The Battle of Cold Harbor was several battles between the Federals and Confederates under Ulysses Simpson Grant and Robert E Lee, fought irregularly during twelve days, from June the 1st to June the 12th, 1864, during the American Civil War while Ulysses Simpson Grant was attempting his famous campaign against Richmond.
Lee held the vicinity of Cold Harbor with about 100,000 men, having thrown up hasty fortifications. Ulysses Simpson Grant had 120,000 troops. Philip Sheridan advanced to Cold Harbor on the 31st of May.
On June the 1st the Sixth Corps and Smithes troops began the attack by endeavouring to take the Confederate fortifications. The assault was ineffectual, the Federals being repulsed with heavy loss.
On June the 2nd rain prevented battle, so the day was passed on both sides in arranging the lines.
On June the 3rd Robert E Lee's position had been immensely strengthened by slashes and rifle trenches. Philip Sheridan's cavalry guarded the crossing of the Chickahominy, and Wilson watched the Confederates' right. Early in the morning the Federals advanced upon the Confederate entrenchments. Hancock's corps forced the enemy from their front, and with Wright, Smith and Warren made vigorous assaults upon the impregnable earthworks. Ambrose E. Burnside failed to come to their aid. Several regiments, however, mounted the parapets and placed their banners upon them. Many of the bravest Federal officers lost their lives. The last assault lasted half an hour, and then the Federals retired. For ten days the armies lay idle, their sharpshooters picking off many men. During the battles the Federals lost 10,000 troops and the Confederates 8000. Research Battle of Cold Harbor
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