Bloody Repulse

Bloody Repulse. "Close enough to feel the flame of the powder". Time: Late Morning , The field behind you was a wooded lot known as the Second Woods. When Sheridan attacked at 11:40 am, his front line drove the opposing Confederates through those woods., On the high ground immediately west of the interstate, about 1,000 yards behind you, sat eleven cannon from Maj. Carter Braxton's battalion of Confederate artillery., The Union battle line descended into the hollow in front of you and then charged up the open hill beyond where they were greeted by a lethal blast of canister from Braxton's guns., Col. Thomas H. Carter, chief of the Confederate artillery, recalled the scene: "Carter Braxton suggested that the be double shotted with canister to which I assented, and each of us rode down the line giving the order. The situation was critical and stirring as could be conceived. General Early considered our capture certain, and properly enough galloped off to save himself. With a steadiness and courage which knew no faltering, the men stood to their posts. The lieutenants sat on their horses like equestrian statues, save that they drew their pistols for close quarter combat.... The guns fired at last as one when the front line of the enemy was almost close enough to feel the flame of the powder. For a moment, the smoke hid all from view; when it cleared away we had the joy to see 'their banners rent, their columns riven' and a field of flying disorganized men scudding to the woods.", (captions) , Post-battle sketch of the position of Braxton's Battery. Sketch by James Taylor. Courtesy Western Reserve Historical Sociaety, Col. Thomas H. Carter