Here again
people of the same state and even of the same county fought one another.
The Confederates pursuing a defeated and apparently disorganized enemy
were astounded by such a sudden and fierce fire. One of their generals
was killed almost instantly, and a part of their line was hurled back
with great violence. Thomas pushed forward with a portion of the troops,
and after a desperate assault the Southern line reeled and then stopped
in the wood. Courage and presence of mind had saved a battle for the
time being, at least.
At that point the combat sank for a while, and Dick, unwounded but
exhausted, dropped upon the ground. Around him lay his friends, and they,
too, were unwounded. It was with a sort of grim humor that he remembered
a conversation they had held before the battle.
"Well, Frank," he said, "you've escaped."
"So far only," said Warner. "The hurricane has softened down a lot here,
but not everywhere else. Listen!"
He pointed through the woods toward the left where another battle was
swelling with a mighty uproar. Bragg having driven in the Union right
was now seeking to shatter the Union left, but at this point there was
a Northern commander, Hazen, who was no less indomitable than Sheridan.
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