The Words of War

by Donagh Bracken

  Headquarters

  Army Northern Virginia

  June 15, 6 p.m.

  To the Hon. Secretary of War

  Sir:

  After the withdrawal of our cavalry yesterday evening from the front of the enemy works at Harrison Landing, his cavalry again advanced on Salem Church Road, and he is this morning reported in some force on that road, and at Malvern Hill. Gen. W.F. LEE easily drove back the force at the latter point, which retreated down the river road beyond Carter Mill. A brigade of infantry was sent to support our cavalry on the road to Smith Store, drove the enemy to that point without difficulty. Nothing else of importance occurred today.

  (Signed)

  R.E. LEE.

  The Attack on Petersburg

  Richmond, June 16

  The Petersburg Express of this morning gives a full account of another demonstration against that city, yesterday. The enemy advanced in force by the City Point Road, early in the morning, and were held in check until sunset, when a furious assault was made upon our outer works, defended by two regiments of WISE’S brigade and STURDEVANT’S battery. Three furious assaults were repulsed, but the fourth was made by such overwhelming numbers, our men were compelled to fall back, and the enemy occupied the works, and captured three guns of STURDEVANT’S battery. The force of the enemy is rumored to be ten or twelve thousand.

  The Attack on Petersburg

  Ever since GRANT’S move down the Chickahominy to the James River, the public of the Confederate States has looked to the railroad communication with Richmond on the South side as the object of that strategy. The people have been busy with enquiries as to the routes and relative distances to be traveled by the two armies to their new battle ground between the Petersburg Railroad and the James River.

  BATTLE MAP OF PETERSBURG. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  The existence and location of pontoon bridges, for the passenger of General LEE’S army have been discussed, in full confidence that our Government was on the qui vive to meet the promptest and most energetic attack of GRANT in the expected quarter. This attempt to cut our communications, and hold some portion of this road, is evidently the last effort of the foiled invader. Slow siege and gradual starvation are to be tried for reducing Richmond, rather than the open field and grand assault of the army on the planet. The possession of Petersburg first, followed by a successful attack on the Danville road, would obviously place the Confederate capital in an awkward state of beleaguerment.

  When, in the face of these patent facts of some days standing, we learn by telegraph that the outer defences of Petersburg have been attacked by a Yankee column of some twelve thousand men, and unsuccessfully defended by but two regiments of Confederate infantry and one light battery, we are at a loss to account for what appears either a singular dullness inperceiving GRANT’S object, or a strange sluggishness in transferring the army from the north to the southside defence. Appearances, however, are not reliable, and we await the denoument, trusting that time will be allowed to send the required reinforcements – that Petersburg and the railroad communication will be saved, and that GRANT will here meet this final and crushing defeat of all his plans of taking Richmond.

  The Charleston Mercury

  June 18, 1864

  Telegraph from Richmond, June 16 – p.m.

  There is nothing authentic from Petersburg today. The Yankees have advanced their lines in Chesterfield. Some fighting took place near Chester today. By last advices SHERIDAN was moving through Spottsylvania and was reported crossing the Rapidan.

  General LEE has been placed in command of all forces in Virginia and North Carolina.

  A REGIMENT OF THE 18TH CORPS CARRYING A PORTION OF BEAUREGARD’S LINE IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG (MULLEN). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  Latest from Petersburg, June 17

  The assault on Battery 16 last evening was handsomely repulsed by BUSHROD JOHNSON’S division. About 450 prisoners were captured, belonging to HANCOCK’S corps. They report General BARTON mortally wounded. Our forces met with a slight reverse at the same point this morning. An assault at the same place this afternoon was repulsed.

  It is believed the enemy forces are heavily massed in front of Petersburg. Colonel PAGE, of WISE’S brigade, was killed this morning. Captain FRED CARTER, of the Richmond Blues, who was wounded Wednesday night, died today. Colonel RANDOLPH THOMSON, severely wounded in the same fight, is doing well. Lieutenant Colonel Wise, seriously wounded, is improving.

  The Charleston Mercury

  June 21, 1864

  From the Virginia Front

  From the Richmond Dispatch of the 17th, we get the following additional items:

  On Thursday morning the enemy appeared in force near the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, and drove in our skirmishers, who fell back to the right of the road. About the same hour a division, while marching by the turnpike towards Petersburg, was attacked by the enemy about a mile and a half from Chester. The General commanding the division at once drew up his troops in line of battle, charged, and drove the Yankees back three miles towards the Appomattox River. At last accounts our forces held the fortifications at Chester. A train which arrived from that point about eight o last night brought news that the fight had been renewed, and was in progress when the cars left for Richmond.

  Meantime the enemy succeeded in getting possession of the railroad between Port Walthall Junction and Swift Creek, cut the telegraph wires, and, it is presumed, indulged in their favorite amusement of tearing up the track. Of this, however, we have no definite account, as no train has passed over the entire length of the road since early yesterday morning.

  A business despatch, dated Petersburg, 1:45 p.m., received yesterday, makes no mention of any fighting there. It proves, however, that the city was safe at that hour.

  In connection with the fight on Wednesday, there are painful rumors relative to the casualties of the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, 46th Virginia Regiment, Wise Brigade. It is reported that they suffered heavily, and that their gallant commander, Captain Fred Carter, received a mortal wound.

  Army Correspondence of the Savannah Republican

  Army of Northern Virginia

  Cold Harbor

  June 11, 1864

  There has been no change in the position of the two armies since the date of my last letter. Grant has availed himself of the protection afforded by an almost impassable swamp, and to this he has added very strong entrenchments. His conduct since the sanguinary battle of the 3d points to a defensive policy, at least until he can reorganize and recruit his beaten army. Meanwhile, he hopes to be able to accomplish by raids what he has failed to do by open battle. Mixed columns of cavalry, light artillery and infantry will be, and have already been, sent out to operate upon our communications and cut off our supplies. Of this character was the late demonstration against Petersburg, where, as you have been informed, the enemy was signally repulsed by the militia and such regular forces as could be brought up in time.

  You have heard also of the expedition of Sheridan, who ha moved with a mixed force of ten or twelve thousand men in the direction of Gordonsville. It may be that he will seek to unite with Hunter, now at Staunton, or to sweep around and destroy the bridges on the Danvile Railway. The two expeditions set out about the same time – a coincidence which gives some color to the suspicion that the design of both of them is to interrupt our communication. The party that marched against Petersburg has already been defeated and driven off, and we are hourly expecting information that Hampton, who was sent towards Gordonsville, has done the same thing with Sheridan. At last accounts Hampton was between Gordonsville and the enemy, in a position to guard the railway lines that intersect at that place, to join our forces operating in the Valley, or strike Sheridan, as may seem best.

  The advance of Hunter up the Valley of the Shenandoah and his occupation of Staunton were designed to create a diversion in favor of Grant. The latter hopes, by threatening Richmond in that quarter, to compel General Lee to detach a considerabl
e force from his main army, and so weaken himself as to be no longer capable of coping with his adversary in the field. When he shall have done this, the Federal commander will either make another desperate effort to bear down all opposition and reach the capital, or to gain the banks of James River, and finally the south bank of the Appomattox. He might now retire across the Pamunkey, take water at West Point, and move around by Fortress Monroe to City Point; but Lee would have sufficient notice of such a movement to put his own army in a position to checkmate it, and that is just what Grant desires to prevent.

  SHARPSHOOTERS FROM THE 18TH CORPS (WAUD). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  Breckinridge was sent back to the Valley some days ago. What with the forces he took with him, the cavalry already there under Imboden and others, and the column now moving thither under Hampton, it is hoped we shall be able to make the country too hot for the Federals. It must not be disguised, however, that the latter are concentrating at Staunton also, and perhaps in larger numbers than the Confederates. The latest official information from Breckinridge was dated yesterday, at which time the enemy was aware of his presence, and was making suitable dispositions to receive him. Morgan, unfortunately, seems not to be yet cured of his love of raids; in other words, he has gone into Kentucky, where he can do no good but much harm, instead of remaining in Virginia, where every stroke of his sabre would be a stroke to some purpose. It is well enough to capture enemy trains and destroy his communications, but mere raids, such as that of Morgan into Ohio and this one into Kentucky, answer no valuable purpose, but rather invite, and to some extent justify, those retaliatory measures by the enemy from which our noncombatant population has suffered so much.

  The troops are now receiving full rations of salt meat and bread, coffee and sugar, and pretty fair supply of West Indian onions and greens. The vegetables are very acceptable, and will check, it is hoped, the manifest tendency to scurvy and disorders of the bowels. The men are also well clothed and shod, and the morale of the army is excellent. The condition of the animals of the army is improving rapidly, in spite of Gen. Grant and his bridge burning raiders. Indeed, the Quartermaster General, the Commissary General, the Chief of Railway Transportation and the railroad authorities, deserve much credit for the skill and energy with which they have discharged their several duties under very embarrassing circumstances.

  P. W. A.

  Telegraphic from Virginia

  Richmond, June 20

  Unofficial information from Lynchburg states that the Yankees were overtaken in their retreat at Liberty, and a large number of them captured.

  SHERIDAN is reported in Hanover today, moving towards the James River with the remnant of his command. The capture of the entire party is confidently anticipated.

  Petersburg, June 20

  Since yesterday nothing of interest has transpired. Today there has been some cannonading and slight skirmishing.

  Yesterday General MEADE sent a flag of truce to General BEAUREGARD requesting permission to bury the dead, which was not granted.

  The City Council held a meeting today, and sent a committee to General Beauregard to ask advice in regard to the removal of noncombatants. General BEAUREGARD replied that no notice had been given by the enemy of a purpose to shell the city, but it would be prudent for those who could leave the lower part of the city to do so, and for women and children to remain in the cellars. Very few shells have been thrown into the city today.

  GRANT’S lines reach from James River, across the Appomattox, to within two miles of the Weldon Railroad.

  Advices from Liberty, received this morning, say that HUNTER had been pursued through that place, and that he was retreating towards Buford Gap in considerable confusion. Some prisoners had been taken, and more, doubtless, would be captured.

  The enemy, at this writing, seem to be moving towards the Weldon Railroad. Our Generals will, doubtless, be prepared for them.

  From The New York Times

  Important: Petersburg Captured

  The Fortifications Stormed by General Smith.BOTH LINES CARRIED.Four Hundred Prisoners and Sixteen Guns Taken Distinguished Gallantry of the Black Legion.Gen. Smith Tenders His Thanks to Them.PETERSBURG UNDER OUR GUNS.The Rebels on the West Side of the Appomattox.The Army All Across the James.HANCOCK IN JUNCTION WITH SMITH.GRANT WELL AHEAD OF LEE.SECRETARY STANTON TO GENERAL DIX [OFFICIAL.]

  Washington, Sunday, June 17, 1864

  To Major Gen. Dix:

  The following dispatches have been received by this Department:

  CITY POINT, June 15, VIA JAMESTOWN ISLAND, 5:30 A.M., 1864.

  SMITH, with 15,000 men, attacked Pittsburgh this morning.

  Gen. BUTLER reports, from his observatory near Bermuda Hundred, that there had been sharp fighting and that the troops and trains of the enemy were, as he writes, moving from the City across the Appomattox as if retreating.

  HANCOCK is not near enough to render Gen. SMITH any aid.

  The Richmond papers have nothing to indicate a suspicion of our crossing the James River. They expect to be attacked from the direction of Malvern Hill.

  CITY POINT, Va., 5:30 P.M., June 15, 1864.

  Our latest report from SMITH was at four P.M. He had carried a line of entrenchments 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 as very heavy.

  He expected to assault this line just before dark. HANCOCK is within three miles of SMITH.

  City Point, VA, 7 a.m., June 16, via Jamestown Island, 11:45 A.M.

  At 7:20 P.M. yesterday, SMITH assaulted and carried the principal line of the enemy before Petersburgh, taking thirteen cannon, several stands of colors, and between three and four hundred prisoners. This line is two miles from Petersburgh. HANCOCK got up and took position on SMITH’S left at 3 A.M. to-day. There was heavy firing in that direction from 5 to 6 o’clock. No report has been received yet.

  Don’t Hard Landing, VA

  June 16 – 1 P.M.

  After sending my dispatch of this morning from the heights southeast of Petersburgh, I went over the conquered lines with Gen. GRANT and the engineer officers. The works are of the very strongest kind, more difficult to take than was Missionary Ridge, at Chattanooga. The hardest fighting was done by the black troops. The forts they stormed were the worst of all. After the affair was over, Gen. 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 Petersburgh when SMITH stormed. 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 continued splendid.

  THE BATTLE OF DARBY TOWN ROAD (WAUD). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  City Point, VA

  June 16, 1864 – 4:15 P

  Gen. Butler reports from Bermuda Hundred that the enemy have abandoned the works in front of that place. His troops are now engaged in tearing up the railroad between Petersburgh and Richmond.

  Grant’s Last Movement

  Its Military Aspects and Objects

  Its Probable Effect upon the Campaign

  From Our Special Correspondent

  WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1864. The clear and succinct dispatches of the Secretary of War have made the country acquainted with the outline facts of the last great move of Gen. GRANT – the transfer of the Army of the Potomac from the Chickahominy to the James River. I can add no details of fact to the official statement, having been absent from the army since the battle of Chickahominy on the 3d inst. There are,
however, some suggestions of moment that may not be out of place.

  Your readers will recollect that in my letter on the battle of the Chickahominy, in which I endeavored to recognize the true military character and bearings of that battle, I put on record the opinion that Gen. GRANT would make no further effort to pass the Chickahominy, and hinted that his eyes were even then “turned away to lines and combinations more bold than any yet essayed.” Well, what could then only be thus obscurely foreshadowed, is to-day a realized fact. Indeed, I may now go further, and state that from the very start, the transfer of the army to the south side of Richmond has formed an integral part of Gen. Grant’s plan of campaign; and while the battle of Chickahominy was still in progress, the whole question of the pontooning of the James River was elaborately discussed. And now recognizing the relations which that section holds to the general plan of operations – noting that it now stands defined as the pivotal point of the whole campaign – would it be too much for me to ask those presses that abused me for having so recognized it a fortnight ago, to take back their abuse?

  The battle of the Chickahominy was an experiment made for a specific purpose – to test the feasibility of an assault on Richmond from the northern side. It was an experiment perfectly proper to be made; and it was satisfactory. It convinced every reflecting mind that nothing was to be gained in that direction. This was obvious to every one; and every one waited to see what card GRANT would play next. But it was only those who knew something of the boldness of his military conception, that could have ventured to anticipate a repetition of the Vicksburgh strategy—the same strategy, the same audacity, only on a far grander scale!