[1064]
Lee is dangerously wounded; Pickett also; Jones and Jenkins killed.
We have no news from General Grant.
If he has been in any degree successful there, can we not have here ten thousand of the reserves?
They can be here in three days after the lieutenant-general gives the order.
Transportation is at Annapolis for them.
If the Army of the Potomac is unsuccessful, then we want them here for the safety of the country.
Please send them forward.
Beauregard is in command in person.
In three days our line will be perfect.
We have to strongly garrison the point on the river to save our transportation, which weakens us a good deal for a movable column.
All is submitted to your judgment.
Benj. F. Butler, Major-General Commanding.
[Cipher.]
Your despatch of the 7th has just reached me. We have, as yet, no official reports from Grant. Nothing is known of his condition except from newspaper reports, which represent two days hard fighting on Thursday and Friday; from six to eight thousand wounded are sent back, and Ingalls telegraphs yesterday at noon to General Meigs that “It is said the enemy are retiring.” In respect to the reserves mentioned in your telegram, there are none now at the disposal of the department. General Grant has with him all the troops, and you will have to depend only upon such as may have been provided in your programme with him. Your despatch will be forwarded to him, to apprise him of your condition and for his instructions. Your success thus far is extremely gratifying to the President and this department, and we hope your skill and good luck may accomplish all your wishes.E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.