy's loss. He suffered very heavily in killed and wounded. We took several hundred prisoners, some of whom escaped during our night march to the river.

JOHN SEDGWICK,

Major-General.

NEAR CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA.,

May 5, 1863 - 2.30 p. m.

Major-General SEDGWICK:

The commanding general directs me to day that you are charged with the duty of guarding the river. General Gibbon's command is temporarily placed at your disposal for this purpose. The probabilities now are that the forces on the south bank will retire to night. You will make dispositions accordingly. General Hunt has placed artillery in position, and will send an officer or report in person to you concerning it.

Very respectfully, &c.,

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major General, Chief of Staff.

MAY 5, 1863 - 8.45 a. m.

Major-General REYNOLDS:

The commanding general directs you to send a most reliable regiment (good shots), with a battery, to Richards' Ford, axmen with them, to fell trees, and make every possible obstacle to the passage of troops on our flank; to move quickly. The regiment and battery must intrench themselves, and be instructed (conficentally) to fight to the death in case the enemy approach there. Let them have good supply of rations and ammunition by pack train. I inclose a copy of dispatch to General Pleasonton, who will move to the right of Richards' Ford, as soon as he can, from Falmouth.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

[Inclosure.]


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 5, 1863 - 8.45 a. m.

Brigadier-General PLEASONTON:

The general directs you to send a brigade of cavalry and a horse battery to guard our right, above Richards' Ford. Take intrenching tools with them. General Reynolds will be directed to send a regiment of


Page 420 N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XXXVII.