valiantly to organize an effective defense.

The tumult and confusion were at their worst when Grant reached the
field and it seemed almost hopeless to check the panic and prevent
the destruction of his entire army. But in the midst of the maddening
turmoil and wild scenes of disaster he kept his head and, dashing
from one end of the line to the other, ordered regiments into
position with a force and energy that compelled obedience. There
was no time to formulate any plan of battle. Each officer had to
do whatever he thought best to hold back the Confederates in his
immediate front, and for hours the fight was conducted practically
without orders. But Grant supplied his gallant subordinates with
something far more important than orders at that crisis. Undismayed
by the chaos about him he remained cool and inspired them with
confidence. Not for one instant would he admit the possibility of
defeat, and under his strong hand the huddled lines were quickly
reformed, the onrush of the Confederates was gradually checked and
a desperate conflict begun for every inch of ground.

For a time the victorious gray-coats continued to push their opponents
back and another line of tents fell into their hands. But their
advance was stubbornly contested and knowing that Buell was at
hand, Grant fought hard for delay, using every effort to encourage
his men to stand fast and present the boldest possible front to the
foe. Meanwhile, however, Sherman was wounded, and when darkness
put an end to the furious combat the shattered Union army was on
the verge of collapse. So perilous, indeed, was the situation that
when Buell arrived on the field his first inquiry was as to what
preparations Grant had made to effect a retreat. But the silent
commander instantly shook his head and announced, to the intense