Today in History:

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

Page 618 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LII.


HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, July 29, 1864.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

City Point:

At sunrise the signal officer on the right saw a long column of troops crossing the pontoon bridge at Chaffin's farm to the norht bank of the James. Three regiments had crossed when he reported. A general and staff were with the column. This dispatch had been mislaid by the chief signal officer and not sent in until just now.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

(Forwarded to General Meade at 12.15 p.m.)


HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, July 29, 1864.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

City Point:

At 9 a. m. two trains with thirty-nine cars loaded with troops [passed] toward Richmond; also two baggage trains with seventy-five wagons went on the turnpike in the same direction; also a regiment of cavalry and a four-gun battery just crossed at the pontoon bridge to the north side of James River. In all, since day before yesterday afternoon at 6 o'clock, there have passed over, to this time, about 10,000 infantry, four regiments of cavalry, and three batteries that we know of. Baggage wagons on due proportion.

BENJ. F BUTLER,

Major-General.

(Forwarded to General Meade at 12.15 p. m.)


HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, July 29, 1864.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

City Point:

Birney's officer of the day reports distinct hearing of sounds resembling loading of cars with railroad iron and moving of trains to Richmond; also that the force in front of General Ferry (the left of our line) is apparently much reduced. Steps have been taken to ascertain more and correctly about this.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.

(Forwarded to General Meade at 12.15 p.m.)


HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
In the Field, July 29, 1864 - 11.10 a. m.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

City Point:

In addition to all reported before, at 10.30 a. m. three regiments of cavalry and fourteen wagons passed along the turnpike toward Richmond.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major-General.


Page 618 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LII.