Headquarters Lane's brigade, September 16th, 1864.
Major,--I have the honor to report that after leaving the
Wilderness battle-field on the afternoon of the 8th of May, my brigade marched continuously and rapidly until 2 o'clock on the morning of the 9th.
At 6 o'clock A. M. we resumed our march, reached Spotsylvania courthouse about 12 M., and at once entrenched on the left of the road leading to
Fredericksburg — our right resting on the road.
Next day we moved to the left and connected with
Johnson's brigade, and subsequently occupied
Johnson's position, our right resting at the salient beyond the brick-kiln.
That night we moved very rapidly to the support of a part of
Ewell's command, but not being needed, we were ordered back to our previous position.
On the 11th we were ordered still further to the left.
I did not like this position, and seeing that I could get a more commanding one, and at the same time shorten the line and