The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

Extending the Left Flank of the Army of the
Potomac Across the Railroads Entering Pc
tersburg From the South-Futile Opera
tions on the North Side-Close of the Cam
paign.
Having already set forth the bounds
within which manuvers were practicable
for the army before Petersburg, it remains
to describe a series of operations within
these limits, executed during the remain
ing months of Summer and Autumn. They
present a remarkable illustration of the
vigor and skill that marked both the attack
and defense of that city. The recital Will
bring this narrative up to the close of the
campaign of 1851.
THE MOVEMENT TO DEEP BOTTOM.
The first of these operations was a repe-
titlon of the manuvers to the north bank
of the James River. The expedition was
again under the command of Gen. Hancock,
TO whom were given, in addition to his own
corps. the Tenth Corps (now under Gen.
Blrney} and the Cavalry Division of Gen.
Gregg. The movement was begun on the
18th of August. As it was not possible
long to conceal its real character, it was
resolved to throw the enemy off the scent
by the embarkation of the expeditionary
force on transports at City Point, and the
PRONUNCIATION of the idea that it was about
to start for Washington. During the night
of the 18th, the fleet steamed up stream,
and the troops were next morning landed
at Deep Bottom, where Gen. Foster con-
tinued to hold an intrenched camp.1
Much difficulty was experienced in the de-
barkation, which was not completed until
o'clock of the morning of the 13th-a
tardiness not auspicious of successful re-
suit. (16)
Hancock moved out by the New Market
and Malvern Hill roads, encountering lit
tie opposition until reaching Bailey,,s
Creek, the point at which his previous ad-
vance had been arrested. Here Motifs Divi-
sion fronted the enemys intrenched line,
while Barlow, with two divisions, number
ing nearly 10000 men, was sent to assault
on the right, with instructions that, when
the position was carried, he should move to
his left and uncover Motifs front, when
the whole line would advance. The duty
assigned to Barlow was Of the nature of
q detached operation, but he unfortunately
tried to keep up his connection with Motifs
right, which strung his force out in thin
line, and left him nothing wherewith to
form storming column. Late in the day
he made, with a single brigade, an attack
that was rather feebly executed, (17) so
that night found the Confederates still in
possession of the intrenched line. On Gen.
Birney's front, on the other side of Bailey's
Creek, some success was gained for the
enemy, having weakened that part of the
line to oppose Barlow. Gen. Birney was
able, with slight loss to break through a
portion of the hostile front, and captured
four guns.
REBEL POSITIONS LOST AND RECOVERED.
Whatever prospect of success originally
attended this operation had been based on
the fact that the Confederates were weak
on the north side of the James-the whole
force being believed to be not above 5000.
men. 49, But the design being now fully
n
this menace. and success was already very
problematical. New dispositions We're
however, made on the 14th. On the fol-
lowing day Gen. Birney was directed to
find the enemy's left flank and turn it,
Greggs cavalry covering the movement on
the right: but he did not conduct his opera
tions sufficiently to the left, and nothing
was accomplished that day. On the morn
ing Of the 10th. Birney 19) made a direct
attack, with the division of Terry, and sue
ceeded in carrying the line: capturing three
colors and 200 or 300 prisoners; but the
enemy soon rallied and recovered the posi-
ton.
In connection with Birney's operation,
Greggs mounted division and an infantry
brigade under Gen. Miles were sent to
operate on the Charles City road. Gregg's
advance was spirited, and he succeeded in
driving the enemy before him for a con-
siderable distance-the Confederate Gen
Chambliss being killed in the skirmish
Fresh forces during the afternoon assailed
Gregg. however. who retired, fighting. to
Deep Creek, across which he was after
ward driven. In Birney's front the enemy
showed so strong a force that renewal Of
the attack was deemed mpracticable.
During the night of the 10th a fleet of
steamers was sent from City Point to Deep
Bottom. returning at a. m. on the follow
Ing morning-the object being to convey the
impression to the enemy that the exped-
tionary force was withdrawing and induco
him to come out Of his works and attack.
This ruse was not successful.
The four succeeding days passed in un-
important reconnoissances, though on the
afternoon Of the 18th the Confederates
made sally against part of Birney's
Is. The artillery had been previously
sent ACROSS the AnIoInattax hv of