[1054]
do not regard in the least degree my supposed wishes or position, as I shall be most happy to co-operate most heartily in any of your movements.
I pray you, General, to take this note in the exact spirit in which it is meant.
I believe fully that but one movement (and that the one I indicated) south of the James with all the concentrated forces that can be spared, able to fight Lee in the field if we can get men enough, or if not, as near it as we can, is feasible, and so believing, I do not for a moment desire that any thought of myself or of its effect upon the extent of my command should stand in the way of such concentration wherever it shall be thought best.
This, besides being a duty, is at least but a just return for the kind consideration you have shown me.
I have possessed General Smith with my views as well upon the subject of the movement as upon the number of troops which can be spared from my lines for the purpose, and beg to refer you to him for any explanation you may desire.
Believe me truly yours,
[no. 19. see page 637.]
[Confidential.]
Headquarters armies in the field. Culpepper Court-House, Va., April 16, 1864.
Major-General Butler, Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina:
General:--I have just this moment received your letter of the 15th of April, brought by the hands of Maj.-Gen. W. F. Smith.
You are entirely right in saying there should be but one movement made south of James River.
At no time has more been intended.
I went to Fortress Monroe for the express purpose of seeing you, and telling you that it was my plan to have the force under you act directly in concert with the Army of the Potomac, and as far as possible towards the same point.
My mind was entirely made up what instructions to give, and I was very much pleased to find that your previously conceived views exactly coincided.
All the forces that can be. taken from the coast have been ordered to report to you at Fortress Monroe by the 18th inst., or as soon thereafter as possible.
What I ask is that with them and all you can concentrate from your own command, you seize upon City Point and act from there, looking upon Richmond as your objective point.
If you can send cavalry to Hicksford and cut the railroad connection at that point, it is a good thing to do. I do not pretend to say how your work is to be done, but simply lay down what, and trust to you, and those under you, for doing it well.
Keep what vessels may be necessary for your operations.
No supplies are going to North Carolina except such as may be necessary for the troops there.
I presume the call for vessels is in consequence of the preparations ordered for supplying our armies after a new base is established.1 The Q. M. did not know where they were to go, but that he was Major-General Butler, Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina:
