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nearly two divisions.
The iron flail of war beat upon the
Federal front and right flank with the regular and ponderous pulsations of some great engine, and these assaults resulted in a crumbling process which was continually but slowly going on, as regiment and brigade and division yielded to the continuous and successive blows.
There has been criticism that there were no grand assaults by divisions and corps.
In a broken, densely wooded and unknown country, and with the mode of attack in parallel lines, this was impossible, but the attack was unremitting and the fact is that there were but few lulls in the contest.
The fighting was a grapple and a death-struggle all day-long, and, as one brigade after another wilted before the deadly fire of the stubborn Federals, still another was pushed into the combat and kept up the fierce assault.
A breathing — spell, and
the shattered command would gather itself up and resume its work of destruction.
These were the
General aspects of the battle.
when the battle began
Hindman, following the ridge, had easy ground to traverse; but
Cleburne's large brigade, on his left, with its supports, moving over a more difficult country, was slower in getting upon
Sherman's front.
That General and his command were aroused by the long roll, the advancing musketry, and the rush of troops to his left, and he got his division in line of battle and was ready for the assault of
Cleburne, which was made about 8 o'clock.
General Johnston, who had followed close after
Hindman, urging on his attack, saw
Cleburne's brigade begin its advance, and then returned to where
Hindman was gathering his force for another assault.
Hardee said of
Cleburne that he “moved quickly through the fields, and, though far outflanked by the enemy on our left, rushed forward under a terrific fire from the serried ranks drawn up in front of the camp.
A morass covered his front, and, being difficult to pass, caused a break in this brigade.
Deadly volleys were poured upon the men from behind bales of hay and other defenses, as they advanced; and after a series of desperate charges they were compelled to fall back.
”
