Today in History:

305 Series I Volume XLIX-II Serial 104 - Mobile Bay Campaign Part II

Page 305 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.


HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 9, 1865.

Major-General STEELE:

Our operator was directed at 3 o'clock this morning to telegraph you the news of the capture of Spanish Fort, but he found it impossible to wake him up. The result is the capture of some 15 to 20 guns and 1,600 to 2,000 prisoners. We leave a brigade in the fort for the present; with the balance were are coming up to join you.

E. R. C. CANBY,
Major-General, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY, April 9, 1865.

Major-General STEELE:

All the troops here but one brigade are ready to march to Blakely. One battery of 30-pounders and one of 20-pounders will be sent over to your lines, besides a six-gun battery of 20-pounders, which is now leaving to be placed in the newly erected battery on the Bay Minette near the left of Garrard's line. Please inform General Garrard of it, and order him to send at once a working party of at least 200 men to clear the road to the position and assist to put the guns in it.

P. J. OSTERHAUS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.


HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 9, 1865.

General STEELE:

General Canby says thanks, and God bless you and your brave men and the good cause for which we fight.

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Copy to General Veatch.)


HDQRS. ARMY AND DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, April 9, 1865.

Major General F. STEELE:

An officer has been sent to General Lucas instructing him to set his cavalry, excepting Spurling's command, at once in motion toward Claiborne, and to report himself in person at these headquarters. Fort safety's sake the commanding general desires that these orders be communicated through you also.

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

GENERAL STEELE'S HEADQUARTERS, April 9, 1865.

Captain EATON:

6.45 a. m.-Very busy; our battery engaged with the enemy's four right batteries; good firing.

7.15 a. m.-Our firing very fine, shots striking exactly in enemy's works and in their embrasures. The enemy's Numbers 2 and 3 batteries on

20 R R-VOL XLIX, PT II


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