Battle of First Kernstown

Battle of First Kernstown. Fulkerson/Garnett Assault. , (Preface): , It is March 23, 1862 approximately 2:00 PM, You are standing about 1000 yards from the Union batteries on Pritchard's Hill., (Main Text): , About 300 yards to your south, General Jackson met Colonel Fulkerson and ordered his brigade to "turn a battery of the enemy" on Pritchard's Hill, as he perceived this position as the Union's right flank. This directive was not an order for a direct attack; it was a plan to flank the Union cannons to neutralize them or force them to retreat., The 16 Union guns on Pritchard's Hill, under the control of their Chief of Artillery Lt. Col. Philip Daum, opened fire on the Confederates while they were concealed in the woods, a message intended to say "You are not welcome to stay here"., Despite this initial fire, Colonel Fulkerson assembled his men in what is called a "column by division" formation with a front 30 to 75 yards wide and 200 to 250 yards deep., He then raised his hat and ordered them forward, yelling, "Men, follow me!" The Union artillery batteries then re-directed their fire on the advancing Confederates, which now included a single regiment under General Garnett in support, as they advanced across this field where you are standing., Initially, the Union guns did not have much effect in halting the Confederates. The very "green" Union gunners were in such amazement of the steadfastness of the Confederate infantry moving toward them that some of them began to abandon their guns in fear. Lt. Col. Daum quickly took control of this situation by driving these panicked gunners back to their guns with the tip of his sword., When you are ready, move north to marker post 3B to continue the story.