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Our lines were drawn directly south from the bluff to the southern bank of Kin.yland creek, where Fort Stephens was placed. At this point, now nearly a mile from the river, they turned westward, as previously stated, 'till the railroad was reached; then bending back, finally again rested upon the river above the bluff. The direction of the river road, the turnpike and the railroad was north and south, and in proximity to the river came as named. Proctor's creek crossed these avenues about three-fourths of a mile south of the Confederate lines. Hoke's Division, which at first constituted Beauregard's whole army, it will be remembered, occupied the south- ern front of our entrenched camp, from Fort Stephens westward. Directly in his front, at a distance of some four hundred yards, was the William Gregory woods, between which and the river eastward was an open plain.
Butler's efforts had been diverted to turning our right flank. His line was now unduly extended, its right resting in the eastern edge of William Gregory's woods, and overlapping Hoke's left but little. From thence to the river the open space was watched by a small force of negro cavalry. Upon the night of Ransom's arrival he was placed along Kingland Creek, outside of our entrenchments, and confronting this unguarded space on Butler's right.
RANSOM AND WHITING TO BLAME.
Beauregard's plan of battle was the same as indicated in his prop- osition to the President on the i4th. He had now, however, to ex- ecute it against Butler's 30,000 with 19,000, including Whiting's co-operative force, instead of 29,000 effectives asked, but the plan was. well devised and such was the disposition oi the Federal army, its substantial destruction would in all probability have followed, had not two of the Confederate division commanders failed in the parts assigned them.
Our army was organized into three divisions, right and left under Hoke and Ransom, and reserve under Brigadier-General Colquitt, while a co-operative column of 4,000 men, under Major-General Whiting, was got into position upon Butler's rear. Ransom was instructed to turn Butler's weak right and double it back upon the centre, at the same time seizing the crossing of Proctor's creek by the river road, which was Butler's shortest line of retreat. Whiting was ordered on hearing the opening of the engagement to advance boldly and rapidly, and attack the enemy in rear and flank. Hoke
