Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-02-28
GEO. NJ. CoNDRoN,
Chaplain ID Regiment Del, Vol
A GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARGE
OF GENERAL SMITHS DIVISION.

A correspondent of the New York Heraid gives
the following graphic description Of the charge
of Gen, Smiths division at the Battle of Fort
Donelson. The correspondent says:
Capt Iiillyer started off to find Gen. Grant,
who hnd not been on the field since halt past
four O'Clock in the morning-it was now near
noon. Hillyer met the General coming back from
the transports, and communicated to him the
fact that McCernand had been attacked, and
compelled to fall back, but had rallied aud re-
gained his position. Gen. Grant Immediately
rode upon the feld--t being then half past one
o'clouk-and there learned the statuts of the
army. A body OF from ten to twelve thousand
of the enemy had cut through our right flank,
and escaped. This was the attack upon Nc
Clernand, A CALLING fire was being kept upon
our left and centre from heavy seige and field
artillery, and our forces were being fast deci--
mated To remain in this position would surely
prove our ruin TO fall back out Of range Of the
enemy's guns would dOmOralize the army, and
no alternative was left but TO hazard everything
upon united charge upon the whole OF the enc
mys works. Though officers clamored and the
men were impatient to make the assault, still the
General hesitated, and it was not until half past
two that the order to assault the works was given
Then Captain Hillyer rode down 10 Genera
Smith to communicate the order, when the old
Generals visage cleaning with new light. Said
Captain Hilyer: "General Smith, General Grant
orders you to assault and take the enemys works
in your front, at oil hazards"
"Better late than never" said Smith "bui
III do it !" And turning to his men he said
'Soliiers, we are ordered to take those works By
assault. Are you ready =
"Aye, aye, sir, ready Hurrah !" And q
shout came from that phalanx of brave men,
such as comes ouly from patriots upon greal
occasions.
"Ready Close ranks charge bsyonets For.
ward Double quick March !" And march
they did in close order, the advancing brigade
looking more like blue porcupine, with ita
quils turned forward, than aught else | can
compare it to, right up to the rebel works.
Though the enemy kept up an iDcessant fire from
howilzer, field piece and nusket, Of shells, solid
shot aud lead, still that brigade marched on,
nothing dauuted, to the enemys earthworks
which reached over it went, right into the mids
Of the butternut colOred devils who had sc
savagely welcomed them inside their entreuch
ments. When the blue coats appeared inside
the breastworks the old veteran, Charles +
Smith, at their head, branishing his sword anC
looking for all the world like dozen regiments
of regulars boiled down and quintesceuced int
one man, the rebels took to their heels and lef
for the next line Of intrenchments as though the
devil or some other justice Of the peace was
after them with warrant for treason. Our
boys fired one vOlley after them as they retreated
then planted the stars and stripes upon the walls
gave three times three cheers when Il sweled TO
the breeze, and settled down for further orders
This was the turning point of the fight. When
it was discovered that the national ensign had
been planted within the enemy'a entertainments
Captain lIilyer and Rawlings rode along the
lines, and, waving their swords, announced it tC
the despondent troops Of McClernand's ant
Walaoe's divisions who gained new courage and
rallied to the assault upon the right. Then q
charge was made all along the enemy's front
He was forced back into his earthworks, leaving
the open field to our troops, and securing 10 vi
an easy victory on the morrow.