Fought July 12, 1861, between 15,000 Federals, under General McClellan, and 6,000 Confederates, under General Garnett. The Federals stormed the heights of Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill, and drove the Southerners from their positions, with a loss of about 1,000, including prisoners. During the pursuit on the following day, General Garnett was killed in a cavalry skirmish.
Rietfontein (Second Boer War).
Fought October 24, 1899, between 4,000 British, under Sir George White, and the Free Staters, who were advancing to interrupt the retreat of Colonel Yule from Dundee. The enemy occupied a range of hills about seven miles from Ladysmith, where they were attacked by White. After an indecisive action the British retired to Ladysmith, with a loss of 111 killed and wounded, but the object aimed at was attained, for the Boers were prevented from interfering with Colonel Yule's march.
Rieti (Neapolitan Rising).
Fought March 21, 1821, between 12,000 Neapolitans, under General Pepe, and the Austrian invading army, 80,000 strong. As long as he was opposing only the advance guard, Pepe made a most resolute resistance, but on their being reinforced from the main body, the Neapolitans were overpowered by superior numbers, and finally driven in confusion from the field. Two days' later the Austrians entered Naples, and reinstated Ferdinand on the throne.
Riga (Thirty Years' War).
This place was invested by the Swedes, under Gustavus Adolphus, in the early part of August, 1621, and was defended by a garrison of 300 Poles. A resolute defence was made, and several determined assaults repulsed, but a large breach having having been effected by September 11, the garrison, now reduced to a handful, had no option but to surrender, and the town was entered by the Swedes, September 15, 1621.
Rimnitz (Ottoman Wars).
Fought September 22, 1789, when 25,000 Austrians and Russians, under the Duke of Coburg and Suwaroff, routed an army of 90,000 Turks, under the Grand Vizier. The Turkish losses were enormous, the whole army being killed, captured, or dispersed.