Second Battle of Petersburg

Other Names: Old Men and Young Boys

Location: Petersburg / Prince George County, Virginia

Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)

Date: June 9, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Quincy Gillmore [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard

Forces Engaged: 7,000 (US 4,500; CS 2,500)

Casualties and losses: 120 total

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief 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. Having achieved almost no gains from four days of assaults, Meade ordered his army to dig in. Grant's opportunity to take Petersburg easily had been lost, but Lee, who arrived at Petersburg around noon on June 18, was unable to prevent the Union army from laying siege to the city. The siege would last until April 1865.