Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.
SHERIDAN’S INTENDED ROUTE TO JAMES RIVER.
From the following letter, which was found in the headquarters wagon of Wilson, captured at Reams’ station, it will be seen that Hampton [SOPO Editor’s Note: The article has Hampton here, but it’s clear they mean Sheridan], on reaching the White House, after his return from his unsuccessful raid, designed striking James river at Deep Bottom; but his attempt to reach that point was frustrated by Hampton, who met and beat him at Nance’s shop, and compelled him to cross the river at Wyanoke, twenty miles below Deep Bottom. It will further be seen that in his expedition he was accompanied by an infantry brigade under the command of one Getty; and that it was a part of Weitzel’s command that was thrown across the James at Deep Bottom to meet and receive the raiders. The “six hours’ desperate battle” reported by “Abercrombie” is the skirmish that took place at the White House the day before Sheridan started for James river:
CITY POINT, June 21, 1864.
“MY DEAR GENERAL:
“Sheridan is all right at the White House. A report from Abercrombie, of four, P, M., yesterday, says Sheridan had got up. Getty had also arrived. Abercrombie states the result of his six hours’ desperate battle as a complete repulse of the enemy. Our casualties are none killed, two wounded, three missing. Sheridan will be detained for supplies, I suppose, till to-morrow, when he will move this way, VIA Jones’ bridge. Getty’s command will march with him. He will make Deep Bottom, if practicable, where Weitzel, last night, successfully threw a pontoon bridge across from Jones’ Neck. Foster’s brigade, as Butler reports, holds the TETE DE PONT. If Sheridan can’t get there, he will be ferried at Wilcox’s.
Sheridan will stay with the horses. The General thinks that is much more important than any other corps.
Joe Bowers won’t go with you; can’t be away so long. No other news.
Yours faithfully, C. A. JUDD.1
Source:
- “Sheridan’s Intended Route to the James River.” Richmond Examiner. July 9, 1864, p. 1 col. 2 ↩