Operations along Totopotomoy Creek opened with cavalry combats at the Pamunkey River crossing at Dabney's Ferry (Hanovertown) and at Crump's Creek on May 27. During the cavalry fight at Haw's Shop on May 28, Union and Confederate infantry arrived in the vicinity. The Confederates entrenched behind Totopotomoy Creek. On the 29th, the Union II, IX, and V Corps probed Lee's position along the creek, while the VI Corps felt its way toward Hanover Court House. Early on the 30th, the VI Corps turned south to come in on the far right flank of the Union line (II Corps) but bogged down in swampy Crump's Creek without getting into position. The II Corps forced a crossing of Totopotomoy Creek in two places, capturing the first line of Confederate trenches, but the advance was stopped at the main line. The IX Corps maneuvered into position on the left of the II Corps, driving back Confederate pickets on the Shady Grove Road. In the meantime, the V Corps, moving near Bethesda Church on the far left flank of the Union army, was attacked by Early's corps. The Federals were driven back to Shady Grove Road after heavy fighting. Confederate Brig. Gen. George Doles was killed by a sharpshooter near Bethesda Church on June 2.

Result(s): Inconclusive

Location: Hanover County

Campaign: Grant's Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)

Date(s): May 28-30, 1864

Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]

Forces Engaged: Corps

Estimated Casualties: 2,200 total (US 1,100; CS 1,100)

Source:

CWSAC Battle Summaries
CWSAC Reference #: VA 057
National Park Service
Washington, DC

On May 28, the Federals slipped across the Pamunkey River at Hanovertown. Their cavalry screened the move by engaging the Confederates in an intense battle at Haw's Shop (or Enon Church). Lee guessed the Federals would drive west against the Richmond railroads, and on May 29 he assumed a defensive line along Totopotomoy Creek.

Source:

Robert N. Scott, Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel, Third US Artillery, Under direction of the Secretary of War
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Washington Goverment Printing Office. Published pursuant to Act of Congress Approved June 16, 1880
Washington, DC, 1880

Last Updated 08 May 2002

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