Dick was carried on the top wave of enthusiasm. He
discharged his pistol into the bank of fire and smoke in front of them
and shouted incessantly. He heard the bullets and every form of missile
from the cannon whining all about them. Leaves and twigs fell upon him.
Many men went down under the deadly fire, but the rush of the regiment
was not checked for an instant.
They passed out of the thicket, swept across the road, and drove the
defenders up the hill. Along the whole line the Union army, fired with
the prospect of success, rushed to the attack. Grant threw every man
possible into the charge.
The Southern army was borne back by the weight of its enemy. All of
the front lines were driven in and the divisions were cut apart. There
was lack of coordination among the generals, who were often unable to
communicate with one another, and Pemberton gave the order to retreat.
The battle was lost to the South, and with it the chance to crush Grant
between two forces.
The Union army uttered a great shout of victory, and Grant urged forward
the pursuit.
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