In 1862 McClellan's Federals attacked Richmond, and in 1864 Grant did the same, while Joseph E. Johnston and then Robert E. Lee defended the Confederate capital. These two major assaults spread into a series of battles, skirmishes, and marches, with fighting marked by swamps, misread orders, and last-minute bayonet charges. Both sides claimed some victories and suffered heavy casualties. Richmond remained unconquered, though the Union Army was able to withdraw still healthy and numerous. In late September 1864 the Federals launched a surprise offensive against Richmond, and Fort Harrison and nearby Confederate defenses stood in Grant's path. From Fort Gilmer to Fort Brady on the James River, Confederate and Union earthworks almost overlap after the series of assaults and artillery duels.
