Walter Coffey's Blog, page 29
June 26, 2024
Early Takes the Fight to the North
Jubal Early’s Confederate army reaches Staunton after repelling Federal forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Hoping to capitalize on northern war weariness, Early plans a new offensive intended to clear the Valley of Federals weaken the Federal siege of Petersburg.Continue reading
June 25, 2024
Petersburg: The Tunneling Expedition Begins
A Federal colonel proposes opening a gap in the Confederate siege lines by digging a tunnel under them and detonating explosives.Continue reading
June 23, 2024
The Battle of the Weldon Railroad
As the Federal armies prepare to surround Petersburg, Ulysses S. Grant aims to cut off the city’s supply lines by capturing the two main railroads south and west of town.Continue reading
June 22, 2024
The Battle of Kolb’s Farm
As William T. Sherman’s Federals continue advancing through Georgia, Confederates on Joseph E. Johnston’s left flank attack a portion of Sherman’s force near Marietta, Georgia.Continue reading
June 20, 2024
The Siege of Petersburg Begins
Ulysses S. Grant announces his intention to use two Federal armies to starve the city of Petersburg into submission. But Grant’s tactics come into question, and President Abraham Lincoln visits Grant to see for himself the progress he has made.Continue reading
June 19, 2024
The Alabama Battles the Kearsarge
A dramatic naval battle off the coast of France results in the destruction of the Confederacy’s most feared commerce raider on the high seas.Continue reading
June 18, 2024
The Second Battle of Petersburg: Day Four
Federal forces launch yet another assault on the Petersburg defenses, but by this time Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia is arriving to resist.Continue reading
June 17, 2024
Hunter Reaches Lynchburg
David Hunter’s Federal Army of West Virginia closes in on the key railroad town of Lynchburg, with only a small Confederate force under John C. Breckinridge opposing. But a larger Confederate force is hurrying to defend the town.Continue reading
The Second Battle of Petersburg: Day Three
Federal forces from the Armies of the Potomac and the James launch another assault on Petersburg’s eastern defenses. P.G.T. Beauregard’s Confederates try to maintain their defenses as Robert E. Lee is uncharacteristically slow to respond.Continue reading
June 16, 2024
The Second Battle of Petersburg: Day Two
Federals launch renewed attacks on the vital railroad city of Petersburg, while Confederates scramble to strengthen the defenses outside town.Continue reading
