meanwhile, having seen the movement of ayres's and crawford's brigades toward the confederate line, johnson allowed hunton's and stansel's brigades to advance to meet the union formations even though mcgowan's brigade on the far right was not ready. the confederates were able to approach the union force while screened by woods north of white oak road. as ayres's division, led by winthrop's brigade, advanced across a field toward white oak road with the intention of seizing advanced confederate rifle pits, the confederates began to fire from the woods, out of sight of the union force.