John Gordon Proposes a Flank Attack

On the morning of May 6, Confederate General John B. Gordon held the far Confederate left in this vicinity with his brigade of Georgians. After reconnoitering to his left and front, he found the Union right flank vulnerable to attack, a possible chance to break the stalemate north of the Turnpike. His superiors, Ewell and General Jubal A. Early, hesitated to authorize the advance until they were certain such a bold maneuver would not unduly endanger the Confederate line. Late in the afternoon, Gordon finally received permission to move forward, setting in motion the final drama of the Battle of the Wilderness.

Lake of the Woods, Virginia · United States