Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1892-04-22
"WHISTLING DICK"

i0o"eu oiu iof PemOerton. The
union forces were splendidly gener-
allied. The hopes of patriotic union
ism hung upon the result OF the siege.
The sublimity of the nights at
Vicksburg was never excelled in the
worlds history. Admiral Porter s
feet OF gunboats and mortar boats
above Vicksburg, and Admiral Farra-
quits fleet below. kept up incessant
showers of shell. that coursing from
mortar and gun. marked their fire.
lighted tracks as they descended into
the city. This awe-inspiring pyro-
technic display combined with the
reverbera.ions OF the guns loud thun-
der notes from shore to shore thrilled
the behOlder. Those present could
scarcely believe the scene was on the
smiling earth upon which they lived
but more.likely.a chapter from Dante's
Inferno, " cut out and enacted on the
new worlds stage with nations in
stead OF individuals as actors.
Late in the evening of the day pre-
ceding the storming OF Vicksburg a
marine battery OF two .'Columbiadsn
and two rife "Dahlgrens manned
with ~ men under the command of
Lieut. James G. Peterson OF United
States steamer Connestoga one of
Admiral Porter's fleet was sent on
shore above the city, to reinforce the
siege and TO prepare for the proposed
attack.
1t was nearly nightfall when this
brave party reached tho ground on
Walnut Hill. Commander Peterson
found no platforms. nor any prepare
tons for handling his guns, save n
breastwork of baskets filled with mud.
He called upon the lieutenant in charge
OF the sappers and miners. asking
that some arrangements be made so
that the quarter tackles and recoll
tackles could be worked.
Tho lieutenant in charge in q spirit
born OF egotism replied There is no
material to make such platforms, and
/ do not intend to put up u sawmill to
cut out such material. "
With the sand and the mud. and the
guns deeply imbedded in this soft ma
terial, it was a poor show for this
larry Jack, who is used 10 solid
decks and all the conveniences on
shipboard for handling the heavy guns.
Still, lndomitable courage pluck and
persistency ruled tho hour with the
marines.
just at this juncture three officers
in citizens dress with the usual mud
dy attachments. rode up hastily to re-
view the situation.
nf hn IL
self to Lieut.. Peterson in the following
language:
WHO are YOU and where are you
FROM"
Il am Lieut. Peterson of the United
States steamer Connestoga, sir and
am sent by Admiral Porter. with these
guns which you see before you, and
squad of men, to report to and assist
Gen. Grant in the siege. l have been
looking for the general. but as yet
have been unable 10 find him."
You will not have far to look for
him, sir " said the officer addressed.
'for / am Grant myself"
Gen. Grant then dismounted, and
shook Peterson by the hand, saying.
Il am glad to see you and your COM
mand. and you are in the nick OF time
II you can get ready to open fire on
the enemy at a. m. tomorrow morn
ing.
II could do as you wish, general"
said Peterson, IF | had q platform
for my guns"
Gen. Grant then summoned the Off
Ger in charge of the sappers and min
ers, and tersely said. pointing to a
house some 800 yards distant Lieu
tenant you SEQ that house? Use that
for the material needed for the plat
forms for these guns You are now
under Lieut. Petterson's orders. You
will do what he commands.
Gen. Grant next turned to Lieut..
Peterson. remarking as follows: I'VE
shall assault Fort Clinch in the morn
ing. You will see | am pointing to
the location OF the fort" Gen. Grant
then gave the most minute directions
as to how the firing should commence
and be conducted, in conjunction with
other operations against the enemy.
He then rode away with the other Off
GERS.
In the darkness OF the nirht the
work under Lieut. Petterson's COM
mand went on with rapidty and eff
cheney. At a m. the 'Columbiadsn
were in position. Precisely at the
hour designated shrapnel was sent
screaming through the air. apparently
out OF the hillside, into the rebel camp
at Fort Clinch.
Then upward rose the rebel veil
and the 'Johnnies" no doubt said to
themselves The Yankees have
hauled ono Of their gunboats up on
Walnut Hill"
Shell after shell the big guns sent.
shrieking the doom of tho besieged
city uutil late IN the morning The
cessation OF the main assault against
the rebel batteries now gave the con-
federates time 10 attend to the new
Yankee neighbors on Walnut Hill.
The sharpshooters and nearby guns of
the rebels made it too hot for the gun
ners of the 'Columbiads" and Dahl
grens.' The greatest damage was in
flicted by the sharpshooters, who,
when a union gunner was exposed
through the embrasure in the act of
loading or working the guns popped
at him right and left until twenty of
the little squad were shot down, to
rise no more.
Then came the tact OF the union
sailor Lieut. Peterson erected posts
ut the side OF the embrasure and on
them he placed tackles with which to
hoist shield made of heavy MANILA
rope, which covered the opening, and