Foster in his old position on the extreme left, at Deep Bottom. The position of the enemy was in front of the 2d corps. They occupied rifle-pits, defended by one battery. An advance upon them was made by the 2d corps, during which Gen. Miles's brigade under cover flanked the whole position under a brisk charge. The enemy immediately retreated, losing their guns and some prisoners. A mile further in the rear they took a new position on a ridge. The Federal loss during the day was about a hundred. On the next day the demonstrations were continued, and a cavalry battle took place on the right with a loss of about two hundred and fifty. On Friday about four hundred empty wagons were taken across on the bridges as if an advance on Malvern Hill was to be made in great force. Nearly twenty thousand men and twenty cannon had thus been sent north of the James. Meanwhile the enemy hurried off a considerable force from Petersburg to meet these demonstrations, and during Thursday still more were sent. On Thursday evening, therefore, the 3d division of the 2d corps was secretly removed to Petersburg. After some skirmishing with the enemy on Friday afternoon, the rest of the 2d corps and the cavalry, after dark, retraced their steps and arrived before daybreak at Petersburg. At this place there had been the usual cannonade during the four preceding days. All those movements were preliminaries to the explosion of a heavy mine which had been planted under one of the enemy's heaviest works. It had been suggested by Lieutenantcolonel Pleasants of the 48th Pennsylvania regiment, who with his regiment had been accustomed to mining before the war. By them the whole work was accomplished. It was begun on June 25th. It started in the side of a ravine in front of the 9th corps and pushed toward a formidable fort of the enemy situated about two thousand yards from Petersburg. The distance to be mined was about five hundred feet. The gallery was made in the usual shape, being about four feet wide at the bottom and sloping up to the top. Its height was about four and a half feet. A ventilating shaft was sunk near the entrance. The ground rose toward the enemy's position, and the tunnel was sloped upwards as it advanced. When the fort was reached, it was about twenty feet overhead. Wings were extended to the right and left, so that the main gallery might open into two diverging galleries, running along the outer line of the fort. Eight chambers were formed in these latter, separated by sand-bags and wood. Wooden pipes ran about a hundred feet from the magazines toward the mouth of the gallery, and were connected there by a hose or fuse which extended the rest of the distance. The chambers were charged with four tons of powder. After its completion a delay of some days ensued, during which the feint at Deep Bottom was made. Every effort to conceal the work was made, but it was supposed that the enemy were aware of its existence. The plan of assault was to explode the mine and immediately to open a cannonading from every gun on the line. Under cover of this concentrated fire, which might somewhat unnerve the enemy, a storming party was to rush through the gap made by the explosion and endeavor to carry the enemy's position beyond. In the rear of his first line was a strong crest, which commanded Petersburg. The Federal lines were less than a hundred and fifty yards distant from the enemy at the nearest points. The approach to the part to be charged, which was about the same distance, had been made difficult by abatis and entanglements. Nearly a hundred heavy guns had been brought up by Gen. Grant, some of which were eight-inch and some even heavier. The assaulting force was the 9th.corps, supported by the 18th corps, with the 2d in reserve on the right, and the 5th on the left, the whole closely massed, and leaving only the necessary garrisons to hold the more distant intrenchments. This force was in position soon after midnight on Friday, July 29th. The 9th corps was arranged with Gen. Ledlie's division in advance, Gens. Wilcox and Potter's next in support, and the colored division, in command of Gen. Ferrero, in the rear. The fuse was to be lighted at 3 o'clock a. M. But, owing to dampness, the fire went out in the gallery. It was renewed after much delay, but the explosion did not take place until twenty minutes of five o'clock, and after sunrise. A heaving and trembling of the earth was followed by huge clouds of earth and all the contents of the fort, as guns, caissons, limbers, and the soldiers which manned them being thrown into the air. To the spectators it resembled a great fountain in appearance; then, poising for a moment, it quickly descended. A crater, one hundred feet or more in length and half as wide, and a depth of twenty feet, with heaps of ruins, remained where once stood a six-gun fort, its camp equipage, and two hundred men. Immediately after the explosion, the cannonading from a hundred guns commenced. Gradually recovering from his surprise the enemy began to respond, and soon their entire line was engaged. Meantime, after a few minutes' delay, Gen. Marshall's brigade, of Gen. Ledlie's division, began to advance across the deadly plain. The supporting brigades spread out and enveloped the flanking rifle-pits, capturing about two hundred prisoners. The breech was gained, and the troops began to reform for assault. Instead of bursting at once upon the frowning crest, four hundred yards distant, the advance brigades were suffered to throw up intrenchments and spend time in getting two guns to bear on the enemy. Meanwhile the latter rallied and poured a terrific enfilading fire upon the captured fort. At length the 7th than half a mile wide, connects with the north shore. This isthmus it was proposed to cut by a canal. Such canal would save a circuit of six miles in a bend crowded with obstructions and torpedoes and guarded by gunboats of the enemy. If occupied, it would also flank the strong position of the enemy at Howlett's, where his heavy batteries swept the river. It would compel him to construct a new and more extended line of defence, requiring a larger force of men to defend it, and also bring Gen. Grant's forces dangerously near to Fort Darling. The prosecution of the work was continued through the remainder of the year, although often seriously and dangerously annoyed by the enemy. One of the last acts of Gen. Butler, while in command on the James, was an unsuccessful attempt to remove, by an explosion of powder, the earth at the entrance of the canal. The state of operations at this time, as viewed by Gen. Grant, is expressed in the following letter: corps was re-formed, after a fatal delay, and with Gen. Potter's division on the right, Ledfie's in the centre, and Wilcox on the left, under cover of the fire of two guns, began the charge. At every step, the fire of the enemy in front and on each flank, concentrated with greater fury upon them and ploughed their ranks with slaughter. The charge was checked on the side of the crest, there was a halt, and finally the whole line, wavering under terrible. odds, recoiled to the fort. The colored division of the corps remained. As a forlorn hope, it was despatched to do what the other three had failed in attempting. It rushed forward over the four hundred yards which separated it from the enemy only to meet the fate of its comrades. When once broken, it plunged headlong into the fort, upon which the enemy now concentrated their fire. It was evident the day was lost, and the question now was, how best to save the troops. Efforts were made by a division of the 18th and another of the 10th corps to distract the attention of the enemy, but they proved to be useless. His fire was directed straight upon the dismantled fort, now become a slaughter-pen, in which were huddled the fragments of the 9th corps, hoping for relief from their comrades who lay in their intrenchments, two hundred yards distant. Then squads of men began the work of retreating. But the enemy kept up a destruc-guarding railroad bridges, and forming a good part tive cross-fire over every rod of the space between the fort and the Federal lines. The retreating movement, however, was kept up. Meanwhile, the enemy made several charges upon the ruins of the fort, which were bravely resisted by some of the officers and the remnants of the corps. About noon, however, a general retreat was ordered, a considerable part of the survivors of the assault having already crossed to the rear. Those who remained in the fort having exhausted their ammunition and being left unsupported by the rest of the army, were captured about 2 P. M. by a final charge of the enemy. The Federal loss was estimated at five thousand; that of the enemy, one thousand, of whom two hundred were made prisoners. The dead lay on the field for thirty-six hours, when they were removed under a flag of truce. On Friday, Aug. 5th, a mine was exploded by the enemy. No assault followed. On the 7th there was a sharp skirmish and an artillery duel in front of the 9th corps. In the afternoon of the 9th another duel with heavy mortars occurred on the right and right centre. On the same day an ordnance boat was receiving fixed ammunition at City Point, when, by dropping one of the cases, the whole cargo was exploded. On several succeeding days, before Petersburg, only picket and artillery firing took place. On August 10th, preparations were made for digging a canal at Dutch Gap. A great bend in the James River forms a peninsula called Farrar's Island, which a neck of land, less HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, To Hon. E. B. Washburne: DEAR SIR-I state to all citizens who visit me that all we want now to insure an early restoration of the of their garrisons for entrenched positions. A man With this drain upon them the end is not far distant, if we will only be true to ourselves. Their only hope now is in a divided North. This might tucky, Maryland, and Missouri, while it would weaken give them reenforcements from Tennessee, KenWith the draft quickly enforced the enemy would become despondent, and would make but little resistance. I have no doubt but the enemy are exceedingly anxious to hold out until after the Presidential election. They have many hopes from its effects. us. They hope a counter revolution; they hope the election of the Peace candidate. In fact, like "Mi cawber," they hope for something to turn up.” U. S. GRANT. On August 18th the 5th corps marched to Reams' station, on the Weldon Railroad, and surprised a body of the enemy guarding it, and took possession of the road. On the next day an impetuous attack was made upon their right by three brigades of the enemy under Gen. Mahone. The pickets and an advanced regiment were quickly driven back to the breast works, and the enemy rushed through a gap in the line, separating the divisions of Crawford and Wilcox. A desperate engagement now ensued. At the same time the left of the line was attacked by the enemy under Gen. Heth, and the temporary intrenchments carried. On reaching the second line the enemy was brought to a stand, and then driven back with great slaughter. At this time reënforcements had arrived, consisting of the 1st and 2d divisions of the 9th corps. The lines were thus finally rallied and the enemy driven back, retrieving in a measure the disaster at the outset. The Federal loss was estimated between 3,500 and 4,000. The enemy claimed to have captured 2,700 prisoners. The Weldon Railroad was thus recovered by the enemy as far as Yellow Tavern, but the position first taken by Gen. Warren was held. On August 28th, Gen. Grant issued the following order: HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE U. S., IN THE FIELD, Hereafter deserters from the Confederate army, who deliver themselves up to the United States forces, will, on taking the oath that they will not again take up arms during the present rebellion, be furnished subsistence and free transportation to their homes, if the same are within the lines of the Federal occupation. If their homes are within such lines, they will be furnished subsistence and free transportation to any point in the Northern States. All deserters who take the oath of allegiance will, if they desire it, be given employment in the Quartermaster's and other departments of the army, and the same remuneration paid them as is given to civilians employed for similar services. Forced military duty, or services endangering them to capture by the Confederate forces, will not be exacted from such as give themselves up to the United States military authorities. By command of Lieut.-Gen. GRANT. T. S. BOWERS, A. A. G. Affairs now remained quiet until September 10th, when the brigade of Gen. De Trobriand captured a portion of the enemy's pickets, inflicting a loss of one hundred to one hundred and fifty. On the 16th a body of the enemy's cavalry marched around in the rear of Gen. Meade's left at Reams' station, and captured the 13th Pennsylvania and a herd of 2,500 cattle. They were pursued by cavalry, but the pursuit was repulsed and they retired at leisure. On September 14th the Secretary of War sent forward the following despatch: WAR DEPARTMENT, September 14. CITY POINT 10:30 A. M., September 13. forced. Let them be undeceived. Deserters come Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: forced. First, we want the men; second, they come W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. The draft is ordered to commence in all the States and districts where the quota is not filled by volunteers, on Monday, the 19th, and will go on until completed. Volunteers and substitutes will be received and credited to as late a period as possible. Volunteering is still progressing with vigor in most of the States. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. the President on July 18th. A call for 500,000 men had been issued by On Sept. 28th a movement was made by Gen. Grant on the north of the James. It was predicated on the belief that only a small force of of the river, and a hope was entertained that the enemy occupied the works on the north side by a sudden movement and a rapid advance the capture of Richmond might be the result. At vance was successfully resisted it could only be the same time it was assumed that if the adaccomplished by the withdrawal of a force from the south side of the river, which would materially aid the army of the Potomac in a 18th corps was ordered to cross the James at contemplated movement on the enemy in the Aikin's Landing, eight miles above Deep Botvicinity of Petersburg. Gen. Ord with the tom, and to mass his troops quietly on the the enemy's works in his front with the utmost north bank, and at daylight to advance against celerity, in order that no reenforcements might reach the enemy in time to oppose the moveFarm, it was designed that he should without delay advance against the rear defences of After capturing the works on Chapin's Chapin's Bluff, and, after capturing these, destroy the bridges across the James and continue his advance toward Richmond, capturing the enemy or driving them before him, and tion of the bridges. At the same time Gen. effectually protecting his rear by the destrucBirney, on the afternoon of the 28th, with the crossed the river during the night. A division 10th corps, moved to Bermuda Hundred and of colored troops of the 18th corps was added rapid movement at daylight, to capture the to his force. Gen. Birney was ordered, by a enemy's work in front of Deep Bottom and gain possession of the New Market road lead ment. ing to Richmond; thence to advance as rapidly as practicable toward Richmond, assaulting any works occupied by the enemy which he might meet, and establish communication or a connection with Gen. Ord at the Mill road, distant about seven miles from Richmond. Gen. Birney had captured the enemy's works at 8 A. M., and by nine o'clock his second division was on the advance toward Richmond on the New Market road. Communication was established with Gen. Ord, as directed, by 103 o'clock, and Gen. Grant, being on the field, expressed his gratification with the progress. The strong inner defences of Chapin's Bluff were soon encountered, and preparations were made to assault them. Gen. Ord had carried the first line of the enemy's works in his immediate front, capturing some fifteen pieces of artillery, and was then preparing to act in conjunction with Gen. Birney upon the enemy's line of fortifications. As the works were evidently very formidable, it became necessary to organize a regular assaulting column. This delayed the assault until 2 P. M. Meantime reënforcements were sent to the enemy, and as the assaulting column advanced they could be seen entering the works. From this cause and the strength of the works, the assault was unsuccessful, although the troops behaved with great gallantry. Two regiments only of the colored division reached one of the rebel forts, where they found a ditch ten feet wide and eight feet deep between them and the parapet. More. than a hundred of these brave fellows jumped into the ditch and assisted some of their comrades to mount the parapet by allowing them to climb up on their shoulders. About a dozen succeeded in mounting the parapet by these means. But this force which had bravely pushed on was far too small to capture the fort, and was therefore compelled to retire, leaving their comrades in the ditch of the fort. But these were unable to make good their escape, as it would have been certain death to leave the the ditch and return to the troops, and were afterwards compelled to surrender. About eight hundred men were lost in this assault in killed, wounded, and prisoners. On the 30th the enemy attempted to recapture the works which had been taken, but without success. On the same day Gen. Warren attacked and carried the enemy's lines on their extreme right, and captured a number of prisoners. At the same time Gen. Meade attacked and carried the enemy's line near Poplar Grove Church. On Oct. 7th the enemy made a vigorous and partially successful effort to turn the right flank of the Army of the James. Gen. Anderson, with one brigade of cavalry and two of infantry, sur 38 prised the Federal cavalry and routed the force on the right and captured many of them. Upon encountering the main body near New Market the enemy were repulsed and abandoned the Central road. The loss was about five hundred, that of the enemy was some larger, including one hundred and fifty prisoners. On the 27th a movement was made by a portion of the 2d and 5th corps against the enemy's position at Hatcher's Run. A severe engagement ensued, in which the troops of both corps were driven back with severe loss. They, however, held their original position. The following is Gen. Grant's despatch respecting this movement: CITY POINT, Oct. 27—9 P. M. To Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secy of War: I have just returned from the crossing of the Boylston plank road with Hatcher's Creek. Our line now extends from its former left to Armstrong's mill, thence by the south bank of Hatcher's Creek to the point above named. At every point the enemy was found intrenched and his works manned. No attack was made during the day further than to drive pickets and cavalry inside of the main work. Our casualties have been light, probably less than two hundred killed, wounded, and missing. The same is probably true with the enemy. We captured, however, seven loaded teams on their way to Stony Creek to the enemy, about a dozen beef cattle, a travelling forge, and from seventy-five to one hundred prisoners. road without finding a point unguarded. I shall keep Butler extended around well toward the Yorktown our troops out where they are until toward noon tomorrow, in hopes of inviting an attack. (Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieut. General. The following is Gen. Lee's despatch: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Į October 28th, 1864. Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War: Gen. A. P. Hill reports that the attack of Gen. Heth upon the enemy upon the Boylston plank road, mentioned in my despatch last evening, was made by three brigades under Gen. Mahone in front and Gen. dred prisoners, three stands of colors, and six pieces Hampton in the rear. Mahone captured four hunof artillery. The latter could not be brought off, the enemy having possession of the bridge. In the attack subsequently made by the enemy the night the enemy retired from the Boylston plank Gen. Mahone broke three lines of battle, and during road, leaving his wounded and more than two hundred and fifty dead on the field. About 9 o'clock P. M., a small force assaulted and took possession of our works on the Baxter road, in front of Petersburg, but was soon driven out. On the Williamsburg road, yesterday, Gen. Field captured upward of four hundred prisoners and seven stands of colors. The enemy left a number of dead in front of our works and returned to his former position to-day. R. E. LEE. The subsequent movements during the year were comparatively unimportant. Both armies prepared such quarters as to enable them to retain their positions during the winter. CHAPTER XLIV. The Sanitary Commission-Its Organization-Objects-Means of Transportation-Preventive Service-General ReliefSpecial Relief-Field Relief-Auxiliary Relief Corps-Receipts-Expenditures-Western Commission-Other Sanitary Commissions-Christian Commission-Organization-Objects-Services-American Union Commission-Objects. complishment of the same end, these associations resolved to send a joint delegation to Washington to confer with the Government, and ascertain by what means they might best cooperate with it for the benefit of the soldiers of the nation. SOME notice should be given to those charitable organizations which were designed to relieve the sufferings of the wounded soldiers. Their agents were not only present on the field of these unparalleled battles, but they had accompanied the armies in every campaign. The proclamation of the President of the United States on the 15th of April, 1861, announcing the beginning of a civil war, and calling for 75,000 volunteer soldiers, not only brought to light the patriotic feeling of the masses of American citizens, who hastened to enrol themselves among the volunteer defenders of the country, but evoked a deep feeling of sympathy, and a desire to aid in the good work on the part of those who from age, profession, or sex, were debarred the privilege of giving their personal service in the field. Soldiers' aid societies, to furnish lint, bandages, hospital clothing, and delicacies, as well as nurses for the sick and wounded, sprung up on every hand; their zeal was often mingled with inexperience and ignorance, and the Medical Bureau of the War Department, nearly as ignorant as they of the immense duties and responsibilities which would soon overwhelm it, turned a cold shoulder to their offers of aid; but the motives which prompted them in their benevolent offers were worthy of all praise. Among these aid societies, many of them organized within two or three weeks after the President's proclamation, The Woman's Central Association of Relief," in New York, which had among its officers some gentlemen of large experience in sanitary science, and of considerable knowledge of military hygiene. These sought to give to its labors a practical character from the beginning, and they urged upon the association the importance of ascertaining at once what the Government would and could do, and then making arrangements to cooperate with it and supplement its deficiencies. Prominent among these gentlemen was Rev. Henry W. Bellows, D.D., who had previously won a high reputation by his efforts for improving the sanitary condition of our large cities. was one, 66 Other organizations of gentlemen were attempting by different, yet in the main similar measures, to render assistance to the Government. Among these were the "Advisory Committee of the Board of Physicians and Surgeons of the Hospitals of New York," and "The New York Medical Association for furnishing Hospital Supplies in aid of the Army," both new associations, called into existence by the exigencies of the war. Fraternizing with each other, as they well might, since they all looked to the ac The idea of organizing a Commission which should unite and energize all these as yet isolated societies, and apply their contributions to the best advantage in aid of the Medical Bureau and the sick and wounded soldiers, seems to have been suggested to the delegation at the very outset of their mission. On the 18th of May, 1861, Messrs. Henry W. Bellows, D.D., W. H. Van Buren, M.D., Elisha Harris, M.D., and Jacob Harsen, M.D., representatives of these three associations, drew up and forwarded to the Secretary of War a communication setting forth the propriety of creating an organization which should unite the duties and labors of the three associations, and cooperate with the Medical Bureau of the War Department to such an extent that each might aid the other in securing the welfare of the army. For this purpose they asked that a mixed commission of civilians, military officers, and medical men, might be appointed by the Government, charged with the duty of methodizing and reducing to practical service the already active but undirected benevolence of the people toward the army. On the 22d of May, R. Č. Wood, M.D., then Acting Surgeon-General, and subsequently in charge of the Western Medical Department, followed this communication by a letter addressed to the Secretary of War, urging the establishment of the desired Commission as a needed adjunct to the new, extensive, and overflowing duties of the Medical Bureau. On the 23d of May, the delegation addressed to the Secretary of War a "Draft of powers, asked from the Government, by the Sanitary delegates to the President and Secretary of War." In this paper the powers desired were stated as follows: "1. The Commission being organized for the purposes only of inquiry and advice, asks for no legal powers, but only the official recognition and moral countenance of the Government, which will be secured by its public appointment. It asks for a recommendatory order, addressed in its favor to all officers of the movement, to further its inquiries; for permission to correspond and confer, on a confidential footing, with the Medical Bureau and the War Department, proffering such suggestions and counsel as its investigations and studies may from time to time prompt and enable it to offer. |