from johnson's new position in rifle pits south of white oak road, which had been constructed by ayres's men, the confederates hit chamberlain's men with a heavy fire as they emerged from the nearby woods. warren ordered chamberlain to hold his position but chamberlain suggested to griffin that they would be better off attacking the confederates than remaining under fire and being picked off. griffin approved the proposal and chamberlain's brigade, along with the brigade commanded by colonel and brevet brigadier general edgar m. gregory, charged hunton's brigade and drove them back to the white oak road line. then chamberlain's and gregory's men crossed white oak road. the remainder of the confederate force then had to withdraw to prevent being outflanked and overwhelmed.