October 27,1864-Union forces assault enemy positions on Boydton Road and Southside Railroad southwest of Petersburg, Virginia. General Ambrose P. Hill has strong defensive positions and the Union troops are unable to dislodge them. The Union has about 40,000 men involved and no more reinforcements available. The Confederates have about 20,000 men on the lines. Union casualties total 1656 in killed, wounded or missing. No report of Confederate loss.
October 27,1864-Lieutenant William B. Cushing led 15 men in an attack on the Confederate ram Albemarle on the Roanoke River. Their steam craft was outfitted to ram through the protective log shell and explode a torpedo next to the hull of the Albemarle. The bold scheme worked and Lieutenant Cushing was promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
October 28,1864-General Hood continues to move his army westward. General Forrest has not arrived yet.
October 29,1864-The Confederates under General Hood cross the Tennessee River and seize the town of Florence. General Forrest is still near Fort Henry and Fort Heiman where a trap has been constructed on the river to snag Federal vessels. Three craft have been captured in the past two days; two transports and the gunboat 'Undine'.
October 30,1864-Union General George Thomas moves Federal Troops out of Chattanooga to Pulaski, Tennessee to be in position to meet the invading Army of Tennessee.
October 31,1864-Nevada enters the United States as the 36th State. Presidential voting has taken place in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania with President Lincoln somewhat assured of re-election. Nevada is expected to give him their 3 electoral votes.
October 31,1864-Seven Federal vessels commanded by William H. Macomb capture Plymouth, North Carolina. From here, the Federals can control traffic on the Albemarle Sound and the Roanoke River.
November 1,1864-To help meet the threat of General Hood's Army, General Alfred J. Smith moves his men to Nashville as reinforcements for General George Thomas.
November 1,1864-General Forrest takes his captured Federal vessels upriver, stopping at Reynolds Island just south of Johnsonville, Tennessee where he prepares another ambush for enemy ships.
