William Swinton, Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac

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[116] at least some force. Hancock put his battery into position to play upon these works, and a few shells and the fire of the skirmishers proved sufficient to drive the Confederates from their cover; but he did not deem it prudent to occupy them, until re-enforcements should arrive.

It was not till now that the Confederate commander, whose attention had been absorbed in the attack of Hooker on his right, became aware of this menacing movement on his left; but being apprised of the danger, he immediately took measures to meet it. Now it happened that precisely at this juncture, Hancock, instead of receiving the re-enforcements he had repeatedly and urgently sent for, got a message from General Sumner, instructing him to fall back to his first position.¹ Hancock, appreciating the commanding importance of his position, delayed doing so as long as possible. But about five o'clock, seeing that the Confederates were in motion on his front, that they had reoccupied the two redoubts from which they were last driven, and that they were threatening both his flanks, he retired his troops behind the crest. Here he formed his line with about one thousand six hundred men, being determined to remain. Waiting till the advancing enemy got below the rise of the hill, and within thirty paces, he ordered a general charge. This was executed in a very spirited manner: a few of the enemy who had approached nearest were bayoneted;² the rest broke and fled in all directions, and the Confederate flanking force, finding their centre routed, also beat a hasty retreat.³ Shortly after the action was decided, General Smith, by order of General Mc-Clellan, who had reached the front and appreciated the position secured by Hancock, brought up strong re-enforcements. At the same time the firing ceased in front of Fort Magruder, and the troops, wet, weary, and hungry, rested on their arms. But Williamsburg was really won., for Hancock held the key