Minnesota

Minnesota. . , Upon being detached from Gay's Cavalry on the hilltop above the Bottom House, the Second Minnesota Battery's Howitzers and Caissons were retired to the field, across the road on the left and in front of the Russell House awaiting further orders. As the battle progressed General Rousseau began establishing a defensive position anchored at this house by ordering the Battery to take position on this slope facing southeast and supporting the battered 15th Kentucky Infantry lying prone in the swale below. The Battery began pouring spherical case and shell into Adams Brigade seen advancing over the hill some four hundred and fifty yards to their front. They managed to advance to within three hundred and fifty yards before being checked by these guns, musket fire from the 15th and artillery fire in their rear from guns posted on Peter's Hill. Adams began to withdraw his troops., Within minutes, Confederate troops of Woods Brigade advanced across the field on the left when an orderly rode in and shouted "Get out of there! Your Battery is lost!" As the crew of the right piece began to limber up, the crew on the left cut the powder from a second round, inserted into the gun and gave the Adams troops a parting shot. They immediately took casualties from troops approaching the road. One man had his leg broken by a musket ball and had to be left while the other four casualties were able to limber up their piece and both guns were moved seven hundred yards to the west across Whites Road and out of action. The battle continued to rage between Woods Brigade and elements of Gooding's Brigade (arriving early in the evening) until well past dark and under a full moon.