Today in History:

291 Series I Volume XLII-III Serial 89 - Richmond-Fort Fisher Part III

Page 291 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

report returned from Falmouth yesterday. In addition to report made last evening, refugees from Richmond state that the York River railroad has been taken up from Tustall's Station to within two miles of Richmond. On the railroad at its present terminus the enemy have an iron-clad mortar battery, or a mortar battery mounted on an iron-clad car. The following-named city battalions are now in the defenses of Richmond, and average about 250 men each, viz: Tredegar, Department, Navy, Arsenal, Armory, City, and Hensley's battalions. The places of many of these men have been supplied by negroes. There are 300 negroes employed in the Tredegar Rolling-Mills. Colonel Shields has charge of Camp Lee. He has between 3,000 and 4,000 men there under instruction.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNumbers MCENTEE,

Captain, &c.

CHURCH ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

October 21, 1864-9 a. m.

Captain PAINE:

Ten wagons, apparently empty, have just passed westward on Boydton plank road. The usual quietude prevails throughout the enemy's camps.

J. L. PRAY,

Sergeant.

CHURCH ROAD SIGNAL STATION,

October 21, 1864-4.15 p. m.

Captain PAINE:

With the exception of the inspection of two regiments of infantry at 12.30 p. m. in the enemy's works near Jones', nothing of interest has been observed from this station since last report.

J. L. PRAY,

Sergeant.

SQUIRREL LEVEL SIGNAL STATION,

October 21, 1864-5.30 p. m.

Captain DAVIS:

At 2 p. m. traced the smoke from an engine about half a mile on line of South Side Railroad moving westerly. A working party of about 150 men have been engaged this p. m. strengthening enemy's fortifications near toll-gate on Boydton plank road. A train of sixteen wagons observed on Boydton plank road moving west.

SLEEPER,

Sergeant.

FRONT OF FORT HOWARD,

October 21, 1864-6 p. m.

Captain C. L. DAVIS:

No change in enemy's line on this front observed this day. A few wagons seen moving east and west on Boydton plank road. All quiet in enemy's camps.

C. G. AIKEN,

Sergeant.


Page 291 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.