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Fisher, Benjamin Franklin (1834-1915) [Battle report during the seige of Petersburg]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04592 Author/Creator: Fisher, Benjamin Franklin (1834-1915) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript Date: 25 October 1864 Pagination: 18 p. ; 32.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Written at Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. Originally written by Fisher, Major and Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Potomac. Written to Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph Leonard Nicodemus, Commanding Signal Corps, Washington, D.C. Marked as a true copy by Stephen M. Eaton, Captain of Signal Corps, United States. Fisher submits monthly reports from his department for July, August, and September 1864. Discusses in detail important stations in operation near Petersburg, Virginia. Mentions a concentration of Confederate forces 27 June 1864, possibly in anticipation of the 19 June Battle of Ream's Station I. Mentions Union General James Wilson. Refers to the Battle of the Crater, 30 July 1864. Notes Confederate troop movement in detail. 13 August 1864, mentions coordination between the troops of Union Generals David Bell Birney and Winfield Scott Hancock. Records the 18-21 August battle of Globe Tavern (refers to the engagement as "Weldon Rail Road"). Mentions the leadership of Union General Gouverneur Kemble Warren in this engagement. Discusses the 25 August 1864 Battle of Ream's Station. On page 17, recommends several privates for promotion to sergeant. Bound at the top with pink ribbon.

Headquarters Army of the Potomac
Signal Department, Oct. 25th, 1864.
Sir,
Your communication of the 20th of September 1864, withdrawing the release granted in October 1863, relieving this office from the duty of making certain monthly reports called for by a Circular issued from the office of the Signal Bureau dated August 24th 1863, has been received. In compliance with said communication I have the honor to submit the following combined monthly reports of operations for the months of July, August and September 1864.
At the opening of the month of July the Army of the Potomac was lying in front of Petersburg Va., being actively engaged in regular siege operations. At this time the officers and men of my detachment were stationed at such points along our line as would enable them to observe carefully the movements and operations of the enemy. The more important of these stations were located as follows;

No 1. At the "Walthall House"[1] upon the extreme right of our lines commanding a view of the City of Petersburg a section of the Weldon R.R. near the Depot - a broken view of the country extending from Cemetery Hill southwestward to the Lead Works and thence around several miles westward of the City to the line of the Appomattox. Also - a view of the left bank of the Appomattox from the hills back of Pocohontas to Fort Clifton with all the batteries or works between these two points. In addition the officers upon this Station intercepted the daily reports of observations made by the Enemy's Signal officers from the Chesterfield Heights.
No 2. Upon the "Jordan House''[2] which commanded a point in the street in Petersburg leading to the bridge crossing the Appomattox River from Petersburg to Pocohontas. It likewise had a sweeping view of the left bank of the river and the officer upon the Station was frequently employed by the Artillery officers in that vicinity to note the effects of shots fired at the enemy's batteries at Archers and other points, thus aiding in directing the firing.
No 3. was located upon a hickory tree at an elevation of eighty-five (85) feet near the Prince George Court House[10] road. This afforded a view of the lines from the Appomattox to the vicinity of the Plank Road; of Cemetery Hill; the City & the Country for several miles west of the City, and a small section of the Richmond Pike about one mile from Pocohontas.
No 3. was established upon the "Avery House"[3] giving a close view of the works east of Cemetery Hill and thence southward - also a section of a road N.W. of the City running towards Richmond.
No 4. near the Jerusalem Plank Road (now in Fort Davis) commanding a good view of the enemy's lines of works (first and second) from the east side of Cemetery Hill to west of the Weldon R.R. also of the roads leading out of the City in the vicinity of the Lead Works[4] such as the Weldon R.R. the Boydton Plank Road[5] and the Squirrel Level Road.[6]
These comprise as before stated the most important stations in operation at the commencement of the month of July 1864. Many others were established at different times but only occupied temporarily as occasion required. These stations were almost exclusively stations of observation, no communication by flags being necessary on account of the facilities afforded to transmit all messages by the military Telegraph. The majority of them were also located in such close proximity to the enemy's lines as to be under the command of their Sharp Shooters if discovered, rendering it necessary to prevent their existence being made known.
In addition to these stations under the charge of the Reserve Party and reporting directly through the Chief Signal Officer to the Commanding General of the Army, two officers were assigned to each Corps Headquarters who rendered such immediate "Signal Service" as they were able, to the several Corps Commanders.
It is to be understood in the following report that all movements or changes mentioned or stated to have been discovered, were reported to the Commanding General.
In order to connect the operations and reports made upon July 1st with those preceeding, I will refer briefly to the movements discovered upon June 27th, upon which date the enemy concentrated in the vicinity of Reams' Station a force of Cavalry and Infantry in order to intercept as events proved the returning expedition under Command of General Wilson. The movement of these forces from the vicinity of Petersburg, by way of the Squirrel Level Road" [6] were seen from one of our stations and reported accordingly.
Upon July 1st the main portion of the troops that had been operating against General Wilson were discovered returning towards Petersburg which at once put an end to the apprehension arising from the presence of such a large force upon the flank and rear of our Army.
Upon July 2nd. A heavy train of wagons passed into Petersburg via Boydton Plank Road.[5] A new Camp discovered south of the Lead Works.
July 3rd. Several minor movements of trains and troops west of the Weldon R.R. Indications of a move late in the evening but nothing positive discovered.
July 4. Six Regiments of Infantry and several pieces of Artillery passed from Petersburg towards Richmond today.
July 5th & 6th. Enemy throwing up a second line and working with large details upon main line.
July 7th. A train of eighty-one (81) wagons passed southward upon road west of Weldon R.R. The enemy working upon new line between the Jerusalem Plank Road and the Lead Works.
July 8th. A new redoubt reported constructed in rear of Gregory[7] House. A small body of Infantry and Cavalry with a battery of five pieces of Artillery passed southward west of the Weldon Rail Road. Construction trains on Weldon R.R.
July 9th & 10th. Working parties were seen at various parts of their line. Trains upon the Weldon R.R. and a Battery of Artillery moved southward on the Halifax road.
From July 11th to the 28th various minor movements of the enemy's troops were discovered, and detailed reports of the enemy's working parties with the changes in their lines made.
July 27th. The disappearance of camps and the movements of troops from the vicinity of Petersburg towards Richmond reported. These movements were made in connection with General Grant's feint upon the north bank of the James and assured its success.
July 30th. The Burnside mine was exploded and an assault made upon the enemy's works. Signal Officers occupied all possible points along the lines and reported each change.
On the 1st day of August the reports from the various Stations indicated some unusual stir upon the part of the enemy. A large number of Cavalry passed towards our left during the forenoon followed by large wagon trains. The cause of this movement was not generally understood as the enemy appeared to make no attempt to mass upon our left, nor did he evince any disposition to attack us at any point. The only conclusion at which to arrive was that he was trying to place his Cavalry in our rear, and if possible to annoy us in that direction, which supposition was afterward ascertained to be correct. The next morning all of the Stations were on the alert for indications of any further movements upon the part of the enemy, but after careful observations they failed to discover any. Their lines visible remained unchanged and nothing was seen excepting small working parties engaged in strengthening their lines.
Upon the 3rd & 4th nothing of interest was reported by our Officers upon Stations excepting on the 3rd a movement of a regiment of Cavalry and a battery of Artillery towards General Butler's front. They also noted additional labor being put upon various points of their line.
On the 5th a new station of observation was established near the "Gibbon House".[8] In the afternoon the enemy exploded a mine under our picket line in front of the 18th Army Corps with but little or no injury to us.
On the 6th the only movement of the enemy observed was themoving toward our right upon the Richmond road of a column of Infantry which consumed one and a half hours in passing a given point. Its strength was estimated at about twelve (12) thousand, sixty (60) wagons followed. The enemy also placed in position a battery of five guns in the redoubt in the rear of "Whitehead's Factory'T12] [Indicated as Roselyn Brick Works] on the north bank of the Appomatox River.
During the three following days no movements were made upon the
part of the enemy, but their energies appeared to be directed towards the completion and strengthening their works. They also commenced new works at various points along their front principally upon and in rear of their 2nd line.
On the 11th the enemy moved about a thousand Cavalry towards our right, and our lookouts reported a considerable commotion among their wagon trains, many of those also moving towards our right.
On the 12th the enemy continued to move Cavalry toward our right,
one column being reported (1100) Eleven hundred strong, while straggling parties continued to pass during the day. These bodies of Cavalry moved from beyond our extreme left through Petersburg and on in the direction of Richmond. They had not relaxed their efforts toward strengthening their works, nor did they evince any sign of so doing, having rather increased than diminished the strength of their working parties.
On the 13th no movements of the enemy's were reported as visible, by our lookouts, and no changes made in his lines but at 5:45 P.M. of the 14th the Station near the Head Quarters c f the 5th Corps reported Infantry passing on a road to the right of Petersburg, going toward our right, followed by a train of wagons and ambulances. This column supposed to comprise one division and to be moving to the north bank of the James River to check the advance of the 2nd and 10th Corps which had crossed to that side. During this expedition of the 2nd Corps the Signal Officers connected with it performed good services as per extract from Captain P.A. Taylor's Report: 'The 10th Corps, General Birney crossed the James at the same time at Deep Bottom,[13] the whole .force under command Maj. Genl. Hancock. I at once established flag communication between Generals Hancock and Birney, across Four Mile Creek, sending Capt. Thickstun to
report to General Birney with whom he remained until relieved by Captain Dana late in the day.
Lt. Neel was placed on duty on Station at General Hancock's. His station was moved several times to conform with the changes in locality of Hd.Qrs. This line of communication was maintained until 130 A.M. of the 15th, at which time Genl. Birney with his force joined Genl. Hancock on the east side of Four Mile Creek. During its continuance the line was much used and afforded great advantages to the Commanding General in communicating rapidly with General Birney regarding the operations of his forces while seperated for the time from the main body by Four Mile Creek.
On the 14th I also established a station of observation at the `Potteries'714] overlooking the enemy's position on Spring Hill, and a road upon which he mined to re-inforce different parts of his lines - A number of important movements were observed and reported by myself and Lieut. Neel. Lt. N. who occupied this station after the breaking up of his flag station, in addition to his duties of observation directed with good effect the fire of one of our batteries stationed near him. A Station of observation was also esablished just in rear of our picket line near the New Market road, which overlooked the enemy's lines for a considerable distance, Lieut. Holland was placed upon duty at this point - relieved occasionally by Capt. Thickstun.
Upon the morning of the 15th a careful examination of the enemy's lines in the vicinity of Petersburg failed to disclose any further movements on their part. Some of their camps broken up the previous day appeared re-established in their old positions and re-occupied at daylight in the morning, showing that they had not removed many troops from our front. Everything remained quiet until 2:45 P.M. when a column of Fifteen hundred (1500) Infantry moved into the City from the southwest. This was the only change visible during the day.
On the 16th the camps re-established the previous day were again broken up, and the force which occupied them apparently moved to the left, although they did not appear on the lines of the Weldon R.R. Some of the troops in the fortifications in our front were relieved and moved in same direction and others took their places, which did not materially weaken their front line.

From information derived from the reports of the different stations on the morning of the 17th which led me to believe, and to report to the Commanding General that the enemy's lines in our immediate front had been to a great extent weakened, within the two or three days previous, which opinion was afterward confirmed.
At about 1 A.M. on the 18th a heavy cannonading opened along our lines and continued for about an hour. At 4 A.M. the 5th Corps commenced moving toward the Weldon Railroad; and shortly afterward two brigades of the enemy moved from their works in the vicinity of the Lead Works and passed southward along the Welcon R.R. to meet General Warren's advances. A sharp engagement ensued which at first was to our disadvantage, but we subsequently compelled the enemy to retire a short distance. At 430 P.M. a division of the enemy's Infantry were reported by our Stations as moving to the support of tiheir force on the Weldon Railroad.
On the 19th stragglers were reported early in the morning as passing towards our left along the Weldon R.R. indicating that Infantry in some force must have passed during the night. The strength of that force it was of course impossible to determine. In the afternoon about 2 P.M. the rear of a column of Infantry (about two (2) Brigades) was observed moving toward our left, and at 5 P.M. a battalion. of Infantry - apparently the head of a much larger column appeared on our left of the Lead Works and halted. A heavy rain then set in and precluded the possibility of further operations on that day.
During the morning of the 20th no activity upon the part of the enemy was visible until 11 A.M. when a brigade of about fifteen hundred (1500) Infantry moved out of Petersburg toward the left and between that time and 4 P.M. about twenty-five hundred (2500) or three thousand (3000) more moved from the same place in the same direction. These troops moved apparently to the support of their forces on the Weldon R. Road. During the previous night the 2nd Corps had returned from its position on the north side of the James River near Deep Bottom to its camp on our line, and reinforced the line weakened by the withdrawal of the 5th Corps to the left.
Reports were made by the several stations on our front during the 21st of the movement of the enemy's forces, none of which were of any great importance. During the day General Meade moved two divisions of the 2nd Corps to the Weldon R. Road at Six Mile Tavern,[9] [Indicated on the map as Globe Tavern] where one of them was placed at work destroying the track in the direction of Reams' Station.[10]
On the 22nd the information received from the Signal Stations indicated that several bodies of the enemy's cavalry had come from the direction of Richmond and passed south on the west side of the Weldon Railroad. A considerable body of Infantry was also observed coming from opposite our right and massing along the Railroad about one mile south of the Lead Works. This body of Infantry were immediately placed at work throwing up entrenchments in that vicinity.[11] This force occupied the same position on the morning of the 23rd and from all appearances had labored upon their works during the whole night, so much so, that their line presented quite a formidable appearance when it was sufficiently light to observe it. No movements of bodies of troops were reported during the day, although a number of stragglers reported moving from direction of Richmond toward Petersburg from daylight until noon might indicate that a large body of troops had passed over that route during the night. Lt. Hen. J. Clarke established a new station of observation near the Weldon R.Road in front of the 5th Corps, this day, from which a very good view of a portion of the enemy's line was had.
On the succeeding day the enemy appeared more active. In the morning two divisions of the 2nd Corps proceeded by a circuitous route to Reams' Station and commenced to destroy the Railroad below that point. The enemy probably to check that movement moved about twelve thousand (12,000) Infantry in that direction and made several other minor movements, all of which were observed and immediately reported by the stations in our front.
On the morning of the 25th the enemy made a heavy attack upon the line of the 2nd Corps near Reams' Station and a severe engagement resulted. During this attack Capt. Thickstun occupied a station upon the skirmish line until it was driven back. During the night the 2nd Corps retired from Reams' Station having accomplished the work for which it had been ordered there. Some important messages were intercepted by our Stations on the right, from the enemy's Signal Stations and promptly reported.
The enemy the next day returned the force which had assaulted the 2nd Corps on the day previous, toward our right and proceeded to strengthen the line which had been so much weakened by the withdrawal of that force. On our part no movement was made and the enemy were sufficiently occupied in re-arranging their line to prevent them making any other demonstration.
On the 27th no movement of large bodies of the enemy were seen, although some of his Cavalry was reported moving around our extreme left, going southward and small bodies of Infantry were reported as in motion in vicinity of Lead Works. Working parties were diligently employed upon his works in our front.
For the two succeeding days the enemy appeared remarkable quiet, and, although reports from our Stations were regularly and frequently made, no movements of interest transpired.
On the 30th the only changes visible was the movement of about three thousand (3000) Infantry from Petersburg toward our left, from which nothing was heard afterward, but it was supposed that they were intended to re-inforce their line opposite our left, as in the evening it was reported that the enemy appeared in stronger force along their line in that front.
On Aug 31st everything was quiet along both lines, while both parties were engaged in strengthening and completing their fortifications.
From September 1st to 4th no movements of any consequence was observed to be made by the enemy, although our stations were strictly careful to note every change, however small, or any movements of troops or trains, however insignificant they might appear. During this time the enemy were actively employed each day in strengthening and perfecting such works as were already commenced. They also extended their main works west of the Weldon Railroad.
On the 5th of September the Station located near the Jerusalem Plank Road reported a supposed movement on the part of the enemy, indicated by a cloud of dust rising from west of the Weldon Railroad.
From that time nothing of interest recurred and no reports of operations or changes in the enemy's line, excepting a steady continuance of their labor upon their works, was received until September 13th when their camps, northeast from the Lead works were reported as removed,
and a less force than usual visible in their old entrenchments.
On the next day (the 14th) about eight hundred (800) Infantry were reported as having moved from beyond the Weldon Rail Road toward our left front, and it was further reported that the enemy came out from their camps into their works about 11 A.M. and remained in line about three or four hours and then returned.
On the 15th several reports were received of the enemy's movements of Infantry from the vicinity of the Weldon R.R. in a westerly direction and down the Squirrel Level Road. As further developments proved, this was the support to the Cavalry upon who had been termed the "cattle raid.'[ade Hampton's cattle]
During the following day many reports were received concerning the movements of the enemy which however were of minor importance. But on the afternoon of the 17th an extensive move was made apparent by a heavy cloud of dust rising from the left of the Lead works and beyond the railroad. The main movement was on a concealed road and such bodies as moved on the road in sight were most of the time hidden by the dust. Two batteries were observed accompanying the column. These troops moved out, without doubt to cover the return of the raiding expedition.
On Sept. 18th & 19th the Enemy moved Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery in small force towards our right. Their Camps appeared much more extensive in our front during these two days, and their working parties were more active than usual upon their old lines and a third one in rear of them.
On the 20th the Stations on the right reported that some of the enemy's Camps near and west of Petersburg had been broken up. There were also some troops moved into the City from the Southwest and placed in position in front of the 10th Corps.
On the 21st the enemy were reported as still working in their fortifications near the Weldon R.R. a movement of about nine hundred (900) Cavalry to the westward was also reported, but no Infantry movements were seen.
On the 22nd nothing of importance was seen or reported, excepting the industry of their working parties, and on the following day nothing of moment was observed, excepting the movement of a brigade of Infantry, from opposite our left toward Petersburg.
On the 24th & 25th nothing was observed excepting upon the latter, some movements of Infantry in considerable force, which were promptly reported to the Commanding General.
On the two succeeding days and during the morning of the 28th the enemy were reported as moving toward our left, but on the afternoon of the 28th they commenced marching toward our right.
On the morning of the 29th they evinced great activity in all their camps, and during the day moved heavy bodies of troops from all along our lines (mostly from opposite our left) towards Richmond, taking large wagon trains with them. This commotion was caused by the transferring
of the 10th and 18th Corps to the north side of the James River, and with a view to the checking of their advance towards Richmond on that side of the river.
The following is a resume of my "evening report" to the Commanding General upon that date:
"During the morning the actions of the enemy in their camps indicated preparations being made for a movement.
"At 11:40 AM. a column of two thousand (2000) Infantry and trains moved toward Richmond
"About the same hour four thousand ('4000) Infantry moved into Petersburg from the south.
"At 12:25 P.M. six (6) regiments and a battery of Artillery moved toard Petersburg from the extreme left near the Weldon Rail Road.
"At 1230 P.M. One thousand (1000) Infantry and two hundred (200) Cavalry moved southward from Petersburg- disappearing behind Cemetery Hill.[15]
"At 1 P.M. about four thousand (4000) Infantry passed southward, disappearing behind Cemetery Hill.
"At 330 P.M. about three thousand (3000) Infantry moved towards Richmond north of the Appomattox.
"At 3:45 P.M. two thousand (2000) Infantry and a Battery of Artillery moved toward Richmond north of the Appomattox.
"At 430 P.M. three batteries of Artillery and a herd of Cattle passed toward Richmond. Trains moving almost constantly, northward on the Richmond Turn Pike.
"At sunset a column numbering about three thousand (3000) moved from roads west of Petersburg bearing to the right"
On the 30th of September there appeared to be but few troops of the enemy behind their works in our front, and but few camp fires seen. The day was very smoky and interfered materially with observations. The only movement of importance reported this day was the passage of about three thousand (3000) of the enemy's Infantry toward our left, we having extended our lines the previous day toward the Boydton Plank Road.
Such is a comparatively full, but hastily compiled account of the operations of the Detachment of the Signal Corps connected with this Army, for the months of July, August, and September.
To the energy and zeal of the officers and men of the Detachment am I indebted for the results we have accomplished.
I would respectfully recommend the following named privates to be promoted to Sergeantcies: George W. Wopping and Bernet W. Marcy, for the faithful and intelligent manner in which they have done their duty. Edwin H. Hawley, John L. Pray; Horace Judson, R. S. Nicolls, James M. Rutter and George Oakes for faithful services and superior qualifications.
In closing this report I would mention that the organization of this Detachment today is as follows: Two officers with the Second Corps, Two with Fifth Corps - One with the ninth Corps, One with the Cavalry - One with the Reserve Party, One Acting Quartermaster, One Adjutant, One Asst. Surgeon, One Non-Commissioned Officer and Fifteen men as pioneers - One Non-Commissioned Officer as Quartermaster's Sergeant - One Non-Commissioned Officer as Clerk and Eleven Non-Commissioned Officers and One hundred and fifty-one enlisted men as flagmen, guards &c.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your ob'd Servant
(signed) B. F. Fisher.
Maj. & Chief Sig. Offr.
A.P
To Lieut Col-W.J.L. NicodemAts Comd'g Sig Corps, U.S.A.
Washington, D. C.
True Copy
S.M. Eaton.
Captain Signal Corps, U.S.A.

Fisher, Benjamin Franklin, 1834-1915
Nicodemus, William J. L. (William Joseph Leonard), -1879
Eaton, Stephen M., fl. 1864
Wilson, James Harrison, 1837-1925
Birney, David Bell, 1825-1864
Hancock, Winfield Scott, 1824-1886
Warren, Gouverneur K. (Gouverneur Kemble), 1830-1882

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