Today in History:

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

Page 363 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE,ETC.-UNION.

to-day. In the morning you will swing your bridge, take up the abutments, and have everything ready to tow to this place in the way that was attempted last night - that is, the whole bridge laid in one raft. The stern boats will be provided with oars and oarsmen to steer. A tug will report to you at 8 a.m.

By order of Brigadier General H. W. Benham:

CHANNING CLAPP,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 1864-11.30 a.m.

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

According to statement of deserters the troops of the enemy in their intrenchments in front of use are Johnson's division, of Beauregard's corps, one brigade of Hoke's division, and two brigades of Heth's division. The remainder are in front of Warren, namely, three brigades of Hoke's division, two brigades of Heth's division, and all of Mahone's division.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

(Same to Major-General Ord.)


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 1864-12 m.

Major-General HANCOCK,
Commanding Second Corps:

With the enemy's intrenchments held with as thin a line as he now hold's it, Mott's division need only hold the front line of works thinly and the large redoubt on the plank road, so as to leave every man possible available for the left. The commanding general thinks that in the present almost impassable condition of the roads it is advisable not to take your artillery beyond the plank road.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

P. S.-General Ord will send from 500 to 800 men to relieve that many of Mott's. Please give directions accordingly, and let Mott communicate to General Ord where the troops can best get into the intrenchments.

A. A. H.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 21, 1864-11.20 p.m.

Major-General HANCOCK,
Gurley House:

I am instructed to say that circumstances may render it necessary to assume the offensive to-morrow, and the commanding general desires you to be prepared at an early of the morning.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

(Same to General Warren.)


Page 363 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE,ETC.-UNION.