Genesis of Failed Raid of Richmond

In mid-winter 1864, Union Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick had a bright idea. The chief of the 3rd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, had seen newspaper accounts of an aborted attempt to release Union prisoners of war held in and near Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital. Kilpatrick was convinced he could succeed where others had failed. Others were not so sure. Even his nickname, “Kill-Cavalry,” referring to his careless handling of the troops under his command, did not inspire confidence.