Location: Warren County, Virginia

Campaign: Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign (August-December 1864)

Date: August 16, 1864

Principal Commanders:
Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt [US];
Lt. Gen. Richard Anderson [CS]

Forces Engaged: Divisions

Estimated Casualties: 550 total

Description:
Kershaw’s infantry division and Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry, under overall command of Lt. Gen. Richard Anderson (Army of Northern Virginia, I Corps) were sent from Petersburg to reinforce Early’s army in the Valley.

At Front Royal [Front Royal I, May 1862] on the August 16, Union cavalry of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt’s division surprised the Confederate columns in mid-stream of the Shenandoah River, capturing about 300. The Confederates rallied and advanced, gradually driving the two Union brigades back to Cedarville.

After dark, Merritt withdrew to Ninevah.

Result: Inconclusive