The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-07-17
FORT FISHER.
The Part Taken by the 9Th U. $. colored Troops

EDITOR NATIONAL tribune: On the morn
ing of the 18th day of January, 1866, the feet
bore into shore as near us they could get, and
the soldiers were landed from small boats as
rapidly as possible. Tho surf was running
high, and n good many of the boys landed in
water from four to ten feet deep. Loaded
down as they were with ammunition, pro-
Visions blankets, ETC., there was some tall
scrambling done on ll-fours before they ex-
tricatcd themselves from their involuntary
saltwater BATH Gen. Blackman who COM
manded the regiment, the writer and color
guard shared in the general baptism. The
writer developed great power as n swimmer on
the bottom of the sea, but by vigorous use of
arms and feet managed to reach shore spout
ing sea water like whale. All in our boat
shared the same fate-that is, we lost all of our
grub, and came very near losing our coored
servant, who was loaded down with the sur
plus baggage of Gen. Brakeman.
Across marsh Immediately in our front, q
line of rebel skirmishers were making it in
teresting for us. As soon as the boys could get
themselves in shape for business the .Johnnes
were driven from their position.
Just before sundown-the whole force having
been safely Ianded-we moved up the beach
toward the fort. drew off to the right and
marched through one of the worst swamps that
il had been our fate to encounter The ex-
treme darkness added greatly to our difficulties
above Fort Fisher. Our line extended from
river TO sea in rainbow form. We Immediately
commenced piling up logs rails and every
available thing that could DO found or used for
breastworks. Everybody worked for dear life,
rs it was known that Gen. Bragg was between
us and Wilmington. We lay down to rest, but
had hardly found dry spot to suffer on before
an order came to pull up stakes and move fur
Their down toward Fort Fisher. This time our
limo was formed on dry ground. OF course,
another line of works had to be constructed
which took us until daylight.
As soon as il was light enough to take in our
surroundings we discovered several farm
houses, the owners OF which bad gone to safer
quarters. Soon orr camp was filled with all
their belongings and pigs, turkeys and chick
ems came TO an untimey end. FLOUR barrels
maal-bags prescrve.iars, meat. houses, and
everything else that could be carried was
brought into camp. Some of our colored boys
got mixed up with the ladies' wardrObes and
mems as well, aud came back with hoopskirts
nightdrcsses, skirts etc, on their dusky per-
sons, while others had bonnets. bats and old
fashioned tiles, or /" stove pipes.p Their fun was
of short duration. Gen. Bragg and his forces
were only one aud half miles distant Alarms
were frequent, and we were hardly worked in
making our limos as strong az possible.
During this time the gunboats had been
vigorously Smelling the fort. On the morning
of tho 10th the bOmbardment was more furious
than ever, and was kept up without cessation
until about y. IN. At this time tho fire from the
fleet was directed to the lower end of the works
The brigade commanded by Col. Curtis was
given the post of honor followed by part Of
Abbott's Brigade. The assault was furious and
most desperately resisted but the valor of our
troops could not be resisted. Traverse after
traverse was captured. About dark the firing
on both sides materially slackened. At this
time our regiment and the remainder of Alb
bolts Brigade were ordered forward. We an.
preached the fort by "a narrow eauseway, which
soon became filed with troops. The rebels
opened upon u.s. We were ordered to lie down,
TO escape their fire rs much as possible. We
lay here two hours. Itsoemed like hell upon
the earth. We not only received some atten-
ton from the rebels but were occasionally
called upon by 100 pound shell from the fleet
Atoi5 p. IN. all firing ceased. The fort was ours
but on portion of tie garrison was captured.
Where were the rest of them? Beyond Fort
Fisher, on the extreme point Of land where sea
and river meet. stood Battery Buchanan one of
the strongest works Of the kind in the Con-
fedoracy We were ordered forward 10 Battery
buchanan. The writer was given charge of
pcket.liue OF skirmishers, who we're advanced
rapidly, going over aud around tho battery
behind which we found ali that was left OF tho
rebel force, Their surrender was demanded
Assistant Adiutant- General Hull OF Gen Whit
ings STAB, advanced aud formally surrendered
himself. Gen. Whiting, Col. Lamb, with their
STATS aud about GOO men. Gen. Whiting aud
Col Lamb were both seriously wounded. After
"a short conversation with tho officers, the rank
and iie were marched out aud placed under
guard. IL was n humiliating thing for The
rebels to endure. The very thought of sur
rendering 10 colored troops was like gall aud
NORWOOD TO them; but such was the fate of
war, and the master was compelled TO march
behind the bayonct held in the hands of a
former slave
One of my men is worthy Of special men
William +. Kinney. Co b, 9th
u. 5. C. I. Few white men could render bet
ter service than he did that night. Others
might be mentioned had not their names
escaped my memory.-A. q. j., 1922 Cedar
Avenue Cleveland O