The Rebels Respond

The Union offensive caught the Confederates off-guard. However, the Rebels eventually organized themselves and, around 4 p.m. on February 5, they made a vigorous response to the Union push. Robert E. Lee ordered an assault on Humphreys’ troops East and West of Rocky Branch. This section provides a detailed account of the Rebel attack, filling in many gaps in the conventional narrative of this battle phase. I present fresh insights into which Rebel units were actually involved, and explain how the Federals managed to thwart the attacks.  

 

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