On 26 May 1864, following the engagements along the North Anna River, Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant ordered Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan and two cavalry divisions to move southeastward to secure crossings on the Pamunkey River. The next morning Sheridan's troopers had occupied a position near Hanovertown. Engineers built pontoon bridges there and upriver at Nelson's Ferry, allowing the infantry to cross the river. By the end of 28 May Grant's four corps were south of the Pamunkey River and marching toward Richmond. Over the next several days Union and Confederate forces traded attacks along Totopotomoy Creek before the Second Battle of Cold Harbor began on 31 May.
