Dick observed them both. Rosecrans, tremendously
excited, and reckless of death from the flying shells and bullets,
galloped from point to point, urging on his soldiers, telling them to die
rather than yield. Thomas, cool, and showing no trace of excitement also
directed the troops. Both by their courage and resolution inspired the
men. The beaten became the unbeaten. Dick felt rather than saw the
stiffening of the lines, and the return of a great courage.
The new line of battle was formed directly under the fire of a victorious
and charging enemy. Three batteries were gathered on a height
overlooking a railroad cut, where they could sweep the front of the foe.
Just as they were in battle order Dick saw the faces of the Southerners
coming through the woods, led by Hardee in person. Then he saw, too,
the value of presence of mind and of a courage that would not yield.
The three batteries planted by the Kentuckian, Rousseau, on the railway
embankment suddenly opened a terrible enfilading fire upon the Southern
advance. The Kentucky regiment standing so firmly in the breach also
opened with every rifle firing directly into the ranks of their brother
Kentuckians, who were advancing in the vanguard of the South.
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