"
The colonel had measured the situation with a cool eye and brain.
He knew that the regiments on the other side of the river were worn down
by the day's fighting and would not stand long. But he believed that the
Kentuckians around him, and the men from beyond the Ohio would not yield
an inch. They were largely Kentuckians also coming against them.
The rolling fire burst from the Southern front, and the cannon on their
flanks crashed heavily. Then their infantry came forward fast, and with
a wild shout and rush the two thousand cavalry on their flanks charged.
As Colonel Winchester had expected, the two weak brigades, although
Rosecrans in person was among them, gave way, retreated rapidly to the
little river and crossed it.
The Confederates came on in swift pursuit, but Negley's Kentuckians and
the other Union men, standing fast, received them with a tremendous
volley. It was at short range, and their bullets crashed through the
crowded Southern ranks. The Winchesters were on the flank of the
defenders, where they could get a better view, and although they also
were firing as fast as they could reload and pull the trigger, they saw
the great column pause and then reel.
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