two o'clock
A pause in the tide of battle followed . Like two giants the armies faced each other , getting their `` second wind , '' and speculating on how to proceed next . Thomas held the ridge and the Confederates were bound to drive him from it and shatter his forces . It was two o'clock and assault after assault was made , lasting until sundown . At times the Confederates would gain a slope or a minor ridge , but a Union division or a brigade would rush upon them and dislodge them , or a battery would literally cut them to pieces . The charges were truly magnificent , but Thomas and his forces stood like so many rocks , and could not be dislodged . At sundown the attacks ceased , and it was well that this was so , for many of the Union troops were short of ammunition .