Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/137

Rh crowned. But the situation discovered the enemy in possession of a second line with artillery upon both our front and flanks. From this position he poured a destructive fire of grape upon our troops. Strong reinforcements pressed upon our right flank, which had become disconnected from McLaws' left, and the ridge being untenable, the brigades were compelled to retire."

General A. R. Wright, who commanded the leading brigade, has given a most graphic and spirited account of the charge of his brigade over nearly the same ground upon which Pickett charged the following day. This charge was witnessed by the portion of Hill's corps not actively engaged, and filled them with admiration and delight at the splendid behavior of their comrades. Wright say that his men leaping over the stone fence from which the enemy was driven, charged up to the top of the crest and drove the infantry in rear of their batteries: That he gained the key of the position, but with his narrow front, was unable to hold it for the want of support upon his flanks, and was forced to beat a retreat. This failure of Wright to hold the position he had won on the 2d, filled the minds of many with mistrust, when it was learned on the next day that Pickett would attempt the same thing.

General Ewell on the left was directed to delay his attack until he heard Longstreet's guns upon the right. About 5 P. M., a cannonade was directed from Johnson's front against Cemetery Hill, followed by an attack just before sundown by Johnson on the hill in his front. Johnson described the position as a rugged, rocky mountain, heavily timbered and difficult of ascent, a natural fortification, rendered more formidable by intrenchments and abbattis; nevertheless, George H. Stewart's brigade on the left seized a portion of the breast-works and held them until the following day.

Two of Early's brigades, taking up the movement begun by Johnson, also penetrated the enemy's lines, bringing off several pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners. Before Rodes had completed his arrangements, Early had withdrawn and dusk set in, so that he did not, nor did Fender's division on the right participate in the attack. It is apparent there was want of concert throughout. The attack which was to be made at sunrise, or