And now it seemed that they were gaining it.

For the first and only time in the war they had the larger numbers in a great battle, and the ground was of their own choosing.
Elated over success gained and greater success hoped, the Southern leaders poured their troops continually upon Thomas.

If they could break that wing, cut it off in fact, and rush in at the gap, they would be between Rosecrans and Chattanooga and the Northern army would be doomed.
They made gigantic efforts.

The cavalry charged again and again.

Huge masses of infantry hurled themselves upon the brigades of Thomas, and every gun that could be brought into action poured shot and shell into his lines.
Many of the young as well as the old officers in Thomas' corps felt the terrible nature of the crisis.