Tavern Taken (July 17th)

On July 17th, two Union cavalry battalions leave Riverside and cross the bridge over the South Branch River. Their objective is to take Orr Tavern, which has been under Confederate control since the 6th. 

As soon as they cross the bridge, they come under fire from a Confederate cavalry battalion in some pine trees in front of the tavern  buildings. 

The Federal battalions dismounted to deploy, but had trouble getting into position under fire. 

The Confederates kept up a sharp fire, targeting one battalion then the other. 

One of the Federal battalions was driven back and had to reform near the river. 

As the Confederates were ably holding off the threat from Riverside, another Union cavalry battalion arrived on the Newport Road from the direction of  Monroe.

The newly arrived Federals deployed to the Confederate rear and opened fire from among the tavern buildings. 

The disordered Union battalion reformed and entered the pine trees to the Confederate front and the Confederates were taking fire from the front and rear. 

With losses suddenly mounting and the threat of capture, the Confederate cavalry was forced to abandon Orr Tavern and retreat to the south on the West Pines Road.