The Bugler- The Battle of Smithfield, Virginia 150th Commemoration.

On Jan. 31, 1864, a unit of Union soldiers sailed up the Pagan River to investigate Confederate activity. After landing and heading inland, they encountered a small Confederate unit, and after a minor skirmish, the Union detachment headed back to Smithfield to leave the area. Their gunboat departed without them forcing the soldiers to spend the night. Confederate Maj. N.A. Sturdivant took the opportunity to capture the Union troops. On Feb. 1, a skirmish along Main Street ensued. During the three-hour engagement, the Union gunboat Smith-Briggs arrived, and the Union troops attempted to escape. Capt. Joseph Norsworthy cut off the Union retreat with cavalry. The gunboat was destroyed by Confederate cannon fire, and the Union forces were captured.