History of Abbeville, (Lafayette County) Mississippi United States of America

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Local History Notes:

Skirmish at Abbeville MS

Abbeville, Miss., Aug. 23, 1864. Detachment of the 16th Corps. A part of the 2nd brigade, Ist division, under command of Col. McClure, was opposed by a part of the 2nd brigade of Forrest's cavalry, commanded by Col. Wade. At noon the Federals encamped near Abbeville, and a picket in the rear, on the Oxford Road, was attacked by the Confederate advance guard, which for some hours had been following the Federal column. A line of skirmishers was deployed, supported by the 5th Minn., and the skirmishing soon became general, the Confederates having developed a considerable force. The Union skirmishers were reinforced by four companies of the 5th Minn., the 8th Mo., the 47th Ill., and a section of the 2nd IA Battery. A Line of battle was formed, the enemy was charged and forced to retreat in confusion. The Union loss was 15 killed; that of the enemy 19 killed and 15 wounded.

SOURCE: The Union Army A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal States 1861-65 -- Records of the Regiments in the Union Army -- Cyclopedia of Battles -- Memoirs of Commanders and Soldiers. 8 vols. Madison: Federal Publishing, 1908.