[564] they are advancing between the Oak Hill slopes and the Carlisle road, are taken in flank by Rodes' artillery, and so fearfully shaken by the fire that Doles has only to push forward against the first, commanded by Colonel von Amsberg, to drive it back upon the second. He thus compels the whole division to fall back as far as a cross-road connecting the Carlisle road with that of Mummasburg—a road lined with fences, which enable Schimmelpfennig momentarily to re-form his troops. To the right of the Carlisle road Von Gilsa's Federal brigade has promptly dislodged the enemy's skirmishers from a small wood upon which Barlow has to rest, and the latter loses no time in sustaining him with his second brigade. But the decisive moment has arrived; the battle, which began at the west, then reached the north, is now about to extend north-eastward. While Ewell, from the summit of the ridge whence he overlooks the whole country, is watching Rodes' brigades wasting their energies in vain efforts against Doubleday's right, he finally discovers eastward Early's division coming up by way of the Heidlersburg road, and deploying along the slightly wooded hills whose bases are washed by the waters of Rock Creek. Three brigades are drawn up in front line—Hays in the centre, along the road; Hoke on the left; Gordon on the right; the fourth brigade, under Smith, is held in reserve. The division artillery opens fire against Barlow, who at this moment is manoeuvring to relieve Schimmelpfennig by taking Doles in flank. Gordon, on his part, is advancing for the purpose of crossing Rock Creek, and attacks the position which Gilsa has just occupied. His Georgian soldiers, marching in battle-array and in perfect order, disappear for an instant among the large groves of willow trees which line the banks of the stream: the firing of musketry follows, but this does not prevent them from reappearing, still in the same order, on the other side of the stream. Their bayonets form a dazzling line amid the sheaves of golden wheat which they trample under foot in their passage. At last they fire a volley and rush to the assault. After an energetic resistance the Federals, finding themselves about to be surrounded by Doles on one side and Early's troops on the other, are obliged to yield ground, leaving a large number of killed and wounded behind them, the valiant Barlow among the rest.
