Desperate Beyond Description

The first Federal assault on the ridge was a disaster. Half of the men who charged up the hill failed to come back down. Those who were left fled for their lives, and the Confederates were quick to take advantage of the situation. "Like a nest of ants," nearly the entire Confederate force counter-charged down the hill, determined to seize the Federal Batteries. The artillerymen, however, had other plans.

"Under a withering fire of grape and canister from all our guns... they broke and retreated in great disorder, recieving as they ran a terrible fire, which strewed the ground with their dead clear up to the brow of the hill." Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Payne, 37th Illinois Infintry United States of America

Overwhelmed by the immerse firepower of the Federal artillery, the Confederates reeled back in disorder and desperately climbed back up the hill to safety. General Herron was highly impressed with the coolness and effectiveness of his gunners:

"Never was there more real courage and pluck displayed, and more downright fighting done, than at this moment."