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