The forces on both sides were increasing and the battle was rising rapidly in volume.

But in the face of repeated and furious attacks the Southern troops held fast to the little plateau.

Young's Branch flowed on one side of it and protected them in a measure; but only the indomitable spirit of Jackson and Evans, of Bee and Bartow, and others kept them in line against those charges which threatened to shiver them to pieces.
"Look!" cried Bee to some of his men who were wavering.

"Look at Jackson, standing there like a stone wall!" The men ceased to waver and settled themselves anew for a fresh attack.
But in spite of everything the Northern army was gaining ground.
Sherman at the very head of the fresh forces that had crossed Bull Run hurled himself upon the Southern army, his main attack falling directly upon the Invincibles.

The young recruits reeled, but Colonel Talbot and Lieutenant-Colonel St.Hilaire still ran up and down the lines begging them to stand.