Battle of Mine Run
Mine Run, Virginia
November 27, 1863-December 2, 1863
On November 7, Meade aggressively moved against Lee. He divided his forces in two, sending one wing to Rappahannock Station. The Confederate position on the north side of the river quickly fell. The other Union wing, under William H. French, crushed Confederate defenders at Kelly's Ford, making the Confederate line along the Rappahannock without confederate soldiers, and forcing Lee to withdraw to the Rapidan River. Despite these successes, Meade chose to stay put for several weeks in order to stock up on supplies. This allowed Lee the opportunity to fortify his positions.
Meade decided to not face the confederates head on and would go across the Rapidan River. Then they would go west to higher ground across from a creek called Mine Run.Lee was still positioned east of the creek. Several Confederate divisions formed a battle line stretching from the Orange Turnpike to Payne's Farm farther north. The fighting, which now included French, who had become lost yet again, switched back and forth with neither side able to gain an advantage. That night, Lee pulled back to the west side of Mine Run and onto the high ground. He now was protected by the Rapidan to the north and by Mine Run to the east.
Meade followed Lee to the creek, but attempted no crossing. Warren moved with some success against Lee's right on November 29 but ran out of daylight. Warren wanted Meade to launch a full-scale assault from his end of the line the next day. Meade's confidence was raised by the arrival of two additional divisions. The next morning, however, with Lee's entrenchments in plain view, he changed his mind. He and Lee both thought that this battle was a waste of time and men. So Meade stayed until December 2 and then with drew the Army of the Potomac.
About 1,272 Union casualties, and 680 Confederate casualties.
