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In May 1864 after assuming command of the Union Army, General Grant launched his offensive against Confederate General Robert E. Lee, marching towards Richmond, Virginia. By May 5 most of Grant's army had crossed the Rapidan River, where for three days they engaged the Confederate forces in the opening battles of the "Wilderness Campaign". On May 8, following the three-day initial Wilderness battle, Union Forces engaged the rebel troops at Laurell in what became the preliminary to the major engagement at Spotsylvania four days later. Colonel charles Phelps was one of two commanders who earned the Medal of Honor in the engagement that followed. With great courage, Colonel Phelps rode to the head of the assaulting column which had been broken by severe losses and was faltering under the close fire of artillery. He placed himself conspicuously in front of the troops, and gallantly rallied and led them to within a few feet of the enemy's works, where he was severely wounded and captured. |
| After the Civil War General Phelps was elected to the US House of Representatives for Maryland's 3rd District from 1865 to 1869. He was a municipal judge from 1882 until his death in 1908. |
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