Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/232

 From the Rapidan to Spotsylvania Courthouse. 231

causes, the movement was not begun until nearly sunset. After the examination I ordered the attack, and placed Robert D. Johnston's brigade, of Rodes' division, that morning arrived from Hanover Junction, to support Gordon. Each brigade, as its front was cleared, was to unite in the attack. Hays was partly moved out of his works to connect with Gordon. The latter attacked vehemently, and when checked by the darkness, had captured, with slight loss, a mile of the works held by the Sixth Corps, six hundred prisoners and two brigadier-generals (Seymour and Shaler). Of the force encountered not an organized regiment remained, and nearly all had thrown away their arms. They made no attempt to recover the lost ground, but drew back their line so as to give up Germania Ford entirely. Major Daniel, of General Early's staff, joined in Gordon's attack, and was desperately wounded and maimed for life while gallantly assisting in this brilliant movement.

On the yth of May no fighting took place except that in extending to join General Hill's left, General Ramseur came upon a division of the Ninth Corps entrenching. This he put to flight by a sudden attack of his skirmishers, capturing several hundred knapsacks and occupying the ground. On the night of the yth the general com- manding sent me word to extend to the right in conformity to the movements of the troops there, and if, at daylight, I found no large force in my front, to follow General Anderson towards Spotsylvania Courthouse. This was done. On the march, orders were received placing General Early in command of Hill's corps, transferring Hays's brigade to Johnson's division, and consolidating both Louisi- ana brigades under General Hays, and assigning R. D. Johnston's brigade to Early's division, of which General Gordon came in com- mand. After a very distressing march through intense heat and thick dust and smoke from burning woods, my troops reached Spot- sylvania Courthouse about 5 P. M., just in time for Rodes to repel an attempt to turn Anderson's right, which rested on the road. Rodes advanced nearly half a mile, when his left, coming upon strong works, was checked, and he was forced to halt. Johnson's division formed on his right ; Gordon remained in reserve. On the 9th the lines were defined and entrenched. There were two salients: one at Rodes' s right brigade (Doles' s), the other at Johnson's centre, where I occupied a high open point, which if held by the enemy would en- able their artillery to command our line. Johnson's right was con- nected by skirmishers with Hill's (Early's; left A second line from Rodes' s left centre to Hill's left, cutting off the s.i uis laid