Did Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee Ever Engage in Battle? An Examination of the Battle of Cold Harbor
Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, and Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, were two of the most prominent military figures of their time. Their paths crossed in several battles, but one in particular stands out: the Battle of Cold Harbor. This article will delve into the history and details of this significant engagement.
Engagement of Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee
Only during the last year of the War, specifically during the Overland Campaign of 1864, did Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee meet in battle. This campaign was a crucial part of the American Civil War, marking a turning point in the conflict.[1]
The Last Hurrah: The Battle of Cold Harbor
One of the most significant battles of the Overland Campaign was the Battle of Cold Harbor, which took place from May 31 to June 12, 1864, and is often overshadowed by other battles. This engagement at Virginia’s dusty crossroads was strategically critical, controlling movement in five directions, just 10 miles northeast of Richmond.
The Battle of Cold Harbor: May 31 to June 12, 1864
The Battle of Cold Harbor was the final battle of the Overland Campaign. It spanned over two weeks, with the most significant fighting occurring on June 3rd. On this day, Union troops, given orders and an extra day to prepare, conducted practically no reconnaissance of Lee’s formidable seven-mile front. This resulted in the troops charging with little to no understanding of the opposing forces' defenses.[2]
Tragic Day of BattleOn the morning of June 3rd, as the Union troops received their orders to attack, they did not panic or run; instead, many wrote their names and addresses on slips of paper and pinned them to their blouses for identification. Much of this fatalism proved justified when the troops charged into the dense fog and mist, only to face withering enfilade fire. The Union corps commanders had orders to attack, but due to faulty reconnaissance, their charges were met with the entrenched Confederate positions.[2]
Unmatched LossesDuring the first crucial hour of the main attack, Confederate infantry, despite being outnumbered 2 to 1, scored kills of 5 to 1. The battlefield was soon littered with the bodies of Union soldiers, with as many as 7,000 Union troops falling in just the first 10 minutes. General Grant's decision to order this attack resulted in one of the American Civil War's bloodiest and most lopsided battles.[1]
Statistics of the Battle
Generals: Union: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant Confederate: Gen. Robert E. Lee Soldiers Engaged: Union: 108,000 Confederate: 53,000 Casualties: Union: 12,700 Confederate: 1,500
Aftermath and Legacy
The Battle of Cold Harbor stands as a testament to the brutality of the American Civil War. It not only marked a significant turning point in the Overland Campaign but also highlighted the tactical and strategic brilliance of both Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.[1] Despite the overwhelming losses on the Union side, the battle was not in vain, as it contributed to the eventual Confederate defeat in the Civil War.