Braving the Firestorm

Braving the Firestorm

Dismounted Confederate cavalry, armed with single-shot carbines, left the cover of woods on Cress Ridge and advanced across the Rummel Farm, into position. As artillery thundered three miles to the east, a prelude to Pickett’s Charge, dismounted troopers of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry opened fire. Reinforced by Michigan and Pennsylvania cavalrymen, armed with repeating rifles, they forced the outgunned Confederates back. Unable to dislodge the Union defenders, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart ordered a series of cavalry charges, but was ultimately repulsed.