Appomattox Campaign (Sutherland Station)

At Sutherland Station, on 2 Apr. 1865, the Confederates made a last attempt to maintain control of the South Side Railroad. Confederate Maj. Gen. Henry Heth organized the defense before returning to the main line in Petersburg. Brig. Gen. John R. Cooke commanded in Heth's absence. Elements of Union Maj. Gen. Nelson's division of the II Corps troops charged the Confederate left flank, commanded by Brig Gen. Samuel McGowan. Overwhelmed, the flank disintegrated and the rest of the line fled as well. The loss severed Gen. Robert E. Lee's supply line.