Cold Harbor, Va

battles between the Federals and Confederates under Grant and Lee, fought irregularly during twelve days, June 1-12, 1864, while Grant was conducting his famous campaign against Richmond. Lee held the vicinity of Cold Harbor with about 58,000 men, having thrown up hasty fortifications. Grant had 120,000 troope. Sheridan advanced to Cold Harbor on the thirty-first of May. June 1 the Sixth Corps and Smith’s troops began the attack by endeavoring to take the Confederate fortifications. The a ault was ineffectual, the Federals being repulsed with heavy lo . June 2 rain prevented battle, so the day was pa ed on both sides in arranging the lines. June 3 Lee’s position had been immensely strengthened by slashes and rifle trenches. Sheridan’s cavalry guarded the cro ing of the Chick a hominy, and Wilson watched the Confederates’ right. Early in the morning the Federals advanced upon the Confederate intrenchments. Hancock's corps forced the enemy from their front, and with Wright, Smith and Warren made vigorous a aults upon the impregnable earthworks, Burnside failed to come to their aid. Several regiments, however, mounted the parapets and placed their banners upon them. Many of the bravest Federal officers lost their lives. The last a ault lasted half an hour, and then the Federals retired. For ten days the armies lay idle, their sharpshooters picking off many men. Federal lo , 12,737; Confederate, 1,700.