Redeeming the Republic (Volume 6); The Third Period of the War of the Rebellion, in the Year 1864

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1889. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. THE siege intrenchments which were begun by General Grant east of Petersburg consisted of redoubts, connected by lines of parapets with ditches and fallen trees, sharpened stakes, and chevaux-de-frise. When those were constructed, it was intended that they should be held by a portion of the army, while another portion should make a movement towards the south-west, to gain possession of the railroads, and attack General Lee whenever any advantage could be gained. The Second Corps crossed the Norfolk railroad and the Jerusalem plank road, which runs south-east from Petersburg, and took position on the left of the Fifth Corps. General Meade ordered the movement June 21, 1864. with the intention of reaching the Weldon Railroad, which also runs south from Petersburg. Barlow's division was on the extreme left, and within two miles of the railroad. During the night the Sixth Corps came up on the left of the Second, to be ready to move with it. General Lee discovered the change in position, and directed Gen. A. P. Hill to march out from the intrenchments and meet the movement. In years gone by the region had been a tobacco-field, but by long cultivation the fertility of the soil had been exhausted, and where once the slave-gang tilled the ground stood an impenetrable thicket of fuuc 22 1864 scrubby pines. It was so difficult for the two corps to move connectedly that the Sixth Corps took a road which led past the house of Mr. Williams, separating it from the Second Corps, which was making its way towards the Globe Tavern, which stood near the railroad. It was three o'clock in the afternoon, and the troops of Gibbon's and Mott's divisions of the Second Corps were building breastworks, and Barlow's division was on the march t...