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The captured map of the defenses of Richmond
This map of the defenses of
Richmond was found on the body of the
Confederate Brigadier-General John R. Chambliss, by Federal cavalrymen under Gregg.
Chambliss had been killed in an engagement with these troopers near
White Oak Branch, seven miles from
Richmond, on August 16, 1864.
Early that month
Grant heard that reinforcements were being sent to
General Early in the
Shenandoah for the purpose of threatening
Washington.
In order to compel the recall of these troops, and to cause the weakening of the
Confederate lines before
Petersburg,
Hancock took the Second and part of the Ninth Corps and Gregg's cavalry to the north side of the
James, threatening the works of
Richmond.
On the morning of August 16th, Gregg advanced on the right of the
Federal line toward White's Tavern, near
White Oak Branch.
It was here that the action, the death of
Chambliss, and the capture of the map took place.
Even with the plans of the Southerners thus unexpectedly in their possession, the
Federals were unable to pass these defenses until
Lee's little army had been forced aside.
