I Went Down To The Crossroads

General Douglas looked at the map. "Here, Colonel Ross. Scouts have reported the Rebels getting restless and this crossroad could be important if Lannigan is planning to come this way, so I want you to take your brigade and make that cross road secure".  "Lannigan Sir? I had heard that he had had a fatal wound?" "Naah,  I thought maybe we'd not see him across the battlefield again but an old campaigner like him has too much spirit. We'll see him on the battlefield for as long as this war drags on".  "Carry on Colonel"

Colonel Ross was relieved to see that they had arrived before the enemy and began considering how best to deploy his small force.

The Rebels weren't far behind though and while the tail of Ross's column lagged behind, the Rebels advanced swiftly and drove the troop of Bodyguards back.

Seeing that more redcoats were arriving, General Grey paused to make his positions secure and pondered his options. He could see that almost all of the enemy were in cover and he suspected that there was another company in the woods by the road, while many of his men were out in the open. 
Still, he wouldn't fulfil his orders by sitting here and ordered all of his infantry forward.

In the centre, the Irish stormed the crossroad itself and, despite heavy casualties from rifle fire and cannister, they took the crossroad. On the Eastern flank though, a heavy and accurate fire by the Grenadiers, ensconced behind a stone wall, broke 'A' company of the Greys before they got close.
Still, he had moved his gun forward and was ready to blast the Grenadiers out while the Irish held the crossroad. 

Alas for Grey, Colonel Ross personally led his reserve company forward and sent the Irish running. Grey's brigade was now on the verge of giving way altogether but as the sun sank, he rode forward and rallied 'B' company and that steadied the rest. 

What will the armies do now? Wait for reinforcements and renew the fight? Or pullback and try to outmanoeuvre their opponent? 

Time will tell.