Malvern Hill - July 1, 1862 - 2:30pm to 4:00pm

American Battlefield Trust’s map of the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm

General Robert E. Lee’s plan of attack for July 1, 1862, placed the division of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill in the center near the Willis Church parsonage, flanked by Maj. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson on the left, supported by Maj. Gens. William Whiting, and John B. "Prince John" Magruder on the right, supported by Benjamin Huger. Confusion about the local road network as depicted on the Confederate maps slowed the arrival and deployment of Magruder’s and Huger’s brigades until mid-afternoon.

Lee ordered two “grand batteries” of artillery, one each on his left and right, to envelop the Federal guns in a cross-fire. Poor coordination and effective counter-battery fire from Union guns isolated the Confederate batteries and the desired cross-fire was never effective. The brigade of Brig. Gen. Lewis Armistead was ordered to move forward with the “Rebel yell” to begin the infantry attack once the Confederate artillery had silenced the Yankee guns. Armistead advanced around 3:30 p.m., yet not all the other brigade commanders heard his signal.

Learn More: The Battle of Malvern Hill