Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/181

Rh to Dinwiddie Courthouse. On the same day (31st of March), Warren advanced his corps from the neighborhood of Armstrong's Mill towards Five Forks; so that when the engagement between Sheridan and Fitz Lee closed for the night, Warren's, corps was on Fitz Lee's flank, and almost in his rear. Pickett and Fitz Lee, perceiving the conditions, fell back at light the next morning (April 1st), and arranged their commands in line of battle at Five Forks, with Pickett's division in line, Munford covering its left flank, W. H. F. Lee its right flank, and Rosser in reserve on the other side of Hatcher's Run. Between this line and the fortified line at Burgess' Mill, held by Lieutenant-General R. H. Anderson, with Johnson's division, was a gap of several miles in width, only picketed by Roberts' small command.

Sheridan, reinforced by Warren with his corps, that had been placed under his command, advanced, and, by 3 P. M., had uncovered Fitz Lee's line. Having ascertained the extent of the line, Warren was directed to move around its left flank, between it and Burgess' Mill, and thus to completely sever it from the body of the army, and cut off its retreat or any reinforcements to it; and then he was to press in upon it, whilst the cavalry, dismounted, engaged Pickett's attention in front.

In the advance on the flank Warren was encountered only by Munford, with his two small brigades of cavalry, that he drove back until he had room to deploy in the line upon the flank and rear of Pickett's division. He then quickly moved upon it, doubled it up, and drove it from the field in the utmost confusion towards the west, and captured the greater part of the artillery and many prisoners. Warren then arranged his corps so as to preclude the possibility of these forces reuniting with the body of the army. It had happened that Fitz Lee, during the day, notified Lieutenant-General R. H. Anderson, who was at Burgess' Mill with Johnson's division, that the Fifth Corps was with Sheridan, and that Sheridan, now with overwhelming force, was pressing upon him. Anderson, in person, with Wise's and Gracie's brigades, moved to his relief, but as Warren had