Today in History:

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

Page 670 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
September 2, 1864-7.30 a.m.

Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: The brigade sent to strike the plank road moved at a rapid gait, driving pickets before them and reached a point less than three-quarters of a mile from the plank road, when it was met by two regiments of cavalry and a section of artillery. Skirmishing began when the commander of the brigade learned that a large force of cavalry was camped three miles south of his position. The road upon which the brigade moved strikes the plank road two miles from Petersburg and one mile from the first line of works. The brigade commander, satisfied that it was impracticable to accomplish the object of the expedition, returned with his command, the enemy appearing in his rear and using artillery. The cavalry under my command is now massed in rear of General Warren's headquarters, where I will await further orders. The roads followed is the same as that leading from Wyatt's.

D. McM. GREGG,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
September 2, 1864-8 a.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS:

GENERAL: Prisoners captured inform me that the whole of Dearing's brigade was at or in rear of the point where the advance regiments were met; also that at the point where the road followed by my brigade strikes the plank road, and for some distance below, the plank road is defended by earth-works occupied by infantry.

D. McM. GREGG,

Brigadier-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 2, 1864-2.15 p.m.

Brigadier-General GREGG,

Commanding Cavalry:

The commanding general desires to know whether you have any information as to movements of the enemy on the left.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
September 2, 1864-2.30 p.m.

Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: No movement of the enemy on the left has been discovered. The officers commanding pickets between railroad and plank road have been instructed to send information at once to Major-General Hancock. All quiet on the cavalry picket-line.

D. McM. GREGG,

Brigadier-General, Cavalry Corps.


Page 670 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.