Battle of Sailor's Creek

Other Names: Sayler's Creek, Hillsman Farm, Lockett Farm

Location: Amelia County, Prince Edward County, and Nottoway County, Virginia

Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)

Date: April 6, 1865

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell and Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon [CS]

Forces Engaged: 25,000–26,000 [US]; 18,500[CS]

Casualties and losses: 9,980 total

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

On April 6 at Sailor's Creek, nearly one fourth of the retreating Confederate army was cut off by Sheridan's Cavalry and elements of the II and VI Corps. Most surrendered, including Confederate generals Richard S. Ewell, Barton, Simms, Kershaw, Custis Lee, Dubose, Hunton, and Corse. This action was considered the death knell of the Confederate army. After some desperate hand-to-hand fighting, about a quarter of the remaining effective soldiers of the Confederate force were lost, including several generals. The two small bridges over Sailor's Creek and Little Sailor's Creek caused a bottleneck that further delayed the Confederates' attempt to escape. Upon seeing the survivors streaming along the road, Lee exclaimed "My God, has the army dissolved?", to which Mahone replied, "No, General, here are troops ready to do their duty."