Soon after arriving at Crampton's Gap, Cobb's Georgia Legion, commanded by Jefferson M. Lamar, and the 16th Georgia, commanded by Philip Thomas, were sent down Gapland Road to support the Confederate right. As these regiments went into position, the Confederate line at the base of the mountain broke under the weight of the Union assault. The Georgians crossed the stone wall bordering the road and formed a battle line in the area ahead, but as they opened fire on the advancing Union lines, Alfred Torbert's New Jersey Brigade advanced on their left flank and rear. Surrounded on three sides, the Legion was forced to retreat toward the gap. Of the 248 men who entered the battle, Cobb's Legion lost 190, most of them captured. Jefferson M. Lamar was mortally wounded nearby during the battle, and Sergeant Benjamin Mell, also mortally wounded, told his fellow soldiers, "Boys, I know I must die, but don't leave the field."
