AROUND PETERSBURG.
We must now return to the theater of war around Petersburg. On
the 1st of August, Grant had 85,295 men present for duty. On the
same day Lee's force numbered 54,751, reduced from 60,000 by his having
sent Kershaw's brigade to Early in the Valley. On the 12th, Grant,
believing that Lee had sent three divisions instead of one to the Valley,
determined to assail Richmond, and for this purpose, Hancock's corps
embarked on the James and landed at Deep Bottom, whence it advanced
toward Richmond. But it was not long ere it was learned that
three divisions had not gone to the assistance of Early. One important
advantage was gained, however—Hancock's northward movement, which
resulted in the