Braving the Firestorm

Dismounted Confederate cavalry armed with single-shot carbines left the cover of the woods on Cress Ridge and advanced across the Rummel Farm toward this position. As artillery thundered three miles to the east in a prelude to Pickett's Charge, dismounted troopers of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry opened fire. Reinforced by Michigan and Pennsylvania cavalrymen, some armed with repeating rifles, they forced the outgunned Confederates back. Unable to dislodge the Union defenders, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart ordered a series of cavalry charges, but was ultimately repulsed. Union Captain William E. Morford of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry deployed his troopers as skirmishers, while Union General David M. Gregg and his staff prepared for battle.

Pennsylvania · United States