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[426] and hidden by the forest, met the advancing lines with such well-delivered and murderous volleys that Hancock was every time checked. Mott's division gave way, and BrigadierGen-eral Alexander Hays, in going to repair the break in the line. was shot dead while gallantly leading his command in the thickest of the fight.1 The heavy firing borne to the ears of Generals Grant and Meade at the Old Wilderness Tavern, attested the severity of the work that was going on at this important junction of roads. It was judged that the pressure on Hancock might be relieved by sending a force from Warren's corps to strike through southward the forest and fall upon the flank and rear of Hill. Wadsworth's division and the brigade of Baxter were accordingly dispatched late in the afternoon to execute this movement. But great difficulty was experienced by these troops in making their way through the thicket, and it was dark by the time Wadsworth got his force in position to apply it in the manner directed. His troops lay on their arms during the night where darkness found them, which was in contact with the skirmishers on Hill's left flank—a situation in which Wadsworth might attack with much advantage the following morning.2
1 Meade: Report of the Rapidan Campaign.
2 The column under command of General Wadsworth moved about four o'clock. After entering the woods southeast of the Lacy House, line of battle was formed. After proceeding half a mile the skirmish line of the enemy was driven in and steadily pushed until it was too dark to see, when the troops halted in line of battle for the night. The line had gradually swung round so as to be facing more nearly south, between Widow Tap's [see map] and the Brock road—the left being perhaps half a mile from the Brock road.
1866.
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