On Sun-
[
311]
day morning, Feb. 5, 1865, a strong flanking column of Nationals moved on the right of the lines of the
Confederates at
Petersburg, beyond
Hatcher's Run, to strike the South-side Railway.
The entire National army in front of
Petersburg had received marching orders to meet whatever might be developed by the movement.
This flanking movement was led by
Warren's and
Humphrey's corps, and
Gregg's cavalry.
The cavalry moved down the Jerusalem Plank-road to Reams' Station.
The divisions of
Ayres,
Griffin, and
Crawford, of
Warren's corps, moved along another road, while portions of
Humphrey's corps (
Mott's and
Smyth's divisions) moved along still another road, with instructions to fall upon the right of the
Confederate works on
Hatcher's Run, while
Warren should move around to the flank and strike the rear of their adversaries.
The cavalry had pushed on from Reams's Station to Dinwiddie Courthouse, encountering
Wade Hampton's cavalry, dismounted and intrenched.
A division of
Humphrey's corps carried the
Confederate works on
Hatcher's Run, making the passage of it safe for the Nationals.
The latter cast up temporary earthworks, which were assailed in the afternoon, the
Confederates pressing through a tangled swamp.
They were repulsed.
The
Nationals lost about 300 men; their antagonists a few more.
Warren's corps took position on the left of
Humphrey's during the night, and the cavalry were recalled.
Two other corps were disposed so as to assist, if necessary.
Towards noon (Feb. 6),
Crawford, moving towards Dabney's Mills, met and fought the
Confederates under
Pegram.
The latter were repulsed, but finally the Nationals were pushed back with heavy loss.
Then the
Confederates attacked
Humphrey's corps, and were repulsed in disorder.
The
Nationals were rallied behind intrenchments and stood firm, and made a permanent extension of
Grant's line to
Hatcher's Run.
The City Point Railroad was extended to that stream.
In the battle at
Hatcher's Run the Nationals lost nearly 2,000 men; the
Confederates, 1,000.
General Pegram was killed.