Today in History:

667 Series I Volume XXXIV-III Serial 63 - Red River Campaign Part III

Page 667 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Simsport, May 19, 1864.

Brigadier General FITZ HENRY WARREN,
Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs your to at once detail Brigadier-General Cameron, with 3 officers with the rank of colonel, to assist in and hurry the crossing of the army. They will remain on this duty till the whole army is crossed. Captain Sawtelle, assistant quartermaster on the steam-boat Metropolitan, will give them the necessary information and assistance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. S. SARGENT,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SIMSPORT, May 19, 1864.

Brigadier General W. H. EMORY,

Commanding Nineteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you do not cross any more of your troops until the wagon train is entirely over. He directs also that your command be held in constant readiness to move to General Smith's support in case the emergency should arise.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. DRAKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Simpsort, May 19, 1864.

Brigadier General RICHARD ARNOLD,
Commanding Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: The commanding general desires you to at once send Captain Bunker, Third Massachusetts Cavalry, with 30 well-mounted men, down on this side of the Atchafalaya to a point about 30 miles from here, where the enemy are reported to be crossing artillery. Captain Bunker will make every effort to find out the intentions of the enemy and will return as soon as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. S. SARGENT,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Near Simsport, La., May 19, 1864.

Major GEORGE B. DRAKE,

Asst. Adjt. General, Department of the Gulf:

MAJOR: I received after sunrise this morning your letter of instruction in regard to flank and rear movement on the enemy, but am in doubt whether you desire it made at his late hour, the tenor of your letter showing necessity for communication and thorough understanding with General Lawler, commanding infantry, during the night, that the movement might be executed at an early hour in


Page 667 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.