The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-10-04

forces cut off the retreat to the river, and
the garrison was surrounded on all sides.
sEas-s CHARGE OF CAVALRY.
The East side, where the first grand
charge was made, seemed to be the main
point of attack. Another charge was
made at this point soon afterwards which
was not in so great force as the first, and
was more easily repulsed. A deadly vol
ley was poured into them, and they broke
in disorder and retreated, carrying off a
gun which had been planted outside of the
intrenchmeDts. Col. Marshaii's cavalry
was called out, and rallied at the word of
command, dashing off in pursuit at a tre-
mendous pace. They thundered down
upon the retreating rebels, and scattered
them in every direction without show
of resistance. The gun was retaken, and
brought back amid cheers and cries of ex
ultatlon. s
THE SITUATION.
The defence up TO this point had been
maintained with the greatest obstinacy,
and the rebels had not received any decid
ed advantage but they we're gradually clos
ing in and surrounding the beIeagure1 gar
rison at close quarters. The formidable
breast work of hemp bales was in motion
with its concealed thousands lurking in
safety and awaiting the moment to charge.
The woods swarmed with men and every
hill teemed with rihemen, while the tree
tops were alive with sharpshooters who
picked off our men continually The rebel
artillery occupied positions in several
places which commanded the interior of
our works and tore the fortification to
pieces with their tremendous fire In
addition to this the ammunition in the fort
was nearly exhausted-but few rounds
remaining and the men were suffering in
tensely from thirst. and were wearied with
their long defence. In spite of all this no
thought ofsurrender was entertand among
the brave soldiers, but with undaunted
hearts they prepared for a so-te, probably
with the intention of cutting thrir way
through the enemy.
Col. White led with the Shield Guards,
numbering two hundred gallant Irishmen
Our soldiers watched them eagerly as they
sprang over the embanknents and rushed
upon the nearest body of rebels, who stood
waiting for them in conscious strength. -
With brave hurrahs they dashed down the
slope towards the serried ranks of the
enemy. When within one hundred wards
of the front rank, the rebels opened with
a terrible volley of musketry. which told
upon them with startling effect. The line
went down in front and with them the
gallant commander. They strove to rally.
but another vol'ey was poured in, which
dls"rdered them still more. and, being
without leader and exposed to Calling
fire, they broke up and retresred towards
the intrenchmenls leaving Col Wnlte on
the field.
This seemed to be the last effort, but
still hone thought of the white flag, until
without warning, they saw it displayed
before their eyes, floating high above the
position of the Home Guards Major
Becker, the commander Of that force. rails
ed 1t with his own hand. Lieutenant Col
Inns, Of the Brigade, ordered it down, and
sturdy cavalr,nnan. who was at that mo-
ment sighting six-peunder, turned his
gun upon it, and blew it into atoms, after
which he trailed his piece upon the posi-
ton and threatened TO sweep the first man
into eternity who dared to raise it again
The Home Guards deserted thir trenches
at tho order of Major Becker. and rushed
into the inner fort6cation. where they
again raised the white flag and kept it fly
ing. #aa
Immediately upon this the enemy ceased
hiring, and the garrison was thrown into
the greatest confusion. Word was passed
around that surrender had been made,
and the men left their trenches in disorder
to ascertain the truth. CONSERVATION
reigned in all directions, Col MuIIigan
being on the opposite side, and nobody
present to assume control Word was
sent to him and he ordered the hay down
but the Captains. who by this time realized
their true position. and saw nothing but
death or surrender before them, implored
him to save the men In the meantime.
the hemp breastworks had been moved up
under the general confusion, until but a
few yards sepal ated them from the in
'iCuCu CutS. liz IOTCeS outside NdVNncS
ed, and everything in Heated that the mo.
nent had arrived when the grand assault
was to be made. Cert ain destruction men
aced the brave garrison, and but few
BRET moments were required to consum-
mate It, In this emergency the brave
commander ordered his men to Law down
| their arms, and messenger was disps,ch
ed outside with flag of truce Gen. Price.
Gen. Rains. and the rebel Governor. Jack
son. came inside of the intrencbment.. and
demanded An unconditional surrender
Gen. Price asked Col. MnIiean to deliv
er up his sword, which he refused to do
and from respect to his bravery and SOL
dlerly bearing, he was allowed to keep it
Tears stood IN his Q, es ne his men gather
ed around him, and even the enemy were
moued with feeling of respect at the
affecting scenes which transpired between
them. The blackened and begrimed sol.
diers loved their commander with a devo
ton seldom equalled. and their grief atthe
common misfortune blended with his a,