Today in History:

857 Series I Volume XLII-I Serial 87 - Richmond-Fort Fisher Part I

Page 857 Chapter LIV. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN.

NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., August 17, 1864-10 a.m.

All quiet here yesterday and last night. No material change reported in enemy's movements or position. Thirty-six wagons and ten ambulances passed this morning on military road, rear [of] Battery 5, going in direction of City Point.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff.

NEAR PETERSBURG, August 17, 1864-5 p.m.

Have ordered our batteries to open daily for thirty minutes, at 2 and 3 a.m. to prevent enemy's concentration of troops for an attack.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff.

NEAR PETERSBURG, August 18, 1864-10.15 a.m.

Following dispatch just received from General Dearing:

Enemy has driven in my pickets and reserve in front of Yellow House. I am just going up with another regiment. Colonel Taliaferro reports them in force with infantry and cavalry.

Can any cavalry re-enforcements be sent him? I have none here.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff.

NEAR PETERSBURG, August 18, 1864-12 m.

Artillery firing of this morning has developed nothing. General Dearing reported just now: "Enemy is advancing in force both upon railroad and Vaughan road." I have ordered two brigades of infantry to support General Dearing. They must return to-night to their positions.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff.

NEAR PETERSBURG, August 18, 1864-3.40 p.m.

General Hill reports that prisoners taken state that two divisions of Fifth Corps are on railroad. Has Fifth Corps left your front?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff.

NEAR PETERSBURG, August 18, 1864-7 p.m.

General Dearing reports having checked enemy's advance at the Davis house, where they have formed strong line of battle in his front. He does not think, however, the force more than a few regiments of infantry and one or two of cavalry. I have sent some infantry to his assistance.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff.


Page 857 Chapter LIV. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN.