Fighting at Newtown: August 9, 1861

The 2nd Battalion, 1st Kentucky Cavalry (right), 3rd Illinois Infantry (Center) and 4th Ohio Infantry (left) form the Union line under Brigadier General Benjamin Smith in Newtown as they observe the approach of an enemy brigade. 

Brigadier Richard Taylor's Louisiana Brigade moves into double line formation as they approach Newtown. 

The 4th Ohio opens fire on the 6th Louisiana (front left of the Confederate line) as it approaches the eastern edge of town).

The 7th Louisiana takes position on the right of the 6th and opens fire on the Federal infantry on the higher ground at the west end of town. 

The 4th Ohio engaged on the Union left. 

The 3rd Illinois in the center of the Union line. 

The 9th Louisiana moved from the rear line around the Union left, firing on the 4th Ohio's left flank and cutting off the Newtown Road to Milford. The 8th Louisiana moved up to the far left of the Confederate line, engaging the 2nd Battalion, 1st Kentucky Cavalry and moving to cut off the Newtown Road south to Whiter as the 6th and 7th Louisiana take heavy casualties as the push forward through town in the center. 

Brigadier General Smith's men inflicted much higher loss on the enemy than they received in return, but they were outnumbered and outflanked. With the withdrawal route to the north cut off, the Union men fell back along the Kingston Road to Strawderman. 

Newtown has been the scene of some of the heavier fighting during the campaign. The action on August 9th was one of the heaviest so far. In a campaign that has been primarily small probing actions and skirmishes that often have total casualties of less than 20, the fight at Newtown resulted in over 400 casualties.  It was a very close engagement. The Federals almost held the town despite being heavily outnumbered.