Other Names: None Battle of Piedmont

Location: Augusta County

Campaign: Lynchburg Campaign (May-June 1864)

Date(s): June 5-6, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. David Hunter [US]; Brig. Gen. William E. Jones [CS]

Forces Engaged: 14,000 total (US 8,500; CS 5,500)

Estimated Casualties: 2,375 total (US 875; CS 1500)

Description: After replacing Sigel in command of Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley, Maj. Gen. David “Black Dave” Hunter renewed the Union offensive. On June 5, Hunter engaged the Confederate army under “Grumble” Jones north of Piedmont. After severe fighting, a flanking movement made by Thoburn’s brigade turned Jones’s right flank. While trying to stem the retreat of his soldiers, Brig. Gen. William E. "Grumble" Jones was killed. The retreat became a rout. More than 1,000 Confederates, including 60 officers, were captured. Jones lost three guns. Hunter occupied Staunton on June 6 and, after a pause to await the arrival of Brig. Gen. George Crook’s column, began to advance on Lynchburg, destroying military stores and public property in his wake.

During the battle, Commanding General "Grumble" Jones had shouted to Love's fighting infantry, "Brave Carolinians I will bring you help!" He soon returned with the Thirty-sixth and Sixtieth Virginia Regiments; but it was too late. While riding his horse and rallying the Highlanders and Virginians, General Jones was shot in the head and fell dead (Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 37, part 1, page 606; O.R., 37, i, pp. 94-95; and O.R., 37, i, pp. 150-151).

Result(s): Union victory