Lee to the Rear!

Lee to the Rear!. The Battle of the Wilderness. On May 6, 1864, General Robert E. Lee faced one of the greatest crises of his career. A dawn assault by the Union army had routed A.P. Hill's corps and threatened the destruction of the entire Confederate army. Just when all seemed lost, a body of gray-clad soldiers appeared through the smoke moving toward the enemy. "What troops are you?" Lee demanded, "Texas boys," came the reply. The only Texans in the army belonged to Longstreet's corps, which was on its way from Gordonsville. Help had arrived in the nick of time. "Hurrah for Texas!" cried Lee, waving his hat in a rare show of emotion. "Hurrah for Texas!", The Texas Brigade formed a line in rear of the cannons and began to advance. To their dismay Lee rode forward too, determined to join them in the charge. The soldiers would have none of it. "Go back, General Lee! Go back! We won't go on unless you go back!" Lee hesitated, then tugged on the reins and turned his horse to the rear. The Texans charged onward, and in a few minutes the reinforcements reversed the tide of battle., "His countenance, usually so placid and benign, was blazing with martial ardor. The lamb in his nature had given place to the lion, and his spirit seemed transfused through every one who looked upon him. It was impossible not to feel that every man that passed him was, for the time being, a hero." Colonel William F. Perry