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!"

But there was no time for bantering. The very earth round about was in
the chaos of roaring battle. Hancock had taken twenty guns with their
horses, and about thirty battle flags. It was a tremendous capture, if
he could hold his ground. No officer of the Union army ever showed to
better advantage. The world may well forgive the touch of vanity and
bluster in the undaunted Hancock, as he sent this despatch to Grant:
"I have used up Johnson and am going into Hill." He found, however,
that he should have terrible work even to keep the gain that he had
made.

Lee no sooner perceived what was done than he threw heavy masses upon
the position to retake it from the captors. Hancock was now on the
wrong side of the angle! The Confederates came on during the day in
five successive charges, the like of which for valor was hardly ever