Today in History:

156 Series I Volume XL-I Serial 80 - Richmond, Petersburg Part I

Page 156 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N.C. Chapter LII.

able force ready for prompt movement. The guard left with trains should be merely sufficient to protect them against any small irregular parties of the enemy. The dismounted men should form this guard. Please report your location as soon as established.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. A. HUMPHREYS.

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

P. S.-The patrols and pickets on the north side of the Blackwater should be reduced to the minimum consistent with watching the main avenues of approach.

52.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

July 29, 1864-2.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General WILSON,
Commanding Cavalry Division, Jordan's Point;

The commanding general considers that not more than one regiment should remain north of the Blackwater, and that be so posted as to be brought in rapidly to-morrow morning.

A. A. HUMPHREYS.

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

53.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

July 29, 1864-3.15 p.m.

Brigadier-General WILSON.

Commanding Third Division, Cavalry Corps:

GENERAL: Major-General Sheridan is ordered to move at dark to Lee's Mill, and at daylight against the enemy's troops, defending Petersburg on their right by the roads leading to that town from the southward and westward. Your division will accompany him, and the commanding general directs that you be prepared to call in your patrols and pickets early to-morrow morning and move with the Cavalry Corps. You will send a staff officer to meet General Sheridan and receive his instructions.

A. A. HUMPHREYS.

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

54.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

July 29, 1864-3 p.m.

Brigadier-General WHITE,
Commanding Temporarily Division Ninth Corps:

The major-general commanding directs that as soon as it is dark you withdraw your command from the intrenchments you are now holding and move to the position of the Ninth Corps, and report to your corps commander. You will call in your pickets upon moving. You will at once report to Major-General Burnside, and receive his instructions as to the route you will take.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.


Page 156 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N.C. Chapter LII.