1st Michigan Infantry: 1865. The final year.
Morale could not have been any higher among the boys of the 1 st Michigan Infantry then it was as the final year of the war kicked off. The feeling was one of great responsibility, eagerness, and mindfulness that the war was nearing a close. In late December of 1864, the men learned of Sherman capturing Savannah, Georgia, and of General George Thomas defeating John Bell Hood at Nashville, whom they were well familiar. Then-Major Lockley also commented in his diary that the Confederate supply situation around Richmond was weak and reduced to one route, the Danville Road. The first major engagement of the new year came in early February when Grant decided to extend his flank left. He sent Warren off towards Dinwiddie Court House, via Ream’s Station, which is about 7 miles southwest of Petersburg. On the 5 th of February they moved out. At about 2:30 pm, 3 rd Brigade, commanded by BG Alfred L. Pearson, crossed Rowanty Creek at Monk’s Neck Bridge. They a