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[86] more reserves with which to renew the fight, are compelled to discontinue the struggle in order to form their disorganized battalions again, and to allow them some rest. The cannonading, however, continues on both sides without cessation. This alone prevents them from hearing the sounds of the battle which is being fought on the other side of Chancellorsville; for Lee, true to the promise he had given to the wounded Jackson, has ordered the two divisions he has kept about him to attack the enemy in front at daybreak. Anderson and McLaws have only seven brigades at their disposal; that is to say, about thirteen thousand men to occupy a front of two miles in extent. The former deploys his lines from the Furnace to the Plank Road in the following order: Perry, Posey, Wright, and Mahone. McLaws' three brigades are deployed on the right, Semmes along the Plank Road, Wofford on each side of the turnpike, Kershaw between the two. This line is too weak to undertake any attacks after Jackson's fashion: it has not a single battalion in reserve, and if once broken the Federals could take possession of the outlets of the forest. The fight has to be conducted in such a manner as to occupy and retain their forces without provoking them to take the offensive. Since morning, Anderson and McLaws have been pushing their troops forward to within a short distance of the abatis behind which the Federals are posted, and are exchanging murderous discharges of musketry with them, while the artillery of the First Confederate corps, stationed along the two roads and on the neighboring heights, pours showers of shells beyond Hooker's lines, well knowing that they will fall in the midst of his reserves. This portion of the Federal line is defended by Hancock's division, fronting that of McLaws, whilst Geary and part of Williams' division are opposed to Anderson. The forces, therefore, are nearly equal. The greatest effort of the Confederates, who have complete command of these positions, is directed against Hancock; but this chief, as intelligent as he is brave, aided by Colonel Miles, who was to play an important role in the war at a later period, distributes his troops so admirably that the enemy does not venture to attack him in a close fight.

Such, then, is the situation toward nine o'clock in the morning. South and south-east of Chancellorsville the combat is not carried

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