The Battle of Deep Bottom

July 27 –29 & August 13 –20 th 1864

The Battle of Deep Bottom cannot be described as a singular event since fighting occurred there on two separate occasions. However, both incidents were part of Union General Ulysses S. Grant's Richmond-Petersburg Campaign June1864- March 1865. Therefore, this essay will examine each episode independently as well as the role-played by Rhode Battery B First Light Artillery.

Deep Bottom: Phase I

Of the two battles that were fought at Deep Bottom, the first engagement produced about 1000 casualties. The Union objective was to divert Confederate forces from the impending attack at Petersburg on July 30 th . Consequently, the Union II Corps and two divisions of General Phil Sheridan's cavalry crossed the north side of the James River to threaten the Confederate capital of Richmond. However, the Union plans were thwarted in their attempt to turn the Rebel position at New Market Heights and Fussell's Mill. The Confederates had reinforced their lines and counterattacked the Union forces. General Winfield Scott Hancock ordered the Federals to recross the river, but not before a garrison was left behind to hold the bridgehead at Deep Bottom.

Early in the morning on the 29 th , Battery B was ordered out to the front line toward the Charles City Road. Afterwards, the Battery took position in an open plain with men lying idly about the pieces and limbers in an attempt to find any shade. As the men were thinking about their long overdue pay, their thoughts were interrupted by a shell burst over their head. Instantly everyone was on their feet and at their post. The order was given to return fire and soon solid shot and spherical case were sent in the direction of the Rebel battery. A spirited fire was kept up for some minutes, then the Confederates limbered up and scattered out of sight. This was the second Rebel battery that had withdrawn from the fire of Battery B since they had crossed the James River.

Incidentally, this stand up fight was done on an open field, not behind earthworks. On an interesting note, Battery B would witness one of those unique episodes that marked the Civil War. After it had withdrawn from Deep Bottom on the 29th , it went the rear and went into park for some rest. A few minutes past five, a tremendous explosion ripped through the air as the very ground seemed heaved and trembled. The men of Battery B had witnessed the explosion of Burnside's Mine. At this time Battery B was, with the other batteries of the corps, held in reserve at supporting distance, and would have been sent forward had occasion required.

Deep Bottom: Phase II - August 13 th – 20 th 1864

Union General Ulysses S. Grant was trying flanking maneuvers to keep the Confederates off balance. Consequently, he ordered the Union II Corps, X Corps, and Major-General D. M. Gregg's cavalry division to cross the James River at Deep Bottom and again threaten Richmond. Union General Winfield Scott Hancock was in charge of this operation. Furthermore, this action was coordinated with a movement against the Weldon Railroad. Grant's plan was the combined pressure should break Confederate General Robert E. Lee's battle line.

August 14 th found the X Corps advanced on New Market Heights while the II Corps extended the Federal line to the right in the direction of Bailey's Creek. During the night of the 15 th , the X Corps was moved to the far right of the Union line near Fussell's Mill. The Federals assaulted the Confederate lines near Fussell's Mill on the 16th and had some success. The Union soldiers managed to captured some of the Confederate positions. However, the Union victory was short lived as Rebel counterattacks drove them out of the captured works. The rest of the day saw heavy fighting, but no further success for the Union. The Federals then returned to the south side of the James River while maintaining a bridgehead at Deep Bottom.

Rhode Island's Battery B watched the expedition to Deep Bottom in the guise of some Civil War “espionage”. On August 13 th , the Federals boarded steam ships, with the impression that they were returning to Washington, in order to thwart Confederate General Jubal Early's attack on the city. However, under the cover of night, the steamers and transports were to return up the James and disembark at Deep Bottom. Thus beginning the second attempt to the turn the enemy's line on Bailey's Creek. However, Battery B would see very little action and remained encamped on the south side of the James River. On the 16 th , the battery received sixty-four men, from Battery A, that were assigned to the left section. The arrival of these men could have better timed, for the Battle at Ream's Station lie ahead; and everyman would be needed.