O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVI/3 [S# 69]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, FROM MAY 20, 1864, TO JUNE 12, 1864.--#23
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
New Berne, N. C., June 3, 1864.Capt. HORACE JAMES,
Asst. Q. M., U.S. Vols., &c., Supt. of Negro Affairs:CAPTAIN: The commanding general directs me to inform you that some negroes are occupying several houses in Beaufort that are <ar69_569> needed very much for the white refugees from Washington and elsewhere, who are now crowded in the hospital buildings at More-head. Owing, undoubtedly, to these unfortunate people being so closely packed, an epidemic has made its appearance among them that bids fair to work extensive destruction unless they are otherwise provided for. For this reason the commanding general desires you to make some arrangements for the present occupants, in order that the houses referred to may be turned over to the refugees. Perhaps the colored people could be brought to New Berne and placed in one of the colored camps.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. JUDSON,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
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WASHINGTON, D.C., June 4, 1864---2.20 p.m.
Lieutenant-General GRANT,
In the Field:In the month of May we sent to the Army of the Potomac 6,683 cavalry horses, in addition to the cavalrymen remounted here. About 1,000 more cavalry horses are being shipped to White House. Not hearing from you in regard to the Ohio militia, I am preparing ten regiments for the field, and will send them as fast as transportation can be procured. The Fifth Maryland Regiment Volunteers has been ordered from Fort Delaware. General Gillmore thinks that 5,000 more men can safely be withdrawn from Department of the South. General Hatch, on the contrary, is asking for re-enforcements. General Crook, at Lewisburg, May 31, expected to join General Hunter at Staunton in about six days. General Canby has sent forces to Memphis to protect Sherman's communications. I doubt if he will be able to do much on Mobile at present. Moreover, the movement would be too late to help Sherman. The latter is in possession of Allatoona Pass, and is moving against Marietta.
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.
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HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864--1 p.m.
(Received 10.10 a.m. 5th.)Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff:The 100-days' men can be of no great service here: but if they can be just as well supplied at White House as elsewhere, it might be well to put as many of them at that point as can be spared.
U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 27.
HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864.1. To prevent confusion and delay in the forwarding of supplies to the Army of the Potomac, all troops, posts, and stations on the line over which such supplies at present or may hereafter pass, in consequence <ar69_570> of any change in the position of the army, are assigned to the command of Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, commanding the Army of the Potomac, and will so report and receive orders, without reference to the territorial department in which they may be or to which they belong, until otherwise directed.
By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:
E. S. PARKER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVII/1 [S# 70]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA, MAY 1 TO JUNE 30, 1864.(*)--#1
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 108.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS,
May 2, 1864.1. The Seventh, Eleventh, and Twelfth Unattached Companies Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, having been reported at these headquarters, will proceed at once to Alexandria, Va., and be reported by their commanding officers to Brigadier-General Briggs, commanding rendezvous for drafted men and volunteers, for duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
2. Company B, Sixteenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, having been reported at these headquarters, will proceed without delay to Alexandria, Va.. and be reported by its commanding officer to Brigadier-General Briggs, commanding rendezvous for drafted men and volunteers, for duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
3. Company F, Sixteenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, having been reported at these headquarters, will proceed without delay to Alexandria, Va., and be reported by its commanding officer to Brigadier-General Briggs, commanding rendezvous for drafted men and volunteers, for duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
4. The Ninth and Tenth Unattached Companies Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, having, in compliance with orders from the War <ar70_368> Department, been reported at these headquarters,-will proceed without delay to Alexandria, Va., and be reported by their commanding officer to Brigadier-General Briggs, commanding rendezvous for drafted men and volunteers, for duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
* * * * * * * * * *
14. Col. William Gamble, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, will proceed without delay to camp of Cavalry Division, Department of Washington, and relieve Col. J. B. Mcintosh, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, now commanding at: that post. Colonel Mcintosh, upon being relieved, will at once proceed to the Army of the Potomac, and report in person to Major-General Meade for orders.
By command of Major-General Augur:
C. H. RAYMOND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WINCHESTER, May 2, 1864--2 a.m.
Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT:
The following telegram was received from General Crook:
CHARLESTON, April 30, 1864. Not having a sufficient mounted [infantry(*)] force to make two demonstrations [columns(*)]. I shall only make a demonstration toward Lewisburg, so as to keep the enemy from leaving there, while I will march with the main body from Fayetteville on the bridge of New River. General Averell, with 2,000 mounted men, will go through Logan County [Court-House(*)] to the vicinity of Saltville, and if circumstances will not justify his attacking that place, to destroy the railroad from that place toward the bridge, so as to prevent troops [re-enforcements(*)] from Tennessee. Should I be successful in taking the bridge, I shall cross the bridge [river(*)] and move toward Lynchburg, destroying the road as far as I deem it prudent, then fall back on Lewisburg. The officer who commands on the Lewisburg line is instructed to watch the enemy's movements well, and if he retreats, to advance, occupy Lewisburg, and collect the supplies of the country. On the contrary, if the enemy should attack him, for him to retreat, delaying the enemy all he can by contesting strong points, blockading the roads, &c.
This plan of General Crook's may prove successful and may have very important results, but it is not in accordance with my views, because it brings General Averell too far west and out of reach of General Crook. His cavalry will be used up, and therefore cannot assist General Crook in future operations. Secondly, because this movement will allow the enemy to concentrate nearly all his forces which are between Staunton and Lewisburg at Staunton. Thirdly, because it makes all co-operation of forces here with those of General Crook impossible. My understanding was that all the forces of General Crook should operate between the James and New Rivers, and that the movements should end with a demonstration against Staunton with all the forces under Crook, the cavalry included; but I may be wrong and it is too late to interfere. I will therefore say nothing to General Crook, but wish him success, which he so well deserves, as he has done all in his power to be prepared and to act.
As for me, I would very much like to know what your expectations are. I understand that I am to occupy the line at Cedar Creek, and to advance up the Shenandoah Valley, if circumstances will allow me to do so. To advance beyond Strasburg with my present force is hardly possible, if I cannot at the same time leave a pretty strong force opposite Front Royal to prevent the enemy from marching <ar70_369> into my rear or cutting off my line of communication with cavalry. I have only a very vague idea about the position of the Army of the Potomac, and do not know whether there is any force of ours at or near Luray. If I am expected to make energetic and decisive movements, I should have at least 5,000 more of good infantry, with which I could march up the Shenandoah Valley. The country here is an open country, in which 50,000 men can maneuver. I would submit that under all circumstances a strong corps of observation should be formed here to maneuver upon the enemy's left flank.
I do not, however, ask for more troops, but simply state how things are and appear to me. The few troops I have here are excellent, with the exception of the cavalry, but they are too weak and too near the main body of the enemy to be able to venture much, especially as long as nothing is decided in regard to his movement. I also take leave to inform you that by the concentration of nearly all the troops of this department in the Kanawha and Shenandoah Valleys the interior of the State of West Virginia is laid open to guerrillas and bands of raiders. Cannot the States of Pennsylvania and Ohio send a few regiments of militia to the assistance of the people who have sent nearly every available man into the field, and those who are left are too poor and dependent upon their daily labor to organize and defend themselves. I bring this subject to your knowledge because I do not know what military resources the Government at present and what the people of West Virginia may expect.
FRANZ SIGEL,
Major-general.
CULPEPER, Va., May 2, 1864--11 p.m.
(Received 6.40 a.m. 3d.)Maj. Gen. FRANZ SIGEL, Winchester, Va.:
I do not want you to move farther south than Cedar Run, to watch any movement the enemy-may attempt by the way of the Shenandoah Valley. The Army of the Potomac occupies nothing between the Blue Ridge and Orange and Alexandria Railroad. In the plan which I first gave you, but which was modified at your suggestion, it was thought, taken in connection with the movements of this army, the force which was to start from Beverly might work easterly to Lynchburg and return to Staunton. Then you would want to meet them with a train loaded with supplies. It is to be hoped the efforts making for raising troops will enable us to send any re-enforcements you may require, should the enemy move down the Valley. Call on General Halleck for what may be necessary, and report to him after the 3d. To cut New River bridge and the road ten or twenty miles east from there would be the most important work Crook could do.
U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
-----
WINCHESTER, May 2, 1864--2 a.m.
Brig. Gen. MAX WEBER, Comdg. Officer, Harper's Ferry:
I have occupied Winchester today, and will advance farther up the Shenandoah Valley or retain my position here if the force of the enemy are not far superior to mine. I have my outposts toward «24 R R--VOL XXXVII, PT I» <ar70_370> Berryville, Front Royal, Strasburg, and Moorefield, and the greater part of the troops concentrated near Winchester. If the enemy should move against me with a large force it will probably be his object to cut me off from Harper's Ferry. I will, therefore, not rely on that line of retreat, but take a position between Winchester and Romney. In this case the troops in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry have to retire to Harper's Ferry, those at Martinsburg and vicinity to Falling Waters and Williamsport. The trains which may be at Martinsburg have also to cross at Falling Waters and at Williamsport, if the river is fordable. The Government stores at Martinsburg must in this case be shipped to Harper's Ferry and Cumberland by railroad. This depends on the time we may have. From information received it seems that the enemy has at this moment about 2,500 cavalry and from 3,000 to 4,000 infantry and artillery between Strasburg and Staunton, but these troops may be re-enforced very quickly, which depends upon the operations under General Grant. You see from this statement what position I am in, and that I must have every available man to maintain it. Colonel Rodgers' regiment should be sent to me immediately, if possible. If, in case of a strong force of the enemy, I take the position as indicated, I will defend Harper's Ferry indirectly, because the enemy cannot attack that place when I am on his left flank and rear with my forces. I will, however, see what will be the best for me to do.
F. SIGEL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS,
Harper's Ferry, May 2, 1864.O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIII [S# 60]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA, FROM JANUARY 1 TO APRIL 30, 1864.--#30
HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Martinsburg, W. Va., April 30, 1864.Capt. H. S. TAFFT,
Signal Corps, U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.:CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of this detachment during the month of April, 1864:
Until the 29th of the month headquarters of the detachment were at Cumberland, Md., at which point I had established a camp of instruction.
On the last day of March the detachment consisted of 4 officers and 45 enlisted men. During this month the following additions have been made to it, viz: April 5, 1 officer reported; 14th, 1 officer reported; 15th, 3 officers reported; 17th, 2 officers reported; 21st, 1 officer reported, and 25th, 1 officer reported; total 9. These officers were detailed as acting signal officers by special orders from department headquarters, in compliance with suggestions of a communication stating the necessity which existed for them, approved at office of the Chief Signal Officer, Washington, D.C.
On the 22d, Sergeant Knapp reported with 53 enlisted men from Camp of Instruction at Georgetown, D.C., and on the 26th an officer turned over to me a descriptive roll of 63 enlisted men, ordered from Department of the Susquehanna by special orders from Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, D.C. One of the names was added by mistake, making the correct number 62; total, 116. Four of these from Department of the Susquehanna are absent on furlough; the others have all reported.
Thus the aggregate force at this time is 13 officers and 161 enlisted men. The officers and men were drilled constantly, under direction of Lieut. M. C. F. Denicke, until the party was ordered into the field.
On the 25th, Lieutenant Denicke was injured by being thrown from a horse, so as to render him unable to go into the field for some time.
There has been great difficulty in obtaining horses, and when my requisitions as now approved are filled, which will be soon, there will be 98 of the men mounted; the others it will be impossible to mount for some time.
On the 29th, I received telegraphic orders from Major-General Sigel, who was at Martinsburg, W. Va., to report to him with my' party at that place, sending the mounted men by Williamsport and Falling Waters pike and the dismounted party by rail. Accordingly I broke camp that day, and on the morning of the 30th started the marching party at daybreak, under command of Lieut. D. N. Jones, assisted by Lieutenants Fortney and Brault, all of them newly detailed officers, and brought the remainder of the party by railroad, reaching Martinsburg that afternoon. The marching party should reach Martinsburg on the 2d of May, and immediately upon their arrival I shall put them into the field, as well as possible, still continuing to drill both officers and men. All the stations heretofore <ar60_1027> in operation were dispensed with, as no further necessity existed for them, and the whole party was collected at Martinsburg, W. Va.
It is very unfortunate that the party can have no more practice before going into the field, as the officers cannot work an important station, and cannot without considerable more practice work in the presence of the enemy, as they are not sufficiently conversant with the code to be intrusted with the ciphers. The general commanding understands this and appreciates the facts and will make all allowances, but I fear some opportunities of gaining credit to the corps by valuable service may be lost by the incompetence of the party at present to do the best duty. Lest it may appear like negligence on my part that the officers were so tardy in reporting, I would explain that it was difficult to find officers who were competent for the duty who could be spared from their regiments, there being very many companies with only one officer for duty, and much delay was occasioned by the remonstrances and interference of regimental commanders, who, disliking to lose good officers, retarded it as much as possible. No time was lost in the selection of and request for details of officers, but it is unfortunate that the details were not sooner made when asked for, and sooner complied with when made.
If we have no action for a few weeks the party will be in good order for it, and I hope the party will be able to render all the service required of it by the time it has duty to perform in the face of the enemy. The officers and men are all disposed to use their best efforts, and no labor will be spared to meet the utmost expectations of the commanding officer of the corps and the major-general commanding department.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANKLIN E. TOWN,
Capt. and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of West Virginia.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
Camp near Bunker Hill, April 30, 1864.Lieut. THOMAS H. WELLSTED,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:My scout from above Winchester reports the enemy's pickets on lookout at Winchester. They also report a considerable force this side of Woodstock, with heavy artillery. This information has been received from reliable Union citizens. The scout thinks the artillery mentioned are field guns, and that the force does not exceed 1,500 or 2,000 men.
Respectfully submitted.
R. F. TAYLOR,
Colonel, Commanding First Division.
-----
CHARLESTON, April 30, 1864.
Major-General SIGEL:
Not having a sufficient infantry force to make two columns, I shall only make a demonstration toward Lewisburg, so as to keep the enemy from leaving there, while I will march with the main body from Fayetteville, on the bridge of New River. General Averell, <ar60_1028> with 2,000 mounted men, will go through Logan Court-House to the vicinity of Saltville, and if circumstances will not justify his attacking that place, to destroy the railroad from there toward the bridge, so as to prevent re-enforcements from Tennessee. Should I be successful in taking the bridge. I shall cross the river and move toward Lynchburg, destroying the road as far as I deem it prudent, then fall back on Lewisburg. The officer who commands on the Lewisburg line is instructed to watch the enemy's movements well, and if he retreats to advance, occupy Lewisburg, and collect the supplies of the country: on the contrary, if the enemy should advance on him for him to retreat, delaying the enemy all he can by contesting strong points, blockading the roads, &c. Could you send any scouts to me from where you are, and [inform me] what you are doing, it would benefit me much. I will endeavor to communicate with scouts across the country. May every success attend you.
GEORGE CROOK.
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NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 30, 1864.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of dispatch, No. 275, dated the 27th instant, received from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, in reference to matters about Wilmington and the movements of the rebels in North Carolina.
Very respectfully, &c.,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.
[Inclosure. ]
SERIES 2 No. 275.
FLAG-SHIP N. A. BLOCKADING SQUADRON,
Hampton Roads, Va., April 27, 1864.Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy:SIR: Captain Sands, U. S. steamer Fort Jackson, reports, under date of 23d instant, that on the night of the 22d instant he sent the Niphon to reconnoiter in the vicinity of Myrtle Sound, and obtain information, if practicable, of the number and disposition of the enemy. A cutter and dingy were dispatched from the Niphon; the latter, in charge of Acting Ensign Borden, was carried across the beach and into the sound, while the cutter, in charge of Acting Ensign Semon, both officers attached to the Niphon, picketed the beach. Acting Ensign Borden crossed the sound without being discovered by the enemy's pickets, and, running up a small creek, landed about 10.15 p.m., conducted by J. H. Pucket, the refugee pilot, who guided the expedition which destroyed the State salt-works on the 21st instant. He proceeded to the house of a Lieut. E. H. Davis, of the Masonborough Home Guards, who was known to be favorable to our cause. He came off with the party after making arrangements to obtain information from his friends at frequent intervals.
The information obtained from him is substantially as follows: That the present force in Fort Fisher and the batteries adjacent <ar60_1029> consists of about 1,000 men; the force in and around Wilmington about 2,000, General Beauregard and General Whiting commanding; in addition to which, some 300 conscripts, who had been employed at the salt-works, were sent there after these works were destroyed; that Wilmington could, in his opinion, be taken with little difficulty now, by landing troops at Masonborough and marching across; the distance is short, and the road good and undefended.
The batteries at Wilmington mount but about ten or fifteen guns, and they old-fashioned smooth-bores. He does not state their caliber. When the firing at the salt-works on the 21st was heard at Wilmington it was supposed there that an attack on that place was intended, and troops that had been dispatched to Swansborough and the sounds were recalled. The number of these is not stated, nor whether they are included in the estimate given of the troops at Wilmington and vicinity.
I have informed General Butler of this man's statement, and represented to him that the presence of a general so highly esteemed as Beauregard, the sending of troops from Wilmington to Swansborough, the recent attack on Plymouth, and the increase of rebel force in the eastern part of North Carolina seems to indicate the determination to push the campaign with vigor, possibly to attack both Beaufort and New Berne, and that, in view of these facts, an increase of military force at Morehead City and Fort Macon appears requisite. The garrison at the latter place is so weak that, at the commanding officer's request, Commodore Dove sent 60 sailors from the blockaders there in the harbor to assist in manning it. Immediately upon being informed of this by him, however, I directed him to return the men at once to their vessels, as the already small crews could not bear this diminution.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. N. A. Blockading Squadron.
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