C. B. Comstock to George G. Meade, July 30, 1864

July 30, 1864——6.20 a.m. (Received 6.20 a. m.) Major-Genera] MEADE: If General Warren’s supporting force can be concentrated just now, ready to go in at the proper time, it would be well. I will designate to you when it ought tomove. There is scarcely room for it now, in our immediate front. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. 33, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, July 30, 1864—6.50 a.m. Major-General BURNSIDE: Warren’s force has been concentrated and ready to move since 3.30 a,m.* My object in inquiring was to ascertain if you could judge of *Reads 3.20 a. m. in Meade’s letter-book. the practicability of his advancing without waiting for your column. What is the delay in your column moving? Every minute is most precious, as the enemy undoubtedly are concentrating to meet you on the crest, and if you give them time enough you cannot expect to succeed. There is no object to be gained in occupying the enemy’s line; it cannot be held under their artillery fire without much labor in turning it. The great point is to secure the crest at once, and at all hazards. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General. 4, FirtH ARMY CORPS, July 30, 1864—7 a.m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: Several regiments of Burnside’s men are lying in front of the crater, apparently, of the mine. In their rear is to be seen a lineof battle of a brigade or more, under cover, and, I think, between the enemy’s line and ours. The volley firing half hour ago was from the enemy’s works in Warren’s front.

C. B. COMSTOCK,