William Swinton, Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac

While this flanking operation was in execution, Beauregard assailed energetically the front of Smith's line, held by the divisions of Brooks and Weitzel. But so far from gaining any success here, he met a severe repulse This was in a large measure due to a novel and ingenious device of General Smith, who had caused his men a day or two before to wind a large amount of telegraph wire (here found) around the stumps of trees, to cover their front withal. When, therefore, the Confederates ran forward to the assault, not perceiving the wire in the fog, they were tripped violently and shot as snared game by the Union marksmen.

Finding that the Union force was inexpugnable by a front attack, Beauregard set on foot a repetition of his turning move in heavier force against the right flank, this time made further to the right. The position was really untenable by the force at General Smith's disposal against a serious effort in that direction, for the Confederates had but to swing their left well round in order to attain a lateral road leading directly back to Bermuda Hundred. Accordingly, on learning this new turning movement—which threatened the trains, the communications, and even the depot on the James, which had been left but feebly defended—General Smith ordered a retirement of his line to a position in the rear, where he could better cover what was of value behind him.

While these things were passing on Smith's front, Gillmore's corps on the left had been less engaged. His right, indeed, felt the shock of the same attacks that were made upon Smith, but his left was entirely unassailed. This was due to the inexplicable inaction of General Whiting, whose position threatened directly the main line of retreat by the turnpike. Beauregard's instructions to him to attack were entirely disobeyed, and he made no motion whatever. In this condition of affairs it would have been fortunate had Gillmore's left been swung forward, for this movement would not only have relieved the pressure on Smith,