Richmond

and Petersburg Railroad, Virgiria, attacked by General Smith, May 6 and 7, 1864, with about 20,000 men of Butler’s Army of the James during the occupation of Bermuda Hundred by that genetdl. Smith commenced to destroy the railroad at Walthall Junction, but D. H. Hill came up with a strong Confederate force. Smith stopped and gave battle to the Confederates. Hill was driven away after some sharp fighting. Then Smith continued his destruction of the road, tearing it up for several miles, He was suddenly recalled by Butler, May 7, the latter having heard that Lee was advancing in full force.