Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/155

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July 9th, 1864. To Lieutenant-Colonel Assistant Adjutant-General:

Colonel—Having notified the General-Commanding, on the morning of the 8th June, that Sheridan, with a heavy force of cavalry and artillery, had crossed the Pamunkey, I was ordered to take one division in addition to my own and follow him. Supposing that he would strike at Gordonsville and Charlottesville, I moved rapidly with my division so as to interpose my command between him and the places named above, at the same time directing Major-General Fitz. Lee to follow as speedily as possible. In two days' march I accomplished the object I had in view—that of placing myself in front of the enemy—and I camped on the night of the 10th in Green Spring Valley, three miles beyond Trevylian's station on the Central railroad, whilst General Fitz. Lee camped the same night near Louisa Courthouse. Hearing during the night that the enemy had crossed the Northanna at Carpenter's ford, I determined to attack him at daylight. General Lee was ordered to attack on the road leading from Louisa Courthouse to Clayton's store, whilst my division would attack on the road from Trevylian's station to the same point. By this disposition of my troops I hoped to cover Lee's left and my right flank; to drive the enemy back, if he attempted to reach Gordonsville by passing to my left, and to conceal my real design, which was to strike him at Clayton's store after uniting the two divisions. At daylight my division was ready to attack at Trevylian's—Butler's and Young's brigades being held for that purpose, whilst Rosser was sent to cover a road on my