They were marching straight toward a slope which led at a rather easy grade up the side of the mountain.
"They're not waiting to be attacked! They're attacking!" cried Harry, springing to his feet and running to the point where he knew Jackson stood.

Jackson received his news, looked for himself, and then began to push on the troops.

A shout arose as the army pressed forward to meet the enemy who were coming so boldly.
"We ought to beat 'em, as we have the advantage of the heights," exclaimed Sherburne, who was now on foot.
But the advantage was the other way.

Those were staunch troops who were advancing, men of Ohio and West Virginia, and while they were yet on the lower slopes their cannon, firing over their heads, swept the crest with shot and shell.

The eager Southern youths, as invariably happens with those firing downward, shot too high.