3 June 1600: Tanglefoot

View East: Moreau's defensive position as seen from the advancing enemy

Wiggins struggled to establish control of the confusing fight around him. Visibility in the thick woods was less than 50 yards. The rattle of musketry, smoke filled woods, cries and shouts, all worked against him. Third Company’s survivors had to retreat past the first planned position along a ridge, down through a gully and back to the second fallback position to put enough distance between them and the oncoming Slobobians. This allowed them to get organized.

Wiggins thought the position sufficient for their stand. They were on a rocky hill which observed the swamp below them. He directed the men into position along a makeshift line. The last Freedonians to arrive were brought up by Moreau. The Lieutenant had his troops well in hand. Wiggins needed to get back to the main fight. He briefed Moreau on the position, where and when he would fall back, and oriented him as to the direction of the Lourenco Farm. He was confident Moreau understood and could handle the task. Firing picked up as the Slobobians tried to cross the swamp below him. Many were shot down and the enemy advance halted. Their line spread out and a general fireflight ensued.

View Southeast:The stone wall marks the final defensive position at Lourenco farm

This was a good time for Wiggins to make his way back to the battalion. He set off east through the woods. He surprised to see that the farm was less than 300 yards from Moreau. Arriving back at the farm he directed the reserve force into a strong position along a stonewall, then set off back down the Atwater trail to 4^th Company’s position. They were covering a choke point along the trail where it crossed a swamp. Beyond they could hear the firing drawing closer. A steady stream of wounded were making their way back down the trail. Wiggins questioned a few and ascertained that the Jaegers had been pushed from the field. The enemy was slowly fighting its way up the trail. Wiggins had suspected this would be their course of action. At least no surprises were in store. He pushed ahead to link up with 1^st and 2d Company.