Battle of Saint Mary's Church

Other Names: Nance's Shop

Location: Charles City, Virginia

Campaign: Grant's Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)

Date: June 24, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton [CS]

Forces Engaged: 2,147 [US]; 4,000[CS]

Casualties and losses: 630 total

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

On June 24, Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton's cavalry attempted to cut off Sheridan's cavalry returning from their raid to Trevilian Station. Sheridan fought a delaying action to protect a long supply train under his protection, then rejoined the Union army at Bermuda Hundred. The Confederate cavalry attempted to position themselves for another attack, but the Union force was too strong and the Southern horsemen were too worn out. Hampton received orders from Robert E. Lee to proceed to Petersburg as quickly as possible to deal with the Wilson-Kautz Raid against railroads south of the city. His men crossed the James on a pontoon bridge at Chaffin's Bluff, also on June 27 and 28. Sheridan's raid to Trevilian Station and back to the Army of the Potomac achieved mixed results.