Today in History:

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

Page 647 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.


HDQRS. ENGINEER Brigadier AND DEFENSES OF CITY POINT,
November 18, 1864.

Commanding OFFICER EIGHTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS:

SIR: There is an attack on General Butler's front. You will hold your men in readiness to move out on the road up to the works between the Batteries Nos. 3 and 4 in case of the approach of an enemy. You will double your sentinels and will have your whole guard awake. You will have your ammunition distributed and everything in readiness to repel an attack.

By order of Brigadier General H. W. Benham:

CHANNING CLAPP,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HDQRS. ENGINEER Brigadier AND DEFENSES OF CITY POINT,
November 18, 1864.

Camp. E. R. MAYO,

Commanding Batteries:

There is an attack on General Butler's front. You will hold your batteries in readiness to man their guns at a moment's notice, doubling your sentinels and having the whole guard kept awake. You will also see that your ammunition is in readiness for instant use. You will communicate whatever information you may receive of the approach of an enemy to the works to the right and left, as well as to these headquarters.

By order of Brigadier General H. W. Benham:

CHANNING CLAPP,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
November 18, 1864.

Brigadier-General WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

No changes have occurred since last report. The First Delaware returned last night. The enemy opened on Fort McGilvery from their batteries across the Appomattox, and were replied to by our mortars on the right.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
November 18, 1864-2.15 p. m. (Sent 2.25 p. m.)

Major-General HANCOCK:

Major-General Butler informs me* that the enemy's pickets at Bermuda Hundred reported Petersburg evacuated last night, or was to be to-night. The formed fact, I am aware, has proved unreliable, but I wish you would caution your officers to be on the qui vive, in case the enemy does retire, to give us the earliest information.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

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*See p. 652.

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Page 647 Chapter LIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.