undreds to the north side of the James river, on pontoons, near Jones'
landing, and bivouacked for the night. General Grant was led to believe
that General Lee had sent a portion of his troops, at least three
divisions of infantry, and one of cavalry, from the front of Petersburg,
to re-enforce Gen. Early, then operating in the valley. Consequently he
thought it a favorable opportunity to threaten Richmond, and ordered
Hancock with the 2nd, and Birney with a part of the 10th Corps, with
Gregg's Cavalry, to attack the confederate works on the north side of
the James. The object was two-fold: to prevent Lee from re-enforcing
Early, confronted by Sheridan's troops; and likewise to drive the
confederates from out their works. The troops crossed the James on the
13th, the 2d Corps going to Deep Bottom by transports, the other troops
crossing the river by pontoons, and advancing, found the enemy in force.
Several spirited engagements took place, after which the main forces
withdrew again across the river, to the front of Petersburg. The
following account applies to the brigade as well as the 7th Phalanx
Regiment, from whose record it is extracted:

"During the forenoon of the 14th the (7th) Regiment acted as
reserve, moving forward occasionally as the line advanced.
Most of the work of the day was done to the right, little
being done in the immediate front except skirmishing. About
5 P. M. a portion of the Seventh and Ninth, forming line in
the edge of some timber, moved across an open field and
charged upon reaching the farther side and captured the
enemy's line of rifle-pits. The companies of the Seventh
pushed on some distance further toward their second line,
but were met with so severe a fire that they fell back to
the captured line; which was held. This charge, known as the
action of Kingsland Road, was made in fine style. The
battalion of the Seventh was commanded by Capt. Weiss--Col.
Shaw having been detailed as Corps Officer of the day, and
Lieut.-Col. Haskell being temporarily in command of the
brigade. Our losses were two men killed, and one officer
(Lieut. Eler) and thirty-two men wounded.

"About 10 o'clock P. M., the troops moved down the road to
the right, and at 1 o'clock Col. Shaw withdrew the pickets
of the corps, re-crossed the pontoons, where we had crossed
in the morning, and moved down the neck. The