New Market Virginia

New Market Virginia

Description of the Battle

Phase One. Cavalry Actions: On 14 May 1864, Union cavalry under Quinn (mainly 1st NY Cav Lincoln) advanced south on the Valley Pike from Mt. Jackson, driving CS cavalry (18VA) under Imboden across Meem's Bottom and beyond Rude's Hill, where defense stiffened. Reinforced by a brigade of infantry under Moor, and Wynkoop's cavalry brigade, US forces again advanced with Imboden withdrawing to New Market. CS cavalry, fighting dismounted supported Imboden and established a line south of New Market behind Shirley's Hill. The CS line stretched thinly from Shirley's Hill to Smith Creek. Federals continued to advance, launching two attacks about 2000 and 2200 hours, both of which were repulsed. After dark, Imboden withdrew farther to the south, after successfully retarding Sigel's advance.

Phase Two. CS Advance: After midnight, Breckinridge brought most of his command north along the Valley Pike from near Lacey Spring. By 0600 hours, 15 May, Breckinridge reached the Shenandoah County line. He halted near here to reconnoiter and about 0800 hours sent his cavalry and artillery forward to harass the US force under Moor at New Market. CS artillery unlimbered and fired from Shirley's Hill. Moor established his line along the old River Road with artillery on Manor's Hill and in St. Matthews (currently the Lutheran) cemetery. The rest of Sigel's infantry was spread out along the pike as far north as Edinburg. Brig. Gen. Julius Stahel arrived about 0830 and ordered Moor to withdraw some of his troops to Bushong's Hill. While Breckinridge waited on the rest of his infantry to reach the field, US guns at the cemetery and CS guns on Shirley's Hill exchanged fire.

Phase Three. US Deployment/ Initial CS Attacks: About 1100 hours, Sigel arrived on the battlefield and established temporary headquarters at the Rice House. After reviewing Moor's dispositions he ordered his line withdrawn to a stronger position on Bushong's Hill, stretching between a bend in the North Fork and Smith's Creek. Sigel brought up 14 guns to support his position, leaving DuPont's battery at Rude's Hill awaiting orders. He placed cavalry on his left flank between the Valley Pike and Smith's Creek. Breckinridge deployed on both sides of the Pike and advanced his infantry in force, driving back US skirmishers. Imboden crossed Smith's Creek with his cavalry and attempted to outflank Sigel by moving north along the east bank. By 1230, Sigel had withdrawn entirely from the town of New Market. The 18CT and 123OH resisted the CS advance on Manor's Hill before joining the main battle line at Bushong's.

Phase Four. Bushong's Hill: About 1400 hours, Breckinridge launched an all-out assault against the US position on Bushong's Hill, using the 26VA, 30VA, 51VA, and 62VA. The 62nd Virginia suffered more than 50 percent casualties. When the CS attack stalled under heavy small arms and artillery fire, the VMI battalion was ordered to fill the gap in the line near the Bushong House. About 1445 hours, the US cavalry under Stahel attacked up the Valley Pike, riding into massed artillery which Breckinridge had shifted east from Shirley's Hill. Stahel was repulsed with heavy casualties. About 1500 hours, Sigel directed a confused counterattack, which was soon repulsed. CS sharpshooters began picking off Union gunners on Bushong's Hill north of the farm, and Sigel ordered the batteries withdrawn. When the artillery fire slackened, Breckinridge ordered a general advance and swept the Union line off Bushong's Hill. In this assault, the VMI cadets captured a gun and many men of the 34MA. To the east near the Valley Pike, elements of the 34MA and 54PA continued to resist, covering the Union retreat. These regiments were eventually driven back, and the Union forces began a general retreat.

Phase Five. Rear Guard Actions: On his own initiative, Capt. Henry DuPont (US) brought up his battery to cover the retreat. He unlimbered first near the Harshburger House, then withdrew his pieces rearward en echelon as the Confederates advanced. Sigel fell back to his supports at the Cedar Grove Dunker Church and cemetery and organized a holding action, while his confused troops reorganized. DuPont's artillery continued to slow the pursuit. About 1630 hours, Breckinridge ordered a halt to regroup confronting the US line at Cedar Grove Church. Imboden's cavalry returned from their fruitless effort to get in rear of Sigel's army to burn the Meem's Bottom Bridge across the North Fork (the creeks were swollen with rainfall). An artillery duel continued until about 1700 hours. Breckinridge was unable to organize another attack and, by 1900 hours, the Union army escaped across the North Fork and burned the bridge. Sigel retreated down the Valley Pike rapidly, leaving his badly wounded at Mt. Jackson. He arrived at Strasburg on the following day.