Battle of New Hope Church, Virginia
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New Hope Church
On the far left of the Union move across the Rapidan River MG George Sykes experienced none of the problems that plagued French and Warren. His Corps was in place at Culpeper Mine Ford by 1030 and across by noon. He was then held up by Meade's order to await developments at Jacob's Ford. On the morning of the 27th he moved down the Orange Plank road with Gregg's cavalry division in the lead until they struck Confederate cavalry pickets in the vicinity of New Hope Church.
MG J. E. B. Stuart's plan to contest passage of the road got off to a disappointing start. Hampton's Brigade did not appear at the rally point until 0900 causing Stuart to remark in his report; "The enemy was enabled, therefore, to make much more progress than he could have done had we by prompt and vigorous move?met him early on the 27th."
BG James Gordon's Brigade of North Carolina cavalry took the lead and advanced until it met Colonel John Taylor's pickets, comprised of two squadrons from the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry and one squadron from the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. The meeting engagement evolved into what Stuart called "an unequal contest which was greatly aggravated by deficiency in ammunition for carbines and rifles." With both sides fighting on foot due to the "peculiar undergrowth" the Confederate troopers were driven back by the combined efforts of the growing Union strength. Elements of the 3rd PA, 1st PA, 1st MA, and 1st NJ regiments and two sections of guns combined to push Stuart's forces back about a mile. At about 1500 the engagement became "very warm" and the Union advance ran into MG Heth's Confederate infantry being brought up to support the hard pressed Southern troopers.
Heth's vanguard, BG H. H. Walker's Brigade of Virginians, threw out skirmishers in an effort to clear away Union skirmishers and enable the deployment of artillery. After "several unsuccessful attempts" Heth realized that the firepower advantage of the Federal carbines could not be overcome without an increased effort. Heth rode to the rear to seek approval from his Corps commander, Lt Gen A. P. Hill, for a general advance. Unable to locate Hill, Heth happened onto General Lee who approved an advance by the entire division.
Heth arranged his men in a three brigade front. Walker's Brigade in the center flanked by Kirkland's Brigade of North Carolinians (under command of Colonel T. C. Singletary ) on the right and BG J. R. Davis' Brigade on the left. BG J. R. Cooke's Brigade of Tar Heels made up the reserve. While inspecting the disposition of his forces, Heth found Singletary a half mile too far to the right, but while correcting Singletary's position the other two brigades managed to accomplish the "original design" of the attack. Artillery was emplaced but the hour was growing late and Heth once again went to the rear to get guidance. He met with Hill and Lee and it was determined that no further advance would be made.
On the Federal side MG Sykes V Corps infantry relieved the Union cavalry and the "enemy became quiet and made no further demonstration." Sykes also sought guidance from his higher headquarters. Meade, concerned over the separation of his Corps, directed Sykes not to advance beyond the intersection of Raccoon Ford Road and the Orange Plank Road. With that the action here died down for the night.
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