was wounded seriously to-day on the line held by Davis' brigade; and near the same place and time my horse was wounded twice.[1]
The effect of the spirited fighting of McGowan, that forced Warren back upon Gravelly run, and the driving of Sheridan back to Dinwiddie Courthouse by Picket, was the cause, according to Mr. Swinton, of such anxiety at headquarters of the Army of the Potomac as to lead to the determination to withdraw the Second and Fifth corps, in order to hold, if possible, the line of the Boydton plank road and Gravelly run—Ord and Humphreys to hold the run. This was abandoned, according to Swinton, at the suggestion of Gen. Warren, who proposed to move towards Dinwiddie Courthouse and make a combined attack with Sheridan the following morning.
Sheridan having been forced back to Dinwiddie Courthouse, after dark Pickett withdrew, and retired upon Five Forks, several miles to the right of our lines, extending from Burgess' mill. The following morning, April 1st, our cavalry pickets confronting Sheridan were driven in. The Federal cavalry following towards Five Forks, was joined by Warren—Fifth corps—before 8 A. M. The cavalry delayed Sheridan a good deal, but he reached the vicinity of the Forks by 2:30
- ↑ This note was from a lady, a refugee, at the time living in Petersburg; her home was on the south side of James river, below City Point some distance. It was in the Federal line, and had been despoiled by the soldiers. She sought safety in Petersburg. Knowing the excitement that prevailed in Petersburg during our final operations about it, I sent couriers with short notes, giving the exact condition of affairs. This was in reply to one of such notes:
"Petersburg April 1, 1865.
"Your 'bulletin' was more than usually interesting and acceptable. We had heard nothing reliable to-day, and every body is looking a little sad. We are very sorry to hear your horse was wounded. Don't let them get the Southside railroad. They are too near us now. I am sure if all will do their duty the enemy can be kept off. At this time no one should know such a word as fail. Hoping for brighter intelligence, and cordial wishes for your safety and success, in which all unite,
"I am truly yours,
"M. I. W."
