Confederate Futility

A Confederate plan called for dozens of cannon to gather here and on the Poindexter Farm, nearly a mile to the east, so their combined fire could strike the Union batteries atop Malvern Hill and clear the way for an infantry assault up the hill. Officers failed to collect enough cannon, batteries reached this ridge one at a time, stronger and more numerous Union guns pounded them, and they left the field in disarray. A similar failure unfolded on the Poindexter farm to the east. The Confederate infantry attack went forward anyway, with many soldiers marching through the smoking debris on this high ground and coming under direct, short-range fire for the first time. John S. Hard of the 7th South Carolina Infantry recalled dead and dying horses lying in piles with drivers and gunners, while dismantled guns and exploded caissons presented an aspect of desolation and ruin.

Sandston, Virginia · United States