Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-03-14
.MISCELL A N Y .
Final Charge Mt Fort DOnelsun.

The Cairo corr spondent of the New
York Herald furnishes graphic descrip
ton of the grand charge made by our troop.
on the enemy at Fort Doneison, on the at:
ternoon of Saturday fhe 18th instant;
concerted act Of bravery which finally Won
the day and the battle. Orders, it appears,
had been given by Gen. Grant not to adj
vance on the rebel works unless attacked
during the period he was absent in commu-
nicstion with Commander Foote, on board
enc of the transports:
Capt. Rawlings carried the order to
Gen. Smith, who commanded on the ex-
treme left, and Capt. Hillyer started 10 con-
vey it 20 Wallace in the centre, and Me-
Clernand on the right. He delivered ii to
Wallace, but when he reached McClernand
he found that brigade had been attacked by
superior force, and partially compelled TO
fall back. Hiyer saw what was going on.
and Immediately ordered Wallace to send
part OF his brigade to reinforce McClernand,
which order was complied with. Four reg
imeats marched at double quick to the res
cue. McCiernand with almost superhuman
exertion rallied his forces, which charged
bayonels and regained their old position on
the right after seven hours OF the most Sc
we're fighting of the day. While this fight
was raging, Capt. IIillyer started off to find
Gen. Grant, who had not been on the field
since hali-past four O'Clock in the morning
lit was now near noon Hillyer met the
General coming back from the transports,
and communicated to him the fact that Nc |
Clernand had been attacked and compelled |
to fall back, but had rallied and regained
his position. Gen. Grant Immediately rode I
upon the feld--it being then half past one
o 'clock-and there learned the status of the
army. A body of from ten TO twelve thou
sand of the enemy had cut through our
right flank and escaped. This was the at
tack upon McClernand. A CALLING fire was
being kept up on Our left and centre from
heavy siege and Geld artillery. and our
forces were being fast decimated. To re-
main 10 this position would surely prove
our rein; to fall back out of range of the
enemy's guns would demoralGe the army, /
and no alternative was left but TO hazard t
everything upon unile,l charge upon the |
whole of the enemy's works. Though Of
licers clamered and the meR were impatient
to make the assault, sill the General hest
tated, and it was not until half-past two that |
the order to assault the works was given.
Then Capt. Hillyer rode down to Capt.
Smithto communicate the order, when then
The old Generals yisgge cleaned with a
new light. Said Capt. Hillyer: Gen.
Grant orders you to assault and take the
enemy's works on yours & ont, at all hazards
Better late than never said Smith /;
but I'll do it, Tell Gen. Grant I'll do
IL and turning to his men, he sad Sol
diers, we ave ordered t. take those works
by assault. Are you ready
Aye, aye, sir, ready! Hurrah!' and a
shout came from that phalanx of brave men,
such as comes only from patriots upon
great occasions.
Ready Close ranksl Charge bayo-
nets! Forward Double quick March =
And march they did in close order, the adj
vancing brigade looking more like blue
with its quilts turned forward,
han aught else can compare it to, right
up to the rebel works. Though the enemy
kept up an incessant fire from bowitzer.
field piece and musket of shells, solid shot
aud lead, still that brigade marched on,
nothing dauned, TO the enemy's earihworks
which reached, over it went, right into the
midst Of the butternut colored devils who |
had so savagely welcomed them inside the
When the blse coats an |
peared inside the breast works, the old vet |
eran, Charles +. Smith, at tlle< head BRAN
dishing his sword, and looking for the world |
like dozen regiments of regulars boiled |
dowd and qnintessenced into one man, the |
rebels took TO their heels and lest for the |
next line Of intrenchments, as though the
devil or some other justice of the peace was
after them siA y warrant for treason. Orr
boys fired one volley after them as they re-
tfeated, then planted the stars and stripes
upon the walls, gave three times three
cheers when it swelled to the breeze. and |
settled down for further or,iers. This was
the turning Pcin, of the fight. When !,
was discovered that the national ensign had /
eeea planted within tie eaemys inrreneh- /
ments. Captains Hillyer and Rawlings rode /
along the lines. and waving their swords.
announced it 10 The Respondent troops Of