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

Page 734 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter XLVIII.

strength of the dismounted cavalry with the trains, the location of the several detachments, and that you from time to time permit such guards as may be required to conduct to the provost-marshal-general here the stragglers from this army that may be arrested by General Ferrero's command.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. WILLIIAMS.

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 13, 1864.

Colonel TOWNSEND:

Order General Benham's Engineer Brigade to Belle Plain to construct and repair roads to Fredericksburg, leaving only men enough to guard engineer property.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, D. C., May 13, 1864-1.30 p.m.

Brigadier General H. W. BENHAM, U. S. Volunteers.

Commanding Engineer Brigade, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: The Secretary of War directs that you repair without delay with the Engineer Brigade to Belle Plain, Va., to construct and repair roads to Fredericksburg, leaving only men enough at the depot here to guard engineer property. Acknowledge receipt.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
May 13, 1864.

Brigadier-General BENHAM,

Commanding Engineer Brigade:

GENERAL: The Adjutant-General was instructed this morning to order your brigade to Belle Plain. Major-General Halleck directs that you take with you a portion of your bridge train for the purpose of constructing floating wharves to facilitate the landing of stores and the embarkation of the wounded. Inclosed please find copy of the instructions* to the Adjutant-General, and of a note* sent to you on the 11th at Fredericksburg.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. KELTON,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 13, 1864-9.30 p.m.

Brigadier General H. W. BENHAM, or

OFFICER COMMANDING ENGINEER TROOPS,

Belle Plain:

SIR: The commanding general directs that Major Brainerd return to the vicinity of Salem Church with his command, taking to that

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*See Halleck to Benham, May 11, p. 633, and Halleck to Townsend, May 13, above.

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Page 734 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter XLVIII.