Today marks the 160th anniversary of the Black Day of the Confederate Army...

The Battle of Sailor's Creek.

After the fall of both Petersburg (April 2) and Richmond (April 3), Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia began to retreat westward toward the hamlet of Amelia Court House. The goal of this retreat was to reach Amelia Court House, resupply the army, and then link up with General Joseph E. Johnston's army in North Carolina to continue the struggle. However, logistical delays and aggressive Union pursuit by General Ulysses S. Grant’s forces, particularly under Generals Philip Sheridan and Andrew Humphreys, allowed the Army of the Potomac to close the gap and strike hard at Lee’s straggling columns.

At Sailor’s Creek, Lee's army had become divided while trying to cross the swollen stream, and Sheridan capitalized on the situation. Three separate engagements occurred that day: the battles at Hillsman’s Farm, Marshall’s Crossroads, and Lockett’s Farm. Union forces overwhelmed and captured large portions of Lee’s rear guard, including troops under General Richard Ewell and parts of General John B. Gordon’s and General Richard Anderson’s commands.

The Confederates suffered catastrophic losses: over 7,700 men were captured, including eight generals such as Ewell, Custis Lee (Robert E. Lee’s son), and Joseph Kershaw. The defeat reduced Lee’s army by nearly a quarter in a single day. The psychological impact was equally severe. When General Lee witnessed the fleeing remnants of his troops, he reportedly exclaimed, “My God! Has the army dissolved?”

The loss at Sailor’s Creek made continued resistance nearly impossible. Nevertheless, Lee continued his westward retreat in the forlorn hope of finding food at nearby Appomattox Court House and Johnston's army in North Carolina. The proverbial noose, however, was indeed tightening and quickly.