Battle of High Bridge

Other Names: None

Location: Prince Edward and Cumberland County, Virginia

Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)

Date: April 6-7, 1865

Principal Commanders: April 6: Col. T. Read [US]; Maj. Gen. Thomas Rosser [CS]. April 7: Maj. Gen. A.A. Humphreys [US]; Maj. Gen. William Mahone [CS]

Forces Engaged: 880[US]; 1,200[CS]

Casualties and losses: 1,200 total (US 800 captured)

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

On April 6, the Confederate cavalry fought stubbornly to secure the Appomattox River bridges. Confederate general Dearing was mortally wounded. On April 7, elements of the II Corps came up against Longstreet's rear guard attempting to fire the High Bridge and wagon bridge. Union forces were able to save the wagon bridge over which the II Corps crossed in pursuit of Lee's army. Failure to destroy this bridge enabled Union forces to catch up with the Confederates at Farmville. As a result, Lee was forced to continue his march to the west under pressure, depriving some of his men the opportunity to receive rations from Farmville that they desperately needed. On the night of April 7, Lee received from Grant a letter proposing that the Army of Northern Virginia should surrender. Lee demurred, retaining one last hope that his army could get to Appomattox Station before he was trapped.