Upton’s Assault

Just before 6 p.m. on May 10, 1864, 5,000 Union soldiers led by Colonel Emory Upton, formed in deep masses rather than traditional battle lines, emerged from the woods and dashed across the field to the main Confederate line. Leaping over the works, they began stabbing with bayonets and swinging their muskets like clubs. More than 900 Confederate prisoners and four cannon fell into their hands, and the victorious Federals swept down the works, widening the breach. But no arrangements had been made to support the attack, and without more men Upton could go no farther. Meanwhile Confederate generals marshaled troops to recapture the works, and as daylight faded to darkness, Upton faced the fight of his life.

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia · United States