about noon
It is now known that General Grant and his officers felicitated themselves greatly on the safe passage of the Rapidan , and were convinced that Lee would hasten to retreat toward the South Anna . Instead of retreating , Lee advanced and delivered battle . The first collision took place on the 5th of May , when the Federal army was rapidly massing in the Wilderness . Ewell had promptly advanced , and about noon was forming line of battle across the old turnpike , when he was vigorously attacked by Warren , and his advance driven back . But the real obstacle was behind . Ewell 's rear closed up -- he advanced in his turn ; assailed Warren with fury ; swept him back into the thicket ; seized two pieces of his artillery , with about 1,000 prisoners ; and for the time completely paralyzed the Federal force in his front . Such was the first blow struck .