Edward Porter Alexander, Military memoirs of a Confederate: a critical narrative

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[531] railroad. The 5th corps came to the river at Jericho Mills, four miles above the railroad, and, finding no enemy opposing, a pontoon bridge was laid and the whole corps was crossed by 4.30 P. M. Meanwhile, at Ox Ford, Burnside had found the south bank held in such force that it was not deemed prudent to attack. The 6th corps was held in reserve on the north bank.

Finding himself at Jericho Mills in the vicinity of Hill's corps. Warren had formed line of battle in very favorable position, He was able to cover his front with the edge of a wood concealing his actual line. His left rested on the river, which made a large concave bend in his rear and again drew near his right, with open ground upon that flank commanded by the artillery. But the rare opportunity of an isolated corps unintrenched was here offered, and Hill hastened to attack it.

About 6 P. M., he fell upon Griffin in the centre, and Cutler on the right, who had not fully formed their lines. Cutler was broken and pursued, but the artillery on that flank was able to save the situation and Hill was finally repulsed. The casualties were about equal, perhaps 1500 on each side.

During the night, Lee had selected and intrenched an excellent line, in fact, it was too good, for it defeated its object, as the enemy never dared to attack. It rested on the river from a half-mile above the bridge to the Ox Ford, and thence, leaving the North Anna, it ran across the narrow peninsula one and a half miles to Little River, where its left rested. Returning to the centre, on the North Anna above the bridge, the line ran southeast across a large bend of the river and rested on its right three miles below, near the site of Morris's Bridge. In front of us, the enemy formed with the 5th and 6th corps before our left flank, and with the 2d and part of the 9th before our right flank. Their two wings, both south of the river, were unable to communicate without crossing the river twice. This peculiar situation could not fail to suggest unusual opportunities to each commander.

Burnside was first ordered to attack and carry Ox Ford, which would at once unite their wings and divide ours. But Burnside pronounced the task impossible, and did not attempt it. Hancock on his left, and Warren on his right, each advanced skirmishers and felt our lines, but both reported against any attack.