Today in History:

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

Page 914 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
September 19, 1864. (Received 7.45 p.m.)

Colonel SHARPE,

City Point, Va.:

I find on north side of the James-Benning's brigade, of 800 men; Gregg's of about the same number and Bushrod Johnson's old brigade, of not over 600 or 700 men; also the City Battalion and one brigade of cavalry. In our immediate front is Pickett's division entire, of not over 3,500 men (probably not over 3,000), and Thomas' brigade, of Wilcox's division. All the information I can get fully confirms yours as to the hard times existing in the Confederacy. The general sent to-night by Major Mulford to Richmond for your man. The boat will leave Bermuda Hundred to go up to-morrow. The letters you sent will go with her.

JOHN I. DAVENPORT,

Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp and Assistant Provost-Marshal.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
September 19, 1864

Major-General HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The plank road station reports:

The enemy is working in considerable force upon a new line of earth-works connected with the fort west of the Weldon railroad and extending southward as far as can be seen from here; are also working in small force at different points along our whole front. One hundred and sixty infantry have just passed southward along the Weldon railroad. Camps unchanged.

FULTON.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Major and Chief Signal Officer.

(Copy to General Hancock.)


HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
September 19, 1864.

Major FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

The enemy is using the Weldon railroad from the lead-works to Petersburg.

WARTS,

Lieutenant.


HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS,
September 19, 1864.

Major FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer:

I have a tree from which I can see the lead-works and half a mile of the enemy's works to the right of them; can see a small village composed of about ten houses about two miles south of Petersburg; saw a few wagons passing through the village this a.m. Cannot find


Page 914 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.