Action at Abraham's Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action at Abraham's Creek
Part of American Civil War
Date September 13, 1864 Location Frederick County, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
John Baillie McIntosh	James Conner
Strength
Cavalry brigade	Infantry brigade
Casualties and losses
None reported	About 173 prisoners

The Action at Abraham's Creek was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on September 13, 1864, near Winchester, Virginia. This event was part of the Valley campaigns of 1864.

Union soldiers were scouting the area to learn more about the Confederate army's strength. They wanted to prepare for a bigger battle. This scouting mission was a success for the Union forces. They even captured many Confederate soldiers.

Why Did This Action Happen?

The Union Army wanted to find out how strong the Confederate forces were. They needed this information before the Third Battle of Winchester. This bigger battle would happen just a few days later.

Who Led the Union Soldiers?

Colonel John Baillie McIntosh led the Union scouting force. He was a brave cavalry officer. His group was part of the Union Army of the Shenandoah.

What Units Were Involved?

Colonel McIntosh's force was made up of several cavalry regiments. These included:

• 1st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Cavalry
• 3rd New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry
• 2nd Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry
• 5th Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry
• 2nd Ohio Cavalry
• 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment
• Battery M of the 2nd United States Artillery Regiment

What Happened at Abraham's Creek?

On September 13, 1864, Colonel McIntosh's cavalry rode out. They followed the Berryville Pike road. Their mission was to scout the area.

Crossing Opequon Creek

First, McIntosh's men crossed Opequon Creek. Here, they quickly captured about 30 Confederate soldiers. This was a good start to their mission.

The Charge at Abraham's Creek

Next, the Union cavalry reached Abraham's Creek. This was about two miles from Winchester. They found a line of Confederate infantry soldiers. These soldiers were from Brigadier General James Conner's brigade.

McIntosh's cavalry charged forward. They broke through the Confederate line. They captured almost the entire 8th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. This regiment was led by Colonel J. W. Henagan. The Confederate soldiers scattered when the cavalry attacked. The Union soldiers also captured the regiment's flag.

How Many Soldiers Were Captured?

The 8th South Carolina Infantry Regiment was not very large at this time. It had 14 officers and 92 men. All of them were captured. McIntosh's men also captured 2 officers and 35 men from other Virginia regiments. In total, about 173 Confederate prisoners were taken.

After the Fight

A few days later, on September 17, 1864, McIntosh's force continued their work. They burned a mill on Abraham's Creek. They also burned Jones Mill on Opequon Creek. This was to prevent the Confederates from using them.

Colonel McIntosh was a brave leader. He was wounded in the Third Battle of Winchester just two days later. He lost a leg in that battle.