071_Lynchburg June 17th, 1864 - WDS Campaign Shenandoah

(Historical) On the morning of June 17th, Union General Hunter issued orders for his command to march toward Lynchburg, but were delayed at the Great Otter River. By 4pm, General Averell's cavalry division encountered the Confederates, entrenched and blocking the road about 3 miles from the city. Defending the city was Breckinridge's Division, and several smaller units, including student cadets. With this small force at hand, it was doubtful that the Confederates could hold the city against Hunter's superior force. On the 16th of June, having received a telegram from Gen. Breckinridge, that Union troops were nearing Lynchburg. Lt. Gen. Jubal Early, who had previously been ordered to the Valley by General Lee on June 12th, and who was now in Charlottesville, ordered that the trains be loaded and sent immediately to Lynchburg. General Early, with two brigades from Ramseur's Division, were the first to arrive, at about 1pm on the 17th. With the Confederates growing fast in numbers, Hunter's Union army would need to strike quickly, or lose the advantage. Notes: General Breckinridge was sick during this time, and his division was commanded by D.H. Hill. Also, as Hunter's army was rushed into the area, and his supply trains were being constantly attacked, his overall supply of ammunition was at a critically low level.