Containing the Enemy, Reclaiming the Works

Shortly after dawn on May 12, Union forces captured the East Angle, one-half mile behind this position, and pressed against General James H. Lane’s North Carolina brigade in this part of the Muleshoe Salient. Lane quickly curled back the left end of his line to meet the threat and checked the progress of Union troops moving down the Salient’s eastern face. Meanwhile, General John B. Gordon hastily formed his Confederate division at the Harrison house, just over one-quarter mile to the right, and as soon as his troops were in line he ordered a charge. Sweeping through the woods behind this position, Gordon’s men drove back the disorganized Union attackers and reclaimed the eastern side of the Salient. With this part of the Muleshoe secure, General Robert E. Lee could focus on retaking the Bloody Angle.

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia · United States