Rice had placed the federal forces behind breastworks, abatis and rifle pits. Troops filled villages and woods, and hastily made abatis and redoubts. Furthermore, the Confederates had formed dense barriers using felled trees for abatis. They hacked through the abatis, crossed a ditch and climbed the parapet into the redoubt. An advance guard from Curtis's brigade used axes to cut through the palisades and abatis. Izard's troops began steady, rolling volleys into the abatis and trees. The Imperials were prepared with trenches and an abatis that stymied the Swedish advance. Rifle volleys from behind abatis caused the Confederates to stop for the night. In the southeast portion of the line, Osage-orange shrubs formed an almost impenetrable abatis. Pioneers were in front to dismantle abatis and other obstructions. Thicker, more secure abatis and sharpened stakes slowed Wheaton's division's advance. The brigade had to overcome a line of chevaux-de-frise followed by a line of abatis. The leading attackers rushed forward to the abatis. They also had significant difficulty pushing through the strong osage-orange abatis. Hampton did not order any guns to be brought forward to destroy the abatis.