ACW Campaign - Part Sixteen.

1500 2nd June 1862, Dixon Farm.

3rd Brigade, 2nd Division in the process of forming into battle formation. 7th Maine and 33rd New York forming the front rank supported by 3rd New York Battery. Moving into position behind is 49th and 77th New York.

Newly arrived Major General Hill assesses the situation.

He sends Hampton's Legion Cavalry to shore up the hanging left flank. The remainder of Garlands Brigade are no more than a mile away and he believes this farm is probably the best defensive position he can hope for.

Sam Garland at the head of his brigade with 2nd Florida and 2nd Mississippi leading.

Daniel Hill realises his position is in great doubt, just a single over sized brigade to stop four brigades of the enemy. He hurriedly scribbles a note to Brigadiers Rodes and Anderson, currently at Crow Bridge informing them of the situation here and his grave doubts about being able to hold the enemy. If, as expected, he was forced to carry out a fighting withdrawal they would be kept informed to allow them also to extricate their men from the bridge and not be trapped between two forces.
His intention was as he reached Crow Bridge/Clanfield Crossroads, both brigades would then withdraw south towards Clanfield.
It wasn't perfect, but the best he could think of for the present time.
A dispatch rider took the note and galloped off east.


View from the right flank of the Confederate defensive line.

2nd Brigade, 1st Division along with 1st Brigade, 1st Division move up to take their place behind the initial assault force of 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division.

General William Smith, OC 2nd Division, VI Corps is informed that enemy troops are approaching along the road from the east. He is keen to send in the first wave and push this blocking force out of the way before they can be reinforced.

Artillery batteries open up and Union 3rd Brigade begin to advance toward the enemy line.

First barrage by all three batteries, 'F' Battery US Artillery on the flank of 12th Alabama, as well as counter battery fire by 3rd New York Battery and Stuart's Horse battery all miss! Down at the bottom Hampton's Legion Cavalry face off with 1st US Cavalry, as the rest of 2nd Brigade, 1st Division march forward to support their cavalry and attempt to flank the Confederate defences.

'F' Battery engaging the flank of 12th Alabama as counter battery fire can be seen in the distance.

Hampton's Legion Cavalry rush forward to harry the enemy thrust on the open left flank of the defenders.

The Dixon family made a hasty retreat from their farm, soon to be in the thick of the fighting.

Confederate line with 12th Alabama nearest the camera.

Union 3rd Brigade almost in musket range.

Brigadier Sam Garland and his brigade hasten forward.

Colonel Joseph Bartlett leads his 2nd Brigade, 1st Division over the low hill on the enemy flank.

Powder smoke in the valley as 2nd Brigade, 1st Division press on nearest camera.

Most of the battlefield in view.

5th & 12th Alabama cause devastation in the ranks of 33rd New York, scoring combined hits of four. 12th Alabama's charmed life continues as 'F' Battery 5th US Artillery on their flank once again fail to register a hit. In counter battery fire, both Stuart's Horse Battery and 3rd New York artillery are temporarily disordered after suffering a single hit each.

View from behind 12th Alabama, part of the Confederate defensive line.

Powder smoke rises and reduces visibility.

Garland's Brigade rushes forward, 24th & 38th Virginia leave the road to support the left flank.

2nd Brigade, 2nd Division begin to deploy into line behind 3rd Brigade. Whilst 2nd Brigade 1st Division led by Colonel Bartlett reach the Meon Road in an outflanking manoeuvre.

Better view of 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division deploying behind their embattled colleagues.