Deep Bottom
James River, Virginia
(July 27-29)
In the night of July 26-27, divisions from Sheridan's cavalry went under the comand of General Handcock. They crossed the James river to threaten Richmond. They threatened Richmond because the Confederates were planing to attack the line at Petersburg. The Union did a demonstration, which is a show of military or readiness for combat. This diverted the Confederate atttack on Peteresburg. The Union wanted to turn the Confederate position at New Market Heights and Fussell's Mill. The Union retreated when the Confederates recieved back up. The Union crossed the River again on the night of July 29.
Second Battle of Deep Bottom (August 13-20)
During the night of August 13-14, the Union crossed James River at Deep Bottom to threaten Richmond, coordinating with a movement against the Weldon Railroad at Petersburg. On August 14, the first part of the Union closed on New Market Heights while the other part extended the Union line to the right along Bailey’s Creek. During the night, the first part of the Union was moved to the far right flank of the Union line near Fussell’s Mill. On August 16, Union assaults near Fussell’s Mill were good at first, but Confederate counterattacks drove the Union out of a line of captured works. Heavy fighting continued throughout the remainder of the day. Confederate general John Chambliss was killed during cavalry fighting on Charles City Road. After continual skirmishing, the Union returned to the southside of the James on the 20th, maintaining their bridgehead at Deep Bottom.
About 2,899 Union casualties, and 1,500 Confederate casualties.
