Confederate Breakthrough

At about 7:00 a.m. on May 3, a dangerous gap opened in the Union line near the Orange Turnpike. Federal troops on the right, led by Hiram Berry, retreated about 1/2 mile and established a new position, but the soldiers on the left under Brig. Gen. Joseph Revere did not withdraw in time. Three Confederate brigades swept across the ground and struck Revere's exposed flank. Separated from the rest of the division and short of ammunition, Revere made the controversial decision to march his men off the field.

Lake Wilderness, Virginia · United States