Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/78

 52 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS August 14, Hancock s corps was sent to the north side of the James, and made a demonstration against the enemy at Deep Bottom, to develop his strength and prevent him from detaching troops to send against Sheridan. This resulted in the cap ture of six pieces of artillery and a few prisoners. On August 18, Warren s corps moved out and, after heavy fighting, seized and held a position on the Weldon railroad. Fighting continued on the 19th, with Warren s troops re-enforced by part of the 9th corps. Lee attempted to recover the Weldon road by an assault on the 21st, but was repelled. On the 23d, Ream s Station was occupied by the National troops, and the enemy attacked them in this place in force. Two assaults were suc cessfully met, but the place was finally captured, and the National troops were compelled to fall back. Sherman s series of brilliant battles and manoeuvres around Atlanta had forced Gen. Hood to evacuate that place, and his troops entered the city on September 2. Sheridan attacked Early s army on September 19, and in the battle of Winchester completely routed him. He pursued the enemy to Fisher s Hill, and on the 22d gained another signal victory. Grant now made several movements against Richmond and Petersburg, in tended to keep Lee from detaching troops, to ex tend the National lines, and to take advantage of