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Post by deadwoodgultch on Apr 6, 2016 19:49:08 GMT
7-28 June 1864, The Battle itself 11&12 June '64. On 6 June when Grant decided to abandon around Cold Harbor and cross the James to attack Petersburg, he ordered Sheridan to undertake another cavalry diversion. With the divisions of Torbert and D.Gregg Sheridan was to join forces with Hunter at Charlottesville and then wreck the VA Central RR from there to Hanover Junction. Hunter's advance from the Valley was cut off at Lynchburg 17-18 June.
Sheridan crossed the Pamunkey at New Castle above White House and moved westward between the North Anna and the Mattapony. On the 10th he crossed the North Anna at Carpenter's Ford and camped a few miles N.E. of Louisa C.H.
When Lee learned that Sheridan was on the move he sent Wade Hampton's cavalry division and Fitz Lee's to check Sheridan. On 9 June Hampton left Atlee and on 11 June he was in position just west of Trevilian about 4 miles from Fitz Lee's at Louisa. Having learned from the locals as to the whereabouts of Sheridan, Hampton ordered his 2 divisions to converge on Claytons Store, where he expected to intercept the advancing Federals.
The brigades of Butler and Young, leading Hampton's division, soon met two of Torbert's brigades. At about this time Hampton received word that a Federal force was behind him. That's right, boys and girls, (Old Fix and Flank) Custer's brigade of Torbert's division had hit Wickham's brigade of Fitz Lee's advancing column. Having momentarily checked Lee's advance, Custer (no balls, no blue chips) pressed boldly between the two Confederate divisions and got among Hampton's wagons and led horses.
Hampton was forced to break off the action to his front and turn against Custer. He promptly recaptured his 800 horses and wagons. While he was at it he killed a large # Federals, captured several hundred more, and captured a number of their vehicles to include Custer's headquarters. Custer was able to hold on overnight until he was extricated the following day by Sheridan. Sheridan was then repulsed with a heavy loss. Sheridan was forced to abandon his mission. He retreated/withdrew through Spotsylvania and Bowling Green to join Grant at Lighthouse Point on the James on the 28th.
Hope this helps with questions about GAC at TS
Regards, Tom |
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Post by quincannon on Apr 6, 2016 20:18:25 GMT
No brains, would probably be more accurate.
In your reading Tom did you discover any knowledge on the part of the Federals that the rest of Hampton was behind Butler and Young, or anything that would suggest that Custer or anyone else was directed to turn the Confederate right. I ask because I didn't. It was true enough that Butler and Young were flanked from the get go by virtue of the Federal force being larger and their frontage overlapping that of the two Confederate elements.
Custer's movement down the woodcutter's road was the correct course of action in the flank guard mission, after blunting Wickham. It was the same old Custer though, wishing away capabilities, to the point where ultimately, in going after those horses he turned his back on a Confederate division with one hell of a lot of teeth left, which in most instances is very bad form.
Never knew the complete route of Sheridan's withdrawal, but if he went all the way back as far as Bowling Green, (assuming he was not picking up carry out at Gerber's) his clock must have been cleaned more than I realized.
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Post by deadwoodgultch on Apr 6, 2016 21:00:06 GMT
As I understand it the Federals initially dug in and attempted to envelope the advance. When Hampton turned on Custer the Federals remained in place long enough for Custer to be blunted an have all the toys take away from him and allow him to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Sheridan was damaged and the plan called for Hunter's troops to complete the task anyway. As I understand it casualties numbered 1000 per side, but their are differences of opinion here.
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Post by quincannon on Apr 6, 2016 21:18:17 GMT
It's a wonder they were not higher than that. The area where Butler and Young faced off with Sheridan, was very similar to the Wilderness, close in stuff.
Should have been a clear cut thing for the Feds. They held all the cards, good scheme of maneuver, more than adequate security out, and doing the job, Hampton and Lee separated, and the Confederates operating under a brand new commander, who had yet to get the feel of utilizing a force larger than he was used to.
Completely off topic: I see that the Okie from Muskogee is today's opening act at the Grand Ole Opry in the Sky. Too sad. He was one of the very few that kept Western Swing (That's Bob Wills music for those that don't know) alive.
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