HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865.

DIVISIONS COMMANDERS and COMMANDER OF ARTY. BRIGADE:

The accompanying orders* from General Meade is sent for your information and to enable you to make such further examination of the ground over which the assaulting columns are to move and of the line to be carried as you may deem necessary, care being taken not too much to attract the enemy's attention by such examination. The columns will move generally as directed in the attack proposed for the morning of the 31st ultimo, and more specific orders will be sent in full time for the formation of the troops. These orders are to be considered strictly confidential, and to this end only reliable men will be kept on the advance picket-line, all doubtful ones being relieved at once.

By command of Major-General Wright:

C. H. WHITTELSEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865-10.55 p.m.

DIVISION COMMANDING and COMMANDER OF ARTY. BRIGADE:

In accordance with later instructions, the assaulting columns will be formed as directed in orders from these headquarters to be ready to move at 4 a.m. The battery ordered outside the line between Forts Fisher and Welch will be withdrawn in time for the formation of the troops and the picket-firing stopped. We will attack at 4 a.m., as directed in the previous order.

By command of Major-General Wright:

C. H. WHITTELSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ORD'S HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1865-11.30 a.m.

General WRIGHT:

Enemy attempted to recover their picket-line by a dash this morning before day. Were handsomely repulsed. We took about sixty prisoners. Fifty-five well men have reported, and a number of their dead and wounded are in our front and possession. My loss, nine prisoners. My picket-line on the left still holds them in their works. Am establishing batteries and making reconnaissance for further action. Per last accounts [2 a.m.] Sheridan was driving Pickett. Have you a brigade still this side of the slough on my left?

E. O. C. ORD.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, April 1, 1865-1 p.m.

Major-General ORD:

Your dispatch just received. I have a brigade on your side of the slough, but it is inside our line of works, contiguous to Fort Sampson. Do you desire it moved from its present position?

H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General.

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*See 9 and 9.35 p.m., pp. 407, 422.

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