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On the afternoon of March 15, US Judson Kilpatrick's cavalry came up against CSA Lieutenant General William Hardee's corps—consisting of Taliaferro's and McLaw's infantry divisions and Wheeler's dismounted cavalry deployed across the Raleigh Road near Smithville. After feeling out the Confederate defenses, Kilpatrick withdrew and called for infantry support. During the night, four divisions of the XX Corps arrived to confront the Confederates. At dawn, March 16, the Federals advanced on a division front, driving back skirmishers, but they were stopped by the main Confederate line and a counterattack. Mid-morning, the Federals renewed their advance with strong reinforcements and drove the Confederates from two lines of works, but were repulsed at a third line. Late afternoon, the Union XIV Corps began to arrive on the field but was unable to deploy before dark due to the swampy ground. Hardee retreated during the night after holding up the Union advance for nearly two days. Result(s): Inconclusive Other Names: Taylor's Hole Creek, Smithville, Smiths Ferry, Black River Location: Harnett County and Cumberland County Campaign: Campaign of the Carolinas (February-April 1865) next battle in campaign previous battle in campaign Date(s): March 16, 1865 Principal Commanders: Major General Henry Slocum [US]; Lieutenant General William Hardee [CS] Forces Engaged: XX Corps and XIV Corps (25,992) [US]; Hardee's Corps (5,400) [CS] Estimated Casualties: 1,419 total |
Lee's Cavalrymen: A History of the Mounted Forces of the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865
The cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia its leadership, the military life of its officers and men as revealed in their diaries and letters, the development of its tactics as the war evolved, and the influence of government policies on its operational abilities. All the major players and battles are involved
