THE PETERSBURGH LINES: The Assault by Our Troops on Saturday; Desperate Attempt to Carry the Enemy’s Position (8/2/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 8/2/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

FIRST DISPATCH.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Saturday, July 30 -- 9 o'clock P.M.

After the explosion at an early hour this morning, everything betokened a brilliant victory, but soon after matters assumed a different aspect, part of the attacking force having given way, thus exposing the balance to an enfilading fire from both artillery, and infantry.

The programme was as follows:

The mine was to be exploded at 3 o'clock in the morning; the batteries to open at once along the entire line immediately after the explosion, and the Ninth Corps to make the charge, supported by the Eighteenth Corps, AYRE's division of the Fifth Corps, and the Third Division of the Second Corps.

The greater part of the arrangement was carried out as ordered, although the commencement was later than the hour designated, on account of the fuse going out twice.

The explosion took place at precisely 4:40 o'clock.

The roar of artillery that immediately followed was almost deafening.

At 5 1/2 o'clock the charge was made, and the fort, with part of the line each side, was carried in the most brilliant style.

The Second Division, which was in the centre, advanced and carried, the second line, a short distance beyond the fort, and here rested, holding their ground with the utmost determination.

It was at this time the Colored Division, under the command of Brig.-Gen. WHITE, was pushed forward and ordered to charge and carry the crest of the hill, which would have decided the contest.

The troops advanced in good order as far as the first line, where they received a galling fire, which checked them, and although quite a number kept on advancing, the greater portion seemed to become utterly demoralized,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Petersburgh Lines: The Assault by Our Troops on Saturday – 2-3
The Rebel Raid: Details of the Burning of Chambersburgh – 4
From Gen. Sherman’s Army: A Congratulatory Address by Gen. Thomas – 4-5
From Fortress Monroe: Interview between the President and Gen. Grant – 5
Foreigners in the Rebel Army: A British Subject Seeking Release – 5-6
The Farce at Niagara: The Characters in the Farce – 6
Southern News – 6-7
The Blockade of Mobile: Admiral Farragut’s Fleet – 7
The War in the West: History and Achievements of the Artillery Arm of the Service – 7-8
The Navy and the War – 8
Our Sailors on the Mississippi – 8
Indian Hostilities on the Frontier: Reported Capture of Fort Larned – 8
News from Washington – 8
Editorial: The Action at Petersburgh – 8
Editorial: Foreigners in the Rebel Army – 8-9
Editorial: “No More Back-door Diplomacy” – 9-10
My Maryland-The Honored Dead – 10

[M Kehoe]

Good morning Professor.

IIRC the NYT three weeks ago stated Grant took Petersburg.

Maybe I read it wrong?

5.56mm

[Homer_J_Simpson]

I don’t recall the details, but I think they walked that back some after it had become obvious that Grant hadn’t taken Petersburg after all.