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

[1092]

I make these remarks merely as suggestions. Whatever you may finally determine on I will try to have done. As General B. claims to rank me, I shall give him no orders wherever he may go, without the special direction of yourself or the Secretary of War.

Yours truly,

[no. 83. see page 715.]

In accordance with verbal instructions heretofore given you upon consultation, you will take all the men that can, in your judgment, be spared from the lines between the Appomattox and the James, march across the pontoon bridge at Deep Bottom at such time as will enable you to strike the enemy in front of Brigadier-General Foster in the most feasible form, on the morning of the 14th. You will take such portion of General Foster's command and add it to your own as you think will be prudent. As you are to advance, leaving Deep Bottom behind you, in my judgment a small force will be necessary. You will turn over the command of the line of defences to Brigadier-General Turner, instructing him what troops you have left for that purpose. I shall be able to add from the dismounted cavalry, and from Graham, possibly, eight hundred men. You may order such portion of the garrison of Fort Converse as you think can be spared at present,--perhaps you can draw largely. I forbear giving instructions in writing because the details have already been arranged between us personally.

You will report to Major-General Hancock, who will be at Deep Bottom in the course of the night. Any other instructions that you may desire from me will be promptly met by telegraph.

Very respectfully,

[no. 84. see page 753.]
[Cipher.]

I am just in receipt of despatch from Secretary of War, asking me to send more troops to the city of New York, and if possible, to let you go there until after the election. I wish you would start for Washington immediately and be guided by orders from there in the matter.