This had originally been about three miles in extent,
but above two-thirds of it were now carried. Yet, vital in all its
parts, what of the two divisions remained, still continued the combat
with unyielding mettle. Parrying the thrusts of the cavalry from the
front, this poor scratch of a force threw back its left in a new and
short crochet, so as to meet the advance of Warren, who continued to
press in at right angles to the White Oak road. When the infantry,
greatly elated with their success, but somewhat disorganized by
marching and fighting so long in the woods, arrived before this new
line, they halted and opened an untimely fusillade, though there had
been orders not to halt. The officers, indeed, urged their men forward,
but they continued to fire without advancing. Seeing this hesitation,
Warren dashed forward, calling to those near him to follow. Inspired by
his example, the color-bearers and officers all along the front, sprang
out, and without more firing, the men charged at the _pas de course_,
capturing all that remained of the enemy. The history of the war
presents no equally splendid illustration of personal magnetism.... A
charge of the cavalry completed the rout, and the remnants of the
divisions of Pickett and Johnson fled westward from Five Forks, pursued
for many miles, and until long after dark, by the mounted divisions of
Merritt and McKenzie.
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