Ferrero's Negro division should lead the attack,
declaring that it was superior in
morale to the white divisions of his corps, but in this he was overruled by
Meade and
Grant.
1 He therefore permitted the commanders of the white divisions to “draw straws” as to who should claim the perilous honor, and, Fortune favoring the
Confederates, the exacting duty fell to
General Ledlie, an officer unfitted by nature to conduct any enterprise requiring skill or courage.
2
This settled,
Burnside, in his turn, issued his orders of assault.
3
Ledlie was to push through the breach straight to
Cemetery Hill.
Wilcox was to follow, and, after passing the breach, deploy on the left of the leading division and seize the line of the
Jerusalem Plank Road.
Potter was to pass to the right of
Ledlie and protect his flank,
while Ferrero's Negro Division, should
Ledlie effect a lodgment on
Cemetery Hill,
was to push beyond that point and immediately assault the town.
Long before dawn of the 30th, the troops were in position, and at half-past 3, punctually to the minute, the mine was fired.
