Stewart's Advance

The battle opened with great fury as Donelson's brigade attacked the Union lines on the left and momentarily stalled, while Maney's Confederate brigade assaulted the Federal position in the fields on the right. To support them, Brigadier General A. P. Stewart's brigade entered the battle with its five regiments formed in one long line advancing behind the other Confederate attackers. Stewart's regiments immediately came under heavy Federal fire, and at a split-rail fence some of his men panicked and tried to force their way through a small opening instead of climbing over or taking down the rails, causing scores to be shot down at the gate and showing how deadly man-made structures could be on the battlefield. Despite the severity of the fire, Stewart's brigade continued forward in admirable order and pressed on with coolness and impetuosity, driving the enemy a considerable distance until reaching the crest of the ridge.

Kentucky · United States