Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/351

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 283 federate lines of communication south of Richmond, but was baffled in this purpose, and forced to enter upon a regular siege of Petersburg, which occupied the summer and autumn. While these operations were in progress, Gen. Philip H. Sheridan had made one of the most brilliant cavalry raids in the war, threatening Richmond and defeating the Con federate cavalry under Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, and killing that famous leader. While Grant lay before Richmond, Gen. Lee, hoping to induce him to attack his works, despatched a force under Gen. Early to threaten Washington; but Grant sent two corps of his army northward, and Early after a sharp skirmish under the fortifications of Washing ton, where Mr. Lincoln was personally present- was driven back through the Shenandoah valley, and on two occasions, in September and October, was signally defeated by Gen. Sheridan. Gen. William T. Sherman, who had been left in command of the western district formerly com manded by Grant, moved southward at the same time that Grant crossed the Rapidan. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, one of the ablest of the Confederate generals, retired gradually before him, defending himself at every halt with the greatest skill and address; but, his movements not proving satisfac tory to the Richmond government, he was removed, and Gen. John B. Hood appointed in his place. After a summer of hard fighting, Sherman, on