Today in History:

347 Series I Volume XL-III Serial 82 - Richmond, Petersburg Part III

Page 347 Chapter LII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

PLANK ROAD SIGNAL STATION, July 20, 1864.

All quiet; no movement of troops. This a. m. two trains of cars came out from lead-works, and having gone a few hundred yards south backed in toward the city. Occasional wagons continue to pass both to right and left on road near Weldon railroad.

DUFF,

Lieutenant.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. S. STRYKER,

First Lieutenant and Adjutant of Signal Corps.


HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, July 20, 1864.

Captain FISHER:

No change. Can see a large camp of enemy's about three miles north-west of this point.

WARTS,
Lieutenant.

WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION, July 20, 1864 - 6.45 p. m.

Captain FISHER,

Chief Signal Officer, Headquarters Army of the Potomac:

At 6 p. m. saw two trains of cars, one with four and the other with two box-cars, move backward on the Weldon railroad toward the depot. Locomotives moving about at that point for an hour previous. Cars appeared to be empty. The enemy's signal officer reports no change on our camps and two gun-boats at the pontoon bridge. Intercepted the following:


HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY BATTALION, July 20, 1864.

Colonel H. P. JONES:

The 30-pounder that I am using at the mortars does very well. The other has been disabled by one of the enemy's batteries and will require a new trail before it can be again used.

JOHN LANE,
Major, Commanding.

The battery where this 30-pounder is located is at Archer's. At 5 p. m. Lieutenant Bartlett reported that five trains had passed Port Walthall Junction to-day, going toward Richmond, partly loaded with troops, and one toward Petersburg, empty. No movement of troops seen.

CHAS. L. DAVIS,

Captain, Signal Corps, U. S. Army.


HEADQUARTERS ARMIES IN THE FIELD, JULY 20, 1864.

Brigadier General H. W. BENHAM,

Commanding Volunteer Engineers:

Lieutenant-General Grant desires that you detail a proper officer and a squad of men to repair the defenses at City Point, especially the


Page 347 Chapter LII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.