It was not a strong position, but Sherman used it to the utmost.

His men fired from the protecting crests of the hills, and he filled the ravine with riflemen, who poured a deadly fire upon their assailants.
Now Sherman ordered them to stand fast to the last man, because it was by this road that the division of Lew Wallace must come, if it came at all.

But Southern brigades followed them and the battle raged anew, as fierce and deadly as ever.
Although their army was routed at many points the Northern officers showed indomitable courage.

Driven back in the forest they always strove to form the lines anew, and now their efforts began to show some success.

Their resistance on the right hardened, and on the left they held fast to the last chain of hills that covered the wharves and their stores at the river landing.