Today in History:

1046 Series I Volume XLII-III Serial 89 - Richmond-Fort Fisher Part III

Page 1046 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.

PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, December 20, 1864-4.30 p.m.

Colonel B. F. FISHER:

Two hundred infantry moved toward our left on the Vaughan road at 9.20 a.m., coming from camps west of large fort. Small working parties between lead-works and large fort.

A. K. C[AROTHERS,],

Sergeant.


HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, December 20, 1864.

Major General G. G. MEADE,
Commanding Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: No changes of any moment to report. Small party at work on rear line to the right of Fort Mahone. An unusual number of wagons passing during the day in both directions on Richmond pike. The enemy is placing abatis around a fort to the rear of Fort Clifton. The accompanying intercepted messages are respectfully forwarded.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. FISHER,

Colonel and Chief Signal Officer.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, December 20, 1864.

Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

No changes in the disposition of this command, and nothing of interest transpired since last report.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, December 20, 1864.

Major SEPTIMUS CARNCROSS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps:

MAJOR: I have the honor to respectfully recommend Major George Hogg, Captain G. A. Armes, and Captain O. T. Bliss, all of the Second New York [Heavy Artillery] Volunteers, for a brevet rank one grade higher than that now held by them. On the morning of the 9th instant, when this division was ordered to force the crossing of Hatcher's Run, and after several attempts had been made by the cavalry and skirmishers to cross, Captain Armes was ordered to charge the ford with two companies, supported by Captain Bliss with four companies, followed by the remainder of the regiment. The stream was between four and five feet deep and obstructed by fallen trees; the enemy occupying a rifle-pit upon the opposite bank; the weather extremely cold. The charge was made and the enemy driven from his position. Major Hogg was the first to reach opposite shore, followed by the other officers named, the men crossing in single file upon to their shoulders in water. Although the operations was not once of great importance, it had a very advantageous


Page 1046 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.