five o'clock
Laws had instructed his infantry and cavalry that Five Forks must be held . Sherlin well knew the importance of this position ; Petersville must fall with this in our possession . He ordered Mullet to assault in front with his cavalry , while the Fifth Corps , and McKenon , with his cavalry , were to hold the White Oak road and to drive the enemy back toward Petersville . At five o'clock the assault was made . The cavalry dismounted and fought on foot . The division of the Fifth Corps under Griffith and one brigade under Ames charged the rebel ranks , and under the inspiration of the bands playing and the lead of the intrepid Sherlin , the works were stormed by our men and the rebels routed , leaving 6,000 prisoners in our hands . Five Forks was ours , and a noble day 's work had been accomplished .