Campaign for Petersburg

"Campaign for Petersburg" by Richard Wayne Lykes is a historical account written in the late 20th century, specifically in the 1970s. This book focuses on the military campaign surrounding Petersburg, Virginia, during the American Civil War. It delves into the strategic importance of Petersburg as a key transportation center and its significance in the broader conflict between the Union and the Confederacy. The narrative follows Major General Ulysses S. Grant's efforts to capture Petersburg and ultimately Richmond, the Confederate capital, as the war reaches its climax in 1864-1865. Lykes details the intense battles, including the failed assaults and subsequent siege that lasted for ten months, highlighting key events such as the Battle of the Crater and the eventual fall of both Petersburg and Richmond. Through analysis of military strategies and accounts of soldier experiences, the book illustrates the relentless attrition that characterized this crucial campaign, culminating in the surrender of the Confederate Army and the end of the Civil War.