Today in History:

690 Series I Volume XXXIII- Serial 60 - New Berne

Page 690 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XLV.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
March 18, 1864-2. 30 p. m.

Major-General NEWTON:

The commanding general directs that you at once place your command under arms and hold it prepared to move at a moment's notice.

It is reported that the enemy is crossing at Raccoon Ford.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Copy to Generals Warren, French, and Sedgwick.)


HEADQUARTERS, March 18, 1864-5. p. m.

Major General J. NEWTON, Commanding First Army Corps:

The report that the enemy was crossing the river at noon to-day does not appear to have been well founded. I am therefore directed by the commanding general to say that the instructions requiring you to hold your command in readiness to move at short notice with three days' rations may be regarded as revoked.

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Copy to Generals Warren, French, and Sedgwick.)

GARNETT'S March 18, 1864.

General NEWTON:

Enemy's camp smokes much heavier than usual. Can see nothing beyond their pickets.

CAMP.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
March 18, 1864-1 p. m.

Brigadier-General WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

Colonel Smyth, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, of this corps, advanced at Stony Mountain, reports that he is informed by the cavalry on his front that the enemy have crossed with cavalry at Raccoon Ford, and that their infantry appears to be preparing to cross, and that skirmishing has taken place. Colonel Smyth's brigade is under arms.

F. A. WALKER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HDQRS. 2nd Brigadier, 3rd DIV., 2nd ARMY CORPS,
March 18, 1864.

Captain GEORGE P. CORTS,

Asst. Adjt. General, Third Division, second Army Corps:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that a few rebel cavalry and infantry made their appearance to-day on this side of the of the Rapidan River, on the right of my lines, between Morton's Ford and Raccoon Ford, but have now retired. I don't think it will amount to anything.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. A. SMYTH,

Colonel First Delaware Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.


Page 690 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XLV.