Today in History:

196 Series I Volume XLII-II Serial 88 - Richmond-Fort Fisher Part II

Page 196 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.

Gary's brigade (cavalry) is also there. Refugees left Richmond Saturday evening, and say that infantry and cavalry went to Early Thursday and Friday nights last. This is certain, and I think the infantry was Willcox's division or a part of it, though one heard General Heth's name mentioned. The prisoners taken by the Tenth Corps (seven) are also from Field's division.

SHARPE,

Colonel.

SIGNAL STATION AT RICKETTS' BATTERY,

August 15, 1864-10 a. m.

Captain TAYLOR,

Signal Officer;

The enemy have been shelling our skirmish line on this front. A column of about 300 of the enemy's infantry have just passed behind their intrenchments moving to the right (our right) entering the woods and preventing further observation. Another line of about 200 have moved up from the left and are now lying behind their works.

NEEL,

Signal Officer.

STATION NEAR GIBBON'S HOUSE,

August 15, 1864-3.30 p. m.

Major B. F. FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

About 1,500 infantry moved into town from the southwest about 2.45 this p. m., accompanied by two wagons. Owing to fog over the city could not trace them out. There was some dust seen afterward in streets, but the air was took thick for observation.

A. C. JORDAN.

JORDAN'S HOUSE STATION,

August 15, 1864-5 p. m.

Major B. F. FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

All quiet on this front. The battery reported August 6 to be in rear of Whitehead's is not visible to-day. I send the following rebel message from 114:

Colonel BRENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

One large full regiment of ten companies drilling in open space to our left of Cobb's. One gun-boat above pontoon and one of Point of Rocks. There is no camp in open space to our left of Cobb's; there is not a tent visible. The shelter erected lately for horses is in a dilapidated condition.

ROONEY,

Sergeant.

T. R. CLARK,

Signal Officer.


Page 196 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.