Gouverneur K. Warren to Major-General HUMPHREYS, July 27, 1864

July 27, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

‘GENERAL: After careful study of my position in view of the operations which I am to support in General Burnside’s front, as well as the holding the left, both combine to convince me that I cannot well abandon any part of my line without giving up all of it, and that then the best co-operation I could afford with my artillery would be lost. The line as now fortified is pretty strong. I propose to make the following disposition of my troops:

to the left. It is all in position, though scarcely at present in contact with the enemy. It is 4,336 strong; one brigade in and around the large redoubt, one brigade (Baxter’s) in and around the small redoubt, one brigade on picket. These are all available for the defense of the left, and in case we wish to attack on the front, Baxter’s could be calculated upon being withdrawn.

Second. General Griffin’s division, 4,979 strong, will, I think, by putting them all in one line, hold the front now occupied by it and a portion of General Ayres’.

serve, either for attack or defense.

Fourth. General Cutler, 1,959 strong, on the left of General Burnside, has a front so narrow as to have something over two lines of battle, the rear one of which can be withdrawn in the daytime. I propose to let this remain as a support to General Burnside, to be called away if needed to the left after our other reserves are exhausted. I probably can send 3,000 men to re-enforce our left when needed.

Respectfully,