the remainder all faced south.  Beyond Dowdall’s Tavern rose the forest, dark and impenetrable to the view; but to the south-east, nearly two miles from Talley’s, the clearings of Hazel Grove were plainly visible.  This part of the line, originally entrusted to General Sickles, was now unguarded, for two divisions of the Third Corps were moving on the Furnace; and the nearest force which could render support to Howard’s was Berry’s division, retained in reserve north-east of Chancellorsville, three miles distant from Talley’s Farm and nearly two from Howard’s left.

The Confederates, meanwhile, were rapidly forming for attack.  Notwithstanding their fatigue, for many of the brigades had marched over fifteen miles, the men were in the highest spirits.  A young staff-officer, who passed along the column, relates that he was everywhere recognised with the usual greetings.  “Say, here’s one of old Jack’s little boys; let him by, boys!” “Have a good breakfast this morning, sonny?” “Better hurry up, or you’ll catch it for gettin’ behind.”  “Tell old Jack we’re all a-comin’.  Don’t let him begin the fuss till we get there!” But on reaching the turnpike orders were given that all noise should cease, and the troops, deploying for a mile or more on either side of the road, took up their formation for attack.  In front were the skirmishers of Rodes’ division, under Major Blackford; four hundred yards in rear came the lines of battle, Rodes forming the first line;* Colston, at two hundred yards distance, the second line; A.P.  Hill, part in line and part in column, the third.

(Rodes’ brigades were formed in the following order:—­
....................................
||  _______  ______  _____  _______   .......... 
Iverson  O’Neal  Doles  Colquitt
_______
Ramseur  ||)

In little more than an hour-and-a-half, notwithstanding the dense woods, the formation was completed, and the lines dressed at the proper angle to the road.

5.45 P.M.

Notwithstanding that the enemy might at any moment awake to their danger, not a single precaution was neglected.  Jackson was determined that the troops should move forward in good order, and that every officer and man should know what was expected from him.  Staff-officers had been stationed at various points to maintain communication between the divisions, and the divisional and brigade commanders had received their instructions.  The whole force was to push resolutely forward through the forest.  The open hill, about a thousand yards eastward, on which stood Talley’s Farm, was to be carried at all hazard, for, so far as could be ascertained, it commanded, over an intervening patch of forest, the ridge which ran north from Dowdall’s Tavern.  After the capture of the heights at Talley’s, if the Federals showed a determined front on their second line, Rodes was to halt under cover until the artillery could come up and dislodge them.  Under no other circumstances was there to be any pause in the advance.  A brigade of the first line was detailed to guard the right flank, a regiment the left; and the second and third lines were ordered to support the first, whenever it might be necessary, without waiting for further instructions.  The field hospital was established at the Old Wilderness Tavern.