The Battle Ends

Just before sunset, when the left of Porter’s line disintegrated, much of it fell back through this ground as desperate rearguard fighting unfolded near the Chickahominy River. Union cavalry, trying to buy time for the artillery to escape, launched a small counterattack from the low ground along the river, but Southern infantry easily repulsed the charge with volleys. As darkness fell, thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers swarmed these fields, some moving toward the river and safety, others exulting in victory. Late in the battle, William H. French’s brigade, guided by the young staff officer George Custer, crossed Grapevine Bridge as support, and the Irish Brigade under Thomas F. Meagher probably crossed Alexander’s Bridge to reinforce Porter. More of Porter’s men recrossed at Woodbury’s Bridge than at any other bridge. Across the river at Gouldin’s Farm, several large Union cannon, including some 4-1/2 inch rifled siege guns firing 25-pound shells, blasted the edge of the Confederate attacks all afternoon. At the end of the battle, Union artillery on knolls and hillcocks facing west fought to keep Southern infantry away, firing canister at very close range and opening large gaps in the Confederate ranks, yet several cannon could not be removed in time and were captured. Near the close of the battle, James Longstreet’s division, the far right of the Confederate army, emerged from the trees along Boatswain’s Creek as it bent toward the Chickahominy River.

Virginia · United States