The main divisions of the Union army came into position before Spottsylvania.  Hancock had the right wing, and upon his left rested Warren.  Sedgwick’s corps was next in order, while Burnside held the left.  Just as the commanders were forming their lines and some men at a Union battery seemed to shrink from the Confederate sharpshooters, Sedgwick went forward to encourage them, saying, “Men, they couldn’t hit an elephant at that distance.”  But the next instant he himself fell dead!  His command of the Sixth Corps was transferred to General Wright.

It now remained for Hancock on the extreme right to attack the Confederate left.  This was done by Barlow’s division, but without success.  This attack and repulse was the real beginning of the battle of Spottsylvania.  The Confederates in front were strongly intrenched, but near the northernmost point of their works what was thought to be a weak point in the line was discovered.  This point was what is known as a salient.  The position, however, was in the thick woods, or was at any rate concealed by the woods and ravines in front.

As soon as the position was discovered and its nature known, a large part of Wright’s corps was sent against it.  The attack was successful.  The line was carried, and about a thousand men captured in the assault.  But the reinforcements were not up promptly, and the assailants were driven back.  A second assault ended in the same way.  This fighting was on the evening of the tenth of May.  The battle continued into the night, and the event hung dubious.

On the eleventh there was a heavy rain, but during that day General Grant, who placed great confidence in General Hancock and his corps, moved that brilliant officer to the point of attack before the salient.  With the early light on the morning of the twelfth, Hancock sprang forward to the assault.  So sudden and powerful was the charge that one-half of the distance had been traversed before the enemy knew what was coming.  Then the storm burst wildly.  The yell arose from one side, and the cheer from the other.  Hancock’s men in great force and with invincible courage sprang upon the breast-works, clubbed their guns, or went over bayonet foremost.  They were met on the other side in like manner.  The melee that ensued was perhaps the most dreadful hand-to-hand conflict of the war.  The impetus of the Union attack was irresistible.  Great numbers were killed on both sides, and the Confederates were overpowered.

General Edward Johnson and his division of about four thousand men were captured in the angle.  General Stuart was also taken.  He and Hancock had been friends in their student days at West Point.  The story goes that Hancock, recognizing his prisoner, said, “How are you, Stuart?” and offered his hand.  The hot Confederate answered, “I am General Stuart of the Confederate army, and under the circumstances I decline to take your hand.”  Hancock answered, “Under any other circumstances I should not have offered it!”