Major.-Genl. W. II. C. WHITING, Comdg., etc., Wilmington, X. C.:

Send ILigood's brigade to Richmond at once. Apply to General Cooper whether it shall march or go by railroad. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDON, N. C., May 4th, 18G4. Major-Geul. W. H. C. WHITING, Wilmington, N. C.:

Last order from War Department is to send Hagood's brigade to Richmond in manner prescribed to you by the Secretary of War. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May 4th, 1864. To Gcnl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Weldon, etc.:

Unless Newberu can be captured by coup de main the attempt must be aban doned, and the troops returned with all possible despatch to unite in operations in Northern Virginia. There is not an hour to lose. Had the expedition not started, I would say it should not go. Have all practicable arrangements made to transport the troops to this place with the greatest despatch.

JEFF'N DAVIS. (Received at 4. p. M.)

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 4th, 1864. President JEFF. DAVIS, Richmond, Va,:

Your telegram just received. All necessary orders are already being given to carry out your instructions. One of my aids will leave this evening with special orders to General Hoke. Utmost despatch will be used.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDON, N. C., May 4th, 1864. Genl. S. COOPER, A. and I. G., Richmond, Va.:

Was it intended, in the order for movement of troops from this Department, that the cavalry and artillery should go also ? If so, in what proportion ?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May 5th, 1864. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Weldon, etc.:

Recall all from Washington and Plymouth, except half a regiment at each, as suggested. BRAXTON BRAGG, Genl.

Telegram,

WELDON, N. C., May 5th, 1864. Major-Geul. W. H. C. WHITING, Wilmington, N. C.:

Order now is, to send forward everything available as fast as practicable. Pickett has already been relieved; his troops will follow immediately. I write you to-dav. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDON, N. C., May 5th, 1864: 12 M. Major-Genl. R. F. HOKE, near Newberu, N. C. :

Circumstances render it necessary that you should send your forces hero

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXV.

forthwith, as instructed in my letter of yesterday, sent tbrough my aid, Lieu tenant Cbisolm. Tho telegram addressed to bini at Goldsboro' is annulled.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 5th, 1884. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Ya.:

General Pickett reports: "Enemy bave reconstructed Grove Wharf, eight miles from York town " — evidently, he thinks, " to make a depot there for army supplies, or to embark troops for south side of James River." Ought not, then, Clingmau's and Bearing's brigades be kept to guard Petersburg and vicinity?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELD ox, N. C. ? May 5 to, 1354. Major-Genl. G. E. PICKETT, Petersburg, Ya.:

Have telegraphed General Bragg as you have reported, but as yet have no reply. Continue to report direct to General Cooper any movement of the enemy, at the same time reporting the same to these Headquarters.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 5th } 1864. Genl. WHITING, Wilmington, N. C.:

Hurry Hngood's brigade through to Petersburg without delay. Use passen ger trains and all others. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, X. C., May 5th, 1864. Genl. PICKETT, Petersburg, Ya.:

Corse's and Kemper's brigades have been ordered. They will move with despatch. The GSth North Carolina, Colonel Hinton, has been ordered to Petersburg. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, X. C., May 5to: 12 M. Major-Genl. PICKETT, Petersburg, Ya.:

Should it become necessary, call directly on War Department for assistance until your troops reach you. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, X. C., May 5to, 1864: 12.30 p. M. Major-Genl. PICKETT, Petersburg, Ya.:

Concentrate your forces towards Petersburg.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, X. C., May 5th, 1864 : 12.35 P. M.

Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Ya.:

General Pickett reports four steamers coming up James River, and had passed Fort Powhatan at eleven o'clock, still coming up; two more below, loaded with

troops, and having barges in tow, now in sight of City Point. I have ordered General Pickett, for the present, to remain in command of the troops around Petersburg, and to stop at that point Hagood's brigade, now on its way there.

G. T. BEAUEEGARD.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May 5M, 1864. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Weldon, etc.:

Order General Pickett not to stop Hagood's brigade; send it immediately here. BRAXTON BRAGG, Genl.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 5/7i, 1864: 4.30 p. M. Genl. PICKETT, Petersburg, Va.:

General Bragg directs that Hagood's brigade must be sent straight through to Richmond. It must not be stopped in Petersburg.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 5* 7i, 1864: 6.45 P. M.

Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

The following just received: "The following written despatch just received from Evergreen Station, three (3) miles below City Point, from Captain N. W. Small, of the Signal Corps, who went down on a rcconnoissance: 'There are two siugle-turreted monitors, one double-turreted monitor, three gunboats, and about forty transports in the whole fleet. Two gunboats gone up Appomattox. Each transport will average five hundred men. Some of the transports have horses on board. White and negro troops in the expedition. They are land ing at City Point, and have hauled down the Confederate Hag and raised the Yankee flag.'—G. E. PICKETT, Mnjor-Geul."

Is it not advisable to stop Hagood's brigade at Petersburg? None of Hoke's troops have arrived at this point yet, and cannot for several days.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 5/7*, 1864. Genl. G. E. PICKETT, Petersburg, Va.:

Your despatch received at 12.30 p. M. You are authorized to halt Hagood's brigade at Petersburg until otherwise ordered. Remain in command of your present District until further orders, and assume command of all troops that may arrive therein. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 5/7*, 1864 : 9.40 P. M.

General BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

General Pickett reports a largo force landing at Bermuda Hundreds. He asks for reinforcements. Have none here to send him. Am using all possible despatch to push the troops forward from North Carolina. I have directed Gen eral Pickett to communicate directly with you, in order to save time.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 6th, 1834. Mnjor-Gcnl. HOKE, Kinston, N. C.:

Enemy is advancing in force from Bermuda Hundreds and City Point. Hnrrj forward your troops as rapidly as possible. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 6th, 1864. Mnjor-Genl. R. F. HOKE, Kinston, N. C.:

Let the infantry that was to Lave marched to this place march to Goldsboro', where transportation will be supplied them. Let the cavalry and artillery march as ordered. Send also Corse's infantry brigade with the other infantry.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, X. C., May 6th, 1864. Major-Genl. G. E. PICKETT, Petersburg, Ya.:

Destroy bridges referred to, if you cannot defend them ; but be careful not to destroy too soon, as we may need them shortly, especially the railroad bridges, which should be merely rendered temporarily unserviceable. The city should be held as long as practicable, with a due regard to the safety of your com mand, which must not be captured, as it will be required for future operations.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 6th, 1804 : 9 p. M. Gcnl. PICKETT, Petersburg, Ya.:

Despatch received. Will it not be well for you to send scouts in the direc tion of Suffolk, to ascertain whether that section has been evacuated by the enemy, so you can concentrate Clingman's command and the cavalry at impor tant points fifteen or twenty miles in advance of railroad? Guards have been ordered to the different bridges on the line of railroad.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 6th, 1864: 3£ P. M. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Ya.:

Am still confined to my tent by sickness; but hope to leave to-morrow morn ing for Petersburg, where I am concentrating as rapidly as possible all availa ble troops. I will then do all in rny power to meet successfully present emer gencies. We are most happy to hear of Lee's success yesterday.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Tdcgram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 6th, 1864. Gcnl. HOKE, Kinston, N. C.:

Hurry forward the troops to this place as rapidly as possible.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 6th, 1864. Geiil. S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.:

Telegram received. Every effort is being made to transport the troops as rapidly as possible. G. T. BEAUIIEGAHD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 7th, 1864.

Genl. R. F. HOKE, Kiuston, N. C. :

Urge forward the cavalry called for with all speed possible. It is much needed on the line of railroad to Petersburg. G. T. BEAUREGAUD.

Telegram.

WELDOX, N. C., May 7th, 1864. Genl. S. COOPER, A. and I. G., Richmond, Va.:

General Pickett reports three thousand enemy's cavalry have crossed Black-water, cut wire along Norfolk Railroad, and marching probably on Stony Creek, or this place. Am making best arrangements practicable to oppose them; but most of the cavalry of this Department is still with General Hoke, whose forces will only commence arriving to-night at Kinston. Half of Wise's brigade is expected here in a few hours, on its way to Petersburg. Hagood's last detachment passed here last night. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

In General Hagood's "Memoirs of the Campaign of 1864"—a certified copy of which is among General Beauregard's files—we find the following paragraphs:

"Hagood's brigade commenced moving by rail on the night of the 28th April for Wilmington, where it was directed to report by letter to General Beaure-gard, whose headquarters were at Weldou. The whole brigade, with its trans portation, was not concentrated at Wilmington till the 4th May. * * * On the 5th May the brigade received orders to proceed by rail to Petersburg, its train to move by highway. Owing to insufficient transportation it moved in frag ments. Lieutenant-Colonel Dargan was despatched, with seven companies of the 21st, on the 5th, early in the day. He was followed by Colonel Graham, with the remaining companies of that regiment and three companies of the 25th. Next day (the 6th) General Hagood moved with the 27th regiment and the remaining companies of the 25th. Later in the day the llth regiment and 7th battalion followed. * * *

"The City of Richmond was Grant's objective, and he proposed to move upon it by the direct overland route; while Butler, moving from Fortress Monroe up the James, was to secure a point at its junction with the Appomattox, from which to operate on the southern communication of Richmond. * * * To sap the Confederate sources of material supply, razzias by light movable columns, for the purpose of destroying railroads, mills, provisions, growing crops, farm stock, and buildings, were to be speedily organized. * * * The move from For tress Monroe was the most important and threatening diversion in the pro gramme of the Virginia campaign ; and, with thirty or forty thousand men and

.1 large naval armament, was intrusted to General B. F. Butler, of New Orleans notoriety. * * *

"On the night of the 5th Butler debarked at Bermuda Hundreds, the penin sula made by the confluence of the James and the Appomattox, and began to intrench across the narrow neck, about three miles from the railroad connecting Petersburg and Richmond. On the 6th he threw out a brigade to destroy the railroad at Walthall Junction. Beauregard's troops were much scattered over his extensive territorial command, pending the development of the enemy's de signs. * * Very few, if any, troops other than local militia of an inferior char acter were under General Pickett, commanding at Petersburg; and it was to meet and delay Butler's advance that Hagood's brigade had been pushed for ward while Beanrcgard got the balance of his troops in hand, and drew rein forcements from farther south.

"Colonel Graham, of Hagood's brigade, with the companies he had moved with, arrived at Petersburg, and was pushed forward by General Pickett to Walthall Junction, reaching the latter place a little before 5 P. M. on the Cth May, and there found Lieutenant-Colonel Dargan's detachment, which had pre ceded him about an hour. This raised his force to about COO men, composed of his own regiment and three companies of the 25th, under Major Glover. As Graham's men jumped off the platform-cars upon which they were borne, the brigade of the enemy, before alluded to as thrown forward against the railroad, was in view, some thousand yards off, across an open field, advancing in line of battle, and supported by artillery. * * * A brisk action ensued. The enemy made two direct attacks, and, after his second repulse, at nightfall withdrew, leaving some of his dead and wounded upon the field. * * *

"At 8 P. M. the same evening General Hagood arrived at Petersburg with the remaining seven companies of the 25th, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Pressley. After some delay in rationing the men, he moved forward to reinforce Graham. * * Arrived at the Junction, General Hagood found General Bushrod Johnson there, who informed him that, hearing Graham's tiring, he had inarched to his assistance from the direction of Dairy's Bluff with a brigade of 11G8 Tenncsseeans, and had arrived during the night. Galliard, with the 27th regi ment, joined Hagood at daybreak, and raised his command to an aggregate of 1500 men. * * *

"About 10 A. M. General Hagood was directed to move across Ashton Creek towards the church, to feel and develop the strength and position of the ene my. * * The skirmishers encountered the enemy's cavalry advancing, and tired upon them, driving them back. The 27th was at once deployed to the right of the road, and the skirmish lino strengthened. * * * The enemy showing a dis position to develop to our left, the 25th regiment was deployed on the line of the 29th and to the left of the road. * * * General Hagood was directed to withdraw and take position along the railroad at the Junction. * * * It was evident that an attack in force was now about to be made. Our lino was formed along the railroad, with Hagood's left resting where the turnpike crossed it, and Johnson's men prolonging the right towards and beyond Craig's house. * * * After a half-hour's brisk lighting the enemy retired his line somewhat, though still en-

gaging ns at long range, and, under cover of an immediate wood, moved liis second line by a flank across the railroad, and it soon reappeared approaching upon Hagood's left and rear, the left of this force being npon the prolongation of our line of battle. * * *

"As soon as his new line -was taken General Hagood ordered an advance. The brigade rushed forward with enthusiasm, and drove back the flanking line , —they not again appearing in that direction. * * * The enemy again massed heavily in Hagood's front and essayed an advance ; but his men, sheltered in the railroad-cut, easily repelled this attack, with little loss to themselves. Be tween 4 and 5 o'clock p. M. the engagement ceased, except the firing of sharp shooters and artillery on both sides ; and before dark the enemy withdrew from the field, unpursued, and carrying off most of his wounded. Hagood's force, as before stated, was 1500 men, and his loss during the day was 22 killed, 132 wounded, and 13 missing. The force of the enemy was five brigades of infantry, under General Brooks, with the usual proportion of artillery, and a regiment of cavalry. His loss was heavy, * * * estimated at 1000. Prisoners put it larger. It was probably not as great. * * * The brunt of this action fell upon Hagood's brigade; and in the progress of the narrative it will be seen that it saved Petersburg. By the time the enemy were again ready to advance sufficient reinforcements had arrived to hold the place. The citizens appreciated the fact, and were enthusiastic in their gratitude. A flag was voted the brigade by the ladies. The merchants would take no pay from the men for their little purchases, and from at least one pulpit thanks were offered for the timely ar rival of ' the 1500 brave South Carolinians.' The brigade did acquit itself well. It was its first fight upon Virginia soil, and a creditable letter of introduction to the battle-scarred veterans of Lee, among whom it was shortly merged." * * *

WELDOX, N. C., May 8tk, 18G4. Geul. BRAXTGX BRAGG, Comdg. C. S. Armies, Richmond, Va.:

Despatch of 4 o'clock just received. I should have started to-day for Peters burg; but, burning of Stony Creek Bridge and movements of enemy's cavalry at Jarratt's requiring new orders and arrangements, have delayed my departure until morning, when I shall run through and assume command, as desired. T\vo of Iloke's brigades have passed here to-day, and been forwarded; he himself will arrive to-night, and follow immediately. The water here has improved niv health. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Tdcf J ram - WELDOX, N. C. ; May Silt, 1884.

Gcnl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Despatch received at 10.30 A. M. Orders had been given before destruction of bridge at Stony Creek to have necessary timbers prepared for all bridges between here and Petersburg. After destroying Stony Bridge enemy's cavalry engaged guards at Nottoway and Jarratt's, but were repulsed. All troops are being hurried forward as rapidly as possible. I hope to leave to-day for Peters burg, where prompt and energetic measures will be adopted as soon as prac ticable. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, May 10th, 1864. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Have just arrived. Will take the offensive as soon as practicable.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, May Wth f 1864. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Riclimond, Ya.:

General Hoke lias arrived, and will assume command, as ordered.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May 10th, 1364. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD :

We are seriously threatened here from above. Yon should make a heavy demonstration and change to attack, if practicable, at an earty hour in the morning. BRAXTOX BRAGG.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May Wth, 1864: 3.30 r. M. To Genl. BEAUREGARD:

General Ransom reports he has pressed the enemy with his force, and finds them too strong 1 for him. Let ns know when yon will be ready, that Ransom may co-operate. Every hour is now very important. We have nothing from Lee to-day. A heavy cavalry raid in his rear has destroyed Beaver Dam Depot and our supplies on Central Railroad. Stuart is in pursuit, as they move in this direction. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Genl.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May llth, 1884. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD :

Division of your force is earnestly objected to; it is decidedly preferred that you carry out the instructions given last night, and endeavor to unite all forces.

J. A. SEDDOX, Secy, of War.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May llth, 1864 : 1 r. M. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Petersburg:

This city is in real danger; it should be defended with all our resources, to the sacrifice of minor considerations. You are relied on to use every effort to unite all your forces, at the earliest practicable time, with the troops in our defences, and there, together, either fight the enemy in the field or defend the intrenchrnents. Our lines are a little in front of Drury's Bluff, crossing the-railroad and turnpike. J. A. SEDDOX, Secy, of War.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, May !!//<, 1864 : 12.45 r. M. lion. JAMES A. SEDDOX, Secy, of War, Richmond, Ya.:

My division of forces is only temporary, to meet present emergency. Please state your objections, and your wishes, if practicable, will be complied with. I

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXV.

555

am carrying into effect, to the best of my ability, instructions received. The movement is now in progress, and, as soon as possible, I will unite forces with Mnjor-Geueral Eansom. The equivalent of two full brigades is still due.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, May llth, 1864 : 3 P. M. Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Please read two telegrams of to-day from Honorable Secretary of War, and my answers. I must insist on receiving orders only from one source, and that from the General Commanding. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May 11th, 1864. To Geul. G. T. BEAUREGARD :

Your two telegrams of this date are received. They pain and surprise. I do not feel this to be an appropriate time to reply fully to them. I may do that hereafter. At present I have only to say that while your past services, patriot ism, and reputation are fully appreciated, you are, on these accounts, only the more relied on, and expected to use every effort in your power, with all your forces, to carry out the instructions of the Department, and accomplish the junction of all our forces to fight the enemy or defend the capital.

JAMES A. SEDDON, Secv. of War.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, May llth, 1864, Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Major-Gcneral Pickett reported himself sick yesterday evening, and has been confined to his room since. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, May IWi, 1864 : 8 A. M. Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Have ordered General Hoke, should enemy have evacuated his front and be re-embarking, to attack him, while I send a force from here to attack those at City Point. If this does not meet your views, please send him via Drury's Bluff, and courier a duplicate of your answer.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, May IWi, 1864: 7 A. M. Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Offensive movement against enemy has commenced. General Hoke's division in the advance, supported by Pickett's division. Give necessary orders to Major-General Ransom.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

RICHMOND, VA., May llth, 1864. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Petersburg, Va.:

Your telegram to General Ransom received, and your orders to General Hoke

approved. The enemy fell back last night from their position yesterday towards the James River, apparently in some haste. Their pickets have appeared in large numbers on James River, in vicinity of Hewlett's House and Dutch Gap, on south side. This information received this morning from General Ransom, at Drury's Bluff. B. BRAGG, Geul.

Official.

Jxo. M. OTET, A. A. G.

RICHMOND, May llth : 2.30 r. M. To Commanding Officer, Petersburg, Ya.:

What forces have gone to-day to unite with General Ransom ? When did General Beauregard leave? JEFFERSOX DAVIS.

PETERSBURG, YA., May llth, 18G4 : 5.15 r. M. President JEFFERSOX DAVIS, Richmond, Ya.:

I have not yet left here, my presence being absolutely necessary. Will leave immediately after arrival of two last brigades, hourly expected from Weldon. General Hoke leads advance with six brigades and eight (8) batteries. He commenced moving this morning to clear his front of enemy and form junction with Major-General Ransom; but, having been informed after movement had been ordered that enemy had retired to Bermuda Hundreds, I ordered General Hoke to make forced reconnoissance in that direction to ascertain fact, and press on enemy, if he were re-embarking, when I would join him, to assume command, if necessary. About noon to-day the spirit of this order was object ed to by Secretary of War, and. consequently countermanded by me. An im mediate junction with Ransom was ordered; but two hours afterwards the order to make forced reconnoissauce was approved by General Bragg, and is now being executed. Please see plan of this movement.

Enemy is now constructing works on north side of the Appomattox, and oc cupying threatening attitude in that direction. Please inform rue if my course is approved by you. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

PETERSBURG, May 12th } 1864. To Genl. BEAUREGARD :

Your better knowledge of circumstances enables you better to judge the proper time for departure. The order for a forced reconnoissance, under tho condition stated, seems to mo entirely appropriate. The operations of General Ransom and events on this side have changed the state of affairs, as will bo communicated you. We are now engaged with the enemy before Richmond. I will send fuller despatch when I return from the field. JEFFX. DAVIS.

PETERSBURG, May 12/7*, 18G4 : 5.15 r. M. Major-Cenl. R. F. HOKE, Comdg., Drury's Bluff:

Your despatch of 12 M. has just been received. Obey instructions of Secre tary of War. Hold the lines referred to. I will join you with remainder of troops as soon as they arrive here. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

WELDON, May 12th, 1864. To Gcul. G. T. BEAUREGARD :

Ain here on my way; coming as fast as I can.

W. H. C. WHITING, Major-Genl.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, VA., May 13th, 1864. Major-Genl. R. F. HOKE, Drnry's Bluff:

Advance a brigade and battery half-way between your lines and Swift Creek to meet us. Will leave Swift Creek, via Pike, at 12 M.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, VA., May 13th, 1864 : 7.15 A. M. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va.:

I merely wish to explain my position and condition. Propose leaving to-day, about noon, with part of Colquitt's and Corse's brigades, which arrived yester day. Martin's and Wise's remain here. Light batteries will follow, as soon as practicable, after arriving. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, 14//t. General BEAUREGARD:

An order from Secretary of War has jnst been sent to you by a courier ex tending your command to include the south side of James River, including Drury's Bluff and its defences. T. ROWLAND, A. A. G.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, VA., May Utii, 1864: 8 A. M. Geul. G. T. BEAUREGARD :

You are assigned to the command south of the James River. It is also ex pected that you will meet any sudden move of the enemy against the city on the north side. Should they cross the river below you I shall immediately send you all the assistance in our power, and you will take the offensive at once. We can draw nothing from above, and our information is that reinforcements will reach the enemy in your front. If you can dislodge him from the Peters burg road, some additional force may reach you from there. The cavalry should certainly corne through. Our communications must be restored.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

RICHMOND, VA., January 2d, 1882. Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, New Orleans, La.:

My dear General, — * * * Your impression is undoubtedly correct that you sent me, on the day prior to your engagement at Drury's Bluff, to General Whiting with a copy of your order of battle and special written instructions to him to advance directly towards Drury's Bluff" and attack Butler, while you were at tacking him in front. I recollect distinctly your emphasizing verbally to me your instructions that he was to march towards the sound of your guns and attack whatever forces he might meet, without regard to their numbers.

In response to your request I take great pleasure in giving you a short nar rative of my mission in this connection the week preceding and on the day of the battle of Drury's Bluff.

In the spring of 1864 the Hampton Legion, of which I was Lieutenant-Colo nel, had been ordered to South Carolina, to procure horses, with a view of being assigned as mounted infantry to a brigade which, was then being organized for special service around Richmond. *

At the time the demonstration was made upon Petersburg by General Benja min F. Butler the Hampton Legion was 011 the march from South Carolina to Richmond, and I, having been ordered in advance to Richmond, to procure suit able arms and accoutrements for the Legion, happened to be in Richmond at the time. Having made all the necessary arrangements for these arms and ac coutrements, I applied at the Adjutant-General's office, in Richmond, for per mission to go out upon the lines nearer Petersburg and offer my services to the officer in command. My request was granted, and I proceeded accordingly to Petersburg, and was assigned to the duty of inspecting and reorganizing the picket lines of communication between our lines north of Petersburg and south of Richmond. I was on this duty when you determined to move your head quarters from Petersburg to Drury's Bluff, and accompanied you on your inarch from the lines north of Petersburg, via Chesterfield Court-house, to Drury's Bluff. After reaching Drnry's Bluff I was retained at your headquarters, and assigned to duty temporarily as one of your staff-officers. During the day of May 15th Colonel Samuel Melton, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, notified me that you desired me to take your written and verbal instructions to General Whiting, at his headquarters, near Petersburg, as you intended attacking the enemy on the morning of the IGth, and felt anxious that there should, by no possibility, be any miscarriage of your instructions to General Whiting, or any misunderstanding as to their import. My impression is that you had sent copies of your instruc tions through another source, and that you were merely taking the additional precaution to insure their receipt by him through me. Just before starting on my mission I was sent for by you, and in the presence of Colonel Melton the written despatches were given to rue, and their contents carefully explained to me by you.

You desired me to be in position to give them verbally to General Whiting, in case it became necessary for me to destroy them, to prevent any risk of their falling into the hands of the enemy, and at the same time you impressed upon me the importance of General Whiting implicitly obeying them, and you author ized me, if necessary, to state this to him. I received the despatches, started on rny mission, and reached General Whiting's headquarters during the night of the 15th, and found him at his headquarters, in the "Dunlop Castle," near Swift Creek, about three miles from Petersburg. General Whiting read the despatches, expressed himself as understanding them entirely, and gave orders for the advance of his entire force by daylight the next morning.

I remained at his headquarters during the night, and accompanied General Whiting in the morning upon his advance. His forces were on the march by daylight, and advanced steadily until they struck the enemy's picket line. The

column was then halted, aud the force placed in line of battle. We had heard the sound of your cannon at Brury's Bluff, and I expected an immediate ad vance by General Whiting of his line of battle, according to instructions. For some reason not known to me at the time, however, there seemed to be consid erable and unnecessary delay in the advance even of his skirmish line towards the enemy's pickets. General D. II. Hill, who was also with General Whiting, aud who was at that time occupying a similar position to me, that of actiug temporarily as one of your staff-officers, had had some conversation with me during the morning as to your order of battle and your special instructions to General Whiting. He also began to show considerable uneasiness at the un necessary delay of General Whiting in making his advance. We repeatedly approached General Whiting on the subject, together, but got no satisfactory replies—he apparently being engaged in arranging aud rearranging his line of battle. He finally stated that he was waiting to get reliable information from his scouts on his right flank, and that he did not desire to advance until satis fied that his right flank and rear were not threatened. Later in the morning, upon being urged by General Hill and myself to advance, and on our insisting that your instructions were explicit, and after my stating to him that you had authorized me to say verbally to him that nothing should prevent him from attacking in his front, he said that his scouts reported that a force of the ene my had been seen near Port Walthall, and that he was apprehensive of being attacked on his right flank, in case he made any advance. The enemy in our front had by this time placed a few pieces of cannon in position, and had opened fire with them; but General Hill and myself made a reconnoissanco on the left, and reported to General Whiting that we were satisfied that a very small force confronted him. General Whiting, however, could not be induced by us to advance; and while intimating that ho would do so later in the day, when he felt he could do so with safety, both General Hill and myself felt perfectly sat isfied that, for some reason, he would not do so. After conference General Hill and myself decided that it would be best for him to remain with General Whit ing, and, if possible, force him to advance; aud that I should make my way as rapidly as possible around the lines and report the situation to you.

General Bearing, who was in command of the cavalry forces, undertook to fjrce a way for mo through Chester Station, so as to avoid the detour around by Chesterfield Court-house. He met with the enemy's pickets at Chester, and they were driven in by a gallant charge of General Bearing, who forced them back as far as the Half-way Station, and captured between Chester and that point a large number of stragglers from the enemy's lines; and on reaching Half-way Station we saw that the enemy was in a state of great disorgan ization and demoralization. General Bearing captured several hundred pris oners at this point. He then gave me a small escort, aud I soon made my way around, and joined you on the turnpike, in advance of Brury's Bluff. President Bavis was with you, and you were occupying a position which had been occu pied in the morning by the enemy. I reported substantially what I have stated above as to General Whiting's position, and I recollect distinctly stating to you very emphatically that you need not rely on any advance being made that day

by General Whiting. My impression is that you had already arrived at that conclusion. It was then quite late, and I understood that your right Hank waa then advancing. Dark, however, soon came on, and during the night the ene my retired to the lines north of Bermuda Hundreds. I have never had the slightest doubt that if General Whiting had followed your instructions the result would have been the capture by you of the entire force of General Butler. Yours, very truly, T. M. LOGAN.

Telegram.

DRURY'S BLUFF, May loth, 18G4: G.45 A. M. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Ya.:

Slight firing last night; all quiet this morning. Whiting cannot be here until Tuesday afternoon. Attack will take place Wednesday morning. Gun boats must participate. Send General Ransom to confer with me as soon as practicable. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

DRURY'S BLUFF, May 15/7*., 1SG4: 0.30 p. M. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

I have just seen your aid. Utmost despatch will be made in proposed attack. Change of plan of operations since President was here necessitated u corre sponding change in Whiting's instructions, which I have ordered accordingly.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

DRURY'S BLUFF, May loth, 1864. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

I have already sent General Whiting his instructions to co-operate with me. Please telegraph him to follow them as delivered by Colonel Logan ; yours may conflict with mine. G. T. BEAUREGARD-

Telegram.

DRURY'S BLUFF, May IGth, 1864: 5 A. M. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va. :

The battle has just commenced. Our trust is in God, the valor of our troops, and the justice of our cause. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

HEADQUARTFRS, NEAR FORT STEPHENS, May 16th: 9 A. M. Mjijor-O.nl. W. II. C. WHITING :

All has been going on well. Ransom turned and broke enemy's right early, and is driving them along our front. We are pushing them back on our right. Success is certain everywhere. Press on and press over everything in your front, and the day will be complete. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

ON TURNPIKE, May 16lh, 18G4: 4.15 r. M. Major-Genl. W. II. C. WIIITIXG :

The enemy has been driven back on our right. Corse's and Cliiigman's forces

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXV.

have moved to the lino of works on hill west of railroad. We are about mak ing a general advance with all forces. Can you not aid in the movement at once ? G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

ON FIELD, May IGth, 1864. Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Ya.:

It is 5.45 P. M. The enemy have been driven from our right to south side of Proctor's Creek and east of railroad; also from our immediate vicinity on turn pike. I am organizing combined general attack on line of Proctor's Creek, and hope good results. The movement has commenced, though late. We shall oc cupy the works on hill west of railroad. Nothing positive as to the position of Whiting, save the knowledge that he was at Port Walt-hall Station at ten o'clock this morning. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

PORT WALTHALL JUNCTION, NEAR PETERSBURG, YA.,

May IGtli, 1864.

I have been some time in advance of Walthall Junction, having drawn enemy, after sharp skirmish. He appears to be retiring to his line of fortification. I hear nothing of you. I cannot assault his left on Appomattox. I am advan cing my left, and have crossed Baker-house Creek. Enemy retiring in my front. If they cross the river Petersburg is gone. Can't you press down the river, provided you don't press him in my rear ?

WHITING, Major-Genl. Corndg.

DRURY'S BLUFF, YA., May IGth, 1864 : 8.30 p. M.

Please read over my telegrams of 15th iust., and you will perceive that you were not ordered to assault enemy's left on the Appomattox, but "to march on the firing' 7 in this direction. The best way to defend Petersburg is to anni hilate the enemy here by a combined attack or a concentration of our forces. Remember Dessaix at Marengo and Blucher at Waterloo.

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. To Genl. WHITING, Walthall Junction, near Petersburg, Va,

Telegram.

HEADQUARTERS, ETC., May 16th, 1864: 9.15 P. M. Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Ya.:

The approach of darkness made it imprudent to execute this evening the plan set forth in my despatch of 5.45 P. M. It will be prosecuted without variation, commencing at daylight to-morrow; and I hope to have the co-operation of General Whiting, having sent him renewed despatches to urge it.

G. T. BEAUREGARD. II.—35

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXVI.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, May 17th, 1864. General BEAUREGAKD :

As soon as it is ascertained with certainty that the enemy lias retreated within his intrenchnients on the south side of James River, Major-General R, Ransom will return to his command in Richmond.

S. COOPER, A. and I.-Genl. Received at 1 P. M.

G. W. LAY, Lieut.-Col.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPT. N. C. AND So. VA. IN THE FIELD,

NEAR CHESTER, VA., May 29M, 1864. To his Excellency President DAVIS, Richmond, Va. :

Sir, —I had the honor to receive yesterday afternoon, through Colonel Wood, your letter of the 28th inst., enclosing a copy of General Lee's letter ofthe same day, from near Atlee's Station. I have telegraphed him to inform me when and where I could meet him in conference. I am now awaiting his answer.

The report you refer to of Cutler's breaking up his encampment in rny front is only partially true, and indicates probably a change of position, not a with drawal of part of his forces. The latest information received from the Signal Corps (27th inst.) is, that about four thousand men have been sent off by him. (See report of Major Milligan, herewith enclosed.) My force is so small at present lhat to divide it for the purpose of reinforcing Lee u-ould jeopardize the safety of the part left to guard my lines, and, consequently, endanger Richmond itself.*

The question of abandoning, in part or in whole, my present position is a momentous one, which requires the most earnest consideration of the Govern ment before it is adopted.

The pontoon-train, reported by Major Milligan, on the 27th inst., as having been sent up to Butler, signifies probably an intention on his part to co-operate with Grant in his operations against Richmond, by throwing a bridge across the James River.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G, T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, May 30*7t, 1864 : 5 P. M. Genl. B. BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Lieutenant Wooley, Signal Corps, reports from Fort Boykin : " Several trans ports went down last night, and more to-day, heavily loaded with troops. Arc coming down as far as he can see.' 7 I have ordered a demonstration made to ascertain the position of enemy's forces in our front.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

* The italics arc ours.

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXVI.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, VA., May 30th, 1864: 5.15 p. M. Genl. R. E. LEE, Alice's Station, Virginia C. R.R.:

War Department must determine when and what troops to order from here. I send to General Bragg all information I obtain relative to movement of enemy's troops in my front. Have you been attacked to-day ?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, May 30th, 1864: 10 p. M. Gcnl. R. E. LEE, Atlee's Station:

Hoke's division and Read's battalion of artillery have been ordered to report to you forthwith. I will follow with Johnson's as soon as enemy's movements here will permit. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, May 30th, 1864: 11.15 P. M. Genl. B. BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

General Lee having called upon me for reinforcements, and feeling authorized by the President's letter of 20th iust. to send them, I have ordered Hoke's divis ion to report to him. I will follow with Johnson's as soon as enemy's move ments in my front will permit. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, VA , June 1st, 1864 : 7 p. M.

Genl. R. E. LEE, Shady Grove Church, Va.:

Prisoners and deserters report Gillmore with two divisions—about 8000 men —still in my front. One of his divisions with Smith's corps—say 16,000 men in all—have gone to White House, probably to form junction with Grant. I have left here only one division, which can be moved to north side of James River soon as balance of Gillmore's corps shall have been withdrawn, or Gov ernment shall have determined to abandon line of communication from Peters burg to Richmond. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA :

12.45 P. M., June 1st, via Me 2D. Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD:

It would be disadvantageous to abandon line between Richmond and Peters burg; but, as two-thirds of Butler's force has joined Grant, can you not leave sufficient guard to move with balance of your command to north side of James River, and take command of right wing of army ? R. E. LEE, Geul.

Official.

W. H. TAYLOK, A. A. G.

Telegram.

Genl. R. E. LEE, A. N. Va.: NEAR CHESTER, June 2d, 1864: 7 A. M.

I have ordered a forced rcconnoissauce to ascertain more of enemy's position and condition ; have ordered Ransom's brigade to Bottom's Bridge, as requested by General Bragg. I am willing to do anything for our success, but cannot leave my Department without orders of War Department.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXVI.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, June 2<7, 1864: 10 A. M. Genl. R. E. LEE, A. N. Va.:

No definite information can be obtained from prisoners taken this morning, but they represent enemy still in strong force in our front under General Gill-more. I may not be able to spare Ransom's brigade immediately.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, June 2d, 1864: 10 A. M. Genl. B. BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

No definite information can be obtained from prisoners taken this morning, but they represent enemy still in strong force in our front, under General Gill-more. Shall I send Ransom's brigade as requested? General Johnson says it cannot be spared. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, Jane 2d, 1864 : 2.45 r. M. Genl. B. BRAGG, Richmond, and Genl. R. E. LEE, A. N. Va.:

I am just from the front; reconnoissance in force of this morning shows it might be dangerous to send away Ransom's brigade, constituting over one-third available infantry force now here. We must elect at present between Bottom's Bridge and railroad communication between Petersburg and Richmond.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

June 3<7, 1864. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Comdg., etc., Richmond, Va.:

General, —-That there may not be hereafter any possible misapprehension of the part I am called upon to act in the momentous events which are transpir ing, and which I cannot but watch with the most intense interest and solici tude, I send you herewith copies of the telegrams which have been exchanged between General Lee and myself since the 1st inst., at 4 p. M.

You will not doubt of my readiness and anxiety to co-operate with General Lee in any manner that may bo deemed most conducive towards the crushing of the foe in his front. I shall be found ready and willing, at all times, to obey any orders the War Department may judge lit and proper to give on the sub ject; but I cannot, under existing circumstances, advise the Avithdrawal of more troops from this vicinity. Already thirteen thousand out of twenty thou sand infantry have been sent to the north side of the James River since the battle of Drury's Bluff, and with the forces remaining, unless taken temporarily and for an immediate encounter with the enemy, it might become impossible to prevent the latter from destroying the communications between Richmond and Petersburg; nay, from capturing Petersburg, which could not bo re-taken without great sacrifice of life.

If Ransom's brigade, numbering over one-third of the present available force in Johnson's division, were withdrawn from here, it would become necessary to abandon our lines in front of Bermuda Hundreds Neck, to assume a strategic

position at Port Waltball Junction, from thence to protect Drury's Bluff, the railroad, and Petersburg; the ironclad gunboats guarding the crossing of James River as far below Chaffin's Bluff as practicable.

If Johnson's division were ordered to the north side of James River it would then be necessary to occupy the junction with at least one brigade of infantry, assisted by such cavalry (at least two regiments) as might be spared from Gen eral Bearing's brigade, or other cavalry in the field, to watch closely in front of the enemy's lines across Bermuda Hundreds Neck, and give timely notice of any offensive expedition from that quarter.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, June 3d, 1864: 5 o'clock A. M.

Genl. BRAX. BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Have no further developments of enemy's forces in my front since my letter this morning to you. Please inform me if Ransom's brigade shall be sent to north side of James River; it constitutes one-third of my force, and. will be only oue-twenty-lifth of Lee's. I will obey with alacrity any order of the De partment, and. will do the best possible under existing circumstances.

G. T. BEAUKKGAKD.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, June 3d, 18G4: 9 p. M. Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD :

Ransom's brigade is required for temporary service north of James River. Please send it immediately across at Drury's Bluff, with orders to proceed with out delay to Bottom's Bridge and report to the senior officer there.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, June 3d, 1864: 2.20 P.M. To Genl. BEAUREGARD :

General Lee urges reinforcements to Ransom on north side James River. The question is again submitted to you. Have you any further developments of the enemy. It is certain Butler, with a large portion of his force, is in Lee's front. BRAXTON BRAGG, Genl.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, June 3d, 1864 : 9.45 P. M. Geul. B. BRAGG, Richmond :

Despatch of 9 P. M., ordering Ransom's brigade to Bottom's Bridge, has just been received. It will leave immediately after being relieved from the lines.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, VA., June 3d, 1864 : 10 p. M. Genl. R. E. LEE :

Ransom's brigade will leave here to-night for Bottom's Bridge, crossing at Drury's Bluff. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

NEAR CHESTER, VA., June 4th, 1864: 4 A. M. Goiil. B. BRAGG, Richmond :

I have ordered Ransom's brigade to move at daylight, if no hostile demon stration is made during the night. G. T. BEAUUEGARD.

Telegram.

SWIFT CREEK, June 8th, 1864: 10 p. M. Genl. B. BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

All quiet in our front to-day. Pickets on lower part James River report one steamer, towing up canal-boats and pontoons, with pontoniers; also steamers and schooners going np, heavily loaded; whereas those going down are light. This may indicate future operations of Grant.

G. T. BEAUREGARD. Telegram.

RICHMOND, June 9th, 1864. To Genl. BEAUREGARD :

11. Telegrams received and submitted. Will answer you soon. Telegraph also to General Lee, Mechanicsville Road. BRAXTOX BRAGG.

Telegram.

SWIFT CREEK, June 9th, 1864. Mnjor-Genl. B. R. Jonxsox:

General Bragg telegraphs that since the enemy has been repulsed at Peters burg the movement for Gracie's brigade had been suspended. It is, however, held in readiness to move from Chaffin's Bluff. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

SWIFT CREEK. June 9th, 1864: 1.30 p. M. Brig.-Geul. WISE, Petersburg:

I cannot furnish you at present with reinforcements. Defend the place to the last, and, if compelled, retire, fighting, in the direction of Swift Creek Bridge. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

GAIXES'S MILL, via MECHANICSVILLE ROAD,

June 9th, 1864: 2.30 p. M. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD :

Your telegrams of 9.30 and 10.15 A.M. to-day to General Bragg received. No troops have left General Grant's army to my knowledge, and none could have crossed James River without being perceived. I think it very improbable, un der present circumstances, that Grant would diminish his force. Stauton's de spatches state that all available troops have been drawn from Butler except sufficient, to hold his lines. The force seen by General Wise is small, truly—a reconuoissauce to discover your operations.

R, E. LEE, Genl.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMEXT N. C. AXD So. VA.,

June 14th, 1864. Genl. SAMUEL COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-Geul., C. S. A., Richmond, Va,:

General, — In forwarding my report of the battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16th,

1864, it seems necessary that it should bo accompanied by an explanation of the apparent inconsistency of its conclusions with my Special Order No. 11, May 17th, 1864, relieving the commander of the left wing, and commending in high terms the conduct of his command in the battle. A copy of that order is annexed. When it was issued I still assumed that he had properly felt and estimated the obstacles and hostile force reported by him in his immediate front, and that his reports were to be accepted as maturely considered and substantially accurate. Subsequent investigation, necessarily requiring time, has, I regret to say, brought me to a different conviction.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUKEGARD, Genl.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

DUNLOP'S, ON SWIFT CREEK, June !4tJi, 1864. Genl. R. E. LEE, Comdg. Army of No. Va., Riddell's Shop, Va.:

General,— Not being able to visit you in person, I send you one of my volun teer aids, Colonel Paul, to explain to you the exact condition and position of my forces between Drury's Bluff and Petersburg, both inclusive. He will com municate to you a statement of forces and a letter bearing on the subject. I beg you will send me by Colonel Paul such a verbal statement of your present position and future movements as you may feel at liberty to communicate, in order that I may be prepared to act in concert with you, according as circum stances may make it expedient.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

Synopsis of General Wise's Report of the Operations around Petersburg on ihe 15th of June, 1864.

The following forces were engaged: the 26th, 34th, 46th Virginia; 64th Georgia, Company F. ; 23d South Carolina, Archer's Militia, Battle's and Hood's battalions, Sturdevaut's battery, Dearing's cavalry, and other transient forces, making a total strength of 2738, but a really effective one of 2200 men of all arms.

Tliis force was distributed from Battery No. 1, on the left, to Butterworth's Bridge, on the right—a distance of nearly six miles, giving one effective man to every four yards and a half (4^). The extreme right, from Butterworth's Bridge to the Appomattox River—say five miles—was without any force at all.

At 7 A. M., on the 15th, General Dearing informs General Wise that his forces were hotly engaged with the enemy on the Broadway and City Point roads, not far from their forks. General Wise takes command of the centre, from Battery 14 to 23, exclusive, and requests Colonel Colsteu to take command of the right, from Battery 23 to Butterworth's Bridge.

The cavalry made a handsome stand at their breastworks, and Graham's bat tery did great execution among the enemy's ranks. But they advanced in such overwhelming force that, although their assaults were several times repulsed, they prevailed in flanking our cavalry breastworks, which were finally abau-

doned, with the loss of one howitzer. During that gallant stand of Deariug's command time was gained to make all possible preparations on the lines, and at about 10 A.M. the skirmishing on the left began to be serious.

At 12 M. the enemy's cavalry approached our centre, dismounted, deployed skirmishers, and moved up as infantry. Reinforcements had already been called for, from the north side of the Appomattox. The repeated reply was to hold on—that reinforcements would be sent.

From 12 M. to 2 P. M. the enemy pressed on the centre, apparently threatening the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad. The lino was, in consequence, closed from the right to support Colonel Goode and 34th Virginia. At the same time Hood's battalion was sent to reinforce Colonel Page, on the left.

Again additional troops were called for, the reply being that one brigade from Johnson's division had been ordered on, and that Hoke's division, which had left Drnry's Bluff at 12.15 r. M., would arrive in Petersburg at 5 r. M. Orders to hold on at all hazards were given all over the lines.

From 3 to 5 P. M. the enemy continued to press the centre, and, as was ex pected, concentrated upon batteries 5, 6, and 7, where the works were " ineffa bly and contemptibly weak." At 7.10 p. M. they entered a ravine between Nos. 6 and 7 and Hanked No. 5.

The line then broke, from No. 3 to No. 11, inclusive. The whole line on the right was then ordered to close to the left, up to Battery No. 14; batteries 1 and 2 being still ours. The 59th Virginia arriving at that time, was sent on the City Point Road towards Battery No. 2, to arrest the retreat of the line on the left. Between 8 and 9 p. M. General Hagood's brigade of Hoke's division arrived, and, soon after, General Hoke himself, who took command.

A new line was formed during the night from Battery No. 2, through Friend's field to the woods, and thence through them across the road leading to Dunn's house, and thence on the road to Webb's house.

Hoke's division was placed on the left, Clingman's brigade forming its right. On Clingman's right was Wise's brigade. The right of Wise's brigade termi nated on the apex of a high hill, between which and Webb's house there is a deep ravine. An interval of a quarter of a mile was left across this ravine. General Wise called the attention of General Hoke and General Johnson to that fact. He was told that a regiment, would be sent from Elliott's brigade to fill it. But on the night of the 16th, as late as 10 p. M., that gap had not been filled.

At daybreak next morning it was announced that the enemy had driven back the brigade on the right of Wise's, leaving its right entirely exposed, except as far as protected by Blunt's battery.

Wise's brigade stood firm and aided in restoring the lines, but sadly suffered from an enfilade fire. Colonel Page was killed, Captain Wise, Brigade Inspect or, wounded. The command of the brigade then devolved upon Colonel Goode.

The casualties in Wise's brigade, on June 15th, amounted to 12 killed, 62 wounded, and 129 missing. Only three regiments engaged.

Ten guns were lost from batteries 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9. No other reports were sent in. Every officer and man under General Wise's notice behaved with gal-

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXVI.

lautry, and the enemy were successfully repulsed and checked against great odds, until reinforcements arrived. Respectfully submitted,

H. A. WISE, Brig.-Geul. Comdg.

Statement of Forces which Attacked Petersburg on the 15th Day of June, 1864.

Enemy's right, Martindale's division 6,000

" centre, Brooks's division and two brigades of Ames's 9,000 " left, Hink's division 6,000

18th corps, infantry 21,000

Cavalry, two regiments 1,200

22,200 The effective force under General Wise of all arms was 2200.

Telegram.

RICHMOND, June 15th, 1864. To Genl. BEAUREGARD :

Grade's brigade was sent to you in place of Ransom's, being more conven ient j they can be exchanged again, should you prefer it.

BRAXTOX BRAGG. Telegram.

CLAY'S HOUSE, June 15th, 1864. To Capt. OTEY :

General Hoke left here about six o'clock this evening.

R. E. FOOTE, A. A. G. Telegram,

DRURY'S BLUFF, June 15th, 1864. To Geul. BEAUREGARD :

I am on the move down the Petersburg turnpike. Cannot railroad trans portation be used ? R. F. HOKE, Major-Gen].

Telegrams to Generals Bragg and Lee as to Withdrawal of Bushrod Johnson

from Bermuda Hundreds Line.

1. SWIFT CREEK, VA., June loth, 1864: 1 r. M.

Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Hoke's division is ordered to Petersburg. Hope it will get there in time. I will hold lines of Bermuda Hundreds Neck as long as practicable; but I may have to reinforce Hoke with Johnson's division, when lines would be lost. I advise sending forthwith another strong division to intersection of turnpike and railroad near Port Walthall Junction. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

Telegraph operator will send a copy of this despatch to General R. E. Lee.

2. SWIFT CREEK, June 15th, 1864: 1.45 r. M.

Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Your telegram of 12 M. received. I do not ask for advice with regard to movement of troops, but wished to know preference of War Department be tween Petersburg and lines across Bermuda Hundreds Neck, for my guidance, as I fear m} T present force may prove unequal to hold both.

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

3. PETERSBURG, VA., June 15th, 1864: 9.11 p. M.

Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

Reinforcements not having arrived in time, enemy penetrated lines from battery 5 to 8, inclusive. Will endeavor to retake them by daybreak. I shall order Johnson to this point with all his forces. General Lee must look to the defences of Drury's Bluff and the lines across Bermuda Neck, if practicable.

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Telegraph operator will send a copy of this despatch to General R. E. Lee.

4. PETERSBURG, VA., June 15th, 1864 : 11.15 r. M.

Genl. R. E. LEE, Headquarters, A. N. Va.:

I have abandoned my lines on Bermuda Neck to concentrate all my forces here. Skirmishers and pickets will leave there at daylight. Cannot these lines be occupied by your troops? The safety of our communication requires it. Five or six thousand men may do. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Geul.

Telegram.

DRURY'S BLUFF, June 15th, 1864. To Genl. BEAUREGARD :

General Lee sees no reason why Ransom's brigade may not be sent you. His army covers position it holds, and he does not need it. It is not in his command. Shall be at Headquarters by six o'clock.

SAM. B. PAUL.

Telegram.

CLAY'S HOUSE, June 15th, 1864. To Capt. Jxo. M. OTEY :

Ransom's brigade was ordered by General Lee to report to General Beaure-gard without loss of time. I was sent forward to report. The brigade moved at 7 P. M. from Chaffm's farm. Let me hear from you.

S. H. GEE, A. A. and I. G.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, June 15th, 1864. To Capt. J. M. OTEY, A. A. G.:

Captain LVjamett and Private Clarke, of the 2d company, Independent Signal Corps, were captured by a company of the 20th Massachusetts Cavalry, sent out from City Point. Privates Dew and Rufiin escaped. Dew reports that the enemy's transports passing up yesterday, from 2 P. M. until ho left, were crowded with troops. Up to sunset twelve transports had passed up by Cog-gin's Point. All quiet above Westover and Beakly at sunset yesterday.

Respectfully, etc., J. F. MILLIGAX, Major, etc.

General, Beauregard to Generals Lee and Bragg. (Telegram repeated.}

SWIFT CREEK, June 15th, 1864: 9 A. M.

General Dearing reports at 7.35 A. M. : "Enemy still in force in my front; reported advancing in heavy force on Broadway road. A prisoner says some of Bumside's troops are here." If so, it is very important.

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

Telegram.

HEADQUARTERS, PETERSBURG, June IGth, 1864: 7.45 A. M.

Genl. R. E. LEE, Headquarters, Army No. Va., Riddell's Shop:

Prisoner captured this A. M. reports that he belongs to Hancock's corps (2d), and that it crossed day before yesterday and last night from Harrison's Land ing. Could we not have more reinforcements here ?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Telegram.

PETERSBURG, June 15th, 1864. To Lieut.-Col. OTEY, A. A. G.:

The following just received at Mrs. Archer's twelve noon : "Enemy's line of skirmishers across Beasely field, advancing in this direction."

E. C. GOODWIN, Sergt. Sig. Post.

Telegram.

DRURY'S BLUFF, June 16th, 1864: 7.45 A. M. To Genl. BEAUREGARD :

Four (4) monitors, four (4) tugs, three (3) transports, one (1) armed trans port, four (4) schooners, and one (1) bark. Schooners and bark are lying along and near to the buoys. G. II. TERRETT, Major Comdg.

DRURY'S BLUFF, June IGth, 1864: 4 p. M. Genl. BEAUREGARD :

The transports you mention have probably returned Butler's troops. Has Grant been seen crossing James River? R. E. LEE.

DRURY'S BLUFF, June 16th, 1864 : 1.15 P. M. Genl. BEAUREGARD :

Despatch of 11.30 just received. I fear the withdrawal of your pickets has lost your lines in front of'Bermuda Hundreds. General Anderson thinks they are occupied. He was pushing back enemy's skirmishers at 12.30 p. M. I have directed they be repossessed, if practicable to all advantage. What line have you on your front ? Have you lieard of Grant's crossing the James River?

R. E. LEE.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

June IGth, 1864. Major-General R. F. HOKE, Comdg. Division on Pike:

General, —I am instructed by the Commanding General to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram, and to say that railroad transportation has been or dered to Chester Station for your command. It is probable that you can march to Petersburg earlier by highway. If you are of this opinion you will move by the pike direct to Petersburg, as instructed by telegraph. The utmost despatcli is required. Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. M. OTEY, A. A. G.

PETERSBURG, June 17th, 1864 : 5 p. M. Genl. R. E. LEE, Chester, Va.:

Prisoners just taken represent themselves as belonging to 2d, 9th, and 18th Corps. They state that 5th and 6th Corps are behind coining on. Those from 2d and 18th came here by transports, and arrived first. Others marched night and day from Gaines's Mill, and arrived yesterday evening. The 9th crossed at Turkey Bend, where they have a pontoon-bridge. They say Grant commanded on the field yesterday. All are positive that they passed him on the road seven miles from here. G. T. BEAUREGARD.

HEADQUARTERS, PETERSBURG, June IStli, 18G4: 12.30 A. M. Genl. R. E. LEE, Clay's House:

Enemy in large force—reported to be three corps, 2d, 9th, and 18th—attacked heavily our lines at 6.30 P. M. Affair lasted until 11.30 P.M. Enemy was finally repulsed at all points. Some three hundred prisoners and two stand of colors were taken. Success not yet ascertained. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

PETERSBURG, June ISth, 1864: 12.40 A. M. Genl. R. E. LEE, Clay's House:

All quiet at present. I expect renewal of attack in morning. My troops are becoming much exhausted. Without immediate and strong reinforcements, re sults may be unfavorable. Prisoners report Grant on the field with his whole army. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

PETERSBURG, June ISlh, 1864: 2.20 A. M. Mnjor-Genl. J. B. KERSHAW, Coiudg. Division, Red Water:

General, —General Beauregard desires me to inform you that prisoners capt ured this evening represent the 2d and 9th Corps, Army of the Potomac, and state with certainty that the 6th, 5th, and 18th Corps besides, are also in our front. General Beauregard desires me further to direct that you move to this point as rapidly as possible, and endeavor to reach the city by daylight, as in his opinion, as well as from statements of prisoners, the enemy will make their general attack to-morrow (this morning).

I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully, your obdt. servt.,

JNO. M. OTEY, A. A. G.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

June 18M, 1864: 2.20 A. M. Major-Genl. R. F. HOKE, Comdg. Division:

General, —The Commanding General directs me to inform you that the divis ion of Major-General Kershaw is on its way to this point as reinforcement, as also the whole of the army corps commanded by Lieutcnant-General A. P. Hill. General Leo will himself be here in person some time to-day. This should be published to the troops at once.

You will send to Major-Gencral Johnson a copy of this for his information and action. Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. M. OTEY, A. A. G.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

PETERSBURG, VA., June 21st, 1864. Geiil. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Comdg. C. S. Armies, Richmond, Va.:

General, —Your communication of the IGtli inst.—requesting me to inform yon at what Lour last night (15tL) I ordered Major-General JoLnson to evacuate tlie lines across Bermuda Hundreds Neck; at what Lour during the night he made the movement; what force was ordered to replace him; and whether I informed General R. E. Lee of the movement; if so, at what hour, and by what channel of communication ; also, whether any guns or other military stores were left by General Johnson's command—was not received by me until the evening of the 19th inst., else it w^ould have met with an earlier acknowledgment.

In reply thereto I have the honor to submit that, on the morning of the loth iust., the force under my command for the immediate defence of Petersburg (about 2200 of ail arms) consisted of Wise's brigade, some artillery, two regi ments of Dearing's cavalry, and a few militia. During the night of the 14th I received from you the following despatch :

"RICHMOND, June Uth, 1864 : 9.10 p. M. u Genl. BEAUREGARD :

" General Lee reports Grant has abandoned his depot on the York, and moved to James River, he supposes about McClellan's old base, at Harrison's Landing. Lee is on a line from Malveru Hill to White Oak Swamp. He has sent Hoke's division to Drury's Bluff, with a view to reinforce you, in case Petersburg is threatened. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Genl.-'

On its receipt the following order was immediately sent to Major-General Hoke:

" HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

June Uth, 1864.

"General, —The Commanding General directs that you move at once, as rapidly as possible, with your division to Petersburg, leaving one brigade at Walthall Junction. Respectfully, your obedient servant,

" Jxo. M. OTEY, A. A. G. "To Major-Genl. R. F. HOKE, Drury's Bluff."

Early on the morning of the 15th I advised you in several despatches that the enemy had been strongly reinforced ; that Dearing's pickets had been driven in ; and that the enemy was moving in force towards the Baxter and Jerusalem plank road, and asked for reinforcements. I also added that the time had ar rived when an election must be made between the lines of Bermuda Neck and Petersburg. With my small force it was an impossibility to hold both. At 7 A. M. of the 15th I sent yon the following despatch :

" SWIFT CREEK, VA., June loth, 1864: 7 A. M. " Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

"Return of Butler's forces sent to Grant, arrival of latter at Harrison's Land ing, renders my position more critical than ever, if not reinforced immediately ; for enemy could force my lines at Bermuda Hundreds Neck, capture Battery Dantzler, now nearly ready, or take Petersburg, before any troops from Lee's

army or Drury's Bluff could arrive iu time. Caii anything be done in the matter ? G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl."

Battery Dantzler was a new battery of heavy guns at Hewlett's Hill, and formed the extreme left of our lines in front of Bermuda Hundreds Neck.

At Hi. r. M. I sent you and General R. E. Lee the following telegraphic de spatch :

" SWIFT CREEK, VA., June 15th, 1864: 1 r. M. " Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

" Hoke's division is ordered to Petersburg ; hope it will get there in time. I will hold lines of Bermuda Hundreds Neck as long as practicable; but I may have to reinforce Hoke with Johnson's division, when lines would be lost. I advise sending forthwith another strong division to intersection of turnpike and railroad near Port Walthall Junction.

" G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

" Telegraph operator will send a copy of this despatch to General R. E. Lee."

I received at 1.20 P. :>r. the following:

" RICHMOND, June 15th, 1864: 12 M. " To Genl. BEAUREGARD :

"Hoke's division was ordered to you early this morning in time to be near at hand now, though his telegram of 11.30 says he had just received his orders and was marching. Yon are better able to judge than I can be of the move ments necessary to be made by the troops immediately with you.

"BRAXTON BRAGG, Gciil."

At 1.45 r. M. I telegraphed you as follows :

" SWIFT CREEK, June 15th, 1864 : 1.45 p. M. " Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

" Your telegram of 12 M. received. I did not ask advice with regard to move ment of troops, but wished to know preference of War Department between Petersburg and lines across Bermuda Hundreds Neck, for my guidance, as I fear my present force may prove unequal to hold both.

" G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl/'

To this I received no reply.

The alternative of abandoning our lines in front of Bermuda Hundreds or Petersburg was thus presented. My force was inadequate to maintain our ex tended lines, reaching from Drury's Bluff to this place. The enemy, having been strongly reinforced, continued to press heavily towards Petersburg, and at 9.11 p. M. I sent you and General R. E. Lee the following telegraphic despatch:

" PETERSBURG, VA., June 15th, 1864 : 9.11 p. M. " Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond, Va.:

" Reinforcements not having arrived in time, enemy penetrated lines, from Battery 5 to 8, inclusive. "Will endeavor to retake them by daybreak. I shall order Johnson to this point, with all his forces. General Lee must look to the defences of Drury's Bluff and the lines across Bermuda Neck, if practicable.

"G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. "Telegraph operator will send a copy of this despatch to General R. E. Lee."

Accordingly, at 10.20 P.M. I ordered Major-General Johnson to evacuate the lines in front of Bermuda Hundreds, leaving pickets and skirmishers to cover the movement until daylight, or later if necessary. I hereto append a copy of the orders to Major-General Johnson. At 11.15 r. M. I addressed the following telegrapic despatch to General E. E. Lee:

" PETERSRURG, VA., June loth, 1864 : 11.15 P. M. " Genl. R. E. LEE, Headquarters A. N. V.:

"I have abandoned my lines on Bermuda Neck, to concentrate all my forces here. Skirmishers and pickets will leave there at daylight. Cannot these lines be occupied by your troops? The safety of our communication requires it. Five or six thousand men may do. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl."

In obedience to orders Major-General Johnson, after entirely securing the guns and other military stores, evacuated the lines of Bermuda Hundreds dur ing the night, giving orders to the officer commanding the pickets and skir mishers to hold the lines until 6 A. M. of the IGth. At the time of the evacu ation no information had been received that reinforcements would be sent to refill these lines.

The heavy guns, carriages, and chassis at Fort Dantzler were buried by Major-General Johnson, and were recovered on the re-occupation of lines, hav ing been undisturbed and uninjured by the enemy.

About 4 A. M. on the 16th a despatch was received from General R. E. Lee that a division was on its way to replace Major-Gcneral Johnson. A staff-officer was immediately sent to General Johnson with this information and in structions to hold the lines as long as possible. The promised division not ar riving in time, our pickets and skirmishers left in charge of the lines were driven in early on the morning of the 16th.

The result of the concentration of my forces at Petersburg was the success ful defence of that place against repeated and persistent assaults, which were immediately afterwards made by the enemy with largely superior numbers.

The foregoing simple narrative of the course of events contains, I believe, answers to all the inquiries embraced in your letter.

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

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl.

PARISH OF SAINT JAMES, LOUISIANA,

Feb. 2lst, 1874. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, New Orleans:

My dear General, —I take pleasure in forwarding to you, as I had promised I would, the following narration of an incident of the siege of Petersburg, which, from the circumstances of the case, may not be altogether useless to you, as an additional leaf to what is left of your valuable notes about the war.

I remember that on or about the 17th of June, 1864, pending the heroic, and to mo ProA'idential, defence of Petersburg (the immediate result of which, from the battle of Drury's Bluff to that time, was the saving of Richmond), some forty or fifty prisoners were brought to me, for the purpose, as usual, of being

examined as to the name of their particular commands, tlieir precise location, their aggregate number, and the time of their arrival in our front.

These examinations, as you know, formed part of my general duties as In spector, and I always endeavored to carry them through with all due care and attention. I was ever exceedingly courteous towards prisoners, and made it a point to speak to them "with the greatest kindness. As far as my experience goes, I may safely assert that eight prisoners out of ten, whenever examined with prudence and discretion, invariably spoke the truth, to the best of their knowledge and understanding. Very few ever refused to answer me; and I must say that information of more than ordinary importance to us was, at times, thus acquired from what they reported.

On the occasion I here refer to I Avas more than usually careful in my de meanor towards these prisoners, because of your suspecting General Grant's army to be already on the move towards Petersburg, as was indicated, you thought, by Butler's evident boldness in our front.

The substance of the information I obtained that day was, that General Grant was actually crossing the James; that such and such corps of his army, supposed to be facing General Lee's army, were already with Butler's troops; that the men had been made to go through long and fatiguing marches, and, to quote their own language, were loudly complaining of " hard march and hard tack."

As soon as the result of my examination was reported to Headquarters you immediately despatched one of your aids, Captain Chisolm, to General Lee, to inform him of the circumstances above related. General Lee's headquarters were, at that time, near Drury's Bluff, and yours, on account of the general skirmishing we had had the day previous, were, temporarily, in the very town of Petersburg.

Not satisfied, apparently, with the message you had given to Captain Chis olm, and feeling more and more the necessity of being immediately reinforced, yon also sent me to Drury's Bluff on the evening of the same day, my instruc tions being to see General Lee and read to him, as I had written them down, the answers of the different prisoners I had examined. You told me to impress upon the General's mind the necessity of his sending over reinforcements to your assistance as soon as possible; that you had suspected for several days what had at last happened, and had so informed the War Department, but, as usual, with no satisfactory result; that you had no troops—or nearly none— left you, and that if the General did not conic to your assistance, with his whole army, in less than forty-eight hours, God Almiylity alone would save Petersburg and Richmond.

I left as soon as I could get my horse ready, and arrived at General Lee's headquarters between twelve and one o'clock that night, having first procured a guide at General Anderson's headquarters, then established at the very spot where ours had been the day after the battle of Drury's 131 uff.

I was not admitted to General Lee. Colonel Taylor--! think it was Colonel Taylor—General Lee's Chief of Staff, thought it unadvisable to disturb the General, who had not long since retired, he said, and who needed rest. Know-

ing that I had no right to insist upon being shown into the General's presence, I thereupon informed Colonel Taylor of niy whole message to General Lee, read him the prisoners' statements, and asked him to see the General, if I could not.

His answer was, in substance, as follows: "Those prisoners have evidently deceived you. The corps you speak of as being in front of Petersburg, or there about, are reported by our scouts as being still in our front. We are certain of the fact, and, therefore, I see no use in speaking again to General Lee, who, by-the-by, has already seen Captain Chisolni to that effect, and has told him, substantially, what I now say to you. Tell General Beauregard that, as far as these corps are concerned—and we believe it to be the case with the others— there is, just now, no apprehension to be had."

My disappointment, on hearing the above, was so apparent, that Colonel Tay lor, no doubt struck by it, left his tent, where I remained with, an officer whoso name I do not remember, and, coining back a few minutes afterwards, told me he had seen General Lee, and that he still maintained his first view of the case.

It was evident to me that the report of the prisoners was looked upon as nothing but a fable, altogether unworthy of General Lee's attention, and scarce ly worthy of our own. I was told, furthermore, that General Lee's reply to your remarks—" that unless reinforcements were sent before forty-eight hours, God Almighty alone would save Petersburg and Richmond"—was, that he "hoped God Almighty would."

Now, I cannot exactly say whether it was Colonel Taylor who gave me the above as General Lee's answer, or whether it was Major Giles B. Cooke, of Gen eral Beauregard's staff, the evening after my visit to General Lee's headquarters. Mjijor Cooke had seen the General; I had not. Remarks identically the same as those made by me in your name might also have been made to General Lee, personally, by Major Cooke. But I know the words quoted above by me were given as being those made use of by General Lee in answer to your remarks.

Having nothing more to do or to say just then, I took leave of Colonel Taylor, and hastened back to Petersburg as fast as I could go. While on my way back I met Major Cooke, one of uiy assistant inspectors, who was hurrying to General Lee's headquarters with a third message from you. Major Cooke is the same offi cer I referred to in the preceding lines. We exchanged a few words, I telling him of my ill-success, he declaring he would see the General and convince him of the absolute necessity of coming to our assistance; and, having no time to lose, we both started anew, on our respective errands.

I was back at Headquarters early on the morning of the 18th of June, as you. may remember, having taken no rest at all, and having ridden the whole night, going and coming.

Petersburg was not taken. Through you, and, thanks to your far-seeing ability, "God Almighty did save it."

General Lee, with the high-minded, soldierly, as well as gentlemanly motives which ever characterized his acts, was no doubt impressed with the importance as well as the insistance of your different messages; and though, perhaps, still relying on the reports of his scouts, he nevertheless issued orders in compliance

nOf» . OJ

with your most urgent request. The fact is that Kershaw's division was already on the move before I had time to reach Petersburg, and on the 19th of June (I think it was a Sunday), before night, all, or nearly all, of General Lee's army was at Petersburg or its immediate vicinity, where also, and at the same time, was all, or nearly all, of General Grant's army.

Your advice was to attack the very next day (19th), bnt General Lee was unwilling to issue the necessary orders to that effect, on account of the heavy inarching his men had just gone through ; and when, a few days afterwards, we did attack, the enemy, with the facilities he always had at his command, had already so intrenched himself as to give us no hope of dislodging him. I am, dear General, very sincerely yours,

ALFRED ROMAN.

Extract from a Diary Kept by Major Giles B. Cooke during the late War.

Wednesday, June 15//<, 1864.—About 12.30 r. M. was sent into Petersburg by the General (Beauregard) from Dunlop's house, on Swift Creek, to advise General Wise that Hoke's division and Johnson's brigade had been ordered to reinforce. The enemy commenced advancing on the city about 10 A. M. Was engaged all the afternoon bearing orders for the General. About 7.30 r. M. the enemy car ried by assault Battery No. 5, and soon after Batteries Nos. 6, 7, 8, and 9. These redoubts are the outer works of the city. Hagood's brigade of Hoke's division arriving about the time that No. 5 fell, I accompanied General Hngood to his position, and was engaged with him on that duty until about 11 P. M. ; was then ordered to assist Colonel Roman in posting the forage-trains of Johnson's and Hoke's divisions, and in moving Headquarters.

Thursday, June 16th. —Left Colonel Roman for the front about 5 A.M. Break fasted at Mrs. Paul's, and then reported to the General. Was ordered by him to post Colonel Luke's regiment at the four bridges crossing the Appomattox. Was then sent to look for the Chief of Artillery, and then joined the General at the Custom-house. Was sent by the General about 9.45 A.M. to telegraph Gen eral Lee for reinforcements, as the enemy was pressing us in heavy force. Re turned to the General about 11.15 A. M., in company with Major Malloy, Chief Commissary. About 1.30 P.M. rode over to camp at Dunn's Hill (across Appo-mattox) to assist Colonel Roman in arranging the wagon-trains j could not find him, but rode myself to see about the same; then returned to Headquarters, and slept for about an hour, as the firing had ceased. Rode over to the Custom house to see the General about striking tents about 6.30 p. M. ; then went back to tell Colonel Roman to have the tents re-pitched at Dunn's Hill. Walked into the city about 7.30 p. M., and went to Mrs. Paul's to supper.

Friday, June 17th. —Arose about 7 A. M. and breakfasted. Rode to the head quarters of General Johnson, and thence along our lines to General Hoke's head quarters, to make the necessary arrangements to prevent straggling. Engaged up to about 7 r. M. in arranging and giving instructions about straggling. Hear ing heavy firing in the direction of Johnson's division, just as I reached the heights, I rode at once towards the headquarters of General Johnson. * * * For six mortal hours Johnson's division was sorely pressed by the Yankees. Our

two divisions, Hoke and Johnson, held at bay for six hours three Yankee army corps (Hancock's, Barnside's, and Baldy Smith's); for about one hour of the six hours referred to the enemy's firing was perfectly terrific. We were driven back some two or three times; but our men rallied and drove the Yankees back in their turn. The firing ceased about 12.30 night; at which time I came in to the General at Johnson's headquarters, and gave him some despatches that were captured from a Yankee courier.

Saturday, Jane ISth. —General Beauregard sent me at 1 A. M. to General Lee, to ask for reinforcements. Rode about seventeen miles in about two hours, and after talking with the General (Lee) for some time and accomplishing, in part, 1113^ object in seeking him, I left for Petersburg. Oil my way to General Lee's head quarters I called at General Anderson's headquarters, at the Hancock house, to tell him of my mission to General Lee, and to impress him with the importance of having some of his troops ready to march to General Beauregard's assistance. On my return called at General Anderson's again, and joined Kershaw's divis ion of his command that had been ordered by General Lee to proceed at once to Petersburg. Reached Petersburg about 7 A.M., at the head of Kershaw's divis ion, after posting which repaired to my quarters for rest.

PETERSBURG, VA., May 18th, 1874.

My dear General, —Major Cooke has just handed me your package for exami nation. I happen, fortunately, to have memoranda of the important period referred to, which throw a very strong light on it.

On the morning of Tuesday, June 14th, 1864, you sent for me to come to your quarters—we were then at Dunlop's, on Swift Creek. Mr. Soule was with you at the time, and Colonel Otey, Adjutant-General, was sent for. You detailed to me with some minuteness the evidence of a large increase of strength to the enemy immediately in your front, and stated that a considerable force had been thrown across the river to the south side of the James, below City Point, the mouth of the Appomattox. Hoke's division had some time before been sent to General Lee, and your force consisted then of Bushrod Johnson's division, Dear-ing's small command of cavalry, and the local forces. After giving me these de tails of fact you directed Colonel Otey to have a statement made in detail of your force and its distribution on your lines; and ordered me to proceed with the same to General Lee, to place before him the facts of the situation, to ex press to him your conviction that the enemy would commence operations at Petersburg in a short time, and request that he should send you back Hoke's division, and aid you with such other force as would be adequate to the gravity of the situation. The papers were finished in the Adjutant-General's office by about 2 A. M. on the morning of Wednesday, 15th, and I started to General Lee's headquarters. These were difficult to find, but I reached them at about 12.30 o'clock, and saw Colonel Taylor, Avho secured ine an interview with General Lee some half-hour afterwards. About 1 P. M. —my notes say—General Lee de clined to permit me to open the papers, stating that he knew we were weak, but that we would simply have to accomplish all we could with what we had. At first I feared that I would be dismissed without further attention, and an

intimation was made that I should return at once to you with that answer. The General seemed much preoccupied. I told him that it was but a small part of my instructions to show him your weakness, the importance of your line to his own safety, and the possibility of disaster to you, but to show the fact that attack was imminent. Gradually his interest seemed to increase, and he stated that he had ordered Hokc's division to rejoin you before my arrival. Ho then stated that you might rest assured that you were mistaken in supposing that the enemy had thrown any troops to the south side of James River; that a few of Smith's corps had come back to your front—nothing more—and that it was probable the enemy would cross the James, though, he reiterated, no part of his force had yet done so, because he could do nothing else, unless to withdraw altogether, as had been done by McClellan, which he did not believe General Grant thought of. He then said you might be assured that if yon were seri ously threatened he would send you aid, and, if needed, come himself. With some kind messages to you he then dismissed me.

When I reached Dunlop's you, with your whole staff, I was informed, were at Petersburg, and I rejoined you there, making a verbal report substantially as herein stated. You informed me that Batteries 5 to 8 had been taken, and ordered me to proceed to the road east of Hare's Newmarket race-course, where I would aid in posting Hagood's command, just in by rail, on Wise's left, the brigade of the latter to rest its right on Battery 9. When I met General Wise, at the point indicated, he informed me that Battery 9 had also been captured, and your orders were modified. You then determined to withdraw Bushrod John son from Bermuda Hundreds Neck, leaving a thin picket-line, and quickly fol lowed the order by another to bring his whole force. They arrived during the night and next morning, Thursday, 16th. Colonel Roman and Major Cooke had in the mean time been despatched to General Lee successively on substantially the same messnge witli mine, but with improved evidence of the enemy's presence.

The enemy strangely contented themselves with the capture of the line up to Battery 9, and showed no activity until Thursday morning, when they skir mished sharply on our right, and a brief action of some importance took place on our right. On Friday, 17th, skirmishing was very active in the morning, which in the evening increased to a battle, distinguished by heavy loss on our right and easy success on our left. At one time matters looked more critical to the integrity of our line than I ever saw it up to the time when we left for the Southwest. Prisoners captured showed that you had in front of you Smith's corps, Burnside's corps, and Hancock's—your sole force being Hoke's and John son's divisions, and the local force, with Bearing's cavalry and Jones's artillery. At the most critical time the capture of one of Burnside's aids with a despatch from Burnside asking aid from General Meade, endorsed by General Meade with directions to get support from Smith, occurring just as a message from Hoko arrived announcing the easy repulse of Smith, enabled you to reinforce John son from Hoke's command and make your position safe. That Friday night the lines up to the Jerusalem plank roak were finished and occupied, which never were taken.

The next morniug, Saturday, 18th, General Lee arrived, and his whole army were in position confronting Grant by Sunday morning.

I have reason to believe that on Saturday you proposed to General Lee to turn Grant's left flank, you covering his own left flank, and attacking Grant's right as he made the new front, giving the opinion that the two forces, flushed with the confidence of recent success, would crush Grant in the fork of the two rivers. And General Lee objected, 011 the ground that it would compromise his army, though he believed the movement would succeed.

Most truly, your old friend and servant,

SAMUEL 13. PAUL. Gcnl. G. T. BEAUREGABD.

NEW OiiLEAXS, March 20tJi, 1874.

Dear General, —Agreeably to your request I take pleasure in giving you my recollection of some of the incidents connected with your memorable defence of Petersburg, when first attacked by General Grant's army, in June, 18G4.

On a Wednesday, the 15th day of June, 1864, at about 12 o'clock, while we were encamped at Duulop's farm, on Swift Creek, near Petersburg, you received intelligence that our lines in front of Petersburg were being attacked in force by the enemy. You left at once, with such members of your staff who were with you at the time, for Petersburg, examining on your way there our lines of fortifications situated on the left, and you reached Petersburg at about 6 o'clock P. M.

Upon your arrival you found that Batteries Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, situated nearest the Appomattox on our left, had been attacked and taken by the enemy.

After visiting General Wise, inspecting with him the lines of fortifications in. our possession, and giving the necessary orders for the defence of the city dur ing the night, you repaired to the Post-office Building, in Petersburg, and estab lished there your temporary headquarters.

General Hoke, with his division, arrived at about ten o'clock that evening, and was stationed on our left, fronting the enemy, where we had lost our bat teries. Owing to the jaded condition of General Hoke's troops, after their forced march, you determined not to attack, and ordered the General to in trench himself in the position he occupied. This he effectually did during the night.

On Wednesday, 15th, 10.20 p. M.*, finding that the enemy was still increasing his numbers and encroaching on your lines, you telegraphed General Lee that you would order General Bushrod Johnson to Petersburg, and would henceforth in trust the defence of our lines at Bermuda Hundreds to him (General Lee). Gen eral Bushrod Johnson arrived during Thursday night, and was placed on the right, near the Jerusalem plank road.

I remained with you constantly, night and day, from Wednesday, 15th, until Saturday, after the arrival of General Lee, and witnessed the almost super human efforts by which Petersburg was saved through the heroism and un daunted courage of the handful of men under you. I shall ever remember with pride your noble and successful resistance of that terrible onslaught of three

corps of General Grant's army on the three feeble divisions under Generals Hoke, "Wise, and Bushrod Johnson, during that eventful Friday night, the 17th of Juno.

During those three memorable days, in the capacity of your aid, I received, read, and wrote out all the telegrams you received from and sent to General Lee, and to the Government at Richmond.

After informing General Lee several times that you were being confronted by the whole of Grant's army, and receiving no reply, you sent, on Friday, the 17th, at 5 P. M., a telegram to General Lee, that unless reinforced you would evacuate Petersburg the next day (Saturday), at 12 o'clock. In answer to this—and my memory is very clear upon this point—you received a telegram couched in these terms:

" DRURY'S BLUFF, Friday, June 17th: p. M.

[Or, Saturday, June 18th: A. M.] " Genl. BEAUREGARD :

"Am not yet satisfied as to General Grant's movements; but upon your rep resentations will move at once on Petersburg. R. E. LEE.' 7

Early Saturday morning General Kcrshaw's division, leading the advance of General Lee's army, arrived in Petersburg, and was at once ordered to extend our lines on the right.

General Lee arrived, I think, at about nine o'clock* Saturday morning. You rode with him to the front, with the view of inducing him to attack the enem} T , if ho found it practicable. He decided not to attack, and our men commenced putting up the intrenchnieuts, which they so nobly defended until April, 18G5.

Hoping that the few data I have herein given you may be of service to you for your history of the siege of Petersburg,

I remain, yours truly, SAML. Cnoprix, M. D., ex-Medical Inspector, C. S. A.

To Gcul. G. T. BEAUREGAIID.

Telegram.

CLAY'S HOUSE, June l~th, 1834 : 1.45 P. M. Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Petersburg, Va.:

Fifth Corps (Warren's) crossed Chickahominy at Long Bridge on the 13th; Avas driven from Riddel's Shop by General Hill, leaving many dead and prison ers on our hands. That night it marched to Westover. Some prisoners were taken from it on the 14th. Have not heard of *it since. All prisoners taken here are from 10th Corps. R. E. LEE, Genl.

Official.

W. II. TAYLOR, A. A. G.

* He arrived at 11.30 A. M. on that clay.

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Major-General B. R. Johnson's Statement of the Explosion of the Mine at Petersburg, July QQth, 18G4.

Ox the 27th of July, 1864, the enemy was observed to be moving large forces to the north side of the James—to be showing much activity in that direction, leading us to anticipate some active operations there. This was, no doubt, a piece of strategy or a trick to deceive us; and it had, to a certain extent, that effect, for movements were made on our side correspondingly. General Field's division, which had been holding the part of our line of defences on the right of my division, was taken out of the trenches, and Colquitt's brigade, of Hoke's division, was temporarily transferred to my command, in exchange of Gracie's brigade, and I was left to hold, with less force, defences double the length, or more, of that which I had previously defended. Indeed, my understanding is that my command was all the troops in our trenches when the mine was ex ploded; all of the rest of the army having been moved or held ready to meet any demonstration the enemy might make on the north side of the James River.

About five minutes before five o'clock on the morning of the 30th of July the enemy sprung a large mine under that portion of my breastworks, about two hun dred yards north of the Baxter road, known as Pegram's salient. In this salient there were four guns of Captain Pegram's battery, and the 18th and 22d South Carolina regiments of Elliott's brigade occupied the parapet in the battery and adjacent to it. The 22d extended from a point some seventy yards to the right of the right gun to a point beyond, but near the left gun of the battery. The 18th was posted on the left of the 22d South Carolina regiment. The regiments of Elliott's brigade were distributed along the parapet from left to right as fol lows : the 26th, 17th, 18th, 22d, and 23d South Carolina regiments. Wise's brigade was next to the right, and Colquitt's brigade our very extreme right; Ransom's brigade on my left, extending to the Appomattox River, and my whole line was extended to an extreme and insecure attenuation, without any reserve under my command, or that I am aware of. We had suspicions that the enemy was run ning a mine under our works, and, under direction of our Engineers, a trench-cavalier was made in the rear of the salient, but terminating on the south, just to the right of Pegram's battery. It should have been run farther to the south.

The mining gallery was run along two wings extending to the right and left of the main shaft, parallel to the interior crest of our work, nearly under the foot of the slope of the banquette, and it destroyed a portion of the front or main line of our fortification and a little part of the right of the trench-cava lier at its junction with the main line.

The crater measured 135 feet in length, 97 feet in breadth, and 30 feet deep. It was estimated that more than one hundred thousand tons of earth were thrown out. The two right guns of Pegram's battery were not disturbed. The two left guns were thrown out in front of our works and the carriages destroyed,

and only 8 men out of 28 men and 2 officers of the battery escaped alive and unhurt. Five companies of the 22d and four companies of the 18th South Carolina regiments were blown up, or mainly destroyed, by the falling earth.

The 22d South Carolina regiment lost 170 men and officers 170

" 18th " " had killed 4 officers and 30 men ) §G

" " " " " wounded 5 " " 38 " )

Battery , 22

Aggregate losses known to have occurred from explosion.... 278

Of 4 officers and 72 men missing from the 18th regiment, over and above tho foregoing estimate, a part may have been blowu up or killed by falling earth, but most of them were supposed to have been captured. Each brigade of my division had been previously instructed that, in case of an attack or breach on any point of my line, they should close and fight towards that point, leaving a picket-line behind ; which was promptly done on this occasion. When the cloud of dust had subsided the enemy was found in the breach. Some four flags were counted, and a continued line of white and black troops came pouring on from the enemy's lines to support those in advance, while their artillery, mortars, and cannon opened all along their lines, the heavier fire being concentrated on. our works and ground adjacent to the crater, and mainly from batteries near the Baxter road, where since the 16th of June the enemy seemed to bo building batteries and strong -works.

The 23d and part of the 22d South Carolina regiments, on the right, and 17th and 18th, on the left of the crater opened a destructive fire from our para pets on the advancing column and on the enemy in the breach. The flanking arrangements of our works on both sides of the breach afforded peculiar ad vantages, and soon the fire along the line of my division extended far out on each flank, wherever the enemy's column could be reached, and swept the ground in front of the crater.

To the men on the left of Wise's brigade, occupying the eminence south of Baxter road, about two hundred yards from tho crater, the enemy's masses pre sented a most inviting target.

Wright's battery of four guns, admirably located and intrenched on the left of Elliott's brigade, and in rear of our front line, poured its whole column of fire on the enemy's masses and right flank. The position of this excellent bat tery was perhaps unknown to the enemy, and the superior manner in which it was served, the rapidity of its fire, and the terrible effect on the enemy's forces, no doubt greatly astonished and demoralized them. One gun of David son's battery, commanded by Lieutenant Otey, occupied a position on the right of the Baxter road, on the eminence at the left of Wise's brigade, admirably adapted to throwing canister into the enemy's left flank, and, with Wright's battery, to sweep the ground in front of the breach with a destructive cross-fire. It opened with a few rounds, but was soon deserted by officers and men (for which tho officer was duly sentenced). The gun was afterwards manned and officered from Wise's brigade, and did excellent service under Colonel Goode.

Mujor Haskell's mortar-battery, in charge of Captain Lamkin, consisting of

four Coehorns, on the Jerusalem plank road, and one Coehorn and two 12-pound mortars, in the ravine some t\vo hundred yards to the left and rear of the breach, and two mortars, to the left of Wright's battery, were all opened promptly on the assaulting columns. The practice of the four mortars on the plank road was admirable. Their shells dropped with precision upon the enemy's masses, huddled in disorder in front and in the crater.

Some three mortars, on the right of Baxter road, commanded by Lieutenant Langhorn, opened and continued at intervals with good effect until the close of the engagement. As soon as I ascertained that the enemy had sprung the mine and broken my line (the explosion aroused me) near the centre, I communicated with the brigade commanders in both wings of the division, now completely cut apart, and instructed them to carry out former injunctions, extend the intervals between the men on the parapet, and reinforce the w r ings of Elliott's, where the weight of the enemy's attack must first fall. At the same time I sent two stall-officers to get reinforcements. One of them returned in due time, and reported that General Mahoue would move to our support with part of his command.

As soon as the enemy occupied the breach they attempted to advance along our trenches upon the Hanks of our broken line; but our men, sheltering them selves behind the angles and flanks of our works and temporary barricades, and in boyaux, covered ways, and ravines, running out to the rear of our line, and about piles of earth at their bomb-proofs, opened a fatal fire at every point where the foe exposed themselves. Thus their advance was stayed (for five hours), and they commenced the work of intrenching, while they still tried by more cautious means, and by organizing advancing columns, to press back our men and to march through our line to the rear. Brigadier-General S. Elliott, commanding the South Carolina brigade, was making prompt disposition of his forces to meet the enemy and to occupy the main portion of the trench-cava lier, when ho was dangerously wounded. The command of the brigade devolved on Colonel F. W. McMaster, of the 17th Eegiment. Having received reinforce ments of one regiment from Colonel McAfee, commanding Hansom's brigade, he directed Colonel Smith, with the 26th South Carolina regiment and three com panies of the 17th South Carolina regiment, to form in the ravine running up from the left to the rear of the breach, and thus a rear line was formed, consist ing of the 25th North Carolina, 26th South Carolina, and three companies of the 17th South Carolina regiment, from left to right, in the order named. Some fourteen Federal flags were soon counted in our works. At the same time the 24th and 49th North Carolina regiments had promptly closed in on the part of the 17th South Carolina regiment remaining at our breastworks. Now the enemy attempted, with a force extending to the front and rear of our parapet, to charge on our left; but our forces on the left, aided by the lire from the new line in rear, met and repulsed this charge; and though the enemy continued to fight along our parapets, our men on the left, taking advantage of every little covered point, returned their fire and held them in check.

In the mean time similar contests were going on on the right of the crater. The remaining men of the 22d South Carolina regiment, under Captain Shed, and those of the 23d South Carolina regiment, aided by the 26th and part of the 46th

Virginia regiments, held the enemy in check on that side. They succeeded in placing a barricade across our trenches and planting themselves behind it and in boyaux running to the rear, and maintained a position within seventy-five yards of the crater for about five hours, during which the enemy never drove them a foot to the right, though they several times attempted to move on that flank.

The 59th Virginia regiment, under Captain Wood, also formed in a ditch running perpendicular to the rear of our main works, and whenever the enemy formed in rear of the breach, or attempted to change to the right or left, opened fire and aided to drive them back to the crater and lines. On this side the forces mainly engaged were 1he 59th and 26th Virginia regiments, and the 22d and 23d South Carolina regiments; two guns of— —battery, near the junction of the Jerusalem plank road and Baxter road; one gun of Davidson's battery, on left of Wise's brigade, and two mortar batteries.

The assailing force of the enemy was said to be the 9th Arm} r Corps and parts of two others. They were held in check for five hours by little more than three regiments of Elliott's South Carolina brigade, two regiments of Ransom's brigade, two regiments of Wise's brigade, and artillery. Demonstrations were also made by the enemy on the south of the Baxter road and on Ransom's bri gade, towards the left of my command, where they were engaged for a time on Taylor's Creek.

General Mahonc's command arrived about 10 o'clock A. M., and the Gist North Carolina regiment, of Hoke's division, arrived at the same time. This regiment and one brigade of Mahone's division had formed in the ravine, in rear of Pe-gram's salient, and Mahone was waiting for a second brigade to come up, when the enemy made a demonstration to advance. He met them by a charge in which the 25th and 49th North Carolina, and the 26th and part of the 17th South Carolina regiments, all under Colonel Smith, of Elliott's brigade, joined, mov ing on the left of General Mahone's line. The enemy were driven from three-fourths of the trench-cavalier and most of the works on the left of the crater. During this charge of our troops many of the enemy, black and white, aban doned the breach and fled precipitately to the rear, while the left of Wise's bri gade, and one gun of Davidson's battery, poured their fire, at a distance of from one hundred and fifty to five hundred yards, upon the flying mass.

A second unsuccessful charge having been made with Wright's brigade, of Mahone's division, about 11 o'clock A. M., I proceeded to concert a combined movement on both flanks of the crater, and a charge was accordingly made about 1 o'clock P. M. —time agreed upon—which gave us entire possession of the crater and our whole line. This charge was made on the left and rear of tho crater by Sanders's brigade of Mahone's division, and by the Gist North Caro lina regiment, Hoke's division, and 17th South Carolina regiment, Johnson's division; and 041 the right by the 23d and a fragment of the 22d South Caro lina regiments, no other forces being available on this end of the line. General Mahone took charge of the forces charging on the left of the crater, while I pro ceeded to -the right through tho long line of boyaux necessary to be passed in going from left to right of the crater, through which only our communication

could be prudently made. Previously to tliis charge the incessant fire and at tacks made on both flanks of the enemy at the crater had caused many to run. the gauntlet of our cross-fire in front of the breach, so that we captured but three stands of colors and about one hundred and thirty men. The final charge was therefore made with little difficulty.

My losses were 66 officers and 856 in killed, wounded, and missing—aggre gate 922, including Colquitt's brigade, and omitting Gracie's.

The losses of the enemy were estimated at that time, from such information as we gathered, at between five and six thousand. I suppose accurate state ments can be now commanded.

I have not time to be concise or to write with any care, or even to read oA*er this paper. I have heard that all the credit has been given, by some one pub lishing his views, to Mahone's division. I think this has been rebutted by General Cadmus Wilcox, of New Orleans. You can accumulate facts from him and General Beauregard, as well as from officers named in command — espe-ciallv Colonel McMaster.

COLUMBIA, S. C., Feb. UtJi, 1372. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGATJD, New Oilcans:

Dear /Sir,—General W. H. Wallace, the commander of Evans's old brigade and successor of General Stephen Elliott, sent me, in December last, your letter of November 13th, 1871, forwarded through General Bonham, with the request that I should give you the report of the brigade at the explosion at Pegram's salient, July 30th, 1864, as I had the honor to command the brigade on that occasion.

I was so overwhelmed with railroad trials in the United States Court at the time of the arrival of your letter it was impossible for me to send even the meagre account this communication contains. My trunk, with copies of all my reports, was burned at Petersburg, and it is difficult for me to recall any items which would be of service to you. General Elliott being in command of the brigade before the battle, I know nothing accurately of the batteries ex cept those immediately on the lines. I have forgotten even the names of the batteries and the mortar companies on the hills and ravines concentrating on Pegram's salient.

Although the subject was one of all-absorbing interest—for, not more than ten days before, I heard your Engineer (Colonel Stevens, I believe, was his name) say, while wo were standing in the little redoubt behind Pegram's battery, that in a week's time the Yankees would explode their mine there—still, many facts which seemed to me indelible have faded away.

As my 'burrow was immediately behind the battery I was much relieved the next day to be removed down the hill about seventy-five yards. Colonel Flem ing, of the 22d, was buried up in my old quarters.

At break of day the explosion occurred. I bounced out of my den and saw the descending mass of matter. The brigade present consisted of the 26th, 17th, 18th, 22d, and 23d regiments of South Carolina Volunteers, in the order mentioned, the left of the 26th resting on right of Ransom's brigade, in. the hollow towards the river.

Nearly the whole of the 18th and a small portion of left wing of 22d wero in the most of the explosion.

As soon as I gained the trench there was a rush of the men of the 18th down the trench against my regiment (17th); and numbers of my own men, panic-stricken, and just aroused from their sleep, scratched at the counterscarp like frightened cats. This was momentary. Jumping on the banquette, I discov ered the Yanks pouring into the mine, and very little firing on their line. In less than five minutes' time our men recovered from their panic, the men of the 18th falling in indiscriminately witli mine, and we shot with great rapidity and execution. About the same time the battery on the left of the ravine, a short distance in rear of Ransom's brigade, did great execution, and fired about six hundred shots in a short time. This battery I observed specially; the others, in rear and on right, also did good execution.

In ten or fifteen minutes after the explosion. General Elliott came along, with Colonel Smith, who commanded the 26th Regiment, and ordered me to take my regiment and follow him on the brow of the hill and form a line, and charge the enemy out of the mine. Smith had a few of his men cramped up in the ditch following him. I waited a few moments until Smith and some of his men were out of the way, and extended the order along my line. Saw Elliott, Smith, and about half a dozen men get out of the ditch on the brow of the hill. General E. was shot immediately after he got up. The ditch being crowded, it was a slow process to get out.

As soon as Elliott was shot he was borne past me, and spoke to me to do the best I could. His aids reported to me immediately, and rendered good service during the day.

As soon as I took command I countermanded the order given by General El liott. It struck me as rashness to endeavor to make men get out of the ditches and attempt to form a line under fire on the top of the hill, at fifty or seventy-five yards from the crater, exposed from head to heels to the fire from the crater and the enemy's line, which was eighty yards from the crater. It was simply an impossibility. I observed at this time the crater full of men, and at least fourteen regimental flags. I counted either fourteen or sixteen flags, and I was in a rock's throw of them.

My apprehension was the men in the crater would rush down the hill and get in the rear of my lino in the ravine which General Mahoue afterwards came up in. I ordered Colonel Smith, of the 26th, to take all his men ho could gather and immediately to go down the ditch to General E.'s quarters, to go up this ravine and lie down, and if the Yankees endeavored to rush down to resist them. As Smith's regiment was quite small I detached three of my largest companies, under Captain Crawford, to co-operate with Smith. It gave me the greatest anxiety until Smith's command got in position. As I believed the fate of Petersburg depended on filling up this gap, I spread the remainder of the 17th and the part of the 18th that remained along the lino until it struck Ransom's brigade, and fought the enemy from behind the traverses as well as I could. We threw up barricades across the trench at various places. Many of the enemy jumped over the back part of the crater, got into the rear ditch,

which communicated with the trench -which went into Pegram's salient, and pressed me on my right flank. Nearly all of my t\vo right companies were killed, wounded, and captured in the successive hand-to-hand fighting we had here. Once, when rny men retreated to the succeeding bend, I was left between the enemy and my command. Being anxious about Smith occupying the position I assigned him, I had taken a position back of a little mound close to the sink, from which position I could make a reconuoissance of the ravine, and on return up the little ditch to the main trench I observed the trench for twenty yards free of men. As soon as I got back we made a new barricade.

I had before this time sent couriers to General Eushrod Johnson, and one to the right wing of the brigade, from which I was cut off by the crater, inform ing them I was in command, and to resist as best they could until the rein forcements which General J. was sending up should arrive.

The battle raged, with intervals, until near 10 o'clock A. M. By this time the enemy pushed advances half-way down the area. I was near the place where the covered way entered the trench. As soon as I arrived there Colonel Flem ing, of Ransom's brigade, suggested to me a capital place for a barricade at a bend about thirty yards distant, and I ordered him to superintend its construc tion. As ho left my side he was shot in the neck, and fell dead at my feet.

In a few moments afterwards General Johnson sent for me to come to Elliott's quarters by the spring on the covered way. When I went I told him how I had arranged the men in the ravine to resist the enemy, if they attempted to get in our rear. It is surprising they did not make that break. I myself saw officers in the crater endeavoring, as I thought, to induce their men to make the dash ; but Smith, after the battle, informed me they did make the attempt; but his men rose and delivered a volley, and intimidated them so they did not repeat the effort, but pursued what they supposed the safer course and followed down the trench.

A short time after I first met General J., General Mahone came up with a fe\v men. From my present recollection I would say this was, at the earliest, 10 o'clock A.M. It was a considerable time before any number of men came; when they did they marched up the ravine and laid down with the men Smith had already there. General M. had a long interview with General J., and ob tained from him information of localities, etc.

It must have been two hours before General M. got his men ready. General J. then directed me to add the balance of the 17th Regiment to General M.'s command, and asked me to put my best officer over them. I ordered Lieut.-Colonel J. N. Celp to come up and receive orders from General J. He then took all of the 17th he could collect and formed on line with General Mahoue.

I think the charge was made about 12 o'clock M., and the whole battle was over in an extremely short time. I never have seen so sudden a suspension of a battle.

I remember a little circumstance Avhich impresses the fact of the time on my memory. My orderly brought my dinner about 3 o'clock P. M.—certainly not later than 4 o'clock. My adjutant sent for me to the brigade headquarters, and I went up to my own quarters. I had to walk over dead Yankees and niggers,

the little passage from the trench to ray den having two or three dead in it, and in ray quarters there were two wounded negroes, one of whom had rested his head on a copy of Paley's "Philosophy" I had to while away a leisure moment with and bloodied it up. And my lieutenant-colonel, adjutant, sergeant-major, and myself ate with great relish our coarse faro literally in the midst of the dead and dying. To enable my orderly to come with safety to the lines by this time from the wagon-camp to the battle-field the battle must have been over by 1 o'clock r. M.

My adjutant prepared as correct a report as we could a few days after the explosion, and, feeling a little indignant that General Mahone's troops had all the credit for the fighting, got the editor of the Petersburg Index to publish a list of the casualties of Elliott's brigade.

I had the article, clipped from the paper, in my pocket for mouths after the war, and, unfortunately, the casualties of my regiment (17th) was torn off; but by deducting from the aggregate the balance will indicate the loss of the 17th Regiment at 133; of these, I remember, 24 were killed outright on the field, in cluding 3 officers—all I can now recall. I found out afterwards that 27 men of my right company next the mine were captured and carried to Elmira; 14 of these 27 died of harsh treatment in the few months' confinement.

The part of the publication I have preserved is as follows :

The 18th Regiment: killed, 6 officers, 53 men 59

" " wounded, 8 " 63 " 70

" " missing, 4 " 73 " 70 4

205

The 22d Regiment: killed, 2 officers, 10 men 13

" " wounded,— " 18 " 18

missing, 7 " 179 " ISO

The 23d Regiment: killed, 1 officer, 14 men 15

" wounded, 3 " 31 " 31

The 26th Regiment: killed, 3 officers, 7 men 10

" wounded, 2 " 41 " 43

missing, 2 " 17 " 19 r

- 73

Adding loss of 17th Regiment 135

Total 677

It will be seen from the above that the brigade lost a total of 677. In the explosion G officers and 50 men arc known to have been killed; 11 officers and 249 men are still unaccounted for; but the majority are supposed to have been killed by the explosion. The 18th and the 22d are the regiments which suffered most from the explosion. My recollection is, 21 men of Pegram's battery were buried in the mine.

I regret I have no copy of my report, and fear the details herein furnished will be of no service. Colonels Bonham and Wallace—the latter afterwards my brigadier—were my ranking officers, but both were absent on leave.

With the hope that history will yet do you justice for your noble defence of Petersburg, and especially for your remarkable repulse of Grant on the 17th and

18th of Jane, when your hundreds repelled his thousands, I remain, with uudi-minished attachment for you, as one of the beloved Generals of our lost cause,

Your most obedient servant, F. W. MCMASTER, Lieut.-Col. 17th Eegt. S. C. V.

NOTE. —We kept the enemy at bay on the trench at the mine for, I suppose, three hours. We had the advantage in using the little embankments running to our works; but after they were foiled here some of their men, who were on the outside of the mine and our trench, ran down on the outside of our trench and shot in rear of our men 011 these traverses, and cut off some, that caused the men to retreat down the hill. But when we made the last barricade which Lieutenant-Colonel Fleming pointed out to rue the enemy in front of the trench could no longer use our front breastwork, as the lines so bent the left wing of Ransom's brigade commanded it, and they were checked there, and never could advance a step farther; and if Mahoue had never come up the enemy's only chance would have been by a sally from the rear of the mine.

I have read this over to Mr. T. J. Lamoth, who acted as sergeant-major for me—a very intelligent gentleman, who came to the regiment that morning, just before the explosion, and he confirms the above narrative. Ho thinks the ex plosion occurred about half an hour before sunrise. He believes the lines were saved that day by keeping the men in the trenches and sending Colonel Smith and his men in the ravine. F. W. McM.

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXIX.

BATTLE OF WELDON ROAD.

Extract from General Ilagood's "Memoirs."

ABOUT the middle of August, Grant threw a large part of his force across the James at Deep Bottom and advanced towards Richmond. It resulted in his repulse, but drew a large part of our force from Petersburg, and thus gave him an opportunity to strike at the Weldou Railroad, within three miles of which his left then rested. He obtained possession of a considerable portion of it— from Davis's farm, near the city, southward—suffering a loss of a thousand men. On the 19th Colquitt's and Clingman's brigades of Hoke's division were de tached to take part with other troops in an effort to dislodge him. They failed of success, though the operation resulted in inflicting heavy loss upon the ene my, including the capture of three thousand prisoners. General Clingniau was wounded, and never again rejoined his brigade. The light was to be renewed on the 20th, and on the night of the 19th, about nine o'clock, General Hagood received an order to turn over his brigade in the trenches to the senior officer present, and, taking with him only his aid, report to General A. P. Hill to com mand a brigade from Bushrod Johnson's division in the expected fight. Bush-rod Johnson was holding the lines next to Hoke, and ho sent no organized bri gade, but a regiment from each brigade of his division. It seemed that his

Inibit was to keep one regiment from each of his brigades resting iu rear of the lines, and he sent such as happened to he there at the time. The regiments commenced arriving at the rendezvous, near the Lead-works, where Hagood was to meet them about 11.30 p. M., and by 3 A. M. Hagood had effected a brigade organization with them, appointing hap-hazard an acting staff, and learning their names and those of his regimental commanders, for it was too dark to see their faces. He reported to General Hill, who was asleep in his ambulance near by. When General Hill learned the heterogeneous character of the brigade sent him he, much to Hagood's relief, declined to receive it, and directed the regi ments returned to their division. Nothing was done that day; the enemy were left to intrench undisturbed across the coveted road. In the afternoon Hagood's own brigade was withdrawn from the trenches, and, marching through Peters burg, bivouacked beyond its southern limits to the right of Battery 45. But 59 officers and 681 men marched out of the trenches. Sixty-seven days and nights in them without relief had shorn the brigade of two-thirds of its numerical strength, and so debilitated were the sickly and enfeebled remainder that they tired badly in the short evening's march. The brigade was itself only in the unconquerable spirit of the remnant which clung to its banner. When General Hagood again, in pursuance of his directions, reported to General Hill he felt that justice to his men required it, and he unhesitatingly asked and received the promise that he should not be used iu the next day's work, if it could be avoided. The change from the cramped and noisome trench to the freedom of the bivouac, and the call upon the men for action instead of endurance, aroused their spirits wonderfully, and, although it rained all night, the fires of brush wood crackled merrily; and then was once more heard the light laugh, the ready joke, and the busy hum of voices, as the men prepared their suppers or smoked their pipes, stretched at length before the exhilarating blaze. At 2 A. M. of the 21st of August the brigade was aroused, and, moving out at half-past three, fol lowed the column destined for the day's engagement. It still rained; and after a toilsome march through mud and water, first down the Squirrel Level road, and then across towards the Poplar Spring church, more or less skirmishing going on all the time by the flankers on our left, the brigade was directed to halt by the road-side and remain in reserve while the column passed on. It had now ceased raining, and shortly afterwards, about a mile iu front of us, the fire of skirmishers was heard, and a heavy fire of artillery was opened.

The men laid down and rested from the unwonted fatigue of the inarch. The firing became more earnest in front, and in about half an hour a courier from General Hill arrived, and directed us to hasten to the front and report to Major-General Mahoue. Proceeding by a short cut into the Yaughan road, under the guidance of the courier, and up that towards Petersburg, until within six hun dred yards of the Flowers House, we turned across the field to the right and proceeded towards the railroad, in the vicinity of the Globe Tavern. A number of pieces were in position in this field, shelling the railroad; and the enemy's batteries in that direction, though not visible from woods intervening, were replying vigorously. General Hagood, moving in column of fours, passed at double-quick across this field, suffering some casualties from exploding shells,

and as he reached its farther border a major-general rode up, announcing him self as General Mahoiie. Then, leading the column, this officer himself placed it in position in line of battle along the edge of the wood and facing the rail road. "Now," said he, "you are upon, the flank and rear of the enemy. I have five brigades fighting them in front, and they are driving them. I want you to go in and press them all you can." Some fifty yards within the woods the swamp of a rivulet (or "branch") was to be seen ; beyond nothing was visible, and firing, both of artillery and infantry, was then going on. General Mahono added, " When you have crossed the branch swamp you will come upon a clear ing, in which, some three hundred yards farther, is the enemy's line, and they are not intrenched." He also urged promptness in the attack. General Ha-good immediately gave the order to advance, and the men, moving in line, made their way across the swamp. Upon arriving on the other side we found our selves in the clearing, but the enemy still not visible. We were under a hill, and they were upon the open plateau sufficiently far beyond to prevent the view. The advance of the brigade had, however, evidently attracted attention, from the fire drawn in our direction. The line had been much broken in cross ing the swamp, and Hagood immediately pushed skirmishers up the hill for protection, and ordered one of his staff to accompany them and reconnoitre, while he gave liis personal assistance to Captain Malouy in getting the line of battle rapidly re-formed. He assisted the adjutant, instead of himself going to reconnoitre, because, from the report of a courier who had gone up the hill while the skirmishers were forming, he thought there was some danger of being him self assailed where he was, and his men were so disorganized at the moment as to be in no condition to repel an attack.

In a few minutes the brigade was formed, and the report coming at the same time from the skirmishers that the enemy was but a short distance ahead of them, and only in rifle-pits, thus confirming General Mahone's statement, Ha good, cautioning his men to move only at a quick-step till he himself gave the order to charge, moved his brigade forward. He had dismounted, and, placing himself in front of the centre, to steady the men and repress excitement, moved backward in front of the line for a short distance as if on drill. Himself halt ing before reaching the crest of the hill, the line passed, and he followed, with his staff, behind the right of the 21st regiment. The 25th, was on the left of the 21st, and the other three regiments on its right. As soon as the brigade became visible ascending the hill a rapid fire was opened upon it, to which in reply not a shot was fired ; but, moving forward steadily at quick time, with arms at " right shoulder shift," as we approached the line of enemy's pits they broke from them and fled. With one accord a battle-yell rang out along our line, and the men, as if by command, broke into double-quick in pursuit. At the same moment General Hagood discovered that the line in front of us had only been an in trenched skirmish line, though so heavy as to have deceived his skirmishers into the notion that it was a line of battle, and that two hundred and fifty yards beyond was a strongly intrenched line, crowded with men and artillery, extending right and left as far as he could see, and the five Confederate at tacking brigades of which General Mahone had spoken nowhere visible. It

IL-37

also appeared to him that he was moving upon a re-entering angle of the en emy's line. In this, however, he was partially mistaken. An examination of the field after the war showed that the enemy's line crossing the railroad from the east at this time bent immediately southward and followed its course in a comparatively straight line at some forty yards on its western side. Later in the siege their line extended farther west. Then, recrossiug the road at a point below where we struck it, their line only bit out a piece sufficient, if he could hold and permanently intrench, to prevent its further use by us. Immediately to the right of where we struck their line a small bastioned work for field artil lery was thrust forward, and our line of advance was oblique to the enemy's general line and towards its junction with the ilauk of this work. Thus, in fact, we were going into a re-entering made more by the vicious direction of our advance than by the actual construction of the enemy's work. The flank fire from the bastioned work we could not have avoided, but from our oblique attack we had also more or less of a flank fire from the straight line, which was an infantry parapet of fully five feet, with an exterior ditch eight or ten feet wide, and artillery at intervals. Perceiving at a glance the hopelessness of assault under such circumstances, General Ilagood, stopping himself, shouted again and again the command to halt: but the crash and rattle of twelve or fifteen pieces of artillery and probably twenty-live hundred rifles, which had now opened upon us at close range, drowned his voice, and the fur} r of battle was upon his men. Moving forward with the steady tramp of the double-quick, and dressing upon their colors, these devoted men, intent only on carrying the position before them, neither broke their alignment until it was broken by the irregular impact upon the enemy's works, nor stopped to fire their guns until their rush to obtain the parapet was repelled.

When General Ilagood saw his men thus rushing upcn certain destruction, and his efforts to stop them unavailing, ho felt that if they were to perish he should share their fate ; and with Molony and Martin and Orderly Stouey, who Avere all of his staff that were with him (Moffatt and Mazyck were farther back, in discharge of their respective duties as inspector and ordnance officers), fol lowed the advancing line. In fifty yards Lieutenant Martin fell, shot in the knee; a few steps farther and Captain Molony fell, shot through the head, and Ilagood and Stoney alone reached the works—the latter shot in the shoulder, but not disabled. The 25th and 21st regiments being on the left, from the oblique direction of the advance, first struck the works ; and while they stag gered to get in the other three regiments swept on. When they reached the ditch there was from seventy-five to one hundred yards interval between the two divisions into which the brigade had broken.

General Ilagood was with Major Wilds, commanding the 21st, who was cheer ing on his men to renewed assault (success now being their only hope of safety), when, looking to the right, he saw a mounted Federal officer among the men on the left of the portion of the brigade to the right with a regimental color in hi« hands, and a confusion and parleying immediately around him that betokened approaching surrender. The fight was still raging at Ilagood's right and left; there was no cessation on our part except in the squad just around this officer,

and none whatever that was perceptible on the part of the enemy. They had pushed out from the right and left a line behind us to cut off our retreat, and this officer (Captain Daly, of General Cutter's staff) had galloped out of a sally port, seized a color from the hands of its bearer, and demanded a surrender. Some officers and men surrendered, but were not carried in; others refused, but just around him. ceased fighting. General Hagood called to the men to shoot him and fall back in retreat. They either did not hear him, or, bewildered by the surrender of part of this number, failed to obey. It was a critical moment, and demanded instant and decided action. In a few minutes the disposition to surrender would have spread, and the whole brigade have been lost. Mak ing his way across the intervening space as speedily as he could, exposed to a regular fire by file from the enemy's line scarce thirty yards off, and calling to his men to fall back, which they did not do, General Hagood approached the officer and demanded the colors, and that he should go back within his own lines, telling him he was free to do so. He commenced arguing the hopeless ness of further struggle, and pointed out the line in our rear. Hagood cut him short and demanded a categorical reply—yes or no. Daly was a man of fine presence, with long, flowing beard, and sat with loosened rein upon a noble-looking bay that stood with head and tail erect, and flashing eye and distended nostrils, quivering in every limb with excitement, but not moving in his tracks. In reply to this abrupt demand the rider raised his head proudly, and decisively answered No ! Upon the word General Hagood shot him through the body, and as he reeled from the saddle upon one side sprang into it from the other, Orderly Stoney seizing the flag from his falling hands. There was no thought of surrender now; the yell from the brigade following the act and ringing out above the noise of battle told their commander that they were once more in hand, and would go now wherever ordered—whether to the front or rear. Shouting to them to face about, Hagood led them at a run against the line in his rear, Stoney holding aloffc in the front the recaptured flag, which he had torn from its staff. This line melted before our charge; but the fire was ter rific, after breaking through it, until the shelter of the valley of the branch was reached. Upon its margin a fragment from a schrapucl shell tore open the loin of the horse upon which Hagood rode; and struggling as he fell he kicked Lieutenant William Taylor, of the 7th battalion, upon the head, rendering him for the time so confused that he had to be led from the field by one of his men. This gallant young officer had a few days before rejoined his command with an uuhealed wound received at Drury's Bluff.

This ended the fighting for the possession of the Weldon road. The Confed erate losses had been very insignificant until to-day, and now it was confined principally to our brigade. Grant had lost five thousand men, lut he had the road. A few days afterwards Hancock, with eight thousand men, was de spatched southward from this point to tear up the track. A. P. Hill and Hamp ton met and defeated him at Reams's Station, with the loss of two field-batteries and between twenty-five hundred and three thousand men.

A week afterwards, in a conversation in General Lee's presence, General A. P. Hill stated to Hagood that on the morning of the 21st ho was misinformed by

his scouts as to the position and condition of the enemy's worts, believing that the point upon \vhich Hagood was sent was the left of their line, and that they had no other work down the railroad. He also added that the haziness of the morning prevented his ascertaining his error until Hagood's attack developed it. General Mahone also said to Hagood that he shared the same misapprehen sion, but insisted that if the other live brigades had attacked with the same vigor that Hagood's did, we would have won. It seemed that after driving the enemy's skirmish lino from the pits, out of which Hagood's nion marched them, they stopped, and the heavy fusilade which made Mahone think they were driving the enemy was from a stationary line firing at long range. The frank ness and freedom with which these two distinguished officers took the blame of the blunder upon themselves greatly relieved General Hagood, for he feared that this affair, in the misapprehension to which it would bo subjected, would be similar to the assault of the 24th of June at the City Point road. It was, how ever, generally correctly understood in the army, and apparently not misunder stood by the public. Both Generals Lee and Beauregard were on the field, and the latter next day sent llagood word through General Hoke that, had it been iu his power, ho would have promoted him before leaving it. He also, through his adjutant, called for a written report of the incident of the flag. This waa briefly given and forwarded. Some months afterwards General Cooper, Adju tant-General at Richmond, very kindly sent to General Hagood an official copy of the indorsements made on the report, then 011 file in his office. They were as follows :

" HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,

NEAR PETERSBURG, August 23d, 1884.

" Respectfully forwarded through General R. E. Leo to his Excellency Presi dent Davis for his information. Such an act of gallantry as herein described, "and of devotion to one's flag, reflects the highest credit on the officer who per-" forms it, and it should be held up to the army as worthy of imitation under "similar circumstances. Brigadier-General Hagood is a brave and meritorious "officer, who had distinguished himself already at Battery Wagner and Drury's "Bluff, and participated actively in battles of Wanbottom Church and Peters burg, on the 16th and,17th of June last. I respectfully recommend him for "promotion at the earliest opportunity. Attention is also called to General "Hagood's recommendation of his orderly, private J. D. Stoney, for a commis-"sion. I feel assured he is deserving of it. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gcnl.

"'HEADQUARTERS, A. X. V v August 24/7?, 1864. " Respectfully forwarded. R. E. LEE, Genl.

" September 1st, 1864.

"BUREAU A. AND I.-Gi-:x., APPOINTMENT OFFICE. "Respectfully submitted to Secretary of War.

" By order. E. A. PALFREY, A. A. G.

"Respectfully submitted, as requested, to notice of the President.

" J. A. SEDDOX, Secretary of War.

"There are two modes of recognizing distinguished service: one by promo-" tion, the other by announcement in orders. See recommendation for the pri-" vate and note for the brigadier, whom I regard worthy of promotion when "it can be consistently done.— JEFFERSON DAVIS, November 7th, 1864.

"Adjutant-General note the President's indorsement, and if opportunity of " promotion occurs, submit. November 9th, 18G4.

" J. A. SEDDOX, Secty. of War. " Official.

" A. and I. G. Office, Dec. 9, 1804. II. S. CLAY, A. A. G."

CHARLESTON, S. C., Seirtcmlcr 25tf«, 1864.

General, —The President has ordered me (verbally) to repair to Charleston and await further orders. Meanwhile to inquire into the difficulties between yourself and Brigadier-General Ripley, and to examine the condition of the de fences and troops at and about Charleston, assisted by my Chief-Engineer Colo nel D. B. Harris, and Chief-Inspector Lieutenant-Colonel A. Roman. The for mer is then to remain on duty with you until further orders, as Inspector of Fortifications and adviser in that branch of the service.

Yon will please issue accordingly all necessary orders to carry out the views of the President. Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD. Major-Gcnl. SAM. JONES,

Couidg. Dept S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C.

JACKSONVILLE, ALA., Oct. llth, 1864. Captain W. J. BETHUNE, Enrolling Officer, Jacksonville, Ala.:

Captain, —General Beauregard directs that you take temporary command of this Post, and forward to the Army of Tennessee, at or in the vicinity of Lafay ette, Ga., all the officers and men returning to the army, placing each detach ment in command of a suitable officer, whose duty it Avill be to divide the com mand among the officers accompanying him.

If convenient to the route, these commands ought to go via the iron-works at Round-top Mountain. There they can procure rations, and learn where the army is.

You will call upon Major T. W. Francis, Commissary, to supply the men with rations. Respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. R. CIIISOLM, A. D. C.

JACKSONVILLE, ALA., Oct. llth, 1864. Major T. W. FRANCIS, Commissary at Jacksonville, Ala.:

Major, —General Beauregard has assigned Captain W. J. Bcthune to duty as temporary commander of this post, and has directed him to call upon you to supply rations for men returning to and coming from the Army of Tennessee.

He desires you to give him prompt assistance, so that no time may be lost by men remaining here. Respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. R. CIIISOLM, A D. C.

JACKSONVILLE, ALA., Oct. IWi, 1864. Captain EDWARD \V. HALL, A. A. G.:

Captain, —General Beauregard being informed that you are on your way to rejoin the army, and that you have not sufficiently recovered from your recent wound to travel, lie directs that you will remain on temporary duty at this post from this date, and act as post adjutant.