556 Southern Historical Society Papers.
River can be forded half a mile above the city. No works on south side. Hospitals near them. River fordable. Canal can be crossed.
Fifty men to remain on north bank, and keep in communication if possible. To destroy mills, canal, and burn everything of value to the rebels. Seize any large ferry boats, and note all crossings, in case we have to return that way. Keep us posted of any important movement of the rebels, and as we approach the city, communicate with us, and do not give the alarm before they see us in possession of Belle Isle and the bridge. If engaged there or unsuccessful, they must assist in securing the bridges until we cross. If the ferry-boat can be taken and worked, bring it down. Everything that cannot be secured or made use of must be destroyed. Great care must be taken not to be seen or any alarm given. The men must be filed along off the road or along the main bank. When we enter the city the officer must, use his discretion as to when to assist in cross- ing the bridges.
The prisoners once loosed and the bridges crossed, the city must be destroyed, burning the public buildings, &c.
Prisoners to go with party.
Spike the heavy guns outside.
Pioneers must be ready to repair, destroy, &c. Turpentine will be provided. The pioneers must be ready to destroy the Richmond bridges, after we have all crossed, and to destroy the railroad near Frederick's Hall (station, artillery, &c.)
Fifteen men to halt at Belona Arsenal, while the column goes on, and destroy it. Have some prisoners. Then rejoin us at Richmond, leaving a portion to watch if anything follows, under a good officer.
Will be notified that Custer may come.
Main column, 400.
One hundred men will take the bridge after the scouts, and dash through the streets and open the way to the front, or if it is open destroy everything in the way.
While they are on the big bridges, one hundred men will take Belle Isle, after the scouts instructing the prisoners to gut the city. The reserve (two hundred) will see this fairly done and everything over, and then follow, destroying the bridges after them, but not scat- tering too much, and always having a part well in hand.
Jeff. Davis and Cabinet must be killed on the spot.
