Skirimish Report: Lander takes Three Churches - Day 6 - Afternoon

Brigadier General Frederick Lander moved two brigades of infantry, a detachment of sharpshooters, a company of cavalry and 12 artillery pieces to Three Churches on the afternoon of Day 6. Arriving at the Greenwalt Farm from the Middle Fords, Lander's force was halted by Brigadier General Gilbert S. Meem and three "brigades" of Virginia Militia, accompanied by a six-gun battery at J. Saville. Lander advanced his batteries slightly and opened fire with artillery and sharpshooters and the Virginia Militia consolidated their position and returned fire with they own guns.

After a short period of shelling, Lander's infantry stepped off and advanced. The lead brigade, composed of two green Ohio regiments and a Maryland regiment, advanced at the left oblique towards some woods on a hill to the east of the Saville house. His rear brigade moved off slightly to the right towards the Saville Orchard.

With enemy infantry advancing, the Virginia Militia moved forward to protect their guns. Before long, the too sides were engaged. Federal infantry pressed their attack, even in the face of Confederate canister.

The left of the Confederate line was in the Saville Orchard. The militia brigade posted in the orchard held on under heavy fire, but was eventually flanked by an Indiana Regiment and forced to retreat, exposing the Confederate artillery to the advancing Federal right.

With the left broken and the artillery at risk, Meem knew he could hold on no longer. The artillery was ordered to retreat and the two militia brigades on the right held as the artillery limbered and withdrew. As soon as the artillery was limbered and retreating, Brigadier General Meem ordered his men to retreat. The broke to the rear and then started a withdrawal to Dutch Lick School, allowing Lander to occupy Three Churches on the evening of Day 6 of the campaign.