| Headquarters First Army Corps |
| December 22, 1864 |
| |
| Major-General C. W. Field |
| Commanding Division |
| |
| You will order Bratton's brigade to
prepare three days' cooked rations at once, and as soon as prepared
order General Bratton to march to the {Virginia}
Central railroad depot, in Richmond, to take the cars for Gordonsville. General Hunton's brigade, of
Pickett's division, is also going to the same place. General Bratton
will probably get off first. Arriving at Gordonsville, he will make
disposition of his command to hold the place, and, on the arrival of
General Hunton, will report to him. A force of the enemy, estimated
to amount to about 4,000 cavalry, with four pieces of artillery, is
supposed to be operating against Gordonsville. Cars will be ready
for Bratton's troops by midnight. They will be gone about a week,
and will leave guards in charge of all property left in camp. You
can supply Bratton's place in your line in such way as you think
most judicious. Notify me of the time they will be able to get off. |
| Respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| O. Latrobe |
| Assistant Adjutant-General |
|