It was not till half past 2 on an order of General Hood, whether inspired by General Bragg or not is uncertain, that the Confederate centre, consisting of Hood's and Bushrod Johnson's divisions, moved forward to the attack. Its success was immediate and brilliant, the enemy's right centre was crushed in, the Lafayette road was seized, artillery was captured, and for a moment the advantage again appeared decisive. But the counterstroke from the centre, which might have ruled the battle had Bragg ordered it at eleven o'clock, was now too late, the yawning gap in the Federal centre had been filled, Davis, Wood, Sheridan and Negley were now up or coming up, the whole Federal army, except Gordon Granger's small corps, was in line, the advance of Bushrod Johnson, Hood and Stewart, which threatened to cut the enemy in two, was everywhere checked after prodigies of bloody and desperate fighting, and the day was waning. Meanwhile Hill's corps on our extreme left and Hindman's and Preston's divisions had practically not been engaged. About three o'clock Hill had received an order to march with Cleburne's division to the extreme right of the army. This neutralized his corps for nearly the whole afternoon. At the same time Hindman had crossed to the west bank of the Chickamauga to support Hood, but his division was not put into the fight. Hill arriving with Cleburne's division on our
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