Today in History:

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

Page 858 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.

WALTHALL, SIGNAL STATION, September 16, 1864-6 p.m.

Major FISHER,

Chief-Signal Officer:

The following was intercepted:

3.40 P. M.

Colonel B[RENT]:

Twenty-one six-horse wagons passed Point of Rocks going toward lower pontoon. Steamer went down the river and from the crowd on her deck I think her laden with troops.

J. A. S.

(Same to A. B.)

H. W. HOLMAN,

Sergeant.

WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, September 16, 1864.

Major FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

Enemy still working south of lead mine. I think they are throwing up a line of works there. All quiet otherwise.

H. W. HOLMAN.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, September 16, 1864-8.45 p.m.

COMMANDING OFFICER ENGINEER BRIGADE,
City Point:

The enemy's cavalry have broken through our line between Mount Zion Church and the James River and may make a dash toward City Point. Colonel Gates, commanding the provost-marshal's troops at City Point, is ordered to take command there, and you will report to him with your command for the defense. Is there any artillery at City Point?

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, September 16, 1864.

Colonel SHARPE,

Depty. Prov. March General, at Colonel Gates' Office, City Point, Va.:

General Meade has sent a battery to report to Colonel Gates. Retain the men now on board of transports until developments of the day are seen. General Meade is under the impression the enemy have left, their object being to obtain the cattle herd, which they have gotten. Fort Powhatan is believed to be safe, as also the Point. Captain Brown is on the way to get his guns. He can have them, unless when he arrives they may be wanted for defense. Retain for the present your provisional battalion under Lieutenant-Colonel Hardenbergh.

By command of provost-marshal-general:

A. J. DALLAS,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.


Page 858 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.