six o'clock
good ! '' he said , and jerked his hand into the air . Suddenly turning Little Sorrel , he left the hill -- riding fast , elbows out , and big feet , down into the woods , his sabre leaping as he rode . It yet lacked of six o'clock when the battle lines were finally formed . Only the treetops of the Wilderness now were in gold , below , in the thick wood , the brigades stood in shadow . In front were Rodes 's skirmishers , and Rodes 's brigades formed the first line . The troops of Raleigh Colston made the second line , A. P. Hill 's men the third .