Page:Decisive Battles Since Waterloo.djvu/286

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
252
DECISIVE BATTLES SINCE WATERLOO.

Stewart's brigade had no difficulty in occupying all that part south of the ravine. He continued to advance and drove Green before him. Night came on and he halted, ignorant that the Baltimore turnpike was only a short distance away, and that to capture it would endanger the Union line of retreat.

Jones was not so successful in his attack on Green's left. He found it ambushed on the steep slopes of Gulp's Hill, and lost many men in a vain attempt to dislodge it. A brigade from Schurz' division and also Kane's brigade came to reinforce Green, and Nichols was pushed back. While they had thus gained some ground, the Confederates had obtained no material advantage.

This was only a portion of Ewell's attack. When he had set Johnson in motion he gave the order of attack to Early and Rodes. Early was quick to march, while Rodes hung back for some reason, and the effect of a united movement was thus lost.

Hoke's and Hays' brigades ascended the eastern slope of Cemetery Hill under a terrific fire of artillery. As they approached nearer they fell under the volleys of Barlow's men; but their gallant advance was not stopped, and they drove the Unionists from the first line back to the intrenchments on the top of the hill. They followed them there, and penetrated into the works. Steinwehr and Schurz, who were guarding the opposite slopes, were obliged to about face and assist Barlow. Although the Unionists were greater in number, the Confederate veterans were a match for them, and held the northern side of the hill. Rodes failed to come to their assistance, while Hancock, learning of the situation, sent Carroll's brigade to aid Howard. It arrived at an opportune moment, recaptured the northern side, and drove back Hoke. Early fell back defeated.

While the infantry and artillery were battling as thus described, the cavalry was also busy. Kilpatrick tried to