North Anna, May 23-26 1864

[RobertP]

I haven't seen any threads on the battle at North Anna, so I thought I'd bring it up for discussion.

After the stalemate at Spotsylvania C.H. Grant continued moving by the left flank, attempting to position the AOP between Richmond and the ANV. Lee retreated to the line of the N. Anna River and prepared a strong defensive position, referred to as the 'hog snout line', due to its inverted 'V' shape. The apex of the 'V' was at Ox Ford, the only defensible crossing.

Warren on the Union right, crossed at Jerico Mill on the 23rd. Piecemeal attacks by A.P. Hill's Corps were unsuccessful in preventing the crossing and/or driving him back into the river. Lee was furious and wanted to know why Hill had not done what Jackson would have, attacking with his whole Corps. On the 24th Hancock, on the Union left, crossed at Chesterfield bridge. Burnside tried to effect a crossing in the center near Ox Ford but found Lee's defense too strong.

The AOP was now isolated into three pieces by the N. Anna and the ANV and Grant realized he had been out manuevered by Lee. One wing could be attacked separately with the other having to make two river crossings to come to support it. After contemplating a double envelopment, Grant decided the defenses were too strong and withdrew the 20 miles to Cold Harbor.

Lee seemingly had laid the perfect trap but was not able to exploit it. A.P. Hill was ill, Ewell down with exhaustion and Lee himself spent most of the time in his tent with diarrhea. Newly promoted R. Anderson was the only Corps commander physically fit for duty.

The ANV was beginning to be a shell of its former self, particularly after the recent battles the Wilderness and Spotslyvania C.H., and may not have been able to take advantage of the tactical situation even if its leadership had been healthy. What do you think?

 

[ole]

I haven't seen any threads on the battle at North Anna, so I thought I'd bring it up for discussion.

After the stalemate at Spotsylvania C.H. Grant continued moving by the left flank, attempting to position the AOP between Richmond and the ANV. Lee retreated to the line of the N. Anna River and prepared a strong defensive position, referred to as the 'hog snout line', due to its inverted 'V' shape. The apex of the 'V' was at Ox Ford, the only defensible crossing.

Warren on the Union right, crossed at Jerico Mill on the 23rd. Piecemeal attacks by A.P. Hill's Corps were unsuccessful in preventing the crossing and/or driving him back into the river. Lee was furious and wanted to know why Hill had not done what Jackson would have, attacking with his whole Corps. On the 24th Hancock, on the Union left, crossed at Chesterfield bridge. Burnside tried to effect a crossing in the center near Ox Ford but found Lee's defense too strong.

The AOP was now isolated into three pieces by the N. Anna and the ANV and Grant realized he had been out manuevered by Lee. One wing could be attacked seaparately with the other having to make two river crossings to come to support it. After contemplating a double envelopment, Grant decided the defenses were too strong and withdrew the 20 miles to Cold Harbor.

Lee seemingly had laid the perfect trap but was not able to exploit it. A.P. Hill was ill, Ewell down with exhaustion and Lee himself spent most of the time in his tent with diarrhea. Newly promoted R. Anderson was the only Corps commander physically fit for duty.

The ANV was beginning to be a shell of its former self, particularly after the recent battles the Wilderness and Spotslyvania C.H., and may not have been able to take advantage of the tactical situation even if its leadership had been healthy. What do you think?

A most excellent overview of that encounter, Mr. P! The entire campaign has passed above my attention, so getting so much detail in a short post is appreciated. My understanding is limited to "Grant started in early May and 40 days later invested Petersburg." So my input would be less than useless.

Nevertheless, I do think Grant sensed the trap set for him and opted to go somewhere else.

 

[OpnCoronet]

North Ana does show the parlous state the ANV higher command was in at the time. But, as noted, Lee was in a position to be in danger of a double envelopment.
This was the battle that saw, Grant's determination to 'fight it out on this line' had to be revised. Grant's original campaign plan, was that while he and the AoP occupied Lee's attention, Gen. Siegal in the Valley and/or Gen. Butler on the James, should be able to clear their area's of operation and either take Richmond or attack Lee from the rear.
Unfortunately, no two commanding general's in the Union army, were more incompetent than those two. In the end Lee recived almost 10,000 men in reinforcements from both the James and the Valley for the North Ana operations. Forcing Gran to recast his plans in the light of the burden of the campaign would now, rest almost solely on the AoP.

 

[Remember1864]

For a great read on this topic...check out Gordon C. Rhea's, "To the North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13-25, 1864". (Copyright 2000 / LSU Press) Rhea's well researched volume is an enjoyable, academic, endeavour. North Anna is one of those oft overlooked events of the Overland Campaign and Rhea gives the action its' due.

John Marler
Franklin, TN

 

[dvrmte]

From my understanding, it was Lee's last chance to inflict a serious defeat on Grant.

I believe the soldiers were ready, willing and able to make the attack, as usual for them, being half starved and footsore.

Lee showed his disappoinment by his words to Hill. Longstreet or Jackson would have made Grant pay for his mistake.

dvrmte

 

[Union_Buff]

Thank you for the overview Mr. P

I've never heard of the Battle of North Anna before, and now I have, thanks to you.

 

[Freddy]

Here is a story from my GGF's diary on how he was captured after crossing the North Anna River on May 24th, 1864.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]May 23rd[FONT=&quot].[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Marched at 6 a.m. A good road must of the way. Very dusty one slough hole kept us hitching along for near 3 hours going meanwhile but two miles, after this a race to catch up. Our regiment acting as provost guard, our duty to look out for and catch all stragglers and send them to their regiments. Think our commanding officer showed lack of feeling towards many of them who were really exhausted and part sick. They were treated roughly and with needless severity. The job of picking up stragglers in times of rapid marching on these hot days is not a pleasant one, it being often hard to tell who are "playing off", and who really is tired and foot sore. Think some of our surgeons are not particular and willing enough to give permits that the latter class may have their knapsacks and accouterments put upon the teams. Halted and made coffee at 3 p.m. Made some 12 miles and camped 1 mile from the No Anna river at 7 p.m. Heavy connonading in the distance near all the afternoon. Our route the past two days has been through a fine farming country with here and there a field of corn or wheat or tobacco, but most fields growing weeds and the farm buildings and house deserted. In some few women and old negroes could be seen, many of them were badly frightened at our ("the Yanks") coming. At one house the females evidently young ladies amused themselves and us by calling us names and screeching at us. One of the regiments "cleared out" one house, smashing their furniture and carrying off things to no use to them. Generals Grant and Meade, and staffs passed us today. Well tired out as we stretched out for sleep in a rough cornfield with a full moon over our heads.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]May 24th[FONT=&quot].[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Slept soundly, woke fully refreshed. Lounged about under orders to be ready to move at once until 1 p.m., when were again on the march. It was warm and dusty. One mile brought us to the No Anna river. This we forded water hip deep, the bottom of the river rough and rocky, the current strong. Swung our haversacks (heavy with 3 days rations) and our cartridge boxes over our heads and shoulders. Some were unlucky enough to get upset and came near getting drowned. After crossing our brigade was formed in battle line. Our regiment deployed as skirmishers, and led the advance through a thick fine wood, ravines and rough places in plenty with here and there an open space, going some of the way at double quick time. We soon met the rebel picket line which fell back at our advance saluting us at the first with a few stray shots, a half a mile or more brought us to an open field beyond which we could see the rebel breastworks, batteries and infantry in battle line. Halted until our brigade came up when a general attack was made upon the rebel line in our front with the result of driving them through the wood and across a ravine some eight feet deep and back to their main line. Continuing the advance we were met with such a shower of shell, grape, and cannister combined with a sudden downpour of rain that our little were broken and orders were given to fall back to breastwork which our reserves had thrown up in our rear. In the scrimmage our regiment line was broken up as we fell back through the woods. Suddenly found myself alone with three of our 35th and the main body of the 56th. Going up to General Leddlie, I asked for the whereabouts of the 35th. He said they were all mixed up with the other regiments and I had better go in with 56th. Joined them and tried to find some of the 35th, but in vain, and soon concluded that the place for me was with my own regiment and started back to the river. Soon came upon Captain Hudson, and Co. H., who were doing picket duty on the left. He did not know where the rest of the regiment was. We remained in quiet for near an hour when a downpour of rain came on in the midst of which the rebels succeeded in getting on our flank, which caused a "grand skedaddle" on our part towards the river. We stopped to give a wounded man some water. I got separated and found myself alone and mid the rain, mist and wood began to be in doubt as to the line of retreat when I came upon Lt. Creasy, and two other staff officers chatting unconcernedly and so felt all right and kept on coming out to open field when I came upon a line of skirmishers lying upon the ground. Marched towards them supposing them our own men when suddenly a half a dozen or more jumped up took aim and yelled out "drop that gun"-kept towards them yelling out "don't fire on your men", only to receive a second yell from them. Then to suddenly realize that death or surrender was my alternative and with a feeling of shame and mortification, threw down my gun which I had hoped to carry home (with scar of rebel bullet received at Jackson, Mississippi) as a memorandum of the war. Was soon taken in charge by a member of the 7th Alabama with a reproof for not dropping my gun at their first call, and the remark that in "another minute you would of been a dead man." Marched to the rear was relieved of rubber blanket, shelter tent, and cartridge box, and found myself with about 25 more unfortunates. Was humiliated to find myself alone of the 35th at first but not for long, for soon came in the three staff officers, and five comrades of the 35th. Were marched about a mile to Andersons station where we found more of wearers of the blue and by night we numbered about 70. Our guards treated us well. As we stretched out upon mother earth another shower greeted us so that with our previous duckings we were so well soaked that our weary bodies soon forgot it all in "nature's sweet restorer balmy sleep."[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]May 25th[FONT=&quot].[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Slept soundly. Fine morning and with the opening day three more of the 35th were brought in making nine of us. As the day grew, it became warmer and we were taken into a wood where it was cool and comfortable. The rebel soldiers were anxious to buy watches knives, paper, and jewelry paying in Confederate money now worth in exchange value 1/10th of United States money. They were in the main good solid looking men, well clothed, many having on some part of United States Uniform. Those wearing our army belts did so with the "U.S." upside down. Were free to talk with us. At near 3 p.m. shot from some distant battery began to roll in among us and soon we were in a grand "skidaddle" to the rear for about a mile. At 4 p.m. came the words "fall in forward march," and a march of five mile brought us to Taylorsville, where we halted to then start a ten mile march to Ashland, where we permitted to camp on a fine grasy plot. Got a good ducking on the way. Missed Uncle Sam's rubber blankets. During the march in the p.m. passed several regiments of confederates evidently waiting orders and lining the roadsides. While halted for a rest saw a young confederate whose face looked familiar but could not recall his name or where I had seen him before. He recognized me and found him to be Charles Ellis, whose father, a former Massachusetts man had removed to Florida, and at the opening of the war had [responsed] the cause of the confederacy. He with his brother Frank, were schoolmates of brothers Ronnie, and Herbert. Charles was now in the 2nd Florida and Frank in a regiment of Texas Rangers. Was quite affected to see me, inquiring minutely about his former schoolmates and relations still living in his former northern home, and to be sure and tell his relatives of my seeing him should I live to get home.[/FONT]

http://www.civilwardiary.net/

 

[unionblue]

Freddy,

Great diary entries and I always love reading them.

Thanks for posting them.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

 

[RobertP]

Freddy, what a wonderful diary! What unit wasyou GGF in? It'd be interesting to me to pinpoint his position on the field.

 

[dvrmte]

Great letter Freddy!

This letter answers in part the question of whether the Confederate soldiers were able to make the attack Lee proposed. "They were in the main good solid looking men, well clothed, many having on some part of United States Uniform."

dvrmte

 

[Freddy]

Freddy, what a wonderful diary! What unit wasyou GGF in? It'd be interesting to me to pinpoint his position on the field.

Company I, 35th Mass Vol. Infantry

 

[Glorybound]

from Freddy's gggrandfather's diary

While halted for a rest saw a young confederate whose face looked familiar but could not recall his name or where I had seen him before. He recognized me and found him to be Charles Ellis, whose father, a former Massachusetts man had removed to Florida, and at the opening of the war had [responsed] the cause of the confederacy. He with his brother Frank, were schoolmates of brothers Ronnie, and Herbert....Was quite affected to see me, inquiring minutely about his former schoolmates and relations still living in his former northern home, and to be sure and tell his relatives of my seeing him should I live to get home.

That is pretty darned cool.



Lee

 

[prroh]

The Confederate earthworks were built over the course of about 1 1/2 years. After the ANV abandoned them, the area was in private hands, unspoiled by visitors. When the gravel company asked the county zoning board for permissission to expand their operations, the county agreed, providing that the gravel company cede the earthworks area for a park and the company should build interpetive walks within it. The Friends of Ed Bearss had their annual birthday party/fund raiser for ED who selects the end use for the money raised. About three years ago ED choose a signage project for the new county park of the North Anna battlefield. So now we have a new county park with trails and interpetive signage on a site that has maybe the best preserved, "Unenhanced" earthworks. Cost to taxpayers for land acquisition and site development $0. Well worth a visit.

 

[Freddy]

Seems that some members know the North Anna River battlefield well. I was able to use the diary description at South Mountain, MD to pinpoint where my GGF was wounded when I visited the battlefield. My brother traveled to Andersonville Prison and tried to locate where in the stockade his mess was. Not sure if he was able to. He also traveled to Vicksburg where the 9th Corps was sent in 1863. I wonder if anyone here can from his diary description of his capture be able to pinpoint where he might have been captured at North Anna?

 

[Freddy]

from Freddy's gggrandfather's diary

While halted for a rest saw a young confederate whose face looked familiar but could not recall his name or where I had seen him before. He recognized me and found him to be Charles Ellis, whose father, a former Massachusetts man had removed to Florida, and at the opening of the war had [responsed] the cause of the confederacy. He with his brother Frank, were schoolmates of brothers Ronnie, and Herbert....Was quite affected to see me, inquiring minutely about his former schoolmates and relations still living in his former northern home, and to be sure and tell his relatives of my seeing him should I live to get home.

That is pretty darned cool.



Lee

Six weeks after being wounded he was taken from Philadelphia to Alexandria to convalesce There were several people he knew from home who visited him there.

October 29th.
...On October 27th through error and carelessness of the surgeon, my name was placed upon the list of those to be sent off to join their regiments and though protesting against being sent away until my wound was fully healed, was sent off to the Convalescent Camp at Alexandria. My wound was not healed either where the ball had entered or passed out and was obliged to have it have it dressed that morning. But the surgeon rather than take the trouble to alter the "papers" he had made out told me I must go. Regretted this very much for I had hoped to stay until fully well, and while convalescent visit about the city. Have had many pleasant calls upon me from friends in the city have brought me many delicacies especially fruit. Most of them are former residents of MA. Among them Misses Clarke and Harding, friends of sister Carrie two very pleasant girls and who I visited at their workshop a day before I left, Mrs. Boynton of Beverly, NJ, a school mate of father's and Mrs. J. L. Frost formerly of Boston. Made many pleasant friendships in the hospital of brother soldiers among them H. Vantassie of NY, Walter E. Swan of Mass., and James Mack of PA. How many pleasant friendships are but for little time here on earth ere time of parting comes, and we go away to meet no more perhaps forever,-how should this admonish us to have our affections on things above where naught can separate us from the love of Him who hath redeemed us and who ever is near all that love him. Felt sort of home sick thus suddenly to bid goodbye to friends and seemed like leaving home a second time for the untried scenes of war. Had a pleasant journey to Washington and from thence on the 29th was transferred today to the convalescent camp or post hospital near Alexandria. On arrival was examined and pronounced unfit to go to my regiment and sent to a portion of the camp set apart for convalescents. Found here my quarters were to be in a crowded tent and obliged to lie upon the ground. Went to the surgeon and showing him my wound asked if I could not have some quarters where I could have something or other for bedding and was transferred to the "half sick quarters" and placed in tent with four others with straw ticks to lie upon. Felt quite comfortable and hopeful that my wound would soon heal and my lameness pass away. Before leaving Philadelphia was told by the surgeon to exercise as much as possible for some of the cords were partially cut.

 

[Freddy]

[FONT=&quot]On the way to Vicksburg in 1863[FONT=&quot] in[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Cincinnati they ran into several more old friends from home.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]
June 5th[FONT=&quot].[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Arrived at Covington at 8 AM. Crossed by ferry to Cincinnati. Stopped in the city until near 5 PM. And had a good dinner provided us by the city. Had quite a chance to view the city. Liked its appearance very much, has some fine buildings all of which seemed to have a fresh and lively appearance, coming I suppose from their having been recently built. Was sorry to see whiskey shops so numerous, many of the regiment imbibed far too freely, much to the discredit of the regiment. Went with Lt. Pope and a squad of men patrolling among the whiskey shops for "stragglers." Many citizens, formerly residents of the Eastern States visited the regiment. Had a few minutes pleasant conversation with Mr. Clarke of Dayton, Ohio., who formerly lived in Dedham. Our company was treated to a couple boxes of oranges from another ex-Dedham resident, Mr. Hunnewell. They were most heartily received. Wrote letter for I. Collier to his wife, he was suddenly taken sick and transferred to the Marine Hospital in the city. At near 6:30 PM were on board cars once again, on the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad and en route for Cairo, IL, as our next halting place. Were closely packed, 50 to a car, so there was scarce any chance to sleep or rest. Added to the unpleasantness of being thus crowded, was the pleasure of enduring the mad freaks and hilarity of some half dozen or more in each car of crazy headed ones from the influence of liquor, so that for a while it was in reality "confusion worse confounded." It is pretty evident we now go to Vicksburg. Our stay in Kentucky has been very pleasant, some severe marching, yet we have been undisturbed by hostile foe. Probably the majority of the men would prefer such service rather than that we shall be likely to see down about Vicksburg. Yet I sometimes feel as if in such service we were doing but little in crushing the rebellion. If our going to Vicksburg will place us where we can be more useful to this end, we ought to be cheerfully willing to go there even though it bring us to the stern realities of battle. May God aid us to meet patiently and courageously the sterner scenes of war, which seem now to be in store for us. Accounts of the progress of the conflict about Vicksburg represent that our troops are having a hard time of it, suffering much from severe labors in besieging the city, and from sickness. Many of us will undoubtedly be laid by, no more to return to our Northern homes. Dread to write to my folks informing them of our move and destination.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]

 

[dvrmte]

Seems that some members know the North Anna River battlefield well. I was able to use the diary description at South Mountain, MD to pinpoint where my GGF was wounded when I visited the battlefield. My brother traveled to Andersonville Prison and tried to locate where in the stockade his mess was. Not sure if he was able to. He also traveled to Vicksburg where the 9th Corps was sent in 1863. I wonder if anyone here can from his diary description of his capture be able to pinpoint where he might have been captured at North Anna?

I'm no expert but in looking up info on this I found that the 7th Alabama didn't exist at that time and they fought in the west.

http://www.archives.state.al.us/referenc/alamilor/mil_org.html
"The Seventh organized at Pensacola, May 18, 1861, with eight infantry and two mounted companies. It was composed of twelve months' men, of companies that rendezvoused at that place. It remained on duty there till November, when it was ordered to Chattanooga, and a month later to Bowling Green. It was in a temporary brigade under Col. S.A.M. Wood, and fell back with the army to Corinth. The time of service of most of the companies expired the first week in April 1862, and it disbanded, though the company from Montgomery and Autauga, and other men of the regiment, fought at Shiloh. The mass of the men went at once into other organizations, and rendered efficient service therein."

I just found this:
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=20956

"The trenches before you were manned by the soldiers of Brigadier General Nathaniel Harris' brigade of Mississippians, who had deployed just to the right of Sanders' Alabamians by 1:00 p.m. on the 24th. The small pits behind the trench line served as an area from which the brigade commander, his staff, and his medical and supply personnel could operate in relative safety. From this point, Alabama soldiers ventured out at about 3:45 p.m. on the 24th and captured several men of the 35th Massachusetts during the latter's foray against these breastworks. Harris and Sanders would occupy these works through the 26th."

I think I just did good.

dvrmte

 

[dvrmte]

Here's some more details:

http://www.cfspress.com/sharpshooters/chapter.html

Ox Ford
Brigadier General James Ledlie's brigade of Crittenden's division led the Federal advance on Ox Ford that afternoon. Ledlie, one of many Union political generals, was rash, tactically inept, and fond of the bottle—qualities that would cost his men dearly that day. He sent out the 35th Massachusetts as skirmishers, and these veterans slowly pushed back Mahone's and Sanders's weary sharpshooters, who occasionally paused long enough to throw a shot back at them. After moving through thick brush for a mile or so they entered a cleared area near Ox Ford and came up against the western face of Lee's defensive line. On the rising ground before them some of the most formidable fortifications of the war stared down at them, covered by a line of rifle pits into which the Confederate sharpshooters had withdrawn. Ledlie, who by all accounts had had a snootful (as did, apparently, most of his staff), recklessly decided to assault the works and take Ox Ford. It was madness, as everyone knew but he. The men of the 35th Massachusetts entered the clearing and started trading shots with the Confederate sharpshooters, then drew back. "Come on to Richmond!" came a taunt from the trenches.[xiii]

Ledlie formed the green 56th, 57th, and 59th Massachusetts into two lines, stationed them to the right of the reformed 35th, and sent their skirmishers forward to clear the rifle pits. After a nasty and indecisive fight failed to take them, he ordered in his line of battle. Under gathering storm clouds the grayback riflemen started to pick off the newcomers, who lost their formation as they broke into a wild charge. As the Bay Staters neared the earthworks the Confederate batteries opened up, mowing down whole squads with grape and canister. A violent summer thunderstorm boomed into life, soaking Yankee and Confederate alike. In the pandemonium the Massachusetts men tried to form around their colors, but the Confederates shot them down and launched a counterattack, breaking them and capturing 150 men as the rest scrambled back to the ford at Quarles's Mill. The Union command had begun to get an inkling of the sort of defense they faced. As for Ledlie, he not only survived but assumed division command when General Crittenden stepped down two weeks later. In the months ahead he would have one more major role to play.[xiv]

 

[RobertP]

Dvrmte, you did better than good.

 

[Freddy]

I'm no expert but in looking up info on this I found that the 7th Alabama didn't exist at that time and they fought in the west.

http://www.archives.state.al.us/referenc/alamilor/mil_org.html
"The Seventh organized at Pensacola, May 18, 1861, with eight infantry and two mounted companies. It was composed of twelve months' men, of companies that rendezvoused at that place. It remained on duty there till November, when it was ordered to Chattanooga, and a month later to Bowling Green. It was in a temporary brigade under Col. S.A.M. Wood, and fell back with the army to Corinth. The time of service of most of the companies expired the first week in April 1862, and it disbanded, though the company from Montgomery and Autauga, and other men of the regiment, fought at Shiloh. The mass of the men went at once into other organizations, and rendered efficient service therein."

I just found this:
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=20956

"The trenches before you were manned by the soldiers of Brigadier General Nathaniel Harris' brigade of Mississippians, who had deployed just to the right of Sanders' Alabamians by 1:00 p.m. on the 24th. The small pits behind the trench line served as an area from which the brigade commander, his staff, and his medical and supply personnel could operate in relative safety. From this point, Alabama soldiers ventured out at about 3:45 p.m. on the 24th and captured several men of the 35th Massachusetts during the latter's foray against these breastworks. Harris and Sanders would occupy these works through the 26th."

I think I just did good.

dvrmte

Thanks dvrmte,

I looked on the link you gave and it appears that the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Alabama regiments were involved in the Overland Campaign. My Grandmother must have mistyped the number 7 from the original diary that resides in the Boston Public Library. I wonder which regiment it was.

This map claims this is the attack site on the 24th.
http://www.hmdb.org/map.asp?markers=20956

This map suggests it may have been the 8th or 11th AL regiments.
http://www.hmdb.org/PhotoFullSize.asp?PhotoID=71209