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Petersburg National BattlefieldPeriod drawing of artillery being fired at siege of Petersbrug
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Petersburg National Battlefield
Hatcher's Run
 
Prelude

February 4, 1865

In early February 1865, Gen. Grant (USA) launched another offensive aimed at cutting off Confederate-supply wagon traffic on Boydton Plank Road. He planned to do this by sending cavalry out to destroy as many wagons as they could find while the V and II Corps provided support and kept the Confederates occupied.


February 5, 1865

Hatcher's Run - February 5, 1865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




Gen. Lee (CSA) fearing for the safety of both the Boydton Plank Road and the South Side Railroad, had Generals A.P. Hill(CSA) and Gordon (CSA) assume the offensive against this movement.

The Union anticipating such a response dug in and repulsed three separate attempts to break their lines.


February 6, 1865

Hatcher's Run - February 6, 1865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




The Confederates initiated the attack in the afternoon hitting the Union troops from the east and the south. The fighting was the heaviest around Dabney's Steam Saw Mill. Finally, in the late afternoon, the Confederate drive was stopped by Union reinforcements

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Richard Eppes, 1890s  

Did You Know?
Richard Eppes, owner of Appomattox Plantation, which is currently part of the Grant's HQ Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield, noted that it took 8,320 pounds of bacon each year to feed his 127 enslaved people in 1860.

Last Updated: October 07, 2007 at 14:29 EST