Near Petersburg, Va., June 19, ’64.
Dear Father, — By forced marches we have reached this place, getting here before the main part of Lee’s Army. We have been quite successful so far, having advanced through two lines of their works in some places, and three in others. Day before yesterday our division charged the enemy’s pits in our front, and carried them. Willcox’s division had already tried it and been repulsed. The 56th was, as usual, in the first line of battle. I was in command of the brigade, Colonel Gould commanding two brigades. The fire was very hot indeed, but at the order to charge, the men rushed forward over an open field 200 yards wide, and drove the rebels out of their pits, killing a great many and capturing about 70 prisoners and a stand of colors. In about an hour, however, our ammunition gave out, and the enemy charged us, compelling us to fall back. We should have been properly supported and the thing would not have happened. The loss in the regiment was about 60. We went in with a few men over 200. Grant most certainly got ahead of Lee on this move. Lee was fortifying at Malvern Hill, while we were crossing James River, and on our way to Petersburg.
The 5th Cavalry did finely the other day. They charged an earthwork and took it, together with three guns. Harry Russell was slightly wounded in the shoulder.
There was very hard fighting yesterday. Our men took the Petersburg & Norfolk R.R. and now hold it. Petersburg can be shelled from almost any portion of our line. As soon as we get hold of their railroads we shall be all right. . . .
