Upton's Morning Assault

STAND TO -- In the infantry in the defense when I was assigned to the 101st Abn there were two 100% alerts with all men at the ready. One at dawn beginning at nautical twilight until after sunrise and the other at sundown to nautical twilight. I fear the Confederates had not learned that lesson on the morning of May 10 1864 or else if they did they were simply outgunned. At this site 4000 federals attacked from the cover of the woods 200 yards distant and overwhelmed strong defenses capturing 950 and four guns General Upton had practiced stealth to move his regiments seemingly undetected through the woods and lead the attack. He rewrote infantry tactics later. Tactical error -- The Union did not consolidate and support Upton. Ewell brought his divisions to bear in minutes and Upton beat a hasty retreat badly mauled. By evening the guns were back in CSA hands along with 1000 prisoners. Note breastworks