William Swinton, Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac

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[599] indeed, in changing front, having occasion to pass over some open ground, received on its left from this line a fire which caused the division to oblique to the right, so as to keep the protection of the woods and ridge while executing the manoeuvre. Now, owing to this circumstance—to wit, that Crawford's division on the right of Ayres, having to manoeuvre on a more extended radius and being also thrown more to the right to avoid the enemy's fire, was not able to change front so rapidly—it came about that Ayres' right was for a time ‘in air;’ and as it received the same fire that Crawford's left had encountered, the troops on that flank became very unsteady, and many broke to the rear. This difficulty, however, was soon remedied. Griffin's division was drawn in towards the left to close up this interval, and Ayres' division assailing the enemy's intrenched crotchet, carried it by an impetuous charge, in which above a thousand prisoners and several battle-flags were taken. Griffin then fell upon the rear of the enemy's left, capturing the breastworks and fifteen hundred prisoners. At the same time Crawford, who was moving further to the right, advanced steadily in rear of the enemy's line, driving back the skirmishers all the way, and continually turning the left of any force opposing Ayres and Griffin, till he attained the Ford road, which runs directly northward from the centre of the Confederate rear, and thence across Hatcher's Run. The outlet for the enemy's escape northward being thus closed, Warren directed Crawford's line to swing round to face southward and advance upon the reverse side of the enemy's line.

The Confederates were now completely entrapped. Held as in a vice by the cavalry which enveloped their whole front and light, stung them with a biting fire, and charged at the signal of the musketry of the infantry, they now found a line of battle sweeping down on their rear. Thus placed, they did all that men may. Forming front both north and south, they met with a desperate valor this double onset. But it was vain. From the rear Warren swept down towards the White Oak road, Crawford taking four guns; and simultaneously the cavalry from the front charged upon this road with resistless