Battle of Chaffin's Farm

From Conservapedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Battle of Chaffin's Farm
New Market Heights
Laurel Hill; Forts Harrison, Johnson, and Gilmer
Began:

September 29, 1864

Ended:

September 30, 1864

Location:

Henrico County, Virginia

Theater:

Eastern Theater

Campaign:

Richmond–Petersburg Campaign

Outcome:

Union victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

Army of the James

Commanders

Benjamin F. Butler
Major General, USA

Robert E. Lee
General, CSA
Richard S. Ewell
Lieutenant General, CSA

Strength

26,600

14,500

Casualties

3,372
Killed: 391
Wounded: 2,317
Missing or captured: 649

2,000 (approximate)
Killed: 250
Wounded: 1,250
Missing or captured: 500

  

During the night of September 28–29, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler’s Army of the James crossed James River to assault the Richmond defenses north of the river. The columns attacked at dawn. After initial Union successes at New Market Heights and Fort Harrison, the Confederates rallied and contained the breakthrough. Lee reinforced his lines north of the James and, on September 30, he counterattacked unsuccessfully. The Federals entrenched, and the Confederates erected a new line of works cutting off the captured forts. Union general Burnham was killed. As Grant anticipated, Lee shifted troops to meet the threat against Richmond, weakening his lines at Petersburg. (NPS summary)