Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Left Flank Movement Across the Chickahominy and James—General Lee—Visit to Butler—The Movement on Petersburg—The Investment of Petersburg explained
Grant executes a risky left flank maneuver, crossing the Chickahominy and James Rivers to move the Army of the Potomac south of Richmond.
What happens
Grant executes a risky left flank maneuver, crossing the Chickahominy and James Rivers to move the Army of the Potomac south of Richmond. He sends Sheridan with two cavalry divisions to link with Hunter and disrupt Confederate supply lines. The army crosses the James on June 14-15, and Grant orders an immediate assault on Petersburg. Despite initial opportunities, delays allow Beauregard to reinforce and fortify, leading to heavy fighting from June 15-18. The chapter concludes with the beginning of the siege of Petersburg, as Union forces invest the city and cut its railroads.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant acknowledges his own miscalculation regarding the delay in capturing Petersburg, showing humility in assessing his orders.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter describes heavy losses, severe fighting from June 15-18, and the immense logistical strain of the campaign.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The movement to besiege Petersburg is part of the broader effort to preserve the Union and defeat the Confederacy.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Orders the left flank movement across the Chickahominy and James Rivers, directs Sheridan's cavalry raid, and commands the assault on Petersburg.
- Robert E. Lee
Grant considers Lee's shorter lines and potential to threaten Butler or Hunter; Lee sends Early and Ewell's corps to the Valley.
- Philip H. Sheridan
Sent with two cavalry divisions to communicate with Hunter and break up the Virginia Central Railroad and James River Canal.
- Benjamin F. Butler
Commands the Department of Virginia and North Carolina; Grant coordinates with him for the river crossing and sends orders to sink stone boats in the James.
- George G. Meade
Commands the Army of the Potomac; ordered to fortify a line down the Chickahominy and later orders an advance toward the Weldon Railroad.
- Joshua L. Chamberlain
Wounded on June 18 while leading his brigade; Grant promotes him on the spot to brigadier-general.
- John C. Pemberton
Not directly mentioned in excerpts; omitted.
- David D. Porter
Not directly mentioned in excerpts; omitted.
Key passages
“I determined to make my next left flank move carry the Army of the Potomac south of the James River.”
Grant decided to shift the army south of the James River in a flanking maneuver.
This decision initiated the move toward Petersburg.
“If General Hancock’s orders of the 15th had been communicated to him, that officer, with his usual promptness, would undoubtedly have been upon the ground around Petersburg as early as four o’clock in the afternoon of the 15th.”
Grant believed that if Hancock had received his orders promptly, he could have reached Petersburg by 4 p.m. on June 15.
Grant reflects on a missed opportunity to capture Petersburg quickly.
“I do not think there is any doubt that Petersburg itself could have been carried without much loss; or, at least, if protected by inner detached works, that a line could have been established very much in rear of the one then occupied by the enemy.”
Grant thought Petersburg could have been taken with minimal casualties, or at least a more advantageous line could have been secured.
Grant assesses the cost of the delay in the assault.
“Thus began the siege of Petersburg.”
This marked the start of the prolonged siege of Petersburg.
The chapter concludes with the beginning of the siege.
