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[291]

Correspondence concerning the campaign of 1864.

So many of the official reports, letters, telegrams, &c., concerning Lee's masterly campaign of 1864 were destroyed, that the records of that year are very imperfect, and even fragments are of great value. We shall, therefore, continue from time to time to give such letters, reports, telegrams, &c., as we have or may be able to procure. The following have never been published, and are worthy of going into the record:


Letter from General Wade Hampton.

Seth Campbell's, May 21st, 1864-9.30 P. M.
To Major-General Breckinridge:
General — I met the enemy near Wright's tavern, two and one half miles from Milford, where they showed themselves in some force. I think about five regiments were seen. At the Poorhouse I drove them back, but they are still on this side of the river. I shall occupy the road from Milford to the Junction tonight, and will advise you of any movement. General------is near Panola, his left resting on this road. Scouts just in say that only six of Sheridan's men crossed the Pamunkey, and that they went to Fredericksburg. The raiding party who burned Hanover Courthouse went down towards Charles City. This party between here and Milford could be cut off, unless they are much larger than I suppose. I am sure that I could burn the bridge behind them, and an attack in front would destroy them. Could you send any more troops up to effect this? I know this county thoroughly, and I think that a good blow might be struck. I shall be here to-night. If any of the cavalry come to the Junction, let them know that I am here.

Yours, very respectfully,

Wade Hampton, Major-General.

headquarters Longstreet's corps, 8 P. M.--May 30, 1864.
Major-General J. A. Early, Commanding Second Corps:
General--General Field reports having come upon an entrenched line of the enemy, and owing to that circumstance, and the approach of darkness, I have suspended his movement and have drawn my whole line back to the left again, so as to connect with General Breckinridge, between whom and the left of my line a very wide gap had been made.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. Anderson, Major-General.

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