The loose dirt gave away as the Northern men attempted to climb them, and dirt and men fell together back to the bottom.

The Northern gunners in the rear of the attack could not fire for fear of hitting their own troops, but the Southern cannon at the embrasures had a clear target.

Shot and shell crashed into the Northern ranks, and the deadly hail of bullets beat upon them without ceasing.
But still they came.
"The mechanics and mill hands are as good as anybody, it appears!" shouted St.Clair in Harry's ear, and Harry nodded.
But the defenses of the fort were too strong.

The charge, driven home with reckless courage, beat in vain upon those high earthen walls, behind which the defenders, standing upon narrow platforms, sent showers of bullets into ranks so close that few could miss.

The assailants broke at last and once more the shrill notes of the brazen bugle pierced the air.