Rufus Ingalls to Armies operating against Richmond, August 28, 1864

ARMIES OPERATING AGAINST Richmond, VA4., City Point, Va., August 28, 1864.

On the 12th [J une] the army began another flank movement, to cross the Chickahominy at Long and Jones’ Bridges, over pontoons laid by our engineers, and the James, at Fort Powhatan, another pontoon bridge, and to advance rapidly on Petersburg. The trains were conducted by Tunstall’s Station on roads to White House and New Kent, thence by Slatersville, Barhamsville, and Diascond, to Cole’s Ferry,

* For portion of report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to June 12, 1864, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 276.

where they crossed the Chickahominy over a pontoon bridge, constructed by the engineers, of more than 2,000 feet in length. They were then conducted to Charles City and down the neck to Douthat’s, opposite Fort Powhatan, where they crossed the James over the pontoon bridge at that place, commencing at 2 p. m. on the 15th and closing at 7 a. m. on the 17th. This movement was very complicated, difficult, and arduous. It was one of the most important on record; but it was conducted with a skill and vigor by Captain Peirce that crowned it with magnificent success.

On reaching the James,and coming in contact with the command of Major-General Butler, I was announced on the 16th as chief quartermaster of ‘armies operating against Richmond,” and immediately took post at City Point, which had been indicated the principal depot by Generals Grant and Meade.

After crossing the James over the pontoon bridge and by the ferries, the troops pressed forward into positions in front of Petersburg. The trains were placed in parks between the depot and those positions convenient to the railroad. Improvements were commenced at once to make the depot efficient and ample. Wharves and store-houses were constructed; the railroad to Petersburg was put in working order up to our lines; and supplies were brought to the depot in the required quantities, and issued. A uniform system of supply was put in force in both armies. ;

Such was the posture of affairs on the 30th of June, 1864.

My money accountability for the fiscal year is correctly stated below:

Onvhand July Ui1863 Sos cakes savas. Saeco ete ee eee $266, 137. 00 Received from officers during the year……….-…..-.–..———- 12, 603. 49 Received from Treasury Department during the year….-……….-.. 1, 100, 000. 00 Received from other sources during the year…………-….-….-..- 146,

1, 378, 886. 93 Expendedidnring:the year @o–eo<)sase ose eee eee eee eee 2, 144. 09 Transferred to other officers during the year.............-...-...----- 1, 376, 742.

According to the report of Mr. E. L. Wentz, chief engineer and su. perintendent of railroads, 57 miles of railroads have been constructed and repaired, as follows: 20 miles of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad relaid with new track; 15 miles of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad repaired; 4 miles of the Richmond and York River Railroad relaid with new track, and 13 miles repaired (13 miles of the Richmond and York River Railroad was afterward taken up and the iron removed to Alexandria); 5 miles of the City Point and oe Road was relaid with new track; all making a total as ollows:

New track repaired’: .-= che tere oe eee ees ne en 28 New: track takeniuphs: 73:.9)2 SRE ea eS ae “Nat ea een a ee een

On one railroad large construction parties have been constantly employed making repairs.

It is reported that about 345 miles of telegraph lines have been constructed, though it is difficult to obtain an accurate statement. Asa rule, our headquarters have been in telegraphic communication with headquarters of each corps, with our depots, and Washington. Constantly changing positions has rendered it necessary to construct an unusual extent of telegraph lines.

I have during the year frequently reported my views as to the best and proper means of transportation for an army. I do not think that the kind and amount now furnished and allowed these armies can be improved upon. The common six-mule wagon has proved to be the most economical and durable for years past of any ever tested. Pack trains should be provided as prescribed in the order herewith, marked A. A special wagon or caisson should be furnished to carry all ammunition, small-arm as well as artillery. I forwarded a sketch of the carriage, with an explanatory letter of General Hunt, with my report of last year. The mules should be hitched to this wagon as they are to the common army wagon, with one driver, and not asin the artillery service.

Our troops are undoubtedly loaded down on marches too heavily even for the road, not to speak of battle. I have witnessed great loss of knapsacks and articles of clothing on the routes taken by our troops at the commencement of campaigns. In my report of the Chancellorsville campaign I showed you that the loss of knapsacks of those actually engaged was at least twenty-five per cent. Iam in favor of putting the lightest possible weight on the soldier, consistent with his wants and the character of the service. I do not think the knapsack should be dispensed with altogether, for it should, ordinarily, form a part of the equipment, but on short campaigns, and on the eve of battle, and when near the supply trains, a blanket rolled up and swung over the shoulder and looped up under the arm, is sufficient without knapsack or overcoat. The soldier can carry three days’ cooked food in his haversack. If necessary, he can carry two or three days’ bread and some underclothes in his blanket. Our men are generally overloaded, fed, and clad, which detracts from their marching capacity, and induces straggling. I do not propose any modification, however, as our commanders understand these matters better than I do, probably; at any rate, they know what they want, and have the power to make such changes as they may deem proper.

The reports referred to in paragraphs 2, 3, 5, and 7 of your orders will be furnished you in detail by the officers who have served under me.

I desire to remind you of my profound obligations for the very prompt, cheerful, and powerful support you have uniformly extended to me. My warmest thanks are also due to General Rucker and his depot officers, who have always responded to my requisitions.

To the soldierly and accomplished quartermasters serving with the armies I owe the deepest gratitude. They have performed their laborious and responsible duties, without exception, with unexampled zeal, energy, and intelligence. You have been good enough to cause many of them to be promoted.

In the closing paragraph of my last report I called your attention to the merits of Captains Ferguson and Stoddard, then on duty at Alexandria. I am pained to know now that both of us were deceived, and that our confidence was misplaced.

There has been no instance of embezzlement or misappropriation of public moneys or property on the part of any quartermaster serving with these armies during the past fiscal year, so far as I have the means of being informed.

very respectfully, your most obedient servant,