U.S. 6th Cavalry

[Wingfield]

What could the 6th have done differently at Fairfield against the 6th Virginia to avoid being overwhelmed by them and routed?

 

[Sheltowee]

Welcome. Know very little of this fight- but the US 6th was outnumbered and had to contend with supporting artillery.

Since the objective was the CS supply train- I would say a withdrawal in the face of superior numbers would have been prudent. I don't know the wording of Merritt's orders to Starr.

What do you think?

 

[Wingfield]

I personally would have done a more careful recon of the target, especially after the "guide" disappeared rather than rushing face first as reported. Supply wagons were generally never unguarded.