Official Records of the Rebellion

[p.547]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

May 11, 1862.

SIR: In accordance with your request I would report that at 3.30 p. m. on the 5th instant you ordered me to return to General Sumner and report to him that your advanced position could only be rendered [p.548] safe from being flanked by the enemy by your being re-enforced; that in case he could not send you re-enforcements you would comply with his orders and fall back to the position you first occupied on crossing the dam on our right, but that you did not wish to do so, as it would discourage your troops and proportionally encourage the enemy. You also asked me to state both to General Sumner and General Smith your exact position. I returned to the headquarters of General Sumner and there met General Smith. I explained to him what you had desired me, and he asked me to go to General Sumner, and after detailing to him your position to respectfully suggest that the remaining two brigades of his (Smith’s) division might be sent as re-enforcements. I did so, and General Sumner ordered me to direct General Smith to proceed at once to your support. Before, however, the remainder of the division was fairly in motion the order was countermanded, and General Smith was sent to support the center, and it was not until late in the evening and after you had repulsed the attack of the enemy that re-enforcements arrived to support you. I then returned by your order, having in charge an enemy’s flag, to general headquarters.

I have the honor to be, general, yours, most respectfully,

FRANCIS U. FARQUHAR,
Second Lieutenant of Engineers.

Brig. Gen. W. S. HANCOCK,

commanding First Brigade, Smith’s Division.