Battle of Deserted House facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Deserted House
Part of the American Civil War
Date January 30, 1863 Location Suffolk, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Michael Corcoran	Roger Atkinson Pryor
Strength
8,000	1,800
Casualties and losses
22 killed 108 wounded 12 missing 142 total	8 killed 31 wounded 39 total

The Battle of Deserted House, also called the Battle of Kelly’s Store, was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It took place on January 30, 1863, in southeastern Virginia. This battle was part of a larger plan by Confederate forces to gather food and supplies.

Why Did the Battle of Deserted House Happen?

Confederate Search for Supplies

In early 1863, Confederate soldiers needed food and supplies. Brig. Gen. Roger Atkinson Pryor led a group of Confederate troops. They crossed the Blackwater River into southeastern Virginia. Their goal was to find food and other items for their army. This kind of trip to find supplies is called a foraging expedition.

Union Defense of Suffolk

At the same time, Union forces were protecting Suffolk, Virginia. Maj. Gen. John J. Peck was in charge of the Union soldiers there. When he learned about the Confederate foraging expedition, he decided to stop them. Peck put Brig. Gen. Michael Corcoran in command of a special Union force. Their mission was to drive Pryor's Confederates out of the area.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

First Clashes Near Deserted House

General Pryor knew that Union forces might attack. So, he got his soldiers ready for a fight. They took a stand near a place called Kelly’s Store. This spot was about 8 miles west of Suffolk.

Union cavalry, led by General Corcoran, soon found Pryor’s forces. The first fighting happened near a location known as Deserted House. The Confederates fought hard but were forced to fall back.

Confederate Retreats and Union Charges

After retreating about two miles, the Confederates tried to hold their ground again. But the Union soldiers kept pushing forward. The 13th Indiana Infantry charged at the new Confederate line. They broke through it, forcing the Confederates to retreat once more.

The Confederates made one last attempt to stop the Union advance. They tried to set up a defense along the Blackwater River. However, the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry attacked this final line. They managed to break it, and the Confederates had to pull back completely.

Who Won the Battle?

The Union forces won the Battle of Deserted House. Even though the Union had more soldiers injured or killed (142 casualties) compared to the Confederates (39 casualties), they achieved their goal. General Corcoran's troops successfully drove the Confederates away. They returned to Suffolk the next day.

What Happened After Deserted House?

The Battle of Deserted House was a smaller part of the war. A few months later, in April, a much larger effort took place. Lt. Gen. James Longstreet led a bigger foraging mission. He also made a strong show of force against Suffolk, which led to the Siege of Suffolk.