This is a group of four bullets recovered on private property in Henrico County, Virginia, near the site of the Battle of Deep Bottom that took place on 27 - 29 July, 1864. This is considered to be a battle during the Siege of Petersburg. The Union Second Corps, under the command of Major General Winfield S. Hancock, along with two divisions from Major General Phillip H. Sheridan's Corps, met approximately 16,500 Confederate soldiers under the overall command of General Robert E. Lee at Deep Bottom, near New Market Heights. The Union forces were attempting to draw Confederate forces away from the Petersburg defenses. The Union Second Corps began crossing a pontoon bridge at 3 am on 27 July, with the division of Major General John Gibbon on the left, Brigadier General Francis Barlow's division in the center and the division of Brigadier General Gersham Mott on the right. Hancock's Corps saw initial success, driving the Confederates from the New Market Road area. They continued to advance towards the Long Bridge Road, and took up positions on the east bank of Bailey's Creek. The Union positions ran from the New Market Road to almost Fussell's Mill. Directly across the creek from the Union forces were formidable Confederate defenses, so much so that Hancock chose not to attack them. The day ended with the Confederates on the west side of Bailey's creek, and the Union on the east bank. The morning of the 28th saw the Union troops on the offensive, but the Confederates were able to repulse every attack. The battle ended a stalemate, with neither side gaining a clear victory. Union casualties were 62 killed, 340 wounded and 86 captured or missing. The Confederates suffered 80 killed, 391 wounded and 208 captured or missing. These four bullets were all recovered on private property.

Item # AA2629

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