February 1, 1865
The troops in the trenches around Petersburg, VA, continue to suffer from the harsh winter weather as the James River threatens to freeze over.
Brigadier General Robert S. Foster assumes command of First Division, Twenty-Fourth Corps, Army of the James.
Brevet Brigadier General Joseph E. Hamblin assumes command of Third Brigade, First Division, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac.
Lieutenant Colonel F. L. Manning is appointed Provost Marshal General of the Army of the James.
Robert E. Lee’s nomination as General-in-Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States is confirmed by the Confederate Senate.
James Longstreet writes to Robert E. Lee, indicating he thinks the Confederate forces north of the James River are too weak to act in anything but a defensive role going forward.
Note: All “Today In The Petersburg Campaign” blog entries are used with permission from Ronald A. Mosocco’s Chronological Tracking of the American Civil War per the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion. Order the book HERE.
Copyright © 1993, 1994 by Ronald A. Mosocco