Today in History:

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

Page 413 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.


HEADQUARTERS,
August 22, 1864.

Major-General BIRNEY,

Commanding Tenth Corps:

The signal officers report six trains of cars passed the Junction last night toward Richmond, and a train of fifteen cars loaded with troops passing in the same direction this morning at 6.45. Have a little reconnaissance made and see if there is any change of troops in your front. Have you any deserters?

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.


HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
August 22, 1864-11.15 a.m. (Received 11.35 a.m.)

Major-General BIRNEY:

The movement ordered last night has not been abandoned, but only postponed. Meanwhile let every preparation be made for it; the troops organized so as to move quickly and reconnaissances made so that officers may be instructed in the features of the country exactly over which they are to operate. Let this be done quietly, so as not to attract observation. Large bodies of troops are moving to Petersburg to-day. Large bodies moved toward Richmond early this morning and last night.

BENJ. F. BUTLER

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 22, 1864

Major-General BUTLER,

Commanding:

The scout reports that the enemy are busily engaged in erecting a line of breast-works running from point of woods toward the old Port Walthall railroad. He says it is three logs high. Their lines, he says, are three times stronger than day before yesterday. He says this new line is some fifty yards in rear of their former advance line.

D. B. BIRNEY,

Major-General.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,

August 22, 1864-2 a.m.

The movement of troops ordered for this morning is suspended, and the troops will resume their places as before.

By order of Major-General Birney:

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CORPS,

August 22, 1864.

The movement of last night is only postponed. Commanding officers will quietly acquaint themselves to-day with the ground over which


Page 413 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.