Unknown to Henry W. Halleck, June 15, 1864
June 15, 1864—8 a.m. (Received 9.50 p. m.)
All goes on like a miracle. Pontoon bridge at Fort Powhatan finished at2a.m. Artillery trains instantly began crossing. Hancock’s corps is nearly all landed by ferry at Wind-Mill Point; last of it will be over by 10 a.m. Hancock moves out instantly for Petersburg to support Smith’s attack on that place, which was to have been made at daylight. General Warren will next be ferried, followed by Burnside and Wright. None of the boats sent by General Halleck, on General Grant’s order, have arrived. The great wagon train has not yet begun to come up from the Windsor Shades, the pontoons sent back there having been delayed. Wilson’s cavalry pickets now extend from White Oak Swamp bridge, on the right, to Malvern Hill, on the left. Wilson had constant sharp skirmishing on 13th, losing 50 men. He has taken prisoners who report that Hill and Ewell are intrenched on the line from White Oak Swamp to Malvern Hill. Lee appears to have had no idea of our crossing the James River. General Grant moves his headquarters to City Point this morning. Weather splendid.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
Ciry Point, June 15, 1864—5.30 p.m. (Received 10.30 a. m. 16th.)
The Petersburg Express newspaper of yesterday has a telegram sent to Extra Billy Smith from Lynchburg stating that Hunter entered Lexington on the 11th. They estimate Hunter’s strength at 16,000; his advance was resisted by General McCausland. The Richmond Enquirer of the 13th has official intelligence that Crook, with 8,000 men, was at Amherst Court-House, only twelve miles from Lynchburg. They had destroyed the bridge over the Ta River. Lynchburg is defended, as Enquirer says, by a much larger force than it had expected, aided by militia. Smith, with 15,000 men, attacked Petersburg this morning. General Butler reports from his observatory near Bermuda Hundred that there has been sharp fighting, and that troops and trains of the enemy were, as he writes, moving from the city across the Appomattox as if retreating.
Secretary of War.
Ciry Point, V. A., June 15, 1864—7.30 p. m. (Received 5 p. m. 16th.) Our latest report from Smith was at 4.04 p.m. He had carried a line of intrenchments at Beatty’s house, the colored troops assaulting and carrying the rifle-pits with great gallantry, but he had not yet carried the main line. He describes the rebel artillery fire as very heavy. He expected to assault this line just before dark. Hancock is within three miles of Smith.
Hon. H. K. M. STanron, Secretary of War.
City Point, June 16, 1864—7 a. m.
(Via Jamestown Island 11.45 a.m. Received 4.45 a. m. 17th.) _At 7.20 p.m. yesterday Smith assaulted and carried the principal line of the enemy before Petersburg, taking 13 cannon, several stand of colors, and between 300 and 400 prisoners. This line is two miles from Petersburg. Hancock got up and took position on Smith’s left at 3 a.m. to-day. There was heavy firing in that direction there from 5 to 6. No report yet.
HEIGHTS SOUTH OF PETERSBURG, June 16, 1864—8 a. m.
(Via Jamestown Island 12.30 p.m. Received 4 p. m. 17th.) The success of Smith last night was of the most important character. He carried these heights, which were defended by works of the most formidable character, and this gives us perfect command of the city and railroad. The enemy still hold south of the city and west of the river, but their position of little comparative value. General Smith says the negro troops fought magnificently. His loss is in round numbers 750,
of which 500 were among the negroes. He took 16 cannon.
DouTHAT’s LANDING, V. A., June 16, 1864—1 p.m. (Received 11.45 p. m.)
After sending my dispatch of this morning from the heights southeast of Petersburg I went over the conquered lines with General Grant and the engineer officers. The works are of the very strongest kind, more difficult even to take than was Missionary Ridge, at Chattanooga. The hardest fighting was done by the black troops. The forts they stormed were, I think, the worst of all. After the affair was over General Smith went to thank them and tell them he was proud of their courage and dash. He says they cannot be exceeded as soldiers, and that hereafter he will send them in a difficult place as readily as the best white troops. They captured six out of the sixteen cannons which he took. The prisoners he took were from Beauregard’s command; some of them said they had just crossed the James above Drewry’s Bluff. I do not think any of Lee’s army had reached Petersburg when Smith stormed it. They seem to be there this morning, however, and to be making arrangements to hold the west side of the Appomattox; the town they cannot think of holding, for it lies directly under our guns. The weather continues splendid.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
DOUTHAT’S LANDING, June 16, 1864—2.30 p.m.
T have come down here from Petersburg to see how the crossing advances. I find the rear of Warren’s corps just being ferried across. The great wagon train will all be over the bridge by daylight to-morrow morning. The cavalry (Wilson’s division) will also pass over in the night, leaving Wright’s corps to hold the rear. The line of defense across the neck here is about a mile long and very strong, extending from one swamp to another. The last of the army will no doubt be south of the James River by noon to-morrow. I must here say that the unprecedented pontoon bridge, nearly 700 yards long, constructed by Major Duane, is of the most admirable solidity. After Duane had nearly finished it Benham came up and took charge.
Hon. Epwin M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
Crry Point, V. A., June 16, 1864—4 p.m. (Via Jamestown Island 11.45 p. m. Received 5.30 a. m. 17th.) The Richmond Whig of yesterday says that General Stahel, with 2,000 cavalry, has passed west through Robertson’s Gap, apparently to destroy the Tennessee railroad. The infantry force which had been at Amherst Court-House is said to be moving in the direction of Buffalo Springs. A dispatch from the same paper General Lee reports that Hampton and Fitz. Lee have routed Sheridan at Trevilian Station, caj)- turing 500 prisoners and 6 guns, and Sheridan is said to have left his dead and wounded on the field. The same paper has a dispatch from Atlanta stating that General Polk was killed by a cannon-ball at 11 a.m. Johnston, Hardee, and Jackson were with him when he fell.
Ciry POINT, June 16, 1864—4.15 p.m. (Via Jamestown Island 11.45 p.m. Received 4.50 a.m. 17th.) General Butler reports from Bermuda Hundred that the enemy have abandoned the works in the front of that place. His troops are now engaged in tearing up the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond. Two divisions of the Sixth Corps, now coming up on steamers from Douthat’s Landing, will be sent to support Butler. C. A: DANA.
City POINT, June 17, 1864—9 a. m. (Via Jamestown Island 8p.m. Received 1.30 a. m. 18th.)
I find that I was wrong yesterday in regard to the points of the compass. The works taken by Smith on Wednesday evening are on the east and northeast of Petersburg, extending across the line of the City Point railroad. After the Second Corps got up a part of Smith’s troops were relieved and the whole of the Second Corps was put in on the east of the city with its line inclining to.the southwest. On the left of Hancock came the Ninth Corps; its line, however, did not extend to the Norfolk railroad. General Meade arrived on the ground at about 3 p.m. yesterday and took command. At5 p.m. Hancock attacked upon his whole front, supported by two brigades of the Eighteenth Corps. Birney made considerable progress, taking some of the advanced works of the enemy and one of the main works of their first line. This morning at 40’clock Burnside moved a strong assaulting column from his own right and broke through the rebel lines, capturing 2 redoubts, 4 guns, and 400 prisoners. General Meade reports that there was fighting along the line all night, the moonlight being very clear. He estimates his total losses at less than 2,000 killed and wounded. Colonel Kelly, commanding Irish brigade, and Lieutenant-Colonel McCreary, One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania, arereported killed.* Colonel Egan, Fortieth New York; Lieutenant-Colonel McGee, Sixty-ninth New York; Colonel Hapgood, Fifth New Hampshire, wounded. The Fifth Corps reached the field about 11 p. m. yesterday. Two divisions of the Sixth Corps,
*McCreary was captured, not killed.
under General Wright, have gone to help Butler in front of Bermuda Hundred, where he holds the position abandoned by the enemy yesterday. He reports three miles of the Richmond railroad torn up.
Fort MONROE, V. A., June 17, 1864. (Received 2 a. m. 18th.) Add the following to Dana’s report of 9 a. m. 17th to the Secretary of War:
General Grant is now there to see if anything can be done toward taking in the rear the rebel force at Petersburg. It does not appear that that force includes any considerable part of Lee’s army. Prisoners say that Hoke’s command, Bushrod Johnson’s division, and Wise’s Legion are there, some say also a part of Longstreet’s corps. Admiral Lee reports having seen yesterday afternoon a column of troops, 40,000 to 50,000 in number, from Malvern Hill across Deep Bottom in the direction of Richmond, whether to go to the city or to cross the James River at a pontoon bridge they have near Drewry’s Bluff it was impossible to judge. This is the only light we have upon the mystery of Lee’s whereabouts. The crossing of our trains and troops at Fort Powhatan has gone on prosperously. Wilson’s cavalry got over last night, and the last of the wagons, with Wright’s remaining division and Ferrero’s colored division, will be on this side by noon. The bridge is to be brought up to Bermuda Hundred, and thrown across the James River near Dove’s [Jones’] Neck. The heat is very intense.
City Point, June 17, 1864—5.30 p.m.
(Received 8.50 a. m. 18th.) On the 14th instant General Butler relieved General Gillmore from command of the Tenth Army Corps and ordered him to Fort Monroe to await a court of inquiry concerning his disgraceful failure to capture Petersburg after he had volunteered for the duty. On hearing Gillmore’s explanation, Grant has modified the order so that Gillmore is relieved-at his own request and ordered to Washington to report to
the Adjutant-General for orders.
Fort MONROE, V. A., June 18, 1864—12.30 a. m. Add to Dana’s report of the 17th, 5.30 p. m., to the Secretary of War
the following: CIPHER CLERK
General Butler reports at 5.17 p. m. that the enemy have formed in line of battle, driven in his pickets, and occupies the powerful lines in front of Bermuda Hundred which they abandoned to him yesterday; all this notwithstanding he had with him two divisions of the Sixth Corps, in addition to his own force. I was misinformed respecting Wilson’s cavalry. It has not yet crossed the bridge at Fort Powhatan. It remains north of the river to guard the great herd of cattle, which is not yet up, but will be there beforedark. The cattle will be swum over and then the remaining troops will cross. I got my information, erroneous information, from General Grant, who had received it from some officer of General Meade’s. No news from Petersburg since morning. General Grant is now there.
Ciry Pornt, V. A., June 18, 1864—8 a. m.
General Burnside attacked at 3 p. m. yesterday with Willcox’s division and gained ground. He attacked again at 8 p. m. with Ledlie’s (late Crittenden’s) division, carrying what prisoners and deserters reported to be the enemy’s last and main line on that part of the defenses of Petersburg. Ledlie suffered severely, but no figures are yet reported, either of loss or captures. In the night Ledlie was driven back, but at 2 a. m. the rebels evacuated the line. Deserters report that they have taken up a shorter one, enveloping the railroad bridge. General Meade reported at 5.30 this morning that he was moving forward to find and feel them, but that his men were so worn out with marching, fighting, and digging that they must have rest, unless some great opportunity should present itself. No report from General Butler since my last dispatch. He was ordered to retake the position which the enemy had reoccupied, after leaving it open to him for thirty hours, but no sounds of his guns have been heard to indicate an attempt, though the two divisions of the Sixth Corps had been sent him expressly to secure the position. He had not even a line of battle or a cannon placed up the heights. With regard to the two French officers who wish to come here, General Grant now desires me to say that he will be glad to have them, but wishes them to understand that the campaign is carried on under the greatest inconveniences as respect personal comfort. Everything is across the river at Powhatan. The bridge was taken up at 3 a. m. to-day.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
City Pornt, V. A., June 19, 1864—9 a.m. (Received 4.20 p. m.)
General Meade advanced his forces yesterday morning until he found enemy occupying a new and shorter line of intrenchments, about a mile in front of Petersburg. Believing from the unanimous statement of prisoners that there was no force in his front except Beauregard’s three divisions he determined by a vigorous effort to push them over the Appomattox. A general assault was ordered at noon, and Martindale having two divisions of the Eighteenth and one of the Sixth Corps, attacked promptly and successfully, occupying enemy’s line, and taking some 40 prisoners. Birney attacked at the same time, but made no progress. About 2 p.m., Warren and Burnside having got ready, advanced for considerable distance without reaching enemy’s main line. About 4 p. m. Birney again assaulted with nine brigades, but was not able to force the enemy’s line. Martindale also again attempted. to advance farther, but failed. Both Birney and Martindale report the enemy before them in very strong force, with heavy reserves masked in the rear, from which General Meade infers that main body of Lee’s army has re-enforced Beauregard. General Meade says that these assaults were well made, and that all men could do under the circumstances was done. At7 p.m. Willcox, of the Ninth Corps, and Warren again assaulted, but in vain, and with that the day’s operations closed. Our advance lines are held and intrenched. The result of the three days’ operations since Meade took command there is the driving the enemy from two lines of intrenchments, the capture of 4 guns, 4 colors, and about 500 prisoners. I have not been able to witness the fighting of the last two days, having been kept in camp by sickness, but Comstock, of General Grant’s staff, tells me that it has not been equal to our previous fighting, owing to our heavy loss in superior officers. The men fight as well, but are not directed with the same skill and enthusiasm. General Meade gives no statement of casualties, but says they are no heavier than was to be expected from the numbers engaged. General Grant has directed that no more assaults shall be made. He will now maneuver. I presume that Sheridan’s report, telegraphed here last night from West Point, was at the same time telegraphed to you. His success in the great purpose of destroying the railroad seems to have been incomplete. Butler, with Grant’s assent, has assigned Brooks to command the Tenth Army Corps. Prisoners report that Ewell’s corps has gone to Lynchburg.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
City Point, V. A., June 19, 1864—11 p.m.
(Received 10 a. m. 20th.) Richmond Examiner of yesterday says General Hunter, Thursday last, was at Forest Depot, on Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, destroying that road. Forest Depot supposed to be where the railroad crosses Forest Creek, some eight or ten miles southwest from Lynchburg, and appears to be on a road from Lexington. General Meade reports his casualties of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to be about 7,000, Attacks of Thursday were made by General Grant’s orders, those of Friday and Saturday were made by General Meade himself.
Cirry Point, V. A., June 20, 1864—5 p.m. (Received 8 a. in, 21st.) Meade is ordered to devote himself to swinging his army around upon the south and southwest of Petersburg. He reports that his cavalry is already upon the Jerusalem road, and thinks that by fortifying as he extends to his left he can soon and safely reach the Appomattox on that side. This will give him possession of the railroad from Petersburg to Weldon and that to Lynchburg. He will be supported in this movement by a similar extension to the left on the part of the troops of General Butler. Position of Meade’s forces are now as follows: On right, Sixth Corps holds works captured Wednesday by the Highteenth Corps, which last corps has returned within General Butler’s lines. Next to Sixth is the Ninth, forming Meade’s present center, and next the Fifth, forming his left. The Second Corps is in reserve in the rear. The movement begins by putting Second Corps upon left of the Fifth, and drawing back Sixth as’a reserve, its place in the lines being taken by Eighteenth. These operations, I suppose, will be pe”? ormed to-night. Next the Ninth Corps will be similarly withdrawn, a… its place in the lines taken by all of the Tenth Corps which can be spared from Bermuda Hundred, where the works are so strong as to be safe with a small garrison, say of 5,000 men. As the object is to get possession of the railroad and inclose the enemy fighting will not be sought for, though, of course, it will not be avoided. Once extended to the Appomattox, the railroad will be thoroughly destroyed as far south as may be practicable, then if necessary Army of the Potomac may take ten days’ rations and move upon the Danville road, leaving its base of supplies here to be guarded by its fortifications and the forces of General Butler. A bridge is to be thrown across the James River to-night, and a bridge-head on the north shore fortified on Jones’ Neck. General Weitzel has charge of the operation. The bridge-head will require a garrison of 200 men. It will allow us to send cavalry over into Charles City County, where the teeming crops already need our attention, and it will also menace Richmond with attack on that side. . Sheridan is ordered to come here, crossing the Chickahominy at Long Bridge or Jones’ Bridge, and striking the James River either at Wilcox’s and be ferried, or at the new bridge above spoken of. Wilson moves on a raid to-morrow night with his division, and half of Kautz’s. He has general instructions to do all the harm he can, especially to the railroad. Richmond Examiner of Sunday mentions safe arrival of a train by that road, as if it were something to be thankful for. General Meade notified Warren this morning that he must either ask to be relieved, or else he (Meade) would prefer charges against him. For past three days Hancock has been so far disabled by his old wound that Birney has commanded the Second City Pornt, V. A., June 21, 1864—9 a. m.
é (Received 6.30 p. m.) All quiet at Petersburg during night. The pontoon bridge at Jones’ Neck was successfully thrown last night. One of Butler’s brigades under Foster passed over, and has constructed a bridge-head at Deep Bottom. Meade did not move the Second Corps last night, it being impracticable to get the Sixth and Highteenth Corps ready to move simultaneously. It will be done to-night. Richmond papers publish Forrest’s official report of his fight with Sturgis. Forrest claims that he killed, wounded, and captured more men than he had in
his own command. ©; aes b) :
Secretary of War.
CiTy POINT, V. A., June 21, 1864—10 a.m. (Received 12.45 p. m. 22d.) General Meade reports that his former report of casualties on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday last was erroneous. Instead of 7,000 it should have been 9,500.
Hon. Epwin M. STanton, Secretary of War.