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[421] (also of Warren's corps) being disposed in line on the left of Griffin; and the division of Robinson in support. Crawford's movement towards Parker's Store, which had already been arrested by the enemy, was now formally suspended. One of its brigades (that of McCandless) was sent to act on the left of Wadsworth's command, and the remainder of the division was afterwards withdrawn—the enemy following up and firing into the rear of the column. With this force an impetuous attack was at noon made on the enemy on the turnpike. The brunt of this assault fell to the lot of Griffin's division, of which Ayres' brigade was formed on the right, and Bartlett's the left of the Orange turnpike. These succeeded in carrying every thing in their front; and with dispositions better suited to the circumstances, Ewell's corps (only the van of which had yet reached the ground) should have been crushed.1 But as the attack
1 From officers of Ewell's corps engaged in this action, I learn the following particulars
When the first onset was made by the Fifth Corps, Johnson's division alone held the position. Jones' brigade, formed across the turnpike, was swept back by the force of the assault, and his troops fell back much broken. It was, however, immediately replaced by Stewart's brigade, and almost simultaneously with the first signs of weakness in Johnson's line, Rodes' division arrived, took position on its right, and, by a firm counter-attack, drove the Union troops back. It is very clear from the confession of the disorder resulting from the first attack of the Union force that, had adequate preparations been made, Ewell's corps might have been overwhelmed. I may remark that General Warren urged a just view of the situation-setting forth that if, as was believed at headquarters, there was but a rear-guard in his front, the attack could but little affect the great campaign on which the army was entering; but if the Confederates were present in force, time should be allowed to form a really weighty attack. But immediate action, with such means as were at hand, had been determined upon.
1866.
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