Today the Confederates emerge victorious in a minor but significant battle that is part of the Overland Campaign. In the Battle of Petersburg, Rebel forces repel an attempt by a contingent of the Union Army under General Benjamin Butler to enter Petersburg from the South. The Union loss is due in part to timidity on…
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…