They replied with their own deadly fire, yet many fell, despite the shelter, and to both left and right the battle swelled afresh.

Dick felt again that rain of bark and twigs and leaves.

Sometimes a tree, cut through at its base by cannon balls, fell with a crash.

Along the whole curving line the Southern generals ever urged forward their valiant troops.
Now the courage and skill of Sherman shone supreme.

Dick saw him often striding up and down the lines, ordering and begging his men to stand fast, although they were looking almost into the eyes of their enemies.
The conflict became hand to hand, and assailant and assailed reeled to and fro.