June 16 Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside arrives in front of Petersburg with IX Corps, but Federal efforts to develop and attack Beauregard's new line are hesitant and not pressed with vigor. Gen. Gouvernor K. Warren arrives with V Corps to extend the Federal line to the left. Beauregard again pulls back to a new line. The initial Federal attacks therefore strike empty trenches, and valuable time is lost locating and developing the new Rebel positions.
Federal attacks continue during the day but are uncoordinated and meet with little success.
June 22 Federal II Corps and VI Corps attempt to cut the Weldon Railroad but are stymied by difficult terrain, poor roads, and vigorous Rebel resistance. Mahone strikes a staggering blow to II Corps, taking about 1,700 men prisoner in an attack on an exposed flank. Gen. James H. Wilson begins a cavalry raid against the railroads to the south and west of Petersburg. Some damage is done to the Weldon Railroad near Ream's Station, and to the Southside Railroad near Ford's Station. Pursuit from W.H.F. Lee's division of Rebel cavalry begins to develop.