Sunday, July 2, 2017

Fighting at Three Churches Day 1 11:20 - 11:40 a.m.

Federal infantry from Lander's 1st Brigade advanced against a Confederate militia brigade (the equivalent of a regiment) defending the Greenwalt Farm west of Three Churches. The Virginia Militia put up a stiff resistance, but was outnumbered and fell back to some woods to the southeast near a their supporting battery.

The Union Brigade advanced through the Greenwalt Farm and assaulted the militia in their position in the woods. A Pennsylvania regiment moved on the miitia's left flank and opened fire, just as the Confederate artillery had fired their first canister rounds. The battery commander ordered a retreat to Saville and the militia were able to hold on until the guns withdrew.

The militia then retreated to the Saville Farm, where it was met by additional militia coming up from Three Churches town. Unfortunately, Colonel Alexander Moore, in direct command of the militia on the field, was severely wounded during the retreat and was left in the woods through which the Federal right was advancing.

The Federals have taken position with their artillery coming up in support. The poor armament of the militia (Model 1822 muskets) has allowed part of the Federal guns to advance within canister range of the newly arrived militia unit. The Confederates are about to fall back slightly on their own supporting guns and hopefully out of canister range of the enemy. Both sides are awaiting any further orders before a possible renewal of the Federal assault.


Defense of Greenwalt



Federals attacking Confederate militia in woods east of Greenwalt

Pennsylvanians move on the Confederate left flank as other Federals engage from the Greenwalt Farm.

Federals press on the militia's position in the woods southeast of Greenwalt.

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