countered a division of the 6th corps on the left of the Valley
Pike, and, after a sharp engagement, had driven it back on the
main body of that corps, which was in their front in a strong
position. They farther informed me that their divisions were
in line confronting the 6th corps, but that there was a vacancy
in the line on their right which ought to be filled. I ordered
Wharton's division forward at once, and directed Generals
Ramseur and Pegram to put it where it was required. In a
very short time, and while I was endeavouring to discover the
enemy's line through the obscurity, Wharton's division came
back in some confusion, and General Wharton informed me
that, in advancing to the position pointed out to him by
Generals Ramseur and Pegram, his division had been driven
back by the 6th corps, which, he said, was advancing. He
pointed out the direction from which he said the enemy was
advancing, and some pieces of artillery, which had com.e up,
were brought into action. The fog soon rose sufficiently for
us to see the enemy's position on a ridge to the west of
Middletown, and it was discovered to be a strong one. After
driving back Wharton's division he had not advanced, but
opened on us with artillery, and orders were given for con-
centrating all our guns on him. In the meantime, a force of
cavalry was advancing along the Pike, and through the fields
to the right of Middletown, thus placing our right and rear in
great danger, and Wharton was ordered to form his division
at once, and take position to hold the enemy's cavalry in
check. Wofford's brigade of Kershaw's division, which had
become separated from the other brigades, was ordered up
for the same purpose. Discovering that the 6th corps could
not be attacked with advantage on its left flank, because the
approach in that direction was through an open flat and across
a boggy stream with deep banks, I directed Captain Powell,
serving on General Gordon's staff, who rode up to me while
the artillery was being placed in position, to tell the General
to advance against the enemy's right flank, and attack it in
conjunction with Kershaw, while a heavy fire of artillery was
opened from our right; but as Captain Powell said he did not
Page:A memoir of the last year of the War of Independence, in the Confederate States of America.djvu/117
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK.
113