| Headquarters |
| Mattox |
| June 26, 1864 |
| |
| Hon. James A. Seddon
|
| Secretary of War
|
| Richmond |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your recent inquiry by
telegraph in relation to the defense of Flat Creek {on
the Richmond & Danville RR} induces me to
explain myself more fully than it is usually convenient to do by
that means of communication. The creek is easily fordable directly
under the railroad bridge and, from what I can learn, in several
other places near by. On both sides of the bridge, and on this side
of the creek, are dikes, but mainly below the bridge, which can
serve as rifle-pits, and above the bridge there is a thick growth;
but on the other side the ground rises somewhat steeply, so that it
commands the rifle-pits. From the rifle-pits or dikes the ground
rises with a gentle acclivity, affording not the least shelter for
troops retiring before a superior force. It would not be easy,
therefore, to hold this position against a vigorous attack made even
under the circumstances most favorable to the defense. That it was
held before was owing to the feebleness of the attack, and perhaps
to the enemy's indisposition to spare the time necessary to achieve
success. |
| As stated in my telegram,
the position may be turned with great facility. Such a course would
be too obvious to escape attention. It may be done on either flank,
but more easily on the right. In that event a defense is impossible.
Our force must at once retire or be captured or destroyed; and then
there are two miles and a half to be traversed in retreat before
they arrive under the guns of the works at this point. As I have no
means of moving artillery this retreat would be more hazardous. For
these reasons, it being conceded that the Flat Creek bridge is
scarcely less important than this, I conclude that the proper mode
of defense there is the same as that adopted here, to wit, an
inclosed fortification of sufficient strength to withstand, at
least, a short siege. Indeed, if I may venture on an opinion, I
respectfully suggest that as the best system for the whole line. The
various posts so established would secure the most important points;
they would have sufficient relation with each other to constitute
properly one command; while in case of the approach of an enemy each
would be in a degree self-sustaining, at least until assistance
could be sent or a diversion effected. The marauding parties of the
enemy would then be limited to such injuries to the road as could be
easily and quickly repaired. |
| I have taken the liberty of
offering these observations directly, on account of the difficulty
of communicating with the department commander, and notwithstanding
the fact that I have not yet been placed formally and distinctly in
command of the line, though notified that that will be done. The
special order directing me to receive orders from General Kemper
leaves me in command of this post only, while requiring me to
perform such additional duties as he might impose. That additional
duty consists in the command of the reserve forces along the line
from the James to the Staunton, including the latter; but no command of the troops in general on
the line for all purposes has yet been conferred on me, though
General Kemper, I think, is of the contrary opinion. Certainly, no
order I have yet received admits of that construction. I find this
an embarrassing situation, and respectfully ask that my powers and
responsibilities may be clearly defined. I need hardly say that my
remarks on this head are founded entirely on what has reached me
from authoritative sources in reference to my assignment to this
command, and that I do not ask for anything not determined on in the
proper quarter. |
| I remain, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| Wm. S. Basinger |
| Major, Commanding, &c. |
| |
| Memorandum |
| June 28, 1864 |
| Answer. Major Basinger's
views are appreciated, and will be acted on. The indefiniteness of
his orders and the somewhat embarrassing nature of his position are
likewise recognized, but have been allowed to continue, partly from
the confidence reposed in him and partly because the President has
in contemplation the assignment of a brigadier to command the whole
line, but has been unable yet to make a satisfactory selection. |
| J. A. S. |
| Secretary |
| |
| First indorsement |
| June 28, 1864 |
| Engineer Bureau |
| The pertinency and force of
Major Basinger's views are appreciated, and it will be necessary
that a small earth-work should be constructed at Flat Creek as at
Mattoax bridge and a force adequate for a short siege stationed
there. Take the proper measures for construction. |
| J. A. S. |
| Secretary |
| |
| Second indorsement |
| Engineer Bureau |
| July 4, 1864 |
| Respectfully returned to the
honorable Secretary of War. Instructions have been given to Mr. De
Nordendof, who constructed the works at Mattoax, to locate a redoubt
and a military road for the defense of Flat Creek bridge, and as
soon as laborers can be furnished the construction will be
commenced. The duplication of this bridge, which will be ordered as
soon as the railroad is repaired, will not render its defense a
matter of first-class importance, however. |
| A. L. Rives |
| Colonel and Acting Chief Engineer Bureau |
|