Custer not stopping Steward?
Elements of Custer’s brigade created a skirmish line in front of the ridge and armed with new repeating Spencer rifles were able hold back a Confederate advance. Frustrated with the lack of progress, Stuart ordered Fitzhugh Lee to charge the skirmishers and run them from the field, which they accomplished handily.
However, sensing a break of the Union soldiers, Custer rallied his men for a counter charge by screaming, “Come on, you Wolverines!” and leading his directly into the fray clashing with the Confederate cavalrymen. By all accounts, the impact of the two groups of horsemen was thunderous with many horses tumbling in the fray and crushing their riders.
At the sight of Custer’s charge, General Hampton then led his men charging directly into the maelstrom in hopes of dispersing the Union cavalry and routing their remaining men. For 40 minutes the two sides clashed with sabres, pistols, and carbines. Although it was short, it was extremely intense.
Custer lost 2 horses during the engagement but fought tenaciously inspiring his men. General Hampton himself was wounded when he became surrounded by three Union soldiers and one shot him in the back. He raised his sword and cut his way back to his own lines on Cress Ridge and his men followed suit ending the engagement.
Brigadier General Wade Hampton
Brigadier General Wade Hampton
Consequences of the East Cavalry Field Battle
Unable to break through the Union blocking force, Stuart was forced to pull his forces back. His orders to generate havoc in support of Pickett’s charge were unfulfilled and his men had suffered a significant defeat to Union Cavalry, which up to then had been a rarity.
The Union Cavalry had protected the soft underbelly of the main lines on Cemetery Ridge with a smaller force by utilizing the superior weaponry at their disposal and the raw and inspiring courage of Custer that matched the legendary gallantry of Stuart and his men.