reconnoissance in force (NY Times 10-29-1864)
As the 1864 presidential election neared, a Democrat paper claimed that a Union assault on the Petersburg-Richmond front was politically motivated to create good war news for President Lincoln; the administration then covered up the failed attack. From a Seneca County, newspaper in November 1864:
Another Advance and Another Retreat.
On Wednesday of last week Grant’s army made another advance towards Petersburg and Richmond. The fighting continued during Wednesday night and all day on Thursday, ending in the repulse of our army at all points. It is stated that the enemy’s works were well manned and utterly impregnable, and that our forces could make no impression upon the lines. Our loss in killed, wounded and prisoners was very large. The administration has endeavored to keep back all intelligence of the disaster, for political reasons. It was a movement designed solely to bolster up the administration; it failed, hence the reticence of the authorities at Washington. –
Gen. Butler lost two full brigades. The 148th Regiment went into the fight two hundred strong, and lost nearly one half in killed, wounded and prisoners. Capt. GAGE, of Geneva, lost his life while bravely leading the regiment.
Darwin E. Gage
NY 148th’s regimental color
As part of the XVIII Corps, the 148th fought in the attack north of the James at Fair Oaks. The New York State Military Museum provides the image of the 148th’s colors:
According to Lieutenant Colonel J.B. Murray’s report regarding the regiment’s action on October 27, 1864, at Fair Oaks, Virginia, Color Corporal Harmon Van Vleck successfully brought this flag off the field of battle, “while under a most terrific fire.”
According to the October 29, 1864 issue of The New-York Times (the clipping at the top left) Secretary of War Stanton did telegraph the news of the October 27th action to General Dix in New York. The reconnaissance found out that the rebel line was entrenched and well manned. According to Mr. Stanton, the purpose was accomplished and then the Union troops withdrew.
“Battle of Darby Town Rd. Gen’l Butler & his staff”
