Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

[1066] heavy firing was heard yesterday. It was reported yesterday by a deserter, that the enemy's only hope was in heavy reinforcements from Beauregard.

[no. 38. see page 646.]

Our operations may be summed up in a few words. With seventeen hundred cavalry we have advanced up the peninsula, forced the Chickahominy, and have safely brought them to our present position. These were colored cavalry, and are now holding our advance pickets toward Richmond.

General Kautz, with three thousand cavalry from Suffolk, on the same day with our movement up James River, forced the Blackwater, burned the railroad bridge at Stony Creek, below Petersburg, cutting in two Beauregard's force at that point.

We have landed here, intrenched ourselves, destroyed many miles of railroad, and got a position which, with proper supplies, we can hold out against the whole of Lee's army. I have ordered up the supplies.

Beauregard, with a large portion of his force, was left South by the cutting of the railroads by Kautz. That portion which reached Petersburg, under Hill, we have whipped to-day, killing and wounding many, and taking many prisoners, after a severe and well-contested fight.

General Grant will not be troubled with any further reinforcements to Lee from Beauregard's force.

[no. 39. see page 647.]

Attack on New Berne. After two days fighting the enemy retired. Captain Smith, U. S. N., attacked the ram, and drove her up Roanoke River. Was unable to sink her or roll her over.

[no. 40. see page 647.]

General:--We have conferred together upon the problem before us, and respectfully suggest for your consideration, whether it would not be better, and secure to us greater advantages, to withdraw to our lines to-night, destroying all that part of the road this side of Chester Station