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 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. |