Upon ascertaining that it was Crawford's division of the Fifth Corps, he directed that they be sent forward to clear the woods in front of the rebel skirmishers, who were very annoying, and to drive away the battery, _but not to get into a fight that could bring on a general engagement._ As Crawford unmasked from the stone fence the battery opened fire on his right.

He sent Colonel Ent's regiment, deployed as skirmishers, against the guns, which retired as Ent approached.

McCandless, who went forward with his brigade, moved too far to the right, and Crawford ordered him to change front and advance toward Round Top.

He did so and struck a rebel brigade in flank which was behind a temporary breastwork of rails, sods, etc.

When this brigade saw a Union force apparently approaching from their own lines to attack them in flank, they retreated in confusion, after a short resistance, and this disorder extended during the retreat to a reserve brigade posted on the low ground in their rear.