Battle for Middleburg: Searching for Lee

History: In June 1863, Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry division in Middleburg distracted Federal attention from the march of Gen. Robert E. Lee to the Shenandoah Valley on his way to Pennsylvania. Union General Joseph Hooker pondered how to determine where Lee was headed. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, commander of the Union Cavalry Corps, urged Hooker to patrol towards the Shenandoah Valley, but Hooker decided on a limited reconnaissance. On June 17, Col. Alfred N.A. Duffi'e led the Rhode Islanders through Thoroughfare Gap toward Middleburg, where Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart was stationed, resulting in a bloody battle along the Plains Road just south of Middleburg. On the morning of June 18, Southern cavalry overwhelmed the Rhode Island regiment, capturing more than 200 men. Duffi'e escaped with part of his command.

More to Explore: See www.virginia.org and www.civilwartraveler.com for exciting things to see and do on your travels.

Photo Credits:

1. "The pursuit of Gen Lee's rebel army. The Heavy guns - 30 pounders going to the front during a rain storm."
2. "Photograph of Union Colonel Alfred N. Duffie of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry."
3. "Pencil drawing of a cavalryman confronting an infantryman at the Battle of Gettysburg." Prints courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division