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

I was tempted to go myself, but I had Kautz out before the enemy, and West with his negro cavalry out making a demonstration on the Chickahominy. I had all the details of the movement of the army only under the personal supervision and knowledge of my staff, and I thought it was my duty not to go. I sent, however, for Weitzel, but then it had got quite well along in the night. Weitzel said to me: “General, I shall go if you order me to, as you know, and do the very best I can, but it is exceedingly hazardous, and if it should fail after your two corps commanders, Smith and Gillmore, have so strenuously advised that it should not be undertaken, it would entirely ruin you, although to take charge of it under your orders would not harm me. They have been to me and told me what you want done, and supposing you would send for me have advised very strongly against it. And as your strongest friend, I myself must advise against it, especially because I think they will throw every obstacle in the way of our having an early march.” At this I gave it up.

The only delay experienced in the movement up James River came from General Gillmore, who did not effect his embarkation with the celerity which his orders and place in line required, and I telegraphed him that having waited for his corps from Port Royal, I was not a little surprised at the necessity for waiting for him at Fortress Monroe, and instructed him to push forward.¹

During the 6th the remainder of the troops were landed. A march of about seven miles brought us to the proposed line, which was at once occupied, and intrenching begun. It was discovered that on the opposite side of the Appomattox, at Springhill, the ground overlooked the Bermuda side. We occupied this point by General Hincks with his colored troops, and a very strong redoubt was constructed, effectually holding the right bank of that river, and covering the left flank of our line.

On the same day General Smith made a reconnoissance toward the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond, but did not strike the road.

On the evening of the 5th of May our operations were communicated by telegraph to the lieutenant-general.²

In pursuance of my instructions from General Grant that I should cut the railroad leading into Richmond so as to stop the enemy's