Our assault on Petersburg this morning was not a success.  After the explosion of the mine, our men were to assault the lines next to the resulting crater.  Instead, they were lead into the crater itself where they were helpless in the face of the rebel fire.  I wrote Gen. Halleck,

CITY POINT, VA., July 30, 1864 – 10 a. m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

Finding that my effort to surprise the enemy by sending an army corps and three divisions of cavalry to the north bank of the James River, under cover of night, for the purpose of getting on to the railroads north of Richmond, drew all of his forces from Petersburg except three divisions, I determined to attack and try to carry the latter place. The enemy’s earth-works are as strong as they can be made, and the ground is very broken and favorable for defense. Having a mine prepared running for a distance of eighty feet along the enemy’s parapet, and about twenty-two feet below the surface of the ground, ready loaded, and covered ways made near to his line, I was strongly in hopes, by this means of opening the way, the assault would prove successful. The mine was sprung a few minutes before 5 o’clock this morning, throwing up four guns of the enemy and burying most of a South Carolina regiment. Our men immediately took possession of the crater made by the explosion, and a considerable distance of the parapet to the right of it, as wells a short work in front, and still hold them. The effort to carry the ridge beyond, and which would give us Petersburg and the south bank of the Appomattox, failed. As the line held by the enemy would be a very bad one for us, being in a side hill, the crest on the side of the enemy, and not being willing to take the chances of a slaughter sure to occur if another assault was made, I have directed the withdrawal of our troops to their old lines. Although just from the front, I have little idea of the casualties. I think, however, our loss will be but a few hundred, unless it occurs in withdrawing, which it may not be practicable to do before night. I saw about 200 prisoners taken from the enemy. Hancock and Sheridan returned from the north side of the river during the night, and are now here.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 345-6

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 636

Despite the failure of the move against Richmond, we may still be able to take advantage of the diversion.  I wrote Gen. Butler,

CITY POINT, VA., July 29, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER,

Commanding, &.:

The main object of the expedition north of the James River having failed, by reason of the very large force thrown there by the enemy, I have determined to try and take advantage of the diversion made by assaulting at Petersburg before the enemy can get much of his force back there. As the assault must be made promptly on the return of our troops, and a night march being necessary to deceive the enemy, which will necessarily fatigue the troops to such an extent as to made their attack weak, I determined to withdraw one division of the Second Corps during last night, and with, and with it relieve the Eighteenth Corps, so as to have all fresh troops for the first assault.

The division which withdrew last night marched to the neighborhood of Petersburg. They will rest to-day and under cover of night take the place of the Eighteenth Corps. General Meade having studied all the ground over which the assault is to be made, and the Ninth Corps as part of his command having the advance in the assault, General Ord will report to General Meade for instructions from me, and is now industriously engaged preparing the details.

As soon as it is dark General Hancock will commence the withdrawal of the balance of his corps. The cavalry will follow the infantry. The former will reach Petersburg with all dispatch, and follow the assaulting column or place now occupied by the Eighteenth Corps as may be found advisable. The cavalry will make a forced march to the left of our present line, and be in readiness to move round the enemy’s right.

This movement will leave the garrison at Deep Bottom in presence of a vastly superior force. The navy will want to dispose of their vessel in such a manner as to sweep all the ground in front of our troops. I wish you would communicate with Captain Smith through a staff officer on this subject. Please caution him to make no changes through the day calculated to attract special interest on the part of the enemy.

General Foster, I think, had better level the line of rifle-pits we captured from the enemy, and move his whole force to the side of the creek first occupied by him. The lower pontoon bridge should also be swung round to the west bank of the river. It may be advisable for General Foster to move his trains and surplus property to the west bank; but these details I leave to you.

If possible I want to have our withdrawal from the north bank of the river concealed from the enemy until the attack commences at Petersburg.

I have had General Ord informed verbally of the fact that he is to be relieved by the Second Corps, and is to form a part of the assaulting column. It only remains to notify him that during the assault he will receive orders from General Meade.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 338-9

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 619-20

I received word of a Cavalry skirmish near New Market.  I wrote Gen. Halleck,

CITY POINT, July 28, 1864-3.30 p.m.

Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff:

The enemy have attempted to drive our cavalry from the vicinity of Charles City road near New Market. Casualties are not reported, but I suppose have been small. Torbert’s division repulsed the enemy in his front, capturing 150 of their number. At last report the enemy in front of Gregg’s division were still standing. I am just starting for the scene of action.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

Later I wrote him,

CITY POINT, VA., July 28, 1864-9 p.m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

I have just returned from Deep Bottom. The enemy evidently and have been moving to meet it ever since they discovered it. The position of out troops to-day was-the left of the Second Corps resting at Deep Bottom, and extending along Bailey’s Creek; Gregg’s and Torbert’s cavalry divisions were down to the right of the Second Corps, and extend to the New Market road, with one brigade at Malvern Hill. In getting their position they were attacked by the enemy in heavy force. The fighting lasted several hours, resulting in a loss which Sheridan thinks will not exceed 200 on our side, the greater part of whom are but slightly wounded, and some are prisoners in the hands of the enemy. We have taken 200 prisoners, besides wounded, many of whom were left in our possession. The number could not be estimated because ambulances were still engaged bringing them in when I left the ground. In front of Torbert’s division 158 of the enemy’s dead had been counted. There was equally as much, if not more, fighting in front of Gregg’s division, and probably as many of the enemy’s dead were left there. We have failed in what I had hoped to accomplish-that is, to surprise the enemy, and get on to their roads with the cavalry near to Richmond and destroy them out to South Anna. I am yet in hopes of turning this diversion to account, so as to yield greater results than if the first object had been accomplished.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 332-3

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 551

I received the following from Gen. Meade.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 27, 1864-9 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

I should judge from Hancock’s dispatches that he does not consider himself in sufficient force to effect much. Can you not re-enforce him from some of Major-General Butler’s troops? I make this suggestion because the stronger he is the more powerful the blow he can strike to-morrow.

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General.

I replied,

CITY POINT, VA., July 27, 1864.

Major-General MEADE,

Commanding, &c.:

General Butler’s sending off the Nineteenth Corps leaves him very weak, so that I do not think he can re-enforce Hancock much. I will direct him, however, to send all the troops he can possibly spare. General Foster now has about 2,700 men at Deep Bottom, just in position to strike the enemy in flank if he is driven back.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 328

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 504

The men of the 48th Pennsylvania are coal miners, and they have dug a mine beneath the enemy’s defenses around Petersburg.  I have little faith that it will accomplish much, but if we can fill it with powder and detonate it, we may be able to break the stalemate.  I wrote Gen. Meade,

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
City Point, Va., July 25, 1864.

Major General GEORGE G. MEADE:

You may direct the loading of the mine in front of the Ninth Corps. I would set no time when it should be exploded, but leave it subject to orders. The expedition ordered may cause such a weakening of the enemy at Petersburg as to make an attack there possible, in which case you would want to spring Burnside’s mine. It cannot be kept a great while after the powder is put in. I would say, therefore, if it is not found necessary to blow it up earlier, I would have it off during the afternoon of Wednesday.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 312

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 438

I started a letter to Charles Dana asking for news of Washington, and Rawlins finished it.

CITY POINT, VA., July 24, 1864-11 a.m.

Honorable C. A. DANA,

Assistant Secretary of War:

How does the pursuit after the enemy sum up? Have they been compelled to drop any of their plunder, and have we killed, captured, and scattered any of their force to speak of? What news have you from Foster? We hear nothing from him except through the papers. All quiet here. A Richmond extra of yesterday claims great victory at Atlanta; capture of a great many prisoners; 22 pieces; killed large number, among whom was celebrated Yankee General McPherson, also Giles A. Smith and T. J. Wood; that Hardee was in Sherman’s rear, and they expected that victory would be decisive. Sherman’s dispatches of a day later, which, of course, you have seen, place the matter in a very different light, save the death of McPherson. We will make a move here about Tuesday, but which one of two that are in contemplation is not yet fixed upon; when it is I will dispatch you.

JNO  RAWLINS,

Chief of Staff.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 301

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 422-3

I received the following from Gen. Halleck.  I am concerned that Early appears to be headed back south.  If so, he could reunite with Lee’s army and allow him to detach troops to Atlanta.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 1864-1 p.m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

City Point, Va.:

General Wright in person arrived this morning, and most of his forces will encamp at our outer line to-night. He says it will take about two days to refit his men with shoes and clothing and to have them paid. Our cavalry yesterday followed the enemy to Strasburg. He is still moving south. General Hunter telegraphs to the President that, without the assistance of Wright, he cannot prevent Early’s return, if attempted. A man just in from Gordonsville says the railroad is repaired and the bridge across the Rapidan nearly completed. In regard to Early’s force, General Wright was assured by Union men, who saw both armies, that Early’s was much the larger. The rebels generally said to the country people that as soon as they secured their plunder they would return to Maryland and Pennsylvania for more, and that they expected to meet a force from Richmond to receive their plunder. They were probably directed by their officer to say this. The President (who has seen all the dispatches on the subject) directs me to say that you alone can judge, of the importance of sending with Sixth Corps to the Army of the Potomac, or of its operating with Hunter against Gordonsville and Charlottesville, and that you alone must decide the question. The part of the Nineteenth Corps which returns with General Wright will be sent to City Point as soon as they can be refitted.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

I replied,

CITY POINT, VA., July 23, 1864-6 p.m.

Major-General HALLECK,

Washington, D. C.:

If Wright has returned to Washington send him immediately back here, retaining, however, the portion of the Nineteenth Corps now in Washington for further orders. Early is undoubtedly returning here to enable the enemy to detach troops to go to Georgia. Hunter’s troops must be tired. I would say, therefore, for him to take up such of the advanced positions suggested by him as in his judgment will best protect the line of the Potomac. If Wright and Hunter have started after the enemy with the view of following on the road from Charlottesville to Gordonsville let them go.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 327-8

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 408-9

I wrote Gen. Halleck,

CITY POINT, VA., July 21, 1864-11 a. m.

Major-General HALLECK,

Washington, D. C.:

You may retain Wright’s command until the departure of Early is assured, or other forces are collected to make its presence no longer necessary. I have ordered another regiment of heavy artillery back to Washington, but they will not go while the Sixth and part of the Nineteenth Corps are there. I am now sending back all veterans whose term of service expires previous to the 25th of August. If Early has halted about Berryville, what is there to prevent Wright and Hunter from attacking him?

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 291

O.R., I, xxxvii, part 2, p 408

It has come to my attention that several states are attempting to fill their quota of soldiers by recruiting from the southern states.  I wrote Sec. Stanton to register my disapproval.

CITY POINT, VA., July 20, 1864.

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I must enter my protest against States sending recruiting agents into the Southern States for the purpose of filling their quotas. The negroes brought within our lines are rightfully recruits for the U. S. service, and should not go to benefit any particular State. It is simply allowing Massachusetts (I mention Massachusetts because I see the order of the Governor of that State for establishing recruiting agencies in the South, and see no such order from any other State authority) to fill her quota by paying an amount of money to recruits the United States have already got. I must also enter my protest against recruiting from prisoners of war. Each one enlisted robs us of a soldier and adds one to the enemy with a bounty paid il loyal money.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

He replied,

WASHINGTON, July 20, 1864 – 2.30 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

Your telegram of this date is received. The proposition for recruiting in rebel States by the Executives of other States was neither recommended nor sanctioned by this Department, although the President states in a telegram to General Sherman that he was favorable to it. He also authorized Butler to recruit form prisoners of war. It is not permitted in any other instance. For these reasons your protest has been referred to the President for such instructions as he may be pleased to give.

E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 284-5

O.R., I, xl, part 3, p 345

I wrote Gen. Halleck with further guidance as to how to handle the situation of Early’s incursion.

CITY POINT, VA., July 18, 1864-12 m.

Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:

Before the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps can get to Washington the enemy will have developed his intentions by stopping, if he thinks of returning to Maryland. In that case Hunter should stop at Winchester, keeping his cavalry as far out watching the movements of the enemy as he can. If he has not the force to attack with he should not attack, but move forward only as the enemy moves back, and always be prepared to get north of the Potomac without loss when advanced upon by a superior force. If Louisville is in danger, Governor Morton will send 5,000 or 10,000 at once. Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois are always ready to send that number of men. Louisville and Nashville must be well guarded. If the enemy have not gone up the Valley of course Hunter should not go that way. The idea is, he should be between the enemy and Washington, going as far out as he can, never allowing himself to be drawn into an unequal fight south of the Potomac and outside of our defenses.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 11, p 273

O.R., I, xxxvii, part 2, p 374