Harris Farm Engagement facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harris Farm Engagement |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Winfield S. Hancock | Richard S. Ewell | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| II Corps | Second Corps | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 6,642 | 2,718 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 694 204 killed 448 wounded 42 captured/missing |
904 136 killed 724 wounded 44 captured/missing |
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The Harris Farm Engagement was a smaller battle during the American Civil War. It happened between the Union Army and the Confederate States Army. This fight was part of the larger Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Union Major General Winfield Scott Hancock led the Union forces. Confederate General Richard S. Ewell led the Confederate troops. The battle started when Union commander Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant wanted to trap Confederate soldiers. He ordered Hancock's II Corps to move between Richmond and Fredericksburg.
However, Confederate General Robert E. Lee found out about this plan. He ordered Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell to set up an ambush. Ewell's Second Corps waited for Hancock's troops at Harris Farm. This farm was also known as Bloomsbury Farm.
Why Did the Harris Farm Engagement Happen?
The Harris Farm Engagement was a key part of the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. During this larger battle, General Ulysses S. Grant had a plan. He wanted General Winfield S. Hancock's Union II Corps to trap Confederate troops. These Confederate soldiers were moving towards Fredericksburg.
But General Grant didn't know that Confederate General Robert E. Lee had learned of his plan. General Lee quickly ordered Richard S. Ewell and his Second Corps to ambush Hancock's soldiers. Ewell's troops were survivors from the Army of Northern Virginia. Ewell set up camp near Harris Farm and waited for Hancock's troops to arrive.
How the Battle Unfolded
When Hancock's troops came into sight, Ewell's men immediately opened fire. Ewell then ordered his soldiers to charge forward. At the beginning of the battle, Ewell's forces seemed to have the advantage.
However, Hancock's Union troops had more soldiers. Their larger numbers soon helped them gain control of the fight. Both sides quickly started losing many soldiers. Ewell's troops began to fall back.
General Grant was watching the battle. He ordered Hancock to chase after the retreating Confederate soldiers. The fighting continued for some time. General Lee was also observing the battle. He realized this small fight was turning into a major battle on its own. Lee then ordered his troops to stop fighting and head towards Richmond.
Grant and Hancock declared victory. They had successfully forced the enemy to retreat. This engagement also marked the official end of the long Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
What Happened After the Battle?
The Harris Farm Engagement resulted in many casualties. A total of 1,598 soldiers were either killed, wounded, or captured on both sides. This battle was the final event in the long and difficult Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
