The Battle of Guard Hill
August 16, 1864
Confederate Gen. Joseph Kershaw’s infantry division and Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry, under overall command of Gen. Richard Anderson (Army of Northern Virginia, I Corps) were sent from Petersburg to reinforce Jubal Early’s army in the Valley. At Front Royal on the August 16, Union cavalry of Gen. Wesley Merritt’s division surprised the Confederate columns in mid-stream of the Shenandoah River, capturing about 300. The Confederates rallied and advanced, gradually driving the two Union brigades back to Cedarville. After dark, Merritt withdrew to Ninevah.
