Today in History:

896 Series I Volume LI-II Serial 108 - Supplements Part II

Page 896 MD., E. N. C., PA., VA., EXCEPT S. W., & W. VA. Chapter LXIII.

men. These troops come mostly from Yorktown and are under command of Major-General Smith. Butler is with the expedition also. Their destination is supposed to be Petersburg. There is a report just in that 3,000 cavalry and seven pieces of artillery passed through Suffolk yesterday on their way up. All the cavalry have left this vicinity. All the Southern coast has been stripped of troops for this army, and negroes have taken their place. I will remain till the last moment, watching and reporting movements.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

[First indorsement.]

I have ordered Hunton's brigade, 1,700 strong, at Chaffin's farm, to re-enforce Drewry's Bluff, to be replaced by a brigade from Hanover Junction.

S. C.

[Second indorsement.]

Above is a mistake. General Cooper told Colonel Clay to issue the order, but the latter had reason to omit to carry it out, partly because

* * * * * *

[NOTE.-Indorsements in pencil. Part omitted oblitered; about eigh words and signature. Both indorsements appear to be in same handwriting.]

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

The following dispatch just received from the Blackwater line:

The Yankee column, under Spear, are at Broadwater Ferry. Skirmishing has commenced. I feel confident that I shall be able to prevent a crossing.

J. D. RADCLIFFE,

Colonel, Commanding.

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General B. BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

Your dispatch received. I have not one single cavalryman. There are only about 150 on the Blackwater, part of whom were ordered up. Will not get here before to-morrow.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major-General.

[36.]

PETERSBURG, May 6, 1864.

General BRAGG and

General BEAUREGARD:

Following telegram just received from Ivor:

The enemy presented himself at Broadwater Ferry to-day and was driven away. They are burning every house between Suffolk and the Blackwater, from the character of the smoke from burning houses. He is marching with the intention of forming a junction with the force which landed on the James River. His strength


Page 896 MD., E. N. C., PA., VA., EXCEPT S. W., & W. VA. Chapter LXIII.