Federals score a decisive victory over a small Confederate force, which enables David Hunter to continue his southward march “up” Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in an effort to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad.
Tag: John D. Imboden
The Shenandoah Valley: Sigel Ousted
John C. Breckinridge’s Confederates begin leaving the Shenandoah Valley after their victory at New Market. Franz Sigel is replaced by a brutal new Federal commander in the region, with orders to apply relentless pressure.
The Battle of New Market
John C. Breckinridge leads a makeshift Confederate army in trying to stop Franz Sigel’s Federal drive up Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Lee Weighs the Probabilities
Robert E. Lee, commanding Confederates in northern Virginia, anticipates a Federal offensive as scouts report that officers’ wives are leaving the Army of the Potomac. Initially focused on the west, Lee soon concludes that the impending threat is to his Army of Northern Virginia, which consists of just 40,000 ill-equipped troops.
Averell’s Third West Virginia Raid
A new Confederate force moves into West Virginia to stop Federal raiding in the region, and endures freezing cold in the process.
Lee Mobilizes in Northern Virginia
Robert E. Lee begins planning to attack after receiving confirmation that George G. Meade’s Federal Army of the Potomac has been weakened.