Today in History:

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

Page 514 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N.C. Chapter XLVIII.


HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 7, 1864.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

I have the honor to forward the following dispatch just received from General Custer's headquarters, from one of General Torbert's aides:


HEADQUARTERS,

Junction Furnace and Brock Roads, May 7, 1864-12 m.

GENERAL: General Custer has had a sharp fight on the left, toward Todd's Tavern, and drove the enemy handsomely. The general's position is close to this a little in advance of that of yesterday at same hour. Heaton's battery in same place. General Custer is anxious to know where General Gregg is. The firing has almost ceased for the present. All has gone well. The cavalry he engaged was Fitzhugh Lee's. There was a portion of a Southern (rebel) battery (probably two guns) in position at this side of Todd's Tavern. Communication is reported open with the infantry left.

JOHN J. COPPINGER,

Captain, Fourteenth Infantry, Aide-de-Camp.

The Sixth U. S. Cavalry, sent to United States Ford and roads leading to our left and toward Fredericksburg from Ely's Ford road, just returned. Found no enemy. General Gregg is now moving on Todd's Tavern, also Merritt, and will pitch into the enemy's cavalry at that place. Wilson will cover the train in front.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.


HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 7, 1864-12.30 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

I have the honor to report that two brigades of the First Cavalry Division drove the enemy's cavalry from the Furnaces down to Todd's Tavern, a distance of 4 miles, where they show a heavy force of cavalry. I have directed them to be attacked by the First and Second Divisions of cavalry, and driven from Todd's Tavern. Will keep you posted.

Respectfully, &c.,

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 7, 1864-12.50 p.m.

General SHERIDAN,
Commanding Cavalry Corps:

The commanding general directs that the escort ordered to accompany the train conveying the wounded be ordered to report at Ely's Ford at such hour as the medical director may indicate.

CHAS. E. PEASE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


Page 514 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N.C. Chapter XLVIII.