All the corps commanders set their time by mine so that all might open the engagement at the same minute.

The attack was gallant, and portions of each of the three corps succeeded in getting up to the very parapets of the enemy and in planting their battle flags upon them; but at no place were we able to enter.

General McClernand reported that he had gained the enemy's intrenchments at several points, and wanted reinforcements.

I occupied a position from which I believed I could see as well as he what took place in his front, and I did not see the success he reported.

But his request for reinforcements being repeated I could not ignore it, and sent him Quinby's division of the 17th corps.
Sherman and McPherson were both ordered to renew their assaults as a diversion in favor of McClernand.