Civil War fact of the day. On this day in 1864, Union forces under Butler attempted to take the lightly defended city of Petersburg, but were forced back by Beauregards Confederates, including some home guard. Beauregards messages from throughout that day show his unease and want for reinforcements. DUNLOPS, June 9, 1864 - 9.30 a. m. General B. BRAGG: General Wise reports force of enemy, infantry, artillery, and cavalry, to have driven in at 8.30 a. m. his picket at Beasleys, on south side of Appomattox. Our artillery has opened. This movement must be a reconnaissance connected with Grants future operations. The return soon as practicable of my troops sent to General Lee is again urged on Warr Department. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 10.15 a. m. General B. BRAGG: General Wise reports force of enemy now in front of city works, one infantry and one cavalry regiment. He has opened on them with shells, but has elicited yet no reply. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 10.45 a. m. General BRAXTON BRAGG: General Wise urgently calls for re-enforcements to meet enemy advancing in force on Petersburg by City Point, Prince George, and Baxter roads. Have sent him all I can spare from the lines. Without the troops sent to General Lee I will have to elect between abandoning lines on Bermuda Neck and those of Petersburg. Please give me the views of the Government on the subject. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 12 m. General BRAXTON BRAGG: Enemy has erected an observatory at Cobbs which overlooks surrounding country. The 12-pounder Whitworth at arsenal is absolutely required to destroy it. Please send it by express forthwith, with ammunition complete. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 1 p. m. General BRAXTON BRAGG: General Wise reports enemy have taken works on Jerusalem plank road and are advancing into town. I cannot re-enforce line without abandoning lines on Bermuda Hundred Neck and probably be cut off from Drewrys Bluff and Richmond. Please order at once wishes and intentions of War Department. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 2.30 p. m. General BRAXTON BRAGG: General Dearing telegraphs from Petersburg if city is to be saved send re-enforcements immediately. Enemy has taken intrenchments, and is advancing in force. I have none to send him without abandoning Bermuda Hundred lines. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 3 p. m. General BRAXTON BRAGG: Enemy is now in possession of part of defensive works around Petersburg. Delay in sending re-enforcements will be fatal to that city, and to Richmond for its supplies. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 6 p. m. General B. BRAGG: Enemy has been driven from Petersburg. We have the works again. He may, however, renew attack to-morrow. Yankee cavalry reported to have gone down railroad on a raid. Necessity for troops here still urgent. G. T. BEAUREGARD. DUNLOPS HOUSE, June 9, 1864 - 11.15 p. m. General BRAXTON BRAGG: The force which attacked Petersburg is said to have come from Bermuda Hundred. It has retired from vicinity of city, but not known positively where gone to. The result of this reconnaissance will doubtless invite soon another attack. Gracies brigade should be sent, as first ordered. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:18:40 +0000