Anderson’s Division of Longstreet’s Corps rested on the river on the extreme left, at Taylor’s Hill; then Ransom’s along the crest of the ridge between Taylor’s and Mayree’s, and McLaws’ from his left across Deep Run Valley and along the ridge to Lee’s Hill, where Pickett was posted; Hood extending from Pickett’s right, touching the left of the troops of Jackson’s Corps.  Three of Cobb’s regiments and one from North Carolina were posted behind the stone wall lining the sunken road, while two of Cooke’s North Carolina regiments were on the crest of Mayree’s Hill overlooking Cobb.  Kershaw’s Brigade, with the Third South Carolina on the left, was resting on the ridge running at right angles to the Telegraph Road, the left resting on the road, the Second South Carolina next, and so on to the left of Semmes’ Brigade.  Barksdale being in the city on picket, was relieved and placed in reserve.

As soon as the signal guns gave evidence of an impending battle, D.H.  Hill, who had been sent on detached service down the river, was recalled and placed in line with the other portion of Jackson’s Corps.  Jackson had his entire force closely massed in the woodland around Hamilton’s Crossing and along the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad, one mile from the river.  The Light Division of A.P.  Hill occupied the front line, with a heavy battery of fourteen guns on his right, supported by Archer’s Brigade; then Lane’s and Fender’s in front, with Gregg’s and Thomas’ in reserve.  Behind the Light Division lay Early on the right, Taliaferro on the left, with D.H.  Hill in rear of all along the Mine Road, the right of these divisions resting on Hamilton’s Crossing.  Hood occupied the valley between Lee’s Hill and the highland around Hamilton’s Crossing; Pickett on the ridge between Hood and McLaws; Stuart’s Cavalry ran at right angles to the infantry line from Hamilton’s Crossing to the river, hemming the Federal Army in the plain between Hamilton’s Crossing and Taylor’s Hill above the city, a space three miles long by one wide.

Before day the enemy’s pontoon corps came cautiously to the river and began operations at laying down the bridge, but the pickets in the rifle pits kept them off for a time by their steady fire.  The manner of putting down army bridges is much more simple and rapid than the old country mode of building.  Large boats are loaded on long-coupled wagons, the boats filled with plank for flooring and cross beams, with a large iron ring in the rear end of each boat, through which a stout rope is to run, holding them at equal distance when in the water.  When all is ready the boats are launched at equal distance so that the beams can reach, then pushed out in the stream, and floated around in a semi-circle, until the opposite bank is reached, the rope fastened to trees on either bank, cross pieces are laid, the flooring put down, and the bridge is ready for crossing.