If the
Johnnies had any regard for the rules of war they'd have retreated long
ago."
"We'll win yet," said Dick hopefully, "but I don't think we can achieve
any big victory. Look, there's General Grant himself."
Grant was passing along his whole line. While leaving the main battle
to Buell he retained general command and watched everything. He, too,
observed the failure of Buell's army to drive the enemy before them,
and he must have felt a sinking of the heart, but he did not show it.
Instead he spoke only of victory, when he made any comment at all,
and sent the members of his staff to make new arrangements. He must
bring into action every gun and man he had or he would yet lose.
It was now 10 o'clock and the new battle had lasted with the utmost fury
and desperation for four hours. Dick, after General Grant rode on,
felt as if a sudden thrill had run through the whole army. He saw
men rising from the earth and tightening their belts. He saw gunners
gathering around their guns and making ready with the ammunition.
He knew the remains of Grant's army were about to march upon the enemy,
helping the Army of the Ohio to achieve the task that had proved so
great.
Sherman, McClernand and other generals now passed among their troops,
cheering them, telling them that the time had come to win back what they
had lost the day before, and that victory was sure. They called upon
them for another great effort, and a shout rolled along the line of
willing soldiers.
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