Hill, Daniel H. (1821-1889) to Henry A. Wise
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05010 Author/Creator: Hill, Daniel H. (1821-1889) Place Written: Seven Pines, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 May 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 22.9 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
Says his position is critical, with the enemy only "a few hundred yards" away, and he will need reinforcements, "three full Brigades." Wonders if he will receive them since General Johnston's "attention is now entirely to the left." Written at 8:15 PM just two days before the battle of Seven Pines began in full. Minor skirmishes, which Hill was involved in, had already begun. The battle of Seven Pines would be the closest Union troops got to Richmond before 1865. Robert E. Lee assumed command when Joseph Johnston was wounded during this battle. Wise dockets and signs the back upon receipt.
D. H. Hill was a Confederate major general.
Henry A. Wise was a Confederate brigadier general, previously a Congressman from Virginia.
8.15 P.M May 29th 1862
Genl
The enemy is in force in a few hundred yards of me on the WmsBurg road. I am occupying the ground previously occupied by three Divisions. Your position may certainly be rendered very critical, mine is so now. However, you need not relieve the picket on the Central Road. It would add but three more companies, when I need three full Brigades. I hope that Genl Johnston will strengthen both of us, but his attention is now entirely to the left.
With very respect
DH Hill
Maj Genl
Genl H A Wise
Comdg Outpost
[docket in Wise's hand:] Recd -/Recd at 2 O'Clock/AM the 30th May/Henry A Wise/Brig: Genl/
[in different hand:] May 29. 1862/Maj: Genl. D.H. Hill/Announces immediate/proximity of the enemy on/the Wmsburg road -/States that pickets on Cen-/tral Road need not be/relieved.
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