Mustering In to Dec '64

From Mustering In to January 1,1865

The following are references to the 205th PVI from the Official records - up to the actions at Fort Stedman and Fort Mahone. Up to the 205th ’s being called to join the Ninth Corps, these excerpts are from the OR. Series I, Vol.XLII/1-3.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31,1864.--The Richmond (Virginia)Campaign.

No.14.--Report of Brig. Gen. Henry W. Benham, U.S. Army, commanding Engineer Brigade and Defenses of City Point, of operations August 1-November 19.

HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER BRIGADE AND DEFENSES,

Camp at City Point, Va. November 19, 1864.

In compliance with your directions of the 17th instant, I have the honor to report as the operations of this command since July 30:

August 9, the command engaged in clearing up the rubbish caused by the explosion of two ordnance barges loaded with ammunition.

August 10, bridge at Broadway Landing taken up and brought to this place.

August 13, a bridge of thirty-six boats sent to Deep Bottom.

August 20, bridge re-laid at Broadway Landing.

August 21,one bridge at Deep Bottom taken up and brought to this place.

August 22, bridge removed from Broadway Landing and brought to this place.

September 12, the three-years' men of the Fiftieth New York Engineers mustered out on expiration of term of service.

September 18 [16 ], the command under arms for defense of City Point, the enemy having attacked the cattle herd in the neighborhood of Sycamore.

September 19, a reconnaissance of the vicinity of City Point, made with a view to the erection of a line of works. Two brigades of infantry from the Eighteenth Corps reported and were camped at Old Court-House.

September 27,the infantry from the Eighteenth Corps returned to Bermuda Hundred, leaving the Two hundredth and Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers at Old Court-House.

October 3,the One hundred and eighty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers reported for duty.

October 4,the Eighteenth New Hampshire (one battalion) reported for duty.

October 5, commenced the construction of fortifications for the defense of City Point. October 9, the Thirty-ninth New Jersey Volunteers reported for duty.

October 11, Battalion Eighth Delaware Volunteers reported for duty.

October 12, five companies of the Sixty-first Massachusetts reported for duty.

October 13, the Two hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers ordered to Bermuda Hundred. October 18, five companies of the One hundred and eighty-eighth New York reported for duty.

October 21, six companies of the One hundred and eighty-seventh New York Volunteers reported for duty.

October 23,One hundred and eighty-sixth New York and Thirty-ninth New Jersey ordered to report to the Ninth Corps.

October 24,the One hundred and eighty-eighth New York ordered to report to the Fifth Corps.

October 25,the One hundred and eighty-seventh [New York ] ordered to join the Fifth Corps; three light batteries reported for duty. Sent one company of engineers to Broadway Landing to throw up a redoubt.

October 26, moved the command up to and occupied the fortifications.

October 27,First Rhode Island Battery (*) reported for duty. One hundred and eighty-ninth New York Volunteers reported for duty. During the whole month all the available men have been kept constantly at work on the fortifications for the defense of City Point. These fortifications, comprising about three miles and two thirds of works, including eight redoubts, have been laid out and for the most part completed during the month of October.

This report does not include the operations of the Fiftieth [New York] Engineers, now attached to the different army corps and serving with the headquarters Army of the Potomac.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H.W.BENHAM, Brigadier-General, Commanding

General S.WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac.

City Point was the main supply base for the Union Army during the Petersburg campaign. It is on the James River at the site of present day Hopewell, Va. City Point was also the headquarters of General Grant. On August 9,1864, Confederate saboteurs blew up some ammunition barges docked at the river, causing considerable damage to the entire base. After the explosion, a line of fortifications was constructed to protect the area. The 205th PVI spent most of its time building and manning these works until called to join the Ninth Corps in December. Later a railroad was constructed behind the Union lines to supply the army in its siege of the Petersburg lines.

Union Correspondence, Orders and Returns Relating to Operations in Maryland, Eastern North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia (Except Southwestern), and West Virginia, From January 1,1861, to June 30, 1865.

Hdqrs, Provisional Brigade, Eighteenth Army Corps, September 25, 1864.

In pursurance of paragraph IX of Special Orders No.264, current series, from headquarters, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, The Two hundredth and Two Hundred and fifth Regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers will march with ten days ’rations, one day ’s, at least, of which shall be cooked, at 6 o ’clock tomorrow, and report to the officer in command of the troops near Old Court-House, part of General Heckman ’s division. They will take with them their transportation and other quartermaster ’s supplies. Col. J. A. Mathews, commanding two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, will take command of the two regiments. The brigade quartermaster will furnish the necessary transportation and the brigade commissary is charged with forwarding as soon as practicable that portion of the ten days ’rations not taken at the time the troops move. By command of Col. J.H. Potter. Chas. A. Carlton, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

Union Correspondence, Orders and Returns, relating to operations in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina, from August 1,1864,to September 30,1964

Hdqrs. Army of Va. and N.C. Army of the James. In the field, Va., September 25,1864 IX Corp. Colonel Potter, commanding the Provisional Brigade, will cause the Two hundredth and Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Regiments to be prepared, with ten days ’rations (one day at least of which should be cooked), to march early tomorrow morning, and report to the officer in command of the troops near Old Court-House, art of General Heckman’s division. Thy will take with them heir transportation and other quartermaster’s supplies. The senior officer of the two regiments will be put in command.

By command of Major General Butler: R.S. Davis, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

City Point, September 28,1864 -8:30 p.m.(Received 12:46 p.m.)

Major-General Humphreys -chief of staff. It becomes necessary for me to report that at midnight last night I received a copy of an order from General Heckman to Colonel Ripley, commanding parts of the two brigades recently sent to me by General Butler, to occupy Old Court-House and for other duties, which order directed Colonel Ripley to strike tents immediately and leave to join him before daylight. This leaves at Old Court-House but two regiments of recent recruits, the Two hundredth and Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania regiments sent by General Butler within the last day or two, to guard that position and to perform the duties on the works called for my Major Michler and myself.

H.W. Benham, Brigadier-General.

Headquarters, Engineer Brigade. City Point Va. October 13,1864

Colonel C.W. Diven, Commanding two hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers

In compliance with an order from General Grant you will immediately move your regiment and Report to Colonel Potter, commanding forces in Butler ’s old line near Bermuda Hundred. You will march with promptness to Broadway Landing, crossing the pontoon bridge at that place. There must be no delay in your breaking your camp. It is very desirable that you should report to Colonel Potter as soon as possible. You will not wait to relieve the detachment you have on picket, but leave them to follow you after being relieved by men from the Two hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania volunteers.

By order of Brig. Gen. W.H. Benham. Channing Clapp, Assistant Adjutant General. Hdqrs. Engineer Brig. and Defenses and City Point. October 22,1864 Maj. Gen. A.A. Humphreys, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac.

I believe that I have mentioned to General Meade verbally that at the time the Two hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment was recalled to General Butler’s command the lieutenant-general directed me to inform him whenever the call for the regiments away from the lines of defense here should reduce them below about 2,500 men. I would mentioned that the orders for the withdrawal of the regiments yesterday now leaves, including the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, sent here by General Butler, and liable to be called by him, as the respective reports show, about 2,592 effective men for duty, exclusive of the battery of artillery. I would state that the engineer troops now here present for duty, with arms, are about three companies only, including the portion of the pontoon repair company from the depot at Washington. The balance of the recruits here and one company of the Fifteenth are not yet armed. The arms for these men were repeatedly called for by me, but did not arrive here until the men had been set to continuous labor upon the fortifications, though I yet have a doubt if there is a single officer (except one for one company out of the seven) who can, according to the rules, receipt for and be accountable for the arms, etc. of these companies, though I had proposed, if it is practicable, to have these men armed during the coming week.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. Benham, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Hdqrs. Engineer Brig. and Defenses and City Point. October 23,1864

Lt. Col. T. S. Bowers, Assistant Adjutant-General, Armies of the United States.

In obedience to the orders of the lieutenant-general commanding, who directed me to report to him when any orders withdrew the troops from the lines in front of this point so that there were less than 2,500 men. I have to state that I have just received an order from General S. Williams which withdraws (to join General Warren) the battalion of One hundred and eighty-seventh New York Regiment of about 460 men, and that I on yesterday reported to headquarters Army of the Potomac (while stating this order of General Grant ’s)the fact that there was then left me, as the report showed, about 2,592 infantry on these lines. This will, of course, leave upon the lines 2,132 infantry, which consists of regiments and detachments as follows:

One regiment, the Two hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania, from General Butler ’s command; one battalion of five companies of the Eighteenth New Hampshire; one battalion of three companies of the Eighth Delaware; and one independent New York company, which gives the 2,132 men. Of these, two companies of the New Hampshire battalion are only now obtaining their arms. In additions to these, there are the Second

Maine Battery of six pieces and about 275 armed men at my headquarters camp of the engineers. The remainder of the engineer recruits are not armed as yet.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant .H.W. Benham, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Hdqrs. Engineer Brig. and Defenses and City Point. October 27,1864

Col. W.W .Hayt, Commanding 189th New York Volunteers:

You will move your regiment out tomorrow early and report to Col. J.A. Mathews, commanding the post near old Court-House, and camp on the ridge back of the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, on the ground formerly occupied by the Two hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers.

By Order of Brig Gen. H.W. Benham: Channing Clapp, Assistant Adjutant-General. Camp,205th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Old Court-House Va.October 29,1864.

Col. J.A. Mathews, Commanding Post:

Colonel, I have the honor to report that I have been relieved from a tour of duty for forty-eight hours as field officer of the day by Capt. Joseph G. Holmes, Company B, Two hundred and fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and during my tour of duty, commencing the 27th,I had the pickets all posted as my predecessor had them, and there being no cavalry on our front, I was re-enforced by the arrival of two sergeants and thirty-one mounted men from Dismounted Camp, who I posted along our east front picket-line with several posts, after sunset, who remained on duty until, sunrise the next morning. One of these vedettes being posted not far from Ralph ’s house and in front of our line three-eights of a mile, in a large body of timber at the confluence of two roads, and consisted of three men armed with sabers and revolvers were, on or about 2 a.m. of the 28^th instant, captured, together with their horses and accouterments, by what pretended to be a lieutenant and four privates of the rebel army. One of the men escaped, however, from them and returned to his comrades during the day, from whom I derive my information concerning their capture. The night being very dark, and surrounded by a dense pine wood, the rain falling, together with the stamping of their horses a short distance in the rear, precluded then from hearing the approach of the enemy until they suddenly appeared on their front, at the distance of five or six paces from them, with arms ready to fire, and demanding their surrender. The escaped man says, further, that so far as he could judge in the darkness, several of their captors were armed with double barrelled fowling pieces, and in consequence of all these facts, these men, I conclude, are within our lines, and may perhaps belong to those who have taken the oath of allegiance, and have safe-guards at their houses. In the morning of the 28th,after learning of the capture of this post from the sergeant in command, I, at once, with a sergeant and sixteen mounted men, proceeded to the spot above mentioned, and following their tracks from thence to a small stream which crosses the road, from which they appeared to diverge to the left, pursuing our course along the stream until we arrived at the cleared land, it then went in the direction of a man called Taylor. From there we followed it but a short distance, when we lost all trace of them; but still pursuing a course in a south-westerly direction, visiting a number of houses in our course, until we came out to the south of Prince George Court-House. Then we retraced our way back to Doctor Eppes ’house, meeting with nothing on our way to give us any clue to the captured men. I would state that of all the houses we visited there were no white men present with but one exception, and that was near the Court-House. All the others were away from home with the ostensible purpose of drawing rations from the United States Government. At every inhabited house I found a safeguard, the owner having taken the oath. Permit me, Colonel, to make one remark in reference to these men, and that is this. These are the men who, under cover of darkness, infest our picket-line, endeavoring to pick off our men, and I would respectfully submit that the safeguards be withdrawn and the parties themselves to go outside of our lines, either north or south. This squad of men was relieved at 4 p.m. by the arrival of thirty-four men, in charge of Sergeant Heslop, of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, who had also fifty men brought out by the afternoon of the 27th, who were stationed farther off on the left of the Birchett house, with a line of four posts perpendicular to their base on the road running east and west by the Eppes dwelling, the whole numbering eighty-four men. On the evening of the 28th,about 7:30 p.m., a company of cavalry of the Tenth New York arrived in charge of a lieutenant. The company numbers sixty non-commissioned officers and privates. At the Eppes house, from the Prince George Court-House, along the stage road, there is at present the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, with the Tenth New York, doing duty on said road, with headquarters at the Court-House, with orders to report to General Gregg, by whose orders they were sent out. I would state, further, that during the night of the 27th one of the cavalry vedettes, being attacked or frightened by something in his vicinity, fell back to the main line, and being challenged and not answering, he was fired upon by the man on duty, and unfortunately the ball struck him in the calf of the left leg, making a severe flesh wound. During the night of the 28th there was some firing along our line that commences at or near Doctor Eppes’ house, near which it crosses the road, coming from Bailey ’s Creek. I had received an additional re-enforcement of fifty dismounted cavalry and distributed these men along the line with my own, thereby strengthening each post. The firing was some from the cavalry along my east front and some from my own pickets, who thought in the darkness they distinguished objects moving near their posts, and having challenged them, receiving no answers, fired their muskets several times during the night. I gave orders at night, when I passed along the line, for the posts to change their positions to places different from those occupied during the day.

Colonel, in conclusion, I would say that the officers and men in my charge have done their duty as entrusted to them well and faithfully, and further, that the line as now established needs no change, in my judgment.

I am, very respectfully, colonel, your most obedient servant.

W.F. Walter, Lieut. Col. 205th Regt. Pennsylvania Vols., Field Officer of the Day

[First endorsement ]

Respectfully forwarded, with an apology for the voluminousness of the document.

J.A. Mathews, Colonel, Commanding Post.

[Second indorsement ]

Repectfully referred to General Patrick for perusal, and with the recommendation that the safeguard be withdrawn from the house of the said Taylor, if not from all others except known loyal men, if any are to be found.

H.W. Benham, Brigadier-General.

Hdqrs. Engineer Brig. and Defenses and City Point. November 5,1864

Long letter from H.W. Benham to A.A Humphreys, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac listing number of problems in constructing the defenses of City Point that he had been ordered to make and complaining that he did not have enough men to complete them as ordered. He states that he has only 2,248 men, less than the minimum 2,500 that he was supposed to have. Following is the section relevant to the 205th PVI:

The Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania I would state (from General Butler ’s army and possibly subject to recall at any day) now does the picket duty upon and in front of Bailey’s Creek, upon which 125 men are kept for each forty-eight hours, requiring for this duty, with a single relief, some 250 men. The adjutant reports of the regiment 806 men for duty, but the colonel verbally reported to me at the same time 675 only, which would leave 425 men, or just my minimum of garrison for Fort Porter, if he could camp inside, which he cannot do; and the thirty-three men a day for camp guard every once in the three days reduces his command 100 below my minimum for that garrison and his outlying pickets, or, taking the adjutant’s report, would only supply these two wants.... So that it will be seen that I have not now even men enough to give the minimum garrisons to the forts and the minimum of pickets on Bailey ’s Creek, while I regret to report that the largest body, about one-third of these men, the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, is very poorly officered and very inefficient, at least for the fatigue duties I have had to call upon them to perform. The colonel, after disobeying my orders today about keeping his men on the works, distinctly stated to me that if his men had much more fatigue duty to perform there would have to be much severer punishment inflicted upon them to prevent greater insubordination...I would, however, respectfully submit that with the other duties previously ordered I do not see how the force now under my command can do anything effectively toward the construction of the works between Old Court-House and Prince George Court-House.

H.W. Benham, Brigadier-General. Commanding.

Hqrs. Provisional Brigade, Army of the James,

Defenses of Bermuda Hundred, Va., November 8, 1864.

Lieut. R. Dale Benson, Aide-de-Camp and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Provisional Division:

Lieutenant: I have the honor herewith to forward you the result of election for electors for President and Vice-President in my command today:

Ninth Vermont Volunteers (detachment), Lincoln, 10; McClellan 0.

Thirteenth New Hampshire Volunteers (detachment), Lincoln, 18, McClellan, 1.

Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers, Lincoln, 86, McClellan, 39.

Two hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lincoln, 381; McClellan, 225.

Two hundred and seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lincoln, 441; McClellan, 202.

Two hundred and eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lincoln, 401; McClellan, 279.

Two hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lincoln, 311; McClellan, 254.

Two hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lincoln, 430; McClellan, 141. Total,Lincoln,2,078;McClellan,1,141.Majority for Lincoln,937

Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania not heard from.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J.H.POTTER, Colonel Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.

City Point, November 10,1864

General Meade:

Owing to the reported movement of a portion of Hill’s corps to the north side of the Appomattox, I have ordered General Benham to send back to Bermuda the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania, which belongs to General Butler’s command. Benham has left 2,500 men, which is a sufficient force.

U.S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

City Point, Va., November 10, 1864

Brig. Gen W.H. Benham, Commanding Engineer Brigade and Defenses of City Point:

Order the Two hundred and fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers to proceed immediately, via Broadway Landing, to Bermuda, and there report to Colonel Potter, commanding defenses, for orders.

By command of Lieutenant-General Grant T.S. Bowers, Assistant Adjutant-General Hdqrs. Engineer Brig. and Defenses of City Point. November 10, 1864

Lieut.Col C.F. Walcott, Commanding Sixty-fire Massachusetts:

You will immediately send 200 of your men with their officers to relieve the pickets of the Two hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, now covering Bailey’s Creek on the left of the line. As soon as possible you will move the balance of your command to Old Court-House, and occupy the camp of the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which will be vacated tonight. You can leave some thirty men at your present camp as a guard until morning, when you can remove your property. You will relieve Col. J.A. Mathews of the command at Old Court-House and of the picket line on Bailey ’s Creek, receiving from him all the information he can give as to the roads, etc. in his front. The pickets must be relieved with all possible dispatch. Of course, the orders you have received from Captain Chester will not, be carried out.

By order of Brig. Gen. H.W. Benham: Channing Clapp, Assistant Adjutant-General. Hdqrs. Engineer Brig. and Defenses of City Point. November 10,1864.

Col. J.A. Mathews, Comdg. Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers:

On being relieved by the Sixty-first Massachusetts, you will with your command proceed immediately, via Broadway Landing, to Bermuda, and there report to Colonel Potter, commanding defenses, for orders. This is in compliance with orders from headquarters, Armies of the United States. You will give Lieutenant Colonel Walcott, who relieves you, all possible information as to the country and roads in front of your picket lines. This order must be executed with all possible dispatch. By order of Brig. Gen. H.W. Benham: Channing Clapp, Assistant Adjutant-General.

P.S. You will move with one half of your regiment as soon as possible, leaving your lieutenant-colonel to follow with the remainder and your pickets, as soon as they can be relieved.

By order of Brig. Gen. H.W. Benham: Channing Clapp, Assistant Adjutant-General.

City Point, Va. November 10,1864

Major-General Terry:

I have ordered back to Bermuda Hundred the Two hundred and fifty Pennsylvania Volunteers. This regiment numbers 1,000 men, and will give you the means of drawing from Colonel Potter if you should require re-enforcements north of the James.

U.S.Grant,Lieutenant-General

November 10,1864

Brigadier-General Graham:

General Grant telegraphs me that he has ordered back to Bermuda the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1,000 strong. How many men shall you have on your line between the Appomattox and the James after their arrival?

A.H.Terry,Brevet Major-General

P.S.-If you think best you can recall all the men detailed for work on the new hospital buildings. See that your pickets are very vigilant, and if they observe any indications please communicate with me at once.

A.H. Terry, Brevet Major-General, Commanding

Hdqrs, Provisional Brigade, Army of the James. In the field, Va ., November 10,1864

Major-General Terry, Commanding Army of the James.

Your telegram received. I shall have 4,000 infantry on the line between the James and the Appomattox, including the Two hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Charles K. Graham, Brigadier-General Headquarters, Tenth Corps. November 10,1864 -11:07 p.m.

Brigadier-General Graham: Have the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers returned yet? Do you feel strong enough to hold your lines? Have you, in addition to your 4,000 infantry any heavy artillery serving as infantry?

A.H. Terry, Brevet Major-General

Hdqrs, Provisional Brigade, Army of the James. In the field, Va., November 10,1864

Major-General Terry, Commanding Army of the James:

The two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers have not reported. I have no heavy artillery serving as infantry; with the exception of two companies at Spring Hill, on the south side of the Appomattox. We shall do our best to hold the line in case of attack.

Charles K .Graham, Brigadier-General

Hdqrs, Provisional Brigade, Army of the James. In the field, Va .,November 11,1864

Major-General Terry, Commanding Army of the James:

The Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers reported at 7 a.m., the Colonel stating that he had come as soon as his regiment was relieved from picket duty. No demonstration has been made by the enemy on my front, and everything appears as usual. The detail from the hospital was sent to the various regiments, and, of course, cannot work today in consequence of the late arrival of the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania.

Charles K. Graham, Brigadier-General

Hdqrs. Engineer Brig. and Defenses of City Point. November 17, 1864

Maj. Gen. A.A. Humphreys,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

As I presume the commanding general would wish a report as to the troops and the progress of the works under my command here, I would state that since my letter of the 5th instant, forwarded by the hands of Captain Chester, I have had these forces reduced by the ordering away of the Two hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, as by the command of General Grant on the 10th instant. That of the two battalions of infantry remaining, one, the Sixty-first Massachusetts, has been ordered to Fort Porter to do the picket duty on the lines in advanced of that work and Bailey's Creek, and with orders that the few men that can be spared from such duty shall complete the works in that vicinity. The other infantry battalion, the Eighteenth New Hampshire, has been continuously occupied upon the corduroy road north of the Appomattox.

The letter continues.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H.W.BENHAM, Brigadier-General, Commanding

At this point, the Pennsylvania Regiments are ordered to leave the Army of the James and report to the Army of the Potomac, where they will be assigned to the Ninth Corps and eventually formed into the Third Division of that Corps

Butler ’s Headquarters, November 26,1864 November 26.1864

Brigadier-General Graham:

A division of colored troops from the Ninth Corps have been ordered to Bermuda today in exchange for your Pennsylvania troops. Halt them when they cross the pontoon bridge and assume command of them, and place them on your line, relieving Two hundredth, Two hundred and fifth, Two hundred and eighth, and the Two hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania, which you will order to report to General Meade, commanding Army of the Potomac.

By order of General Butler: Jno. W. Turner, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff

Hdqrs, Provisional Brigade, Army of the James. In the field, Va., November 26,1864

III. The two hundred and fifth, two hundred and eighth, and two hundred and eleventh Regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers, having been relieved from duty in this command, all officers and enlisted men belonging to those organizations on detached duty within this command are hereby relieved and will rejoin their respective commands as soon as practicable.

By order of Brigadier-General Graham

Hdqrs, Provisional Division, Army of the James, Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

In the Field, November 26,1864.

Col. J.H. Potter, Commanding Provisional Brigade.

Colonel: You will direct the commanding officers of the Two hundredth, Two hundred and fifth, Two hundred and eighth, Two hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers to hold their commands in readiness to move at a moment's notice. When these regiments are ordered to move they will take their transportation, camp and garrison equipage, and arrangements to enable them to comply with this order will be made at once. All details from these organizations will be relieved and ordered to rejoin their commands without delay. Stringent orders will also be issued that the camps of these regiments shall remain unmolested, in order that they may be occupied by other troops. The details for picket duty required from your command this p.m. will be made as far as practicable from other organizations than those mentioned.

By command of Brigadier-General Graham:

R. Dale Benson,

Aide-de-Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31,1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No.6.--Itinerary of the Army of the Potomac and Army of the James

November 18.--Two regiments of colored troops (Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first)were ordered to report to General Graham, at Point of Rocks.

November 26.--The remainder of the Third Division (colored troops)were ordered to the Army of the James, pursuant to orders from army headquarters. The Two hundred and seventh and Two hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers reported to this corps.

November 28.--The Two hundred and fifth, Two hundred and eighth, and Two hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers reported in pursuance of orders from Headquarters Armies of the United States. The Pennsylvania regiments were formed into a Provisional Brigade by Special Orders,No.241, paragraph VI, headquarters Ninth Army Corps.

November 30.--The Provisional Brigade moved from vicinity of Peebles' house to rear of this Corps and are held in reserve.

[December.]--The troops of this corps remained in position occupied on November 30 until the 9th.

December 9.--The late Provisional Brigade and portions of the First and Second Divisions moved about twenty miles to the left, in support of troops of the Fifth and Second Corps, engaged in destroying Weldon railroad

December 11.--Troops returned and resumed their respective positions.

December 15.--The late Provisional Brigade was organized into two brigades and designated Third Division as per paragraph V, Special Orders,No.256,from headquarters Ninth Army Corps.

From the 15th to 31st nothing of importance occurred along the lines of this corps,and the troops remained in position occupied at date of last report.

Special Orders No.322.Headquarters Army of the Potomac, November 28,1864

1.The Two hundredth, Two hundred and fifth, Two hundred and eighth, and Two hundred and eleventh regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers having reported for duty with this army, pursuant to orders from headquarters Armies of the United States, are assigned to the Ninth Army Corps ,and will report to Maj Gen. J.G. Parke, commanding, for further instructions.

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, November 28,1864

General J.C. Parke, Commanding Ninth Corps:

The Two hundredth, Two hundred and Fifth, Two hundred and eighth, and Two hundred and eleventh Regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers are now on the way to report to you. The commanding general desires that you will report the available strength of those regiments, and the Two hundred and seventh, and Two hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Regiments, at the time of joining you, and also whether they join you with the same allowance of transportation that the colored regiments took to the Army of the James.

S.Williams,Assistant Adjutant-General.

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