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(Petersburg--First Assualt)

First Assault on Petersburg

June 9, 1864
Also known as: Battle of Old Men and Young Boys
City of Petersburg, VA
Campaign: Siege of Richmond and Petersburg

 
Maj. Gen. Quincy Gillmore, USA
Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, CSA

The Union sent about 4,500 men against the Petersburg defenses of roughly 2,500 militia.

There were only about 120 casualties.

On June 9, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler dispatched about 4,500 cavalry and infantry against the 2,500 Confederate defenders of Petersburg. While Butler’s infantry demonstrated against the outer line of entrenchments east of Petersburg, Kautz’s cavalry division attempted to enter the city from the south via the Jerusalem Plank Road but was repulsed three times by Home Guards.  Eventually he turned their flank, and got to the edge of the city, but turned back in the face of fresh Rebel troops.

Afterwards, Butler withdrew. This was called the “battle of the old men and young boys” by local residents. On June 14-17, the Army of the Potomac crossed the James River and began moving towards Petersburg to support and renew Butler’s assaults.

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(Petersburg--First Assualt)