Today in History:

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

Page 514 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LII.


HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS,
July 27, 1864-6 p. m.

General MEADE:

I have been engaged this p. m. in trying to find the enemy's force. As far as I went did not find it. General Sheridan informs me he found it beyond the Charles City road. I had not force nor time enough to develop to that point. Wherever I struck the enemy's line I found his infantry. We also attacked the James end, but after a short contest we found the line did not end. We found hi in rifle-pits and in force; also attacked farther to the left and found them in rifle-pits; did not persist. General Foster informs me that a prisoner taken to-day says that several brigades crossed the James this a. m. and are now in front. I will await your orders. General Sheridan can only go out on the Bottom's road.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS,

July 27, 1864-7.10 p. m.

[Major- General HANCOCK:]

The enemy commenced re-enforcing from Petersburg only about an hour and a half ago. They have thus far sent twenty-nine car-loads. General Butler says that before these, which cannot yet have reached your front, he doubts if any re-enforcements have been made.

G. WEITZEL,

Brigadier-General and Acting Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 27, 1864-9 p. m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Deep Bottom:

The foregoing dispatch*, just received, is sent to you for your guidance, although it has been sent direct. You will show it to Major-General Sheridan, who will be directed, and is herein, to report to you and be governed by your instructions unless he receives orders direct from the lieutenant-general commanding. Acknowledge receipt.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

Will General Sheridan please return this dispatch when read.

WINF'D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 27, 1864-9.20 p. m.

Major-General HANCOCK,

Deep Bottom:

I forward the foregoing+ as giving the views of the lieutenant-general commanding. You will be governed accordingly by them. I have

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* See Grant to Meade, 8.10 p. m. 504.

+ See Grant to Meade, beginning-The position now occupied by Hancock, p. 505.

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Page 514 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LII.