Today in History:

448 Series I Volume XXXVI-II Serial 68 - Wilderness-Cold Harbor Part II

Page 448 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N.C. Chapter XLVIII.

I except the heavy artillery here, which will form a second line, and I have one or two brigades in reserve. If the line is broken in any place, which I don't believe it will be, we will patch it up. I only regret that it will be dark when the assault is made. One of my brigades repulsed Mahone's brigade on the high ground to the front, after which I ordered it to be withdrawn. It was called back in fine order. The attack may not be made to-night.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 6, 1864-7.30 p.m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Commanding Second Corps:

The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that Sedgwick's whole line has been broken and driven in, and directs you to send all the troops you can spare up here as soon as possible.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS.

May 6, 1864-1 a.m.

The troops will be in readiness for action at 4.30 o'clock this a.m. The entire command will attack the enemy precisely at 5 o'clock. Notification of the moment of attack will be given from these headquarters.

By command of Major-General Hancock:

FRANCIS A. WALKER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,

May 6, 1864.

Division commanders will immediately take measures to have the commands collected, with a line of battle properly secured. The front line of rifle-pits will be examined to see that it is sufficiently manned. Ammunition must be provided for every command. It can be obtained by the ordnance officers. Commanders will at once ascertain the location of their different organizations, and will have them collected together as much as possible.

By order of Major-General Hancock:

W. G. MITCHELL,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,

May 6,, 1864-7 p.m.

The headquarters of the corps to-night will be on the plank road at a point where the corps lights can be seen from the crossing of the Brock road, about 400 yards distant.

By command of Major-General Hancock:

FRANCIS A. WALKER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


Page 448 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N.C. Chapter XLVIII.