The Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid Against Richmond. 541
cause the prayers of our fellow soldiers, now confined in loathsome prisons, to follow you and yours wherever you may go.
We hope to release the prisoners from Belle Island first, and, having seen them fairly started, we will cross the James river into Richmond, destroying the bridges after us, and exhorting the released prisoners to destroy and burn the hateful city, and do not allow the Rebel leader, Davis, and his traitorous crew to escape. The prisoners must render great assistance, as you cannot leave your ranks too far or become too much scattered, or you will be lost.
Do not allow any personal gain to lead you off, which would only bring you to an ignominious death at the hands of citizens. Keep well together and obey orders strictly, and all will be well, but on no account scatter too far, for in union there is strength.
With strict obedience to orders, and fearlessness in the execution, you will be sure to succeed.
We will join the main force on the other side of the city, or, per- haps, meet them inside.
Many of you may fall; but if there is any man here not willing to sacrifice his life in such a great and glorious undertaking, or who does not feel capable of meeting the enemy in such a desperate fight as will follow, let him step out, and he may go hence to the arms of his sweetheart, and read of the braves who swept through the city of Richmond.
We want no man who cannot feel sure of success in such a holy cause.
We will have a desperate fight, but stand up to it when it does come, and all will be well.
Ask the blessing of the Almighty, and do not fear the enemy.
U. DAHLGREN, Colonel Commanding,
SPECIAL ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS.
The following special orders were written on a similar sheet of paper, and on detached slips, the whole disclosing the diabolical plans of the leaders of the expedition :
Guides Pioneers (with oakum, turpentine, and torpedoes)- nal Officer Quartermaster Commissary Picket.
Scouts and pickets men in rebel uniform.
These will remain on the north bank and move down with t force on the south bank, not getting ahead of them ; and communication can be kept up without giving alarm, it must
