Thomas Wright's Diary

History / Letter

This will be a short part, after Cold Harbor, Grant moved on to Petersburg, Virginia where he attacked then turned to siege type war. Use of trenches and other small fortified positions. This part will delve into, the beginning of the battle and few battles around Petersburg. Like I said in the last chapter this is a defining moment for Thomas.

Petersburg was protected by fortifications known as the Dimmock line. This earthwork line extended 10 miles east of the city. Including 55 artillery batteries, it was anchored to the Appomattox River. 2,500 Confederate soldiers defended the line, thinly dispersed along it. The overall defence of the Dimmock line was given to former Virginia Governor Brig. General Henry A. Wise. The defence of Petersburg and Richmond was General P.G.T. Beauregard of the Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia.

                                   First Petersburg

Major General Benjamin Butler was bottled up at Bermuda Hundred area to the east of Richmond. Attempting to distract Lee, by attacking Richmond. Realizing Petersburg was the main supply line to Richmond where railroads met. He also knew Confederate troops were moving north to re-enforce Lee, Petersburg defenses would be weak.

Butler formulated his plan the afternoon of 8, June 1864, using three columns to cross the Appomattox River. Where they would advance from City Point, what is now called Hopewell Virginia. Using General Quincy Gillmore's X Corp and U.S. Colored Troops from General Hinks 3rd Division of XVIII Corp they would attack the Dimmock line east of the city. The third column was 1,300 Calvary troops commanded by General August Kautz they would sweep around Petersburg and attack from the southeast.

Butler wanted Hinks to command the attack, but Gillmore insisted he was senior officer, and should command. Butler gave command to Gillmore, later saying he shouldn't have yielded to Gillmore.

The night of 8, June 1864 they moved, making bad progress Gillmore's Infantry got lost in dark. Hinks arrived on time, but was ordered to wait for Gillmore, so they could all cross at the same time before the Cavalry crossed the Appomattox River. By about 3am on 9, June all the Infantry crossed the river.

Both Gillmore and Hinks around 7am saw the Confederate line, Gillmore a Engineering Officer having no experience in battle command  hesitated at the line, thinking the earthworks to formidable to attack. Hinks thought they were strong, but if they both attacked at the same time it could be done. Gillmore would attack only after the Cavalry started the attack to the southeast of the city.

Kautz was delayed by pickets, en route his attack didn't start till noon, he attacked the Dimmock line at Jerusalem Plank Road, Battery 27, Rives's Salient. Defended by 150 militiamen and 2 artillery lunettes.

Kautz started a probing attack with the 5th Pennsylvania against the Confederate militia, they paused to dismount and fight on foot.
Confederate General Colston unassigned at the time took 12 pound howitzers to ade the militia, having no antipersonnel shot, Colson retreated under heavy attack from the 5th Pennsylvania and 1st District of Columbia and 11th Pennsylvania began to flank him.

Kautz started his main attack against the Home Guard made up of teenagers, elderly men and wounded. They retreated to the city with heavy losses. The delay in attack gave Beauregard time to bring reinforcements to the front. Repulsing the attack, Kautz not hearing or not getting word from Gillmore retreated presuming he was on his own.

Gillmore never pushed the attack this gave time to reinforce the Line from the city and Beauregard time to do the same. Gillmore was later brought up on charges. Butler arrived 15 June along with the rest of the Army of Potomac.

              The map above shows the line of the Confederacy.
               Butler's planned attack started upper right side of
               the map 9th of June 1864.

Butler wanted to attack, despite probably occurring heavy losses.
Maybe Gillmore was spooked seeing heavy losses, on his second attack at Fort Wagner near Charleston. Where the 54th Massachusetts led the attack and were decimated. (The Famed colored unit  54th Massachusetts of the movie Glory.) Only Gillmore knows if that was it or just lack of leadership. Gillmore stated he never heard Kautz's attack nor did Hinks say he heard it.

Second Battle of Petersburg began 15, June 1864, this battle had several side battles or Skirmishes.

First Battle Deep Bottom

Battle of the Crater

Second Deep Bottom

Operations against the Weldon Railroad

Those are just a few, operations against the Railroad had several skirmishes. This siege lasted till April, 2, 1865 over 9 months.
The next chapter, Thomas is at Petersburg, probably the hardest battle of his life.

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                                                 Letter

Old Place 1934, William Wright looking over a letter from Joe to his Pops.

My Dear Friend Thom

I hope you are well, living the best you can under the circumstances and your men are doing good also. I have found out a few things, I want to pass on. First all is taken care of or being taken care of, the best I and your good friends can. I have been by to see your Ma and Betsy of course to see my sons also. They are all fine, the crops are coming along nicely. After our talk with the Planter Bowman his visits are less frequent, according to my sons. I think they would be less apt to lie or shall I say twist the truth some. I think your Ma an Betsy would tell me a little different if it wasn't so. To keep my worry down. I do look forward to having a few drinks with you I hope that will be soon. Now for the Planter Bowman.

The Post Master at Tucker's General Store, has been talked to and threatened with prosecution of tampering with your mail. Just so you feel safe about any mail you send. As has the Planter Bowman has been given stern warning of the same. We want to try and keep this out of the authorities hands much as possible, not wanting trouble for you or Betsy.

I found Bowman getting your mail, him not knowing I had entered the store, he asked about mail for the Wrights. Mike handed him the mail clearly sent in care of myself. I stopped Bowman on the way out, getting said mail back. Holding Bowman while myself Mike and Bowman talked. Believe me I wanted badly to shoot them both, I held my ground. Told them both, that no mail could not picked up by any one  other than myself or my family or by your Ma. Mike admitted to giving Bowman five letters from you. The first time he did, Give Bowman a letter he thought it was a nice way of helping.
As learned this will not be taken lightly.

Of course Bowman tried to call Mike a lier, that didn't do well with Mike. He told Bowman he would go to prison if he went, or he would find himself dead, Mike said it may not be me I'll see to it you don't live long. I asked for the return of the letters he has, Bowman swears he burnt them. This he may have to keep what he done a secret. That problem is fixed Thom, I am working on how to keep Bowman under control. Please do nothing you may regret.

Respectfully your Friend
Joe.

William Wright's diary

This letter is very interesting, wondering if Bowman wasn't one of the one's that disappeared in that news paper article I read that was missing part of it? You would think,even Theo senior would of mentioned his father suddenly, disappearing or even his son Theo would of mentioned it to me. Strange makes you wonder how much I need to find out. Supper is done best go eat.

Thanks all for reading, figured those speculated correctly would be screaming, about how Bowman had any idea at all about Thom.
Well, vote comment and thanks for your support.