Then why did he not come upon it and face the enemy?
Again they laughed that fierce and bitter laugh deep down in their throats.
The attack upon Sherman never ceased for an instant.

Now he was assailed not only from the front, but from both flanks, and some even gaining the rear struck blows upon his division there.

One brigade upon his left was compelled to give way, scattered, and lost its guns.

The right wing was also driven in, and the center yielded slowly, although retaining its cohesion.
The three lads were on their feet now, and it seemed to them that everything was lost.

They could see the battle in front of them only, but rumors came to them that the army was routed elsewhere.