Ground and guns were lost,
but they made their enemy pay high for everything, and the slow retreat
never became a panic.
"We're going back," shouted Warner in Dick's ear. "Yes, we're going back,
but we'll come forward again. They'll never crush the old man."
Yet the pressure upon them never ceased. Bragg and his staff had the
right idea. Had anyone but Thomas stood before them they would have
shattered the Union left long since, but his slow, calm mind rose to its
greatest heights in the greatest danger. He understood everything and
he was resolved that his wing should not be broken. Wherever the line
seemed weakest he thrust in a veteran regiment, and he went quickly back
and forth, observing with a measuring eye every shift and change of the
battle.
The Winchester regiment in its new position was still among the gullies
and bushes, and they were thankful for such shelter. Although veterans
now, most were lads, and they did not scorn to take cover whenever they
could. For a little while they did not reply to the enemy's fire,
but lay waiting and seeking to get back the breath which seemed to
be driven from their bodies by the very violence of the concussion.
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