Gregg and Hancock

On this date in 1865, US Major General David Gregg rode out into his last engagement, beginning the Battle of Hatcher's Run -- part of Grant's long siege of Petersburg, Virginia. Days before, Gregg, a West Point regular officer, had resigned his commission. So he would miss the Appomattox campaign in April, but would remain well respected.

Gregg had fought in the vicinity of Hatcher's Run the previous October alongside Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, who shortly after gave up field command. Both battles contributed to the weakening of Confederate lines at Petersburg, and thus to the eventual success of Grant's campaign.

 Hancock stayed in the Army another two decades and more, but Gregg was out for good. Both men had fought well all through the war, and were worn out.