THE PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR
[CIVIL WAR]. SHERIDAN, Philip (1831-1888). Letter signed ("P. H. Sheridan") to Brig. Gen. [David M.] Gregg, Wilcox Landing, 24 June (7 p.m.) 1864. 1 page, 8vo, ruled stationery of Headquarters Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, in pencil.
Details
[CIVIL WAR]. SHERIDAN, Philip (1831-1888). Letter signed ("P. H. Sheridan") to Brig. Gen. [David M.] Gregg, Wilcox Landing, 24 June (7 p.m.) 1864. 1 page, 8vo, ruled stationery of Headquarters Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, in pencil.
SHERIDAN ORDERS GREGG TO FALL BACK AFTER THE BATTLE OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH
AN INTERESTING CODA TO COLD HARBOR. After Grant's failure to break Lee at Cold Harbor the Union commander decided to attack Petersburg and wanted Phil Sheridan to create a diversionary attack towards Hanover Junction. But Lee learned of the cavalryman's movements and sent Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee against him. The forces clashed at Trevilian Station on 11 June and again on 24 June at St. Mary's Station. Sheridan here orders Gregg's troops to fall back after the day's fighting. "I sent directions to you by Lt. Col. Chamberlain 1st Mass Cavly to fall back to Charles City Court House on the same road that you went out on. If you have not received this dispatch fall back on that road, or in the road which Col. Chamberlain came here on. I have gone into camp here, am awaiting information from City Point. The Enemy in this front has dis-appeared gone down the Cold Harbor road in your direction, they were few in number. If you come on the road Col Chamberlain came on, you will send (2) two regiments on the road to Charles City Co House to go on picket duty." Union casualties were high in these engagements, and Sheridan was forced to break off his advance and rejoin Grant on 28 June. This reverse did not prevent his promotion that August to command of the Middle Military Division and his great success in the Shenandoah Campaign of 1864-65. The "Chamberlain" referred to is Samuel Emery Chamberlain (1829-1908) of the 1st Massachusetts. A veteran of the Mexican War, he was wounded seven times and saw action at Poolesville, Brandy Station, and Malvern Hill among many others.
SHERIDAN ORDERS GREGG TO FALL BACK AFTER THE BATTLE OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH
AN INTERESTING CODA TO COLD HARBOR. After Grant's failure to break Lee at Cold Harbor the Union commander decided to attack Petersburg and wanted Phil Sheridan to create a diversionary attack towards Hanover Junction. But Lee learned of the cavalryman's movements and sent Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee against him. The forces clashed at Trevilian Station on 11 June and again on 24 June at St. Mary's Station. Sheridan here orders Gregg's troops to fall back after the day's fighting. "I sent directions to you by Lt. Col. Chamberlain 1st Mass Cavly to fall back to Charles City Court House on the same road that you went out on. If you have not received this dispatch fall back on that road, or in the road which Col. Chamberlain came here on. I have gone into camp here, am awaiting information from City Point. The Enemy in this front has dis-appeared gone down the Cold Harbor road in your direction, they were few in number. If you come on the road Col Chamberlain came on, you will send (2) two regiments on the road to Charles City Co House to go on picket duty." Union casualties were high in these engagements, and Sheridan was forced to break off his advance and rejoin Grant on 28 June. This reverse did not prevent his promotion that August to command of the Middle Military Division and his great success in the Shenandoah Campaign of 1864-65. The "Chamberlain" referred to is Samuel Emery Chamberlain (1829-1908) of the 1st Massachusetts. A veteran of the Mexican War, he was wounded seven times and saw action at Poolesville, Brandy Station, and Malvern Hill among many others.