Hampton's South Carolina Legion, which reached Richmond only that morning, came by train and landed directly upon the battlefield about noon.

In five minutes it was in the thick of the battle, and it alone stemmed a terrific rush of Sherman, when all others gave way.
Noon had passed and the heart of McDowell swelled with exultation.
The Northern troops were still gaining ground, and at many points the Southern line was crushed.

Some of the recruits in gray, their nerves shaken horribly, were beginning to run.

But fresh troops coming up met them and turned them back to the field.

Beauregard and Johnston, the two senior generals, both experienced and calm, were reforming their ranks, seizing new and strong positions, and hurrying up every portion of their force.