Humphreys, Andrew Atkinson (1810-1883) [Farewell address to 2nd Army Corps]

Head Quarters 2d A Corps
April 10 1865
Officers & Soldiers of the 2d A Corps
I congratulate you on the glorious success that has attended the operations just Closed.
While awaiting the expressions of approbation, from the Country, from the Commander of the Armies and of the Army of the Potomac, for the manner in which you have performed Your part in the General plan. I cannot refrain from expressions of Admiration, at the noble spirit that has animated you throughout, at the brilliant exhibitions of those soldierly qualities for which the 2d Corps has been Conspicuous. The rapid manner in which you pressed the pursuit from the moment the enemy was discovered in retreat, driving him before you, by Constant
Combat over an unknown Country through dense undergrowth and swamps from positions which his advance troops had entrenched has I believe been unexampled.
Being in direct pursuit the opertunity for large Captures were not Yours, but spite the disadvantages you labored under the results to the Corps have been the Capture of 35 Guns 15 flags and 5000 prisoners, and the Capture or destruction of four hundred (400) Wagons, with their Contents, besides tents baggage and other materials with which the road was strewn for miles In addition you have Contributed Constantly to the General success and to Capture by other Corps by heming in the enemy [2] and preventing his escape and have done your full share in the Grand Closing scene.
In the operations before Petersburg your success was brilliant. Genl. Miles with the 1st Div. was ordered to advance and attack the enemy flushed with success, over two Divisions of Another Corps, which they were pushing back, this was done in the simplest and most spirited manner, the enemy were driven back rapidly into his entrenchments, with severe loss in Killed Wounded & Prisoners.
In the plan of General assault upon the enemys line on the morning of the 2d of April this Corps was not to attack but nevertheless the 2d. Div. Captured one of the enemys redoubts with 5 Guns and the 5 Div. under Genl Mott, less favorably placed Captured and held the entrenched rifle pits of the pickets under the fire of their main entrenchments.
During the night of the 1st Genl Miles 1st Div. had been detached under the orders of Maj Genl Sheridan and in the pursuit of the following day attacked the enemy entrenched in a strong position which was finally carried in the handsomest manner, with the Capture of 2 Guns the flags & 600 prisoners.
These great successes have been gained with Comparatively small loss, but the rejoicing for our victory is tempered with the reflection that in that loss many noble spirits are counted.
In this brief glance at which you have done I Cannot attempt to award each, the full merit due, but must content myself [3] with thanking the Division Commanders Maj Genl Miles, Maj Genl Mott. Maj Genl Burlin, Brig Genl K deTrobriand and the Commander of the artillery Lieut Col. Hazard and [illegible] them the troops they command. My thanks are also due to Brig Genl Hays who Commanded the 2d Division when it Carried the redoubt before Petersburg.
While enjoying the satisfaction of having done your duty to your Country it is a source of intence gratification to me all that the greatest millitary feat of the country was reserved as a fitting Climax to the great deeds of that Army of which this Corps has always formed a part, the Army of the Potomac.
(Sa.) A A Humphreys
Maj Genl Commdg
Head Quarters 5 Div 2 Corps
April 13, 1865
"Official"
(Sa) Daniel Hash
A.A.A. Genl
[docket]
Official
Jm Sumaiel
AA Genl