Despite the fact that Lee's intention was for Ewell to coordinate his attacks with Longstreet's, the two brigades of Hays' Louisianans and Hoke's North Carolinians did not step off for their attack on East Cemetery Hill until almost 7 pm, some time after Longstreet's attacks had concluded. Hoke's brigade, commanded by Col. Isaac Avery, moved from the area of Culp's farm under heavy artillery fire to the crest of the ridge opposite the gates of Evergreen Cemetery. During the final moments of the attack, Avery was struck by a ball in the neck and, partially paralyzed, he scribbled a note asking that his father be told that he "died with my face to the enemy." In the gathering darkness, Federal reenforcements that were quickly brought up from the south to counter the momentary breakthrough achieved by the Confederates were at first taken for friendly units by the rebels. Hays' and Avery's men absorbed a number of unchallenged volleys before they realized their mistake and retreated back down the hill to resume their positions around Culp's farm.

(1880's) View of the Culp House and Barn looking southwest toward Culp's and Cemetery Hills
 
Panorama: View of East Cemetery Hill from the Culp farm. Looking south

(7-01) Enlarge Army of Northern Virginia, Second Army Corps, Early's Division. These three plaques are on Confederate Avenue at the base of the hill near the Culp farm. Somehow I didn't get a shot of the Hays plaque. Gordon's brigade did not advance in this assault

(7-01) Enlarge Gordon's Brigade CSA

(7-01) Enlarge Hoke's Brigade CSA
  
Panorama: Avery's July 2 evening assault on East Cemetery Hill. Looking south from the base of the hill
 
Panorama: East Cemetery Hill near the crest, facing south, following Avery's assault on July 2, 1863