Jonah Key was wounded at what is called the Second Battle of Petersburg, the attempt by Union forces to take the town while it was lightly guarded. It was a failure and this ended up with the ten month siege of Petersburg.
Union forces might have captured it with ease at first, but delays enabled Lee to get reinforcements there.
Fighting lasted from June 15th to June 18th. Of 62,000 Union troops engaged, there were 8,150 casualties, including Mr. Key.
His regiment, the 4th US Colored, participated in both attacks on Fort Fisher and the Wilmington Campaign and were at Goldsboro, NC in March.
They participated in many engagements during their term of service. At Chaffin's Farm, three members received the Medal of Honor.
A Gallant Regiment. --Old B-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
