Battle of Suffolk

Other Names: The siege of Suffolk

Location: Near Suffolk, Virginia

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

Date: April 11-May 4, 1863

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

Forces Engaged: 20,000 [US]; 25,000 [CS]

Casualties and losses: 746 total

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

On April 19, a Union infantry force landed on Hill's Point at the confluence of the forks of the Nansemond River. This amphibious force assaulted Fort Huger from the rear, quickly capturing its garrison, thus reopening the river to Union shipping. On April 24, Brig. Gen. Michael Corcoran's Union division mounted a reconnaissance-in-force from Fort Dix against Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett's extreme right flank. The Federals approached cautiously and were easily repulsed. On April 29, Gen. Robert E. Lee directed Longstreet to disengage from Suffolk and rejoin the Army of Northern Virginia at Fredericksburg. By May 4, the last of Longstreet's command had crossed the Blackwater River en route to Richmond.