≡ Menu

NP: June 17, 1864 Raleigh Confederate: Telegraphic Reports: Another Attack Upon Petersburg, June 15-16

Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Brett Schulte.

Telegraphic Reports of the Press Association.

Another Attack upon Petersburg.

Richmond, June 16, 1864.

The Petersburg Express of this morning gives full accounts of another demonstration against that city.  Yesterday the enemy advanced in force by City Point road early in the morning, and were held in check until sunset, when a furious assault was made upon our outer works defended by two regiments of Wise’s brigade and Sturdevan’s [Sturdivant’s] battery.  The force of the enemy is rumored to be ten or twelve thousand.

[Second Dispatch.]

Richmond, June 16.

Nothing authentic from Petersburg to-day.  The yankees have advanced their lines in Chesterfield, some fighting took place near Chester to-day.  By last advices, Sheridan was moving through Spottsylvania; reported to be crossing the Rapidan.  Gen. Lee is placed in command of all the forces in Virginia and North Carolina…1

—–

Official Despatch [sic] from Gen. Lee.

Richmond, June 16, 1864.

The following dispatch was received at the War Department to-day:
Headquarters, June 15, 6 p. m.–To Secretary of War: After the withdrawal of our cavalry yesterday evening from the front of the enemy’s works at Harrison’s landing, his cavalry again advanced on Salem church road, and this morning is reported in some force on that road and at Malvern Hill.  Gen. W. F. Lee easily drove back the force at latter point, which retreated down the river road beyond Carter’s mill.  A brigade of infantry was sent to support the cavalry on the road to Smith’s store.  They drove the enemy to that point without difficulty.  nothing else of importance has occurred to-day.

(Signed)           R. E. Lee, Gen.

—–

From Gen. Lee’s Army.

Richmond, June 16.

Grant’s exact whereabouts and intentions still undetermined.  A body of his cavalry attacked Gary’s cavalry on our right this morning, near Malvern Hill, and were driven back.  McIntosh’s brigade of yankee cavalry has also been skirmishing with a part of Heth’s division, on the Charles city road, about two miles below Riddle’s shops to-day.

A few prisoners captured, who say it is an advance of Grant’s army, not however believed to be more than a mere reconnoitering party.  Grant is either going to the South side, or is broken down and has gone below to organize and recruit.2

Source:

  1. SOPO Editor’s Note: Some Atlanta Campaign material which followed was excised from this article.
  2. “Telegraphic Reports of the Press Association.” Raleigh Confederate. June 17, 1864, p. 2 col. 6
{ 0 comments… add one }

Leave a Reply