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Situation : Union Major-General John Sedgewick pursuing the defeated Confederate forces from the victory at Gettysburg, runs into Confederate General Robert E. Lee's rearguard in the form of Ewell's Corps near the town of Fairfield.
(Photo by Wim Oudshoorn)
The location, size and disposition of the Confederate forces remains largely unknown. Sedgewick's left under Newton is presently engaged with Early's 2nd Brigade in the woods, a position it is unable to clear until late in the day. The union Center under Wright has rapidly driven the rest of Early's division back. The rebel artillery opens a brisk fire on the advancing union troops which slows their advance, but due the nature of their retreat are desperately short on ammunition as indeed is most of Early's Division. the Union right under Howe is attempting a rapid advance across the hilly terrain.
While the fight for the woods continues on the Union left, Rhodes Confederate division is discovered in the town of Fairfield when two brigades of Rebs charge out and destroy one of Wright's brigades. Looking for Vengeance Wright's other two brigades flank the town and attack the rebels in the wheatfield. this fight also continues until days end with both sides control half of the town.
With two of his three divisions involved in fights to his rear Sedgwick drives Howe's Division and the Corps artillery in an effort to get beyond Fairfield and into the passes of South Mountain where he can hopefully get at the retreating rebels when then run into Johnston's Confederate division on the last ridge barring their advance. Howe lays on a hasty assault which almost succeeds but as night falls the Rebels still hold. During the night, the Rebels their mission accomplished leave.
Summary: The Union Forces Failed to accomplish their objective of reconnoitering the passes through South Mountain, but in their failure they inflict horrendous casualties that the South cannot afford (for very few of their own). Ewell has at considerable cost has secured Lee safe retreat.
