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part of 1863, the error seemed to most minds, the direct result of recent events.
With his right, Lee had gripped the old defenses of Fredericksburg, associated with thronging memories of triumph; his left covertly advanced, under Ewell, toward Culpepper and thence to the Shenandoah valley.
Early's division was directed by Ewell to march straight to the valley.
On June 14th Early trapped Milroy, capturing 4,000 prisoners, with much material.
Hays' brigade was at the front from the beginning of this movement, pushing the enemy back, with skirmishing during the 13th and 14th.
On the latter day Early took the Louisianians around a considerable detour to the west, and about 5 p. m. ordered them to assault the enemy's works on a hill which appeared to be the key to their fortified position.
After the artillery, which included the Louisiana Guard, had shelled the astonished Federals, who were not looking for fight in that direction, ‘Hays advanced as was directed,’ Early said, ‘and ascended the steep slope of the hill leading to the enemy's works through a brushwood that had been felled to answer the purpose of abatis, and drove the enemy from his works in fine style, capturing in the assault six rifled pieces, two of which were immediately turned upon the enemy.’
The enemy discovered the advance of Hays when he reached the edge of the abatis, about 150 yards from the works, and then, ordered to charge, his men swept forward so rapidly that they were in the redoubt before the enemy had time to fire more than four or five rounds.
‘A most brilliant achievement,’ said Early of this assault.
At some distance was a small redoubt with two pieces of artillery, manned by infantry.
Here the Seventh, Col. Davidson B. Penn, gallantly secured two guns.
In the main work, a battery of the Fifth U. S. artillery (regulars) was captured, caissons and trappings complete.
Hays, in the movement against the key position in the defenses of Winchester, had the Louisiana Guard artillery
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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