Fighting in the Lower Wilderness (Nicholas) - July 9th

The Nicholas Farm occupies a large clearing in what is otherwise the seemingly endless woods and thicket of the Lower Wilderness. A battalion of US cavalry advanced south from Centerville along the Centerville Pike. When it reached the clearing at Nicholas, the road was blocked by a regiment of infantry deployed north of the Nicholas buildings, along the south side of Nicholas Run. A small contingent of Confederate cavalry was also present on the Rebel right.

As the Federals advanced, the Confederate infantry was able to open fire outside of the range of the Union cavalrymen's weapons. The cavalrymen steadfastly advanced, deployed and have returned fire.