Unit: 7th Connecticut

Unit Affiliation: (2), 1, X and (2), 1, XXIV

Title: Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry: Joe Hawley’s Boys-In Their Own Words: A Detailed, Illustrated History of the Regiment and Its Service in the Civil War, Volume 2 (January 1864 to August 1865)

Author: David M. Moore

SOPO’s Take: WOW.  8.4 pounds.  That’s the title of the lengthy interview John Banks did with author David M. Moore (see the link at the bottom of this page) about his MASSIVE two volume regimental history of the 7th Connecticut Volunteers. It’s also the weight of the two volumes combined.  These are BEAUTIFUL books, nicely bound and sturdy to hold in your hand.  The author looked for sources for 30 years, and it shows.  Not many people would be able to fill nearly 600 pages when covering January 1864 to August 1865.  You may notice this book is self-published.  In Banks’ interview with Moore, the author explained his decision to include full versions of soldier writings, rather than short excerpts or his interpretation. He also wanted many, many maps.  Both of those decisions certainly made it difficult if not impossible to find a regular publisher due to the cost to produce them.  So Moore did it himself.  By my informal count, he has over 200 maps, diagrams, tables, and illustrations…and that’s just in Volume 2!  I really, really like these books for a number of reasons:

• This is an Army of the James regiment and they aren’t often covered in any detail in 1864 in unit histories, if they are covered at all
• This is a complete history of this regiment.  The number of sources is amazing, and the author was blessed to have 400+ letters from his own ancestor as a foundation to build upon
• The author does his own maps, and unlike a lot of unit histories, he tries to figure out EXACTLY where the 7th Connecticut was in any given action.
• Casualties are given as specific names for each day of fighting wherever possible.

If you’re interested, do NOT let the slightly unusual purchasing method (see below, email followed by check) deter you. This is a book you’d never get buying from Amazon, and it is limited to 300 copies only.

Book Summary/Review:

BTC Siege of Petersburg Book Notes:

Publisher: David M. Moore (self-published)

Publication Date: 2016

ISBN-13: 978-0-9981814-1-7 (Volume 2)

Links to Read/Buy:

1. This two-volume set, a signed limited edition, has a list price of $89.98, plus shipping. I have been selling the set at a discounted price to libraries, historical societies and descendants, and would be willing to extend that discount to the followers of your web site ($70.00, plus $7.10 domestic shipping via media mail). Inquiries and order requests may be sent to dmoore50@verizon.net. (SOPO Editor’s Note: This email address is absolutely still active as of March 2021 and Mr. Moore does have sets remaining. He only published 300 sets, so act soon if you are interested.)
2. Lengthy interview with Author David M. Moore at John Banks’ Civil War Blog

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

[Enclosure 1.]

U. S. Ironclad Tecumseh,
James River, June 23, 1864.

The Tecumseh and Captain Tunis Craven suffered a severe fate when she rolled over and sank in mere minutes at the Battle of Mobile Bay, only a month and a half after this report was written. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

Sir: In compliance with your order I have to report the part this vessel took in the engagement of the 21st instant:

Early in the morning of the 21st we discovered that the enemy had during the night felled some trees to the north of Howlett’s barn and exposed a new line of works there. These works were covered with brush.

At 10:30 a. m., observing a gang busily occupied on the right of this new battery, I threw into it five XV-inch shells, two of which exploded in the right place, destroying a platform, throwing the plank and timber in every direction. At 11:30 the enemy commenced moving the brush and unmasked a battery of six embrasures, in four of which guns were mounted.

I immediately renewed my fire on the battery and ordered the Canonicus and Saugus also to open, on your previous instructions.

The enemy opened his fire upon us at meridian¹ with four guns, two of them heavy caliber, and at 12:30 some ironclads near Dutch Gap commenced a wild cross fire which we would not reply to, as they were concealed by the trees.

Our fire was delivered slowly and with great precision, most of our shells exploding within the works of the enemy. At 1:30 p. m. I ceased firing and gave my crew a half hour to rest and eat their dinner. At 2 recommenced and continued firing slowly until 4 p. m., our last shell silencing one gun, the shell having traversed through the embrasure and disabled it. The estimated distance was 2,000 yards. This ship expended forty-six XV-inch shells, and was not hit. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T[unis]. Aug[ustu]s. [Macdonough] Craven,
Commander.

Acting Rear Admiral S[amuel]. P. Lee,
Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.²

This map shows the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, covered in this report.

Source/Notes:

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral [Samuel P.] Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of engagement.

Flagship North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,
James River, Virginia, June 24, 1864.

This map covers the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, in which four Union monitors engaged the brand new Howlett House Battery.

Sir: I enclose reports of our engagement on the 21st instant with the battery which the enemy that day mounted at Howlett’s. Their ironclads and gunboats, lying concealed in the reaches above the bar, participated in the action.

The firing from the monitors was good. One of the enemy’s guns was dismounted. We met with no casualties.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S[amuel]. P. Lee,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

1. Report of Commander [Tunis A. M.] Craven, Tecumseh, June 23.
2. Report of Commander [Edmund R.] Colhoun, enclosing Chief Engineer Peake’s report and sketches, showing injury to vessel (Saugus), date, June 23.
3. Report of Lieutenant-Commander [Charles H.] Cushman, Onondaga.
4. Report of Commander [Enoch G.] Parrott, Canonicus, June 23, enclosing Chief Engineer Macomb’s report.
5. Report of Commander [Alexander C.] Rhind, Agawam.

[Endorsement.]

Craven’s and Parrott’s reports sent June 20; Captain Errick’s to be returned.

Fox.¹

Source:

SOPO Editor’s Note: I am “missing” some issues of The Daily Express (Petersburg, Va) from the microfilm of this paper.  As a result, I am trying to utilize other papers to “fill in” as much of those missing days as possible.  In addition, I will be publishing these reprinted versions under the Express label rather than under the paper in which the reprint occurs.  If you know of any papers which contain reprinted material from the Petersburg Express for the missing days listed here, please Contact Us.

From the Petersburg Express of the 18^th [of June, 1864].

From the Front.

More heavy fighting—The enemy repulsed in Prince George and driven in Chesterfield—casualties in various commands, etc.

Yesterday’s [June 17, 1864] operations were again inaugurated by heavy firing, and this time, the roar of the cannon and the rattle of musketry, came from both sides the [Appomattox] river.¹  In Chesterfield, the enemy had presumed upon a temporary evacuation of our breastworks, on Thursday [June 16, 1864] to move up towards the railroad, but yesterday morning [June 17, 1864] early Kershaw and Pickett opened briskly, and soon drove him back to his original position, and re-occupied all our old lines.  The enemy, we hear, did not offer very stout resistance, but the result would have been the same, for we had the men, and those men had the vim to whip four times their numbers.²

In Prince George [County, just east of Petersburg], the enemy showed his same hankering for the position known as Battery No. 16 and vicinity, which covers the Baxter road.  About half past three o’clock [a.m. on Friday, June 17, 1864], as soon as the moon had sunk below the horizon, he appeared in great force, and by creeping stealthily through the thick undergrowth, got within twenty or thirty yards of our breastworks, before he was discovered.³

The attack of Potter’s Division, Ninth Corps, rolled past the Shand House against the Confederate Dimmock Line fortifications on the morning of June 17, 1864. Later Ninth Corps attacks that day would take place in the same general area. (July 16, 1864 Frank Lesllie’s Illustrated Newspaper)

In four lines of battle they rushed forward, and finding our men somewhat unprepared, leaped over the breastworks, and demanded a surrender.  On they poured, but our men gave them battle, and a desperate hand to hand fight ensued.  A small gap having been left on the right, a large number of the enemy quickly availed themselves of this advantage, and our men finding themselves flanked, retreated in some disorder.  Gen. Bushrod Johnston’s old Brigade [led by Colonel John S. Fulton of the 44th Tennessee]⁴ sustained the chief force of this assault, and lost more heavily than any other.  The entire loss, however, we hear, from all causes, killed wounded and missing, will not aggregate over 100.  A portion of our lines in this vicinity was held by the 26^th Virginia, Wise’s Brigade, but the attack here was handsomely repulsed.  We regret to hear that Col. P[owhatan]. R. Page, of the 26^th, commanding Brigade, was mortally wounded in this assault.  He was brought to the city, but died in the course of an hour or two after reaching the hospital.  Several other officers were wounded.⁵

Our men fell back to a second line of works, but a short distance in rear of the first, which had been hastily constructed.

In this assault, we regret to hear that the battery of the Macon (Ga.) Light Artillery was captured.  It consisted of four 12 pounder Napoleon Howitzers.  The men of this battery fought with unsurpassed bravery, and only abandoned their guns after losing 21 horses, which rendered the saving of their guns simply an impossibility.

Along other portions of the lines there was heavy skirmishing yesterday [June 17, 1864] and occasional cannonading, until 3 P. M., when an effort was made to carry Battery No. 17, in close proximity to 16, and all important to a successful occupation of the Baxter Road.  The enemy approached in three lines of battle, but met with such determined opposition, that after two or three attempts, they abandoned the effort.⁶

ANOTHER REPULSE.

At 4 o’clock, the enemy charged our works on the hill near New Market Race Course; but were signally repulsed.  A participant in this fight informs us that the enemy lost heavy in this charge, leaving many dead and wounded in our front.  Unless recovered last night, the bodies lie there still, the two lines of breastworks being too near for either party to come out, lest they fall by the hands of sharpshooters.⁷

THE FIGHT RENEWED—IT BECOMES GENERAL—TERRIFIC CANNONADING AND MUSKETRY FIRING—THE ENEMY REPULSED.

There was now quite a cessation of hostilities, until six o’clock [p.m. on the evening of June 17, 1864], when heavy cannonading again commenced, the reverberations of the guns roaring through the city, and jarring the windows of every house.

As night approached, the cannon firing grew more incessant, and the rattle of musketry, which was continuous, was distinctly audible to every ear.

The fight, we learn, commenced on our right near Batteries 17, 18, 19 and 20, at Col. Avery’s farm, but gradually extending around to our extreme left, and by dark, the engagement was general along the whole line, a distance of about five miles.⁸

As the contestants in the vicinity of the New Market Race Course became engaged, the booming of the cannon, and the popping of musketry, fell upon our people with a distinctiveness which aroused the entire city to the highest pitch of excitement, and every street and alley, and all the surrounding hills, were crowded with people, listening with breathless anxiety to hear the result.  The moon was high in the Heavens and shone with unusual brilliancy, and the flashes of the big guns and the blaze of musketry, could be seen from the Blandford Church and Bolling Hills with great distinctness.

For a half hour the battle raged and roared, and during this time, from the nearness of the sound, many became impressed with the idea that the invaders of our soil were getting the advantage of our troops, but all of a sudden there was one universal blaze of musketry along the entire length of our line, and then fell upon the ears of the listening multitude, a shout from the throats of our brave boys, which none were slow to interpret.  It was the shout of victory—a glad and welcome sound to the fathers, mothers and daughters of this city.  Couriers soon arrived, announcing the glad tidings that we had repulsed the enemy along the entire line, and occupied the lines which we held at early dawn yesterday [June 16, 1864].  Never were a people more relieved than ours, and many a venerable matron and fair daughter, wept profuse tears of gratitude.  It was now 10 minutes to 10 o’clock [p.m. on the night of June 17, 1864], and the firing gradually slackened, until 11 o’clock when it had almost entirely ceased.  About 11 o’clock there was a renewal of the musketry firing, and a few discharges of cannon, but it did not last more than fifteen minutes.⁹  As we now write, at 12 o’clock, the firing has entirely ceased, with the exception of that 32-pounder Blakely gun, which the Yankees fired during all of Thursday night [June 16, 1864] at intervals of five minutes.

We have been unable to obtain any details, or very little reliable intelligence, but parties who participated, inform us that [Robert] Hoke’s Division stood like a wall of adamant, never receding an inch from their position.  In front of their breastworks all accounts agree that the slaughter of the enemy was fearful, and an ordnance officer who came in for ammunition, informs us, that he has been present at all the great battles of Lee’s army, but that he has never witnessed greater mortality in the ranks of the enemy.

On the right, occupied by a portion of Bushrod Johnston’s Division, we hear that the enemy came up in seven lines of battle, and so great was the pressure of overwhelming numbers, that there was a temporary wavering among our men, who upon the first shock gave way.  They were soon rallied, however, our lines restored, and the enemy made to pay fearfully for their temporary success.

PRISONERS CAPTURED.

We understand that we took many prisoners but the exact number cannot be ascertained.—At 11 o’clock, a batch of 90 was brought in, and at 12 o’clock, 150 additional are being registered by our friend Memoine, Provost Hawes’ efficient clerk.  Others, we learn are behind.

CASUALTIES.

We heard of several casualties on our side, which from the severity of the battle, were to have been expected.  We are unable to announce the name of but one with certainty, and with him we conversed.  Col. [William B.] Tabb, of the 59^th Virginia, Wise’s Brigade, was shot through the thigh [on June 17, 1864], while gallantly cheering his men on.  We are pleased to state that it is only a flesh wound, and though painful is not serious.

BL[O]UNT’S BATTERY.

Bl[o]unt’s Battery [Lynchburg Virginia Artillery], we hear, fought with unsurpassed gallantry, mowing the Yankees down, and creating great gaps in their ranks, as they approached several lines of battle deep.  This battery exhausted every ounce of ammunition, grape, cannister and solid shot, and then the men refused to retire, but remained at the front and cheered lustily as our infantry would repulse the Yankees, and send such as remained alive reeling back.  Others fought well, no doubt, but we refrain from any special mention of them, until we can hear particulars.

THE SITUATION.

We have great cause to be thankful for our present situation, when we consider the overwhelming hordes who were brought against us.  We hold our own, thanks to the brave and noble troops who have stood up like a wall of fire between the invading hosts and our devoted city.  The Petersburg people owe them a debt of gratitude which they can never repay.¹⁰

THE CAPTURE THURSDAY EVENING.

It was Captain Pritchett, of the 64^th Georgia Regiment, to whom the large number of prisoners surrendered Thursday evening [June 16, 1864], and not Pritchard, as stated by us yesterday [June 17, 1864].

COLORS TAKEN.

We secured two handsome stand of colors—one belonging to the 7^th New York Artillery–, the other had inscribed upon it the word “Excelsior”.¹¹, the 70th through 74th New York, who were just barely still a brigade.  Those regiments would mostly muster out one by one in the coming days and weeks.  That said, it might have been some other unit than one in the Second Corps.  This article appeared in the June 18 paper, so the other flag may have been captured on June 17.  And lastly I’m no flag expert.  Which New York units had the word “Excelsior” inscribed on their flags and also had a flag captured on or about June 16, 1864? Or am I completely off on the state too? If you can add information on this topic, please CONTACT US.]

MACON LIGHT ARTILLERY.

The following are the casualties in the Macon (Geo.) Light Artillery, during the fights near Petersburg, on Thursday and Friday, June 16 and 17:

Killed : Corpl. A. Waitz.

Wounded : Corpl R. H. Hines, slight in the bowels.  Privates John H Lingold, seriously in bowels; Dominick Craddock, severely in hip and hand, and a prisoner.

Missing : Sergt J H King, supposed to be killed; Corpl C M McKenna and Eugene C Powers.  Privates S S Cearow, Jas A Angle, W G Shephard, Silas Murray, Thomas Canold, R A Lundy, Brantly Williams, J H Lawson and J H Barton.

LOSS OF HORSES.

This battery had 21 horses killed, and lost all their cannon, after doing all that men could do to save it.  The enemy in overwhelming numbers, rushed over their infantry support.  It was this battery that did such effective firing at Battery No. 16, on Wednesday last [June 15, 1864], killing Col. [Simon H.] Mix, of the 3^d New York cavalry, Kautz’s Brigade [sic, Division].

[SOPO Editor’s Note: A portion of this article from the June 18, 1864 Petersburg Register has been excised because it will appear from the original paper later.]¹²

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Dan Eyde.

If you are interested in helping us transcribe newspaper articles like the one above, please CONTACT US.

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Source/Notes:

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

CAMP NEAR BURKEVILLE JUNCTION, VA.,
April 22, 1865.

MR. EDITOR:-When leaving Bedford, I promised to let you hear from me, and this the first opportunity of making my word good.¹ On account of unusual delays in railroad transportation, I determined to go via Baltimore instead of Washington, and took passage thence on board of the steamer, Adelaide. We weighed anchor about 5 ½ P.M., and steamed slowly down the harbor for the broad Chesapeake. Just as we were bidding adieu to the “Monumental City” we cast our eyes in the advance to see what of interest we might be nearing, when we caught sight of our glorious old flag proudly floating in the breeze of “Free Maryland” from the flagstaff of Fort McHenry.²

The evening [of March 31, 1865] being foggy, night soon came on and much to our discomfiture hid from view all objects of interest to us. We now began to feel lonely, for all without was hidden, and all on board were strangers. The passengers were mostly soldiers, officers, sutlers, merchants, and a few ladies, who were on their way to Norfolk, Va. Being tired we soon retreated from the crowd to our stateroom to receive rest from “nature’s sweet restorer.” Morning dawned with a cold, strong breeze. Just now breakfast call was sounded when all rushed for the dining saloon. Soon the crowd was seen returning, some laughing, and some angry, and some showing a smile of approval for the fun that evidently on hand. The whole was satisfactorily accounted for by learning that the crowd were all “April fools,” it being the first of April [April 1, 1865].³

Steamers and all kinds of craft were seen lying at anchor, which gave evidence of our near approach to Fortress Monroe. Here we landed about 8 o’clock [on the evening of April 1, 1865]. About 11 A.M. [April 2, 1865], we took passage on board of the steamer Transit for City Point. During the passage up the James, there was much of interest that might be noted, but first in importance was Newport News, the place of the memorable fight between the Union wooden war ships and the rebel iron-clad Merrimac, when thanks to an overruling Providence the noble little Monitor and her bold crew came to the rescue. Jamestown, that early settlement familiar in history to every school boy, was also passed on the way up the river.⁴

At 6 o’clock [on the evening of April 2, 1865] we arrived at City Point, the great base of the armies then operating against Richmond. A perfect wilderness of masts was there to be seen at this place. The United States Military Railroad commences here and over it were carried forward the supplies of the Army of the Potomac. Arriving at the extremity of this road we were immediately re-initiated into the horrors of war. The roar of cannon, the fierce rattle of musketry, the yell of charging squadrons, and the groans of the wounded and dying were all heard that night. These things all told us that the sons of freedom were following the rebel horde beyond their deserted trenches, and dealing the deathblow to the slaveholders’ rebellion.⁵

Sunday [April 2, 1865] and Monday [April 3, 1865] were spent in wandering through exciting and horrible scenes, in search of the 81^st P[ennsylvania].V[olunteers]., to which we had been appointed chaplain. On the evening of Monday [April 3, 1865] we found the 81^st and received a hearty welcome. If soldiers are generally or too often out-breakingly wicked, you seldom find that niggardly⁶ hypocrisy that too often makes greater claims, though undeservedly so to gentlemanly qualities.

For the next week long marches and hard fighting were the daily program, up to Lee’s surrender [on April 9, 1865]. One day [April 6, 1865] our brigade [1/1/II/AotP] fought the retreating foe in line of battle, over 16 miles. In the evening just as the shades of night were beginning to gather, our boys crowned the hard fought day by a charge on the wagon train, which they captured. The train was filled with all manner of property, both public and private-Grindstones, Dutch ovens, Corn, Corn meal, (which the rebs use in place of our hard tack) Clothing of all kinds, Whiskey, Apple jack, &c. All these things that suited the fancy or convenience of the boys was freely appropriated, especially the two last-named articles.⁷

On the next day [April 7, 1865] our regiment went into a charge with 116 men, and came out with 38. Forty-seven were captured and the rest killed and wounded. The 81^st has seen as hard and done as good service as any other regiment in the army.⁸

Having by the blessing of God, been successful in subduing armed treason, the soldiers expect soon to get home and help to punish the mean and cowardly sympathizers of the North. For example, the crowd from which J. Wilkes Booth and his pack have sprung.⁹

Yours truly,

[81st PA Chaplain] W.R.W.¹⁰,¹¹

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Roy Gustrowsky.

If you are interested in helping us transcribe newspaper articles like the one above, please CONTACT US.

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Source/Notes:

Captain John Clitz of the USS Osceola was a busy man on June 21, 1864, tasked with securing large caliber ammunition for the monitors fighting near Howlett’s Bluff. (MOLLUS)

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Barnes, U. S. Navy, to Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy.

Flagship Malvern,
James River, June 21, 1864.

Sir: We are having smart work here and desire that the Rose, which carries this, may be filled up to her capacity for carrying with XV-inch and 150-pounder ammunition and dispatched with all speed on her return.

I have already sent the Hydrangea on the same errand. Let the proportion be one third of 150-pounder to the XV-inch.

The ironclads (rebel) are shelling us from the bend and the batteries from Howlett’s are doing their best. No casualties that I know of as yet.

Yours, respectfully and truly,

Jno [Jonathan]. S. Barnes,
Fleet Captain.

Commander J[ohn]. M. B. Clitz,
Commanding Osceola, City Point.¹

Source:

The XV-inch Dahlgren guns, shown here inside the turret of the USS Passaic, were monsters with massively heavy ammunition. The charge alone weighed 35 pounds! (Harper’s Weekly)

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Letter from Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, to Commander Lynch, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. Osceola,
Off City Point, James River, June 21, 1864.

Dear Captain: Be pleased to send to this place with all dispatch the following articles, viz, 200 XV-inch shells, 150 35-pounds plain chamber charges to be put in new cylinders, 500 5-second fuzes.

Our ironclads are having a smart time of it with the rebel ironclads and a fort, said to be formidable, unmasked to-day. Yours, very truly,

J[ohn]. M. B. Clitz,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Commander Dominick Lynch,
Comdg. U. S. Frigate St. Lawrence, Hampton Roads, Virginia.¹

Source:

SOPO Editor’s Note: I am “missing” some issues of The Daily Express (Petersburg, Va) from the microfilm of this paper.  As a result, I am trying to utilize other papers to “fill in” as much of those missing days as possible.  In addition, I will be publishing these reprinted versions under the Express label rather than under the paper in which the reprint occurs.  If you know of any papers which contain reprinted material from the Petersburg Express for the missing days listed here, please Contact Us.

From the Petersburg Express [of the] 16^th [of June, 1864].

From the Front—The Enemy in Force.

The enemy are determined to annoy our people with all the means and appliances at their command, if they cannot effect our subjugation.  At this time they are threatening a half dozen or more localities in Virginia, requiring on the part of the Confederates the exercise of all the vigilance necessary to watch closely the movements of a crafty and insidious foe.  Our own immediate vicinity was again menaced yesterday [June 15, 1864], and at several points by such a show of force, that it was no doubt the intention of the enemy to have effected an entrance into the city, had he been permitted to do so.

At early dawn [on June 15, 1864] our citizens were aroused by the discharge of artillery, the sound of each cannon being distinctly heard here, and coming from the direction of the City Point road.  At seven o’clock [am], it was ascertained that the enemy was advancing in force, and every man able to shoulder a musket, did so, and hastened to the fortifications.

We learned last evening, that the main point of attack, was on the City Point Road, at a distance of six or seven miles from town.  At an early hour the enemy advanced with at least seven regiments of infantry, and one of cavalry, upon some breastworks thrown up hastily during Tuesday night at Baylor’s Farm, by Col. [Dennis D.] Ferrebee, of the 4^th N[orth]. C[arolina]. Cavalry.  They were held in check by Col. Ferrebee’s men and Graham’s (Petersburg) Battery, for four hours, who fought bravely, but were finally compelled to fall back before overwhelming numbers.  Ferrebee’s men inflicted serious loss upon the enemy, and Graham’s Battery shelled the masses of his men with admirable effect.  Our men retired in good order, and sustained but few casualties during the fight.  It is stated that Graham lost one gun, in consequence of the horses being disabled, but we know not that this is correct.¹

Soldiers of the 22nd USCT celebrate as they drag a Napoleon captured from Graham’s Petersburg VA Artillery at Baylor’s Farm on June 15, 1864. (July 9, 1864 Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper)

The enemy demonstrated at other points along our lines but his attacks were feeble and easily repulsed.²

It is stated that our sharpshooters did admirable execution, picking the enemy off wherever he showed himself, and in some instances at a distance which appeared almost incredible.  It is estimated that this effective arm of our service, placed not less than sixty Yankees hors du combat along our lines yesterday [June 15, 1864, prior to Smith’s main arttack].

A few prisoners were taken.  Among the number was a fellow who rode into our lines at full speed, minus his cap.  He was mounted upon a blooded steed, no doubt stolen from some Virginia gentleman, in one of the recent raids, and could not rein his animal up.  In fact, the fellow was a poor rider, and let go the bridle, and hung on to the pommel of the saddle with as much tenacity as a drowning man would a drifting log.  Some of the prisoners stated that they belonged to Burnside’s corps, and asserted also that Burnside, the barber, was at City Point with his whole corps.  We presume it is not very formidable, since it was pressed into service on the very second day of Grant’s fearful encounter with Gen. Lee, and has been engaged ever since.  Burnside may probably expect to win some laurels around Petersburg, but we can assure him in advance that he will pay dearly for them.  Our authorities are more than ever alive to the importance of defending Petersburg, and should the invaders renew their attempts this morning, as it is probable they will, a very different reception awaits them to any which has been heretofore extended.³

FROM CHESTERFIELD.⁴

We understand that the enemy withdrew all their white Yankees from Gen. Beauregard’s front in Chesterfield Tuesday night, and substituted negro Yankees in their stead.  Yesterday morning [June 15, 1864] our pickets over there were surprised when the day dawned, to find themselves confronted by soldiers purely of African ‘scent.  Be it so.  If the elegant, refined and fastidious Butler, desires to achieve the reputation of a warrior with such troops, it is not in our power to prevent him, however much we may object.  But when the actual conflict does come, it will be a sad day for those sable sons of Mars, and their burly leader, too, if he should take the field.⁵

[SOPO Editor’s Note: I want to reiterate what the Express account is about to say below.  Everything above this point was written at 5 pm on the afternoon of June 15, 1864 to make it ready for publication in this issue of the newspaper.  As you are about to see, Baldy Smith’s Eighteenth Corps FINALLY launched attacks late in the day.  Everything below this point covers those main assaults against the portion of the Dimmock Line east of Petersburg.]

LATER—DESPERATE FIGHTING—THE ENEMY CHARGE AND TAKE A PORTION OF OUR BREASTWORKS.

The above account was written at 5 p. m., yesterday afternoon [June 15, 1864], when comparative quiet had prevailed along our lines for two hours or more, and it was the general impression that the fighting had ceased for the day.  In this our troops were mistaken, for it was ascertained before dark, that the enemy had massed a very heavy force on our left—especially on the City Point and Prince George Court House roads.

At sunset the enemy charged our batteries commanding these roads, coming up in line of battle six and seven columns deep.  The brunt of the assault was sustained by the 26^th [Virginia] and 46^th [Virginia] regiments, of Wise’s Brigade, and Sturdivant’s Battery [Albemarle VA Artillery] of four guns.

Three furious assaults were made, the enemy coming up with a yell, and making the most determined efforts to carry the works.  Our troops received them with a terrific volley each time, sending the columns back, broken and discomfited.  The fourth assault was made by such overwhelming number, that our forces found it impossible to resist the pressure, and were compelled to give way.  The enemy now poured over the works in streams, captured three of our pieces, and turning the guns on our men, opened upon them an enfilading fire, which caused them to leave precipitately.  The guns captured belonged to Sturdivant’s Battery, and we regret to hear, that Capt. [Nathaniel A.] S[turdivant]. himself was captured, and two of his Lieutenant’s wounded, both of whom fell into the enemy’s hands.  The gallant manner in which this Battery was fought up to the last moment, is the theme of praise on every tongue.  All present with whom we have conversed, say that Captain S. and his men stood up manfully to their work, and the last discharge was made by Capt. S. almost solitary and alone.⁶

The city was filled with rumors last night regarding the killed and wounded, but as we could get nothing authentic regarding names, we forbear to give them.  It is generally conceded that Capt. Sturdivant was captured⁷, and also Maj. [Peter V.] Batte, of the Petersburg City Battalion [aka 44th Virginia Battalion].⁸ We shall certainly receive more definite information during to-day.

The position gained by the enemy is a most important one.  Our Generals are fully aware of this, and we shall undoubtedly have hot work today [June 16, 1864].⁹

Officers in the field yesterday [June 15, 1864], estimate the number of the enemy actually seen fronting different portions of our line, at from ten thousand to twelve thousand.  It is believed that this is only the advance column and that Grant has nearly his entire army on this side of the river.  Thirty-odd transports ascended James River with troops yesterday.¹⁰

Twenty-three prisoners brought in last night, belonging chiefly to the 148^th N[ew]. Y[ork]. regiment, all concur in the statement that Baldy Smith’s entire Army Corps (the 18^th,) is on this side of the river again.  Other prisoners, taken yesterday morning [June 14, 1864], state that they belong to Burnsides Corps.¹¹

A FIGHT ON THE BAXTER ROAD—THE ENEMY REPULSED.

An officer engaged, furnished us at a late hour last night, with a brief account of an engagement which occurred on the Baxter Road yesterday [June 15, 1864], about three miles from this city.  It seems the enemy appeared on this road near the residence of Col. Avery about twelve o’clock.  Immediately in front of Battery No. 16 was stationed the Macon (Geo.) Light Artillery, Capt. C[harles]. W. Slater [sic, Slaten], supported by a portion of the 34^th Virginia Regiment, Wise’s Brigade.  The enemy showed himself at once, driving in our pickets, and planting a battery in front of our works, with which he opened a furious cannonade.  He was promptly and gallantly responded to by the Macon Artillery.  This fire was maintained for two hours, when the enemy charged our works, but after arriving within two hundred yards of the fortifications, was repulsed with considerable loss.  The artillery sent round after round of shell and cannister into their ranks with great rapidity and accuracy, and the work becoming too warm for them, they broke and fled in confusion.¹²

They were pursued by the 34^th [Virginia] for some distance, who poured several galling volleys into their ranks.

Among the dead left on the field in front of this battery was Col. [Simon H.] Mix, of New York [commanding the 3rd New York Cavalry], who seemed to have been instantly killed by a canister shot in the breast.¹³

About sundown the enemy entirely disappeared from this portion of our lines, and returned to the left.¹⁴

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Dan Eyde.

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ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

RICHMOND, April 8^th, 1865.

Mr. EDITOR:
This being an idle day with me, I will, therefore, give you in as brief a manner as possible, some ideas of the reception of the Federal forces by the people of Richmond.

On the morning of the 3d [April 3, 1865], we (the 1^st Brigade, 4d [sic, 3rd] Division, 24^th Army Corps) [1/3/XXIV/AotJ]¹ received orders to pack up and be ready to march at a moment’s warning. This being done, in a few minutes came the order “fall in,” and next came “forward,” when we moved off at a quickstep in the direction of the Rebel works, and when within about 300 yards of their fortifications we were halted, and ordered to load our pieces, after which we again moved forward, expecting every minute to hear their guns open upon us. But to our great astonishment, and no less gratification, found both guns and works deserted. They, however, being kind enough to leave a note which I saw a sergeant pick up, asking us very politely to “come in, but not to stay.”

After Confederate soldiers fled their Capital on the night of April 2, 865, Union soldiers including Sergeant Songster of the 206th Pennsylvania entered the following morning.(Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Adele S. Colgate, 1962)

After getting safely through the first line of works we began to look anxiously for the second line, which, on approaching was found to be deserted like the first. It now became evident to all, that the evacuation of Richmond was taking place, which thought so stimulated the boys that they seemed to forget that they had a heavy knapsack on their back.²

We were now within three miles of the city, and yet not a “Reb” was to be seen except here and there a straggler, who was [?] the latter being the most likely. We soon passed through the third line of works, and found these as the two former ones, only not as strong. We did not halt to inspect them, but “on to Richmond” went. Just at this time and place, our already bright prospects of occupying the Rebel Capital were made still brighter by a dispatch carrier who galloped past us, shouting, “Richmond has just surrendered.”

A few more minutes, and we found ourselves entering the lower part of the City by Main street, which now became a scene of excitement. The people came forth from their houses to bid us welcome, some clapping their hands, others sending up cheers that seemed to rend the air, whilst aged mothers came forward, and so filled were they with joy, that they burst into a resistless flood of tears. Yet onward we proceeded and as we went, flags that the dust of four years had settled on, were brought forth and unfurled to the breeze, amidst the deafening sound of bursting shells from the burning arsenal, and the roaring of flames, and shouts of myriads. On arriving near the center of the city we halted, but for a moment only, as it did not appear safe to remain there long on account of the bursting shells and falling houses.³ We, the 206^th P[ennsylvania]. V[olunteers]., were then marched off to the northern outskirts of the city, where we unslung knapsacks, and then sent out patrolling parties through the city, whose duty was to order all citizens to their homes, and pick up stragglers. After these parties returned we were again marched back to the State House yard, where we encamped for the night, the Stars and Stripes floating proudly above us, upon the once Rebel capitol.

Yours respectfully,

J. A. SONGSTER⁴,
Serg’t. Co. K, 206^th P[ENNSYLVANIA]. V[OLUNTEERS].⁵

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Roy Gustrowsky.

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