Battle of Middleburg

Other Names: None

Location: Loudoun County, Virginia

Campaign: Gettysburg Campaign (June-August 1863)

Date: June 17-19, 1863

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. David M. Gregg [US]; Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart [CS]

Forces Engaged: Divisions

Casualties and losses: 390 total

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, screening Lee's invasion route, sparred with Pleasonton's cavalry. On the June 17, Col. Alfred Duffie's isolated 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment was attacked by the brigades of Munford and Robertson. The 1st Rhode Island Cavalry was routed, taking about 250 casualties. On June 19, J. Irvin Gregg's brigade advanced, driving Stuart's cavalry one mile beyond the town. Both sides were reinforced and mounted and dismounted skirmishing continued. Stuart was gradually levered out of his position but fell back to a second ridge, still covering the approaches to the Blue Ridge gap. Prussian cavalier Heros von Borcke, who was badly wounded by a bullet in his neck. Though von Borcke survived and returned to service the following spring, the bullet remained in his body for the rest of his life, and the lingering wound would ultimately result in his death from sepsis in 1895.