[no. 24. see page 639.]
headquarters Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Fortress Monroe, April 20, 1864.
Lieut.-Gen. U. S. Grant, Commanding armies of the U. S.:
General:--On Monday evening I received a note from General Gillmore, by hand of General Vogdes, who arrived here with two regiments of troops from Hilton Head.
The letter contained the following extracts, which are all that are specially material as to the time when General Gillmore will probably be here :--
“Brigadier-General Vogdes bears this letter, and is directed to report to you to take command of the Tenth Corps as it arrives from time to time.
Brigadier-General Terry will follow in a day or two, and will then command the corps until my arrival.
General Turner will remain a few days longer still, while I do not propose to leave here, or turn over my command of this department, until all my troops are in motion, and the last regiment ready to embark.
Great delay has occurred here in concentrating my scattered forces, but it could not be avoided.”
From the tone of his letter and my conversation with General Vogdes, I am of opinion that he will not be able to be here, or to even get his troops here, until at least ten days from to-day.
I have directed those troops to assemble at Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown, under the immediate command of General Vogdes, assigning General Smith to the Camp of Instruction at Yorktown, and the command of the troops on both sides of the river.
I have information upon which I most implicitly rely, that the enemy have three iron-clads done near Richmond.
One, I am informed, but of that I am not certain, is up the Appomattox River.
I shall take measures to make certain that fact.
Neither of the iron-clads to be furnished by the navy have yet reported, nor do I believe they will be here for some time.
I have some two thousand of my cavalry dismounted for want of horses, although the requisitions have been in a long time, and I have forwarded my officers for the purpose of inspecting them.
General Halleck telegraphs me that you will decide whether I shall be filled up, or the other armies, and as you know my needs, I am very well content to abide by your decision.
I have no further news from Plymouth in addition to my telegram, save the report of Captain Flusser, the naval commander there, to Admiral Lee, “that he needed no reinforcements, but was confident of success against” the rebel ram.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Lieut.-Gen. U. S. Grant, Commanding armies of the U. S.:
Benj. F. Butler, Major-General Commanding.
[cipher.] [no. 25. see page 639.]
Have any more iron-clads reached you? Has General Gillmore arrived?U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
