Today in History:

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

Page 698 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.

these men reports that about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon he saw two brigades of Field's division pass through Petersburg. There were two wagon-loads of intrenching tools accompanying the column. They came from the north side of the Appomattox, and were going to the right of the enemy's line. He dows not know what brigades they were, but was told they belonged to Field's division. None of these men have heard of the arrival of troops by rail.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. McENTEE,

Captain, &c.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT,

September 5, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: A deserter from Scales' brigade, Wilcox's division, who left his command to-day and just arrived here reports no change in Wilcox's division. He states that night before last Fry's brigade, of Heth's division, marched around their right flank and went down the plank road. He dows not know their destination, and thinks they have not yet returned.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. McENTEE,

Captain, &c.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 5, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Two deserters from Cobb's (Georgia) Legion, who left their command yesterday morning, just arrived here. They are natives of Maine; have lived south about five years, and about three weeks ago were conscripted. They state that a few days ago they overheard the officers of their regiment talking about the strength of their cavalry force. They concluded that there were not more than 4,500 mounted men in Hampton's command, and about 2,000 dismounted. I think, however, that their estimate in regard to dismounted men is rather small. There are 100 mounted men and 400 dismounted in Cobb's Legion. The Seventh Georgia has about 40 mounted and 350 dismounted. Dearing's and Gary's brigades are nearly all mounted. They left their brigade yesterday morning on the Vaughan road about six miles from Reams' Station.

Very respectfully,

J. McENTEE,

Captain, &c.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT,

September 5, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Two deserters from Eighth Alabama, Mahone's division, report no change in position of that command. They left their regiment this afternoon, and came in near the plank road. They report


Page 698 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.