Re-engaging at Centerville - July 10th

The same units that fought at Nicholas on the 9th are engaging again at Centerville on July 10th, only this time the Federal cavalry is defending against a Confederate advance northward up the Centerville Pike. Deployed in an orchard on the south side of town, the Union cavalrymen had the element of surprise and were able to open fire with the shorter-ranged weapons while the Confederates were still moving on the pike in column formation.  The Confederates recovered quickly, deployed, opened fire and drove the Federals back into the town.

The fighting has now moved to the center of town, around the Centerville Court House. The Confederates have advanced one battalion of infantry up the main street, while another battalion and cavalry contingent moved through the fields west of town. The engagement re-opened with the Union cavalry north of the court house and Confederate infantry (later joined by cavalry) on the cross street immediately south of the building.  The Union cavalry is in a stand of pine trees and holding well, but the Confederates have moved a battalion of infantry around the Federal right flank and opened fire.