The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-09-05

DoJtlo on the lAk0 front 1nurE0ay nlgnS
which ended the spectacular portion of tho
Grand Army encanpment was q splendid
spectacle, being participated In by about
sixty vessels, besides n stationary mortar
fleet, and by about 3.OO0 infantrymen
and artillcrymen, including seven
companies OF the Fourth Battalion Of
Wisconsin the Chicaeo Zouavcs. Battery D,
OF Chicago. Milwaukee First Light Battery.
and several hundred Sons of Vet.
Grams There were fired 1900
rounds Of musketry, 1900 shells,
4,5UO rockets. and 5000 pounds Of
fireworks were exploded The plan Of
the battle was an attack by a hostile fleet
and repuse by the shore batteries, sup
ported by the infantry. The Inc OF battle
fleet was led by the United States man of
war Michigan and revenue cutters Andy
johnson and Tcssenden.
There was sudden flight Of rockets sky
ward. On the instant lights beamcd out
on all the vessels In the harbOr Then q
gun doomed; another answered. And ia
minute cannons were blazing all
alony the line, both from tho
shore and the vessels. The smoke
rose up and formed a mist through
which could be seen the constant flashes
Milwaukee was being attacked by fleet
Shells shot mp into the air and exploded,
sending out showers Of sparks and colored
balls Way of in the distance the Michigan
could be indistinctly seen and from her
sides belched fire. Nearer were the Andy
johnson and the Fessenden both doing
heroic work fieet OF mortars supported
them ALL On shore were batteries OF cam
non and mortars. supported by bat
TALON Of infantry. The fire increased
in rapidity and this smoke became more
dense, until there was nothing hut
steady roar with an occasional
CLEAN OF light from the guns. Then came
lull The marines were trying to capture
tho shore batteries The fleet
kept up o fire, but tho batteries
were silent until the boats were within
easy range. There was a sudden vol
ley, and after it came the rattle Of
mnsketry. 1t sounded like pills ratified in
box and the flashes looked through the
smoke like fircfiies. The gatlins guns on
the boats responded to this. The attacking
party was finally repulsed, aud the canon-
aiding began again. Suddenly it ts'ackencd,
and through the gloom could be seen little
ball OF fire. It gradually increased in size
until the heavens we're illuminated nnd 1t
was seen that ship was on fire. The
flames licked up along the masts and
OIazeu UP unLli every thinB IN the Vlcln.
ity was visible. The enemy was
| retrcating Bugic -calls rang out
along the shore and the drums could be
heard across the water. There were few
| formal shots. and then thousands of rock
cts were sent mp IN celebration Of the re-
pulse OF the invaders. The bait was over.
| The encampment, with the exception Of
the busin7ss meeting, was closed.
During the battle a cannon OH the United
States revenue cutter Fessenden WIS dis
charged prematurcly and two sailors. John
| Schulz. Of Detroit, and Charles Mottshead,
of Montreal, Can. We're seriously injured
about tho hands Mottshcad's injury
| will necessitate the amputation OF
,nc of his hands \ mortar exploded
on ono Of the mortar boats and
two sal lors, Frank Sayles. Of Milwaukee,
and s s Rock of Thiensvillc. We're pain.
1 fully, but not seriously. injured William
Bate, Is years * age. was also injured by
the premature discharge OF mortar cn
the steamer Henry Sill, Of Racine and re-
ceived severe burns about the right hip
and ankle. Several veterans were over.
/ come by the heat and smoke. but were
taken to the tents Of the Red Cross, where
they were well taken care Of.