This is a set of friction primer remnants recovered in Fairfax County, Virginia. This was the site of the Battle of Dranesville, Virginia that occurred on 20 December, 1861. Approximately 5000 Union soldiers commanded by Brigadier General Edward O. C. Ord engaged approximately 4000 Confederates under the command of Brigadier General J. E. B. Stuart. While the battle was small, of no strategic importance and resulted in light casualties, it marked the first time in the Eastern Campaign that a Union force had defeated a Confederate force and drive them from the field. Confederate casualties were 230 killed, wounded and missing while the Union suffered 71. These friction primer pieces were recovered on private property near the old Leesburg and Chain Bridge Pike.

Item # AA1968