GEN. GRANT’S ARMY: Official Dispatch from Secretary Stanton; Hancock Attacked at Ream’s Station (8/28/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 8/28/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

[OFFICIAL.]

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 1864 -- 10:20 A.M.

To Maj.-Gen. John A. Dix:

On Thursday, the 25th, Gen. HANCOCK, who was south of Ream's Station, was attacked several times during the day, but he repulsed the enemy at every assault. At 5:30 P.M. a combined attack was made on his centre and left, which, after one of the most desperate battles of the war, resulted in the enemy withdrawing from the field, leaving their dead and wounded on the ground. The details are given in the following brief official reports of Gen. GRANT, Gen. MEADE and Gen. HANCOCK, just received:

SECOND ARMY CORPS, Aug. 26, 1864.

For Gen. Humphreys:

The attack about 5:30 P.M. was probably intended to be simultaneous, by WILCOX on my centre and HETH on my left. The enemy formed in the woods, placed their artillery in position, opened a heavy cannonade, lasting about fifteen minutes, and then assaulted MILES' force. He resisted tenaciously, but the enemy broke his line. Some of GIBBONS' troops were hurried over to repair the damage, and the enemy only gained a slight foothold. They soon attempted my extreme left and drove GIBBONS' division from his line. His men had been much wearied in rushing over to Gen. MILES and back during the repeated assaults. Gen. GIBBONS succeeded in forming a strong line. and the enemy, who were pressing on with great enthusiasm, were severely checked by the dismounted cavalry under Gen. GREGG, which he handled handsomely. MILES regained most of his intrenchments, distinguishing himself. All he had to work with were such small parties as could be rallied and formed by his staff officers.

The fighting was continuous until dark, the enemy being held in check by artillery, dismounted cavalry and skirmishers.

At dark we withdrew for the reasons stated.

[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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Gen. Grant’s Army: Official Dispatch from Secretary Stanton – 2-3
The War in Georgia: Gen. Kilpatrick’s Raid – 3
The War in Kentucky: Guerrillas Defeated at Shelbyville, Ky. – 3
Forrest’s Raid on Memphis: More Incidents – 3-4
The Tallahassee: Twenty-two More Fishing Vessels Burned – 4
Southern News: Recent Operations Before Atlanta – 4-8
Personal – 8-9
The Indian Massacres: Further Accounts – 9
News from Washington – 9
Waste of Force – 9
Editorial: What are the Rebels Fighting For? – 9-10
Editorial: The Situation in Mexico – 10
A Tremendous Storm: Destruction to Property – 10