Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-07-31

Address OF Ge"sF"i s"tI, the Troops vicisbur
We present to readers the spirited and eucoura-
gng address Of Brgader General NJ. L. Smith, CON-
matding the forces at Eicksburg, Miss, read before
them on the evening Of the 18th instant. It will be
seen that Nth an appreciation of merit, wherever dis
played, which is truly NOBLE be has singled out from
the ranks several of the gallant who had stood by
their guns and their country under the most Calling fire
Of the enemy ard in the darkest hour of their hone
Officers and SodiesS Of artillery and of The Third Brigade:
Inc apparent pause in the operations of the enemy
against this place affords opportunity publicly &C.
KNOWLEDGE the steady courage and admirable corduct
few weeks,
From below the enemy first appeared against you de-
mandng an unconditional surrepder-an enemy who had
succfsSiuy passed the forts guarding the approaches
New orleafs and forced the submission of the city itself
an enemy having naval force Of some thirty five vessels
armed with all the app iances of modern warfare, incud
ing the most formidable steamers in the Federal NAVY
hedes numerous transports, having large infantry
From the other direction soon the fleet
boats that had successfully passed Columbus Island
No 70. Fort Pillow and Memphis Beleaguered as she has
been, Ycksburg and her defences-he Gibraltar of Mis-
sssipPi stand intact ard unni1red, and believe
they will remain
To face uudaunted SO numerous foe. to erdure, nm
1lnchl'glngiy so fierce commandment, boldly
and successfully terrific fire. has required that cool
determined courage that cheerful facing Of danger charac-
erlstc OF tie Confederate soldier field. Most
their boats have been much iDjaed-two soops war
crippled and driven out of fire. one in sinking condition,
end mortar boat now lies before you G. wreck.
While an happy in being able to speak thus of al both
officers ard soldiers in the brigade there occurred indi
OF heTOlsm worthy OF imitation and
serving of special notice. The prominent are
Sergeant William Boyle, Company l, and Private John
Murray, Capers Battery, LIST Louisiana Artillery The first
acting during the fierce action of the 2Sta OF
June had his right hand crushed by the fragment Of
while stopping the vent of his piece yet faithfully main
tanned bis position not raising his wounded hand until all
danger of prema discharge had passed. preser-
wing by lis GOODNESS and bravery the lives of his com.
paaiols at the gun.
The second, the morning Of the 18th dsy of une
when ball became lodged in rife gun and the cannon.
ers driven from the parapets by shower of schrap
nal mouOed the parapet ALONE, and worked manfuy
ram it home, regardless Of the danger which hs
momentarly exposed.
Of others who entitled to honorable mention for cool
ess IN Danger conspicuous courage under the avy
ire and constancy in the performance duty follow
ing names have been handed in by their commanding
officers, viz:
Acting Sergeant Maj Or james NJ Goddin, sth Louisiana
ARTILLERY.
ist Sergeant D. W. Leach, 1st Louisiana Artillery
LIST Sergeant ErDe, LIST Louisiana Artillery.
Sergeant Harrison, LIST Louisiana Artillery.
Sergeant Dionysious ed Regiment Louisiana Volunteers
Corporal Adams, 9Th Louisiana Artillery.
Acting Corporal Shropshire, Stu La, Artillery.
Private McSweeEan
Morarty,
Dowdel,
kcNeal,
Bhm,
The Vigsn activity OF the officers and men of starke
Cavalry. led by their Colonel is also acknowledged IT.
them belong the distinction of successfully
the enemy. 0e~e-'s
The officers, and all Of the entire command ncpd
ing the members Of ms Staff and Dr. BIanton Voluntee,
surgeon deserve ana have my warmest thanks.
Ficksburg, july l2th, 1862. Brig Gen Commanding