Along the whole line the Union army, fired with the prospect of success, rushed to the attack.

Grant threw every man possible into the charge.
The Southern army was borne back by the weight of its enemy.

All of the front lines were driven in and the divisions were cut apart.

There was lack of coordination among the generals, who were often unable to communicate with one another, and Pemberton gave the order to retreat.
The battle was lost to the South, and with it the chance to crush Grant between two forces.
The Union army uttered a great shout of victory, and Grant urged forward the pursuit.

Bowen, one of the South's bravest generals, was the last to give way.