William Swinton, Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac

In this state of facts, Johnston made the following dispositions for attack: Hill (D. H.), who had been covering the Williamsburg and Charles City road, was directed to move his division, supported by the division of Longstreet, out on the Williamsburg road, but not to move till Huger's division, which was to move out on the Charles City road, should relieve him. Huger's duty was to strike the left flank of the Union force which Hill and Longstreet should engage in front. G. W. Smith, with his division, was to advance on the right flank of the Union force, to the junction of the New Bridge road with theNine-mile road, there to be in readiness either to fall on Keyes' right or to cover Longstreet's left.¹ The divisions were to move at daybreak; but the horrible condition of the roads, resulting from the storm, greatly retarded the movement of the troops. Hill, Longstreet, and Smith, indeed, were in position by eight o'clock; but not so Huger. For hour after hour, Longstreet and Hill awaited in vain the signal-gun that was to announce Huger's arrival in his proper position. At length, at ten o'clock, Hill² went forward on the Williamsburg road,³ and presently struck Casey's division. The advance position beyond Seven Pines, held by that officer, was defended by a redoubt, rifle-pit, and abatis; but, at this time, these works were only in process of construction, and the troops were, indeed, engaged at this work when the attack was made.⁴ The pickets were quickly driven in, and