Battle of Cumberland Church

Other Names: None

Location: Cumberland County near Farmville, Virginia

Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)

Date: April 7, 1865

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. A.A. Humphreys [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]

Forces Engaged: 12,000[US]; 12,000[CS]

Casualties and losses: 910 total (US 655; CS 255)Confederate victory

Result(s): 

Brief Description:

Near 2 pm on April 7, the advance of the Union II Corps encountered Confederate forces entrenched on high ground near Cumberland Church. The Union forces attacked twice but were repulsed, and darkness halted the conflict. Union general Smythe was mortally wounded nearby, and J.I. Gregg was captured north of Farmville. Finding the Confederate position too strong to take, Humphreys recalled Brigadier General Francis Barlow's division, which had been heading directly to Farmville in pursuit of Gordon's corps, and sent a message to Army of the Potomac commander Major General George Meade that Lee's whole army was north of the river. Humphreys suggested that reinforcements be sent in order to engage the full Confederate Army.