William Swinton, Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac

1 The following extracts, from the reports of Generals Warren, Humphreys, and Sheridan, present the details of whatever was done by the Fifth and Second corps, and the cavalry, on the 30th of March:

The Fifth Corps.

It commenced raining in the night, and continued to do so heavily all day on the 30th. During this day General Griffin's line was advanced, with heavy skirmishing up the Boydton plankroad, so as to confine the enemy, near Burgess's Mill, to his breastwork along the White Oak road. A reconnoissance by General Ayres' division was also made as far west as where the enemy's line along the White Oak road turned northward to Hatcher's Run, and our picket-line established near the White Oak Ridge. Finding, on personal examination, that though we could see the road, our pickets did not occupy it, I directed this occupation to be made that evening.

Warren: Report of Operations.

The Second Corps.

At six A. M. on the 30th the advance was resumed, Hays' division on the right being supported by Turner's division of the Twentyfourth Corps. The enemy was driven inside his intrenchments along Hatcher's Run and the White Oak road, this position being attained at about half-past 8 or nine A. M. The right of the corps (General Hays' right) rested on Hatcher's Run, near the Crow House, and the enemy's redoubt in that vicinity. Turner's division of the Twenty-fourth Corps took post along Hatcher's Run, connecting with the old intrenchments which were occupied by the Twentyfourth Corps. The left of the corps connected with the Fifth Corps near the Boydton plankroad, in tile vicinity of Mrs. Rainie's. The line of battle was extended in front of the enemy's intrenchments, and was pressed as closely to them as practicable without assaulting. The left, on the Boydton plankroad, was subsequently advanced in conjunction with the Fifth Corps, so as to include nearly the whole of the Dabney Mill road.

Humphreys: Report of Operations.

Sheridan's cavalry.

Early on the morning of the 30th of March, I directed General Merritt to send the first division, Brigadier-General Devin commanding, to gain possession of the Five Forks, or White Oak road, and directed General Crook to send General Davies' brigade of his division to the support of General Devin.

Gregg's brigade, of Crook's division, was held on the Boydton plankroad, and guarded the crossing of Stony Creek, forcing the enemy's cavalry that was moving from Stony Creek depot to form a connection with the right of their army, to make a wide detour, as I had anticipated, on the south side of Stony Creek, and west of Chamberlain's Bed—a very fatiguing march, in the bad condition of the roads. A very heavy rain fell during this day, aggravating the swampy nature of the ground, and rendering the movement of troops almost impossible. General Merritt's reconnoissance developed the enemy in strong force on the White Oak road, in the vicinity of Five Forks, and there was some heavy skirmishing throughout the day.

Sheridan: Report of Operations.