Battle of Deserted House

The battle of Deserted House (or Kelly’s Store) was a minor engagement during the American Civil War in southeast Virginia.

Battle of Deserted House
Part of the American Civil War
DateJanuary 30, 1863
Location
Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union) CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Michael Corcoran Roger Atkinson Pryor
Strength
8,000 1,800
Casualties and losses
22 killed
108 wounded
12 missing
142 total[1]
8 killed
31 wounded
39 total[2]

Confederate forces under Brig. Gen. Roger A. Pryor crossed the Blackwater River into southeast Virginia on a foraging expedition.[3] Maj. Gen. John J. Peck commanded the Union garrison at Suffolk. Peck organized a force to drive Pryor out of the area and assigned Brig. Gen. Michael Corcoran to its command.[4] Anticipating an attack from the Union garrison, Pryor prepared his forces for battle near Kelly’s Store, located 8 miles west of Suffolk.[5] Corcoran’s cavalry engaged Pryor’s forces near a place called Deserted House. The Confederates retreated two miles before making another stand. The 13th Indiana Infantry charged and routed this new line. A final stand by the Confederates was made along the Blackwater River which was broken by the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry.[6] Corcoran’s force returned to Suffolk the following day. In April, a larger foraging effort and demonstration against Suffolk was carried out by Lt. Gen. James Longstreet.

References

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