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Re: Alsop Farm battle Query
In Response To: Re: Alsop Farm battle Query ()

Bryce, you are correct. Attached is the early morning May 8th entry excerpt from my book on the 88th Pennsylvania. Dairies mention passing through a swampy area.

May 8, 1864—Between 4 and 5 a.m., 5th Corps restarts its movement down Brock Road (present day Virginia Route 613). Robinson’s Second Division, leads the Corps and much to the infantry’s chagrin, finds Sheridan’s cavalry blocking the road and impeding their march. After some delay, the division continues along the Brock Road towards Todd’s Tavern. Upon reaching the intersection of Catharpin and Brock Roads, Robinson orders the 11th Pennsylvania and 12th Massachusetts to deploy forward as skirmishers and positions his regiments to straddle the road in a staggered formation.

The Second Division deploys into line of battle and moves southward passed Todd’s Tavern. Coulter’s Brigade is the first to make contact with Confederates in the vicinity of the Hart Farm. Troops of the Second Brigade are rapidly joined by regiments from Lyle’s First and Denison’s Third (Maryland) Brigades. Opposing their advance are dismounted Virginia cavalry of Wickham’s Brigade and a detachment of horse artillery. Brigadier General Williams Wickham commands one of two brigades subordinated to Major General Fitzhugh Lee’s Cavalry Division.

Fitzhugh Lee knows his troops must delay the Union advance long enough for Confederate infantry of Anderson’s Corps to arrive. Knowing that his cavalry has insufficient combat power to stop Robinson’s Division, Lee stays in front of the Union troops only long enough to make a series rearward moving delaying actions. Robinson’s troops race at the double-time for two full miles in a vain effort to catch the fleeting Cavalry of Wickham’s Brigade.

Hope this helps//Mike

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