ACW Campaign - Part Twenty Six.

The factory building is now ablaze and the fires can longer be fought.

The defenders are forced to pull back from the wall either side of the inferno.

Confusion in the compound as the troops and artillery try to re position at the wall.

Things are looking no better at the other side, as the Union troopers dismount and prepare to attack their opposite number.

So too on the other corner, outnumbered rebel cavalry prepare for the onslaught.

Confusion reigns as the noose tightens.

No let up from the Union artillery.

'Well Henry, I think it is time to launch our assault.' General Franklin once more scanned the enemy position.

1st Division commander Henry Slocum nodded in agreement, taking a final glance at the billowing smoke from the burning building and the obvious disorder behind the walls. He saluted.

'I will get the attack underway sir.'

2nd Brigade, 1st Division to the fore with a mixture of regiments from both 1st Brigade, 1st Division and 1st Brigade, 2nd Division behind them.

The Union batteries fall silent as the advance begins.

The rebels take up the best positions they can avoiding the intense heat from the burning building.

The view of the advance on the north west wall as 3rd Brigade, 1st Division move forward.

The dismounted troopers of Wise's Legion cavalry get into a firefight with 1st New York Cavalry and 5th US Cavalry.

Beleaguered 9th Virginia Cavalry are also outnumbered by troopers of 1st US Cavalry and 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

1st New York Cavalry, nearest the camera, have a grandstand view of the assault on the north west wall. Or would have, if they were not hotly engaged in a firefight of their own.

An aerial view of the fighting on all sides of the arsenal.

27th Georgia trying to take up firing positions at the wall as the blue wave advances.

The view for the men of 4th North Carolina is also terrifying.