THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG.

Operations of Wednesday [June 22, 1864]—The Movement on the Weldon Railroad—The Fortifications of Petersburg—Advance of the Second Corps—[?] of Casualties—Picket Firing not Popular—Practice of Our Artillery.

Special Correspondence of the Inquirer.

HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC,
June 22d [1864]—Night,

My last despatch announced to you an extension of our lines to the left, with the supposed object of throwing it across the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad.  The supposition that the object had been affected last night [June 21, 1864] proved incorrect.  A portion of the Second Corps [II/AotP] penetrated to within less than half a mile of the road, but afterwards retired to a direction further off.

The enemy appear to have discovered or suspected our intention of making this movement, and last night it was found that a heavy force, probably HILL’S entire Corps [Third/ANV], had been despatched in the same direction to meet us, having moved down the Jerusalem plank road, which runs on this side of the [Weldon] railroad, and in the same general direction with it at a distance of about two miles from it.

Some imagine that this movement of HILL’S was made with the intention of turning our left flank, and that our meeting him there was through an accidental coincidence of movement made without any interference to each other. This is hardly probable. In discovering our presence HILL appears to have fallen back immediately towards the railroad, and selected a position for its defense, which he at once set to work fortifying. To give a clear understanding of the Rebel line as it pushed forward a map would be necessary; but a general idea can be conveyed without one. It will be remembered that our advance in Petersburg was made from the east, and the fortifications on that side of the city were taken in the first attack.  But the line is continuous, forming a curve and defending the place from attack in any direction.

On our right, or east of Petersburg, our line of battle is far within these fortifications, and the Rebel line of defense consists only of ordinary breastworks.  But this line, extending in a general southern direction from the Appomattox River, strikes the regular fortifications that defend the city to the south, and these for some distance form a portion of the present line.  The latter, however, then bends to the southward, extending between [road?] and the railroad, and fronting south of east.  Our own left rises on a branch of the Blackwater, called Second Creek, and our line runs for some distance nearly parallel with the railroad, about a mile distant, it then bends eastward across the Jerusalem plank road above mentioned, and runs throughout to close proximity to that of the enemy, the two facing at some points within fifty yards apart, and on the right our sharp-shooters being so close to Petersburg as to occupy houses in the suburbs.  The country near the Weldon Railroad, on our left, is very different from that bordering the Appomattox on our right, being almost as densely covered with timber and underbrush as that which formed the base of our first operations in the Wilderness.

The troops forming our left wing came up this morning and went into position this afternoon, having considerable skirmishing as they moved out.¹

A portion of the Second Corps to the left of the Plank Road sustained, this afternoon, quite a severe repulse. The corps had taken position last night and thrown up rifle-pits.  To-day about noon the line was advanced. The left, on which was the First Division, went forward nearly a mile, which was considerably further than the distance moved over on the right, and threw the flank of the First Division [1/II/AotP] very near to the Rebel intrenchments. While in the act of pushing out their skirmishers in front a fierce attack was made on their left flank.  The skirmishers thrown out in that direction were driven back, and the Rebels advanced with loud yells, pouring crushing volleys upon front, rear and flank at [?] moment.

The First Brigade [1/1/II/AotP], which first received the attack, remained and fired a volley, but without any effect upon the impetuous charges of the enemy, and we were compelled to fall back as rapidly as possible to our line of breastworks, the Rebels, meanwhile, following closely. On reaching their rifle-pits our men instantly rallied and at once checked the advance of their assailants. The remainder of the corps was less severely attacked, but of course fell back to the intrenchments. Our losses in this affair must have been considerable, including a number of prisoners.²

It is also reported that the Twelfth New York Battery, Captain [GEORGE F.] MCKNIGHT, was left in the hands of the enemy, but another report represents two of the guns to have been recaptured, which makes our loss only two.³

A partial list of the wounded is appended.  The number brought to the First Division Hospital did not exceed fifty up to about 4 1/2 P. M. [on June 22, 1864], but it is feared that many more were left on the ground.

Batteries have been posted at several points along the new portion of our lines, which may now be considered pretty well established, and considerable artillery firing has been kept up all through the afternoon. Heavy volleys of musketry opened soon after dark in front of the Second Corps and a portion of the Fifth. It was probably nothing more than one of the night alarms, which are very common, especially when the position in front is imperfectly known, men being under such circumstances much more apprehensive of an attack, and firing a volley whenever any sight or sound in front excites their suspicion. Skirmishing was very brisk, especially from the centre to the left, nearly all the afternoon, and continued long after dark.

On the extreme right the pickets on opposite sides of the Appomat[t]ox, below Petersburg, were, this morning, on very amicable terms. They had entirely ceased firing, and were talking and badgering each other rather more in the style of old friends than old enemies. The men on each side find that they can get fighting enough in contending for some definite object, and have naturally concluded not to indulge in useless slaughter.

Some interesting artillery practice may occasionally be witnessed between the Rebel batteries over the Appomat[t]ox and three or four of our own.  At one point there is little more than the breadth of the river between an Ohio battery⁴ of ours and a battery of the enemy. They are concealed from each other by intervening timber, and consequently do not exchange compliments with each other. That of the enemy is guided in its firing by signals from a building[?] in Petersburg, indicating the position of our troops.  Usually it is not very successful in molesting the unseen object against which its fire is directed, but when by chance it gets the right range, a single gun of Captain [JOHN H.] BURTON’S battery [I, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery] of rifled 30-pounders instantly reduces them to a respectful distance.

A battery of 20-pounder parrotts, far down on the right, commanded by Lieut. [?]⁵, occasionally puts in some beautiful shots. This morning a shot was aimed at a battery, one of about four, posted on a prominent hill, about a quarter of a mile beyond the river.  Watching the result with a glass, I saw a cloud of dust thrown up close to the battery and the men hastily scattering and taking refuge behind their parapets.  This evening I saw a captured Rebel Major, who, with a Colonel captured at the same time, is said to be desirous of returning to his allegiance to the United States Government.

WOUNDED IN FIRST DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, JUNE 22D [1864].

Lieut J. Warren Yocum, Co. I, A. A. G., 116th P[ennsylvani]a., arm, slight.

Lieut. Stephen R. Newman, B, 66th N[ew]. Y[ork]., thigh, flesh.

First Lieut. Edwin Parshell, A, 111th N[ew]. Y[ork]., back.

Adjt. B. Miller, 125th N[ew]. Y[ork]., left hip.

First Lieut. F. Meagher, F, 63d N[ew]. Y[ork]., thigh, flesh.

First Lieut. [?] E Lee, D, 145th P[ennsylvani]a., face.

S. S. Willard, F, 145th P[ennsylvani]a., left foot.

J. Perry, D, 116th P[ennsylvani]a., thigh, flesh.

J. McBride, C, 116th P[ennsylvani]a., shoulder.

Joseph Wagner, F, 116th P[ennsylvani]a., left thigh.

C. Adams, G, 116th P[ennsylvani]a., right leg.

W. C. Bennett, F, 14[?]th P[ennsylvani]a., hand.

Corp. Adam Smith, D, 145th P[ennsylvani]a., face.

Joseph Fay, D, 145th P[ennsylvani]a., back.

W. Gorman, B, 116th P[ennsylvani]a., hand.

WOUNDED IN FIRST DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, JUNE 21st.

Capt J. M. Sattan, Co. C, 111th N[ew]. Y[ork]., foot.

Lieut. L. Crandall, B, 125th N[ew]. Y[ork]., forearm.

Lieut. John D. Black, of General Barlow’s Staff, right side, slight.

Lieut. Wm. Newall, H, 2d U[nited]. S[tates]. S[harp]. S[hooters]., head.

Sergt. Older Curly, C, 81st P[ennsylvani]a., ankle.

Sergt. E. Reynolds, H, 81st P[ennsylvani]a., side.

Sergt. G. F. Saxenhammer, C, 81st P[ennsylvani]a., leg.

Corp. Geo McIntosh, C, 81st P[ennsylvani]a., leg, flesh.

John Sterling, I, 81st P[ennsylvani]a., both hands.⁶

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.

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

Article Image

Source/Notes:

FROM THE [PETERSBURG] FRONT.

—–

THE FIGHTING YESTERDAY—SUCCESSES AT MANY POINTS—HOKE’S DIVISION GALLANTLY REPULSES THREE ASSAULTS—CAPTURE OF MANY PRISONERS ON OUR RIGHT, ETC, ETC.

—–

As was the universal expectation with every mind on Wednesday night [June 15, 1864], our people were aroused at an early hour yesterday morning [June 16, 1864] by the heavy booming of cannon in the direction of Jordan’s Farm. This is on the City Point road, not far from the river. The cannonading continued for about one hour, and was incessant. Couriers who came in, state that it was caused by the opening of the enemy’s guns on our men. They were promptly replied to, and with the exception of a few casualties, amounted to nothing—neither side gaining any advantage.

Heavy skirmishing was kept up during the day [June 16, 1864], and scarcely a moment elapsed without the report of heavy guns falling upon the ears of the people, and breaking in upon the almost Sabbath like stillness, which reigned throughout the city’s precincts.

THE ENEMY REPULSED.

Yesterday afternoon [June 16, 1864], a furious assault was made upon Gen. Hoke’s front, whose Division occupied a position facing batteries from nine to twelve, inclusive—and constituting a most important situation.—The enemy came up in three lines of battle, and made three charges, but were each time repulsed by a heavy fire which blazed from along our lines, and sent the vandals back in confusion. Our men occupied entrenchments, which had been hastily thrown up during Wednesday night [June 15, 1864].

On our right, in the vicinity of Colonel Avery’s farm, there was heavy firing during the greater portion of the day, but late in the afternoon, it became quite severe, the enemy attempting to carry our works by assault. This portion of the lines was occupied in the morning [June 16, 1864] chiefly by our militia forces, where we regret to hear, several severe casualties occurred.

The enemy having succeeded in moving two or three batteries in that direction, commenced to shell our men furiously, and the missiles bursted immediately among them. Gallanty they stood their ground, however, until our batteries could be placed in position, so as to silence the enemy’s fire, which they effectually did.

KILLED AND WOUNDED.

Two of our citizens were killed, and a few slightly wounded. Among the former was the following:

F. Thomas Scott, a native of Sussex, but for many years a resident of Petersburg. He was much esteemed, and leaves a wife and four little boys.

Mr. Nathan Hoag, a tobacconist. He leaves a daughter, his wife having died several years since.

WOUNDED.

Major F[letcher]. H. Archer, commanding militia forces [3rd Virginia Reserves Battalion], slightly in arm.

Robt. L. Watson, of this city, severely on the upper part of thigh.

Chas. K. Elliott of Petersburg, slightly.

John Molloy, of Petersburg, slightly.

R.A. Spiers, of Prince George, severely in the neck.

Edward Simmons, of Prince George, slightly in the arm.

Many made narrow escapes, the shell exploding all around them, and in some instances covering them with dirt and dust.

As soon as regular troops could be brought up and placed in position, the militia were relieved, and Gen’l Bushrod Johnson’s division occupied the breastworks, along with the Macon (Georgia) Light Artillery, and other batteries, the names of which we could not learn.

Here, as stated above, the work grew quite hot as the day [June 16, 1864] advanced, the enemy having massed certainly two divisions, if not more, in our front. Late in the afternoon, a charge was made, but the enemy were most handsomely repulsed, chiefly by the 64th Georgia, and Colonel W. J. Clark’s 24th North Carolina regiment, of Gen. Matt Ransom’s brigade.

In the last charge, the enemy came within one hundred yards of our fortifications, but the fire was so terrific that they halted, broke ranks and retired in great confusion, seeking shelter in a ravine about 100 yards from our lines. Here a large portion of a Yankee brigade, being exposed to an enfilading artillery fire from our guns, and not daring to show their heads, for fear of being toppled over by our musketeers, surrendered to the 64th Georgia regiment, Capt. Pritchard [sic, Thomas J. Pritchett] commanding.¹

THE PRISONERS.

These prisoners numbered over 400, rank and file, and constituted the greater portion of the Fourth Brigade, First Division, Hancock’s Second Army Corps. They complain very much of Birney’s Division, which was to have supported the charge, but whose hearts failed them when the time of trial came.

They say they were fearfully cut up, losing a great many officers and men—Gen. Barlow, of New York city, commanding Division, was borne from the field, and supposed to be mortally wounded, a fragment of a shell tearing off his left hip.

Major Springstead [sic, Edward A. Springsteed], of Albany, New York, whom the men all say they loved as a brother, was instantly killed², and many other casualties occurred, which had a very depressing effect on the invaders.

Several of these prisoners with whom we conversed, state that they were enlisted in the heavy branch of the artillery service for local defence around Washington, but the pressure for men became so great after Grant’s campaign commenced, that they were placed in the ranks and armed as infantry.

The most of them were cheerful, and openly declared their gratification at the fortune of war which had made them captives.

They state that they started for Richmond, not Petersburg—but since they could not get to the rebel capital, they will be satisfied with the Cockade City.—They say that Burnside’s and Hancock’s Corps are operating immediately around Petersburg; that Baldy Smith is at Bermuda Hundred, and that Grant, Butler, Warren and others, are lying around promiscuously.

Several commissioned officers were captured, but none of higher rank than Lieut. Colonel.

They were coming in up to a late hour last night in squads, and we presume that the aggregate number captured will reach 700 or more. They were all carried before [Provost Marshall] Major Kerr , and by him turned over to Provost Marshal Hawes.³

RECAPTURE OF [BATTERY] NUMBER FIVE.

The terrific fire of cannon and musketry, which startled our citizens last evening [June 16, 1864] about half-past seven, and was continued for an hour or more, without cessation, was caused, we hear, by an effort on the part of the Confederates to recapture Battery Number Five, which we were informed at a late hour last night, had been entirely successful. The enemy were driven off at the point of the bayonet, our men entering the works with a yell which scattered the blue coats like chaff before the wind. This is a most important position, as it commands the high hill at Friend’s Farm, on the City Point road. It was this position which the enemy charged and captured from us at a late hour Wednesday evening [June 15, 1864].⁴

OCCUPATION OF THE RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG RAILROAD.

Our forces in Chesterfield having been somewhat weakened for the more important work in Prince George [east of Petersburg], the enemy took advantage of this circumstance yesterday morning [June 16, 1864], and advanced to the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, taking possession. We offered but little resistance, and the enemy again destroyed a small portion of the track. They occupied it, however, but a few hours, as General Frank Anderson’s Division [sic, Pickett’s Division] advanced yesterday afternoon [June 16, 1864] from the direction of Drewry’s Bluff, and drove the enemy back to Bermuda Hundreds, where they sought safety under cover their gunboats.⁵

ATTACK ON FORT CLIFTON.

Yesterday afternoon [June 16, 1864] the enemy’s gunboats came up the Appomattox, and opened fire on Fort Clifton. They stood off out of sight and at long range, and inflicted no damage whatever. The fire of the gunboats was directed by a signal man, who flopped his flag industriously from the new Observatory on Cobb’s Bluff. It is stated also that the enemy attempted yesterday morning after the moon went down, to ascend Swift Creek in barges, but the stealthy movements of the foe were discovered, and they were speedily driven back.⁶

OPERATIONS YESTERDAY.

We understand that the operations of yesterday [June 16, 1864], were exceedingly satisfactory to our commanding general. The enemy felt our lines from the [Appomattox] river around to Battery 10, the Baxter road, but gained no advantages. On the contrary he lost many in killed and wounded, and a large number of prisoners. We inflicted severe loss on the enemy yesterday, but shall be much better prepared for him to-day [June 17, 1864], and we hope to announce to-morrow [June 18, 1864] that he has become satisfied of his inability to capture Petersburg as he has already virtually confessed that he cannot take Richmond. The south side will like the north side, prove too much for Grant and his rabble soldiers.⁷

THE CASUALTIES.

There were many casualties yesterday [June 16, 1864], but we regret that it is out of our power to give them in to-day’s issue. We will not pain relatives and friends by announcing names upon mere rumor. Will the Chaplains and Adjutants of the various regiments do us the favor to furnish correct lists for publication? We shall [esteem?] it a favor, if they will accommodate us in this respect.

We heard yesterday [June 16, 1864] of the following only, which we can announce with the assurance that they are correct.

Capt. John Cargill Pegram, of General Matt Ransom’s staff, received a mortal wound in the side. He was shot by a sharpshooter, the ball striking below the hip, ranging downwards and penetrating the bowels. He was carried to the residence of Mr. J. Andrew White, on Market street, and survived but an hour or two. Deceased was the son of Captain Robert B. Pegram, of the Confederate Navy, and a most gallant young man.—

Lt. Col. Wise was seriously wounded, but the particular command to which he is attached we could not ascertain.

Lieut. N. M. Wyatt, of the 24th N. C., was seriously wounded.

THE CASUALTIES WEDENESDAY [June 15, 1864].

In the 26th [sic, 46th] Virginia⁸, Wise’s Brigade, the following casualties certainly occurred:

Col. Randolph Harrison, in the neck, severely, but not fatally.

Adj. [William W.] Alexander, in the arm.

Capt. Fred. Carter, of the Richmond Blues, in the groin—feared mortally.

A number of officers and a great many privates, were certainly captured. Among the latter, we hear of the following:

Captains Sutton, Shelton, and Poindexter.

Major [Peter V.] Batte, of the City Battalion [44th Virginia Battalion], who commanded a gun, and fought with distinguished gallantry, is missing and supposed to be captured.

Major Hood, of Southampton, is also missing, and supposed to be captured.

Lieut. Col. D. D. McCreary [sic, David B. McCreary], of the 145th Pennsylvania, who was captured and brought in last night, says he saw about one hundred and fifty Confederate prisoners going to the rear Wednesday night [June 15, 1864], after the fight at Jordan’s farm, and we hope that the great bulk of our missing are unhurt.

AN APPEAL TO THE CITIZENS.

We are requested by Major Kerr, Military Governor of this Post, to state that the services of citizens to act as guard to the prisoners, are needed. All disposed to aid in this patriotic work, are requested to meet at the Courthouse this morning [June 17, 1864] at 9 o’clock.

ULYSSES IN PRINCE GEORGE.

It is the opinion of our officers, that Grant, the great defeated, was in the vicinity of his troops, who were so badly whipped yesterday [June 16, 1864] near this city in every encounter.

THE LATEST.

We made application at Headquarters last night at 12 o’clock [midnight between June 16 and 17, 1864], for any reliable information that could be obtained from the field, but were informed that no reports had been received. We will be greatly obliged to officers or others, for any facts coming under their immediate observation, and cheerfully reciprocate all such favors, should opportunity offer.⁹

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

Article Image 1

Article Image 2

Source/Notes:

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE

(For the Bedford Inquirer)

HEADQUARTERS, Co. “I,” 21st PENN’A. CAVALRY,
5TH ARMY CORPS, August 20, 1864.

It is now dark [on the night of August 20, 1864], after a series of marches and countermarches we are stationed in the woods three miles north of Reams Station, On the Weldon R[ail]. Road, between the enemy and that famous thoroughfare.¹

The men are working by reliefs, throwing up advance lines of breastworks. And now as I have a little rest I will devote a few moments in informing the many readers of your excellent paper, how we came here and what we accomplished. The Rebel papers have been boasting of the failure of Gen. Grant’s Campaign, and of his purpose to withdraw his army, stating that he had already shortened his lines at the commencement of the retrograde movement. Acting upon these notions, the enemy charged most furiously upon the lines of the Ninth Corps, about 1 o’clock in the morning of the 18^th inst. [August 18, 1864], but were repulsed with great slaughter.

Our Corps (the 5^th) had been relieved from those works on the 15^th inst. [August 15 1864], were placed in reserve with orders to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. The heavy cannonading on the morning of the 18^th, roused us from our slumber, we stood in groups viewing the shells as they sped through the air, some dropping around an in our camp; this ended our repose for the remainder of the night, and as we had orders to move at 4 o’clock A.M., the boys prepared their coffee and were waiting for the command “march.” Soon the red cross of the First Division [1/V/AotP] made its appearance followed by the commander and staff. The column quietly advanced as we belong to that Division, we fell in our proper place.

The column soon formed to the left and struck the Jerusalem Plank Road (but minus planks). We marched along this road for several miles, then filed right and turned our anxious faces toward the [Weldon] railroad. We soon passed the advance cavalry picket, then under cover of a friendly ridge, and formed in three lines of battle. We deployed skirmishers and advanced in the above order. Our skirmishers drove in the enemy’s pickets, and we advancing through swamps of mud and water knee deep, soon reached the railroad after capturing some twenty Rebels.²

The 21^st Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry³, was the first to commence destroying the [Weldon rail] road, and the Company to which your correspondent has the honor to be connected with, was the first to destroy the wires. This regiment pitched into the destruction of the road with great, avidity, exclaiming as they capsized the track, “Remember Chambersburg!”⁴ After destroying several miles of this road, means were used to hold the same; temporary breastworks were speedily thrown up, skirmishers advanced and pickets thrown out to protect the left flank. Also at noon a heavy shower of rain came up, and as is customary with the rebels, they took advantage of the storm to charge upon our lines. They accordingly charged, but after our men poured several volleys into them, we in return charged on them, driving them and keeping the advanced position until the killed and wounded were disposed of, when our men would return to their former position; thus the conflict continued back and forward until after dark. It is said that the loss is considerable on both sides; the enemy, however, suffered more severely than we, leaving their dead and wounded in our possession. The enemy is in earnest, trying to regain this road; and from their furious and numerous charges we are led to believe that their very existence depends on the possession of this road.⁵

Friday the 19^th [August 19, 1864] passed without much fighting. Toward evening under cover of another rain storm, they again assailed our lines; but we are so accustomed to this mode of attack, that we are never taken unawares, and always look for the Johnnies in the rain storm remembering Cromwell’s battle cry: “Trust in God and keep the powder dry.” Accordingly they were repulsed.

Again, and again, they rush on our lines, are in return driven back, finally they mass their forces again at our right, with a determination to flank us. They were met at the onset with usual bravery, but the living mass hurled against our right causing it to waver and fall back. The successful and exalting enemy surrounded some of our men and took about 500 prisoners.⁶

Their successful rejoicing was however of short endurance, as our men soon rallied, and charged on them with renewed vigor determined to avenge their loss, Gen. Griffin brought his batteries to bear on them, and mowed down their lines, a great many wisely fell, as dead upon the field, our brave soldiers charging upon them, recapturing many of those taken from us, and many more of the enemy taking with them on their return those who escaped destruction by falling to the earth. This last charge of the enemy was the most desperate, indeed the effort appeared to be the very extremity of their power as they fought men who refused to charge. But they suffered severely in killed, wounded and prisoners, and have made no effort since to drive us from our position. We have thus lengthened our lines, instead of contracting. We have an unbroken front from the Appomattox, across the Weldon R.R., have taken many prisoners, nine hundred and thirty-eight of which passed by in one squad today.

The prisoners say they have been two days in the swamp before us without food, that it was by this road all their provisions were brought, and they cannot surmount its loss. Our boys exhibited great feelings of pity for them, giving them both food and clothes. We do not hate but pity those poor deluded men, one man said that two of his brothers were shot on refusing to charge on us.

Sunday [August 21, 1864], 4 o’clock P.M. I cannot close without noticing another fearful effort put forth by the enemy this morning to recover the R.R., they charged in force in what they considered the weakest part of our lines, the center of this Corps. Simultaneous with this attack they also advanced on the extreme left, with a determination to flank us. In the center we took five battle flags and all that remained alive of two brigades among the prisoners, were observed wearing stars on their shoulders. On the left our cavalry dismounted, advanced, and drove back the flanking foe, we then advanced, our left built new breastworks to protect the flank. After this disaster to the enemy and the advance of our lines, quiet has been established and further preparations are in progress for the overthrow of the enemy.⁷ J. Speer, 1^st Lieut. of Co. “F” of this Regiment, was mortally wounded, he is a native of Johnstown, and was a brave officer, I have as yet not ascertained the casualties of the Regiment.

[1st Lt.] M[artin]. P. D[oyle]⁸.⁹

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.

Article Image

Source/Notes:

THE WAR NEWS.

General Early’s victory in the Valley has had its effect upon Grant.  It has convinced him of the importance of doing something ‘upon this line’ at once, instead of idling away the summer, now more than half gone, shelling the little town of Petersburg.  His first step has been to increase his force, already strong, on the north bank of the James at Deep Bottom.  He sent over some troops on Saturday [July 23, 1864] and on Tuesday night [July 26, 1864] threw over Hancock’s [Second] corps, thereby increasing his force on this side the river to twenty thousand men.  He also sent over on Tuesday night twenty-two pieces of cannon.

His force at Deep Bottom is ascertained to consist of the Tenth, the Nineteenth and Hancock’s corps.  Hancock is probably in command.¹

This force assumed the offensive at an early hour yesterday morning [July 27, 1864], resting their left on Deep Bottom, while their right stretched away to the northeast towards White Oak swamp.

Between eight and nine o’clock, A. M., yesterday [July 27, 1864], the first collision in this quarter took place at New Market [Heights], which is a mile north of Deep Bottom and twelve miles from Richmond by the New Market road.  We have no particulars of the fight except that the enemy were so far successful as to capture four of our cannon.  We did not hear of their taking any prisoners and consider it hardly possible that they could have done so if the accounts that reach us of the rapidity with which our men ran be true.  The fight lasted but a few moments and was probably brought about accidentally, the enemy stumbling upon us before either they or we were aware of it.  Some musketry skirmishing was kept up during the remainder of the day.²

THE LATEST.

By a letter received late last night we learn that the guns captured belonged to the First Rockbridge battery, Captain Graham.  They were 20 pounder Parrott guns, taken from the enemy at Harper’s Ferry.  We lost no prisoners and no horses.

It is useless to speculate upon Grant’s plans.  The [?] in [?] are that he proposes making his next attacks on our lines at three points simultaneously, Deep Bottom, Fort Drewry and Petersburg.³  We see no reason to feel the least apprehensive as to the result; attack when and where he may.  As we have before remarked, we believe he appreciates the necessity of doing something, and that quickly.

PETERSBURG.

Grant is as yet quiet in front of Petersburg.  His mortar firing and cannonade have slackened in the past few days.  He is said to be mining.  He has been reported to be doing this for a month.  It is quite time he was springing some of his mines.⁴

FROM ATLANTA.

We have had not a word from Atlanta since our last issue.  Possibly a battle may have been joined there though as yet we hear no rumours of it.[5 SOPO Editor’s Note: The July 28, 1864 Batte of Ezra Church was being fought west of Atlanta at the same time Richmond’s populace was reading this article.]  No official despatches have been received.  A battle can hardly be long deferred unless Sherman repeats before Atlanta the game Grant has been playing before Petersburg.  The grateful news of McPherson’s death is fully confirmed by the Northern papers.

FROM THE VALLEY.

There was not a rumour yesterday from the Valley.⁵

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.

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

Article Image

Source/Notes:

Unit: 1st Vermont Cavalry

Unit Affiliation: (2), 3, Cavalry

Title: A Vermont Cavalryman in Love: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Major General William Wells and Anna Richardson

Author: Elliott W. Hoffman (editor)

SOPO’s Take: Books published by Schroeder Publications tend to be VERY detailed and VERY good.  A Vermont Cavalryman in Love: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Major General William Wells and Anna Richardson is another winner from this talented publisher. Editor Elliott W. Hoffman first edited these letters in a Masters Thesis at the University of Vermont in 1972.  William Wells went from the rank of private all the way to brevet Brigadier General, serving as a brigade commander in Custer’s Cavalry Division during the final battles of the war in the East.  Wells commanded the 1st Vermont Cavalry in the early days of the Siege of Petersburg before moving with his division to the Shenandoah Valley for the remainder of 1864 and into 1865.  He and his men only came back in March 1865 with Union Cavalry commander Phil Sheridan, participating in the final battles of the Siege of Petersburg as well as the Appomattox Campaign.  Read his edited and annotated letters to and from his future wife Anna Richardson, whom he married three days after his service ended.

Book Summary/Review:

BTC Siege of Petersburg Book Notes:

Publisher: Schroeder Publications

Publication Date: 2007

ISBN-13: 1-889246-51-4

Links to Read/Buy:

1. A Vermont Cavalryman in Love: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Major General William Wells and Anna Richardson (Google Books)
2. A Vermont Cavalryman in Love: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Major General William Wells and Anna Richardson (Amazon.com)

OUR WOUNDED IN THE FIELD.

Admirable Arrangements of the Medical Department.

A medical officer in the Ninth Army Corps [IX/AotP], writing to a friend in this city, adverts to certain statements that had found their way into some of our papers, which appeared to accuse the Surgeons of the Army of the Army of the Potomac with neglect or incompetency. In order to do justice to the intelligence, the humanity and the zeal of the arm of the service to which he belongs he notices these insinuations as follows, and we are satisfied that his description is as applicable to the Medical Departments of the other corps of the army as it is honorable to his own:–

“I observe by papers reaching us a disposition to assert that the wounded have been neglected or not properly cared for in the present campaign. The papers referred to state that ‘wounded men arrive’ at various places ‘with black bandages and bloody, dirty, clothing,’ &c., and that many ‘men never have their wounds dressed,’ or that they ‘have a very offensive smell.’

If the papers complaining knew anything at all about wounds, they would know the folly of their remarks; and by making direct application to patients themselves, they would find that but very few indeed were uncared for, while many thousands have passed through the hands of our medical officers. Besides this, a marked difference exists between hospitals in cities and those in the field. In the former all is quiet, cleanly and comfortable, and many luxuries abound. In the latter supplies are necessarily limited to such stores as are absolutely required, and instead of the calm and peaceful and abundant surroundings of home, we are in the midst of all the horrors and changes of the battle-field. I will give you a sketch of the organization of a Division Hospital, and you may judge for yourself as to its completeness. Take as an example the Hospital of the Second Division of the Ninth Corps.

This division contains thirteen regiments, comprising twelve thousand men. The medical staff consists of¹ a Surgeon-in-Chief of Division, Dr. [WILLIAM G.] WEBSTER, Ninth New Hampshire. There are two brigades in the division, under Dr. [THEODORE S.] CHRIST, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania, and Dr. [JONATHAN S.] ROSS, Eleventh Hew Hampshire. All the regiments send their wounded and sick to the Division Hospital. Since the 5th ult. [May 5, 1864, the start of Grant’s Overland Campaign] the organization has been as follows:–With each regiment in the field one Assistant Surgeon is stationed, and the other medical officers of the regiment are at the Division Hospital. Two operating tables are established in the hospital, and the sick are under the charge of Assistant Surgeon [FRANCIS N.] GIBSON, Ninth New Hampshire. At one table, as operators, are stationed Dr. [JAMES] HARRIS, Seventh Rhode Island, Dr. [LYMAN W.] BLISS, Fifty-first New York, and Dr. TRAFTON², Thirty-second Maine. The operators at the second table are Dr. [SHERMAN] COOPER, Sixth New Hampshire; Dr. [WILLIAM R. D.] BLACKWOOD, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, and Dr. [P. O’MEARA] EDSON, Seventeenth Vermont. All the important operations are performed by the above-named surgeons, and they also attend to as many minor cases as their time will permit.

One Assistant Surgeon, Dr. [ELIHU P.] PIERCE, Sixth New Hampshire, is R[eceiver?] and he has a Steward to aid him. Chaplain DOVE³, Sixth New Hampshire, with an assistant, has charge of the Commissary Department; and to Chaplain [EDWARD T.] LYFERT⁴, Eleventh New Hampshire, is intrusted the duty of interring the dead. Those Assistant Surgeons who attend their respective regiments in the field are stationed about three hundred yards, or less, in rear of the line; and all the other Surgeons and their assistants are on duty at the Hospital. A corps of thirty-nine nurses is provided, all of them good and tried men; and in addition to this, there is a Pioneer and Construction Corps. These men have packs, shovels and axes, and they prepare good roads to the Hospital, bridging over streams, and making paths over swamps, or low places, for the easy carriage of the wounded. The situation of the Hospital is always chosen with reference to shade, good water and dry ground; and when no road runs to the place selected, the Pioneer Corps speedily prepares one, even to the clearing away of under-brush in woods, where this may be necessary.

On the arrival of the wounded, each man’s name is entered in the register, and a white piece of bandage is tied in the patient’s button-hole, to show that his name, rank, company, regiment and injury have all been recorded. Should an operation be required, it is performed immediately, if possible; but when several hundred are on hand, the worst cases are, of course, taken first. The medical officers who are not on the operating staff act as dressers, and the wounded are always attended to every morning, after breakfast. After severe engagements, as in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania, and the Ny River, one, and sometimes both, the operating tables will be in use all night. A medical officer is on duty, with his nurses, at night, from 9 P. M. till midnight, when he is relieved by another, who attends till 3 A. M., and he in turn is followed by another who remains on duty till 6 A. M., when the whole department commences their duties for the day.

Such is an imperfect description of the hospital of this division, and as to its efficiency, General BURNSIDE remarked a few days ago that “he had never known the wounded to be attended so well before.” When opportunity offers, men are removed to Washington by the usual means of transit.

The reason why dressings get black, is this—All wounds discharge pus. Adhesive plaster contains oxide of lead. The [sulphetted?] hydrogen evolved from the pus of a wound unite with the oxide of lead, and forms the sulphuret of lead, which is black, but not at all injurious. It is easily washed off by water. All dressings will get hard, bloody and dirty by transportation over dusty roads, and in such hot weather as has lately prevailed. Now, as the other divisions have their hospitals arranged in a similar manner, and the duties connected with them are equally well discharged, what just ground for complaint could truly exist? Some slightly wounded men, no doubt, make their way to Washington, who may expect that in a few days they would be returned to their regiments if they remained. Such men, of course, do not present a good appearance, but who is to blame?

I find that I have not adverted to the ambulance train of the Division, which consists of forty-two two-horse ambulances, under the charge of three lieutenants. Each ambulance has a lantern, beef, tea in cans, bed ticks, cups, spoons, and plates for six men so that in case of detention the men cannot suffer. Two “medical wagons” are also provided. They open at the ends and sides, and contain every needed medicine and appliances in drawers, boxes and [slides?], so neatly fitted that there is no breakage. Two wagons additional are expected, and others to transport medicines in bulk for use in long marches during the campaign.

The foregoing is a simple narrative of facts, and the relatives and friends of our brave heroes may rely with confidence on the skill, the diligence and the humanity of the devoted band of medical officers who are enduring hardships in the field for their sales. The medical records of our army, when contrasted with those of the French, the British or other European forces, show incontestably how vastly superior in skill and attention to duty our surgeons have shown themselves, while the benevolent and Christian agencies that have come to their aid have never had a parallel in any age or any land.⁵

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

Article Image

Source/Notes:

ERROR OF THE RICHMOND PRESS.

The Richmond papers of yesterday morning [June 16, 1864], speak of the fighting near this city on Wednesday [June 15, 1864] as a very trifling affair.¹ This is a very erroneous idea and does great injustice to our brave soldiers who bore the heat and burden of the day, and who nobly discharged their duty. When the Petersburg papers of yesterday [June 16, 1864] are read in our sister city [of Richmond], its people will find that the conflict on Wednesday [June 15, 1864] was something considerably more than an unimportant skirmish. The enemy made a vigorous attempt with a large force to get possession of Petersburg, and our fortifications were assailed at different points with great fury. But, thanks to the God of battles, their purpose was again frustrated. Our men fought with an intrepidity worthy of the occasion. For many long hours they resisted triumphantly the onsets of the foe, and in one part of the field inflicted severe punishment upon him. Two or three of our breastworks were captured by the continued rushing of overwhelming numbers, and a few guns were lost, but the advance of the enemy was effectually checked.

Yesterday morning [June 16, 1864] at an early hour the struggle was renewed and the roar of artillery was incessant for upwards of an hour, when it began to slacken, and long intervals would elapse without a discharge audible in our streets. At the time of this writing (about noon) [on June 16?] occasional reports are heard, but there is no reason to doubt that the fight is still actively progressing. We have as yet learned none of the particulars—certainly none to create any uneasiness about the final result. Our people are calm and hopeful, trusting in that good Providence which has twice interposed to save us from the worst of fates.—Further information will not be received, perhaps, for several hours, and will be given in another article.²

This movement against Petersburg has evidently grown out of the utter failure of Grant to reach Richmond on the north side of James River. He occupies a position which affords him great facilities for striking a blow in this direction, and but for the fortifications, which were in good time erected for our defence and which are proving themselves to be formidable structures, we should have been at the mercy of the foe. We cannot be sufficiently thankful for the completion of these preparations for our protection before the hour of need arrived. So far, by Divine assistance, we have passed triumphantly through this fiery ordeal to which we have been subjected. Thus encouraged, we look forward with an humble reliance on the Most High to our final and complete deliverance.

How striking are the vicissitudes of war. Twelve months ago we were daily and anxiously poring over telegrams giving information of the scenes then enacted around Vicksburg, little dreaming that it would so soon be our fortune to be involved in the same danger. And now we have almost at our gates the conqueror of Pemberton, seeking to reduce us to the same miserable condition as that of Vicksburg. But Grant finds no Pemberton in the trenches around Petersburg. He meets with a customer here inured to victory—the hero of CHARLESTON, MANASSAS and SHILOH—a commander whose name is worthy to be placed alongside of any that shines in military history. There is some difference between Beauregard and Pemberton—and some too between Beauregard and Grant.³

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

Article Image

Source/Notes:

Soldier’s Letter

The following is an extract from a letter written by John H. Allison, of Co. I, 21^st Reg[imen]t. P[ennsylvani]a. Cavalry, to his Sister.

NEAR PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA,
August 4^th, 1864.

DEAR SISTER:—

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Lieutenant [1st Lt. Martin P. Doyle of Co. I, 21st Pa Cav.]¹ got back safe. He has written a letter to the INQUIRER giving an account of the “blowing up” of a Rebel fort.² It was opposite to us about sixty perches. It was a grand scene. I would not have missed seeing it for anything. It rose up like a volcano, then spread out and fell like the drooping branches of a weeping willow. Men, cannons, knapsacks, guns, haversacks, logs, tents and ground were seen flying in the air about three hundred feet high. Then about one hundred and fifty cannons opened upon the enemy’s lines, which made the earth shake, the air soon became so thick with smoke that you could not see one hundred yards; but it soon rose and we could see the enemy’s lines. The Rebs did not reply at first but after their fright was over they came back and opened on us, which again made the earth shake beneath our feet, the roar of cannon, musketry, and the yelling of charging columns were deafening. We captured one line from “John Henrys,” but they charged on us and drove us back to our former place. I am now writing in my “cave” under the ground about six feet. It is called a bombproof; it is dug into the ground, and logs laid over, and then dirt on to prevent the shells from hitting us. I shot about one hundred shots, I don’t know whether they done any good or not but hope they did.³ The Rebs and we are about three hundred yards apart. If God spares my life to go home I’ll give you a description of things in general.

Your Loving Brother,

JOHN.⁴

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.

Article Image

Source/Notes:

TELEGRAPHIC REPORTS OF THE PRESS ASSOCIATION.

__________

FROM GEORGIA.

ATLANTA, July 25.—The enemy made an attempt last night [July 24, 1864] to break the lines, but was repulsed by Cheatham after a conflict of one hour.

During the day quiet prevailed around the city, the only demonstration being occasional picket firing; but at midday to-day [July 25, 1864] the Yankees opened with shell again upon the city shelling it one hour with some vigour.  No notice of his intention to shell the city was given to enable the women and children to be removed to places of safety.  His barbarous violation of the usages of civilized warfare only enabled him to murder a few non-combatants.—Most of the shells come from 20-pounder Parrott guns in position on the line of the Western Atlantic railroad, with occasional missiles from another gun east of the city.

The gallant operations of Wednesday [July 20, 1864] and Friday [July 22, 1864] seem to have impressed the Yankees with a wholesome desire to strengthen their flanks, which they are now doing. ¹ Their display of rocket signals has been brilliant, indicating some movement on their part.

The following address to the troops was read this morning.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
In the Field, July 25.

SOLDIERS:  Experience has proved to you that safety in time of battle consists in getting into close quarters with the enemy.  Guns and colours are the only unerring indications of victory.  The valour of troops is easily estimated, too, by the number of those received.  If your enemy be allowed to continue the operation of flanking you out of position, our cause is in peril.  Your recent brilliant success proves your ability to prevent it.  You have but to will it and God will grant us the victory which your commander and your country so confidently expect.

(Signed.)                                                              J[ohn]. B[ell]. HOOD, General.

Brigadier-General F A Shoup has been appointed Chief of Staff of this army to-day [July 25, 1864].

_________________________

FROM PETERSBURG AND VICINITY.

PETERSBURG, July 25 [1864].—The enemy is reported to have crossed a portion of one corps to the north side of James river on Friday [July 22, 1864], near City Point, doubtless for the purpose of preventing our artillery firing upon their transports.²

To day [July 25, 1864] has been remarkably quiet.  It seems now to be well ascertained that Grant is busily mining on our left, and strengthening his right, resting upon the Weldon road.³

A heavy rain storm, with a high wind, occurred last night [the night of July 24-25, 1864].

_____________________

PLANS OF THE ENEMY.

PETERSBURG July 25—The Philadelphia INQUIRER of the 22d [of July 1864] says that Canby is proceeding against the enemy, about Mobile, with a formidable force, and that the campaign on James river is about to start with a fresh impulse.⁴,⁵

SOPO Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.

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

Article Image

Source/Notes: