Battle of Kernstown II

Dates:

July 24, 1864

Other Names:

None

Location:

Kernstown II, Virginia

Key Individuals Involved in the Battle of Kernstown II:

Union: Brigadier General George Crook
Confederate:Lieutenant General Jubal Early

Outcome:

Confederate Victory. 1,800 casualties of which 1,200 were Union soldiers.

Overview of the Battle :

Believing that Early’s army was no longer a threat in the Valley, Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright abandoned his pursuit and ordered the VI and XIX Corps to return to Washington, where they were to be sent to Grant’s “army group” before Petersburg. Wright left Brig. Gen. George Crook with three divisions and some cavalry to hold Winchester. Under orders to prevent reinforcements from being sent to Grant, Early marched north on July 24 against Crook. After an hour of stubborn resistance at Pritchard’s Hill, the Federal line collapsed and Crook’s divisions streamed back in disarray through the streets of Winchester. Col. James Mulligan commanding Crook’s 3rd Division was mortally wounded. Rutherford B. Hayes commanded a brigade against John C. Breckinridge’s wing. Crook retreated to the Potomac River and crossed near Williamsport on July 26. As a result of this defeat and the burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on July 30, Grant returned the VI and XIX Corps and appointed Sheridan as commander of Union forces in the Valley.
Source: CWSAC Battle Summaries