Battle of Suffolk (Norfleet House) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Norfleet House
Part of the Siege of Suffolk
Suffolk Battlefield
Date April 14, 1863 (1863-04-14) – April 15, 1863 (1863-04-15) Location Suffolk, Virginia Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
John J. Peck	James Longstreet
Strength
17,000	20,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown

The Battle of Norfleet House was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened from April 13 to April 15, 1863, near Suffolk, Virginia. This battle was part of a bigger event called the Siege of Suffolk.

What Was the Siege of Suffolk?

The Siege of Suffolk was a military operation where Confederate forces tried to capture the town of Suffolk, Virginia, from the Union Army. The Confederates wanted to get supplies and stop the Union from using the area.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Union Army, led by Brigadier General John J. Peck, defended Suffolk. They had about 25,000 soldiers. The Confederate Army was commanded by Lieutenant General James Longstreet, with about 20,000 soldiers. Longstreet's plan was to help another Confederate general, Daniel Harvey Hill, who was fighting in North Carolina.

The Battle Begins: April 13

On April 13, 1863, Confederate troops moved their forces to the left side of the battlefield. They reached the Nansemond River. Here, they quickly built a special gun position called a battery at a place called Hill's Point. This battery was very important because it blocked Union ships from moving up and down the river. This meant the Union soldiers in Suffolk couldn't get supplies easily by water.

Naval Action and Counter-Attack: April 14-15

On April 14, Union gunboats tried to pass the Confederate batteries near a place called Norfleet House. One Union ship, the USS Mount Washington, was badly damaged during this attempt. At the same time, Union soldiers were busy building their own batteries. These new Union gun positions were made to fire on the Confederate works at Norfleet House.

The next day, April 15, the Union batteries were ready. They opened fire on the Confederates at Norfleet House. The powerful Union attack forced the Confederate soldiers to leave this important position.

What Was the Outcome?

The Battle of Norfleet House ended without a clear winner. Neither side completely defeated the other. The Union managed to push the Confederates out of Norfleet House, but the overall siege of Suffolk continued for a while longer.