OR XLII P1 #352: Reports of General G. T. Beauregard, commanding Dept of North Carolina and Southern Virginia, August 15-19, 1864

No. 352. Reports of General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia, of operations August 15-19¹

NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., August 16, 1864-8 a.m.

All quiet yesterday and last night. Scouts report Second Corps marched with five days’ rations; expedition must then be only a diversion to prevent Early being re-enforced.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General R. E. LEE,
Chaffin’s Bluff.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Three divisions of enemy report still in position fortifying where repulsed last evening near Davis’ house, on Weldon railroad. I will endeavor to-day to dislodge him with four brigades of our infantry and the division of cavalry you have promised. Result would be more certain with a stronger force of infantry. Signal station reports just now one brigade of infantry, 100 wagons, and forty-nine ambulances passing toward our front on military road in rear of Battery 5.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General R. E. LEE,
Chaffin’s Bluff.

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DUNN’S HILL, August 20, 1864-6.45 a.m.

General Hill attacked yesterday afternoon enemy’s Fifth Corps, under Warren, at Davis’ house, on Weldon railroad, three miles from city, defeating him and capturing about 2,700 prisoners, including 1 brigadier-general and many field officers. Losses on both sides in killed and wounded not yet reported. Believed not to be great on ours. Brigadier-General Clingman was unfortunately wounded in the leg.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.
General.

Honorable J. A. SEDDON,
Secretary of War.

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