Today in History:

749 Series I Volume XL-I Serial 80 - Richmond, Petersburg Part I

Page 749 Chapter LII. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN.


Numbers 293. Reports of General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Virginia.

DREWRY'S BLUFF, June 16, 1864-9.40 a.m.

Just arrived at this point with Pickett's division. Have informed General Beauregard. Direct to me here..

R. E. LEE.

General B. BRAGG.

Richmond.


HEADQUARTERS,
Clay's House, June 17, 1864-10.30 a.m.

At 11 o'clock last night took breast-works at Howlett's house. Other portions of same line were retaken. Pickett's division now occupies trenches from Howlett's to front of Clay's. Field's division is no the right, but I believe whole of front line not occupied. Battery at Howlett's is being re-established. Saw five vessels sunk by enemy in Trent's Reach. Behind lie the monitors; counted ten steamers within the reach. Enemy made two attacks last night on Beauregard, but were repulsed, with loss-400 prisoners, including, 11 commissioned officers captured. He has not entirely recovered his original position. Some fighting has occurred there this morning without result. Have ordered railroad at Port Walthall, destroyed by enemy yesterday, to be repaired and reopened.

R. E. LEE.

General

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS.

Richmond, Va.

CLAY'S HOUSE, June 17, 1864-5 p.m.

At 4 p.m. assaulted that portion of our front line held by enemy and drove him from it. We again have the entire line from Howlett's to Dunn's Hill.

R. E. LEE.

General.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS.

Richmond, Va.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.

June 22, 1864.

SIR: Since Friday last there has been skirmishing along the lines in front of Bermuda Hundred and around Petersburg. The Federal army appears to be concentrated at these two places and is strongly intrenched. Yesterday a movement of infantry, cavalry, and artillery was made toward the right of our forces at Petersburg in the direction of the Weldon railroad. The enemy was driven back and his infantry is reported to have halted. His cavalry have continued to advance upon the road by


Page 749 Chapter LII. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN.