four in the evening
The heights , the slopes , the fields , and the rugged crest opposite , were enveloped in smoke and fire from the bursting shell . The sombre roar ascended like the bellowing of a thousand bulls , leaped back from the rocks , and rolled away , in wild echoes through the hills . All the furies seemed let loose , and yet this was only the preface . At four in the evening the thunder dropped to silence , and along the lines of Hood and McLaws , which formed the charging column , ran a wild cheer , which must have reached the ears of the enemy opposite . That cheer told both sides that the moment had come . The word was given , and Longstreet hurled his column at the blue line occupying a peach-orchard in his front . The blow was aimed straight at the salient in the Federal line , and in spite of a brave resistance it was swept away ; McLaws advancing rapidly toward the high ground in its rear .