After resting briefly from the last battle, Henry watches the battle lines reform. Then Henry’s regiment is called into action. The men respond enthusiastically, at first, as they return the fire of the enemy, but soon the incessant whiz of bullets from undiminishing Rebel rifle fire leaves them more discouraged and besmirched than after their last battle. The lieutenant tries to prod his troops to move forward, but they don’t move. Henry continues his role as flag bearer, and, as such, as an observer of all that is happening.
Suddenly, the regiment sees the enemy troops charging so rapidly and at so close a range that they can see the excitement of the charge in the faces of the enemy. Without waiting for an order, the 304th fires a “flock of bullets” in one great volley. This stops the charge as the opposing troops take cover behind a fence line. They immediately return fire and, because of their protected position, do considerable damage.
However, the regiment continues to fight with enthusiasm. Henry is impressed with the bravery of his comrades, so impressed that he decides that his final act of revenge on the officer who called the 304th “mule drivers” and “mud diggers” would be to die upon this field. As the chapter ends, Henry realizes that the regiment is losing its resolve to fight.
