Fort Harrison and the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm: To Surprise and Capture Richmond
by Douglas Crenshaw
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Book Summary/Review:
BTC Siege of Petersburg Book Notes:
BTC Siege of Petersburg Book Sources:
Early in the morning of September 29, 1864, two Union corps under the command of General Benjamin Butler crossed the James with the goal of overwhelming Robert E. Lee’s army and capturing Richmond. The Confederate defenders were vastly outnumbered; many were inexperienced and initially without trusted leadership. Fort Harrison and the other works at Chaffin’s Farm held the key to the Confederate defenses. The drama that ensued was a battle between the Confederates’ resiliency and the Union’s ability to capitalize on one of its greatest opportunities. Join historian Doug Crenshaw as he chronicles the events of an often-forgotten episode of Civil War history. Through gripping firsthand accounts, Crenshaw follows the action through the eyes of the men who fought at Fort Harrison and the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm. Experience the terror and heroism displayed on both sides of the battle line in this harrowing tale of war.
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Paperback Edition:
ISBN: 978-1-60949-581-7
Publisher: The History Press
Release Date: November 2013
Pages: 144 pages
The Siege of Petersburg Online: Beyond the Crater Pages Which Mention This Book:
I am trying to locate my great paternal grandfather. I believe his name was Oliver Chaffin who was a Sargent in the Civil War. His son would have been my paternal grandfather James G. Chaffin. The Chaffin family in New York would like to know if Oliver Chaffin would be our great grandfather. We have no record of our paternal grandfather’s birth record except to know he was born in Virginia. Oliver Chaffin would have been known as a “colored” soldier. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you