At the same time Sheridan was directed to reconnoitre towards Mechanicsville to find Lee’s position.  At Hawes’ Shop, just where the middle road leaves the direct road to Richmond, he encountered the Confederate cavalry dismounted and partially intrenched.  Gregg attacked with his division, but was unable to move the enemy.  In the evening Custer came up with a brigade.  The attack was now renewed, the cavalry dismounting and charging as infantry.  This time the assault was successful, both sides losing a considerable number of men.  But our troops had to bury the dead, and found that more Confederate than Union soldiers had been killed.  The position was easily held, because our infantry was near.

On the 29th a reconnoissance was made in force, to find the position of Lee.  Wright’s corps pushed to Hanover Court House.  Hancock’s corps pushed toward Totopotomoy Creek; Warren’s corps to the left on the Shady Grove Church Road, while Burnside was held in reserve.  Our advance was pushed forward three miles on the left with but little fighting.  There was now an appearance of a movement past our left flank, and Sheridan was sent to meet it.

On the 30th Hancock moved to the Totopotomoy, where he found the enemy strongly fortified.  Wright was moved to the right of Hancock’s corps, and Burnside was brought forward and crossed, taking position to the left of Hancock.  Warren moved up near Huntley Corners on the Shady Grove Church Road.  There was some skirmishing along the centre, and in the evening Early attacked Warren with some vigor, driving him back at first, and threatening to turn our left flank.  As the best means of reinforcing the left, Hancock was ordered to attack in his front.  He carried and held the rifle-pits.  While this was going on Warren got his men up, repulsed Early, and drove him more than a mile.

On this day I wrote to Halleck ordering all the pontoons in Washington to be sent to City Point.

In the evening news was received of the arrival of Smith with his corps at White House.  I notified Meade, in writing, as follows: 

NEAR HAWES’ SHOP, VA., 6.40 P.M., May 30, 1864.

MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE, Commanding A. P.

General Smith will debark his force at the White House tonight and start up the south bank of the Pamunkey at an early hour, probably at 3 A.M. in the morning.  It is not improbable that the enemy, being aware of Smith’s movement, will be feeling to get on our left flank for the purpose of cutting him off, or by a dash to crush him and get back before we are aware of it.  Sheridan ought to be notified to watch the enemy’s movements well out towards Cold Harbor, and also on the Mechanicsville road.  Wright should be got well massed on Hancock’s right, so that, if it becomes necessary, he can take the place of the latter readily whilst troops are being thrown east of the Totopotomoy if necessary.

I want Sheridan to send a cavalry force of at least half a brigade, if not a whole brigade, at 5 A.M. in the morning, to communicate with Smith and to return with him.  I will send orders for Smith by the messenger you send to Sheridan with his orders.