June 25, 1864---The Battle of Staunton River Bridge

JUNE 25, 1864:           

The Battle of Staunton River Bridge. Having been unsuccessful in cutting the Weldon Railroad to the south, General Grant orders an attack on the Richmond and Danville Line to the southwest, hoping to cut that supply line. Union cavalry units numbering about 5,000 dispatched to do the job run into a Confederate force of only 300 State Militia and reservists (mostly old men and young boys) who hold off the Union attack until General Rooney Lee arrives with 3,500 Regular Cavalry troopers. Knowing that the game is up if the line is cut, they fight like wildcats. Although Union troops reach the line in one place they are thrown back before they can do any damage. The Union forces withdraw at day’s end, having suffered 120 casualties. The Confederates suffer 35.