The woods were full of rebels, and the issue of the conflict in this part of the field was almost hopeless.

The enemy seemed to be inspired by the slight advantage they had gained, and their yells were fiercer and more diabolical than ever, as they gathered themselves up for a desperate onslaught.
The Federal brigade was overmatched, and the result seemed to waver upon a balance; then the equilibrium was slightly disturbed, and the Union force fell back a little, but only a little, and doggedly resisted the advance of the foe.

It needed but little to restore the equilibrium, and our regiment, after struggling through the mud with all attainable speed, arrived upon the spot when the prospect was so gloomy for the loyal cause.
The men were almost exhausted by the tremendous strain which had all day long been imposed upon their nervous systems, and by the physical exertion required of them.

But the battle was going against the North, and they were ready again to make a desperate effort to redeem the field.
"One more of your Massachusetts charges, colonel," said General Hooker, as the weary soldiers moved up to the endangered position.
"You shall have it, general.

My men are always ready, though they are nearly used up." "Hancock and Kearney are close by, and if we can hold out a few minutes longer, all will be well with us." "We'll drive them back, general!" shouted the colonel.
"Go in, then!" added the gallant Hooker, waving his sword to encourage the soldiers.