Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) To: Ambrose Burnside.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08071 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 11 May 1864 Pagination: Order a Copy
Re: Ordering a "Vigorous attack against the enemy" at Spotsylvania.
Headquarters Armies of the United States.
Near Spottsylvania C.H., Va.,
May 11th, 1864 - 4 o.ck P.M.
Maj. Gen. A. E. Burnside,
Com'd'g 9th Army Corps:
Maj. Gen. Hancock has been ordered to move his entire Corps under cover of night, to join you in a vigorous attack against the enemy at 4 o.clock A.M. of to-morrow, the 12th inst. You will move against the enemy with your entire force promptly and with all possible vigor at precisely 4 o.clock to-morrow morning. Let your preparations [2] for this attack be conducted with the utmost secrecy, and veiled entirely from the enemy.
I send two of my Staff Officers, Col's Comstock and Babcock in whom I have great confidence, to remain with you and Gen Hancock, [struck: with] and who are acquainted with the direction the attack is to be made from here, with instructions to render you every assistance in their power.
Generals Warren and Wright will hold their Corps as close to the enemy as possible, to take advantage of any division [3] caused by your and Hancock's attack, and will push in their whole force, if any opportunity presents itself.
U. S. Grant
Lieut Gen'l
[docket]
May 11th 1864
Lt. Genl.
U. S. Grant
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