Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 14.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

At 4 P. M. assaulted that portion of our front line held by enemy and drove him from it; we again have the entire line from Howlett's to Dunn's Mill.

At 4 P. M. was compelled to assault centre of our former line held by enemy. We now hold entire line from Howlett's to Dunn's Mill. All prisoners from Tenth corps.

General Kershaw's division, which will camp to-night on [570] Redwater Creek, is ordered to continue its march to-morrow to Petersburg.

Please notify me when railroad is again in running order.

Move your command promptly at 3 A. M. to-morrow for Chaffin's Bluff. Cross the river and move to the Petersburg turnpike; there await further orders. Send to examine about bridges.

If Sheridan escapes you and gets to his transports at the White House you must lose no time in moving your command to our right near Petersburg. Keep yourself thoroughly advised of his movements and intentions as far as practicable.

Can trains run through to Petersburg? If so, send all cars available to Rice's Turnout. If they cannot run through, can any be sent from Petersburg to the point where the road is broken? It is important to get troops to Petersburg without delay.

Grant is in front of Petersburg. Will be opposed there. Strike as quick as you can, and, if circumstances authorize, carry out the original plan or move upon Petersburg without delay.

What is supposed strength of enemy's force reported on Kingsland road, and of what composed? Cooke's brigade is at Clay's House available to be sent if you need assistance, and directed to be prepared to move if ordered either by rail or march by land.

In absence of General Lee,

Inform me of the state of affairs in your front and whether Cooke's and Davis's brigades are needed on that side of the river.

All quiet in my front up to this hour. I am inclined to think that the report of Colonel Gary, stating that the enemy were crossing last night over the pontoon, much exaggerated. I will let you know the earliest moment I consider it safe to withdraw Colonel Gary and Davis from this side.

All quiet in my front. 1 think if Cooke's and Davis's brigades are not, that they might be now ordered back. The enemy [572] evinces no disposition to advance or increase his force on this side. General G. W. C. Lee thinks he can hold Chaffin's Bluff with his force and Gary's cavalry until reinforcements could be sent him. General Ewell will be down to-day and I will consult with him.

Have you received further information of departure of enemy's cavalry? Are you able to take the field?

Dispatch of to-day received. General Early reports on the 8th that McCausland had arrived in Hardy, having sustained very little loss. Statements in Northern papers of his defeat untrue. Some commander should relieve Ransom. I think it best to send Fitz. Lee's senior brigadier. Will do so if you approve.

If Sheridan's command has gone, move at once with all your division (exclusive of Dearing) north of James river. General Lee will relieve your pickets. Call at headquarters for orders.

Don't let the proposition for the relief of the poor people here be lost sight of. The Chief Commissary states that he has heard of no action in the matter.

I think the camp at Dutch Gap is probably the marines. Could not Captain Mitchell shell it while Pickett opened on land batteries and you attacked it. They will soon be fortified.

Major-General Lomax has been directed to report to you to relieve General Ransom in command of cavalry. General Ransom on being relieved will report to the Adjutant and Inspector-General, Richmond.

Washington Chronicle of the 8th states Sheridan has superseded Hunter. Another division of cavalry has been sent to General Anderson. Communicate with him.

The President's telegram cannot be deciphered. Has the key word been changed lately.

General Early at Newtown states the enemy to be moving up the Shenandoah with a view of reaching his rear apparently towards Front Royal. It may be his purpose to move up Luray Valley. You had better move to Sperryville and be governed by circumstances. Hampton should reach you the 15th. Keep him apprised and keep in communication with Early.