Shells and shrapnel rained death over a wide area, and the air was filled with whistling bullets.

It was certain destruction for any force to charge down the road in face of the Southern cannon, and the Northern army began to spread out, wheeling toward either flank.
An aide arrived with an order to Hertford, and then he loosed his eager cavalry.

Turning to one side they galloped toward the creek.

Some of the Southern gunners, seeing them, sent shells toward them, and a swarm of riflemen in a wood showered them with bullets.

But they passed so rapidly that not many saddles were emptied, and the trumpeter blew a mellow note that urged on spirits already willing enough.
The sweep of the cavalry charge exhilarated Dick.