Geary’s Refused Line

July 20, 1864. Geary’s 20th A.C. div. [US] was massed on this ridge (Candy’s, Ireland’s & Jones’ brigades) in parallel lines on old Collier Rd., its front 400 yds. Eastward. A reconnoissance in force, there was no deployment & being several hundred yds. in advance of the other 2 divs., the position lacked support.<br><br> The surprise attack by O’Neal [CS] struck Geary’s right flank causing him to refuse his line on a left pivot down the slope to & beyond the deep ravine northward, where it joined the left of Williams’ division on a ridge.<br><br> O’Neal’s assault & Scott’s [CS] attack at Collier’s Mill, were critical moments of the battle.