Howlett Line

The Howlett Line was a critical Confederate earthworks dug during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign of the United States Civil War in May 1864. Specifically, the line stretched across the Bermuda Hundred peninsula from the James River to the Appomattox River. It was named for the Howlett House that stood at the north end of the line. The Howlett line became famous as the "Cork in the Bottle" by keeping General Butler's Army of the James at bay.

Details
Following the Battle of Ware Bottom Church (May 20, 1864), the confederates began digging a critical set of defensive earthworks that became known as the Howlett Line. In Grant's Personal Memoirs he described a conversation with his Chief Engineer regarding Butler's predicament:

During the Second Battle of Petersburg (June 15, 1864) General Beauregard pulled forces from the Howlett line to reinforce his defenses. The construction of Confederate fortifications and trenches known as the Howlett Line held Butler in place until Lee evacuated the position on April 2, 1865.