Letter
John Gibbon to Edward C. Ord, March 18, 1865
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS,
March 18, 1865.
March 18, 1865. – (Received 2.45 p. m.) Major-General ORD, Commanding: A deserter has just come in who says that our review yesterday caused the enemy to anticipate an attack, and they formed in line of battle. Shortly afterward a report of the presence of some of Sheridan’s cavalry, near Mechanicsville, was received, and two brigades were sent off in that direction from the left of their line, and the other troops stretched out to fill the vacancy. Our cavalry got inside their lines, but retired when pressed and went down the Chickahominy. A party of deserters are coming in to-night.
JOHN GIBBON,
Major-General.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Pt. 1. Summary: John Gibbon reports to Major-General Ord that a recent review alerted the enemy to a potential attack, prompting troop movements and cavalry engagement near Mechanicsville.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 46, Part 1
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