Description: |
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 by Home Guards. Afterwards, Butler withdrew. This was called the "battle of 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. |