Federal reinforcements from Maj. Gen. George Sykes’V Corps moved south from their reserve positions to counter “Tige” Anderson’s attacks on Stony Hill and the Wheatfield. The men of the 8th New Jersey could see Col. William Tilton’s and Col. Jacob Sweitzer’s brigades of Barnes’ division approaching, but continued their flight away from Anderson’s Georgians. Colonel Tilton’s men took position on Stony Hill’s southern slope with the 22nd Massachusetts forming the left, the 1st Michigan the center, and the 118th Pennsylvania the right. The latter regiment’s right flank was refused to conform to the irregular edge of Stony Hill, facing west. The 18th Massachusetts remained in reserve behind the 1st Michigan, facing southwest. The 110th Pennsylvania and 5th Michigan were to the front and right of Tilton’s men, extending the line toward the Rose farm house. Colonel Sweitzer’s brigade faced west, deploying with the 32nd Massachusetts on the left, the 62nd Pennsylvania in the center, and the 4th Michigan on the right. Colonel Sweitzer did not like either the low open position held by the 32nd Massachusetts or its exposed left flank, so he refused the regiment at right angles to the rest of the brigade. His flank now faced southwest, in the approximate position previously occupied by Burling’s pair of two now departed regiments.8
General Joseph Kershaw’s South Carolina brigade, part of McLaws’ Division, began advancing from Seminary Ridge about the time Anderson’s men launched their second attack on the Federal positions in the Wheatfield and Stony Hill. Kershaw intended to throw his entire brigade against Stony Hill. Brigadier General William Barksdale’s delayed advance, however, forced Kershaw to direct his left wing, composed of the 2nd and 8th South Carolina regiments and the 3rd South Carolina Battalion, to neutralize the massed Federal artillery in the Peach Orchard. The right wing, composed of the 3rd and 7th South Carolina, continued its advance to the left of the 9th Georgia of Anderson’s Brigade.9
The men of the 118th Pennsylvania, holding the right of Tilton’s Federal brigade line, heard the Rebel advance before they could see it. “The musketry rolled in continuous roar, volley after volley was poured in heavily as nearer and near the enemy approached the right. The ground trembled, the trees shook and limbs quivered,” wrote an enlisted man. Joseph Kershaw’s South Carolinians emerged through the smoke, “moving with a shout, shriek, curse and yell,” recalled the unit’s historian. The men also saw that the enemy “were moving obliquely, loading and firing with deliberation as they advanced, begrimed and dirty-looking fellows, in all sorts of garb, some without hats, others without coats, none apparently in the real dress or uniform of a soldier.” Tilton’s men opened fire, grinding the enemy advance to a stop. The Pennsylvanians stood erect when they fired, their accurate delivery causing the casualties to mount within Kershaw’s ranks. Tilton’s men were successfully thwarting Kershaw to their front, but movements beyond their left flank were increasing their concern.10
Colonel Jacob Sweitzer’s men were barely in position when Anderson’s Georgians attacked them. Sweitzer ordered his brigade realigned, with the 62nd Pennsylvania and 4th Michigan regiments assuming a supporting position along the slope toward Wheatfield Road behind the 32nd Massachusetts.11 Anderson’s left wing, composed of the 8th and 9th Georgia, moved past the 5th Michigan and 110th Pennsylvania of de Trobriand’s brigade and engaged Sweitzer’s 32nd Massachusetts. Two of de Trobriand’s regiments, the 5th Michigan and 110th Pennsylvania, continued throwing enfilade fire into the flank of the 9th Georgia, disorganizing the line until it finally stopped advancing altogether.
By this time if not before, Anderson realized he needed help if he was going to break through the enemy position. He found it in the form of Kershaw’s 15th South Carolina. On the Federal left, the 17th Maine continued holding out against the 11th Georgia and possibly the right flank of the 8th Georgia.12