AUGUST 17TH, 1864: General Robert E. Lee, attempting to consolidate his position on the James River below Richmond, turned to the ships of Flag Officer Mitchell's squadron for gunfire support and telegraphed: "The enemy is on Signal Hill, fortifying. Please try and drive him off. Our picket line is reestablished with the exception of Signal Hill."
The ironclads Virginia II and Richmond immediately steamed into position above Signal Hill where they opened fire on the encroaching Union position. Shortly afterwards, the Federals withdrew and Lee's troops now commanded the hill.
--Old B-R'er
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