June 24, 1864---The Battle of St. Mary's Church

JUNE 24, 1864:          

The Battle of St. Mary’s Church. Frustrated in his attempt to link up with the retreating General David Hunter after leaving Trevilian Station, General Philip Sheridan U.S.A. decides to return to the battle front around Petersburg. He and his cavalry make a detour to White House, Virginia, to seize an impressive supply train meant for Petersburg. The diversion to White House allows General Wade Hampton C.S.A.’s cavalry to catch up with Sheridan. For one of the few times in the war, the Confederates enjoy a superiority in numbers on the field --- 2-to-1. Hampton wants very much to destroy Sheridan’s force, but he also desperately needs those supplies. A violent but ultimately inconclusive battle ensues. Both sides take about 300 casualties. The Union force withdraws, some units abandoning their wounded. However, they also withdraw with the supply train intact. Although Wade Hampton is later lionized in Southern memory, as, it seems, are most of their cavalry commanders --- Stuart, Mosby, Morgan, Forrest, Shelby, and Hampton included ---  he seems to stalemate Sheridan more than checkmate him.