[CHAP. XLI.

cated on your map requires this line to be held strong. To move on the only road to the cross-roads to Robertson's Tavern involves an exposure of flank and rear not anticipated. Your last order is received, and I will order an advance by the Raccoon Ford road.

WM. H. FRENCH,

Major-General.

NOVEMBER 27, [1863]-2.30 p.m.

General HUMPHREYS:

I am making an advance with skirmishers, only to better my position and to prevent troops being formed too near it. The enemy's thin line falls back along the road to Verdierville.

G. K. WARREN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS,
November 27, 1863-3.15 p.m.

Brigadier-General CARR,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: You will move your division up at once, and take position on the left of General Prince's division. You will form in compliance with orders already received from major-general commanding. Let there be no delay in the movement.

By command of Major-General French:

O. H. HART,

Lieutenant-Colonel, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS,
November 27, 1863-3.30 p.m.

Major-General BIRNEY,

Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: You will move your command up at once to the position vacated by General Carr, and hold it in readiness to support the line.

[By command of Major-General French:

O. H. HART,

Lieutenant Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.]

NOVEMBER 27, 1863-3.45 p.m.

[Major-General BIRNEY?]:

GENERAL: You will move up on the left to the house occupied by the major-general commanding for headquarters into the woods, and form line 300 yards in rear of the line of battle, as supports.

By command of Major-General French:

O. H. HART,

Lieutenant-Colonel, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

NOVEMBER 27, [1863]-3.30 p.m.

General HUMPHREYS:

I am getting my troops in position, but the country is densely timbered and nothing can be distinguished a hundred yards in front. I