Battle of Mine Run

Dates:

November 27-December 2, 1863

Other Names:

Payne’s Farm, New Hope Church

Location:

Mine Run, Virginia

Key Individuals Involved in the Battle of Mine Run:

Union: Major General George G. Meade
Confederate: General Robert E. Lee

Outcome:

Inconclusive. 1,952casualties of which 1,272 were Union soldiers.

Overview of the Battle :

Payne’s Farm and New Hope Church were the first and heaviest clashes of the Mine Run Campaign. In late November 1863, Meade attempted to steal a march through the Wilderness and strike the right flank of the Confederate army south of the Rapidan River. Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early in command of Ewell's Corps marched east on the Orange Turnpike to meet the advance of William French’s III Corps near Payne’s Farm. Carr’s division (US) attacked twice. Johnson’s division (CS) counterattacked but was scattered by heavy fire and broken terrain. After dark, Lee withdrew to prepared field fortifications along Mine Run. The next day the Union army closed on the Confederate position. Skirmishing was heavy, but a major attack did not materialize. Meade concluded that the Confederate line was too strong to attack and retired during the night of December 1-2, ending the winter campaign.
Source: CWSAC Battle Summaries