Benjamin F. Butler’s Federals advance on the nearly defenseless town of Petersburg, south of Richmond, Virginia. This marks a prime opportunity for the Federals to hasten the end of the war.
Tag: Benjamin F. Butler
Grant Devises a Bold New Strategy
The Federal Army of the Potomac temporarily halts for the first time in over a month as Ulysses S. Grant prepares to embark on one of the riskiest maneuvers of the war.
The Second Battle of Drewry’s Bluff
P.G.T. Beauregard launches a Confederate attack on Benjamin F. Butler’s Federals as they timidly approach Richmond from the south.
The James River: Drewry’s Bluff
P.G.T. Beauregard’s Confederates and Benjamin F. Butler’s Federals assemble around Drewry’s Bluff, about five miles from Richmond on the James River. After Beauregard gets reinforcements and Butler stalls, both commanders plan to attack.
The James River Campaign Begins
Another front opens in Virginia, as Benjamin F. Butler’s Federal Army of the James boards transports at Yorktown to move up the James River and cut the Richmond & Petersburg Railroad.
A New Federal Army on the Peninsula
Ulysses S. Grant orders Benjamin F. Butler and his new Federal army to begin moving up the Virginia Peninsula from Fort Monroe by May 5. Grant’s goal is to eventually link the Armies of the Potomac and the James for a drive on Richmond or Petersburg. Meanwhile, P.G.T. Beauregard is brought up from South Carolina to prepare the Confederates to defend against Butler’s army.