Battle of Rice's Station

Other Names: None

Location: Prince Edward County, Virginia

Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)

Date: April 6, 1865

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John Gibbon [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet [CS]

Forces Engaged: 7,500 [US]; 6,800[CS]

Casualties and losses: 66[US]; Unknown[CS]

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

On April 6, Longstreet's command reached Rice's Station, its farthest point south, where it was blocked by Union XXIV Corps. After some skirmishing, Longstreet withdrew over the High Bridge during the night toward Farmville. Gibbon's skirmishers slowly formed for an attack and had a minor confrontation with the entrenched Confederates. As darkness approached and being unsure of the size of the Confederate force, Ord decided to wait for Sheridan and Meade to come up from behind. With the Union Army nearby after the disastrous Confederate defeat at Sailor's Creek, under General Lee's order, Longstreet withdrew during the night towards Farmville, Virginia where rations were waiting.