Blocking the Union Advance

After departing their position near the Stone Bridge, Confederate troops under Colonel Nathan Evans deployed on this ground to intercept an enemy flanking column advancing southward on the Sudley Road. Knowing they were outnumbered, their only hope was to slow the Federal column long enough for reinforcements to arrive. The advancing Federals drove back Confederate skirmishers and gained the crest of Matthews Hill. The fighting intensified as fresh troops on both sides arrived to extend the opposing lines along a half-mile front. After nearly two hours, outnumbered and outflanked, the Confederates retreated in disarray. The battle seemed lost, but Confederate reinforcements were arriving on Henry Hill to form a new defensive position. Confederate General Barnard E. Bee, still wearing his blue U.S. Army frock coat, ordered forward the 4th Alabama Regiment in an unsuccessful attempt to halt the Union advance on Matthews Hill.

Virginia · United States