Grant's Sixth Offensive at Petersburg: Brief Observations

With the anniversary of the Grant's pre-election offensive at Richmond and Petersburg approaching, I thought I'd revisit some of the key takeaways. The short quotes below come from Richmond Must Fall: The Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, October 1864 (Kent State Univ. Press), my study of Grant's Sixth Offensive at Richmond and Petersburg in October 1864. Those operations (the battles at Burgess Mill, the Williamsburg Road, etc.) are often overlooked but instructive in examining his command style.

Previous Efforts During the Petersburg Campaign

"In each offensive, Grant demonstrated patience in waiting for the right conditions as well as flexibility in trying new approaches. The extraordinary length of the Confederate front allowed him to vary the location, strength, and intensity of his advances ... [He] tried different combinations of movements and strengths, multipronged and single attacks, diversions, lunges at different locations along the rebel line, and different force sizes. However, he had yet to conjure a successful plan."

Pre-Election Decisions 

"Grant appreciated that the arithmetic of beans, bullets, and manpower favored him.  However, he also understood that lack of progress & military failures could degrade Union will and destabilize Lincoln’s support. Excessive delay, or worse yet, disaster...in Virginia, could damage Lincoln at the polls."

Inspiration For the Sixth Offensive 

"Even as the pressing need for military success waned, the Cedar Creek victory may have inspired Grant to consider a strike against Lee despite ample reasons for caution. Election or no, he would not hold back."

Day of Battle - October 27, 1864

"Grant had exercised his direct, hands-on command style...he rode directly to the key locations and consulted with the commanders... [he] took personal risks to examine conditions on the front firsthand. This ... helped him make reasonable choices."