ACW Campaign - Part Fifteen.

Finally General Franklin can bring all four of the brigades of 2nd Division into the inevitable battle. On the left flank 2nd & 3rd Vermont with 'G' Battery 4th US Artillery of 2nd Brigade, make their way along the Choke Heights. On the right flank 49th Pennsylvania, 5th Wisconsin and 'A' Battery 5th US Artillery seek a position to harass the enemy defensive line. In the centre both 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division and 2nd Brigade of 1st Division sweep round to advance on the enemy positions.

3rd Brigade, 2nd Division and 2nd Brigade, 1st Division on the move.

A snapshot of the advance of the main attack force. Choke Heights in the distance.

The remaining two regiments of 1st Brigade advance along Morgan's Bluff, Brigadier Hancock with them, in the distance on Choke Heights can be seen the units of 2nd Brigade.

Generals Franklin and Smith have a grandstand view beside the road as the main attack force moves into position.

3rd Virginia Cavalry search for a way down or may be forced to make a stand.

Cobb's Legion Cavalry follow the limbers, minus artillery pieces, back to the main defense line.

Head on view of the Union advance.

A tide of blue that just keeps on coming!

Senior officers watch the advance.

Overall view of the field.

Up on Choke Heights with no way down, 3rd Virginia cavalry prepare to make a stand by a small wood. The main defensive line consisting of just 6th & 12th Alabama, Stuart's Horse Battery and the weakened Cobb's Legion Cavalry have little hope of halting the Union force.

All four brigades on the march.

A field hospital has been set up just north of the junction and surgeons are currently treating the wounded of 6th Maine and 43rd New York.

Looking north from Gordon's Bluff.

Not a pleasant view from the saddle of Cobb's Legion Cavalry.

Looking west from the farmhouse.

1st US Cavalry of 2nd Brigade, 1st Division lead the Union forces. All four brigades in view.

The Confederate defenders have little choice but to continue to withdraw in the hope of meeting up with General Hill and Garlands Brigade.



I will now need to relay the table, showing the ground further east. Around the area of this fork in the road I reckon will be a good spot for the battle to come.

The fork in the Stockton road, leading to Meon. Choke Heights in the background with the foothills of Morgan's Mount in front.

Choke heights dominate the road and valley below.

Too steep for men or animals to climb at this point.

Looking west to the Dixon Farm.

Looking east.

From the foothills of Morgan's Mount across to the Choke Heights.

The Union division continues to follow the withdrawing rebel force, knowing that they are getting ever closer to Crow Bridge.

Once again the Confederate force forms up for battle, this time at the Dixon Farm.

From the west arrives Major General Hill with Hampton's Legion Cavalry.

Looking west along the Stockton Road, General Hill nearest camera, the defended Dixon Farm and the lead elements of Union 2nd Division.

The whole area south of Choke Heights is suitable for moving and battling.

12th Alabama in position behind the farm fence.

The Battle of Dixon's Farm is about to begin.