Chapter I: Part 1

PICTORIAL HISTORY

OF THE

WAR FOR THE UNION.

A COMPLETE AND RELIABLE

=History of the War=

FROM ITS

COMMENCEMENT TO ITS CLOSE:

GIVING A GRAPHIC PICTURE OF ITS ENCOUNTERS, THRILLING INCIDENTS, FRIGHTFUL SCENES, HAIRBREADTH ESCAPES, INDIVIDUAL DARING, DESPERATE CHARGES, PERSONAL ANECDOTES, ETC., GLEANED FROM EYE-WITNESSES OF, AND PARTICIPANTS IN, THE TERRIBLE SCENES DESCRIBED—A TRUTHFUL LIVING REFLEX OF ALL MATTERS OF INTEREST CONNECTED WITH THIS THE MOST GIGANTIC OF HUMAN STRUGGLES.

TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETE CHRONOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WAR.

BY MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS.

EMBELLISHED WITH OVER TWO HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS.

TWO VOLUMES.

VOL I.

CINCINNATI:
JAMES R. HAWLEY, 164 VINE STREET,
PUBLISHER OF SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS.
1863.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862,

BY JOHN G. WELLS,

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern District of New York.

EDWARD O. JENKINS,
=Printer & Stereotyper,=
NO. 20 NORTH WILLIAM ST.

INTRODUCTION.

The most difficult tusk, perhaps, known to literature, is to write a history of events as they transpire—to arrange facts before the hand of time has given them just position and importance. In writing a history of the Civil War which is now raging in the land—the most gigantic and stupendous rebellion yet known to the world—the magnitude of the task, and the difficulties that present themselves, challenge a degree of moral courage almost equal to that physical bravery which has been so conspicuous in the war. But if an honest intention to be just—a thorough desire for truth, and a determination to discard all personal prejudices, can produce a faithful history, this work has a right to claim acceptance.

The political history of a nation, when it merges into armed strife, is generally a record of prejudices and of passion: civil war is the result. In this work the author deals not with causes, but with the terrible events that spring out of them; avoiding so far as possible the threatening clouds of political dissension that preceded and still follow the tempest. Time, which will clear up obscurities and remove passion, and the intellect of a great statesman, are necessary, before the political and military history of this war can be fittingly united.

In this book there is a positive rejection of those partizan dissensions which have burst asunder the sacred ties of the greatest nation on earth, and deluged the soil trodden by millions of happy men with the blood of as brave a soldiery as ever drew breath. This history of the War for the Union is written for no faction—no party—no combination of men, but for the people of every portion of the Union. Political passions die—History lives; and in an enlightened age like this, it must be written in simple truth, or the clear-sighted generations that follow us will detect the sophistry and falsehood. Impartial history demands honest facts. The opinions of an historian are but the assumptions of one mind attempting to control multitudes. The author’s duty is to give details, allowing the intelligent reader to draw his own conclusions unembarrassed by obtrusive opinions, which are in all cases liable to be influenced by prejudices.

The History of the War for the Union is a record of stupendous events which have given grandeur to the American arms and sorrow to every good American heart. Taking up the thread of events where the political history of the nation left them on the fourth of March, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, the author has followed the ensanguined track, giving to every battle-field its place, and every heroic act its record. The sources of information in which the work has found its existence, have been authentic reports from the War Department, the official statements of commandants on the battle-field, and the many thrilling and graphic descriptions furnished by eye-witnesses.

In giving due credit to those persons who have aided her in the rapid completion of her first volume, the author acknowledges her great obligation to WM. OLAND BOURNE, Esq., who has devoted much time to the work, and whose ample collection of material for history has been freely used in its preparation; and to J. J. GOLDER, Esq., whose research and clear judgment in sifting truth from error, arranging facts, and superintending the work in its progress through the press, has enabled her to place it before the public in less than three months from its commencement. To Mr. Golder’s critical care the reader is indebted for the compact and excellent Chronology attached to this volume, in which all the historical events of the war are placed in their order of succession.

In the mechanical and artistic execution of the work, the publisher has evinced an enthusiasm which corresponds nobly with the great subject of the history, and has been even lavish in pictorial embellishments. These have been all drawn and engraved expressly for this work, at great cost; and in the truthfulness and beauty of their execution, add to the high reputation already attained by the artists, Messrs. WATERS and SON.

NEW YORK, _October 1, 1862_. ANN S. STEPHENS.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

Introduction 7

Inauguration of President Lincoln 17

The coming tempest—The national forbearance—Mustering of rebel
troops—Efforts for conciliation—The Border States—South
Carolina—Investment of Fort Sumter—The Star of the West—Gen.
Beauregard.

Fortifications in Charleston Harbor 25

The iron floating battery—Cummings Point battery—Castle
Pinckney.

Bombardment of Fort Sumter 28

Storming of Fort Sumter, viewed from the land—Naval expedition
for the relief of Fort Sumter.

The Nation’s Response 40

Startling effect of the news of the attack on Sumter—The
President’s Proclamation—Departure of troops for
Washington—Enthusiasm of the people—Their devotion to the
national Union—Large contributions to aid the Government.

Reinforcement of Fort Pickens 46

The harbor of Pensacola—Forts McRae and Barrancas—Description
of Fort Pickens—Its investment by rebel troops under Gen.
Bragg—The Federal fleet in the harbor—Successful landing of
troops and supplies.

Burning of Harper’s Ferry Arsenal 49

Through Baltimore 50

Arrival of the Massachusetts Sixth, Col. Jones, in
Baltimore—Blockade of the streets—Attack by the mob—Defence
of the military—Terrible results—The regimental band—The
city authorities—Intense excitement of the
citizens—Pennsylvania troops—Mayor Brown and Marshal Kane.

Military Occupation of Annapolis, Md. 61

The Eighth Massachusetts and the Seventh New York—Gen.
Butler—Gov. Hicks—the frigate Constitution—the Naval
Academy—March to the Junction.

Maryland 66

Efforts of secessionists to involve the State in
rebellion—Patriotic devotion of loyal citizens—Gov.
Hicks—The State Legislature—Gen. Butler in Maryland—Gen.
Cadwallader—The _habeas corpus_ act—Chief-Justice Taney.

Destruction of Gosport Navy Yard 73

The State of the Nation before its Troops entered Virginia 76

Response of the Governors of Maryland, Delaware, North
Carolina, Kentucky, and Missouri, to the President’s
Proclamation—The position of Virginia—The Confederate
Congress, at Montgomery—Jefferson Davis—The Confederate
army—Letters of Marque—Postal communication—Tennessee and
Arkansas—Border States Convention—Position of Missouri.

Occupation of Alexandria, Va. 83

Assassination of Col. Ellsworth—The Marshall House—J. W.
Jackson—Brownell Sketch of Ellsworth—Defection of Gen.
Lee—Lieut. Tompkins’ scout to Fairfax Court House.

Battle of Great Bethel 88

Death of Major Winthrop and Lieut. Greble.

The Ambuscade at Vienna, Va. 91

Review at Washington 93

Advance of the Grand Army 94

Position of the belligerent forces—Gen. McDowell—Gen.
Patterson—Gen. Johnston—Gen. Beauregard—Advance to Fairfax
and Centreville—Battle of Blackburn’s Ford.

The Battle of Bull Run 98

The Federal Commanders and the movements of their forces—The
engagement—Arrival of rebel reinforcements—The climax and
the retreat—The battle on the left wing—The battle-field at
night.

Western Virginia 129

Battle of Phillipi, Va. 131

Destruction of Railroad Property 133

Gen. McClellan in Western Virginia 133

Battle of Scareytown 134

Battle of Rich Mountain 135

Battle of Carrick’s Ford 137

Gen. Rosecrans and Col. Lander—Gen. Morris—Capt. Benham—Defeat
of the rebel forces and death of Gen. Garnett.

The West 141

Missouri 143

Capture of Camp Jackson 144

Decisive action of Capt. Lyon—Gen. Frost—The Missouri
Legislature—Gov. Jackson—Gen. Harney—Gen. Price—Gen. Lyon
appointed to command the Department.

Cairo 150

Battle of Booneville 151

Battle of Carthage 152

Battle of Monroe, Mo. 154

Guerrilla Bands in Missouri 155

Gen. Pope in Northern Missouri—State Convention at Jefferson
City—Gen. Fremont at St. Louis—Invasion of the State by
Gens. Pillow and Jeff. Thompson—Address of the State
Convention.

Battle of Dug Springs 156

Skirmish at Athens, Mo. 157

Battle of Wilson’s Creek 159

Gen. Lyon at Springfield—Gens. Price and McCulloch—Critical
position of the Federal army—The battle—The death of Gen
Lyon—Retreat of the Union army.

Kentucky 164

The neutrality of the State—Position of Gov. Magoffin—Gen.
Buckner—Gen. McClellan—The State Legislature—Decisive Union
measures.

The Occupation of Paducah 168

Rebel troops ordered to withdraw from Kentucky—Attempt to form
a revolutionary government in the State—Military movements
of the rebels in Kentucky—The loyal State government.

Naval Operations 175

The Expedition to Cape Hatteras 177

Capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark 180

Western Virginia 182

Surprise at Cross Lanes 183

Battle of Carnifex Ferry 183

Battle of Cheat Mountain Pass 186

Engagement at Chapmansville 188

Reconnaissance at Green Brier, Western Virginia 190

Defence of Lexington, Mo. 193

The Federal forces for the defence of the town—Col. Mulligan
and the Chicago brigade—Cols. Marshall and Peabody—Advance
of Gen. Price’s army—The investment—The attack—Bravery of
the Federal garrison—Their endurance and privations—The
surrender.

Attack on Santa Rosa Island, Fla. 199

Battle of Ball’s Bluff, Va. 200

Position of the Federal forces on the Potomac—Gen. Stone—Col.
Baker—The proposed reconnoissance—Transportation of the
troops—The topography of the Virginia shore—The
engagement—Death of Col. Baker—Defeat of the Federal
troops—Disastrous retreat—Gens. McClellan and Banks at
Edwards Ferry—Sketch of Col. Baker.

Battle at Camp Wild Cat, Ky. 210

Battle of Romney, Va. 212

Battle of Frederickton, Mo. 213

Charge of Fremont’s Body-Guard at Springfield, Mo. 217

The Department of Missouri 220

General review of the Department—Gen. Lyon—Gen. Fremont—His
proclamation and its modification by the
President—Organization of the Federal forces—Their
advance—Negotiations with Gen. Price—Gen. Fremont
removed—Appointment of Gen. Hunter—Retreat of the Federal
army—The disloyal Legislature—Advance of the rebel
forces—Recruiting—Gen. Halleck.

The Stone Fleet 225

Battle of Camp Alleghany, Western Virginia 228

Battle of Munfordsville, Ky. 230

Capture of Rebel Recruits at Milford, Mo. 232

Battle of Dranesville, Va. 238

Expedition to Ship Island 241

Engagement at Mount Zion, Mo. 242

Arkansas and the Indians 243

Bombardment at Fort Pickens 245

Rout of Gen. Marshall at Paintsville, Ky. 247

Battle of Middle Creek, Ky. 248

Battle of Silver Creek, Mo. 251

Battle of Mill Spring, Ky. 255

Investment of Fort Pulaski, Ga. 262

New Mexico and Arizona 266

Battle of Valvende, N. M. 267

Battle of Apache Cañon 270

Fight at Blooming Gap, Va. 273

East Tennessee under Confederate rule 275

The loyalty and devotion of the people—Despotism of the rebel
leaders—Parson Brownlow—Sufferings of the Unionists—General
Zollicoffer—Andrew Johnson—Horace Maynard—Bridge-burning.

Capture of Fort Henry, Tenn. 281

Gen. Grant’s army—Gen. C. F. Smith—Com. Foote and the naval
flotilla—Sailing of the expedition—Names of the vessels and
officers—The attack and surrender—The rebel camp—Advance of
the national gunboats up the Tennessee river.

The Burnside Expedition 290

Sailing of the expedition from Hampton Roads—Com.
Goldsborough—The naval forces—Gen. Burnside and the
troops—Severe storm—The fleet at Hatteras Inlet.

Capture of Roanoke Island 292

Evacuation of Bowling Green, Ky. 296

Capture of Fort Donelson 298

Advance of the Federal land and naval forces from Fort Henry
and Cairo—Description of Fort Donelson—The naval
attack—Retreat of the gunboats—The army—The land attack—The
severity of the engagement—Sufferings of the Federal
soldiers—Their courage and endurance—Protracted defence—The
surrender.

The Occupation of Nashville 317

Fort Clinch and Fernandina, Fla. 321

The Merrimac and the Monitor 322

Capture of Jacksonville, Fla. 330

Occupation of Columbus, Ky. 332

Battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. 334

Battle of Newbern, N. C. 342

Capture of New Madrid, Mo. 351

Island No. 10 356

Capture of Island No. 10 and the Rebel army 358

Battle of Winchester, Va. 362

Position of Gen. Shield’s command—The rebel force under Gen.
Jackson—Plans of the Confederate leaders—Strategy of Gen.
Shields—Attack by Gen. Jackson—The rebels reinforced—Bravery
of the Federal troops—Charge of Gen. Tyler’s brigade—Defeat
of the rebels.

Battle of Pittsburg Landing 367

Topography of the country—Corinth—Pittsburg—Savannah—Position
of the Federal troops—The rebel army and its commanders—The
battle of Sunday, March 8—Hurlbut’s division—McClernand’s
division—Desperate hand-to-hand fighting—Perilous position
of the national troops—Wallace’s division.

Gen. Sherman’s Reconnoissance toward Corinth 403

Occupation of Huntsville, Ala. 404

Capture of Fort Pulaski, Ga. 408

Battle of South Mills, N. C. 414

Capture of Fort Macon 418

Siege of Yorktown, Va. 424

Retreat of the rebel army from Centreville and Manassas,
toward Richmond—Advance of Gen. McClellan’s army—Events of
March, 1862—The Federal army at Old Point—Advance toward
Yorktown—The Investment—Offensive and defensive
operations—Labors and sufferings of the Federal soldiers.

Battle of Lee’s Mills, Va. 427

Capture of New Orleans 429

Bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip—The Federal
fleet—The mortar boats—Coms. Farragut, Porter, and
Bailey—Stupendous naval engagement—The surrender of the
forts—The occupation of New Orleans—Capt. Bailey—Gen.
Lovell—J. T. Monroe—Pierre Soulé—Gen. Butler.

The Evacuation of Yorktown 448

The Battle of Williamsburg, Va. 450

Advance of Gen. Stoneman’s cavalry from Yorktown—Gen. Hooker’s
division—Gen. Kearney—Gen. Sumner—Gens. Smith and Couch—Gen.
Hooker’s attack and protracted contest with superior
numbers—Gen. Heintzelman—Gen. Hancock’s brilliant
charge—Arrival of Gen. McClellan—Retreat of the rebels.

Battle of West Point, Va. 462

Chronology 465

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE
PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND HIS CABINET 2
ILLUSTRATED TITLE 3
INITIAL LETTER, WITH BATTLE ILLUSTRATIONS 7
THE CAPITOL, AT WASHINGTON 17
FORT SUMTER 21
BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER 29
ATTACK ON THE MASSACHUSETTS SIXTH IN BALTIMORE 53
ASSASSINATION OF COL. ELLSWORTH 86
MAP OF VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND, WEST OF WASHINGTON 96
„ „ „ EAST „ 97
BRILLIANT CHARGE ON A REBEL BATTERY AT BULL RUN 108
CLOSING ENGAGEMENT AT BULL RUN 115
BATTLE OF RICH MOUNTAIN 136
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 5 148
„ „ „ „ „ 6 149
DEATH OF GEN. LYON 162
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 2 166
„ „ „ „ „ 3 167
MAP OF ATLANTIC COAST FROM FORTRESS MONROE TO FORT MACON 178
THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON, MO. 191
THE DEATH OF COL. BAKER, AT BALL’S BLUFF 206
DESPERATE CHARGE OF FREMONT’S BODY-GUARD, AT SPRINGFIELD, MO. 219
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 1 221
BATTLE OF MILL SPRING 260
BOMBARDMENT OF FORT HENRY 279
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 4 289
ATTACK ON FORT DONELSON, BY THE GUNBOATS 299
SURRENDER OF FORT DONELSON 299
MAP OF THE CUMBERLAND AND TENNESSEE RIVERS, &C. 305
BIRDS’-EYE VIEW OF HAMPTON ROADS, VA. 323
CAVALRY CHARGE AT THE BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE 339
BATTLE OF NEWBERN, N. C. 343
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 7 352
„ „ „ „ „ 8 353
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10 359
BAYONET CHARGE AT THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER 365
DEFENCE OF A FEDERAL BATTERY AT PITTSBURG LANDING 377
BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING 387
MAP OF VIRGINIA, SOUTHERN SECTION 422
„ „ „ „ 423
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 21 430
BOMBARDMENT OF FORTS JACKSON AND ST. PHILIP 439
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 20 446
BIRDS’-EYE VIEW OF THE COUNTRY FROM RICHMOND TO YORKTOWN, VA. 451
BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG, VA. 455
REBEL CAVALRY CHARGE AT THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG, VA. 460

PORTRAITS.

ANDERSON, ROBERT, BRIG.-GEN. 253
BANKS, NATHANIEL P., MAJ.-GEN. 405
BATES, EDWARD, ATTORNEY-GEN. 2
BLAIR, MONTGOMERY, POSTMASTER-GEN. 2
BURNSIDE, AMBROSE E., MAJ.-GEN. 67
BUTTERFIELD, DAN., MAJ.-GEN. 15
BUTLER, BENJ. F., MAJ.-GEN. 67
BUELL, DON CARLOS, MAJ.-GEN. 215
CASEY, SILAS, BRIG.-GEN. 15
COUCH, DARIUS N., MAJ.-GEN. 15
CORCORAN, MICHAEL, BRIG.-GEN. 253
CHASE, SALMON P., SEC. OF TREASURY 2
CLAY, CASSIUS M., MAJ.-GEN. 315
DIX, JOHN A., MAJ.-GEN. 405
DOUBLEDAY, ABNER, BRIG.-GEN. 253
DURYEA, ABEAM, BRIG.-GEN. 253
DUPONT, S. F., REAR-ADMIRAL 271
ELLSWORTH, ELMER E., COL. 315
FARRAGUT, D. G., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
FOOTE, D. G., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
FREMONT, JOHN C., MAJ.-GEN. 315
FRANKLIN, WM. B., MAJ.-GEN. 271
GOLDSBOROUGH, L. M., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
GRANT, ULYSSES S., MAJ.-GEN. 215
HALLECK, HENRY W., MAJ.-GEN. 233
HANCOCK, WINFIELD S., BRIG.-GEN. 15
HAMLIN, HANNIBAL, V. PRES. OF U. S. 2
HOOKER, JOSEPH, MAJ.-GEN. 253
HEINTZELMAN, SAML. P., MAJ.-GEN. 67
HUNTER, DAVID, MAJ.-GEN. 315
KENLY, J. R., BRIG.-GEN. 315
KELLEY, BRIG.-GEN. 15
KEARNEY, PHILIP, MAJ.-GEN. 253
LANDER, FRED. W., BRIG.-GEN. 253
LYON, NATHANIEL, BRIG.-GEN. 315
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM, PRES. U. S. 2
MANSFIELD, J. K. F., BRIG.-GEN. 15
MCCOOK, ALEX. MCD., BRIG.-GEN. 315
MCCLELLAN, GEO. B., MAJ.-GEN. 197
MCDOWELL, IRWIN, MAJ.-GEN. 405
MCCALL, GEO. A., MAJ.-GEN. 67
MCCLERNAND, JOHN A., MAJ.-GEN. 271
POPE, JOHN, MAJ.-GEN. 215
PORTER, D. D., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
RENO, JESSE L., MAJ.-GEN. 271
ROSECRANS, W. S., BRIG.-GEN. 15
RICHARDSON, ISRAEL B., BRIG.-GEN. 15
SICKLES, DANIEL E., MAJ.-GEN. 405
SEDGWICK, MAJ.-GEN. 315
SPRAGUE, WM., GOV. OF R. I. 253
STRINGHAM, S. H., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
STEVENS, ISAAC I., BRIG.-GEN. 15
SCHURTZ, CARL, BRIG.-GEN. 15
SHIELDS, JAMES, BRIG.-GEN. 405
SMITH, CALEB B., SEC. OF THE INTERIOR 2
SEWARD, WM. H., SEC. OF STATE 2
STANTON, EDWIN M., SEC. OF WAR 2
SIGEL, FRANZ, MAJ.-GEN. 215
SCOTT, WINFIELD, LIEUT.-GEN. 127
VIELE, E. L., BRIG.-GEN. 253
WALLACE, LEWIS, MAJ.-GEN. 215
WOOL, JOHN E., MAJ.-GEN. 67
WELLES, GIDEON, SEC. OF NAVY 2
WINTHROP, THEODORE, MAJ. 253
WILKES, CHARLES, COM. 271
WEBER, MAX, BRIG.-GEN. 313
WADSWORTH, JAMES S., BRIG.-GEN. 315

]

WAR FOR THE UNION.

On the 4th of March, 1861, when Abraham Lincoln took the inaugural oath in front of the National Capitol, his footprints upon the marble marked the great and terrible epoch in the history of our government. The scene was imbued with a grandeur undiscovered and without acknowledgment from the thousands and thousands of freemen who crowded and surged like an ocean at his feet.

An old man, bowed both by responsibility and years, stood by his side, then and there to render up his august position over a great country, at the very moment struggling with the first throes of civil war. How weary he had become, and how gladly he laid down the burden of his power, no heart save his own can tell. But the darkness and the thunders of coming strife followed alike James Buchanan in his retirement and Abraham Lincoln into the thorny splendors of the White House. Solemn and very sad were these two men as they stood for a brief space before the people. The splendor of power brought no happiness either in the giving or receiving. No two men upon the face of the earth ever stood before a people in an attitude so imposing, so fraught with terrible events. When they shook hands peace veiled her face, and, shuddering, shrunk away into the shadows which have darkened around her closer and thicker, till she is now buried so deep beneath the gathered death-palls that no one can tell where she is hidden. For months and even years she had been threatened by factions, disturbed by reckless speech and still more reckless pens, but now, behind all these, warcries swelled, and bayonets glistened in the distance, bloodless as yet, but threatening storms of crimson rain.

There, upon the verge of this coming tempest, the two Presidents parted, one for the solitude of a peaceful home, the other outward bound into the wild turmoil of contesting thoughts and heroic deeds. As I have said, no one fully realized the coming terror, or thought how easy a thing it is for a war of passions to verge into a war of blood. Still the signs of the last three months had been painfully ominous. The strife of opinions and clash of factions, which had been waxing deeper and stronger between the North and the South, concentrated after Lincoln’s election, and the heart of the nation was almost rent in twain before he took the inaugural oath. When he stood up, the central figure of the imposing picture presented to the nation on the fourth of March, a southern government had already been organized at Montgomery, and Jefferson Davis had been sworn in as its president, while the men who had abandoned their seats in the United States Senate now held place in the Confederate Cabinet.

Between the time of President Lincoln’s election and his inauguration, five States had followed the lead of South Carolina and declared themselves out of the Union. One by one the representatives of these States had left Congress, some in sullen silence, others eloquent with passion and sophistry.

The nation saw all this, but would not comprehend the imminence of its danger. At a New England dinner, given in New York, December 22d, 1860, one of the most astute statesmen of the country had prophesied, in words that amounted to a promise, that sixty days would be sufficient time in which to tranquilize all this turbulent discontent, and the people believed him; but the sixty days had long since passed, and instead of peace a Confederate government had planted itself on the Alabama river; secession flags floated over more than one of our forts, and another fort in Charleston harbor had only been preserved by the forethought and bravery of Major Anderson, who was then engirdled by hostile batteries, and half-starving from lack of supplies. In the North also the spirit of sedition was abroad. Southern travellers still lingered in our great cities, and conspiracies grew up like nightshade in the dark—conspiracies that threatened not only the government, but the very life of its elected President.

Even on his way to the Capitol Lincoln had been called from his bed at Harrisburg and hurried forward to Washington in the night, thus, without a shadow of doubt, escaping the assassination that awaited him in Baltimore. Still so blind were the people, and so resolute to believe that nothing serious could result from a rebellion that had been preceded by so much bravado, that even the President’s preservation from the death prepared for him was taken up by the press and echoed by the people as a clever joke, calculated to bring out a Scotch cap and long cloak in strong relief, but of doubtful origin. Yet the absolute danger in this case might have been demonstrated to a certainty had any one possessing authority cared to investigate the facts. But the nation had not yet recovered from the excitement of a popular election, and everything was submerged in the wild rush of politicians that always follows close on an inauguration.

In this whirlpool of political turmoil rebellion had time to grow and thrive in its southern strongholds, for its imminence could not be forced upon the cool consideration of a people whose traditions had so long been those of prosperous peace. The idea of a civil war, in which thousands on thousands of brave Americans would redden the soil but just denuded of its primeval timber, was an idea so horrible that the most iron-hearted man failed to recognize it as a possibility. That the revolt of these Southern States would in less than a year fill the whole length and breadth of the land with widows and orphans—that American brothers could ever be brought to stand face to face in mortal strife as they have done—that women, so lately looked on with love and reverence, should grow coarse and fiendish from a scent of kindred blood, mocking at the dead and sending victims into a death-snare by their smiles, alas! alas! who could have foreseen it? The very angels of Heaven must have turned away from the suggestion in unbelief.

Never on the face of the earth has a war so terrible been waged on so little cause. The French Revolution—whose atrocities we have not yet emulated, thank God—was the frenzied outbreak of a nation trodden under foot and writhing in the grasp of tyranny such as no American ever dreamed of. If the people became fiends in their revenge, it was the outgrowth of fearful wrongs. But where is the man North or South in our land who had been subject to tyranny or aggression from its government when this war commenced?

No wonder the government looked upon the rebellion with forbearance. No wonder it waited for the sober second thought which it was hoped would bring its leaders back to the old flag, under which the contending parties might reason together. But no, the first step, which ever counts most fatally, was taken, and every footprint that followed it is now red with American blood.

A month passed. President Lincoln was in the White House, besieged by office-seekers almost as closely as Major Anderson was surrounded in Fort Sumter. Ambassadors, consuls, postmasters, collectors, and all the host of placemen that belong to the machinery of a great nation, made their camping ground in Washington, and their point of attack the White House. But amid all this excitement, great national events would force themselves into consideration. News that Jefferson Davis was mustering troops, and that rebellion was making steady strides in the disaffected States, broke through the turmoil of political struggles.

But the state of the country gave painful apprehension to men who stood aloof from the struggles for place going on at Washington, and those who had time for thought saw that the rebellion was making steady progression. The Border States—Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri—with the non-slaveholding States verging upon them, had made a desperate effort to unite on some plan of pacification, but in vain. The border slave States, being in close neighborhood with the North, hesitated in joining the cotton States already in revolt. But disaffection was strong even there, and no great mind, either in Congress or out of it, had arisen strong enough to check the spirit of revolution. Before Lincoln’s inauguration Governor Letcher had declared that any attempt of the United States government to march troops across the State of Virginia, for the purpose of enforcing the Federal authority anywhere, would be considered “an invasion, which must be repelled by force.” Never was the government placed in a more humiliating position. President Buchanan was surrounded by advisers, many of whom were secretly implicated in the rebellion, and felt himself powerless to act in this emergency, while leading officers of the Federal government were daily making use of their high powers to consummate the designs of the conspirators.

Immediately after the act of secession of South Carolina, Governor Pickens had commenced the organization of an army. Commissioners had appeared in Washington to demand the surrender of the fortifications in Charleston harbor, and the recognition of the State as a distinct nationality. Castle Pinckney, Forts Moultrie and Sumter were the government fortifications in the harbor. Fort Moultrie was garrisoned by a small force, which had been reduced far below the ordinary peace complement, under the command of Major Anderson, a noble and brave man. On the night of December 26, in order to place his command in a more secure fortification, Major Anderson had removed his men and material to Fort Sumter, where, from its isolated position, he had nothing to fear, for a time at least, from the armed masses that were gathering about him. This movement, peaceable in itself, placed his little band in a position where it could inflict no injury on the inhabitants of Charleston. The city was thus placed beyond the range of his guns. But the movement was received with outbursts of indignation from the people of South Carolina.

The then Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, of Virginia, had promised the South Carolina seceders that everything in the harbor of Charleston should be left undisturbed. But of this promise both President Buchanan and Major Anderson were ignorant. In making a movement of signal importance, that resulted in a terrible inauguration of war, the Major had exercised an undoubted right, conferred by his position as an independent commander.

President Buchanan, when called upon to interfere, repudiated the pledge made by his Secretary, and peremptorily refused to sanction it in any way.

FORT SUMTER.
]

This threw the people of Charleston into a fever of indignation. The Charleston _Courier_ denounced Major Anderson in the most cutting terms. “He has achieved,” said that journal, “the unenviable distinction of opening civil war between American citizens, by a gross breach of faith. He has, under counsel of a panic, deserted his post at Fort Moultrie, and by false pretexts has transferred his garrison and military stores to Fort Sumter.” The _Mercury_, still more imperative, insisted, “that it was due to South Carolina and good faith, that Major Anderson’s act should be repudiated by his government, and himself removed forthwith from Fort Sumter.”

Meantime Castle Pinckney and Fort Moultrie were occupied and garrisoned by the troops of South Carolina. The small guard left in charge of these posts by Major Anderson were disarmed and kept by force from joining their commander.

That day the Palmetto flag was hoisted over the Custom House and Post Office of Charleston. That day, also, Captain L. N. Costa, commander of the revenue cutter William Aiken, betrayed his government and delivered his vessel over to the State authorities, carrying with him a majority of his men.

These proceedings at Fort Sumter resulted in the withdrawal of John B. Floyd, of Virginia, from Mr. Buchanan’s counsellors, and ultimately in breaking up his cabinet only a few weeks before his term of office expired; for there, as elsewhere, arose a conflict of opinion, northern members taking one side and Southern members another. Howell Cobb, of Georgia, Secretary of the Treasury, and Jacob Thompson, of the Interior, soon followed Floyd, and after them went General Cass, of Michigan. Their places were supplied for the brief time of Buchanan’s term by Holt, of Kentucky, Stanton, of Pennsylvania, Dix, of New York, and Horatio King, who had been a leading mind in the Post Office Department for twenty years.

The military authorities of South Carolina, strengthened by volunteers and contributions from other States, commenced the siege of Fort Sumter in earnest. They planted heavy batteries on James Island, Morris Island, and Cummings Point. In every spot where guns could be brought to bear on the fort, powerful earthworks were erected, and an immense floating battery of unexampled construction was planned. This, anchored within short range when the day of attack should arrive, was expected to work terrible execution.

Thus encircled by bristling guns at every point, forbidden all intercourse beyond the walls, and denied the privilege of procuring fresh provisions almost entirely, Major Anderson and his noble band could only wait for the help which was slow in coming.

Thus day by day the isolated fort stood like a solitary rock, against which the angry surges of an ocean were stormfully mustering. Girdled in by an army that grew stronger every moment, its noble commander and his scarcely less heroic men, stood firmly by the flag that floated above its battlements, the only stars and stripes now visible from horizon to horizon.

The God of heaven, and that small handful of men, only know the anxieties that beset them. With no means of intelligence, no certainty of support, if an emergency arose demanding an assumption of prompt responsibility, with nothing but gloom landward or seaward, Anderson and his little forces stood at bay. Every hour, every moment, restricted their privileges and consumed their stores; they began to look forward to a lack of food, and many an anxious eye was turned toward the ocean, in a wistful search after the succor that did not come.

The government in Washington was painfully aware of the peril which hung over these brave men. Still, some hope of an amicable adjustment lingered, and President Buchanan hesitated in taking measures that might inaugurate a civil war. But his obligations to these suffering men were imperative. The heroic band, so faithful to their trust, so true to their national honor, must not be left to starve or fall for lack of food and re-enforcements.

On the 5th of January the Star of the West set sail from New York, laden with stores, ammunition, and two hundred and fifty men. Fort Sumter was at length to be relieved. But the North abounded with secession sympathizers, and in a few hours after the steamer sailed, the people of Charleston were informed of her destination by telegraph. Preparations were promptly made for her reception. Captain McGowan had intended to enter Charleston harbor at night, hoping to veil himself in darkness, and reach Fort Sumter undiscovered. But the buoys, sights and ranges had been removed, and, thus baffled, he was compelled to lie outside the harbor till daylight.

At half-past 7, A. M., January 9th, the Star of the West started for the fort. A shot from Morris Island cut sharply across her bows. She run up the stars and stripes, sending that first aggressive shot a noble answer, in red, white and blue, but keeping steadily on her course.

Again and again the audacious guns on Morris Island ploughed up the waters in her path, and, thus assailed, she slowly changed her course, and left the besieged fort without succor.

The little garrison in Fort Sumter watched these proceedings with keen anxiety; though ignorant of the nature and errand of the steamer, this attack aroused the patriotism in every heart. They saw the stars and stripes deliberately fired upon. Seventeen guns sent their iron messages from Morris Island, and then, ignorant of the cause, ignorant of everything, save that the old flag had been assaulted, the garrison fell to work. The guns of Fort Sumter were run out ready for action, but just then the steamer veered on her course and moved seaward.

Had Major Anderson known that the Star of the West was struggling to give him succor, those seventeen shots would never have been fired with impunity.

While the steamer was yet hovering on the horizon, Anderson sent a flag to Governor Pickens, inquiring if a United States steamer had been fired upon by his authority. Governor Pickens replied that it was by his authority. Immediately on the receipt of this answer, Lieutenant Talbot left Fort Sumter with despatches for Washington, asking for instructions.

From that time the garrison remained in a state of siege, until the 5th of April, one month after the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States.

At this time the fort had become more closely besieged. The little garrison was refused fresh provisions from the city, and its supplies by the Government were almost consumed. Starvation or surrender lay before Major Anderson and his handful of men.

Though cut off from communication with the fort, the Government was not unmindful of its needs. From the 5th to the 11th of April three vessels of war, three transports, and three steamers sailed from New York and Norfolk, with men, horses, and munitions of war. The destination of these vessels was kept secret, and public curiosity became intensely excited. The Confederate Government, now assembled at Montgomery, Alabama, was promptly notified, by its secret emissaries, of these movements. Indeed, it is doubtful if Jefferson Davis was not better informed, regarding the destination of this expedition, than the people of the North. The result was, a formal demand on Major Anderson for the surrender of Fort Sumter by General Beauregard, commander of the Confederate forces investing the fort, which now numbered 7,000 men, protected by batteries mounting 140 siege guns.

President Lincoln had notified Governor Pickens that provisions would be sent to the garrison of Fort Sumter, peaceably, if possible, if necessary, by force.

General Beauregard, commander of the Confederate forces, knew of the succor at hand, but deeming Anderson ignorant of its coming, hoped that the state of semi-starvation to which the garrison was reduced, might enforce the surrender before help arrived. But the astute rebel found himself matched by a soldier, cautious in negotiation as he afterwards proved himself heroic in battle.

On Thursday, the 11th of April, a boat was seen approaching the work, with Colonel Chesnut, Colonel Chisholm and Captain Lee, aids to General Beauregard. They handed Major Anderson a communication from General Beauregard, which was a summons to evacuate the fort. It was to this effect: that the Confederate authorities had refrained from any hostile act against Fort Sumter in anticipation that the government of the United States would withdraw its troops from that fort; that it appeared probable at one time that this would have been done, but that the authorities of the Confederate States could no longer refrain from taking possession of a fort that commanded the entrance to one of their principal harbors, and that the order to evacuate the fort was now made upon the following terms: The troops to be allowed to carry with them their arms, all personal baggage and company property of every description, and the flag which had been maintained with so much fortitude, might be saluted when hauled down.

Major Anderson replied, that his word of honor, and the duty he owed to his government, forbade his compliance with the demand.

These gentlemen then left the fort, displaying a _red_ flag.

At half-past 1 A. M., on Friday, a boat containing Colonel Chesnut, Captain Lee and Colonel Roger A. Pryor, approached the work with a communication from General Beauregard, making inquiry as to what day Major Anderson would evacuate the work, and asking if he would agree not to open his batteries unless Fort Sumter was fired upon. Suspecting from the urgency of this midnight negotiation, some strong necessity on the part of his opponent, but convinced that an evacuation would be inevitable, Major Anderson made a written reply, stating that he would evacuate the fort at noon, on the 15th, provided he did not receive supplies or controlling instructions from his government to the contrary. That he would not open his batteries unless the flag of his country was fired upon, or unless some hostile intention on the part of the Confederate forces should be manifested.

Being in hourly expectation of the arrival of a United States fleet with reinforcements off the harbor, and urged to instant action by dispatches from Montgomery, General Beauregard had prepared his messengers for this answer. Anderson’s communication was handed to Colonel Chesnut shortly after 3 o’clock, who, after a short consultation with the officers who had accompanied him, handed a communication to Major Anderson, and said,

“General Beauregard will open his batteries in one hour from this time, sir.”

Major Anderson looked at his watch, and said,

“It is half-past three. I understand you, sir, then, that your batteries will open in an hour from this time?”

Colonel Chesnut replied, “Yes, sir, in one hour.”

They then retired.

FORTIFICATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR.

Fort Sumter is a pentagonal structure, built upon an artificial island at the mouth of Charleston harbor, three and three-eighths miles from the city of Charleston. The island has for its base a sand and mud bank, with a superstructure of the refuse chips from several northern granite quarries. These rocks are firmly embedded in the sand, and upon them the present fortification is reared. The island itself cost half a million dollars, and was ten years in construction. The fortification cost another half million dollars, and at the time of its occupancy by Major Anderson, was so nearly completed as to admit the introduction of its armament. The walls are of solid brick and concrete masonry, built close to the edge of the water, and without a berme. They are sixty feet high, and from eight to twelve feet in thickness, and are pierced for three tiers of guns on the north, east and west exterior sides. Its weakest point is on the south side, of which the masonry is not only weaker than that of the other sides, but it is unprotected from a flank fire. The wharf and entrance to the fort are on this side.

The work is designed for an armament of one hundred and forty pieces of ordnance of all calibres. Two tiers of the guns are under bomb-proof casements, and the third or upper tier is open, or, in military parlance, _en barbette_; the lower tier for forty-two pounder paixhan guns; the second tier for eight and ten-inch columbiads, for throwing solid or hollow shot; and the upper tier for mortars and twenty-four pound guns. The full armament of the fort, however, had not arrived when Major Anderson took possession; but after its occupancy by him, no efforts had been spared to place the work in an efficient state of defence, by mounting all the available guns and placing them at salient points. Only seventy-five of the guns were in position at the time of the attack. Eleven paixhan guns were among that number, nine of them commanding Fort Moultrie, which is within easy range, and the other two pointing towards Castle Pinckney, which is well out of range. Some of the columbiads, the most effective weapon for siege or defensive operations, were not mounted. Four of the thirty-two pounder barbette guns were on pivot carriages, which gave them the entire range of the horizon, and others have a horizontal sweep of fire of one hundred and eighty degrees. The magazine contained seven hundred barrels of gunpowder, and an ample supply of shot, powder and shells for one year’s siege, and a large amount of miscellaneous artillery stores. The work was amply supplied with water from artificial wells. In a defensive or strategical point of view, Fort Sumter radiates its fire through all the channels from the sea approach to Charleston, and has a full sweep of range in its rear or city side. The maximum range of the guns from Sumter is three miles; but for accurate firing, sufficient to hull a vessel, the distance would require to be reduced one-half of that figure. The war garrison of the fort is six hundred men, but only seventy-nine were within its walls at the time of the attack, exclusive of laborers.

Fort Sumter is three and three-eighths miles from Charleston, one and one-fourth mile from Fort Moultrie, three-fourths of a mile from Cummings Point, one and three-eighths mile from Fort Johnson, and two and five-eighths miles from Castle Pinckney. The city of Charleston is entirely out of range of the guns of Fort Sumter.

The forts and batteries in the possession of the Confederate forces at this time may be briefly described as follows:

FORT MOULTRIE.

Fort Moultrie, which first opened its batteries upon Major Anderson and his command, is one of the sentinels that guard the principal entrance of Charleston harbor. It is opposite to and distant from Fort Sumter about one and a half miles. Its armament consists of eleven guns of heavy calibre and several mortars. The outer and inner walls are of brick, capped with stone and filled with earth, making a solid wall fifteen or sixteen feet in thickness.

THE IRON FLOATING BATTERY.

This novel war machine, designed for harbor operations, was anchored near Sullivan’s Island, commanding the barbette guns of Fort Sumter. It was constructed of Palmetto logs, sheathed with plate iron, and supposed to be impregnable against shot. It was embrasured for and mounted four guns of heavy calibre, requiring sixty men to operate it. The outer or gun side was covered with six plates of iron—two of them of the T railroad pattern, placed horizontally, and the other four bolted one over the other, in the strongest manner, and running vertically. The wall of the gun side was full four feet thick, constructed of that peculiar palmetto wood so full of fibrous material that sixty-four pounders cannot pierce it. The main deck was wide and roomy, and kept in place by four heavy wedges, driven down by a species of ram, which held it fast, preventing any swaying around by the tide.

CUMMINGS POINT IRON BATTERY.

The nearest point of land to Fort Sumter is Cummings Point, distant 1,150 yards. On this point was the celebrated railroad iron battery, having a heavy framework of yellow pine logs. The roof was of the same material, over which dovetailed bars of railroad iron of the T pattern were laid from top to bottom—all of which was riveted down in the most secure manner. On the front it presented an angle of about thirty degrees. There were three port-holes, which opened and closed with iron shutters of the heaviest description. When open, the muzzles of the columbiads filled up the space completely. The recoil of the gun enabled the shutters to be closed instantly. The columbiad guns, with which this novel battery was equipped bore on the south wall of Sumter, the line of fire being at an angle of about thirty-five degrees.

The Fort Johnson batteries consist of two large sand works, containing mortar and siege-gun batteries.

CASTLE PINCKNEY.

Castle Pinckney is a small work, situated on the southern extremity of “Shute’s Folly Island,” between the Hog and Folly channels. Though in itself not a very considerable military work, yet, from its position, commanding as it does the whole line of the eastern wharves, it becomes of the utmost importance. The height of the rampart is twenty, and the width thirty-two feet. The width of the outer wall and of the parapet is six feet; the depth of the casemates is twenty feet, height ten; the diameter (east and west) of the castle is one hundred and seventy feet. The entrance is on the northern side, on either side of which are the officers and privates’ quarters, mess-room, &c. The armament of this castle consists of about twenty-five pieces, 24 and 32-pounders, a few sea-coast mortars and six columbiads.

BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER.

Major Anderson made good use of the hour awarded to him, that one solemn hour which stood between a peaceful, happy country, so blessed that it had forgotten to be grateful, and the most terrible war that ever, without cause, deluged a free soil with the blood of its own sons. Were ever sixty minutes, since the creation of time, so portentous with fate?

But that little band of men had no time for such thoughts. No sooner had the deputation withdrawn than each officer and soldier was at his post. They had two flags at the fort, a large garrison flag, which Major Anderson raised when he took up his quarters at Sumter, and a smaller one, called the storm-flag; the former had a slight tip in it, and he ordered the storm-flag to be raised in its stead.

Sentinels were immediately removed from the parapets of Fort Sumter, the posterns closed, the flag drawn up, and an order sent to the troops not to leave the bomb-proofs, on any account, until summoned by the drum. At 4.30 A. M. one bombshell was thrown at Sumter, bursting immediately over the fort.

This was the first gun of the rebellion. How awfully its reverberations have thundered through the land! How little did the prompters of that attack upon the old flag dream of the horrors that were to follow!

BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER

1. Cummings’ Point Iron Battery.
2. Fort Sumter.
3. Sullivan’s Island.
4. The Iron Floating Battery.
5. Fort Moultrie.
6. Charleston.
]

After the pause of a few moments the firing became general on the part of the batteries of the secessionists, doing the greatest credit to the artillerists. Battery after battery joined in the murderous attack. The Major took it very calmly—divided his men into companies to relieve each other—had their scanty breakfast prepared, which they partook of in silence, while the iron hail was crashing against their walls—prepared additional cartridges by tearing up the flannel shirts of the men, their bed-clothes, etc.,—got out a supply of powder from the magazine—and after nearly four hours’ silence, the fort at last opened most vigorously on their assailants. Hot coffee was kept in the boiler in the cook room for the men to partake of whenever they pleased, and they worked the guns with a will. They fired but few shells, for the only guns for that kind of ammunition were the barbette guns on the open rampart, many of which were dismounted by the continuous fire of the enemy, and the serving of which, from the lack of casemate protection, would have rapidly thinned out the Major’s little band.

As the number of men was so small, and the garrison so nearly exhausted by the several months of siege which they had gone through, it was necessary to husband their strength. The command was therefore divided into three reliefs, or equal parties, who were to work the different batteries by turns, each four hours.

The first relief opened upon the iron batteries at Cummings Point, at a distance of 1,600 yards, the iron floating battery, distant 1,800 or 2,000 yards at the end of Sullivan’s Island, the enfilading battery on Sullivan’s Island, and Fort Moultrie. This was at 7 o’clock in the morning, Captain Doubleday firing the first gun, and all the points named above being opened upon simultaneously. For the first four hours the firing was kept up with great rapidity; the enthusiasm of the men, indeed, was so spirited that the second and third reliefs could not be kept from the guns. This accounts for the fact that double the number of guns were at work during the first four hours than at any other time.

Shells burst with the greatest rapidity in every portion of the work, hurling the loose brick and stone in all directions, breaking the windows, and setting fire to whatever woodwork they burst against. The solid shot firing of the enemy’s batteries, and particularly of Fort Moultrie, were directed at the barbette guns of Fort Sumter, disabling one ten-inch columbiad, (they had but two,) one eight-inch columbiad, one forty-two pounder, and two eight-inch sea-coast howitzers, and also tearing a large portion of the parapet away. The firing from the batteries on Cummings Point was scattered over the whole of the gorge, or rear, of the fort, riddling it like a sieve. The explosion of shells, and the quantity of deadly missiles that were hurled in every direction and at every instant of time, made it almost certain death to go out of the lower tier of casemates, and also made the working of the barbette, or upper uncovered guns, which contained all of our heaviest metals, and by which alone we could throw shells, quite impossible. During the first day there was hardly an instant of time that there was a cessation of the whizzing of balls, which were sometimes coming half a dozen at once. There was not a portion of the work which was not seen in reverse (that is, exposed by the rear) from mortars.

On Friday, before dinner, several of the vessels of the fleet beyond the bar were seen through the port-holes. They dipped their flags. The commander ordered Sumter’s flag to be dipped in return, which was done, while the shells were bursting in every direction. [The flagstaff was located in the parade, which is about the centre of the open space within the fort.] Sergeant Hart saw the flag of Fort Sumter half way down, and, supposing that it had been cut by the enemy’s shot, rushed out through the fire to assist in getting it up. Shortly after it had been re-raised, a shell burst and cut the halyards, but the rope was so intertwined around the halyards, that the flag would not fall.

The cartridges were exhausted about noon, and a party was sent to the magazines to make cartridges of the remaining blankets and shirts, the sleeves of the latter being readily converted into the purpose desired. Another great misfortune was, that there was not an instrument in the fort by which they could weigh powder, which of course destroyed all attempt at accuracy of firing. Nor had they tangent scales, breech sides, or other instruments with which to point a gun.

When it became so dark as to render it impossible to see the effect of their shot, the port-holes were closed for the night, while the batteries of the secessionists continued their fire the whole night.

During Friday, the officers’ barracks were three times set on fire by the shells, and three times put out under the most galling and destructive firing. This was the only occasion on which Major Anderson allowed the men to expose themselves without an absolute necessity. The guns on the parapet, which had been pointed the day before, were fired clandestinely by some of the men.

The firing of the rifled guns from the iron battery on Cummings Point became extremely accurate in the afternoon of Friday, cutting out large quantities of the masonry about the embrasures at every shot, throwing concrete among the cannoneers, slightly wounding one man, and stunning others. One piece struck Sergeant Kearnan, an old Mexican war veteran, on the head and knocked him down. Upon being revived, he was asked if he was hurt badly. He replied: “No; I was only knocked down temporarily,” and he went to work again.

Meals were served at the guns of the cannoneers, while the guns were being fired and pointed. The fire commenced in the morning as soon as possible.

During Friday night the men endeavored to climb the flagstaff, for the purpose of fastening new halyards, the old ones having been cut by the shot, but found it impossible. The flag remained fast.

For the fourth time the barracks were set on fire early on Saturday morning, and attempts were made to put it out. But it was soon discovered that red-hot shot were being thrown into the fort with the greatest rapidity, and it became evident that it would be impossible to put out the conflagration. The whole garrison was then set at work, or as many as could be spared, to remove the powder from the magazines. It was desperate work, rolling barrels of powder through the fire.