Battle of Norfleet House

Other Names: The siege of Suffolk

Location: Suffolk, Virginia

Campaign: Longstreet's Tidewater Operations (February-May 1863)

Date: April 14, 1863 – April 15, 1863

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John Peck [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet [CS]

Forces Engaged: 17,000 [US]; 20,000 [CS]

Casualties and losses: Unknown

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

On April 14 Lamson's sailors spotted fresh dirt on the river bluffs, tell tale signs of the battery's construction. Union gunboats attempted to run the batteries at the Norfleet House slightly upstream, but the USS Mount Washington became grounded and was crippled in the attack. On April 15 Getty opened fire and after a three-hour duel the Confederate guns were silenced. Lamson and Cushing were informed this obstruction was no longer a threat. However, Lamson and Lee remained skeptical of the safety of the river.