Civil War fact of the day. The following three messages show the shuffling of generals after Longstreets wounding on May 6, and the shift toward Spotsylvania Court House on this day in 1864. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, No. 122. May 7, 1864. I. Major General R. H. Anderson is for the present relieved from duty with Hills corps, and assigned to the temporary command of Longstreets corps. II. Brigadier General William Mahone, in the absence of Major-General Anderson, will assume command of his division. III. The personal staff of these officers will accompany them. The officers of the general staff will remain with their proper commands. By command of General R. E. Lee: W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, May 7, 1864. Major-General STUART, Commanding Cavalry: GENERAL: General Lee directs me to say that he wishes you would make an examination and thoroughly inform yourself about the roads on our right, which it would be advisable or necessary for us to follow should the enemy continued his movement toward Spotsylvania Court-House, or should we desire to move on his flank in that direction. Find out about the roads which the infantry would take, and upon which our artillery, &c., could be thrown around. The enemy now and then advance and feel our lines, and the general thinks there is nothing to indicate an intention on his part to retire, but rather that appearances would indicate an intention to move toward Spotsylvania Court-House. Your note of 12 [oclock] received. General Ewell reports that they (the enemy) have abandoned the Germanna road, and the general thinks they may move toward Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania Court-House and must open some new way of communication. The general is now about starting to visit General Ewells lines. He relies upon you to keep him accurately informed of the enemys movements should they be in the direction above indicated. I am, most respectfully, your obedient, W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. Fitz. Lees note, indorsed by you at 1.30 p.m., just received. The general says that if what is reported therein is true, it confirms his suspicions. He desires you to ascertain what is going on in the direction alluded to. Respectfully, W. H. T. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, May 7, 1864-7 p.m. Lieutenant-General EWELL, Commanding Corps: GENERAL: General Lee directs me to say that he has instructed General Anderson to put Longstreets corps in motion for Spotsylvania Court-House as soon as he can withdraw it from its present position. He will proceed either by Todds Tavern or Shady Grove Church, as circumstances may determine. The general desires you to be prepared to follow with your command should it be discovered that the enemy is moving in that direction, or should any change in his position render it advisable. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. P. S.-General Lee will be at Parkers Store to-night. Rodes is closing in to Hill.
Posted on: Wed, 07 May 2014 13:37:58 +0000
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