March 8, 1865
Skirmish at Duguidsville, VA, with Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, USA, who is moving toward Petersburg, VA, from the Shenandoah Valley.
First Division, Sheridan’s Cavalry Corps proceeds up the James River Canal, destroying it as it advances.
Sharp picket firing and an artillery duel take place in front of Union Fort Sedgwick along the Jerusalem Plank Road.
Scout of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry on the Wells Road to Disputanta Station.
Desertions in the Confederate Army for February 27-March 8, 1865 total 779 men, with the cavalry failing to report.
General Robert E. Lee directs Fitzhugh Lee to take his cavalry division to Farmville and protect High Bridge at all costs from Sheridan’s cavalry in the vicinity.
General James Longstreet again orders Gary’s Cavalry Brigade to patrol on the north side of the James River west of Richmond, after some confusion on Gary’s part about which is the “left” bank of the river.
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