Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

[1071] captured Maj.-Gen. Edward Johnson's division, taken him and Early and forty cannon, and the prisoners were counted by thousands. Nothing has been heard for two days from General Sherman. The lines are broken by a heavy storm.

[no. 48. see page 652.]

Lee abandoned his works last night and retreated. Grant is pursuing. There has been thirty-six hours hard rain, and the roads are heavy. At last account Hancock had come up to his [Lee's] rear guard.

[no. 49. see page 652.]

General Gillmore has carried the enemy's works on their right. We are before them on the left. Glorious news from Grant inclosed. Can you hold your own without help? Guard against surprise and night attack. Report to me frequently, near Half-Way House (Dr. Cheatham's).

[no. 50. see page 653.]

Your despatch received. My compliments to General Sheridan. Say to him I think he had better not come over with his forces, but should be happy to receive him. Give him all the forage and rations he needs. Tell him I have reliable information from a deserter and a prisoner that to-night there are but two hundred men at Chaffin's farm, thirteen miles only from where he is, and opposite where I am now fighting. All the rest have been hurrried over to fight me. They have no bridge. Can he not take Chaffin's farm?

[no. 51. see page 653.]

Since I wrote a hurried note to Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller, I have thought best to request you to join me with your command. You can aid us very much in our operations here, and, as we shall soon be joined by Lieutenant-General Grant, you will be able best here to report to him. I wish you might be able to capture Chaffin's farm as I suggested in my note to Colonel Fuller. At any rate, I wish you would do this