Existing comment:
(Stop 4) Stewart's Advance:
The battle opened with great fury. To your left, Donelson's brigade hurled themselves against the Union lines, but their attack momentarily stalled. In the fields to your right, Maney's Confederate brigade also assaulted the Federal position.
To support these troops, Brigadier General AP Stewart's brigade entered the battle. Placing his five regiments into one long line, Stewart's men advanced behind the other attacking Confederate troops.
Stewart's regiments immediately came under heavy Federal fire. At one point in the combat, his Confederates grew panicked when they reached a split-rail fence. Instead of climbing over the fence or taking down the rails, dozens of his men tried to squeeze through a small opening. Scores were shot down as the troops attempted to force their way through the fate. Man-made structures on the battlefield could be deadly obstacles.
Despite the severity of the fire, Stewart's brigade continued to move forward.
"They entered the fight in admirable order & pressed forward under a galling fire with a coolness & yet impetuosity that could not be surpassed. They drove the enemy before them for a considerable distance, until they reached the crest of a ridge."
-- Confederate Brigadier General AP Stewart |