After the initial assaults in mid-June 1864 failed to conquer Petersburg, Grant adopted a strategy of utilizing one-two punches to threaten both Richmond and Petersburg — cavalry raids along the railroads and infantry pushes around the Confederate right flank — with the goal of encircling Petersburg south of the Appomattox River.
Hancock launched attacks against both Confederate flanks, and Gregg’s cavalry joined in against Hampton. Mahone had successfully made his way into Hancock’s rear, but now had to fight his way out of encirclement himself. The Confederates retreated up Boydton Plank Road.
Long bundles of saplings, called fascines, were also typically used in conjunction with gabions, and examples are seen above making up the retaining wall to the right and left of the picket post.