In the pre-morning duskness at 4:30 a.m., Union forces begin today’s assault on Confederate troops in the ongoing Battle of Cold Harbor near Richmond, Virginia. Although the federals breach the heavily defended rebel lines in a few places, the day does not turn out well for the Union. In close fighting, often hand-to-hand combat, the…
The 112th New York, comprised of men from Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, was organized in September 1862. The 112th New York is now commanded by Colonel Jeremiah C. Drake, formerly pastor of the Westfield Baptist Church, New York. Born in 1824 and a native of Herkimer County, at the age of 16 Drake felt called…
The Battle of Cold Harbor is now fully engaged along a seven-mile front. At one juncture, Union forces fiercely attack Confederate defenders, nearly breaking their lines. Elsewhere along the battle front, two small offensive attempts by the Confederates to feel out the enemy fizzle. While the rebels hold their own overall, federal troops end the…