| Headquarters |
| Petersburg |
| May 15, 1864 |
| |
| General Bragg |
| Headquarters Confederate Armies |
| Richmond |
| |
| General, |
| I arrived here by order of General
Beauregard on the 13th, having received a telegram to "come on
and confer with him if I could leave Wilmington
without danger." On arriving I found the general about leaving
and received orders to assume command of the department, to make my
headquarters where necessary, and to report to the War Department. I
have examined the situation of affairs here and the system of
defense. It is my duty to tell you that both are very
unpromising--the latter worthless. The enemy having been permitted
to occupy the important position of Howlett's Neck, between the
James and Appomattox, with the force he possesses, threatens equally Drewry's Bluff and
Petersburg. The latter is in great danger because on the north side toward the
enemy it has no fortifications, it having been apparently thought
that the river would be defense enough, whereas it is an advantage
to the enemy. |
| They have also occupied the Red Bluff
and the river from City Point, on the right bank, to the Red Bluff.
This is 1 ½ miles from the city lines and completely commands the
line occupied by our troops on the north of Appomattox
and will give them and their gun-boats a ready entrance to the town
when they please. The breast-works on the south side are 9 miles in
extent and of no use as to the enemy's present position and object.
It is, therefore, in his power to take this city, with my present
force and position, when he pleases, unless he is attacked on his
right. His object is undoubtedly Petersburg, the capture of which is easy and which equally affects
Richmond; indeed would be more serious than the taking of Drewry's as well
as easier. The massing in front of Drewry's is, I think, a feint.
They can change that in any one night, and if not instantly attacked
on their right can readily force this insignificant line of Swift
Creek held by a small brigade and enfiladed from Red Bluff. |
| They appear to have been established and
fortifying at Red Bluff for some days. In my opinion they are only
waiting to commence here for the return of their cavalry raid, which
having cut the {Richmond &} Danville
and South Side railroads are now approaching the Weldon road {Petersburg
RR}. I have
positive information that this force is under Spear, and after their
previous attack on the Norfolk & Petersburg Railroad crossed
over at City Point, and when our forces moved to Drewry's, passed by
their rear to strike the Danville
road. As soon as they return they will command the country and
threaten the city lines to the south and east. I expect an attack
to-day, certainly very soon. The force here, about 5,000 present of
all arms, according to the return, including militia, is not
adequate to maintain a position under so many disadvantages, and
unless supported it will not be probable that I can save the
town--hardly the troops. I do not think it prudent to accumulate
stores here. I shall do the best I can, but as to the position of
affairs I must say that with the enemy on the James and strongly
fortified between the two rivers, neither Richmond nor Petersburg
can 1ong be held except by force superior to the enemy's--this place
especially. |
| Very respectfully, |
| W. H. C. Whiting |
| Major-General |
| So much for the situation. Now for what
we may be able to do. I wish to fight for the place to the last
extremity. If pressed in heavy force on the north side of the river
my reliance must be in a prompt and vigorous attack of the army at
Drewry's on the enemy while I hold them back as long as possible. I
hope this will be done and successfully, for the safety of this
place is vital to Drewry's and to Richmond. The convalescent sick and all that can be moved ought to go on
return trains to the hospitals in Halifax. They are not wanted here. Surplus stores, if any, must be put at
the Danville Junction. The South Side road was cut yesterday 27
miles from here. I expect hourly to hear of the line of the Weldon
road being again cut--the raiders moving in a circuit. |
|