John E. Gurley-- Part 5: It Was Infantry in the Woods As It Turned Out

The question as to whether or not the noises were coming from cavalry or infantry was shortly determined when  Hardee's men emerged from the woods and attacked the rear of Smith's division with bullets streaming through the air and a big Rebel Yell.

Turning to Smith, John Gurley posed the question, "Are they infantry?"

Smith replied:  "yes, captain, and lots of them; go take command of those two regiments (that Gurley had formed into battle line of his own accord), lead them into the fight, check the enemy for a few minutes, till I get our men in line, then fall back to the main body."

Captain Gurley executed the order in the face of an overpowering foe and galling fire.  Then fell back as directed and fought with his comrades until night, maintaining their ground.

Sure Saved the General's Horse.  --Old Secesh

The Last Time 'Insurgents' Got This Close to US Capitol-- Part 3: Too Late

General Early rode along the weakening Confederate formations, trying to rally them to take advantage of the big break, but to no avail.  They had a hard time even getting up a decent Rebel Yell.  Before long, the first of Grant's troops started arriving and launched a counter attack that stopped the advance.  

The Confederates stopped for the night.

The next morning, Early reconnoitered the Union defenses with field glasses  and instead of see the sharp, brand new uniforms worn by the clerks, he saw faded, war-torn blue uniforms.  Everywhere, he saw fluttering U.S. and Regimental battle flags fluttering in the breeze.

Jubal Early later wrote in his memoirs, "I had, therefore, reluctantly to give up all hopes  of capturing Washington, after I had arrived within sight of the dome of the Capitol."

--Old Sesh